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Division III basketball (Posting Up) => Women's Basketball => Region 8 women's basketball => Topic started by: wheatonc on March 03, 2005, 06:18:19 PM

Title: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheatonc on March 03, 2005, 06:18:19 PM
Steve:

Lori Kerans and Beth Baker are two of the classiest coaches around.  As disappointed as Beth was in not getting a tournament bid on Sunday night, she stayed to listen to the men's NCAA conference call, and when Wheaton's name was announced, she was ecstatic for the men's coaches and team.  That says volumes about Beth and the team player she is here at Wheaton!
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 04, 2005, 05:40:25 PM
I agree, Wheaton C, as a former Wheaton assistant coach used to say, they are the Matriarchs of the CCIW. They have been here since the beginning. Whatever respect the CCIW is gaining is because of their committment.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2005, 07:58:31 PM
Steve,

As a PRIMARILY men's board poster, I didn't want you to have to just talk to yourself!  :-)

Barring transfers, injuries, incredible recruits, etc., if you can't beat out Millikin in '06, congratulations on your '07 title!
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 05, 2005, 01:14:34 PM
Thanks Cabonney, that's a little inside joke with some friends of mine, but a little conversation is always welcome here.
Title: CCIW
Post by: dtown2 on March 06, 2005, 02:58:40 AM
Congrats Millikin!!!
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 06, 2005, 10:40:34 AM
Millikin knocked off WashU and will play Stout next Friday.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 06, 2005, 11:19:19 AM
Freshman Lindsey Ippel scored 20 points against Wash U after scoring 26 against IWU. These next three years could be very interesting with Trenz and Ippel going at it. There both 6'2" and only freshman.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 12, 2005, 12:32:44 AM
Ippel scored 21 points and grabbed 19 rebounds against Stout as Millikin advanced to the Elite 8.  This is an amazing emergence for Ippel.
Title: CCIW
Post by: bigregg on March 12, 2005, 01:45:28 AM
This isn't much of a surprise for anyone that has followed Ippel during her time at St. Teresa High School.  I went to high school with her and watched her after I graduated on their way to state.  She's a tough player and loves a "big" game.  Millikin has something to look forward to for the next three years.  Good luck to Lindsey and Christy and the whole Millikin team tomorrow.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 12, 2005, 08:34:14 PM
Millikin 63, Calvin 56. Millikin's going to the Final Four!
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 12, 2005, 09:29:11 PM
Lori Kerans was a player on the 1985 Millikin team that went to the Final Four.  She started coaching the team the next year.  

I think this is the first time a CCIW women's basketball team has made the Final Four, since the league started in 1986.  North Central won the second ever national championship (1982 I think?)

It would be pretty cool if they win it all and the CCIW would have both the women's soccer and basketball champions. To go from no women's championships (since the league began in '86) to two championships in one year would be incredible.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 12, 2005, 09:36:58 PM
Millikin will play either Springfield or Southern Maine. Randolph-Macon and Scranton will play the other semifinal.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2005, 11:25:39 PM
I'm really hoping for a CCIW vs. ODAC showdown for the championship - both are elite conferences on the men's side (ODAC certainly LESS elite, but clearly among the top ten), but neither has previously had a team even reach the final four on the women's side.

The dramatic break-through by both conferences' women would be all-the-sweeter in a year when neither conference even reached the sectionals in the men's tourney!
Title: CCIW
Post by: blueblooded1331 on March 13, 2005, 02:37:26 AM
what's the word on how Millikin will fare against the winner of Southern Maine/Springfield (and who's likely to win that SM/Springfield game)? Don't know too much about these teams...
Title: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 13, 2005, 02:47:28 AM
Southern Maine should win that game, but they lost one of their best players shortly before the tournament, who was kicked off the team. They seem to be doing alright without her for now and should win Sunday, but you never know.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 14, 2005, 08:17:43 AM
The loss of Jones and the emergence of Ippel should make this a very interesting matchup. Millikin proved that they can go on the road and beat good teams.
Title: CCIW
Post by: d-mac on March 15, 2005, 04:51:18 PM
And then there were FOUR... or really eight!
This weekend... the best of the best are crowded
But before then... we tell you who we think are the best... on "Hoopsville"!!!

Eight teams in the nation can see where the road finishes. But who is going to get past the final two exits?

Millikin took out Calvin in a hard fought battle... to earn their way to the Women's Final Four. So is this Illinois team ready to go? Coach Lori Kerans will let us know. Her #6 ranked Big Blue Ladies are the lowest ranked team remaining, but still battle tested and ready for their semi-final game with Southern Maine.

The #1 ranked Scranton Lady Royals sure had a tough road to drive as they took on last year's championship finalist, Bowdoin College in the Elite Eight. Scranton showed why they are the #1 team in the nation, knocking off the Polar Bears. So do the Lady Royals have anything left in the tank for Randolph-Macon in the semi-finals? Coach Mike Strong answer that question and if that #1 ranking adds any pressure.

On the men's side, Rochester is still marching... even though mid-way through the season, most thought they had no chance. But their star player returned... and they knocked off not only last year's Final Four finalist Amherst in the Sweet 16... but then took out a suddenly hot SUNY-Potsdam team in the Elite Eight. Now, Rochester has been here before, and Coach Mike Neer has the experience. But how does his team prepare for a tough Final Four match-up with Calvin.

Calvin - people warned us about. They are the only team left in this men's tournament that has played every game to get here. First Wheaton, then Aurora, finally Mississippi College fell to the side of the Knights. Then came MIAA conference foe - and champion Albion. Which Calvin disposed of 60-52... to take their drive to Salem... for the first time since they won the national title in 2000.
So, what will Coach Kevin Vande Streek use from that last title run to help his team get past Rochester and into the title game? We will ask him that and much more (including if he saw Albion's buzzer beater Friday night? Jared did!).

And then there is York College (PA)... 11-15 last year... flew under many radars most of the year... and now they are in the first Final Four in the school's history.
Coach Jeff Gamber has traveled to Salem before, but never with a team playing. Now, after 28 years... he in Salem as a participant. But, this trip is completely new to Coach Gamber and the Spartans, who until this year had never won a NCAA Tournament game. We will talk to the coach of York and see if he has yet to come down from the high of beating Kings on Saturday to lock up the trip to Salem.

So come join us online and LIVE from 8-10PM Eastern!
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 18, 2005, 05:48:23 PM
Well, Millikin beat my hometown team, USM, 66-60 to make it to the Championship game.  Congratulations to Millikin.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Allen M. Karon on March 19, 2005, 04:29:54 PM
Watching the national title game on CSTV--

Looking good for the Millikin Big Blue--Millikin up by 20 with 7:26 to go.

I'll switch back to Mark Simon for the post-game show, as my internet connection is such that the internet audio is not in synch with the live TV feed.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Allen M. Karon on March 19, 2005, 04:47:04 PM
Congratulations to the Millikin Big Blue--

NCAA DIII Women's Basketball National Champions.

Lindsay Ippel gets my vote for Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

Millikin is a well-deserving national champion.

Congrats also to the CCIW-- your conference has always been respected in men's hoop-- women's hoop can now be added to the list.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 19, 2005, 04:58:49 PM
CCIW is having a trememdous year in women's sports.  Wheaton national champs in soccer, Millikin in basketball.  It's great to see.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Allen M. Karon on March 19, 2005, 05:14:47 PM
All tournament team--

Megan Myles-- USM
Meghan Silva-- Randolph-Macon
Lindsay Ippel-- Millikin
Audrey Minnott-- Millikin

Most outstanding player of tournament:  Joanna Conner, Millikin.  (The NCAA's pick for MOP is also a great pick, in my opinion.)
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 19, 2005, 05:27:08 PM
Allen-any idea about All-Americans?
Title: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on March 19, 2005, 11:09:32 PM
Congrats Millikin!!! Wow, what a great run! And a national championship blowout? Amazing. Thanks for bringing the conference a lot of respect and a lot for us to be proud of.  

I bet that voter that incessantly voted for Millikin when no one else was is feeling pretty good about himself right now. :-)

I joked earlier this year that wheaton's respect could be seen with a microscope... looks like Millikin's newfound respect can be seen with a big huge national championship trophy!

Man, it's crazy to think how many returning players there are on Wheaton and Millikin, and even crazier to realize that the CCIW MOP wasn't even from the national championship team. Great basketball to come in this league next year!

Have a great offseason, and take some time off to celebrate and enjoy this Millikin players... like all spring, summer, and fall...
Title: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 20, 2005, 12:38:44 AM
Way to go, Millikin!!!

Surprisingly, being from IWU, I didn't even gag saying that!

Posters who know far more than I, does the CCIW have hopes of moving beyond the men's NCAC (i.e., Witt/Woo and the '7' dwarfs); we've got the national champion, a Wheaton team that might have made it to the Final Four (and has the FRESHMAN CCIW MOP), but do we have anything else?  (I know IWU was the pool A team only a couple of years ago, but was that just a fluke, or do we really have a CONFERENCE?)

In other words, are we moving beyond #1 Millikin, #2 Wheaton, #3-8 who cares, to an actual power conference in women's hoops?
Title: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 20, 2005, 02:43:45 AM
Congrats, Big Blue!
Title: CCIW
Post by: Allen M. Karon on March 20, 2005, 04:55:21 PM
D3Hoops.com All Americans on the women's side should be posted later this week-- Mark Simon said on the pre-game show just before the national championship game that the voters voting on these players wanted a few more days to think about their choices.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Steve on March 23, 2005, 12:29:44 AM
Trenz and Conner are both third team All-Americans.  Trenz is only the third freshman All-American in D3hoops history.
Title: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 23, 2005, 08:17:38 PM
Steve (since you seem to be the only one consistently here!),

DO we seem to be moving towards a national conference, or are we stuck at the big 2 and the little 6?
Title: CCIW
Post by: Lurker on March 23, 2005, 09:25:31 PM
cabonney:

A team other than Wheaton or Millikin won the conference as recently as 2002-03 (IWU).  And this year IWU lost in OT at Millikin in the regular season and beat Wheaton in the tournament.  Wheaton and Millikin are clearly the powers, but I do not think the CCIW is quite a "big 2, little 6."
Title: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 23, 2005, 10:35:49 PM
Lurker,

As I posted above, I'm aware that IWU won the tourney just a couple of years ago.

But there ARE two powers, and being a VERY recent follower of the women's board, I'm wondering whether this (2 powers) is likely to be the norm?  Afterall, until this year, the CCIW didn't even have a team in the Final Four in 20 years!

Clearly the CCIW is not the power in the women's game that it is in the men's.  Also, clearly, we do have two teams threatening to join the 'perpetual' elite (aka, become honorary 'down-easters'!)  

My question remains 'will the overall conference join the elite'?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on September 12, 2005, 09:07:47 PM
Joining late.....................

Elmhurst showed promise last year and looks to be tough again with all of the starters back, but it is probably short-lived.  I couldn't include them in the upper group, not just yet.  North Central, Illinois Wesleyan, and Carthage are still fluttering around, and North Park and Augie are just plain awful.  It will probably continue for a least the next several years to be a two team race, not just for the CCIW title but for the national one as well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: TitanPride24 on September 14, 2005, 12:32:36 PM
IWU has a huge incoming class of girls and i've heard good things about a new freshman that might crack the starting line-up at point guard, replacing 3-year starter Hannah Meharry.
It should be a good season for the Titans, hopefully fewer injuries and a junior varsity program that will help the younger players get some playing time and experience.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 15, 2005, 12:54:58 AM
TP24,

Ah, finally the sort of information that I (400 miles removed!) have been seeking!

Do you get the sense that they are a legitimate threat to the domination of Millikin and Wheaton, or just perhaps 'best of the rest'?  (Or, perhaps, a threat, but not for a year or two?)

Since Millikin and Wheaton are returning nearly everyone of signifcance, I'm GUESSING that the Titan threat (assuming it exists) is for the future rather than this season - comments?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: TitanPride24 on September 15, 2005, 01:31:32 AM
Not only are MU and Wheaton returning almost everyone, but the Titans only lose one Senior, Hannah as I mentioned eariler. Their senior class this year is extremely talented and deep, with starters Katie Blonn, Amanda Glerum, Val Fleishman, and All-CCIW Heidi Harnisch. This team is very similar to the Titan men's team, very loaded with senior talent.  This is definitely their best chance to win the CCIW, IMO.

I was at the Millikin game at Millikin when they took the national champs into overtime with an injured Heidi Harnisch and Amanda Glerum.  That was definitely a game they could have easily won.  And I was at there when they beat Wheaton, a team they had lost to by 30 points twice, at the CCIW tourney.

This team definitely has the talent, leadership, and depth to be considered a legitimate threat this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 15, 2005, 11:21:16 PM
Thanks!

I'll look forward then to at least a THREE-team race!  :)

Although I suspect the final outcome will be Millikin, then Wheaton, then (hopefully) IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on September 17, 2005, 09:03:41 PM
I guess it's a race for the 4th and final playoff spot, or warmup semifinal game for Millikin, however you want to put it.  I'm predicting it will come down to another late game (Elmhurst vs. NC) to decide who gets whacked in Decatur.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on September 25, 2005, 06:09:52 PM
Not that anybody cares, but the battle for last place will be Augie and NP.  If they split against eachother, there will be a tie for last at 1-13.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: coachjensen on September 29, 2005, 10:04:25 AM
How is NCC going to look this year?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on October 02, 2005, 09:46:52 AM
They should be better this year, as they have basically have everybody returning.  The problem is, I still don't think it is enough to crack the Big 3 (Millikin, Wheaton, Wesleyan).  However, the potential is there to make a nice run towards the top.  It will be interesting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on October 06, 2005, 12:16:37 AM
I know that Tinkoff has been struggling with injuries this past year.  If she is not healthy this year, then that would definitely change the fortune of NC this season, probably keeping them from the CCIW tourney.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on November 06, 2005, 10:59:19 AM
The coaches poll was out a few days ago.

1.  Millikin
2.  Wheaton
3.  IWU
4.  North Central
5.  Elmhurst
6.  Carthage
7.  Augustana
8.  North Park

No surprises........however, I think Wheaton is going to win the league this year.  I also think there will be 3, maybe 4 teams ranked in the Top 25 this season at some point.  Three teams could get into the NCAA tourney this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2005, 12:10:29 AM
You got the poll wrong, TBF. It's:

1) Millikin - 48 (6)
2) Wheaton - 44 (2)
3) Illinois Wesleyan - 36
4) North Central - 31
5) Elmhurst - 25
6) Carthage - 18
7) North Park - 15
8) Augustana - 7
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 10, 2005, 05:50:43 PM
Saw in the Ann Arbor News today that Emily Hanley from Bloomington has signed with Eastern Michigan, but they gave few details (6'1" PF, 15 ppg and 9rpg as a junior, conference POY).

Can anyone add to this info?  Anyone know if IWU recruited her, or was she clearly going d1 from the get-go?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: regentfan1 on November 16, 2005, 07:17:27 PM
Weaton will be hard pressed to finish 2nd, Rockford had them down by 10 at half the other night. Weaton won by a couple. They were a lot better team last year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on November 21, 2005, 07:52:12 AM
I'm sorry, but I don't see Rockford on Wheaton's schedule. Are you drawing conclusions from a scrimmage?

Rockford: The nation's No. 1 preseason scrimmage team!
Title: Re: Rockford
Post by: Fawkes316 on November 21, 2005, 07:56:09 AM
Oops, I didn't even read your post closely enough, regentfan. I thought Wheaton had lost. You're drawing conclusions from the winning margin in a scrimmage? In that case, Wheaton has no chance!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Scouser on November 27, 2005, 08:23:36 PM
Congratulations to IWU coach Mia Smith and her Titans on their 80-63 win over a ranked Stevens Point team.  The Titans outrebounded the taller Pointers and countered every attempt at a comeback with tight defense and balanced scoring.  Crystal Dye led the Titans with 18 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: True Basketball Fan on December 11, 2005, 11:55:59 AM
Millikin, Wheaton, and Elmhurst are mopping up the floor in the non-conference season so far (except for the strange and embarrassing Elmhurst loss to CURF, what the #$%!, and Wheaton's loss to Calvin, which isn't that bad actually).  Looking at all three of there schedules until conference, I see a possible combined record of 31-2, which would be quite impressive.  The only two games that are tough, are Elmhurst vs. Rockford, and Wheaton vs. Stout (if they play). 

I'd like to see the CCIW gain a 3rd team in the Top 25.  With IWU's two losses already, the only option right now is Elmhurst.  The problem is that they have played a cupcake schedule and they have one GLARING loss (at CURF).  Take that loss away and win out the rest of the non-conference, they could possibly creep in there by mid-january.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wbbfan32 on December 19, 2005, 04:15:57 PM
Man...what's goin on at Millikin?  Actually getting the chance to see this team in the beginning of their season, it seemed like they were going to dominate their pre-conference games.  But they already have two loses:  one to Illinois College and the other to Luther.  I'm sorry, but I've seen this team play hard and well, and I don't know what went wrong.  It is a different team than last year, but those that have stepped in are doing very well:  Lindsay Ippel has already been named a CCIW Player of the Week and is doing well, Christi Blackburn who has recently sat out due to a horrific eye incident is doing well, along with Angela Vollmer who has seemed to cut down on her turnover rate from last season.  Andrea Riebock may not be Audrey Minott, but she has taken over Minott's position well for a sophomore.  It's just a little sad to see this team that has great, young talent (you should check out a jv game...they have a very talented squad of freshmen) pick up two losses so quickly within each other to teams they should/could have beat.  I just hope Coach Kerans knows what she's doing down there in Decatur and that the women step it up.  Hopefully, their break before the San Diego tournament will get them to relax and prepare; that tournament is not a walk in the park and it will be a real test for the Big Blue.  Let's just hope it's a test they can pass...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on December 20, 2005, 08:37:35 PM
wbbfan32 - You got to be kidding.  If you don't think a coach with her credentials knows what she is doing --
http://www.millikin.edu/athletics/wbasketball/coach.asp
-- you need to get off this board
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 20, 2005, 09:10:59 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on December 20, 2005, 08:37:35 PM
wbbfan32 - You got to be kidding.  If you don't think a coach with her crednentials knows what she is doing --
http://www.millikin.edu/athletics/wbasketball/coach.asp
-- you need to get off this board

Now Iwum, lighten up on the guy!

I'm sure he recognizes her PAST performance (and she HAS only won 10 of the past 12 conference titles - what's up with those other two!), but c'mon - she graduated from Millikin in 1985!  She's probably, like, 42 years old!  She may be losing it like Joe Paterno! ;) ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on December 20, 2005, 11:25:07 PM
Yep, Mr Ypsi and I would bet Lori Kearns could pull a "Paterno" this season too.

Coach Kerans owns a 382-120 mark. In her 19 years she has had 18 winning seasons (11 seasons 20+ wins) and owns a .761 winning percentage. Prior to the 2004-05 season, her winning percentage ranked her 17th nationally among active Division III coaches and 12th in career wins. She owns a 204-39 record in games at Griswold Center.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on December 24, 2005, 10:04:21 PM
It has to be tough to break in a new starter at point guard when the rest of the team is returning.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 06, 2006, 07:51:04 PM
Good grief - two weeks and NO posts!

I initially predicted Millikin, then Wheaton, then IWU.  Has the success of Wheaton and Elmhurst, and the relatively lack-luster performances of Millikin and IWU changed that scenario?

Thoughts?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wbbfan32 on January 07, 2006, 11:33:42 AM
I DO know of Coach Keran's credentials....it was just an expression.  I know she knows what she's doing at Millikin.  I was just wondering what was happening with the team.  I mean, they've been doing great and then they have some weird loses (weird because they were predicted to beat those teams).  I am in NO WAY commenting on Coach Keran's lack of ability to coach these girls; like I said, I know her stats and records and I know players that have played for her and she is a great coach.  I was just commenting on how the team seems to be hot and cold at very difficult times so far this season.  That's all...

As for the conference title, I think it will be a close one.  I'm picking Wheaton or Millikin for the top; but that all depends on how they handle their first conference game today (MU vs. NP).  If the Millikin I'm used to watching shows up, then I will choose MU or Wheaton for the top.  If not...it's going to be a rough and very surprising season to watch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2006, 06:50:55 PM
North Park 65, Millikin 55

Evie Peterson, 19 pts
Anna Mueller, 15 pts
Laura Mount, 12 pts, 7 asts, 7 stls
Shandrel Young, 11 pts, 6 rebs
Megan Slattery, 6 rebs

Joanna Conner, 19 pts, 6 rebs
Lindsay Ippel, 15 pts, 6 rebs
Lindsay Koehn, 7 pts, 7 rebs

The "just plain awful" Vikings, as True Basketball Fan dubbed them this fall, raised their CCIW record to 2-0 and their overall record to 7-6 with this home win today over the defending national champions. The Big Blue dropped to 8-4, 0-1 on the season.

The Vikings led almost from wire to wire, with the exception of a brief 2-2 tie at the beginning of the game. The Park opened up an 11-point lead in the first half and completely dominated at both ends, ending the half with a 28-19 lead.

After NPU achieved its biggest lead of the day, 32-20, within the first minute of the second half, Millikin began to chip away. They induced Vikings center Megan Slattery into committing her fourth foul, and began to use their considerable size advantage to full effect by pounding the ball inside to the 6'2" Ippel and 6'1" Conner, in addition to employing an effective full-court press. Ippel knocked down a bunny at the 10:27 mark to cut the NPU lead to a single point at 41-40. But then the Vikings began to demonstrate why seniors are such an invaluable commodity in basketball. Seniors Slattery, Young, and Mount have been through this dozens of times before, and they showed absolutely no panic. After trading baskets for a few minutes, Mount knocked down a trey at the 6:18 mark that extended the lead to 49-44, and the Vikings were off and running. Millikin never got any closer than seven points down the stretch.

The Park kept its composure, solved the Millikin press that had gotten the Big Blue back into the game and began converting easy layups against it, and used those layups to build the lead back up. In fact, NPU was so dominant from that point on that they would've salted the game away even earlier than they did if they had made their FTs; the Park went a humdrum 14-22 from the charity stripe in the second half.

Millikin looked surprisingly tentative. Slattery played the last eleven minutes of the ballgame without respite with four fouls, and yet the Big Blue did not go at her and attempt to foul her out of the game. When the ball went into Ippel or Conner in the post, it seemed as though they chose to spin and fade more often than not, rather than take the ball to the hole strong against Slattery. By the final few minutes of the game, they were rushing their inside shots and making frustration fouls when NPU would get the defensive rebound. It wasn't the sort of gut-check performance I would've expected in crunch time from such an outstanding duo.

The key to the game was the NPU guard tandem of Mueller and Mount. They completely dominated Millikin's backcourt at both ends of the floor. Mueller quarterbacked a great game, and Mount was everywhere. Her baseline drives and her knack for finding Peterson for open shots were the difference in the game, as well as her ballhawking defense. She played like an All-CCIW first-teamer today.

A tremendous win for NPU, the kind that this team can really build upon.

Quote from: True Basketball Fan on September 25, 2005, 06:09:52 PMNot that anybody cares, but the battle for last place will be Augie and NP.  If they split against eachother, there will be a tie for last at 1-13.

... and yet another brilliant prediction by TBF circles around the bowl and disappears. NPU's now 2-0, and if today is any indication they're going to win a bunch more in conference before it's all said and done. TBF, you should consider changing your Posting Up handle to "Reverse Prophet" or something.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2006, 07:31:35 PM
Greg,

Congratulations to NP for confounding not only TBF but also the conference coaches!

Not to take anything away from NP's win, but clearly something IS amiss in Decatur!  Since everyone is back from the national champion (and pre-season #1) team except the PG, in retrospect perhaps Audrey Minott should be declared last year's CCIW MOP! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2006, 12:14:38 AM
I don't know about that, Chuck, and I don't really care. All that concerns me is the fact that NPU outplayed and defeated a very good team on Saturday afternoon, and they deserve to get credit for it ... and I'm going to see that they do, even if the readership and activity in this room is a little sparse.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on January 08, 2006, 07:41:35 PM
Not as sparse as one might think...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on January 11, 2006, 11:33:14 PM
Great win for Wheaton tonight over Augie.  The CCIW isn't quite as forgiving as those teams out in California!  A nice strong finish avoided the upset.  Nice!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: cciwsuburbs on January 12, 2006, 01:08:01 PM
I was at the Wheaton/Augie game on Thursday night and it was very entertaining.  I was very impressed with both teams.  Take a way a two minute stretch in the later part of the second half where Wheaton's freshman got on a roll and scored eight straight points, Augie would have pulled off the upset.  Good work by both teams.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2006, 01:47:15 AM
I'm still shaking my head over North Park's 64-60 overtime loss on Saturday to #8 Wheaton. It was such a winnable game for the Vikings, but they gave it away at the FT line.

The two teams were as even-steven as two teams can get. There were seventeen ties and nine lead changes in regulation, and the biggest lead either team enjoyed was a mere five-point bulge for NPU midway through the first half. But with five minutes left in regulation and a 50-46 lead in hand, the Vikings had to feel good about their chances. Unfortunately, it was at that point that their free-throw shooting went south in a big way. NPU had gone 15-17 from the charity stripe to that point, but during those last five minutes of regulation they went 5-10 from the line ... and the bricklaying continued into overtime, as the Vikes went 3-6 from the line in the extra session.

You can't blame that on the coaching, or the refs, or give the credit to your opponents, or anything else. When you lose the game at the FT line, you lose it yourselves.

Nevertheless, the Vikes still could've won in regulation, as they had a chance to have the last crack at scoring by holding possession with no shot clock left and the game tied at 55. But Laura Mount dribbled the ball off her foot and out of bounds as she drove the baseline with 5.8 seconds left. Nobody can hold that against her, though, as she was easily the best player on the floor on Saturday afternoon, scoring a game-high 24 points with 6 assists and 4 steals. I think that if you asked Wheaton coach Beth Baker, she'd be the first to tell you that Mount belongs on the All-CCIW team this season.

Give credit to Wheaton for keeping their composure and for having a little more left in the tank in OT than did NPU. But the Vikings left the floor on Saturday disappointed yet well aware that they are quite capable of staying with, and beating, the Wheaties. Baker's team is going to have their hands full on February 4 at King Arena.

I just hope that the Vikes can shake off the tough loss and gear back up against Elmhurst tomorrow night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2006, 11:07:23 PM
Laura Mount's tumbling-head-over-heels layup at the buzzer hung on the rim for an eternity before dropping in to give North Park an ugly but thrilling 42-40 victory at home over Elmhurst.

It was a protracted nailbiter, as neither team led by more than two points for the last six minutes and change of the ballgame. Elmhurst had led by nine at the half, 22-13, and enjoyed 11-point leads at 26-15 and 31-20 in the second half, as NPU proved totally incapable of knocking down an open jumper the entire evening. But an airtight defense that held the 'jays to 5-29 from the field in the second half, combined with a huge rebounding effort by Mount, Evie Peterson, and Megan Slattery and a concerted effort to pound the ball inside against the weaker 'jays frontcourt, slowly got the Park back into the game. NPU finally caught up with Elmhurst for the first time at 36-36 with 5:46 left on a Shandrel Young layup.

With the Vikings clinging to a one-point lead, Ashley Stein knocked down an 18-footer to put Elmhurst up, 40-39, with 29 seconds remaining. Mount missed a shot, but Evie Peterson's seventh offensive rebound of the game retained possession for NPU, and she was fouled with nine seconds left. After Elmhurst attempted to ice her with a timeout, Peterson made the first FT but missed the second. Heather Furr rebounded the ball and was fouled by Peterson with six seconds left and the score tied at 40.

Furr must've had her crucial missed front end of a 1-and-1 with 14 seconds left in the Elmhurst loss to Carthage last Tuesday in the back of her mind, because she clanked both ends of the double bonus. Mount rebounded the ball and called a timeout with 4.4 seconds left. After the timeout, she drove through the entire Elmhurst defense and laid the ball up on the rim as she somersaulted out of bounds, barely getting it out of her hands before the buzzer sounded. The rest, as they say, is history.

Mount led all scorers with 19 points, and added nine rebounds. Peterson had a double-double with 12 and 11. Slattery added 10 boards. Aja Terrier was the only Elmhurst player in double figures with 13 points to go with her 8 boards, as Stein garnered nine boards and Furr pulled down eight.

It was a real cardiac-arrest affair, but the bottom line is that NPU won a very sloppy game. They are going to have to seriously ratchet up their level of play, particularly their shooting, if they are to beat Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: TitanPride24 on January 18, 2006, 12:21:50 AM
Big win today by the Titan Women's Basketball team. They won at #6 Wheaton 63-60.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2006, 01:46:00 AM
Big night for road upsets. Not only did Illinois Wesleyan win at Wheaton, Carthage won at North Central by a score of 63-55. Millikin held serve at home, easily beating Augustana, 70-53.

There's now a three-way tie for first in the CCIW:

Carthage  3    1 
Millikin  3    1 
Wheaton  3    1 
North Park  3    2 
Ill. Wesleyan  3    2 
North Central  2    3 
Elmhurst  1    3 
Augustana  0    5 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2006, 04:02:30 PM
There's some amazing and uncharacteristic parity at work in the CCIW this season. Elmhurst is currently mired in seventh place, but they've lost their last three games by a grand total of seven points.

I agree with you about Fox and Cooper, Rog. They and senior PG Irene Kim were the Wheaties who impressed me the most. Conversely, I think that the best thing about Jill Trenz's game is that she's so dang tall.

The biggest surprise in last night's game at the crackerbox was the fact that Evie Peterson only went 5-17 from the field. The five shots she made were all layups, mostly of the putback variety, and the twelve shots she missed were almost all baseline jumpers. What's surprising about that is that the midrange game is her specialty. One crucial element that Jack Surridge's NPU teams have lacked in recent years is a forward who can consistently knock down the 8-to-15-footer. They really haven't had one since Julia Kyte (NPU '01). Peterson's only a sophomore, and if she can improve her dribble-drive and develop more aggressiveness in the post she can become a powerful presence in this league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wbbfan32 on January 25, 2006, 02:46:26 PM
What's happening at Millikin?!  I will be honest:  I did not think the team would have as great of a year as they did last year...but this?!  I thought they would at least keep their presence in the top of the CCIW and the Top 25.  But after 3 conference losses, I don't know what they're going to do.  With it being so early in conference play, it looks like they might not make it to the conference tournament.  The Wheaton game was, personally, a very big let down.  It should have been so much closer.  If Millikin had cut down their turnovers and picked up a few more rebounds, the game would have been much better.  It was very frustrating to see so many silly mistakes in a game that had so much hype.  Hopefully, the girls can pick it up and do better in the next few conference games; get their feet back under them.

Side note:  Does anyone think that the outcome might have been different if Millikin still had scoring threats in Vollmer and Blackburn?  Two constant scorers not on the team anymore?  In my opinion, I think they would have...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on January 25, 2006, 11:02:42 PM
wbbfan32-

Why aren't Blackburn and Vollmer on the team anymore?  Injured? Quit? Kicked-off?  Just curious!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on January 28, 2006, 11:04:53 PM
Final score from Decatur: North Park 66, Millikin 65.  This victory, coupled with the Viking men's home win over the Big Blue, complete the season sweep of Millikin by both the Viking men's and women's teams.  Congratulations to all the Vikings on this accomplishment!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2006, 12:35:55 AM
Evie Peterson passed out of a double-team to an open Megan Slattery on the weakside block with five seconds left and NPU down by one, and Slattery's layup gave the Park the victory and the sweep. Peterson had a double-double with 20 points and 10 boards, and she also had 5 assists. Laura Mount added 20 points and 6 assists, and Slattery had 14 points and 7 rebounds. Lindsay Ippel led Millikin with 19 points and 8 boards, Joanna Conner chipped in 17 points, and Karin Olson added 15 off the bench.

Wheaton came back from a seven-point halftime deficit and won at North Central, 63-52, behind 17 points from Chase Pouns, 16 from Elizabeth Fox, and a 13-and-7 performance by Jill Trenz. Shay Green led North Central with ten.

Elmhurst smacked Augustana in the Quad Cities, 60-49. Aja Terrier scored 22, and added six rebounds and six steals to the Elmhurst cause. Heather Furr had 13 and 8, and Brittany Bobruk added 10 points. Nancy Marcum had 14 and 9 and Kelly Sikora had 11 and 7 for Augie.

Illinois Wesleyan used a 16-3 run in the second half to pull away from Carthage and win, 68-57, in Bloomington. Heidi Harnisch had 17 points for the Titans, and was joined in double figures by Mallory Heydorn with 16 and Katie Blonn with 14. Blonn also had seven rebounds, and Brianna Baker-Carvell led all players with 15 boards. Erika Buchholtz led the Lady Reds with 16 points, and Jenny Wuest chipped in 13 and 8.

Current CCIW standings:

Wheaton 6-1
Ill. Wesleyan 6-2
North Park 5-3
Carthage 4-3
Elmhurst 3-4
Millikin 3-4
North Central 3-5
Augustana 0-8
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2006, 01:43:15 AM
I think the CCIW women may be EVEN wackier than the men this year.  I think it is safe to say that the Titans were an EVEN more prohibitive favorite in the men's than the Big Blue were in the women's - and each are currently 3 games out of first!  (Well, technically, the Titan men are only 2.5 out, pending tomorrow's game.)

Raise your hands, all those who thought the Titan men would be 4-3, or the Big Blue ladies would be 3-4.  Anyone raising a hand is either a genius or an idiot, and I tend towards the latter.  And I wonder what the coaches are thinking about the Viking women being 5-3?

CCIW = CRAZY.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2006, 02:12:16 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2006, 01:43:15 AMAnd I wonder what the coaches are thinking about the Viking women being 5-3?

I'm willing to bet that there isn't nearly as much gamesmanship going on when the CCIW women's coaches cast their ballots in the preseason poll as there is among their men's team colleagues. Therefore, I'm much more inclined to believe that they were on the up-and-up in predicting NPU to finish seventh -- and that the answer to your question as to what they're thinking about NPU being in third with a 5-3 record is, "We screwed up."   :D

My bias aside, I was actually fairly certain that the Vikings were picked much too low in the preseason poll. This is a senior-dominated team, and prior to their off year last season the same core of players finished fourth and went to the CCIW tourney as sophomores. They do miss the outside shooting of Tiffany Campbell, who chose not to play this season, and they aren't deep (a problem magnified by the loss of their first player off the bench, guard Lauren Martin, to a torn ACL). But it's always an asset to have a group of battle-tested seniors of the caliber of Megan Slattery, Shandrel Young, and Laura Mount.

Plus, I don't think that the other coaches in the league expected sophomore transfer Evie Peterson (12.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg overall, 14.1 ppg and 8.0 rpg in CCIW play) to be such an immediate impact player for the Park.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on January 30, 2006, 11:17:07 PM
Wheaton sure has a bright future.  Trenz was just named CCIW co-player of the week for the 2nd time this year.  Nice work!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: roaring0506 on January 31, 2006, 10:22:07 PM
Wheaton loses tonight, 63-56, to Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2006, 10:46:21 PM
NPU held off a late rally by Augustana to prevail, 61-58, in the battle of the Vikings at the crackerbox in Chicago. Laura Mount led the Park with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Shandrel Young added 13 points. Crissy Komperda came off the bench to grab 9 boards in only 13 minutes of action for North Park, and Evie Peterson garnered 8 caroms. Nancy Marcum led Augie with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Kim Rymer contributed 14 points.

No score yet from Millikin @ Elmhurst, and Illinois Wesleyan @ North Central is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2006, 11:10:15 PM
Millikin won at Elmhurst, 59-54 in double overtime.

This is as wide open as the league has been in a long, long time.

Updated CCIW standings:

Ill. Wesleyan 6-2
Wheaton 6-2
North Park 6-3
Carthage 5-3
Millikin 4-4
Elmhurst 3-5
North Central 3-5
Augustana 0-9

WEDNESDAY:
Ill. Wesleyan @ North Central

SATURDAY:
Augustana @ Carthage
Elmhurst @ Ill. Wesleyan
Millikin @ North Central
North Park @ Wheaton
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2006, 01:41:38 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2006, 11:10:15 PM
Millikin won at Elmhurst, 59-54 in double overtime.

This is as wide open as the league has been in a long, long time.


You've certainly got that right!  What a wacky year!

With a freshman at Wheaton being MOP, then a freshman at Millikin emerging as a star in the national tourney, I figured we were in for AT LEAST 3 more years of (usually) everyone else fighting for third.  (I tallied it up a few months ago, but can't find the sheet and am too lazy to do it again, but I seem to recall that in the last 12 years, Millikin had won or shared the title 10 times, and Wheaton had been in the top two 7 or 8 times.)

I think it is obvious that Millikin has somehow slipped this year, but I hope that the parity is MAINLY that the conference has risen, rather than the 'big two' have fallen.  I'd love to see the CCIW women reach the level of national acclaim that the men have attained.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: pizzzaman on February 01, 2006, 07:34:23 PM
National champs deserve respect, but 30 freethrows for Millikin and 3 for Elmhurst.....
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2006, 09:52:02 PM
Illinois Wesleyan won at North Central, 77-60, so the Titans now have a half-game lead on Wheaton in the win column.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: TitanPride24 on February 02, 2006, 12:02:21 AM
I believe the Titans beat North Central 70-66 in OT. They are now on a 6-game winning streak to move into first place. This is very impressive. But what makes it even more remarkable is that they have done it without starters Crystal Dye and Amanda Glerum and two freshmen in the starting lineup. Freshman starter Claire Sheehan, as well as senior Heidi Harnisch, had 22 points tonight against NCC.

It's almost shocking that the IWU team in first place in the CCIW is the women and not the men. Hopefully, they will both be playing in the postseason.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 03, 2006, 09:46:47 PM
We will have the Illinois Wesleyan vs Elmhurst game from the Shirk Center on WJBC2.com tomorrow...

http://www.wjbc2.com/

We'll be on the air at 5:05 for the 5:15 tip.

Ill. Wesleyan  7-2
Wheaton 6-2
North Park 6-3
Carthage 5-3
Millikin 4-4
Elmhurst 3-5
North Central 3-6
Augustana 0-9

February 4 
North Park @ Wheaton, 7:30 p.m. 
Elmhurst @ Ill. Wesleyan, 5:15 p.m. 
Augustana @ Carthage, 2 p.m. 
Millikin @ North Central, 2 p.m. 

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: ecwhoops on February 06, 2006, 11:35:16 AM
How about it I have lived long enough to finally see EC win in Bloomington.Can't remember last time that happened.Still waiting for the mens team to win in Bloomington.Sounds like this could be a great finish to end to get into final 4 for the tourney.A lot of possiblities this week could change the conference standings.All and all more good hoops to follow.It is a tougher conference thenever that I can rememeber. Good luck to all the teams in the CCIW.Just would like to able to see more games.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2006, 11:13:05 PM
NPU bounced back from its lackluster effort on Saturday at Wheaton, registering a workmanlike 57-49 home win over North Central this evening.

The Vikings led from wire to wire, as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead out of the gate. As has been their m.o. this season, however, they proved unable to hold the double-digit lead, as the Cards went on a 10-2 run of their own to eliminate the threat of a blowout. NPU slowly opened their lead back up, and went into the locker room up by nine at 28-19.

In the second half, the Cards cut the lead to five a couple of times at 15:07 and 13:32, but a big trey by Bethany Conrad at 8:40 got the Viking lead back up to ten at 44-34, and the Park got their biggest lead of the game, twelve points, at 6:58 (48-36) and 5:48 (50-38) on two FTs and a left-baseline layup, respectively, by Laura Mount. At that point, however, North Park tightened up on offense and the Cardinals began pushing the ball inside against NPU's foul-plagued frontcourt. North Central ran off ten straight points, bringing it to a 50-48 nailbiter at the 1:50 mark on a Lashawndra Brown layup.

NPU then got the biggest play of the game, a successful bank shot by Megan Slattery from the right block that also drew a foul from NCC's Jennifer Norris. After Slattery completed the three-point play, the Vikings pulled away in the final minute with a strong performance at the FT line, where they went 15-16 for the night (North Central almost matched them, going 14-16 from the charity stripe).

Megan Slattery and Shandrel Young had 15 points apiece for the Park, with Slattery contributing 5 rebounds and Young going a perfect 8-8 from the FT line. Laura Mount had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 steals, and Evie Peterson added 5 rebounds. Jennifer Norris was the only Cardinal in double figures with 10 points, and she also led North Central with 5 rebounds.

Elmhurst was the only other CCIW team to hold serve on their home court tonight, as the 'jays handled Carthage, 63-51. Wheaton defeated Augustana in Rock Island, 59-43; and Illinois Wesleyan held off Millikin, 72-62, in Decatur.

CURRENT STANDINGS:
Wheaton 8-2
Ill. Wesleyan 8-3
North Park 7-4
Carthage 6-4
Elmhurst 5-5
Millikin 4-6
North Central 4-7
Augustana 0-11

SATURDAY'S GAMES:
Millikin @ Augustana
North Central @ Carthage
North Park @ Elmhurst
Wheaton @ Ill. Wesleyan
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wbbfan32 on February 07, 2006, 11:50:44 PM
Quote from: buf on January 25, 2006, 11:02:42 PM
wbbfan32-

Why aren't Blackburn and Vollmer on the team anymore?  Injured? Quit? Kicked-off?  Just curious!!!


Sorry I haven't gotten back to this sooner, I've been busy.

I do not want to say much, but I do know that both Blackburn and Vollmer left the team.  They weren't injured or sick.  I think it might be a little obvious if anyone looks at the box scores from their Freshman year to the San Fran Tourney.  Their playing time went down each year, yet their numbers went up.  No one can say that they have gotten worse...they got better.  I guess it just wasn't recognized in time.  You can't overlook people and expect them to be there.  (Just another little fact: Anyone notice how the roster for MU has a lack of upperclassmen other than the seniors?  Since it's hard to know the original roster since it's always changing, I can't really tell.  But, I do know that there have been recent modifications)

Other news:  Millikin lost to IWU tonight by at least 10 points.  Someone tell me how your top player has about 27 points (almost half of the teams points) and yet the next highest scorer on the team has about 7 points?  Your top player can't do it all.  She can only give enough heart and soul for herself...she can't play for more than one person at a time!!  When MU started this season, I did have my doubts about how well the leadership was going to be this year, but I did not see this.  There seems to be no leadership out on that court and more selfish playing than I have ever seen.  Turnovers seem to happen more often than assists and rebounds put together at times.  I want to point out that they have only lost ONE STARTING player from the National Championship team.  Obviously, there are still four starters from that National Champ team.....so if it's not talent that's missing, it's leadership.  I'm not afraid to state that opinion now and anyone who has seen an MU game can see by just watching everyone on the court that it seems leadership is missing.  I have witnessed players fighting (more like yelling) at each other on the floor; leaders can't do that.  I am an MU fan, but this is just getting pretty sick to watch.

It has been an interesting CCIW this year, that's for sure.  I'm just sad that Augie isn't getting a better chance; it seems like everyone else is.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on February 08, 2006, 04:59:55 PM
wbbfan 32-

Its too bad that has happened to Millikin, I'm a bit surprised.  From watching the MU at UWEC game last year, it seemed that the coach had a great attitude, and instead of yelling at officials, she was joking around with them.  However, one thing I have noticed looking at boxscores throughout the past couple seasons is that she doesn't go to deep on her bench.  Obviously a problem for those who wish to play more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2006, 12:13:29 AM
Who'd a thunk it - with four games still to be played, defending national champion (and consensus pick for #1) Millikin is mathematically eliminated.  (Of course, they are not yet eliminated from the tourney, and COULD still make the national tourney, but...)

Lori Kearns is such a good coach that I suspect this will go down as one of those inexplicable glitches (like when they finished sixth a few years ago in the midst of a run of 10 titles in 12 years), rather than any sort of true downfall. 

I'm guessing that Millikin will be right there on (or near) the top next year (and this is not discounting the possibility they may still win the tourney THIS year).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 11, 2006, 10:38:11 AM
Interesting thing is that was the freshman year of these Millikin seniors. Coach Kerans recruited a class of freshman who finished out of the tourney their freshman year, though most of them got a year of starting experience. The next year they won the conference and the following year they won the National Championship. Now it looks like they may not make the tournament. A weird bookend to a very successful career for a number of very talented players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wheatonc on February 11, 2006, 04:46:20 PM
Final:

Wheaton 63
Illinois Wesleyan 49


A great defensive effort by the Thunder.  Jill Trenz had a huge offensive effort.  Wheaton is in 1st place with three games remaining.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 12, 2006, 06:53:18 PM
Wheatonc-Trenz played a very good game, but it was really Fox who carried Wheaton when it mattered. She was huge in the first half when Wheaton started off slow. She hit a couple of big threes with the shot clock expiring and rebounded very well.

She averaged 16.5 points, 8 rebounds and 3.5 assists this week and has to be a top candidate for CCIW Player of the Week honors, and maybe even D3hoops Team of the Week (would join Trenz from a couple of weeks ago.) Over the last five games she is averaging 16 points and 7.6 rebounds.

By the way, IWU had a couple of threes rim out that could have narrowed the lead in the second half. One of Heydorn's was so far into the cylinder that I don't know how it managed to come back out, even though I saw it with my own eyes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wbbfan32 on February 15, 2006, 12:30:28 AM
BIG upset tonight up at Wheaton.
Big Blue 69
Wheaton Thunder 67
in OT

I didn't get a chance to see the game, but Lindsay Ippel (my pick as player of the year, in my opinion) led the team with 26 points.  She also led the game with those 26.  She was 16 of 18 from the FT line and hit 2 with one second left to win the game.  I didn't catch much else because I'm surrounded more by MU enthusiasts and barely got a chance to check the box score, but I'm sure it was a great match up.  I just want to get out my opinion, though, that Millikin wouldn't have this lucky chance if they did not have Lindsay Ippel.  I really do believe she is the reason that Millikin has pulled out the wins they have.  But then again I have to say, one person can't play for more than one person.  Anyway, that's my opinion for the night.  Someone that was at the game tonight, how was it?  Was it as close and exciting as I think it was?

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2006, 01:16:52 AM
North Park held Carthage scoreless for nine minutes in the second half, sparking a come-from-behind rally for the Vikings that helped them register a must-win against the Lady Reds in Kenosha tonight, 65-56. Laura Mount led all scorers with 17 points, topping four NPU players in double figures. Evie Peterson had 16 points and 7 rebounds, Megan Slattery had 12 and 6, and Shandrel Young added 11 and 8. Shana Lieberman led the Lady Reds with 16 points, while Carlie Janowiak added 13 and Katie Jarger chipped in 10. The win clinches a CCIW tournament berth for NPU, since the Vikings have swept the two fifth-place teams, Millikin and Carthage.

NPU was joined by two other road teams in the winner's circle in the CCIW tonight. As noted above, Millikin nipped Wheaton in OT in the western suburbs this evening, 69-67. Lindsay Ippel, who as noted hit the two game-winning FTs with a second left in the extra session, led all scorers with 26 points and added 8 boards to the Big Blue cause. Joanna Conner had 17 points and 9 caroms, Lindsay Koehn added 11 points and 9 boards, and Laura Zimmerman had 8 points and 10 rebounds. Elizabeth Fox had a great game for the hosts, with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Jill Trenz had 12 points and 11 rebounds, Wendy Woudenberg added 11 points, and Brittany Cooper chipped in 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Illinois Wesleyan was the only CCIW team to hold serve at home this evening, as the Titans steamrolled over Augustana, 81-53, in Bloomington. All five Titans starters scored in double figures, led by Heidi Harnisch with 23 points and 5 boards. Mallory Heydorn added 18 points, Claire Sheehan had 15 and 5, Val Fleishman had 12 and 7, and Katie Blonn had 10 and 6. Augie was led by Megan Skahill with 13 points and 7 rebounds, and Kelly Sikora also scored 13. Nancy Marcum had 11 and 6.

Elmhurst remained the hottest team in the league, knocking off North Central in the airplane hangar in Naperville, 72-65. Aja Terrier led the Bluejays with 19 points and Heather Furr added 15. The Redbirds were led by Brianna Parra with 14. Two Cardinals seniors notched double-doubles in the losing cause, Meghan Young with 13 and 10 and Jenni Norris with 10 and 10.

CURRENT STANDINGS:
Wheaton 9-3
Ill. Wesleyan 9-4
North Park 8-5
Elmhurst 7-5
Millikin 6-6
Carthage 6-6
North Central 5-8
Augustana 0-13

SATURDAY'S GAMES:
North Central @ Augustana
Carthage @ Millikin
Wheaton @ Elmhurst
Ill. Wesleyan @ North Park

MONDAY'S GAMES:
Wheaton @ Carthage
Elmhurst @ Millikin
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2006, 04:42:36 AM
Home court has turned out to be a curse for the CCIW this season. Visitors actually enjoy a 26-24 advantage in conference play going into the final six games of the regular season. The curse holds true for the top teams as well as the bottom teams; Wheaton's only 4-3 in CCIW play in King Arena, and Illinois Wesleyan's 3-4 in Shirk Center. Only NPU (5-1) and Elmhurst (4-2) have done well at defending their home floors.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2006, 05:34:35 AM
I'm trying to sort through the possibilities for winning the CCIW title and for hosting the conference tournament. It's incredibly complicated. Let's see if I've gotten it right:

* Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan, and North Park have all clinched CCIW tournament berths. The fourth and final berth will go to Elmhurst, Carthage, or Millikin, and we most likely will not know which of the three will get it until Tuesday's pair of games is completed.

* If Wheaton wins its final two games @ Elmhurst and @ Carthage, the Wheaties win the CCIW title outright, and the tourney will be held at King Arena.

* If Wheaton splits its final two games, and Illinois Wesleyan loses its finale @ North Park on Saturday, Wheaton wins the CCIW title outright and hosts the tourney.

* If Wheaton loses both of its remaining games, and Illinois Wesleyan beats NPU, Illinois Wesleyan wins the CCIW title outright, and the conference tourney will be held in Bloomington.

* If Wheaton loses both of its remaining games, NPU beats Illinois Wesleyan, and Millikin beats visiting Elmhurst next Tuesday, then the league has tri-champions: Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan, and NPU. In that case, Wheaton gets to host the tourney by virtue of the head-to-head records between the three champs: Wheaton 3-1, Illinois Wesleyan 2-2, and NPU 1-3.

* If Wheaton loses both of its remaining games, NPU beats Illinois Wesleyan, and Elmhurst beats Millikin, then the league has a four-way tie for the title: Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan, NPU, and Elmhurst would all finish with 9-5 records. Those four teams would, naturally, constitute the tournament field. Again, Wheaton would get to host the tourney by virtue of collective head-to-head records: Wheaton 4-2, Illinois Wesleyan 3-3, Elmhurst 3-3, and NPU 2-4.

* If Wheaton splits its remaining games, and Illinois Wesleyan beats NPU, then Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan are co-champs. Deciding which of the two would host the tourney is where it gets complicated in terms of tiebreakers. Both teams would be 2-0 against NPU and 1-1 against Millikin. But right now Wheaton is 1-0 against Elmhurst, and Illinois Wesleyan is 1-1 against Elmhurst. Wheaton is currently 0-1 against Carthage, and Illinois Wesleyan is 2-0 against Carthage. Therefore, let's examine all three permutations of this particular co-champion scenario; Carthage ahead of Elmhurst, a tie between the two, and Elmhurst ahead of Carthage:

-- If Carthage finishes ahead of Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan wins the tiebreaker and the right to host the tourney.

-- If Wheaton beats Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan beats NPU, Carthage beats Millikin, Carthage beats Wheaton, and Elmhurst beats Millikin, then NPU, Elmhurst, and Carthage finish in an 8-6 tie for third place. NPU is already in the tourney by virtue of having swept Carthage. That NPU sweep of the Lady Reds also propels Elmhurst into the tourney as the fourth team, and Wheaton's sweep of the Bluejays would give them the right to host the tourney.

-- If Elmhurst beats Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan beats NPU, and Millikin loses either one of their two remaining games, Elmhurst is automatically the third seed and NPU is automatically the fourth seed no matter what else happens. That's because Elmhurst would've split with each of the co-champs, while NPU would've been swept by each of them, guaranteeing that Elmhurst gets seeded ahead of the Vikings if both wind up 8-6 (if Elmhurst finishes 9-5, the point is moot). NPU has swept both Carthage and Millikin, so the Vikings are safely in the tourney even if they end up in a tie for fourth with the Lady Reds or the Big Blue. If Wheaton then beats Carthage to set up the co-champ scenario with Illinois Wesleyan, the tiebreaker again devolves to Carthage and to the tourney thus being held at Shirk.

I think that covers all the possible outcomes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 17, 2006, 08:37:01 AM
Sager, I agree with most of what you are saying, but I think there is at least one more scenario.

If Wheaton loses to Elmhurst and beats Carthage, and Illinois Wesleyan beats North Park, they finish in a 10-4 tie.  If Millikin beats Carthage, North Central beats Augie, then they finish in a 6-8 tie for sixth place. Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan would have equivalent records against North Park (2-0), Millikin 1-1, and Elmhurst 1-1. No advantage there. Then Wheaton would be a combined 3-1 against North Central and Carthage. Illinois Wesleyan would also be 3-1. They both swept Augie. Wheaton would lose the tiebreaker on road record in conference (assuming the loss to Elmhurst.)

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2006, 05:34:35 AM
-- If Carthage finishes ahead of Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan wins the tiebreaker and the right to host the tourney.

-- If Wheaton beats Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan beats NPU, Carthage beats Millikin, Carthage beats Wheaton, and Elmhurst beats Millikin, then NPU, Elmhurst, and Carthage finish in an 8-6 tie for third place. NPU is already in the tourney by virtue of having swept Carthage. That NPU sweep of the Lady Reds also propels Elmhurst into the tourney as the fourth team, and Wheaton's sweep of the Bluejays would give them the right to host the tourney.


Also, if Wheaton beats Elmhurst, and loses to Carthage, Illinois Wesleyan beats North Park, Carthage beats Millikin, then Wheaton doesn't get to host. Elmhurst would have to beat Millikin to give Wheaton a chance. But even so, Wheaton's combined 4-2 against the third place tie, wouldn't be as good as Illinois Wesleyan's 5-1. It's my understanding that they break the first place tie by virtue of the combined head-to-head record, so it wouldn't matter that Elmhurst holds the tiebreaker over Carthage.

There are a lot of crazy scenarios, clearly. The only sure thing is that if Illinois Wesleyan loses they can't host. Wheaton must win both games to control their own destiny, otherwise they need help from Millikin against Carthage. 

Maybe we should just wait until tomorrow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Grutte Dirk on February 17, 2006, 10:32:03 AM
Is there a forum that discusses CCIW sports not found on D3sports.com?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2006, 08:25:04 PM
Greg and Skafgas,

Thanks for the conference tourney analysis!  Analyzing all the possible scenarios is my JOB, but today is a day off, and you made my head hurt.

Looking ahead to the national tourney, who are the potential pool Cs?  With only 3 losses and the 34th highest QOWI, I'd say Wheaton is a lock, barring a 3-game losing streak.  IWU is at a quite respectable 46th in QOWI, but already has 6 losses; if they don't get (at least) a 7th they would be the AQ!  IF IWU beats NP and loses in the title game, I'm pretty confident they're in - otherwise it's the dreaded 'bubble'.

I can't see any other C candidates: Millikin is 86th in QOWI and already has 7 losses; NPU is 109th in QOWI and already has 8 losses; Elmhurst did not even make the list of 120 top QOWIs.

I'm guessing the CCIW gets two bids only if someone other than Wheaton wins the conference tourney, or Wheaton wins over IWU in the final.  (A slim hope for THREE teams: Wheaton wins out but loses first round of tourney, IWU wins out, but loses title game of tourney; someone else wins tourney.)

Comments?
Title: Saturday's Games
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 17, 2006, 08:30:52 PM
Some very important games tomorrow as has been mentioned above. Hopefully, Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan can win their remaining games, so that whichever team doesn't win the tournament they can still have a good chance at the at-large bid. Both were ranked in the top 6 in the Region last week, and it would be nice to get in multiple teams with the expanded format. I know that in soccer the CCIW women got 3 teams in and men got two teams in the expanded tourney this year.

On a related note, why does the NCAA only release rankings for teams from 1-6 in each region? That would make sense last year when there were only 50 or so teams, but with a 63 team tournament it seems a little strange to only rank a combined 48 teams in the eight regions. I know that is asking for a little more common sense than should be expected of the NCAA, but really ranking at least 64 teams would seem reasonable to me.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 17, 2006, 08:46:26 PM
Yipsi, I liked the way you spelled my name. With a last name like Kafkas I encounter a lot of weird pronunciations and spellings, but I hadn't seen Kafgas before.   :) 

But back to basketball, yeah I don't think we can expect more than 2 teams. Even though the Wisconsin teams haven't been ranked, they have to get some respect, though the CCIW did pretty good this year against the WIAC.  Also, Carroll and Lawrence have good records and one of them will be a Pool C candidate from the Central. There are just too many good teams with strong QoWIs above Millikin or Elmhurst. North Park beat OshKosh who will probably get in (either A or C), but 11 losses in region is way too many.

I think the conference made great strides this year. I think in a couple of years there will be the possibility of getting three teams in for the first time since Millikin, Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage all made it in 1996.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2006, 09:14:39 PM
skafkas,

Sorry about the name - I assure you that was an honest error, not a commentary on your posts! ;) ;D

(But, then, you misspelled my name in return - retribution or error: Enquiring minds (now there's an oxymoron!) want to know? ;))
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 17, 2006, 09:17:19 PM
O.K. we're even, Mr. Ypsi. It was an accident on my part as well, but skafgas gave me a good chuckle.
Title: Re: Wheaton Over Elmhurst
Post by: wheatonc on February 18, 2006, 05:22:30 PM
Wheaton clinched at least a tie for the CCIW regular season championship with a 15 point win over Elmhurst this afternoon.  Both teams struggled with their shooting, but Wheaton's bench helped them hold Elmhurst to no field goals in the last several minutes of the game. 
Title: Re: IWU Over North Park
Post by: wheatonc on February 18, 2006, 05:29:18 PM
According to the North Park website, Illinois Wesleyan defeated North Park this afternoon, 63-49.  So Wheaton needs to defeat Carthage on Tuesday to win the regular season conference championship outright.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 18, 2006, 05:36:26 PM
Wheatonc-You're right. If Carthage beats Wheaton, then Wheaton can't win the tiebreaker against IWU. Their only hope in a tiebreaker with Illinois Wesleyan was that Wesleyan would lose to North Park today, or that Carthage would finish behind Elmhurst in the standings. Both those things became impossible today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 18, 2006, 05:41:36 PM
Here are the current standings

Wheaton 10-3
Illinois Wesleyan 10-4
North Park 8-6
Elmhurst 7-6
Carthage 7-6
Millikin 6-6
North Central 6-8
Augustana 0-14

Wheaton 57, Elmhurst 42
Carthage 63, Millikin 48
Illinois Wesleyan 63, North Park 49
North Central 61, Augustana 57
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wheatonc on February 18, 2006, 05:54:08 PM
Wheaton has won all of their conference road games this year and have a 4-3 conference home record.  All Thunder fans are hoping that they stay unbeaten on the road Tuesday!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 18, 2006, 06:42:44 PM
I deleted a few posts, which seem to be outdated, because of an interpretation by the league. But in the end nothing changes in the women's end of the bracket (I think, but I really don't know. Once you start assuming things that aren't actually in the rules, you can do pretty much whatever you want.)

In the end, though, a very complicated situation is still very simple:

Wheaton wins they host, lose we all go to Bloomington.

Elmhurst wins they're in, regardless of what Carthage does.

Elmhurst loses Carthage is in, regardless of what Carthage does.

Wheaton and Elmhurst control their own destiny.

Millikin, sorry you're out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 18, 2006, 10:47:01 PM
Okay, there is no support for this in the Women's Basketball, or quite frankly, the Men's Basketball Handbooks, but it appears that the conference is planning to use an assumption not written in the rules to break ties.

My understanding is that they are planning to decide each place separately, sequentially and distinctly. Meaning multiple team ties will be broken by separate applications of the tiebreakers. While this may seem logical, it is stated nowhere in the handbook.

The tiebreaking system is a relic of an age gone by, when there wasn't a conference tournament, and it wasn't necessary to break ties in third or fourth place. It's time that both sets of coaches clarify the rules and take the judgement calls out of the hands of the conference office.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 18, 2006, 11:00:26 PM
Under this "official" procedure the new scenarios look like this:

No change to the scenario if Wheaton beats Carthage: Elmhurst wins there in, Elmhurst loses then Carthage is in.

If Wheaton loses to Carthage and Elmhurst beats Millikin, here's where the interpretation comes in: Since Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton are trying to break a first place tie between two teams, then I think (but who knows now) that we can follow the letter of the rules. In which, case Illinois Wesleyan is first because of their composite records against the teams tied for third place (the rules specifically mention: teams). Now North Park wins the third place tiebreak with a better record against Elmhurst and Carthage head-to-head.

Now the tiebreaker starts over again. My understanding is that Illinois Wesleyan is now considered the first place team, Wheaton second place, and North Park third. For fourth place, Elmhurst and Carthage split head-to-head. The next tiebreaker is record against the highest team above the tie. Under this interpretation that team is Illinois Wesleyan, and Elmhurst split with them and Carthage was swept. So nothing changes here either.

The fourth scenario doesn't change either. Long story short, Wheaton still needs to win in order to host and Elmhurst still needs to win to get in.

Hopefully, this confusion and I am sure some controversy will convince the coaches to amend the tiebreaker process to make it more clear.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 18, 2006, 11:38:50 PM
The CCIW website has listed scenarios on their website. http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_w/2006_wbbchamp_page.php The three they have listed agree with mine, but apparently they don't think that it is possible for Carthage to beat Wheaton and Elmhurst to beat Millikin, because it isn't listed.

There are giant flaws in these tiebreakers. It's time for a new system. It shouldn't come down to interpretation. It should be written in plain, straightfoward language.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 19, 2006, 02:47:53 AM
Quote from: skafkas on February 18, 2006, 11:00:26 PM
Now the tiebreaker starts over again.

This is how most conferences do it.

Otherwise, here's what you end up with: Say you have three teams tied for a spot, A, B, and C. A is 3-1 against the group, B is 2-2 and C is 1-3. A gets slotted in and breaks out of the tie.

Now you have just B and C. If you use the previous records above, now the games between A and C are being used to determine a tie between B and C. A two-way tie between B and C should first use just games between those two teams.

This discussion came up yesterday on the men's board. I brought it to the league's attention and perhaps the new scenarios are a result of the more logical tiebreaking system.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 19, 2006, 09:26:14 AM
Pat, I don't disagree with your logic at all. In fact, I think that it would make a lot more sense if that is what the rules stated, but the truth is that they don't. It doesn't seem right to me for there to be some hidden interpretation that is conjured up a week before the tournament. It was created without consulting coaches or athletic directors, and it was presented as the plain face meaning of the tiebreaker. Well, it isn't, though I am willing to admit that maybe it should be.

It still leaves the question of whether you consider a first place tie to be decided, when determining lower placed ties. In other words, in the fourth scenario is Illinois Wesleyan considered the sole first place team, or are they still tied with Wheaton for purposes of the tiebreaker. The rules are completely silent on this. My issue is that this decision will be made completely in the consideration of commissioner, and the team that loses out will have little or no redress to the rules. It seems very arbitrary to me, and it shouldn't be the way these things are decided.

There are flaws in this way of doing it as well. If Illinois Wesleyan becomes the top seed by virtue of the three way tie for third place, then Elmhurst gets the tiebreaker for fourth (under one interpretation) because of their record against Illinois Wesleyan. But now that Elmhurst is fourth, you have to ask yourself why isn't Wheaton first, since  they had a better record against Elmhurst? But if you move Wheaton up, because Elmhurst is in fourth, now Carthage deserves to be in fourth place, because of their better record against Wheaton.

At some point you have to have arbitrary decisions made like this, but it is my contention that they should be made with as much consultation of the rules, and  consistency as possible.  I appreciate you pointing out these issues, I just wish that it had happened sooner, so a fair and consistent system could have been worked out. Hopefully, it will be this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 20, 2006, 02:01:54 PM
Ok, so the final scenario is posted on the CCIW website. If Elmhurst beats Millikin and Carthage beats Wheaton, then Illinois Wesleyan hosts and Carthage is in over Elmhurst. Apparently, for the purposes of the fourth place tiebreaker, Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan are still considered to be tied.

I have been negative about what I see as an arbitrary interpretation of the rules, but in the end I think this is the closest to what the rules state as possible.  I am reasonably satisfied with the decision that was reached, but I do hope that the tiebreaking procedure is more clearly stated in the future.

Let's play the games, so we can be done with all this junk!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: wheatonc on February 21, 2006, 10:10:55 PM
Wheaton wins the regular season CCIW championship outright for the first time since 1999.  The Thunder will host the conference tournament this weekend.  #2 IWU will play #3 North Park and Wheaton will play #4 Carthage on Friday.  The championship game will be played on Saturday afternoon.  Congrats to the Thunder!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2006, 10:48:14 PM
Wheaton 53, Carthage 42
Millikin 76, Elmhurst 67

FRIDAY'S SEMIFINALS, @ WHEATON:
North Park vs. Illinois Wesleyan, 6 pm
Carthage @ Wheaton, 8 pm

SATURDAY'S FINALS, @ WHEATON:
Vikings or Titans vs. Lady Reds or Thunder, 2 pm


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on February 22, 2006, 02:11:11 PM
Should be some good action on Friday in Wheaton.  North Park could be playing Wheaton for yet another CCIW AQ on Saturday!  Let the rivalry continue!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 24, 2006, 05:00:07 AM
I just heard that former Wheaton player Sarah Harris, who is the daughter of Wheaton Men's Head Coach Bill Harris, just got the head coaching job at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Congratulations, Sarah!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: TitanPride24 on February 24, 2006, 10:01:42 PM
I heard that the Titan women beat North Park 49-46 tonight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2006, 11:05:35 PM
Man, what a tough loss for the Park. NPU led almost the entire game, and was up nine at the half. Wesleyan didn't catch the Vikings until there was only 3:30 left in the game, when they tied it up at 44 apiece. After almost two and a half minutes of nail-biting scorelessness, Evie Peterson's jumper put NPU ahead again. The Titans tied it with under a minute left, and then Wesleyan got its first and only lead of the game on a Val Fleischman three-point play with 7.7 seconds left on the clock. Laura Mount's trey attempt at the buzzer was long.

I've never seen a team get snakebit as badly as NPU did in that second half. No fewer than three shots for the Vikings in that second stanza went down into the cylinder, spun around, and popped back out, the last one being a Shandrel Young leaner with under a minute left. In all my years of watching basketball, I've never seen anything like it. The basketball gods were kind to Wesleyan, and pretty darn cruel to the Park.

Since it was their final game, I want to say a hearty thank-you to graduating seniors Megan Slattery and Shandrel Young for four great years of basketball. Both are former All-CCIW players, both end their careers in the all-time top ten in NPU scoring with over 1,100 points apiece, and Young is in the CCIW record books as the conference's all-time single-season and career leader in free throw attempts. They were both terrific players and outstanding students who exemplified the best of North Park University both on and off the court. They will be missed.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 25, 2006, 10:58:34 PM
Wheaton won the conference tournament today, 74-60, over Illinois Wesleyan. The offense carried them today; at one point in the first half they were 8-10 from three point range, I believe.

I don't think it is the end of the road for IWU though. Looking at the Pool C candidates from the region, the only teams with better region winning percentages are Lawrence and Concordia (Wisc.) at .750, and UW-Oshkosh at .708. Illinois Wesleyan's is .696 and they have the best QoWI by far at 9.913, by my calculations. Oshkosh is 9.667, Lawrence 9.65 and Concordia 8.72.

Of course, Pool C is selected on a national basis, but you have to assume that at least two Central region teams will get Pool C bids. My guess would be that Lawrence and Illinois Wesleyan and maybe Oshkosh will be invited.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 25, 2006, 11:04:19 PM
Illinois Wesleyan also holds the common opponents advantage against both teams: Lawrence was 1-1 against Ripon, IWU and Oshkosh were 1-0.  IWU was 1-0 against Stevens Point and Oshkosh was 1-2. Oshkosh lost to North Park and IWU beat them 3 times. Both Oshkosh and IWU beat Fontbonne.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 27, 2006, 09:09:48 AM
Wheaton will host Rockford on Friday, and Maryville (Mo.) and Lakeland will play in the first game. Lakeland is in the tournament almost every year, and Maryville was undefeated in the region, including a win over Washington University.  Rockford won 21 games this year, so they are pretty good too.

If Wheaton gets through the regional, there are some big teams waiting in DePauw, Wash U, and Hope and not to mention Calvin who Wheaton lost to earlier this season. But when there are 16 teams left, there is bound to be some serious competition.
Title: Wheaton!
Post by: Go Ahead on February 27, 2006, 12:19:42 PM
Go ahead Wheaton College. I am loving way out here in San Diego. Good luck girls.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2006, 04:04:24 PM
Congrats to NPU's two All-CCIW players, junior Laura Mount and sophomore Evie Peterson. Having both back next season gives Vikings fans hope for a great 2006-07 season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 27, 2006, 07:41:57 PM
Sager- The North Park website lists Laura Mount as a senior. Is it wrong? Does she have a year of eligibility left? She is a great player, I could see her as a contender for player of the year if she does have another season to play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2006, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: skafkas on February 27, 2006, 07:41:57 PM
Sager- The North Park website lists Laura Mount as a senior. Is it wrong? Does she have a year of eligibility left? She is a great player, I could see her as a contender for player of the year if she does have another season to play.

She has another year of eligibility, and she's coming back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diego on March 03, 2006, 10:46:04 AM
So whats your thoughts on the Rockford (21-6) @ Wheaton (23-4)??
Title: Steve
Post by: Go Ahead on March 03, 2006, 12:01:09 PM
Steve, 

  This is Megan, remeber the dance at Rachel's wedding, haha!!!! Give me the realistic run-down of how deep Wheaton will go in the tourney. Due to the fact I am not there I have no clue. Hook it up Steve.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 04, 2006, 02:07:57 AM
Megan-How are you doing? 

Well, they won tonight, so they are definitely going to the second round. They play Maryville tomorrow, which plays a full court, frenetic style the entire game (or at least they did today.)  I think we have the talent to go pretty far, but there are a lot of good teams left even if they beat Maryville tomorrow. Wash U, Depauw and Hope are all in this bracket, so it isn't an easy road, but I am still hopeful.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 05, 2006, 01:01:37 AM
Wheaton beat Maryville tonight to advance to the Sectional Semifinal against DePauw, next weekend. The game started slow, but Wheaton used a couple of runs to build a large lead. In the first half they went on a 13-4 run, and in the second half they went on a 22-2 run. Maryville is a good team (they beat WashU), but Wheaton finally played the game (at least second half) that its fans had been waiting for as the whole team put it together at the same time and the result was a huge win.

Judging by Maryville fans' reaction at the game, they blame the refs at least in part. In fact, though, the fouls were pretty close (Maryville 22, Wheaton 20) and Maryville plays a type of basketball that brings with it a lot of fouls. Yes, Wheaton took 33 free throws to Maryville's 13, but they only made 22, and subtract those from Wheaton's total, and you still have a Wheaton victory.

Actually, the game really hinged on turnovers as Wheaton got 30 points off of 26 turnovers. In addition, Wheaton's bench added 26 points.

Wheaton is going to face some serious competition next weekend. They will have to play DePauw, likely at home. DePauw is 27-1, only losing to Wash U. Wash U (25-2) is playing Hope (29-1) who only lost to Wheaton. These are some really formidable teams. Wheaton will have to keep up it's great play on the road, if they are going to win two games to make it to Springfield.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on March 05, 2006, 04:36:56 PM
The women's sectional will be at DePauw this weekend.  Wheaton has a tough one against the hosts, but I think they'll be fine if they shoot like they did last night!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 06, 2006, 10:22:57 AM
Quote from: skafkas on March 05, 2006, 01:01:37 AM
Judging by Maryville fans' reaction at the game, they blame the refs at least in part.

Which is rich given that the refs in the WashU game bent over backwards for them which was a contributing cause to the WashU loss.  They fouled out the only two Bears who were scoring that night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sliaccommish on March 06, 2006, 06:37:34 PM
I'm getting a little tired of the complaining by mark_reichert about the officiating in the Maryville-Washington University game. That was two months ago; get over it! Maryville won the game because it played great and Wash U had an off night.

Maryville was ahead by sixteen at the half and led by double figure margins through most of the game. The two best Wash U players fouled out late in the game when they had to foul to try to get the ball back. The officials who worked the game were assigned by the same person who assigns for Wash U, and they have worked many games at Wash U.

It's too bad you, and some of the Maryville fans who were at Wheaton, can't accept the fact that most of the time a game is won or lost because one team was better on that night.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2006, 05:19:09 AM
Ahh, see, my response was going to be along the lines of "Do you really deserve to win if only two players are scoring?"

But I like your response too. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 07, 2006, 06:47:10 AM
Looking at DePauw's game against Illinois Wesleyan, DePauw won 72-60. They missed 12 of their 23 free throws so it could have been worse. They also beat Wesleyan with Amanda Glerum, which Wheaton didn't do this year. At the same time Wesleyan only shot 5 free throws, well under their season average of 18 a game. It was the first game of the season, and they started slowly, before going on a run through the conference until Glerum went down.

It looks like Wheaton will have to focus on forwards Liz Bondi and Bridget Bailey, as Wesleyan gave up 46 points in the paint, despite the latter (team's second leading scorer for the season) only playing 8 minutes.

Did anyone see this game, who can talk about DePauw a little?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2006, 10:05:46 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2006, 05:19:09 AM
Ahh, see, my response was going to be along the lines of "Do you really deserve to win if only two players are scoring?"

Isn't that how Wash U. wins some nights anyway?
Check that Wash U. over Manchester stat line. Beehler and Manning combined for 48. The rest of the team combined for 22.

Or the Wash U. over UChicago stat line. Combining for 59 of the teams 87. Don't underestimate the power of fouling out.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 07, 2006, 02:29:50 PM
Perhaps I'd be less bothered by it if the fans hadn't been rude most of the game.  If WashU treated opposing fans like that I'd be embarrassed.

And as far as the refs go, I don't care who picked them.  When you have different standards for each team, you are officiating badly that game.  When one team can mug another team but that other team gets called for much less contact, that's wrong.  I know what I saw, and I saw the same thing the first half of the Carroll game and it was just as wrong then.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2006, 04:59:00 PM
The most obvious thing about the carroll game was the travel call on Kelly Manning in comparison to Carroll's numebr five. Carroll's player took a jump stop and a leap after she caught every pass.

But enough about the Bears.

Depauw had trouble guarding the inside play of Rebecca Parker and Danielle Beehler, both decently athletic big girls. However, Depauw crashed hard with 26 offensive rebounds. Thas a real quick summary. Maybe I'll post more of what I remember later.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 08, 2006, 11:10:47 AM
Quote from: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2006, 04:59:00 PM
The most obvious thing about the carroll game was the travel call on Kelly Manning in comparison to Carroll's numebr five. Carroll's player took a jump stop and a leap after she caught every pass.

But enough about the Bears.

Depauw had trouble guarding the inside play of Rebecca Parker and Danielle Beehler, both decently athletic big girls. However, Depauw crashed hard with 26 offensive rebounds. Thas a real quick summary. Maybe I'll post more of what I remember later.

Oh yeah, I was forgetting the constant travelling by her.

Here's the box score for that DePauw-Bears game:

http://bearsports.wustl.edu/womensbball/du-wu.htm

If DePauw had shot better, they would have won.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on March 08, 2006, 02:25:05 PM
Quote from: mark_reichert on March 08, 2006, 11:10:47 AM
Quote from: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2006, 04:59:00 PM
The most obvious thing about the carroll game was the travel call on Kelly Manning in comparison to Carroll's numebr five. Carroll's player took a jump stop and a leap after she caught every pass.

But enough about the Bears.

Depauw had trouble guarding the inside play of Rebecca Parker and Danielle Beehler, both decently athletic big girls. However, Depauw crashed hard with 26 offensive rebounds. Thas a real quick summary. Maybe I'll post more of what I remember later.

Oh yeah, I was forgetting the constant travelling by her.

....

If DePauw had shot better, they would have won.

well isn't that obvious. that's like saying if they would have scored more points then they would have won?

Parker doesn't travel constantly. She usually maintains her pivot foot, but she is sometimes in the lane for three seconds and it is rarely called. She actually has the nastiest up and under in the UAA, but was in a slight slump most of the conference schedule.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: foul_language on March 08, 2006, 10:40:41 PM
What happened to Millikin this year? Is this the right conference/board for that question and did I spell Millikiin right?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 08, 2006, 11:35:00 PM
You spelled it right the first time.  :)  They graduated their point guard last year, but returned their other four starters. I think there was trouble almost from the beginning. A couple of girls quit, and they never really seemed to play as a team the way they usually do.  They had a lot of talent, but were never really able to put it together consistently.

On the other hand, it's not really a surprise that Wheaton won the conference this year. They were co-champions, and beat Millikin by 17 points last year in Millikin's last lost of the year.

I suspect that Millikin will be back near the top again next year. Lindsey Ippel will be a junior and they have a few good young players. Plus, Lori Kerans is a great recruiter, especially when you consider that she recruited 4 out of 5 starters of last year's National Championship team in one year. In fact, they finished 5th their freshman year with all of them starting, first their sophomore and junior seasons, including a National Championship, and finished their career in fifth place.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2006, 12:25:21 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 09, 2006, 06:58:40 PM
D3hoopsNet, under contract from NCAAsports.com, will be broadcasting the entire DePauw sectional. Coverage starts a half-hour before tipoff and includes a preview of all four sectionals, plus in-game "live look-ins" at other sectionals in progress.

Gordon Mann on the call, with Wes Anderson joining for the sectional opener.

http://www.d3hoops.com/audio/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 14, 2006, 09:17:22 AM
Trenz made a hook shot this year.  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 14, 2006, 09:19:16 AM
The great thing about Fox is that you can list her as a forward if you want, but she is as capable of bringing the ball up the floor as anyone on the team. If they can improve their depth at post it would allow Fox to focus even more on the offensive end of the floor, where she really played well this season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2006, 11:45:38 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2006, 02:00:36 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 14, 2006, 09:04:29 PM
RogK-In my opinion and with apologies to Jill Trenz, I think Fox was the best player on the best team this year in the CCIW. When she played well, Wheaton played well. I think her versatility forced a lot of teams into match up problems. By the way, she was Wheaton's only All-Region selection getting third team honors.

In terms of your 5 of each scenario, I think Fox would have an advantage given her versatility and her conditioning (only Wheaton player averaging over 30 minutes a game). 

As far as Trenz and Cooper go they are very good as well. Trenz has the misfortune of not having another pure post player to split time with. There is no one else to play high-low with or take away double teams. Fox scores inside off of the dribble, not really by posting up. Carwell seemed much more comfortable this year shooting threes, than posting people up.

Last year Wheaton had Wingerter who teams had to respect offensively in the post.  I don't think they have to necessarily recruit a post player, they might have one next year in Whitney Edgecombe. Early in the year she seemed to get pushed around especially rebounding, but she made some really good progress and gave Wheaton positive minutes at the end of the year. That could be what the doctor ordered for Trenz offensively. On the defensive side, Jill is a tremendous post defender who really bothers other teams.

Actually, I think working on shots from the key is probably the best thing for Trenz. Late in the season she seemed more willing to score away from the basket.  That would help open the middle a little more and make teams respect her when she comes up top.

Brittnay Cooper is the gutsiest player I have seen in nine years. She is extremely athletic, but she also works harder than anyone else. She plays hurt and doesn't let it affect her game. She battles for rebounds. One time after she hurt her ankle, she twisted it a little during a game. Coach Baker took her out, and Brittnay sprinted off the floor gritting her teeth, and refusing to limp or stop playing with her usual intensity.

I think Wheaton will miss Irene Kim's defensive intensity. She is so fast and so committed to forcing turnovers it's amazing sometimes. Especially if she turns the ball over, it seems like she always takes it back almost immediately.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: CA Mayor on March 15, 2006, 01:03:25 PM
Thanks to everyone who supported Irene over the years. At the end of the DePauw game she was overwhelmed with the emotion that this was her last game, but she overcome quickly and she is looking forward to her graduation and support for the team. She loves everyone in the team and I am glad she won't forget the love and support from you all. I can't ask more from the team. I thank the coach Baker and Madsen. The Wheaton girls are always welcome in my house. They became our extended family. One thing she learned also was communicating at the host court with more noise. Not only doing the defense and playing ball, but also need to learn from the mistakes they are not familiar. As a parent who watched her over the years, I can say Wheaton Thunder is the best team in our family.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2006, 01:47:00 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on April 03, 2006, 06:42:12 PM
Congrats to Former Wheaton Woman's Basketball player Sarah Harris for landing the head coaching job at Grove City College.

http://www.d3hoops.com/pressreleases.php?release=587
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 04, 2006, 08:03:03 AM
At least we won't have to wonder whether or not Sarah Harris will call timeouts after her players dunk.  :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on April 04, 2006, 12:54:15 PM
This was in Notables eight days ago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 05, 2006, 02:17:48 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on April 04, 2006, 12:54:15 PM
This was in Notables eight days ago.

I know. It meant that I had to wait eight days for someone to mention Sarah Harris so that I could make my little "timeouts after a dunk" joke.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 05, 2006, 01:26:14 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on April 05, 2006, 06:53:32 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on April 04, 2006, 12:54:15 PM
This was in Notables eight days ago.
I'm supposed to read everything on the sit every day even during the offseason?  ??? I thought this was my time of the year to have a life.  :D ;)

Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 04, 2006, 08:03:03 AM
At least we won't have to wonder whether or not Sarah Harris will call timeouts after her players dunk. :D
Or after any time when they are starting any sort of positive run in the right direction at all?  :D Gosh I love Coach Harris.  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on April 05, 2006, 07:00:56 PM
Quote from: diehardfan on April 05, 2006, 06:53:32 PM

Or after any time when they are starting any sort of positive run in the right direction at all?  :D Gosh I love Coach Harris.  :)

Nope, just once or twice a week you might want to check that little Notables box. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on April 05, 2006, 07:12:25 PM
The on on the front page? That's where I found it....
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on April 05, 2006, 08:26:56 PM
Upper right-hand corner, Notables, with the last whatever stories. You could also check the press releases, like the one you linked, but of course, those don't always tell the whole story. (Like the Grove City one, which neglects to mention that coaching runs in Sarah Harris' family.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 07, 2006, 12:03:30 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 10, 2006, 03:50:12 AM
Augustana's one of those schools that's good at almost every sport, so there's no reason why it can't succeed at women's basketball. Indeed, Augie won five CCIW titles during the Diane Schumacher era (including the first-ever CCIW women's title in 1987), which ties it with Wheaton for second place behind Millikin. Augie being Augie, if they're given a halfway-decent coach the Doggies ought to be right back in annual contention within a couple of years.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 06, 2006, 01:34:57 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 14, 2006, 03:18:38 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 19, 2006, 03:10:46 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2006, 07:14:20 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2006, 05:38:47 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on November 01, 2006, 06:18:07 PM
I would be very surprised, if Wheaton gives up 114 points or even 96. The last time they gave up more than 75 (and that was only once) was in 2003 when they lost to the defending Champion Stevens Point. Wheaton was ninth in the nation last year in scoring defense. I doubt that will change much this season.

Passiales is playing soccer this year, and doing pretty well. Woudenberg is playing golf. They'll miss her defensive intensity off of the bench. But, Wheaton will be much stronger up front this season. With Trenz returning and Edgecombe showing signs of improvement at the end of last season, as well as freshman Carissa Bacon, Wheaton will have a formidable front court. This should free up Fox to play guard more often. She is very athletic, might be one of the best ball handlers on the team and will give teams terrible matchup problems trying to guard her.

Wheaton should be fine at the guard position. They will miss Libby's conditioning and defensive intensity, but they don't need anymore offense. Pouns and Fidelia should be enough offense from the guard position to complement Cooper, Trenz and Fox. What they need off the bench is someone to play defense with intensity and take care of the basketball, since that's what they lost in Libby.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2006, 11:41:40 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on November 02, 2006, 09:38:20 PM
Sorry for the confusion.

Anyone notice that Wheaton is #5 in the preseason poll?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2006, 09:57:01 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on November 07, 2006, 10:54:52 PM
I haven't seen her play yet, but here is what Coach Baker said about her in the season preview.

"We are excited by Carissa Bacon. She is a little undersized in the pivot position, but she can score around the basket and is a very good rebounder. Hopefully she can continue to develop and by January she will be giving us some key minutes"
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 09, 2006, 11:42:49 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on November 14, 2006, 10:08:21 PM
Heard IWU lost a big post player in the pre-season to a knee injury.  :-\
Anyone have any info???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2006, 04:46:49 PM
NPU started off the year on the right foot, whomping MacMurray, 77-28, in the opening round of Lakeland's tipoff tourney last night. The Vikings play MSOE in the championship game today.

This should be an interesting year for NPU, what with 1,000-point scorers Megan Slattery and Shandrel Young both having graduated. Laura Mount is back, and she has an excellent chance to win all sorts of accolades this year. She'll be the Park's featured player and the leader of a strong backcourt that includes seniors Anna Mueller and Lauren Martin, the latter returning after missing last year to a torn ACL.

Evie Peterson is also back to bolster the frontcourt, and transfers Maggie Butler and Angela Perez should figure prominently in North Park's plans as well. The major problem for the Park this year will probably be the inside game, as Jack Surridge was unable to land a recruit with the size and interior presence to take Slattery's place. He's going to have to rely upon playing a more uptempo game, with better outside shooting (which NPU should get with Martin back) and a more team-oriented rebounding approach, if the Vikings are to return to the CCIW tournament again this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2006, 01:37:16 AM
NPU defeated MSOE, 58-44, to take the crown in Lakeland's "Play With Grace" Tournament. No statistical details on either that game or the previous night's win over MacMurray, except that the MSOE website mentioned that the Vikings outrebounded the Raiders by a 39-24 margin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2006, 03:23:59 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2006, 11:21:12 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on November 21, 2006, 11:51:07 PM
Hi CCIW folks!  I'm looking forward to an unoffical WIAC/CCIW challenge this weekend when North Central and Wheaton travel north to play UW-Stevens Point and UW-Oshkosh.  I'd like to hear about your teams a little.  I know some about Wheaton, but not much about NCC.

Here's the (relatively) short version on UWO and UWSP:

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) you will not be playing a traditional UWO contender.  They are way down by any standard and especially by UWO standards.  They have two solid players in forward Tyriver (strong dependable) and guard Knapp (lightning quick, decent shooter).  They have a new freshman named Sharpee that has been playing well, but that's about it.  During their change in coaches they had about a two year lapse in recruiting and graduated a very solid nucleus of players.  Time will tell if the current coach (a VERY successful HS coach in her first college job) can put Oshkosh back in the national picture.

Stevens Point on the other hand will be one of the teams that will challenge UW-Stout for the league title.  They return virtually ever key player from a 20-win team last year.  UWSP shoots the ball very well (58.5 percent through 3 games) mostly due to their size.  They have 7 players listed at 6-0 and above and nobody on the roster at less than 5-9.  Guard Neuenfeldt is one of the top players in the league although she doesn't score a ton of points. Forward Houghton is a dynamic scorer who dropped 21 on the Wisconsin Badgers in an exhibtion game.  Their two centers starter Lechault and reserve Heuer block a lot of shots, and Heuer has found a scoring touch leading the team with 14.0 ppg off the bench.  The Pointers' Achilles heel is turnovers.  With the way they shoot the ball, if they keep the TO's under 15 they are VERY hard to beat.  But if they get careless and hand it over 25 times or so a good team will take advantage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2006, 04:19:54 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2006, 11:21:12 AM
Hey Greg, you can find stats on NP's first game at lakeland.edu, women's basketball, "Tip Off Classic." There was a 29-4 half-time score!

Thanks, Rog. They weren't up when I checked out the Lakeland website the other day. The NPU website still doesn't have stats up for either game -- but, then again, NPU didn't even have a 2006-07 roster posted for the women's team until yesterday. The school's new SID only started on the job last week, so he's got his hands full already.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2006, 01:41:52 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2006, 01:41:55 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2006, 06:40:59 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on November 28, 2006, 12:12:42 PM
Heard Carthage gets WLC's women at home tonight. Should be another Carthage win, given your overall height advantage.  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2006, 05:13:25 AM
North Park 70
Augustana 50

NPU (3-0, 1-0) romped to an easy victory in the crackerbox over an outmatched Augustana (0-5, 0-1) that's still enduring growing pains in spite of the fact that new coach Bobbi Endress has four starters returning from last season's team.

The host Vikings used a late 10-0 run to jump out to a 34-17 halftime lead, and in the second half they poured it on from the get-go. Augie never got closer than 15, and NPU led by as many as 25 before Jack Surridge sat his starters with four minutes left in the game.

NPU was led by Laura Mount, who scored 20 points in only 27 minutes of action. She also added four assists and four steals. Evie Peterson notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds (and had four steals as well), and Lauren Martin chipped in 12 points off the bench on 4-5 shooting from downtown. No Augustana player broke double figures in scoring, as Maegan Skahill and Becky Rehn led the visitors with eight points apiece.

NPU must've played some pretty good defense, as Augie was held to 34% shooting from the field and only went 1-8 from long range. The big city Vikings shot 46% and went 5-11 from downtown. They're shooting a tidy 38% (18-48) from behind the arc for the season, a dramatic improvement from last year's NPU edition that finished dead last in the CCIW in trey shooting. Credit Lauren Martin's return to active duty for that. However, the lack of size underneath the basket will be a chronic source of concern for the Park, as Augie outrebounded them, 40-28.

NPU hosts the three-day Viking Classic this Friday thru Sunday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2006, 12:24:27 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2006, 06:01:39 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2006, 12:24:27 PMStylianee Damianides looks stronger this year and may be among the league's best mid-size defensive players.

Jack Surridge is certainly not averse to starting a defensive specialist at the wing. Sara Sietsema started a lot of games for NPU earlier in this decade despite the fact that she rarely touched the ball, because she was such a good defender. And Damianides has more offensive potential than did Sietsema.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2006, 12:30:21 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: byitisee on December 01, 2006, 08:43:50 PM
Wheaton defeats #9 Calvin 49-46 in a great matchup in the CCIW/MIAA Classic.

Wheaton is finally clicking upon getting Elizabeth Fox back in the lineup.  Now we just need Pouns back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on December 01, 2006, 09:49:17 PM
I didn't see the game and I'm not doubting your opinion, but I generally don't think of a team that goes for 49 points as "clicking"
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 01, 2006, 10:38:24 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on December 01, 2006, 09:49:17 PM
I didn't see the game and I'm not doubting your opinion, but I generally don't think of a team that goes for 49 points as "clicking"

As long as the opponent has LESS than 49 points, that's clicking! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on December 02, 2006, 09:31:25 AM
It wasn't a perfect game for Wheaton, but it was good to see Fox back on the floor and healthy. Cooper was great. Honestly, 49 points is an improvement, since last year Wheaton only scored 45 against Calvin in a losing effort.

Calvin plays great defense. Wheaton scored 0 fast break points, and that's because there were 0 opportunities. As soon as Wheaton touched the ball, there were two defenders waiting for them on the defensive end.

Wheaton had to find points out of its offense, and were able to be more balanced last night by getting some production from behind the three point arc, though they still aren't a great outside shooting team. So far this year they have 16 threes in 7 games. That would give them about 57 threes by the end of the regular season. Sarah Clark made 63 in 2003-04 herself. It makes sense though, seeing that Pouns is injured. In fact, getting Fox to shoot more, might be a good thing. She shot 40% from the arc last year, but only took 47 shots.

It certainly didn't appear that Calvin was worried about Wheaton's outside scoring. They protected the lane most of the night trying to stop Fox and Cooper from driving and keep the ball away from Trenz.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2006, 01:47:50 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2006, 12:08:15 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2006, 11:45:36 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2006, 03:10:44 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on December 29, 2006, 10:13:43 PM
Congratulations to Viking head coach Jack Surridge on achieving his 500th career win.  The Vikings topped Rockford 62-52 on Friday in the championship game of the Rockford Holiday Tournament.  The day before, the Vikings posted a 66-61 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 30, 2006, 12:52:49 AM
IWU made 19 3-pointers today in a win at Emory.  The Titans shattered the previous school record of 14, which they tied twice earlier this year.  42 of IWU's 74 FG attempts were from beyond the arc.  Sophomore Mallory Heydorn was 8-14 from 3 and had 32 points.

The Titans are now 10-0 with a game @ Oglethorpe tomorrow...then CCIW time.


http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/12/29/sports/doc4595ecf2bb500729188178.txt

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2007/iwu-euw.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2006, 12:01:36 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 30, 2006, 12:21:08 PM
This year's Titans are really fun to watch.  The starting guards, Heydorn and Sheehan, were excellent as first-year players last year, and they've both improved.  Transfer Sarah Bull is a hustler with a complete game.   Thea Rogers, Colleen Caplice, and Becky Kiverts have stepped up their games after the losses of two key post players--senior co-captain Brianna Baker-Carvell and first-year Christina Solari--to ACL injuries. 

The CCIW season should be interesting, and the best news is that everyone except Baker-Carvell returns next year.  Coach Mia Smith has an outstanding group playing really well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2006, 03:30:13 PM
Congrats to Jack Surridge upon achieving his 500th career win in NPU's win at Rockford yesterday!

Here's hoping that the next 500 wins come easier, Jack! :D
Title: CCIW
Post by: titan30 on January 02, 2007, 03:31:51 PM
I am obviously a Titan fan, but I am glad that they lost on Saturday - now no CCIW team can be gunning for them to give them their first loss!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2007, 09:16:37 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on January 06, 2007, 08:08:40 PM
Augie over Elmhurst 62-60.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2007, 07:14:01 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2007, 01:46:29 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2007, 07:14:01 PMIn Chicago, Millikin just snuck by North Park 41-38 in a hard-fought but rancid (37 turnovers, 25 baskets) contest. NP's Alex Coleman and Evie Peterson held Lindsay Ippel to 12 points, a noteworthy accomplishment. MU guard Tracie Yantis played a solid game, as did forward Megan Mateer. Millikin got an energetic boost from Ricki Dorsett. Although she played only 7 minutes, she gave it her all, including diving to the floor in an attempt to deflect the dribble of a North Park player headed the other way. That sort of effort inspires teammates.
NP managed four baskets in the second half. Laura Mount, recent Player of the Week, tallied 9 of their 15 points, including 5 FTs. North Park relies so heavily on Mount driving to the hoop that one wonders if she'll still be in one piece by February. 

What a disappointing loss. NPU led for the first 36+ minutes in that game. The Vikings just couldn't buy a basket to save their lives, and, almost as importantly, they couldn't manage to grab any rebounds in crunch time, either. The end of the game was a long and dreary series of one-and-dones for the Park, with the occasional turnover thrown in for good measure. It was one of those stretches where the absence of height for NPU is glaring, compounded by the team's lack of depth in the post. Alex Coleman and Evie Peterson really did do a good job defensively on Ippel, though.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 10, 2007, 12:14:25 AM
IWU won by 19 @ Millikin tonight -- that is an attention getter.  The Titans forced 36 Carthage turnovers Saturday  and 31 from the Big Blue.  After losing their top 2 low post players to injury early in the year, Mia Smith's team starts 4 guards and really gets after it defensively.

http://www.millikin.edu/athletics/wbasketball/w-mil13_033.htm


The Titans are now 12-1 and 2-0 in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 10, 2007, 01:46:16 AM
Ah, is this a lead up to the famous 'IWU 5 guard offense'?

If the men can rumor it, why not the women? :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2007, 01:54:55 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2007, 02:33:28 AM
Good to see NPU bounce back with the win over the Cards. Unfortunately, Lauren Martin had to leave the game with a knee injury. I just hope it isn't serious; the Vikings have a thin rotation, and it can't afford to get any thinner. Plus, she's the team's primary perimeter threat.

Laura Mount is now at 975 career points and counting. She should join the Thousand Point Club either on Saturday at Wheaton or next Tuesday at home against Elmhurst. That will make three Vikings who've reached 1,000 points within a one-year span, graduated seniors Shandrel Young and Megan Slattery having achieved the feat last season. That's a pretty special achievement for NPU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2007, 02:31:22 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2007, 12:28:49 AM
Big congrats to NPU's Laura Mount, who joined the Thousand Point Club this evening as she led the Vikings to a 51-50 win over Elmhurst. Her 19 points gives her 1,006 for her career. She joins her former teammates, NPU class of '06 graduates Megan Slattery and Shandrel Young, in the exclusive club.

Evie Peterson added 14 points and 8 boards for the Vikes. The Bluejays were led by Candice Sutton with 16 and Brittany Bobruk with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2007, 12:00:30 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on January 17, 2007, 06:32:09 PM
The Augie/MU game was a game in which that stats don't tell the story. It was a greatgame! With the exception of the Carthage game, there is a noticeable difference in this Augustana squad. The area they fall short in is post defense (and you can bet they'll be focusing on that). Augie was down by as many as 17 and came back to tie it with 8 something on the clock. They went to a 5 guard line up to get back in the game.

This is a squad that honestly doesn't have a lot of experience. They don't even have an all-conference player.They're coming along and I don't think it's going to be easy to get a win in the Carver Center in the next few weeks. This team has fight- something AC hasn't seen in that program for quite some time. Ippel got her avg. plus some- she's going to. She's a good player. Minus the fouls to stop the clock at the end of the game- it's a 5-6 point ball game. Something no one has expected out of the vikings in at least 2 years. It's a process, but I think this coach has lit the spark. They're becoming fun to watch. Final score was 77-67.
So the bright spot was more than just Katie Engwall's 16 points. There's a lot of the past to erase  (not just on the court stuff) and that takes time.

Looking forward to the future..............

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2007, 03:25:21 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 17, 2007, 12:00:30 PM
To add to what Greg reported above, besides fine games by Mount and Peterson, North Park's reserve (but not reserved) center Cassie Christensen had a rather favorable impact on the contest, coming up with big blocked shots and rebounds, as well as scoring four needed points. NP edged Elmhurst by just one. Stylianee Damianides continued improving her offense by driving in and getting fouled, earning 7 FT attempts. Mary Surridge raised her coaching record to .500; husband Jack hopes to be back at the helm Saturday.

Yes, Cassie Christensen did a terrific job off of the bench for NPU. Considering the thinness of the North Park roster, as well as the team's relative lack of height, I'd like to see her get a consistent spread of minutes in the future. It was especially gratifying to see her hold her own in crunch time.

NPU has to live on the razor's edge every night, especially after losing Lauren Martin to a knee injury for the second year in a row. Not only do the Vikings lack depth, they've now lost their best outside shooter. That will make it even harder for the Park to keep defenses honest. It's encouraging to see sophomore Stylianee Damianides step up as a third option alongside Laura Mount and Evie Peterson, especially since Damianides has a knack for getting to the FT line (where she's 11-13 in CCIW play thus far). But Martin will certainly be missed on a team that's already ranked last in the league in scoring. NPU is an outstanding defensive team, but you still have to put the ball in the basket at the other end of the floor in order to win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2007, 11:49:36 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2007, 12:11:06 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 18, 2007, 01:50:37 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 18, 2007, 11:49:36 AM
IWU just toppled Wheaton using 4 guards primarily. Can anyone give us a firsthand report on that one?  The low number of fouls (27 total) tells me that the refs didn't call everything, which tends to keep the score down.


Rog,

It was a very enjoyable game to watch; a classic contrast of styles featuring Wheaton's size and strength against IWU's quickness and athleticism.  I remember thinking just after halftime that I would be glad I was there even if IWU lost, so I don't think I'm too biased in my reporting.

There are always a few inconsistencies or missed calls in a game, but I don't think the officiating had anything to do with the outcome of this one.  Each team's leading scorer--Wheaton's Jill Trenz and IWU's Sarah Bull--had 19 points, with Trenz's coming primarily in the paint and Bull's from all over--she had 4 2's and 3 3's.  The lead never got over 7 points, and Wheaton was ahead by that much in both halves, so it was always close. 

If there was one factor which tipped the balance, it appeared to be some fatigue on Wheaton's part.  The players looked tired and seemed to slow down in the last few minutes; Trenz's last two free throw attempts were clearly those of a tired player. 

Two good coaches made the most of the abilities of their players, making for a close and exciting game.  It wasn't pretty--45 turnovers--but it was intense and intelligently played.
Can't wait for the rematch at Wheaton!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on January 18, 2007, 09:11:22 PM
RogK- My bad. I miss read your post. I didn't mean to come off harsh though. My apologies. There are a lot of aspects of the game that don't show up on the stat sheet. I'm just pulling for the underdog. They really are building from the bottom up. It's great to see the enthusiasm growing with these young ladies. They're finding their passion for the game again. Consistency is key.

The 5 guard line up worked well for AC. At times, Ippel ended up guarding the point guard- not an ideal match- up. I hope to see more of that offense. I'm looking forward to catching IWU's version.

Looking forward to some great games this weekend. Anyone have any info on NCC?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2007, 11:38:03 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 20, 2007, 11:33:13 AM
A big game this afternoon for the 4-0 (14-1) Titans who travel to 3-2 North Park (11-4).  IWU is very fun to watch with their 4 guard starting lineup and 3-point attack -- they remind me of the U. of Chicago men's team.  (And like the Maroon men, they are vulnerable to an outing where the 3's aren't falling.)  IWU's top 3 scores are all guards who shoot the 3 really well:

Sarah Bull (5-8, Jr.): 35-84 (.417)
Claire Sheehan (5-7, So.): 35-80 (.425)
Mallory Heydorn (5-7, So.): 46-105 (.438)


The Titans play great perimeter defense.  On the season, opponents have 179 assists and 398 turnovers.  That opponent A:TO ratio of 0.45 is about as good as you will find.

After losing their best two low post players to injury in the first weeks of the season, Thea Rogers has really emerged as their one consistent player around the hoop (8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg).  It seems like when Thea is playing well, the Titans are very hard to beat.

The IWU/NPU game will be on WJBC, AM-1230 at 2:45pm:

http://www.wjbc2.com/
Title: Titans Win
Post by: titan30 on January 20, 2007, 05:49:20 PM
Titans win 66-55 over North Park.  IWU shot only 29%, but made up the difference with their rebounding and free throws.  It will be fun to watch the game against Augie on Tuesday for the guard match-ups. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on January 21, 2007, 12:16:22 AM
Augie fell to NCC today. Katie Engwall turned in another great performance off the bench scoring 23 points. NCC's size caused some problems for the vikings once again. Tinkoff shot 23 free throws by herself to Augie's team total of 24 FT's. It was not a well officiated game in my opinion. I did over hear the coach tell her players that it was not their job to worry about the officials. They only had to worry about what they could control and that was they way they played defense and the way they executed their offense.
The staff was not happy at all with their defensive effort in the post. It's been mentioned before that post defense is a serious concern. Since the team isn't going to gain any size this season I'm anxious to see how they bounce back. I feel Augie was the better team, but the missing pieces on this squad are vital one's.
On another note, I've paid particular attention to the coaches and their staffs at all the institutions over the years and I really think that Coach Bauer has some maturity issues. She had no qualms about letting everyone in the gym know how bad they felt Augie was and that they shouldn't have even been in the game. It's one thing for motivation for your players, but it was quite disrespectful. Just my two cents on that.

I won't be at IWU on Tuesday but I hope someone can fill me in on the game.

Until then, Go Bears!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: atn alum on January 21, 2007, 05:25:48 PM
I have joked to our publisher that I should auction off my #1 vote in this week's d3hoops.com Top 25...

I must admit that I don't know which way to go.

There are arguably 7-8 deserving teams, and whose to say of the 1-loss squads remaining, that one is more deserving than the other.

I'm guessing there are a few folks who feel we've shortchanged IWU this year..anyone out there with a legit argument as to why I should change things up a bit and move them way, way up?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 21, 2007, 08:07:36 PM
Quote from: atnwriter on January 21, 2007, 05:25:48 PM

I'm guessing there are a few folks who feel we've shortchanged IWU this year..anyone out there with a legit argument as to why I should change things up a bit and move them way, way up?

Atn,

I tend not to put a lot of stock in where my teams are ranked, exactly.  It has seemed a bit odd, however, to see DePauw, whom the Titans beat by 9 in the second game of the season when Depauw was ranked #3, stay in the top ten while IWU is ranked in the high teens.  I suppose the rap is "Who have they beaten?" The answer, now that CCIW play is underway, is Millikin and Wheaton, two teams still receiving votes.  The Millikin win, by 19 points on Millikin's court, was particularly impressive, with pre-season all-American Lindsay Ippel held to 16 points. 

The Titans lost two key post players, Brianna Baker-Carvell and Christina Solari, to ACL injuries early on.  What's impressive is the way coach Mia Smith has used her remaining players.  The usual starting lineup contains four guards; three (Sarah Bull, point Mallory Haydorn, and Claire Sheehan) are averaging in double figures.  Last week at Elmhurst, Crystal Dye had a breakout game, scoring 21 points and pulling in 7 rebounds.   

I haven't seen the teams ranked above IWU, so I can't and won't tell you how to vote.  I have watched a lot of basketball in my life, and I've rarely seen a group so personally unselfish; willing to dig in and play a team game.  They dive after loose balls, play defense, and if someone's having an off day, the others take over.  They're a lot of fun to watch, and I look for them to surprise some teams in a few weeks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2007, 07:27:38 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2007, 11:34:49 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: titan30 on January 23, 2007, 10:34:20 PM
ATN-

Everyone is biased no matter what role they may have with rankings.  I say leave us down there - just makes the team more fired up to play harder!  IWU should be higher, but they'll take on the 16 above them any day!  Better to be the underdog!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2007, 02:18:24 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2007, 03:18:49 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2007, 03:45:18 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 25, 2007, 06:41:32 PM
A nice writeup on the IWU women's team in Around the Nation - don't miss it!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 27, 2007, 10:09:32 AM
The IWU/Carthage women's game can be heard on WJBC, AM-1230.  Pregame coverage starts at 4:45pm.

http://www.wjbc.com/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 27, 2007, 10:13:19 AM
I haven't looked at the big picture in a ton of detail, but I've been thinking that IWU and Chicago are competing for the #1 seed in the region.  Any Chicago losses (like last night) are big for IWU.

Still a long way to go in the CCIW though.  The Titans need a road win in Kenosha today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2007, 06:12:34 PM
This afternoon at the Griz, Millikin jumped out to a 14-point lead but then had to hold off a late NPU surge to beat the Vikings, 61-54. NPU got to within a point with under two minutes left, but the Big Blue made just enough FTs down the stretch to stave off the visitors.

Sounds like the two respective All-American candidates for the two teams put on a good show. Lindsay Ippel, whom NPU held to 12 points in the meeting in Chicago between the two teams, had 32 points and 15 boards for Millikin, while Laura Mount scored 26 for NPU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: atn alum on January 28, 2007, 12:30:08 AM
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Ypsi, except some doofus (me) botched the name Mallory Heydorn and called her "Molly."

My apologies to any offended IWU folks out there
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 28, 2007, 12:41:15 AM
Atn,

It was a really nice story.  As you said in the story, the IWU women's program has long been in the shadow of the men; it's great that they are coming into their own.  And Mallory scored 27 points tonight in a hard-fought game at Carthage; I don't think she was traumatized by being called "Molly."   Nice job.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 29, 2007, 11:11:33 AM
The ATN feature on the IWU women was very well done and much appreciated.  It is certainly nice to see Mia Smith's team step out of that shadow.

The Titans showed a lot of heart Saturday at Carthage.  It was a back-and-forth game for the final 10 mintues with two IWU guards taking over down the stretch...Sarah Bull kept the Titans in it with some big shots and Mallory Heydorn drilled a 3 from the top of the key to give IWU a 3-point lead with about 1:00 left. 

By continuing to win in the CCIW, the Titans can put themselves in great tournament position by earning the #1 seed in the region (which could lead to an opportunity to host a sectional).  Current in-region records:

Illinois Wesleyan (CCIW) 15 0 1.000       
UW-Stout (WIAC) 16 1 .941       
Lake Forest (MWC) 13 1 .929       
Chicago (UAA) 14 2 .875       
Concordia (Wis.) (NATHC) 11 2 .846       
 

Still a long way to go, but the opportunity to win the CCIW title, host the conference tournament, and earn a #1 seed should be enough to keep the intensity level high every night out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2007, 01:51:56 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on January 30, 2007, 05:45:38 PM
I was also at the Elmhurst/Augie game. I was disappointed as they did not really display the same type of fight and effort that they have in the past. I'm hoping that tonight's game vs. NPU will be a better one. The last match-up was in November and I think both teams are drastically different than they were a few months ago. I also thought that the coaching staff looked drained. I doubt they read this- but as words of encouragement- stay positive and stay consistent! You are changing the program!

The Wheaton at Carthage game is an interesting match-up. I'm pulling for Wheaton in this one.

On a side note, with Concordia-WI not having an automatic qualifier this season- realistically- what are their chances? The conference is not a strong one in general and with all those conference games- it didn't leave much room for non-conference opponents to challenge them. Although I suppose they could get in the same way Rockford did the past few years(weaker schedule, big #'s in the win column, but no major competition.......just some thoughts............
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on January 30, 2007, 10:39:12 PM
From the North Park website: North Park 59, Augie 49.  Laura Mount scored 23 for the Chicago Vikings.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2007, 05:18:15 AM
Quote from: mr_b on January 30, 2007, 10:39:12 PM
From the North Park website: North Park 59, Augie 49.  Laura Mount scored 23 for the Chicago Vikings.

NPU didn't shoot well -- again -- and they were outrebounded as well, but they did a lot of pickpocketing: 13 of the 22 Augie turnovers were steals. And even though the NPU lead didn't reach double digits for the first time until the second half was in its seventh minute, the visitors did manage to hold that double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

Laura Mount had nine boards to go with her 23 points. She's just one point shy of averaging 20 ppg in the CCIW this season, trailing only Millikin's Lindsay Ippel in the scoring department, and she's the only guard in the league who is averaging over 50% from the field. She leads the league in steals by a wide margin, and she's fifth in assists and sixth in FT pct. In spite of the fact that every opposing team focuses upon her, to the point where she has three or four opponents draped all over her every time she drives to the hoop, she's still putting up sterling numbers this season.

I don't think NPU has had an All-American women's basketball player since Rachel Pearson in the early '90s, but Laura Mount is making a compelling case for herself this season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2007, 01:37:56 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2007, 11:38:15 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2007, 03:35:16 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on February 02, 2007, 09:40:47 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 29, 2007, 11:11:33 AM
The ATN feature on the IWU women was very well done and much appreciated.  It is certainly nice to see Mia Smith's team step out of that shadow.

The Titans showed a lot of heart Saturday at Carthage.  It was a back-and-forth game for the final 10 mintues with two IWU guards taking over down the stretch...Sarah Bull kept the Titans in it with some big shots and Mallory Heydorn drilled a 3 from the top of the key to give IWU a 3-point lead with about 1:00 left. 

By continuing to win in the CCIW, the Titans can put themselves in great tournament position by earning the #1 seed in the region (which could lead to an opportunity to host a sectional).  Current in-region records:

Illinois Wesleyan (CCIW) 15 0 1.000      
UW-Stout (WIAC) 16 1 .941      
Lake Forest (MWC) 13 1 .929      
Chicago (UAA) 14 2 .875      
Concordia (Wis.) (NATHC) 11 2 .846      
 

Still a long way to go, but the opportunity to win the CCIW title, host the conference tournament, and earn a #1 seed should be enough to keep the intensity level high every night out.
Quote from: Illinihoops4 on January 30, 2007, 05:45:38 PM
I was also at the Elmhurst/Augie game. I was disappointed as they did not really display the same type of fight and effort that they have in the past. I'm hoping that tonight's game vs. NPU will be a better one. The last match-up was in November and I think both teams are drastically different than they were a few months ago. I also thought that the coaching staff looked drained. I doubt they read this- but as words of encouragement- stay positive and stay consistent! You are changing the program!

The Wheaton at Carthage game is an interesting match-up. I'm pulling for Wheaton in this one.

On a side note, with Concordia-WI not having an automatic qualifier this season- realistically- what are their chances? The conference is not a strong one in general and with all those conference games- it didn't leave much room for non-conference opponents to challenge them. Although I suppose they could get in the same way Rockford did the past few years(weaker schedule, big #'s in the win column, but no major competition.......just some thoughts............

This poster's been following the NAthCon all season to this point. IMHO, Concordia-WI will have to win out, (including their own conference tournament) to make Nationals. In that event, the earliest indications I've seen are if they did, it'd be either as Pool B or Pool C, but there's still 2 1/2 weeks of reg season in-conference play left yet. (On top of that, 6 teams are within 2 games of 2nd place, so if Concordia-WI does go on a losing streak, I'd be surprised if any NAthCon team made Nationals).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 03, 2007, 01:25:37 AM
RogK, yes, the vikings passed up many 3 point shots as at one point this season they were shooting 14% from the arc. Coach Endress has no problem with them shooting it if they're making them. Their shot selection has gotten better as a team this season and I know they're recruiting a very good outside shooter very hard. I also know she preaches that the team must get in and shoot outside of practice. How many have taken this to heart I don't know. They did a great job of attacking the basket last night against Clarke, but against certain CCIW teams they struggle with this. I agree, many areas to improve for Augie as well as the other teams in the conference. I think that for some members of the team, hard work is not something they are used to, perhaps one of the reasons for Sikora to come off the bench. Hard work is something she requires day in and day out (something not in place in the past) and with her first recruiting class I think things will start to fit together nicely.

Carthage is up tomorrow. Hopefully Augie will feed off of Thursday's win because the last meeting was not what they were looking for I'm sure.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 03, 2007, 08:31:35 AM
The IWU/Elmhurst game today at 5:15pm will be video streamed (as will the men's game following)...

http://www2.iwu.edu/news/live/index.shtml
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 04, 2007, 10:04:07 PM
Augie fell to Carthage, but Coach B. had his hands full. The vikings came out firing on all cylinders and it took quite some time for the Lady Reds to find their groove. He was forced to shuffle his bigs in and out because Sarah Miers was causing some problems for them as she might lack the height, but she certainly doesn't lack the strength. Augie's post defense was much improved and it was fun to watch. Dredge played a nice game for Carthage as did Gartelos off the bench despite fouling out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2007, 04:07:06 AM
Another rough go down the stretch for NPU, and another narrow loss. Wheaton beat the Vikings on Saturday afternoon in the crackerbox, 63-60, mostly because NPU did not have a player anywhere close to Jill Trenz's height who could prevent her from getting off a shot in close, so Wheaton went to Trenz twice in the final 1:34 and she made two bunnies right over the outstretched arms of the NPU defender. The Vikings did run a great play to get off a final shot from the corner that would've tied the game, but Lauren Martin's trey attempt at the buzzer rimmed out. That makes it twice this season that NPU has missed a trey at the buzzer against Wheaton that would've forced overtime.

Trenz wasn't close to being the game's dominant player, though. Neither were Elizabeth Fox or Brittany Cooper, both of whom followed Trenz into double figures for Wheaton. Laura Mount scored 27 points, a career high, in the losing cause for the Park. My guess is that the CCIW's Most Outstanding Player award is going to come down to either Mount or Millikin's Lindsay Ippel ... and I just hope that Mount isn't penalized for the fact that her team is not faring as well as the Big Blue.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2007, 11:39:40 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2007, 01:11:00 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2007, 07:45:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 05, 2007, 11:39:40 AM
I'd say you also have to examine why IWU is 9-0, Greg.
And Mallory Heydorn is the #1 reason for that. She should not be penalized for having an (almost) equally superb teammate in Claire Sheehan. Heydorn is the best all-around guard in the conference, I think. Best player in the conference? Too early to say. Let's see what happens with IWU vs Millikin tomorrow and at Wheaton on Saturday. Mount and Ippel will be 1st teamers all-conf, but lets wait on the MOP award for a while more. If Trenz finishes strong and Wheaton doesn't lose again, maybe she's the most outstanding.

I think Mount is clearly better than either Heydorn or Sheehan. Together, though, it's no contest -- the Illinois Wesleyan duo is by far the best backcourt in the league. As for Trenz, I was not that impressed by her on Saturday. She didn't look to me as though she'd progressed from last season. Yes, her height advantage was instrumental in the closing minutes of Wheaton's victory over NPU on Saturday, but she should've used it to be the dominant player whenever she was on the floor. She wasn't even close to being dominant on Saturday. I was much more impressed by Fox and Cooper; they were the two players who really stepped up and kept Wheaton going throughout the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2007, 09:49:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2007, 07:45:33 PM

I think Mount is clearly better than either Heydorn or Sheehan. Together, though, it's no contest -- the Illinois Wesleyan duo is by far the best backcourt in the league.

Greg, I'm not sure on what objective criteria you've based your judgment that Mount is "clearly better" than Heydorn, in particular.  Here are some stats from the CCIW website (they've both played in 20 games; I've edited a bit):

Individual scoring:

3.Mount, Laura-NPU.........  17.8
4.Bull, Sarah-IWU..........     16.7
5.Tinkoff, Danielle-NCC....    16.1
6.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....  15.6
7.Sheehan, Claire-IWU......  14.6

Assists:

4.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....  4.10
5.Mount, Laura-NPU.........   3.50

Free Throw Percentage:

5.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....    .808
6.Dredge, Kristina-CARTHAG  .800
7.Mount, Laura-NPU.........     .771
8.Sheehan, Claire-IWU......    .765

Steals:

1.Mount, Laura-NPU.........    20     51   2.55
2.Fidelia, Kathleen-WHEATON19     47   2.47
3.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....    20     49   2.45

3-pt FG percentage:

2.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....  .433
3.Bull, Sarah-IWU..........      .402
4.Sheehan, Claire-IWU......   .396

3-pt FG made:

1.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....   3.25
2.Bull, Sarah-IWU..........       2.17
3.Sheehan, Claire-IWU......    2.10

Assist-to-turnover ratio:

3.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU.....   1.44
4.Riebock,Andrea-MILLIKIN.. 1.03
5.Mount, Laura-NPU.........     1.03

Defensive rebounds:

12.Mount, Laura-NPU.........  3.50
13.Heydorn, Mallory-IWU..... 3.45

The one category where Mount is among the leaders and Heydorn is not is Field Goal Percentage:

4.Mount, Laura-NPU.........        .500
5.Gartelos, Lisa-CARTHAGE       .493
6.Jarger, Katie-CARTHAGE.       .485
7.Sheehan, Claire-IWU......       .467
8.Cooper, Brittany-WHEATON.  .466
9.Bull, Sarah-IWU..........          .466

This is offset by the strong 3-point shooting of Heydorn and her colleagues Claire Sheehan and Sarah Bull. 

Laura Mount is a very fine player, no question.  But there is no way she is "clearly better" than Mallory Heydorn.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 05, 2007, 10:34:28 PM
A lot of talk about IWU's backcourt duo of Heydorn (15.6 ppg) and Sheehan (14.6 ppg), but don't forget IWU's leading scorer is guard Sarah Bull (16.7 ppg).  I have no idea who you'd call the 2 and who the 3 on this team...Sheehan and Bull are both basically shooting guards.  (Bull has missed the last two games with a sprained ankle, but I believe will return tomorrow.)

I do not know the women's side of the league well enough yet to know where Mallory Heydorn stands as an M.O.P. candidate, but she is absolutely fantastic.  She is a great point-guard, averaging 4.1 assists per game with a 1.4 A:TO ratio.  On the defensive end, she has 49 steals.  Mallory is also a great scorer and one of the best 3-point shooters I've ever seen -- 65-150 (.433).  From the FT line she's 42-52 (.808).  Finally, she is just simply clutch.  She hit a 3 from about 24 feet to beat Carthage in Kenosha, after the Lady Reds had battled back from a big deficit to take a lead.  You can tell she is just one of those players who wants the ball in the big situations and isn't scared to take the game winning shot. 

It is always hard to compare a point-guard to other positions on the floor, because with point-guards a lot of what they do does not show up on the stat sheet.  I know that is how it is with Heydorn.  She is IWU's MVP and I'd think one of the top M.O.P. candidates in the CCIW.

IWU has two huge games this week -- tomorrow at home vs Millikin and Saturday @ Wheaton. 

Ill. Wesleyan  9-0 
Wheaton 8-1 
Millikin 7-2 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2007, 01:50:29 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2007, 09:49:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2007, 07:45:33 PM

I think Mount is clearly better than either Heydorn or Sheehan. Together, though, it's no contest -- the Illinois Wesleyan duo is by far the best backcourt in the league.

Greg, I'm not sure on what objective criteria you've based your judgment that Mount is "clearly better" than Heydorn, in particular.

Personal observation of the two of them going head-to-head. The coaches don't vote for MOP based upon statistics, although Mount matches up very well across the board against Heydorn, as you demonstrated yourself.

Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2007, 09:49:13 PMLaura Mount is a very fine player, no question.  But there is no way she is "clearly better" than Mallory Heydorn.

I emphatically disagree. In fact, Heydorn's playing alongside two backcourt mates as solid as Bull and Sheehan further militates in Mount's favor. This is not a knock at NPU's other perimeter players, but they are not nearly up to par with Bull and Sheehan. Every time the ball is in Laura Mount's hands, the other team keys on her. Every time that she makes a move towards the basket with the ball, the entire defense collapses upon her. You'll see as many as three or four opponents surround her, because NPU simply lacks the outside shooters who can make an opposing team pay with a kickout trey. And yet she's still scoring points by the bushel.

Here's the top ten scorers in the CCIW, with the percentage of their team's points that they have scored:

1. Lindsay Ippel, MU35.9%
2. Laura Mount, NPU36.9%
3. Danielle Tinkoff, NCC30.9%
4. Brianne Parra, NCC28.2%
5. Mallory Heydorn, IWU23.0%
6. Sarah Bull, IWU17.1%
7. Jill Trenz, WC22.9%
8. Lyndsie Long, EC23.0%
9. Brittany Bobruk, EC22.7%
10. Katie Jarger, CC21.0%

Given that Lindsay Ippel has already won four POTW awards, my guess is that she has the inside track on MOP. But I'd like to see Laura Mount get her due consideration.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2007, 08:45:07 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2007, 01:50:29 AM
.... Mount matches up very well across the board against Heydorn, as you demonstrated yourself....

That was my point.  In most statistical categories, they are very close.  No way either one is "clearly better" from looking at the stats.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2007, 01:50:29 AM
I emphatically disagree. In fact, Heydorn's playing alongside two backcourt mates as solid as Bull and Sheehan further militates in Mount's favor. This is not a knock at NPU's other perimeter players, but they are not nearly up to par with Bull and Sheehan. Every time the ball is in Laura Mount's hands, the other team keys on her. Every time that she makes a move towards the basket with the ball, the entire defense collapses upon her. You'll see as many as three or four opponents surround her, because NPU simply lacks the outside shooters who can make an opposing team pay with a kickout trey. And yet she's still scoring points by the bushel.


So it sounds as though you're saying Heydorn is a lesser player because she plays with stronger teammates.  Any contending team needs a point guard, and Heydorn fills that role superbly as well as being a clutch scorer herself. 

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2007, 01:50:29 AM
Here's the top ten scorers in the CCIW, with the percentage of their team's points that they have scored:

1. Lindsay Ippel, MU35.9%
2. Laura Mount, NPU36.9%
3. Danielle Tinkoff, NCC30.9%
4. Brianne Parra, NCC28.2%
5. Mallory Heydorn, IWU23.0%

I don't want to quibble, but given the numbers you quoted there, it looks as though Mount should be first, not second, in that category. Again, that speaks more to the quality of the supporting cast than to the relative merits of Heydorn and Mount.


Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2007, 01:50:29 AM
Given that Lindsay Ippel has already won four POTW awards, my guess is that she has the inside track on MOP. But I'd like to see Laura Mount get her due consideration.

I agree totally that she deserves "due consideration," but that's a far cry from being "clearly better."  Laura Mount may well deserve to be named Most Outstanding Player.  In the meantime, this is a huge week for for IWU with games against Millkin and Wheaton, and I agree with Rog that it's premature to be making decisions about MOP.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2007, 05:00:25 PM
The IWU-Millikin game scheduled for 7:30 tonight at Shirk has been postponed until Thursday night at 7:30 due to the weather.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2007, 02:31:59 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2007, 08:45:07 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2007, 01:50:29 AM
.... Mount matches up very well across the board against Heydorn, as you demonstrated yourself....

That was my point.  In most statistical categories, they are very close.  No way either one is "clearly better" from looking at the stats.

And my point was that stats do not decide the MOP award, nor do the basic stats always provide intrinsically perfect metrics for comparison. In this case, they contain a surprising disparity when looked at within the contexts of the two respective teams.

Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2007, 08:45:07 AMSo it sounds as though you're saying Heydorn is a lesser player because she plays with stronger teammates.  Any contending team needs a point guard, and Heydorn fills that role superbly as well as being a clutch scorer herself. 

Heydorn's teammates definitely put her in a more favorable light. She's a terrific player in her own right, but they make it much easier for her to succeed. Mount, by contrast, has to do an awful lot of heavy lifting by herself, particularly because her primary offensive strength is as a penetrator. In other words, it's not a matter of her teammates setting her up as a shooter -- it's frequently a matter of, "Give Laura the ball, and then step aside and watch her drive to the basket with most of the opposition draped all over her." And Mount is NPU's point guard, too -- she brings the ball up the floor as much, if not more, than does Anna Mueller, and the ball is in her hands at least half the time on NPU's possessions.

This makes it sound as though her teammates are useless appendages, and I don't mean for it to sound that way at all. Evie Peterson, Anna Mueller, Alex Coleman, and Stylianee Damianides are all decent CCIW players, and I think that Peterson and Damianides will be able to improve their games and shoulder increased scoring responsibilities next season after Mount has graduated. But Mount's relative ability at this level of basketball, and the combination of her particular skill set and the specific weaknesses of her teammates (i.e., poor perimeter shooting and a lack of height in the post), does make it seem as though the Vikings are frequently a one-woman team on offense. She's led North Park in scoring in 16 of their 21 games and has taken an outsized proportion of NPU's field goal and free throw attempts. The only players in the league who are comparable to Mount in terms of shot attempts both from the field and from the line are Lindsay Ippel and Danielle Tinkoff.

Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2007, 08:45:07 AMI don't want to quibble, but given the numbers you quoted there, it looks as though Mount should be first, not second, in that category. Again, that speaks more to the quality of the supporting cast than to the relative merits of Heydorn and Mount.

Mount is first in that category. Look at the numbers again. She's a full percentage point ahead of Ippel, and six percentage points ahead of #3 Danielle Tinkoff. As for this statistic saying more about the supporting casts than the relative talents of Mount and Heydorn, I disagree. The statistical disparity between the two is much too great for that. Mount scores half again as many of her team's points as does Heydorn. Opposing coaches have to contend with three different perimeter threats when they game-plan for Illinois Wesleyan, which works to Heydorn's advantage. The game plan for stopping NPU can be basically condensed into three words: Stop Laura Mount.

Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2007, 08:45:07 AMI agree totally that she deserves "due consideration," but that's a far cry from being "clearly better."  Laura Mount may well deserve to be named Most Outstanding Player.  In the meantime, this is a huge week for for IWU with games against Millkin and Wheaton, and I agree with Rog that it's premature to be making decisions about MOP.

Given that Lindsay Ippel has already won four POTW awards, my concern is that the decision for MOP has already been made.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2007, 02:40:45 AM
NPU's outside chance at a CCIW tourney berth stayed alive tonight as the Vikings took down North Central, 73-64, in the airplane hangar in Naperville. Laura Mount led the Vikings with 17 in only 25 minutes of action (I'm not sure why she spent so much time on the bench, as she ended the game without commiting a foul; I hope she didn't get hurt). Cassie Christensen came off of the bench to add 12 points for the Park, which I'm pretty sure is a career high for her, and Anna Mueller and Evie Peterson chipped in 11 points apiece. Peterson notched a double-double, as she also garnered ten boards. NCC was led by Danielle Tinkoff with a game-high 29 points, while Kate Schmidt added 10 for the Cards before fouling out. NPU outrebounded NCC, 36-30, and the Vikings only turned the ball over a season-low seven times.

NPU, which is in close to a must-win situation from here on out, will return to the western suburbs on Saturday afternoon to face Elmhurst.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 07, 2007, 08:02:38 AM
It's good to see so much talking on this board recently.

Sager- I am not sure how much you have seen of Jill Trenz this year, but I find it ironic that the game you refer to is one where she scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. She also happened to pass the 1,000 point and 650 rebound milestone. I defer to your basketball genius, but those seem like pretty impressive stats given that no one has reached those kind of numbers this quickly at Wheaton at least since Stephanie Clark and Nicole Merchant in the early to mid 90s.

Is Trenz ever going to put up 35 points a game like Ippel? I doubt it, but that isn't the way Wheaton plays. No one has scored more than 26 points in a game since Sarah Harris put up 38 and 34 points in back-to-back games before hurting her back in 2003.

However Trenz will get you about 13 or 14 points, 9 or 10 rebounds and 6 blocked shots a game. She is a force on the defensive end of the floor and is playing with a young group of guards. Wheaton is almost never going to produce someone like Ippel or Mount who can dominate the stat sheet the way they do. However, they have won the last two conference championships playing more balanced basketball.

Laura Mount is a great player, and I won't take any shots at her. She has helped North Park grow quite a bit these last few years, but generally I don't care who the "game's dominant player" is. Winning means more to me.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 07, 2007, 08:03:51 AM
And by the way, the award is the Most Outstanding Player, and Ippel is probably the best player in the country, so there really shouldn't be any debate, at least for the top award. I think that the Heydorn-Mount debate is interesting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Chicago_BBall_97 on February 07, 2007, 08:26:55 AM
Illinihoops4 -  You seem to know a lot about Augustana's team this year.  One question, for a coach who prides herself on defense, what's the reasoning for Augustana being second to last in Scoring Defense in the CCIW?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2007, 01:49:23 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2007, 03:54:42 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 07, 2007, 06:02:01 PM
RogK thanks for rundown on the Wheaton-Augie game.  The boxscore had some icy shooting percentages. Augie shot 29.8 percent while Wheaton was at 29.7 percent. Doesn't sound like a pretty game.

Chicago- one question for you- what do you know about the Augustana program? I'm not going to make excuses for them and I know their coach is fully aware of where they stand defensively as well as every other category in the conference. Fact of the matter is, they are missing a lot of pieces. Many problems early on were a result of turnovers. Fast break points, etc. Augie has cut their turnovers down since Christmas (much of that coming with the play of Rachwalski as RogK mentioned above). Then it was ball pressure and not contesting the 3pt. shot. When you don't face that in practice (because it's not one of their strengths), it's hard to adjust to because- while Augie has a couple athletes- they don't have basketball players. They've defended the 3 pt. shot much better as of late and their ball pressure has improved. The biggest problem however has been their lack of size and strength in the post. They do not have a player that stands a true 6 ft. You can't coach size. In fact, while Skahill is their leading scorer, she lacks the defensive skills. Sarah Miers, Rachel Newtoff, and Cindy Kastning have become the most effective post defenders, none of which are taller than 5'9. Even with outstretched hands it's not too difficult to shoot over them. Teams that have 2,3,4 strong post players cause problems for them because they don't have the personnel. From there it's helpside and to be honest, they've improved quite a bit  in that area in the last few game and they are beginning to understand the game and play team defense. The players have to have some basketball knowledge to compete consistently at this level. Fill in the missing pieces and add experience and I'll think they'll be better in the future. I know Coach likes to switch up her defenses and press, but they don't have the athletes to do that in this conference. So, you do the best you can with what you've got.
Just my 2 cents.

There is a major drop off after 7 players or so and I would also like to see them bring in at least 6 players. A pure shooter, 3-4 post true posts are necessities. Buzz is that more recruiting is being done this year than in the past 5-6 years. We'll see what happens.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2007, 01:10:14 AM
Quote from: skafkas on February 07, 2007, 08:02:38 AM
It's good to see so much talking on this board recently.

Sager- I am not sure how much you have seen of Jill Trenz this year, but I find it ironic that the game you refer to is one where she scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. She also happened to pass the 1,000 point and 650 rebound milestone. I defer to your basketball genius, but those seem like pretty impressive stats given that no one has reached those kind of numbers this quickly at Wheaton at least since Stephanie Clark and Nicole Merchant in the early to mid 90s.

Is Trenz ever going to put up 35 points a game like Ippel? I doubt it, but that isn't the way Wheaton plays. No one has scored more than 26 points in a game since Sarah Harris put up 38 and 34 points in back-to-back games before hurting her back in 2003.

However Trenz will get you about 13 or 14 points, 9 or 10 rebounds and 6 blocked shots a game. She is a force on the defensive end of the floor and is playing with a young group of guards. Wheaton is almost never going to produce someone like Ippel or Mount who can dominate the stat sheet the way they do. However, they have won the last two conference championships playing more balanced basketball.

Laura Mount is a great player, and I won't take any shots at her. She has helped North Park grow quite a bit these last few years, but generally I don't care who the "game's dominant player" is. Winning means more to me.

Hey, don't get me wrong -- I think Trenz is a very strong player. But against a team as seriously lacking in size as NPU, she should've been more dominant. She seemed very tentative on offense for most of the game, and, as I said, it was Fox and Cooper who were Wheaton's sparks throughout the second half. But Trenz did respond with the big buckets in crunch time, as I said.

Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2007, 03:54:42 PM
I like to see a team that goes ten or twelve deep, so in addition to Augie, other CCIW teams that have room for five or six good newcomers in '07-'08 : NC, NP, EC.
Think how much fun it would be to have all 8 schools in contention for the conference tournament.

Jack Surridge really needs to load up and have a strong recruiting year for NPU. He usually seems to bring in one good player per year; this year he needs to bring in at least three or four. And he needs height; NPU has suffered all season from the fact that Megan Slattery was not replaced after last season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2007, 11:39:32 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 08, 2007, 11:14:05 PM
After IWU got its first ever first place vote (in the season it cracked the top 25 for the first time), they fell (hard) tonight to Millikin (at the Shirk!), 67-49.  I couldn't get a broadcast, so if anyone did, or was there, please fill in impressions.  From the box score:

MU had 43 rebounds (Ippel and Schwartz combined for 20) to the Titans' 28.

MU shot 50% overall (54% from 3), plus 90% from the line; the Titans shot under 25% overall (21% from 3), and only 67% from the line.

Ippel and Schwartz combined for 33 of the 67 points.  Heydorn led all scorers with 19, but it took her 7-21 (2-8 from 3) and 3 of 5 from the line to get there.

Sounds like the only thing keeping the game from a total rout was turnovers: IWU had only 12, the Blue had 25.

With Wheaton up in less than two days, better get back on track VERY quickly!

Earlier today I was recalling two years ago when one lonely voter gave Millikin first place votes several weeks in a row, when they were otherwise in the lower reaches of the top 10 - you recall, I'm sure, how that season ended!  Now I curse this year's lonely voter who jinxed our women! >:(  Oh, well, the season is certainly not 'down-the-tubes' with tonight's fiasco!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 08, 2007, 11:41:40 PM
Very disappointing performance tonight by the Titans.  IWU is a perimeter-oriented team, so they're vulnerable to nights when the jump shots aren't falling, but I never thought I'd see anything like this.  The Titans were 15-61 (24.6% from the field), including 5-24 (20.8%) from 3!  IWU shot the ball 19 more times from the field than Millikin and lost by 18 points...think about that for a second.  I'm not sure I've ever seen so many missed layups and other easy shots.

IWU won its last two games without leading scorer Sarah Bull (ankle sprain).  Bull did not start again tonight but played 14 minutes off the bench, and never looked right. 

The CCIW race changed a lot tonight.  9-1 IWU travels to 9-1 Wheaton Saturday...doesn't get much bigger than that.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 09, 2007, 06:18:04 AM
...and then Wheaton goes and plays a likely 8-2 Millikin on Tuesday in Decatur. It's possible that there could be a three way tie at 10-2 by Tuesday night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2007, 07:46:50 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2007, 11:39:32 AM
"Load up" is a good way of phrasing it, Greg. North Park has a maximum of six returning players for '07-'08, and two of them have played very little.
If I understand the NP philosophy, it is to slow the game, limiting the number of events : possessions, fouls, etc. This serves to keep their individuals less fatigued and out of foul trouble and prevents the opposition from developing momentum. They do not want to get into a "track meet" with anyone. This style requires fewer players than would be needed for a run-and-gun team. Still, they need at least four new additions to play any sort of style, slowish or other.

I think that Jack Surridge prefers this slowdown, defense-oriented style, and since the man has over 500 career wins I'm certainly not going to second-guess his philosophy. It hasn't gotten North Park to the top of the league, but it's certainly made the Vikings a respectable CCIW program year in and year out. However, I also wonder how much of this style is borne by necessity. NPU never has the numbers in terms of roster strength, because the program never brings in more than three players or so a year, four at the most. Of course, it needs to be said in Jack's defense that he also has a very demanding and time-intensive second job as the school's athletic director, and he does not have a full-time assistant to help him with recruiting.

I remember one game a few years ago when Carthage was visiting the crackerbox and the Lady Reds had 21 players in uniform ... and NPU had eight players suited up. I asked Carthage coach Tim Bernero after the game if he just wanted to make sure he had us outnumbered 2-to-1 in case there was a bench-clearing brawl. :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2007, 11:42:17 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2007, 01:45:21 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2007, 01:36:59 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2007, 04:02:50 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: titan30 on February 12, 2007, 11:25:29 PM
The Thunder looked great on Saturday.  The Titans were simply outhustled and outcoached.  Wheaton scored easily against the Titan press; the press should have been taken off a lot earlier rather than waiting until halftime to discuss it.  The refs were not the best, but regardless, it was Wheaton's game.  The Titans were being pushed around; Colleen Caplice needs to be in the game more often to add some much needed muscle.  Claire Sheehan was a non-factor - when she received the ball she didn't even bother looking at the basket; she just looked to pass every time.  Crystal Dye has talent, but there is obviously some issues between her and the coach.  Hopefully, things will come together for the CCIW tournament.  I have not seen Millikin play, but after seeing Wheaton, I'd say the momentum is on the Thunder's side.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2007, 01:50:30 AM
I think Wheaton has the momentum and the point may be rendered moot, but IF Millikin can hold home court there is a high probability that there will be a 3-way tie for first at the end of the regular season.  Since IWU, Millikin, and Wheaton would all be 1-1 against each other, and undefeated against everyone else, what tie-breaker would end up applying?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2007, 03:45:43 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2007, 01:50:30 AM
I think Wheaton has the momentum and the point may be rendered moot, but IF Millikin can hold home court there is a high probability that there will be a 3-way tie for first at the end of the regular season.  Since IWU, Millikin, and Wheaton would all be 1-1 against each other, and undefeated against everyone else, what tie-breaker would end up applying?

The women have the same tiebreaker system as the men, Chuck. The first applicable tiebreaker is d. Road record against conference schools. Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin accomplished a road-dominated split with each other this season, so the road records of the three schools would be:

Illinois Wesleyan6-1
Millikin6-1
Wheaton5-2

Since that doesn't break the tie, we proceed to e. Record in their last nine games. And the result of that is:

Millikin8-1
Illinois Wesleyan7-2
Wheaton7-2

Therefore, in the event of a three-way tie at 12-2, the CCIW tourney will be held at the Griz in Decatur.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2007, 10:35:25 AM
Thanks, Greg, for clarifying the tiebreaker scenario.  Both Millkin and Wheaton looked very strong in their recent games against the Titans.

titan30 gets a lot of things right:  the Thunder were often (but not always!) able to beat the Titan press, "the refs were not the best but regardless, it was Wheaton's game," Colleen Caplice has become an effective post player, Claire Sheehan had an off game.  But it appears that if anyone has issues with coaching, it's titan30:

Quote from: titan30 on February 12, 2007, 11:25:29 PM
[snip]... The Titans were simply outhustled and outcoached.  Wheaton scored easily against the Titan press; the press should have been taken off a lot earlier rather than waiting until halftime to discuss it.  ...[snip]...Crystal Dye has talent, but there is obviously some issues between her and the coach.  ...[snip]

Given the early season loss of two post players, the Titans are severely undersized at almost every position.  Their press has been their strength all season and still caused a fair number of turnovers against Wheaton and especially against Millikin.  Man-to-man they just don't match up well against big, strong teams like Wheaton. 

And it's far from "obvious" that there are issues between Crystal Dye and Mia Smith.  I have no idea what inspired that remark, and I don't think it's accurate at all. 

Congratulations to the Big Blue and the Thunder and their coaches for two very good games against the Titans.  The CCIW tournament looks to feature some great rematches.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2007, 10:41:52 AM
I think it should be noted that the Titans were down 3 in the Wheaton game with about 2:30 left, and made two major runs to get to within 3 of Millikin in the second half.  I think the last time the margin was that narrow against Millikin was with 8 minutes to go.  In both cases, the games were much closer than the final score indicated.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2007, 12:05:47 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2007, 01:18:04 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2007, 03:45:43 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2007, 01:50:30 AM
I think Wheaton has the momentum and the point may be rendered moot, but IF Millikin can hold home court there is a high probability that there will be a 3-way tie for first at the end of the regular season.  Since IWU, Millikin, and Wheaton would all be 1-1 against each other, and undefeated against everyone else, what tie-breaker would end up applying?

The women have the same tiebreaker system as the men, Chuck. The first applicable tiebreaker is d. Road record against conference schools. Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin accomplished a road-dominated split with each other this season, so the road records of the three schools would be:

Illinois Wesleyan6-1
Millikin6-1
Wheaton5-2

Since that doesn't break the tie, we proceed to e. Record in their last nine games. And the result of that is:

Millikin8-1
Illinois Wesleyan7-2
Wheaton7-2

Therefore, in the event of a three-way tie at 12-2, the CCIW tourney will be held at the Griz in Decatur.

Just a point of clarification (it would be irrelevant this year, but might make a difference another time):

Wouldn't Wheaton drop out after the 'road record' tie-breaker, and just IWU/Millikin revert back to the first tie-breaker?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2007, 01:37:20 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 13, 2007, 09:46:35 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2007, 01:18:04 PM
Wouldn't Wheaton drop out after the 'road record' tie-breaker, and just IWU/Millikin revert back to the first tie-breaker?

That's how most conferences do their tiebreakers, yes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2007, 10:47:46 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 13, 2007, 09:46:35 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2007, 01:18:04 PM
Wouldn't Wheaton drop out after the 'road record' tie-breaker, and just IWU/Millikin revert back to the first tie-breaker?

That's how most conferences do their tiebreakers, yes.

It's not spelled out either way in the CCIW women's basketball sports guide, which is where the tiebreaker rules are laid out. That's why I included Wheaton in tiebreaker e. -- just in case Wheaton didn't drop out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: titan30 on February 13, 2007, 11:42:51 PM
Hoosier Titan-

I'm not trying to start anything about Crystal Dye and Coach Smith.  Don't imply that I have some major problem.  I am basing my information from my observations from Saturday's game.  When Dye comes out of the game, her head is down, she does not shake/slap the coach's hand when it is held out (more than one occasion), she shakes her head negatively after a coach's comment, and also turns her head and does not look at the coach during a timeout.  The other four players all were listening and making eye contact.  Coach Smith did yell at her to look up at her and she still didn't.  There just does not appear to be any respect present.  This definitely can cause problems.    Again, just my observations and opinion.  I am a Titan fan - always have been and always will be.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 14, 2007, 07:23:26 AM
Sager- I remember beating my head against the wall last year about tie-breaker scenarios. What I learned was that they are not clearly defined, and that an important factor is not mentioned. We learned last year that the interpretation of the commissioner (and generally what he decides the last time, because it often changes) is most important in these tiebreakers. I'm just going to show up wherever they tell me to be.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 14, 2007, 08:03:45 AM
titan30,

I didn't imply anything about you--I simply responded to your own words.  Do you know either Mia Smith or Crystal Dye personally?  Do you know what medical problems Dye has gone through to get back to playing regularly for Coach Smith?  Do you know that Crystal began at IWU playing both volleyball and basketball, and gave up volleyball to concentrate on playing for Mia Smith?

When things aren't going well--and it wasn't a great game for the Titans on Saturday (credit Wheaton for a lot of that too)--tempers can get a little short on both sides during timeouts.  I haven't witnessed any disrespect on either side, and I've been at every game save the two in Georgia.  The Titan women this year are one of the most team-oriented groups of players I've ever seen; that's a big part of their success to date.

I really agreed with everything else you said about the game.  Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2007, 11:42:42 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2007, 01:23:43 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2007, 01:18:50 AM
NPU found a way to nip Carthage this evening, 54-53, in spite of the fact that the Vikings led for less than a full minute of the game. The difference in the game was NPU's long-distance shooting, which was outstanding; the Vikes went 8-16 from downtown, and most of those eight treys came off of kickouts from Laura Mount after she had sucked in a Carthage triple-team on a drive to the basket.

Mount led all scorers with 20 points. Evie Peterson also came up big for the Park with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Carthage was led by Shana Lieberman, who had an off night from the floor, and by Katie Jarger, both of whom scored 11. Kristina Dredge added 10 for the Carthaginians.

The game was not without controversy. With North Park down 53-52 with less than ten seconds to go, Mount was called for traveling in the post. Stylianee Damianides immediately fouled Jarger on the inbounds play, and Jarger went to the line with eight seconds left. She missed the first FT, and her second FT was negated because her foot was over the line. Peterson took the inbounds pass for NPU and went coast-to-coast, sinking a five-foot runner with 3.4 seconds left.

Vikings center Cassie Christensen deflected the inbounds pass, which was picked up by NPU guard Anna Mueller. And here Mueller made the smart play that you'd expect from a senior; whereas under normal circumstances a player whose team was ahead by a point would simply dribble out the clock or smother the ball until the horn sounded, Mueller realized that Carthage had beaten NPU by three up in Kenosha in January, and that the Vikings thus needed two more points to even up a possible head-to-head-points tiebreaker between the Lady Reds and the Vikings, if it came down to that to determine the league's fourth and final tournament spot. So she banked in a fifteen-footer at the buzzer instead of letting the clock run out.

Unfortunately for the Park, and fortunately for Carthage, Mueller's shot was waved off as having come after the final horn began. There was a lot of arguing about that from the NPU side, as the Surridges tried to get the refs to reverse the call before they left the court, but to no avail. I was courtside working the book, and I honestly couldn't tell if the shot had left her hand in time or not. So, if it does come down to tiebreaker f. The point spread of the tied teams' head-to-head competition, Carthage gets the nod.

Regardless, congratulations to NPU on pulling off a hard-fought victory on Senior Night!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2007, 01:34:31 AM
Carthage is now 7-5, and NPU is 7-6. The Lady Reds play at home against Millikin on Saturday afternoon, and finish the regular season @ Wheaton on Tuesday night. NPU's lone remaining game is @ Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings and Lady Reds have split, and neither has beaten any of the three teams above them in the standings. If neither team can pull off an upset in any of those three remaining games, both will finish 7-7 and it'll come down to tiebreakers. Both teams would be 0-6 against the teams above them in the standings, both would be 6-0 against teams below them in the standings, both would be 3-4 in road games, and both would be 4-5 over their last nine games. So the remaining tiebreaker is f -- head-to-head points, which Carthage wins by a two-point overall margin. In other words, NPU has to win in Bloomington on Saturday in order to have a chance at the CCIW tournament.

Anna Mueller's basket at the buzzer being waved off may prove to be the biggest call made in the CCIW this season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 15, 2007, 07:29:52 AM
Here's a link to the Pantagraph story about the Titans' 84-68 win over Augustana in Rock Island last night.

Mallory Heydorn set a school record for made 3-pointers with 11.  She ended up with 37 points, 8 assists, 5 steals, and only 2 turnovers.  Sarah Bull had 15 and Thea Rogers 10; Claire Sheehan and Crystal Dye each chipped in 8.  Dye had 9 rebounds and 5 steals.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/15/sports/doc45d3e9757631a548037485.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2007, 11:41:42 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 15, 2007, 10:15:26 PM
The IWU/Augie game was a lot of fun to watch. Augie got off to a great start and caused IWU some problems early on. It was a 6 point ball game at the half and it would have been tied if not for a couple lapses. Heydorn was on fire- shooting from anywhere and everwhere. She's one of the best shooters I've seen at the DIII level! Props to her for a great game and congrats on the new school record.
Augie's seniors played a good amount and did some very nice things early in the game. Rymer gives it everything she's got every time she steps on the floor. It was an emotional game for some of them, but Rymer has also got softball season ahead of her so I'm not sure it's quite hit her yet. She's had a solid season. Maybe they can pull one off at NCC Saturday.

As for the officials at the NPU-Carthage game...... I've seen many interesting calls this year and some games that I would say call for review. I usually don't say much about the officiating (because I've officiated myself at the h.s., DIII, and NAIA levels), but the games that I've seen have looked like they've gone through the standings and if a team "isn't supposed to win"- they gotten several questionnable calls-because the lower teams shouldn't be competing with the upper half of the standings (that's what it looks like to me sometimes). I've seen 3 Elmhurst games, 2 NCC, a handfull of Augie games, and several games in other conferences. I wonder if the coach's officials evaluations are being taken seriously. I personally always wanted copies of the games I called to better myself. That may not be the case with many of these. I wonder who will be calling the conference tournament............
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 15, 2007, 10:35:50 PM
Wheaton won @ Millikin tonight 76-73, so it looks like the Thunder have it just about wrapped up...

Wheaton 11-1 (vs Elmhurst, vs Carthage)
Illinois Wesleyan 10-2 (vs NPU, @ NCC)
Millikin 9-3 (@ Carthage, @ Elmhurst)
Carthage 7-5 (vs Millikin, @ Wheaton)
North Park 7-6 (@ IWU)

Wheaton owns the tie-breaker over IWU via the sweep of Millikin, so the Thunder can clinch it Saturday vs Elmhurst.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 15, 2007, 11:16:00 PM
Speaking of Al Raya- is he officiating anymore or just assigning?

While Wheaton may have it just about wrapped up, this poster is going to pull for IWU the rest of the way.
Looking at overall records- are there any thoughts on getting 2-3 teams in the NCAA's? I know the WIAC always comments on how that conference is so tough and how they get slighted by only getting one team in. I'm just curious on everyone's thoughts.......
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2007, 11:38:46 PM
I haven't looked at it terribly closely, but I think IWU is probably in pretty good shape for a pool C if they don't win the tourney, but Millikin and Wheaton would definitely be long-shots as of the last QOWI postings and given their in-region losses.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2007, 01:11:25 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2007, 11:41:42 AM
Lindsey Johnson of North Park hit two early threes, rewarding Coach Surridge for starting her on Senior Night.
Greg, I neglected to ask you after the game -- what was all that disputation with about 38 seconds to go? Something to do with the clock? Two of the three refs were discussing it at length and Jack Surridge seemed moderately interested in the issue.

The rules say that the clock has to stop after every made FG in the final minute. The dispute was over whether or not the clock had re-started in a timely fashion when Carthage inbounded the ball following Laura Mount's layup with 37 seconds left that brought NPU to within a point of the Lady Reds.

Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2007, 11:41:42 AMThere was a lot of chaos at the end of that game; Al Raya may want to have a look at the tape.

I've been saying for years that the CCIW should mandate the presence of courtside monitors so that video evidence can be examined on the spot by the referee crew in order to guarantee that they get last-second-shot calls right. In this case, the entire seasons of two teams hinge upon the fact that Anna Mueller's buzzer-beater was waved off.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2007, 11:40:13 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bearsfan on February 16, 2007, 01:40:35 PM
I would say that as far as the CCIW getting more than 1 team in, it would have to involve IWU losing in the conference tournament. In order to be eligible for the Pool C bids, the team would have to be ranked in the final Central regional rankings and I would suspect that with their prior regional loses(13-5 overall with QOWI of 9.556), Wheaton would be a long shot to get into the rankings and Millikin's lose to Wheaton last night definitely hurt their chances eventhough they are close to 10 QOWI with the loss and 15-4 in region.

The top 4 (Lake Forest, UW-Stout, IWU, and Carroll) in the current rankings are in fairly solid shape and probably won't fall out barring disaster down the stretch, but the last two weeks of the UAA season features Wash U and Chicago head-to-head as well as both teams playing Rochester on the road so if either team was to drop those two games, they may very well fall out and Millikin have a chance to take the last spot if they go deep in the CCIW tourney. Especially if Chicago drops two as it would mean they would finish the season with loses in 7 of the last 9 games with them all being regional contests. I think the likely candidates for an open 6th spot would probably be Millikin or UW-Whitewater/UW-Eau Claire.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 16, 2007, 10:35:27 PM
I agree that Wheaton's chances are hurt by a slow start when Elizabeth Fox was injured. With five losses in region a sixth would make it hard for them to get a Pool C. On the other hand, it would be hard to see Millikin go as a pool C instead, given that Wheaton would have swept the season series with them (I guess there is still an outside shot that Wheaton could face Millikin in the first round of the tournament).

Wheaton has won 8 straight, including back-to-back wins against IWU and Millikin. If they win their last two regular season games, and win the conference tourney, they would be a tough out in the NCAAs.

By the way, Wheaton's semi-annual Alumni Game is tomorrow morning at 11 am. Former All-Americans Kerry Cole and Nicole Merchant are supposed to play, along with players like Rachel Horgen, Sara Kurtz, Irene Kim and others. It's usually a pretty fun time...Men's basketball coaches Owen Handy and Nate Frank are going to officiate.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2007, 12:01:33 AM
bearsfan,

In terms of the last regional rankings that we will see, it is not technically true that a team must be ranked to be eligible (though, in reality, I can't recall a team making it who wasn't).  The selection committee works from a last-last regional ranking that we don't see; reportedly it is longer than the published ones just in case a region goes through all their teams.

I think Wheaton has a near-zero chance of a C (even though at this moment they are quite possibly the best team in the league), but Millikin may be on at least the low-side of the bubble.  If they keep winning right up to the tourney final, they would finish 18(?)-5 in-region with a QOWI of about 10.  That's borderline, but definitely possible.

While I certainly would not want to bet on it, the conference might even get three teams: if Millikin beats IWU in the semi, then loses in the final.  The victor (presumably Wheaton, but whoever) is the AQ, IWU would still be a fairly safe bet for a C, and Millikin at least has a shot.

But I'm only a CCIW guy once the field is set.  Until then, go Titans, even if it costs us a team or two! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 17, 2007, 01:46:36 AM
IWU's best player, Mallory Heydorn, is done for the year...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/17/sports/doc45d66704462e8178421528.txt

What a blow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 17, 2007, 02:46:42 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 17, 2007, 01:46:36 AM
IWU's best player, Mallory Heydorn, is done for the year...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/17/sports/doc45d66704462e8178421528.txt

What a blow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 17, 2007, 02:56:48 AM
Oops...sorry about that.  Just a little bit upset here!

What a season...Brianna Baker-Carvell out with an ACL before the start, then Christina Solari, necessitating the four-guard offense.  Mia Smith has made outstanding use of her players so far.  She (and they) have worked near-miracles so far.  Hopefully they can work a few more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2007, 09:01:15 PM
IF Carthage loses at Wheaton, Carthage and North Park will tie for fourth at 7-7.  Since they split against each other, and each would be 0-6 against Wheaton, IWU, and Millikin and 6-0 against everyone else, and each would be 3-4 on the road and 4-5 for their last nine games, would making the tournament be based on a coin flip?  I can't find the tie-break rules on the CCIW site, but I think I covered everything prior to flipping a coin.  Anyone?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 17, 2007, 11:35:15 PM
Ypsi-There is one more before the coin flip. The final tiebreaker is point differential in head-to-head matchups. Carthage won by 3 and North Park won by 1, though it's my understanding that a three by North Park was controversily waved off at the buzzer in their win. So, here are the seeds

#1-Wheaton will play #4-Carthage at 6pm on Friday. #2-IWU (Possible tiebreak in their favor based on split with Wheaton, and Millikin losing two), will play #3-Millikin at 8pm.

Both games will be played at King Arena. The Final will be played at 2 pm on Saturday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 18, 2007, 12:24:09 AM
OK, right - I just re-read Greg's postings after the second NPU-Carthage game.  He was quite prescient that NPU's whole season may have prematurely ended on an easily reviewable judgment call.

If photographic evidence surfaces that the call was in error (and these days, if such evidence exists, it WILL surface!), that would totally be a shame.  (Though the way Wheaton is playing now, either Carthage or NPU likely would only have their season extended by one game anyway, but that IS why they play the games!)

[For the record, I don't like point-differential as a tie-breaker in bball (it's fine in a low-scoring game like soccer), as it potentially penalizes sportsmanship.  Let's say you're up 5 with 10 seconds to go in the first meeting - you're gonna feel pretty stupid if you do the right thing and dribble out the clock, then your opponent wins the rematch by 6!]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 18, 2007, 12:28:23 PM
Yesterday's North Park-IWU game was enjoyable to watch.  The Titans, playing without usual point guard Mallory Heydorn who watched with her broken hand in a cast, got off to a shaky start and North Park shot off to a 12-point lead in the first six minutes or so.  The Titans made a comeback, sparked by Claire Sheehan and Crystal Dye, to draw even and they finally pulled ahead in the last minute of the first half to take a 31-29 lead into the locker room. 

The second half featured five more ties; every time it looked as though one team had momentum the other side made a big play to pull things close again.  The final stats were as close as can be:  The Vikings shot 41.5% for the game to the Titans' 39.2%; rebounding was Vikings 32, Titans 33; free throws were Vikings 15/16, Titans 18/22.  Evie Peterson and Laura Mount both had 18 for the Vikings, while for the Titans Claire Sheehan had 18, Sarah Bull 15, and Crystal Dye 12.  Dye led all rebounders with 8.  For the Titans, Tasha Gaston-Bell did a nice job at the point and chipped in 6 points, and Becky Kiverts contributed big in the post with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

It was a strong, balanced performance for both teams as the final margin of 64-63 indicated.  Well done to both teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 18, 2007, 12:36:23 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 18, 2007, 12:24:09 AM

[For the record, I don't like point-differential as a tie-breaker in bball (it's fine in a low-scoring game like soccer), as it potentially penalizes sportsmanship.  Let's say you're up 5 with 10 seconds to go in the first meeting - you're gonna feel pretty stupid if you do the right thing and dribble out the clock, then your opponent wins the rematch by 6!]

I agree, and I'm not sure about it in soccer either, especially at the higher levels where scoring is not so difficult.  It's no fun seeing teams run up 6-0 victories just for the sake of goal differential, but that's for another forum.

I guess in the basketball scenario, score differential is preferable to only, well, flipping a coin.  Bravo to players and coaches (and CCIW posters!) who keep these things in their heads in the last seconds of a close game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 19, 2007, 04:03:29 PM
Wheaton clinched at least a share of its third straight CCIW Championship. The seniors and Trenz have put together quite a run of success for the Thunder. Before this current group of players arrived, Wheaton had won only 3 championships, and had a string of coming up second to Millikin (and Wesleyan once) that was rather unpleasant. It will be hard to replace Fox and Cooper who have been huge contributors to the team's success.

Brittany Cooper scored her 1,000th point on Thursday and became only the second player in Wheaton College history to have at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, and 175 steals. The other was All-American Stephanie Clark (granted she scored 1,700 in her career, but pretty good company anyway.)  Those stats are courtesy of Wheaton's eminent SID Brett Marhanka.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2007, 06:15:56 AM
NPU's hard-luck season drew to a close on Saturday afternoon. They put on a brave performance, but for the second year in a row they fell by one point to Illinois Wesleyan in a game that ended their season. Last year it was in the first round of the CCIW tourney, this year it was in their must-win final game of the regular season.

As soon as I read that Mallory Heydorn was hurt, I had a sinking feeling as a Vikings fan. I've all-too-often seen teams rally and push themselves to a higher level when their star is out for a crucial game. In fact, it happened to North Park last week on the men's side of things as well, as Carthage somehow managed to muster a vital win over the Vikings in spite of the fact that the Red Men's best player, Brian Schlemm, was watching the game in street clothes due to a twisted ankle.

Kudos to all five Vikings seniors -- Cassie Christensen, Alex Coleman, Lauren Martin, Laura Mount, and Anna Mueller -- for their efforts and contributions over the past few seasons. They were appreciated, and they will be missed.

Laura Mount ends her North Park career with 1,204 points, passing former teammate Shandrel Young in Saturday's game in Bloomington. That puts her fifth on NPU's all-time scoring leaderboard, trailing Rachel Pearson Bernero (1,784), Terry Haller (1,515), Barb Dunn (1,489), and Andrea Mendyk (1,224). Not bad company for a player in a slowdown, defense-oriented program who was teammates for three years with a couple of other members of the Thousand Point Club. Congratulations to Laura!

Congratulations as well to NPU junior forward Evie Peterson, whose 2-2 performance from the line against Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday put her at .902 (47-52) from the charity stripe in CCIW play this season. She thus breaks the all-time CCIW single-season record for FT percentage previously held by Carthage's Jenny Olson, who set the old record of .900 back in 2000-01.

In fact, North Park's .802 (210-262) team FT percentage is a new CCIW single-season record as well. It breaks the old record of .782 (214-274) set last season by Illinois Wesleyan.

Quote from: skafkas on February 17, 2007, 11:35:15 PM
Ypsi-There is one more before the coin flip. The final tiebreaker is point differential in head-to-head matchups. Carthage won by 3 and North Park won by 1, though it's my understanding that a three by North Park was controversily waved off at the buzzer in their win.

No, Anna Mueller's buzzer shot was only a two-pointer. The point differential between Carthage and NPU would've been tied if her shot had counted.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 18, 2007, 12:24:09 AM
OK, right - I just re-read Greg's postings after the second NPU-Carthage game.  He was quite prescient that NPU's whole season may have prematurely ended on an easily reviewable judgment call.

If photographic evidence surfaces that the call was in error (and these days, if such evidence exists, it WILL surface!), that would totally be a shame.  (Though the way Wheaton is playing now, either Carthage or NPU likely would only have their season extended by one game anyway, but that IS why they play the games!)

I don't agree at all, Chuck. Wheaton beat NPU by three both times that the two teams met this season. In both games, NPU had a trey attempt at the buzzer that would've sent the game into OT if it had gone in (Laura Mount attempted it at King Arena, Lauren Martin attempted it at the crackerbox).

Wheaton was indeed the hottest team in the league at the end of the season, but discounting the Vikings' chances in a theoretical third game between the two teams would not only be presumptuous, it flies in the face of the available evidence in terms of the two previous contests.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 20, 2007, 07:10:20 AM
So, it still would have come down to the coin flip.

North Park always plays Wheaton tough, so you are probably right, it would have been a close game.

Wheaton now has to play Carthage tonight to get the championship outright, and to keep any hope of a Pool C alive (not much hope). Then they will play them again on Friday. This is the same scenario as last season. I was worried last year about seeing the same team twice, but Wheaton started playing really great basketball which lasted into the NCAAs. They are showing signs of that kind of play recently, but the Elmhurst game was a little ugly.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 20, 2007, 07:39:15 AM
IWU is still 32nd in the QoWi, so if they lose this weekend they should still have a good chance to get a at-large bid. Especially if they beat Millikin on Friday and lose to Wheaton. Millikin is 60th and Wheaton is 68th. Both of those teams cannot improve their ratings much unless they keep winning, which would mean they don't need the QoWi in order to get in.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2007, 07:49:04 AM
Quote from: skafkas on February 20, 2007, 07:10:20 AM
So, it still would have come down to the coin flip.

Right, but if Mueller's shot had been a trey (as you originally stated) and it had counted, North Park would've ended up with a one-point advantage in point differential vs. Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 20, 2007, 06:15:29 PM
Yeah, sorry about that, I must have heard a many-retold version of the story, which didn't include the coin toss. So, I had assumed the three pointer. Too bad for North Park; they have had a few good years in a row now, but can't quite get over the hump. Mount has been a great player and it has to stink to have your career end on that kind of play. There's really no way fair way to say who is better among two teams who split regular season games and finished with the same record (pending tonight).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2007, 06:51:43 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 20, 2007, 11:24:59 PM
There are several fine players that deserve recognition around the conference. I think you've got the right question though- where do they all fit?!!?!?  ???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bearsfan on February 21, 2007, 09:30:51 AM
So any thoughts on if IWU will be left out of the tourney field now? Their loss last night to North Central could sow their fate IMO. The loss of Heydorn would already play on the committee's mind after their near loss to North Park but the loss to North Central might sway the committee to leave them out for feeling they may not be as competitive without Heydorn. I haven't seen them play since the early win vs DePauw but I would guess they are struggling a little minus Heydorn though they definitely looked good early in the season. If they lose in the opening round, I think they may miss the tournament as their QOWI fell to 10.000 with the loss last night and would slid futher with any loss. Any other opinions?

I think IWU's loss could definitely be Milikin's gain though and might still allow for two to get in if Wheaton captures the tournament championship by beating Millikin in the finals. With UW Whitewater losing in their opening round of the WIAC and Chicago's late season slide (even with a win at Wash U Sat they would be 3-6 in their last nine games), Millikin is in a good position now for a Pool C IMO.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2007, 07:16:49 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2007, 11:40:14 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2007, 01:04:07 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 22, 2007, 07:11:26 PM
RogK-My understanding is that the meeting happens before the Tournament, at least it did last year. Either way, it is "officially" based on conference-only stats, which the tourney is not considered to be a part of. I would doubt the Tuesday meeting, because that will be in the middle of preparation for one or two teams to play NCAA games.

I know that last year Heidi Harnisch was already named PoY before the tourney began.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2007, 03:34:06 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on February 23, 2007, 06:35:10 PM
CCIW Women's All Conference Team is posted:

http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_w/06_07_WBBallconf.htm

Congrats to Lindsay Ippel of Millikin for the MOP nod! Congrats also to Wheaton's Beth Baker for her COY nod and for the four Wheaton players on the various all Conference teams!

Lets get er done tonight in King Arena! :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on February 23, 2007, 08:55:05 PM
Wheaton wins a close one over Carthage
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 23, 2007, 11:51:19 PM
The largest crowd of the women's season was there for the Carthage-Wheaton game. It was very loud and boisterous. Wheaton went scoreless from 11:05 to 4:03 and didn't make a single field goal inside the three-point arc in the second half. With about 2 minutes to play, and the score tied 47-47, Elizabeth Fox decided to take over the game. She got a steal, made a three, got a defensive rebound and hit two free throws (the last being the 1000th point of her career) and gave Wheaton a 5 point lead which they held, despite missing three free throws in the final minute.

It was good to see Fox take over the game. I think that Wheaton will go as far as Fox can take them. Teams are zoning Trenz and Wheaton has gone through long periods where they cannot find another scoring threat, because Trenz and the driving lanes for Fox and Cooper are being taken away.

Trenz only had 3 points, but she blocked 8 shots. Ippel is an amazing offensive player, but maybe they should split the POY award into Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, because Trenz is a dominate defender in the paint.

It will be an interesting Final as IWU pressed or was being pressed for 40 minutes tonight against Millikin. Bull had a great shooting night.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 24, 2007, 12:42:11 AM
Fidelia was big as well for Wheaton. She had 7 points down the stretch to help keep Wheaton in the game, and then after Fox's burst, to keep them in the lead.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 24, 2007, 09:19:58 AM
Last night, IWU's Mallory Heydorn was going to give it a go with her new cast, but the conference tournament officials told IWU that Mallory's cast was a danger to other players.  I've never heard of that before...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/24/sports/doc45dfc844d5d5b674830896.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 24, 2007, 09:22:42 AM
I am surprised that IWU's Sarah Bull, who finished 10th in league scoring (13.1 ppg), didn't make the All-CCIW squad.  She had 19 & 6 last night...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2007/wcciw2.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 24, 2007, 10:38:05 AM
It should be noted that the score in the Pantagraph article is incorrect--the writer transposed digits in Millikin's score.  The correct score was 83-67.  Millikin played tough, but the Titans were on fire at both ends of the court.

Great team effort for the Titans last night, with all five starters in double figures.  Everyone was expecting Heydorn to start until about 10 minutes before game time.  It was a strange decision on the referee's part.  Earlier in the season an Elmhurst player was allowed to play with a much more substantial cast on her arm. 

In the end, the way it played out was probably the best for the Titans:  no one thought about Mallory not playing for very long, and by winning big without her, they should have gotten a big confidence boost.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2007, 11:31:45 AM
Congratulations to NPU's two All-CCIW players: Senior guard Laura Mount (first team) and junior forward Evie Peterson (second team)!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2007, 01:18:33 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 24, 2007, 02:50:57 PM
Did Heydorn have a plaster cast on or a rubberized? The difference between the two is incredible. It's a shame she was not allowed to play though. It's a tough call for the officials to make.

Congrats to all who made the all-conference teams and to Coach Baker as well.

Best of luck to both teams today!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on February 24, 2007, 04:58:14 PM
Wheaton women defeated Illinois Wesleyan 54-49 to grab the conference AQ.  The women also won the CCIW title.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2007, 05:05:29 PM
By my calculations IWU will have a 10.083 QOWI and .833 in-region winning %.  They should be pretty safe for a pool C.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 24, 2007, 05:32:58 PM
I would expect to see Illinois Wesleyan in the tourney. Sarah Bull had a great game and probably made a few coaches reconsider why they didn't put her on the all-conference team.

Elizabeth Fox and Kathleen Fidelia were the stars for Wheaton, but Wheaton continues to suffer from scoring droughts that endanger their chances of staying with or ahead of other teams. Also, Wheaton was uncharacteristically terrible from the free throw line today, shooting 4-14 and were 1-12 until they made their last 3.

Wheaton has had a great three year run. They have won the conference three straight years and the tournament for two straight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 24, 2007, 10:02:21 PM
Mallory Heydorn's "cast" was more tape than anything else.  It is definitely not a hard cast.  It's hard to see how Greg Oden has played the entire year for NCAA-officiated Ohio State with (apparently) far more material on his hand than Mallory has.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on February 24, 2007, 10:17:44 PM
If it was tape then that's quite unfair. It also goes to show the difference in men's & women's, DI & DIII, and officials period. Unless it's a hard cast, or there was something under that tape that could cause harm, I'm not sure what the issue was. It's no different than a knee brace. Those can do some nasty damage as well......

With any luck, we'll hear IWU's name called tomorrow and perhaps with a different team of officials we'll see her on the court another time this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 25, 2007, 09:19:41 AM
Just one more observation about the decision to keep Mallory Heydorn out of the games:  the protective material was on the inner part of her hand, around the thumb and index finger.  Just how much could another player be hurt by it in that position?  If it were on the outer part of the hand I could see it, perhaps, but not in this position. 

Wheaton definitely deserved the win over the IWU team that was on the floor.  Elizabeth Fox and Kathleen Fidelia were indeed the stars.  Fidelia's shooting and her excellent defense on Claire Sheehan may have made the difference.  Both teams did look tired and they both blew some excellent chances; fatigue was almost certainly a factor on both sides.

Congratulations to Wheaton, and good luck in the NCAAs.  I hope that the NCAA powers that be will see fit to put IWU in.  If not, the bright news is that all of this year's IWU players are back next year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 25, 2007, 02:51:09 PM
Here are the teams with QoWI over 10 who don't have a Pool A bid.

Overall   QOWI   Rk in reg   Team   Region Win%   Overall
5   11.320   1   New York University   0.920 (23-2)   23-2
9   11.000   3   Rochester   0.800 (20-5)   20-5
13   10.773   5   Williams   0.773 (17-5)   20-6
18   10.667   4   St. Lawrence   0.917 (22-2)   24-3
19   10.654   6   Maine Maritime   0.885 (23-3)   25-3
23   10.577   1   Howard Payne   0.962 (25-1)   26-1
26   10.550   4   Calvin   0.950 (19-1)   25-2
28   10.478   8   Brandeis   0.783 (18-5)   19-5
29   10.462   9   Norwich   0.885 (23-3)   24-3
31   10.440   5   Carroll   0.840 (21-4)   21-4
32   10.423   2   McMurry   0.885 (23-3)   24-3
36   10.333   3   Puget Sound   0.810 (17-4)   21-6
38   10.261   6   UW-Whitewater   0.739 (17-6)   19-7
39   10.160   10   Salve Regina   0.840 (21-4)   22-6
41   10.125   3   Oglethorpe   0.833 (20-4)   21-6
42   10.125   7   Transylvania   0.750 (18-6)   19-8
43   10.120   4   William Paterson   0.840 (21-4)   22-5
45   10.083   7   Illinois Wesleyan   0.833 (20-4)   22-5
46   10.045   6   Simpson   0.773 (17-5)   21-6
47   10.042   11   Tufts   0.708 (17-7)   18-7
48   10.040   5   Dickinson   0.840 (21-4)   22-4
49   10.038   12   Keene State   0.769 (20-6)   21-6
50   10.000   6   Oswego State   0.704 (19-8)   19-8
51   10.000   4   Randolph-Macon   0.880 (22-3)   23-4
52   10.000   7   Gustavus Adolphus   0.846 (22-4)   22-5
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 25, 2007, 02:54:47 PM
Illinois Wesleyan is 19th on the list, and are tied for 15th in region winning percentage among these teams. Also, they have wins against Depauw and Wheaton (overall 2-2) who are in the tournament.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2007, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: skafkas on February 25, 2007, 02:54:47 PM
Illinois Wesleyan is 19th on the list, and are tied for 15th in region winning percentage among these teams. Also, they have wins against Depauw and Wheaton (overall 2-2) who are in the tournament.

As noted on the pool C board, Lake Forest, St. Lawrence, and either Howard Payne or McMurry will all be AQs, so IWU is actually 3 slots higher.  I'd say they are now pretty safe! :)

EDIT:  Making them even more safe, Oglethorpe and Tufts both lost today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2007, 04:36:26 PM
Good news, bad news:

Just checked d3hoops.com's projections:  IWU is safely in (no where near the bottom of projected Cs).   The bad news?  They project them playing their first game at defending national champion Hope!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 25, 2007, 05:21:27 PM
Ypsi,

I saw that, and I see where you get the projected matchup with Hope.  But why would IWU be seeded above Wheaton?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2007, 05:26:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 25, 2007, 05:21:27 PM
Ypsi,

I saw that, and I see where you get the projected matchup with Hope.  But why would IWU be seeded above Wheaton?

Despite Wheaton's late-season hot streak and IWU's slump since Mallory got hurt, IWU is still ahead of Wheaton in both QOWI and regional winning %.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 25, 2007, 05:44:03 PM
Yet they have lost to them twice in a row.

Ypsi- Thanks for updating the list for me. It was a rush job, and I cut out Lake Forest, but didn't get the others.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2007, 07:20:33 PM
Quote from: skafkas on February 25, 2007, 05:44:03 PM
Yet they have lost to them twice in a row.

Ypsi- Thanks for updating the list for me. It was a rush job, and I cut out Lake Forest, but didn't get the others.

I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see Wheaton pass IWU in the next poll, but that is not how the selection criteria work - results in December are just as meaningful as results in the last six games.

Thanks for the thanks, but that was actually Ralph who caught those AQ teams - I just brought the corrections over to this board.

Here's hoping d3hoop's is right on the C bid (I'm quite confident they are), but wrong on the first round opponent!  I'd like a fully healthy Mallory Heydorn before we take on a team that tough!  Would anyone who saw the title game want to speculate on whether her presence would have tipped the balance?  (It's all for the better - if IWU had won, Wheaton's chances of a C were essentially nil.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 25, 2007, 09:11:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2007, 07:20:33 PM
Here's hoping d3hoop's is right on the C bid (I'm quite confident they are), but wrong on the first round opponent!  I'd like a fully healthy Mallory Heydorn before we take on a team that tough!  Would anyone who saw the title game want to speculate on whether her presence would have tipped the balance?  (It's all for the better - if IWU had won, Wheaton's chances of a C were essentially nil.)

Thanks for answering my question earlier.  I have never really tried to read the tea leaves before, and it is very confusing!

With regard to your question...of course, it's impossible to say with certainty that IWU would have won with Heydorn in the lineup.  I'd be more inclined to speculate that the loss at North Central might not have happened.  The other Titans did a good job of covering the point in both tournament games; Tasha Gaston-Bell was the primary point, with others spelling her for rests.  But the loss of a team's leader, captain, and leading scorer has to make a difference of at least a few points, and the championship game was down to a four-point margin with four minutes to go.  So I think the Titans would have had a much better chance with Heydorn playing.  That said, all credit to Wheaton for executing down the stretch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 25, 2007, 10:28:54 PM
IWU is in. Good to see two teams coming from the CCIW. Too bad for Elmhurst on the men's side. Now we just have to wait for the seeding.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2007, 01:16:31 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 26, 2007, 02:10:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2007, 01:16:31 PM
Circumstantial evidence suggests that Beth Baker used telepathy Saturday to instruct IWU to stop passing the ball to Sarah Bull (who was hot from the arc and was wide open for a three several times in transition) and instead take it inside and try to get Jill Trenz in foul trouble. All Trenz did was pick up 3 steals and 6 blocks.

That wasn't all Trenz did, Reg--she picked up 4 fouls.  Sarah Bull passing up open threes is never a good thing for IWU, however, especially against a taller team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 27, 2007, 08:58:09 AM
The IWU--Carroll game on Friday will be broadcast over the Internet at

http://www.wjbc2.com/

The site has a note that NCAA tournament games will not be archived, so listening live is the only way to hear it.  The broadcast begins at 5:55 CST.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2007, 09:37:07 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 27, 2007, 06:06:27 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 26, 2007, 02:10:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2007, 01:16:31 PM
Circumstantial evidence suggests that Beth Baker used telepathy Saturday to instruct IWU to stop passing the ball to Sarah Bull (who was hot from the arc and was wide open for a three several times in transition) and instead take it inside and try to get Jill Trenz in foul trouble. All Trenz did was pick up 3 steals and 6 blocks.

That wasn't all Trenz did, Reg--she picked up 4 fouls.  Sarah Bull passing up open threes is never a good thing for IWU, however, especially against a taller team.

And, 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

By the way, despite having 289 career blocks, she has only fouled out 9 times in three seasons.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 27, 2007, 07:07:59 PM
Mallory Heydorn will give it a go this weekend...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/27/sports/123871.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 27, 2007, 07:10:50 PM
I don't think I ever implied that Trenz didn't block the shots--she had a fine game.  I remember some other Wheaton blocked shots as well.  As I said at the time, Wheaton deserved the win.

How about moving on to the NCAA tournament?  How does Wheaton's bracket look?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: blazerball on February 27, 2007, 10:37:35 PM
I'm a CSB fan visiting over here and thought I would say hello to the Wheaton fans since we will be facing off on Friday.  I don't know much about your squad other than what I can see from the Web site. 

I know Simpson pretty well because CSB has played them in the NCAA tourney each of the last two years.  I saw Stout in the tourney last year and they have a monster in the middle in Duoss.  Both Stout and Simpson like to run...a lot...so it should be a track meet between those two teams.  Can anyone tell me anything about Wheaton and what to expect from them?  Looking forward to the dance on Friday night!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 01, 2007, 09:28:05 AM
Here's a link to tournament information on the IWU website:

http://www2.iwu.edu/womenssports/wbasketball/07ncaa_tourney.shtml

Good luck to both the Thunder and the Titans, and safe travel to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2007, 11:41:29 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on March 01, 2007, 02:22:19 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 27, 2007, 07:07:59 PM
Mallory Heydorn will give it a go this weekend...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/27/sports/123871.txt
I was glad to hear this. I hate it when a team has to go into the tourney at less than full strength. Leaves too many "what ifs" on a season.

And with the games about to start.... good luck to the CCIW women in the tournament! But especially Wheaton. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2007, 06:58:14 PM
Carroll vs. IL Wesleyan on deck:
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2007, 07:16:14 PM
Carroll up 18-15 on IL Wesleyan:  Titan's Bull has 3 fouls already. Around 10 minutes left in 1st half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2007, 07:35:48 PM
Halftime:  Carroll 38, IL Wesleyan 32. Titans' Bull still has 3 fouls. Pioneers' Hoewisch and Wickert and Titans' Heydorn having good scoring games thus far. Carroll hit two 3's in the first half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Collegeville Magic on March 02, 2007, 07:56:35 PM
From a Blazer fan to Thunder fans, WOW.  We're now headed to double overtime...

Wheaton has had the benefit of pretty much every key call near the end of both regulation and overtime, from the sounds of it.  Great game all around, we'll see what happens in the SECOND OT...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2007, 08:10:00 PM
Just shy of 11 minutes left:  Carroll up by 24 on IL Wesleyan.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2007, 08:29:08 PM
Carroll 86, IL Wesleyan 59. Final.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on March 02, 2007, 08:40:28 PM
We won! Woo! Double Overtime! Go Thunder Roooolllll.... :)

WLCAlum: So basically, the CCIW doesn't like Carroll very much? LOL. Did Mallory Heydorn play and get good minutes? ???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2007, 08:45:48 PM
Mallory played and scored 19 points.  She hit, I believe, the only three of the game for the Titans, which tells you something about the way their game went.  She couldn't have made the difference at 100%--the Pioneers were the better team tonight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on March 02, 2007, 08:55:45 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2007, 08:45:48 PM
Mallory played and scored 19 points.  She hit, I believe, the only three of the game for the Titans, which tells you something about the way their game went.  She couldn't have made the difference at 100%--the Pioneers were the better team tonight.
With as many guards as they play... yah...  :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Collegeville Magic on March 02, 2007, 08:59:58 PM
Congrats to the Thunder on a win for the ages!  Back and forth like a classic tournament game, and enough heart-stopping game-deciding plays to fill 5 highlight tapes.

I'm bummed that my Blazers didn't come out on top, but neither team deserved to lose a game like this one, and it's a shame that so many strong teams ended up in one corner of the bracket!

Good luck to Wheaton tomorrow against Stout, I'm a Thunder fan til the run is over!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2007, 09:04:06 PM
Congratulations to the Thunder on pulling out the close win, and good luck tomorrow!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2007, 09:09:20 PM
Quote from: diehardfan on March 02, 2007, 08:40:28 PM
We won! Woo! Double Overtime! Go Thunder Roooolllll.... :)

WLCAlum: So basically, the CCIW doesn't like Carroll very much? LOL. Did Mallory Heydorn play and get good minutes? ???

Yes, she played for most of the game. She and Sara Bull didn't really get untracked. Bull got in early foul trouble, played only 11 minutes in the first half. Carroll's Wickert and Hoewisch both had a field day scoring.

No matter who wins the second game, there are going to be some interesting front-line match-ups tomorrow night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jim Matson on March 02, 2007, 10:27:36 PM
Wheaton sent the game into the 1st OT on a trey with 33 seconds remaining.  Wheaton then hit another trey at the buzzer to send the game into the second OT.  In the second OT, Wheaton took the game in a more conventional fashion.

Wheaton was the 4th seed in this opening weekend and will have an excellent chance to move on against Simpson tomorrow.  Wheaton is playing well right now.

I was surprised by the Wesleyan score.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 02, 2007, 11:08:39 PM
Wheaton will play Simpson College tomorrow, after they defeated Stout 91-86.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 02, 2007, 11:35:47 PM
Did anyone notice that the two teams in tomorrow's game at Stout are the Storm and the Thunder?
 
That's the kind of amazing breakdown you only get from me! :)

Actually, it should be an interesting game. From my understanding Simpson likes to run and gun. Wheaton's not against running, but I guarantee they aren't planning on giving up much more than 70 points (in regulation at least), nevermind 91. They did give up 81 to Olivet Nazerene (still a win), but that was when Elizabeth Fox was still injured.

Should be a good game. Wonder what kind of crowd will be there?



Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2007, 12:38:08 AM
Carroll was a member of the CCIW from 1956-92.  They left after only 6 years of the women being a sponsored varsity sport, but did quite respectably.  While they won no titles, their 62-34 record (.646) is third all-time (behind Millikin and Wheaton).  Such was not the case in men's bball, where their 187-364 record (.339) was the lowest of any current or former member by a sizable margin.

I guess knocking two of our three post-season reps out within 24 hours of each other is a bit of belated revenge! :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 03, 2007, 12:42:03 AM
Wheaton over St. Bens in 2-OT

Close game all the way.  CSB did a good job of getting the ball inside and finishing.  Boone was nearly unstoppable, using her size as an advantage.  On the other hand, Wheaton shot pretty decent from the outside and also scored on the inside.  CSB takes a 57-50 lead with less than 2min left, but Wheaton goes on a 7-0 run to take it to OT.  In the OT, Wheaton shoots a 3 and misses but the ball bounces right to another Wheaton player standing at the 3 pt line.  The CSB player guarding her falls down and she hits a 3 just as the buzzer sounds to send it to 2-OT.  Wheaton does a good job of hitting FTs down the stretch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2007, 12:01:38 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2007, 01:40:25 PM
The Pantagraph's story on the IWU/Carroll game is here:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/03/03/sports/doc45e8f8922788b617291194.txt

After the game, Mia Smith was straightforward on the radio.  She said that the tapes showed Carroll very accurately, she thought they had a good game plan for both offense and defense, and the team just wasn't able to execute as they needed to.  She is proud of this team and what they accomplished this season, and is looking forward to next year with some new recruits.

So, while the rest of the CCIW turns to thoughts of baseball, golf, and gardening, it's up to the Wheaton ladies!  The matchup tonight sounds like an interesting one.  Good luck!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on March 03, 2007, 04:30:58 PM
Some great pics of the St. Ben vs Wheaton game up on the d3hoops.com picture site. Here are my favs thus far...

http://www.pictureprints.net/albums.php?gallery=1658&photo=0172
http://www.pictureprints.net/albums.php?gallery=1658&photo=0204
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 03, 2007, 09:37:17 PM
Simpson over Wheaton 81-58.  Big 2nd half for Simpson
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: diehardfan on March 03, 2007, 09:56:04 PM
Congrats to the Wheaton ladies on a great season. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: strikingviking on March 06, 2007, 11:31:42 PM
I would also like to congratulate Wheaton IWU on great seasons, you have so much to be proud of!!  Unfortunately though, I don't think the rest of the conference prepared them for their first round oppenents (other than Millikan,NP , and a well-coached Carthage team).  Whats up with Augie and North Central????   How can North Central be so bad in women's hoops when they are good in almost every sport?  Is their scholarships not as good as their men's.....could be a title IX issue????  Augie used to be one the best teams and now they can hardly find someone on their schedule that they can beat.  They have won a grand total of 15 games the past three years.  I would think that when the program hits rock bottom, they would try to work a little harder to bring in a qualified coach to turn the ship around.  You can't tell me that if the men's job opened up, they would hire someone with so little experience! 

We need to do whatever we can to strengthen the bottom teams in the league so that next year we have someone in the sweet 16!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2007, 01:11:34 AM
Women's bball got a very late start in the CCIW (1986?), and we've never been a 'power conference' like with the men.  For years it was Millikin on top, with Wheaton in close pursuit, but no one else a real threat.  IWU seems to have joined the club (knock on wood that it continues!) and North Park is certainly showing signs of life.  Carthage seems to be getting there, and NCC beat IWU with Mallory Heydorn injured (until VERY recently, no one would have beaten a top team even with a key injury). 

I think that the CCIW women are definitely moving in the right direction - we'll know we've reached it when the top teams are still nationally ranked (and a serious threat in the tournament), yet things like #8 Millikin beating #2 Elmhust, or #7 IWU taking #1 Augie to the final buzzer both games are perhaps eyebrow raisers, but no big shock!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2007, 01:34:18 AM
Quote from: strikingviking on March 06, 2007, 11:31:42 PM
I would also like to congratulate Wheaton IWU on great seasons, you have so much to be proud of!!  Unfortunately though, I don't think the rest of the conference prepared them for their first round oppenents (other than Millikan,NP , and a well-coached Carthage team).  Whats up with Augie and North Central????   How can North Central be so bad in women's hoops when they are good in almost every sport?  Is their scholarships not as good as their men's.....could be a title IX issue????  Augie used to be one the best teams and now they can hardly find someone on their schedule that they can beat.  They have won a grand total of 15 games the past three years.  I would think that when the program hits rock bottom, they would try to work a little harder to bring in a qualified coach to turn the ship around.  You can't tell me that if the men's job opened up, they would hire someone with so little experience! 

We need to do whatever we can to strengthen the bottom teams in the league so that next year we have someone in the sweet 16!

That's a little unfair to the North Central women's basketball program. NCC had ranged between 5-9 and 8-6 for eight seasons in a row prior to this one. That's not bad; that's mediocre. There's a difference. Plus, there are several sports in which NCC characteristically performs worse than in women's basketball. Take soccer, for instance: Neither the men's team nor the women's team won as much as a single match in CCIW play this fall.

It's also a little unfair to lambaste Augustana's Bobbi Endress after only one season. You don't turn around a rock-bottom program in one year. The usual rule of thumb is that a head coach gets four years to make progress in reversing a program's fortunes.

You speak of Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan not being properly prepared for the tournament by CCIW competition except for when they played Millikin, NPU, and Carthage ... but that's half of the rest of the league right there! As Mr. Ypsi said, the CCIW is not a power conference in women's basketball ... but I'm pretty sure that there are plenty of leagues that are worse. In fact, the Massey Ratings list the CCIW as 11th out of 42 D3 conferences.

Also ...

Quote from: strikingviking on March 06, 2007, 11:31:42 PMIs their scholarships not as good as their men's.....could be a title IX issue????

There are no athletic scholarships in D3.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on March 07, 2007, 08:23:48 PM
strikingviking, there's a lot of criticsm coming from a poster who seems to be lacking some information regarding D3 athletics.

North Central's roster was rather thin this season- many players left and many were dismissed from the team. Many coaches are willing to take risks to make the necessary changes in there programs. I think she's one of them and with a solid recruiting class, they'll improve.

Augie used to be one of the best teams. Do you realize that it's been 5-6 years since they've had a winning conference season? That's not the current coach's fault. Did you know that the majority of her kids were not going to return this season? Did you know that none of the kids on this squad are her's? Give her a recruiting class or two. You can't put the blame for what the previous coach didn't do on her. As far as experience goes, she's already taken a team to the NCAA tournament- one that was a below .500 team when she took over. Not all coaches can say they've been there. It'll take time, but no one is going from worst to first in this league.

I agree with Mr. Ypsi. The CCIW women are moving in the right direction. We've got dedicated coaches at all schools and they are working very hard to improve their squads. I give them credit. It's a time consuming occupation and you really have to love what you do to put up with all the headaches that come with it at times.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 08, 2007, 12:16:48 AM
I think it's evidence of the importance of stability. Kerans and Baker both started coaching the year the league opened and they are still there now (sure some of that is because of their success; chicken or egg?) Elmhurst hired Semper in the midst of a 5-year run that earned a total of 3 conference wins, but they stuck with her and in her fourth season she got them to 6-8 and then 7-7. Mia Smith has been at IWU for a number of years and that stability has been helping improve that program.

My understanding is the Bauer cleaned house last season and I respect her desire to establish the kind of program she wants. Finally, I was actually impressed with the growth of Augustana this season, and Endress was very successful at Edgewood. You could see a much more positive attitude and commitment to defensive effort even when they were playing much more talented teams.

I think the conference is improving and mostly because of the improved quality and long tenure of the coaches.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2007, 11:52:17 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2007, 12:08:13 PM
I can't speak for the other teams, but IWU's talent level is definitely improving.  Were it not for the two ACL injuries to key post players this year, they would have been much more versatile.  The Titans have always had a few good players plus some role players, but the number of really good players is increasing.

Millikin, obviously, was stronger with the national championship team a couple of years ago.  North Central and Augie are each in their own way rebuilding;  I thought strikingviking's criticism of Coach Endress was particularly unfair in her first year.

It's definitely true that the CCIW women's conference is not quite at the same level as the men, but Greg's quote of their Massey rating (11 out of 42) is interesting. It's higher than I would have thought.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: strikingviking on March 08, 2007, 01:00:26 PM
Whoa Whoa Whoa!  I am new to this site (per a friend) and I wasn't trying to question Coach Endress's ability.  Sorry if it seemed that way.  I was just trying to figure out why a program like Augustana who has a D1 ex head coach on the men's side (per their website), hired someone with not as much experience. 

Quote from Illinihoops4
QuoteAs far as experience goes, she's already taken a team to the NCAA tournament- one that was a below .500 team when she took over.

I was just wondering how many players she lost off the Edgewood team that went to the tournament? Since they had a down year afterwards in her second year.

Did she coach somewhere prior to Edgewood, maybe I am missing something??? :-\  Sorry if I am.



Quote from skafkas
QuoteMy understanding is the Bauer (North Central) cleaned house last season and I respect her desire to establish the kind of program she wants.

How many years has she been there?  I may be wrong but wouldn't those kids be her own recruits that she brought in????


Quote from Gregory Sager
QuoteYou don't turn around a rock-bottom program in one year. The usual rule of thumb is that a head coach gets four years to make progress in reversing a program's fortunes.

Note to North Central's AD:  TIME IS UP!!


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2007, 01:46:36 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 08, 2007, 07:04:45 PM
Strikingviking-I don't understand the connection between Sager's comment that you can't turn a bad program around in a year, and your comment to the North Central AD. Personally, I have a hard time with fans, however knowledgable, who call for a coach's job, which is how I interpret the "times up" comment.

Before this season, Emily Bauer was the most successful coach, by winning percentage, that North Central has had since Wayne Morgan coached them to a National Championship in the early 1980s. As I mentioned before, it's my understanding that she saw something she didn't like in her players, granted ones that she recruited, and decided that she needed to be clear about the standards of her program.

I think that firing or doing something to weaken Coach Bauer would be the worst thing that the North Central AD could do.

RogK-I agree that talent was down slightly this year, but I think that the overall trend has been upwards across the league since a real downturn in the first couple of years of this decade. The teams at the bottom are much more competitive than they used to be, with the exception of Augustana, and I think that they are preparing to make a comeback in the conference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2007, 01:18:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 08, 2007, 01:46:36 PM
Do any of you IWU fans know for sure that Brianna Baker-Carvell and Crystal Dye are returning next year? It would be based on redshirting, I guess. Was Dye a freshman in '03-'04 ? -- can't recall.


Rog,

Brianna Baker-Carvell is not returning next year, but Crystal Dye will be back.  She was a medical redshirt (both ACLs). 

Strikingviking, welcome.  You got some lively conversation going at a time when I thought we'd all be drifting off into other areas of cyberspace.  It's an interesting phenomenon that the programs that are strong in men's sports and in women's sports are not always at the same school--just look at basketball in the Big Ten. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on March 10, 2007, 06:18:33 PM
With Dye returning and a hopefully a couple post recruits, I think IWU could have another impressive season next year. I'm sure that Solari will be returning (anyone know for sure?) and with that comes rebounds. I did see her play a couple of games in high school, but I too was quite impressed with the statistics that I saw on her for those first couple of games. She'll be a force if she comes back at 100%.

Does anyone have any recruiting news from around the conference? In terms of DIII it may still be a couple weeks early as I know many kids are waiting for their financial aid packages and $$$ is always a factor.

Greg- where are those Massey rankings posted? I'm curious as to where the WIAC and the IIAC sit  on it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2007, 09:23:27 PM
Solari was shooting today at Shirk and moving well.  Of course, there's a lot of rehab still to be done, but I am sure she's planning on being back.  I think it is a bit early yet to for anything to be settled for most recruits.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2007, 01:32:40 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2007, 01:18:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 08, 2007, 01:46:36 PM
Do any of you IWU fans know for sure that Brianna Baker-Carvell and Crystal Dye are returning next year? It would be based on redshirting, I guess. Was Dye a freshman in '03-'04 ? -- can't recall.


Rog,

Brianna Baker-Carvell is not returning next year, but Crystal Dye will be back.  She was a medical redshirt (both ACLs). 

Strikingviking, welcome.  You got some lively conversation going at a time when I thought we'd all be drifting off into other areas of cyberspace.  It's an interesting phenomenon that the programs that are strong in men's sports and in women's sports are not always at the same school--just look at basketball in the Big Ten. 

Men's basketball and women's basketball are two completely different sports, and not just in name only. Don't be fooled by the fact that they both involve teams of five trying to put an oversized orange ball through an orange metal hoop. Women's sports and men's sports in general have a lot of differences on the D3 level, starting with the way in which players are recruited, and those differences carry right through to even those sports that parallel each other.

It's really no surprise at all that basketball success varies from one gender to the next at a single school, any more than it should surprise anyone that a school's football team can be successful while the baseball team struggles. So much of it all comes down to the coach.

Quote from: Illinihoops4 on March 10, 2007, 06:18:33 PMGreg- where are those Massey rankings posted? I'm curious as to where the WIAC and the IIAC sit  on it.

The WIAC is third and the IIAC is eighth.

http://www.masseyratings.com/index.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 12, 2007, 02:08:52 AM
The WIAC is fourth and IIAC is fifth -- the ratings that use Margin of Victory seem more reliable. (The lack of MOV is thanks to the BCS requirements on football rankings. Never want to use a BCS ranking if you can avoid it!)

http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?lg=cbw&sub=III&mid=1
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2007, 07:17:32 AM
Thanks, Pat. I was looking at the wrong page. I always prefer to use the MOV ratings on Massey over the unsweetened variety. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 12, 2007, 08:16:36 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2007, 01:32:40 AM
[It's really no surprise at all that basketball success varies from one gender to the next at a single school, any more than it should surprise anyone that a school's football team can be successful while the baseball team struggles. So much of it all comes down to the coach.


Greg,

You and I are in agreement  I was responding to strikingviking's expressed surprise at the difference in level between Augustana's men's and women's program.  I am well aware that the two sports are different.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2007, 12:30:44 AM
I can see why someone would express surprise that Augustana's women's basketball program has struggled, because Augie has always been the one school in this conference that has had more across-the-board success in athletics than have any of the other members. That makes it particularly difficult for the coaches in the few sports in which Augie has struggled.

But no matter how far behind the rest of Augie's various programs the women's basketball team currently lags, Bobbi Endress is still entitled to a fair length of tenure for her to attempt to turn the women's basketball program around.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 13, 2007, 01:02:26 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2007, 01:32:40 AM
Men's basketball and women's basketball are two completely different sports, and not just in name only. Don't be fooled by the fact that they both involve teams of five trying to put an oversized orange ball through an orange metal hoop. Women's sports and men's sports in general have a lot of differences on the D3 level, starting with the way in which players are recruited, and those differences carry right through to even those sports that parallel each other.

It's really no surprise at all that basketball success varies from one gender to the next at a single school, any more than it should surprise anyone that a school's football team can be successful while the baseball team struggles. So much of it all comes down to the coach.



Except that a school's commitment to athletics is generally seen across the board. In years past there have been Athletic Departments that have decided to let their programs languish, in favor of a more preferred sport (sometimes for reasons I couldn't comprehend).

I don't see that happening right now. From a conference perspective the league seems to be making an effort to be nationally competitive in both men's and women's basketball, not to mention strong growth in both men's and women's soccer (I am sure there are others, but those are the one's I follow most closely). I think the committment to women's athletics has grown in the conference as Millikin and Wheaton have proven that the CCIW can produce teams capable of winning women's National Championships.

I might have doubted Augustana's commitment to women's basketball a few years ago, but I believe that the program is headed in the right direction and that's why I wouldn't consider criticizing them, other than to ask, "Why did you wait so long?" They used to be a CCIW powerhouse, but ever since Schumacher left they haven't contended (even for a little while before she left).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2007, 02:28:23 AM
I am not denying that a school's commitment to athletics is usually seen across the board as resources allow. In fact, I pointed out that Augustana's all-sports success has been manifest over decades. However, that doesn't always translate into success in each and every sport. As I said before, a lot of it depends upon the coach. Resources aid success; they don't determine it.

As for women's sports in the CCIW in general, it's true that the league is moving forward in various sports. But the progress is piecemeal and uneven between the eight member schools, just as it is in men's soccer. Men's basketball is a different story altogether, since for decades it has performed at a very high level in national terms; and while most of the schools in the CCIW have had their downturns in that particular sport on occasion, every single one of them has at one time or another over the past twenty years been reckoned as a powerhouse in it. That's simply not the case in the various women's sports (including women's basketball), or in most of the men's sports.

Men's basketball is this conference's showcase sport because, among other reasons, all eight schools have tasted success in it at times and all eight schools very tangibly aspire to attain more success in it. Given the history of the conference and the public attention given to that particular sport, it'd be hard to expect less.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 13, 2007, 08:18:00 AM
Well said, and as a CCIW Women's basketball fan I recognize that we are not where the men are in terms of the depth and tradition across the board. On the other hand, there has been a lot of growth the last few years, and I believe that for the first time in the 10 years that I have been around that all the teams in the league are headed in the right direction and have quality coaches who can build program stability. Women's basketball may never measure up to the history of the men's (how can it, when it's only been around for 20 years), but I think that things are looking good and the future is trending in the right direction.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2007, 07:17:38 PM
I agree. I think that in the long run the conference is on the uptick in this sport, although I also think Rog has a point about the overall talent level of the CCIW being slightly down from what it was three or so seasons ago.

The true test of the overall strength of CCIW women's basketball will be measured, I believe, by three consistent trends seen over an extended period of time:

1) All teams, including those at the bottom of the standings, having winning non-conference records, as opposed to just the teams at the top. This is commonplace in every sport in which the CCIW excels (notably men's basketball), but not in women's basketball. It was starting to trend that way, but the past two seasons have been marked by regression; each has seen three CCIW teams fall short of a .500 non-conference record.

2) Teams going deep into the D3 tournament on a regular basis. Millikin won the national title two years ago, of course, but unfortunately that success was an anomaly. It marks the only Final Four appearance by a CCIW team (North Central won the D3 title in 1983 prior to the CCIW's sanctioning of women's basketball as an official conference sport). The only previous tourney runs of note were an Elite Eight appearance by Millikin in 1997; Sweet Sixteens by Millikin in 1995 and 1996; another Elite Eight appearance by Millikin in 1994; and a Sweet Sixteen appearance by Augustana in 1989. This track record is not the stuff of a power conference.

3) Across-the-board competitiveness for the CCIW title. Unfortunately, the CCIW has belonged to the usual suspects -- Millikin and Wheaton -- throughout most of the conference's two decades of women's basketball. While that may please some Big Blue and Thunder fans, it doesn't speak well for the conference as a whole. The intermittent rise of Illlinois Wesleyan over the past few seasons has been a positive indication of expanding competitiveness, but as long as there are schools that never crack the top half of the league, let alone compete for the title, the overall strength of the conference will continue to lag.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2007, 07:15:57 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2007, 11:31:59 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 11, 2007, 01:28:55 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 16, 2007, 12:41:14 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 27, 2007, 06:39:06 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 07, 2007, 11:23:43 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on May 09, 2007, 07:20:29 AM
An article on IWU's recruiting class...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/05/09/sports/125997.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 11, 2007, 11:36:38 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 11, 2007, 07:01:05 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 19, 2007, 05:31:46 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 28, 2007, 04:52:02 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 03, 2007, 01:45:56 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2007, 06:42:07 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 31, 2007, 03:27:17 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 11, 2007, 01:44:52 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 23, 2007, 06:42:07 PM
The Carthage web site features an early '07-'08 roster and a lengthy one at that.

Carthage has a big roster, you say? Shocking!  :D

Quote from: RogK on August 31, 2007, 03:27:17 PMCan any of our loyal readers tell us about other new CCIW players or any non-senior departures?

I haven't heard anything yet about this year's NPU squad, but when I do I'll pass it along here.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 26, 2007, 01:24:13 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BeastMaster on October 12, 2007, 11:38:17 AM
Heard that Millikin assistant Dick Marshall suffered a heart attack on Saturday night.  Hopefully everything will be alright because he is the lifeblood of the program at MU.  He is a wonderful man and I am sure he would appreciate any prayers for his family at this time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2007, 01:30:15 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 25, 2007, 11:33:17 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 26, 2007, 12:47:34 AM
North Park still hasn't posted a roster yet, and I have yet to speak to Jack or Mary Surridge to find out whom they've brought in to flesh out an NPU roster that was seriously depleted by graduation. However, a look at the NPU schedule reveals that Jack has scheduled a pretty intense slate of non-conference games to prepare the Vikings for the rigors of the CCIW season. Eight of their eleven non-conference foes will be teams that posted winning records last season, including Concordia (WI) (23-4, won the NAthC title); UW-Eau Claire (19-9); Chicago (19-9 -- and NPU might play the Maroons twice, since both teams are also in the UWEC tourney); Lake Forest (24-3, MWC champs); and, most likely, Hope (24-4, and only one year removed from a national title -- NPU will play the Dutch in a tourney in Holland, MI if the Vikes can get past Hanover first, and Hanover was only 3-21 last season).

I have no idea how NPU's gonna look this year, but the Vikings will no doubt be prepared for the caliber of play that they're going to see in CCIW action in January and February.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 26, 2007, 11:36:28 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on October 27, 2007, 04:06:00 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 26, 2007, 12:47:34 AM
NPU will play the Dutch in a tourney in Holland, MI if the Vikes can get past Hanover first, and Hanover was only 3-21 last season).

Gregory,

Even though Hanover only won 3 games last year they have a great freshman roster and will be a tough team to play this year.  I would not mark that done as a win just yet.

Also, RogK, how will NCC be able to compete for a NCC playoff birth this year?  I heard they had many chemistry issues last year and only won 5 games.  Personally I would love to see that but with teams like Millikin, IWU, Wheaton, and Carthage I think that might be tough.

On that note any word on how good Carthage will be this year?  I saw them play once last year and was impressed with the players and the coach.  I think he does a great job.

(modified by GS for formatting purposes)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 30, 2007, 11:43:05 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 30, 2007, 01:42:13 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on October 31, 2007, 04:13:52 AM
Rog K,

Thanks for the explaination.  I am a big supporter of NCC athletics and surely hope we can turn around our women's basketball program much like the Men's Bball and Football programs have done. 

It should be another good year for the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2007, 02:35:41 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 01, 2007, 07:22:08 PM
d3hoops preseason poll is up:

13. Millikin
15. IWU

Carthage received 1 vote; Wheaton (etc.) received none
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 02, 2007, 03:43:49 AM
Hello from London!  We'll be back for basketball season.

The D3 coaches' poll has IWU 16th, Millikin 21st.  Wash U. and De Pauw are first and second--that opening tournament could be huge for IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2007, 10:55:19 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 06, 2007, 10:26:16 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 07, 2007, 12:53:41 AM
Still no roster yet for NPU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2007, 12:40:03 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 07, 2007, 10:11:41 PM
An article on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/07/sports/doc473157aa9eeb8182311053.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2007, 03:06:57 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 07, 2007, 12:40:03 PM
Greg, you are influential. NP now shows their roster.

NPU only lists nine players on this season's roster. Only two of them are returnees, one a starter (junior guard Stylianee Damianides) and one a little-used reserve (senior guard Andrea Perez). The backup center from two seasons ago, senior Crissy Komperda, is also back for the Vikings. I've been told by the father of two NPU student-athletes that there was an attempt to solicit walk-ons for the women's basketball team via flyers and a campus-wide e-mail invitation after the school year began, and that's always a bad sign. Given the dangerously small size of the roster (brought on by four of last year's players not coming out for the team this year, in addition to the loss of the six who graduated), I can see why it came to that.

The big question is why All-CCIW second-teamer Evie Peterson, who is still an NPU student, isn't on the team. That's 13.0 ppg and 7.1 rpg lost right there. I know that her father is seriously ill, so I wonder if that might've factored into her decision not to play this season. At any rate, she's a catastrophic loss for NPU.

Looks like NPU has a big mountain to climb this season. I certainly hope that most or all of these six newbies can play right away at a CCIW level -- and that the shorthanded Vikings can stay healthy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 15, 2007, 08:56:03 PM
Very nice article on the front page (Around the Nation) about Lindsey Ippel (and Ben Strong).  As the article points out (and no surprise to most fans of the men), Mr. Strong will have an excellent shot at a career in the NBA.  There was no mention one way or the other concerning Ms. Ippel and the WNBA.  Anyone know whether there has been any interest from them?  (Or, I suppose, whether she would have any interest in them?!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sac on November 16, 2007, 06:57:10 PM
IWU takes out #6 Washington 69-51 at DePauw's tournament.

The margin, not necessarily the win would surprise some people.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on November 16, 2007, 10:41:04 PM
On their home court, #13 Millikin gets a whooping from Whitewater 92-46.  Any details from anyone that went to the game?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2007, 12:22:39 PM
NPU's new-look squad was taken to the cleaners by Concordia (WI) in the opener of the St. Norbert tourney last night, 82-42. The Vikings turned the ball over 39 times. Ouch. Looks like it could be a very unpleasant year for the North Park women's team.

The weird thing is that they only attempted two three-pointers for the entire game.

NPU will face Edgewood in today's consolation game.

Augie lost by 12 to Lakeland, and Elmhurst lost by 5 to Lake Forest. North Central beat Webster handily.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 17, 2007, 07:33:14 PM
There may be something special brewing in Bloomington.  Last night they downed pre-season #6 WashU 69-51.  Today they couldn't quite match that feat, but only lost to pre-season #5 DePauw (AT DePauw) by a 77-66 margin.

Probably not quite enough to move from #17 pre-season into the top 10, but 11 or 12 seems plausible.  (Alas, part of that rise will be due to the fall of Millikin - 92-46: OUCH!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2007, 12:30:13 PM
Edgewood beat NPU in the St. Norbert consolation, 77-43. Yuck.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2007, 04:28:25 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2007, 11:16:39 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2007, 01:45:30 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2007, 12:50:01 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on November 29, 2007, 12:23:26 AM
Word is that Parra is in Australia this term and will be back in time for conference play. Not sure what the scoop is with Amber.
Augie over Aurora tonight at the Carver Center.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2007, 01:33:48 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2007, 11:29:17 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 04, 2007, 10:42:29 PM
IWU moved to 4-1 with a 98-72 win over Fontbonne tonight in St. Louis...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/WB33.HTM

Junior point-guard Mallory Heydorn was 7-10 from beyond the arc, finishing with 22 points.  As a team, the Titans were 18-37 from 3.

All four of IWU's wins have been blowouts...

98-72 over Fontbonne
99-50 over MacMurray
90-40 over Eureka
69-51 over Wash U

The Titans are averaging 84.4 points per game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2007, 01:46:22 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 05, 2007, 01:59:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 05, 2007, 01:46:22 PM
Titan Q,
Something else that stands out from last night's IWU stat sheet is the 16 rebounds by Christina Solari. Her 5 assists and 3 steals ain't bad either.
The game I saw was interesting, too.
Wheaton stood up very well to St Xavier, a team that plays similarly to the Titans. Only in OT did the Thunder tire out.
They couldn't handle SXU forward Erin Hannemann throughout the contest, and got done in by quick guards Kathlyn McClain and Alex Barone at the end of the game.
But they did a very good job bothering SXU's numerous three-point shooters into a 5/22 performance.
Claire Glass excelled on the glass (sorry) with 14 rebs in 29 minutes. Katie Heddell played very well in her return to action.
Illinihoops4: to update what we talked about a few days back -- Parra and Cibrario both played in NC's win last night.

Rog, I watched this game on the WETN stream...my parents are big SXU fans (my mom's alma mater and they live a mile away) and wanted the scoop.

I thought the Thunder were going to pull it out.  In the end, that SXU pressure D was just a little too much.

Wheaton played very well.  SXU won @ D1 Illinois-Chicago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2007, 01:36:08 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on December 08, 2007, 04:50:43 AM
Even though it is early I may have to eat my words!  NCC is off to a solid 4-2 start with a nice win over Benedictine.  It will be a test at Franklin today. Franklin is a tough HCAC school and tough place to play for the opposition. 

Seeing IWU play twice they have to be the team to beat.  Their guards are solid and they have so much depth.  The run and jump has paid off early.  We will see how does come conference time. They are a fun team to watch!  Mia is doing another stellar job in Bloomington
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2007, 11:19:12 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2007, 10:04:59 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 12, 2007, 11:45:15 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 16, 2007, 04:24:12 PM
Yesterday at Millikin's Harriett Crannell Holiday Classic tournament, IWU jumped out to a 27-0 lead vs Blackburn and cruised to a 86-45 win.  The starters played just 17-18 minutes.

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/HCHC1.HTM

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/12/16/sports/doc4764a3efa3963723345020.txt

Per IWU's site:

The Titans' scheduled game vs. Robert Morris-Springfield on Sunday, Dec. 16 has been cancelled and not due to weather. RMC is unable to field a team due to injuries sustained in last night's loss to Millikin.

IWU is now 6-1 with a game at Manchester Tuesday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2007, 11:45:11 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 17, 2007, 12:05:08 PM
Word this morning in the Pantagraph is that the IWU-RMS game will be rescheduled Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Shirk Center, time TBD.

We had planned to go to Decatur on Saturday, but the snow was at its peak as we were running errands around town, and it was slippery enough that we turned around and followed the score online. 

Having been in London for the past four months, we were eager to see a game.  Now we will see the IWU men against Hanover Tuesday, and then it's another long hiatus (for us) until the CCIW seasons begin in January. We did see great football (soccer), and I actually watched and enjoyed a few rugby matches as England made it to the finals of the World Cup.

Thanks to Rog and all who have kept the flow of information coming!  It's good to be back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2007, 01:12:52 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2007, 01:38:32 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Chicago_BBall_97 on December 18, 2007, 06:42:50 PM
Does anyone know why Augie played Colorado College on back to back nights
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2007, 11:38:09 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2007, 05:55:10 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 19, 2007, 06:07:18 PM
IWU moved to 7-1 with a 87-55 win over Manchester yesterday...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/07WG9IWU.HTM

The margins of IWU's wins are:

Wash U - 18 pts
Eureka - 50
MacMurray - 44
Fontbonne - 26
Ill-Springfield - 35
Blackburn - 41
Manchester - 32

I'm a little worried about what appears to be a cupcake schedule since opening weekend, but they sure have taken care of business.

The Titans finish the non-conference...

12/29 vs Milwaukee School of Engineering (@ Cal Lutheran)
12/30 vs Cal Lutheran or UC-Santa Cruz
1/5 vs Robert Morris-Springfield (makeup of postponed game)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 19, 2007, 06:10:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2007, 01:12:52 PM
I wonder if Titan Q can tell us about IWU's Hope Schulte, who so far has stats that indicate a diversely-talented player (steals, blocks, rebounding, shooting range, some assists).

Rog, I just haven't seen her play enough to comment.  I know Mia Smith was thrilled when she landed Schulte as a recruit and feels like her freshman class is loaded.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on December 21, 2007, 07:22:16 AM
This poster's seen a couple of MSOE's games:  One of MSOE's guards (Dana Guthrie) has exceptional foot-speed and can hit the 3. That squad gave fellow NAthCon opponent Lakeland all it could handle until the Muskies pulled away in the last 5 minutes of that contest.

Just my .02.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2007, 01:32:39 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 30, 2007, 01:18:37 AM
IWU 114
MSOE 40

From IWU.edu...

The Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball team set a school game scoring record in a 114-40 blasting of Milwaukee School of Engineering in the first round of the Cal Lutheran Tournament at Thousand Oaks, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 29. The old record was 109 points in a win at Rockford in the 1995-96 season. Six Titans scored in double figures, led by freshman Nikki Preston (shown) with 15, senior Kerri Gravlin with 14, freshman Hope Schulte with 13, seniors Crystal Dye and Sarah Bull with 12 each and junior Claire Sheehan with 11. No. 10- ranked IWU, now 8-1 overall, outrebounded MSOE (whose record fell to 0-10) by a 54-25 margin led by 14 from sophomore Christina Solari. The Titans, who also set a school record with 37 assists, were 17 of 42 from 3-point range and will play either UC-Santa Cruz or the host school for the title at 4 p.m. Pacific time on Sunday, Dec. 30.

The boxscore...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/1229MSIW.HTM


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 30, 2007, 09:34:48 PM
IWU 91
UC-Santa Cruz 45

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/1230IWSC.HTM

The Titans (9-1) are averaging 89.7 points...opponents 54.2.  They've played a weak schedule since the opener, but they've pounded the teams they should pound.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2007, 10:34:10 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2007, 07:09:52 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on January 03, 2008, 01:04:05 PM
I got a chance to see the Elmhurst victory (78-69) over Benedictine last night.  The Bluejays have an interesting mix of young talent--they start one freshman, and regularly play four or five more freshmen off the bench.  Their leading scorer, Long, is only a sophomore.  Although their record is 4-7, they have been competitive in most of their games against some good teams.  They may be a team to watch over the next couple of years.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Dave84 on January 03, 2008, 07:44:06 PM
Hey Titan,

I'm a Trinity (TX) supporter and haven't heard much about your IWU lately.  I remember we played your guys a couple of times during my tenure, and just wanted to know how they are looking.  The Freeman brothers are gone now, correct? who is this year's star?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 03, 2008, 08:51:09 PM
Guessing you want to ask that in the men's board.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 04, 2008, 08:18:09 AM
An article on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/04/usports/doc477db5364350c287188099.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Dave84 on January 04, 2008, 10:23:50 AM
haha, good point pat, might have clicked the wrong CCIW board.  thanks!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2008, 01:31:37 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 08, 2008, 07:46:55 PM
IWU/North Park live stats (7:30pm tip)...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/Basketball/xlive.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 08, 2008, 10:05:11 PM
IWU 95
North Park 43

IWU played without All-American point-guard Mallory Heydorn, who is suffering from a strained achilles.  The Titans raced out to an early lead vs the Vikings though and never looked back.  Sarah Bull scored 21 of her 22 points in the 1st half to pace the Titans.

I realized NPU is really struggling this year, so it's hard to draw a lot from this one, but a couple observations from the 30 minutes or so I watched tonight...

* IWU really gets after it defensively up and down the floor. They forced 21 1st half turnovers tonight and 41 in the game.  They make every player on the opposing team handle the basketball.

* The Titans are just absolutely loaded with talent up and down the roster.  They're led by upperclass perimeter players Mallory Heydorn (Jr), Sarah Bull (Sr), Claire Sheehan (Jr), and Crystal Dye (Sr), but sophomore Christina Solari, the starting center, is averaging over 8 rebounds per game.  And the Titans have a bunch of freshmen who are going to be outstanding, including 5-10 guard Hope Schulte, 5-10 guard Nikki Preston, 6-1 center Sarah Cotner, and 5-11 forward Lia Anderson.  IWU is in position to be really good for a long time.

The Titans really need Heydorn back vs Millikin Saturday.  Her status is up in the air.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: AndOne on January 09, 2008, 12:32:15 AM
North Central rolls over Augie 72-39.

http://www.northcentralcollege.edu/athletics/stats/basketball_w/07-08/NCCW-AUG.HTM#GAME.BOXer

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on January 09, 2008, 11:05:44 AM
I got to see the game at Elmhurst last night.  What an exciting finish for a team that hadn't beaten Wheaton since 1989.  Elmhurst was down 9 with under 6 minutes remaining, and mounted a furious comeback with a trapping press that forced Wheaton into 27 turnovers for the game.  With about 25 seconds remaining and Elmhurst down 58-57, Elmhurst freshman Kelsey Monroe grabbed a defensive rebound, drew a foul as she pushed the ball up the floor, and knocked down the two free throws to give Elmhurst a one point lead.  Elmhurst then had two nice defensive stops to close out the win.  Their defense helped them overcome a poor shooting performance--Elmhurst sophomore Lyndsie Long had five steals, Monroe four, and junior Brittany Bobruk three.  Long had a stellar game with a double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Bobruk led the scoring with 15.  Wheaton sophomore Sarah Jones had another nice game with 12 points and 5 rebounds, and sophomore post Carissa Bacon did well inside with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2008, 11:40:58 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2008, 03:18:52 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 09, 2008, 04:24:40 PM
Looks like we're in for an interesting CCIW season, with Elmhurst breaking their string of losses to Wheaton and Carthage taking it to Millikin on the Big Blue's home floor.  It's early days, though--I'm sure that there will be more unexpected results. 

Rog, you asked a while back about Hope Schulte.  I got to see the Titans for the first time this season last night, and Schulte had more minutes than any other Titan (still only 21, though).  As the stats suggest, she's a complete player--good ball-handling, able to make assists and to score inside and out.  Her stats for the night were 3/6 on FG shooting, 4/4 on FTs, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 turnover.  She has a good looking shot and seems to have been well coached.  As Q says, there's a ton of talent on the IWU side this year; Schulte seems to be very mature for a first-year college player.

The IWU-Millikin game on Saturday is looming large.  I'm looking forward to seeing that matchup.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2008, 05:40:43 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2008, 09:46:29 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2008, 11:02:30 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on January 12, 2008, 11:37:48 PM
RogK, not sure how you cover so many games at once--I have trouble keeping up with just Elmhurst.  The Bluejays were down 18 with only nine minutes remaining, and I think--although I haven't seen the actual stats yet--they were down 16 with five minutes to go.  North Central's stifling defense, which contributed to Elmhurst's poor shooting for the first two thirds of the game, began to result in fouls the last third.  So, some of the second half margin was made up by Elmhurst at the free throw line with the clock stopped.  Elmhurst just seemed to turn up the intensity, getting loose balls and rebounds they weren't getting earlier in the game, and started knocking down shots.  Before that, North Central dominated most of the game, taking advantage of their size advantage in the post, and their guards handled Elmhurst's press well.  The Cardinals seem to have a nice team, and deep into the second half it looked like they were well on their way to a blow out.  It was unbelievable watching the Elmhurst comeback in the last five minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 13, 2008, 10:04:28 AM
Here's a link to the Pantagraph story of the IWU-Millikin game:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/13/usports/doc4789675c1920c931150091.txt

The Big Blue simply executed their game plan better than the Titans did theirs, save the first five minutes or so.  The Titan offense depends a lot on the 3-point shot, and when you hit less than 30%, as they did in the second half, you won't usually win.  What made the first few minutes go the Titans' way was their effort to contain Lindsay Ippel--they were successful early, but the Big Blue went to other options and then were able to work it back in to Ippel.  The bright spot for the Titans was the return of Mallory Heydorn, who had been expected to sit with a sore Achilles tendon.  She didn't look much the worse for it, scoring five 3's and a team-high 16 points.  Heydorn broke the IWU record for 3's in the game, and Ippel became Millikin's all-time scoring leader.

The result was a fair one--all credit to the Big Blue.  Looks like it's really "game on" in the CCIW now!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on January 14, 2008, 11:42:17 AM
Just curious if IWU playing a weak non-con schedule has anything to do with this loss?  Player to player I would say IWU has more talent. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 14, 2008, 12:15:57 PM
Quote from: HCACBBALL on January 14, 2008, 11:42:17 AM
Just curious if IWU playing a weak non-con schedule has anything to do with this loss?  Player to player I would say IWU has more talent. 

I think that recent experience in competitive games is always helpful.  I know that the IWU coaching staff prefer to schedule challenging opposition (witness the opening two games against Wash. U. and DePauw), but it's true that the rest of the schedule hasn't given the Titans a lot of practice in pulling out close games, to say the least.  So in a sense what you say is true.

I prefer to say that Millikin stuck to their game plan better than IWU.  Lindsay Ippel is a huge part of that game plan, and when getting the ball to her inside wasn't working, they tried something else:  they shot 46% on 3-point shots (57% in the second half, when Whitney Scwartz went 3-3).  IWU, on the other hand, was ice-cold by their standards:  Claire Sheehan went 1-5 on threes, and Sarah Bull was 2-7.  By the second half the fouls were mounting on the IWU bigs, and Ippel was able to take over. 

While I'm sure that being out of practice in close game situations didn't help the Titans, it's also true that sometimes the shots just don't fall.  Although I don't really believe in "good losses," in the long run this loss may have given the Titans experience a team can only get under game conditions, and thus make them stronger.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2008, 01:50:33 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2008, 03:18:26 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 15, 2008, 09:09:12 PM
IWU has just come from behind to take a 9 point lead at Augie with about 2:00 in the first half.

Live stats at  http://www.augustana.edu/athletics/livestats/xlive.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2008, 10:06:19 PM
Titans up by 28 with less than 2 minutes in the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 15, 2008, 10:11:49 PM
The Titans seem to have shaken off whatever ailed them Saturday and early on in tonight's game.  After coming from 8 down early in the game (when Augustana shot 75% from the floor!) to take a 39-32 halftime lead, the Titans won the second half 46-28.  FG shooting percentages were comparable--42.1% for Augie compared to 43.8% for IWU--but the Titans made 32 FGs to Augie's 24, and 12 of those IWU baskets were 3s.  High scorers were Mallory Heydorn with 18, Claire Sheehan with 17, and Sarah Bull with 16. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on January 16, 2008, 10:23:21 AM
Got to see Carthage take sole possession of first place last night, although Elmhurst made it a game in what is becoming a typical comeback effort after falling behind by double digits in the second half.  Carthage pulled ahead by 14 with under 14 minutes remaining, but Elmhurst turned up the pressure defense and cut the lead to one with four minutes remaining.  Elmhurst could never get over the top, though, and it remained a three point game through the final buzzer.  Carthage did a nice job taking advantage of their size inside by controlling the boards, outscoring Elmhurst in the paint, and getting second chance points.  Elmhurst had the edge in forcing turnovers and points off turnovers.  Freshman Monroe led the scoring for Elmhurst with 19, while Long had her usual steady game with 16, and Bobruk 13.  Carthage has many weapons, though, and had four of five starters in double figures, led by a nice shooting effort by Janowiak with 16.  It turned out to be a game of size against speed, and it was fun to watch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2008, 11:39:40 AM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2008, 03:45:00 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 20, 2008, 11:16:54 AM
Good morning, all,

I made it to Shirk yesterday to see round one of IWU-Wheaton for this season.  The final score was 67-52 Titans, although at times, especially in the second half, the game felt much closer than that.  The Titans started the game with their characteristic press, causing quite a few turnovers.  However, for the first time I can remember this season, IWU had more turnovers than the opposition (25 for IWU, 22 for Wheaton).  Partly this was due to good ball pressure on Wheaton's  part, and partly due to IWU trying to play too fast--long, uncontrollable passes, shot fakes that turned into travels, etc. 

Some notes on individual players: IWU's Christina Solari definitely earned the game ball:  she led both sides in scoring and rebounding with 19 and 9 respectively, and shot 9-11 from the field.  Elyse Sanchez, all 5'3" of her, had 7 rebounds for IWU.  Kathleen Fidelia, whom I remember as a deadly 3-point shooter at the 2 guard position last year, seems to be playing a lot of point guard this year.  It doesn't appear to be a natural fit, as she committed 7 turnovers and scored 8 points, all on 2-point shots.  Annie Bowen also had 8 for Wheaton and led them in rebounding with 9.  Overall, IWU outrebounded Wheaton by 47-34.

Wheaton made a nice run in the second half as IWU went ice-cold from the field (their shooting percentage went from 48% in the first half to 37% in the second, and the margin got as close as eight before the Titans were able to pull away.  First-year Titan Nikki Preston had a clutch 3 during that time.

A good match between two well-coached teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2008, 08:55:45 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 20, 2008, 09:50:23 PM
Rog, I am not dissing Wheaton's defense--they play good fundamental basketball, and I'm sure they affected the IWU shooters somewhat.  But there were quite a misses on open shots that are usually made.  It just seemed to be a slightly off day for the shooters--Solari excepted, of course.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 23, 2008, 06:27:45 AM
I was not at the IWU@Elmhurst game--I'm in New Jersey for a family funeral--so all I can report is what I saw following the online stats and reading the Pantagraph.  Perhaps someone who was there can add more. 

IWU came from behind several times, trailing by three at the half and as many as seven early in the second half.  They were behind 74-73 with about 3:30 to go, before finally putting on a 13-2 run.  The final margin was due to free throws (on which IWU was 19-21); the game was much closer than that.

Elmhurst's scoring was led by Lyndsie Long with 28, and Sarah Bull paced IWU with 24.  Colleen Caplice and Crystal Dye had 14 each for the Titans, and Claire Sheehan had 13 with nine assists.  Brittany Bobruk had 14 for Elmhurst.  Christina Solari led the rebounding with 11.  Just watching the plays online, it seemed a very fast-paced game.  Any eyewitnesses?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2008, 01:40:44 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 26, 2008, 03:16:51 PM
Does anyone know if there is a broadcast of the NCC-IWU game?  I can't find live stats on NCC's web page.  Thanks!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2008, 10:13:43 PM
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Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 26, 2008, 11:43:18 PM
Rog,

Thanks for the reports.  What happened with the fouls on NCC's Williams?  The play-by-play shows her getting her last two fouls with the clock stopped.  Is that correct?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2008, 03:19:08 PM
Congratulations for winning CCIW player of the week during January to :
Sarah Jones, Lindsay Ippel, Lindsay Ippel and Sarah Bull.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2008, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 28, 2008, 10:41:51 AM
She was assessed a technical. Do those count as personal fouls, too? I'm not sure, but that may be what caused the play-by-play to look that way.

Don't recall when the change came, but technicals have also counted as personals for several years.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2008, 04:43:56 PM
Thanks, Mr.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 28, 2008, 10:30:10 PM
Hmm, this is very curious.  According to the play-by-play, she got the technical at 15:40 in the second half, when she already had three fouls.  Then, with the clock apparently stopped at 4:33, she got fouls number four and five. See for yourself here:
http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/NCCW-IWU.HTM

I was pretty sure that technicals did count as personals, so it looks as though she got away with six fouls, as in the NBA (or the guy who got a third yellow card from Graham Poll in the World Cup, but that's for another board...)

I'll ask some of the parents or the Titan coaching staff what happened tomorrow. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2008, 01:44:32 PM
Safe travels to everyone on the road this evening; the weather will be interesting. I'm counting on Metra for deliverance to and from Wheaton.
Tonight's games are rematches of the conference openers on January 8 and will bring us halfway through the 14 game season. The matchups that haven't occurred yet will occur on Saturday and then again on the final day of the schedule, February 23.
I'll be seeing if the Thunder can retaliate for a slight loss at Elmhurst. The Bluejays won despite 3/20 three-point shooting. Wheaton so far has allowed only 22/101 from the arc in CCIW play, so that wasn't a coincidence. Another loss for Wheaton may doom their playoff chances, while Elmhurst needs a victory to solidify its spot in the upper half of the league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2008, 02:59:48 PM
Carthage upended Millikin, 53-44 and maintained an undefeated conference record. Katie Jarger led all with 14 points (on only eight shots). Forrest Smith grabbed 8 rebs. Carlie Janowiak had 6 steals, among other things.
But most notably, the Lady Reds put a big defensive shutdown on Millikin's usual plan. Lindsay Ippel was held to 7 pts in 38:00. No one tallied in double digits for the visitors.
The NC at Aug game will occur today, apparently.
IWU sped past NP, 83-47.
The game I observed was a tight one, featuring 55 fouls and was won by Wheaton, 70-68, over Elmhurst. The key for the Thunder was dominance of the defensive rebounding --- they got 30 of 40 possible. Whitney Edgecombe seized 14 total rebs and Claire Glass got 10. Together, they had 17 defensive rebounds. Jamie Jones scored 17 pts in her 21:00, 7/10 and 3/3 FT. Kathleen Fidelia's dribbling skill prevented Elmhurst's press from being a big factor.
For Elmhurst, Lyndsie Long poured in 25 pts (10/16, 5/7 FT). More and more, her play reminds me of former outstanding NBA small forward Adrian Dantley, who would efficiently score 25 or 29 while you thought he had maybe 17 or 18.
Elmhurst was also kept in the game by the relentless efforts of Candice Sutton. Only 5'3" or so, she got right in on the rebound battles and led EC with 9, also contributing 18 pts and good ball handling.
While Elmhurst is much improved, they have things to work on in order to get up to the level of IWU or Carthage. Passing is one area where those two teams excel.
EC could have done better at that. For example, on some fast breaks, sharp-shooting Kelsey Monroe was wide open on the wing, but this was not recognized by the teammates bringing the ball up. Had she gotten two or three more three-point attempts up (or driven to the hoop), the victory may have been Elmhurst's. But anyway, credit goes to Wheaton for winning this one fairly and squarely.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2008, 01:46:08 PM
Well well, Augustana beats North Central. This puts three teams at 2-5 and at the heels of 3-4 Elmhurst. It's conceivable that a 7-7 record will be good enough for the 4th CCIW playoff spot. Maybe even 6-8 if things get weird.
Saturday promises some fascinating confrontations.
IWU hosts Carthage, hoping to grab a share of 1st place. Up to this point, the voters who do the national rankings don't think very highly of Carthage. I assume they've been waiting to see what happens vs IWU. I don't see Carthage allowing any of IWU's guards going off for big points. The advantage among the big players is up for grabs. We'll see.
Whoever loses among Wheaton, NC and Augie will be in a difficult spot. NP already is in a difficult spot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 03, 2008, 11:21:39 AM
The IWU-Carthage matchup at Shirk was as exciting as promised.  The 80-63 final score is a bit misleading, as the game was quite close most of the way.  Only in the last five minutes or so was the likely outcome clear.

Both teams were a bit tight to start, and Carthage got going quicker, carrying a small lead until around the 10:00 mark of the first half.  The Titans pressured the ball handlers, often trapping, and, as usual, sometimes it worked and sometimes it helped create open looks for big Carthage players under the basket.  Overall, it helped the Titans erase the deficit and pull into a 41-37 halftime lead.  Carthage came out strong to equalise the score in the second half, but down the stretch fatigue seemed to hit the Lady Reds hard.  Their foul totals mounted, with key players Shana Lieberman and Lisa Gartelos fouling out, and the Titans pulled away.

The last 1:20 of the first half was almost surreal, with two Titan centers going down.  At the 1.20 mark, starting center Christina Solari (who missed most of last season with an ACL) collapsed under the Titan basket and it was obvious the other knee was the problem.  She was finally helped off the floor, not putting any weight on the leg at all, and was replaced by first-year Sarah Cotner, still wearing a brace on one leg due to an ACL injury last year.  Within seconds, Cotner had collapsed under the other basket--I thought she had slipped on a wet patch of floor.  She, then, was helped off, in obvious agony.  Bottom line:  Solari's was  just a hyperextended knee, and she returned for the second half.  Cotner's injury, however, may well be more serious.

About individual players:  the Lady Reds were led in scoring by Gartelos and Katie Jarger (perhaps, in my mind, the most dangerous single Carthage player because she is a threat both inside and outside) with 13 each.  Shana Lieberman added 11 and both she and Carlie Janowiak had 6 assists.  The Reds' size mattered:  they had 7 blocked shots to the Titans' one.  A solid team.  The Titans' scoring was evenly distributed:  Mallory Heydorn led with 20 (her 8 made baskets were half 2's and half 3's), Claire Sheehan had 15, Sarah Bull 14, Crystal Dye 10, and Solari 9.  First-year Nikki swing player Nikki Preston impressed with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 10 minutes of playing time.  And probably the most telling statistic:  the smaller Titans outrebounded the Lady Reds by a 50-27 margin. 

So now the stage is set for the final push to the conference tournament.  IWU heads to Millikin on Tuesday--a key matchup, since the Big Blue defeated the Titans at Shirk in January.  Clearly, every game is a must-win for the Titans now, but this one is particularly important because Carthage has swept Millikin.  The Titans cannot afford to lose to anyone if they want to host the tournament.  Elmhurst looks to me to be the favorite for the fourth spot--what do others think?

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 03, 2008, 12:14:20 PM
By the way,

Carthage coach Tim Bernero seemed to go out of his way not to shake hands with Sarah Bull, Crystal Dye, and Christina Solari as the starting lineups were introduced (after he did shake hands with Mallory Heydorn and Claire Sheehan).  He turned and walked away, leaving his assistants to do the handshakes.  Then, after the game, he simply walked past the Titan team and coaches, spurning the traditional (and NCAA-sanctioned) handshake.  I've never seen this before--at least on the part of a coach, and at least at the Division III level. 

To put it bluntly, this appears to be poor sportsmanship on the part of Coach Bernero.  His team is well coached and they play the game hard and well.  They represent Carthage College well--they deserve better behavior from their coach.

Can anyone shed any light on this?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2008, 03:34:09 PM
That's not normal (or bloomington) for Bernero, Hoosier Titan. I'll bet he was very pissed off at his own team, not anybody on the Titans. He couldn't be happy that Crystal Dye grabbed 13 rebounds, including many that Carthage should have had. And IWU repeatedly burned them with backdoor cuts and layins.
As you noted, the rebounding was lopsided in favor of IWU. I, too, was impressed with Nikki Preston's 5 rebs and 9 pts in just 10:00. She calmly hit 5/6 FTs in a tense game.
IWU is so talented, an excellent rebounder like Lia Anderson (check her rebs per minute ratio) can't even get in the game. I guess we'll see more of her next year.
It appears that Mallory Heydorn is back at full strength.
Looking at the remaining schedules, Carthage (7-1), IWU (7-1) and Millikin (6-2) can be expected to be in contention for hosting the CCIW tournament. The IWU/Carthage rematch in Kenosha might decide that.
Millikin hit 13/26 threes and topped North Park 87-67. Megan Mateer made 5 of 7 threes and Lindsay Ippel included one as part of her 33 point outburst (plus 9rebs). LaRae Kostreva of NP replied with 29 pts, 11 rebs and six steals.
Everybody played well for Elmhurst, as they trounced Augustana 93-73.
North Central whipped Wheaton 74-49, shooting 60.5% as a team. Barb Williams had 21 pts, 7 reb and 4 blocks for them, while Kelly Brooks led W with 9 pts in 11:00.
Elmhurst (4-4) and North Central (3-5) may have a good sprint to the end for the final conference playoff berth.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Ralph Turner on February 04, 2008, 06:55:01 PM
Welcome to Hoosier Titan on her attaining status of "Starter"!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2008, 07:55:01 PM
Congratulations to Christine Solari being named Player of the Week in the CCIW!  IWU becomes the first school with three different winners this year (it ain't just Mallory's team. ;))

Christine joins Darius Gant (men's PoW) for a Titan sweep.  Good week to be a proud alum! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2008, 08:03:08 PM
Thank you, Ralph!   :)

I was in error, Rog--Coach Bernero did shake hands with the IWU coaches and for some reason missed the team.  My bad.  Appearances deceived, and I clearly spoke too soon.

Looking forward to tomorrow night's matchups!  IWU and Millikin have established a nasty tradition of beating each other on home court, so that the home court advantage has almost become a disadvantage.   We'll see if that continues.  With Elmhurst at 4-4 and North Central at 3-5 their meeting is important for the fourth tournament spot (if we assume that Carthage, IWU, and Millikin are in the other three).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2008, 08:08:40 PM
Wow, what action on this board!  Welcome, Ralph and Mr. Ypsi!

I saw the news about Darius Gant earlier today, and just saw the Solari news now.  Rebounding was clearly the order of the day at Shirk last Saturday, with Darius hauling in 20 and Christina 11.  I promise to acknowledge the accomplishments of non-Titans as well (and we are about to head to the home court of the one-woman highlight film, Lindsay Ippel), but it was great to see those performances last weekend.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 05, 2008, 12:10:07 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 03, 2008, 12:14:20 PM
Then, after the game, he simply walked past the Titan team and coaches, spurning the traditional (and NCAA-sanctioned) handshake.

NCAA-sanctioned handshake? Huh?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2008, 07:42:36 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 05, 2008, 12:10:07 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 03, 2008, 12:14:20 PM
Then, after the game, he simply walked past the Titan team and coaches, spurning the traditional (and NCAA-sanctioned) handshake.

NCAA-sanctioned handshake? Huh?

Pat,

I quote from a pamphlet on the NCAA website entitled Report on the Sportsmanship and Fan Behavior Summit:

--The postgame handshakes among players are an important aspect of the game that student-athletes should
be allowed to engage in safely.

--NCAA championship policies in basketball require student-athletes from opposing teams to greet each other during formal introductions before games.   This policy should also be adopted by institutions and conferences for regular-season games.

Here's the link to the pamphlet:http://www.ncaa.org/sportsmanship/sportsmanshipFanBehavior/report.pdf

This does address the behavior of student-athletes more than that of coaches.  But I think most will agree that it is traditional, if not required, for coaches to go through the handshake line with their players.  I apologize again if I misinterpreted anyone's behavior.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2008, 01:29:17 PM
Here are some conference-only stats:
                        2FG                     3FG
AUGIE     137/361 .380        21/67 .313
CARTH     167/333 .502       40/132 .303
ELMH      157/373 .421        48/137 .350
IWU        168/317 .530        61/200 .305
MILL       142/269 .528        53/117 .453
NC          155/348 .445        24/75 .320
NP          111/311 .357        28/100 .280
WHEAT   157/377 .416        23/89 .258
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2008, 10:51:19 PM
We intended to go to Decatur tonight, but the torrential downpour and wind have given us a moat in the backyard and some interesting new uses for saucepans!  All I can report of the IWU visit to Millikin is what's in the box score; perhaps someone who was there can give more information.

Lindsay Ippel had her usual steady game for the Big Blue with 21 points, including a 3-pointer, and 5 rebounds.  Kelley Steers and Megan Mateer scored 13 each, while Andrea Riebock had 5 assists.  Mallory Heydorn led the Titans with 19 points, Crystal Dye had 17, and Christina Solari had another double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The Big Blue got off quicker, with a couple of 10 point leads in the first half.  The Titans managed to catch up by halftime for a 34 all tie, and then they managed to pull away at the end for a final score of 77-63.

Time to go empty the saucepans and check the weather map.  Looking forward to hearing the reports from around the conference!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 06, 2008, 10:13:29 AM
Elmhurst dominated North Central last night from start to finish, jumping out to a 15-2 early lead, and was up by 16 at half.  They built the lead up to 25 in the second half, and emptied the bench with about five minutes remaining.  Lyndsie Long had her usual outstanding game, scoring 19 on 7 of 11 shooting, and Brittany Bobruk turned in a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds despite having to sit early due to foul trouble.  For North Central, Brianne Parra came off the bench to score 18, and Barb Williams had 13 before fouling out with about eight minutes remaining.  Elmhurst clearly came to play; they shot over 50 percent for the game, played well in transition, and capitalized on NC's 19 turnovers with 33 points.  This was a big game for the Bluejays, giving them a two game lead for the fourth playoff spot with the season winding down.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2008, 03:18:47 PM
Jaywatch, my favorite play from last night's game was when Lyndsie Long prevented a turnover through very quick thinking.
She was turning a corner and slipped, just as a pass was headed her way. While falling to the floor sideways, she reached out and batted the ball directly to a teammate. That's the sort of effort that makes Elmhurst such a fun team to watch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 06, 2008, 03:48:09 PM
Rog, I wish I had seen more of their games last year so that I could compare the two squads.  It seems like Coach Forbes has transformed the team into one that focuses on hustle and defense.  Both Long and Bobruk were good players last year, and they are evolving into top notch players in the conference.  Candace Sutton can be very explosive at times.  I know Illinois Wesleyan got alot of pre-season press about their freshman class, but I don't believe any team in the conference plays as many freshman as Elmhurst.  Kelsey Monroe has stepped up as a solid starter, and usually defends the opponents top perimeter scorer.   She also has appeared on the conference leaders list in various categories (free throw percentage, steals, three point percentage, etc.).  Claire Gentry comes off the bench early and plays with alot of poise, and leads the conference in assist to turnover ratio.  Christine Randick has been playing well lately, and has been putting up some points.  Sarah Halbrader is a deadly three point shooter, and has had some nice scoring games.  There are others who play decent minutes, as well--Charnelle Harris and Anna Randazzo are both fast and very athletic, and show promise.  I think Coach Forbes and her staff have done a nice job putting together her experienced players with the youngsters, and they are all starting to jell together.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2008, 04:06:36 PM
Rog and Jaywatch,

Thanks for the update.  I am looking forward to seeing Elmhurst when they visit IWU in a couple of weeks.  It has seemed to me that a lot of the names I recognize from last year--Lyndsie Long, Brittany Bobruk, and Candace Sutton in particular--have become more productive this season.  Looks like Coach Forbes has accomplished a lot in her first year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2008, 07:20:58 PM
A little bit more on yesterday's action :
Rosie Dorn (another good freshman) led Carthage with 21 pts, 11 reb in their victory over North Park.
Wheaton got fairly balanced production from a lot of players in their win at Augustana. For Augie, freshman forward Jeanelle Strohmaier had her 4th straight good game off the bench, 9 pts 7 reb in 14:00; over those four games, she is 12/19 FG, 8/11 Ft, 32 pts and 18 reb in 55 minutes. Not bad.
IWU's Crystal Dye again had a nice pile of rebounds, nine (plus 17 pts) -- she's listed at 5'5" but plays like 5'11" (approximately).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 07, 2008, 10:04:03 AM
Here's a nice article about Augie's freshman Strohmaier as she was finishing up her high school career at Genoa-Kingston.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/02/06/sports/sports01.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 10, 2008, 11:19:42 AM
The IWU Titans visited King Arena yesterday to play the Wheaton Thunder and came away with a 68-59 win.  The Thunder got off to a quicker start, pulling away to a 25-15 lead as the Titan shots failed to drop.  With under 5:00 to go in the first half, the Titans seemed to come to life:  three 3-pointers by Claire Sheehan and two by Sarah Bull gave the Titans a 30-29 halftime edge.  Coach Mia Smith looked at the clock as the buzzer sounded and said, "We're ahead?"--indicative of the fast pace of the last few minutes.  (I think she was kidding!)

The Titans scored the first eight points of the second half, bringing the margin to 38-29, and then the Thunder went on a 9-2 run, cutting the margin to 40-38.  After that, Sarah Bull hit a key 3-pointer, and the lead was never less than five.

Individual performances:  Sheehan stood out for the Titans, with 23 points (7-14 overall, and 4-9 on 3s), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals.  Other starters Mallory Heydorn, Sarah Bull, and Crystal Dye all scored in double figures, and while center Christina Solari (who scored 19 in the teams' first meeting) was held to 4 points, she brought down a game-high 15 rebounds.  Kathleen Fidelia led the Thunder with 14 points, 4 assists and 4 steals, and other starters Sarah Jones and Claire Glass scored in double figures and netted 9 and 8 rebounds, respectively.  The rebounding totals were dead equal at 42 each, although Wheaton held an edge in offensive boards.  A solid, well-coached performance by both teams.

The trip back down I-55 was more interesting than usual due to high winds, with nasty gusts, often due to passing cars, trucks, and overpasses.  Thank goodness there was no snow!


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2008, 12:01:55 PM
Glad ya got back safely, Hoosier Titan! Sounds like Claire Sheehan had a very fine game. She can score from all over the floor.
With yesterday's results, the CCIW standings have symmetry :
IWU    9-1
Carth  8-2
Mill      7-3
EC      6-4
NC      4-6
Whe   3-7
Aug    2-8
NP      1-9

North Central triumphed over Carthage 65-55. Barb Williams poured in 28 pts and had 10 rebs. Gia Navarra also grabbed 10. Brianne Parra contributed her customary 19 pts and 7 rebs. Perhaps most important for the Cardinals, they had only 10 turnovers.
Millikin had a 44-19 half and won over Augustana 77-55. Lindsay Ippel made sure of the outcome, hitting 14/18 FGs and 6/8 FTs for an impressive 34 pts.
Elmhurst got past North Park 66-50.
The composite 2FG shooting was a bleak 28/110 (EC 21-67 and NP 7/43).
The Bluejay defense induced 38 Viking turnovers.
In the midst of that, NP's Andrea Perez had her best game yet : 21 pts, 3 blocks, 4 steals and 6 rebs.
North Park asks a lot from a few players. LaRae Kostreva and Stylianee Damianides deserve multiple pats on the head for all the tiring minutes they've played. Amanda Phillips has valiantly persevered with at least one bad foot all year.
Those three can return next season, but Perez and forward Crissy Komperda can't. The Vikings need lots of help for '08-09 if they intend to compete with the upper level of the conference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 13, 2008, 01:19:37 PM
Not much action on the board, probably because there were few if any surprises last night.  I got out to see the Elmhurst victory over a short handed Carthage squad, 72-64, which was Carthage's third loss in their last four games.  Carthage probably blames a long bus ride in the snow for their slow start in the game, going down 15-0 in the first five minutes against Elmhurst's smothering full court press.  Carthage then made some runs of their own, and it was a four point game by halftime, and remained about that close for most of the second half.  Both teams shot pretty well from the field, in the 45-46% range, and although Carthage's free throw percentage was only just above 50%, there were not a lot of shooting fouls called so it was not a substantial factor in the loss.  Candace Sutton was in her explosive mode for Elmhurst, scoring 20 and at just over 5' tall pulling down 7 rebounds.  Lyndsie Long added 15 and 6 rebounds, and Kelsey Monroe had 15 points and 4 steals, and generally made life miserable for Carthage's guards with her stifling defense.  With starters Katie Jarger and Carlie Janowiak out with injuries, Carthage was led by Rosie Dorn with 13, Lisa Gartelos with 11 and 5 rebounds, and Heather Gilmore with 10 points and 7 assists.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2008, 01:57:54 PM
Hi Jaywatch, I just wrote up a review of that game but it disappeared when I hit Post. I'll try to re-compose it later in the day. Gotta work now, dang it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2008, 03:25:58 PM
A few thoughts to supplement your report, Jaywatch :
The game was hard-fought and well-played.
Candice Sutton is showing great senior leadership, as she completes her collegiate career. Her intensity was contagious, for sure, last night. You mentioned Elmhurst's smothering press, in which many players participated, starters and reserves. Monroe was definitely prominent.
Brittany Bobruk's 9 defensive rebounds were vital to limiting Carthage's 2nd chance scoring. And Maggie McTeague made 3 or 4 superb defensive plays near the basket, stopping what would have been easy hoops for the Lady Reds. Lyndsie Long battled with Carthage's big players.
Claire Gentry played very well down the stretch. Having her and Sutton on the floor at that stage of the contest was a sharp move by Coach Tethnie Forbes. Forbes is having quite a good debut as a head coach, isn't she.
For Carthage, Heather Gilmore and Rosie Dorn again played with much energy and good results. I think I've referred to them as freshmen in earlier posts, but that wasn't quite accurate. They are sophs, but neither played in '06-07, so they may be able to play four years, if they want. Erika Buchholz had her usual fine game.
With Janowiak on crutches (ankle sprain, I heard), Katie Klemke performed a lot of the dribbling duty for Carthage and did so effectively : one turnover in 20 minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 13, 2008, 04:37:01 PM
Rog, that is an interesting combination when Sutton and Gentry play together on the floor for Elmhurst.  Sutton is not a prototypical shooting guard, but she can shoot from the perimeter and slash to the basket, plays much bigger than she is inside, and certainly holds her own in rebounding.  With her quickness, she creates match up problems for the other team's off guard.  Gentry is a prototypical point guard who looks to set up her teammates to score first, shoot second.  She handles the ball with confidence, and sees the floor well.
Didn't mean to overlook the others you mention--it was a well played game with many players contributing for both teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2008, 05:01:17 PM
Not a problem that you left something for me to write about!
By the way, I don't expect Elmhurst to use Sutton and Gentry together for long stretches, but it seemed to work well, at least against one team on one night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2008, 07:09:41 PM
Illinois Wesleyan improved to 10-1 by stomping Augustana 90-33. Some of that is due to the fact that IWU is very good and is not shy about proving it.
Sarah Bull scored 19 in 21:00, including 5/8 threes. Colleen Caplice had 8 rebounds in 12:00 as a reserve; she's quite a good player and helps make the Titans very deep.
Lindsay Ippel had another productive evening (27 pts, 12 rebs) as Millikin tied Carthage at 8-3 by upending Wheaton 62-36. The Thunder starting five shot 2/29. Kelley Steers provided 12 pts and 6 rebs for Millikin.
Barb Williams had another big game (25, 10, 3blks, 3 stl) as North Central kept in the playoff hunt by coming back from a 32-24 deficit to defeat North Park 70-57. Amber Cibrario assisted on three straight Brianne Parra baskets to put the comeback in motion.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2008, 07:38:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2008, 07:09:41 PM
Illinois Wesleyan improved to 10-1 by stomping Augustana 90-33. Some of that is due to the fact that IWU is very good and is not shy about proving it.
Sarah Bull scored 19 in 21:00, including 5/8 threes. Colleen Caplice had 8 rebounds in 12:00 as a reserve; she's quite a good player and helps make the Titans very deep.
Lindsay Ippel had another productive evening (27 pts, 12 rebs) as Millikin tied Carthage at 8-3 by upending Wheaton 62-36. The Thunder starting five shot 2/29. Kelley Steers provided 12 pts and 6 rebs for Millikin.
Barb Williams had another big game (25, 10, 3blks, 3 stl) as North Central kept in the playoff hunt by coming back from a 32-24 deficit to defeat North Park 70-57. Amber Cibrario assisted on three straight Brianne Parra baskets to put the comeback in motion.

The bolded phrasing sounds like an accusation of 'running up the score' (though your incluson of the limited minutes of Bull and Caplice makes me think that was not your intent).  I've been involved in discussions on several boards about running up the score and how to avoid it (including the opinions, which I don't share, that it is the job of the losing team to get better, and 'tough beans' if the score gets out of hand).  As a youth soccer coach I've been a party to 12-0 scores in both directions, and (while I hated losing that way!) I was more embarassed to win that way - did I miss some opportunity to hold down the score?

Clearly, once the outcome is obvious, your starters should be sitting (though even there an argument could be made that they need 'game time' to prepare for tougher opponents and it would be unfair if they didn't get post-season accolades because they didn't play much).  Since the subs are competing for playing time, it seems rather unfair to keep them from showing their best.  Slow down the game?  Seems reasonable, but if that is not the normal style, are the subs getting a fair chance to show what they can do in your system?  And perhaps the ultimate: if a sub, up by 50, chooses not to score on a steal-and-breakaway, is that even more humiliating to the losing team than the extra points?

I don't know if this topic is of any interest to the (few) posters on this board, but I sure am torn on the best way to handle 'routs'.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 13, 2008, 07:43:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2008, 07:09:41 PM
Illinois Wesleyan improved to 10-1 by stomping Augustana 90-33. Some of that is due to the fact that IWU is very good and is not shy about proving it.
IWU led at halftime by 33 (52-19).  The score had been tied at 9 all at the 15:30 mark.  The Titans went on a 21-2 run to produce a 19 pt lead (30-11) with 7:58 to go.  After a couple of minutes to get oxygen, the Titans went on an 18-3 run at the 5:37 mark to finsh out the half. 

I don't think you pull the starters with 7:58 to go in the 1st even with a 19 point lead.  And, I don't think a coach breaks the flow even when on an 18-3 run with another half to play.

No IWU starter played more than 21 minutes; and, for that matter, no Augie starter played more than 22 minutes.  It appears both coaches emptied their benches to finsh out the 2nd half with IWU out scoring Augie by 24 (38-14).  Maybe Coach Smith should have spotted Augie points?

Not the largest margin of victory for the Lady Titans this season whom defeated MSOE 114-40 12/29
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jdoug2 on February 13, 2008, 08:37:33 PM
I'm usually on the SLIAC board, hope it's ok to give my two cents on the subject of routes. I've always thought if you keep your key player's minutes down, there is not much else you can do. If players 9-12 are still too good... that's the issue of the team getting run. There is a shot clock and the subs need to play whatever system their team runs. Granted it sucks to see your team getting pressed when they are down 40pts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2008, 11:41:54 PM
Hi all,

I was at the IWU-Augustana game last night and wondered if there would be any question of whether the Titans purposely ran up the score (although I realize that no one has said that).  They did not.  The Titans play up-tempo basketball, using a full court press and trapping at times.  They used it in the first half to go on the 27-0 run early in the game.  After that, they backed off and did not press, but they continued playing their style of basketball.   I think that's only fair, especially late in the season with the conference and NCAA tournaments looming.  Players need to play.  As others have noted, no IWU player was in for more than 21 minutes; Mallory Heydorn played only 17 and hardly played at all in the second half.

I don't know what the answer is, either.  It is to Augustana's credit that they did not give up trying to execute their game plan.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2008, 03:23:10 PM
I don't have any objection to IWU scoring 90. I'm sure they could have done 125 or more, if they had the intent to run up the score.
I do feel some sympathy for the Augustana kids, especially since they are going through yet another trying season. But I don't really know if a 90-55 or 90-67 loss (if IWU had let up some on defense) would've made them any happier.

Have any of you started thinking about the all-conference team yet? I think a good argument can be made for all five IWU starters to be on it. Certainly some from Carthage, Millikin and Elmhurst, too. Barb Williams from NC and LaRae Kosreva from NP should be there.
I'm partial for Stylianee Damianides of NP being recognized for doing the point guard duties for practically every second and for being one of the better defenders in the league, but I don't know if NP gets more than one player.
Any Wheaton players? Becky Rehn / Augie?
I don't know Millikin well enough to speculate about whom Coach Kerans will nominate besides you-know-who.
Coaches usually lean toward nominating seniors if there's a close call.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 14, 2008, 04:04:42 PM
Anybody know the selection procedure?  Does the coach nominate their own players, or players from other teams?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2008, 04:22:23 PM
Here 'tis :
V.   ALL CONFERENCE
The following format will be utilized.

A.   1st team – 5 players
2nd team – 5 players
Honorable mention team – no more than 5 additional players

B.   Each coach may nominate players from his/her team as all-conference candidates.  Coaches may not vote for their own player(s).

C.   Each vote is worth one point and each coach votes for 5 players.  In the case of a tie, there will be a re-vote to break the tie, involving only those players involved in the tie.

D.   Voting will proceed as follows:

1.   Nominations for 1st team (only), followed by a vote

2.   Nominations for 2nd team (only) and student-athletes not selected for the first team will automatically be nominated for the 2nd team followed by a vote.

3.   Nominations for the 3rd team (only) and student-athletes not selected for the second team will automatically be nominated for the 3rd team, followed by a vote.

E.   A most outstanding player is selected from the five-member first team immediately after the first team voting has been completed. 

F.   Nominations and voting for "Coach of the Year" will follow the completion of the all-conference voting.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2008, 03:30:31 PM
More about the 15 spots for All-Conference --
While I previously opined that all five IWU starters deserve to be there (if anyone thinks one of 'em doesn't, lets hear why), it is unlikely that all five make it, unless Mia Smith can do some neat negotiating with several other voters (coaches).
Carthage, Millikin and Elmhurst all would doubtless like to see four of their own receive the honor. Already we're out of spaces, not counting the best from North Central, Wheaton, Augie and North Park.
I don't think it's clear-cut who the 15 best are. In fact, there are probably 23 or 24 that would be reasonable selections. A lot of Carthage's players fit into that description -- many have had great games here and there, but not consistently (obviously, Bernero's judgment matters here, not mine!).
What do you astute observers think?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 15, 2008, 05:39:22 PM
Roj, you are right--a team like Carthage will be a tough call because no individual player's statistics stand out, and much of the success of Carthage is due to team defensive statistics that do not show up in the individual stats.  With respect to IWU, I also doubt all five starters will make it.  I haven't seen many of their games, but one could argue that three or four of them have better statistics in conference games and would be the more obvious choices.  Statistics don't tell the entire story about a player, but it is a starting point, particularly when there are so many good players in the conference.  I would think the teams at the top of the conference would earn more selections.  So, North Park will have difficulty getting two players into the top 15.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2008, 03:18:27 PM
Some notes on Saturday :
IWU shot 59.3 % and had six players in double figures, sailing past North Central 93-68. The Cardinals are thereby out of playoff contention.
It is probable that IWU will host the tournament and face Elmhurst, while Carthage encounters Millikin. If IWU loses its last two regular season matchups and ties somebody at 11-3, things could be shuffled around.
Lisa Gartelos scored 22 and added 7 rebounds for Carthage in their 66-59 defeat of Wheaton. Sarah Jones had 18 pts for W.
In Chicago, Maegan Skahill had 17 pts and 10 rebs and teammate Becky Rehn had 8 assists, 8 rebs and 4 steals to lead Augustana 70-59 over North Park in the rematch battle of the Vikings.
Matters started well for Elmhurst as they got out to a 38-26 halftime lead, thanks to hitting 7 of 11 threes. But Millikin responded with vigor in a 46-29 second half, taking the game by five, 72-67.
Lindsay Ippel used an assortment of nifty swirling movements at the hoop and finished with 34 points. Fans seated behind me spoke of her as "a monster."
Kelley Steers was second for the Big Blue with 15 pts, missing just 1 FT, 1 two and 1 three. She had a huge steal late in the game, topping off a well-rounded performance.
Offensively, Millikin stays spread out and moves the ball around quickly. This makes it tough to have two or three defenders attend to Ippel while simultaneously keeping coverage on 3-point threats Steers and Megan Mateer. Leave them open and you'll regret it. But then, Andrea Riebock and Kayla Pembrook or others will hurt you with a basket or fine pass.
Defensively, Millikin can match Elmhurst for quickness and they have a 2 or 3 inch advantage in height and arm length at every position.
This brings us to one more week of regular season CCIW action. Best of health to everyone and I hope all enjoy the fun of the sport, especially the seniors.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 18, 2008, 10:04:38 AM
A bittersweet day for Elmhurst--on Saturday they clinched the fourth spot in the CCIW tournament with North Central's loss to IWU, but let another game slip away in which the Bluejays led until the final minutes.  Millikin played very well as a team in the comeback, with the guards finding Ippel around the basket with some nice passes, rotating the ball well to find holes in Elmhurst's helpside defense, and knocking down the perimeter shot when Elmhurst tried to send too much help on Ippel.  Ippel uses her body very well to seal the post defender who is fronting her, and showed that she has great hands in catching the entry pass thrown over the top of the defense.  The inside-outside game that Millikin displayed on Saturday is very tough to defend, indeed.
Elmhurst has shown that they can play with any of the top three teams, though, and may be a dangerous foe in the tournament--they just have to put together a full 40 minutes of basketball.  I sensed that they shifted to a conservative mode offensively during the final few minutes when they still had the lead, and momentum then shifted to Millikin.  It also didn't help Elmhurst that their starting post, Brittany Bobruk, was in foul trouble for significant minutes in the second half, forcing them to play smaller, which put them at even more of a disadvantage against Ippel and Co.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2008, 03:12:35 PM
Discussion issue anyone? --
Unlike soccer or hockey, with their offsides rules, basketball allows players to be stationed anywhere on the court, regardless of where opponents are or where any stripes are painted on the floor.
With that in mind, does anyone besides me wonder why "cherry picking" isn't used more often?
True, you face a 5-on-4 defensively, but at the offensive end you probably have a 1-on-zero or a 1-on-1, both of which are more dangerous than a 5-on-4, no?
I realize that if it's a game of younger players, you want all of 'em playing defense, so they learn how. But at the college level, I would think that some teams (not all) could become good at using "cherry picking" as an offensive option.
Agreement or derision, anyone?
Is the term "cherry picking" still in use, by the way?
Is there a separate term for a player who guards someone near midcourt, but takes off when a shot goes up? Would we include that in a definition of cherry picker? Or is the cherry picker strictly not guarding anyone?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WWWRHH on February 19, 2008, 04:06:50 PM
Cherry picking as a strategy is harder than it looks when playing on a full length basketball court. (I have seen it employed by old guys playing on short courts because they are either too tired and / or lazy to play defense ;))

The defensive team is not only defending with four players, but rebounding with four players.  So it is easier for the offensive team to find a good shot and control the rebound for a second shot.  If the defenders do control the rebound they still have to advance the ball down court before the offensive team transitions to defense, and full length passes after rebounding are hard due to positioning and traffic under the basket.  If the offensive team makes the basket, they can usually recover good defensive position during the time it takes to recover the ball, step out of bounds and inbound.  If a team is successful at employing the strategy, it can be countered by basically making the game 4 on 4.

Cherry picking does not work against a good alert team that can take care of the ball and find the open player.

I think your last point is closer to good, aggressive transition basketball than cherry picking.

Running the court in transition can create real opportunities.  If they are not directly involved with the play (rebounder / inbounder and ball handler) the Hope women release down court immediately following change of control and typically get several opportunities for layups since they are not afraid to make long passes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 20, 2008, 11:30:16 AM
Interesting stats on the Illinois Wesleyan thumping of Elmhurst last night.  IWU clearly came to play, and to clinch their top finish in the conference, while Elmhurst came out sluggish and turnover prone.  The lead was 15 at half, and in the mid 20s throughout the second half.  With about five minutes remaining, and down about 24, Elmhurst subbed in a lineup made up of entirely freshmen.  IWU responded by subbing its starters back in, and its last two starters didn't leave the game until around 30 seconds remaining, and up 29.  Heydorn ended up with 35 minutes, Solari 31, Dye 28 and Sheehan 27 minutes.
There were recent posts discussing whether IWU ran up the score against Augustana.  Perhaps against Elmhurst IWU was trying to make a statement against their first playoff foe?  Perhaps they were trying to reach the century mark in the game?  I suspect the first reason is a possibility, although it may also cause the opponent to come into the next contest fired up to play.  In any event, playing the starters deep into a blow out seems to be done at the expense of the bench players who would like to get onto the floor, and at the expense of getting experience to the younger team members.  And then there is the risk of injury to a starter during "garbage minutes" at a time when the team is getting ready for the playoffs.
Hoosier Titan, any thoughts?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2008, 12:50:14 PM
Jaywatch, without addressing your issue right now, I have another question.
There was a play Saturday, partially blocked from my view, where Candice Sutton was descending from a layup and may have konked heads with Lyndsie Long. Do you know if that collision occurred?
I note that Long played only 19 minutes last night. Is she not at 100%?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Jaywatch on February 20, 2008, 01:26:39 PM
Roj, I have not heard of an injury to Long, and I do not think her limited playing time last night was due to injury. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2008, 01:33:24 PM
Thanks, Jaywatch.
Regarding your issue about IWU :
I suspect IWU was "making a statement" and maybe attempting to demoralize Elmhurst via a substantial win.
I doubt that they were trying to reach 100. While they are close to being the highest scoring D3 team, they don't really push things in an effort to break scoring records. For that, I refer you to the NAIA Olivet Nazarene women. They average 105 compared to IWU's 86. They shoot 49 threes per game, IWU only 28.
Anyway, I think it's within the boundaries of sportsmanship for one good team to clobber another good team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2008, 01:42:27 PM
Jaywatch,

I am not going to be able to give you a full story about minutes last night because I was not at the game until about the 12:00 mark of the second half (a major academic event was scheduled in conflict with the game--it seems no university is small enough to avoid scheduling conflicts.  ??? :( ) I actually rushed in with my academic robes in arms.

I do not think anyone last week actually accused IWU of running up the score--there was just a discussion of how to avoid blowouts.  I am quite sure that if Mia Smith had the goal of scoring 100 points, the Titans could have done so (or at least they would have played with more urgency).  There were possessions with lots of passes; maybe they were working on that aspect of their game.  It's true that the starters played more minutes than they have in some games lately.  Should the Titans advance into and through the NCAA tournament, it's reasonable to expect that the games will not be blowouts and that the starters and selected subs should be getting used to playing longer minutes.  Also, as height is not the Titans' strong point, finding the extra pass that will lead to an open shot will be crucial in the NCAAs, if and when the Titans get there.

Those are my thoughts at the moment.  I know Mia Smith appreciates the efforts of student athletes on both teams and I do not think she would purposely run the score up.  Still, I know it's not fun.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 20, 2008, 02:28:00 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2008, 01:42:27 PM
It's true that the starters played more minutes than they have in some games lately.  Should the Titans advance into and through the NCAA tournament, it's reasonable to expect that the games will not be blowouts and that the starters and selected subs should be getting used to playing longer minutes. 
Jaywatch, I think Hoosier Titan has it about right when you check the distribution of minutes last night.  Coach Smith went about 9 deep last night; what a team needs to do to win the CCIW Tournament to lock-up the AQ.  Any team with NCAA Tournament hopes needs a strong starting 5 + 4 if it wants to go beyond the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  No team can really afford to wait until NCAA Tournament time to fine tune that 5+4.  Sooner is better to get that group working as one. The Titans need to think, play and execute because it's really "one and done" time.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2008, 05:45:35 PM
I just remembered something:  Coach Smith put all four seniors in with about 5 minutes to go, with the intention of bringing them out one at a time so that they could get a nice ovation at their last home game.  There were almost no dead balls after that point; she had to call two rolling timeouts to make the substitutions.  But that added 4-5 minutes for Bull, Dye, Gravlin, and Sanchez. 

Of the non-seniors, Mallory Heydorn and Christina Solari had the most minutes and they both had reasons for needing playing time:  Heydorn has/had a sore Achilles tendon and her minutes have been limited.  I assume she's feeling better (else she surely would have been out most of the second half), and needs game time.  And Solari played with four fouls for quite a while--given the Titans' lack of depth at the post, she needs to practice playing in that situation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 20, 2008, 06:37:31 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2008, 05:45:35 PM
I just remembered something:  Coach Smith put all four seniors in with about 5 minutes to go, with the intention of bringing them out one at a time so that they could get a nice ovation at their last home game.  There were almost no dead balls after that point; she had to call two rolling timeouts to make the substitutions.  But that added 4-5 minutes for Bull, Dye, Gravlin, and Sanchez. 

Of the non-seniors, Mallory Heydorn and Christina Solari had the most minutes and they both had reasons for needing playing time:  Heydorn has/had a sore Achilles tendon and her minutes have been limited.  I assume she's feeling better (else she surely would have been out most of the second half), and needs game time.  And Solari played with four fouls for quite a while--given the Titans' lack of depth at the post, she needs to practice playing in that situation.
Giving the seniors one last time in the Shirk during a regular season game was my other thought.  Glad you posted back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2008, 06:58:35 PM
In Decatur last night, the local partisans probably gave a most appreciative send-off to Millikin's nice flock of seniors. The Big Blue shot 64.2%, topping North Central 83-58.
Lindsay Ippel, had 26 pts, 6 blocks and 11 rebs.
In Kenosha, Carthage won, getting past Augustana 67-55.
The game I saw saw Wheaton get out to a 20-8 lead, slowly --- this was 2/3 through the first half. The quality of play was such that I thought I would have to go home and wash my eyes. Fortunately, things perked up. The teams played more or less even to make it 31-20 at the half.
NP had a bit more consistent intensity than Wheaton did in the second half and "made a game of it." But Claire Glass coolly hit a bunch of FTs to save the game (60-56) for Wheaton.
LaRae Kostreva had 17 rebounds and 4 blocks for NP.
This has been a weird ending for Wheaton's season. They competed quite well against strong non-conference teams. But things soured since then. The injuries to Lynnea Kvam and Lissie McAlvey hurt for sure. The Thunder will likely do better next year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2008, 07:07:45 PM
What do you-all think about 1st Team all-CCIW?
I say Lindsay Ippel, Lyndsie Long, Christina Solari and Sarah Bull. These four have been consistently outstanding. Can't decide on the other spot.
Carthage would deserve someone, but which one?
Does anyone disagree with my four above?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2008, 02:24:01 PM
From SI "Faces in the Crowd" this week: Erin Higgins (Kenosha).  "Erin, a junior guard at St. Joseph's High, scored all 35 of the Lancers' points in a 50-35 loss to Wetosha Central, hitting 13 field goals, including five three-pointers, and getting 13 rebounds.  She is averaging 19.7 points and has 1,943 for her career.  She is also the Lakeshore Conference's soccer player of the year."

Wow!  Not knowing anything about the level of play in that conference, is she a likely scholarship player, or is Carthage on her like white on rice?! ;)  [Or perhaps a 'steal' for another CCIW team?]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 21, 2008, 05:03:20 PM
"White on rice," Ypsi?  I have never heard that before!

Rog, I think Ippel and Solari are locks.  I know Long's numbers and I won't argue against her; she just hasn't had great games when I've seen Elmhurst.  I have the same problem as you when I look at the numbers for Carthage.  My memory says "Jarger," but looking at stats I see Janowiak, Buchholz, and Lieberman's names as well.  I think North Central's Brianne Parra is the best power player in the league and I'd like to see her on one of the lists, although that may not fly as she's not starting at the moment.  And I'll go with Sarah Bull, although Crystal Dye deserves recognition somewhere.  So I have:

Ippel
Solari
Long
Bull
Jarger(?) 

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2008, 07:20:47 PM
Mr Ypsi,
That kid in Kenosha sounds like a top athlete. If she was a secret before, she ain't now.
Hoosier Titan,
Parra is a very reliable low-post scorer and rebounder. My guess, though, is that Barb Williams would be the first choice from NC. Williams is shooting around 57% in CCIW play. Her 15.0 pts avg could have been higher had she better avoided foul trouble in several games.
Too bad there isn't a CCIW all star game. Then, more than 15 players could be honored.
Janowiak directs the Carthage offense very well. She could be their 1st team candidate. Buchholz plays as hard as anyone.
I agree with you about Dye. She'll be on the all-conference team somewhere. Sheehan and Heydorn are certainly among the conference's best, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2008, 06:37:16 PM
To those who will play their final college game tomorrow, I hope your last shots all go in. Even your last four or five shots!

For anyone who needs a major basketball fix : next Friday and Saturday, not only is there the CCIW tournament at IWU in Bloomington, but the class 3A and 4A girls state finals will be going on a few miles away at ISU Redbird Arena. See ihsa.org
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2008, 08:42:17 PM
IWU    13-1         NP    1-13
Mill      11-3        Aug   3-11
Carth  10-4        Whe  4-10
EC        8-6          NC    6-8 
(symmetry returns)
I attended NC's 53-48 win at Wheaton. Several players did well for North Central, but I thought Meghan McGuire in particular came through big when needed. W's Kathleen Fidelia led all with 25 pts.
IWU wrapped up an excellent regular season by topping Carthage 75-56.
Millikin had no difficulty at North Park, winning 77-38.
Elmhurst edged Augustana 78-74. Lyndsie Long scored 26. Augie's Becky Rehn had 18 pts and 8 steals. That should help her make the all-conference team, methinks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2008, 07:06:50 PM
Conference-games-only two-point FG shooting stats :
                      07-08                                  06-07
Millikin        .548  (270/493)              .482 (260/539)
IWU           .540  (283/524)              .429 (225/524)
Carthage   .510  (295/578)              .457 (257/562)
North C      .458  (277/605)              .457 (263/575)
Elmhurst    .434  (288/664)              .369 (240/651)
Augustana .389  (246/633)              .398 (257/646)
Wheaton   .386  (250/648)              .439 (259/590)
North P      .342  (193/564)              .424 (230/542)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on February 28, 2008, 07:09:57 PM
What is going to happen this weekend?  Does IWU walk away with this or can someone challenge them? 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2008, 07:16:46 PM
More conference-games-only stats:
Offense distribution:
                    PTS        via threes           via 2 FG             via FTs
IWU           1135    363 (32% of 1135) 566 (50%)     206 (18%)
EC             1008       243 (24%)           576 (57%)     189  (19%)
MIL             984        267 (27%)           540 (55%)     177 (18%)
CART          940        186 (20%)           590 (63%)      164 (17%)
NC             888         105 (12%)          554 (62%)      229 (26%)
WHE          805         126 (16%)           500 (62%)     179 (22%)
AUG           800         108 (13.5%)       492 (61.5%)    200 (25%)
NP              706        141 (20%)           386 (55%)      179 (25%)                   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2008, 02:25:35 PM
HCACBBALL,
Since November 17, only Millikin has beaten Illinois Wesleyan.
But, Millikin first has to defeat Carthage, against whom they are 0-2 this season.
Elmhurst beat Carthage once, but is 0-2 vs IWU.
IWU should be favored to win and is playing on its home court.
Beyond that, who can say? 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2008, 06:05:16 PM
The CCIW all-conference team is in :
Player of the Year -- Lindsay Ippel.
Coach of the Year -- Mia Smith.
1st team - Ippel, Lyndsie Long, Carlie Janowiak, Mallory Heydorn, Barb Williams
2nd team - Crystal Dye, Sarah Bull, Brianne Parra, Kathleen Fidelia, Katie Jarger
3rd team - Becky Rehn, LaRae Kostreva, Erika Buchholz, Andrea Riebock, Brittany Bobruk
-
Congrats to each!
No Solari?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 29, 2008, 07:52:58 PM
Elmhurst LEADS IWU by 1 at halftime.  Super upset, or will the 'inevitable' happen in the second half? ???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 29, 2008, 09:27:50 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 29, 2008, 07:52:58 PM
Elmhurst LEADS IWU by 1 at halftime.  Super upset, or will the 'inevitable' happen in the second half? ???
Beep - Beep - Vroomm!! Titans turn on the after burners to pull away for a win 78-57 win. - "The Titans were led by the 27 point explosion from junior Claire Sheehan (shown), while sophomore Christina Solari had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Crystal Dye added 12 points and senior Sarah Bull also scored 11 for the Titans, who trailed 35-34 at halftime. (Source: IWU Sports Information)"  Very nice work ladies!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 29, 2008, 10:05:48 PM
That was my expectation of the second half, but thought it only fair to alert potential listeners to what would have been the game of the year! :D

So, about those omissions on the all-conference team: were Sheehan and Solari a bit ticked off? ;)  Next year, leave off ALL the Titans - we'll take the Walnut-and-Bronze in a romp! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2008, 10:53:05 PM
Congrats to IWU and Millikin for tonight's wins.
Indeed that was a splendid performance by Sheehan, but I doubt that exclusion from the all-conference team provided any motivation to her or Solari; I think they just like to excel at basketball.
Millikin topped Carthage in the nitecap, 49-48, thanks to a game-winning free throw by Lindsay Ippel.
We shall see who has enough energy left for tomorrow's championship game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2008, 05:51:35 PM
The Titans of IWU are the champs of the CCIW!
With leads of up to 28, they rolled past Millikin 75-64.
Both sides gave it all they had.
Christina Solari had a highly productive 24 minutes, including 22 pts and 15 rebs.
Mallory Heydorn fired in 19 pts. Of course, many others contributed greatly, particularly in IWU's press and half-court defense.
M's Lindsay Ippel had 25 pts and 8 rebs. If that was it for her career, it was stellar. We aren't likely to see a player like her very often.
Seniors Megan Mateer, Kelley Steers and Andrea Riebock may also have done their last work for the Big Blue. Hats off to them, too. As some post-game tears were flowing, I saw Wheaton coach Beth Baker go over and give a consoling hug to Riebock. Nice of Baker to show that players' efforts are appreciated even by a coach of a team that wasn't involved in the game.
Maybe the most impressive single play of the afternoon was when M's Kayla Pembrook made a diving deflection of a pass that was imminently going to produce an IWU fastbreak layup.
-
Best of luck to Illinois Wesleyan in their drive to a national title. Hopefully, more than one CCIW team will get into the D3 tourney. But, if not, IWU will represent us well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2008, 11:30:53 AM
Congratulations to all the teams, who represented their schools well in the conference tourney.

Although Elmhurst loses senior point guard Candice Sutton, Brittany Bobruk and all-conference first team player Lyndsie Long will return, along with a good group of younger players.  Claire Gentry especially impressed taking over the point position.

Carthage loses seniors Erika Buchholz, Carlie Janowiak, and Lisa Gartelos but will return Katie Jarger and Shana Lieberman.  The Lady Reds battled hard with Millikin in the first game Friday night and could have won had a few balls bounced differently.

The title game was, predictably, a battle of wills between the two teams.  Millikin wanted to play a half-court game and get the ball into Lindsay Ippel in the low post, where she is usually as unstoppable as any player, female or male, I've ever seen.  IWU wanted to run and pressure, to keep the Big Blue from doing just that.  For the most part, the Titans were successful, and they played at a high level of intensity for most of the game. 

I'm going to paraphrase Titan Q (a major poster on the CCIW men's board, and the radio color commentator for IWU men's broadcasts) on the IWU men's handling of Wheaton's Kent Raymond Friday night.  Q said that, strange as it might sound, IWU handled Raymond well, even though he scored 34 points.  In the case of the IWU women, even though Lindsay Ippel scored 25 points, (7 baskets and 11 free throws), I think the Titans handled her well.  Stats:  Ippel scored the first two Millikin baskets, and then did not score another basket until about 7:30 remained in the game, with the Titans up by 28.  She made free throws along the way--and the fouls leading to all those FTs caused a lot of substitutions caused a lot of shuffling of the Titan lineup, with Christina Solari and Crystal Dye eventually fouling out.  But Ippel never really became an offensive force, even with 25 points.

In today's Pantagraph story both Mia Smith and Lori Kerans credit the Titan pressure with taking the Big Blue out of their offense.  They rarely got the ball over half court with more than 15 seconds on the shot clock, and more often it was 12 or 13.  As Kerans said, "...Although we knew what to do, doing it on paper and doing it...is two different things." 

It's a credit to the Big Blue that, even under such pressure, they led the Titans in assists, with Ippel handing out 5, and Andrea Riebock and Kayla Pembrook each handing out 3.

Well done, all!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2008, 11:34:28 AM
The d3hoops projected pairings are up.  They have IWU traveling to Clearview Heights, KY, home of Thomas More College, to play, along with Fontbonne and Chicago.  I confess that in my thinking I'd been looking more north and west for possible opponents, rather than primarily south and east.  Any thoughts from others?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 02, 2008, 11:38:32 AM
You beat me to it, HT.  I'm hoping their prediction is wrong.  If we're to get to Salem, we obviously have to beat some tough teams, but I was (and so far am) hoping that won't include facing an undefeated team on their home court quite so early!

Oh well, the men did it just two years ago at Lawrence, so if we have to, let's do it!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2008, 11:57:27 AM
GMTA, Ypsi.  (Well, green-tinted minds, that is.)   I too hope the NCAA sees it differently, but we'll just have to wait and see.  The '06 Titan men's march to Salem is an inspiration, should that be necessary.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2008, 09:33:30 AM
IWU will host this weekend.  The Titans play Maryville (not Manchester!), while U. Wisconsin Whitewater plays Manchester.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2008, 11:31:46 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2008, 09:33:30 AM
IWU will host this weekend.  The Titans play Manchester, while U. Wisconsin Whitewater plays Manchester.

Wow!  Manchester got a tough draw! ;D ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 03, 2008, 11:34:43 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2008, 11:31:46 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2008, 09:33:30 AM
IWU will host this weekend.  The Titans play Manchester, while U. Wisconsin Whitewater plays Manchester.

Wow!  Manchester got a tough draw! ;D ;)

I guess they will have to do split squads, like they do in preseason baseball.  ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2008, 12:02:58 PM
Yikes!  A fool in a hurry....

Sorry 'bout that--hope nobody took me seriously!  Do we have an emoticon for red-faced embarassment?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2008, 12:30:02 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2008, 12:02:58 PM
Yikes!  A fool in a hurry....

Sorry 'bout that--hope nobody took me seriously!  Do we have an emoticon for red-faced embarassment?

:-[  Fifth from the right on the emoticon bar.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2008, 12:52:13 PM
HT--> :-[

I blushed more than that little guy when I saw it!

Any thoughts on the pairings yet?  I hope to do a little research over lunch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2008, 02:13:24 PM
FWIW, my assessment:

While assuming nothing, the Titans should handle Maryville.  I'd expect they will next face UWW - that scares me, but I'll count on Shirk magic!

If so, who will be in the sectional, and where will it be?  Third round will probably be either Simpson or UWEC (neither of whom I'm familiar with, but neither of whom seems (currently) a likely host due to geography).  On the other side of the bracket, Amherst seems most like to emerge from their pod, but seems an unlikely host due both to geography and because the Amherst men seem likely to be hosting.  From the other pod, who knows?  WashU can never be discounted, OAC teams are always tough, but I'll go with host DePauw.  The sectional would then seem likely to be either in Greencastle or Bloomington, with (IMO) a likely rematch in the Elite Eight on someone's home floor.  Guess where I'm rooting for?! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2008, 07:16:20 PM
Hoosier Titan,
It was fun to meet you and your husband at the Shirk over the weekend.
I concur with your compliments (in reply # 612) toward the four CCIW tourney teams. They can all be proud of their '07-'08 accomplishments.
Some major revisions await Carthage and Millikin for next season.
They won't be sending the ball in to Ippel and Gartelos (March 11 correction -- Gartelos will be back in '08-'09) anymore.
Gartelos, by the way, deserves a lot of applause for battling leg/knee trouble throughout her time at Carthage. Her perseverance really shows how much she likes basketball and her teammates.
While the Lady Reds are losing fine players to graduation, Coach Bernero recruits well, so he might be able to keep them up around 11 conference wins. I am sold on Rosie Dorn and Heather Gilmore, two energetic medium-sized players who should play more next season.
Like everyone else, Carthage will have to strive for the standard set by IWU, who are likely to be outstanding next year, too.
A vast amount of playing time will be opened up for Millikin, with four '07-'08 starters moving on.
Elmhurst looks to go 8-6 or better next year, with most everyone coming back a year more experienced.
They had a nice freshman influx this season, topped by Kelsey Monroe, who in CCIW play shot .431 on 3FGs, .563 on 2FGs and .878 FTs. She was 2nd in the league in steals and always maintains a radiant disposition.
The Bluejays will miss Candice Sutton's ability to accelerate the offense. As you pointed out, Claire Gentry was fitting in well at the end of the season.
IWU proves every time out that it helps to have numerous players who can occupy the role of point guard on any given play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2008, 06:09:55 PM
Rog, we enjoyed meeting you as well.  I forgot to ask if the B&B was good.

It was really good to see the support for all four teams at the conference tourney.  The Pantagraph story the next day mentioned the "600 Titan faithful," but the attendance of 600 actually was at least half Millikin supporters. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2008, 01:18:36 PM
Yeah, the B&B (Burr House) was very pleasant.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 04:16:28 PM
The front page has no listing for the IWU/Maryville game for video, audio, or even live stats.  Anyone know of ANY access?  If not (or even if so!), updates would be greatly appreciated from anyone in the know.

I'm not too worried about tonight's game, but if there is no access to the (presumed) IWU/UWW game, I will be very bummed! :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2008, 04:51:43 PM
Ypsi,

Here's the link for live stats:
http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/Basketball/xlive.htm

And the student broadcasters will be on www.wesn.org at least for the IWU game.  I haven't heard them, so I don't know how "professional" they are, but they'll have the call.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 05:05:37 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2008, 04:51:43 PM
Ypsi,

Here's the link for live stats:
http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/Basketball/xlive.htm

And the student broadcasters will be on www.wesn.org at least for the IWU game.  I haven't heard them, so I don't know how "professional" they are, but they'll have the call.
WJBC2.com (link below) will broadcast the game "joined in progress" as the ISU Redbirds show up tonight at the Men's Basketball MVC Tournament.  Of course, what else would we expect; and, who knows maybe the Redbirds will play!!
http://www.wjbc2.com/ (http://www.wjbc2.com/)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 05:24:32 PM
Thanks to both of you!  I guess my evening is now set. :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 08:48:18 PM
UWW won easily (as expected) - let's not blow the opportunity to meet them!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 09:42:19 PM
34-21 IWU 9:21 remaining 1st half;  at this pace, these teams could set an NCAA tournament records for most points scored
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:08:17 PM
Titans up 63-42 at the half - what is this, Grinnell? ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 10:21:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:08:17 PM
Titans up 63-42 at the half - what is this, Grinnell? ;)
Groan, I really am going to have to look-up the most points scored in an NCAA tournament game
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:28:40 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 10:21:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:08:17 PM
Titans up 63-42 at the half - what is this, Grinnell? ;)
Groan, I really am going to have to look-up the most points scored in an NCAA tournament game

Maybe the subs will ease up - 84-52 w/ 12 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 10:39:07 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:28:40 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 10:21:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:08:17 PM
Titans up 63-42 at the half - what is this, Grinnell? ;)
Groan, I really am going to have to look-up the most points scored in an NCAA tournament game

Maybe the subs will ease up - 84-52 w/ 12 to go.
90-63 7:45 remain IWU single game Most Point Scored Record - 109
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:41:45 PM
They hit the century mark with 6 to go - I'd say 109 is toast! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 10:49:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:41:45 PM
They hit the century mark with 6 to go - I'd say 109 is toast! ;)
I don't think they are scoring at a fast enough rate/minute to break the men's record of: 132 vs. Grinnell, March 1, 2001 (132-91) [also NCAA D-III tournament record] which was a 3.3 pt/min rate
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 10:53:15 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2008, 10:41:45 PM
They hit the century mark with 6 to go - I'd say 109 is toast! ;)
TOAST with 1:30 remaining!!!!! ::) :P ;D :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2008, 11:10:15 PM
Final IWU 111 Maryville 77 
A very nice win for the Lady Titans who break the program's previous single game high of 109 (at Rockford, 1995-96). The Titans were led by Christina Solari; and, wow, what numbers FG 10-11 FT 5-7 Reb 15 Pts 25; and, by IWU's Claire Sheehan who led all scorer's with 26 points (in 27 minutes of play) hitting 10 of 16 FG including 4-7 behind the arc.  Mallory Heydorn had 15 pts and 9 assits and Sarah Bull contributed 13 points.  IWU out rebounded Maryville 40 to 27.

Maryville had four players record double figures with Allie Wilhelm (fouled out) and Courtney
Bergheger scoring 14 each.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2008, 12:49:03 AM
You guys have stayed on top of things nicely tonight!  I'll add what I can as an eyewitness.

The Titans came out shooting, and hitting--in the first 2:05, Sarah Bull had 2 3's, and Mallory Heydorn and Claire Sheehan each had one.  I knew Christina Solari was scoring almost at will, but I didn't realize she only missed one shot all night to go 10-11 and set a new single game shooting percentage record.  Claire Sheehan burned Maryville all over the court, on threes and via the patented "Sheehan shimmy" to the basket. 

Maryville did not play as badly as the score might seem to indicate.  Their style is not dissimilar to the Titans'--they like to run and shoot the three.  The threes were not falling, though (they shot 29% for the game).  What pushed the lead from 20 at the half to close to 40 early in the second half was the Titans' zone defense--Maryville tried to shoot threes and they would not go down.  So there was defense being played, regardless of what the score might suggest!

The IWU students made a good showing tonight.  Most of the season the pep band have been almost the only students in attendance, but there were several hundred students in attendance--including several members of the men's team leading cheers--and the Titan faithful had a good time.

Whitewater will be a tough test tomorrow--it will be the Warhawks' size and strength against the Titans' speed.  We shall see!

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 08, 2008, 09:46:39 AM
Here is the Pantagraph's article on the IWU/Maryville (Mo) game and the boxscore...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/03/08/usports/doc47d22929edda5269720473.txt

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2008/NCAA2.HTM


"They shot 65 percent," Saints' coach Chris Ellis said of IWU's 23 of 35 first half. "That's ridiculous. Nobody does that. It's not like we weren't guarding them."

Two Solari three-point plays were part of a 10-0 Wesleyan second-half surge that put the Titans ahead 82-50.

"I'm really impressed with Christina's ballgame," said Smith. "Lately she's been unstoppable. I like her mentality looking for her shot more. And there's not a player on the floor who wants a rebound more than she does right now."

On tonight:

"You're going to see strength and power (in Whitewater) versus speed and finesse," Smith said of today's matchup. "We have to be a little quicker."



1700 at the Shirk Center - what a great feeling that must have been for the IWU women, who have been playing in an awfully big shadow for a long time now.  Tonight's game vs UW-Whitewater is probably the biggest game in the history of the program.  The Titans will have to shoot it well and get the tempo in their favor (fast!) to win.  Best of luck, Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2008, 10:25:01 AM
Apologies if this sounds repetitive, but the student support was indeed excellent last night.  There were far more women involved in active cheering than is usual at the men's games--not a surprise, I guess--but there was a healthy contingent of men as well. 

One of the officials had also called the Millikin-Carthage game in the CCIW tourney last week, and his view of traveling is, well, interesting and creative.  That is, he often sees it where I don't and he doesn't see it where I do, and he doesn't seem to see it the same way all the time.  It worked both ways in each game, so it's not really an issue.   But the students noticed it too, and after a particularly egregious call they started chanting "That was a bad call"--far better than the more frequently heard obscenity.  Within a minute a call went IWU's way and they chanted "That was a good call."  Of course, lopsided victories make being in good spirits easier. 

The Titans will need every bit of that support tonight!  Congratulations to the Augustana and Wheaton men--a good night for the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2008, 02:32:59 PM
Wow, that was a dazzling start of the playoffs for the Titans. Keep ripping along, I say.
So, Sheehan and Solari might be good enough for 4th team all-CCIW. Sorry, I still don't like how they missed out. I know, it's a dead horse by now.
Good luck to IWU vs a very good opponent tonight!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 08, 2008, 04:29:00 PM
A nice feature on Claire Sheehan from the local news from Thursday...

http://centralillinoisproud.com/media_player.php?media_id=7557


And then the recap of last night's game...

http://centralillinoisproud.com/media_player.php?media_id=7569

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 08, 2008, 09:22:04 PM
Whats going on at the Shirk?  UWW 73 IWU 40, 9min
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2008, 09:29:51 PM
Titans were down 80-42; suddenly it was 80-54.  But with under 5 left: too little, too late. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2008, 09:49:28 PM
Titans cut the final margin from 38 to 24 (63-87); they did not quit!

But 6 of 28 from downtown (22 of 66 overall, or 15 of 59 if you leave out Solari's 7 of 9) just ain't gonna do it. :(  Since I was only listening, I couldn't tell how much was credit to UWW defense, and how much was just going cold - undoubtedly some of each.

Great season - and with the talent returning, maybe next year can be even better!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2008, 10:54:07 PM
Just back from Shirk.  Ugh--it was a very bad night for the Titans.  Part of the credit for that has to go to Whitewater--they are big and physical and they came out aggressive.  But everyone except Solari was very, very tight.  Shots that are usually high-percentage weren't going, and there were a lot of unforced turnovers.  Those who attended the tournament saw the Titans' best and worst games of the year this weekend.

It was, overall, a great season indeed.  Hopefully there will be a few regular season games against some Whitewater-like opponents in preparation for a deeper run into the tournament next year!  Thanks to Mia and all the players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 09, 2008, 11:01:48 AM
Need to play a stronger non-conference schedule moving forward.  All of those 40-point blowouts were a waste of everyone's time.  It's hard to be ready to play a great team when you play so many poor teams.

Congratulations to the Titans on a terrific season.  The program is in great shape for the future.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on March 09, 2008, 01:47:35 PM
Hi all, first time poster.  I've been reading the blog for about 3 months.  Great commentary and links here!

I'm up in Park Ridge and we're family friends of the Solari's.  I've been following C. Solari for about 5-6 years, she's a terrific person.  Our 7th grade sons are the same age too. 

Tough night for IWU.  I was listening to online radio, it seemed IWU was in a groove early but lost the momenteum with too many missed 3's.   Since they took a ton of 3's, it did not seem that the Titans had much of an inside game.  Was the inside defense of UWW keeping IWU out of the paint?  After Christina's 3rd foul UWW grabbed the game and ran away with the 1st half and  to the eventual win.  It also sounded like we lacked some patience on the offensive sets.

I made it to 3 Chicagoland games and watched/listened online to a couple more of them too.  I have to agree they need to play a few more non-conf./tougher teams.   

I'm a 1982 ISU grad., still hooping it up 2-3 days a week and can still dunk at 48 @ 6'2".  I played for Steve Fisher for a couple of years in Park Forest/ Rich East, where Craig Hodges was a teammate.

Later!  Jim
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2008, 03:32:59 PM
Welcome, Jim!  It's good to have more people in the conversation.

The Titans have shot a lot of 3's all year; they are one of the leaders in made 3's in all of Division III.  (I just tried to check the stats on the NCAA site and found it temporarily down).  Christina (and Thea Rogers, before her career-ending ACL injury) bring a nice added dimension to the game.  Christina is a great team player, willing to kick the ball back out to a teammate for an open 3; in fact, she's been coached to look for her shot more lately, and she's responded.  And she rebounds ferociously!

So, to your questions--the Titans were in the game for a time, but the shots were never falling the way they did the night before against Maryville.  The Warhawks are big, solid, and quick, and attempts to get the ball inside too often resulted in turnovers of one kind or another (stray passes, getting stripped, etc.)  Solari's 7 of 9 was the biggest bright spot.  I think the quick 3's that you mentioned were an attempt to shoot themselves back into the game, if you will, but nerves were clearly an issue and a nervous shooter often misses.  They just could not get anything going at either end.

Have fun with the hoops!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2008, 08:29:20 PM
Although I don't think the players visit these boards, I would like to thank IWU seniors Sarah Bull, Crystal Dye, Tasha Gaston-Bell (who served as a student coach this season), Thea Rogers, and Elyse Sanchez for giving us their all during their college years.  They've had a great season and hopefully this will lead to more success for IWU and the entire CCIW in years to come.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2008, 11:34:12 AM
Congratulations to Mia Smith and her talented bunch of basketballistas for a very fine season. Sadly it ends with a loss.
Of the 8 CCIW teams, only North Central ended with a win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwufanjb on March 10, 2008, 11:34:36 AM
This is also my first time posting, however I've been keeping up with the posts for about two years. You all have great insight on the CCIW and I always look forward to people's reactions to the contests. I'm not going to give too much personal information, but you could say I have close ties to the IWU women's team. I have 11 years of playing experience under my belt and 1 year of reffing high school girls.

My decision to finally speak up was mainly to make a correction about a very important senior on IWU that I'm sure was mistakenly left out, Kerri Gravlin. Congrats to all the seniors on the team; they have all had outstanding careers. The Titans may be alright talent-wise next year, but they sure are losing a great group of women with amazing character.

I agree with most of you in that IWU does not have a strong enough pre-conference season. The Titans are an amazing team and I do not want to take anything away from them, but they were not prepared for the NCAA Tourney as well as they should have been. They need to improve their schedule next year so they can work on winning close games. I was at both games this weekend, and you could see how scared they were against Whitewater when they were down by just 11 in the first half. That should not happen. Coach needs to get the girls more experience with tougher competition early in the season. Hopefully the girls come back next season hungry for more, which I'm sure will happen.

Congrats Titans on an outstanding season! You should all be very proud.

And you'd be surprised how many players read these boards.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2008, 12:05:55 PM
iwufanjb,

Thanks so much for correcting my error in leaving out Kerri Gravlin!  She has been a steady contributor in every category during her entire time at IWU.  Many thanks  and heartfelt apologies to Kerri.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2008, 07:20:23 PM
My welcome to the CCIW page also, jshoops and iwufanjb. I hope you each have a lot to say. And if you know anybody who follows Augie, Carthage, Millikin or North Central, we need posts from those perspectives!

A few more tidbits about IWU : I wonder if they'll look a little different next season without Sarah Bull. She scored 400 pts in 669 minutes, the best ratio on the team and near the top in the league. "Instant offense" and "confounder of defenses" describe her ability pretty well.
Without knowing of any newcomers, I think her minutes will go to players  who score more in the lane, which might cause defenses to collapse more.
Obviously the superb Mallory Heydorn has to be guarded at the 3-pt line, as does Claire Sheehan. But, things might get a bit more clogged near the basket. On the other hand, other players may work on their 3-pt accuracy during the summer.
The second highest Titan pts/min ratio, by the way, was Sarah Cotner's 50/89. Interesting.
Another eyebrow-raising stat is Nikki Preston's .639 on 2FG attempts, 23/36. Not bad.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2008, 03:22:20 PM
The Carthage website has a preview for '08-'09. It contains good news for the Lady Reds : both Carlie Janowiak and Lisa Gartelos have a year of eligibility remaining and are expected back.
I will amend one of my earlier posts, which was based on erroneous assumptions on my part. Oops.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 17, 2008, 01:31:36 PM
Feature on the front page of interest to Final Four participants and fans here.

Faces of a champion (http://www.d3hoops.com/features/index.html)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2008, 03:54:17 PM
For those who don't know, Audrey Minott (mentioned in the above feature) was Millikin's senior point guard three years ago when they won the whole thali.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2008, 04:51:42 PM
Hoosier Titan and anyone else,
If it's not too soon after the abrupt end of IWU's '07-'08 season, can you look ahead to '08-'09? What do you foresee?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 17, 2008, 05:59:29 PM
Rog,

Will do.  It will be a while coming from me.  We are on spring break here this week, and my teaching schedule is such that my times to work out don't overlap with many of the basketball people.  But there's only a few weeks left in the semester, so perhaps in a few weeks' time I'll know a bit more.  And perhaps others more in the know than I will post sooner.

It was some small comfort to see UWW continue their winning ways--I wish them success this weekend!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 19, 2008, 11:39:47 AM
Congratulations to Lindsay Ippel, the Central Region Player of the Year!

However, no other CCIW player made first, second, or third team.  I have to assume the IWU SID never got around to making nominations, and I wonder how few conference SIDs voted.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 19, 2008, 11:49:18 AM
Actually, the CCIW voted well, as did the WIAC. Each had two schools that didn't cast ballots. Heydorn got a fair number of votes but I think the strength of the WIAC was evident to the voters this year.

Evidently the voters thought averaging 13.1 points and 2.9 assists, shooting 39% from the floor and 38% from downtown against IWU's slate was not as impressive as averaging 11.7 points and 2.7 assists, 53 from the floor and 48 from downtown against UWW's slate. Tough call.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 19, 2008, 12:03:25 PM
Fair enough - I'll stop assuming the SID was to blame!

It seemed odd that a team which finished the regular season 25-2 and ranked 7th in the country would have no one place even on the third team.  I guess when all 5 starters average between 9.8 and 13.8 ppg, the balance precludes individual awards! ;)

[But it's great for the win column! ;D]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2008, 01:48:26 PM
I wonder if Christina Solari may belong on the all-region team. Some of her stats : 11 pts avg, .624 FG%, 9.8 rebs (an excellent 40 per 100 minutes ratio), 60 steals (.085 per min, which is very good), 87/71 assist/turnover ratio. She's not a shot blocker, which can go against her as a center. But, sometimes a steal is better than a block.

On a different topic, here are some CCIW conference-only numbers that may interest three or four people.
These are 'FTs allowed' as a pct of 'total points allowed', which might tell us something about coaches' defensive philosophies.
Carthage  .282  (234/830)
Wheaton  .233  (200/857)
Elmhurst   .222  (219/986)
IWU          .221  (181/818)
NC            .217  (197/909)
NP            .203  (208/1027)
Millikin      .189  (156/827)
Augie       .126  (128/1012)

I conclude that C's Tim Bernero doesn't object to fouling someone rather than allowing an easy basket. At the other end, A's Bobbi Endress seems averse to sending the other team to the line a lot. The other six coaches don't vary a great deal on this particular issue, it appears. Now, it could be that some coaches discouraged fouling because of limited bench depth.
(adding a little more on this) --- decided to look at Carthage's data more closely --- taking out two games vs North Central (who scored 58 of 119 pts as FTs), Carthage's numbers for the other 12 games are 176/711 (.247) and would still lead the league. But there was not a consistent pattern. It matters how aggressive the opponent's offense was, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 20, 2008, 04:54:10 PM
About the all-region selections--I'm assuming the stats Pat quoted were those of Heydorn v. UWW's point guard.  It seems a little unfair to compare them head-to-head and discount one when other players from teams IWU and UWW could both have beaten (and did, in some cases) were selected.

That said, Mallory Heydorn didn't end the season on a high note.  The Achilles tendon bothered her for a long time, and then there was a sprained thumb.  She had a really off game against UWW, so her case wasn't strengthened by strong performances down the stretch.  Although I have confidence that Mallory is one of the best point guards around, I can see why she might have lost a few votes.

The two Titans who played strongest in the conference tourney were the two left off the all-conference team, Claire Sheehan and Christina Solari.  And the only one who played anywhere near her usual level against UWW in the final game was Christina Solari (7 for 9, 16 points, 8 rebs, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 block, 1 steal).  So I agree with Rog.  And Solari's omission from the all-conference team seems like even more of an oversight now.   Christina's achievements this year are even more impressive when one remembers that she was, effectively, playing her first year of college basketball.
Title: IWU 2008-09
Post by: jshoops on March 21, 2008, 11:21:55 AM
Just looking at the 2007-08 minutes/points indicates IWU has a terrific core of 3 players to build around and mentally anchor this team next season.   

Claire and Mallory are seasoned vets and should be able to pick up the scroing slack brought on the the graduation of Bull and Dye.  Christina should also look to score a bit more and teach those sophmores how to rebound like her.  Collen will need to step up her game because there appears to be a number of sophmores who will be pushing her for some minutes.   This team is full of promise, there are 8 players 5-10 and better, a couple in the guard positions too!  That will create some matchup problems that IWU can use to their advantage.

NO. NAME POS. HT. YR.
10 Claire Sheehan G 5-7 Jr. 13.8 pts/ 27.5 mpg
11 Mallory Heydorn # G 5-7 Jr. 13 pts/ 27.1 mpg
53 Christina Solari C 6-0 So. 11 pts/ 24.5 mpg
33 Colleen Caplice C 5-11 Jr. 4 pts/ 12.4 mpg

32 Hope Schulte G 5-10 Fr. 4.4 pts/ 10.3 mpg
21 Nikki Preston G 5-10 Fr. 4.1 pts/ 9.1 mpg
34 Sarah Cotner C 6-1 Fr. 3.3 pts/ 5.9 mpg
52 Stacey Arlis F 5-11 Fr. 2.1 pts/ 5.3 mpg
42 Lia Anderson F 5-11 Fr. 1.7 pts/ 4.6 mpg
20 Holly Harvey G 5-8 Fr. 1.6 pts/ 7.3 mpg
40 Jessica Hinterlong F 5-10 Fr.  0.3 pts/ 4.3 mpg

I think we're all Christina fans here and I've been saying all year, what a come back year she had!  Threee new IWU season records in rebounds, steals, FG%, and led the team in assists, while playing the 5 position.  Wow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 21, 2008, 03:18:59 PM
jshoops, your mention of Solari's rebounding led me to check all of the CCIW full-season stats to see how other players did.
I arbitrarily decided to look only for players who averaged at least 30 rebounds per 100 minutes played. I only excluded players who played less than 5 minutes. Surprisingly, only six players made the list :

C Solari (IWU)            284/710  40 (per 100 min.)
L Anderson (IWU)       26/65     40
Kelly Brooks (Whe)     40/117   34
Michelle Gilliard (EC)   37/114   32
Maegan Skahill (Aug) 146/483  30
Kate Schmidt (NC)      45/149   30

An obvious caveat is that it is unknown if the players with fewer minutes than Solari and Skahill could sustain that level of rebounding over a higher amount of playing time. But it's an interesting list anyway.
I hadn't noticed how well Wheaton's Brooks was rebounding during her brief appearances.

 

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 23, 2008, 07:17:40 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 20, 2008, 04:54:10 PM
About the all-region selections--I'm assuming the stats Pat quoted were those of Heydorn v. UWW's point guard.  It seems a little unfair to compare them head-to-head and discount one when other players from teams IWU and UWW could both have beaten (and did, in some cases) were selected.

I compare them head to head not because they played each other but because the UWW player was the last guard on the list.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 23, 2008, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 23, 2008, 07:17:40 PM
I compare them head to head not because they played each other but because the UWW player was the last guard on the list.

Oh, right.  That makes sense.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 24, 2008, 11:19:44 AM
Congratulations to Lindsay Ippel, 1st team All-American.
She will have to rent a 9' x 14' storage unit to hold all her awards!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 27, 2008, 11:24:34 AM
I have some news on IWU's pre-conference schedule for next year.  They will go to Puget Sound (#23 in the final d3hoops poll) to play in PS's tournament.  Chicago (#19 in the final poll) and NAIA Missouri Baptist have also been added to the schedule. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 07, 2008, 07:17:24 PM
Wheaton's web site has an '08-'09 schedule.
It will be interesting to see how the Thunder comes back from a rather sour '07-'08 season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: omaha on May 02, 2008, 08:42:03 AM
North Park is seeking a new womens basketball coach to replace Jack Surridge.  Apparently Jack will remain athletic director at NPU
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 05, 2008, 03:02:15 PM
Did a little digging and found the North Park opening announced on d3jobs.com, posted April 30, deadline May 31.
A few words about Jack Surridge, who is stepping down from the coaching position and will now be just the Athletic Director :
I would not be writing anything here or even attending any D3 women's games, were it not for the kindness of Jack Surridge.
Back in 1999 or 2000, I had just bought a panoramic camera and wanted to see how well it would take a wide view in a gym. North Park is the closest college gym to my house, so on a whim I went there.
Jack kindly welcomed me and said to "shoot away" (or something similar). He could have reacted with a common, but rancid, question that greets a stranger in some places : "who are you with?" -- as if being a regular, interested individual has no value. But he was nice and accessible to a guy who had just walked in off Foster Avenue.
Anyway, I stayed for the women's game of that afternoon. Before long, I was a D3 women's hoops addict, like the rest of you readers.
All the fun I've had attending games, meeting other fans, coaches, refs and parents wouldn't have happened without that initial act of generous hospitality by Jack Surridge. In my book, that rates up there with his 500+ wins.
Come November, I hope to see him relaxing and enjoying a game as fan/Athletic Director. That will be an easy transition from being a competitive coach, won't it?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2008, 06:15:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 05, 2008, 03:02:15 PM
Did a little digging and found the North Park opening announced on d3jobs.com, posted April 30, deadline May 31.
A few words about Jack Surridge, who is stepping down from the coaching position and will now be just the Athletic Director :
I would not be writing anything here or even attending any D3 women's games, were it not for the kindness of Jack Surridge.
Back in 1999 or 2000, I had just bought a panoramic camera and wanted to see how well it would take a wide view in a gym. North Park is the closest college gym to my house, so on a whim I went there.
Jack kindly welcomed me and said to "shoot away" (or something similar). He could have reacted with a common, but rancid, question that greets a stranger in some places : "who are you with?" -- as if being a regular, interested individual has no value. But he was nice and accessible to a guy who had just walked in off Foster Avenue.
Anyway, I stayed for the women's game of that afternoon. Before long, I was a D3 women's hoops addict, like the rest of you readers.
All the fun I've had attending games, meeting other fans, coaches, refs and parents wouldn't have happened without that initial act of generous hospitality by Jack Surridge. In my book, that rates up there with his 500+ wins.
Come November, I hope to see him relaxing and enjoying a game as fan/Athletic Director. That will be an easy transition from being a competitive coach, won't it?


Not if he's like me.  It was a good 3-4 years after I stopped coaching youth soccer before I could actually SIT while watching a game!  It just didn't seem natural to not be up and pacing the sideline! ;D  Fortunately, I (almost) always kept my instructions to myself! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 23, 2008, 03:16:18 PM
On IWU's athletics page is a list of probable '08-'09 newcomers. These are shown for women's hoops :
Amy Burton, 6-0 center, Vernon Hills, Ill. (HS)
Kylie Castens, 5-10 guard, Schaumburg, Ill. (HS)
Lauren Knaack, 5-6 guard, McHenry, Ill. (HS) - also soccer
Amanda Murray, 5-8 forward, Bloomington, Ill. (Central Catholic HS)
Karen Solari, 5-10 forward, Park Ridge, Ill. (Maine South HS)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on May 29, 2008, 09:03:14 AM
A little on IWU's recruits...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/05/29/usports/doc483df82365d09885138720.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: AndOne on June 03, 2008, 02:59:06 AM
Kendra Hunter has been named the new head woman's basketball coach at North Central College.

During her playing days (as Kendra Meyer) at Capital University in Ohio, she was a D3Hoops All-American for the 98-99, 99-00, and 00-01 seasons, including being named to the 1st team in 00-01. Further details follow.

http://www.northcentralcollege.edu/x44908.xml





Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on June 17, 2008, 06:11:29 PM
North Park has hired Amanda Reese as new head coach of women's basketball:

http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=RNews.RNews_Story&ID=2760 (http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=RNews.RNews_Story&ID=2760)

Reese was an assistant coach at UIC and is an alumna of Northern Illinois.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 18, 2008, 01:39:52 PM
Welcome to the CCIW and good luck to the new coaches at North Central and North Park.
Elmhurst is hosting the NCAA-approved summer women's league this time. They started Monday night, with a large number of CCIW players participating. The first thing you notice is that the host Bluejays have many new players, including some tall ones. Coach Werner will have a lot to work with for '08-'09. Depth will not be a problem.
I also watched a contingent of IWU players cruise past their opponent. Mallory Heydorn dazzled onlookers with her marvelous shooting, knocking down three after three after three after...
Teammate Holly Harvey casually banked in an over-the-shoulder layup.
I saw most of Carthage's game as well. They had a new player or two that will make them stronger. The always-energetic Rosie Dorn played well (others played hard and effectively, too, of course).
Didn't get there last night.
Games are at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00. Remaining dates are June 19, 23, 24, 26 and July 7, 8, 10, 14 plus playoffs on the 15th and 17th. There are 24 teams, mostly featuring area D3 and NAIA players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on June 23, 2008, 03:54:30 PM
Millikin recruits...

http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2008/06/17/sports/millikin/1033420.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 24, 2008, 03:31:59 PM
Titan Q, based on that article, we might expect Millikin to be right there in the battle for CCIW playoff positions in '08-'09. Although they lose four starters, they still have some experienced, talented players. Plus, those freshman sound good. Coach Kerans will form them into a good team, even if they are primarily guard size.
It promises to be an interesting season. After a couple more enjoyable evenings of spectatoring at the Elmhurst summer league, I can report a few things.
Augustana has picked up some new, athletic players to help them climb up in the standings.
Nearly all of North Central's veteran core of players are participating, doing so with vigor, unity and aggressiveness. I didn't hear anything about their incoming freshman.
Carthage has been well-represented, with most of their fine flock taking part in the games. Carlie Janowiak, foot in cast from recent surgery, has been there to encourage her mates. Coach Bernero says Janowiak should be ready to play when things start in the fall.
IWU has about nine or ten players on their summer league roster. Come this winter, it remains to be seen how many CCIW teams will get up to the level where the Titans are. Despite graduating some topnotch players, they are very deep and maybe even more so, if some of their freshman can help out right away.
Elmhurst got stomped 44-22 in the 2nd half of the February playoff matchup vs IWU, so it was evident that the Jays had to improve an already-good team in order to fully challenge the Titans. And, in fact, a large shipment of good-sized athletic newcomers has arrived for Elmhurst, giving them probably 20 – 24 players, so they are fielding two summer league teams.
In the real '08-'09 season, only five can play at a time, so Coach Werner will have a lot of deciding to do, all the while having many good options. She will be able to "go big" (imagine Brittany Bobruk as a 3 and a couple of the new 6-footers playing 4 and 5) or "go small" using four or five under-6-footers together, or anything in between.
There are some players from Millikin, North Park and/or Wheaton in the summer league, but I haven't observed them yet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 03, 2008, 01:27:42 PM
Most of the '08-'09 schedules are now up around the conference.
Due to arena construction in Kenosha, Carthage has no home games until January 13. Their all-road nonconference schedule sends them to contests in six different states.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 06, 2008, 07:21:58 PM
The Carthage web site has an '08-'09 roster containing 15 players, including 6 new ones. The Lady Reds will have an abundance of mid-size guard/forwards, around 5'8" to 5'10".
Some further thoughts on the recent summer league in Elmhurst :
No wide-ranging conclusions can be drawn, primarily because there was no coaching and no shot clock. Nevertheless, it was fun to have a little preview of the upcoming season.
I don't remember her name, but Augustana has a new forward, maybe 5'11", who is very athletic and will shoot from distance or will drive to the basket with impressive quickness. She may become the next CCIW leader in free throw attempts and up there in minutes played.
As stated earlier, Elmhurst has a bunch of new players. A number of them should be able to help right away, in various facets of the game. I'm thinking that the Jays' returning top three scorers, Long, Bobruk and Monroe, may not have to carry so much of the scoring load in '08-'09. Meaning that the Jays will get contributions from a lot of players, some adding low-post scoring and others knocking down threes and midrange shots, plus fast break activity. For it all to work out well, with that many players (15-20?), the established veterans will need to help the younger ones fit in.
North Central has an experienced core of players and can be expected to contend for a conference playoff spot. It will be interesting to see the effect of a new coach on the Cardinals, whether they might modify any offensive or defensive tendencies.
North Park, Millikin and Wheaton did not have a lot of presence, if any, at the summer league, and I learned nothing about them.
Which brings us to the reigning champs of the CCIW, Illinois Wesleyan. Their summer league team did the best, making the playoff round, but got eliminated by an assemblage of D2 players. Suffice it to say that IWU will be good in '08-'09. The backcourt stars,  Claire Sheehan and Mallory Heydorn, are now seniors and will be at their best, combining talent, effort and experience. Fellow senior Colleen Caplice is an excellent part of the team, as well, starting or off the bench. The Solari sisters, Nikki Preston, Stacey Arlis, Jessica Hinterlong and Holly Harvey all did good work in the summer league. There was a freshman or two, too, but I'm not sure how much playing time will be open for them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 14, 2008, 07:20:35 PM
Here are some new arrivals for North Central (found under "Recruits" on their web page) :

Mallory Carlini, 5'11" forward (Villa Park, Ill./Willowbrook/Coll. of DuPage)
Ashley Dempsey, 5'5" guard (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield North)
Karina Estrada, 5'5" guard (Burbank, Ill./Reavis/Moraine Valley CC)
Kelsey Kruel, 5'6" forward (Bartlett, Ill./Streamwood)
Tanya Lozano, 5'5" guard (Chicago, Ill./Campos)
Mia Sansone, 5'5" guard (Bensenville, Ill./Fenton)
Tanika Warren, 5'8" forward (Chicago, Ill./Hope)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 08, 2008, 11:29:41 AM
Millikin has posted a roster featuring eight returning players, one new junior and ten freshmen.
See Titan Q's 6/23 post for the link to Coach Kerans's comments about the new kids. Looks to me like the Big Blue has plenty of good talent for the upcoming season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 14, 2008, 11:27:55 AM
IWU's '08-'09 seventeen player roster is up on their web site. They have so many good players, they could field two competitive teams, assuming all are healthy.
North Central's site lists their returning players. The Cardinals should be pretty good, particularly if some of their freshmen are able to pitch in. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on October 14, 2008, 12:26:48 PM
Estrada a transfer from Moraine Valley CC should be a immediate impact player for NCC.  She can play the 1 and 2.  She is hard nosed and can shoot the 3.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 14, 2008, 03:14:03 PM
That's interesting, HCACBBALL. Another reason to expect NC to be in the battle for a CCIW playoff spot.
The conference web site, cciw.org, has the composite '08-'09 schedule, under Basketball (W).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on October 14, 2008, 03:51:05 PM
I think Coach Hunter will do good things at NCC.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2008, 06:47:28 PM
North Park has posted their new roster.
Returning are three players, all of 'em good :seniors LaRae Kostreva, Stylianee Damianides and Amanda Phillips.
A welcome crop of newcomers features two juniors, two sophs and four freshpersons.
Obviously, with that many new players plus new coaches, these Vikings face the challenge of "getting on the same page" in order to be ready for the conference games in Jan and Feb. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2008, 03:03:50 PM
The Augustana roster is available for consideration on their web site.
Seven players from the '07-'08 team are back, joined by 14 new ones. Nine of the new ones are 5'9" or 5'10".
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2008, 07:08:45 PM
Wheaton's roster is up, too.
Ten returning from last season, plus six new arrivals. They should have good internal competition for playing time.
If Lissie McAlvey and Lynnea Kvam have recovered from injury, the Thunder should do well.
How's that for profundity?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 22, 2008, 07:32:47 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 22, 2008, 07:08:45 PM
Wheaton's roster is up, too.
Ten returning from last season, plus six new arrivals. They should have good internal competition for playing time.
If Lissie McAlvey and Lynnea Kvam have recovered from injury, the Thunder should do well.
How's that for profundity?

Well, you could have said "if they outscore most of their opponents, they'll do well"! ;D

Now, THAT would be profound. :P
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on October 24, 2008, 02:29:15 PM
I am new to the board.  My daughter is a frosh post on Elmhurst.  Since she committed early (last October) , I had the chance to watch many Elmhurst/CCIW contests, and I was extremely impressed with the level of competition.  These schools are attracting a lot of local talent that I am familiar with, and this should be an exciting CCIW season!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 24, 2008, 07:01:03 PM
Welcome aboard, Old Hoosier Baller. :)

As you've probably noticed, RogK is just about the only really regular poster here, but good to have one more to keep him company!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2008, 07:15:46 PM
My "welcome," too, OHB!
Contribute often, please. We try to be positive toward everyone, appreciating the effort and talent of all players on all teams. Criticisms should be vague and confusing, causing the reader to wonder just what the heck you're talking about. (ha ha)
This shapes up to be a very interesting year for the conference, with a fairly clear favorite (Ill Wesleyan) and competitive teams throughout the rest of the list.
Your kid's team will be full of good players, with playing time "at a premium."
The other schools have some combination of an experienced core of returning players and a big pile of energetic newcomers. So, every team has reason for optimism.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on October 24, 2008, 08:02:46 PM
Hello OHB--nice to see another Hoosier here!

I'll be checking in more as the season heats up, but Rog is our most regular (and probably most objective) poster.  This is a fairly laid-back board--not a bad thing, overall.

It should be an interesting season.  Only a few more weeks!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 24, 2008, 11:01:56 PM
And, OHB, with three welcomes in a 62 minute stretch (after weeks of near silence), you gotta admit we're a friendly board! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on October 27, 2008, 10:47:16 AM
Thanks for the welcome everyone!  Looking forward to communicating with everyone in the coming months! :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2008, 11:25:13 AM
The new Elmhurst roster is now posted. Coach Werner has only 21 players to work with, twelve of 'em returnees.
Six of the nine new ones are six-footers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2008, 04:21:10 PM
The full North Central roster is posted.
The annual forecast of the CCIW standings occurred earlier this week. The coaches jointly foresee (1) IWU, (2) Carthage, (3) Millikin, (4) EC, (5) Wheaton, (6) North Central, (7) Augie, (8) North Park.
I think I'd put the top four as IWU, EC, Carthage and North Central.
I don't know any inside information such as injuries.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2008, 04:48:25 PM
That emoticon in lieu of "8" in the prior post appeared without my putting it there and resists removal. Oh well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 31, 2008, 05:52:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 31, 2008, 04:48:25 PM
That emoticon in lieu of "8" in the prior post appeared without my putting it there and resists removal. Oh well.

Quite a few people have discovered that problem on various boards, and found a variety of solutions.  My most common are to use periods instead of parens, or to leave a space - (8 ).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2008, 06:04:39 PM
Thanks, Mr. Ypsi. I'll know what to do next time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2008, 11:42:29 AM
Wheaton's web site has a preview of the upcoming season. Mention is made of Coach Baker being on medical leave.
Best of luck to her in defeating whatever ailment it is. We at D3hoops wish her a prompt return to King Arena's courtside.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on November 06, 2008, 09:26:56 PM
Hey, just TWO weeks until IWU plays DePauw on the Big Muddy.  What a crazy first matchup of top 10 rated teams!  I might just see if I can catch a ride down there with a buddy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OshDude on November 11, 2008, 08:01:48 PM
If anyone's interested in the D-III regional volleyball tournaments, I have a fairly extensive blog (http://uwoshvball.wordpress.com/) that covers the St. Thomas (http://uwoshvball.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/st-thomas-regional-guide/) and Oshkosh (http://uwoshvball.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/oshkosh-regional-guide/) (where CC will be) regionals. It's not bad in national terms, either. Stop by and tell me what you think.

I think one or two CCIW VB teams IMO got hosed.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on November 15, 2008, 06:13:27 PM
North Park dropped its first contest under new coach Amanda Reese, 69-64, to visiting Carroll College.  Greg Sager will provide his analysis later -- he was keeping the book on the game -- but from this outsider's perspective, the results look very promising.  Carroll is coming off a 19-5 record, and the Vikings hung close with the Pioneers throughout the whole game.  Kostreva (21 points), Phillips (17), and newcomer Larisa Coldebella (10) paced the Viking attack, and North Park outrebounded Carroll 40-28.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2008, 08:08:32 PM
NP did indeed look promising, mr b. They're better than last year's team, in my early opinion. It was something of a disjointed contest, probably because the coaches reacted to problems, making adjustments which changed the feel of the game several times.
Elsewhere, Wheaton was outrebounded 54-38 by Ripon, but topped them anyway, 63-47. The Thunder had 18 steals.
Augustana lost to Coe 72-66. I think Augie will be improved over '07-'08 as well. A positive stat for them was 85% (17/20) at the foul line.
North Central's game is in progress.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2008, 01:47:34 PM
North Central had not-too-good of a start, committing 33 turnovers, losing 87-70 to Stout. Only 6 offensive rebounds total. Even worse if you exclude the two "team rebounds."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2008, 05:23:48 PM
North Central and Augustana evened their records at 1-1 with Sunday victories. The Cardinals made 31 free throws in a 70-60 win over Northland.
The Vikings beat Martin Luther (the college) 66-48, despite turning it over 33 times. Since they should be able to reduce the frequency of turnovers in future games, we might expect Augie to be scoring in the 70s with some regularity.
Congrats to Wheaton's Kathleen Fidelia on being CCIW player of the week, very likely to occur a few more times.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2008, 05:13:29 PM
The Lady Reds of Carthage won their '08-'09 opener last night, getting past Aurora, 55-49.
They have eleven more road games up next on the schedule. I suspect they'll handle it pretty well, since they have a good and experienced bunch of players.
I wonder, will Coach Bernero sing "On the Road Again" to start each trip?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2008, 07:20:38 PM
Augustana took Loras into OT, but couldn't prevail : 81-71. Augie assistant SID Adam Strand did a good write-up summarizing the game -- see their web site.
Millikin debuted the season with a 62-51 loss at NAIA McKendree. The always-energetic Tracie Yantis had 7 steals for the Big Blue. Kayla Pembrook had 12 rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 20, 2008, 02:01:26 AM
What a tourney in St. Louis this weekend! :o  #10 IWU faces #3 DePauw; the winner gets to face (presumably) #1 WashU (their first-round opponent is Central, who won 4 games last year).

I'm sure there must have been early season tourneys even more stacked than 1, 3, and 10, but not by much! :D

BTW, over/under on how much Central loses by this weekend: 67.5. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gottaluvhoops on November 20, 2008, 10:57:45 AM
That is a tournament!  Should be a fun one to watch!! 

I'll take the under on the Central game.  If I remember correctly it was in this same tournament two years ago that Central beat Wash U.  Or am I mistaken?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 20, 2008, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: gottaluvhoops on November 20, 2008, 10:57:45 AM
That is a tournament!  Should be a fun one to watch!! 

I'll take the under on the Central game.  If I remember correctly it was in this same tournament two years ago that Central beat Wash U.  Or am I mistaken?

That's essentiallly right; it was the same four teams at IWU.  At the time Depauw was ranked about third in the country and Wash. U. about twelfth; the first night IWU beat Depauw and Central beat Wash U.  By the end of the year Depauw and Wash U. played in the title game, with Depauw coming out on top.

Should indeed be a great tournament.  Pity I have to teach until 3:00 in Bloomington on Friday.  Details, details! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2008, 03:56:37 PM
Hoosier Titan, the very practical solution to your quandary is to convene your Friday class under a large oak in St Louis's Forest Park.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 21, 2008, 08:33:59 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 20, 2008, 03:56:37 PM
Hoosier Titan, the very practical solution to your quandary is to convene your Friday class under a large oak in St Louis's Forest Park.

Rog's suggestion would have been a very civilized and practicable one a month ago.   As it was, the temperature as we passed the Shirk on the way in this morning was about 25 F.  As we stopped for a light in front of Shirk, half of the women's basketball team crossed the street, obviously on their way to the team bus.  Stacey Arlis and Hope Schulte, in particular, seemed happy to hear our cries of "Good luck, ladies!!

We just now checked the score to see that IWU defeated #3 DePauw 77-76 with huge contributions from Schulte, Claire Sheehan, Mallory Heydorn, and Christina Solari.  Those four players all clocked in at 30+ minutes.  Sheehan had 7 assists, and 3 steals to go with 12 points, while Heydorn scored 21 with a block and 3 assists.  Schulte had 17 points, 2 blocks, and a steal, while veteran post Christina Solari had 16 points while leading the Titan rebounders with 7. 

I cannot comment directly on tonight's game, but from what we saw a week ago in the annual Green and White Scrimmage, Hope Schulte is one of the most athletic players I have seen at the DIII level, male or female.  She literally came from about half court to block what seemed a clear layup.  Half of the IWU men's team were sitting in front of us, and they (and we) gasped as she seemed to come from nowhere.  This woman has moves.

Over on the men's board IWU fans have been getting pasted for wearing green-tinted glasses and "drinking green Kool-Aid."   I haven't had any Kool-Aid in decades, but I'm very, very proud of these ladies and what they've accomplished tonight.  Tomorrow we're heading down to St. Louis for the title game of this always-interesting tournament.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 21, 2008, 08:43:54 PM
I just realised I lost a year in my post of last night--it was in 2006 that the tournament involving these four teams was in Bloomington.  Last year it was at Depauw, when IWU beat Wash U. 69-51. I was living in London at the time, and got the score either very late at night or first thing early in the morning.  I remember waking up my flat (er, apartment) yelling "IWU beat Wash U.!!" 

At any rate, this tournament is a GREAT way to start off the season!   :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2008, 12:20:52 PM
That's a big win for the Titans. According to the play-by-play, Schulte had a last second steal, got fouled and won it with a FT.
I saw Millikin top Trinity International (NAIA) in OT, 61-54. Not the best that they are capable of, but the Big Blue did what they had to to get the W.
I'll be heading out to Wheaton shortly for day 2 of their tournament. The Thunder clobbered Blackburn yesterday, 95-36, thanks in some part to outrebounding the visitors 68-25. Sarah Jones led with 8.
Calvin beat Elmhurst, 65-58, largely due to 35 pts from Marcia Harris, a skilled and athletic 6-footer.
North Central cruised past Marian, 84-53. In 24 minutes, Meghan McGuire had 20 pts, 10 reb.
Simpson edged Carthage 84-82 in OT. Shana Lieberman poured in 20 pts.
In a game I'm glad not to have seen, Lake Forest beat North Park, 54-41. Their FG percentages were .313 and .265.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2008, 05:51:52 PM
Scoreboard reports IWU leading #1 WashU, 35-32, at the half.  Anyone have any links or first-hand info?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2008, 07:05:24 PM
Woo Hoo!!!  IWU 72, (former) #1 WashU 69!!!

Combined with yesterday's win over (former) #3 DePauw, the ladies are gonna have one HUGE target on their backs!  (I wonder if they will jump all the way to #1?  I'll guess about 3rd.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: y_jack_lok on November 22, 2008, 07:14:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2008, 07:05:24 PM
Woo Hoo!!!  IWU 72, (former) #1 WashU 69!!!

Combined with yesterday's win over (former) #3 DePauw, the ladies are gonna have one HUGE target on their backs!  (I wonder if they will jump all the way to #1?  I'll guess about 3rd.)

I believe the Wash U women were ranked #6, the men were #1.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2008, 07:27:39 PM
Quote from: y_jack_lok on November 22, 2008, 07:14:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2008, 07:05:24 PM
Woo Hoo!!!  IWU 72, (former) #1 WashU 69!!!

Combined with yesterday's win over (former) #3 DePauw, the ladies are gonna have one HUGE target on their backs!  (I wonder if they will jump all the way to #1?  I'll guess about 3rd.)

I believe the Wash U women were ranked #6, the men were #1.

Oops - you're correct (not the first time I've slipped up with the two polls on the same page).

Jeez, now you've ruined my weekend - they only beat #3 and #6 on consecutive days - big whoop. :( :o ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 22, 2008, 11:46:56 PM
Whew!  Just got in from St. Louis!  What a game!

I haven't seen an all-tournament team, but I would think that Christina Solari would have to be MVP--21 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists this afternoon!  She is a complete player--although she plays the low post, she can bring the ball up if need be, and she has moves galore.  Hope Schulte had another good game, with 13 points.

The first half seemed to fly by.  It seemed like a championship game between two good and evenly-matched teams.  Both have strong inside players and outside shooters; they both play good defense in the half court and a full-court press.  And both can run the inside-outside game really well.  At halftime the score was 35-32 IWU, and that seemed just about right.

The first five minutes of the second half were as near perfect as I've seen the IWU women play as they rolled to a 14-point lead.  It seemed they couldn't miss, all the rebounds came to them, and Wash U. were definitely rattled.  Then, for a few minutes, it seemed as though neither team wanted to win, as turnovers and missed shots on both sides slowed the scoring rate.  Gradually, though, Wash U. pulled back to a single-digit deficit.  Nervy moments for IWU.  In the end, I think that IWU's defense might have been the difference.  Not that Wash U. were always kept from scoring--they are too good, and have too many options, for that.  But it took them a LONG time to set up in their offense when the press was on, and even when it wasn't, the shooters were often covered.  At least three times Wash U. looked about to have a clock violation, only to get the shot off and score.  But when they were down by a dozen in the second half, those seconds lost were priceless.  The momentum seemed to be with Wash U. down the stretch, and it's possible that they just ran out of time. 

For Wash U., Zoe Unruh and  Halsey Ward impressed, and Kathryn Berger led their scoring with 19.  After being out-rebounded by DePauw, IWU won tonight's battle of the boards 40-29.

Both coaches went deep into their benches, playing eleven each, and made frequent substitutions.  Mallory Heydorn had to sit for the last part of the first half after picking up her third foul, and Hope Schulte made the switch from small forward to point guard look easy.  Mia Smith's use of the bench in the last few minutes was particularly impressive:  the lineup on the floor was four guards (Heydorn, Sheehan, Schulte, and Holly Harvey), along with Solari.  All ball handlers, and all good free throw shooters.  Harvey hit two important FTs with just under 2 minutes to go; although she missed a pair with about a minute left, Christina Solari hit one with 5 seconds left to bring IWU's lead back to the final 72-69 score.  This game wasn't beautiful, but it was a hard-fought battle between two quality teams.

We got there for the second half of the DePauw-Central consolation game.  The score was 38-33 DePauw at the half, but the Tigers soon pulled away.  It was hard to judge from what we saw today how DePauw compares to Wash U. and IWU.  From the evidence today I would guess that IWU and Wash U. have not seen the last of each other.  A return matchup would be great! 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2008, 02:11:21 PM
Another important victory for the Titans. Congratulations.
In the game I saw, #2 Oglethorpe drilled Wheaton 99-68. Three minutes into the 2nd half, it was 76-34. The Stormy Petrels shot 27/45 twos, 11/23 threes and 12/15.
Numerous Oglethorpe passes were zipped with precision, a hallmark of an excellent team. Their top scorers, with 27 and 20, also had 5 assists each.
Players of all sizes contested for rebounds.
For the first 2/3 of the game, they ran more or less a full court press. Wheaton got through it now and then and Kathleen Fidelia (31 pts) was able to drive to the lane and score. For the last 7 - 8 minutes, Oglethorpe reduced its intensity, perhaps in a spirit of being a gracious visitor.
By the way, Beth Baker is back, coaching the Thunder, which was good to see.
Other CCIW finals :
Grand View 65, Millikin 57 (15 pts, 9 reb by Elise Wildman);
Carthage 59, Luther 43;
Elmhurst 113, Finlandia 56 (seven Jays in double figures);
Monmouth 83, Augustana 59;
NC 82, St Ambrose 80 (2 OT, 18 rebs for Parra, 13 for Errico);
Concordia (IL) 53, NP 50.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 23, 2008, 02:52:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 23, 2008, 02:11:21 PM

By the way, Beth Baker is back, coaching the Thunder, which was good to see.


That IS good news--thanks for sharing it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on November 24, 2008, 11:10:29 AM
Hi Everyone!  I thought that I would provide a little info on the Bluejays' two games over the weekend.  Initially, Friday was a tough loss to Calvin.  All things considered, I truly felt like the Jays were the stronger team, but turnovers got the best of them.  The Jays led for the majority of the game, but Calvin came through down the stretch.   In all honesty, the officiating seemed to fall more to Calvin who shot 31 free throws to Elmhurst 14.  All-American Marcia Harris shot 15 by herself.  Very inconsistent calls on one end versus the other!  Regardless of the loss, the effort was there throughout the game which obviously carried over to Saturday.

Saturday's score against Finlandia speaks for itself.  Everyone was dialed in, and the overall execution was much improved over Friday!  The game featured an excellent display of the wide variety of athletic weapons that this year's Jays squad has its disposal.  Long and Bobruk have a much stronger supporting cast this season.  Should be a great season for the Lady Bluejays!! 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2008, 11:38:54 AM
All five conference teams that played last night registered losses. Not good.
I attended Monmouth at North Park. The first half was dominated by the refs : traveling was called time after time, producing most of the 31 total turnovers. The second half was more tolerable and North Park climbed back into the game to make it competitive. Three NP players were hobbling in the second half, but played anyway, since they don't have a deep bench. Monmouth won it 59-55.
Augustana managed only 33 points, losing by 11 to Cornell.
Elmhurst lost at Albion, 62-58 in OT.
Millikin lost at Carroll, 71-56. Crystal Zeigler scored 20 in 22:00 for M.
Finally, Wheaton lost 81-78 at St Mary's (Indiana). Kathleen Fidelia had 26 pts, 6 reb, 6 assists and 5 steals. Lisa Ballenger, who might become a prominent player, got the start at center. Looks like she played reasonably well for 21:00 but picked up 4 fouls.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2008, 12:24:29 PM
Millikin coach Lori Kerans again has to have cancer treatment -- see the article on their web site or on D3hoops Daily Dose for today.
Best wishes to her.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2008, 01:06:14 PM
I dug back and found a post from January 2007 which tells you what I think about coach Kerans :
During the opening introductions, I noticed that Millikin coach Lori Kerans came well forward and warmly greeted the Wheaton starters. Rather than treating it as an obligatory ritual, she appeared to use the opportunity to say, more or less, "thanks, girls, for coming to the gym and playing ball with us." Not a major thing or a criticism of any other coach, but it was a sign of a kindhearted person.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2008, 01:39:05 PM
Congrats to Christina Solari, CCIW player of the week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2008, 11:02:21 AM
In last night's games, Elmhurst sped to a 53-25 halftime lead and won at Aurora, 83-54. A variety of players scored well and ten different Bluejays had a steal.
North Central lost at Benedictine, 70-60. Jessica Davis led the Cardinals with 16 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 29, 2008, 08:14:06 PM
Illinois Wesleyan rolled over MacMurray at Jacksonville, 84-40.  Both teams started sluggishly; the Titans, at least, looked to be working off their Thanksgiving dinners.  According to the running commentary, with five minutes to go in the first half, the score was 17-14 in favor of MacMurray.  This doesn't seem quite right (the scoreboard was often behind), but it's fairly indicative.  The Titans then pulled away to a 44-24 halftime lead, which they were able to extend a bit in the second half. 

The Titans were led in scoring by first year player Kylie Castens with 15 points in 22 minutes. She moved well and shot with confidence from all over the court.  Mallory Heydorn had 13 points, Claire Sheehan 12, and Christina Solari 10 with 13 rebounds.  For MacMurray, Abby Lowe was the most consistent player, contributing 17 points on 13/16 free throw shooting.  Taylor Vollmer was their most successful ball handler against the press and made a couple of nice end-to-end moves. She had 13 points.

This should not be taken as undue criticism of the officials or the job they did, but it was quite clear that one of the three was a novice.  This became most apparent when a player went to the floor with the ball and sat there, rolling around on her backside--traveling, obviously.  The new official was right there and blew the whistle.  Somehow, her team ended up with the ball out of bounds.  If we ever knew what the call was, we've forgotten, but the call wasn't traveling, nor was it a foul.  A timeout was called and the officials conferred; from their hand gestures the others were clearly explaining to the young ref what had happened.  No harm was done and it made no difference in the outcome.  Probably a good game for everyone on both teams, the scoring table, and the refs to sort things out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2008, 01:18:20 PM
Carthage topped Johns Hopkins, 68-50. Katie Jarger hit 9/12, 3/4 FT, leading the Reds with 21 pts.
With Carthage playing moderately-paced games, we might not see a lot of big individual statistical outputs in any one game. But a lot of players contribute, of course.
Aurora beat North Central, 80-76. NC had 26 turnovers, more than they can be happy with.
I saw Elmhurst fly past Benedictine, 95-77. Anna Randazzo was an early factor, revving up the Jays' offense. She finished with 4 assists and 4 steals in 18:00. Their major veteran players all did well.
Some newcomers who are providing immediate help include : 6'3" Laurel Benson, who has a soft shooting touch around the basket, 6' Megan Ney, an athletic and strong power forward and 5'11" Meghan Merklein, who has small forward skills and agility. There are other new kids, but these three are getting the opportunity now and are making good use of it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on December 01, 2008, 11:33:29 AM
I, too, watched both Elmhurst games over the weekend.  I agree with Rog K's comments about the three freshmen (Ney, Merklein, and Benson) offering significant early contributions to compliment the veteran core group.  The Jays certainly have the ability to wear teams down due to the way they consistently run the floor coupled with a deeper bench than last season.  I also look for them to have a better balance with respect to the inside-outside game which will challenge the opponents on the defensive end.  Expect these newcomers to become more comfortable with each game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: petemcb on December 01, 2008, 07:13:27 PM
I spend most of my board time on the CCIW men's site, but am curious if anyone knows whether or not the Merklein you are mentioning has a brother who spent time at Lake Fores, Harper, and is now at UW-LaCrosse.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2008, 07:23:38 PM
Don't know, petemcb.
Congrats to Carthage's Katie Jarger, conference player of the week.
Yesterday's Lady Reds game went better for Wash U than for Carthage, 83-54.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2008, 05:31:45 PM
A fine game from Kelly Brooks (17 pts, 13 rebs in 26:00) helped Wheaton defeat Clarke last night, 71-58.
Kathleen Fidelia led with 20 pts and six steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 02, 2008, 08:14:57 PM
Illinois Wesleyan, up to #5 in this week's D3Hoops poll, defeated a Missouri Baptist team that I think is much better than the 86-59 score might suggest.  The Titans came out ready to play, forcing 27 turnovers.  Christina Solari had another double-double, 19 points and 11 rebounds, in only 25 minutes of playing time.  Colleen Caplice, the other IWU starting post player, scored 10 and had 9 rebounds in 26 minutes.  First-year player Kylie Castans continues to impress, scoring 13 with 2 rebounds in only 12 minutes.  Mo Bap are a big, strong team, and they play physical ball.  Lots of young Titans got some quality minutes which will hopefully serve them well later in the season.

Several members of the Millikin team were in attendance, as they play Mo Bap this weekend.  It was good to see a few more students at Shirk, and to have the pep band back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2008, 11:28:48 AM
North Park played a very smart game, taking a 78-50 win over NAIA Judson.
A fine effort was turned in by all, including implementing a good defensive plan which bothered Judson throughout the contest.
At the offensive end, the Vikings shot 52% from the floor and hit 30 of 39 FTs.
Up in Wisconsin, Elmhurst felled Lakeland, 71-64.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on December 03, 2008, 01:26:55 PM
A nice win for Elmhurst last night up at Lakeland.  Although it certainly wasn't the team's best effort of the young season, a road win is always positive.  Lakeland made several late runs, but the Bluejays were able to hold off the Muskies by virtue of many assorted contributions from the entire team.  The Bluejays will have a good test this Saturday when they host the University of Chicago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on December 03, 2008, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 03, 2008, 11:28:48 AM
North Park played a very smart game, taking a 78-50 win over NAIA Judson.
A fine effort was turned in by all, including implementing a good defensive plan which bothered Judson throughout the contest.
Congratulations to the Vikings and new head coach Amanda Reese on the team's first victory of the season.  We wish you continued success!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2008, 01:45:14 PM
Attended the Wheaton game last night : they ran into a stifling defense at the U of Chicago and lost 66-55. At the half, it was 32-17.
Soph Lissie McAlvey did have a nice game, scoring 12 (1/1 2fg, 2/4 3fg, 4/4 FT) and getting 6 rebounds in 22:00. Excluding her 3 for 5, Wheaton's FG% was 20.2.
North Central got clobberated 89-55 at UW Stevens Point.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2008, 12:57:39 PM
Carthage sailed to an 80-48 victory over Greenville in Eureka.
In the box score, it says Cory Bazany committed six fouls. Does she think she's in the NBA?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2008, 05:33:40 PM
Just saw Elmhurst get beaten 61-48 by the U of Chicago. It was close for a big chunk of the game, but the visiting urbanites scored 18 of the final 22 points to ease away.
The U of C did not allow many open shots in the 2nd half, restricting Elmhurst to 8/33 FG shooting.
Next Saturday, U of C hosts Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2008, 05:45:35 PM
Trinity International, which earlier lost in OT to Millikin, won at North Park this afternoon, 77-65, overcoming a huge effort by NP's LaRae Kostreva : 26 pts (9/16, 8/9), 15 rebs, 3 blks, 2 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 06, 2008, 09:38:58 PM
All five starters for Illinois Wesleyan scored in double figures as the Titans defeated Maryville 92-82 in St. Louis Saturday afternoon.  Mallory Heydorn had not had a big scoring game this season; she broke out for 28 points, including 8 3's and 4 assists (although it seems like more).  Christina Solari scored 21 and added a game-high 17 rebounds.  Hope Schulte scored 13, Claire Sheehan 14, and Colleen Caplice 10. 

The game was a much closer affair than the last meeting between these two teams, in the first round of the NCAA playoffs last March, when the Titans rolled to a 30-point margin.  The Saints played with a lot of spirit and made the most of their height advantage in the post on offense.  Allie Wilhelm went 7/8 and scored 17, while 6'4" Rachel Viehmann chipped in 9.  When those two got the ball on the block they were unstoppable.  (A big part of that is that they never put the ball on the floor when they get it in that spot--excellent play!)  The Titans led by 8 at halftime, 47-39.  In the second half the Saints went on a scoring run and took the lead twice at around 10:00 to play.  Then a pair of Titan threes from Heydorn and Schulte gave the Titans a lead they would never relinquish. 


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2008, 02:43:58 PM
More Saturday results :
Carthage got past Eureka, 61-50. Katie Jarger was red hot (or certainly very warm), making 8/12 FG (2 for 3 threes) and 9/10 FTs for 27 pts, also seizing 9 rebounds.
Millikin had a lively game (with 56 total fouls) vs Missouri Baptist but finished at the short end of an 87-79 final.
Brooke Carlson tallied 21 pts and had 5 assists.
Wheaton fell to Judson, 74-64.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 07, 2008, 03:00:16 PM
Rog (or anyone),

What can you tell us about the University of Chicago?  Bryanne Halfhill looks to be a key player.  The game scores would suggest that they favor a deliberate pace rather than running and gunning.  Thanks!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2008, 01:39:05 PM
Hoosier Titan, you are correct to deduce from the U of C's scores that they do not normally want to get into a "track meet" if they can help it.
We'll see if they can control the tempo vs IWU on Saturday.
Halfhill is an impressive freshman, for sure, shooting 44% on threes, 60% on twos and 89 on FTs. You might see a lot of Claire Sheehan similarity in her game.
Looking at various other Chicago players' FG percentages at this stage of the season will not necessarily tell you how good they are. They have a bunch of talented players. Combine that with a defense that can be outstanding for long stretches of the game and you have a difficult opponent coming up for the Titans. Of course, the U of C has a difficult opponent on Saturday, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on December 08, 2008, 02:42:19 PM
I thought Elmhurst did an excellent job with the interior defense against University of Chicago this past Saturday.  The Elmhurst bigs controlled the U of C bigs, but the visitors did a nice job of kicking out to the arc on many occasions during the game.  U of C knocked down several three balls with the shot clock winding down to five or six seconds.  It was a well-played defensive game on both ends of the floor, and was a much closer game than the final score would indicate due to free throws at the end when Elmhurst had to foul.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2008, 11:21:11 AM
Carthage improved to 6-2 on the road, up-ending Beloit, 66-60.
Congratulations to North Park's LaRae Kostreva, CCIW player of the week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 09, 2008, 11:27:48 AM
Thanks for the info, Rog and OHB.  I had seen several different names as contributors in different wins for Chicago.  Nice to have different options.  Looking forward to visiting the Ratner Center again!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on December 10, 2008, 10:14:49 AM
I think I've got the wife talked into going to the game(she's enamored with UofC) with the kids to see IWU/C. Solari suit it up against UofC.   It should be a good game.

How's the parking around the Ratner Center and where is the main entrance to the building? 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 10, 2008, 01:40:03 PM
Article on IWU from Bloomington Pantagraph...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/12/10/usports/doc493f3bedd80a8286171194.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 10, 2008, 03:12:36 PM
Thanks for posting that link, Bob.  It is nice to see the Titan women getting some recognition. 

js-as I recall, the U. of Chicago web site has decent directions and there is parking near the entrance.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2008, 01:19:58 PM
jshoops, the Ratner Center entrance faces east. Once inside, take the hallway on the left to the gym. Note the interesting architectural features of the structure; the building is designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli, who also did the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Catching up on recent games :
Millikin trounced Lake Forest 80-49, thanks to a 51-21 2nd half.
Wheaton lost to #7 Whitewater 88-56.
North Central lost to Robert Morris Chicago 58-54.
Augie lost to cross-river rival St Ambrose 89-62.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2008, 01:08:34 PM
Following a game against D3 #7 Whitewater, Wheaton faced NAIA #7 St Xavier last night and played a good, energetic game. The host Cougars prevailed 80-73.
Kathleen Fidelia scored 23, missing just 7 shots. For a while, it looked like she would go off for 35 or more, but SXU got in her way more often.
Everyone else made good contributions too : 13 rebounds from Annie Bowen, 5/7 threes from Lynnea Kvam, 3 steals and 4 assists from Sarah Jones, 2/2 free throws, a steal and jubilant cheering and encouragement from Noelle Dryden. The others helped, making some shots, grabbing some rebounds, playing mostly good defense and handling the ball pretty well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 13, 2008, 09:17:57 PM
The matchup between Illinois Wesleyan (#3 in this week's poll) and Chicago (#17) at U. of Chicago's Ratner Center was physical and downright ugly at times.  Both teams play good defense, with the Titans preferring to run on offense and the Maroons favoring a more deliberate pace.  Chicago had a small lead for the first five minutes or so, with the Titans taking their first lead on sub Nikki Preston's 3-pointer.  The Titans never trailed after that, stretching their first half lead to 14 once.  The score was 35-23 at the half.

In the second half, Chicago narrowed the lead to 8 several times and to 6 once with 5:48 to play.  Then the Titans went on a defensive run, resulting in a pair of baskets from Claire Sheehan and a basket and two free throws from Preston.  Chicago scored only one basket and two free throws in the final 5:48 of the game.  The final score was 64-47.

Molly Hackney led the Maroons with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.  Three Titans scored in double figures.  Claire Sheehan had 14, Christina Solari 13, and Nikki Preston 10.  Solari also pulled in 11 rebounds for her fifth consecutive double-double.  Mallory Heydorn had an off day on the score sheet but dished out 4 assists and played excellent defense.

The shooting percentages for both teams were low:  37% overall on FGs for the Titans (as opposed to their season average of 44%), and 31% for the Maroons, whose season average is 40%.  Of course, good defense on both ends had a lot to do with those percentages (and I'm actually surprised they're not lower).  All in all, a tough, hard-nosed contest that should help both teams down the road.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 14, 2008, 10:58:45 AM
I neglected to mention a couple of key highlights from the IWU-Chicago game.  1)  Claire Sheehan's defense on top Chicago scorer Brianne Halfhill was outstanding.  Halfhill scored only 5 points, well below her 15 point average.  2)  I mentioned Nikki Preston several times in the first post, but every player off the IWU bench made meaningful contributions.  They outscored the Chicago bench 23-12 with several of their baskets coming at key times as Chicago tried to make a run.

The Pantagraph's story is here:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/12/14/usports/doc4944857d7f5a3177366414.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2008, 09:26:32 AM
To add a comment to HT's report on the IWU game - this was my first look at them and I was impressed by the few minutes played by Titan freshman Kylie Castans. She quickly burried a three and appears to be a confident, competent addition to the IWU roster.
Millikin won twice, with Kayla Pembrook turning in 16 pt, 12 reb and 22 pt, 15 reb games. Against Fontbonne, Elise Wildman scored 33, adding 12 reb. Tracie Yantis had 5 steals.
Augie lost to DePauw.
North Central shot .544 while defeating Loras, 76-68. Brianne Parra made 10 of 13 FG attempts.
Elmhurst sped past Dubuque 89-69. Brittany Bobruk grabbed 12 rebounds in only 21:00 of play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2008, 10:45:22 PM
Carthage rolled to an easy 66 - 40 victory tonight over Lawrence on the practice court of the NBA Orlando Magic in Maitland, FL.
Lawrence kept at it, but were clearly overmatched in talent, size and depth by the Lady Reds.
Lisa Gartelos led Carthage with 12 pts and 5 rebs in 16 efficient minutes.
The opening game of the evening saw Elmhurst get clunked by Hope College, 72 - 49. The Bluejays shot just .246 FG%; Hope's defense can take some credit for that, but not all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2008, 12:12:21 PM
Saw the 2nd set of games last night.
Lyndsie Long had a very sharp game (27 pts, 3 steals, 8 rebs) to lead Elmhurst over Lawrence, 76-65.
Carthage played Hope tight in the 1st half (30-27) but the Flying Dutch intensified their defense in the 2nd half and pulled away, winning 64-46. Nevertheless, many Lady Reds played well. Hope is just too dang good.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 19, 2008, 07:44:43 AM
IWU has lost All-American PG Mallory Heydorn for a month or so...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/12/19/usports/doc494b26859139e060456485.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2008, 12:39:23 PM
Mount Mary has bowed out of NPU's tourney at the last minute, so today's portion of the tournament will only include the Lakeland vs. MacMurray game. NPU will play the winner tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on December 19, 2008, 12:56:27 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2008, 12:39:23 PM
Mount Mary has bowed out of NPU's tourney at the last minute, so today's portion of the tournament will only include the Lakeland vs. MacMurray game. NPU will play the winner tomorrow afternoon.

That's really last minute on their part.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 19, 2008, 02:12:58 PM
Presumably Mount Mary's cancellation is due to weather.  Everything is closed here in Bloomington, including IWU.  We're waiting to hear whether the games here are still on. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 19, 2008, 02:23:04 PM
As of now, the games are still on in Bloomington:  5:15 IWU women against Fontbonne; 7:30 men against Chicago.  I will post if anything changes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 19, 2008, 08:09:09 PM
IWU 101
Fontbonne 53

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 19, 2008, 11:18:49 PM
IWU cruised to a 101-53 victory over Fontbonne at the Shirk Center early Friday evening.  Titan coach Mia Smith made a virtue out of necessity in trying several players at the point guard position due to Mallory Heydorn's stress fracture.  Mallory is expected to be out for a month.   Holly Harvey started in Heydorn's place and acquitted herself well, especially on both sides of the press.  Nikki Preston, Hope Schulte, Karen Solari, and Kylie Castans all took turns in the position as well.  The game ball goes to Claire Sheehan whose 24 points (8/12 from the field, 3/4 on 3's, 5/6 on FTs), 4 assists, and 2 steals added up to an outstanding game.  Christina Solari missed a double double for the first time all season but still was a major contributor with 16 points and 7 rebounds.  The Titans shot well:  51.6% on FG for the game and 87.5% on free throws. Preston and Schulte scored 9 points each, and Stacey Arlis impressed with her movement in the low post to score 6. 

For the Griffins, Calli Collier contributed 19, 9  on 9/10 shooting at the free throw line.  Mallory Ludwig was 4/4 in the low post to score 8.

The Griffins have had a brutal schedule:  over the last 10 days they've played Rust, Eureka, Illinois College, Wash. U., and Millikin before tonight's game at IWU.  The Titans are next in action on Dec. 27 against Linfield in the Puget Sound Winter Classic in Tacoma, Washington.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2008, 12:56:06 PM
Mount Mary has decided to trek into the big city today. It'll play the loser of yesterday's game, MacMurray, at 1 pm today while NPU takes on the winner, Lakeland, at 3 pm.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 20, 2008, 04:28:19 PM
Some video from the IWU game yesterday from a local TV station sportscast...

http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=38231
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 20, 2008, 05:05:16 PM
ICN5, the local station which covers the Titans' games, also has video highlights of all men's and women's games online:
http://www.icn5.com/homepage.html
Click on "sports" to the left and then "ICN5 replay."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 21, 2008, 01:45:59 PM
Here's the direct link to that ICN5 page.  Thanks to Titan Q for pointing this out--I don't get this when on the replay page, but the link does work.
http://www.icn5.com/replay.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2008, 07:02:37 PM
Some other CCIW highlights from recent days :
On Friday, Millikin beat Wisc Lutheran 81-57. Kayla Pembrook had 23 pts, 9 reb and 4 assists.
The Big Blue also won Saturday, 70-62 over Maryville in OT. Elise Wildman contributed 21 pts and 10 reb.
Augustana had a double OT win over Peace 85-76. Natalie Runge scored 27 and grabbed 15 rebounds. Sarah Rachwalski had 6 assists, 11 reb and 13 pts.
Augie forward Lani Kasten had 16 pts and 11 reb the next day vs. Lynchburg, but the Vikings lost 71-63.
Carthage remains winless at home (ha ha) but will finally get to play there. Originally, all eleven of their nonconference games were to be on the road, but Clarke has kindly consented to switch the upcoming game from their home gym to the Lady Reds' new digs in Kenosha.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 24, 2008, 01:24:00 PM
IWU has ascended to #2 in the nation. They will next play in damp Tacoma this weekend.
Congratulations also for Kayla Pembrook on being CCIW player of the week.
Over her last four games, she rang up 74 points, 44 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals, while shooting 60% (15/25) on 2s, 47% (9/19) on 3s and 17/24 FTs. Plus, we know she plays very good general defense.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 27, 2008, 10:32:57 PM
Illinois Wesleyan made it to Tacoma and fought off a second-half rally by Linfield to win 75-62.  I was only able to follow on live stats.  Some of the highlights:  Christina Solari had what's become her usual double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.  Kylie Castans had 10 points and 9 boards, and Holly Harvey, starting at point guard, had 12.  Claire Sheehan and Stacey Arlis each had 9, Nikki Preston 8, and Hope Schulte 7 for the Titans.  Although Sheehan's point total was below her average, they were key points, as she twice helped stop Linfield scoring runs.  Sheehan and Hope Schulte each had 4 assists.  Looks as though Whitney Honn was nearly unstoppable for the Wildcats with 8/10 shooting in 25 minutes.  She had 18 points and Nadra Evans 17.

Tomorrow the Titans play Puget Sound, who have just beaten Luther 69-59. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 28, 2008, 08:57:05 AM
Here's the Pantagraph story on the IWU game:

IWU Women Fight Off Linfield (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/12/28/usports/doc4956fa1119501528854176.txt/)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on December 29, 2008, 08:24:51 AM
Pantagraph story: IWU women cruise past Loggers in tourney play http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/12/29/usports/doc49584f84a329b319866916.txt (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/12/29/usports/doc49584f84a329b319866916.txt)

I kept up with the game on LiveStats.  The Loggers tried to keep up for 40 minutes but IWU put their foot down and took control late in 2nd half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2008, 02:12:26 PM
Writing from the 5th floor of the fabulous new Seattle Public Library, a few notes on IWU's games in Tacoma :
Last night, they beat host U of Puget Sound, 73-54. Tournament MVP Christina Solari was quite good -- 5 steals, 8 assists, 14 rebounds and 15 pts (5/7, 5/8).
Claire Sheehan also had an excellent game, scoring 23, hitting 6/8 twos, 2/3 threes and all 5 FTs.
Nikki Preston had a productive 21:00, tallying 11 pts via just 6 shots.
The rest of the bunch contributed very well, as well, in both games.
My sister and I also had the pleasure of meeting the Holly Harvey parents while riding the #16 Pierce Co Transit bus before and after the games. Any visitors who dive into the local public transit get a good grade from me.
Kylie Castans missed the 2nd game due to a gurgling stomach.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 04, 2009, 09:13:59 PM
I can't let this board stay 'dead' for an entire week! ;)

#3 and #4 both lost these past two weeks, so #1 is clearly between Rochester and IWU.  UR led by only 6 points in the prior poll, and has been idle while the Titans have won three games (albeit none of them particularly impressive).  So -- who's #1 this week?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on January 04, 2009, 09:50:43 PM
Well, for 38:42 minutes IWU was behind St. Francis(D-II) and IWU pulled it off.  Nothing too unusual, game totals all within the IWU averages, 4-5 fewer rebounds and Solari picked up 3 fouls in 2 minutes in the first half.  So on the other hand, at the end of 40 minutes,  good teams figure out a way to win regards of the circumstances.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 04, 2009, 10:29:15 PM
I posted my reply on the Top 25 board.  I didn't summarize the game here because 1) I wasn't there (although that hasn't stopped me before :D ), and 2) I wasn't there because I was on my way to California for a conference, getting settled in, and doing this week's "How They Fared".  Was anybody here at St. Francis?  It would be good to have an eyewitness account.  Rog or anyone?

I think the Titans would be a worthy #1, but a place or two doesn't really matter as much as finding a way to win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2009, 03:16:59 PM
I was at NAIA Olivet Nazarene vs. Millikin, Hoosier Titan. I see that Claire Sheehan had another nice game in the IWU win over NAIA St Francis, 20 pts, 5 steals.
Millikin had trouble with ONU's continuous, all over the floor, tight pressing and trapping. The Big Blue had 25 first half turnovers, 44 for the game, which was won by ONU, 104-79.
Millikin will not face a defense quite like that in the CCIW.
I sat near the Millikin bench and was impressed to hear Coach Kerans continually encouraging and teaching her players.
Freshmen Bethany Wellbaum and Julia Robert each played 13 minutes in the 2nd half, giving them valuable experience facing a highly energetic opposition. It looks to me that both of 'em will be able to add depth for the Big Blue this season and can be prominent in Millikin's upcoming years.
Jacquie Larson provided 8 pts, 4 rebs, a couple of assists and a steal in her 15:00.
Tracie Yantis led with 16 pts and 5 assists.
ONU (11-3) was led by 27 pts from Courtney Hehn, who made 8 of 18 threes in 18:00. I like that thinking : if you have someone who can shoot, let her shoot! Of course, the other ONU players took a combined 75 shots, so they weren't looking to Hehn (20 FG att total) every time, obviously.
Eight ONU players had 2 or more steals.
IWU will face ONU in February. Try to fit that one into your schedule, HT.
Elsewhere, Augie lost, NP lost and won. Wheaton won in OT, thanks in part to Annie Bowen's 18 pts, 16 rebs.
In a few hours, Carthage finally has its first home game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 05, 2009, 03:30:31 PM
Elmhurst jumps back into action tomorrow night against non-conference Vassar College.  I believe that Vassar goes on to play North Park on Wednesday evening as the second leg of their trip.  The Jays will still be without the services of starters Kelsey Monroe and Megan Ney due to injury.  Hopefully, both will be back within the next game or two as conference action ramps up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 05, 2009, 07:22:38 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 04, 2009, 09:13:59 PM
#3 and #4 both lost these past two weeks, so #1 is clearly between Rochester and IWU.  UR led by only 6 points in the prior poll, and has been idle while the Titans have won three games (albeit none of them particularly impressive).  So -- who's #1 this week?

Rochester remains #1, but the gap is down to 4.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 06, 2009, 03:06:37 PM
Titans are #1 in that other poll!
http://www.wbca.org/DIIICoachesPoll.asp
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2009, 03:12:53 PM
And congratulations to CCIW player of the week, the Titans' Claire Sheehan.
From yesterday: Wheaton topped Schreiner Univ, 77-67 behind Kathleen Fidelia's 21 pts, 6 steals, 7 rebs, 7 assists and 2 blocks.
Carthage crunched Clarke, 84-55. Katherine Burshiem scored 13 (5/7, 3/3) and grabbed 5 rebounds in 15:00 of action.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mr_b on January 08, 2009, 06:30:34 PM
North Park picked up a win against visiting Vassar, 59-45.  Here is the box score (http://www.northpark.edu/athletics/wbasketball/stats/2008stats/1-7wbb.htm).  Amanda Phillips scored 17 and Larisa Coldabella added 10 for the Vikings. Newcomer Bonnie Nge (a transfer from Judson) scored 4 in her Viking debut.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2009, 03:05:17 PM
Illinois Wesleyan won the opening conference game Tuesday, getting past Augustana 65-46. Each team used 14 players (not all at once).
For IWU, Christina Solari made 7 of 8 FGs, 3/3 FT, had 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Not bad for 23 minutes.
Fellow tall Titan Stacey Arlis made all 7 of her FG attempts, including a three, scoring 15 pts in 14:00.
Both teams combined for 2/25 on threes, which held the scoring down.
Some other recent CCIW action :
North Central topped Monmouth 73-63. The Cardinals' Jackie Errico had a pretty nice game, 17 pts, 10 rebs, three steals and three assists. Others did well, too.
As noted by mr b, North Park upended Vassar.
Vassar also had a spot of trouble the night before, falling at Elmhurst, 90-52. Judging from the stats, it looks like numerous Jays contributed at both ends of the floor. Maggie McTeague nabbed 9 rebounds and 3 steals in 18:00.
With tomorrow's full slate of conference games, we anticipate some interesting confrontations, such as Carthage at IWU. I plan to get my first look at Augustana, which visits Elmhurst.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2009, 04:00:56 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 09, 2009, 03:05:17 PM
Illinois Wesleyan won the opening conference game Tuesday, getting past Augustana 65-46. Each team used 14 players (not all at once).
For IWU, Christina Solari made 7 of 8 FGs, 3/3 FT, had 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Not bad for 23 minutes.
Fellow tall Titan Stacey Arlis made all 7 of her FG attempts, including a three, scoring 15 pts in 14:00.
Both teams combined for 2/25 on threes, which held the scoring down.
Some other recent CCIW action :
North Central topped Monmouth 73-63. The Cardinals' Jackie Errico had a pretty nice game, 17 pts, 10 rebs, three steals and three assists. Others did well, too.
As noted by mr b, North Park upended Vassar.
Vassar also had a spot of trouble the night before, falling at Elmhurst, 90-52. Judging from the stats, it looks like numerous Jays contributed at both ends of the floor. Maggie McTeague nabbed 9 rebounds and 3 steals in 18:00.
With tomorrow's full slate of conference games, we anticipate some interesting confrontations, such as Carthage at IWU. I plan to get my first look at Augustana, which visits Elmhurst.


Nice line: +k!

Hmmm ... I wonder how the standings would be affected if they DID play 14 on 14! :D

BTW, I just noticed that SLIAC is rapidly gaining on us on women's bball pages - we need more chatter (and game reports), folks! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 09, 2009, 04:06:55 PM
It should be an interesting conference season.  Hopefully, Elmhurst can get healthy soon with recent injuries to Monroe, Randazzo and Ney.  Although it is obvious that IWU is a force to be reckoned with, we should know a lot more about the rest of the conference shortly. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 09, 2009, 04:16:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2009, 04:00:56 PM
BTW, I just noticed that SLIAC is rapidly gaining on us on women's bball pages - we need more chatter (and game reports), folks! ;)

I've noticed that too--we need a LOT more chatter and game reports!  Any speculations as to why this board is relatively quiet?  Is it that there is such a strong tradition in the CCIW men's programs that the women get overlooked?  Whatever, it's a shame.

Personally, I was away at a conference over the last ten days and was kept busy doing the "How They Fared" updates.  I'll be going to more IWU games now and can report on the Titans and whichever team they are playing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 09, 2009, 06:22:40 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 09, 2009, 04:16:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2009, 04:00:56 PM
BTW, I just noticed that SLIAC is rapidly gaining on us on women's bball pages - we need more chatter (and game reports), folks! ;)

I've noticed that too--we need a LOT more chatter and game reports!  Any speculations as to why this board is relatively quiet?  Is it that there is such a strong tradition in the CCIW men's programs that the women get overlooked?  Whatever, it's a shame.

Personally, I was away at a conference over the last ten days and was kept busy doing the "How They Fared" updates.  I'll be going to more IWU games now and can report on the Titans and whichever team they are playing.
The board needs more posters.  Like the men's board, posters on this board representing Milliken, Elmhurst, and Carthage are scarce.  I'm surprised too about the lack of Augie posters since the men's board seems well represented.  1) I'll put up a post on the men's board asking for more posters on this board. 2)You posters whom attend games need to 'meet, greet and talk up the board' with opponents fans. 3) Maybe a women's pick'em would create interest?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 10, 2009, 05:02:32 PM
Congrats to the Titans for their win over Carthage today. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 10, 2009, 05:56:35 PM
IWU 72
Carthage 48

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/wbb2009/IWUWBB12.HTM

Mallory Heydorn played her first minutes since December 13 (stress fracture in foot).  Just 10 minutes off the bench, but it's good to have her back out there.  If the Titans can get their All-American point-guard back in the mix, it will make a very good team even better.

IWU is 12-0 overall and 2-0 in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2009, 09:44:09 PM
Nothing close around the league today :
Had to be a satisfying win for IWU, with Mallory H returning. Carthage sort of restrained Sheehan and C Solari, but then Hope Schulte steps forward with 16 pts and 8 rebs. And Kylie Castans had a busy 15:00, scoring 14. The Titans have muchas weapons.
Millikin ran past North Park, 84-51. LaRae Kostreva had 18 of the 51.
Rebounding doesn't always coincide with winning, but it did today in Decatur, 59-24 in favor of Millikin. Crystal Zeigler had 17 pts, 8 reb for the Big Blue. And teammate Whitney Schwartz had a nice game, 11 pts (3/5 threes), 7 reb, 3 assists in 20:00.
Wheaton ripped North Central 93-67. Annie Bowen had 22 pts, 8 reb and 4 steals for the Thunder. Kathleen Fidelia added 9 assists, 19 pts and 3 steals. For the hosts, Jackie Errico had a 20 - 10 game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2009, 10:01:49 PM
I attended Elmhurst's 86-59 win over Augustana. An all-around good game for the Bluejays, as Coach Werner kept them doing the right things. Brittany Bobruk had an excellent 17:00, hitting 9 of 13 shots and playing tough defense. Kelsey Monroe returned from injury with style, scoring 17 pts and taking 9 rebounds.
Many players provide depth for Elmhurst, among them the energetic Christine Randick. Her contributions today include 4 assists.
Lyndsie Long is the best of the Jays and is among the conference's elite
players. In 24:00 this afternoon, she had 15 pts, 8 rebs, 3 steals and 2 assists. Several of her rebounds were strongly contested and she came away with them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 11, 2009, 11:47:04 PM
It was just your good old-fashioned blowout at NCC on Saturday. The Cards couldn't handle Wheaton's press and the Thunder jumped out to a 20-2 lead. It was by far Wheaton's best game of the season and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 12, 2009, 12:05:43 PM
The Elmhurst-Wheaton game should be a good contest tomorrow night.  Kelsey Monroe's presence adds much to the Jays as evidenced on Saturday.  Looks like the Jays are getting healthy at the right time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2009, 01:43:51 PM
To add to my prior post regarding Aug at EC Saturday:
Augustana's Sarah Rachwalski scored 16 while missing just one shot.
Some of Augie's freshmen showed promise of good things to come.
Kristina Howard is quite a rebounder already.
Natalie Runge looks like a strong performer with some good moves near the basket.
Lani Kasten could turn into a very-hard-to-guard player, with her height and agility. Late in the game, she flew in and grabbed an offensive rebound and instantly tossed it in the hoop, still way up in the air. It was an athletic move more likely seen when the guys are playing.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2009, 03:09:23 PM
Congratulations to Kathleen Fidelia on her 2nd CCIW player of the week award. Already in her final season for the Thunder, it seems like just last year she was a junior!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 13, 2009, 10:42:06 PM
Wheaton knocks off Elmhurst 66-61. The definition of a team victory. Wheaton led by as many as thirteen in the first half but the Jays brought it down to three at the half. In the second half Elmhurst pulled ahead by as many as seven before Wheaton took the lead with about a minute to go. Just a great, much needed win for the Thunder. Wheaton's defense down the stretch was superb and Jamie Jones and Kathleen Fidelia both hit some key shots. Kat led the way with 22, Jamie had 14 with 12 boards, and Annie Bowen had 11 points and 15 boards.

Lyndsie Long is one heck of a player for the Jays. She had 29.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/News/wbball/2009/1/13/wbb-elm1.asp?path=wbball
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: AndOne on January 13, 2009, 11:11:19 PM
North Central: 67
Augie:             63

Sorry, I don't have any stats, just the final.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 14, 2009, 11:45:43 AM
The Elmhurst-Wheaton game was a good battle last night.  Hats off to Wheaton for a hard-fought victory. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2009, 01:45:25 PM
thundermike and OHB, I agree with all that you stated about last night's EC-Wheaton game.
The Thunder was a quicker team early in the 1st half and late in the 2nd half. Elmhurst was dominant for roughly the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the contest, but their main players were worn out by the end; that said, they certainly didn't stop trying. Lyndsie Long in particular gave a huge effort, scoring 29 and grabbing 15 rebounds, both career highs.
Elmhurst did make the defensive mistake of straying away from Lynnea Kvam, allowing her to bury 3 of 6 threes for an efficient 9 points. Kvam also had 3 assists and 2 steals, while playing solid defense.
Just about everyone on Wheaton played defense tight enough to make Elmhurst's passing difficult.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 14, 2009, 02:21:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2009, 01:45:25 PM
Elmhurst did make the defensive mistake of straying away from Lynnea Kvam, allowing her to bury 3 of 6 threes for an efficient 9 points. Kvam also had 3 assists and 2 steals, while playing solid defense.

Not to nitpick, but did they really make defensive mistakes on Lynnea? All of her points were in the first half and at least two of the threes were from well behind the men's line with a hand in her face. That's just the sign of a good shooter, I think the defense on her was actually very good for most of the game seeing as she only took six shots.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2009, 02:55:45 PM
I recall some straying. I also agree that she's a very good shooter, one that warrants constant attention. A defender should stay within a foot or two of her at all times (anywhere in the front court) and let the other four defenders take care of the rest of the defensive duties. That's how highly I regard Kvam's ability.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2009, 04:28:22 PM
thundermike, can you tell us about Lindsey Brenneman, who has established a place in the Wheaton starting lineup. From her season stats, I see 21 assists and only 14 turnovers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 14, 2009, 04:47:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2009, 04:28:22 PM
thundermike, can you tell us about Lindsey Brenneman, who has established a place in the Wheaton starting lineup. From her season stats, I see 21 assists and only 14 turnovers.


Lindsey is just a really steady, dependable point guard. She has a decent stroke, but I think it is going to take some time for her to develop into a consistent scoring threat (she's only shooting like 12% or something for the season). But she's a great ballhandler who doesn't shy away from pressure and she knows how to run the offense. Defensively, she is very good--a by-product of being matched up with Kathleen Fidelia for most of the season in practice.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2009, 06:58:31 PM
Extractions from last night's other box scores :
North Central won at Augustana, 67-60. NC's Meghan McGuire tallied 17 and teammate Brianne Parra added 16, each doing so in 20 minutes. For Augie, Kristin Fox had 17 pts, 4 steals and 3 assists.
Carthage over Millikin 63-51... Lisa Gartelos led all with 19 pts (in 18:00).
In a game that featured 71 free throws and 48 fouls, Illinois Wesleyan felled North Park, 92-48. IWU's Colleen Caplice topped all with 11 rebounds in 21:00, adding 3 steals and 8 points. Five Titans scored either 11 or 14.
Although there were those 48 fouls, no player fouled out. I wonder where all the unused fifth fouls go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 14, 2009, 10:41:20 PM
Just to add to my earlier post, Lindsey Brenneman and Annie Bowen have really stepped up huge and solidified Wheaton's starting five. Those two spots had been sort of a revolving door until the trip to Texas, when those two really stepped up and started playing really well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2009, 12:04:28 AM
Brianne Parra swished a very difficult three pointer to give North Central a 65-62 win at Elmhurst. Known for her power near the basket, she showed a nice touch from distance. She finished with 20 pts, 8 rebs.
This offset a sparkling performance by EC's Brittany Bobruk, who rang up 26 pts, 6 blocks, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Lyndsie Long was held to 10 pts, which I believe brings her to exactly 1000 for the career.
For the victors, Jessica Davis scored 15, Gia Navarra had 9 rebounds and Meghan McGuire had 16 pts, 10 rebs.
The Bluejays' Anna Randazzo appears to be regaining her zippy speed; she had 8 pts and 4 assists in 17:00.
Celebrity sightings included Carthage players Katie Klemke and Carlie Janowiak, having a look at their next opponents. I think they really were supposed to be in their rooms studying chemistry and Venezuelan history.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2009, 08:12:53 PM
I see Millikin gave IWU all they could handle today, tied with under 3 to go, down only 2 with under a minute, before falling by six.  I've read the Millikin release, but anyone have first-hand reports?

I was glad to see it.  This is the first single-digit d3 game since the opening tournament in St. Louis - a team can get bad habits when everything is too easy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 17, 2009, 11:52:01 PM
It was indeed a close and hard-fought game in Decatur today.  The Big Blue were very effective in the first half and early in the second in directing the pace of the game.  They clearly did not want to run with the Titans.  They were seldom caught by the Titan press, often turning it to their advantage by getting the ball up court to their post players.   IWU did not help their own cause with poor shooting in the first half (37.5% overall, 25% on 3's and just 2/6 on free throws).  The Big Blue led 34-30 at the break.

The Titans picked up their intensity in the second half, and they were successful in increasing the pace of the game.  It took until the 8:15 mark to tie the game, however.  After Mallory Heydorn's layup at 7:26 the Titans never trailed again.  They were also more effect both at getting to the free throw line and at converting their shots, shooting 11/16 in the second half. 

Whitney Schwartz led the Big Blue with 14, while Elise Wildman and Tracie Yantis each had 11.  Claire Sheehan led the Titans with 22, Christina Solari had 8 points and 10 rebounds, Hope Schulte had 7 points and 9 rebounds, Stacey Arlis had 9 points, and Kylie Castans had 7 points and 6 rebounds.  While Heydorn scored only the one basket, she played 19 quality minutes and was credited with 3 assists.  The Titans outrebounded the Big Blue, one of D3's top rebounding teams, 41-28.

Definitely a gut check game for the Titans.  The Big Blue had a good game plan and they executed it well.  Winning the game took the entire 40 minutes and a real team effort.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2009, 11:36:01 AM
Jamie Jones poured in 22 pts to lead Wheaton over Augustana 75-47.
Lindsey Brenneman had 5 steals and 5 assists.
Lisa Ballenger was 5/5 FG and 4/4 FT in 10:00.
For Aug, Lani Kasten scored 21, had 13 rebs and 3 assists.

Carthage topped North Park 89-43.
Katie Jarger shot 100%, scoring 15 in 14:00.
Carlie Janowiak blocked five shots (presumably all North Park attempts).
Shana Lieberman was very productive in her 14:00 : 3 steals, 7 pts, 7 assists.
Cory Bazany had 9 pts and 5 reb in 12:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 19, 2009, 07:15:18 PM
A very important game in Decatur tomorrow night. It would be huge for Wheaton if they could win on the road against Millikin and be 4-0 going into their game against IWU on Saturday. Wheaton has yet to play a "big gun", so they could make a statement tomorrow with a win.

It's kind of the opposite story for Millikin. They have already played IWU and Carthage and come in to the game 1-2. If they lose, they will be at 1-3 and have a bit of a hole to climb out of--making their games against the "lower" teams even more of must-wins. And Millikin is coming off an emotional loss to IWU, so they may be a bit drained from that.

Needless to say, I think this is going to be a great game and hopefully Wheaton can pick up a big win
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2009, 01:38:45 PM
Congratulations to NC's Brianne Parra for being CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: AndOne on January 21, 2009, 11:52:26 AM
North Central 80, North Park 44 last night. Wow.

http://www.northcentralcollege.edu/athletics/stats/basketball_w/08-09/wbk14.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 21, 2009, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: thundermike on January 19, 2009, 07:15:18 PM
A very important game in Decatur tomorrow night. It would be huge for Wheaton if they could win on the road against Millikin...snip...
Needless to say, I think this is going to be a great game and hopefully Wheaton can pick up a big win

You got your wish, thundermike.  Big win for Wheaton last night! 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike11 on January 21, 2009, 02:32:57 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 21, 2009, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: thundermike on January 19, 2009, 07:15:18 PM
A very important game in Decatur tomorrow night. It would be huge for Wheaton if they could win on the road against Millikin...snip...
Needless to say, I think this is going to be a great game and hopefully Wheaton can pick up a big win

You got your wish, thundermike.  Big win for Wheaton last night! 

Wheaton continues to play better every game, which is great for this part of the season. What it came down to last night was that the Thunder were just on fire. Every one who coach Baker put in the lineup made key contributions. And that's something you would only notice if you were at the game. For example look at Elisabeth Potts and Lissie McAlvey. You might not be blown away by their stat lines, but they both hit three-pointers in the first half that were huge in the momentum of the game, and they defended very well for the time they were in the game. The freshmen guard duo of Laura Karsten and Lindsey Brennemen was outstanding as well.

It really came down to defense for Wheaton, as Millikin was eventually worn down by the Thunder full-court press. The Big Blue was never able to get any kind of offensive rhythm, as can be seen by their shooting percentage and only having one player reach double figures.

And Wheaton's big performers did just that last night. Kathleen Fidelia took over the second half and finished with 25, Annie Bowen continued her solid inside play with 14, and Lynnea Kvam hit 3 three-pointers and had 11. Jamie Jones was plagued by foul trouble but still had 6 points.

A great team victory for Wheaton and a big confidence-booster going into Saturday's matchup with IWU. Top 25 teams are certainly not unfamiliar to Wheaton this year (Oglethorpe, Chicago, Whitewater), and now the Thunder is starting to really play well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2009, 05:58:37 PM
Elmhurst had an exciting come-from-behind 57-54 victory over Carthage.
The EC web site has a nicely-detailed recap.
The Bluejays got major late-game contributions from two players that haven't been relied on so much previously : senior guard Jen Myers played very well down the stretch in her six minutes and freshman Meghan Merklein scored a fast dozen during a five minute flurry.
Carthage's Katie Jarger also "came up big" at the end, hitting final minute shots (a 2 and a 3) to keep the contest very tight.
It was a game that could've gone either way and nearly did.
Elmhurst, trailing by 8 with 4:20 to go, was headed toward a 1-3 conference record. Roaring back to win, over a very good Carthage team, made the Jays happy to say the least.
EC's Brittany Bobruk led everyone with 19 points. Jarger topped the Lady Reds with 16 and Lisa Gartelos added 15, plus 8 rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 21, 2009, 10:43:12 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 109, Augustana 52

This one was over before it started.  IWU held Auggie scoreless until the 13:37 mark and took a 34 point lead into the Titan locker room at the half.

Mallory Heydorn 24 pts 8-12 FG in 20 minutes
Claire Sheehan  19 pts  7-9 FGs in 22 minutes
Stacey Arlis        18 pts in 18 minutes off the bench
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 24, 2009, 04:20:29 PM
IWU all over Wheaton with about 10 minutes to go: 62-33.  Castans has 13, Sheehan and Solari 10 each for the Titans; Fidelia has 13 for the Thunder.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 24, 2009, 09:23:21 PM
So much for comparing scores this week in the CCIW!  Last weekend IWU got by Millikin 70-64.  On Tuesday, Wheaton thumped Millkin in Decatur 79-59, setting up what looked to be a showdown between the Titans and the Thunder at King Arena.  As Mr. Ypsi reported, it was no contest, with the Titans dominating every aspect of the game for a final score of 79-47. 

The Titans were led in scoring by first-year Kylie Castans off the bench:  18 points on 6/12 FG shooting.  Castans picked up six rebounds and generally impressed with her hustle all over the court.  Claire Sheehan (15 points, 4 assists, and a block) and Christina Solari (12 points, 18 rebounds, and 2 steals) were their usual selves.  Mallory Heydorn played for 28 minutes and looked good, moving well.  Kathleen Fidelia led the Thunder in scoring with 13 points, 7 from the free-throw line.  Annie Bowen was perhaps the Thunder's most efficient scorer, with 11 points on 5/7 shooting as well as 11 rebounds.  Whitney Edgecombe was 4/5; when she was able to establish position on the block she was unstoppable.

The Titan transition game was dominant:  they scored 23 points off fast breaks.  They won the rebounding battle 50-37, they outshot the Thunder by 42% to 29%, and they shot 83% at the line compared to Wheaton's 48%.  No Titan starter played for more than 28 minutes.

The Thunder are a solid team, but IWU was simply stronger today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2009, 06:05:30 PM
Carthage almost replicated the IWU final, defeating North Central, 77-46. The Lady Reds held NC to .204 FG% while making 50% of their own shots (30/60).
Katherine Burshiem and Katie Jarger each scored 11, with Jarger reaching the career thousand point milestone. Carlie Janowiak had 9 assists. Drewann Pancratz scored 9 pts in 13:00.
For the visitors, Brianne Parra had 7 rebs and 19 pts.
Millikin edged Augie in OT, 68-65. Tracie Yantis had 17 pts, 7 rebs and 7 steals for Millikin and teammate Elise Wildman had 23 pts and 3 blocks. Natalie Runge did very well for the Vikings, nabbing 3 steals and scoring 19 (8/12, 3/3).
I saw the 2:00 Elmhurst 70-48 win at North Park and then the 5:00 NAIA Olivet Nazarene 117-100 win at Robert Morris.
Elmhurst used 18 players and North Park 9, with 22 players getting into the scoring column. I spent the whole game doing photos of all 27 players and therefore wasn't much of an astute observer (certainly not up to my usual level of mediocrity).
I will say that while North Park is having another difficult season, they are giving it all they have. New coach Amanda Reese gets very good reviews from Viking loyalists that I spoke to, including D3Hoops poster Greg Sager, who keeps an avid watch on all things North Park.
From what I've heard, Reese and her assistant Rachel Theodore are recruiting vigorously, so there is optimism for the future. I do realize, of course, that this year's team would not be thinking about '09-'10, as there are lots of games to play this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2009, 04:04:44 PM
Hats off to IWU's Claire Sheehan for winning another CCIW Player of the Week honor.
Claire is a major reason why the Titans are doing so well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 26, 2009, 05:19:16 PM
I don't get the opportunity to see many, if any, CCIW WBB contests.  Based upon raw conference stats, I had thought IWU would have had a challenge with Wheaton.  I was a little surprised, not a the outcome, but at the margin of victory.  IWU's current CCIW scoring margin is +30.3 with an overall scoring margin of +22.9

Does any poster see a CCIW team beating IWU the rest of the way out?  If yes, whom and why please.

If no, does this IWU team have what it takes to 'go all the way'?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 26, 2009, 08:31:13 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 26, 2009, 05:19:16 PM
I don't get the opportunity to see many, if any, CCIW WBB contests.  Based upon raw conference stats, I had thought IWU would have had a challenge with Wheaton.  I was a little surprised, not a the outcome, but at the margin of victory.  IWU's current CCIW scoring margin is +30.3 with an overall scoring margin of +22.9

Does any poster see a CCIW team beating IWU the rest of the way out?  If yes, whom and why please.

If no, does this IWU team have what it takes to 'go all the way'?

Congratulations to Mia Smith and the Titans on the school's first-ever D3hoops.com #1 ranking.  Quite an honor.

I think the Titans have a decent chance to run the table.  The game @ Carthage concerns me though.

This team runs the floor and moves the ball about as well as any team you'll see.  They also play tremendous defense.  The big question, though, is how they can handle some big, physical team.  Last year UW-Whitewater pounded IWU at the Shirk Center in the tournament.  IWU will have to deal with a WIAC team at some point on the road to Holland.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 26, 2009, 10:08:42 PM
I haven't yet seen either Elmhurst or North Central, so I couldn't give more than a guess about how IWU will do against those teams (we'll know more about Elmhurst in 24 hours).  I think Q's question about how they'll do against big, physical competition is a reasonable one.  What I can say is that the Titans have played a much tougher schedule than ever before, and they are not just playing to the level of their competition--they are playing hard every game.  Their pre-CCIW schedule included Wash U, Chicago, and St. Francis, all of whom are bigger and more physical than the Titans, and they're still undefeated.  They have a non-CCIW game scheduled in a couple of weeks against NAIA Division I Olivet Nazarene which should be an interesting challenge. 

In short, I agree that they have a reasonable chance at running the table, but there's still a long way to go.  One game, one possession, at a time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: theoneandonly on January 27, 2009, 10:26:16 AM
congrats to the IWU girls on taking over the number 1 spot!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 27, 2009, 11:50:18 AM
Congratulations IWU Women's Basketball team.  Keep your focus and keep winning!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 27, 2009, 11:53:12 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 26, 2009, 10:08:42 PM
I haven't yet seen either Elmhurst or North Central, so I couldn't give more than a guess about how IWU will do against those teams (we'll know more about Elmhurst in 24 hours).  I think Q's question about how they'll do against big, physical competition is a reasonable one.  What I can say is that the Titans have played a much tougher schedule than ever before, and they are not just playing to the level of their competition--they are playing hard every game.  Their pre-CCIW schedule included Wash U, Chicago, and St. Francis, all of whom are bigger and more physical than the Titans, and they're still undefeated.  They have a non-CCIW game scheduled in a couple of weeks against NAIA Division I Olivet Nazarene which should be an interesting challenge. 

In short, I agree that they have a reasonable chance at running the table, but there's still a long way to go.  One game, one possession, at a time.
Thanks Hoosier Titan.  I have the same concern as Q and you.  I'd like to see them run the table; however, a loss would not bother me as it is really tough to 'go all the way' without a loss.  Olivet Nazarene should be a good test for IWU and good prep for a NCAA tournament run.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2009, 12:28:45 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 27, 2009, 11:53:12 AM
[  I'd like to see them run the table; however, a loss would not bother me as it is really tough to 'go all the way' without a loss.  Olivet Nazarene should be a good test for IWU and good prep for a NCAA tournament run.

Mia Smith is talking about keeping the team focused on being the hunter rather than the hunted, and I think that's a good way to look at it.  There's certainly been no taking anything or anybody for granted--that's how upsets happen.

I've heard some say that it might be better to lose a game before the NCAAs, and I don't agree with that. (I know that's not what you were saying, IWUmichigander).  While a loss wouldn't be a disaster, I don't see any advantage to it.  I think everyone understands and has learned from what happened last year and is working hard so that doesn't happen again.  That said, they still have to play the games, and there are a lot more to be played before tournament time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: theoneandonly on January 27, 2009, 01:55:04 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 27, 2009, 11:53:12 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 26, 2009, 10:08:42 PM
I haven't yet seen either Elmhurst or North Central, so I couldn't give more than a guess about how IWU will do against those teams (we'll know more about Elmhurst in 24 hours).  I think Q's question about how they'll do against big, physical competition is a reasonable one.  What I can say is that the Titans have played a much tougher schedule than ever before, and they are not just playing to the level of their competition--they are playing hard every game.  Their pre-CCIW schedule included Wash U, Chicago, and St. Francis, all of whom are bigger and more physical than the Titans, and they're still undefeated.  They have a non-CCIW game scheduled in a couple of weeks against NAIA Division I Olivet Nazarene which should be an interesting challenge. 

In short, I agree that they have a reasonable chance at running the table, but there's still a long way to go.  One game, one possession, at a time.
Thanks Hoosier Titan.  I have the same concern as Q and you.  I'd like to see them run the table; however, a loss would not bother me as it is really tough to 'go all the way' without a loss.  Olivet Nazarene should be a good test for IWU and good prep for a NCAA tournament run.

I do think olivet will be a good test for IWU. Even  though ONU isint playing its best ball at the moment sitting at 13-6 they have been playing tough teams and as recently as 2007-2008 were the CACC champs and played in the NAIA national tourney. and if the McHie Arena is packed, it could be a tough place to play. we will see though, i think the IWU ladies will hold it down though and leave bourbonnais (olivet) with a W!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 27, 2009, 10:15:13 PM
IWU 87
Elmhurst 50

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/Basketball/xlive.htm


Christina Solari had 13 pts, 8 reb, and 10 assists.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 28, 2009, 12:24:16 AM
It was a slow start for both teams at the Shirk Center.  More than two minutes elapsed before Elmhurst's Brittany Bobruk made a layup, and at the 15-minute mark the score was 9-2 in favor of IWU.  The Titans finally got on track with key contributions from Kylie Castans and Nikki Preston, in combination with the starters.  The halftime score was 46-22.

It was not a good game for Elmhurst.  They had a lot of trouble with the Titan press, and most of the players looked--pretty quickly--as though they'd rather be somewhere else, understandably.

The Titan effort was a joint one.  Claire Sheehan led the scoring with 16 points, and Christina Solari just missed a triple double with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. 

Regarding our earlier posts today--I saw no letup at all in intensity for the Titans.  They continue to look sharp and play hard.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 28, 2009, 12:30:37 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2009, 12:28:45 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 27, 2009, 11:53:12 AM
[  I'd like to see them run the table; however, a loss would not bother me as it is really tough to 'go all the way' without a loss.  Olivet Nazarene should be a good test for IWU and good prep for a NCAA tournament run.

Mia Smith is talking about keeping the team focused on being the hunter rather than the hunted, and I think that's a good way to look at it.  There's certainly been no taking anything or anybody for granted--that's how upsets happen.

I've heard some say that it might be better to lose a game before the NCAAs, and I don't agree with that. (I know that's not what you were saying, IWUmichigander).  While a loss wouldn't be a disaster, I don't see any advantage to it.  I think everyone understands and has learned from what happened last year and is working hard so that doesn't happen again.  That said, they still have to play the games, and there are a lot more to be played before tournament time.
Not taking anything away from the other CCIW teams, IWU needs to compete against themselves to get to a 'next level'.   What can we do even better?  Can we win with a the same or slightly higher scoring margin and the starters playing fewer minutes?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 28, 2009, 07:51:47 AM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 28, 2009, 12:30:37 AM
Not taking anything away from the other CCIW teams, IWU needs to compete against themselves to get to a 'next level'.   What can we do even better?  Can we win with a the same or slightly higher scoring margin and the starters playing fewer minutes?

I forget how to insert a link properly, but here's the one to today's Pantagraph story.  It addresses your point.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/01/28/usports/doc497fe672b13ac809868125.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2009, 01:54:09 PM
I will compliment IWU by pointing out that when they defeated Elmhurst, they defeated a good team.
The game I attended saw Wheaton's Kathleen Fidelia pour in 17 of her team's 50 2nd half points, leading the Thunder to an 86-68 win at North Park. It had been tied at 54.
Fidelia can accelerate from a standstill as fast as anyone, and had plenty of late-game energy.
I was also impressed by the play of Wheaton's new freshman guard, Laura Karsten. I add "new" because she was playing soccer well into the basketball season. She has quick feet, no doubt a by-product of her soccer training. She also had no hesitation launching threes when open, making 3 of 5.
Wheaton and North Park each enjoyed solid contributions from numerous players.
NP's Hilary Kuhl, who doesn't have an OFF switch, clunked her head loudly on the floor for at least the second straight game. I think 4 out of 5 physicians would recommend that she stop doing that.
In other CCIW action, Carthage's defense again held an opponent under 30% shooting, this time upending Augie 64-38. Rosie Dorn and Shana Lieberman scored 13 apiece for the Lady Reds.
Millikin topped North Central 63-50. Four Big Blue persons scored in double figures, led by Julia Robert with 12 pts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 28, 2009, 06:25:08 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 28, 2009, 07:51:47 AM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 28, 2009, 12:30:37 AM
Not taking anything away from the other CCIW teams, IWU needs to compete against themselves to get to a 'next level'.   What can we do even better?  Can we win with a the same or slightly higher scoring margin and the starters playing fewer minutes?

I forget how to insert a link properly, but here's the one to today's Pantagraph story.  It addresses your point.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/01/28/usports/doc497fe672b13ac809868125.txt

Thanks HT!  It's terribly difficult to get teams to develop that 'killer instinct' to put an opponent away early.  Let's face it, the starters and the first two off the bench want to get minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2009, 06:41:47 PM
iwumichigander, I think you've just insulted IWU's best players quite a bit.
Your comment "It's terribly difficult to get teams to develop that 'killer instinct' to put an opponent away early.  Let's face it, the starters and the first two off the bench want to get minutes" suggests that IWU's first seven players are not doing their best, just to get Coach Smith to leave them in the game longer.
You wanna re-think that one?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2009, 06:44:10 PM
The MIAC MBB board has also been engaged in the debate over whether an undefeated team should secretly hope for a loss to take the pressure off (St. Thomas is the last remaining undefeated men's team, and seems fairly likely to maintain that status throughout the regular season).

I personally don't buy the 'take the pressure off' argument (neither does Bob Knight, who coached the last D1 men's team to go undefeated) and am rooting for the Titans to go all the way undefeated.  But I sure wouldn't mind a couple of close calls to remind them that they are unbeaten, but not unbeatable! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 28, 2009, 08:25:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 28, 2009, 06:41:47 PM
iwumichigander, I think you've just insulted IWU's best players quite a bit.
Your comment "It's terribly difficult to get teams to develop that 'killer instinct' to put an opponent away early.  Let's face it, the starters and the first two off the bench want to get minutes" suggests that IWU's first seven players are not doing their best, just to get Coach Smith to leave them in the game longer.
You wanna re-think that one?
No. 
And, my comments (although stated differently) are not any different than Coach Smith's in the referenced Pantagraph article:
QuoteCalling a timeout with 15:46 remaining in the second half, Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball coach Mia Smith chastised her team for "just trading baskets" Tuesday at Shirk Center. ... I said 'we're not pushing this lead. Your objective coming out of the locker room was to push the lead. Source: Pantagraph

I have measurements I use to judge 'NCAA Final Four capable teams'. One of them is: The top seven players have optimized their skills, and developed through outstanding coaching, a 'killer team instinct' which enables them to create, or seize, opportunities to close out games within the 30-35 minutes mark.  When a team reaches this plateau, the first 7 are more rested, the other 8 better tested and a 'championship mindset' developed, to enable the endurance required to make an NCAA tournament run.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 28, 2009, 10:54:52 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2009, 06:44:10 PM
The MIAC MBB board has also been engaged in the debate over whether an undefeated team should secretly hope for a loss to take the pressure off (St. Thomas is the last remaining undefeated men's team, and seems fairly likely to maintain that status throughout the regular season).

I personally don't buy the 'take the pressure off' argument (neither does Bob Knight, who coached the last D1 men's team to go undefeated) and am rooting for the Titans to go all the way undefeated.  But I sure wouldn't mind a couple of close calls to remind them that they are unbeaten, but not unbeatable! ;)

Ypsi, you've mentioned one of my formative basketball experiences (I graduated from IU in '73 and was at the final game for that undefeated team in 75-76.)  That's the reason I've never bought the "take the pressure off" argument.  There's no pressure on teams that aren't in the hunt; there's always pressure on ones that are.  You want the pressure; what you have to do is learn to relax and play through it.  There were quite a few close calls during that undefeated season, and there have been a few for the Titans this year.   

One game at a time!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2009, 12:16:21 AM
HT, I certainly remember that game, since I was still a UM grad student at the time (for those other than HT, who would certainly remember, IU defeated UM in the title game).  Since my GF at the time (definitely NOT my wife!) was a movie buff rather than a bball fan, I recall Elliot Gould sneaking in the score at the Oscar's!  [Note that March Madness has grown so much that the Oscar's have changed dates so as not to go head-to-head!]

IMO an undefeated national title is such a treat that the pressure is more on the other team to try to prevent it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 29, 2009, 08:14:34 AM
IWUMichigander,

Have you seen this year's Titans play?  If not, you really should.  I think your criteria for Final Four readiness are pretty arbitrary.  Even so, the Titans more than meet them.  The game was effectively "put away" by about the 10 minute mark, when the lead reached 18.  There are more than seven players who are capable of taking the floor without dropping the level of play; depending on what is needed I'd say there are anywhere from 8 to 10 Titans in that category right now. 

I don't see any signs at all that players are trying to get more minutes any way other than by playing hard when they do get on the floor.  Right now the challenge is to keep up the level of play for a full 40 minutes, even when IWU is way ahead, while balancing the minutes so that the starters stay sharp and the non-starters get lots of game experience. 

If the Titans' lead had started falling significantly in the second half, I might agree that more "killer instinct" is needed.  But Mia Smith's exhortation to stop trading baskets came at 15:46 in the second half.  A quick reminder--and the lead shot from 23 into the 30's, where it remained.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 29, 2009, 10:43:01 AM
I attended the IWU-Elmhurst game at the Shirk Center this past Tuesday.  I know quite a bit about the IWU roster as the first seven or more are Chicago-area players.   My daughter has played AAU ball with at least two players on the roster.  The team is extremely well coached, and the various skill sets have been masterfully merged together by Coach Smith.  The Titans are a well-oiled machine that are definitely ready to make a run at the national championship this season.

With respect to the game itself, I do believe that the Bluejays can offer significantly more competition at the next game in Elmhurst as virtually the entire team was competing with either the flu or viral bronchitis.  In spite of the score, I thought the Jays competed as hard as they could on that given night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2009, 12:18:24 PM
Now that a fair amount of conference games have been played, I was looking at the conference-only stats on cciw.org.
The absence of Mallory Heydorn from the 3 point leaders was confusing.
She has hit 12 of 29 threes in CCIW play so far, so she would be between Lynnea Kvam and Lani Kasten in the PCT leaders and her 2.4 makes per game would tie her with Kvam.
An anonymous source (Mike Krizman, CCIW SID and assistant commissioner) informed me that the NCAA stats programs require a player to play in 75% of her team's games for inclusion in the leaders. Mallory has played in 5 of IWU's 7 conference games and 11 of 17 overall.
Assuming she plays Saturday, she'll meet the ¾ requirement for conference games, so hopefully the stats program lets her in. It would be unfair if the program still excluded her from conference-only stats because she missed 4 non-conference games. We'll see.
I don't know if any other players are currently affected by the ¾ rule.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on January 29, 2009, 12:31:47 PM
I was a the IWU-Elmhurst game.  This was the first women's game I had been to in a few years, and I was very impressed by IWU.  People here were talking about them lacking a killer instinct.  I feel as if they crushed the Blue Jays' spirit in that game.  From their facial expressions and body language, the Blue Jays just looked beaten - and that comes from a killer instinct, pressure defense, and hitting big shots (One poster commented that it might also come from the flu). 

I also noticed a much bigger crowd than what I was used to for women's games.  Now, there wasn't the same kind of support that an undefeated men's team would be getting, but I was glad to see a couple of hundred cheering fans.  I will be much more likely this year to spend my time and money on the women's team, and am looking forward to the NCAA tournament.

On a side note, after the game Christina Solari (who missed the first triple double in school history by 2 rebounds - and didn't play much of the second half) was being interviewed by reporters.  My 2-year-old daughter and I were just hanging around.  Christina noticed my daughter, started talking to us and gave my daughter five.  All she could talk about on the way home was "that basketball player."  Thanks Christina, for making my daughter's night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 29, 2009, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: Old Hoosier Baller on January 29, 2009, 10:43:01 AM
With respect to the game itself, I do believe that the Bluejays can offer significantly more competition at the next game in Elmhurst as virtually the entire team was competing with either the flu or viral bronchitis.  In spite of the score, I thought the Jays competed as hard as they could on that given night.

Thanks for that insight, OHB.  That explains quite a bit.  I didn't want to single out players who had a bad night, but I know the Bluejays well enough to know that several players were not on their game.  I wish them a speedy recovery. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on January 30, 2009, 11:29:49 AM
IWU has a great program and it all starts with the coach and that "positive attitude" feeds into the players.  After the UofC game Christina Solari came over to say hi to us and thanked us for coming to watch(we're from Park Ridge).  Coach Smith saw us and took the time to stop and talk to my 7th grade daughter, I came away very impressed with Coach Smith.   

While this team has accomplished alot this season, Coach Smith will keep this team focused on the unfinished business they have in front of them.   Unfortunately my 1/31 calendar is full so now I'm thinking about making the trip down to Olivet on 2/17.  Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2009, 03:48:49 PM
A bit of a surprise in Naperville - at the half, IWU only up 35-33.

It's been the Christina Solari show - 19 points already.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2009, 04:38:01 PM
Well I got exactly what I'd asked for - A hard-fought Titan win.  The game was tied at 53-53 with 7:20 remaining, before the Titans went on a 10-0 run over the next 6 minutes.  Final score, 65-55.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 31, 2009, 09:47:35 PM
It wasn't pretty for Illinois Wesleyan in Naperville today.  The Titans held on for a 65-55 win over North Central by tightening the defense down the stretch, holding the Cardinals to only 2 points in the last 9 minutes.  To some extent, the Titans contributed to the closeness of the game by missing, uncharacteristically, quite a few point-blank shots. Neither team shot 40% (36% for the Titans, 32% for the Cardinals). 

It was another fine game from Christina Solari:  a career-high 27 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals.  Combined with Tuesday night's game against Elmhurst she had 40 points, 19 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, and an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.6 for the week.  This would seem to be a pretty good case for Player of the Week!

Hope Schulte and Claire Sheehan were in double figures with 10 each for the Titans, while Gia Navarra led the Cardinals with 15 and Brianne Parra and Meghan McGuire each contributed 11.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 01, 2009, 11:00:12 AM
Here's the Pantagraph story about the IWU-North Central game.  Mia Smith was much tougher on the Titans than I was in my brief report last night.

No. 1 IWU women prevail despite weaker basketball game (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/02/01/usports/doc4984eb6fa988b815363795.txt)

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2009, 01:41:34 PM
HT, that definitely was a fine performance by Christina Solari.
IWU was a little off-balance with their shooting, but they still won.
Important to their late surge were great plays that ruined consecutive NC possessions : first, a block and rebound by Mallory Heydorn and then a block and rebound by Hope Schulte. Those stops had to be disheartening for the Cardinals.
As time dwindled, North Central didn't turn to an effective hurry-up game.
When trailing by 8 or 10 with under 3:00 to go, the math doesn't favor settling back into a half-court defense. Nor was there going to be time to make up at least 10 points two at a time. Oh well, IWU will take the win.
NC's Meghan McGuire was very impressive "on the boards" with her dozen rebounds; teammate Amber Cibrario did nice work dribbling against fairly constant pressure. In hindsight, we can say that Gia Navarra should have shot more.
IWU's players all did well defensively.
A look at the rest of the league follows when I get time. Of course, anyone else is free to do that, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2009, 07:04:03 PM
Congratulations to C Solari for being CCIW Player of the Week.
Wheaton improved to 6-1 with an 81-67 win over Carthage.
Jamie Jones (11/14, 2/4, 5/7 FT) piled up 29 points and Kathleen Fidelia added 25 (9/16, 4/4, 3/5 FT).
Millikin won at Elmhurst, 59-56. Crystal Zeigler had 13 pts (4/5, 5/6 FT) and 7 rebs in 22:00. Tracie Yantis also scored 13, to go along with 6 assists. 6 rebs and 3 steals. Whitney Schwartz did not post big stats but played the whole 40:00, so she did many things that met the approval of her coach.
Lyndsie Long (11/19, 5/5) tallied 27 for EC.
Augustana topped North Park, 70-57. Kristen Fox had 22 pts, 6 assists, 6 rebs and 4 steals for the Vikings. Natalie Runge had 18 pts, 7 rebs and 3 steals. Dawn Kernich (4/5, 2/2 FT) had 10 pts and 4 rebs in her 12:00. Sarah Rachwalski added 3 steals and 6 assists. For the other Vikings, LaRae Kostreva had 13 pts and 9 rebs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2009, 12:29:22 PM
This is just to those IWU partisans who were anticipating the remaining nonconference game vs Olivet Nazarene.
You might like to know that ONU lost 110-75 in their last game.
Tonight they play St Francis, which gave the Titans a good battle.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2009, 11:44:59 PM
Tonite was one of those 'unfortunate' games: IWU 94, NPU 49.  It appears that IWU did what it could to avoid humiliation - 16 players had at least 5 minutes, only one as many as 21.  What struck me was that NPU had only 7 players in the box score - are they really THAT short-handed?  A cryin' shame, if so.  Anyone with info?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2009, 12:21:03 AM
North Park only has nine players on their roster, and at least one (evidently two) of those did not play tonight.  So yes, they were very short-handed.  The outcome was never in doubt, and as you point out, Ypsi, many Titans got PT.  I'm sure there was no desire for humiliation; there is a need both to keep the starters sharp and fit and to spread out some minutes among the other players.  Mia Smith tried lots of combinations and some of the first subs in were not the usual ones to come in early--Jessica Hinterlong and Carrie Williams, for example. 

WJBC, the local radio station, was broadcasting the game tonight.  Here's their one minute report:   Titan women still undefeated (http://www.wjbc.com/TabId/7865/default.aspx?AID=3279)  The full broadcast should be here: IWU women's basketball (http://dnn.wjbc.com/WJBCcomWebcasts/tabid/1708/Default.aspx), although I haven't listened to it yet.  And it was good to see a reporter from the Pantagraph in attendance; coverage for the region's only #1 ranked team has been sparse to date!

It was Claire Sheehan's 22nd birthday, by the way.  Happy birthday, Claire!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2009, 12:22:43 AM
Olivet Nazarene lost to St. Francis, 100-98.  Interesting!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Thunder Dutch on February 04, 2009, 01:36:47 AM
What are Wheaton's chances of an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 04, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Anyone who saw the Elmhurst-Wheaton game last night enjoyed quite a show!  Records aside and removing IWU from the conversation, the game was a prime example of how little truly separates the majority of teams in the CCIW this season.  Lyndsie Long put on a showcase throughout the game, and the Jays received many contributions from freshmen Merklein and Ney on both ends of the floor.  Bobruk provided a second-half spark, while Gentry and Monroe provided solid defensive contributions.  Once again, the Wheaton seniors came through down the stretch along with Bowen.  Bottom line, it was a thriller to watch!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2009, 01:38:19 PM
It was an exciting game, OHB, as you say. Lyndsie Long really carried the load for Elmhurst, scoring 33 via very good shooting (14/22 -- 3/5 threes, 2/4 FT) and grabbing 12 rebounds, doing some of the point guard dribbling, playing hard in all aspects. She was stopped only in the final EC possession, when Wheaton stuck Kathleen Fidelia on her and denied her the ball, when I'm sure she was to be the 1st option.
Fidelia (21 pts, 9 rebs, 4 steals, 6 assists) and Long both reinforced their status as first team all-conference stars, in my view.
Lisa Ballenger's quick 10 pts (5/5 FG in 11:00) also helped Wheaton, as did a solid all-around game from Lindsey Brenneman.
It had to be a very disappointing loss for Elmhurst, although I didn't observe the aftermath, as I made a dash and caught the 9:13 Metra.
Thunder Dutch, regarding an at-large bid for the Thunder, wait and see what happens in the CCIW tournament. Wheaton could end up having to beat Carthage and IWU in less than 24 hours there, which wouldn't be easy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2009, 01:47:55 PM
I'd say that Wheaton's chances would be better for the Pool A bid--winning the conference tournament--than for a pool C.  I haven't looked to be sure how many of their seven losses are in-region, but that's a lot for a pool C candidate. 

Thanks for the updates on the Elmhurst-Wheaton game.  Sounds like a good old-fashioned barn burner!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2009, 02:10:31 PM
I also include IWU's Christina Solari and Claire Sheehan on my current 1st team all-conference, with Fidelia and Long.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2009, 07:19:36 PM
More Tuesday results :
Carthage outscored Millikin 26-17 over the last nine minutes to win 66-57. It had been knotted at 40. Katie Jarger shot well for the Lady Reds, 5/7 FG and 4/4 FT. Millikin had just 3 offensive rebs. Kayla Pembrook did have 8 total rebounds for the Big Blue.
North Central recovered from its close loss to IWU Saturday by beating Augustana 72-62.
NC had a 39-18 lead late in the 1st half and a 43-25 lead later. Augie fought back and got the deficit to 3 at 61-58. But NC took over with a strong finish.
Jessica Davis led the Cardinals with 21 pts, mostly from making 5 of 9 threes.
Kristen Fox tallied 15 for Augustana.
NC's Jackie Errico topped everyone with 11 rebounds, which raises her average to 7.9 in CCIW play, tied for #2 with teammate Meghan McGuire and W's Annie Bowen. Christina Solari is at 9.6.
Brianne Parra missed a free throw and is now at .966 in CCIW play. Katie Jarger is at .926 and J Errico is at .913. All excellent.
North Park's Larisa Coldebella tops the CCIW in 3 point pct at .444, just ahead of Carthage's Dani Ripkey's .429.
IWU's Stacey Arlis leads the overall FG pct at a remarkable .727. C Solari is next at .677, also pretty darn good.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2009, 08:28:13 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2009, 02:10:31 PM
I also include IWU's Christina Solari and Claire Sheehan on my current 1st team all-conference, with Fidelia and Long.

Just from stats, I'd agree with these four.  Whose your fifth?  (Despite 'mediocre' stats, I'd go with Mallory Heydorn, unless I'm overlooking someone.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2009, 11:37:26 AM
If not Mallory, it might be Katie Jarger, a major part of Carthage's fine defense and an efficient, mistake-free offensive player.
Mallory and teammate Claire Sheehan may be the best 4 year backcourt pair in the history of the conference. Getting them together on the 1st team in their senior year would be nice.
Christina Solari is the best player in the CCIW to this point, so she must be 1st team, too. I don't know if Mia Smith can persuade the other coaches to vote three Titans to 1st team.
There will be excellent players on the 2nd team all-CCIW no matter who gets 1st team honors. Millikin's Tracie Yantis and Carthage's Carlie Janowiak could be found there.
Any number of players still have the opportunity to play extraordinarily well to finish the season, not to make all-conference, but to help their teams win more games (and hopefully have fun along the way).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 05, 2009, 06:40:23 PM
An article on IWU's Claire Sheehan from the Daily Herald...

http://basketball.dailyherald.com/story/?id=269733
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2009, 08:19:29 PM
Thanks, Bob!  Very nice story with good quotes from her and from Mia Smith.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2009, 07:58:52 AM
Congratulations to Christina Solari and Claire Sheehan for being named to the college division all-District V academic squad on the ESPN: The Magazine Academic All-America national ballots. Christina is on the first team and Claire on the third team.  Well done, ladies!

Here is a link to a brief story on the IWU web site:

Solari, Sheehan earn Academic All-District Honors (http://www.iwu.edu/sports/)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2009, 05:31:53 PM
As I sit here in the Carthage library, having just seen the locals fall to Illinois Wesleyan, 62-46, my first reaction is: both sides played way too much defense.
I would've liked a 104-103 final myself.
It was a scrappy hard-fought contest, in which IWU opened up a bit of a lead some time in the 3rd quarter and Carthage couldn't dent it that much.
Christina Solari had 18 pts and 12 rebs to lead everyone. There were hardly any easy shots for either team, obviously due to unrelenting smart defense by both teams.
IWU again showed that it can win any sort of game, fast or slow, smooth or grinding.
Elmhurst tripped up Augustana 61-51 as Lyndsie Long scored 20. Meghan Merklein added 13.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2009, 05:48:25 PM
North Central beat Wheaton 71-64, thanks to Meghan McGuire's 15 pts and 6 rebs, as well as good play by teammates.
For Wheaton, K Fidelia had 19 pts, 5 steals and 9 rebs, while Whitney Edgecombe (7/11, 2/2) scored 16 in 20:00.
Millikin toppled North Park 77-44. Crystal Zeigler scored 18 (6/7, 6/8), Ricki Dorsett made 5 of 7 threes and finished with 17 pts. Tracie Yantis had 8 rebs and 4 assists. NP's Hilary Kuhl scored 11.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 09, 2009, 09:52:29 AM
Here's a nice story about IWU's Hope Schulte from her hometown newspaper:
Hope Springs Eternal (http://www.thejournal-news.net/articles/2009/01/29/sports/more_sports/sports01.txt)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2009, 01:35:08 PM
Congratulations to Kayla Pembrook for making the academic all-district team, the same honor that was mentioned earlier for C Solari and C Sheehan. All three would be most welcome on any basketball roster, in addition to being excellent in the classroom.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2009, 02:10:35 PM
Lyndsie Long is the CCIW Player of the Week. Congratulations to her!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2009, 01:21:09 PM
IWU continued its perfect record, taking a 67-45 decision over Millikin.
Four Titans scored 11 or 13. Hope Schulte, C Solari and Mallory Heydorn combined for 10 steals and 14 assists.
Twenty-seven turnovers hampered Millikin.
The Big Blue are now even with Elmhurst and North Central at 5-5, tied for the last playoff spot. EC edged NC 58-55. Lyndsie Long led the Jays with 22 pts and 10 rebs. NC's Brianne Parra had 18 pts, 10 rebs. Meghan McGuire blocked 5 shots.
Carthage topped North Park 67-49 to retain 3rd place.
Katie Jarger put together 16 pts, 9 rebs and 5 steals in 23:00. Lisa Gartelos scored 11 in 16:00. An even dozen Lady Reds scored 2 or more pts.
Heather Gilmore, as quick a defender as we have in the CCIW, had 4 steals in 16:00.
Amanda Phillips led NP with 15 pts, while LaRae Kostreva had 13, 9 rebs and 3 blocks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2009, 01:44:20 PM
In the game I saw, Kelly Brooks scored 14 (4/5, 6/8) and grabbed 6 rebounds in 14:00 to help Wheaton (8-2, 2nd place) get past Augustana 73-52.
Wheaton was up 35-14 at the half and by 40-16 minutes into the 2nd. Then Augie's senior guard Sarah Rachwalski proceeded to outscore the Thunder 11 to 5 over a three minute stretch, bringing the score to 45-27 and bringing her teammates to their feet.
From that point on, Wheaton maintained a 20 point-ish lead for the duration.
Lynnea Kvam had a nice game for Wheaton, scoring 13 and getting 4 steals.
Noelle Dryden contributed nicely with 5 rebounds and 3 assists in just 12:00. Her enthusiasm is always a big plus for the Thunder.
Sarah Jones had 8 pts, 4 rebs, 2 steals and a bad crash to the floor in her 16:00. It was quite worrying for a minute while she writhed in pain on the floor. It appears that her ribs were hurt, but she recovered and re-entered the game in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 11, 2009, 03:47:18 PM
A few items relating to the Elmhurst Bluejays.  Initially, congratulations to Lyndsie Long for being named CCIW Player of the Week and to senior Brittany Bobruk for passing the 1,000 point threshold this past Saturday at Augustana.  Brittany's contributions and team leadership will most certainly be missed on the Bluejay bench next year as she closes out a great career for the Jays!

Keeping with my comments of last week with respect to the parity in talent with regard to most CCIW teams this season, the North Central-Elmhurst game of last night once again shows how just a bounce here or there determines the outcome of many of these games.  Other than the IWU contest, the other four losses for the Jays have been by five points or less this season.

In addition to Lyndsie Long's 22 point/10 rebound performance against the Cardinals, the Jays continue to receive solid contributions from the freshman duo of Meghan Merklein (12 pts/3 rebs) and Megan Ney (8pts/4 rebs) who have moved into the starting line-up.  The two freshmen are playing significant minutes this season and continue to gain valuable game experience that will undoubtedly benefit the Jays next season as well. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2009, 07:04:27 PM
to Hoosier Titan and anyone else planning to see IWU at Olivet Nazarene on the 17th :
That game is listed as a 7:00 start now --- used to be 5:30.
It may not be quite as wild a game as earlier anticipated. ONU, in its last two games, apparently abandoned its trademark style of playing 13 players with frequent "line changes" and full-court pressing and scores in the 90s and 100s. Their last two finals were 73-62 and 82-60.
Only 8 players have been used. I don't know what happened with the five "missing" players, whether they're off the team or not.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 12, 2009, 12:43:57 PM
Rog,

Thanks for the heads-up on the ONU game and situation. If they are really down to eight players, I can see why they might have had to change their style.  Looks like they've lost a lot of firepower if those players really are gone.

The story of the IWU-Millikin game was the Titan defense.  IWU didn't shoot particularly well, but forcing 27 turnovers and getting 19 offensive rebounds made up for less-than-stellar shooting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Darryl Nester on February 12, 2009, 05:07:16 PM
Pardon the intrusion to your board ... I've been working on a program I wrote a couple of years ago to analyze scenarios for the HCAC standings, trying to extend it so that it could do a similar analysis for any other conference.  The CCIW is my first official "guinea pig" conference in this regard.

The table at the end of this post lists--as a percentage of all possible outcomes for the remaining 15 games--the final seeding for each team.  These are not probabilities (unless you believe that each team has an equal likelihood of winning each game).

I assumed in making this table that your conference's tie-breaking procedure was the same as those of the HCAC (I was too lazy to investigate this myself).
TeamOverall  Home  Away  Remaining Games
Illinois Wesleyan11-05-06-0vs. WC, vs. NCC, @ EC
Wheaton (Ill.)8-23-25-0@ IWU, vs. MU, @ CC, vs. NPU
Carthage6-44-12-3@ NCC, vs. EC, vs. WC, @ AC
Elmhurst5-52-33-2vs. NPU, @ CC, @ MU, vs. IWU
Millikin5-52-33-2vs. AC, @ WC, vs. EC, @ NCC
North Central (Ill.)5-52-33-2vs. CC, @ NPU, @ IWU, vs. MU
Augustana1-101-50-5@ MU, @ NPU, vs. CC
North Park0-100-50-5@ EC, vs. NCC, vs. AC, @ WC


Team    #1  #2  #3  #4  #5  #6  #7  #8 
IWU
93.54%  6.46%  ------------
WC
6.46%  81.85%  10.09%  1.52%  0.08%  ------
CC
--8.64%  41.98%  26.24%  15.76%  7.38%  ----
MU
--0.79%  10.53%  26.45%  31.79%  30.44%  ----
EC
--0.37%  20.11%  22.60%  24.87%  32.05%  ----
NCC
--1.89%  17.30%  23.18%  27.50%  30.13%  ----
AC
------------64.04%  35.96% 
NPU
------------35.96%  64.04% 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2009, 05:18:54 PM
Welcome, Darryl,
Are you trying to make our brains hurt?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Darryl Nester on February 12, 2009, 05:39:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 12, 2009, 05:18:54 PM
Welcome, Darryl,
Are you trying to make our brains hurt?

What?  Do you mean that not everyone is as geekishly enthralled by numbers as I am?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2009, 05:44:47 PM
Does your formula consider what the results of the first meetings of the remaining matchups were? Or does it just use home and road records?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Darryl Nester on February 12, 2009, 05:54:16 PM
The home/away records are solely there for information; they do not enter into the final table.  My program considers all possible outcomes for the remaining games, then breaks any ties using the process applied in the HCAC (which I assumed was similar to yours):

1) if two teams have the same record, break the tie based on head-to-head competition.
2) if the teams split their head-to-head matchups, compare performance against other teams in the conference, working from the top of the standings on down.

When three or more teams are tied, ties are broken in a similar way.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 13, 2009, 05:14:13 PM
On IWU's Stacey Arlis...

http://basketball.dailyherald.com/story/?id=271808
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 14, 2009, 06:18:08 PM
Illinois Wesleyan matched the intensity they have been showing on defense with their offense today to defeat Wheaton 101-57.  The Titans shot well from long, from the paint, from all over the court.  For the game they shot 56.7% overall, 43.8% on threes, and 73.7% from the line.  Mallory Heydorn had 14 points (4 3's), 8 assists and no turnovers, and 2 blocks in 26 minutes, while Christina Solari had 15 points on 7/10 shooting and 9 rebounds.  Off the bench, Stacey Arlis was perfect:  6/6 from the field and 4/4 from the line for 16 points in 17 minutes; Kylie Castans had 13 points and 5 rebounds in 12 minutes. 

Kathleen Fidelia led the Thunder with 18 points on 6/7 shooting.

With the win, the Titans clinched the CCIW Championship and will thus host the CCIW tournament in two weeks time. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 14, 2009, 06:33:12 PM
Congratulations to Mia Smith and the Titans for clinching the CCIW title!  What a season so far.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Darryl Nester on February 14, 2009, 06:33:41 PM
As Hoosier Titan noted, the #1 seed is set.  Here are the updated standings, and how the scenarios look for the other seeds:

TeamOverall  Home  Away  Remaining Games
Illinois Wesleyan12-06-06-0vs. NCC, @ EC
Wheaton (Ill.)8-33-25-1vs. MU, @ CC, vs. NPU
Carthage7-44-13-3vs. EC, vs. WC, @ AC
Elmhurst6-53-33-2@ CC, @ MU, vs. IWU
Millikin6-53-33-2@ WC, vs. EC, @ NCC
North Central (Ill.)5-62-43-2@ NPU, @ IWU, vs. MU
Augustana1-111-50-6@ NPU, vs. CC
North Park0-110-50-6vs. NCC, vs. AC, @ WC


Team    #1  #2  #3  #4  Tournament?
Illinois Wesleyan
100.00%------Yes
Wheaton (Ill.)
--75.00%20.41%4.49%99.90%
Carthage
--22.66%38.87%29.69%91.21%
Elmhurst
--1.56%27.15%22.92%51.63%
Millikin
--0.78%11.33%29.51%41.62%
North Central (Ill.)
----2.25%13.40%15.64%
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 15, 2009, 10:59:46 AM
The game time for Illinois Wesleyan at Olivet Nazarene (NAIA DI), at Bourbonnais, is indeed 7:00 p.m. 

We wondered about the obvious change in ONU's lineup and style of play over the last couple of games.  Here's a story from the Daily Journal which sheds some light on the subject:
Tigers move on following suspensions of four players  (http://daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=435412&query=Olivet%20Nazarene%20women's%20basketball)

So the style of play will be considerably different from what one would have expected at the start of the season.  Still, a new opponent will be good for the Titans.  ONU hit 13 3's in their defeat of Purdue Calumet yesterday, so they still have players to be reckoned with.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on February 15, 2009, 01:38:53 PM
I'm sure the announcer at ONU is happy for the break! When they came to Wheaton, it was almost impossible to keep up with all the substitutions.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: deiscanton on February 17, 2009, 06:57:54 AM
I just wanted to pop on and wish Illinois Wesleyan the best of luck tonight against Olivet Nazarene.    Even though this game will probably be a more traditional basketball game and not the Grinnell-style game that people were anticipating at the start of the season, this game will be very interesting.  I saw Olivet Nazarene's stats from the last 2 games when the Tigers were only playing 8 players, and their stats from 3 pt range would still set UAA records if the Tigers were playing as a UAA team.  (16 3's made by Olivet Nazarene last game would break NYU's record of 15 3's made in a UAA game set in 1997, and the average of 44.5 3 pt attempts taken by Olivet Nazarene in the last 2 games would easily break the UAA record of 31 attempts in a UAA women's game set by Case Western Reserve twice in UAA conf. games played last season.)

I want to check up on this game, but I see that no one is doing audio or videocasting of tonight's game to my knowledge.  Will there be anyone blogging this game or doing live stats so that I can check up on this game?  Thanks-- I'm sure that a lot of people around the country would appreciate it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 17, 2009, 07:30:36 AM
Article on IWU's Claire Sheehan...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/02/17/usports/doc499a10e5ccbdf121761009.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 17, 2009, 07:33:16 AM
Quote from: deiscanton on February 17, 2009, 06:57:54 AM
I just wanted to pop on and wish Illinois Wesleyan the best of luck tonight against Olivet Nazarene.    Even though this game will probably be a more traditional basketball game and not the Grinnell-style game that people were anticipating at the start of the season, this game will be very interesting.  I saw Olivet Nazarene's stats from the last 2 games when the Tigers were only playing 8 players, and their stats from 3 pt range would still set UAA records if the Tigers were playing as a UAA team.  (16 3's made by Olivet Nazarene last game would break NYU's record of 15 3's made in a UAA game set in 1997, and the average of 44.5 3 pt attempts taken by Olivet Nazarene in the last 2 games would easily break the UAA record of 31 attempts in a UAA women's game set by Case Western Reserve twice in UAA conf. games played last season.)

I want to check up on this game, but I see that no one is doing audio or videocasting of tonight's game to my knowledge.  Will there be anyone blogging this game or doing live stats so that I can check up on this game?  Thanks-- I'm sure that a lot of people around the country would appreciate it.

ONU broadcasts all men's games on Shine FM...

http://www.shine.fm/

Not sure if they do the women's games as well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: deiscanton on February 17, 2009, 11:01:48 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 17, 2009, 07:33:16 AM
Quote from: deiscanton on February 17, 2009, 06:57:54 AM
I just wanted to pop on and wish Illinois Wesleyan the best of luck tonight against Olivet Nazarene.    Even though this game will probably be a more traditional basketball game and not the Grinnell-style game that people were anticipating at the start of the season, this game will be very interesting.  I saw Olivet Nazarene's stats from the last 2 games when the Tigers were only playing 8 players, and their stats from 3 pt range would still set UAA records if the Tigers were playing as a UAA team.  (16 3's made by Olivet Nazarene last game would break NYU's record of 15 3's made in a UAA game set in 1997, and the average of 44.5 3 pt attempts taken by Olivet Nazarene in the last 2 games would easily break the UAA record of 31 attempts in a UAA women's game set by Case Western Reserve twice in UAA conf. games played last season.)

I want to check up on this game, but I see that no one is doing audio or videocasting of tonight's game to my knowledge.  Will there be anyone blogging this game or doing live stats so that I can check up on this game?  Thanks-- I'm sure that a lot of people around the country would appreciate it.

ONU broadcasts all men's games on Shine FM...

http://www.shine.fm/

Not sure if they do the women's games as well.

I called Gary Newsome this morning.  He is the athletic director at Olivet Nazarene.  Unfortunately, Shine FM does not do the women's basketball games.  Olivet Nazarene tried to do videocasting of their home athletic events this year, but they had a lot of technical difficulties setting up the equipment and getting out a clear video stream, so they will try again next year to have all of their home sporting events video streamed.

Somebody at the game is going to have to blog about it, as the website for Olivet Nazarene does not do live stats.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 17, 2009, 11:15:14 AM
I will be at the game.  Anyone who wants an update send me a PM before 12:30 Central to arrange contact info.  I can text or call and will post when we get back to Bloomington from Bourbonnais.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2009, 11:40:14 AM
A little late with my Saturday report :
I saw Carthage top North Central, 67-54. Early on, both teams turned it over quite a bit. The Lady Reds got a helpful boost from a 4-point play by Katie Klemke.
Heather Gilmore made 2 of 3 threes, on her way to a team high 13 pts. Both teams usually tried to work the ball into the low post, which ate up the shot clock on many possessions. Lisa Gartelos scored 10 in 14:00 and also hosted a post-game dinner for the team in nearby Lisle (this I learned from her dad, who is a very pleasant fellow, by the way.. I've had several nice conversations with him and note that, while naturally a Carthage partisan, he appreciates the efforts of good players on all teams, which coincides with my perspective).
It was a frustrating loss for NC, but they still have a shot at the last CCIW playoff spot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2009, 01:26:10 PM
My congratulations, too, to IWU on clinching 1st place in the conference.
Millikin and Elmhurst won must-win games over Augie and North Park.
Kayla Pembrook had a sharp performance for Millikin, going 7/9 (5/6 threes), 3/4 FT, for 22 pts plus five rebounds and five assists.
Lyndsie Long (CCIW Player of the Week, twice in a row) tallied 17 and grabbed 11 rebs, while teammate Kelsey Monroe had 10 pts and 12 assists in 22:00. NP's LaRae Kostreva blocked 8 shots.
We have an interesting sprint to the finish line for the conference playoff positions. Good luck to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: deiscanton on February 17, 2009, 09:56:10 PM
I just got the final score on a text message from Hoosier Titan--

Illinois Wesleyan 87, Olivet Nazarene 66

Thanks to Hoosier Titan for the update.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2009, 10:19:37 PM
Wheaton led 47-28 at the half, but Millikin outscored them 36-16 over most of the second.  Wheaton eventually prevailed, 72-70, despite what must be Fidelia's worst game of the season: 2-13 from the field, 2-5 from the line, more TOs than assists, and an efficiency score of -2.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 17, 2009, 11:46:44 PM
The IWU-Olivet Nazarene was closer than the 87-66 score would indicate for much of the game.  Although IWU never trailed, the lead was 38-34 at halftime.  The goal of the Titans was a fast-paced game, and they were not initially effective at this.  They have rarely missed so many point-blank and wide-open shots!  This was the first game I can remember seeing where neither team took a single shot during halftime; each team returned to the floor with under a minute to go and they simply resumed play.  Whatever Mia Smith said in the locker room was effective, as the Titans slowly built the lead in the second half.  They won the second half 49-32.

Six Titans scored in double figures, with this game's super sub Nikki Preston leading the way with 18 points and 9 rebounds.  Hope Schulte and Kylie Castans each had 14, Stacey Arlis had 11, and Colleen Caplice and Christina Solari each had 10.  Mallory Heydorn had 5 assists and Holly Harvey 4; the Titans had 19 steals and forced the Tigers into 33 turnovers.

This game was probably a good experience overall for the Titans.  They saw a new opponent and were tested; the defense seemed to focus on Solari and Sheehan, so the Titans found other weapons. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2009, 03:26:07 PM
Adding a little to Hoosier Titan's summary, I thought it was an entertaining contest and another example of IWU's ability to prevail in any sort of game.
ONU played a very active half-court defense in the 1st half, trying to double-team the ball wherever it went. This took a lot of energy and probably wasn't sustainable over 40:00 by just eight players.
Mia Smith certainly implemented some effective revisions for the 2nd half, too. Colleen Caplice made some key 11 or 12 ft jumpers, exploiting a hole in the ONU defense. ONU clogged up the area right under the basket, taking away lay-up opportunities. IWU had lots of open threes and normally will make more than 7 of 36. They hit 28 of 54 two's and won comfortably.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2009, 07:09:00 PM
With North Central winning last night and Millikin and Elmhurst losing, a three-way tie exists among them, with the final Saturday and Tuesday games awaiting.
Meghan McGuire (a candidate for 2nd team all CCIW?) scored 19 for NC, while Jackie Errico and Mallory Carlini each took in 11 rebounds during their win over North Park. The Vikings' Danielle Bradley missed just one shot while scoring 16 pts.
Carthage's defense held Elmhurst to .259 FG shooting. At the other end, Lisa Gartelos shot 75% FG (9/12) and 4/4 FT for 22 pts in 20:00. The Lady Reds moved the ball around well, committing only 9 turnovers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2009, 08:28:45 PM
Illinois Wesleyan has a JV v. alums game scheduled for 11:30 tomorrow (varsity Senior Day is at 2:00 v. North Central).  Word is that the concession stand is offering hot dogs and popcorn to IWU students with ID for $1.00 each item.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 21, 2009, 06:54:32 PM
IWU 78
North Central 40

http://www.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/WBB2009/IWUWB24.HTM

* Mallory Heydorn: 20 pts (4-7 3-pt)
* Christina Solari: 14 pts, 8 reb

- Rebounds: IWU 48 NCC 31
- NCC: 8 assists, 24 turnovers

IWU moves to 24-0, 13-0 in the CCIW.  The Titans play @ Elmhurst Tuesday to finish the league season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2009, 08:10:32 PM
The rest of the league made for exciting games today.
Meghan Merklein hit the game winner for Elmhurst as the Jays edged Millikin 68-67. Brittany Bobruk grabbed 11 rebounds for EC and Lyndsie Long scored 25 pts. M's Tracie Yantis had a fine game: 20 pts, 6 reb, 4 assists, 3 steals.
I watched North Park's three seniors enjoy a win on Senior Day; they topped Augie 51-46.
Amanda Phillips led with 16 pts. Stylianee Damianides made key free throws in the waning minutes to preserve the lead and LaRae Kostreva rung up 15 pts, 11 rebs, 4 assists and 3 blocks. Contributions from more youthful North Parkers included 5 steals by Larisa Coldebella and 8 defensive rebounds by Danielle Bradley.
Wheaton beat Carthage 69-63 in OT. Kathleen Fidelia tallied 19 and fellow Thunderites Laura Karsten and Jamie Jones put in 15 each.
Katie Jarger scored 21 for the Lady Reds while Carlie Janowiak seized a dozen rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 21, 2009, 11:36:08 PM
At the Shirk Center today, I had a few observations:
1. This was by far the most people I have ever seen at an IWU women's basketball game.  It will be interesting to see what kind of turnout they get for the CCIW tournament and NCAA opening round games.  They might top 1000 for the first time in school history.
2. At halftime the IWU lead was 9, and an IWU fan behind me commented, "It was a  low-scoring first half, I don't like that." To open the second half.  On the first possession the Titans hit a three.  Then they had a steal and a fast break bucket, then a rebound and FAST outlet for another bucket.  Timeout NCC, the lead is 16, and the game was pretty much over.
3. IWU's full-court press forced a lot of turnovers, and even when they didn't get a steal, NCC seemed out of sorts on offense, and rarely got good looks at the basket. They shot 27% from the field in the second half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 21, 2009, 11:38:45 PM
I am a stat guy - and I noticed something pretty amazing about Christina Solari.  She is leading the Titans in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and field goal percentage.  She averages 14 points, 10 rebounds and about 3 assists and 2 steals a game.  Those are great numbers.  Then consider she averages 28 minutes a game because of the number of blow-outs, and those numbers are even more impressive.

IWU is No. 2 in the nation in scoring margin.  Solari is No. 4 in the nation in Field Goal percentage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2009, 11:47:05 PM
Quote from: mactitan on February 21, 2009, 11:38:45 PM
I am a stat guy - and I noticed something pretty amazing about Christina Solari.  She is leading the Titans in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and field goal percentage.  She averages 14 points, 10 rebounds and about 3 assists and 2 steals a game.  Those are great numbers.  Then consider she averages 28 minutes a game because of the number of blow-outs, and those numbers are even more impressive.

IWU is No. 2 in the nation in scoring margin.  Solari is No. 4 in the nation in Field Goal percentage.


And when you also add in the team being unanimously #1 in the country, I'd say Solari is a lock for first team AA, and perhaps the leader for national POY.

Since (IMO) Kent Raymond is the clear leader for men's national POY, what a coup for the CCIW if they could sweep both awards. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2009, 11:52:39 PM
Stat guy, you are most right about Christina Solari -- what incredible, solid, all-round numbers on relatively limited minutes, mostly under 30 minutes per game.  With the Titans going for the perfect season now, I just don't see any one else who could be considered the conference Most Outstanding Player than Christina.  Congrats to all the Titans and coaching staff for the incredible run they've had this season.  Let's go futher . . .
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2009, 01:34:07 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 05, 2009, 11:37:26 AM
If not Mallory, it might be Katie Jarger, a major part of Carthage's fine defense and an efficient, mistake-free offensive player.
Mallory and teammate Claire Sheehan may be the best 4 year backcourt pair in the history of the conference. Getting them together on the 1st team in their senior year would be nice.
Christina Solari is the best player in the CCIW to this point, so she must be 1st team, too. I don't know if Mia Smith can persuade the other coaches to vote three Titans to 1st team.
There will be excellent players on the 2nd team all-CCIW no matter who gets 1st team honors. Millikin's Tracie Yantis and Carthage's Carlie Janowiak could be found there.
Any number of players still have the opportunity to play extraordinarily well to finish the season, not to make all-conference, but to help their teams win more games (and hopefully have fun along the way).

I think it is now almost a done deal that the first team will be Solari, Sheehan, Heydorn, Long, and Fidelia (NOT necessarily in rank order).  When a team has been as dominant as IWU this year, how could coaches be petty enough to deny a third spot?  (I'd be almost tempted to say just put the starting line-up as the first team - and I'd say that for a rival who was that dominant also - but that would be clearly unfair to Lyndsie Long and Kathleen Fidelia.)

I'd love it if Kent Raymond and Christina Solari swept the national POY honors - and I think it is a definite possibility. :)

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 10:51:54 AM
Great to see the increased number of posts here! 

The stats underscore the impression one gets watching Christina Solari play:  she is probably the most complete player I have ever seen at any level.  (She's right in there with Larry Bird).  She can lead the fast break, she passes as well as a guard, she rebounds at both ends, and she defends even considerably taller players extremely well.  She was unfairly overlooked for the all-CCIW teams last year (probably out of a desire to include IWU's seniors on those teams last year).  And because she lost her first year to an ACL injury, she is only in her second full year of collegiate competition!  So, yes, Solari for MOP, for Player of the Year...once the season is over.  There's a lot to be done yet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 11:10:42 AM
At halftime of yesterday's IWU-North Central game, it looked, from an IWU perspective, as though the Titans were playing great defense and not making easy shots.  The 27-18 score seemed to back that up.  A look at the broadcast, though, showed that both teams played pretty good defense in that half.  The Cardinals were successful in making the Titans rush their shots or settle for lower percentage ones.  North Central was handicapped by the absence of Brianne Parra due to a shoulder injury; adding her usual scoring would have made the game nearly even at halftime. 

After the break, the Titans picked up the offense, pushing the lead from 9 to 22 within five minutes on a three by Claire Sheehan, two 3's and two layups by Mallory Heydorn, and another layup by Hope Schulte.  As Mia Smith said, they were sprinting rather than running, and it gave them open looks.  With the depth of the IWU bench, the Cardinals were unable to keep up.  Heydorn is definitely back from that stress fracture injury.

Meghan McGuire was the most consistent scorer for the Cardinals on 7/10 shooting.  When she gets the ball on the block she is very difficult to stop.

Titan subs Kylie Castans, Stacey Arlis, Nikki Preston, and Holly Harvey have all been key players at times, and they all made contributions.  It's also good to see sophomore Sarah Cotner (who lost last season to an ACL injury) steadily becoming more confident and playing important minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 22, 2009, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 10:51:54 AMAnd because she lost her first year to an ACL injury, she is only in her second full year of collegiate competition! 

Solari only played 3 games before getting injured her freshman season.  I don't know anything about Christina personally (major, post-college plans, etc), but is there any chance she will pursue a medical redshirt for that first year at IWU?  (In other words, making her just a sophomore now?)  Believe me, I say that knowing how hard that is to pull off financially, so I'm sure it is not likely...but I'm curious.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 01:12:47 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 22, 2009, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 10:51:54 AMAnd because she lost her first year to an ACL injury, she is only in her second full year of collegiate competition! 

Solari only played 3 games before getting injured her freshman season.  I don't know anything about Christina personally (major, post-college plans, etc), but is there any chance she will pursue a medical redshirt for that first year at IWU?  (In other words, making her just a sophomore now?)  Believe me, I say that knowing how hard that is to pull off financially, so I'm sure it is not likely...but I'm curious.

It's been a major topic in conversation behind the Titan bench at games, believe me!  I don't have any direct answer to those questions--I haven't asked. 

If she did come back for another year, she could play with younger sister Karen for one more year...but that fact might suggest a reason why she might NOT come back (I write this as my youngest daughter prepares for college, with her sister still a junior).

If it would help, I think Titan fans would be prepared to take up a collection, hold bake sales, whatever...to keep Christina Solari for another year. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on February 22, 2009, 09:39:40 PM
I've had the pleasure of watching Christina and Karen Solari for the past 6 years.  They are unselfish team players that work hard at their game.   They are terrific people off the court too,  benefitting from their two wonderful parents.  Christina has a 3.81 grade point average  on top of basketball career (Sheehan, Solari Earn Academic All-District Honors).  Simply amazing!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 11:32:02 PM
I think I've got the tiebreaker situation figured out for the fourth spot in the conference tournament; perhaps someone can confirm or correct.

Right now Elmhurst is alone in fourth at 7-6 while Millikin and North Central are tied at 6-7.  On Tuesday IWU goes to Elmhurst, while Millikin goes to North Central. 

If Elmhurst beats IWU, they will be at 8-6 and will be in the tournament.

If IWU beats Elmhurst and Millikin beats North Central, Elmhurst and Millikin will both be at 7-7.  Elmhurst holds the tiebreaker:  both they and Millikin were swept by CCIW #1 IWU and #2 Wheaton.  But Elmhurst split with #3 Carthage, while Millkin were swept by them.  Thus Elmhurst would be in the tournament.

If IWU beats Elmhurst and North Central beats Millikin, both Elmhurst and North Central will be at 7-7.  Here, North Central holds the tiebreaker:  Both were swept by IWU, but North Central beat Wheaton.  Thus, North Central would be in the tournament.

So, I don't see any way Millikin makes the tournament.  And, if IWU holds on for the school record (25-0) and beats Elmhurst, the last spot is North Central's to win.

Have I got this right?  Thanks!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2009, 12:17:58 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 11:32:02 PM
I think I've got the tiebreaker situation figured out for the fourth spot in the conference tournament; perhaps someone can confirm or correct.

Right now Elmhurst is alone in fourth at 7-6 while Millikin and North Central are tied at 6-7.  On Tuesday IWU goes to Elmhurst, while Millikin goes to North Central. 

If Elmhurst beats IWU, they will be at 8-6 and will be in the tournament.

If IWU beats Elmhurst and Millikin beats North Central, Elmhurst and Millikin will both be at 7-7.  Elmhurst holds the tiebreaker:  both they and Millikin were swept by CCIW #1 IWU and #2 Wheaton.  But Elmhurst split with #3 Carthage, while Millkin were swept by them.  Thus Elmhurst would be in the tournament.

If IWU beats Elmhurst and North Central beats Millikin, both Elmhurst and North Central will be at 7-7.  Here, North Central holds the tiebreaker:  Both were swept by IWU, but North Central beat Wheaton.  Thus, North Central would be in the tournament.

So, I don't see any way Millikin makes the tournament.  And, if IWU holds on for the school record (25-0) and beats Elmhurst, the last spot is North Central's to win.

Have I got this right?  Thanks!

Looks right to me.

Re: the bolded line - I'm reasonably sure that would also be a conference record.  Only Augustana (16-0 in 1991) and Millikin (14-0 in 1998) have ever emerged unscathed from the conference battles; while I could not find records on CCIW, Augie, or Millikin websites, I doubt either of them was undefeated for the entire regular season.  Our next goal (well, after a conference tourney title) is to get the CCIW's second national title! ;)

[NOT counting chickens before they hatch, but IF IWU makes it to the Final Four I will try my darnedest to make it to Holland - would I see anyone there?]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 23, 2009, 07:29:19 AM
Well, you're right, it is very premature.  Lots of basketball yet--going 25-0, the CCIW tournament, and the first and second rounds.  The second round, if not the first, of the NCAAs in the Central division could be a Final Four with all the great teams in this division--the WIAC teams, Wash. U., DePauw, just to name a few, along with IWU.

But IF the Titans make it you can be assured that at least this regular will be there :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2009, 05:48:53 PM
HT, just saw the announcement posted by David Collinge in the multi-region board: the next two years you won't have to travel to the Final Four - they're coming to Shirk! ;D

A shame it's a year too late for Heydorn, Sheehan, and Caplice. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 23, 2009, 07:36:36 PM
Mr. Ypsi and DC--my apologies, but I had to go to the NCAA site to be sure you weren't pulling my leg!

I saw this as I was leaving work and ran into one of the JV players.  She was as gobsmacked as I was! 

More later.  VERY exciting.  And I'm scheduled to be on sabbatical next year! :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 24, 2009, 01:01:00 PM
Congratulations to IWU's Claire Sheehan for being named a Jostens Trophy finalist! A biology major with a 3.72 GPA, Claire was accepted at all five dental schools to which she applied.  She gave a great welcome talk to prospective IWU students last Saturday. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2009, 02:11:55 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2009, 05:48:53 PM
HT, just saw the announcement posted by David Collinge in the multi-region board: the next two years you won't have to travel to the Final Four - they're coming to Shirk! ;D

A shame it's a year too late for Heydorn, Sheehan, and Caplice. :(
Yes, Q posted the info on the Men's site - from the NCAA website:

"The committee also approved several sites for Division III championships scheduled during 2009-10 and 2010-11. It approved:

• Illinois Wesleyan as host of the 2010 and 2011 Division III Women's Basketball Championships, to be played at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Illinois."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 24, 2009, 09:46:35 PM
IWU trying to come back from 20-down in the 2nd half at Elmhurst...

http://elmhurst.edu/~athletic/Home/W-Basket/stats/live/xlive.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 24, 2009, 10:10:55 PM
Final:

Illinois Wesleyan 81
Elmhurst 75

IWU trailed 52-32 with 15:26 to play @ Elmhurst.  What a comeback.  The Titans forced 33 turnovers, and the number of those in the final 15 minutes of the game has to be crazy.  The word "turnover" showed up over and over again in the live stats as the Titans made the comeback.

25-0/14-0.  What an incredibly special season for Mia Smith and the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2009, 10:29:37 PM
Congrats to the Titans, to all the players and coaches, on a perfect season, 25-0, 14-0.  Amazing comeback.  More to go . . . . . . . .
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 25, 2009, 01:44:04 AM
Wow.  Just wow.  One of those games that has you saying "Why did I come here?" in the first half and then reminds you why you came. 

Just about everything that could have gone wrong for the Titans did in the first half.  They played poorly on both ends of the court--and, as usual when a good team plays poorly, the other team had a LOT to do with that.  Elmhurst were on fire, hustling all over the court, moving well without the ball, and shooting lights out.  The 38-24 score at halftime was just about right.

Usually the Titans are successful at making changes at halftime, but things continued on the same course for the next five minutes or so as the Bluejay lead extended to 20 points.     Mia Smith had tried several different defensive looks against the Bluejays, but at around the 16:00 mark or so Titan reserves Holly Harvey and Nikki Preston came in and the team applied full-court pressure with the intensity we'd seen in recent games (but not yet tonight).  The results were dramatic and immediate.  The Bluejays committed 18 turnovers in the second half and were in danger of watching IWU sprint into the distance.  I've been looking at "OWP" and "OOWP" so much during the last few days that I found myself thinking "OOG"--Elmhurst must be Out of Gas.  But...Lindsie Long had been benched for most of the first half after picking up a couple of quick fouls; she had plenty left in the tank and threw in three 3-pointers (at least one from NBA range) to keep the Bluejays in the game to the end.  Her last 3 came right at the buzzer.  It's hard to say that the game "wasn't that close" or "should have been closer."  It was what it was, and every play counted.

Lots and lots of heroics on both sides, and too many heroes (heroines, I guess) to mention.  When Elmhurst came to Bloomington a few weeks ago the game was one-sided, and I could easily believe that many of the Bluejays were under the weather physically--I've seen them play well too often before. Tonight they played superbly, with poise, determination, and above all, a good game plan which they stuck to for the most part.   Long was terrific, scoring 27 in 24 minutes, along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.  Meghan Merklein went 9/11 and 4/4 from the line, along with 12 rebounds.  Claire Gentry dished out 8 assists and had 4 steals. 

The Titan effort was also well  balanced.    Post players Christina Solari and Stacey Arlis each had 16 points; Solari also contributed 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.  Claire Sheehan had 14 points and Mallory Heydorn 13; each had 4 assists.  Hope Schulte had 10 points and 6 steals.  The Titan bench outscored the Bluejay bench 23-6, and the depth of the Titans enabled them to keep up the pressure in the second half for the comeback.  This was a true team victory.

After the game, the announcer came on to give scores almost right away, and it was shocking to hear that North Central had defeated Millikin.  One really had to feel for the Elmhurst team:  they needed either to win this game or to have NC lose, and within seconds they learned that both possibilities were gone.  This IWU fan felt great respect for the effort both teams put forth tonight, felt sympathy for the Bluejays, and was grateful to have been in attendance.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2009, 11:37:02 AM
Some sort of flu kept me away from the gyms last night and will likely stop me from going to Bloomington this weekend.
Congrats to Wheaton's Jamie Jones on being CCIW player of the week and to IWU, of course, for going 14-0 in the conference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WWWRHH on February 25, 2009, 11:45:51 AM
I hope you will excuse an intrusion by a MIAA / Hope poster on your board in followup to a side conversation I had with Mr. Ypsi on the MIAA thread.

Elmhurst's challenge to the Titans, Hope's close call with Calvin on Saturday and the spirited effort that #8 seed Olivet put up against the Dutch last night show that no one with the slimest shot at an AQ is rolling over.  It makes for good basketball and would be a lot of fun if we did not live and die with "our" team.

But a stiff challenge is good preparation for what is to come.

If past experience is any guide some of the top ranked teams will face more difficult challenges in in their conference tourneys than they will in the early rounds of the NCAAs.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2009, 01:49:23 PM
Amber Cibrario had a fine game for North Central in their 29 pt win. She scored 17 on just 11 shots, had 3 assists and only 1 turnover. Without listing their entire roster, it looks from the stats that everyone made significant contributions. Millikin had a crummy shooting night, .286 from the field and .533 at the line.
Carthage post players Lisa Gartelos and Katherine Burshiem combined for 27 pts and 13 rebs in their win at Augie. Kristen Fox led Augie with 14.
Wheaton had 13 players play at least 11:00 and they scooted past North Park 88-64. Twelve of the 13 scored points; Noelle Dryden steadfastly refused to shoot.
NP's LaRae Kostreva scored 25, had 11 rebs, 6 blocks. Stylianee Damianides played 38:00 and topped the league with 438 minutes in 14 CCIW games. Hopefully, she can rest for a bit now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 26, 2009, 04:59:00 PM
Quote from: mactitan on February 26, 2009, 04:38:20 PM
Does anyone know what happened to the Men's CCIW board?

Not sure what you mean, mac.  It's still there.  It was renamed "MBB:  College Conference of..." a few weeks ago.  Is anything else amiss?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2009, 05:34:18 PM
The comprehensive Tournament Program can be accessed via http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_w/2009wbbtourneypage.php and is full of interesting data.
On odd numbered pages 7 through 21, one can see "conference-only" stats, which may or may not relevant for consideration of all-conference candidates. I suspect that coaches want to thank players for the full 25 game season, so looking at conference-only stats may be academic.
Some of our readers may find it interesting anyway.
The all-conference team should be announced tomorrow, I guess. As always, there will not be enough room for every player worthy of inclusion.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 27, 2009, 01:38:49 PM
Live video from the Shirk Center for any game IWU plays in at the CCIW tournament...

http://www.iwusports.com/sports/2009/2/15/WBB_0215090326.aspx?id=76
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 27, 2009, 02:52:04 PM
All-Conference Teams are up here  (http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_w/08_09_WBBallconf.htm).

Congratulations to the teams and to:

Christina Solari, IWU, Most Outstanding Player

Mia Smith, IWU, Coach of the Year
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2009, 03:31:31 PM
My applause, too, for Mia Smith, Christina Solari and all the rest of the all-CCIW team.
Two things surprised me :
(1) that Claire Sheehan wasn't unanimous 1st team... what the heck else was she supposed to do this year?
(2) that Kayla Pembrook is a senior --- for some reason, I've been thinking she's a junior. I'm disappointed that we won't get to see this energetic and talented player again in '09-'10.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2009, 03:50:34 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 27, 2009, 03:31:31 PM
My applause, too, for Mia Smith, Christina Solari and all the rest of the all-CCIW team.
Two things surprised me :
(1) that Claire Sheehan wasn't unanimous 1st team... what the heck else was she supposed to do this year?
(2) that Kayla Pembrook is a senior --- for some reason, I've been thinking she's a junior. I'm disappointed that we won't get to see this energetic and talented player again in '09-'10.

Agreed.  She can take comfort that in 2006, when both were first-team AAs, Adam Dauksas and Keelan Amelianovic were not unanimous CCIW first-teamers either! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2009, 08:34:06 PM
Carthage over Wheaton in CCIW women's semis in Bloomington.  Titans up next.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2009, 08:35:54 PM
My congrats, too, for Christina Solari, Coach Smith and the four Titans who made the All-conference team/honors.  Great stuff.  Well deserved.   A perfectly dominating regular season. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2009, 10:50:39 PM
Titans over NCC -- so Titans vs. Carthage for CCIW Tourney title and DIII tourney bid tomorrow, Sunday, at 2 p.m.  Great balance, good rebounding, strong bench play by the Titans again tonight -- what they have been doing all year.  Keep it rolling . . .

With the CCIW Track Championships at Shirk, too, it must be a jumping place right now. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 28, 2009, 09:21:01 AM
Here is a nice local news video on some work IWU is doing with an elementary school in town...

http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=47652

Mia Smith has a really impressive group of young women on her squad.  On and off the court, they have really made everyone associated with the school very proud
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2009, 03:34:27 PM
IWU up 35-25 at the half.  Game was very tight until the Titans got the last 6 points of the half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 28, 2009, 03:35:09 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2009, 03:34:27 PM
IWU up 35-25 at the half.  Game was very tight until the Titans got the last 6 points of the half.
Titans lucky Carthage 0-7 from 3 pt land; Rosie Dorn coming off Carthage bench keeping Carthage in this game 11 pts in 12 minutes
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 28, 2009, 04:34:25 PM
IWU 75 Carthage 55 Final

Congratulations Titans - 3rd straight CCIW Title, NCAA Tournament and indefeated in regular season play!  A great accomplishment.  Now go win it all!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2009, 04:39:54 PM
Final: IWU 75, Carthage 55.  The Lady Reds refused to ever completely go away, but the margin was double digits throughout the second half.

Christina Solari had a very quiet first half, but dominated in the second, finishing with 18 points.  Claire Sheehan had 14 (12 in the first half).  Mallory Heydorn had another of her down days, something like 2-12 from the field and only about 4 points until some fts at the end.  Stacey Arlis had 13 off the bench.

Rosie Dorn had 17 for Carthage, and Lisa Gartelos chipped in 13.

Congratulations to IWU - 27-0 and both regular-season and tourney titles!  One more title to go!! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 28, 2009, 04:41:34 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2009, 04:39:54 PM
Final: IWU 75, Carthage 55.  The Lady Reds refused to ever completely go away, but the margin was double digits throughout the second half.

Christina Solari had a very quiet first half, but dominated in the second, finishing with 18 points.  Claire Sheehan had 14 (12 in the first half).  Mallory Heydorn had another of her down days, something like 2-12 from the field and only about 4 points until some fts at the end.  Stacey Arlis had 13 off the bench.

Rosie Dorn had 17 for Carthage, and Lisa Gartelos chipped in 13.

Congratulations to IWU - 27-0 and both regular-season and tourney titles!  One more title to go!! ;)
Bench really contributed ; IWU played much better in the paint in 2nd half
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: petemcb on February 28, 2009, 04:44:37 PM
Congrats to the Lady Titans for their win today and on a great season.  Congrats also to the broadcasting team that made it possible and enjoyable to watch the game online.  Nice job to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: petemcb on February 28, 2009, 04:45:15 PM
It sounds like IWU will be hosting at least 2 games in the national tournament, maybe more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: petemcb on February 28, 2009, 04:46:02 PM
Any speculation on other CCIW teams that might make it into the tournament?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2009, 05:00:09 PM
Quote from: petemcb on February 28, 2009, 04:46:02 PM
Any speculation on other CCIW teams that might make it into the tournament?

I don't think any are regarded as viable candidates, but the coverage is much less here than for the men's Pool C.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 28, 2009, 07:07:48 PM
Quote from: petemcb on February 28, 2009, 04:46:02 PM
Any speculation on other CCIW teams that might make it into the tournament?

Absolutely no chance for anyone else in the CCIW.  The six teams in the NCAA's regional rankings last week were IWU, Wash U, three WIAC schools, and St. Norbert's.  Only a few (2 or so) pool C bids will go out to schools beyond the members of that group who need them (Whitewater and Eau Claire).  There are some other conferences with automatic bids to be included as well.  All the other CCIW teams have too many in-region losses for consideration.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 28, 2009, 07:37:06 PM
It was a tough contest today at Shirk; the 75-55 final margin looks deceptively one-sided and that was the largest lead of the game due to Holly Harvey's three right before the final buzzer.  Both teams went for the inside game, with Christina Solari scoring 18 and Stacey Arlis 13 for the Titans, Lisa Gartelos adding 13 for Carthage, and Rosie Dorn, off the bench, leading the Reds with 17.  Most of Dorn's points came on drives and points in transition.  She played a fine game.

The halftime margin was ten, and the Reds hung around.   The Titans shot 47% from the field and had 34 points in the paint.  Others who contributed were Claire Sheehan with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal, and Mallory Heydorn, with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.  It's not at all accurate or fair to call this a "down day" for Mallory--she contributes a great deal to the flow of the Titan game at both ends of the court even when the shots aren't dropping.  Nikki Preston seemed to have a target on her jersey today--she was called for five fouls in just 8 minutes of play and then was reprimanded for leaving the court without being given permission to do so, something I wasn't even aware was in the rule book.  From where I sat it looked as if might she have committed one or two fouls at most--but that's a small matter.

On to the NCAAs for the Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2009, 01:08:23 PM
Best of luck to the Titans and congratulations for their wonderful achievements so far.
Also, best of luck to all the seniors from around the league whose careers ended during the past week. THANKS for playing! Health and happiness to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 02, 2009, 08:51:14 PM
Hoosier Titan, my apology if 'down day' sounded harsh for Mallory - I should have specified 'down shooting day'.  I watched the game on my 17" monitor, but if there was any way to enlarge the picture, alas, I never figured it out - so I watched on about a 3x4" screen!  I had a tough time figuring who was doing what - it was more like 'ant bball'! :(

IWU begins with what will hopefully be just a tune-up (though I'm confident Mia Smith will not allow the players to think that way!) - 17-11 OWU.  But second round they face either a rematch with DePauw or UWEC - both make me quite nervous.

Assuming (!) they make it to the sectional (dare we hope to host that also?), the 3rd game seems likely to be UWSP.  Surviving that, we would then likely face yet another WIAC team, a rematch of last year's loss to UWW, or have a rematch with Wash U, or face defending champ HPU.  Whew!

And IF we make it to Holland, and survive the semi (don't see anyone in that bracket that particularly scares me, but I'm far less familiar with the women than the men), my guess is we get Hope on their home court for the title!

Truly, a title (if won) would be well-earned!  And if IWU makes it to Holland, so will I!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 02, 2009, 09:49:16 PM
Yes, I just tried watching the archived streaming video.  We usually have TV broadcasts here, but they asked a lot more for the tournament games and didn't get sponsorship, so we are reduced to watching "ant ball" too.  Mallory didn't have a high shooting percentage, but she is moving so well now that she always attracts defenders--and she passes off well, too.

It definitely is a mine field all the way to Michigan.  I'm sure that no one is looking too far ahead, though.  I talked to one of the key players today; they seem very calm and poised. 

And IF IWU makes it to Holland, I will be just recovering from having my wisdom teeth out!  It will be a great inspiration.  One game at a time!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2009, 10:17:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2009, 12:17:58 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2009, 11:32:02 PM
I think I've got the tiebreaker situation figured out for the fourth spot in the conference tournament; perhaps someone can confirm or correct.

Right now Elmhurst is alone in fourth at 7-6 while Millikin and North Central are tied at 6-7.  On Tuesday IWU goes to Elmhurst, while Millikin goes to North Central. 

If Elmhurst beats IWU, they will be at 8-6 and will be in the tournament.

If IWU beats Elmhurst and Millikin beats North Central, Elmhurst and Millikin will both be at 7-7.  Elmhurst holds the tiebreaker:  both they and Millikin were swept by CCIW #1 IWU and #2 Wheaton.  But Elmhurst split with #3 Carthage, while Millkin were swept by them.  Thus Elmhurst would be in the tournament.

If IWU beats Elmhurst and North Central beats Millikin, both Elmhurst and North Central will be at 7-7.  Here, North Central holds the tiebreaker:  Both were swept by IWU, but North Central beat Wheaton.  Thus, North Central would be in the tournament.

So, I don't see any way Millikin makes the tournament.  And, if IWU holds on for the school record (25-0) and beats Elmhurst, the last spot is North Central's to win.

Have I got this right?  Thanks!

Looks right to me.

Re: the bolded line - I'm reasonably sure that would also be a conference record.  Only Augustana (16-0 in 1991) and Millikin (14-0 in 1998) have ever emerged unscathed from the conference battles; while I could not find records on CCIW, Augie, or Millikin websites, I doubt either of them was undefeated for the entire regular season.  Our next goal (well, after a conference tourney title) is to get the CCIW's second national title! ;)

[NOT counting chickens before they hatch, but IF IWU makes it to the Final Four I will try my darnedest to make it to Holland - would I see anyone there?]

I stand corrected.  I just read the d3hoops.com story on the 1998 national tourney, and it mentioned that Millikin was the only undefeated team in the country (until eventual national champ Wash U beat them).  (I still don't know about Augie in 1991.)

So no conference record - yet!  But with 6 more wins .... ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2009, 12:58:00 PM
The Bloomington-Normal Pantagraph has a nice story today about Titans coach Mia Smith:
Smith Rewards IWU (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/03/04/usports/doc49adc453159dc387456538.txt)

The Pantagraph has steadily been increasing coverage of the IWU women.  While the IWU men were playing, and with the Illinois State men's and women's teams in addition to area high schools, the coverage was pretty minimal.  It's good to see a great team starting to get its due. 

And crowds are growing--over 1000 for both CCIW tournament sessions last weekend.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2009, 10:56:51 PM
By the front page predictions, IWU may not even survive the weekend - they have UWEC as their Cinderella in the bracket (though that seemed somewhat forced, and may not really be a prediction).  But they definitely have IWU losing in the third round (if they make it there), since they have UWSP as the national champ.

Go Titans - show 'em up! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2009, 11:10:43 PM
BTW, got a solicitation call from 'Mary' tonite.  I told her if the Titans lost this weekend I'd be too depressed to donate this year.  On the other hand, if the Titans won it all I'd be so thrilled I'd double my usual contribution.  She sounded like not a regular fan, but promised to go root for them this weekend!

Hope I haven't violated any NCAA gambling rules! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2009, 11:12:04 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2009, 10:56:51 PM
By the front page predictions, IWU may not even survive the weekend - they have UWEC as their Cinderella in the bracket (though that seemed somewhat forced, and may not really be a prediction).  But they definitely have IWU losing in the third round (if they make it there), since they have UWSP as the national champ.

Go Titans - show 'em up! ;)

Eau Claire was picked as the Cinderella in place of Whitewater--and it's definitely hard for me to see them as Cinderellas!  

Ah well, that's why they play the games.  I'm looking forward to the weekend.

I hope Mary was soliciting for the Annual Fund!  :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2009, 11:17:55 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2009, 11:12:04 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2009, 10:56:51 PM
By the front page predictions, IWU may not even survive the weekend - they have UWEC as their Cinderella in the bracket (though that seemed somewhat forced, and may not really be a prediction).  But they definitely have IWU losing in the third round (if they make it there), since they have UWSP as the national champ.

Go Titans - show 'em up! ;)

Eau Claire was picked as the Cinderella in place of Whitewater--and it's definitely hard for me to see them as Cinderellas!  

Ah well, that's why they play the games.  I'm looking forward to the weekend.

I hope Mary was soliciting for the Annual Fund!  :D

Yes.  Though although from IWU, I don't recall if she said annual fund of what! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2009, 03:00:13 AM
Come on, Ypsi, like with voting in Illinois, "give early and often" to the IWU annual fund!  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2009, 12:35:31 PM
Hey Old Hoosier Baller, skafkas and thundermike11, we haven't heard from you in quite a while.
Any thoughts on the end of the '08-'09 season for Elmhurst, Wheaton or other conference teams?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 06, 2009, 02:26:32 PM
Now that I am back on the board after a self-imposed hiatus I would love to offer some final thoughts on Wheaton's season.

All things considered, this season was very successful for Wheaton. Coming off a disappointing 07-08 campaign that featured some key injuries, Wheaton wanted to prove that year as a fluke and return to being a top team in the conference. After starting out 3-6, the team needed to do some soul-searching to decide what kind of season this was going to be. Their 13-4 record over the final two months speaks to the character and determination of everyone on the team, starting with the 5 seniors. That group really set the tone and took up leadership that propelled them to an outstanding 11-3 mark in CCIW play. Each of the seniors led the team in a different way and embraced their leadership roles.

The key game that I think turned this season around was the overtime win at Concordia Texas. From that point on, the Thunder played with a confidence that had not been there before. They then started conference play with a bang by blowing out NCC, a game that set the tone for the CCIW season.

Even though the loss in the tournament semifinals was a disappointing end to the season, this team has absolutely nothing to hang its collective head about.

Wheaton now says goodbye to a phenomenal senior class. Kathleen Fidelia has left her mark on the record books at Wheaton College, but beyond her outstanding basketball ability the Thunder will miss her quiet, lead-by-example approach to the game. She is a humble superstar who was the difference maker in many key Thunder victories this season. If not for IWU's incredible season I have to think she would have been the league's most outstanding player. Lynnea Kvam is an outstanding competitor who tied the Wheaton single-season mark for 3s against Carthage in the tournament. She battled back from a very painful Achilles injury and was a huge part of Wheaton's success. Her defensive play skyrocketed at the end of the season and was a huge lift to the team, and she was very deserving of her all-conference status. Noelle Dryden was a huge part of the team, though her stats wont wow you. Her constant 100% effort and willingness to do the dirty work is indispensable. Whitney Edgecombe was a great post presence this season and a great help defender. She is also a vocal leader who keeps things organized. She had some great offensive performances this season as well. Jamie Jones was a huge part of Wheaton's success. Her ability to score inside and outside was a big problem for teams defensively. She made some big shots this year, including the game-winner at Elmhurst. She earned her spot on the all-conference team.

Looking ahead to next year, Wheaton will need its young players to step up into new roles. First things first, they need to get Annie Bowen and Lissie McAlvey back to 100%. Lissie showed a lot of toughness to play through her injury this season, and Annie had a great year that ended prematurely. There is a young nucleus of good players, but they will be tested next year.

As I said, this year was very successful for Wheaton as the team put 07-08 behind them and put themselves in a position to compete for the conference title, though IWU was clearly the class of the CCIW this season. Congrats to the Thunder on a great year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 06, 2009, 05:03:52 PM
I am psyched about tonight.  In a couple of hours I'm heading to the Shirk Center for four + hours of March Madness.  The Titans have never won an tournament game against a team not in the SLIAC - so we can make a little history tonight.  It should be fun tonight - could there be SRO?  It has been awhile since I've been to a game at the Shirk with people standing around the railings.  That is probably too much to ask, but it would be exciting, and not beyond the realm of possibility.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 06, 2009, 05:07:21 PM
Another good story in the Pantagraph, along with a small regional summary link. I have not seen the actual paper, but the Titans' visits to the front page of increased as of late.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/03/06/usports/doc49b070754e5be508014893.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2009, 10:00:38 PM
IWU women up by 11 at half over Ohio Wesleyan.  First game won by Eau Claire over Depauw. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 01:08:13 AM
Just a fantastic game for the Titans tonight.  Ohio Wesleyan has some great three-point shooters, and they kept the Bishops in the game in the first half by shooting 46% on threes.  However, the Bishops' starting five played 28, 34, 32, 30, and 38 minutes; only one other player played more than 10 minutes.  The Titans were able to go deep into the bench; that group maintained a 25-30 point lead to the end of the game.

The margin was 39-28 at the half.  After the half, the Titans went on a 16-2 run in the next four minutes and that pretty much sealed the victory.  The principals in that run were Colleen Caplice, Christina Solari, Claire Sheehan, and Mallory Heydorn.  Heydorn led the Titans for the game with 17 points on 5/10 shooting, Solari had 13 with 5 assists, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals, Sheehan had 12 with 3 assists and 2 blocks (including an amazing recovery on what looked to be a wide-open layup for OWU), and Caplice had 8 points and 5 boards.  The entire Titan bench contributed; they chipped in 25 points and played more than 100 minutes.  Sheehan played 25 minutes, and no other IWU starter played more than 20. Sarah Cotner continued to impress with 11 points in 7 minutes.

Katie Hamilton led the Battling Bishops with 15 points, while Kayla Gordon contributed 13.  The Bishops got 49 of their 51 points from their starting five.  The Titans won the battle of the boards 46-29.

Tomorrow night's matchup with the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds looks intriguing, with the speed of the Titans matched up against the size of the Blugolds.  Can't wait!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 01:50:08 AM
It seems a recurring theme this season that the Titans come out of halftime absolutely blazing.  What sort of magic is Mia Smith performing in the locker room?! :o ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 10:42:06 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 01:50:08 AM
It seems a recurring theme this season that the Titans come out of halftime absolutely blazing.  What sort of magic is Mia Smith performing in the locker room?! :o ;)

I think it's called coaching ;) :)  Seriously, she (assisted by her staff) does a great job of reading the game and making adjustments throughout. 

I've always thought of the last few minutes leading up to halftime and those right after as especially important in a game and, although I haven't talked with her about it, it seems Mia Smith does too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 08:46:26 PM
UWEC got the first 5 points of the game, and the last 7 of the first half; in between it was all IWU who leads 38-32 at the midpoint.  Sheehan has 10; 7 other players have 2-6.  Schulte had to sit after getting her third foul with about 5 to go; Solari and Castens each got their second in the last minute and a half; no one else with more than one.

With three minutes left it looked like IWU was going to run away and hide, but there's a reason UWEC is ranked #9.  Let's see if the Titans can do one of those explosive second-half starts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 09:18:00 PM
UWEC cut the margin to three with c. 13 left, but the Titans went on a 10-0 run; up 62-49 w/ 10 to go.

BUT, Solari just got her 4th foul. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 07, 2009, 09:37:36 PM
The Titans are an absolute joy the watch.  Talk about a team that plays hard for 40 minutes and leaves it all out there.  And they just have so many weapons.

IWU did not play a perfect game tonight, but I thought they really battled vs an oustanding team.  Lots of great X's and O's going on too.  Eau Claire played a lot of zone in the 1st half, and then IWU played a lot of zone in the 2nd.  Two very well-coached teams on display at the Shirk Center tonight.

Congrats on the regional victory, women, from a very proud Titan in Missouri.  Let's keep this thing rolling.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 09:39:10 PM
Titans up 16 w/ 1+ to go - the hay is in the barn! :)

Although IWU led by (low) double-digits nearly the entire second half, this one never felt comfortable until about the 2 minute mark.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 09:41:55 PM
Final score: IWU 80, UWEC 63.

With, presumably, UWSP coming up next, it doesn't get any easier!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2009, 09:46:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 09:41:55 PM
Final score: IWU 80, UWEC 63.

With, presumably, UWSP coming up next, it doesn't get any easier!
It doesn't get easier in this sectional.  I do think if IWU can win the sectional they have a good chacne at Final Four.

Officials really changed the tempo about midway in 2nd half tonight. My notes show neither team scoring for over 2 minutes all due to fouls being called.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2009, 09:54:40 PM
Nice job on defense tonight by IWU - 26 points scored off 20 turnovers by UWEC.

And the IWU bench did a terrific job contributing 26 points.

Leading IWU:
Solari, Christina 5 Reb 6 Assists 13 Pts.
Sheehan, Claire 8 Reb 17 Pts.
Heydorn, Mallory  13 Pts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2009, 10:56:44 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans -- great job, 29-0.  Sweet 16!  And, almost 2,000 fans at Shirk supporting women's basketball.  Fantastic.  My Mother who always complains about the poor press coverage received by women's sports will be delighted with the outcome and the Titan nation support for this wonderful team.  She's 90 and still going to all the home games!  May Dad, who is also 90, is talking about a bus ride to the women's Final Four . . .   Keep it going, keep in rolling Titans!

Great job tonight, too, by Wheaton in wacking the WAIC in their OT win tonight against a very good Plattville team.  Go CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 07, 2009, 10:58:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2009, 10:56:44 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans -- great job, 29-0.  Sweet 16!  And, almost 2,000 fans at Shirk supporting women's basketball.  Fantastic.  My Mother who always complains about the poor press coverage received by women's sports will be delighted with the outcome and the Titan nation support for this wonderful team.  She's 90 and still going to all the home games!  May Dad, who is also 90, is talking about a bus ride to the women's Final Four . . .   Keep it going, keep in rolling Titans!

Great job tonight, too, by Wheaton in wacking the WAIC in their OT win tonight against a very good Plattville team.  Go CCIW.

And that rowdy student section that the women have never had (the guys in yellow shirts).....the IWU men's team.  Really nice to see.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:04:50 PM
Great to see the support here.  I'll post some thoughts later, but the St. Benedict's win over UW-Whitewater has us all thinking--will IWU still host next weekend?  The schools remaining are IWU, St. Benedict's, Wash U, and UW-Stevens Point.  St. Joseph, MN, is more than 500 miles from St. Louis, but Stevens Point is within 500 miles of all the other three schools.  Does distance trump IWU's ranking above UWSP and Wash U in the Central Region? (St. Benedict's were not ranked first in the West region either).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 07, 2009, 11:07:13 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:04:50 PM
Great to see the support here.  I'll post some thoughts later, but the St. Benedict's win over UW-Whitewater has us all thinking--will IWU still host next weekend?  The schools remaining are IWU, St. Benedict's, Wash U, and UW-Stevens Point.  St. Joseph, MN, is more than 500 miles from St. Louis, but Stevens Point is within 500 miles of all the other three schools.  Does distance trump IWU's ranking above UWSP and Wash U in the Central Region? (St. Benedict's were not ranked first in the West region either).
Uh oh.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:08:17 PM
Drat.  That sounds ominous.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2009, 11:11:18 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:08:17 PM
Drat.  That sounds ominous.
Distance might not trump ranking but travel expense and/or airfares might - Oh No  >:(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 11:12:27 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:04:50 PM
Great to see the support here.  I'll post some thoughts later, but the St. Benedict's win over UW-Whitewater has us all thinking--will IWU still host next weekend?  The schools remaining are IWU, St. Benedict's, Wash U, and UW-Stevens Point.  St. Joseph, MN, is more than 500 miles from St. Louis, but Stevens Point is within 500 miles of all the other three schools.  Does distance trump IWU's ranking above UWSP and Wash U in the Central Region? (St. Benedict's were not ranked first in the West region either).

Well, that eliminates both St. Bennie and Wash U for the bean-counters.  I would think IWU would have the seeding over UWSP, but (fortunately :o) I don't always think like the NCAA. ;)

I'll take a stab at 60-40 IWU hosts.  (Unless, of course, St. Bennie has to fly to B'town.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:19:19 PM
B-N does have an outstanding regional airport with good connections (including Minnesota).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 11:43:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:19:19 PM
B-N does have an outstanding regional airport with good connections (including Minnesota).

Yeah, but the key question (I don't know the answer): is St. Benedict a bus ride or plane ride from IWU?  If UWSP is the ONLY location with no plane ride, they almost certainly host.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sac on March 07, 2009, 11:45:03 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 07, 2009, 11:11:18 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:08:17 PM
Drat.  That sounds ominous.
Distance might not trump ranking but travel expense and/or airfares might - Oh No  >:(

Last year Whitworth flew charter to the Holland airport, which doesn't have passenger service.  The Hope women flew the same plane down to Brownwood, Tx.

....at least that option appears to be available if need be for the teams..
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Usuallywrong24 on March 07, 2009, 11:49:06 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 11:43:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:19:19 PM
B-N does have an outstanding regional airport with good connections (including Minnesota).

Yeah, but the key question (I don't know the answer): is St. Benedict a bus ride or plane ride from IWU?  If UWSP is the ONLY location with only one plane ride, they almost certainly host.

St Bens is 535 from Bloomington.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2009, 12:16:02 AM
What a great atmosphere at Shirk tonight.  I don't have a long history at IWU--I came in 2002--but that's enough to remember some great nights for the men's team, with the students chanting "Ca-mar-DEL-la" and, of course, the Dauksas/Amelianovich/Freeman teams of 03-06.  And, during those same years, Mia Smith was coaching, recruiting, and teaching, and nobody came to the women's games.  Tonight, they came in droves--almost 2000!  The student section was full, the guys (led by the men's team) were chanting and dressed in wild costumes.  It was terrific, and it was great to see how far we've come.

It took a long time for either team to establish any kind of rhythm in this game.  The officiating played a part in that--it was wildly inconsistent in both directions.  The Titans used their press efficiently, creating 20 turnovers.  In the second half, they hardly used it at all, going instead to a zone that stopped drives to the basket.

As I write this, Randy Reinhardt's story in the Pantagraph has come up, and it tells the story well.  I especially like this phrase:  "Countering Wisconsin-Eau Claire's height and muscle with quickness and defense...[the Titans pulled away]."

Titan Women Pull Away from Wisconsin-Eau Claire (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/03/07/usports/doc49b34708874c4189765459.txt)

Again, it was a true team effort.  Holly Harvey only played five minutes according to the stat sheet, but she went two for two and kept the pace up when the Titans needed that.  Kylie Castans' two threes within 41 seconds in the second half were pivotal in stopping a UWEC mini-run, and she made several fine defensive plays. 

A great weekend for the Titans--ALL the Titans!--and there is everything to celebrate.  Great support from the student section!  Let's keep it going. 29-0, and more games ahead.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 08, 2009, 12:20:10 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2009, 11:43:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2009, 11:19:19 PM
B-N does have an outstanding regional airport with good connections (including Minnesota).

Yeah, but the key question (I don't know the answer): is St. Benedict a bus ride or plane ride from IWU?  If UWSP is the ONLY location with only one plane ride, they almost certainly host.
It's hard to say...it just depends on the money.  They may have the money to fly two to B-N.  We'll see.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2009, 05:45:04 AM
Truly hope the Sectional is at Shirk.  Look at the great support -- some good revenue coming in for women's basketball, especially if IWU gets two games in.  So happy to see the support from the students, men's team and the community.  Coach Smith and the team truly deserve the support and now the Sectional hosting. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 08, 2009, 08:59:00 AM
Just a reminder of all the factors that will be considered in making the Sectional hosting decision...

The Championships Committee has prioritized the following site-selection criteria for all championships:

1. Quality and availability of the facility and other necessary accommodations;

2. Geographical location (which may include such factors as rotation of sites, weather, accessibility, and transportation costs);

3. Seeding, and;

4. Attendance history and revenue potential, which shall be considered necessary to assure fiscal responsibility.

http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/champ_handbooks/basketball/2009/3_mbasketball_handbook.pdf

(page 7)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 08, 2009, 09:45:16 AM
A post I made on the men's board, which I will mention here too because the situations are similar...

Quote from: Titan Q on March 08, 2009, 09:27:41 AM
One more thought on St. Thomas vs Wheaton...

I have been assuming that undefeated St. Thomas is the higher seed in the Midwest/West bracket - the #1 to Wheaton's #2.  Since the committee does not release their seedings, all we really know is that Wheaton went in as the #1-ranked team in the Midwest and St. Thomas #1 in the West (that is where both were in the final released regional rankings).  But we don't know how they seeded St. Thomas vs Wheaton.

As of Selection Sunday, here are the considerations...

1. In-region winning % (St. Thomas 1.000, Wheaton .870)
2. In-region strength of schedule, OWP/OOWP (Wheaton .5982/.5702, St. Thomas .5117/5193)
3. In-region head-to-head (n/a)
4. In-region common opponets (n/a)
5. In-region results vs regionally ranked teams (Wheaton 7-2, St. Thomas 0-0)

There is a chance Wheaton is the #1 seed is in the Bracket of Death.  St. Thomas didn't even have a game vs a regionally ranked team until last night (vs Stevens Point).  Wheaton was 2-1 vs Elmhurst, 2-0 vs Augustana, 2-1 vs North Central, and 1-0 vs Hope (who I assume snuck in the final Great Lakes rankings).  Huge disparity there.

On the women's side, the seeding issue is more clear.  We know that IWU was ranked higher than Stevens Point and Wash U in the final published rankings...

Central Region
1. Ill. Wesleyan 21-0 24-0
2. Washington U. 18-4 20-4
3. UW-Stevens Point 21-3 22-3
4. UW-Whitewater 20-3 22-3
5. UW-Eau Claire 17-4 21-4
6. St. Norbert 18-2 19-4

St. Benedict was #2 in the West...

West Region
1. George Fox 20-0 25-0
2. St. Benedict 22-3 22-3
3. Simpson 18-3 22-3
4. Concordia-Moorhead 17-5 18-7
5. St. Thomas 18-7 18-7
6. Redlands 18-6 19-6


We don't know IWU's seeding vs St. Benedict, but I think it is safe to say IWU entered the tournament as the #1 seed in its quadrant.

If the Sectional is given to any school but IWU, it will be strictly because of travel cost.  (On the men's side, it's not clear if St. Thomas is really the #1 seed.)  My gut feeling is that IWU will get it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2009, 09:51:01 AM
Q, thanks for all the info on the Sectional seedings, location decision criteria etc.  Very informative. 

On the attendance/revenue part (regional finals):

IWU vs. Eau Claire -- 1950
Stevens Point at home -- 822
Wash U at home -- 406
College of St. Benedict -- not published -- 0 ? 

The revenue part seems pretty clear.

Hope Wheaton gets the men's Sectional too.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 08, 2009, 10:17:58 AM
Your numbers don't account for UWSP playing in their larger gym.  They played the regional in the smaller gym, but likely bid the Sectional to the bigger gym.  The last two times UWSP hosted a Sectional they drew 1,800 and 1,600 respectively.

Regardless though, since all schools are within 500 miles of all the other schools, travel cost shouldn't be a factor.  IWU will host.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 08, 2009, 10:24:58 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 08, 2009, 10:17:58 AM
Regardless though, since all schools are within 500 miles of all the other schools, travel cost shouldn't be a factor.  IWU will host.

As far as I know, that is not right.  At Stevens Point, all 4 teams can bus...at IWU, St. Benedict has to fly.

Am I wrong about that?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 08, 2009, 10:32:49 AM
https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/TES/exec/miles

Right you are.  St. Ben's would have to fly to either IWU or Wash. U.  All three can bus to UWSP.  I forgot how much further north St. Ben's is than Stevens Point.  I was thinking of them as essentially the same lattitude.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 08, 2009, 10:44:12 AM
Official Travel Distances -

IWU-Wash U. - 171 miles
UWSP-St. Ben's - 288 miles
UWSP-IWU - 300 miles
UWSP-Wash U. - 469 miles
IWU-St. Ben's - 532 miles
St.Ben's-Wash U. - 628 miles

https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/TES/exec/miles

St. Ben's beating UW-Whitewater may have cost IWU the chance to host.  If it was UWW in this field, it would almost certainly be IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2009, 11:59:02 AM
IWU sports updates is announcing that the sectionals will be in Bloomington.  6:00 CDT St. Benedict v. Wash U; 8:00 UWSP v. IWU.  This comes from the office of the SID. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 08, 2009, 12:00:44 PM
If so, then good for the NCAA, going with seeding over geography.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2009, 12:50:55 PM
Way to go, Titans! Don't forget your homework.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2009, 02:44:25 PM
I'm pleasantly surprised (bordering on shocked ;)) that IWU will host rather than UWSP.  In a discussion of host selection in the CCIW men's thread, Pat said he believes this is the first time ever that the NCAA has voluntarily ponied-up for a plane flight to maintain seeding integrity. 

I'll say something I may never have said before: bravo, NCAA! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 08, 2009, 02:47:52 PM
Maybe the men's committee needs to take a lesson from the women's committee about placing competition and fairness over dollars.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2009, 09:03:02 PM
Looking at the season averages for IWU and UW-Eau Claire, it's almost startling how each team's performance last night closely tracks its season average:

For IWU:

Last night's scoring:  80     Season average  79.6
FG %                       50%                           45%
Opponent's points                                       55.8

For UW-Eau Claire:

Last night's scoring  63      Season average 63.3
FG%                       39.6%                        43.8
Opponent's points                                      51.8

It looks like each team pretty much played its game, offensively.  The big difference is that IWU simply scored a lot more than Eau Claire's previous opponents.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: veterancciwfan on March 08, 2009, 11:12:02 PM
Regarding the bracket IWU is in, half of the top 10 teams in the country were in it and now three of the remaining top 6 teams advance to the IWU sectional (IWU #1, Stevens Point #4 and Wash. U. #6). The likelihood is that the winner of the IWU sectional will be national champs. Can you imagine the D1 Tournament committee setting up the men's or women's NCAA tournament so that the #1 team in the country would logically play the #4 team in only the 3rd round? Of course not, but the NCAA, which has billions, won't spend a little of it's wealth to reward seeding. And I'm well aware of the reasons behind the NCAA philisophy of D3 competion. Oh well, we all know that the NCAA merely tolerates D3, even though the true student-athlete (and I stress student) competes at the D3 level. Just happy that the D3 national committee is paying for the plane ride for St. Benedict to fly to Bloomington. Should be an exciting tournament. Did Stevens Point beat South Dakota or S. D. State on the road this year?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2009, 11:48:20 PM
Quote from: veterancciwfan on March 08, 2009, 11:12:02 PM
Regarding the bracket IWU is in, half of the top 10 teams in the country were in it and now three of the remaining top 6 teams advance to the IWU sectional (IWU #1, Stevens Point #4 and Wash. U. #6). The likelihood is that the winner of the IWU sectional will be national champs. Can you imagine the D1 Tournament committee setting up the men's or women's NCAA tournament so that the #1 team in the country would logically play the #4 team in only the 3rd round? Of course not, but the NCAA, which has billions, won't spend a little of it's wealth to reward seeding. And I'm well aware of the reasons behind the NCAA philisophy of D3 competion. Oh well, we all know that the NCAA merely tolerates D3, even though the true student-athlete (and I stress student) competes at the D3 level. Just happy that the D3 national committee is paying for the plane ride for St. Benedict to fly to Bloomington. Should be an exciting tournament. Did Stevens Point beat South Dakota or S. D. State on the road this year?

The women's committee still beats the heck out of the men's: the sectional at Wheaton consists of the national #1, #2, #3, and #7 teams!  (With #4, #5, and #8 having already been eliminated.)  And glad you mentioned the sectional being in B'town rather than UWSP as we all expected - the men's committee has NEVER voluntarily ponied-up for a plane flight to protect the integrity of seeds.  Given the d3 regionalism philosophy (and economic realities), I think the women's tourney is just about as good as it gets.

[But, yes, that sectional IS a doozy! ;D]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 09, 2009, 02:24:12 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2009, 02:44:25 PM
I'm pleasantly surprised (bordering on shocked ;)) that IWU will host rather than UWSP.  In a discussion of host selection in the CCIW men's thread, Pat said he believes this is the first time ever that the NCAA has voluntarily ponied-up for a plane flight to maintain seeding integrity. 

What I actually said was that I can't recall the men ever doing it. I didn't say anything about the women or whether this was the first time ever.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2009, 07:40:00 AM
Quote from: veterancciwfan on March 08, 2009, 11:12:02 PM
Did Stevens Point beat South Dakota or S. D. State on the road this year?

It was Eau Claire who beat South Dakota on the road, 62-50.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2009, 09:49:11 PM
Other than being the toughest opponent the Titans have faced (at least since Wash U in the second game of the season - and who is the likely opponent for the winner), does anyone know anything about UWSP?  Size or speed (or both :o)?  Defensive-minded or up-tempo?  Main threats?  Anything?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 09, 2009, 09:59:30 PM
UWSP has a history of outstanding post players, but this team has been an exception to that tradition. They have good post players but their strength is in their guards (and their post players who step out and act like guards).  They take a lot of stuff off the dribble and are very quick.  They don't full court press per se, but they almost always pick up the point guard for the length of the floor.

Their biggest strength this year is their balance. They've had games where they score 80 points and nobody has more than 12.  They've had 8 different players lead the team in scoring at least once this year.  The kid who led them in scoring in the second round game (Flease) had never been their leading scorer all season until that game.  It's not possible to key on just 1 or 2 kids with them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2009, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 09, 2009, 09:59:30 PM
UWSP has a history of outstanding post players, but this team has been an exception to that tradition. They have good post players but their strength is in their guards (and their post players who step out and act like guards).  They take a lot of stuff off the dribble and are very quick.  They don't full court press per se, but they almost always pick up the point guard for the length of the floor.

Their biggest strength this year is their balance. They've had games where they score 80 points and nobody has more than 12.  They've had 8 different players lead the team in scoring at least once this year.  The kid who led them in scoring in the second round game (Flease) had never been their leading scorer all season until that game.  It's not possible to key on just 1 or 2 kids with them.

Thanks, Bill.  I gave my response on the WIAC board.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2009, 01:34:14 PM
Here are the 2FG % and 3FG % for conference-only games (not counting the CCIW tournament) :
                             2FG                                 3FG
IWU           308/585  .526                   99/325  .305
CARTH       270/574  .470                    60/194  .309
MILL          223/487  .458                   89/252  .353
WHE          292/648  .451                   84/259  .324
ELMH         305/725  .421                   37/153  .242
NC             255/630  .405                   60/188  .319
AUG           220/549  .401                   47/187  .251
NP             206/582  .354                   43/161  .267

Elmhurst shot 52 two-point attempts per game, by far the most in the league (Wheaton next at 46) and took only 11 threes per game. IWU tried 23 threes per game.
IWU (910) and Wheaton (907) were at the top in total FG attempts and had the least turnovers (16.4, 16.1) per game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 11, 2009, 01:39:14 PM
I was a little disappointed that Claire Sheehan didn't bring another Josten's Trophy back to Bloomington.  Her resume seemed pretty impressive - certainly someone to be proud of as an alum.  Then I read the list of accomplishments of the two winners - holy cow!  Not to take anything away from Sheehan, but the winners are remarkable student athletes.

I love the Jostens Trophy, my only regret is that the only people that know about it are people that come to this site (and maybe a few others).  Wouldn't it be great if ESPN had a presentation show like they do for the Heisman?  All 20 nominees for the award are remarkable young people, they give me hope for a future in times that are pretty dire.  Wouldn't it be great if our society put them up on the pedestal?  These students are the real role models - not TO or A-Rod.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 11, 2009, 01:48:37 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 09, 2009, 09:59:30 PM
Their biggest strength this year is their balance. They've had games where they score 80 points and nobody has more than 12.  They've had 8 different players lead the team in scoring at least once this year.  The kid who led them in scoring in the second round game (Flease) had never been their leading scorer all season until that game.  It's not possible to key on just 1 or 2 kids with them.

SP's balance does not worry me so much as their depth.  IWU has been crushing teams in the second half because they are so deep.  They will often have nine players get 10+ minutes.  Their full court press seems to be broken early, but gets more tenacious as the opponent gets frustrated/tired.  IWU has several long, athletic players that keep the pressure going for forty minutes.  A team that only goes two deep on the bench is going to be in a lot of trouble in the second half.

That is why I think UWSP might be a pretty tough matchup against IWU - especially if SP's strength is in their guards.  A deep team with good guards is exactly the kind of team that could knock off the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 11, 2009, 02:43:01 PM
I think the biggest advantage IWU will have is being at home. They shoot the lights out at the Shirk Center
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2009, 06:57:44 PM
Some more conference-games-only stats :
Percentages of their points scored according to shot type.
              via FTs         via 2FG           via 3FG
AUG         .230             .583               .187
CARTH     .204             .597               .199
ELMH       .184             .690               .126
IWU         .186             .549               .265
MILL        .194             .504               .302
NC           .209             .585               .206
NP           .255             .567               .178
WHE        .184             .570               .246

North Park and Augustana relied on free throws quite a bit. That could be a by-product of the defenses that were employed against them.
Millikin got a significant portion of their scoring from threes, where they led the conference with 35.3% accuracy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2009, 08:51:18 PM
Wash U women win in Bloomington, into the Elite 8.  IWU up next with WIAC SP.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 13, 2009, 09:36:33 PM
IWU up 8 at the half.  36-28.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 13, 2009, 10:13:49 PM
IWU 58, UWSP 44, 9 to go.

Solari just injured with poke to the eye. :(  Hopefully nothing serious.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 13, 2009, 10:36:37 PM
Titans win, 77-64.

Re-match with Wash U tomorrow. :)

I won't make my reservations for Holland until tomorrow night, but I'm feelin' good! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 13, 2009, 10:54:58 PM
Christina Solari had a monster game, leading the Titans in points, rebounds, AND assists.  I don't follow the national scene in women's nearly as much as in men's, but if she isn't national POY I have no clue who is.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 13, 2009, 11:12:13 PM
Very nice work by the Titans tonight.  Solid play by everyone.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 13, 2009, 11:26:17 PM
Mr. Ypsi:

Take a look at what Hillary Klimowicz is doing for unranked TCNJ.  She has a very good POY resume, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2009, 11:27:58 PM
Titans are keeping it rolling.  Strong play by everyone, starters and bench.  Double-double, superb game by Solari for sure.  Keep it rolling -- Wash U up next, a good challenge, but Final Four in sight now.  2000 at The Shirk for Women's basketball . . . great to see.  Elite 8 -- great job!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 12:57:03 AM
Just spend about 45 minutes typing a report with detailed stats and lost it as the mouse slipped. 

Final Four-Quality atmosphere matchup tonight at Shirk between UW-Stevens Point and IWU.  2000 (including an all-volunteer Titan Band on the first night of IWU's Spring Break) watched (as everyone now knows), the Titans prevail, 77-64.

Christina Solari's 18 points, 13 rebounds, and team-leading 5 assists sparked the Titans, who had four in double figures.  Colleen Caplice was heroic all over the court.  Mallory Heydorn's 4 assists and 4 blocks were huge.

Stevens Point is a very good team; this matchup felt like a heavyweight boxing match with each slide slugging it out.  Congratulations to the Pointers on an excellent game and, evidently, a very good season in winning the WIAC.

The Titans' rematch with Wash U should be another good battle.  Looking forward to it!



Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 02:53:43 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 13, 2009, 11:26:17 PM
Mr. Ypsi:

Take a look at what Hillary Klimowicz is doing for unranked TCNJ.  She has a very good POY resume, too.

Those are some pretty impressive stats.  But I don't think I'd want to make a trade! ;)

Anyone else on the radar?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2009, 11:13:09 AM
That was a very good win for the Titans last night, against a strong, talented opponent.
All nine Titans that played did good work. Claire Sheehan missed just one shot, scoring 15. As mentioned by others, Christina Solari was her usual excellent self, as was Mallory Heydorn.
Stacey Arlis exceeded her customary 70% shooting average and did well in all aspects of the game.
Hope Schulte keeps getting better and better, playing a superb all-around game. Colleen Caplice was a strong, effective presence at both ends of the court.
Nikki Preston, Holly Harvey and Kylie Castans each contributed in multiple ways in their time on the court.
Another tough opponent awaits tonight. Wash U displayed an interestingly varied offense last evening. From my observation, you could not predict what they were going to try in any possession or even where the point guard would dribble to, to set up a play. So, it'll be a good contest. Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Lorasbball on March 14, 2009, 11:14:46 AM
All American Finalists
http://www.wbca.org/Releases/SFCAATFinalistsDIII09.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2009, 01:06:38 PM
Claire Sheehan is very deserving.  But, how can it be that Christina Solari is not on the list nominated for All-American?  On a team 31-0 and leading in almost all statistical categories.  Bizarre.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 14, 2009, 01:10:59 PM
Thanks to the Titans for making it fairly easy on me last night as a scoreboard watched intently from King Arena.  The lead was never huge, but it seemed like it was always at least 8.

Very proud of the Titans and will be glued to the IWU/Wash U live stats while broadcasting St. Thomas vs Wash U men.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 02:23:43 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 13, 2009, 11:26:17 PM
Mr. Ypsi:

Take a look at what Hillary Klimowicz is doing for unranked TCNJ.  She has a very good POY resume, too.

Gordon,

Yes, Hillary Klimowicz is a very impressive player.  I thnk she's gotten quite a bit of press: I've heard of her from coverage on D3hoops, and, I think, on Hoopsville as well.  Wasn't she also on the cover of Sports Illustrated for leaving a DI school?

Still, I think it's fair to put forward the case for an outstanding player who happens to play in the CCIW, who hasn't gotten quite as much national attention, on the CCIW board.

Here's a comparison of stats for Klimowicz and IWU's Christina Solari:

Klimowicz:  20.3 points per game
                 10.8 rebounds per game
                 1.9 assists per game
                 28 steals for the season
                 112 blocks for the season (all out of 26 games from the TCNJ website).
                 Klimowicz's points represent 30% of TCNJ's 68.0 average.

Solari:  14.3 points per game
            10.1 rebounds per game
            3.7 assists per game
            64 steals for the season
            11 blocks for the season (all out of 30 games from the IWU website).
            Solari's points represent 18% of IWU's 79.5 average.

Solari's additional 2 assists per game essentially bring her even with Klimowicz in the number of points she's created; the primary difference is that IWU scores more points (and does not require Solari to score as much).  Both are admirable players and very worthy of consideration for post-season honors.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 14, 2009, 04:05:18 PM
Best of luck to IWU tonight--should be a real battle. Once again, I think home court advantage is huge for the Titans, especially with the way the IWU community has been rallying in support of the team. Keep carrying the CCIW flag all the way to Holland!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2009, 08:30:56 PM
Cold shooting night for the Titans.  Looks like trouble.  Wash U up big late in the 1st half.  Gotta make some shots to get back in.  So far, all Bears.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 08:38:34 PM
Here's hoping Mia Smith has one heckuva a halftime plan - Titans down 20-31 at intermission.

And there won't be a home court advantage at the FF as Hope comes up one game short (again), 46-58 to George Fox.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2009, 08:39:56 PM
Not very pretty Mark,  Iif IWU had hit for season average then I have them with a two point lead rather than down 11
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2009, 08:41:53 PM
Officials are 'letting them play' in the paint.  Typical of NCAA sectional championship games.  IWU needs to work the ball inside more - get a bucket or get to the foul line.  And, nothing wrong with 12-14' jump shots when the three not falling
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 09:04:49 PM
So far, looks like Mia's halftime magic is holding - 6 minutes in the Bears' lead is down to 5.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: devildog29 on March 14, 2009, 09:07:23 PM
3's are starting to fall.  Hopefully they continue to do so.  Within 2 now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: closetothechest on March 14, 2009, 09:45:34 PM
Wash U wins the one that counts, 58-53.  Great job by a Hall of Fame Coach. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2009, 09:49:45 PM
Great game, both teams putting it all out there.  Titans cold shooting first half cost them.  Great comeback, never giving up, but just 2-3 shots short of the Final Four.  Sad.  Must have been a real knock down, tough defensive battle to hold both teams below 60.  % shooting by both teams down, esp. Titans. 

Congrats to Wash U -- go on and win it all.  Super congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on the best season in IWU basketball history bar none.  A great achievement.  You have moved IWU women's basketball to an entirely new level of excellence and fan support.  The Titan Nation is grateful to each of you!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2009, 09:54:25 PM
Temendous game by IWU and WashU.  The Titans just dug a big 11 point deficit in 1st half on 20% FG shooting.  Good effort in 2nd half by Titans. 

WashU came out strong with a solid game plan and, for the most part, stayed with it.  IWu could not get anything substantial to fall through the hoop in the 1st half despite good, open looks.  Final 58-53 WashU.

Thanks for an exciting season IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:01:36 PM
While it was a GREAT season, I'm too steamed to let it just go at that quite yet.  The killer came from the zebras with about 2 minutes left.  With the game very much  on the line, and perhaps one second away from a backcourt time violation, they called a phantom foul on the Titans.  A turnover turns instead into two points for Wash U.  And if what was done to Solari on the court tonight (usually with no call) had been done off the court, someone would be going to prison! >:(

This is NOT intended to take anything away from Wash U - they earned the win.  But with better officiating, things might have turned out differently.

With the demise of my finalists (IWU over Hope) tonight, my women's pickem bracket turned from contender to garbage. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 14, 2009, 10:09:25 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:01:36 PM
While it was a GREAT season, I'm too steamed to let it just go at that quite yet.  The killer came from the zebras with about 2 minutes left.  With the game very much  on the line, and perhaps one second away from a backcourt time violation, they called a phantom foul on the Titans.  A turnover turns instead into two points for Wash U.  And if what was done to Solari on the court tonight (usually with no call) had been done off the court, someone would be going to prison! >:(

This is NOT intended to take anything away from Wash U - they earned the win.  But with better officiating, things might have turned out differently.

With the demise of my finalists (IWU over Hope) tonight, my women's pickem bracket turned from contender to garbage. :(

There are no backcourt 10-second violations in women's basketball. They can stay in the backcourt as long as they want.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:12:29 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 14, 2009, 10:09:25 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:01:36 PM
While it was a GREAT season, I'm too steamed to let it just go at that quite yet.  The killer came from the zebras with about 2 minutes left.  With the game very much  on the line, and perhaps one second away from a backcourt time violation, they called a phantom foul on the Titans.  A turnover turns instead into two points for Wash U.  And if what was done to Solari on the court tonight (usually with no call) had been done off the court, someone would be going to prison! >:(

This is NOT intended to take anything away from Wash U - they earned the win.  But with better officiating, things might have turned out differently.

With the demise of my finalists (IWU over Hope) tonight, my women's pickem bracket turned from contender to garbage. :(

There are no backcourt 10-second violations in women's basketball. They can stay in the backcourt as long as they want.

Thanks for the info - serves me right for neglecting the women's game until IWU suddenly became a power!

The shot clock was down to about 8 when they called the 'phantom' foul, so it still might have been a turnover.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 14, 2009, 10:15:13 PM
Congrats to IWU for a great season
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 10:25:42 PM
We were discussing the phantom foul in the car on the way home.  Although I may complain about individual calls during a game, I rarely think that the refs have influenced the outcome of a game.  But that one--the one I'm thinking of was on Claire Sheehan in the open court, when the Titans were about to get a five-second count on the ball handler (not any sort of over-and-back).  It did feel that that might have shifted the momentum.  The comments about "letting them play" under the basket are right on--both sides got away with a lot.  But little touch fouls elsewhere were whistled.

Anyway...the Titans simply spotted the Bears too many points early in the game.  IWU blew easy layups and couldn't buy, beg, or steal a rebound, while the Wash U 3 shooters shot the lights out.  The resurgence in the second half came as a result of Mia Smith laying into them during a timeout.  "Where is the intensity in our press?  You do it for one or two passes and then quit!"  They came out energized, and we, the crowd made Shirk as loud as I have ever heard it.  I really thought they would pull themselves back, but it was not to be.  Wash U was the better team tonight and deserve to move on.

It was a fabulous, magical season for the Titans.  As Mia said to the crowd afterward, at the beginning of the season there would be maybe 50 people at the games, and now there are 2000.  They were fun to watch and easy to support.  We enjoyed getting to know the team members and their families.  Many thanks, ladies--we'll see you next season!

Best of luck to the remaining competitors!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:56:45 PM
HT,

Since we will not now be meeting in Holland, a question:

The Titans lose a ton to graduation (oops - hope Mallory, Claire, etc., won't take that as a 'weight' joke ;)), but have some amazing players returning.  In your opinion, are we looking at a veritable dynasty in the CCIW, or is next year a step back?  (I wouldn't expect another 31-0, but are they still the 'big dogs' [another term that could get me in trouble ;D] in the conference?)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 11:22:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:56:45 PM
HT,

Since we will not now be meeting in Holland, a question:

The Titans lose a ton to graduation (oops - hope Mallory, Claire, etc., won't take that as a 'weight' joke ;)), but have some amazing players returning.  In your opinion, are we looking at a veritable dynasty in the CCIW, or is next year a step back?  (I wouldn't expect another 31-0, but are they still the 'big dogs' [another term that could get me in trouble ;D] in the conference?)

Mr. Y,

First, you really should come back to Bloomington for a game!  :)

I think that IWU has a great basis on which to build.  First, Christina Solari is a junior this year.  She'll be here next season, and that counts for a ton (carrying on the weight theme...).  Many of the "second string" players here this year would have been starters at many schools, so my opinion is that IWU is well-stocked for the immediate future.  In large part, this is due to Mia Smith's tireless recruiting efforts...I have no doubts she is still quite active in that regard this season.

One can never promise 30-0 in repetition, but they are certainly stronger than when Mallory Heydorn, Claire Sheehan, and Colleen Caplice committed to IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2009, 11:48:02 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 11:22:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:56:45 PM
HT,

Since we will not now be meeting in Holland, a question:

The Titans lose a ton to graduation (oops - hope Mallory, Claire, etc., won't take that as a 'weight' joke ;)), but have some amazing players returning.  In your opinion, are we looking at a veritable dynasty in the CCIW, or is next year a step back?  (I wouldn't expect another 31-0, but are they still the 'big dogs' [another term that could get me in trouble ;D] in the conference?)

Mr. Y,

First, you really should come back to Bloomington for a game!  :)

I think that IWU has a great basis on which to build.  First, Christina Solari is a junior this year.  She'll be here next season, and that counts for a ton (carrying on the weight theme...).  Many of the "second string" players here this year would have been starters at many schools, so my opinion is that IWU is well-stocked for the immediate future.  In large part, this is due to Mia Smith's tireless recruiting efforts...I have no doubts she is still quite active in that regard this season.

One can never promise 30-0 in repetition, but they are certainly stronger than when Mallory Heydorn, Claire Sheehan, and Colleen Caplice committed to IWU.
I agree.  Titans have the talent to be as good next season.  And, from a recruit's perspective, IWU represents a really attractive WBB program.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 15, 2009, 12:02:15 AM
Three things bothered me, with respect to WashU, coming into tonight's game: 1) Bears' ability to well execute a half-court offense; 2) Ability to get back on defense.  I had particularly noted how well WashU out hustled StBen in that aspect. Almost every time, WashU beat St Ben back down the court and often turning a St Ben 2 on 1 advantage into a 2 on 4 disadvantage. and 3) Could (and would) IWU penetrate the middle to break down the zone?

WashU came out with a good game plan and stayed with it.  I felt IWU's defense could handle #1 (and it did for the most part).  I thought IWU could handle #2 (and did also - the ball just did not drop through the hoop). 

I was disappointed in the Titan offensive approach on #3 above.  In the first half, with the three's not dropping, IWU did not take the ball to the hoop.  While the Titans did a better job in the 2nd half, for some reason, a little success with the three took them out of penetrating the middle.  I did not understand that - particularly when the Titans were able to cut the margin with the clock off - from the foul line by making free throws obtained from opportunities created by going to the hoop from the paint.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2009, 12:26:50 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 11:22:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2009, 10:56:45 PM
HT,

Since we will not now be meeting in Holland, a question:

The Titans lose a ton to graduation (oops - hope Mallory, Claire, etc., won't take that as a 'weight' joke ;)), but have some amazing players returning.  In your opinion, are we looking at a veritable dynasty in the CCIW, or is next year a step back?  (I wouldn't expect another 31-0, but are they still the 'big dogs' [another term that could get me in trouble ;D] in the conference?)

Mr. Y,

First, you really should come back to Bloomington for a game!  :)

I think that IWU has a great basis on which to build.  First, Christina Solari is a junior this year.  She'll be here next season, and that counts for a ton (carrying on the weight theme...).  Many of the "second string" players here this year would have been starters at many schools, so my opinion is that IWU is well-stocked for the immediate future.  In large part, this is due to Mia Smith's tireless recruiting efforts...I have no doubts she is still quite active in that regard this season.

One can never promise 30-0 in repetition, but they are certainly stronger than when Mallory Heydorn, Claire Sheehan, and Colleen Caplice committed to IWU.

I'd like that (and if IWU is IN the FF next year, I'll be there).  I took a Bloomington trip in December 2004, but no one in my family has any ties to d3, so it isn't easy.  #1 son is now a college junior (U of Michigan), so largely irrelevant to my travels (though we're still his laundromat and occasional ATM), but #2 son is a hand full.  Wife is very understanding, but I hate to leave her in the lurch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2009, 09:56:57 AM
Congratulations for an excellent season to the whole Titan team, to those who played the most and to those who were prepared to step in, whenever called upon. IWU represented our conference with style and determination.
Colleen Caplice, Claire Sheehan and Mallory Heydorn all had superb NCAA careers. Hopefully, the sadness from last night will fade away quickly.
It was my pleasure to talk to the Mallory Dad numerous times this season -- a nice guy, who should be highly proud of his daughter. He knows what the players throughout the CCIW have gone through to make it to the college level and has complimented many of them for their effort and play.
As for next year, the Titans will be very good, even if no one was added to the roster. We know that Coach Smith recruits as well as anyone, so we can anticipate more new good Titans.
It will take something extraordinary, not ordinary, to top them in the CCIW in '09-'10.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Fawkes316 on March 15, 2009, 10:42:10 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2009, 10:25:42 PM
We were discussing the phantom foul in the car on the way home.  Although I may complain about individual calls during a game, I rarely think that the refs have influenced the outcome of a game.  But that one--the one I'm thinking of was on Claire Sheehan in the open court, when the Titans were about to get a five-second count on the ball handler (not any sort of over-and-back).  It did feel that that might have shifted the momentum. 

Quote from: Just Bill on March 14, 2009, 10:09:25 PM
There are no backcourt 10-second violations in women's basketball. They can stay in the backcourt as long as they want.

When you say "ball-handler" was the player dribbling?

There are no five-seconds calls when the ball is being dribbled. The only five second calls in women's basketball are when the ball is being held, or on the in-bounds.

I have actually seen teams stay in the backcourt and dribble the ball to run out the clock at the end of the game. Consequently, pressing at the end of a game is pretty pointless once the ball is inbounded. Teams have to foul right away.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 15, 2009, 10:46:59 AM
My recollection is that a ball-handler had picked up her dribble and was trapped by two other players; the foul was on someone else who looked to me to be just running in the open court.  The video of the game will probably be online on the iwusports.com website in a day or so if it's not already.  Personally, I have no desire to watch it again, but feel free! 

I don't want to leave this part of the discussion with the idea that I said that that call, or any call, changed the game completely.  As I said before, Wash U did an excellent job of executing their game plan, and the Titans did not in the first half.  This game was almost a reverse of the one in St. Louis (the first one I saw the Titans play this year), where the Titans had a 5-8 point lead throughout much of the second half and then the Bears went on a run at the end to leave the gap at 3.  We knew it would be close going in, and it was, with Wash U holding off the challenge this time.  The result was fair and well-earned.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 16, 2009, 02:23:39 PM
Here's a look at who will not be returning next year to each school:

Augie:
Sarah Rachwalski (7.4 ppg)

Carthage:
Shana Lieberman (5.3 ppg)
Carlie Janowiak (4.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg) 3rd team all-CCIW
Katie Jarger (12.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg), 2nd team all-CCIW, top scorer
Lisa Gartelos (9.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg), 3rd team all-CCIW

Elmhurst:
Amber Hendricks (0.8 ppg)
Jen Myers (2.4 ppg)
Marissa Parker (1.1 ppg)
Brittany Bobruk (10.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg)

Illinois Wesleyan:
Claire Sheehan (13.5 ppg,76 assists), 1st team all-CCIW (not sure why this wasn't unanimous)
Mallory Heydorn (11.4 ppg, 87 assists) 2nd team all-CCIW
Colleen Caplice (4.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg)

Millikin:
Ricki Dorsett (5.0 ppg)
Ally James (2.4 ppg)
Jacquie Larson (2.0 ppg)
Kayla Pembrook (11.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg), 2nd team all-CCIW
Whitney Schwartz (6.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Tracie Yantis (10.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg)

North Central (nice new athletics website, by the way):
Gia Navarra (7.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg)
Amber Cibrario (3.8 ppg)
Brianne Parra (13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 1st team all-CCIW, top scorer

North Park:
Amanda Phillips (10.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
LaRae Kostreva (14.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg), 2nd team all-CCIW, top scorer/rebounder
Stylianee Damianides (6.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 79 assists)

Wheaton:
Noelle Dryden (1.9 ppg)
Lynnea Kvam (8.3 ppg, 63 three-pointers a single season Wheaton record), 3rd team all-CCIW
Kathleen Fidelia (18.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 107 assists, 71 steals), unanimous 1st team all-CCIW
Jamie Jones (12.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 2nd team all-CCIW
Whitney Edgecombe (5.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg)

There's a lot of talent in those lists. Just about every team is losing significant piece(s) to the puzzle. Carthage loses a ton of talent, Wesleyan loses three good players (but also has a ton of returning talent), Millikin loses a bunch (Elise Wildman stays though), North Central says goodbye to a couple of its top players, North Parks top scorers are gone, and Wheaton loses its top three scorers as well (including one of the best overall players in the conference).

Looking ahead, IWU (with MOP Solari back) and Elmhurst (Long is returning) both look to be in pretty good shape for 09-10. Everybody else has some big shoes to fill.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2009, 07:15:11 PM
Thanks, thundermike, for taking the time to list all the seniors for us.
Their absence next fall will be a significant impact on their teams and the conference as a whole.
The first one on the list is a good example. Sarah Rachwalski had a nice career with Augie. She could shoot (and maybe should have more often) and played solid defense. But I think it's her ballhandling that will be missed the most. Good dribbling doesn't show in the stats, but is a vital component in a functioning offense. Augie will need others to pick up in that area, and I don't limit that to guards.
Millikin is losing a big portion (6 players) of its team.  However, that will open up opportunity for others.
One such player that could grab playing time is Julia Robert, who played 195 minutes as a freshman this season. Her shooting was very good, albeit a small sample : 11/22 on twos (.500), 7/19 threes (.368) and 7/8 FTs (.875). She might be someone to keep an eye on. Her fellow Big Blue freshman and former high school teammate, Bethany Wellbaum, also 5' 7", played 324 minutes this year. In the pair of games I saw, I liked her speed and general athleticism. It would not surprise me if she also is very prominent for Millikin next year.
I wish we had a Millikin fan among our readers, to perhaps contribute insight about the Decatur team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2009, 10:09:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 17, 2006, 03:10:12 PM
IWU has picked up a pair of very athletic guards in Mallory Heydorn and Claire Sheehan. From what I saw Saturday at Elmhurst, I'd say IWU will be happy to have them for four years.

Speaking of freshman guards, when I attended the Nov 29 NC at Wheaton game, Kathleen Fidelia impressed me as being the next Laura Mount. I see that she nabbed 7 steals in 25 minutes at North Park. If Fidelia improves her offense from year to year, as Mount has done, she will be quite good.

Just ran across this old post as I was researching something.

RogK,  I commend your eye for freshman talent! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2009, 10:17:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2006, 03:04:21 PM
Congratulations to CCIW Most Outstanding Player, Heidi Harnisch of IWU.
Playing through pain for a lot of the season, she still ranked 3rd in the nation in 3 point pct at .478 and led the conference with .506. Her 2.9 made threes/game was 15th best nationally and her 3.07/game led the CCIW. All excellent numbers. Obviously, she does more than shoot threes. Her ability to cut to the hoop makes her even more difficult to guard.
IWU will be lucky to find another 5'10" player who can shoot and score so well, although they did find Harnisch when it was time to replace previous MVP Katie Cantrell, who was a similarly superb 5'10" player.
All CCIW teams need a Heidi Harnisch or two.
Again, congratulations to the league's new MVP.


Before you get a swelled head, I had to add this one! ;)

Although injured most of her freshman year, Christina Solari entered school that fall. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2009, 11:26:26 PM
Obviously, I feel chatty tonight! ;)

Not many teams could survive the graduation of a Mallory Heydorn-Claire Sheehan backcourt, but I THINK the Titans have so much talent on the bench they will only take a half-step back.  Comments?

It's way pre-mature to speculate (one never knows when the next Ippel/Trenz freshmen will arrive, or the super transfer), but as of today would I be safe in assuming that IWU will still be heavily favored next year?

BTW, just to sow the seeds of terror in the opposition - Christina Solari will be a senior, but she is fully eligible for a medical redshirt year!  I have no clue whether she would take it - I doubt even she would know, and the decision may be up to her parents (after all, there are already two Solari's at IWU - any more in the pipeline? ;D), but be forewarned.  She COULD play two more years! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 17, 2009, 12:25:35 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2009, 11:26:26 PM
Not many teams could survive the graduation of a Mallory Heydorn-Claire Sheehan backcourt, but I THINK the Titans have so much talent on the bench they will only take a half-step back.  Comments?

It's way pre-mature to speculate (one never knows when the next Ippel/Trenz freshmen will arrive, or the super transfer), but as of today would I be safe in assuming that IWU will still be heavily favored next year?

I think IWU will be favored again next year, and Elmhurst will probably be right behind them. Not only do the Titans return Solari, but also 5 other players who played in at least 30 games this year (Schulte, Preston, Arlis, Castens, Harvey). They have plenty of talent returning, though I wouldn't expect another 30-1. In addition to Lyndsie Long, Elmhurst returns Meghan Merklein, Kelsey Monroe, and Megan Ney so they should be in pretty good shape too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2009, 12:51:11 PM
Thanks, Mr. Ypsi, for your compliment. But, it didn't take a lot of smarts to immediately see that Fidelia, Sheehan and Heydorn were all going to be excellent. I don't think I saw Christina play in that year of her injury; I remember that Mia Smith said Christina was quite a rebounder.
Elmhurst loses a fine player in Brittany Bobruk. Several players will have to become strong rebounders and defenders to replace what she did for the Jays. If her numbers were down this season, it's understandable -- I believe she lost a close family member in November or December.
Elmhurst has a nice group of players coming back, for sure.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 17, 2009, 06:48:17 PM
D3hoops.com All-Region teams are out and the CCIW is well represented

1st Team:
Kathleen Fidelia (Wheaton)
Christina Solari (IWU)- Central Region Player of the Year

2nd Team:
Claire Sheehan (IWU)

3rd Team:
Lyndsie Long (Elmhurst)

Central Region Coach of the Year: Mia Smith (IWU)

Congrats to all!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2009, 01:44:14 PM
Since I referred to Elmhurst's rebounding in my previous post, I thought I'd better actually look at the stats.
Brittany Bobruk did lead the team with .274 per minute.
Here are the per-minute averages for the rest of the team, excluding the seniors and those who didn't play at least 100 minutes (an arbitrary cut-off).
CJ Harris .270, L Benson .234, L Long .230, M Ney .221, M McTeague .203,
M Merklein .198, C Randick .129, A Randazzo .117, K Monroe .111,
C Gentry .100.
The last four are guards and guards commonly have rebounding numbers like theirs. Lyndsie Long's .230 is very good for a player of her size and by no means does she have to improve at rebounding or anything else. She's a fabulous player as is.
Harris's .270 was very good. Elmhurst may also ask Benson, Ney and McTeague to replace Bobruk's high level of rebounding. And, of course, incoming freshman and/or those under-100-minute players could help in '09-'10 as well.
Overall, Elmhurst looks good going into next season. Meghan Merklein finished her freshman year impressively and Kelsey Monroe got over her mid-season shooting slump. The Jays are not yet up there with Illinois Wesleyan, but they can reasonably aspire to it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 19, 2009, 07:22:51 PM
Carthage will be a different team next year, with the graduating of Katie Jarger, Lisa Gartelos, Shana Lieberman and Carlie Janowiak this spring.
The only returning players that you'd consider to be a center or power forward are Katherine Burshiem and Rosie Dorn. The rest are guards or small forwards, which might result in their offense being a little less half-court oriented. Maybe.
Dani Ripkey hit .397 of her threes this year and it sounds like she'll have a green light to fire away next season, based on some web site quotes from the coach. I think she should, too, from what I saw. If she plays 20:00, she should take 14-15 threes. (Yes, I like threes.)
They have a nice bunch of other mid-sized players, any of which could blossom, since there will be a lot of open playing time.
Cory Bazany had 20 FT attempts in just 60 minutes. That's sorta interesting, ain't it?


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2009, 02:34:00 PM
Congratulations to Claire Sheehan on making the 2009 NCAA Division III State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball Team.
Only ten players get that honor, nationwide.
IWU's web site article lists some of her basketball achievements, all adding up to a very fine career.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 21, 2009, 04:29:22 AM
Congrats to Claire Sheehan on being named All-American.  A great honor.  And congrats to Christina Solari for Regional Player of the Year.  Also a great honor.  Coach Smith did a great job all year!

Looks like Wash U may go on and win it all on both sides -- from the Bracket of death on one side and surviving Shirk over the Titans on the other.  Too bad such tough games in the Midwest have to happen in round of 32 and 16 and 8, before Final Four trips. 

Congrats to IWU's national women's track athlete of the year, nationally -- wow, that's something too!  Ms. Rocca I believe. 

A good year for women's athletics at IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 22, 2009, 05:28:26 PM
Congratulations to Christina Solari, third team D3Hoops All-American.
She had a very good year. And, looking ahead to '09-'10, there isn't anyone you'd rather have than her, to build a team around.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2009, 11:12:29 PM
Since I had convinced myself that Christina Solari was a legitimate national POY candidate, I was initially disappointed she was 'only' third team.  But Pat does teams fairly strictly by positions (he's willing to fudge a bit, with 3 guards first team for the men, but shooting guards and small forwards are often pretty interchangeable 'wings' - see Keelan Amelianovich!), a stance I strongly agree with.  Since the first team center was Hillary Klimowicz, who took a team otherwise far inferior to IWU to the Final Four (and was named POY), and the second team center was Kristen Shielee, who as the sole significant senior led a bunch of freshmen and sophomores to the title, my disappointment soon evaporated (and she still beat out fourth team center Carrie Snikkers, an amazing talent for Hope).  While I don't know anything about the other front-court players named to the top teams, I have trouble believing they were all better than these four - I wonder if Pat considered calling any of them 'power forwards', or if they are all too clearly 'centers'?

What still surprises (and disappoints) me is that neither Kathleen Fidelia nor Claire Sheehan made even HM.  The CCIW has simply gotta step up in non-conference and post-season performance - we're getting the Rodney Dangerfield treatment! :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 23, 2009, 09:55:00 PM
To follow-up, I can't even legitimately complain that we are being unfairly disrespected.

A men's AA listing or Top 25 poll with only one CCIW player or team would (most years) not be credible.  I long for the day when the women reach that level.

Recently the post-season has been IWU's responsibility, and we didn't go as far as I anticipated (sorry! :P).  (For the men, it is a very down year when the post-season is the responsibility of just one team.)  Millikin and Wheaton 'carried' this conference almost from its inception, and need to get back to 'national' status.  Elmhurst seems a potential 'break-out' team next year.  Time for Carthage, North Park, North Central, and Augustana to add to the national stature of the conference.

C'mon folks, the CCIW should be a top 5 conference in women's hoops!  They're consistently top 2 or 3 in men's.  Go get 'em, women's CCIW! :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 24, 2009, 11:37:26 AM
Mr Ypsi, I agree with your post encouraging betterness among all the women's teams.
As a rare neutral observer, I'd like all of the games to be competitive and replete with excellent play.
Besides IWU, Wheaton and Carthage certainly had good years. Carthage finished at 18-9, despite playing only 8 home games.
North Central, Elmhurst and Millikin all were in "the middle of the pack."
Augie and North Park obviously had a tough time of it, going 1-13 in conference play. Augie has a lot more coming back in '09-'10 than NP does, and it's time for the Rock Islanders to get better results.
North Park's coaches have had less than a year in their positions and have a small handful of returning players, so if they improve next year, it would be a noteworthy accomplishment.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 26, 2009, 03:09:53 PM
I thought my last post might provoke a response from an Augustana partisan or two, but... silence.
Wheaton will probably be pretty good next year, by the way. They have a nice mix of players to bring back. Plus, no doubt some good freshman will arrive.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on March 26, 2009, 04:01:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 26, 2009, 03:09:53 PM
I thought my last post might provoke a response from an Augustana partisan or two, but... silence.
Wheaton will probably be pretty good next year, by the way. They have a nice mix of players to bring back. Plus, no doubt some good freshman will arrive.

Wheaton has some significant holes to fill and some injuries to overcome, but you are right that they have good players coming back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 26, 2009, 07:09:59 PM
The North Park web site Athletics page has a nice article telling us what ex-Viking guard Laura Mount is up to these days.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 02, 2009, 06:58:34 PM
I was looking at the conference-games-only scoring leaders and noted that these are the top 10 scorers who can return for '09-'10 :
L Long               EC  18.9
C Solari            IWU  13.5
M McGuire          NC  11.3
M Merklein         EC  11.1
E Wildman       MILL  10.4
C Zeigler         MILL  10.3
J Davis               NC  10
K Fox                AUG  9.9
L Coldebella     NP  9.9
N Runge           AUG  9.4
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 06, 2009, 11:27:18 AM
The conference-only non-senior rebounding leaders :
C Solari     9.9
J Errico      8
M McGuire 7.1
L Long      7.1
A Bowen   6.6
L Kasten   5.9
M Merklein 5.6
K Fox        5.4
E Wildman 5.1
K Burshiem 4.6
No, it didn't take me four days to figure that out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thundermike on April 07, 2009, 11:49:25 PM
Just looking at those scoring and rebounding numbers, it would seem that next year's POY race will be between this year's winner Christina Solari and Elmhurst star Lyndsie Long
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 08, 2009, 12:01:46 AM
Quote from: thundermike on April 07, 2009, 11:49:25 PM
Just looking at those scoring and rebounding numbers, it would seem that next year's POY race will be between this year's winner Christina Solari and Elmhurst start Lyndsie Long

I'd think they are definitely the leaders going in.  But I suppose we may as well wait for next year! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 10, 2009, 01:39:36 PM
It will be interesting to see how much more North Central relies on Meghan McGuire next year, since their usual number 1 low post scoring option Brianne Parra won't be there anymore.
McGuire, by the way, shot .568 in nonconference games and .569 in CCIW play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Pro on May 13, 2009, 09:31:03 AM
I'm an Augie Alum, and I'm a little worried about the current state of our WBB program! I just wanted to know how and when things are going to turn around. The current coach has but up some tough numbers in three years; 12-63 Overall & 5-37 in the CCIW...WOW! Coach Black put up better numbers than this and a change was made. Is it time to head in a different direction or will it turn around this coming season?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 13, 2009, 07:22:43 PM
cciw.org has the '09-'10 conference schedule. Saturdays will be different, with many 5:00 starts.
With one exception, there will be a women's game first, followed by a men's.
I don't particularly like that, since men's fans will likely seep in during the 2nd halves of games and contaminate the atmosphere.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dansand on May 14, 2009, 08:47:58 AM
Quote from: Old Pro on May 13, 2009, 09:31:03 AM
I'm an Augie Alum, and I'm a little worried about the current state of our WBB program! I just wanted to know how and when things are going to turn around. The current coach has but up some tough numbers in three years; 12-63 Overall & 5-37 in the CCIW...WOW! Coach Black put up better numbers than this and a change was made. Is it time to head in a different direction or will it turn around this coming season?

I don't follow women's hoops too closely, but these are Coach Endress' recruits that I know of so far for next year:

Maggie Barnes, 5-7, Living Word Lutheran (Jackson, WI)
Dori Gills, 5-10, Holy Family (Broomfield, CO)
Kelsey Mikula, 5-6, Coal City
Gianna Pecora, 5-5, Downers Grove South
Lizzy Warnken, 5-5, Centaurus (Lafayette, CO)
Kendall Wolter, 5-10, DeForest, WI

Gills is probably the one that jumps out the most. 1st team all-state and MVP of the Colorado 3A state tournament as a senior, and 2nd team all-state as a junior. Her team won the state championship both years.

These are the additions that I know of so far. There may be more. Whether it translates to more success, we'll just have to see.

Quote from: RogK on May 13, 2009, 07:22:43 PM
cciw.org has the '09-'10 conference schedule. Saturdays will be different, with many 5:00 starts.
With one exception, there will be a women's game first, followed by a men's.
I don't particularly like that, since men's fans will likely seep in during the 2nd halves of games and contaminate the atmosphere.

I'm pretty sure there are followers of both men's and women's basketball that aren't thrilled with the arrangement, but I think it's an unfortunate result of the current economic environment. Among followers of the women's game, I'm sure others share RogK's concern that the women won't be the main attraction. On the men's side, it'll be more difficult for coaches to conduct and monitor, and fans to follow, junior varsity progress.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 14, 2009, 01:38:56 PM
IWU's site lists these players under "Titan Class of 2013" :
Michelle Bilek, 5-9 guard, Mt. Prospect, Ill. (Loyola Academy)
Kenzie Floyd, 6-1 center, Mattoon, Ill. (HS)
Haley Kitchell, 5-7 guard, Davenport, Iowa (Rockridge HS)
Samantha Rubright, 5-9 guard, Bensenville, Ill. (Fenton HS)
My initial reaction to the above is to wonder if Rockridge HS was named in honor of the town that Sheriff Bart saved in the film "Blazing Saddles."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on May 15, 2009, 02:41:18 PM
I have seen the Gills kid play and she is a great get for Augie.  She will be a very good player when her 4 years is up.  I wonder how she got all the way to Illinois?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on May 15, 2009, 05:03:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 14, 2009, 01:38:56 PM
IWU's site lists these players under "Titan Class of 2013" :
Michelle Bilek, 5-9 guard, Mt. Prospect, Ill. (Loyola Academy)
Kenzie Floyd, 6-1 center, Mattoon, Ill. (HS)
Haley Kitchell, 5-7 guard, Davenport, Iowa (Rockridge HS)
Samantha Rubright, 5-9 guard, Bensenville, Ill. (Fenton HS)
My initial reaction to the above is to wonder if Rockridge HS was named in honor of the town that Sheriff Bart saved in the film "Blazing Saddles."


Article on IWU's recruiting class...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/05/13/usports/doc4a0b7cf73cbf6033879241.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Pro on May 20, 2009, 08:39:51 PM
That's a good question about the Gills kid coming all the way to Augie. I hope she can make a difference for them next season. However, one player rarely turns around a program by themselves. Also, lets face facts, if Endress cant turn things around next season, they (Augie) should make a change regardless of the economy. Actually, it kind of bothers me that AD's keep people just to keep them. Sorry, I'm just mad about the way things have gone and I'm rooting for things to get better. What are some other opinions about this? IWU is doing a fantastic job and best of luck to them this coming year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Chi_areahoopsfan on May 26, 2009, 05:23:20 PM
I am a fan of the CCIW on the men's and women's side.  I always enjoy when you see someone impact a program and it is no wonder why some of the top programs have had people in place for some time.  I think that posting has been great because it gives all of us a voice, unforunately even the ignorant ones and those who want to start up some trouble.  I did get a chance to see every team play at least twice this year, most teams more.  I do agree that IWU and Elmhurst are going to be good next year.  IWU does have a number of good players returning and Solari is amazing.  They did however lose arguably the best backcourt in the country and that is not easy to replace.  They will still be fine though.  Thanks to Thundermike for doing all of that research in regards to who everyone is losing.  What is funny though is that everyone besides Elmhurst and Augustana is losing a top scorer and or rebounder and an all conf. selection, or two.  Everyone besides Augustana is losing at least 3 players who contributed, you could argue this point for Elmhurst's sake with only really losing Bobruk who was a heck of a player.  It doesn't sound like many of you actually have had a chance to watch Augustana play in the past 3 years.  The caliber of players on that roster is completely different from that on the team when coach Endress took over.  The comparison with coach Black is unfair considering he did well when he took over the program with a couple of 14 win seasons followed by a 15 win season in his 3rd year.  It quickly went downhill as his recruiting classes took over with a couple of 6 year win seasons including 0 wins in conference in his final year.  I think that the coaching situations are looking pretty good at Augustana, North Park and North Central but theses young coaches need more than 2 - 3 years to change something that was in the situation it was in when taken over, in fairness to those young coaches.  The addition of the Gills kid if she is an all stater will be the 4th in two years for Augustana's incoming class, that is pretty impressive.  Did they look great last year?  I saw them at NCU where they were getting blown out at halftime and went on a crazy run to bring in back in the 2nd half.  They looked like a bunch of freshmen to me.  They had 1 Senior and 1 Junior who was injured as a Sophmore and anyone who knows anything about the game knows how important experience is.  I think the conference is heading in the right direction and I will look for more Parody at the top next year with a couple of teams surprising some people.  North Park however is going to have to rely on a couple of young returners and whatever they have coming in next year but if they stick with her I think she will do a good job there. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on May 27, 2009, 01:28:15 AM
I have to agree with "Chi" on this one. Endress took over a gutter program- as has Reese at North Park. Both have/had a mess to clean up. It was rumored at one point a year ago that North Park was inviting people to be on the team.
I was at the North Central game that Chi was referring to and had the chance to visit with a former Augie player/alum at halftime- nothing but genuine praise for the staff. Augie had an exceptionally young team this season going up against a typically senior dominated CCIW. They were probably the only team to have 3 freshmen on the floor consistently. The incoming class will be Augie's third class and typically the most important. I know that the kid from Coal City is one that Mia was after as well. Let's not forget that Endress is the one who brought All-American Scheele to Edgewood. She knows talent, but freshmen need time to develop. I don't think that Mia, Beth, or Lori took over programs in the condition that either of these were in. Trust me old pro- you don't keep people because of the economy- you cut people. These coaches have the support of their respective administrations and there is no doubt growth in those programs on many levels that we don't even think about.
Oh yeah- and I typically just read through the posts- I don't post all that often anymore, but I read in one of your previous posts that you're an Eastern Alum Old Pro- not an Augie Alum.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: kate on May 27, 2009, 01:48:30 PM
WOW, Illinihoops4, nothing escapes your watch (although i noticed Old Pro's double alum status, too - maybe he's both) - anyway, got to get started with this afternoon's chores, but it's more fun to read these posts - is it November yet???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Pro on May 27, 2009, 06:16:46 PM
Two years yes, but after three, the numbers W/L speak for themselves. Don't get me wrong, I am rooting for Augie to turn it around. But lets face some facts! First, Endress, at the time, came from a conference that was pretty weak. It was either Lakeland or Edgewood in WBB and mostly Lakeland looking at the history. She did a good job there, but when that conference added more strength, neither team ros e to the top. Second, If she is as good of a recruiter as people say, then I seriously doubt Augie would be in this position after three years. Seriously, three years to get your own kids in your program seems a bit long. Third, its been very hard to watch the product out there on the floor. Augie even lost to the worst team in the CCIW last season! I find that hard to call that Conference Equity. Three straight 20 loss seasons is not going in the right direction. What if they struggle again next season, do you say that it takes 5-6 years to get a program up and going? Anyway, I disagree with that school of thinking. However, I wish Coach Endress and her program nothing but the very best. I'm sure with the ne additions that this will be really fun to watch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on May 27, 2009, 11:04:34 PM
You do realize that Augie doesn't cut right? There were no players in that program to begin with and she was hired late in the year- she inherited the first class. You do the best you can with what you've got. What you are seeing are the growing pains of a young program- freshmen and sophomores. Kasten, Runge, and Howard were all solid freshmen, with the return of Fox and the addition of the Gills kid and it looks like a couple legit pg's- they'll be fine. They were in a lot more games this year than in the past- but Chi said it-experience is key.
Rebuilding isn't easy- especially at a school that costs almost $40,000 a year- kind of limits the recruiting pool- but again- they're getting players that they weren't getting before this staff got there.There are no shortcuts in rebuilding.You haven't heard the statement that it takes 5 years to build? Not everyone believes it, but it's true more often than not.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Illinihoops4 on May 28, 2009, 01:05:11 AM
One last thing on this topic- I was taking a look at rosters for returners and I think it's also worth mentioning that Augie had a DI transfer that they lost a week or two before their first game. I don't know if it was injury or what, but her name is Gabi Hungerford. I found it in the augie media guide. You can bet that she would have made a difference.
Finally, I don't think it's up to any of us to criticize any coach too harshly. They aren't out there criticizing how we do our jobs. There's a good crop of young coaches in the league who I would have to bet are hitting the recruiting trail harder and working longer hours than those before them. I choose to support them so we'll just have to agree to disagree Old Pro.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on May 28, 2009, 01:34:14 AM
"Gabi Hungerford led the state in scoring at 29.43 points per game. The 5-9 senior, who also chipped in 10.3 rebounds per game, helped Wild Rose to 19-3 record."
http://www.wisbca.org/news.asp?nid=23

Nice stats. She would have made a difference. Of course, just a bunch of wondering about the coulda should woulda, but thats a pretty good transfer. At Detroit, she averaged 5.2 pts and 3.1 rebs, in 30 mpg, but they weren't good at all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Pro on May 28, 2009, 11:31:40 AM
I will say this for the last time that my overall position is one of support for the coaches and that program. I have, in factstated as such in my postings before. That seems to be getting missed some how in all of this. I have stated real numbers based in fact and not loose conjecture. on my part I have known a number of coaches who have been removed for doing more at other institutions, than the current staff has at Augie. I hear what you are saying and respect you for it. This was not ment to bash or shame, but to focus on the facts. I'm thinking of those kids and institution and feel that they should have a more positive experience. Its hard not to listen to other parents, and Alums who watch the games, who communicate their frustrations. So, once again I am looking forward to Augie getting better next season and support the coaching staff 100%.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on May 31, 2009, 07:03:31 PM
Here's news on a D-1 transfer headed Carthage's direction:

http://www.carthage.edu/athletics/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbcsticksman on June 02, 2009, 11:30:45 PM
To HCACBBALL -  Dori Gills got all the way to Augie via I-80!  :D  I for one am very excited to see what Augie does this next season!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on June 03, 2009, 12:31:59 AM
Funny stuff!!! I know of one school much closer on I 80 that really wanted Gills as well. Augie will be fine and start making some noise here soon.  Coach Endress works too hard for this not to happen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dansand on June 03, 2009, 09:35:36 AM
Quote from: HCACBBALL on May 15, 2009, 02:41:18 PM
I have seen the Gills kid play and she is a great get for Augie.  She will be a very good player when her 4 years is up.  I wonder how she got all the way to Illinois?
Quote from: bbcsticksman on June 02, 2009, 11:30:45 PM
To HCACBBALL -  Dori Gills got all the way to Augie via I-80!  :D  I for one am very excited to see what Augie does this next season!
Quote from: HCACBBALL on June 03, 2009, 12:31:59 AM
Funny stuff!!! I know of one school much closer on I 80 that really wanted Gills as well. Augie will be fine and start making some noise here soon.  Coach Endress works too hard for this not to happen.

Actually, Augie recruits quite a bit in Colorado. Assuming everyone returns, the women's hoops team will have four players from Colorado--Howard and Neal, plus the two incoming frosh. I know of four Colorado baseball players coming in next year also.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on June 03, 2009, 10:05:18 AM
Good to see all the new contributions here.  Looking forward to next season!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbcsticksman on June 03, 2009, 10:08:56 AM
I wish I could take credit for the I-80 quote but alas a very good friend of mine came up with it.  I thought you'd get a chuckle out of it though so that's why I posted it.  What other school, if you can say, was interested in Dori?  I know of 2 other schools but they weren't on I-80.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jam8788 on June 22, 2009, 12:10:53 PM
Neils steps down as Edgewood College women's basketball coach:

http://www.edgewoodcollegeeagles.com/news/2009/6/16/WBB_0616090652.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 23, 2009, 07:23:03 PM
Elmhurst College is again hosting the summer league. Last evening, I went there and saw some of our well-known players, as well as some new ones.
At 6:30, a selection of IWU Titans played. Brittany Hasselbring did a lot of the point guard duties. She is the guard who transferred mid-year from Wash U. I expect she'll do pretty well for IWU this year.
Kylie Castans scored a bunch in the 2nd half. She had a good freshman year and can be counted on for even more this fall.
The Titan roster will again be loaded with good players.
At 7:30, I observed Carthage vs North Central. Carthage had 10 players and subbed 5 at a time. They were aggressive attacking the basket and maintained good energy, despite the warm gym. Players aren't identified other than a uniform number and I didn't ask anyone, but I think it was the new transfer six-footer Diana Jacklin who played a well-rounded game. She's very agile.
North Central has a flock of new Cardinals. Naturally, it will take some time to get accustomed to one another. Meghan McGuire was a major presence in the lane, as usual. A quick recovery is wished for their guard (an incoming freshman?) who hurt her ankle/foot last night.
At 8:30, I watched some of the Augie vs Elmhurst action, plus some of the game on the adjoining court, where Claire Sheehan, Mallory Heydorn and Colleen Caplice were playing.
Not only does the summer league provide a preview of at least half of the upcoming CCIW teams, but you can also appreciate the familiar moves of recent grads as they still enjoy the game.
Augie featured a strong new forward. Might have been the Gills girl mentioned in previous posts.
Elmhurst was missing many of their experienced players.
I left at about 9:00 to get an eastbound Metra, so I didn't see the outcomes of the 8:30 games or the North Park players who were to be in a 9:30 contest.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on June 24, 2009, 12:52:12 PM
I have had an opportunity to watch Elmhurst over the past two weeks of the summer league.  Barring significant injury issues, this team is poised to compete with everyone in the CCIW this season.  With the addition of two capable transfers from the IIT program to go with the core of Lyndsie Long, Meghan Merklein, Kelsey Monroe, and Megan Ney, the Bluejays are in a position to compete well within the CCIW.  Merklein and Ney have been extremely impressive during the summer league thus far.  Additionally, C.J. Harris has also shown her consistent athleticism the games that I have seen.   Lyndsie Long played her first summer-league game last night and was scoring at will.  I am expecting more parity within the CCIW than we saw last season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 25, 2009, 11:34:57 AM
Millikin is bringing in a large pile of new players, according to these articles:
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2009/05/12/sports/millikin/1041151.txt
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2009/04/20/sports/millikin/1040648.txt
The May 12 article starts off by saying that the current roster has no prototypical post player. Elise Wildman might disagree with that, assuming she's returning for '09-'10.
Another Pembrook is on the way to Decatur : Kayla's little sister Leah.
Coach Kerans sounds very pleased with the new arrivals (16 of 'em!).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Chi_areahoopsfan on July 06, 2009, 12:48:09 AM
I just have to say that the reports from RogK are good and reliable as always.  Between him and Old Hoosier Baller I have seen some very insightful comments in regards to next season.  Elmhurst does look very good and I was thinking after watching them this past year that they would have a really good year this upcoming year.  Since there have been very few posts lately, I have been looking  back at past posts and I think that it is intriguing that when you look at the returning players statistics that Kristin Fox from Augustana shows up in each one.  If Augustana can make a move forward she might show up as one of the better guards in the CCIW this upcoming season(see the returning leading rebounders and look at the number of guards on that list).  She will be a senior but technically she was only a sophomore experience wise due to her not playing most of her sophomore year.  She could be an underrated player in the upcoming season, her last year.  I have been able to watch a couple of the Elmhurst summer league games as well and I think that it will be interesting to see these teams as the season starts.  I have not seen a team yet that has the core of there team playing in summer league so it is hard to tell at this point.  Rog, regarding the "new" kid for Augustana, the kid that I think that you are referring too as the possible "Gills" kid, I think that was Jessica..............and I forgot her last name, but she is from Morrison and was a freshmen at Augustana this year.  She played JV and suited varsity.  I did see her in HS and she was a tough HS player who could develop with some work and added strength.  She seems to be doing that and that is a credit to the current program at Augustana because she was definitely better a couple weeks ago than she was when I saw here in high school.  I have also seen the 6'2" kid that is going to North Central and she is pretty good.  She is limited in her movement but she will help them and will be a great compliment to McGuire.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 06, 2009, 04:20:22 PM
More games at Elmhurst tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday, plus playoffs next Monday through Wednesday.
Thanks for the info on that Augie player, Chi areahoopsfan; it must be Jessica Scott – she's from Morrison, as you say.
A significant problem for Augie in '08-'09 was shooting percentage of all kinds: FTs, 2s and 3s. In 25 games, their overall FG% was .370. Take out Natalie Runge's 96/193 and Sarah Rachwalski's 71/150 and you get .330 for the rest of the team.
Kristin Fox made 30% of her threes, which is a decent-to-good percentage (the equivalent of 45% two-point shooting). The team desperately needed one or more threats from the arc and Fox did her part.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 07, 2009, 01:47:17 PM
Saw some hoops at Elmhurst last evening.
IWU was up 24-21 at one point vs Concordia River Forest and later on, they were up by 42 (77-35 if I remember). Impressive effort by the Titans.
Next was a game featuring newly-ex-Titans Colleen Caplice, Claire Sheehan and Mallory Heydorn. Mal's dad was happy to again see a play that Mallory and Colleen have worked successfully for eight years (going back to high school). Claire did her usual dashes to the hoop for lay-ins, too.
More in a bit -- gotta get back to work.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 07, 2009, 03:22:02 PM
For the 8:30 game, I selected the Elmhurst vs St Francis (NAIA) contest, which got a little chippy at times. EC's Kate Pilson, a strong 6-footer, stood her ground at both ends of the court, in the low post. The two arrivals from IIT also were very active; one is a 5'6"-ish point guard and the other a guard/forward, about 5'9". Both are quick afoot and can dribble very well. I think they'll be juniors.
Lyndsie Long shot the lights out, which delayed the game while repairs were made. (ha)
Kelsey Monroe is sidelined with a painful nerve problem in one leg. This has lingered for many months. Good luck to her on it getting healed or fixed somehow. The doctors are mystified by it.
At 9:30, I took in about half of Carthage's game. Drewann Pancratz did particularly well, I thought.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 09, 2009, 07:22:01 PM
Saw some more summer games last night.
By the way, thanks to Elmhurst College for hosting the league again this year. Without the efforts of Todd and Jen Scheuerman, Coach Werner and the various Bluejay players that manned the scorer's tables, all of the games wouldn't have existed.
I spoke with North Park's Larisa Coldebella and she was pleased to report that as many as 15 players will be vying for roster spots for the '09-'10 Vikings. Some were playing in the summer league, but I am not able to identify any new ones. That'll have to wait until October, when rosters appear.
I saw part of the IWU vs Elmhurst game and was impressed by many players on both sides. Some Titans who didn't play a lot last year but are doing very well in the summer league include Karen Solari and Jessica Hinterlong.
EC's CJ Harris had superb energy and will be an interesting player to watch develop come November.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on July 09, 2009, 07:50:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 09, 2009, 07:22:01 PM
Saw some more summer games last night.
By the way, thanks to Elmhurst College for hosting the league again this year. Without the efforts of Todd and Jen Scheuerman, Coach Werner and the various Bluejay players that manned the scorer's tables, all of the games wouldn't have existed.
I spoke with North Park's Larisa Coldebella and she was pleased to report that as many as 15 players will be vying for roster spots for the '09-'10 Vikings. Some were playing in the summer league, but I am not able to identify any new ones. That'll have to wait until October, when rosters appear.
I saw part of the IWU vs Elmhurst game and was impressed by many players on both sides. Some Titans who didn't play a lot last year but are doing very well in the summer league include Karen Solari and Jessica Hinterlong.
EC's CJ Harris had superb energy and will be an interesting player to watch develop come November.


I realize it is meaningless for next season (I don't even know how the summer rosters compare to the in-season rosters), but since IWU and Elmhurst seem to be acclaimed as the favorites - WHO WON?? ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 10, 2009, 10:51:46 AM
I had a ride back to the city late in the first half, so I don't know who won, Mr. Ypsi.
Also, I would say that IWU is by itself in terms of favorite to take the CCIW again.
I'd say Carthage and Elmhurst are in the 2nd tier. As good and experienced as they are, I think they must still improve more in order to beat IWU in Jan or Feb.
It sounds like many good new players are arriving throughout the rest of the league, so any of the other five teams might show marked improvement.
Can anyone tell us about any new Wheaton players?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on July 10, 2009, 02:06:15 PM
Actually, Elmhurst knocked off IWU on Wednesday night.  While I agree that the conference race will be tighter this year, I do not agree that IWU remains in a class by itself with respect to this coming season.  From my view, Elmhurst has the talent, size and strength to effectively compete at every position on the floor, and Carthage looks quite capable also.  Obviously, my perspective is driven by good fortune in terms of injuries, etc., but I do anticipate that IWU will have to work much harder some CCIW victories that came easy last season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 10, 2009, 03:25:44 PM
Thanks for the update, OHB.
Can you recall which Jays came through at the end?
Megan Ney was doing a lot of good work in the lane when I was there and Lyndsie Long was hitting shots from all over.
I'll agree with you regarding IWU to one extent: they'll need to work on a few things in terms of replacing the great contributions of Heydorn, Sheehan and Caplice. But, they have extraordinary depth, with size, speed, versatility and wide-spread scoring ability.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on July 10, 2009, 04:33:49 PM
The Jays were getting contributions from virtually everyone that was there during the second half.  In addition to Long and Ney that you mention, Rasheda, the new point guard from IIT, played stellar defense down the stretch and made some key plays offensively to help the cause.  As you also mentioned in an earlier post, C.J. Harris was all over the place throughout the game. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on July 10, 2009, 10:09:51 PM
How closely did the line-ups match the likely in-season line-ups for both IWU and Elmhurst?  Any significant omissions for either team?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on July 13, 2009, 10:59:31 AM
From the personnel that I am familiar with, I believe that the core group for both teams was on the floor for much of the game.  While it is hard to draw any real conclusions from summer league play, it was a fun game to watch from a competitive standpoint.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 16, 2009, 03:05:20 PM
It was an interesting final night at the Elmhurst summer league.
In a semi-final game, Carthage topped IWU, 67-62 or 68-62. The first half was 50-39 in favor of the Lady Reds. The fast pace allowed many players on both teams to show their talent, which I enjoyed. The second half was more of a grind. The Titans made it close, but Carthage prevailed.
Dani Ripkey and Rosie Dorn led Carthage in scoring, if I recall correctly. Diana Jacklin scored some, too, and blocked several shots. She can just about match Christina Solari for agility and is of similar size. They should have competitive matchups this season.
Allison Groessl played very well. I was thinking she was Drewann Pancratz. If you've seen them just a few times, you could understand my confusion (I will have to study them next time). Cory Bazany, Katherine Burshiem and two new guards, Caris Alan and Lauren Hyser, all did well, too.
IWU played hard, but made a few mistakes here and there. And it may be the case that they need the contributions of Hope Schulte, Nikki Preston, Holly Harvey etc to be at their best.
Kylie Castans again gave indication that she could easily raise her scoring average from 7.4 as a freshman to 12 or better as a sophomore. She's one strong kid, with a nice shooting touch. Hard to tell, though, what any Titan might average scoring-wise, since the shot attempts are spread around in their offense. Speaking of strong kids, the CCIW will get to know Karen Solari this coming season. As a "2-guard", she has a different game than Christina does, but she'll be very helpful in many facets of the game for the Titans.
Carthage, having exerted itself very much during the IWU game, was fairly worn out during the title game against a team of D1 players. They gave it what they had, but got clobbered by the D1 kids, who moved the ball very well and made at least 25 threes, I'd estimate. They must have hit 60 to 70% from the arc.
The Lady Reds, despite obvious fatigue, kept at it, admirably. Cory Bazany had as much stamina as anyone, and will be an important part of the '09-'10 team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 05, 2009, 11:16:05 AM
Good luck and congratulations to Casey Thousand, assistant coach at Carthage and now moving to Madison to be head coach at Edgewood.
Their first game will be at Elmhurst on November 16.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 08, 2009, 01:38:53 PM
The composite '09-'10 schedule has been posted:
http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_w/0910_WBBComposite.htm

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 09, 2009, 11:21:57 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 08, 2009, 01:38:53 PM
The composite '09-'10 schedule has been posted:
http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_w/0910_WBBComposite.htm

Double-check it carefully to make sure that your favorite team's games are all listed. I've already found a game that the composite schedule is missing: Trinity International @ North Park on Saturday, December 12 at 2 pm.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerbimmer on September 29, 2009, 01:07:41 PM
Quote from: Illinihoops4 on May 28, 2009, 01:05:11 AM
One last thing on this topic- I was taking a look at rosters for returners and I think it's also worth mentioning that Augie had a DI transfer that they lost a week or two before their first game. I don't know if it was injury or what, but her name is Gabi Hungerford. I found it in the augie media guide. You can bet that she would have made a difference.
Finally, I don't think it's up to any of us to criticize any coach too harshly. They aren't out there criticizing how we do our jobs. There's a good crop of young coaches in the league who I would have to bet are hitting the recruiting trail harder and working longer hours than those before them. I choose to support them so we'll just have to agree to disagree Old Pro.

Gabi Hungerford won't be at Augie this year. She is listed as a 2009/10 recruit for the Madison Area Technical College.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 01, 2009, 06:15:08 PM
Cecily Aldridge, Kaitlin Brassil, Brooke Carlson (the only senior), Julia Robert, Bethany Wellbaum, Elise Wildman (the only junior) and Crystal Zeigler are the returning players for Millikin, as listed on the new Big Blue roster.
To them, add 16 newcomers. That should keep the coaches busy.
I expect they'll be a pretty good team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 07, 2009, 11:25:16 AM
The new IWU roster is up: 17 players, including 5 newcomers (all freshmen).
Nine Titans are 5' 10" or taller.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 08, 2009, 11:38:27 AM
Augustana's new roster has been posted.
They list 23, including 7 freshmen.
As has been discussed here before, they have a few things to work on. Shooting a higher composite two-point FG pct has to be a primary goal.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 09, 2009, 01:48:38 PM
Carthage's roster is up, as of yesterday.
Three potential returning players from last year's team aren't : Erika Share, Kaela Munster and Katherine Burshiem. Good luck to each of them as they go forth academically.
Fifteen players are there. The Lady Reds will do well, with several returning regulars, plus many others who were impressive in the summer games.
They will have to wait on Drewann Pancratz, who is currently starring on the excellent volleyball team. She was recently conference player of the week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 09, 2009, 10:50:57 PM
I suppose I could wait 'til practice even begins ;), but, what the heck - expectations on the season! :D

I don't think I'll step on any toes saying IWU has the single best player returning in Christina Solari.  But what a group they graduated! :(

Only a fool (or mindless fan - to which I plead only partially guilty! ;D) would expect another 30-1 record (though 2 more games total would be great! 8)), but are they even still the favorites?  The bench seemed pretty strong, but there are some mighty big shoes to fill.

Unless I hear compelling arguments otherwise, I'll assume they are (which doesn't mean squat - the 2005-06 men's Titans were probably the most prohibitive favorites since the 1950s Wheaton teams, and didn't win).  Who are the likely challengers?  (I'm guessing Lyndsie Long's Elmhurst team oughta be good, but admit to a lack of knowledge of all but the 'superstar' players among the CCIW women.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 10, 2009, 05:06:07 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 09, 2009, 10:50:57 PMUnless I hear compelling arguments otherwise, I'll assume they are (which doesn't mean squat - the 2005-06 men's Titans were probably the most prohibitive favorites since the 1950s Wheaton teams, and didn't win)

Nope. Early '70s Augie men's teams, mid-'70s IWU men's teams, and -- especially -- the late '70s NPC teams were just as much "prohibitive favorites" as the '05-'06 IWU men's team, if not more so. And, while I haven't researched it at length, there may have been years when either the Wheaton or the Millikin women's team was an out-and-out, hands-down, no-questions-asked prohibitive favorite, since those two programs have dominated the CCIW from very early on.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 15, 2009, 01:44:54 PM
North Central and Wheaton have posted new rosters.
NC's is surprising, since prominent players Meghan McGuire (3rd team all-CCIW) and Jessica Davis are not listed. In fact, only two Cardinals are back from last year, Jackie Errico and Brittany James.
NC has 13 newcomers, ranging from 5'3" to 6'3".
Wheaton's dozen includes five newcomers. Laura Karsten, who joined after soccer last year and did quite well, will apparently not be back (but is still playing soccer).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 16, 2009, 03:39:30 PM
The CCIW website will host an online chat with the league's head coaches on both the men's side and the women's side on Wednesday, October 28. (http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_m/2009chatstory.php) The women's coaches go first, followed by the men's coaches, with the preseason poll of the sport in question announced at the conclusion of that sport's chat. The league did the same thing with the football head coaches this fall, and it was pretty interesting. It's as close as we're ever likely to come to the preseason press conferences that D1 leagues hold.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2009, 01:41:24 PM
The coaches voted this morning and arrived at this preseason forecast:
Illinois Wesleyan
Carthage
Elmhurst
Wheaton
Millikin
North Central
Augustana
North Park
-- I can't argue with that prediction, although I'd switch Augie and NC, since NC will be so reliant on newcomers.
There will be a lot of playing time for new players throughout the league, so quite a few of them have a chance to have significant impact.
Very little information was revealed in the coaches' on-line chat. Wheaton's Lissie McAlvey and Laura Karsten each have season-ending injuries (knee, I think).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on October 28, 2009, 02:03:37 PM
I attempted to log into the chat, but my office computer would not cooperate.  From what I observed during summer league along with my knowledge of the rosters, I believe that the top three picks could be in any order in the first three spots.  It should be a very competitive season at the top, and I agree that many newcomers and sophomores will make big impacts this season for the stronger teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2009, 12:01:27 PM
Elmhurst and North Park now have rosters posted, so all eight teams' personnel are known.
OHB, your last post included your expectation that IWU, Carthage and Elmhurst will all have a shot at winning the conference.
Similarly, I'm hoping that all eight CCIW teams will have a reasonable chance to compete in any game. That wasn't true last year, but maybe the substantial influx of new talent throughout the league will allow it this time.
IWU is still the favorite, in my view; anyone who thinks they can beat them had better be working on ways the get through IWU's press, which can destroy a team that can't pass the ball quickly.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on November 03, 2009, 02:25:05 PM
Anyone headed to the IWU -DePaul exhibition game this (11/6/) Friday's 5:30 game at McGrath Arena?  I would like to see what IWU can do against a D-I team.  Jim 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 03, 2009, 04:31:21 PM
I'll probably get over to see that one, jshoops.
DePaul typically has 2nd and 3rd string players who would be top stars at the D3 level, so IWU doesn't figure to have much of a chance to win. But, it would be fun if the Titans can give 'em a good battle.
I'm pretty sure that it's against CCIW rules for any other CCIW coaches or players to scout an exhibition game / scrimmage, so only a neutral spectator such as myself should be there.
It's a different story starting November 15, of course.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2009, 11:36:44 AM
DePaul beat NAIA St Xavier last night, 111-69. IWU should do better than that, but it will not be easy.
Excluding "team" rebounds, DePaul got 47 of the 70 rebounds. On Friday, the Titans will have to go after the ball with ferocity.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2009, 11:31:03 AM
Saw North Park scrimmage against Aurora last night.
Ten of the fifteen Vikings suited up and played well. The other five may have been injured or under the weather.
Several of the newcomers showed signs of very good things to come.
The Vikings have better depth than last year, so none of them will likely need to play 36 or 38 minutes a game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on November 05, 2009, 11:39:01 AM
I was at Elmhurst last night.  They scrimmaged the team of former D-1 players that won the summer league this past summer.  The Jays lost won half and won the other.  Very impressive outing for the first scrimmage!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 06, 2009, 04:37:52 PM
Pre-season AA selections now out.  Congratulations to first-team center, Christina Solari! :)

No one else from the conference named.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 06, 2009, 07:18:57 PM
IWU down 30 at half to the Blue Demons...

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.html?GAME_STAT_ID=455157&db_oem_id=15600


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 06, 2009, 09:24:20 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on November 06, 2009, 07:18:57 PM
IWU down 30 at half to the Blue Demons...

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.html?GAME_STAT_ID=455157&db_oem_id=15600

And it has gotten worse.

Loved the attendance stat - 0! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2009, 12:15:26 PM
IWU had some difficulties against DePaul (93-49). DePaul was better at all aspects (including height!) of the game, not surprisingly, considering they are in the top tier of D1 teams.
I talked to Mia Smith afterward and she was glad to have scheduled the game, despite it being a mismatch (my word, not hers). I think she found the game useful because it gave her more ideas on what to have her team work on, going forward.
Since it was a scrimmage, I won't say anything about individual players. Furthermore, most of went wrong could be attributed to the fact that DePaul was the opponent. No D3 team will present a challenge nearly as tough as playing the Blue Demons.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 07, 2009, 09:49:31 PM
When I congratulated Solari on her pre-season AA selection, I forgot to mention that I was somewhat surprised that Lyndsie Long didn't make even HM.

Were others also surprised, or am I over-estimating her at the national level?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 09, 2009, 01:33:21 PM
I wonder of anyone really knows enough about the thousands of D3 players to make a rational judgment on that topic; it's unlikely.
It could be that all 25 on the list are better than, or as good as Lyndsie is. But, one could also imagine that she is better than some on the list.
Regardless, we know that she's outstanding.
Another snub in the pre-season rankings is that our conference has exactly one team in the top 57. Will this inspire some our teams to win more definitively during the non-conference schedule?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on November 10, 2009, 01:10:32 PM
We were also at Friday's match of IWU vs DePaul.  The D-1 team was bigger at the forwards/center by 4-6 inches and their guards were quicker to the ball at both ends of the court.  IWU looked a little gased and DePaul was able to deny every pass attempt, both to make the pass or catch the ball.  Even when IWU boxed out and was in position to grab the rebound off of the floor, a 2nd DePaul player was quicker to the ball.  DePaul is a ranked D-1 team and it showed. 

We had the opportunity to talk to the IWU players after the game, they were upbeat and understood this scrimmage will make them better down the stretch.  IWU kept hustling, hitting the floor and showed some heart.  I was  impressed with soph. Karen Solari's mental toughness and play as she took on some of those DePaul giants, drew some fouls and  made some nice passes. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on November 11, 2009, 02:01:13 PM
Illinois Wesleyan guard Holly Harvey has agreed to join our team of D3hoops "Insiders" and will blog about the 2009-2010 season on the Daily Dose.  Her first entry (http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2009/11/11/meet-the-insiders-holly-harvey/) is posted.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2009, 11:26:09 AM
Welcome to D3hoops, Holly.
My compliments on the quality of your writing. Don't give out too many secrets to future opponents!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2009, 03:22:47 PM
Here's a topic for discussion :
What is the best statistical measure of a team's defense?
One possibility is points allowed per game. This stat, however, can be deceiving. If a team plays a slow game offensively (using most of the shot clock on most possessions, including resetting the offense after an offensive rebound (not a change of possession)), they will reduce the number of possessions in the game for themselves and the opposition, thereby reducing the number of scoring opportunities for their opponent. This shouldn't be confused with having a good defense, although it may co-exist with it.
On the other hand, an offense that launches shots quickly will cause a significantly higher number of possessions to occur in the game, raising their own number of opportunities to score, as well as for the opponent. A fast paced game might have 70 or 80 possessions per team, while a slow one might have 45 or 50 per team. So, "points allowed" does not tell the whole story.
Another measure is to look at FG pct allowed, even breaking it out to check on two-point pct allowed and three-point pct allowed. This can be a revealing stat, too, but doesn't consider how many 2nd chances the defense allows or how many turnovers the defense causes. Plus, some teams foul a lot, rather than permit high percentage shots, so they may have lower a "two-point FG pct allowed" than a team that is averse to fouling.
The most accurate measure of a defense, in my view, is points allowed per possession.
This method includes all factors put into defense (defensive positioning, capacity to cause turnovers, defensive rebounding, fouling as needed), distilling them into one number; it is not distorted by the pace of the game, where "points allowed per game" is impacted by the pace.
"Points allowed per possession" can be fairly used for comparison between any types of team: slow, fast or in between.
The flip-side, points scored per possession, is perhaps the best measure of an offense.
I realize that all stats are affected by a coach's decision whether to always (or periodically) sacrifice offense to improve the defense or to sacrifice defense to improve the offense. In other words, any particular team has the ability to be better offensively, but at the expense of its defense, or vice versa.
I also realize that the number of possessions is not listed in a game's stats, but it could be figured out from the play-by-play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2009, 05:50:05 PM
North Park guard Kam Acree made a last second, game winning shot in the lane, as the Vikings tipped Benedictine 56-55.
Benedictine had built a 39-28 lead with 12:24 to go, but NP fought back. Hilary Kuhl poured in 12 of her 19 points during the late-game surge. The Vikings got solid effort from players throughout their roster.
They'll be a better team this year because they'll get scoring, rebounding, ball-handling and defensive contributions from a variety of players. They can sub much more than they could in the recent few years. Some individual stars may emerge, but development of depth will be important.
Augustana also opened today, taking it on the chin at Wash U, 71-36. Newcomer Dora Gills led the Vikings with 11 pts. That was a pretty tough opponent to face this early.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2009, 02:32:34 PM
Elmhurst won its opener 69-67 over Edgewood. The scores of the quarters demonstrate that it was an oddly fragmented game :
Edgewood 21 – 11 – 9 – 26
Elmhurst   27 – 9 – 19 – 14
During those first ten minutes, both teams tested the other's ballhandling by imposing a full court press. The accelerated tempo resulted in 48 points on the board. I think Lyndsie Long scored 11 or 13 of her 19 during that stretch.
The action during the 2nd ten minutes was slower, with a scoring standoff, 11-9.
Elmhurst built a lead in the 3rd quarter, but couldn't "put the game away."
Edgewood regained its energy, piling up 26 points over the final 10:00.
Down by one with 27 seconds to go, Edgewood stalled for about 15 seconds and then tried to get through a crowded lane. EC's Claire Gentry and Lyndsie Long (if I recall correctly) combined to steal the ball. At the other end, Rashida Joiner hit an FT and Maggie McTeague ended matters by grabbing the miss on the next free throw and scampering out of fouling reach.
Ceejay Harris and Meghan Merklein each scored 13 for Elmhurst and had well-rounded performances.
Former Carthage assistant coach Casey Thousand had a good debut as head coach for Edgewood.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 18, 2009, 08:32:43 AM
There were few surprises as IWU rolled over Blackburn 95-43 at Shirk last night, giving coach Mia Smith her 200th victory.  The Titans came out of the blocks fast, running to a 24-6 lead after eight minutes.  The regulars from last season gave strong performances, led by Hope Schulte's 12 and Christina Solari's 11 points with a team-high seven rebounds.  First year players impressed as well: Haley Kitchell contributed another 11 including 3 three-pointers, while Mackenzie Floyd had six rebounds and Melissa Gardner (wearing Claire Sheehan's #10) displayed a pretty three-point shot somewhat reminiscent of Claire's.  The Titans showed good ball movement and were credited with 25 assists.

The Battling Beavers played hard but were clearly overmatched at this point in their season.  Natalia Gregory led their scoring with 14.

Looking forward to the weekend's tournament:  Wash U v. DePauw at 5:00, followed by IWU v. Central at 7:00.  Then on Saturday, games will be at 2:00 and 4:00.  With the IWU football team hosting Wabash in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, it will be a busy day in and around Shirk on Saturday!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2009, 01:34:22 PM
Nice to hear from you, Hoosier Titan; what did you think of Karen Solari?
I think we'll be talking a lot about the Solari Sisters this year, not just nationally-known Christina.
To supplement your report, I'll note that Carrie Williams had a productive 9 minutes last night, with 4 rebounds and 8 points, not missing a shot.
In other CCIW games, Carthage got out to a 37-12 lead, sailing past Monmouth 75-51. All five Lady Red starters scored in double figures.
Carthage shot over 60% on twos and almost 40% on threes. Not bad.
Wheaton was upended by UW La Crosse, 65-57. Breanna Bohlen and Lissie McAlvey were in double figures for the Thunder and Kelly Brooks grabbed 9 rebounds in 19:00. Good to see that McAlvey is playing : one of my recent posts said she was out for the year injured -- oops, that was last year.
I remember from her freshman year that she's a multi-talented player. She'll definitely be valuable for Wheaton.
UW Platteville outscored Millikin, 68-61. The Big Blue successfully fought back from a double digit deficit, but the Wisconsinites prevailed.
Crystal Zeigler tallied 17 (and 8 rebs) in just 23:00, before fouling out. Elise Wildman had 11 pts and 12 rebounds. Looks like 29 turnovers "did in" Millikin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 19, 2009, 12:13:13 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2009, 01:34:22 PM
Nice to hear from you, Hoosier Titan; what did you think of Karen Solari?
I think we'll be talking a lot about the Solari Sisters this year, not just nationally-known Christina.
To supplement your report, I'll note that Carrie Williams had a productive 9 minutes last night, with 4 rebounds and 8 points, not missing a shot.


Rog,
You're right, both Karen and Carrie deserved a mention.  I wrote that post in a hurry and though about them before I saw your post. 

Carrie indeed had a fine night.  She's always impressed me as having a good shot and a sense of when to use it.  I think she could play some valuable minutes for the Titans.

Karen Solari, like Christina, is a smart player who values all aspects of the game.  She's a much different player; she'll play mostly at a guard spot.  She has a three which will start to drop in games the way it does in warmups, she's strong and quick, and she gets a lot of rebounds due to good positioning and boxing out.  All great strengths, and some of them are hard to teach.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 21, 2009, 11:24:10 AM
Busy day here in B-N:  Football playoffs (IWU v. Wabash at noon), followed by IWU-Wash U. women's game at 4:00 and IWU men v. Johnson and Wales at night.  How's a professor supposed to get any grading done? ;)

Here's a link to the Pantagraph story about last night's IWU women's game v. Central.  (The photo with the story in the paper has Holly Harvey incorrectly labeled as Jessica Hinterlong; it's in the online photo gallery).  The 39 Central turnovers tell the story of the IWU press, with 25 of those turnovers coming in the first half.  The Titans shot 60% in the first half and 28% in the second; Mia Smith rested her starters for tonight's rematch with Wash U.  Karen Solari went down hard and returned first with ice and then a wrap on one ankle.  I have no word yet on the nature or seriousness of that injury.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_97f692c8-d65a-11de-a1ba-001cc4c03286.html

The DePauw-Wash U. game was interesting; frankly, it was pretty sloppy on both sides.  Both teams shot under 40% for the game.  I'm sure the Bears will be up for the Titans tonight, though.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2009, 11:46:54 AM
I saw North Central win their opener, 70-68 over Blackburn.
The Cardinals got valuable contributions from many players.
Christine Karl, a very athletic big guard, led the way with 20 pts and 10 rebs.
Today they face a very difficult task, Simpson College.
The CCIW won five out of six yesterday. That's a good sign.
I'm soon heading down to the U of C where Elmhurst plays Coe (the Conspirators?).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on November 21, 2009, 09:27:15 PM
IWU beat No. 1 Wash U. 58-53.  This was a good win, but U-G-L-Y.  Everyone on the court looked like they were in their first game of the season.  A lot of turnovers, a lot of missed shots, and a lot of questionable calls.

55 combined turnovers with only 21 steals.  Neither team made a third of their shots.  IWU chucked 21 three's, and only made 5 (23%).  Even the tip-off was ugly.  10 seconds of scrambling for the ball before a scrum on the floor produced a second tip-off.  I'm not sure if I had ever seen that before.

If these are two of the best teams in the nation, it is clear there is a lot of improvement to make over the course of a season.  Still, this is a good win for the Titans.  They never trailed, and made a few big shots when they needed it, and answered the Bears comeback bid by making their free throws down the stretch. 

Solari played a very smart second half.  She was not spectacular, and had five turnovers. She had three fouls in the first half and had four for most of the second, but played solid defense.  She also led the team with 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. 

There was a pretty good crowd, especially after the football game ended.   I'd guess between 600-800 people.  At one point in the second half after a timeout, they got on their feet and got pretty loud.  IWU responded with a nice little run to extend the lead.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 21, 2009, 11:42:35 PM
IWU's win over Wash U was definitely not pretty, but I'm very satisfied with it.  My father used to say that when a good team looks bad, chances are the other team had something to do with it.  After last spring's Elite Eight loss to Wash U at Shirk, the Titans had something to prove, and they did.

The Titans' press was very effective against the Bears, producing 31 turnovers and 14 steals (compared to 24 Titan turnovers and 7 Wash U steals).   Solari was very effective, as mactitan noted.  Hope Schulte had 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and a monster block that got the crowd on its feet, while Kylie Castens contributed 11 points.  Brittany Hasselbring (who transferred to IWU from Wash U last year) started the game and made good contributions at both ends.  

If the Titans had made even a reasonable number of wide-open shots, the game would not have been close, but they shot only 30% for the game, as noted by mactitan.  They were also badly outrebounded; missed shots and no rebounds is usually a bad combination.

There were quite a few questionable officiating calls in both directions.  At best, the officiating was uneven; a great deal of contact under the boards was let go only to have touch fouls called.  

Quote from: mactitan on November 21, 2009, 09:27:15 PM
If these are two of the best teams in the nation, it is clear there is a lot of improvement to make over the course of a season.  Still, this is a good win for the Titans.  They never trailed, and made a few big shots when they needed it, and answered the Bears comeback bid by making their free throws down the stretch.  

Having been to almost every Titan game for several years now (and thus having seen Wash U several times, along with other ranked teams), I'm quite confident that these are two of the best teams in the nation.  I'm sure the two teams' paths will cross again; due to geography, they're almost bound to.  But this was a great start to the season for the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2009, 12:30:01 AM
Per the box score, Karen Solari did not play - any word on her condition?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 22, 2009, 09:39:45 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 22, 2009, 12:30:01 AM
Per the box score, Karen Solari did not play - any word on her condition?

Karen was dressed and shooting before the game.  She had a small wrap on the ankle at first; I think it was gone by halftime.  That's all I know, and that doesn't look too bad.  Nikki Preston hasn't been playing yet due to a concussion, but is expected back soon.  She too was dressed and shooting last night.

Here's the Pantagraph story.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_9cdb2b84-d71b-11de-a5de-001cc4c002e0.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2009, 07:45:03 PM
Ugly or no, that was a big win for the IWU women.  I saw them play three times during my recent US visit and must admit I think they are certainly one of the best teams in the nation.  The depth is impressive and the pressure defense is just outstanding, unrelenting.  They have the speed and the bodies to do it.  Hassellbring is a very good addition with alot of quickness and toughness.  Loved watching her play.  What impressed me most is the technique IWU has to pounce on the pick and roll, with both players jumping over the screen to trap the dribbler.  Unless the opposition has an outstanding ball-handler and point guard, this defensive tactic is going to lead to tons of turnovers all year.  And, the players at the back of the press are pretty smart, know when to go for the steal and when not.  Yes, if the Titans had shot a decent percentage, esp. on 3s, this game with Wash U would not have been at all close.  From the first look, compared to last year, I think this team is actually better, tougher, and more athletic, quicker, than last year's team.  We'll see as things progress, but I hope they have a grand season, win the CCIW and get deep into the tourney again.  The ultimate goal would be a home/Shirk Final Four.  I think this team has that potential if they continue to improve, continue to develop their unique style of play, especially on the defensive side.  I wish them well and will be following along all along the way . . .
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2009, 07:19:58 PM
Congratulations to Jackie Errico (North Central) for being the first conference Player of the Week.
I attended the Saturday/Sunday action at the U of Chicago, where the host women's team won impressively.
Elmhurst had a rather unpleasant time of it, being defeated both days. They did have a good 2nd half on Sunday, playing with enthusiasm and vigor that wasn't there in the first half. I think a few interesting things may have been said in the locker room at half time.
Augustana got a win in Colorado. Natalie Runge led 'em with 20 pts and 9 rebounds.
Wheaton won the Bluffton tournament. Lissie McAlvey had 20 pts, missing just three shots.
Tomorrow's IWU game vs Olivet Nazarene will probably not be as interesting as I had earlier anticipated. ONU was held to 62 Saturday at Point Loma (San Diego) Nazarene, shooting 26 pct and recording only 9 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 23, 2009, 11:18:06 PM
Quote from: mactitan on November 21, 2009, 09:27:15 PM
IWU beat No. 1 Wash U. 58-53.  This was a good win, but U-G-L-Y.  Everyone on the court looked like they were in their first game of the season.  A lot of turnovers, a lot of missed shots, and a lot of questionable calls.

55 combined turnovers with only 21 steals.  Neither team made a third of their shots.  IWU chucked 21 three's, and only made 5 (23%).  Even the tip-off was ugly.  10 seconds of scrambling for the ball before a scrum on the floor produced a second tip-off.  I'm not sure if I had ever seen that before.

If these are two of the best teams in the nation, it is clear there is a lot of improvement to make over the course of a season.  Still, this is a good win for the Titans.  They never trailed, and made a few big shots when they needed it, and answered the Bears comeback bid by making their free throws down the stretch. 

Solari played a very smart second half.  She was not spectacular, and had five turnovers. She had three fouls in the first half and had four for most of the second, but played solid defense.  She also led the team with 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. 

There was a pretty good crowd, especially after the football game ended.   I'd guess between 600-800 people.  At one point in the second half after a timeout, they got on their feet and got pretty loud.  IWU responded with a nice little run to extend the lead.

A VERY belated response, I admit.  But is it possible to beat the #1 ranked team in the country and have it be U-G-L-Y?! :D

THAT sort of ugly I can live with! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 24, 2009, 11:03:23 PM
Just back from a very lightly attended IWU game v. Olivet Nazarene at Shirk (most of the students had gone home for break).  I wouldn't have thought a game where my team won 108-83 would be painful, but this one was.  The Tigers try to push the ball on every possession, take lots of threes, and press.   ON subs incessantly, sending in entirely new lineups with nearly every stoppage of the clock.  Tonight it seemed to be difficult for them to get into any sort of rhythm or flow, and on this occasion they were simply outshot by the Titans (52% to 40%).  Both teams had a nearly astronomical number of turnovers (41 for IWU, 42 for ON).  The Titans set a school record for rebounds with 64 (Kylie Castens had 8, Christina Solari 7, and first-year Mackenzie Floyd 6).

Castens led all scorers with 21, followed by C. Solari's 20 and Sarah Cotner's 14 in a strong performance off the bench.  The entire Titan team got a chance to practice press breaking and ball handling; Holly Harvey, Hope Schulte, and Brittney Hasselbring (with a 6/1 A/TO ratio) were outstanding here.

I know this is a style of basketball; it wasn't a full-fledged Grinnell approach but it was too close for me (I'm closer to the philosophy of Norman Dale in Hoosiers:"How many times are you gonna pass the ball before you shoot?" "Four, coach."  "How many?"  "Four.")  Many more games like this would make me a full-time soccer fan!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2009, 04:23:26 PM
IWU proved that it can handle a frenetic tempo just days after succeeding in a slowish contest. The Titans' versatility is quite commendable.
I hope several CCIW teams will schedule Olivet Nazarene next year; it's an opportunity to give one's players additional confidence as they confront an unusual opponent and (hopefully) find ways to deal with it. I remember a few years ago when Wheaton hosted ONU and fell well behind in the first half. The Thunder had a great 2nd half comeback and came out on top. They were absolutely delighted, as happy as I've seen any team be.
In some other league action last night, reigning CCIW player of the week Jackie Errico continued her fine play with a 24 pt, 13 rebound game in a ten point North Central win. Christine Karl had 21 and 8.
Lyndsie Long poured in 33 pts in Elmhurst's 28 point win. She hit 14/19 FGs (3/3 threes) and 2/2 FTs. Also grabbed 11 rebounds.
I attended the Dominican at North Park contest, which was close for quite a while, but the visitors took it, 65 - 52.
Larissa Coldebella led NP with 15 pts. Sarah Peterson had 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Lyndsey Thompson had 10 pts, 7 rebs and 3 blocks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 25, 2009, 05:25:32 PM
Quick note--both Karen Solari and Nikki Preston played last night and showed no ill effects of earlier injuries.  A good night for all hands on deck.
The Titans are back in action on Saturday afternoon when #14 UW-Stevens Point comes to town; the following week they take on Chicago and later in December UW-Whitewater.  Those who urged Mia Smith to play a challenging pre-conference season have certainly gotten their wish!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2009, 11:36:16 AM
During the Dominican - North Park game, I counted the number of possessions. In the 1st half, it was 41 (give or take one) per team and in the 2nd half there were 45 or 46 per team. My count wasn't exact, because I used up my fingers and toes (ten each) pretty early in each half and nobody around me let me count with theirs. (ha).
My Nov 12 post regarding Points Allowed Per Possession (reply 1151) contained some guesses on the number of possessions in slow or fast games. Those guesses are in need of revision.
The Dominican - North Park game, with about 86 possessions, was at a fairly normal tempo, with no stalling. So a really fast-paced game (like ONU-IWU) would probably have maybe 110 possessions per team.
A slow game might have 60 per team, not 45 - 50.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 27, 2009, 02:39:10 PM
Rog, there are a few different ways to calculate # of possessions in a single boxscore, or a season cumulative boxscore.  The one I have used is:

Possessions = FGA - Off Reb + T.O. + (.475 * FTA)

Last season on the men's board, Dan Sand posted offensive and defensive Points per 100 Possession throughout the season...

Quote from: dansand on February 12, 2009, 10:23:33 PM

Overall   Offense   Defense
---------------------------
Team       P/100P    P/100P
Augie...... 108.7      93.0
Carthage... 109.7     106.2
Elmhurst... 113.3     103.9
IWU........ 109.3     104.0
Millikin...  98.2      97.7
NCC........ 109.3      99.5
NPU........ 103.8     114.1
Wheaton.... 114.2      93.5
                  
CCIW      Offense   Defense
---------------------------
Team       P/100P    P/100P
Augie...... 104.0      94.1
Carthage... 109.4     109.2
Elmhurst... 112.0     105.1
IWU........ 111.5     112.3
Millikin...  97.3     106.4
NCC........ 108.5     103.9
NPU........  99.5     120.4
Wheaton.... 108.3      97.9
---------------------------
CCIW Avg... 106.3     106.3


Factoring in possessions is definitely the best way to evaluate a team's offensive and defensive efficiency, in my opinion.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2009, 03:11:22 PM
Thanks, Titan Q.
That .475 of FTA is an approximation, though.
In the game I cited, that formula undercounts the possessions : 73 for Dominican and 76 for NP, when they had 85 or 86 each.
Maybe my game had an abnormally large number of missed first shots of 1-and-1's that ended possessions. And maybe it lacked "and ones".
I'm assuming that I'm defining a possession correctly, that it continues until the other team starts one.
Theoretically, one possession could take up an entire half, given a repeating series of missed FTs followed by offensive rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2009, 01:10:15 PM
A little more on the topic of possessions : I may have counted more possessions in that game than were registered by the stat crew. I think there were a few scrambles for the ball that resulted in brief possessions, only to be coughed up to the other team; so, turnovers may or may not have been charged. Can't have a turnover if possession wasn't established. 
Also, the decision of when a shot clock reset is appropriate or whether a possession existed for two or three seconds can be matters of judgment, even in an NBA game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 28, 2009, 07:14:36 PM
The matchup between Illinois Wesleyan (#6 in the preseason d3hoops poll) and Wisconsin-Stevens Point (#23 in the same poll) was an outstanding one, with the Titans eking out a 84-80 win at Shirk today.  It looked as though the Titan run-and-jump press would be too much for the Pointers, with IWU pulling out to a 10-point lead in each half.  But the Pointers pulled back and took a 39-37 halftime lead; they also led by about six with two minutes to go (this is approximate, as the box score isn't up as I write this).  Judicious substitutions and the deep Titan bench made the difference.  The two Titans who have just returned from injuries, Karen Solari and Nikki Preston, were absolutely key in this victory.  Preston led the Titan scoring with 19, including lots of free throws down the stretch to seal the win.  K. Solari had 15 points, including a key basket in the last minute with an assist to sister Christina, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds of her own.  Holly Harvey added 10.  Britta Petersen was outstanding for the Pointers, leading all scorers with 21, while Cassie Bandow had 15 (including 3/4 on 3's) and Josi Schultz 12.

This one could easily have been a playoff game--two well-coached teams fighting hard and just refusing to lose.  It was a pleasure to watch.  Well done to both teams and coaches!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2009, 08:40:17 PM
Carthage emerged from Hyde Park this afternoon with a 64-62 over the host U of Chicago.
The U of C is highly ranked and deservedly so, as they are a very strong team.
Their soph guard Meghan Herrick had a dazzling 2nd half, scoring 24 in 20:00, almost enough to turn things around. This was the first of 4 straight games for them against CCIW teams. Wheaton gets them next and the Thunder will have their hands full.
As for the Lady Reds, it was an excellent team effort.
Let's start with Katie Klemke: she was the major factor in Carthage's 28-16 first half, leading the scoring, playing sharp defense and handling a lot of the dribbling chores.
Next, Diana Jacklin: she held U of C star Molly Hackney in check and grabbed 9 rebounds, including a big one in the waning seconds.
Then there's Rosie Dorn, who turned in an all-around good performance, most of the time with a bloody chin (bandaged of course), suffered when a sizeable opponent crash-landed on Rosie's head. That didn't stop her.
The other starters, Heather Gilmore and Dani Ripkey, played very well, too.
Ripkey made a key three late in the contest, preserving the lead.
Everyone who served in a reserve role also contributed importantly : Cailee Corcoran, Taylor Tondelli, Drewann Pancratz (whose brother played in the men's U of C win, to begin the afternoon), Allison Groessl and Cory Bazany.
It was a big win for Coach Bernero and his team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2009, 08:46:08 PM
Augie got its 2nd win, 60-50 over Webster. Kristin Fox tallied twenty. Lani Kasten had 6 steals.
Elmhurst won at Olivet (Mich.).
North Park and North Central each got trounced.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2009, 01:14:20 PM
Two CCIW games yesterday :
Augie improved to 3-2 with a 63-61 win over Heidelberg. Kristin Warnken hit a couple of key shots late in the game and topped the Vikings with 15 pts. Natalie Runge added 14 pts and Lani Kasten led both teams with 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Others contributed as well, of course.
Millikin outscored St Ambrose 69-53. Elise Wildman led the Big Blue offense with 24 pts (9/11 FG, 6/7 FT). Crystal Zeigler added 15 pts. Brooke Carlson was an effective conduit, with 8 assists.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2009, 02:19:50 PM
Congratulations to the taller of the Solaris, CCIW Player of the Week.
She was her usual excellent self in two impressive IWU wins.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on November 30, 2009, 10:39:29 PM
IWU's Holly Harvey has her latest "Insider" entry posted to the Daily Dose.  Check it out here:

http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2009/11/30/insider-first-goal-met/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2009, 11:27:30 AM
Wheaton topped Clarke last night in Dubuque, 75-70. Annie Bowen shot 100%, scoring 16 in 20:00.
Carthage beat Lake Forest 78-59.
Heather Gilmore had 5 steals and 6 assists. She leads the early stats for the CCIW with 4.6 assists per game and a 1.77 assist/turnover ratio.
Diana Jacklin made 11 of 16 FGs on her way to 23 pts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 01, 2009, 06:26:18 PM
New poll is out.  The Titan win over then #1 WashU (and over then #23, now #15 UWSP) has vaulted them all the way to #1.  Not sure I approve - hope they can handle that big a target on their backs. :-\

Carthage jumped from 0 to 40 points (#31), no doubt largely due to beating then #14 (now #22) UChi, plus 4 other teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 01, 2009, 08:42:20 PM
In their first game as #1, IWU downed previously 6-0 Missouri Baptist, 75-62.

I've been unable to find out anything about MoBap (as their website calls them!), so don't know whether this is impressive or not, but I'll take it! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 02, 2009, 12:53:32 AM
The Titans' first game of this season in the #1 spot, against NAIA Missouri Baptist, found them sluggish and prone to trying to make hard plays rather than take the straighforward ones available.  The officiating wasn't great--it seems that officials this season are letting everything go under the baskets, then calling little touch fouls.  But, of course, a great team has to find a way to surmount that.  The Titans led by seven at halftime and finally broke the game open in the second half. 

The MoBap stat sheet after the game looked very dodgy:  the entire Titan team was credited with one assist, to Melissa Gardner; she alone had more than that.  No individual stats for IWU are available on the MoBap website as of 11:30 tonight.  Christina Solari had (I think) 23 points and around a dozen rebounds.  The key players in the decisive run were the Solari sisters, Hope Schulte, Nikki Preston, and the guard trio of Gardner, Holly Harvey, and Brittany Hasselbring.  The score with about three minutes to play was 75-55 and it could have been run up more.  Instead the Titan bench players went in and gave up a good chunk of the lead to arrive at the final 75-62 score.

It wasn't pretty in St. Louis tonight, but as former IWU men's coach Scott Trost used to say, "Never apologize for a win."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on December 02, 2009, 11:48:32 AM
Hello all,

I am a first timer to this posting board.  I have been paying close attention to everything you guys have been saying, and finall decided I should get an account and become part of the 'posting up' family! Just wanted to comment on a couple of key teams in the conference this season... It is obvious that Illinois Wesleyan has continued to pick up their game from last year, as they cruise to the #1 seed in the recent poll.  Congratulations to them!!! I am very impressed with the Carthage team and how well they have been playing this season.  It was good to see them move from 0 to 40 votes after a couple big wins early in the season!  Any news on the statistics from the Missouri Baptist and Wesleyan game from last night?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 02, 2009, 12:21:01 PM
Hello bflong, and welcome to the boards!  We need more active posters.

It looks as though the stats program used by a lot of NAIA schools only gives team stats for visiting teams--there was a MoBap men's game after the women's game last night and the same limited statistics are given for the visitors.  There was a stat sheet circulating amongst the coaches--I saw it--with a bit more information about individuals than is on the MoBap website.  As I said last night, categories such as assists, turnovers, and steals didn't look very accurate, but shooting and rebounding for individuals were listed.  I've made some inquiries and will let you know if I find out anything.

The win by Carthage over Chicago was indeed impressive.  Chicago visits Wheaton tonight, and then the Titans (both women and men) go to the Ratner on Saturday.  This should give us all an opportunity to do some pre-conference comparisons. 

Again, welcome, and please give us updates on any games you see!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on December 02, 2009, 02:15:19 PM
Full game statistics are posted on the CCIW website... pretty impressive numbers put up by Christina Solari! 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 02, 2009, 02:40:14 PM
Yes, the IWU SID, Stew Salowitz, has entered the individual stats for last night's game into our stats program so they are up on iwusports.com now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2009, 03:30:13 PM
Saw the 49-42 Wheaton loss to the U of Chicago last night.
Both teams played rugged, quick defense. It was not going to be a smooth-flowing high-scoring game anyway (coaches Roussell and Baker usually favor defense over offense), but the refs made a point to call every conceivable instance of travelling, especially in the 1st half. For a while, I thought Expedia had sponsored the game. U of C's Molly Hackney was whistled for travelling 6 or 7 times in the 1st half, all of them iffy. To her credit, she did not lose her cool over it.
The shooting by just about everyone on both teams was awful : a composite .405 on 2FGs (28/69), .114 on 3FGs (4/35) and each team was under .500 at the foul line (11/25 and 12/26; great free throw defense?).
Even though the game was far from being aesthetically pleasing, the players were trying hard.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on December 03, 2009, 09:43:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 03, 2009, 03:30:13 PM
Saw the 49-42 Wheaton loss to the U of Chicago last night. Both teams played rugged, quick defense. It was not going to be a smooth-flowing high-scoring game anyway (coaches Roussell and Baker usually favor defense over offense), but the refs made a point to call every conceivable instance of travelling, especially in the 1st half.

I only recently began to appreciate women's basketball and it only happened after I began to follow teams that play rugged and quick defense.  I have met a lot of other fans who agree.

It is a shame, though, when the referees take over.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 05, 2009, 08:59:21 AM
Live video, IWU @ Chicago (2:00pm)...

http://athletics.uchicago.edu/mensbasketball/mbk.htm

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2009, 11:42:14 AM
Another good win for Carthage last night, 58-47 over previously-unbeaten Calvin.
Diana Jacklin topped the scoring with 21 (8/14, 5/6).
Missouri Baptist outscored Millikin 81-68. For the Big Blue, Elise Wildman had 22 pts and 9 rebs. Kaitlin Brassil scored 21 pts on just 10 shots.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 05, 2009, 04:40:32 PM
IWU 64
Chicago 57

It was nice to be able to watch this game via Chicago's live stream.

What a luxury to be able to win a game on the defensive end.  That's what the Titans did today at the Ratner Center.  IWU trailed most of the 1st half, and by as much as 8 in the opening minutes of the 2nd.  With their offense sputtering a bit, the Titans kicked their pressure defense into high gear and forced Chicago turnover after turnover, and bad shot attempt after bad shot attempt.  That led to the Titans getting open looks from the beyond the arc, as well as in the paint...and it really seemed to wear Chicago out.

This is such a good IWU basketball team because they're good offensively (with so many weapons), but absolutely outstanding defensively.  And man do the Titans play hard.

Maybe not a pretty win, but an impressive road win in my book.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 05, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Q,

I tried to watch the game, but gave up after about five minutes.  The video stream was so jerky I was starting to get a headache.  I assume your stream must have been better than mine?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2009, 08:56:57 PM
To echo Titan Q's report, it was a hard-fought win for IWU today.
Chicago was up 41-32, but then the Titans outscored them 24-5 over the middle ten minutes of the 2nd half.
To compliment any individual Titan would necessitate listing the whole bunch, as they all did well.
That it was an impressive win means that the opposition was formidable, which it was. If these teams meet in the NCAAs, it would be another tough battle.
Wash U topped Elmhurst 77-60. LL scored 24 on 18 shots for the Jays.
Franklin got past North Central 73-61. NC used only 7 players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 06, 2009, 12:21:03 AM
Q and Rog have already made good points about the IWU-Chicago game.  Just a few additional thoughts:

At halftime, I noted that Chicago had handled the Titan press about as well as anyone has, and that the press would have to be a little tighter if it was to produce game-changing results.  Well into the second half, that finally happened, and the tighter D led to the 24-5 Titan run.  The team stats show it:  24 Chicago turnovers to 10 for IWU; 15 IWU steals to 4 for Chicago, and team assist/turnover ratios of 16/10 for IWU and 11/24 for Chicago.  This was offset somewhat by Chicago's 40-28 rebound advantage.  There was much unhappiness in the IWU fan section about the foul count early in the game; at the 13:00 mark the foul count stood at 5 for IWU and 0 for Chicago.  But those evened out; in the end 16 fouls were called on IWU and 17 on Chicago, and both teams shot 68% on free throws.

Chicago is a big, physical team who make the most of their advantages.  It was a close and hard fought game that should make both teams stronger.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 06, 2009, 08:53:39 AM
Here's the Pantagraph story on the IWU-Chicago game.   Quick quote:  Mia Smith says Chicago is the best team IWU has played so far.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_e0ec7ab6-e220-11de-9fe5-001cc4c002e0.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 06, 2009, 09:33:36 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 05, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Q,

I tried to watch the game, but gave up after about five minutes.  The video stream was so jerky I was starting to get a headache.  I assume your stream must have been better than mine?

I had no trouble at all with it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 06:40:40 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on December 06, 2009, 08:53:39 AM
Here's the Pantagraph story on the IWU-Chicago game.   Quick quote:  Mia Smith says Chicago is the best team IWU has played so far.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_e0ec7ab6-e220-11de-9fe5-001cc4c002e0.html

Hmmm ... I wonder if quotes from a third-party coach ever make it to bulletin boards?  I have a feeling the WashU coach may post that one to rile up the troops! :D  And/or the Chicago coach may use it for a confidence boost.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 06, 2009, 07:29:06 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 06:40:40 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on December 06, 2009, 08:53:39 AM
Here's the Pantagraph story on the IWU-Chicago game.   Quick quote:  Mia Smith says Chicago is the best team IWU has played so far.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_e0ec7ab6-e220-11de-9fe5-001cc4c002e0.html

Hmmm ... I wonder if quotes from a third-party coach ever make it to bulletin boards?  I have a feeling the WashU coach may post that one to rile up the troops! :D  And/or the Chicago coach may use it for a confidence boost.

The Wash U coach might well want to use it to rile up her troops before playing Chicago!  I predict the Maroons will do some serious damage in the UAA this year.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 08:35:09 PM
I was just looking over all the results on the Top 25 thread.  At 6-0, including wins over TWO ranked teams, I predict Carthage will join IWU in the rankings this week (I'll take a stab at #21).

Anyone recall the last time the CCIW had two teams in the top 25 at the same time?

Next goal: (at least) two teams in the post-season! :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2009, 11:20:13 AM
Millikin lost by 5 to Luther yesterday, 62-57.
Cecily Aldridge had a sharp game, with 21 pts (6/11, 6/6), 3 steals and 9 rebounds.
Elise Wildman was limited to 9 FG attempts in 38:00 of play, which makes me think that Luther packed the lane defensively. Millikin made 8 of 20 2FGs for 16 pts, 10 of 29 3FGs for 30 pts and 11 FTs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on December 07, 2009, 06:24:37 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 06, 2009, 09:33:36 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 05, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Q,

I tried to watch the game, but gave up after about five minutes.  The video stream was so jerky I was starting to get a headache.  I assume your stream must have been better than mine?

I had no trouble at all with it.
But Q - you were not using two tin cans connected by string like Mr Ypsi!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2009, 06:33:14 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on December 07, 2009, 06:24:37 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 06, 2009, 09:33:36 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 05, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Q,

I tried to watch the game, but gave up after about five minutes.  The video stream was so jerky I was starting to get a headache.  I assume your stream must have been better than mine?

I had no trouble at all with it.
But Q - you were not using two tin cans connected by string like Mr Ypsi!

Hey, don't you badmouth my Trash-80! ;)

(I wonder how many posters are even old enough to recognize the reference? ;D)

And my computer, while in need of replacement pretty soon, is NOT quite that old! :P
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 07, 2009, 07:04:10 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 08:35:09 PM
I was just looking over all the results on the Top 25 thread.  At 6-0, including wins over TWO ranked teams, I predict Carthage will join IWU in the rankings this week (I'll take a stab at #21).

Anyone recall the last time the CCIW had two teams in the top 25 at the same time?

Next goal: (at least) two teams in the post-season! :)

The 2007-08 preseason poll had Millikin #13 and Illinois Wesleyan #15. The last in-season Top 25 with multiple CCIW teams was week 13 of the 2006-07 season (Wheaton #23, IWU #24).

The CCIW has had multiple teams in the NCAA tournament 9 times, but just once this decade (2007; Wheaton, IWU). 4 CCIW teams reached the tournament in 1996 (Millikin, Wheaton, IWU, Carthage).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2009, 07:13:06 PM
Quote from: Moser on December 07, 2009, 07:04:10 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 08:35:09 PM
I was just looking over all the results on the Top 25 thread.  At 6-0, including wins over TWO ranked teams, I predict Carthage will join IWU in the rankings this week (I'll take a stab at #21).

Anyone recall the last time the CCIW had two teams in the top 25 at the same time?

Next goal: (at least) two teams in the post-season! :)

The 2007-08 preseason poll had Millikin #13 and Illinois Wesleyan #15. The last in-season Top 25 with multiple CCIW teams was week 13 of the 2006-07 season (Wheaton #23, IWU #24).

The CCIW has had multiple teams in the NCAA tournament 9 times, but just once this decade (2007; Wheaton, IWU). 4 CCIW teams reached the tournament in 1996 (Millikin, Wheaton, IWU, Carthage).


Welcome aboard, and +k! :)

Good to have an historian - or at least someone ambitious enough to check the archived polls and CCIW.org! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 07, 2009, 07:45:38 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2009, 06:33:14 PM
Hey, don't you badmouth my Trash-80! ;)

(I wonder how many posters are even old enough to recognize the reference? ;D)

And my computer, while in need of replacement pretty soon, is NOT quite that old! :P

Maybe not so much old enough, but geeky enough?  Unfortunately, I'm both.  :D

I agree, very impressive and informative first post from Moser.  Welcome!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 07, 2009, 08:02:55 PM
Mr Ypsi, the question you posed struck my curiosity so I looked up the answer. And when enough time passed without any other responses, my desire to share the information overcame my desire to continue along in my perpetual lurk-but-don't-post state.

I watch my fair share of CCIW hoops, so I figured I might be able to chime in with some insights here and there.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2009, 11:11:42 AM
My welcome to you, too, Moser.
Are there any players that you've been impressed by so far this year?
By chance, have you seen the Augie or Millikin women yet?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 08, 2009, 12:06:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 08, 2009, 11:11:42 AM
My welcome to you, too, Moser.
Are there any players that you've been impressed by so far this year?
By chance, have you seen the Augie or Millikin women yet?

I have not seen Augie or Millikin. I have seen Wheaton, Carthage, and IWU.

Breanna Bohlen from Wheaton is very good, almost certainly a first team all-CCIW player at some point in her career. Diana Jacklin is really tearing it up for Carthage, that was a huge pickup for them.

I'm not sure how to read the upcoming conference season. I could easily see IWU running the table again, but could also see a team like Carthage or Elmhurst stepping up with an upset.

The fact that Wheaton, Carthage, and IWU have all played Chicago gives a general idea of where those teams are in relation to each other. Had Wheaton knocked down a few more open looks or free throws, the CCIW could easily be 3-0 against the Maroons.

I would say that at this point the top 4 from the preseason poll looks pretty accurate as far as where the teams will fall come the end of February.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2009, 12:25:29 PM
Haven't found the result of Augie's game scheduled for last night in Springfield. Maybe it was postponed due to travel conditions.
Congratulations to Diana Jacklin, new CCIW Player of the Week.
You may be right about Bohlen becoming an all-conference player, Moser.
I've seen her once (vs Chicago) and got the impression that she's energetic and talented.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 08, 2009, 01:54:15 PM
New Top 25:

IWU #1
Carthage #20
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 08, 2009, 02:00:00 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 08:35:09 PM
I was just looking over all the results on the Top 25 thread.  At 6-0, including wins over TWO ranked teams, I predict Carthage will join IWU in the rankings this week (I'll take a stab at #21).

Not bad, Mr. Y!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 08, 2009, 06:56:51 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on December 08, 2009, 02:00:00 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 06, 2009, 08:35:09 PM
I was just looking over all the results on the Top 25 thread.  At 6-0, including wins over TWO ranked teams, I predict Carthage will join IWU in the rankings this week (I'll take a stab at #21).

Not bad, Mr. Y!

Thanks!  Guess I slightly underestimated the Lady Reds - or else the pollsters! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 09, 2009, 12:41:13 AM
Kylie Castans leaving IWU:

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_47fbf852-e475-11de-a9b3-001cc4c002e0.html

How does this impact the Titans going forward? I assume Nikki Preston will start now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 09, 2009, 01:31:59 AM
Quote from: Moser on December 09, 2009, 12:41:13 AM
Kylie Castans leaving IWU:

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_47fbf852-e475-11de-a9b3-001cc4c002e0.html

How does this impact the Titans going forward? I assume Nikki Preston will start now.
Just heard about this today and thought it wouldn't be announced until the weekend.  I have no insider knowledge about who will start, but Nikki seems like the natural candidate to me as well.  Karen Solari and Melissa Gardner have been the others getting a lot of time at that spot as well.

Kylie's a great player and she will be missed; however, the team is deep and I have confidence that others will fill the gap.  I join Coach Smith in wishing Kylie well at ISU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2009, 11:29:33 AM
That's sad news. I'll miss watching Kylie play hoops, which she is very good at. Plus, she has a nice smile.
Good luck to her at ISU. It was also fun talking basketball with her dad several times at the Elmhurst summer league and at regular games.
By the way, it turns out that Augustana did play Monday at RM-Springfield, getting edged 59-57.
Natalie Runge (15, 11) and Lani Kasten (11, 11) each had a double-double.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2009, 01:37:37 PM
Here are the current 3FG attempts per game:
Millikin 21.3
Wheaton 19.5
IWU 18.3
NC 16.2
Carthage 14.7
Aug 14.4
Elmh 12
NP 11.2
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on December 09, 2009, 10:52:27 PM
Elmhurst was the only winning team tonight! Both Wheaton and Augie lost, while Elmhurst hit some key free throws down the stretch to beat a fairly good team (Nebraska Wesleyan).  Meghan Merklein was on fire in the first half putting up 16 of her 21 points in the opening mark.  Lyndsie Long had another solid performance putting up 31, after taking very few shots in the opening half (6ts).  The Jays forced several turnovers and many of the players got to see playing time on the road which is always a good sign!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 12, 2009, 09:43:52 AM
A story from a Peoria TV station on the Titans...

http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/video/?cid=90282
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 12, 2009, 10:21:03 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 12, 2009, 09:43:52 AM
A story from a Peoria TV station on the Titans...

http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/video/?cid=90282

Nice story; thanks for posting it.

Only one small quibble:  IWU women's teams are not "Lady Titans."  They are Titans, period.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 12, 2009, 02:36:10 PM
The Illinois Wesleyan Titans take on the Fighting Saints (!) of St. Francis University (NAIA) at Shirk today at 5:00.  Last year the Saints gave the Titans their closest call of the regular season, with the Titans pulling out their only lead in the final seconds.  I was not at that game, but those who were described the Saints as big and physical.  This season they are 3-6 to date, with recent losses to two NCAA Division I schools, Chicago State and Western Illinois, and one to NAIA DI #17 McKendree.  Hard to know exactly what to expect, but the Titans would do well not to overlook this game (not that I expect that to happen).

Probable lineup for the Saints, based on their previous outings:

20 Storm, Jacqie  5'9" g       12.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 19/12 A/TO
04 Sears, Anna    5'8'  g       11.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 18/38 A/TO
34 Baird, Kaci      6'0"  f       11.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 9/21 A/TO
23 Fazio, Kellie    5'10" f         8.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 11/22 A/TO
03 Carls, Katie     5'5"  g        6.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 30/27 A/TO

5'10" Nikki Preston is the most likely to replace the departed Kylie Castans in the IWU lineup today.  Nikki is averaging over 10 points a game coming off the bench to play about 18 minutes per game in the last four games (she missed playing the start of the season due to a concussion).  She shoots the three very well and is one of the Titans' best defensive players.  
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 12, 2009, 05:23:36 PM
Wheaton blasts Judson (Ill.) 83-56 at King Arena. Five Thunder players in double figures.

Augie wins against Cornell 56-51 in Rock Island.

Trinity Intl. beats North Park 63-57 in Chicago. Kam Acree with 22 for the Vikings

Loras whips North Central 92-76 in Dubuque

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 12, 2009, 11:26:31 PM
Any concern that I might have had earlier about IWU looking past St. Francis proved unfounded as the Titans rolled over the Fighting Saints 88-64.  The entire team contributed to this effort; no one played more than Hope Schulte's 26 minutes.  First year Melissa Gardner led the scoring with 14, going 4/6 on threes and grabbing three rebounds.  Karen Solari was 3/4 from the field for 12 points and she seemed much more influential than her line of 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal suggest.  Sarah Cotner came off the bench for some quality minutes, scoring 8 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and running the court well.  Christina Solari was double and triple teamed and still led the rebounding with 9. 

The Titans outrebounded the Saints 51-34.  There were probably too many open looks for 3's and long 2's to make Mia Smith completely happy.  Katie Carls led all scorers with 15, and Michelle Karr came off the bench to score 10 in the second half for the Saints. 

The Titans are off now until a New Year's tournament in California.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on December 14, 2009, 03:09:28 PM
Congratulations to Elmhurst College Bluejay, Lyndsie Long on earning CCIW Player of the Week!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2009, 07:06:07 PM
My tip of the hat to L Long, too.
Here are a few tidbits from weekend games.
On Friday I saw Carthage lose a tight one at Robert Morris- Chicago. Diana Jacklin was relied on heavily and she produced 19 pts and 15 rebounds. The game ended sourly for the Lady Reds. They won't have to dwell on the loss for long, since they play tonight.
Saturday afternoon, I saw North Park lose by 6 to Trinity International U. The Vikings' Kamauria Acree had a strong game with 22 pts. She plays bigger than her size.
As does North Central's Latrice Newson, who poured in 33 pts (13/19, 7/12) and took 11 rebounds in their game against Loras.
Wheaton and Augie got good work from many players in their wins.
Millikin had an odd game against Illinois College, falling behind 47-16 at the half. Then they dominated the 2nd half, 44-25, with Elise Wildman scoring all of her 20.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2009, 11:43:45 AM
Heather Gilmore had a 5 steal, 9 pt 1st half and Dani Ripkey had a 17 pt 2nd half as Carthage topped Concordia-Wisc 74-62 last night.
Ripkey's 21 for the game led both teams. The Lady Reds got 13 from Gilmore, 14 from Diana Jacklin, 11 and 7 assists from Katie Klemke, 9 pts and 9 rebounds from Rosie Dorn.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2009, 11:25:40 AM
Augustana beat Aurora 61-48. Lani Kasten had 15 pts, 9 rebs.
North Central fell to Chicago 71-48. NC shot about 36% on 2FGs and 19% on threes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2009, 11:38:42 AM
Meghan Merklein and Kelsey Monroe came through in the final minutes, propelling Elmhurst to a 59-57 win over Robert Morris - Springfield last night.
Elmhurst's web site has a good summary of the sequence of events.
Lyndsie Long led with 18 pts and 11 rebs.
In my opinion, Elmhurst will need to raise its defensive intensity several notches in order to be competitive with Carthage, Wheaton and others.
I understand that they don't want to get key players in foul trouble by being too much in-your-face on defense, but guarding from six or eight feet away allows the opposition to move the ball around with far too much ease.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on December 17, 2009, 04:17:04 PM
RogK,  I agree to some extent with your comments regarding the Elmhurst RMC game last night.  However, I do not think the defense was guarding six to eight feet away.  I think the help side defense was not there at all.  I also feel boxing out down low killed Elmhurst as far as second chance points are concerned.  I think Elmhurst did a good job at maintaining composure throughout the latter minutes of the game, something they struggled with a year ago.  I also think Elmhurst can be competitive with Carthage, Wheaton and others in the CCIW given that every team has an off night...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2009, 05:05:33 PM
Good point about the Jays maintaining composure at the end, bflong.
And since Lyndsie L attracts the most defensive attention from the opposition, it was good for Elmhurst that a couple of other players stepped forward and scored key baskets down the stretch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2009, 10:52:41 AM
Millikin defeated Adrian 47-42 yesterday in wet Ft Lauderdale (over seven inches of rain in the recent 24 hrs).
Elise Wildman scored 16 of her 18 in the 1st half.
Cecily Aldridge and Beth Wellbaum then scored 16 of Millikin's 23 2nd half pts, preserving the lead for the duration of the game.
The Big Blue starters played almost the entire game: 40, 40, 36, 36, 36.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 18, 2009, 09:39:10 PM
North Park falls 59-45 to #4 Wash. U on the road in St. Louis. Lyndsey Thompson scored 18 points for the Vikings. Sarah Peterson tallied 11 points and 13 rebounds. 10 Wash U. players scored out of the 14 who saw floor time. The Bears largest lead was 21 points with 6:10 to play, but it looks like the Vikings hung in there pretty well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 19, 2009, 10:13:01 PM
A big addition for the #1-ranked Titans....

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_bc404b18-eceb-11de-8a78-001cc4c002e0.html

http://siusalukis.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/lett_olivia00.html

http://www.sj-r.com/college/x1945267111/Former-Pana-star-Lett-bids-farewell-to-basketball-at-SIU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2TiwtQCKwY
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2009, 10:30:19 PM
WOW!  If she's as good as advertised (and a good fit), I think 7 other coaches in the conference just suffered migraines! :o

And come March (knock on wood) we may need all the help we can get - Hope knocked off Chicago today by 19.  And last year we also knocked off WashU in the regular season, only to have them return the favor in the tourney.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on December 20, 2009, 09:41:57 AM
From The State Journal-Register on Lett...

http://www.sj-r.com/sports/x1145295090/Lett-goes-from-SIU-to-Illinois-Wesleyan


It notes her decision came down to SIU-E, Millikin, and IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on December 20, 2009, 01:35:58 PM
How ironic?!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 20, 2009, 04:09:34 PM
Titan Q posted something like this on the men's board. It is a look at CCIW stats by position, sorted by points per game:

PG (1)
Lindsey Brenneman (Wheaton, 5-8 So.)- 8.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.9 turnovers/game
Katie Klemke (Carthage, 5-7 Sr.)- 7.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.5 turnovers/game
Kristin Warnken (Augustana, 5-5 Fr.)- 7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 5.5 turnovers/game
Rashida Joiner (Elmhurst, 5-7 Sr.)- 5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.3 turnovers/game
Bethany Wellbaum (Millikin, 5-7 So.)- 5.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.0 turnovers/game
Larissa Coldebella (North Park, 5-8 Sr.)- 5.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.4 apg, 1.9 turnovers/game
Brittany Hasselbring (IWU, 5-8 So.)- 4.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.1 turnovers/game
Jenny Swanson (North Central, 5-7 Fr.)- 5.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.6 turnovers/game

SG (2)
Christine Karl (North Central, 5-10 Jr.)- 12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.1 turnovers/game
Kamauria Acree (North Park, 5-5 Fr.)- 11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 3.7 turnovers/game
Sarah Jones (Wheaton, 5-7 Sr.)- 8.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3apg, 3.9 turnovers/game
Hope Schulte (IWU, 5-10 Jr.)- 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.5 turnovers/game
Kristen Fox (Augustana, 5-8 Sr.)- 11.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 2.4 turnovers/game
Dani Ripkey (Carthage, 5-9 So.)- 10.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.9 turnovers/game
Julia Robert (Millikin, 5-7 So.)- 6.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.1 turnovers/game
Maggie McTeague (Elmhurst, 5-8 Sr.)- 2.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.6 apg, 1.4 turnovers/game

SF (3)
Lyndsie Long (Elmhurst, 5-10 Sr.)- 22.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg
Latrice Newson (North Central, 5-7 Fr.)- 13.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg
Breanna Bohlen (Wheaton, 5-10 Fr.)- 12.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg
Nikki Preston (IWU, 5-10 Jr.)- 10.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg
Crystal Zeigler (Millikin, 5-9 So.)- 9.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Heather Gilmore (Carthage, 5-9 Sr.)- 8.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Dori Gills (Augustana, 5-10 Fr.)- 5.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Hilary Kuhl (North Park, 5-8 So.)- 4.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg

PF (4)
Jackie Errico (North Central, 5-11 Jr.)- 12.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg
Meghan Merklein (Elmhurst, 5-11 So.)- 12.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg
Natalie Runge (Augustana, 5-10 So.)- 10.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg
Cecily Aldridge (Millikin, 5-9 So.)- 9.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg
Rosie Dorn (Carthage, 5-10 Sr.)- 9.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg
Elisabeth Potts (Wheaton,5-11 So.)- 7.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Sarah Peterson (North Park, 5-11 Fr.)- 6.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg
Stacey Arlis (IWU, 5-11 Jr.)- 6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg

C (5)
Elise Wildman (Millikin, 6-1 Jr.)- 17.0 ppg, 9.7 rpg
Diana Jacklin (Carthage, 6-0 So.)- 15.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg
Christina Solari (IWU, 6-0 Sr.)- 15.1 ppg, 9.0 ppg
Megan Ney (Elmhurst, 6-0 So.)- 10.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg
Lyndsey Thompson (North Park, 6-0 Jr.)- 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg
Lani Kasten (Augustana, 5-11 So.)- 7.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg
Annie Bowen (Wheaton, 5-9 Jr.)- 6.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg
Terra Musgrove (North Central, 6-0 Fr.)- 3.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg

Reserves averaging 5.0 ppg or more
1. Kaitlin Brassil G (Millikin, 5-7 So.)- 9.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 turnovers/game (22.8 min/game)
2. Karen Solari G (IWU, 5-8 So.)- 7.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.1 turnovers/game (15.7 min/game)
3. Kelly Brooks C (Wheaton, 6-0 Jr.)- 7.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 turnovers/game (16.5 min/game)
4. Jenna Hoffman F/C (North Central, 6-1 Fr.)- 6.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.2 apg, 1.4 turnovers/game (13.2 min/game)
5. Melissa Gardner G (IWU, 5-8 Fr.)- 5.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 turnovers/game (11.6 min/game)
6. Brooke Olson G (Wheaton, 5-9 Fr.)- 5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 3.1 turnovers/game (22.9 min/game)
7. Sarah Cotner C (IWU, 6-0 Jr.)- 5.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.8 turnovers/game (11/1 min/game)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2009, 04:40:16 PM
Nice work, Moser. But, please add Minutes per game next time! That'll make the comparisons fairer.
Maggie McTeague should be called a 4, bumping Merklein into the 3 and Long into the 2. If you replaced McTeague with a guard such as Monroe or Gentry, then Merk would certainly be a 4 and Long a 3.
Some weekend highlights:
Millikin over Mt St Vincent 59-39 as Elise Wildman had 20 pts, 13 reb and Beth Wellbaum had 10 assists.
North Park won the consolation game 53-48 over Fontbonne. Kamauria Acree had 15 pts, 8 rebs, 3 steals. Lyndsey Thompson added 14 pts and 3 steals.
Augustana took a step backward after playing pretty well this year, getting smushed by 44 vs Coe.
North Central lost a pair in Ft Lauderdale.
Elmhurst whipped Rockford 79-59. Lyndsie Long had 20 and 7 rebs and Meghan Merklein was outstanding, with 27 pts (10/14, 6/6), 10 rebs and 4 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 20, 2009, 05:15:30 PM
Edited to include minutes per game, and incorporating RogK's corrections

Titan Q posted something like this on the men's board. It is a look at CCIW stats by position, sorted by points per game:

PG (1)
1. Lindsey Brenneman (Wheaton, 5-8 So.)- 8.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.9 turnovers/game (31.3 min/game)
2. Katie Klemke (Carthage, 5-7 Sr.)- 7.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.5 turnovers/game (28.9 min/game)
3. Kristin Warnken (Augustana, 5-5 Fr.)- 7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 5.5 turnovers/game (25.5 min/game)
4. Rashida Joiner (Elmhurst, 5-7 Sr.)- 5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.3 turnovers/game (24.8 min/game)
5. Bethany Wellbaum (Millikin, 5-7 So.)- 5.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.0 turnovers/game (30.6 min/game)
6. Jenny Swanson (North Central, 5-7 Fr.)- 5.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.6 turnovers/game (26.5 min/game)
7. Larissa Coldebella (North Park, 5-8 Sr.)- 5.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.4 apg, 1.9 turnovers/game (18.3 min/game)
8. Brittany Hasselbring (IWU, 5-8 So.)- 4.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.1 turnovers/game (21.8 min/game)

SG (2)
1. Lyndsie Long (Elmhurst, 5-10 Sr.)- 22.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.8 turnovers/game (31.8 min/game)
2. Christine Karl (North Central, 5-10 Jr.)- 12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.1 turnovers/game (34.4 min/game)
3. Kamauria Acree (North Park, 5-5 Fr.)- 11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 3.7 turnovers/game (32.3 min/game)
4. Kristen Fox (Augustana, 5-8 Sr.)- 11.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 2.4 turnovers/game (27.7 min/game)
5. Hope Schulte (IWU, 5-10 Jr.)- 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.5 turnovers/game (24.6 min/game)
6. Dani Ripkey (Carthage, 5-9 So.)- 10.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.9 turnovers/game (26.5 min/game)
7. Sarah Jones (Wheaton, 5-7 Sr.)- 8.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3apg, 3.9 turnovers/game (24.4 min/game)
8. Julia Robert (Millikin, 5-7 So.)- 6.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.1 turnovers/game (27.3 min/game)


SF (3)
1. Latrice Newson (North Central, 5-7 Fr.)- 13.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg (31.2 min/game)
2. Meghan Merklein (Elmhurst, 5-11 So.)- 12.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg (29.8 min/game)
3. Breanna Bohlen (Wheaton, 5-10 Fr.)- 12.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg (27.8 min/game)
4. Nikki Preston (IWU, 5-10 Jr.)- 10.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg (19.0 min/game)
5. Crystal Zeigler (Millikin, 5-9 So.)- 9.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg (23.0 min/game)
6. Heather Gilmore (Carthage, 5-9 Sr.)- 8.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg (25.6 min/game)
7. Dori Gills (Augustana, 5-10 Fr.)- 5.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg (20.6 min/game)
8. Hilary Kuhl (North Park, 5-8 So.)- 4.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg (19.5 min/game)

PF (4)
1. Jackie Errico (North Central, 5-11 Jr.)- 12.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg (34.0 min/game)
2. Natalie Runge (Augustana, 5-10 So.)- 10.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg (25.5 min/game)
3. Cecily Aldridge (Millikin, 5-9 So.)- 9.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg (34.4 min/game)
4. Rosie Dorn (Carthage, 5-10 Sr.)- 9.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg (26.0 min/game)
5. Elisabeth Potts (Wheaton,5-11 So.)- 7.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg (21.8 min/game)
6. Sarah Peterson (North Park, 5-11 Fr.)- 6.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg (30.6 min/game)
7. Stacey Arlis (IWU, 5-11 Jr.)- 6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg (19.3 min/game)
8. Maggie McTeague (Elmhurst, 5-8 Sr.)- 2.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg (19.0 min/game)

C (5)
1. Elise Wildman (Millikin, 6-1 Jr.)- 17.0 ppg, 9.7 rpg (34.6 min/game)
2. Diana Jacklin (Carthage, 6-0 So.)- 15.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg (27.4 min/game)
3. Christina Solari (IWU, 6-0 Sr.)- 15.1 ppg, 9.0 ppg (23.0 min/game)
4. Megan Ney (Elmhurst, 6-0 So.)- 10.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg (24.5 min/game)
5. Lyndsey Thompson (North Park, 6-0 Jr.)- 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg (21.7 min/game)
6. Lani Kasten (Augustana, 5-11 So.)- 7.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg (25.0 min/game)
7. Annie Bowen (Wheaton, 5-9 Jr.)- 6.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg (22.8 min/game)
8. Terra Musgrove (North Central, 6-0 Fr.)- 3.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg (22.6 min/game)

Reserves averaging 5.0 ppg or more
1. Kaitlin Brassil G (Millikin, 5-7 So.)- 9.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 turnovers/game (22.8 min/game)
2. Karen Solari G (IWU, 5-8 So.)- 7.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.1 turnovers/game (15.7 min/game)
3. Kelly Brooks C (Wheaton, 6-0 Jr.)- 7.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 turnovers/game (16.5 min/game)
4. Jenna Hoffman F/C (North Central, 6-1 Fr.)- 6.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.2 apg, 1.4 turnovers/game (13.2 min/game)
5. Melissa Gardner G (IWU, 5-8 Fr.)- 5.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 turnovers/game (11.6 min/game)
6. Brooke Olson G (Wheaton, 5-9 Fr.)- 5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 3.1 turnovers/game (22.9 min/game)
7. Sarah Cotner C (IWU, 6-0 Jr.)- 5.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.8 turnovers/game (11/1 min/game)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 20, 2009, 05:57:50 PM
Interesting that the national #1 Titans only average between 5th and 6th in the CCIW in ppg by starters, despite leading the conference in scoring by nearly 14 ppg.  It is largely explained by looking at the reserves, where 3 of the 7 listed are Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 20, 2009, 06:19:17 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 20, 2009, 05:57:50 PM
Interesting that the national #1 Titans only average between 5th and 6th in the CCIW in ppg by starters, despite leading the conference in scoring by nearly 14 ppg.  It is largely explained by looking at the reserves, where 3 of the 7 listed are Titans.

And IWU also has two more players averaging just under 5.0 ppg, which is all that list includes. Looking at ppg and minutes pergame, IWU and Wheaton get the most out of their respective benches. Wheaton has 8 players averaging 14.1 minutes per game or more, and IWU has 7 in that category (with two others averaging 11 or more).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2009, 11:31:30 AM
An observation and two questions:
A small oddity is that Carthage plays the next three games involving any CCIW team.
Question for Moser - when you select the players to list by position, do you take the ones with the five highest minutes played on each team, or some other method?
Question for anyone - what's happened to NC's Christine Karl?
She averaged 16.2 pts in her first 6 games, but since then has scored 6, 8, 4 and a DNP. I wonder if one of our readers/posters can tell us if she's injured or what. From what I've seen, she's one of our league's best players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 21, 2009, 11:37:54 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 21, 2009, 11:31:30 AM
Question for Moser - when you select the players to list by position, do you take the ones with the five highest minutes played on each team, or some other method?

I look first at the games played-games started breakdown. Most teams have at least three players who have started all of their games. To fill in the remaining spots I looked at whoever had played in or started the most games, as well as minutes played. I also just went off of what I know about certain teams' lineups.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2009, 04:37:49 PM
Congratulations to Millikin's Elise Wildman, CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 21, 2009, 06:02:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 21, 2009, 04:37:49 PM
Congratulations to Millikin's Elise Wildman, CCIW Player of the Week.

A couple of interesting things about that: 1) each of this year's five winners so far have been from different teams; on the men's side, Wheaton players have won three of the six weeks. 2) Also, Elise Wildman was named player of the week last year for week 5. Coincidence? Or does she just play really well in mid-December?  ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 21, 2009, 06:06:33 PM
Quote from: Moser on December 21, 2009, 06:02:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 21, 2009, 04:37:49 PM
Congratulations to Millikin's Elise Wildman, CCIW Player of the Week.

A couple of interesting things about that: 1) each of this year's five winners so far have been from different teams; on the men's side, Wheaton players have won three of the six weeks. 2) Also, Elise Wildman was named player of the week last year for week 5. Coincidence? Or does she just play really well in mid-December?  ;D

Maybe she just REALLY gets into the holiday spirit?! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2009, 06:23:39 PM
Very likely!
She joins Breanna Bohlen and Sarah Peterson as the only CCIW players in double figures for blocked shots and steals so far.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2009, 11:39:09 AM
Carthage improved to 8-1 with a 72-65 win over Coe, a pretty good team.
Dani Ripkey and Diana Jacklin provided a lot of the scoring punch in the 1st half.
Rosie Dorn had a big 2nd half and led all with 21 pts.
Next Monday will be a challenge for the Lady Reds, as they confront 9-0 Hope.
Hope has scored 82, 86, 80, 83, 86, 59 (gave up 36), 79, 102 and 70 (gave up 51). Looks like they prefer a fast pace, but have no problem winning a slower game.
Carthage has plenty of scoring ability spread throughout its roster, so who knows how it will turn out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 22, 2009, 11:48:50 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 22, 2009, 11:39:09 AM
Next Monday will be a challenge for the Lady Reds, as they confront 9-0 Hope.
Hope has scored 82, 86, 80, 83, 86, 59 (gave up 36), 79, 102 and 70 (gave up 51). Looks like they prefer a fast pace, but have no problem winning a slower game.
Carthage has plenty of scoring ability spread throughout its roster, so who knows how it will turn out.

It will be a good measuring stick for Carthage. Hope is coming off of a 70-51 win over Chicago. All-American Carrie Snikkers (6-3 Sr.) is averaging 12.8 points in just 18.2 minutes per game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2009, 05:25:15 PM
Today's news release on the Carthage web site mentions that a 5'10" forward, Kiki Phillips, has transferred in from D2 Bemidji State's team.
She was a part time (15 min / game) player as a freshman last year and hasn't seen much action this season. Probably is a decent player, though, giving the Lady Reds additional depth.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on December 23, 2009, 11:47:16 AM
First Time Poster. 
Love the positive attitude on the site.  Thank you, all, for the good info and insights. 
Moser, thanks for posting the stats.  It was fun to play with the numbers. I broke them down on a per minute basis.
       Point Guard                                Min       Pts.     Reb.    Ass.    T/O     Cum.*
1)     Brittany Hasselbring (IWU 5-8 So.)  21.8   0.220   0.115   0.138   0.096   0.376
2)     Katie Klemke (Car. 5-7 Sr.)            28.9   0.270   0.035   0.138   0.087   0.356
3)     Lindsey Brenneman (Wh. 5-8 So.)   31.3   0.272   0.096   0.077   0.093   0.351
4)     Rashida Joiner (Elm.  5-7 Sr.)         24.8   0.234   0.113   0.093   0.093   0.347
5)     Bethany Wellbaum (Mil. 5-7 So.)     30.6   0.176   0.095   0.108   0.098   0.281
6)     Kristin Warnken (Aug. 5-5 Fr.)        25.5   0.294   0.114   0.078   0.216   0.271
7)     Larissa Coldebella (N. P. 5-8 Sr.)     18.3   0.273   0.055   0.022   0.104   0.246
8)     Jenny Swanson (N. C. 5-7 Fr.)        26.5   0.192   0.064   0.049   0.098   0.208
                          
   Wing Guard                                      Min    Pts.      Reb.    Ass.     T/O     Cum.*
1)     Lyndsie Long (Elm. 5-10 Sr.)           31.8   0.717   0.217   0.063   0.088   0.909
2)     Hope Schulte (IWU 5-10 Jr.)           24.6   0.423   0.175   0.085   0.102   0.581
3)     Kristen Fox (Aug.a 5-8 Sr.)             27.7   0.397   0.162   0.036   0.087   0.509
4)     Dani Ripkey (Car. 5-9 So.)              26.5   0.381   0.098   0.087   0.072   0.494
5)     Christine Karl (N. C. 5-10 Jr.)          34.4   0.372   0.128   0.070   0.090   0.480
6)     Sarah Jones (Whe. 5-7 Sr.)            24.4   0.340   0.168   0.094   0.160   0.443
7)     Julia Robert (Mil. 5-7 So.)               27.3   0.238   0.139   0.092   0.040   0.429
8)     Kamauria Acree (N. P.5-5 Fr.)          32.3   0.362   0.133   0.034   0.115   0.415
                          
   Wing Forward                                         Min      Pts.       Reb.       Cum.*
1)     Nikki Preston (IWU 5-10 Jr.)                    19    0.526     0.179      0.705
2)     Latrice Newson (N. C. 5-7 Fr.)               31.2   0.442     0.237      0.679
3)     Breanna Bohlen (Whe. 5-10 Fr.)             27.8   0.432     0.227      0.658
4)     Crystal Zeigler (Mil. 5-9 So.)                   23    0.409     0.196      0.604
5)     Meghan Merklein (Elm. 5-11 So.)            29.8   0.419     0.144      0.564
6)     Heather Gilmore (Car. 5-9 Sr.)               25.6   0.336     0.152      0.488
7)     Dori Gills (Aug. 5-10 Fr.)                       20.6   0.257     0.155      0.413
8)     Hilary Kuhl (N. P. 5-8 So.)                     19.5   0.246     0.149      0.395
                       
   Strong Forward                                         Min        Pts.      Reb.        Cum.*
1)     Natalie Runge (Aug. 5-10 So.)                  25.5     0.396   0.275           0.671
2)     Rosie Dorn (Car. 5-10 Sr.)                         26      0.362   0.242           0.604
3)     Jackie Errico (N. C. 5-11 Jr.)                     34       0.371   0.232           0.603
4)     Elisabeth Potts (Whe. 5-11 So.)                21.8     0.339   0.161           0.500
5)     Stacey Arlis (IWU, 5-11 Jr.)                     19.3      0.316   0.161           0.477
6)     Cecily Aldridge (Mill. 5-10 So.)                   34.4     0.288   0.169           0.456
7)     Sarah Peterson (N, P. 5-11 Fr.)                 30.6     0.209   0.232           0.441
8)     Maggie McTeague (Elm. 5-8 Sr.)                 19       0.126   0.258           0.384
                         
   Center                                                       Min       Pts.      Reb.     Cum.*
1)     Christina Solari (IWU, 6-0 Sr.)                     23     0.657   0.391           1.048
2)     Diana Jacklin (Car. 6-0 So.)                       27.4    0.562   0.255           0.818
3)     Elise Wildman (Mil. 6-1 Jr.)                         34.6   0.491   0.280           0.772
4)     Lyndsey Thompson (N. P. 6-0 Jr.)               21.7    0.447   0.263           0.710
5)     Megan Ney (Elm. 6-0 So.)                         24.5     0.412   0.216           0.629
6)     Lani Kasten (Aug. 5-11 So.)                        25      0.316   0.276           0.592
7)     Annie Bowen (Whe. 5-9 Jr.)                       22.8     0.303   0.241           0.544
8)     Terra Musgrove (North Central, 6-0 Fr.)        22.6    0.173   0.146           0.319
                          
Reserve                                              Min     Pts.     Reb.     Ass.     T/O     Cum.*
1)     Kelly Brooks C (Whe. 6-0 Jr.)          16.5   0.455   0.321   0.048   0.048   0.776
2)     Karen Solari G (IWU 5-8 So.)          15.7   0.490   0.146   0.127   0.134   0.631
3)     Melissa Gardner G (IWU 5-8 Fr.)      11.6   0.500   0.095   0.086   0.078   0.603
4)     Jenna Hoffman F/C (N. C. 6-1 Fr.)   13.2   0.470   0.212   0.015   0.106   0.591
5)     Sarah Cotner C (IWU 6-0 Jr.)          11.1   0.459   0.180   0.091   0.153   0.577
6)     Kaitlin Brassil G (Mil. 5-7 So.)          22.8   0.395   0.070   0.061   0.070   0.456
7)     Brooke Olson G (Whe. 5-9 Fr.)         22.9   0.240   0.131   0.083   0.135   0.319
            *CUM=Pts+Reb+Ass-T/O
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on December 23, 2009, 01:41:08 PM
Just noticed that we have forgotten IWU's Holly Harvey.  I believe she alternates at PG with Britt Hasselbring.

MP - 18.9
PPM - .258
RPM - .066
APM - .086
TPM - .046
CUM - .364
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 23, 2009, 01:57:27 PM
Welcome, OldSchoolHoopsFan,
What you've done with those stats raises a few issues, none of them meant to be criticism :
1. We should include assists and turnovers for forwards and centers.
2. By adding points, rebounds and assists and then subtracting turnovers, those categories are given equal value in the composite result. That could be debatable.
3. I hope no one assumes that those 47 players are the best 47 in the league. They may or may not be. This particular grouping of stats doesn't measure defense, the full range of ballhandling or the impact a player has on team unity.
Anyway, I hope you're a frequent poster. We gain some posters, we lose some.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on December 23, 2009, 02:36:10 PM
Thanks RogK, I could not agree with you more.
1) Wondered myself why ballhandling stats were not included for forecourt players.
2) CUM is just a quick number to use that looks beyond points.  There are many sophisticated formulas for comparing values.  I just took a simple one.
3) Best point of all.  I would not want to hurt anyone's feelings - just having fun with numbers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 26, 2009, 11:31:34 AM
Hello all,

Wow, what good stuff here on the site!  Thanks for the new insights and analysis.

I'm off in the north of England for a semester's sabbatical and so will have be a remote observer for the spring.  As yet we have no Internet in our flat, so this is being written from an Internet cafe.

Please keep the updates and analyses coming, and I'll chip in now and then when I have something to contribute!

Happy Boxing Day to all!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 28, 2009, 07:09:34 PM
Halftime in Atlanta:

#3 Hope- 19
#24 Carthage- 17

The stats indicate an ugly first half. Hope shooting 17.6 % (6-34), Carthage shooting 20.7 % (6-29). Neither team has made a 3, Hope is 0-9 and Carthage is 0-4. It appears that Hope's AA center Snikkers is not playing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 28, 2009, 07:43:38 PM
Carthage beats #3 Hope 51-47 at the Oglethorpe Tournament. Looks like Hope really struggled without their All American Carrie Snikkers, but obviously still a big win for Carthage and the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2009, 10:42:37 PM
Judging from the play-by-play and box score, it looks like Carthage got valuable and timely contributions of one sort or another from everybody who got in the game. Congratulations to the Lady Reds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 29, 2009, 07:14:43 PM
Carthage led the entire way and pounded Oglethorpe in their own gym today, 88-66. Diana Jacklin had 23 points and 11 boards, Dani Ripkey had 15 points, and Rosie Dorn had 11.

Carthage closes the non-conference season at 10-1. It will be interesting to see how far they shoot up in the next Top 25 poll. They have a tough start to CCIW play with Wheaton at home next Tuesday, a trip to Illinois Wesleyan a week from Saturday, and then Elmhurst at home the following Tuesday. They get three of the projected top four teams (they are the other) right out of the gate.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 29, 2009, 08:47:46 PM
Halftime in California:

Ill. Wesleyan 30
La Verne       22
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on December 29, 2009, 09:58:31 PM
Final:

Ill. Wesleyan 54
La Verne       40

No stats yet. The Titans (9-0) play Redlands (7-2) tomorrow night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2009, 01:08:06 AM
IWU over Redlands, 79-71, with Christina Solari going for 27, including 17-19 from the FT line.  Titans 2-0 on west coast jaunt.  Titans at 10-0 in pre-conference run with just UW Whitewater to go before the conference season opens.  Still poor three-point shooting and a ton of turnovers and fouls.  If the Titans put it all together, I hate to think of the scores coming against the weaker CCIW teams.  Carthage - IWU game on January 9th should be a real good one.  Almost no one playing more than 20 minutes on average, so depth is a big advantage the Titans have again this year. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2009, 01:09:35 AM
No comments on the latest poll, as Carthage jumps from 24th to 15th?! :o

Hope's 6 first place votes went 4 to Amherst, only 2 to IWU.  Still, with 18 first-place votes we're creeping up on unanimous.  Warning to team: look what it got us last season! :(

I'm sure you'll all be at the Final Four this season - just make sure it's because you're still playing! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2009, 11:13:28 AM
Quite a difference in those two IWU games : a total of 55 fouls and 74 FT attempts for IWU and Redlands, but just 26 fouls and 22 FT attempts in the La Verne game. May have been due to variations in aggressiveness and/or officiating. The Titans prevailed in each case. Congratulations to them and to Carthage for the recent victories.
Good luck to our other conference teams as they resume play today and upcoming days.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on December 31, 2009, 02:24:08 PM
It looks like Mia Smith has taken some scheduling advice from Denny Bridges.  Does anyone have as tough of a non-con schedule as the Titans?  They have already played No. 4 Wash U (former No. 1), at No. 22 Chicago, No. 30 UW-Stevens Point, and are getting ready to play at No. 14 UW-Whitewater.  Plus they went to California and beat two teams that are 6-3 and 7-3, and three NAIA teams (I think they all offer scholarships).  Plus, they made a nice trip up to Chicago to try their hand at DePaul in an exhibition.

They should be prepared for the CCIW schedule. 

Some NCAA expert can answer this question for me, Is it possible for them to play every game in the NCAA tournament at home this year?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2009, 02:47:06 PM
As far as I know there is no rule that says they can't, but the NCAA doesn't seem to set it up that way.  Hope had to travel the last two years and just missed their own FF party, losing in the Elite Eight both years.

It sure would be nice to really host the FF - after all, the host oughta be present at her own party! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2010, 03:34:58 PM
Kamauria Acree poured in 27 pts (11/17, 5/6) and grabbed 15 rebs, but North Park fell to Emmanuel 80-67.
Wheaton was edged 75-69 at Grand View U. The Thunder was led by 18 pts from Lindsey Brenneman.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2010, 04:05:10 PM
A nice win for Elmhurst this afternoon, 69-67 over Loras.
The Jays were up 38-20 at the half, but Loras sprinted out of the gate to start the 2nd half, outscoring EC 38-20 over 13:40 to even it at 58.
Elmhurst played smartly down the stretch, with key contributions from everyone.
Megan Ney had two big steals and a huge block in the last two minutes and made FTs. Kelsey Monroe put a lid on Loras's sharp-shooting Lindsay Bava, had 6 assists and scored an important three pt play late in the game.
Meghan Merklein had another well-rounded performance with 16 pts and 9 rebs.
Lyndsie Long fired in 29 points to top all, making 12/19 FGs and a free throw.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2010, 11:59:49 PM
Titans drub #14 UW Whitewater, 87-58, to go 11-0, making a further statement on being #1 in the country.  Nikki Preston with 25 and Christina Solari with a double-double, points and rebounds.  Better shooting of the 3 ball, hence the big score differential.   Yes, a tough pre-conference schedule, perhaps the toughest in the country, yet still 11-0.  Impressive. 

Any word on the SIU transfer player getting some time, factoring into the rotation at some point?  Or, does Mia just want to keep it going as is?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on January 03, 2010, 12:10:36 AM
Other results from today:

Wheaton 82, Luther 67: http://sports.luther.edu/stats/women/basketball/2009-10/lut-whe.htm

North Central 76, Aurora 71: http://northcentralcardinals.com/custompages/WBK/WBK0910/wbk11.htm

Buena Vista 77, Augustana 58: http://www2.bvu.edu/athletics/stats/wbasketball/2009-10/wbk12.htm

Cal Lutheran 60, North Park 49: http://www.clusports.com/stats/womens_basketball/2009_2010/npu-clu.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2010, 02:11:20 PM
Thanks for the links to the box scores, Moser.
Some individual highlights :
Christine Karl had a fine game for NC in their win : 24 pts, 7 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals.
In the Wheaton win, Lindsey Brenneman had 23 pts, 5 assists and 6 rebs.
I corrected the spelling of Lyndsie Long's first name in my previous post.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on January 03, 2010, 02:17:26 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 02, 2010, 11:59:49 PM
Titans drub #14 UW Whitewater, 87-58, to go 11-0, making a further statement on being #1 in the country.  Nikki Preston with 25 and Christina Solari with a double-double, points and rebounds.  Better shooting of the 3 ball, hence the big score differential.   Yes, a tough pre-conference schedule, perhaps the toughest in the country, yet still 11-0.  Impressive. 

Any word on the SIU transfer player getting some time, factoring into the rotation at some point?  Or, does Mia just want to keep it going as is?


The 32 to 12 differential from the free throw line didn't hurt either.

"Drub" is a polite way to put it.  Thank you.  No one left Williams Center confused about who was the best team.  Good luck the rest of the season.  That's a really good team you've got.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on January 03, 2010, 02:54:31 PM
Now that the non-conference schedule is almost over (Blackburn @ Millikin tomorrow), any predictions for the CCIW season. Carthage has put together a very impressive start, including handing MIAA powers Hope and Calvin their only losses. But are the Lady Reds ready to challenge IWU? Will anyone beat the Titans? After Carthage and IWU, no one really stands out at this point, who will emerge from the pack?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2010, 11:43:57 PM
Thanks, Moser,

Yes, they are good, deep, and a joy to watch.  They have every chance to again go undefeated in the regular CCIW season and go deep into the tourney.  Game with Carthage on Jan. 9th will be another good test, a good barometer of just how good they are.  Christina Solari is truly one of the best all'round players in DIII without a doubt . . . and all on about 24 minutes per game.  CCIW will be tough, but I think pre-CCIW games were a tougher test.  The key for the Titans will be to keep up the relentless pressure, stay healthy, and in big games shoot the 3 ball relatively well.  Defense wins championships, but you still have to have the ball bounce your way at key times in close games.  We'll see.  Of course, all the Titan faithful are hoping for a "home" Final Four in March . . . that would be doubly special, 3000+ for women's DIII hoops.  My Mother will be crying with joy . . . for women sports to get their due.

Happy New Year to all those who follow the DIII women's game!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2010, 03:10:53 PM
To respond to questions about what might happen in conference play, here are my thoughts:
Yes, Carthage is ready to challenge IWU. I wouldn't make too much of whatever happens between them on Saturday, although it'll be interesting to see how it goes. Whichever team loses the first matchup will make adjustments and cannot be counted out the second (or possibly third or even fourth) time they may face each other.
Can someone else beat either of them? Yes. I'm sure that IWU and Carthage will not take any game for granted. The rest of the league will be doing its best to knock off either of them.
While IWU is rated best of D3, I imagine that the Titans' perspective is as follows : we don't care about being favored to win every time; games have to be played one at a time and every opponent is to be respected.
All eight teams are tied at 0-0 for conference play. All eight should plan on being in contention for a spot, if not the top spot, in the 4-team conference tournament.
Good luck and best of health to all eight CCIW teams. Enjoy playing!
Congrats to Diana Jacklin for her 2nd Player of the Week honor.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2010, 11:26:09 AM
Millikin upended Blackburn last night, 68-33.
Cecily Aldridge scored 25, hitting 10 of 15 FGs, including two threes.
Beth Wellbaum had 8 assists and 1 TO.
Julie Robert had 14 rebounds.
Elise Wildman tallied 23 pts, 12 rebs.
Two of them played 40 minutes, another played 39 and one played 38. I found that a little surprising, considering they play again tonight.
Endurance among those four may not be an issue anyway.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 05, 2010, 11:59:59 PM
Titans a unanimous #1 in that other poll, with Carthage #8.

Stacey Arlis came alive with 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Titans defeated North Central 77-63.  Christina Solari scored 11 and Olivia Lett 9 for the Titans.  The Cardinals' Jackie Errico led all scorers with 26 on 9/13 shooting.

Both women and men face Carthage on Saturday at Shirk.  I agree with Rog that the outcome of this one game isn't likely to tell us how the rest of the season will turn out, but it will almost certainly be a barnburner.  Would love to read a first hand report if anyone feels inspired to post.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 06, 2010, 12:15:41 AM
Alas, I can't make it there, but the DH on Saturday at the Shirk should be one of the best ever.  Both women's teams are almost certainly top ten, and both men's teams are probably top 25 (with Steve Djurickovic of Carthage arguably the single best player in d3).

If you are not as stranded as I - BE THERE!

(Even though I'm retired, my travel is rather restricted by family matters.  But I WILL be there for the Final Four, as long as IWU remembers to show up! :D)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2010, 11:30:38 AM
Hello over there, Hoosier Titan. I see here
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/
that some Illinois snow has followed you to Yawk.
Elsewhere in the CCIW last night, Rosie Dorn's 16 pts (5/6, 6/7) and 12 rebs in 24:00 led Carthage over Wheaton, 69-52. Cailee Corcoran added 12 pts (6/9) in 18:00.
Lyndsie Long (7/11 with 2 threes, 2/2 FT, 8 rebounds) led Elmhurst over Millikin, 56-47.
Kelsey Monroe helped the Bluejays pull away, with 12 2nd half pts, to go along with her 6 assists and 3 steals.
The remaining conference opener is in Rock Island today, Vikings vs Vikings.


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2010, 01:06:56 PM
Jackie Errico's 26 last night enhances an interesting list of season highs for North Central players. Christine Karl recently had 24 and a few weeks ago, Latrice Newson poured in 33.
Now, if they could do that all in one game... then they'd be the old Denver Nuggets, with Alex English, Kiki Vandeweghe and Dan Issel routinely all scoring in the 20s or higher. If college played 48 minutes, maybe we'd see that once in a while.
By the way, Newson hasn't played in the last two games. Is she injured?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: cciwalum03 on January 06, 2010, 01:17:51 PM
Was at the NCC/IWU game last night.  Errico put on an awesome performance.  Karl played an all around game.  Clearly Karl is the most talented player on that team.  However, I thought it was interesting how there was no ball screens or plays for her??  Agree that all three NCC players are going to need to score around 20 a piece to compete cause there isn't really anybody else that is trustworthy on that team.  Newson must be injured (she was in street clothes).  Any comments on Errico or Karl??  Did anyone see the game??
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2010, 03:06:00 PM
Welcome to the CCIW page, cciwalum03,
When you say that Errico, Karl and Newson are the "trustworthy" players on NC, I assume you mean that they are the most reliable scorers. You don't mean that the others are common thieves or liars, do you?
Anyway, Karl may be the best all-around player on NC, since she is a better ball-handler than the others mentioned and does a lot of good all over the court, although Errico and Newson are likely better at certain aspects of the game.
It's always hard to fully judge players, since we don't know exactly what the coaches tell them to do or not to do.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 06, 2010, 05:30:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 06, 2010, 11:30:38 AM
Hello ove/N r there, Hoosier Titan. I see here
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/
that some Illinois snow has followed you to Yawk.

Rog,
The snow actually first came before Christmas, giving it a nice Dickensian feel.  They've run out of "grit" for the roads and are scooping up sand off the beaches to use.

I am more convinced than ever that basketball is the Midwest's way of coping with winter.  In England it may be going to the pub (we have a good one right across a narrow lane).  Anyway, I'm working on getting Internet into the flat so I can follow LiveStats.  Are you going to B/N for the game on Saturday?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2010, 06:34:25 PM
Definitely not, HT. Wouldn't think of it!
If I felt the IWU vs Carthage game would end up something like 95-93, I would go. But I think it'll be more like 62-57.
I'll stay local : Millikin at North Park at 2:00 and maybe Augustana at Elmhurst at 5:00.
You're fortunate to have a pub that close to home, "within staggering distance," to use one of the late Mike Royko's phrases.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 06, 2010, 06:49:52 PM
Hoosier Titan,

WAY premature, I realize, but if the answer is 'yes' it may take some advance planning.

IF the Titans make it to their own FF, any chance you will fly over?  It would seem a shame if one of the most prominent and loyal supporters (on these boards, at least) couldn't make it. :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 06, 2010, 07:00:27 PM
Mr Y,
It's certainly been thought about.  It would be premature to plan, of course, but the frequent flyer account has been checked.  :)

I haven't been posting much, but my first reactions on looking at the box score from last night were so similar to Mia Smith's comments that I just might post more...assuming we get Internet in our flat!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2010, 11:25:07 AM
Augustana beat North Park in their CCIW opener, 50-43.
Lani Kasten (12, 11) and Natalie Runge (12, 12) registered double-doubles for the victors and Abbi Staples led them with 13 pts.
For North Park, Lyndsey Thompson had a nice game, with 18 pts (8/13, 2/2) and 4 blocks. Hilary Kuhl grabbed 10 rebounds in 25:00.
NP has been without one of its better players, Sarah Peterson, for several games (injured?).
Both teams had more turnovers than FGs made.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbaskets on January 07, 2010, 04:14:43 PM
NCC's Newson has an ankle injury.  It is anticipated that she will be back on the court on Saturday. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbaskets on January 07, 2010, 04:27:57 PM
I was at the NCC/IWU game.  I was overall impressed with NCC's and Errico's performance against top-ranked IWU.  Considering the debth of IWU's bench having played 15 girls and NCC playing 7 girls, my accolades go to NCC!!!  NCC needs to get off to a better first half as they were neck to neck in scoring in the 2nd half.  That has been a problem in past games, as well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2010, 02:31:45 PM
I predict that after Saturday's games, there will be two CCIW teams at 2-0, four at 1-1 and two at 0-2.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 09, 2010, 09:58:26 AM
Pantagraph article on the Titans, who have now won 50 straight regular season games...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_759c3b8c-fcad-11de-b459-001cc4c002e0.html

Huge game today in the CCIW race.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 09, 2010, 04:00:26 PM
Following the IWU-Carthage game in an Internet pub/cafe surrounded by 20-something partiers on Saturday night in England.  45-23 IWU at halftime; looks like Nikki Preston is on fire.  C. Solari's scoring numbers are down--maybe they're defending her and leaving others open?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 09, 2010, 04:45:44 PM
Final IWU 76 Carthage 48

An impressive win by IWU .  Christine Solari turns in a double double playing just 29 minutes (high minutes for IWU).  Coach Smith got every player into this game - nice with IWU's 100 years men's basketball being celebrated today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2010, 04:52:16 PM
I don't want to read TOO much into a single game, but if even red-hot Carthage couldn't give the Titans a game (I don't think the margin was ever less than 20 after late in the first half), I'm concerned whether IWU will be ready for the playoffs.  They had a very tough non-con schedule, but will anyone challenge them over the last two months?

Maybe things will be different in Kenosha.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 09, 2010, 05:05:20 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2010, 04:52:16 PM
I don't want to read TOO much into a single game, but if even red-hot Carthage couldn't give the Titans a game (I don't think the margin was ever less than 20 after late in the first half), I'm concerned whether IWU will be ready for the playoffs.  They had a very tough non-con schedule, but will anyone challenge them over the last two months?

Maybe things will be different in Kenosha.
It will likely be a tougher contest in Kenosha.  I'm not all that concerned about IWU being ready for the playoffs.  This season's situation not all that different than last season except for the non-conference schedule you noted. 

I think two big challenges face the Titans:  1) Conditioning as not likely Titan starters will play for high minutes.  2) Improving efficiency

You can offset #1 in part with practice, weight room and running work.  It still does not replace actual game time.  Improving upon #2 means the top 7-8 players with minutes will need to try to improve their efficiency while playing less minutes; i.e. if you are scoring 20 point in 30 minutes can you score 20 points in 18 minutes?  The remaining players will need to focus in the same way either improving production over less playing time or increasing their production with more playing time.

And Coach Smith seems to do a very good job assigning those type of challenges to the Lady Titans.  Any way you look at it, a nice problem for a coach to have!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2010, 06:21:03 AM
Congrats to the Titans on a good thrashing of Carthage.  Great game to have during the 100 years of men's basketball celebration.  Keep it rolling Titans.  Work even harder, improve your overall game, keep things rolling for a CCIW championship. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 10, 2010, 11:15:17 AM
I was at the IWU/Carthage game yesterday.  Not much need for long-winded analysis...this was a complete blowout.  I suspect the game in Kenosha will be very close though.

The Titans are outstanding.  Not only do they have a tremendous offense, but their pressure defense is about as good as any I've ever seen (men/women, DI/D3, whatever).  Through 13 games (against a great schedule), the Titans are averaging 31 turnovers forced per game.  31...that is crazy. 

Where Mia Smith has this program is just incredible.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on January 10, 2010, 11:41:19 AM
Congratulations to the Lady Jays as they defeated a much improved Augustana Vikings team (by 20).  Meghan Merklein led the Jays with 24 shooting 8 of 10 from the field. Lyndsie Long had 19 with 9 boards-- they announced at the game that LL is now only 4 points away from 1500 in her career... congrats to her!! Kelsey Monroe had another consistant performance with 10 points and 4 steals!!!

Milikin and North Park played a close game, Milkin came away with the W, winning by 10 points.  Congratulations to Wheaton as they defeated NCC... North Central's Erricko led the chace again with 22 points!!!

Good Luck to all the CCIW teams as we lead into the 2nd week of conference play!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2010, 03:41:06 PM
I saw the last 3/4ths of the Elmhurst game and agree with bflong's comments. Also, I'll add that Rashida Joiner had a smart game for the Jays, with 7 assists, 7 rebs and 11 pts. And Megan Ney again was a strong defensive presence.
Elmhurst has Carthage and IWU next.
Earlier in the day, I saw Millikin get past North Park.
The Big Blue's Cecily Aldridge had her way in the 1st half, getting 19 of her 22 pts and 8 of her 10 rebs. North Park sorely missed Sarah Peterson, as she would have been able to restrict Aldridge, scoring and rebound-wise. Peterson may return from a leg injury this week.
Aldridge and teammate Beth Wellbaum have been playing full games lately. Seeing them in person gives a clue how they manage it : they have the conditioning of soccer players, exhibiting no apparent fatigue until very late in the game.
Millikin's regulars had a significant height advantage over most of the North Park players. This was particularly useful when NP tried pressing, because Millikin was able to pass the ball around easily, over the defenders. And, North Park's press wasn't in-your-face enough to cause turnovers anyway; it ate up parts of Millikin's shot clock, but didn't accomplish much else. A more aggressive press could have induced turnovers, but risks fouls and occasional 2-on-1s for the other team.
Crystal Ziegler and Elise Wildman did some very nice give-and-go plays for each other. Ziegler, one of the conference's better forwards, has been limited by a nagging leg problem this year.
I heard that the Big Blue's Brooke Carlson has stopped playing due to too many concussions. Too bad for her, but a very wise decision. She is still very helpful to the team, voicing encouragement and assisting the coaching staff.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on January 10, 2010, 04:08:41 PM
Im going to throw something out there (gut feeling). If Elmhurst is able to keep their confidence up, Id say watch out for them as the other candidate (other than Carthage) to pull the upset of IWU in the regular season. Coming after such a bad loss, Carthage will be fired up for the Blue Jays in their upcoming matchup, so I don't think an upset is brewing there, but I'll be checking the Elmhurst v IWU score next Sunday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 11, 2010, 05:56:06 AM
Quote from: Wydown Blvd. on January 10, 2010, 04:08:41 PM
Im going to throw something out there (gut feeling). If Elmhurst is able to keep their confidence up, Id say watch out for them as the other candidate (other than Carthage) to pull the upset of IWU in the regular season. Coming after such a bad loss, Carthage will be fired up for the Blue Jays in their upcoming matchup, so I don't think an upset is brewing there, but I'll be checking the Elmhurst v IWU score next Sunday.
They certainly gave the Titans a tremendous scare at the end of last season, with a 20 point lead in the second half.  They're certainly capable if the Titans come in overconfident.  That hasn't happened with IWU yet this season, but it's got to be a concern for Mia Smith.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 11, 2010, 09:21:34 AM
IWU is clearly the class of the league again this season.  The Carthage-Elmhurst game tomorrow will be a good barometer as to where Elmhurst is in the pecking order early in the conference season.  When the Bluejays are patient on offense, push the ball in transition, and lock in defensively like they are capable of, I believe they can compete at a high level.  They tend to have difficulty when they turn into a jump-shooting team early in the shot clock, and that plays into the hands of the defense.  The Jays have both inside and outside scoring threats and they have been most successful this season when they utilize both.  The resurgence of Kelsey Monroe has been huge for the Jays the past few games.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2010, 01:07:08 PM
I'll direct this to Titan Q, since he attended the IWU-Carthage game :
Why do you expect that their matchup in Kenosha will be much closer?
Home court advantage? Did Carthage do some good things Saturday, despite getting whipped?
The Lady Reds' shooting stats were pretty crummy all around -- 13/36 on 2FGs, 2/8 threes and 16/24 FTs.
Carthage could take care of the ball better, reducing TOs from 30 to some lower amount. IWU had 25 TOs, so they too could improve that category next time.
I was way off, thinking that game would be 62-57 -ish, not specifying a winner.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2010, 01:39:22 PM
Some interesting stats from the North Central - Wheaton game :
NC's Becky Bylina really got involved when she was in, grabbing 13 rebounds in 17:00, adding 11 pts, but committing 5 fouls. I think the 13 and 11 override the 5 fouls. Besides, fouls are not necessarily bad.
Wheaton's Breanna Bohlen blocked 4 shots and now has 22 in their 12 games. She has 19 steals, too. She's pretty good in all facets of the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on January 11, 2010, 02:11:18 PM
Congratulations to both LL and Solari for being named Co-players of the week!! Much deserved for leading tboth of their teams to a 2-0 record for the week!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 11, 2010, 02:32:55 PM
RogK - some observations about IWU and Carthage rematch:

I don't think you find a combined 55 turnovers between the two teams.  Nor, do I anticipate Carthage making just 25% of FG in a half getting down by 22 at half time.  Certainly the Lady Titans won't anticipate Carthage going cold in the 1st half.

This simply would have been a much different contest if Carthage had hit for average in that 1st half in the Shirk.  Like you, I'm interested in Titan Q's observations.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2010, 03:04:00 PM
Good point, iwumichigander.
I wonder if Carthage's poor shooting was attributable to tight IWU defense or a shortage of oxygen in the Carthage team bus (making them a little off-balance!).
On another topic, can someone that has functioning email today (I don't) send one to mkrizman@cciw.org and ask him to revise the player of the week write-up to show that Lyndsie Long had 18 pts against Millikin, rather than 8. Thanks.
update : correction has been made!

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 11, 2010, 10:35:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2010, 01:07:08 PM
I'll direct this to Titan Q, since he attended the IWU-Carthage game :
Why do you expect that their matchup in Kenosha will be much closer?
Home court advantage? Did Carthage do some good things Saturday, despite getting whipped?
The Lady Reds' shooting stats were pretty crummy all around -- 13/36 on 2FGs, 2/8 threes and 16/24 FTs.
Carthage could take care of the ball better, reducing TOs from 30 to some lower amount. IWU had 25 TOs, so they too could improve that category next time.
I was way off, thinking that game would be 62-57 -ish, not specifying a winner.

I'm not necessarily basing that comment on anything in particular...no specific X's and O's or anything like that.  I just think it will be a completely different game on Carthage's floor...Carthage is a good team that just had a terrible game Saturday.  I'd expect them to play much better in Kenosha vs IWU.  
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 12, 2010, 12:39:52 AM
IWU rises two more first place votes (now 20 firsts, and 5 seconds).

Carthage is the beneficiary of that respect, as they fall only ONE spot after being blown out - now number 12.

Either that, or IWU is the beneficiary of respect for Carthage! ;D

At any rate, it is good to see TWO CCIW teams so respected. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2010, 11:15:07 AM
Since Hoosier Titan is currently in the UK, I wonder if she now introduces her husband as her "bit of stuff."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on January 12, 2010, 11:37:49 PM
LADY JAYS BEAT CARTHAGE!!! On a 7 game winning streak now... They played touch defense and made smart decisions on offense.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 13, 2010, 02:08:51 AM
great game at King tuesday night.  i was very impressed with Potts and Wheaton's post defense really making Lani Kastens a nonfactor.  great win for the Thunder playing without Brianna Bohlen.  Jones had a double-double and Brenneman really stepped up down the stretch.  Potts played great post defense.  as young as Wheaton is they're playing pretty good basketball and could play spoiler at some point in the CCIW race.

Augustana looks like they have the personnel and the bench depth to be a good team but they turn the ball way too much.  30 turnovers tonight and too many ill-advised passes.  Staples is a nice point guard and Warnken showed in the gym range tonight.  Having seen Kastens since high school she's a great post player but struggles with turnovers and really got shut down by Potts, Ballenger, Bowen, and Brooks.

We're really gonna know a lot more about this Thunder team next week hosting IWU and Elmhurst.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on January 13, 2010, 02:47:06 AM
So Elmhurst made me eat my words with the win over Carthage. I know they are a very talented team, but was expecting Carthage to play lights out coming off of that ugly loss. With that being said, the d3hoops headline really speaks to what I already said... Elmhurst is "not to be overlooked" and at least has a shot at the upset against IWU.

Anyone with comments on the Carthage v. Elmhurst game?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 13, 2010, 07:28:12 AM
IWU 64
Millikin 42

http://www.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/WBB2010/HTML/iwuwbb14.htm

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_b89ac238-fffe-11de-8c09-001cc4c002e0.html


The Titans won their 52nd straight regular season game and 29th straight CCIW game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 13, 2010, 11:02:47 AM
I attended the Elmhurst-Carthage game last night.   It was a dog fight with the Bluejays prevailing in an extremely hostile environment.  Lyndsie Long, Meghan Merklein, and Megan Ney proved too much for the Lady Reds to handle at the end of the day.  The offensive punch of Long and Merklein and the defensive effort of Ney were the keys to the victory.  I believe that Ney held Jacklin to one basket the entire second half, and the excellent interior defense forced Carthage to resort more to the perimeter game.  The Elmhurst starters played heavy minutes, and I was most impressed with their conditioning and strength down the stretch.  Looking forward to watching IWU vs. Elmhurst on Sunday!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2010, 11:32:30 AM
A nice win for Elmhurst, for sure. They will certainly need to stay in high gear and keep mistakes to a minimum against IWU.
Carthage's Rosie Dorn must be playing hurt, I think. Over 48 minutes in the last two games, she was 0-for-9, very unlike her usual good self.
Katie Klemke was sharp from behind the arc, making 5 of 8 threes.
On the Bluejay side, Maggie McTeague's 6 rebounds in 9:00 must have been a good boost for the team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2010, 01:53:24 PM
thunder38illini, I concur with your review of the Augie-Wheaton game.
Elisabeth Potts showed a lot of versatility: the defense you mentioned, plus she shot nicely and also helped get the ball through Augie's full-court press.
That press, implemented mostly in the 2nd quarter, was fairly good (inducing a few turnovers) and can get better with more use.
In addition to players you mentioned, I thought Gianna Pecora showed promise of good things to come.
Augie started the game ineffectively, scoring just 10 points in the first 10 minutes. After that, they were as good as I've seen 'em be in years.
Sure, they were disappointed by not winning, but it looks like they'll be getting better.
Wheaton also has a number of good young players, providing reason for optimism for them this season, as well.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2010, 03:15:39 PM
Just checked the Wheaton roster. Only Sarah Jones is a senior. Brooks, Ballenger, Bowen and McAlvey are juniors.
Potts and Brenneman are sophs, as is Laura Karsten who played last year and is injured at present.
All five freshman look like they have abilities that will be useful, now or soon.
In the other game last night, North Park topped North Central in Naperville, 61-49. Lyndsey Thompson scored 18, Kamauria Acree 16. Sarah Peterson returned, with 9 pts 8 rebs in 22:00. Dana Christensen also had 8 rebs, plus three steals.
NC's Christine Karl had 20 pts, 10 rebs, 4 assists, 3 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2010, 01:56:01 PM
For anyone who's interested, I'll be playing my taped interview with North Park women's basketball coach Amanda Reese at halftime of the Wheaton @ NPU men's game tonight. Game time's at 7:30, following the Wheaton @ NPU women's game. Here's the link. (http://www.audiosportsonline.net/NorthPark/2009Basketball.htm)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2010, 04:23:30 PM
Scoreboard has no links listed for tomorrow's IWU @ Elmhurst game - anyone know if there are livestats (and, if so, how to access them)?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 17, 2010, 01:22:26 PM
It's less than an hour before game time, and the Elmhurst web site has a live stats link.  Unfortunately, while they've got the opponent listed as Illinois Wesleyan, all the names of the players and the scoring appears to be left over from Elmhurst's last game with Augustana.  Hopefully things will update soon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2010, 03:04:50 PM
At the half:  IWU 35, Elmhurst 28
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2010, 03:21:38 PM
The Titans started the second half on fire, opening up a double-digit lead.  The Jays come right back with an 11-0 run to tie at 43, with 14+ to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2010, 03:22:55 PM
This could be big - Lyndsie Long gets her 4th fould at 13:32; Titans up by two.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2010, 03:47:50 PM
After the Jays took their only lead, 55-54, with 6+ to go, the Titans ripped off a 10-0 run to regain control.

It's now 68-60 with 2+ to go.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2010, 03:59:58 PM
IWU wins, 74-64.  A very tight game most of the way.  The Titans lead virtually all the time, but never totally took command until the Jays' two big guns (Merklein and Long) fouled out 19 seconds apart (with only a minute remaining).

One thing I couldn't tell from livestats - the teams combined for 66(!) turnovers and a combined 6 for 28 from deep.  Sloppy play or ferocious defense?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2010, 08:44:29 PM
Mr Ypsi, my take on it is that both sides played good defense most of the time and the officiating was very tight : a lot of fouls (49) were called, as well as much travelling and double-dribble violations.
The refs were very consistent and clearly didn't favor either side. What was relevant, though, was that IWU spread their fouls among more players than EC did. IWU's substantial depth allowed them to handle the close officiating with much less difficulty than what Elmhurst had.
While it was a hard-fought contest, I don't think either team was at its best.
I thought Karen Solari was the star of the game, with 7 or 8 excellent defensive plays. She also had 6 assists.
Big sister Christina was good too, of course : 16 pts, 8 rebs, 4 steals.
Interestingly, IWU played some stretches without any of their smaller guards (Harvey, Hasselbring, Gardner) on the floor.
Stacey Arlis poured in some quick baskets late in the game, sinking Elmhurst's hopes.
If I remember correctly, Hope Schulte guarded Lyndsie Long quite a bit, limiting her to just 8 FG attempts in 25:00.
Note to Hoosier Titan over in England : when you're back in Illinois for the '10-'11 and following seasons, you're really going to enjoy watching Melissa Gardner. Looks to me like she's going to be one of the best guards around.
Among the large crowd was most of Wheaton's team, studiously observing the action; they get the Titans next. In the opposite stands was Carthage's Katie Klemke, doing likewise.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2010, 09:03:21 PM
I was unable to attend anything Saturday, but would have gone to the Wheaton - North Park game. Its halves certainly had different flavors. NP was up 24-14 at halftime, but Wheaton piled up 44 2nd half points to 33 for the Vikings, eking out a 58-57 win. NP's Dana Christensen got warm from 3point land and topped all scorers with 16.
Heather Gilmore had 8 steals and 19 pts for Carthage, who defeated Augustana 78-71. Diana Jacklin scored 25 (11/17, 3/3) and got 8 rebs.
Natalie Runge had 18 pts to lead Augie, followed closely by 16 each from Dori Gills and Lani Kasten.
North Park and Augustana each lost, but should be encouraged, not discouraged. It's not easy to move up in the standings, but they're each getting better.
In the Millikin win over North Central, Kaitlin Brassil scored 22 on 11 shots; not bad.
Elise Wildman finished with 25 pts and 10 rebs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on January 18, 2010, 01:26:23 PM
While I agree with Rog K that the officials did not favor either team, I thought that they called the game far too close on both ends of the floor.  My view is that officials need to enforce the rules on a consistent basis and make the obvious calls while letting the players play the game.  That did not happen yesterday.  I also agree that the IWU bench is much deeper than EC, and that was the difference in this game.  I was most impressed with the way the Bluejays starters (along with Kelsey Monroe) matched up with the IWU starters.  The officiating nothwithstanding, it was a fun contest to watch. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on January 18, 2010, 04:36:41 PM
I agree with Old Hoosier Baller in that their comes a time when the little fouls need to be overlooked and the game needs to be played out by both teams (the only way to do that is for the refs to let them play the game).  More times than not the refs were calling fouls, traveling calls, double dribble; thus making it hard for either team to get into a rythm.  I have a feeling that next time these two teams meet it is going to be played very close, down to the wire!  Great game to watch--- two very good teams!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: hoop_junkie on January 18, 2010, 05:00:20 PM
Quote from: Old Hoosier Baller on January 18, 2010, 01:26:23 PM
While I agree with Rog K that the officials did not favor either team, I thought that they called the game far too close on both ends of the floor.  My view is that officials need to enforce the rules on a consistent basis and make the obvious calls while letting the players play the game.  That did not happen yesterday.  I also agree that the IWU bench is much deeper than EC, and that was the difference in this game.  I was most impressed with the way the Bluejays starters (along with Kelsey Monroe) matched up with the IWU starters.  The officiating nothwithstanding, it was a fun contest to watch. 

Too many officials at the D3 level "look" for stuff to call rather than react to what they see and that leads to a lot of inconsistency as to what is a foul and what's not. I'm really frustrated by how inconsistent the officials are and how many times they misinterpet what they see happening. Part of the problem is many of these officials also work at the HS level and the refs at that level are so bad they might as well not even have refs. To me, you let kids play physical w/o the ball, but you protect the dribbler and you call fouls in shooting situations and you penalize players for poor footwork by calling every travel. The other call that really gets me is the number of bad screens that don't get called. I've seen a bunch of games so far this year and that is the number 1 thing that bad or inexperienced officials struggle to interpret correctly.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2010, 10:37:51 PM
For those of you who have seen IWU play recently, is it fair to say that Olivia Lett seems to be the "heir apparent" for Christina Solari?  She has provided some nice lift on the bench, playing 7-15 minutes and contributing well during those minutes.  Anyone with an insight?  The Titans only lose C. Solari to graduation so virtually the entire 10-11 person rotation will return next year.  That's scary. 

Keep in rolling Titans. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2010, 10:47:45 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 18, 2010, 10:37:51 PM
For those of you who have seen IWU play recently, is it fair to say that Olivia Lett seems to be the "heir apparent" for Christina Solari?  She has provided some nice lift on the bench, playing 7-15 minutes and contributing well during those minutes.  Anyone with an insight?  The Titans only lose C. Solari to graduation so virtually the entire 10-11 person rotation will return next year.  That's scary. 

Keep in rolling Titans. 

Mark, I obviously have not seen them, but the mere thought that there is an 'heir apparent' to Christina must send shudders up other coaches spines!

I expected them to fall back (somewhat) to the pack with the graduation of 3 starters last year.  Mia Smith may be transforming into John Wooden!  (Though I suppose a few titles might be nice before I go quite that far! :o)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on January 19, 2010, 11:31:25 AM
New Top 25:

IWU #1, Carthage #19, Elmhurst ORV (1)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2010, 12:53:46 PM
Congratulations to Wheaton's versatile forward Elisabeth Potts, new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2010, 01:51:56 PM
iwu70, as someone who has seen Olivia Lett play 14 minutes, I'll say it's too early to know how she might do next year.
Is it definite that C Solari is not playing next season? I think she has eligibility to do another, because of her freshman year redshirt/injury situation. I don't know if that decision has been made.
Anyway, against Elmhurst, Lett played away from the basket a lot. If they use her near the basket next year, she would have opportunity for more rebounds etc. We'll have to wait and see.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2010, 11:41:49 PM
Thanks, RogerK, for the impressions on Lett.  IWU does have others in line to take up spots on the front court. 

I thought this was the year of extra eligibility for Christina Solari?  Not sure.  Perhaps someone can clarify.  She's listed as a senior on the roster.

Did you see the latest score vs. Wheaton.  IWU won by almost 40!  And, Christina Solari was one rebound short of a rare double-double = rebounds and assists.  She had 9 rebounds and 10 assists . . . but only four points.  The Titans had four others with double firgure scoring. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 20, 2010, 12:28:01 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2010, 11:41:49 PM
Thanks, RogerK, for the impressions on Lett.  IWU does have others in line to take up spots on the front court.  

I thought this was the year of extra eligibility for Christina Solari?  Not sure.  Perhaps someone can clarify.  She's listed as a senior on the roster.

Did you see the latest score vs. Wheaton.  IWU won by almost 40!  And, Christina Solari was one rebound short of a rare double-double = rebounds and assists.  She had 9 rebounds and 10 assists . . . but only four points.  The Titans had four others with double firgure scoring.  

Mark, I'm pretty sure (though by no means positive) that this is her 'regular' senior year, but that she would be eligible for another year.

IF, of course, her parents have an extra $35,000 (or whatever :P) sitting around!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 20, 2010, 02:08:57 AM
This is indeed Christina Solari's "first" senior year.  Unfortunately for the Titans, from conversations that I've had, it seems that it will be her only one. I'd love to be wrong on that!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2010, 01:39:46 PM
I attended the Wesleyan win in Wheaton last night and was again impressed by how deep the Titan roster is. Fifteen players got in, fourteen scored. A few (not a complete list) examples of making the most of one's playing time :
Sarah Cotner - 5/7 2/2 for 12 pts in 11:00
Amy Burton - 5 pts, 4 rebs in 5:00
Mackenzie Floyd - 3 rebs in 6:00 -- for the season, her rebounds per minute is an excellent .386 (27 in 70:00).
Holly Harvey and Nikki Preston each hit 3 of 5 threes. Hope Schulte had another fine game and is playing at a 1st team all-conference level.
Wheaton played well for long stretches, but had some trouble in the 2nd half. They are having bad luck with injuries lately, too. Breanna Bohlen tried to give it a go briefly, but was in obvious pain and couldn't run at all. She's maybe their best all-around player when healthy. Freshman guard Jennifer Lee was felled by an ankle/foot injury. She and the rest who played contributed nicely in various aspects of the game, but it didn't add up to enough.
The Thunder's top highlight was Shannon McNeil's leaping block of a Titan jumpshot, taking possession of the ball in mid-air.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2010, 07:11:51 PM
From the other three Tuesday games:
Millikin vs Augie : tied 36-all at the half, Millikin had a 22-6 burst and led 58-42. Then Augie scored 18 of the next 21 pts to cut the lead to 1, 61-60. The Big Blue hung on, winning 68-63. Julia Robert led all scorers with 21 (on 15 FG att) including 5 threes. She also topped all with 8 rebounds. Augie's Kristen Fox, recovering from injury, played for the first time since December 9 and rang up 14 pts, 5 rebs, 3 steals. Dawn Kernich shot well, making 3/3 FG and 4/4 FT.
North Central kept up with Carthage early, trailing by 5 at halftime, but the Lady Reds pulled away thereafter, winning 72-49. Only 22 total fouls and 21 FTs taken. Carthage's starters all scored in the 9 to 14 range. The team hit 9 of 16 threes. Latrice Newson had a double-double for NC, 14 pts, 11 rebs.
Elmhurst prevailed in a close contest at North Park, 77-73. Lyndsie Long led EC with 25 pts and 9 rebs. Megan Ney added 16 and 6. For NP, Kamauria Acree scored 20, while Bridgette Gray scored 16, missing just 2 FGs and 1 FT. The Vikings made 18/19 FTs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 24, 2010, 03:38:14 PM
To probably no one's surprise, IWU having their way with NPU - 51-27 at the half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 24, 2010, 03:43:34 PM
Credit where credit is due - with 12+ remaining, NPU cuts the 24-point deficit to 18, and the Titan's starters come back on the court.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 24, 2010, 03:59:02 PM
With 6:30 to go, lead back to 31.  Livestats seems to have frozen - no update in about ten minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 24, 2010, 04:07:34 PM
Final:  IWU 87, NPU 53.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2010, 11:25:39 AM
Lyndsie Long followed her 25 pt, 9 reb Tuesday game with a 33 pt, 8 reb performance Saturday in Wheaton, leading Elmhurst to an 81-73 win.
She made 7 of 11 2FGs, 3 of 5 threes and 10 of 10 FTs.
Wheaton's Lindsey did well too. Ms Brenneman scored 23 (7/14, 1 three, 8/8FTs).
It was a good effort by both teams, with fine play from starters and subs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 25, 2010, 12:02:09 PM
Here's the link to the Pantagraph story about the IWU-North Park game.  Mia Smith always finds something that needs to be worked on--these comments are as uniformly positive as I've ever seen from her.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_36963f58-0975-11df-8376-001cc4c03286.html

The balanced scoring, especially Sarah Cotner coming off the bench to hit double figures, was a big plus.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2010, 12:58:50 PM
Cotner definitely deserves mention, HT.
Her combined stats for the two recent games: 29:00, 22 pts (7/11, 8/9) and 9 rebs.
Hope Schulte also excelled last week, scoring 32 pts in 44:00, adding 5 rebs, 5 assists, 6 steals, fine ball-handling plus a pair of blocks.
Lyndsie Long should get the Player of the Week honor, but Schulte wasn't far behind.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2010, 01:35:18 PM
Congratulations to North Central for attaining their first conference win, a 62-58 decision over Augie. Jackie Errico had a strong game, with 20 pts, 8 rebs, 3 assists and 4 steals.
Augie's Lani Kasten had an efficient game scoring-wise : 9/12 FG, 2/2 FT and one turnover. Unfortunately for the Vikings, the rest of the team shot 12 for 36. Natalie Runge led both teams with 10 rebounds.
Carthage improved to 4-2 with a 62-41 toppling of Millikin. Diana Jacklin led everyone with 17 pts on 8 for 11 shooting, including her first three pointer.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2010, 06:10:20 PM
A tip of the hat to Lyndsie Long, CCIW player of the week.
Lyndsie started her college career as a talented player and has improved herself from year to year.
Now a senior, she is at her best: highly skilled, physically strong and mentally resilient.
Good luck to her and the rest of the seniors in the CCIW in their last couple of months of college hoops!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on January 26, 2010, 01:06:51 PM
Holly Harvey of IWU has been blogging for us this season about the Titans' season.  Here is her latest entry, which is very good.

http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2010/01/26/healthy-superstitions/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2010, 04:02:09 AM
I have to claim a tiny bit of credit for Assistant Coach Gaston-Bell's practice of dressing in the other team's colors--she did it by accident once a couple of years ago (I think she wore Millikin blue in Decatur)--and I pointed it out.  I don't think she's failed to do it since.  (She has a very extensive wardrobe, and a nice one too.)

Holly didn't list all the superstitions either!  It is a good piece.  And the regular fans all have their own superstitions, but Holly could hardly know or write about those.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2010, 05:15:14 AM
Here's Randy Reinhardt's story about the IWU-Augie game.  Note especially the bit about Christina Solari's eligibility near the end.  Hmmmm......

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_c0140bba-0b06-11df-b716-001cc4c002e0.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 27, 2010, 06:38:53 AM
33 consecutive CCIW wins and 56 consecutive regular season wins...amazing.

Some numbers that jump out from IWU's season boxscore...

http://www.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/WBB2010/HTML/teamcume.htm#TEAM.IND

* The Titans average 79.5 ppg and allow just 58.8
* IWU's average CCIW margin of victory is almost 24 ppg (79.1 to 55.3)
* IWU opponents are shooting just .386 from the field
* IWU has forced 546 turnovers - a ridiculous 30 per game
* IWU has taken 148 more FGA than opponents on the season (8 more per game)
* IWU's opponents have 215 assists and 546 turnovers, a ratio of .39 to 1.  Can anyone find a better # at any level of college basketball (men or women)?  That's about as good as I've ever seen.  (Pick your favorite high-pressure defense team and see what their opponent A:TO ratio is...I'm curious who is better.)


It seems like if IWU is going to lose  a CCIW game, the upcoming contest at Carthage Saturday is the best bet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 27, 2010, 06:46:35 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 27, 2010, 06:38:53 AM
* IWU's opponents have 215 assists and 546 turnovers, a ratio of .39 to 1.  Can anyone find a better # at any level of college basketball (men or women)?  That's about as good as I've ever seen.  (Pick your favorite high-pressure defense team and see what their opponent A:TO ratio is...I'm curious who is better.)
Thought I had a candidate about 2 miles from my house...

Missouri men: opponents have 211 assists, 421 turnovers (.51 A:TO)

CCIW men...

Millikin: opponents have 145 assists, 253 turnovers (.57)

There can't be many under .40.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 27, 2010, 06:54:10 AM
Found one!

U Conn women (20-0): opponents 162 assists, 435 turnovers (.37)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2010, 10:18:00 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 27, 2010, 06:54:10 AM
Found one!
U Conn women (20-0): opponents 162 assists, 435 turnovers (.37)

That's not bad company to be in!

Quote from: Titan Q on January 27, 2010, 06:38:53 AM
It seems like if IWU is going to lose  a CCIW game, the upcoming contest at Carthage Saturday is the best bet.

re:  Holly Harvey's blog on superstitions:  I'm not going to touch that prediction!  I do agree that the game Saturday is very important.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2010, 03:23:02 PM
I observed the 65-41 Carthage victory at North Park last night.
Carthage played very good defense, combined with North Park's bleakest offensive play of the year (including a 12 minute drought), allowing the Lady Reds to cruise rather unhurriedly to an easy win. They were up 62-30 at one point.
Heather Gilmore was particularly impressive for Carthage and rates up there with IWU's Karen Solari as 1st team all-defense, in my opinion.
Diana Jacklin and Rosie Dorn didn't permit North Park to do hardly anything in the lane.
Taylor Tondelli was sharp, making 3 of 4 threes and nabbing 3 steals in 19:00. NP's Dana Christensen made 3 of 5 threes, (the Vikings could use a lot more of that, this year and next).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2010, 07:19:27 PM
Megan Ney poured in 28 pts (10/18, 8/10), grabbed 9 rebs and added 4 assists to lead 6-1 Elmhurst over North Central, 86-72.
The Jays used a massive 58 pt 2nd half to turn around a 38-28 halftime deficit. Lyndsie Long tallied 24 and Meghan Merklein scored 19. Point guards Rashida Joiner and Claire Gentry combined for 7 assists and only 4 turnovers.
Four Cardinals were in double figures : Latrice Newson 13, Jenny Swanson and Jackie Errico 15 each and Christine Karl 29.
Millikin got past Wheaton 75-59, thanks in good measure to Kaitlin Brassil's 23 points (21 of her pts from 13 FG att).
Breanna Bohlen topped Thunder scorers with 16 in 20:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on January 27, 2010, 09:29:56 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2010, 04:02:09 AM
Holly didn't list all the superstitions either!  It is a good piece.  And the regular fans all have their own superstitions, but Holly could hardly know or write about those.

If you are interested in posting a few, I would love to hear more.  Anything particularly interesting?  And, how about the fans?

I am sure others would love to hear these as well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2010, 06:45:08 PM
The previous discussion of assists and turnovers got me wondering.
Should a player get an assist and a half for a pass that leads to a three pointer?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Usuallywrong24 on January 28, 2010, 07:25:55 PM
After following IWU the last couple years, I think there is pretty much no chance for a Carthage win this weekend.  IWU will win by at least 20. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2010, 08:58:38 PM
Quote from: Usuallywrong24 on January 28, 2010, 07:25:55 PM
After following IWU the last couple years, I think there is pretty much no chance for a Carthage win this weekend.  IWU will win by at least 20.  

As a Titan fan, I say "BITE YOUR TONGUE!"

While I wouldn't be distraught by a Titan blow-out, I'm not even rooting for it.  Another tight game like Elmhurst is just what the Titans need to 'get back' to the Shirk when it really counts (i.e., Final Four)! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 29, 2010, 02:35:51 AM
Quote from: WUH on January 27, 2010, 09:29:56 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 27, 2010, 04:02:09 AM
Holly didn't list all the superstitions either!  It is a good piece.  And the regular fans all have their own superstitions, but Holly could hardly know or write about those.

If you are interested in posting a few, I would love to hear more.  Anything particularly interesting?  And, how about the fans?

I am sure others would love to hear these as well.

Nothing very interesting at all, I'm afraid.  For my part:  my husband always wears the same T-shirt and IWU women's basketball sweatshirt (laundered in between, of course!).  At Shirk, we always sit in the same seats behind the bench--and this makes it clear that the superstitions are just that, because we left for England for my sabbatical on December 15!

Probably my biggest superstitions have to do with not making assumptions or making predictions.  The only time I can remember, in recent history, making a public prediction about a winner was in last summer's Confederation Cup (men's soccer in South Africa).  Before the US/ Spain (#1 in the world) match, it was asked on the men's soccer board here whether the US had a chance and I said "Sadly, no."  What resulted was the biggest US win I can remember!  So no pick 'ems for me (and no betting, either).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2010, 05:59:53 PM
Halfway through the conference season:
HOME records:
IWU 4-0
Mill 3-1
Carth 2-1
Elmh 2-1
Aug 1-1
Whe 2-2
NC 1-3
NP 0-4

ROAD records:
Elmh 4-0
IWU 3-0
Carth 3-1
Mill 1-2
NP 1-2
Whe 1-2
NC 0-3
Aug 0-5
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 30, 2010, 05:58:23 PM
Live video of IWU @ Carthage.  Open the following URL in QuickTime...

rtsp://wolfgang.carthage.edu:554/carthagelivestream2.sdp
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2010, 06:49:33 PM
Halftime in Kenosha: IWU 35, Carthage 31.

Carthage led most of the way, but IWU scored the last 7 points of the half.

Quite a contrast (as many expected) from that beat down in Bloomington!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on January 30, 2010, 07:52:59 PM
IWU goes down, 72-67.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2010, 07:57:59 PM
Wow, buf, you're quick!

There won't be back-to-back undefeated seasons for the Titans. :(

Carthage led virtually the whole game, but the Titans never went away.  The story of the game is free throws - Carthage made 24 (in 31 tries), IWU only 12 (of 19).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 30, 2010, 08:19:02 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2010, 07:57:59 PM
Wow, buf, you're quick!

There won't be back-to-back undefeated seasons for the Titans. :(

Carthage led virtually the whole game, but the Titans never went away.  The story of the game is free throws - Carthage made 24 (in 31 tries), IWU only 12 (of 19).

I was all set to blame the Titans' free throw shooting for the loss.  It was a poor effort all around for them, though.  BUT, credit is due to Carthage for helping to make that happen.  There should be some important lessons learned from watching film on this one.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 30, 2010, 08:19:49 PM
Throughout the game, Carthage did a great job attacking the basket.  A lot of teams get across halfcourt against IWU's intense pressure defense and then try to get into their halfcourt offense, only to turn it over time and time again.  Carthage would get across the timeline and go right at the basket...and they did a great job finishing.

The Titans just did not execute very well today, but that's going to happen throughout the course of the conference season...especially on the road.  Great run by the Titans...time to start another streak.

Great performance by the Lady Reds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 30, 2010, 08:20:44 PM
(I don't attribute the loss to FT shooting...I thought IWU did plenty of other things to lose the game, and Carthage plenty of other things to win it.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2010, 08:32:09 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 30, 2010, 08:20:44 PM
(I don't attribute the loss to FT shooting...I thought IWU did plenty of other things to lose the game, and Carthage plenty of other things to win it.)

I wasn't talking poor ft shooting - 12 for 19 is not excellent, but it is decent.  But when a team loses by 5, while scoring 12 fewer points from the line, to me that is a key stat! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 30, 2010, 08:41:09 PM
Agree with both of you--i said I was all set (right after the game ended) to blame foul shooting for the loss.  12 for 19--63%--is still not good, but that's only one thing out of many. 

The Titans simply made too many mistakes, and the Reds deserve credit for helping that happen. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2010, 07:17:53 PM
Any predictions on the new poll?

I'd expect Amherst would ascend to #1, with a dog-fight between Kean and IWU for #2.  Current #3 WashU picked up their second loss (the first was to IWU), while current #5 Hope's only loss is to ... Carthage (and neutral court rather than Kenosha).

So I expect the Titans to fall no further than 2 or 3.

With Carthage having the only victory over Hope and avenging the earlier loss to IWU, how far will they jump?  Perhaps too many losses to jump into the top 10, but I think they probably belong there.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2010, 12:52:58 PM
Congratulations to Coach Bernero and his team for the win over IWU.
Congratulations, too, to Coach Werner and her team on being tied for 1st.
I'm sure that each of them are aiming for even better accomplishments, especially if they can get into the NCAA tourney field.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2010, 03:51:54 PM
Congratulations to Coach Smith for being tied for first, too. 7-1 ain't bad.
We tend to expect flawless excellence from this IWU bunch, but they should be applauded for 7-1 or 8-0.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 01, 2010, 04:12:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2010, 03:51:54 PM
Congratulations to Coach Smith for being tied for first, too. 7-1 ain't bad.
We tend to expect flawless excellence from this IWU bunch, but they should be applauded for 7-1 or 8-0.
Applause!  However, it certainly makes the regular conference race interesting.  But Feb 6th (Elmhurst @ IWU) now becomes a "must win" game for the Titans to have a good shot to win out and host the conference tournament.  And, I think IWU might just need to run the table the remainder of the season to assure it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2010, 06:51:25 PM
On Saturday, I attended the Wheaton 64-55 win at North Central.
Both teams had good energy. The first half was a little goofy, though, as a large number of high-percentage shots refused to go in; this was the fault of the ball or the baskets or maybe aberrant barometric pressure in the vicinity.
The 2nd half was a little better, but for the game, the 2 point FG shooting wasn't ideal, with Wheaton making 16 of 48 and NC 10 of 33.
The contest was entertaining enough anyway and stayed pretty close until the Thunder finished things with vigor. Annie Bowen made up for her 2-for-11 shooting with two outstanding late-game defensive plays that abruptly terminated the Cardinals' hopes of winning.
Key players on both sides were not at full strength: Breanna Bohlen played for a few minutes at a time and Jackie Errico was favoring one leg (but she had 17 pts and 15 rebs despite hobbling).
Lindsey Brenneman had a nice game, leading Wheaton with 17 pts (including 3/5 threes and 4/4 FTs) and 5 assists. Elisabeth Potts contributed 16 pts, 10 rebs and 3 steals. Brenneman and Bowen also stole the ball three times.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2010, 07:18:51 PM
Congratulations to Elise Wildman, CCIW player of the week: her 29 pt, 13 rebound, 4 block game powered Millikin over North Park Saturday, 87-55.
Fellow Big Blue persons Julia Robert (20) and Kaitlin Brassil (15) also had fine scoring output. Beth Wellbaum had 3 steals and 8 assists.
NP was topped by Kamauria Acree's 27 and Dana Christensen's 14, but none of the Vikings shot a real good pct (.318 as a group). Sarah Peterson grabbed 12 rebs for NP.
Elmhurst's win was a 71-46 final over Augie. Lyndsie Long dominated again, scoring 24. No one else on either team scored more than 11.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2010, 10:14:38 PM
New poll is out:

IWU #3 (but barely beating out Hope, rather than battling Kean for #2; the Titans retained one first place vote).

Carthage #14 (I think they probably deserve higher, being the only winner over either #3 IWU or #4 Hope, who also got one first place vote, but about where I'd guessed they would finish).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2010, 10:42:01 PM
I actually think the IWU loss will serve a good purpose going forward.  Of course, an undefeated season would be great -- but perhaps this helps focus and re-motivate for the final games, then going into tournament time.

Ypsi -- can you send me your email address off board.  Mine is:  sharksheldon@hotmail.com    I need to communicate directly with you about some class of '70 matters.

Thanks.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 02, 2010, 02:02:29 PM
Just a quick note on the Elmhurst-Augustana game this past Saturday.  The final stats are a little misleading as Lyndsie Long scored 20 of her 24 points in the first half.  The halftime score was fairly close (31-24- I believe), and it was actually many contributors to the second-half dominance that sealed the win (Ney, Merklein, Monroe, McTeague to name a few).  The Jays did a nice job of getting more players involved in the second half. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2010, 02:30:34 PM
Thanks for the detail on the 2nd half of that game, OHB.
Elmhurst has a potentially tough opponent tonight.
Millikin has some interesting results in conference play so far:
against the four teams below them in the standings (A, W, NC, NP), they have averaged 78 points per game,
against the other three (I, E, C), they average 43.3.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 02, 2010, 02:39:15 PM
I completely agree about Millikin;  they always play Elmhurst tough, and they present defensive challenges both inside and out.  This is a big game for both teams at this point of the conference season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2010, 11:17:31 PM
Order is restored.  Gotta love the IWU halftime score -- 51-17.  The starters must be thinking they really have to enjoy their 18-22 minutes of play.  Elmhurst loss puts IWU back on top, no tie.  Time to bring the league championship home.  Step by step.  Keep it rolling toward The Shirk Final Four in mid-March.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2010, 11:31:25 AM
iwu70, your mention of the Titan starters' 18-22 minutes brings to mind an issue for consideration.
When things went wrong for the Titans last March, it was in a Saturday game where C Solari, Schulte, Sheehan and Heydorn all played big minutes (36, 30, 35, 35) less than 24 hours after playing big minutes (32, 35, 38, 36) on Friday night.
Should this year's starters get accustomed to playing bigger minutes, if that is what will be expected from them down the road in back-to-back games?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2010, 03:23:13 PM
Saw 39 minutes (left to catch a Metra) of the Millikin win at Elmhurst last night.
The visitors played rather well in all aspects of the game.
The hosts played well for portions of the game, but had the wrong people commit too many fouls and also blew several possessions with travelling infractions.
Millikin appears to be ready for a strong run at the end of the season. Crystal Zeigler was dashing about without any noticeable difficulty; when healthy, she's among the CCIW's best forwards. Tall freshman Amy Radford made a pair of fine defensive plays and looks like she'll be contributing more in the near future. She had 7 rebounds in 16:00 and runs the floor well.
Lyndsie Long again carried a big load for EC, scoring 29.
Meghan Merklein did not appear to be near 100 pct physically. The Jays really need her to get back to her usual excellent level of play (by Saturday!).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 03, 2010, 04:28:15 PM
First regional rankings...

http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2010/02/03/womens-regional-rankings-feb-3rd/

Central Region
1. Illinois Wesleyan 15-1 18-1
2. Carthage 13-2 16-3
3. Washington U. in St. Louis 13-2 16-2
4. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 15-3 17-3
5. Wisconsin-Whitewater 13-4 14-5
6. Chicago 13-5 13-5


Pretty significant that IWU has wins over every other team ranked in the region.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 03, 2010, 04:56:56 PM
As an add-on to the Elmhurst-Millikin contest, I thought that the officials interjected themselves too much into the game on a very inconsistent basis.  What was a foul on one end, was not on the other.  The crew seemed out of sync with one another as well as confused on many occasions throughout the contest.  While it was not one of the Bluejay's better efforts, Millikin seemed to get the better end of very poor officiating.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 03, 2010, 05:03:36 PM
Elmhurst also had good contribution from Megan Ney with a double-double (14pts/10 rebs) and Kelsey Monroe with 10 first-half points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 03, 2010, 05:18:40 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 03, 2010, 04:28:15 PM
First regional rankings...

http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2010/02/03/womens-regional-rankings-feb-3rd/

Central Region
1. Illinois Wesleyan 15-1 18-1
2. Carthage 13-2 16-3
3. Washington U. in St. Louis 13-2 16-2
4. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 15-3 17-3
5. Wisconsin-Whitewater 13-4 14-5
6. Chicago 13-5 13-5


Pretty significant that IWU has wins over every other team ranked in the region.


This speaks volumes about how much Mia Smith has toughened up the Titans' schedule.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2010, 07:11:02 PM
A few notes based on last night's box scores --
North Park picked up its second conference win, 77-64 over Augie.
Kamauria Acree tallied 22 (6/12, 10/10) along with 6 assists, 4 steals, 5 rebs.
NP centers Becca Heimsath and Lyndsey Thompson each played 20:00 and combined for 26 pts and 67 pct FG.
Augie's Lani Kasten missed only a free throw while scoring 20. Augie had a problem with turnovers, though, committing 29.
Dori Gills led both teams with 8 rebounds.
In Wheaton, Carthage upended the hosts 71-68. Rosie Dorn (7/10, 4/4) led the Reds with 18 pts, followed closely by Diana Jacklin with 17 and Dani Ripkey with 16 (on 8 shots).
The Thunder's Lindsey Brenneman scored a career high 25 (10/17, 3 threes, 2/2). Sarah Jones had 4 steals and 8 rebounds.
In the IWU win, Nikki Preston scored 15 pts on just 6 shots, had 5 assists and 4 steals in a remarkably productive 18:00.
Stacey Arlis was 8 for 11 (and 1 FT) for 17 pts in 18:00. She is in her customary position as best in the CCIW in FG pct, both overall and in conference play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 03, 2010, 07:31:02 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 03, 2010, 05:18:40 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 03, 2010, 04:28:15 PM
First regional rankings...

http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2010/02/03/womens-regional-rankings-feb-3rd/

Central Region
1. Illinois Wesleyan 15-1 18-1
2. Carthage 13-2 16-3
3. Washington U. in St. Louis 13-2 16-2
4. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 15-3 17-3
5. Wisconsin-Whitewater 13-4 14-5
6. Chicago 13-5 13-5


Pretty significant that IWU has wins over every other team ranked in the region.


This speaks volumes about how much Mia Smith has toughened up the Titans' schedule.

Without question.  Mia Smith is to be commended for the non-conference schedule she put together...not to mention the recruiting and coaching that went into beating the teams above.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2010, 07:42:27 PM
Yeah, and I love it!

The last two seasons have ended disappointingly once the tourney arrived.  This year they certainly should be battle-tested.  I'll be heart-broken if they can't play in their own Final Four! :o  [And if they do make it, I WILL be there!]

What seems unlikely, but would be a thrill, would be if Carthage and IWU are in different brackets and have a chance to meet in the FF.  Carthage has given #3 IWU their only loss.  They have given #4 Hope their only loss.  And #9 Calvin's only losses are Carthage and Hope.  IMO they are clearly under-ranked at #14.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 03, 2010, 07:45:38 PM
Didn't Hope play without their All-American when they lost to Carthage?  Thought I remember reading that.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2010, 07:48:52 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 03, 2010, 07:45:38 PM
Didn't Hope play without their All-American when they lost to Carthage?  Thought I remember reading that.

Yes.  In fact is was their first game without Carrie Snikkers.  She has now returned.

BTW, that is another match-up I'd love to see: Snikkers vs. Solari! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2010, 10:49:14 PM
RogerK, I think you raise a very good point about the minutes of the IWU starters.  I think Mia Smith may be thinking about this too -- though she tends to play 11 and give the second group lots of minutes, esp. due to the "run and jump" pressure that they employ almost non-stop.  The substitutes that IWU has are truly outstanding, surely would be starters almost anywhere else.  The games I saw in person early in the year were basically over within 8-12 minutes, just like the game the other night when the halftime score was 51-17, with the starters basically settling the matter with the first few minutes.  The second half score was 35-35, so you can see the issue.  This won't happen later on if they make the tourney and play the other highly-ranked regional teams like Wash U, Whitewater, Carthage, etc. again in tourney play.  However, this distribution of minutes has also allowed IWU to rest folks more, also I think avoid possible injuries (knock on wood) and get the team to the post-season likely in relatively fresh shape.  Maybe we should ask Holly Harvey to do a blog on these issues, themes . . . of how much fatigue the team files thru the long season, with studies, travel and the exhaustion of the "run and jump" style of play.  There's very little "half-court" play in these women.  They are totally high-energy and truly fun to watch, given the style of play and the very high skill levels of this team.  I truly hope they can make a good run and get to a Final Four at the Shirk.  They deserve it for all their hard work over several years.  Just my thoughts, IMHO. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2010, 11:43:02 PM
Just to update, Hope defeated Calvin again tonight, 61-50.  Carrie Snikkers went for 18 pts, 10 rbs, so she is definitely back.  Calvin has a freshman center (Verkaik) who will probably be an AA before she is done (and who played against Snikkers in HS), but she can't handle Snikkers yet.  Calvin led by 1 with 5 to go, but Hope scored the final 12 points of the game.

EDIT: Just re-checked the box score.  Carissa Verkaik went for 19 and 12, so I guess she can battle Snikkers just fine! :D  I'm not real conversant with women's centers around the country, but with Solari graduating this year and Snikkers next year, by Verkaik's junior year 1st team AA would not shock me. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2010, 03:05:32 AM
In regards to the minutes played by the IWU starters--I'm sure Mia Smith is well aware of the possible problems.  For the record, I don't think fatigue played a major role in last season's playoff loss to Wash U.  The team didn't seem to get its game going until midway through the second half, when they finally showed the relentless run and jump defense, and they almost pulled off the comeback.  Saturday's loss to Carthage followed something of the same pattern, as did the near loss to Elmhurst at Elmhurst last season, where the Titans were down by 20 in the second half.  In the Pantagraph story about Saturday's loss at Carthage, Coach Smith referred to her team's "lack of effort."  I think the fast start on Tuesday was the team's response to that.

It's clear, with the upcoming games against Elmhurst and Millikin, that no game can be taken for granted.  I think the coaching staff will make sure players get the time they need to stay game ready, whether they need to play 10 minutes or 30.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 04, 2010, 12:17:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2010, 03:05:32 AM
In regards to the minutes played by the IWU starters--I'm sure Mia Smith is well aware of the possible problems.  For the record, I don't think fatigue played a major role in last season's playoff loss to Wash U.  The team didn't seem to get its game going until midway through the second half, when they finally showed the relentless run and jump defense, and they almost pulled off the comeback.  Saturday's loss to Carthage followed something of the same pattern, as did the near loss to Elmhurst at Elmhurst last season, where the Titans were down by 20 in the second half.  In the Pantagraph story about Saturday's loss at Carthage, Coach Smith referred to her team's "lack of effort."  I think the fast start on Tuesday was the team's response to that.

It's clear, with the upcoming games against Elmhurst and Millikin, that no game can be taken for granted.  I think the coaching staff will make sure players get the time they need to stay game ready, whether they need to play 10 minutes or 30.


As to minutes played, I agree with HT.  From a team success perspective, it is not so much how many minutes an individual plays as what you accomplish in the minutes you do play with effort, efficiency and productivity.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2010, 06:57:11 PM
From the conference-games-only stats, of the 30 top scorers listed, eight are newcomers to the league :
Kamauria Acree NP 18.2
Diana Jacklin C 14.1
Christine Karl NC 13.7
Lyndsey Thompson NP 12.1
Latrice "Sophie" Newson NC 10.1
Dana Christensen NP 8.7
Rashida Joiner E 8.4
Brooke Olson W 7.2

No conclusions drawn; just thought it was interesting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2010, 07:20:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2010, 06:57:11 PM
From the conference-games-only stats, of the 30 top scorers listed, eight are newcomers to the league :
Kamauria Acree NP 18.2
Diana Jacklin C 14.1
Christine Karl NC 13.7
Lyndsey Thompson NP 12.1
Latrice "Sophie" Newson NC 10.1
Dana Christensen NP 8.7
Rashida Joiner E 8.4
Brooke Olson W 7.2

No conclusions drawn; just thought it was interesting.

And NONE of the top 13 are Titans.  Incredibly balanced team - #14,14,16,17 ARE Titans.

Something that will probably shock no one: IWU is way out on top for scoring margin (by 14.2 ppg over #2 Elmhurst).  Carthage is in almost a dead-heat with Elmhurst: +7.6 to +7.1.  Millikin is 4th at +4.6.

IWU is also first in fg%, fg defense, rebounding margin (despite being last in offensive rpg), assists, steals, and turnover margin.

Since IWU would be the first Pool C selected (if necessary), and Carthage would be a veritable lock, I'm almost rooting for Elmhurst to win the tourney - three CCIW teams would be so sweet! ;D  (But, in reality, I'll have to root for my Titans in the tourney. :P)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2010, 05:49:08 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2010, 07:20:15 PM

Since IWU would be the first Pool C selected (if necessary), and Carthage would be a veritable lock, I'm almost rooting for Elmhurst to win the tourney - three CCIW teams would be so sweet! ;D  (But, in reality, I'll have to root for my Titans in the tourney. :P)

Ooh, Mr. Ypsi!  Referring back to the superstitions previously discussed....As a Titan fan I don't even want to consider the possibility of  them being a Pool C.  But to each his (her) own superstition. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 05, 2010, 07:51:17 AM
Christina Solari 1st Team All-District ESPN...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_db729bc0-120d-11df-9321-001cc4c002e0.html

Not only a great player,  but she has a 3.84 GPA.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2010, 10:30:03 AM
Millikin's Elise Wildman is our conference's other honoree on that academic all-star team.
Elise and Christina are very smart on the court and off.
Congrats to the both of 'em!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2010, 01:20:32 PM
Mr Ypsi, while IWU leads in over-all FG pct in conference play, their 2 point FG pct is even more impressive at .546.
- - - - -  2FG - - - -- - - - - - 3FG
IWU   203/372  .546       59/187  .316
MILL   142/295  .481       65/170  .382
ELM   189/393  .481       36/119  .303
CART  161/348  .463      54/138  .391
AUG   144/328  .439       40/139  .288
NP      164/399  .411      24/111  .216
NC     134/343  .391       44/158  .278
WHE   141/374  .377      56/171  .327
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2010, 02:28:14 PM
A better measure than over-all FG pct is FG Pts/FG att.
Over-all FG pct treats a 2FG as equal to a 3FG.
Current conference-only FG Pts per FG att:
IWU 1.043  (583/559)
Mill   1.030  (479/465)
Cart  .996  (484/486)
Elm   .949  (486/512)
Aug   .874  (408/467)
Whe  .826  (450/545)
NC    .798  (400/501)
NP    .784  (400/510)
This stat is definitely not a complete measure of a team's offense :
it doesn't give any credit for scoring points via FTs and doesn't credit offensive rebounds (2nd and 3rd chances always help);
and it doesn't penalize for turnovers, a major factor troubling some offenses.
Points per possession is the best stat to rank offenses, but unfortunately possessions are not shown in the box scores (we've discussed that before).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2010, 06:29:16 PM
Possible upset alert in Bloomington!

(Oops, scratch that - while I was typing the Titans scored 6 points in 40 seconds!)

Blue Jays 24, Titans 22, 6 to go in first half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2010, 06:47:58 PM
When I first signed on, with 7 minutes to go in the half, the first thing I saw was the 'shocking' score of Elmhurst 24, IWU 16.  Over the final 7 minutes, the Titans went on a 26-8 run to restore order to the cosmos! ;D

Livestats has shown 8 seconds remaining for the last five minutes, so I'm gonna assume the operator went 'walkabout' at the buzzer without updating!  Presumably, the halftime score is IWU 42, Elmhurst 32.

Christina Solari has 12 points, 6 boards.  Lyndsie Long was on fire early, but was contained late (story of the half?) - she has 15 points.

[After hitting 'save' I noted livestats finally updated - that IS the halftime score.]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2010, 06:55:05 PM
No one in serious foul trouble - Hasselbring (I), Joiner (E), and Ney (E) each have two; all others have 0 or 1.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2010, 07:47:39 PM
Final from B'town: Titans 73, Blue Jays 60.

A valiant effort by Elmhurst.  Megan Ney had 11 points and 14 boards.  Lyndsie Long exploded for 26 - I would think she has GOT to be at least 2nd or 3rd team AA!

Christina Solari led the way with 17 and 9.  Nikki Preston and Hope Schulte each chipped in 12.

Barring something totally unexpected, looks like the CCIW tourney will be at the Shirk - good warm-up for the staff for the Final Four! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2010, 11:18:03 PM
Congrats to the Titans.  Really good win putting Elmhurst 2 games adrift.  Keep it rolling, Titans, and get ready for a good tourney run.  Glad to see the men win tonight too, with Duncan Larsen coming back well into the rotation and finding his shooting form.  Carthage lost -- on the men's side -- so both IWU teams in 1st place now in the CCIW.  I'm love'in it.  Both teams are demonstrating the importance of depth, and deeper rotations than most teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2010, 02:19:33 PM
My congrats too to IWU for an important win.
I didn't get to any of Saturday's games. Here are some scattered comments anyway:
Carthage demolished Augie with a 52-21 2nd half, winning 80-35.
A lot of Lady Reds did well; for example -  Cailee Corcoran, 5/6 FG, 3/3 FT, 4 steals in 20:00.
For the game, Augustana produced 12 baskets and 33 turnovers, which would have been fine if it was a bake sale and craft fair.
Maybe Augie's remaining four games, all at home, will be better.
Millikin defeated North Central 76-59. Subbing was not a popular activity in that game; only three players came off the bench, totaling 34:00 for NC and 9:00 for the Big Blue.
Wheaton sped out to a 51-30 halftime lead and withstood a strong 2nd half rally by North Park, culminating in an 84-79 Thunder win. Lindsey Brenneman continued her fine shooting, scoring 24, including 8/8 FTs and 4/8 threes. Annie Bowen made 9 of 10 FTs and Elisabeth Potts, 7 of 9.
Kamauria Acree hit all 12 of her FTs and led NP with 22 pts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2010, 03:21:15 PM
Congrats to Elise Wildman for another player of the week award.
The voters had a lot to pick from this time.
Lindsey Brenneman scored 25 and 24, and is always a good ballhandler (2 total TOs in these games).
Lyndsie Long poured in 29 and 26.
Kamauria Acree had back-to-back 22 pt games.
Hope Schulte is a definite 1st team all-CCIW in my view, but will probably never win a player-of-the-week, in part because her greatest contributions are not points and rebounds. I trust that the voters will not screw up when it comes to recognizing her at the end of the season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2010, 03:54:19 PM
Does anyone have suggestions for 1st team all-CCIW?
I would put Christina Solari, Hope Schulte, Lyndsie Long. Leaning toward Diana Jacklin and Elise Wildman for the other two spots.
Due to politicking among the coaches, it's hard to get two players from the same team on 1st team. The nominating/voting process discourages it, too.
There are loads of wonderful players to fill in the 2nd and 3rd teams.
At this point, I'd say Player of the Year is between Long and Solari.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2010, 11:27:06 PM
RogK, I totally agree with you about Hope Schulte.  A marvelous talent, especially in the press mode that the Titans excel at in turning defense into offense. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2010, 03:40:47 PM
The Carthage - Elmhurst game will be played Wednesday at 5:00 pm.
Not sure if any other weather-induced postponements have occurred.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2010, 11:26:43 AM
Christina Solari (18 pts, 15 rebs) and four other Titans scored in double figures as IWU beat Millikin 80-59. Crystal Zeigler topped MU with 16 and 13.
Wheaton got past Augie, 65-35. Jennifer Lee came off the bench to contribute 10 pts, 5 rebs, 3 steals for the Thunder, who spread their scoring around. Augie again suffered from turnoveritis. Lani Kasten had 11 rebounds and 10 pts.
Wheaton trails Millikin by a game in the standings, with 3 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2010, 01:06:47 PM
I attended North Central's 61-55 win at North Park.
Latrice Newson had a sharp game for NC; she and NP's Lyndsey Thompson  led their teams with 18 pts. Thompson had 5 blocks and 9 rebs as well.
NC's Jenny Swanson added 16, mostly from good outside shooting. Kaelyn Witkowski grabbed 4 steals. Alison Musur played well, providing the Cardinals with a good boost.
Christine Karl deferred to others early in the game, but was a major factor getting the win down the stretch.
NP's Shaina Yalda topped everyone with 7 assists. Teammate Sarah Peterson appeared to be under the weather, but had 3 steals and 3 blocks among her efforts.
It was a decent game to watch, but  I should have gone to this  local NAIA game instead:  St Xavier 113, Olivet Nazarene 97.
ONU had one player with 15 rebounds in 20:00, another with 11 assists in 20:00 and another took 17 threes in 16:00, making 6.
SXU had one player with 22 pts 17 rebs, another scored 32 and another one scored 33.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 10, 2010, 08:56:38 PM
Elmhurst Blujays' Lyndsie Long broke 3 records tonight in a buzzer beater loss to Carthage! She scored 45 points, breaking the Bluejays old record of 41 set by Shannon Forgue in 1986. Most 3 pointers in a game (8); previous was six for school record. Lastly, breaking the CCIW's single-game scoring record; the previous record held by North Park's Rachel Pearson Bernero in 1994. She added 11 boards. Bluejay's total points in a career record is in the midst... (Rumor Alert) CCIW Player of the year (Rumor Alert)...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 10, 2010, 09:19:44 PM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on February 10, 2010, 08:56:38 PM
Elmhurst Blujays' Lyndsie Long broke 3 records tonight in a buzzer beater loss to Carthage! She scored 45 points, breaking the Bluejays old record of 41 set by Shannon Forgue in 1986. Most 3 pointers in a game (8); previous was six for school record. Lastly, breaking the CCIW's single-game scoring record; the previous record held by North Park's Rachel Pearson Bernero in 1994. She added 11 boards. Bluejay's total points in a career record is in the midst... (Rumor Alert) CCIW Player of the year (Rumor Alert)...

http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/custompages/WBB/2009-2010/welm22.htm

From the boxscore this looks like an incredible game. I'm sure Elmhurst would like to have the first half back. The Bluejays also went just 14-24 at the foul line, which can't leave a very good taste in a one point loss.

Lyndsie Long is certainly making a strong case for MOP.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2010, 11:12:04 PM
Tonight's game in Elmhurst was a game to remember, and was an extraordinary night for two of our conference's seniors.
Carthage came in seeking to avenge the earlier Blue Jay win in Kenosha and built a 46-30 lead by halftime.
Then Elmhurst's Lyndsie Long (who had 14 1st half points) took over with a spectacularly fabulous and fabulously spectacular 31 point 2nd half. She thrilled the Blue Jay fans and impressed the Carthage partisans. Her 45 pts set a new CCIW record. She also topped everyone with 11 rebounds. She made 8 of 13 threes, many under serious defensive pressure from the Lady Reds' excellent defender Heather Gilmore and others.
With seven seconds to go, Elmhurst had an 84-82 lead, seeming to have successfully fended off Carthage's efforts.
Enter the Carthage point guard Katie Klemke, playing her 40th minute of the game.
Getting the ball in the backcourt, she scampered just across midcourt, launched and banked in a game-winning game-ending three. It was a time of pure delight for Katie and her teammates, her coaches, the whole assemblage of Carthage family and friends. Somewhere under a pile of her teammates, there was Katie Klemke enjoying one of the better moments possible in basketball. For the game, she made all 4 of her threes, finishing with 16 pts and 7 assists.
Without any doubt, both teams deserved to win this one, with fine contributions from all who played. Carthage's Diana Jacklin was particularly sharp, with 24 pts, 8 rebs and 3 blocks.
But this was a night for two wonderful seniors, each one using talents developed over thousands of hours of practice, during hundreds of games over many years.
Lyndsie Long (naturally disappointed by the loss) had one of the best games in the nation this year and one of the best in CCIW history.
I talked to her dad afterwards and he was very proud of his kid, disappointed by the loss and had compliments for Katie Klemke, too, whom he has seen develop as a player during the four years of Katie's and Lyndsie's college careers.
A big "way to go" to Lyndsie and Katie!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2010, 11:16:34 PM
That sounds like the "game of the year"!

And the POY contest is clearly just a two person contest: Solari and Long.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2010, 11:31:14 PM
How would a first-team all-conference team of the following sound to people?

Christina Solari
Lyndsie Long
Diana Jacklin
Elise Wildman
Hope Schulte

Not at all sure I've got a 'balanced' team actually ready to take the floor, but (ignoring position) they seem like the top five players to me.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2010, 11:44:35 PM
Wow, what a game for Lyndsie Long.  Congrats to her.  Incredible. 

Carthage gets the W, so Titans must keep it rolling, keep winning. . .

Ypsi, I'd go with your 1st Team, All CCIW.   Must say Nikke Preston and Arlis Stacey are right up there with Hope, too.  Such even, consistent and reliable talent on the Titans. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 11, 2010, 06:21:50 AM
Sounds like a fantastic game for Lyndsie Long, Katie Klemke, and both teams!  Congratulations to both teams and their coaches.

I think that five for first team sounds good although you're right about positions; it's heavily weighted toward front-court players.  Hope Schulte has played the point although it's far from her favored position; no one else could conceivably be called a guard.

The last three games look interesting with Millikin and Elmhurst both at 7-4 in the conference.  Millikin still has to play Carthage, while Elmhurst has completed play with both Carthage and IWU.  Both Millikin and Elmhurst still have to play Wheaton, so the Thunder could have a say in the conference tournament pairings (or even be in the mix should they beat both Millikin and Elmhurst!).   It's definitely been one of the more interesting CCIW seasons of late. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2010, 11:39:42 AM
The Carthage web site summary of that game is nicely detailed and points out that the CCIW scoring record that Lyndsie surpassed was owned by none other than the wife of Lady Reds coach Tim Bernero. They weren't married yet then.
Regarding the 1st team all-CCIW, it could still be impacted by whatever happens in the remaining three rounds of conference play.
I reviewed the 1st teams of the last 6 or 7 seasons and found that it's unusual for one school to get more than one player on 1st team. If the coaches decide to limit IWU, Carthage, Elmhurst and Millikin to one player each on 1st team, we could maybe see Lindsey Brenneman, Christine Karl, Kamauria Acree or Lani Kasten make it.
Last night, Diana Jacklin was overshadowed by Long and Klemke, but played really well. And in Carthage's win over IWU, she had 19 and 10 plus 4 blocks and 4 steals. Let's add her to the Player of the Year conversation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 11, 2010, 11:57:27 AM
From statistics, consistency, impact on all games performance-wise, I cannot see the CCIW Player-of-the-Year going to anyone but Lyndsie Long.  I also believe that the second and third-team All-Conference selections could go to a variety of players.  I am assuming that the ultimate selections will be based upon how the teams finish in the conference standings.  Clearly, IWU and Carthage will be well represented, Millikin's Wildman is a lock for first team, and Elmhurst could put at least one player on a second or third team with a strong finish to join Lyndsie in post-season honors.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2010, 01:30:13 PM
More comments and guesses :
Based on their win-loss records, Augie, North Park and North Central probably will not get more than one player onto the 15-spot all-CCIW team.
If there are any close calls for nominations to the team, coaches often pick a senior over a younger player.
Wheaton may get one or two. If they get two, and Aug NP and NC get one, that leaves ten spots for IWU, Carthage, Elmhurst and Millikin to fight over.
This could result in three for some, two for others. So, some very good players will be left off.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2010, 03:46:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2010, 11:39:42 AM
The Carthage web site summary of that game is nicely detailed and points out that the CCIW scoring record that Lyndsie surpassed was owned by none other than the wife of Lady Reds coach Tim Bernero. They weren't married yet then.

The Carthage website summary didn't mention the school for whom the future Mrs. Bernero, Rachel Pearson, played when she set that CCIW single-game scoring record. Rachel Pearson played for North Park, and it was her 40-point performance for the Vikings against Illinois Wesleyan in 1994 that set the previous record. Rachel, who is still NPU's all-time leading scorer in women's basketball, still holds the CCIW records for field goals in a game, 16 (shared with Millikin's Lindsay Ippel and, now, Lyndsie Long of Elmhurst as well), field goals in a season (145) -- a record she set in 1991, when she was a freshman! -- career points (1,102), career field goals (460), and career rebounds (680).

Rachel and Tim met at North Park, where Tim was an assistant men's basketball coach at the time under Bosko Djurickovic. Like Bosko, Tim later relocated from NPU to Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WESNSports on February 11, 2010, 06:00:18 PM
Quote from: Old Hoosier Baller on February 11, 2010, 11:57:27 AM
From statistics, consistency, impact on all games performance-wise, I cannot see the CCIW Player-of-the-Year going to anyone but Lyndsie Long.

I understand I'm completely new to this forum, but I thought this statement a little closed minded especially to Solari.  Being a Titan fan, I realize I am biased, but looking at just the statistics Solari in the equivalent of 4 fewer games minute wise has more total rebounds, assists, and steals.  I appreciate Lyndsie's incredible efforts this season and think she deserves to be in this conversation, but I think Solari deserves it as well from her well rounded stats and considerably fewer minutes.

For my background, I am the Sports Director at IWU's radio station and have been keeping a blog about IWU Sports at http://www.collegefanz.com/people/WESNSports?view=blogposts (http://www.collegefanz.com/people/WESNSports?view=blogposts), please check it out and comment.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 11, 2010, 06:08:26 PM
That is the beauty of this forum, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.   Good arguments can be made from several perspectives, but Lyndsie's numbers really speak for themselves.  Minutes notwithstanding, as impressive as Christina Solari has been, if your talking Player of the Year honors, it is very hard to select her over Lyndsie from a global perspective.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2010, 06:14:56 PM
Quote from: Old Hoosier Baller on February 11, 2010, 06:08:26 PM
That is the beauty of this forum, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.   Good arguments can be made from several perspectives, but Lyndsie's numbers really speak for themselves.  Minutes notwithstanding, as impressive as Christina Solari has been, if your talking Player of the Year honors, it is very hard to select her over Lyndsie from a global perspective.   

Is that 'global' perspective, or 'Old Hoosier Baller's' perspective? ;D

Lyndsie Long is having an incredible year (IMO, an AA year), but I wonder how the stats would compare if Christina wasn't on the bench most second halves because of blowouts? 

I'd have no objection if Long ended up POY, but to say it is a foregone conclusion is a bit over the top.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 11, 2010, 07:12:25 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2010, 06:14:56 PM
Quote from: Old Hoosier Baller on February 11, 2010, 06:08:26 PM
That is the beauty of this forum, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.   Good arguments can be made from several perspectives, but Lyndsie's numbers really speak for themselves.  Minutes notwithstanding, as impressive as Christina Solari has been, if your talking Player of the Year honors, it is very hard to select her over Lyndsie from a global perspective.   

Is that 'global' perspective, or 'Old Hoosier Baller's' perspective? ;D


Yes, that is not the perspective on the on the globe I'm standing on, either.  As I said earlier, and others have said, Lyndsie Long is a terrific player, but no way is she head and shoulders above Christina Solari.  Solari is consistently double teamed; she is among the league leaders in assists and steals as well as rebounding.  Her relatively modest scoring is due to having played fewer minutes (thanks for the "four fewer games", WESNSports!).  But every team the Titans play prepares for her (and they have beaten every team in the NCAA's regional rankings). 

If you want to make a case for Lyndsie Long, OHB, that's perfectly fine, but trying to discount Christina Solari's accomplishments isn't a good way to make that case.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on February 11, 2010, 08:14:10 PM
In regards to the previous posts mentioned about POY... I would have to agree with Old Hoosier Baller... while I do tip my hat to Christina Solari, you have to take into consideration the shots each are taking... Solari is a post player, Lyndsie is a small forward/big guard... their shot selections don't compare!  When one is choosing a player to be POY they have to look at every angle.  Although Solari does have better stats in three of the categories mentioned before: rebounds, assists, steals than Long- Look at the percentage of shots each are taking.  Lyndsie is constantly having to create, shoot higher percentage of shots, and is multi-dimensional on the court (can drive, shoot the J, and post up---- ALL WHILE BEING DOUBLE, SOMETIME TRIPLE TEAMED)... While one looks at rebounds- it is somewhat expected for Solari to grab more boards due to the size and postion she is playing.  However, being a fan of the CCIW and watching many different games against different apponents, I have never seen Solari shoot outside the 5-7 ft. mark?  When looking at other statistics throughout conference play, you see that Lyndsie is ranked higher in FT%, 3pt%, 3pt FG made, and is still very high up there there in FG% (while taking a more difficult percentage of shots).  In regards to the playing time--- I don't feel that has anything to do with a individual's performance, but rather gauges how well the team is performing!  BIG DIFFERENCE!  There is no doubt that they are both deserving, however LYndsie Long's season has been way more remarkable and historic on an individual level, which is what POY should reperesent...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2010, 08:41:37 PM
Quote from: bflong on February 11, 2010, 08:14:10 PM
In regards to the previous posts mentioned about POY... I would have to agree with Old Hoosier Baller... while I do tip my hat to Christina Solari, you have to take into consideration the shots each are taking... Solari is a post player, Lyndsie is a small forward/big guard... their shot selections don't compare!  When one is choosing a player to be POY they have to look at every angle.  Although Solari does have better stats in three of the categories mentioned before: rebounds, assists, steals than Long- Look at the percentage of shots each are taking.  Lyndsie is constantly having to create, shoot higher percentage of shots, and is multi-dimensional on the court (can drive, shoot the J, and post up---- ALL WHILE BEING DOUBLE, SOMETIME TRIPLE TEAMED)... While one looks at rebounds- it is somewhat expected for Solari to grab more boards due to the size and postion she is playing.  However, being a fan of the CCIW and watching many different games against different apponents, I have never seen Solari shoot outside the 5-7 ft. mark?  When looking at other statistics throughout conference play, you see that Lyndsie is ranked higher in FT%, 3pt%, 3pt FG made, and is still very high up there there in FG% (while taking a more difficult percentage of shots).  In regards to the playing time--- I don't feel that has anything to do with a individual's performance, but rather gauges how well the team is performing!  BIG DIFFERENCE!  There is no doubt that they are both deserving, however LYndsie Long's season has been way more remarkable and historic on an individual level, which is what POY should reperesent...

Of course the playing time matters. :P  Your post is riddled with stats - if Solari wasn't on the bench for the second half of blowouts (which IWU has had far more of than Elmhurst), wouldn't her stats probably be rather higher?  And despite playing the equivalent of four games less, they ALREADY are higher in several categories.

There is a HUGE difference between limited playing time due to conditioning and/or defensive liabilities (see: Ryan Connolly, mens' Titans) and limited playing time because the team is just too danged good for most opponents and the coach is not sadistic! ;)

FOR THIS CASE, you can't argue stats yet ignore minutes played.  If the award was MVP, I'd give it to Long - without her the Jays would probably not make the conference tourney (without Solari, the Titans would still be a very good team, though Carthage would have won the regular season).  But for POY, don't penalize Solari because her team is so good that she doesn't play that much! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2010, 10:56:52 AM
Good reasons for either Lyndsie or Christina to be named Player of the Year. And there wouldn't be any shame for either to lose out to the other.
Both will be sorely missed next year, for sure. I hope they can each have a fun time over the next month as they wrap up their careers.
Lindsey Brenneman hit two free throws with :15 to go to win Wheaton's game in Indiana yesterday, 75-74 over St Mary's. Judging from the stats, the Thunder got good contributions from throughout their roster.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 12, 2010, 11:34:51 AM
I have been following the per minute stats for the CCIW players and if it will help clarify the discussion, here are the per minute stats for the 4 players that seem to be the statistical leaders.  I am not saying that stistics are the only, or even the best, judge of performance.  Additionally, comparing players that play different positions in different styles is challenging.  I would guess that the coaches are in the best postion to make this judgement, but it is fun to have an opinion. 
          Jacklin   Long   Solari   Wildman
             Car     Elm      IWU      Mil
M/G      28.05    33.05    25.15    34.15
PPM      0.533    0.694    0.525    0.504
FG%     52.7%   47.8%   56.4%   55.1%
FG/M     0.226   0.259    0.185     0.196
3.0%     16.7%   39.2%   0.0%    33.3%
3A/Min   0.011    0.189   0.000    0.004
FT%      54.3%  93.2%   74.3%   72.8%
FT/M     0.078    0.103    .155     0.110
R/M       0.269    0.213    0.338    0.278
F/M       0.098    0.089    0.089    0.061
A/M       0.050    0.057    0.173    0.070
TO/M     0.096    0.080    0.129    0.132
A/T       0.519     0.717   1.338    0.533
B/M       0.055     0.011   0.014    0.061
S/M       0.068     0.042   0.113    0.034
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 12, 2010, 01:17:54 PM
OSHF,

Brilliant work!  I had come to the conclusion that a calculation like that would be the way to go, and you did it.  I also appreciate having other players in the discussion.

Many things can (and I'm sure will) be pointed out from this.  I'll just mention one:  Christina Solari's 1.338/1 assist-to-turnover ratio.  That would do most point guards proud and is one of the things that make her so valuable.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2010, 01:53:40 PM
OSHF, the FG pcts you listed don't match what's on cciw.org for either conference-only or all (22) games.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 12, 2010, 02:50:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 12, 2010, 01:53:40 PM
OSHF, the FG pcts you listed don't match what's on cciw.org for either conference-only or all (22) games.

FT% does not seem to match up either
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 12, 2010, 03:47:09 PM
Apologies to all.  I should have clarified a couple of things.   First of all the last time I ran the stats was 2/5.  Secondly I wanted to do conference only but Carthage doesn't split them out so I was stuck with full season stats.  Agree conference stats would be more relevant to the discussion.  Sorry.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 12, 2010, 04:01:05 PM
I would be happy to provide numbers for anyone else that should be in the discussion and will run final stats the week of 2/22.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2010, 04:27:17 PM
Thanks for the clarification, OSHF.
You raise another issue: the relevance of conference-only stats vs overall stats. Conference-only would seem to be the fairer comparison, since some teams' non-conference schedules are definitely tougher than others.
Even within the 14 conference games, some schedules are easier than others -- IWU is the only team that doesn't have to play against IWU! (sorry, I've used that line before)
Ultimately, though, I expect that the coaches nominate players for all-conference honors to reward and thank them for their efforts during the whole 25-game season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2010, 04:44:11 PM
Theoretically only conference performances are used for conference honors.

Whether or not that is really the case, I don't know.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 12, 2010, 05:00:52 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2010, 08:41:37 PM
Quote from: bflong on February 11, 2010, 08:14:10 PM
In regards to the previous posts mentioned about POY... I would have to agree with Old Hoosier Baller... while I do tip my hat to Christina Solari, you have to take into consideration the shots each are taking... Solari is a post player, Lyndsie is a small forward/big guard... their shot selections don't compare!  When one is choosing a player to be POY they have to look at every angle.  Although Solari does have better stats in three of the categories mentioned before: rebounds, assists, steals than Long- Look at the percentage of shots each are taking.  Lyndsie is constantly having to create, shoot higher percentage of shots, and is multi-dimensional on the court (can drive, shoot the J, and post up---- ALL WHILE BEING DOUBLE, SOMETIME TRIPLE TEAMED)... While one looks at rebounds- it is somewhat expected for Solari to grab more boards due to the size and postion she is playing.  However, being a fan of the CCIW and watching many different games against different apponents, I have never seen Solari shoot outside the 5-7 ft. mark?  When looking at other statistics throughout conference play, you see that Lyndsie is ranked higher in FT%, 3pt%, 3pt FG made, and is still very high up there there in FG% (while taking a more difficult percentage of shots).  In regards to the playing time--- I don't feel that has anything to do with a individual's performance, but rather gauges how well the team is performing!  BIG DIFFERENCE!  There is no doubt that they are both deserving, however LYndsie Long's season has been way more remarkable and historic on an individual level, which is what POY should reperesent...

Of course the playing time matters. :P  Your post is riddled with stats - if Solari wasn't on the bench for the second half of blowouts (which IWU has had far more of than Elmhurst), wouldn't her stats probably be rather higher?  And despite playing the equivalent of four games less, they ALREADY are higher in several categories.

There is a HUGE difference between limited playing time due to conditioning and/or defensive liabilities (see: Ryan Connolly, mens' Titans) and limited playing time because the team is just too danged good for most opponents and the coach is not sadistic! ;)

FOR THIS CASE, you can't argue stats yet ignore minutes played.  If the award was MVP, I'd give it to Long - without her the Jays would probably not make the conference tourney (without Solari, the Titans would still be a very good team, though Carthage would have won the regular season).  But for POY, don't penalize Solari because her team is so good that she doesn't play that much! ;)
And, like minutes played, you also need to consider the number of opportunities or attempts when doing a scoring only comparison. 
For example, for FGA Conference Only:
Long had 30.9% of team FGA compared to C Solari who had 11.6% of team FGA; or. more than twice as many opportunities. 
On an individual basis, Long had 194 FGA for .510 FG% compared to Solari with 80 FGA for .613 FG%.
So by extension, if Solari took 30.9% of IWU FGA with a .613 FG% with all other factors equal her conference PPG would be - 23.6 or 1.1 PPG better than Long's
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2010, 06:14:33 PM
iwumichigander, Christina plays superbly in the time she's on the floor, but we don't necessarily know if she could maintain the same per-minute productivity if she averaged 35 minutes a game like Long and Wildman do. She might, but we don't know.
Lyndsie certainly has to carry a much bigger scoring load than Christina does. If Christina was on Elmhurst and Long wasn't, Christina might be scoring 25 every game, (with fewer assists than she gets as a Titan) and we'd admire her for it. Similarly, we can admire Lyndsie for scoring 25 a game.
In regard to FG pct, the best way to give fair weight to 2s and 3s is to look at 'FG pts per FG att'. If Player A makes 6 of 10 FGs and all are 2 pointers, her 12 points are equal to Player B making 4 threes in 10 attempts. Their 'FG pts/FG att' would each be 1.2.
So far in conference play, Solari is at 1.23 (98 FG pts, 80 FG att), very close to Long's 1.20 (233/194). If you look at all games, Solari is at 1.13 and Long 1.12. If either of them has the ball, something good is likely to happen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 12, 2010, 06:43:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 12, 2010, 06:14:33 PM
iwumichigander, Christina plays superbly in the time she's on the floor, but we don't necessarily know if she could maintain the same per-minute productivity if she averaged 35 minutes a game like Long and Wildman do. She might, but we don't know.

In the five games I see from this season where Solari played more than 30 minutes--and she's played up to 37 minutes in a game--she averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds.  As Mr. Ypsi said, she's certainly able to play long minutes if needed.

Quote from: RogK on February 12, 2010, 06:14:33 PM
Lyndsie certainly has to carry a much bigger scoring load than Christina does. If Christina was on Elmhurst and Long wasn't, Christina might be scoring 25 every game, (with fewer assists than she gets as a Titan) and we'd admire her for it. Similarly, we can admire Lyndsie for scoring 25 a game.
In regard to FG pct, the best way to give fair weight to 2s and 3s is to look at 'FG pts per FG att'. If Player A makes 6 of 10 FGs and all are 2 pointers, her 12 points are equal to Player B making 4 threes in 10 attempts. Their 'FG pts/FG att' would each be 1.2.
So far in conference play, Solari is at 1.23 (98 FG pts, 80 FG att), very close to Long's 1.20 (233/194). If you look at all games, Solari is at 1.13 and Long 1.12. If either of them has the ball, something good is likely to happen.

All true, and a good way to look at the 2 v 3 scoring.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2010, 07:30:01 PM
RogK,

You've touched on a fundamental problem in trying to compare players on different teams: most simply, the Blue Jays NEED Lyndsie Long to score 25 ppg; the Titans DON'T need that kind of scoring from Christina Solari.  (If they did, IMO Solari could and would do it, but they don't.)  As Hoosier Titan noted, her A/TO ratio is better than many point guards!

My bottom line conclusion: IF the award were MVP, I'd choose Long.  Without her I doubt the Jays would even make the conference tourney; without Solari the Titans would still be first or second.  But the award is POY.  I lean towards Solari, but would not be offended if Long won it. 

(This all began when I challenged an overenthusiastic Long fan who felt the decision was a no-brainer.  IMO, anyone thinking the decision is clear-cut is the true 'no-brainer'! ;D ;))
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 12, 2010, 08:52:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2010, 07:30:01 PM
RogK,

You've touched on a fundamental problem in trying to compare players on different teams: most simply, the Blue Jays NEED Lyndsie Long to score 25 ppg; the Titans DON'T need that kind of scoring from Christina Solari.  (If they did, IMO Solari could and would do it, but they don't.)  As Hoosier Titan noted, her A/TO ratio is better than many point guards!

My bottom line conclusion: IF the award were MVP, I'd choose Long.  Without her I doubt the Jays would even make the conference tourney; without Solari the Titans would still be first or second.  But the award is POY.  I lean towards Solari, but would not be offended if Long won it. 

(This all began when I challenged an overenthusiastic Long fan who felt the decision was a no-brainer.  IMO, anyone thinking the decision is clear-cut is the true 'no-brainer'! ;D ;))
Actually the award is for Most Outstanding Player. I find no reference for POY or MVP awards on the CCIW site but I could have missed it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 12, 2010, 08:55:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 12, 2010, 06:14:33 PM
iwumichigander, Christina plays superbly in the time she's on the floor, but we don't necessarily know if she could maintain the same per-minute productivity if she averaged 35 minutes a game like Long and Wildman do. She might, but we don't know.
Lyndsie certainly has to carry a much bigger scoring load than Christina does. If Christina was on Elmhurst and Long wasn't, Christina might be scoring 25 every game, (with fewer assists than she gets as a Titan) and we'd admire her for it. Similarly, we can admire Lyndsie for scoring 25 a game.
In regard to FG pct, the best way to give fair weight to 2s and 3s is to look at 'FG pts per FG att'. If Player A makes 6 of 10 FGs and all are 2 pointers, her 12 points are equal to Player B making 4 threes in 10 attempts. Their 'FG pts/FG att' would each be 1.2.
So far in conference play, Solari is at 1.23 (98 FG pts, 80 FG att), very close to Long's 1.20 (233/194). If you look at all games, Solari is at 1.13 and Long 1.12. If either of them has the ball, something good is likely to happen.

Conversely, we don't know she would not either so were reduced to attempting some sort of even weighting.  I do like your approach and would note on that basis the results are 'dead even'.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2010, 09:48:32 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 12, 2010, 08:52:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2010, 07:30:01 PM
RogK,

You've touched on a fundamental problem in trying to compare players on different teams: most simply, the Blue Jays NEED Lyndsie Long to score 25 ppg; the Titans DON'T need that kind of scoring from Christina Solari.  (If they did, IMO Solari could and would do it, but they don't.)  As Hoosier Titan noted, her A/TO ratio is better than many point guards!

My bottom line conclusion: IF the award were MVP, I'd choose Long.  Without her I doubt the Jays would even make the conference tourney; without Solari the Titans would still be first or second.  But the award is POY.  I lean towards Solari, but would not be offended if Long won it. 

(This all began when I challenged an overenthusiastic Long fan who felt the decision was a no-brainer.  IMO, anyone thinking the decision is clear-cut is the true 'no-brainer'! ;D ;))
Actually the award is for Most Outstanding Player. I find no reference for POY or MVP awards on the CCIW site but I could have missed it.

Good catch!  But to me MOP/POY are essentially the same, but very different from MVP.  MOP is the best individual performance (not discounting, of course, how the player contributed to team success - but in a truly extreme case the player might even be from the 8th place team); with MVP the principle criterion (IMO) is how much worse would the team be if the player were not playing.

[I knew the men's award was MOP, but with all the references to POY I just assumed the women must use a different name; I probably should have known the conference would not be inconsistent in that particular way! :D]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2010, 03:44:32 AM
TV highlights from Elmhurst's visit to IWU are online at:

http://www.icn5.com/homepage.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2010, 05:57:38 AM
Article from the Pantagraph about IWU captains Christina Solari and Sean Dwyer, each celebrating Senior Night tonight:

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_b3a53774-184d-11df-962e-001cc4c03286.html

These two have been a real credit to IWU and their respective basketball programs.  It's great that they've found each other as well. 

Congratulations are also in order for senior Carrie Williams, a point guard who came to IWU last year as a transfer.  She has a nice three point shot and a sly sense of humor.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 13, 2010, 08:11:37 AM
IWU will have live video tonight for the game vs Wheaton...

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/iwu_basketball
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2010, 07:07:12 PM
In B'town at halftime: IWU 42, Wheaton 36.

The refs have really been busy, whistling 31 fouls already!  Hence, several players in serious foul trouble.  For the Thunder, Brooke Olson has 4, Kelly Brooks and Jennifer Lee have 3 each, and 3 other have 2.  For the Titans, Britt Hasselbring and Nikki Preston each have 3, 3 others have 2.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2010, 07:27:19 PM
Mia Smith has got to be one of the greatest halftime coaches - once again the Titans have come out smoking the opposition.  6.5 minutes into the 2nd, the halftime lead of 6 has grown to 16: 60-44.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2010, 07:45:52 PM
The whistles have gone relatively silent in the 2nd half - 4 minutes left and each team has only 5 fouls.

Wheaton played gamely.  After that initial burst in the 2nd, the Titans never could completely put the game away, but were also never really challenged.  It's been a 15-19 point margin the last ten minutes.

With 2:20 to go, it is 85-67.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2010, 07:55:31 PM
Final: IWU 87, Wheaton 70.

With just over 2 minutes left, the Titans reached a 20 point lead for the first time.  That apparently was the official signal for 'garbage time' as all starters took the rest of the evening off! :D  (By that time, only two were left anyway.)

Those bench players are a feisty lot - IWU picked up 2 fouls in ONE second of playing time!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 13, 2010, 10:57:47 PM
Lyndsie Long is 11 points away from being the Bluejay Women's all time leading scorer! She had 30 points tonight in the victory over North Park. She also broke the Bluejays career record for 3 pointers with 160 (and counting). Along with all of that it was senior night for Long and 2 other Bluejays. It was a great day to be a BLUEJAY!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 14, 2010, 08:48:38 AM
The Titans have got to lead the nation in forcing the other team to just throw the ball blindly, hoping someone else can get it.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2010, 09:17:41 PM
An impressive game for Stacey Arlis in that Titan 87-70 win: 26 pts including 11 of 15 FGs. Christina S had another very well-rounded game, not scoring a lot, but had 7 assists and grabbed 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Hope Schulte had 17 pts, 3 blocks and 4 steals.
Sarah Jones rang up 11 pts, 10 rebs, 4 steals and 5 assists for Wheaton.
Carthage rolled on with an 85-67 win over North Central. The Lady Red starters all had from 11 to 17 pts. Heather Gilmore added 8 assists and 6 steals. For NC, Latrice Newson had 23 pts 5 assists and Christine Karl scored 17.
Elmhurst 75, North Park 68. Lyndsie Long had 30 pts in 33:00. Megan Ney had 13, 11r and 3 stls. "Merk" had 13 pts, 7r and 3 blocks in her 25:00.
Kamauria Acree had 27 and 4 assists for NP and Sarah Peterson contributed 12 pts, 2 blocks and 4 steals.
Millikin 61 Augie 44. Elise Wildman had 18, 8r and 4 blocks. Crystal Zeigler had 14 pts and 10 rebs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2010, 09:34:16 PM
By the way, on Saturday I saw two of IWU's nonconference opponents play to a 95-95 draw at the end of 40:00. Olivet Nazarene prevailed over St Francis in OT, 119-111. Yes, only 40 pts scored in the 5:00 OT. It was a rather hectic pace throughout the contest : 11 players scored in double figures and there were 178 total FG att (74 from behind the arc), 82 FT atts, 68 turnovers (incl 32 steals). Not at dull moment, except for the calm during all those free throws, as players caught their breath.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on February 15, 2010, 02:09:59 PM
Quick Post Season Question:

Or, is it too early to start talking about the post-season?  Providing that Illinois Weslyan, Carthage and Washington University win each of their remaining home games:

1) Does Washington University overtake Carthage in the regional rankings with a win at Chicago in two weeks?  Carthage, it seems has the bigger win, plus the win over Chicago, along with the loss to an unranked team, while Washington University has one in-region loss, plus much bigger wins over common opponents.  Am I missing something?

2) Does someone have thoughts on where the Central region teams might play, besides Bloomington-Normal, considering that the Carthage and Washington University men might host a few games?  [or am I wrong about that point?]

I am trying to plan my vacation to see as many games as possible.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WESNSports on February 15, 2010, 03:09:47 PM
It is always too early to talk about post-season before it starts, but that never stops anyone.  This year the Men have priority for hosting the first round, and the women have priority the second weekend.  Assuming both Wash U teams keep winning, the men will definitely be hosting the first weekend.  I don't imagine the Carthage men winning out in an really tough CCIW, and assume they'll go to a WIAC school.  Either Carthage or IWU will lose in the CCIW championship, which could really shake the rankings.  A Carthage loss would surely move them behind Wash U.  And an IWU loss might actually bump Carthage up to the top.  As of right now, IWU has the highest SOS numbers, Wash U is second, and Carthage is third.  So I think the most likely scenario would be for the regional rankings to end up with IWU, Wash U, and Carthage in that order.

It will be very interesting where these teams end up.  It could be IWU and Carthage hosting, or just IWU.  I don't think Wash U will host, and who knows where they could get sent.  Simpson is the strongest team in the west not on the Pacific coast, so geographically that could make sense.  A team could also easily be sent to a Great Lakes school, Wash U might be too far away for that though.  I know I can't wait for selection weekend.

http://www.collegefanz.com/people/WESNSports/blog
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 15, 2010, 03:15:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2010, 07:27:19 PM
Mia Smith has got to be one of the greatest halftime coaches - once again the Titans have come out smoking the opposition.  6.5 minutes into the 2nd, the halftime lead of 6 has grown to 16: 60-44.
I agree, but am thinking maybe she is one of the best D-III coaches in the first-half too.  What are the chances of her staying at IWU?  I hate to rumor-monger, but she has to be getting calls from other programs - like Dennie Bridges did for years.  Anyone closer to the program have any feeling on this?

I've only been to two games this year.  At the Wash U game, I thought both teams were pretty sloppy, and it was clearly early in the season.  It was a great win, but I thought the Titans had  a lot of improving to do if they wanted to be the best team in the nation.  I was at the game this Saturday against Wheaton, and the improvement seemed clear.

They seemed to depend on the 3-pointer or Christian Solari bailing them out against Wash U.  Against Wheaton it was clear that other players had stepped up, and they did not seem to count on the 3 pointer as much.  Though it did seem like they started to pull away only when a few 3's dropped in.

Also, I was thinking on Saturday that Solari is probably graduating as the winningest women's basketball player in IWU history.  What an amazing player.  She would have my vote for MOP.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 15, 2010, 03:47:17 PM
OK, so I did a little checking.  My research was incomplete because I wasn't sure which three games Solari played as a freshman, so she might have three more wins.  I also don't know if she has missed any game along the way since her first year. But, for the last three years Solari has been a part of 78 wins.  As far as I can tell, the most wins over a four-year period before she got to IWU was the Traci Butler era's 72 wins.  The seniors from last year - Claire Sheehan and Mallory Heydorn - graduated with 97 wins (assuming they played every game for  four years, and I don't know if that is true).  So, the answer to my own question is "No, she won't graduate with the most wins of all-time."  She would probably go way past 97 wins if she came back for a fifth year (she told the Pantagraph that was not going to happen).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on February 15, 2010, 03:53:16 PM
Quote from: WESNSports on February 15, 2010, 03:09:47 PM
Either Carthage or IWU will lose in the CCIW championship, which could really shake the rankings. 

I forgot that the CCIW, along with probably every other conference, has a conference tournament.  Thanks for the detailed response.  I also cannot wait for selection weekend.

Let me ask: is that how it works, the men have priority the first weekend and the women the second, everywhere in every region?

My tentative plan is to watch any possible home games, and then travel to watch the women play, hopefully down to the end.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 15, 2010, 04:01:42 PM
Quote from: mactitan on February 15, 2010, 03:47:17 PM
  She would probably go way past 97 wins if she came back for a fifth year (she told the Pantagraph that was not going to happen).

Well, she did leave just a bit of wiggle room in her comments to the Pantagraph (it's at the end of this report of the first IWU-Augustana game).  It doesn't sound like an absolutely flat "no" to me.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_c0140bba-0b06-11df-b716-001cc4c002e0.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2010, 04:26:28 PM
WUH,

Yes, the gender-priority is a d3 rule.  It flip-flops each year, so next year the rounds are reversed.

And, yes, so far as I know the UAA is the ONLY conference without a tourney.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on February 15, 2010, 05:59:28 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2010, 04:26:28 PM
Yes, the gender-priority is a d3 rule.  It flip-flops each year, so next year the rounds are reversed.

That is an interesting approach that makes a lot of sense.  Thanks again for the feedback.

I have been following the Bears closely since 2005, so I should know all this, but for whatever reason, I really never paid close attention until this year.  I started following the D3boards.  And, now I am completely addicted.

I would like to see another Bears-Titans rematch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2010, 06:05:24 PM
Quote from: WUH on February 15, 2010, 05:59:28 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2010, 04:26:28 PM
Yes, the gender-priority is a d3 rule.  It flip-flops each year, so next year the rounds are reversed.

That is an interesting approach that makes a lot of sense.  Thanks again for the feedback.

I have been following the Bears closely since 2005, so I should know all this, but for whatever reason, I really never paid close attention until this year.  I started following the D3boards.  And, now I am completely addicted.

I would like to see another Bears-Titans rematch.

Though with a different outcome than last year, of course! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 16, 2010, 07:15:22 AM
Over on the CCIW men's board, Izzy Stradlin posted this yesterday:

"A few years back, Keelan Amelianovich from a 12-2 Titan team was chosen over Joel Kolmodin from a 10-4 Thunder team for MOP when Kolmodin had a statistically better year.  My biased pick probably would have been Joel, but I had no problem with Keelan getting the award.  Chris Martin probably could've won multiple MOPs based on stats. 

Individual stats have too many confounders when relied upon for comparison of players.  A good supporting cast can impact a players stats positively or negatively.   The pace at which a team plays or overall poor defense can lead to more possessions per game and inflated per-game averages,  etc, etc.  Winning is the best tool we have to find the best players."

I think this is relevant to the Solari-Long debate.  There's no one absolutely correct (or incorrect) answer, and either player would be deserving of POY.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2010, 11:35:11 AM
Congratulations to Lyndsie Long, CCIW player of the week. She averaged 37.5, just about all of which was needed. They beat North Park by 7 and lost by 1 to Carthage.
I agree, Hoosier Titan, that stats do not tell the whole story when comparing players from one team with another. Not even within one team. For example, one player gets credit for a rebound, but a teammate may have done the hard work by blocking out a strong opponent.
Anyway, on the subject of Most Outstanding Player, Diana Jacklin is a better defensive player than either Christina or Lyndsie. Jacklin scores a decent amount and is a good rebounder, too, so she could easily get some MOP votes. Maybe there will be a tie!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2010, 12:01:05 PM
More MOP:
Maybe Mia Smith will surprise us and nominate Hope Schulte for MOP!
In any conference, you have to look at the top team and ask who are the main reasons (aside from good coaching) why the team is so good. As has been stated, there are many fine players on the Titans. C Solari and Schulte would be at the top of that list, I think. Both of 'em contribute in a variety of ways.
Lyndsie Long, on the other hand, has carried her team to a greater extent than anyone else in the league. I don't mean to diminish her teammates, but I think that's an accurate statement.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2010, 01:19:04 PM
When thinking about the best all-around players, I sometimes wonder what would happen if 5 of one played 5 of another.
This would require a player to be able to handle the ball, score one way or another, be able to guard small or large players, rebound well. It would also require cloning.
How would 5 Diana Jacklins do against 5 Lyndsie Longs? Could 5 Diana Jacklins beat 5 Christina Solaris? Could 5 Christina Solaris beat 5 Karen Solaris? How would 5 Heather Gilmores do vs 5 Elise Wildmans? Or 5 Dani Ripkeys against 5 Cecily Aldridges?
Of all recent CCIW players, I think I'd take former Wheaton forward Elisabeth Fox as best all-around player. She had enough size to guard big opponents, was quick enough to guard small ones, could score inside and out, could rebound and handle the ball well.
Correction : make that Elizabeth Fox.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 16, 2010, 04:29:16 PM
Very important game at Wheaton tonight between the Thunder and Millikin. While these two programs have spent much of the CCIW's history battling for 1st place, tonight's game will go a long way in determining 4th place and the last spot in the CCIW tourney.

Millikin would clinch a tourney spot with a win tonight, and if Elmhurst beat North Central the 3 and 4 seeds would still come down to Saturday's games (Millikin vs. Carthage; Elmhurst vs. Wheaton). In this scenario, if both teams win on Saturday then the 3 seed would go to Elmhurst based on its hypothetical 6-1 in-conference road record. Millikin would be 4th. The only way for Millikin to be the #3 seed would be to win out and have Elmhurst split.

If Wheaton beats Millikin tonight things get interesting. In this case Millikin would need to win Saturday or else cheer very hard for Elmhurst. If Wheaton wins both of its games this week and Millikin loses to Carthage, the Thunder would be the 4 seed based on its hypothetical 6-3 record in its last 9 games (Millikin would be 5-4 in this scenario).

Elmhurst holds any potential tiebraker with Wheaton because of its 1-1 record vs. Carthage.

Weeding through the technicalities it is very simple for all three teams. For Millikin and Elmhurst: win a game this week to clinch a tourney spot. For Wheaton: win both of your games and trust that Carthage will play like the #10 team in the nation on Saturday against Millikin.

Should be an interesting week. Millikin and Elmhurst control their own destiny, and Wheaton knows that if it wins both games there is a good chance that the rest of the dominos will fall in its favor.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2010, 04:39:34 AM
IWU over Augie tonight, 79-40, thus claiming at least a share of the CCIW crown.  One more W and the championship is the Titan's outright.  Congrats to the team and the coaches -- what a great season so far.  Keep it rolling all the way back to the Shirk!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2010, 04:53:23 AM
Turnovers:  Augie 40, IWU 14 -- pretty much tells the story.  IWU must be setting some kind of an amazing record on TO's caused this season.  Run and jump is going to new levels.  Gotta love it.  Congrats to the Titans on a share of the CCIW crown.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 17, 2010, 02:15:50 PM
In the MOP debate:
I think if I was voting, I would ask myself, "If I was going to start a team, who would I pick first? Who is the one player I would want on my team before anyone else?"  For me, it would be Solari, but I speak with no authority on the specifics of the debate because she's the only candidate I've seen play.  I think though, that the question is still valid.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2010, 02:33:38 PM
I'm hoping for a tie in the MOP vote, mactitan, because we have such excellent candidates.
Congrats to Illinois Wesleyan, Carthage, Millikin and Elmhurst for securing the four spots in the upcoming CCIW tournament. Saturday's results will set the matchups.
Christina Solari led IWU with 16 pts, 8 rebs and 6 steals (pretty good work for 26:00!) as they beat Augie 79-40. Holly Harvey and Sarah Cotner each scored 10 in 18:00. The hapless Vikings were led by Lani Kasten's 12 pts and 8 rebs, but committed 40 turnovers.
The other Vikings (NP) also endured a difficult evening, getting drilled 86-39 at Carthage. The Lady Reds' Rosie Dorn tallied 17 pts in 25:00 and Heather Gilmore netted 13 pts in her 19:00, adding 3 steals and 4 assists. Allison Groessl scored a quick dozen and had 3 steals in 13:00. Kamauria Acree scored 20 for North Park.
Elmhurst sprinted out to a 44-20 advantage and defeated North Central 79-67. Five Bluejays and four Cardinals were in double figures. Lyndsie Long led the Jays with 18 pts (becoming EC's all-time leading scorer), 9 rebs and 4 assists. Jackie Errico had 19 pts, 9 rebs (but 7 TOs) for NC.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2010, 03:21:04 PM
I saw the 84-64 Millikin win at Wheaton.
Before things got started, there was a nice little ceremony for the sole Thunder senior, Sarah Jones. She received several ovations for her full four year career in the Wheaton orange, blue and white.
I've seen her play about 17 or 20 games and in each one, she devoted maximum energy for her team, which is always a pleasure to see.
Last night was the 100th game of her NCAA career and she made sure to include a few of her familiar kamikaze drives to the basket. One such drive brought her teammates and fans to their feet as she crashed loudly to the floor while her layup went in. She finished her final home game with 13 pts, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
Elisabeth Potts topped the Thunder with 14 pts, to go along with 6 rebs, 3 assists and a pair of steals. Lindsey Brenneman was not at full strength.
Wheaton did not, however, have any luck containing Millikin's Elise Wildman, who poured in 26 pts, had 12 rebs, 3 assists and two blocks. The Big Blue, wearing pink and white, also got efficiently productive games from Cecily Aldridge (18, 8, 3 steals) and Julia Robert (19 pts). Beth Wellbaum calmly ran the Millikin attack for all 40 minutes, picking up 6 assists and 8 rebounds along the way and making few mistakes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2010, 01:42:53 PM
I just completed an important study regarding our CCIW players. Here are some of the better results:
Adihsar Renioj, Nerual Enaf, Niltiak Yeliad, Eitak Ekmelk, Nnawerd Ztarcnap, Rolyat Illednot, Eeliac Narocroc, Einna Newob, Ikkin Notserp, Yecats Silra, Eiznekcam Dyolf, Nerak Iralos, Eilatan Egnur, Annairb Sneeks, Anitsirk Drawoh, Ecirtal Noswen.
And a couple of coaches : Enirehtak Zednenem, Irol Snarek.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 18, 2010, 04:40:31 PM
Ti Koot em a etunim.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2010, 05:09:43 PM
Don't brag, OldSchoolHoopsFan!
Incidentally, we might find actual people with those names riding the Metro in Istanbul.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 18, 2010, 05:25:54 PM
I meant a looong minute. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2010, 03:04:51 PM
For the players who will end their collegiate basketball career tomorrow, I wish them an enjoyable fun time in their last game. Thanks for playing!
No injuries allowed. No cell phones on the court.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2010, 02:33:53 AM
Congrats and best wishes to all the players and coaches as the regular season winds up tomorrow.  Special best wishes to all the outgoing seniors . . . and best of luck in future.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2010, 02:39:05 AM
Thanks to the players and coaches on all the teams, who have given us so much entertainment during this season and the previous ones.  Good luck today and in the future.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2010, 06:51:34 PM
At the half in Chicago: IWU 51, NPU 20.

I'd say the Titans are showing no mercy, except they've already used 12 players, and the leading scorer is not a starter!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2010, 08:17:49 PM
IWU closes out NPU, 97-43, thus concluding the best three-year run in CCIW history.  Neither Millikin or Wheaton ever came close to the Titans' run of 40-2 (the closest is Augie under Diane Schumacher at 45-3 from '89-'91).

Congratulations to Mia Smith and the Titans! :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2010, 02:19:09 AM
Congrat to Coach Smith and all the team.  Way to go.  Keep it rolling all the back to the Shirk ... for CCIW tourney and the DIII dance.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 21, 2010, 04:30:22 PM
Just an interesting insight to fuel the discussion about the M.O.P. award for this year.  the following four questions are presented in Bill Simmons' The Book of Basketball regarding how to best decide an MVP and just my opinion on how the race is affected by each criteria.

1. If you replaced each MVP candidate with a decent player at their position for the entire season, what would be the best hypothetical effect on their team's records?

If you're going by this criteria than the MOP is Long's in a landslide. 
-IWU has shown throughout the season that they're deep enough and talented enough at the rest of the positions that the Titans would still be very talented and maybe their record falls to 20-5 at the absolute worst if you replace either Solari or Schulte with a less-talented player.
-Carthage belongs in the same category but to a little bit lesser degree.  Jacklin is a nice player but the supporting cast is also very talented.  Any given night Dorn, Gilmore, Klemke, or Ripkey can take over a game and lead the Lady Reds.  Take Jacklin out of the picture and this is still a 17-18 win team.
-Take Long away from the Blue Jays and I struggle to see them finishing above .500 and especially not a CCIW tourney team.  Merklein and Ney are nice post players but take Long out of the picture and I can't see them carrying the Blue Jays as far as they've gone this year. 
-Even if you're going to throw Elise Wildman into the mix, Millikin relies so heavily on ball movement to open up the entry pass and Wildman is excellent at gaining position on the block.  Replace her with an average post player and Millikin enters the sub .500 category along with Elmhurst.

2. In a giant pickup game with every CCIW player available and two knowledgeable fans forced to pick five-woman teams, with their lives depending on the game's outcome, who would be the first player picked based on how everyone played that season?

I know there's more knowledgeable fans than I but if my life's at stake I'm definitely taking Long first for her scoring and rebounding ability.

3. Ten years form now, who will be the first player from that season who pops into my head?


45 points in a game is pretty memorable and will most likely stand for the next decade.  In that same breath, Jacklin's season is overshadowed in the memory by the game-winner by Klemke, Solari and Schulte will be overshadowed by the overall depth and greatness of the team and with so many other storylines in play, Wildman falls to the back of the pack.

4.  If you're explaing your MVP pick to someone who has a favorite player in the race, a player that you didn't pick, will they at least say something like "Yeah, I don't like it, but I can see how you arrived at your choice."?

I think this can most likely be said about any of the leading candidates.

It'll be interesting but I think the scale tips towards Long winning M.O.P.

Along that line here's my opinion of the All-Conference teams.

1st team
Lyndsie Long- Elmhurst, Sr. 24.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 49% FG pct. 89% FT pct.- M.O.P.
Christina Solari-IWU, Sr. 13.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 4.4 assists/game, 2.9 steals/game, 56% FG, 75% FT pct.
Hope Schulte-IWU, Jr. 11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.9 steals/game, 2.1 apg, 17 blocks, 39% FG pct. 70% FT pct.
Elise Wildman-Millikin, Jr. 17.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 54 blocks, 54% FG pct. 71% FT pct.
Diana Jacklin-Carthage, So. 14.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 40 blocks, 55% FG pct.

2nd team
Meghan Merklein-Elmhurst, So. 13.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 45% FG pct. 87% FT pct.
Lindsey Brenneman-Wheaton, So. 12.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 37% FG pct. 34% 3pt. pct. 87% FT pct.
Jackie Errico-North Central, Jr. 13.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 36% FG pct. 33% 3pt. pct. 79% FT pct. 45 steals
Rosie Dorn-Carthage, Sr. 10.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 53% FG pct. 70% FT pct.
Kam Acree-North Park, Fr. 15.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 43% FG pct. 77% FT pct. 40 steals

3rd team
Nikki Preston-IWU, Jr. 11.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 46% FG pct. 34% 3pt. pct. 76% FT pct.
Christine Karl-North Central, Jr. 13.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 40% FG pct. 75% FT pct. 17 blocks
Cecily Aldridge-Millikin, So. 12.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 43% FG pct. 39% 3pt. pct. 74% FT pct. 42 steals
Latrice Newson-North Central, Fr. 12.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 37% FG pct. 31% 3pt. pct. 81% FT pct.
Heather Gilmore-Carthage, Sr. 10.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 50% FG pct. 35% 3pt. pct. 70% FT pct. 62 steals

Coach of the year: Tim Bernero-Carthage
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 21, 2010, 07:20:34 PM
As someone is not partial to either IWU or Elmhurst, this is how I see the MOP situation:

When teams gameplan for Illinois Wesleyan their primary focus is on beating the Titan's system, their run and jump press and high-low motion offense. Of course there is discussion of the Titans individual players and their strengths, but it is not as though a coach says "we have to stop {insert Titan player} to win." Every CCIW coach knows that if you can't navigate the Titans pressure consistently without turning the ball over, you simply cannot win. Carthage beat IWU because they only turned the ball over 19 teams (compared to 30+, which is what most other teams did). When Carthage lost to IWU, they had 30 turnovers. When you give IWU that many extra possessions, they are too talented and balanced offensively not to turn those possessions into baskets.

With Elmhurst, every coach's gameplan starts and ends with Lyndsie Long. Like Steve Djurickovic for the Carthage men (though to a lesser extent), she is what makes the Bluejay offense go. If you take her off of Elmhurst, I'm not sure if they would be a top-4 caliber team. That is not to take anything away from the rest of the team, but Long is just that good of a player. She takes her team to a level they could not otherwise get to. Lyndsie Long is the most outstanding player in the CCIW.

As far as all-conference goes I could see it shaking out this way:

1st Team
Lyndsie Long- Elmhurst
Christina Solari- IWU
Hope Schulte- IWU
Diana Jacklin- Carthage
Elise Wildman- Millikin

Second Team
Meghan Merklein- Elmhurst
Rosie Dorn- Carthage
Kam Acree- NPU
Nikki Preston-IWU
Jackie Errico- North Central

Third Team
Lindsey Brenneman- Wheaton
Katie Klemke- Carthage
Megan Ney- Elmhurst
Cecily Aldridge- Millikin
Stacey Arlis- IWU

There are certainly other players who deserve recognition, but the nature of these teams is that not everyone who could/should appear on them makes it. Ultimately though, it's up to the coaches to decide.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2010, 07:36:27 PM
Moser,

That's why I've been stressing the difference between MVP and MOP.  Lyndsie Long is hands-down the MVP; without her I seriously doubt the Jays would have made the conference tourney.  MOP is a different animal; while I lean towards Solari, I'd have no quibble with Long, but it is NOT a clear-cut choice!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 21, 2010, 07:57:12 PM
I guess I don't really see the difference between the two. How do you see MVP and MOP as different?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on February 21, 2010, 08:50:35 PM
Continuing with the MOP of the CCIW discussion, I think Moser and thunder38illini hit the nail on the head.  I really do not see the vote going any other way.  When one looks at individual stats it is clear that the success(es) of Long do not even compare to those of Solari, on and invidual level.  As both have mentioned before, if you take Solari out the the line up, IWU will still be an above average team... it is evident in this years season- looking strictly at minutes played.  When Solari plays 25 mpg and the team is still winning by 20-40pts, it basically says for itself that IWU has the athleticism and talent in other players, thus leading me to believe Solari is not the MOP. 
As far as the talk about MVP vs. MOP, I tend to agree with Moser again.  I don't really see the difference between the two, and if one is DEFINITELY MVP, then it is hard to say they are not the MOP...  I think overall at the individual level, LL has set the bar and is putting up numbers similar to Millikin's Lindsay Ippel, who was a unanimous MOP canidate. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2010, 09:03:11 PM
Quote from: Moser on February 21, 2010, 07:57:12 PM
I guess I don't really see the difference between the two. How do you see MVP and MOP as different?

I had several posts addressing the difference on pp. 95-97.

To oversimplify, with MVP the key question is 'how much worse would the team be if the player suffered a season-ending injury just before conference play?'  To me, Long would clearly be the MVP, as the Titans would still have been 1st or 2nd even without Solari; the Jays IMO would have been 5th or 6th.  MOP has a different question: 'Which player had the most impressive season - in all facets, not just the quantifiable stats?'  (In terms of stats, don't forget that Elmhurst needs Long to put up 25; IWU doesn't need that from Solari, and she often sat for long periods due to blow-outs.)  For MOP, team performance still matters (how 'outstanding' could the player be if the team went 1-13?), but is less important than for MVP.

Ultimately, the award is also a bit subjective and speculative, since different teams need different things from players.  IMO if the Titans needed Solari to give the stats of Long, she could do that (and perhaps even more!); but, of course, we will never know, since they don't. ;)  My personal conclusion: if it was MVP - Long; since it is MOP - ??
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 21, 2010, 10:37:53 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2010, 09:03:11 PM
Quote from: Moser on February 21, 2010, 07:57:12 PM
I guess I don't really see the difference between the two. How do you see MVP and MOP as different?

IMO if the Titans needed Solari to give the stats of Long, she could do that (and perhaps even more!); but, of course, we will never know, since they don't. ;)  My personal conclusion: if it was MVP - Long; since it is MOP - ??

So then all we have to go off of are the numbers that are there. Solari no doubt is a 1st team all-conference player, and in IWU's few close games she has put up good numbers:

Wash U. (58-53 W) 16 points, 13 rebounds in 33 minutes
UWSP (84-80 W) 17 points, 11 rebounds in 32 minutes
Mo. Bap. (75-62 W) 23 points, 13 rebounds in 26 minutes
Chicago (64-57 W) 13 points, 6 rebounds in 28 minutes
La Verne (54-40 W) 8 points, 10 rebounds in 28 minutes
Redlands (79-71 W) 27 points, 9 rebounds in 31 minutes
@ Elmhurst (74-64 W) 16 points, 8 rebounds in 32 minutes
@ Carthage (67-72 L) 8 points, 12 rebounds in 36 minutes
Elmhurst (73-60 W) 17 points, 9 rebounds in 27 minutes

That averages out to 16.1 points and 10 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game. Those are fantastic numbers, and stack up pretty well against Diana Jacklin's 14.9 ppg/7.5 rpg and Elise Wildman's 17.7 ppg/9.4 ppg. I think that if Solari played 30 minutes a night she could maintain that 16/10 average, which is pretty darn good but then you also have to throw Jacklin and especially Wildman into the MOP debate.

Long has averaged 24.6 ppg/7.3/33.6 mpg over the whole season and 26.1 ppg/7.4 rpg/35.3 mpg in CCIW play. She also has six 30+ games to her credit, which is just crazy.

Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from Christina Solari. She's a fantastic player on a fantastic team and she's a legitimate all-American. But I think that Lyndsie Long has put together an unbelievable season and deserves the MOP recognition.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2010, 11:49:39 PM
My main point on Solari is not her reduced minutes (though that is a partial factor), it is IWU's reduced need for Long-type stats.  Even in the 'close' games, SHE isn't needed for those sorts of stats because of the cast around her.  I realize it is an unanswerable question; I just think she could out-Long Long if that is what the Titans needed.

My issue is not Long over Solari.  It is with those claiming that Long is OBVIOUSLY over Solari.

Whichever way the coaches decide is fine with me.  But I think we've reached an impasse with the posters' input! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 21, 2010, 11:58:34 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2010, 11:49:39 PM
Whichever way the coaches decide is fine with me.  But I think we've reached an impasse with the posters' input! ;D

I trust that the coaches will meticulously read and analyze all of our posts on the subject  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: JMM11 on February 22, 2010, 12:55:24 AM
hello... This is my first post on the cciw message board but I have been following along for quite some time now and I feel like I need to add my opinion on the MOP debate.

First, no one is trying to take anything away for Solari.  I have read every post and that is never mentioned.  She is a great player and deserves credit and she gets that credit because every coach and player in the CCIW knows that she is important to stop to beat IWU. 

Second, it is an OBVIOUS choice that Lyndsie Long should be CCIW MOP.  She is indeed the most outstanding player in the conference.  I have seen all 8 teams play this season so my opinion is not based on lack of information on the conferences players.  When I think of the most OUTSTANDING player in the conference Lyndsie is the first to come to my mind.  And no one is close behind her.  Solari is great but Lyndsie is better and she had proved that game after game after game.  Lyndsie can do many things that Solari cannot do.  She plays an all around fantastic game.  From inside posting up to outside shooting.  For example this past Saturday I went to the EC game against Wheaton and Wheaton had their player all over Lyndsie the entire game.  The Wheaton defensemen did not even know where the ball was becaus she was glued to Lyndsie.  But LL can still find ways to score reguardless (she put up 37 points and 12 rebounds too!!!!)  No one has been able to shut her down all year and that is because she is the MOP!

Third,  you cannot punish Lyndsie because she doesn't play for IWU.  EC is not as good of a team as IWU but that doesn't mean the MOP has to come from that school.  Just  because IWU is first in the conference and is nationally ranked does not mean that the MOP has to come from that school.  IWU has several great players and are a great team, but no one person on their team is as good as Lyndsie.

Fourth, I wish all teams good luck in the conference tourney.  It looks to be some great games coming up this weekend. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2010, 01:11:52 AM
Quote from: JMM11 on February 22, 2010, 12:55:24 AM
Third,  you cannot punish Lyndsie because she doesn't play for IWU.  EC is not as good of a team as IWU but that doesn't mean the MOP has to come from that school.  Just  because IWU is first in the conference and is nationally ranked does not mean that the MOP has to come from that school.  IWU has several great players and are a great team, but no one person on their team is as good as Lyndsie.  

First, welcome to the board!

No one is punishing Long for not playing for IWU.  My sense is that Solari is being punished for playing for IWU! :P

Elmhurst needs Long to put up her numbers.  IWU does NOT need Solari to put up Long's numbers.  The issue boils down to 'would Solari put up (at least) Long's numbers if needed?'  My answer is 'yes', but I'll leave it to the coaches. ;)

[And you just HAD to go with 'OBVIOUS' choice! :o]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2010, 01:15:34 AM
Quote from: Moser on February 21, 2010, 11:58:34 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2010, 11:49:39 PM
Whichever way the coaches decide is fine with me.  But I think we've reached an impasse with the posters' input! ;D

I trust that the coaches will meticulously read and analyze all of our posts on the subject  ;)

You might be surprised at how many CCIW coaches read this board! :D

'...meticulously ... analyze' might be a different issue! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2010, 04:27:42 AM
Quote from: Moser on February 21, 2010, 07:20:34 PM

When teams gameplan for Illinois Wesleyan their primary focus is on beating the Titan's system, their run and jump press and high-low motion offense. Of course there is discussion of the Titans individual players and their strengths, but it is not as though a coach says "we have to stop {insert Titan player} to win." Every CCIW coach knows that if you can't navigate the Titans pressure consistently without turning the ball over, you simply cannot win. Carthage beat IWU because they only turned the ball over 19 teams (compared to 30+, which is what most other teams did). When Carthage lost to IWU, they had 30 turnovers. When you give IWU that many extra possessions, they are too talented and balanced offensively not to turn those possessions into baskets.


I don't disagree with many of the facts in this post, but on their interpretation.  The run and jump is certainly a huge factor (and all five players on the court play it, including the posts).  But a high-low offense only works with skilled low post players who can handle the ball and know when to pass it out. Solari's point-guard-like ball handling, along with her court sense, is crucial here.  While I haven't discussed game planning with any CCIW coaches, my impression is that, this year at least, they are saying "We have to stop Solari to win."

No IWU fan here has ever hinted that Solari somehow deserves the award because she is from the best team, nor, to my knowledge has any IWU fan said anything but good things about Lyndsie Long.  Like Mr. Ypsi, I won't object at all if she wins the award.  But I don't think that high scoring alone makes someone an "OBVIOUS" choice.   I just don't think that's the best argument, and it appears to disrespect other candidates.

I'm glad the voting on this is coming up.  My sense is that, as others have said, we've reached an impasse. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on February 22, 2010, 09:32:56 AM
Mr Ypsi... When you say that you don't believe that high scoring alone makes someone an 'OBVIOUS' choice... look at the statistics again, it's not only scoring that LL does well... and regarding Solari and ball handling skills, I have watched an awful lot of IWU games, and I don't remember her ever bringing the ball upm showing her 'point-guard-like ball handling skills... ???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 22, 2010, 11:05:25 AM
I hesitated to throw fuel on this fire because, obviously, none is needed.  However, I promised these stats so here we go.  Here are the per minute stats for the names mentioned in the MOP debate. 
           Solari            Long          Jacklin      Wildman
Min           624         841              694              867
MPG            25         33.6             27.8             34.7
FG/M       0.184         0.270           0.229          0.198
FGA/M     0.332          0.551          0.416          0.364
FG%        0.556          0.490          0.550          0.544
2PtB/M     0.184          0.189          0.228          0.197
2PtA/M     0.332          0.470          0.415          0.363
2Pt%        0.556          0.403          0.549          0.543
3/M          0.000          0.081          0.001          0.001
3A/M        0.000          0.195          0.010          0.003
3%              0            0.415           0.143          0.333
FT/M         0.160          0.111          0.076          0.112
FTA/M       0.213          0.124          0.138          0.158
FT%          0.752          0.894          0.552          0.708
PPM          0.529          0.731          0.536          0.510
OR/M         0.136          0.059          0.084          0.076
DR/M         0.205          0.157          0.187          0.195
TR/M         0.341          0.216          0.271          0.271
F/M           0.091          0.082          0.099          0.062
A/M           0.178          0.061          0.050          0.069
TO/M          0.138          0.086          0.088          0.131
A/T            1.291          0.708          0.574          0.526
B/M            0.014          0.010          0.058          0.062
St/M           0.115          0.037          0.063          0.030
TA/M          1.054          0.814          0.780          0.748

TA = Total Average (Points Scored - (.5 x Missed FG)  + OR + (.75 x DR) - (.5 x F) +(2 x A) - TO + (1.5 x B) + St.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 22, 2010, 11:08:59 AM
Quote from: JMM11 on February 22, 2010, 12:55:24 AM
First, no one is trying to take anything away for Solari.  I have read every post and that is never mentioned.  She is a great player and deserves credit and she gets that credit because every coach and player in the CCIW knows that she is important to stop to beat IWU. 

I think it has been mentioned:

Quote from: Moser on February 21, 2010, 10:37:53 PM
Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from Christina Solari. She's a fantastic player on a fantastic team and she's a legitimate all-American. But I think that Lyndsie Long has put together an unbelievable season and deserves the MOP recognition.

I hope it never came across that I am trying to take away from what Christina Solari has accomplished. That's not the goal and I thought I made it clear.

Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2010, 04:27:42 AM
But I don't think that high scoring alone makes someone an "OBVIOUS" choice.   I just don't think that's the best argument, and it appears to disrespect other candidates.

To suggest that only her scoring is what makes her a candidate, quite frankly, appears disrespectful to Lyndsie Long.

It's NOT high scoring alone that makes Long a candidate. She averages 7.4 rebounds per game (5th in CCIW), shoots 52 percent mostly on jumpers (8th in CCIW--everyone ahead of her on the list is a post player except for Heather Gilmore), she's among the lead leaders in assists (13th with 2.21 per game), second in free throw percentage (88%), second in 3-point percentage (43%), first in 3-pointers made (43--11 more than closest), 12th in offensive rebounds, third in defensive rebounds.

Her credentials exceed her scoring, as do Solari's.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 22, 2010, 11:21:22 AM
I must say I was a bit surprised at the results.  I tried using other statistical combination than the TA shown here and the results are the same.  If you are just comparing per minute statistics CS has much better numbers than the others. It appears that CS has such a large margin is Assists (.12/m), Steals (.08/m) and Rebounds (.1/m) that it overcomes LL margin in PPM (.2/m). 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2010, 11:40:35 AM
A look around the league from Saturday's action :
Augustana attained a 3-way tie with North Central and North Park at 2-12 by upending NC 66-59. Kristen Fox led Augie with 23 pts, 8 rebs. Brittany James had 6 steals for NC and Jackie Errico scored 25 pts.
Carthage 67-58 over Millikin. Rosie Dorn scored 17, missing 1 shot, and had 4 assists. Diana Jacklin had 11 pts, 11 rebs, 3 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks. Elise Wildman countered with 18 pts, 7 rebs and 3 blocks. Beth Wellbaum had 11 assists.
In that IWU win, Melissa Gardner led all with 16, while Olivia Lett had 14, 6 rebs and 4 assists. Amy Burton scored 10 in 10:00. Christina S was very productive in her 19:00: 5 steals, 2 blocks, 7 assists, 10 pts. North Park's Juliann Plimpton topped everyone with 13 rebounds.
And yes, Lyndsie Long exited her home gym in style, having poured in 37, to go along with 12 rebs, 3 assists. That's a rather impressive good-bye to R A Faganel Hall. Teammate Megan Ney had 15 (6/9, 3/4) and 7 rebs. Brooke Olson led Wheaton with 13 pts in 20:00, but fouled out. There were 59 fouls in that game, 32 by Wheaton.
By the way, I was again disloyal to our conference and went to the Olivet Nazarene women's 122-88 win at Robert Morris Chicago. ONU made 21 of 54 threes and generally wore out RMC.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2010, 01:55:04 PM
Here's my all-conference list. I took into consideration consistency, team success (if the whole is excellent, the parts are, too), quantifiable contributions such as scoring, rebounding etc and less-measurable contributions like ballhandling and defense.
1st :
Lyndsie Long
Christina Solari
Diana Jacklin
Elise Wildman
Hope Schulte
2nd :
Heather Gilmore
Stacey Arlis
Nikki Preston
Cecily Aldridge
Megan Ney
3rd :
Rosie Dorn
Katie Klemke
Lindsey Brenneman
Kamauria Acree
Christine Karl
I'd put Gilmore on 1st team, if there was room.
Honorable mention for two athletic players that I would want on my team and who can do a lot of everything well : Karen Solari and Dani Ripkey.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 22, 2010, 02:15:10 PM
Initially, I want to commend all posters for your in-depth analysis of MOP candidates, All-Conference selections, etc.  You are all students of the game, and I have really enjoyed reading your points of view. 

In my opinion, Lyndsie Long wins the MOP hands-down.  No disrespect to Christina Solari, Diana Jacklin, or Elise Wildman, but Lyndsie is in a class all of her own this season.  I must commend Moser on his analysis of this debate along with his analysis of what must happen to effectively compete against IWU in general.  I had the pleasure of watching Larry Bird compete while I was in college, and Lyndsie's performance this season has brought back many memories of the sheer dominance that I witnessed at Indiana State from 1977-1979.  Whatever the defense throws at her, she simply finds a way to solve it.   Again, all posters are to be commended for your insight and debate.

Lastly, with respect to the All-Conference selections, can any of you clarify what coaches look to?  I am assuming that the teams that finish higher in the standings typically secure more selections?  Do they look more at the entire season or more at the player's performance within the CCIW?  I would appreciate any insight that any of you may have into the process.

Good luck to all participants this weekend.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbaskets on February 22, 2010, 03:03:32 PM
Based on last year's All-Conference selections, the teams that finished higher in the standings did secure more selections.  The following were the number of selections that each team received last season:

IWU:  4
Wheaton:  3
Carthage:  3
North Central:  2
Elmhurst:  1
Milikin:  1
North Park:  1
Augustana:  0

If the top teams again get 3-4 selections, there will be several players with better stats that will not be considered for the All-Conference Team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on February 22, 2010, 03:25:29 PM
Congratulations to LL for being named CCIW POW... Good luck to all teams participating in the conference tournament this weekend!  It is going to be a fun weekend!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 22, 2010, 03:59:53 PM
Quote from: Old Hoosier Baller on February 22, 2010, 02:15:10 PM
Lastly, with respect to the All-Conference selections, can any of you clarify what coaches look to?  I am assuming that the teams that finish higher in the standings typically secure more selections?  Do they look more at the entire season or more at the player's performance within the CCIW?  I would appreciate any insight that any of you may have into the process.
The nominees come from the coaches; and, in voting no coach can vote for their own players. So, the 'pool' comes from the coaches and I know of no limit placed on the coaches (other than good common sense) as to the number of nominees per coach.  The nominees are not for 1st, 2nd or 3rd teams (or MOP) - just All-Conference nominations.

QuoteFrom CCIW Administrative Manual:
C.   Each coach must vote for a five-member first team, a five-member second team and a five-member third team.

1.   After nominations the five players receiving the greatest number of points will be designated as first team.  In case of a tie for the fifth position, a separate vote will be taken with regard to the players involved in the tie and the loser placed on the second team.(emphasis mine)

2.   The remaining players will be nominees for the second team.  Coaches will be allowed to also nominate additional players for the second team and then vote.  In case of a tie for fifth position on the second team, a separate vote will be taken with regard to the players involved in the tie.  The player receiving the greatest point total will be selected. 

3.   Based on the voting, a third team will be chosen. 

In general, teams that finish higher in the regular conference standings do secure more selections.  I think it simply comes down to - the better players are generally on the better teams.  It's an All-Conference not an All-Season recognition, so coaches I've talked to base their vote largely on CCIW performance not the entire season. 

About MOP The CCIW Manual simply states that "An outstanding player shall be selected from the first team."  Further, I would note no other criteria exists - not stats, not scoring proficiency, not most valuable, not from the conference champion, nothing other than --- it is a matter of judgment by the conference coaches!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2010, 05:02:00 PM
Does the manual say that the player shall be out standing in the hallway near the room where the voting occurs?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 22, 2010, 05:24:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2010, 05:02:00 PM
Does the manual say that the player shall be out standing in the hallway near the room where the voting occurs?
Ha Ha +1k It probably should say - no players, no parents, no family and especially no D3Hoops.com posters  ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2010, 05:33:25 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 22, 2010, 05:24:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2010, 05:02:00 PM
Does the manual say that the player shall be out standing in the hallway near the room where the voting occurs?
Ha Ha +1k It probably should say - no players, no parents, no family and especially no D3Hoops.com posters  ;D

I say yes to that! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 22, 2010, 06:19:03 PM
On 1.17.10: IWU 74 at Elmhurst, 64
Solari: 16 points (on 5-7 shooting, 6-9 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers, 4 steals in 32 minutes
Long: 13 points (on 3-8 shooting, 3-6 3FG,  4-4 FT), 4 rebounds, 0 assists, 5 turnovers, 0 steals in 25 minutes

On 2.6.10: at IWU 73, Elmhurst 60
Solari: 17 points (on 7-14 shooting, 3-4 FT), 9 reb, 2 a, 3 to, 1 st, 0 blk in 27 min.
Long: 26 points (on 10-21 shooting, 3-8 3 FG, 3-3 FT), 2 a, 5 to, 0 st, 1 blk in 36 min.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 22, 2010, 06:20:54 PM
Quote from: bflong on February 22, 2010, 03:25:29 PM
Congratulations to LL for being named CCIW POW... Good luck to all teams participating in the conference tournament this weekend!  It is going to be a fun weekend!!!
Did I miss a press release?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2010, 07:24:32 PM
mactitan, your "head to head" comparison of Christina vs Lyndsie has some relevance to the MOP discussion, although I don't think they guarded eachother much, if at all. They probably fought over some rebounds.
To complete that sort of analysis, here are other head to head encounters:
Jan 9 --
C Solari 4/5 FG, 4/7 FT, 12pts, 17 reb, 4a, 5 TO, 3 st, 29:00
Jacklin 5/10, 1/2, 11 pts, 5 reb, 1a, 4 TO, 2blk, 4 st, 29:00
Jan 30 --
C Solari 3/8, 2/3, 8 pts, 12 reb, 4a, 5 TO, 1blk, 36:00
Jacklin 8/16, 3/6, 19 pts, 10 reb, 1a, 1 TO, 4 blk, 4 st, 36:00
-
Jan 12 --
Jacklin 5/13, 1/3, 11 pts, 10 reb, 4a, 0 TO, 4 blk, 1 st, 33:00
Long 9/15 (4 threes), 3/4, 25 pts, 5 reb, 2a, 2 TO, 1 st, 38:00
Feb 10 --
Jacklin 10/13, 4/5, 24 pts, 8 reb, 0a, 0 TO, 3 blk, 1 st, 34:00
Long 16/28 (8 threes), 5/6, 45 pts, 11 reb, 0a, 1 TO, 0 blk, 0 st, 39:00
All three of 'em are pretty good, eh?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2010, 11:41:09 AM
Thunder38illini,
I was just looking at your all-CCIW team. We have some differences among our selections, most prominent being that I put one North Central player and you put three.
I agree that all three (Errico, Newson and Karl) are good players, each having turned in some outstanding games. My thinking is that, at 2-12, NC can't have 3 of the 15 spots on the all-conference team. I put Karl on mine because I think she is among the 2 or 3 best point guards in the league. I also have substantial admiration for Errico because she played hurt a lot this year, but did well anyway. The same applies to Meghan Merklein of Elmhurst; if she can get really healthy, she'll be among the conference's best. I gave the Jays and Millikin only two spots each on my list primarily because I think IWU and Carthage each deserve four.
However, it is unlikely that the coaches will vote four from any one team.
I almost included Augie's Lani Kasten because she had several fine games, but she was less consistently good than the 15 I listed. Kasten may have been the most improved player this year -- her or Cecily Aldridge, Julia Robert, Beth Wellbaum.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: cciwalum03 on February 23, 2010, 12:20:21 PM
RogK,
Totally agree with you about putting three NCC players on the all-CCIW team.  There is no way that would happen.  I would have to agree with putting Karl on over Errico.  Being a NCC grad I attend many games and can see how important Karl is to the team, but don't get me wrong Errico is important as well.  I agree with Karl being one of the top 3 point guards in the league, not to mention she does the jump ball (and shes the point guard :))  I think the team would be totally different without Karl there because she has composure and was able to handle pressure that other teams threw at her fairly well.  And considered the ball was in her hands most of the time she had much fewer turn overs that Errico.  Either young lady would be fine with me being a NCC follower though.  I am looking forward to how two will play again next year for the senior seasons
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2010, 01:28:26 PM
cciwalum03, is there any chance of Meghan McGuire playing at NC for '10-'11? She'd be a senior. I thought I heard she was still attending there.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: cciwalum03 on February 23, 2010, 01:43:15 PM
RogK
I know for a fact she is still attending.  Whether she is planning to play or not I do not know.  I know she took the year off for "personal reasons".
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2010, 02:28:43 PM
Well, we'll have to wait and see about that possibility.
"Personal reasons" is appropriately vague, by the way, as it is none of our business why any player is on a team or not.
Anyway, she was a good strong player as a freshman and sophomore and could help the Cardinals next year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: cciwalum03 on February 23, 2010, 02:34:18 PM
Totally agree with you RogK
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2010, 06:06:57 PM
OldSchoolHoopsFan, we need you to make a correction to the stats in Reply 1507. They show Lyndsie Long with a .403 2Pt FG pct, but it should be .532.
In 25 games, she made 159 of 299 2FG att. Your computation went wrong because you had too high of a 2FG att/min.
In her 14 CCIW games, she looks even better : .434 on 3FGs and .570 on 2FGs (86/151).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2010, 08:47:34 PM
Men's all-CCIW was posted today.  Anyone know when the women's will be released?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 23, 2010, 09:59:49 PM
My guess would be Friday after the coaches meeting
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 12:23:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2010, 06:06:57 PM
OldSchoolHoopsFan, we need you to make a correction to the stats in Reply 1507. They show Lyndsie Long with a .403 2Pt FG pct, but it should be .532.
In 25 games, she made 159 of 299 2FG att. Your computation went wrong because you had too high of a 2FG att/min.
In her 14 CCIW games, she looks even better : .434 on 3FGs and .570 on 2FGs (86/151).

RogK you are absolutely correct.  I accidently subtracted the "made 3's" rather than the "attempted 3's" from the total FG attemps.  Here is the correction:
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 22, 2010, 11:05:25 AM

           Solari            Long          Jacklin      Wildman
Min           624         841              694              867
MPG            25         33.6             27.8             34.7
FG/M       0.184         0.270           0.229          0.198
FGA/M     0.332          0..551          0.416          0.364
FG%        0.556          0..490          0.550          0.544
2PtB/M     0.184          0.189          0.228          0.197
2PtA/M     0.332          0.356          0.415          0.363
2Pt%        0.556          0.543          0.549          0.543
3/M          0.000          0.081          0.001          0.001
3A/M        0.000          0.195          0.010          0.003
3%              0            0.415           0.143          0.333
FT/M         0.160          0.111          0.076          0.112
FTA/M       0.213          0.124          0.138          0.158
FT%          0.752          0.894          0.552          0.708
PPM          0.529          0.731          0.536          0.510
OR/M         0.136          0.059          0.084          0.076
DR/M         0.205          0.157          0.187          0.195
TR/M         0.341          0.216          0.271          0.271
F/M           0.091          0.082          0.099          0.062
A/M           0.178          0.061          0.050          0.069
TO/M          0.138          0.086          0.088          0.131
A/T            1.291          0.708          0.574          0.526
B/M            0.014          0.010          0.058          0.062
St/M           0.115          0.037          0.063          0.030
TA/M          1.054          0.814          0.780          0.748

TA = Total Average (Points Scored - (.5 x Missed FG)  + OR + (.75 x DR) - (.5 x F) +(2 x A) - TO + (1.5 x B) + St.

While LL had an outstanding season there is strong statistical evidence that CS was the more dominant player on a per minute basis.  CS's Total Average is 29% higher than LL's and that is a huge margin  I have been using this statistic as a measuring tool on the teams that I coach for over 10 years and that large a margin is an extremely strong indicator that CS was a more outstanding performer than LL.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on February 24, 2010, 09:43:07 AM
Agreed... However, all of that is hypothetical... the reality is she didn't play those minutes, they didn't need her too, and LL did and proved to sustain those numbers game in and game out... the question as mentioned before is: would Solari maintain those numbers had she played 33 minutes per game?  IDK...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 10:06:19 AM
Quote from: bflong on February 24, 2010, 09:43:07 AM
Agreed... However, all of that is hypothetical... the reality is she didn't play those minutes, they didn't need her too, and LL did and proved to sustain those numbers game in and game out... the question as mentioned before is: would Solari maintain those numbers had she played 33 minutes per game?  IDK...

I see your point and it is a good one.  Sustained brilliance has value.  Statistically LL delivered 71% of the per minute production of CS, but did it over 35% more playing time. As a result LL has 4% more output than CS.  I know that numbers don't tell the whole story, but it is interesting how these numbers reflect both sides of this debate. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: JMM11 on February 24, 2010, 10:46:38 AM
I would have to agree with bflong on this debate.  You cannot play the "what if" game when it comes to players and basketball.  Based on the style of basketball that IWU plays I do not think that CS would be able to play as many minutes as LL. Also, as bflong said all those numbers would be hypothetical for CS, they are not real. 

My final point for this debate is that IWU has so many great players that are scoring threats that their opponents have to have a hard time picking out key players to stop.  I am sure CS is always one of them but each of IWU players has the potential to have  a big night any night and it has happened.  Therefore their opponents have to play solid d on everyone and can't get too focused on one specific players.  In ECs case it is all LL.  Every team knows that they will need to stop her to win. But teams haven't been able to stop her.  She plays over the box and one pressure or over the girl who mirrors her all game long and doesn't care what else is going on in the game.  She is able to overcome the toughest defensive pressure and still put up the leagues highests numbers.  (also if you have checked lately she is the number 2 scorer in teh nation. props to that LL).  I think that if a team put all their focus on CS and double and triple teamed her all night she would not have the same #s as LL.  but teams can't do that to IWU because they have so many other good players that if they soley focus on CS they will get crushed by her teammates.  Basically what I am trying to say is that in my opinion CS does not recieve the same kind of devensive pressure that LL gets game in and game out. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 11:56:48 AM
In my opinion the MOP discussion has no relation to hypotheticals or supporting players.  The decision comes down to "What player performed at the most outstanding level over the course of the season?"  Both LL and CS performed admirably, as did many others.  They each maintained this level of play game in and game out while providing leadership and character to their teams. 

LL is a prolific scorer, by far the best in the conference.  Additionally she is an outstanding rebounder for her position (ranks 10th in the CCIW in R/M among players of over 500 min.)  Her assist to turnover ratio and steals per min. are above average (21st and 26th).   Additionally, she performed game after game with a bullseye on her chest. 

CS is a fine offensive player who's presence in the post requires that every opponent either play a sagging zone or constantly double down in the paint.  She ranks 4th in CCIW in P/M and 1st in A/M and her A/T margin is outstanding for a post player (6th).Additionally, she is 1st in the CCIW in R/M and is an extremely close 2nd to teammate HS in steals per min. 

From a scoring standpoint LL is certainly the MOP, but CS has demonstrated a peerless all around game that makes her just as deserving.  My numbers, for what they are worth, have them within 5% of each other in total production so the descision would have to come down to intangibles.  I really wish I had seen both players much more so that I could make a clear choice.  As it is I do not have enough evidence to give either one the award over the other. 

The coaches have  planned their gameplans around negating these LL and CS, and then watched each overcome those obstacles to lead her team to victory time and again.  It will be extremely interesting to see how they vote. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2010, 12:10:59 PM
OldSchoolHoopsFan, I would like you to address some criticisms of your statistical formula without regard to how it affects the current candidates for CCIW MOP.
(1) Fouls are treated as a negative. Offensive fouls are always bad, but are included in the TO count. Defensive fouls can be useful (stopping a layup; making the foulee hit FTs, many of which are missed) or dumb or somewhere in between. Of course, you don't want your top players to be in foul trouble. Overall, I think fouls are a neutral factor. If you're talking about teaching little kids, then I can see the need for discouraging a habit of too much fouling. But at the college level, fouls can be part of a successful defensive stand (one that holds the other team to 0 or 1 pt).
(2) Offensive rebounds are given more value than defensive rebounds. I see one as equal to the other, either keeping a possession alive or starting a new one for the other team. A majority of the time, the defensive team gets the rebound, due to its players being closer to the basket. So, it could be considered more difficult to get an offensive rebound. However, either type of rebound has equal impact on the game.
(3) Missed FGs are a negative, but missed FTs aren't. They should have some effect.
(4) Assists are doubled, but TOs aren't. I think a turnover is more negative than an assist is positive. Plus, some of our scorer's tables are a lot more generous crediting assists (for both teams) than others are. Another thing to consider is that a basket scored with an assist counts the same as a basket scored without any assist credited. Again, if you're talking about kids, you may want to overvalue assists in order to encourage passing. I do highly value ballhandling : having some excellent dribblers is a necessity and is not directly measured positively in the stats. And, doing the bulk of the dribbling doesn't always coincide with getting an assist.
(5) Blocks are given greater value than steals. I would say they're about equal. Steals are better immediately because the defensive team always gets possession, while a blocked shot can end up back in the hands of the offensive team. On the other hand, a blocked shot might have a greater residual effect, discouraging the shooter from going at that defender again. So, I think a block is about as good as a steal.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on February 24, 2010, 12:18:40 PM
It seems to me that either LL or CS are deserving.  All the numbers and stats do is show that either could win. 

I cannot speak about LL, I never saw her play.  I am hoping that Solari wins the award because when I saw her play, I thought that she was the most outstanding player on the court - and that goes beyond her numbers.  She played with class and she played hard. I never once saw her admonish an official.  I never saw her whine about a missed call.  I never saw her yell at a teammate or take a minute off. 

She could get a rebound on one end, take the ball down the court to start a break, make a nice dish or score it herself - and she had the right instincts to know when she had to do that and when she should just make the outlet pass and get into the offense.  IWU didn't need her to score a lot, but when they did - she could.  She seems to have as sense of when she had to take over.  I witnessed the team lose its way when she came off the court - especially early in the season.

To me, she exemplified leadership, value, and outstanding play.  Plus, she was always really nice to my 3-year-old girl after the game when she wanted to go tell her "good game."  For the last two seasons, she was my little girl's hero, and for that, she will always be the Most Outstanding Player in the CCIW - and in all of college basketball as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2010, 12:24:19 PM
RogK,

You raise some excellent points about how to value statistics.  As far as fouls, I would add that it would be great if there were some easy way to subtract out the 'deliberate' fouls committed by a trailing team trying to catch up late in the game.  Those fouls clearly should not be held against a player!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 24, 2010, 12:29:37 PM
This is fun! These blogs are very interesting and competitive. The anticipation is killing me and I'm sure all of you for POY! I was told by a source that we should know tomorrow on All Conference and POY! CANT WAIT!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2010, 12:43:59 PM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on February 24, 2010, 12:29:37 PM
This is fun! These blogs are very interesting and competitive. The anticipation is killing me and I'm sure all of you for POY! I was told by a source that we should know tomorrow on All Conference and POY! CANT WAIT!
To add a little more anticipation ---
In the 41 years of CCIW Men's Basketball MOP History, there have been three seasons in which Co-MOP selected - 2002, 2000 and 1999.

However, in the 22 years of CCIW Women's Basketball MOP History, there have never been Co-MOP selections.  Could this season be the a "first" in CCIW History for Women's Basketball Co-MOP selections?

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2010, 12:48:51 PM
By the way, even though IWU gets to play on its home court this weekend, they play the later game Friday. The Carthage - Elmhurst (5 pm) winner will get a 2 and 1/2 hour longer turnaround or interval than will the winner of the IWU - Millikin 7:30 game.
mactitan, you couldn't have complimented Christina more than what your last post did. She sets a great example for any player to follow, playing hard and smart, always displaying a wonderful attitude. Any coach would be thrilled to have her (and sister Karen) on the team. Mia Smith got 'em both!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2010, 01:51:36 PM
I just heard from a coach (not IWU, not Elmhurst) who was concerned that our compliments toward Christina's personality in the context of the MOP discussion might infer in one or more of our readers' minds that Lyndsie Long or the others might not be as wonderful player-wise or personality-wise as Christina.
To delete any such inference, I'll state that all players mentioned in our discussion for MOP are top-notch young women in any category you want to look at. In fact, I can't think of any unpleasant players on any CCIW team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2010, 03:04:17 PM
In the 14 rounds of conference play, 56 total games, here is a breakdown of team scoring:
in the 30s : 3
40s : 12
50s : 18
60s : 33
70s : 27
80s : 16
90s : 3
One of those famous bell-shaped curves.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 24, 2010, 03:10:29 PM
The latest Central Region rankings (in-region record listed first):

1. Illinois Wesleyan (#1 CCIW) 21-1 24-1
2. Carthage (#2 CCIW) 19-2 22-3
3. Washington U. (#1 UAA) 19-2 22-2
4. Chicago (#2 UAA) 19-5 19-5
5. UW-Whitewater (#1 WIAC) 18-5 19-6
6. St. Norbert (#1 MWC) 20-3 20-3

Carthage and IWU should both be NCAA tourney teams regardless of this weekend's results.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 03:24:14 PM
With those rankings, if someone other than IWU or Carthage wins the conference tourney, would the CCIW have three teams in the NCAA's?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 03:25:22 PM
RogK thanks for taking such an interest in my TA number.  I should have explained that is not meant to be an all purpose evaluator, but rather just an adjustment to the P/M stat to include other measurable aspects of play. 

Specifically regarding fouls my computations for this level of play indicate that, on the average, each foul is worth .513 of a point to the other team.  This is just a measure of Free Throws as a result of fouls and does not take into consideration anything like extended time of posession or defensive effectiveness

Similarly, regarding rebounds, offensive rebounds lead to a basket just over 50% of the time, hence they are the same value as a point.  Defensive rebounds lead to a basket only 36% of the time - hence the multiplier.

Missed field goals result in an opponent basket 27% of the time, but missed free throws result in actually less opponents points than made free throws because after a made free throw the opponent always gets the ball, but after a missed free throw there is an opportunity for an offensive rebound. 

Assists always result in a basket, thus they are multiplied by two.  Turnovers result in a basket about half the time so they are worth the same a a point. 

Blocks result in no basket and loss of posession about 90% of the time. That is why they have a multiplier.  Certainly, not all blocks wipe out shots that would be going in, so the multiplier is reduced to take into considerration shots that would have missed anyway.  Steals only lead to baskets about 50% of the time so they are wortha about as much as a point. 

The Total Average is Total in name only.  I have yet to find a way to use statistics to measure everything.  However, I am constantly tinkering with the formula.  It varies for every level of play and I also adjust it based on a team's total offensive effectiveness if I am complaring players from the same team.  With that in mind I would certainly entertain any suggestions that you still have in light of my explanations. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 24, 2010, 03:31:26 PM
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 03:24:14 PM
With those rankings, if someone other than IWU or Carthage wins the conference tourney, would the CCIW have three teams in the NCAA's?

I think that is a pretty safe bet. The UAA does not have a conference tourney, so Wash U. is in. Even if IWU, Carthage, Whitewater, and St. Norbert all lose in their conference tournaments and thus require a Pool C bid to get into the tournament, IWU and Carthage would still be the top 2 teams in the region and have solid Pool C resumes. Bob Quillman (Titan Q) was on Hoopsville this past weekend and said that Carthage is a Pool C lock (obviously IWU would be also).

It would be great to see three teams make it, though I suspect IWU and Carthage are not so willing to let that happen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: Moser on February 24, 2010, 03:31:26 PM
It would be great to see three teams make it, though I suspect IWU and Carthage are not so willing to let that happen.

I have to agree. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2010, 04:25:53 PM
OldSchoolHoopsFan,
I appreciate your explanations.
It is pretty much impossible to come up with a statistical measure of everything in basketball. I've seen plus-minus stats in some NBA box scores (they've been used in hockey for a long time, of course), but that doesn't accurately rate individuals either.
My ideal formula would be one that would exactly reflect the final score of a game, when applied to all the individual players' stats in the game. In other words, if Wheaton beat Elmhurst 70-60, then all of the individual Total Averages for the Wheaton players should add up to some amount that is a 7:6 ratio of the sum Total Averages for Elmhurst's players in that game, using only that game's stats.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 04:39:42 PM
A Holy Grail.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2010, 05:00:18 PM
There's a very passionate debate going on the MIAA women's board regarding POY, that very much mirrors the debate here.  One player has generally the better stats, but there are significant differences in PT, team needs for scoring, etc.

They don't seem any more likely to reach a consensus than we did! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2010, 06:00:33 PM
Quote from: Moser on February 24, 2010, 03:31:26 PM
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 24, 2010, 03:24:14 PM
With those rankings, if someone other than IWU or Carthage wins the conference tourney, would the CCIW have three teams in the NCAA's?

I think that is a pretty safe bet. The UAA does not have a conference tourney, so Wash U. is in. Even if IWU, Carthage, Whitewater, and St. Norbert all lose in their conference tournaments and thus require a Pool C bid to get into the tournament, IWU and Carthage would still be the top 2 teams in the region and have solid Pool C resumes. Bob Quillman (Titan Q) was on Hoopsville this past weekend and said that Carthage is a Pool C lock (obviously IWU would be also).

It would be great to see three teams make it, though I suspect IWU and Carthage are not so willing to let that happen.
A reminder, the UAA teams are placed with their geographic regions.  If the current rankings hold up as is, IWU or Carthage would be "first up" for the central region in Pool C discussion.   Also, with the current rankings (again assuming they hold up), both Wash U and Chicago become obstacles for any other team from another central conference other than the CCIW from getting a Pool C bid.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2010, 06:58:33 PM
IF Carthage doesn't get AQ, I suspect they'd fall behind WashU (but not a major impediment to a Pool C, since I think WashU already has the AQ locked up).  Due to h-to-h, IWU would probably remain above WashU.

Either way, I suspect they'd both be locks, so nonpartisans of IWU or Carthage might want to root for another team to win the conference tourney, so we'd have 3 teams in (pretty sure that would be a CCIW first?).  If I weren't rooting for IWU, I go with Elmhurst - if LL gets rolling, they might even win a couple of games, which I doubt the Big Blue would accomplish.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: JMM11 on February 24, 2010, 08:13:28 PM
I am really hoping for some upsets this weekend.  Although it is hard for me to imagine the big blue defeating IWU, i can see a great game and a pretty close matchup between Carthage and EC.  EC is definetly looking for some revenge after that buzzer beater a couple weeks ago.  And the winner of that game either carthage or ec will be a good match up against IWU.  Carthage already proved they can play with them and come out victorious and EC has played with IWU for most of the game this year but hasn't been able to finish.  So if EC gets to see IWU again they will be looking to finally put one away against the titans.  It should be a great couple of games friday and a great game saturday.  the suspense is starting to kill me!!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 25, 2010, 12:03:20 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2010, 06:58:33 PM
Either way, I suspect they'd both be locks, so nonpartisans of IWU or Carthage might want to root for another team to win the conference tourney, so we'd have 3 teams in (pretty sure that would be a CCIW first?).

It would be the first time 3 teams have made it, but the CCIW had 4 teams in the tourney in 1996: Millikin (lost in third round), Wheaton (lost in second round), Carthage (lost in first round), IWU (lost in first round).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 25, 2010, 02:25:08 PM
Very awesome acknowledgment for Lyndsie Long. WBCA's So You Want To Be A Coach Class of 2010 Announced. Visit this site and read further: http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010SoClassPR.html. Also, I was told most likely All-Conference will be announced tomorrow and not today. Stay tuned.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2010, 03:16:22 PM
Best wishes to Lyndsie if she decides to pursue coaching as a career. Every kid on her team would have to learn how to make threes, I bet!
That gathering in San Antonio is at the beginning of April, so it won't be too roastingly hot yet.
Some years ago, I was wandering some residential San Antonio neighborhood, killing time before attending an evening minor league baseball game. I remember two features of that neighborhood. One was that a lot of people had pecan trees in their front yard, so I helped myself to a few pecans that had already fallen into the lawn. The other aspect of the area was that several residents did not chain their dogs or have fences. So, I got some menacing greetings from a few of them (the dogs, that is). Fortunately, none were pit bulls.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: CCIWFAN10 on February 25, 2010, 03:53:40 PM
RogK and CCIWalum03:

I am new to the postings.   I have been reviewing all the of the postings regarding player of the year and all conference selections and am looking forward to tomorrow's anouncements.  I am hoping that NC, although not likely, does receive 2 selections for the All-Conference Team.  Yes, NC's team would be  totally different without Karl, however, the team would be totally different without Errico and Newson, as well.  I agree, Karl is among the best point guards in the conference, maintaining composure and handling the pressure with fewer turnovers than Errico.  The conference stats reflect Karl's talent with being 3rd in the conference in steals and 5th in assist/turnover ratio.  Errico's talents show with her being 4th in conference in scoring and rebounding, 5th in steals, 7th in free throw %, 8th in 3-pt made and 10th in 3-pt %.  Both Karl and Errico were major contributors to their team in their own way and I wish them both luck in the All-Conference Team selection, along with all of the other players that are up for consideration.     
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2010, 04:36:22 PM
Welcome here, CCIWFAN10,
I hope you and others interested in North Central will post some reports on Cardinal games next season.
In regard to the all-CCIW team that I proposed, whom would you eject to make room for Errico?
Incidentally, there's a decent chance that Karl and Errico will get voted on, because it's unlikely that two teams would get 4 players each, like mine allows.
Also, you will find that I do compliment Jackie on these pages. She's a very good player.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2010, 05:57:28 PM
If the coaches wanted to apportion all-conference spots based on team  wins in conference games, and nobody said they should, but if they wanted to, it would take 3.7333 wins to earn a spot (56 conference games / 15 all-CCIW spots).
The results :
IWU 3.48, Carth 3.21, Elmh 2.68, Mill 2.41, Whe 1.61, Aug - NC - NP .54 each.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: CCIWFAN10 on February 26, 2010, 12:34:36 AM
Thank you, RogK.  I plan to continue following the conference and the postings.  I hope there is more interest next year.  It appears that there are many viewers and the blog would be interesting  with more participants.

My intention was not to eject anyone from your proposed All-Conference Team.  All players named are deserving and as you are aware, there are several other deserving  players that will be passed over.

There is the possibility that that there may be a tie as did ocur with the Men's CCIW All-Conference Team which allowed for a 16th player.  I believe that we are all anxious to see the results tomorrow.  It will be interesting to see how everyone's predictions pan out.

You appear to have great interest and knowledge in basketball and the CCIW and I have enjoyed reading your postings and comments this season.  Again, I wish the best to all the girls in the All-Conference and POY selctions.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2010, 09:57:57 AM
Thanks to you, CCIWFAN10, for your nice words.
Whoever wins MOP (assuming she's from one of the four teams playing today) will appreciate it, but will be even more interested in getting a win later on.
Safe travels to all the players, family and fans heading to and from Bloomington!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 02:14:20 PM
Just found out from a source that Lyndsie Long did receive Player of the Year! So proud of her and her accomplishments. Megan Ney receive 2nd Team and Megan Merklin received 3rd Team honors for the Bluejays!! Good luch lady Jays; beat Carthage!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 26, 2010, 02:24:52 PM
Thanks Bulldog!  Would you consider your source reliable?  Anyone have an idea when the teams will be on website?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 02:26:10 PM
I would consider my source VERY reliable  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on February 26, 2010, 02:27:44 PM
Thank you!  We appreciate the early heads up!!!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 03:12:46 PM
All Conference is up on CCIW.org!! Check it out!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 26, 2010, 03:21:22 PM
Here's the link: http://cciw.org/winter_bball_w/09_10_WBBallconf.htm

I think these teams are very good. Congratulations to all!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2010, 03:22:13 PM
Congratulations to the all-CCIW team, Most Outstanding Player Lyndsie Long and the co-Coaches of the Year, Ms Smith and Mr Bernero!
The coaches did a good job with the selections. All are very deserving. And of course, there wasn't room for every good player we have in the conference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 03:27:33 PM
It's kind of strange to see 3 centers in the first team  ??? How does that happen?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2010, 03:33:53 PM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 03:27:33 PM
It's kind of strange to see 3 centers in the first team  ??? How does that happen?

d3hoops.com, for the AA teams, insists on a team which could actually take the court.  Clearly, the CCIW chooses to select simply the top five players, regardless of position.

I suggested precisely this top 5 a week or so ago, and posters agreed, despite noting they'd have trouble bringing the ball up the court! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 26, 2010, 03:34:44 PM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 03:27:33 PM
It's kind of strange to see 3 centers in the first team  ??? How does that happen?

It's not done by position. It's voted on by the coaches based on who they think the best players in the league are. There is no doubt that Jacklin, Wildman, and Solari are first-teamers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 26, 2010, 04:08:12 PM
Congratulations to all the players and to both coaches!  All the honors are well earned.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 26, 2010, 04:29:09 PM
Wow!  Congratulations to all.  Amazing at the DIII level that there are 11 out of 15 underclasswomen. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2010, 04:36:42 PM
Pat's gonna have fun trying to choose the AA centers - from the MIAA (Snikkers and the freshman, Verkaik, who is favored for MIAA MVP) and the CCIW alone, there are five who probably deserve at least HM! :o  (And no doubt there are others around the country at least as good as some of them.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 08:02:52 PM
Bluejays route Carthage 68-56! Meghan Merklein (3rd Team All Conference ) and Kelsey Monroe had a great game! Go get em tomorrow! By the way IWU did not have live audio or live telecast on this game? A little disappointed since I am in a different state trying to watch or listen to this game. The host should provide all teams in the tournament in this matter... Anyone have any idea why this game was not broadcasted?  ???
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2010, 10:46:33 PM
Congrats to Elmhurst and Illinois Wesleyan for their wins.
As was stated by Bulldog8, Monroe and Merklein did really well. The Jays got valuable contributions from everyone who played. Carthage's Allison Groessl and Heather Gilmore did excellent defensive work, limiting Lyndsie Long to 9 pts, but the rest of the Jays filled in scoring-wise. Diana Jacklin and Rosie Dorn also did particularly well for Carthage.
The second game (87-52 Titans) definitely looked like a 1st place vs 4th place contest. That's more of a compliment for IWU than criticism of Millikin. Hope Schulte (16 pts), Olivia Lett (16), Nikki Preston (14) and Christina Solari (14, 8 reb, 4 a, 4 steals) all had very productive games. IWU also got solid contributions from many others, including good defensive work from players like Britt Hasselbring and Stacey Arlis.
The Big Blue got 19 from Elise Wildman and a dozen each from Cecily Aldridge and Julia Robert. But this one was 'over early.'
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2010, 11:35:59 PM
WOW - good goin' Bluejays!  If my blood wasn't 100% Green, I'd wish you good luck for the AQ so the CCIW could have three teams!

[What the heck - no one will notice - sorta good luck! :D]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2010, 05:02:57 AM
My warm congrats to all the All-Conference players.  And, special congrats to all the Titans and Coach Smith.  Great job.  Now time for the serious run.  Let's really go get them now -- 7 more wins, rolling back to the Shirk for a "home Final Four."  It would be great.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WESNSports on February 27, 2010, 10:10:06 AM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on February 26, 2010, 08:02:52 PM
Bluejays route Carthage 68-56! Meghan Merklein (3rd Team All Conference ) and Kelsey Monroe had a great game! Go get em tomorrow! By the way IWU did not have live audio or live telecast on this game? A little disappointed since I am in a different state trying to watch or listen to this game. The host should provide all teams in the tournament in this matter... Anyone have any idea why this game was not broadcasted?  ???

As the home broadcaster, I would like to apologize for this.  There was a misunderstanding between, myself, the TV guys, and the Sports Information Department.  I would have loved to broadcast the game, but usually that game has been carried at least via audio by one of the teams playing.  We were also short staffed this weekend with people out of town, and at the point when I was asked if I was broadcasting I had no one available to actually help me start the broadcast from the studio.  It did really turn out to be an exciting game, and I hope with the Blue Jay win you'll tune in today for the final. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2010, 10:58:53 AM
This is directed to a few people who I was expecting to see at today's game: due to a freight train derailment, my evening Amtrak back to Chicago was cancelled and Amtrak kindly decided not to replace that run with bus service. So, I'm going to exit Bloomington earlier and won't make the game. Plus, I'm a little 'under the weather'.
Good luck to both teams and have an injury-free game!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2010, 03:17:55 PM
Lyndsie and Christina are really going at it: 10 minutes in, and CS has 10 points, but LL has 18!!

Oh, and the Jays lead, 24-22.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 27, 2010, 03:39:04 PM
Elmhurst fell apart in the last two minutes of the half after really controlling the tempo for most of the game.
The Bluejays started throwing the ball away and suddenly IWU seized control

IWU 45 Elmhurst 29 at halftime

Long has 19 points and six boards for Elmhurst

C. Solari with 10 points and four boards

Elmhurst has to settle down and start chipping away early if they want to make this a game again.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2010, 03:39:51 PM
WOW, the Titans are explosive!

First 10 minutes: Jays 24 (LL had 18), Titans 17.

Second 10 minutes: Jays 5 (LL had 1), Titans TWENTY EIGHT!

For those refusing to do math on a weekend, that puts the Titans up 45-29 at the half. ;)

(One worrisome note: Hope Schulte has 3 fouls.  But the Titans did most of the damage after she already sat down, so the subs can handle it!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2010, 04:14:37 PM
The Jays are on a 12-0 run of their own, cutting a 62-46 deficit to 62-58 w/ 9 to go.

Titans answer w/ 5 straight over the next minute - lead back to 9.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 27, 2010, 04:22:42 PM
Elmhurst can't buy a rebound right now.

IWU 76
EC 60

4:01 left
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2010, 04:22:54 PM
Has anyone ever noted that the Titans are explosive?! :o

They answered the Jays 12-0 run with a 12-0 run of their own - this one's just about over, as the Titans go back up by 16 with 5 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 27, 2010, 04:33:11 PM
Final IWU 82 Elmhurst 72

Congratulations Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2010, 04:35:58 PM
Final in B'town: IWU 82, Elmhurst 72.

Lyndsie Long had a late flurry (before fouling out with 27 seconds left) to reach 32 points, but it was too little, too late.  After scoring 18 of the Jays' 24 points in the first ten minutes, she scored only 6 points over the next 25+ minutes.

The Titans countered with balance and depth - Preston had 19, Schulte 17, C. Solari 14, and Lett had 12.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on February 27, 2010, 04:48:19 PM
Ill. Wesleyan 82
Elmhurst 72

Elmhurst
  -Lyndsie Long: 32 points, 7 rebounds
  -Megan Ney: 18 points
  -Meghan Merklein: 12 points, 7 rebounds

Illinois Wesleyan
  -Nikki Preston: 19 points, 4 steals
  -Hope Schulte: 17 points
  -Christina Solari: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists
  -Olivia Lett: 12 points

A great game, Elmhurst just ran out of gas at some key moments. The Jays really only played 7 players and that's tough to do against the Titans pressure. That bad stretch to close the half is what buried Elmhurst.

The Titans have mastered the art of the scoring run. It's usually just takes 1 or 2 big runs for them to make an otherwise competitive game into a double digit lead.

IWU just had too many weapons for Elmhurst to handle. The Jays' 2-3 zone gave IWU some problems in the second half, but the thing with zones is that it is much more difficult to rebound. IWU killed Elmhurst on the offensive glass in the second half. 19 total offensive boards for the Titans.

A great farewell game for Lyndsie Long. She carried her team in the first half and deferred to her teammates at the right times in the second half. Merklein and Ney (just sophomores) will continue to be a tough post duo in the next couple of years for the Jays. But Elmhurst has a ton to replace with Long leaving.

Congrats to Lyndsie on a fabulous career. Also congrats to Elmhurst's other seniors, Maggie McTeague and Rashida Joiner, on their careers as well. It is unfortunate that McTeague could not play this weekend after getting injured against Wheaton.

Now it's tournament time, and it will be interesting to see the draws for IWU and (presumably) Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WESNSports on February 27, 2010, 05:40:38 PM
Fantastic game for the CCIW Final, and a great analysis there by Moser.  I've posted my post-game interviews with some of the Titans, Olivia Lett, Nikki Preston, Christina Solari, and Hope Schulte, along with Coach Smith.  I was hoping to also talk to Lyndsie Long after the game, but she was very emotional obviously.  The interviews can be heard at www.wesn.org/881 (http://www.wesn.org/881).  WESN will be broadcasting the NCAA games for the Titans as well next weekend.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 28, 2010, 05:56:11 AM
Congratulations to both teams on a hard fought championship game that didn't ever feel like a double-digit game!  I was really glad to be able to watch it.

Looking at the stats for the Titans, a couple of players whose stats might not jump out at you immediately had a huge impact:

Stacey Arlis   8 points 9 rebounds (5 offensive) 1 block 1 steal

Arlis was the key to the Titans' big run to end the first half: she had an offensive rebound, a basket, a steal, and another basket in the space of 12 seconds of playing time.  That took the lead from a shaky 6 to double digits, and it grew to 16 at the half.  And the 9 rebounds for the game were huge--more in a minute on that.

Olivia Lett 12 points  3 rebounds 

Lett impressed by her ability to run the point, as well as shooting both inside and out.  She's a big addition to the Titan arsenal.

Overall, I think rebounding was the key to the game.  Elmhurst shot much better than the Titans:  54% overall to 44%, with a huge disparity in the 3-point percentage where Elmhurst led 57% to 38%.  The difference?  The Titans' 66 shots taken compared to 50 for the Bluejays.  The Titans' 19 offensive rebounds made this possible.

The Bluejays handled the Titan press beautifully until that stretch to end the first half, with the final turnover ratio ending at 22/11. 

Again, congratulations to both teams and their coaches.  The graduating seniors will be missed, and there are a lot of good players on both sides returning next year.


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2010, 10:10:35 PM
Sounds like a terrific CCIW Tourney Championship game.  My congrats to both teams and to both coaching staffs.  Look forward to seeing the draw for IWU and Carthage for the DIII dance.  Really too bad Elmhurst could not get in too.  Way to go Titans -- CCIW conference and CCIW Tourney Champs.  Great season . . . keep it going.  Let's fill Shirk totally for women's basketball. 

Gotta love the CCIW Championship in Track and Field for the IWU women as well!  Good weekend for IWU women's athletics. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: 79jaybird on March 01, 2010, 10:29:36 AM
The Men (somehow) got 3 CCIW teams in.

Anybody think the CCIW will get 3 women's teams in?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 01, 2010, 10:31:36 AM
Quote from: 79jaybird on March 01, 2010, 10:29:36 AM
The Men (somehow) got 3 CCIW teams in.

Anybody think the CCIW will get 3 women's teams in?


No chance, unfortunately. Elmhurst has never appeared in the regional rankings.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
My congratulations to the Titans for winning the CCIW tournament!
Good luck to them and Carthage in the national tourney.
Also, "way to go" to Lyndsie Long, fellow Bluejay seniors Rashida Joiner and Maggie McTeague and Millikin's senior Brooke Carlson for very fine careers that drew to a close in Bloomington.
McTeague and Carlson couldn't play this weekend due to injury, but their contributions have been appreciated throughout their four years.
There was some talk about whether Rashida might have another year of eligibility, but it didn't appear likely, last I heard.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 01, 2010, 10:55:14 AM
Quote from: 79jaybird on March 01, 2010, 10:29:36 AM
The Men (somehow) got 3 CCIW teams in.


Everyone who projected the men's Pool C's had both IWU and Wheaton in.  Based on the established 5 primary criteria, it was actually pretty obvious by last night that the men would get 3 in.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 01, 2010, 12:51:12 PM
Women's bracket posted: http://www.d3boards.com/playoffs/wbkb-bracket2010.pdf
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2010, 01:17:00 PM
IWU hosts the opening rounds.  The bracket overall is probably as good as we could hope for (no WashU, for example), though, alas, Pat was right that IWU and Hope (if they survive) are destined to meet short of the FF.  I had my heart set on that as the title game! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on March 01, 2010, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2010, 01:17:00 PM
IWU hosts the opening rounds.  The bracket overall is probably as good as we could hope for (no WashU, for example), though, alas, Pat was right that IWU and Hope (if they survive) are destined to meet short of the FF.  I had my heart set on that as the title game! ;D

It looks like, if all goes well, we could get that rematch we talked about a few weeks ago.  IIllinois Weslyan and Hope would have been good, but given the recent history, I cannot think of anything more exciting than Titans-Bears.  Of course, my team needs to get a lot of work done in order for that to happen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 01, 2010, 02:22:34 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2010, 01:17:00 PM
IWU hosts the opening rounds.  The bracket overall is probably as good as we could hope for (no WashU, for example), though, alas, Pat was right that IWU and Hope (if they survive) are destined to meet short of the FF.  I had my heart set on that as the title game! ;D
With wins, IWU likely plays out their entire NCAA tournament at the Shirk.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sumfun on March 01, 2010, 03:16:32 PM
I don't believe they are allowed to play the entire tournament at home.  That was Hope's problem over the last two years.....if you host the Fnal Four you can't host the Sectional Round.  They will most likely have to go on the road weekend after next and that is where Hope stumbled.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2010, 03:46:15 PM
Quote from: sumfun on March 01, 2010, 03:16:32 PM
I don't believe they are allowed to play the entire tournament at home.  That was Hope's problem over the last two years.....if you host the Fnal Four you can't host the Sectional Round.  They will most likely have to go on the road weekend after next and that is where Hope stumbled.

I suspect that is right, and (since they don't have the FF any more ;D) I suspect Hope, assuming they survive, will host the sectional.  In which case, the Titans (assuming THEY survive) could have the opportunity to eliminate the entire MIAA on their home turf! :D  (It might really help Pat sort out the AA centers if Solari battles Verkaik and Snikkers in back-to-back games!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 01, 2010, 03:59:53 PM
Quote from: sumfun on March 01, 2010, 03:16:32 PM
I don't believe they are allowed to play the entire tournament at home.  That was Hope's problem over the last two years.....if you host the Fnal Four you can't host the Sectional Round.  They will most likely have to go on the road weekend after next and that is where Hope stumbled.

It's not prohibited by rule, but the NCAA committee has shown in the past that they will avoid allowing that to happen unless they have to.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 01, 2010, 06:01:48 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 01, 2010, 03:59:53 PM
Quote from: sumfun on March 01, 2010, 03:16:32 PM
I don't believe they are allowed to play the entire tournament at home.  That was Hope's problem over the last two years.....if you host the Fnal Four you can't host the Sectional Round.  They will most likely have to go on the road weekend after next and that is where Hope stumbled.

It's not prohibited by rule, but the NCAA committee has shown in the past that they will avoid allowing that to happen unless they have to.
I have not found a rule prohibiting it either.
In '08 and '09, D3Hoops had both Hope Men's and Women's team ranked #1.  For this post, I'm going to assume the committees had them ranked the same way.
With the 'even year rule' in '08, Hope Men hosted 1st & 2nd rounds which put the Hope Women on the road. 
In '09 with the 'odd year rule', Hope Women hosted the 1st & 2nd Rounds, sending the Men to Wheaton.  If Hope Men had won in Wheaton, under the 'odd/even year rules' they could have likely hosted the sectional. 
Whether or not the Women's committee had some discussion about that prospect in making up the '09 brackets?  We'll never really know.  And, it is fair to speculate the "buzz" if a given team had a home court advantage throughout the tournament.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2010, 06:36:18 PM
From the Elmhurst web site :
"Elmhurst finished the season with an 18-9 overall record and a 10-4 mark in the CCIW. The Bluejays reached the CCIW tournament title game for the first time in school history while winning 18 games for the first time in 24 years. The squad's 10 CCIW victories marked the first time Elmhurst has won double-digit conference contests in 19 years."
Nicely done, Coach Werner, her staff and of course, the players!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2010, 06:59:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2010, 06:36:18 PM
From the Elmhurst web site :
"Elmhurst finished the season with an 18-9 overall record and a 10-4 mark in the CCIW. The Bluejays reached the CCIW tournament title game for the first time in school history while winning 18 games for the first time in 24 years. The squad's 10 CCIW victories marked the first time Elmhurst has won double-digit conference contests in 19 years."
Nicely done, Coach Werner, her staff and of course, the players!


With no disrespect intended for anyone else, you've gotta chalk that up first-and-foremost to Lyndsie Long.  (In retrospect, I'm not sure why I bothered debating POY - I was just offended that some saw it as a 'slam dunk', like Christina Solari was chopped liver.)

With juniors-to-be Meghan Merklein and Megan Ney, they obviously have a strong nucleus to build around, but I wonder if they'll take a step back with the graduation of LL?  (Though I admit I expected the same thing when IWU graduated three excellent seniors last year. :-[)

IF Coach Werner is building anything close to what Coach Smith has built, I suppose they'll find some players on the bench to step right up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2010, 07:01:20 PM
Also, a shame the way the d3 selections are done (though I support the philosophy).  Elmhurst had a near zero chance of selection, but they would DESTROY half the teams in the field.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on March 01, 2010, 08:16:28 PM
Mr. Ypsi, I don't think anyone thought Solari was chopped liver... Yes, she is a great player but her team is 10+ deep. They do not need her to put up the kind of number that Long did and that's why Long received POY. To me, POY is someone that is a game changer and a producer on the court. Again, I know Solari can do all of these things but she didn't have to because of her supporting cast. Us Bluejay fans saw day in and day out that Long needed to do these things to help her team win. Except, for the last game against Carthage when her teammates stepped up when she had a hard time getting open. This shows that these girls will be a force to be re-conned with in the coming years. Werner has built a solid team in her 3 years of coaching at Elmhurst. They will be back in the conference championship next year, I can feel it.

On another note, I agree with your last post with Elmhurst being able to play with some of those teams that did make the NCAA tourney. I mean, they beat Carthage twice (almost 3 times) and they are a top 10 team IN THE NATION! I would have thought the NCAA would want to see Long perform on the "big stage" :D.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on March 01, 2010, 08:30:35 PM
When does All-Region and All-American Usually come out?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 01, 2010, 08:48:24 PM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on March 01, 2010, 08:16:28 PM
Mr. Ypsi, I don't think anyone thought Solari was chopped liver... Yes, she is a great player but her team is 10+ deep. They do not need her to put up the kind of number that Long did and that's why Long received POY. To me, POY is someone that is a game changer and a producer on the court. Again, I know Solari can do all of these things but she didn't have to because of her supporting cast.

I think the 2010 M.O.P. award went to the right player - let me first make that clear.  But I'm really surprised by all of the posts that suggest that because IWU is so deep, the Titans somehow don't need Christina Solari as much as Elmhurst needed Lyndsie Long.  That somehow IWU just plugs different players in and the system takes it from there.

Christina Solari is an incredibly skilled low-post player that completely changes the game.  The way she uses her strength and her lower body to establish position is something you just don't see very often.  Her ability to consistently get great low-post position, which leads to every opponent to have to double her, is the #1 key to IWU's offense.  Without her on the floor, IWU is a completely different team.

I really think many here underestimate the impact Solari has on everything this Illinois Wesleyan team does.  Yes, she does not have to score as much as Long did for Elmhurst to be successful, but her presence is critical for the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 02, 2010, 11:29:50 AM
Congratulations to Christina Solari and Lyndsie Long on the Jostens Award nominations....what an honor.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on March 02, 2010, 12:40:02 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 02, 2010, 11:29:50 AM
Congratulations to Christina Solari and Lyndsie Long on the Jostens Award nominations....what an honor.

It's great to see 2 nominees from the same conference. CCIW representing!! ;D Congrats ladies and best of luck.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Old Hoosier Baller on March 02, 2010, 03:47:23 PM
Thanks to all posters for your insights.  It is clear that the CCIW is certainly one of the strongest conferences in the country.  Mr. Ypsi's comment about Elmhurst destroying many teams in the field is right on the money.   The Bluejays handed Carthage two of their four losses and were within a half-court shot from beating the Lady Reds three times.  They also blew out IWU's first-round opponent, Franklin College (21-6), by thirty on Franklin's home court back in November.

Best of luck to IWU and Carthage this weekend.  While I anticipate that IWU has an excellent chance to go all the way, it would be nice to see both CCIW teams do well.

Congratualtions to Lyndsie Long and Christina Solari for the Josten's nomination and to all of the CCIW All-Conference selections. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2010, 10:33:16 PM
Warm congrats to Christina Solari and LL on Josten.  Well deserved.

Good luck to IWU and Carthage as the Dance begins.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 04, 2010, 03:39:07 PM
Article on Hope Schulte, from a paper near her hometown...

http://www.thejournal-news.net/articles/2010/03/04/sports/college/college01.txt
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: CCIWFAN3 on March 04, 2010, 04:24:37 PM
TitanQ...thanks for defending Christina.  Most posters, fans, parents, etc have no idea how much of an impact Christina has on her team.  The opposing teams do though:)  I could post 10 pages on C.S.  Her basketball instincts are 2nd to none.  And she does all of it quiet and subtle.  Let me just say she is the best post player I've ever been around.  She makes everyone on her team better. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 04, 2010, 04:42:09 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 04, 2010, 03:39:07 PM
Article on Hope Schulte, from a paper near her hometown...

http://www.thejournal-news.net/articles/2010/03/04/sports/college/college01.txt

"I thought I would probably be named to the CCIW team, but the first team was a bit of a shock," said Schulte.

Even though she was not a unanimous selection, I'm pretty sure it was never in doubt that Hope would be on the first team. She's a fantastic player and deserves the recognition. She (and several of her teammates) would put up crazy numbers on most other teams, but she does what IWU requires of her exquisitely night in and night out. The other coaches in the league certainly recognized this.

With regards to the article itself, IWU beat Elmhurst 82-72 (not 82-52). And I don't think that the women's final four has ever been in Salem?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 04, 2010, 04:47:02 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 01, 2010, 08:48:24 PM
Quote from: Bulldog8 on March 01, 2010, 08:16:28 PM
Mr. Ypsi, I don't think anyone thought Solari was chopped liver... Yes, she is a great player but her team is 10+ deep. They do not need her to put up the kind of number that Long did and that's why Long received POY. To me, POY is someone that is a game changer and a producer on the court. Again, I know Solari can do all of these things but she didn't have to because of her supporting cast.

I think the 2010 M.O.P. award went to the right player - let me first make that clear.  But I'm really surprised by all of the posts that suggest that because IWU is so deep, the Titans somehow don't need Christina Solari as much as Elmhurst needed Lyndsie Long.  That somehow IWU just plugs different players in and the system takes it from there.

Christina Solari is an incredibly skilled low-post player that completely changes the game.  The way she uses her strength and her lower body to establish position is something you just don't see very often.  Her ability to consistently get great low-post position, which leads to every opponent to have to double her, is the #1 key to IWU's offense.  Without her on the floor, IWU is a completely different team.

I really think many here underestimate the impact Solari has on everything this Illinois Wesleyan team does.  Yes, she does not have to score as much as Long did for Elmhurst to be successful, but her presence is critical for the Titans.

I feel that this at least in part directed towards a post that I made about coaches gameplanning for IWU's system.

That post was not intended to diminish the importance of Christina Solari, or any other IWU player. There's a reason that every team in the country doesn't do what IWU does: they can't. IWU's players, including Solari, are phenomenally skilled athletes and basketball players. The point I was trying to make, whether or not it is valid, is that I think opposing coaches primary concern against the Titans is to not turn the ball over against their pressure. If IWU is scoring on layup's off of turnovers, it doesn't really matter who's putting the ball through the hoop.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on March 04, 2010, 05:12:00 PM
I don't think anyone was trying to put down C.S.  If you go back and look at the previous posts, no where does it state any sort of negative comment regarding C.S. as an individual nor athlete.  
However, as bloggers and supporters of the CCIW we are all entitled to our individual opinions.  With that being said, when the subject regarding CCIW POY was being discussed many people were giving their opinions and expressing their feelings on who they thought was more deserving of the award, and that is when individual opinions were expressed!
PERSONALLY, looking at both players (LL and CS, with no team involvement) LL had an overall better year as an individual, setting both school and conference records to show it.  In my opinion, when coaches were nominating the POY candidate of course it was not easy, but they saw that INDIVIDUALLY, LL was the over POY!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on March 04, 2010, 05:15:11 PM
overall***
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 04, 2010, 05:43:03 PM
I just took my first extended look at the tourney bracket, and the placement of the sectionals makes it possible for both CCIW teams to reach the Final Four. That would be something!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2010, 07:23:31 PM
Just looked at Franklin's stats for a while (IWU's first opponent).
Bearing in mind that they played against different teams than did IWU...
In an average game, Franklin made 15 of 21 FTs and IWU made 16 of 22;
Franklin made 5 of 16 threes and IWU made 6 of 20;
Franklin made 20/43 2FGs and IWU made 23/44.
Franklin had the Heartland Conf player of the year (a guard, Sarah Condra, with well-rounded stats: 15.9 pts, good shooter, 6 rebs, 3 assists, season totals of 38 blocks and 42 steals), another all-conf guard, another guard as honorable mention and a center who made all-freshman.
Can they handle IWU's big players defensively? Can they get through IWU's press?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2010, 07:53:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 04, 2010, 07:23:31 PM
Just looked at Franklin's stats for a while (IWU's first opponent).
Bearing in mind that they played against different teams than did IWU...
In an average game, Franklin made 15 of 21 FTs and IWU made 16 of 22;
Franklin made 5 of 16 threes and IWU made 6 of 20;
Franklin made 20/43 2FGs and IWU made 23/44.
Franklin had the Heartland Conf player of the year (a guard, Sarah Condra, with well-rounded stats: 15.9 pts, good shooter, 6 rebs, 3 assists, season totals of 38 blocks and 42 steals), another all-conf guard, another guard as honorable mention and a center who made all-freshman.
Can they handle IWU's big players defensively? Can they get through IWU's press?

That comparison DOES make it look scary. :o

But as was pointed out, Elmhurst beat Franklin by 30 AT Franklin.  I'm guessing this one is over by (at the latest) 5 minutes into the second half - probably earlier.

[IWU coaches and team, do NOT read this - Franklin is SCARY good! :P]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 05, 2010, 01:02:57 AM
As the Titans get ready for the Grizzlies, junior guard Holly Harvey checks in with the latest installment of her blog.

http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/insider/holly-harvey/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2010, 04:43:25 AM
Pat Coleman's look at the Women's Tournament is up:
http://www.d3hoops.com/women-final-four/10/preview.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2010, 12:53:50 PM
And he's predicting a happy crowd at the Shirk on March 20! :)

Me too! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2010, 01:33:25 PM
I have to correct my previous post about Franklin -- their 2nd all-conference player is a 5'11" center, not a guard.
I thought it was interesting that their distribution of shot attempts was rather similar to that of IWU's offense. But, they might end up committing approximately 30 turnovers, so they may not reach their average quantity of shot attempts.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 05, 2010, 02:06:34 PM
Quote from: sumfun on March 01, 2010, 03:16:32 PM
I don't believe they are allowed to play the entire tournament at home.  That was Hope's problem over the last two years.....if you host the Fnal Four you can't host the Sectional Round.  They will most likely have to go on the road weekend after next and that is where Hope stumbled.
Posters have previously addressed the alternate year rule with regards to hosting.  Below is a more accurate explanation, according to Pat Coleman, as to why Hope was not able to host on its home court into its hosted Final Four:
Quote"Is it possible for one team to host all the way through to the national championship game? Hope didn't have the chance to do that either of the past two years, once because the men were hosting and last year because of the dreaded geographic proximity clause. - http://www.d3hoops.com/women-final-four/10/preview.htm (http://www.d3hoops.com/women-final-four/10/preview.htm)"
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2010, 06:55:54 PM
Twelve minutes in, Carthage is up 23-15. Ten pts for Rosie Dorn.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2010, 07:12:46 PM
Half : 47-28 Lady Reds, behind 12 pts by Dorn (5/6 FG) 12 pts 9 rebs by Diana Jacklin (6/8 FG) and 9 pts by Dani Ripkey (3/5 threes).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2010, 09:54:19 PM
IWU having their way with Franklin - 29-15 w/ about 6 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2010, 10:40:46 PM
With 14 to go, C. Solari has her typical double-double: 10 points, 14 boards.

IWU up 52-30.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2010, 10:51:13 PM
Franklin goes on a 10-2 run to make me slightly nervous.

IWU gets a 2.  Up 56-40 with just under 10 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2010, 11:07:29 PM
This one's over, though not nearly as easy as I expected.

With 3:10 remaining, IWU 68, Franklin 50.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 05, 2010, 11:18:41 PM
Final Scores:
Women:
IWU 76 Franklin 52
Carthage 73 Northland 60

On the men's side, a win last night by Wheaton and wins tonight by both IWU and Carthage; the CCIW goes 5-0 in the 1st round.  Nice work by all our CCIW teams!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2010, 03:03:03 AM
The Pantagraph story is up. 
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_b8efd968-28e8-11df-9b03-001cc4c002e0.html
I like Olivia Lett's quote.

There is also a new selection of photos in the Pantagraph Sports Photo Gallery.  They are very nice, except several of them currently feature Christina Solari (53) labeled as "Stacey Arlis" (who wears #52). 

Was Simpson over Chicago a huge upset?  Anyone have a game report on that one?  Thanks!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2010, 11:08:01 AM
I wouldn't call the Simpson win a huge upset, Hoosier Titan. I saw Simpson very early in the season at North Central and thought they had a nice array of talented athletes. Incidentally, no one played more than 26:00 for them vs Chicago.
Congrats to IWU and Carthage (Diana Jacklin 20 pts, 14 reb) on their wins.
Carthage faces Whitewater (91-73 winners) tonight.
Go Lady Reds! Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2010, 08:59:40 PM
Halftime scores:

Carthage 35, UWW 32.

IWU 32, Simpson 16.

In B'town, both teams are shooting horribly - IWU 26%, Simpson 21% (and 0% on 7 trey attempts).  Currently the Titans have allowed 16 points and forced 14 TOs - come on, let's get that defensive masterpiece! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2010, 09:19:17 PM
Gosh darn it - they're losin' the coup!  At one point the Titans go it to 17 points allowed, 16 TOs!  But now it is 24 to 17. :(  Fear not, they still lead by over 20.

Carthage pulling away from UWW - up 13 w/ 11 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 06, 2010, 10:01:11 PM
Titans win 83-53.
Titan men won too.  Will either host?  That's going to be an interesting question in the coming days (not sure when the decision is made, but it has to be pretty quick). 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2010, 10:05:19 PM
Quote from: mactitan on March 06, 2010, 10:01:11 PM
Titans win 83-53.
Titan men won too.  Will either host?  That's going to be an interesting question in the coming days (not sure when the decision is made, but it has to be pretty quick). 

By seed, the Titan women probably should host, but I suspect the Sectional will be in Holland.  While there is no written rule preventing a team staying home the entire tourney, I suspect there is an unwritten rule.

The men's Sectional will IMO be in Kenosha (possibly in Stevens Point); almost certainly not at the Shirk.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 06, 2010, 10:28:40 PM
As I understand picking the hosts, travel distance has a lot to do with it.  I would hope that two factors do not matter in this: 1. where the Final Four is.  That should be a seperate issue. If the NCAA does not want a team to host an entire tournament, then don't allow Final Fours to be on DIII campuses.  If they have criteria for picking host cities, those rules should be followed - not unwritten rules.  2. Where the men's tournament will be.  UW-SP and IWU being in the men's 16 should have nothing to do with this, since it is a women's priority year.

If distance is a major factor, I would think Marymount (Arlington, VA) is out.  They are not going to make three midwestern school travel to one eastern school.  I also think Arlington is too far from Holland, Stevens Point, or Bloomington to drive.  So I think these distances are irellavant, depending on the distance threshold.  If Marymount can drive to Hope and not IWU, then that would tip it to Hope.

Arlington to Holland: 676 miles
Arlington to Bloomington: 758 miles
Arlington to Steven's Point: 946 miles


So if it were in Bloomington:
SP would travel 303 miles
Hope would travel 255

If it were in Hope
SP would travel 400 miles
IWU would travel 255 miles

If it were in SP
IWU would travel 303 miles
Hope would travel 400 miles

Based on these numbers, IWU would be the lowest overall travel.  I'm not sure if Hope with one loss or IWU with one loss would be considered the higher "seed."  Based purely on how the bracket is laid out, it looks like IWU is in the higher seeded slot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 06, 2010, 10:56:18 PM
Wherever the sectionals are hosted, Carthage and IWU will have a tough time getting out.  Carthage will play winner of No. 5 George Fox and No. 15 Puget Sound.  In the other side is No. 6 Wash U and unranked Mount Union. 

The Titans have to play No. 23 UW-SP, on the other side is No. 4 Hope and No. 7 Marymount.  The teams in IWU's sectional have a combined 9 losses (UW-SP has 6).  It is the only sectional with four teams in the d3hoops top 25.

No. 1 Amherst has three other unranked teams in their sectional.  No. 3 Kean has only No. 10 Chris Newport.

I'll say it again - unless there is a WRITTEN rule about a team not hosting every round in the NCAA tournament, the fact that IWU is hosting the Final Four should not be a factor in who hosts the sectional (and it should not have been for Hope the last two years either.  I feel like I've read mixed reports as to the reasons why Hope didn't host a sectional in the past).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 06, 2010, 11:02:45 PM
Quote from: mactitan on March 06, 2010, 10:56:18 PM
Wherever the sectionals are hosted, Carthage and IWU will have a tough time getting out.  Carthage will play winner of No. 5 George Fox and No. 15 Puget Sound.  In the other side is No. 6 Wash U and unranked Mount Union. 

The Titans have to play No. 23 UW-SP, on the other side is No. 4 Hope and No. 7 Marymount.  The teams in IWU's sectional have a combined 9 losses (UW-SP has 6).  It is the only sectional with four teams in the d3hoops top 25.

No. 1 Amherst has three other unranked teams in their sectional.  No. 3 Kean has only No. 10 Chris Newport.

I'll say it again - unless there is a WRITTEN rule about a team not hosting every round in the NCAA tournament, the fact that IWU is hosting the Final Four should not be a factor in who hosts the sectional (and it should not have been for Hope the last two years either.  I feel like I've read mixed reports as to the reasons why Hope didn't host a sectional in the past).
Mac if anyone knows the facts Guru Coleman knows - below is a more accurate explanation, according to Pat Coleman, as to why Hope was not able to host on its home court into its hosted Final Four:
Quote"Is it possible for one team to host all the way through to the national championship game? Hope didn't have the chance to do that either of the past two years, once because the men were hosting and last year because of the dreaded geographic proximity clause. - http://www.d3hoops.com/women-final-four/10/preview.htm (http://www.d3hoops.com/women-final-four/10/preview.htm)"

There is no written rule.  There is, however, NCAA politics and also a lot of variables between the brackets the CCIW men and women are in.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hwbb on March 07, 2010, 12:03:28 AM
Don't hang out here much--the MIAA board is more like home. But now there are reasons, of course. Those of us up in Michigan are as anxious as you all are to hear the host site for the sectionals. Last year, the NCAA had a convenient excuse to dodge the question of whether a team can host all six possible games of an NCAA tournament--the "dreaded geographic proximity clause" that Pat Coleman named in his preview. No such luck this year. Obviously, you'll all see huge bias in the next statement, and there probably is, but I think the sectional ought to be in Holland, or Stevens Point, or the United Center in Chicago--anywhere but Bloomington. I simply cannot see how a tournament can be equitable and fair when one team gets a clear advantage the other 63 teams cannot have--home court for every game. (And yes, I said the same thing last year, when this same question swirled around Hope.)

I do look forward to seeing the Titans play; we've heard plenty, thanks to Mr. Ypsi. I just don't look forward to traveling to Bloomington two weekends in a row. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2010, 07:11:09 AM
Quote from: Hwbb on March 07, 2010, 12:03:28 AM
I do look forward to seeing the Titans play; we've heard plenty, thanks to Mr. Ypsi. I just don't look forward to traveling to Bloomington two weekends in a row. ;)

Welcome to the CCIW board, Hwbb.  I'm sure that, should the situation you mention arise, Mia Smith and her team would be happy to save you the second trip! ;) 

Of course, each team has another game to play first.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2010, 07:44:07 AM
Here's the Pantagraph story on the game.  There are new photos in the photo gallery as well, including a great one of Christina Solari blocking Stacey Schutjer (pronounced "Shooter," appropriately).  This play occurred in the corner of the court right in front of the IWU bench and wasn't caught on camera, but from the way it ignited the crowd I knew it was a good one.  The photo shows that it was.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_cb52d546-29a7-11df-a5e6-001cc4c002e0.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 07, 2010, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: Hwbb on March 07, 2010, 12:03:28 AM
DObviously, you'll all see huge bias in the next statement, and there probably is, but I think the sectional ought to be in Holland, or Stevens Point, or the United Center in Chicago--anywhere but Bloomington. I simply cannot see how a tournament can be equitable and fair when one team gets a clear advantage the other 63 teams cannot have--home court for every game. (And yes, I said the same thing last year, when this same question swirled around Hope.)


If the NCAA does not want to have one team host all of the rounds, then it should:

1. Make that a written rule that it should not happen.
2. Not have the Final Four on campus.

Since neither of those things are true, every host should follow the rules that they laid out in their own hand book.  The location of the Final Four should have nothing to do with determining the host site for the sectional.

Bob Quilman posted this on the men's board:
The Championships Committee has prioritized the following site-selection criteria for all championships:

1. Quality and availability of the facility and other necessary accommodations;
2. Geographical location (which may include such factors as rotation of sites, weather, accessibility and transportation costs);
3. Seeding; and
4. Attendance history and revenue potential, which shall be considered necessary to assure fiscal responsibility.

(page 7)

Given these criteria, it is a pretty close argument between Holland and Bloomington. 
1. Hope has a better arena - but the Shirk Center is pretty nice. 
2. Bloomington is slightly more centrally located, and has an airport with connecting flights to Chicago nearby.  Bloomington is also a metro area of over 100,000.
3. IWU seems to have a higher seed - though Hope at 29-1 is no slouch.
4. Hope draws more per game, but IWU has been averaging well over 1000 a game lately.

I don't think it would a terrible obstruction of justice if either hosted. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 07, 2010, 09:57:22 AM
Quote from: mactitan on March 07, 2010, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: Hwbb on March 07, 2010, 12:03:28 AM
DObviously, you'll all see huge bias in the next statement, and there probably is, but I think the sectional ought to be in Holland, or Stevens Point, or the United Center in Chicago--anywhere but Bloomington. I simply cannot see how a tournament can be equitable and fair when one team gets a clear advantage the other 63 teams cannot have--home court for every game. (And yes, I said the same thing last year, when this same question swirled around Hope.)


If the NCAA does not want to have one team host all of the rounds, then it should:

1. Make that a written rule that it should not happen.
2. Not have the Final Four on campus.

Since neither of those things are true, every host should follow the rules that they laid out in their own hand book.  The location of the Final Four should have nothing to do with determining the host site for the sectional.

Bob Quilman posted this on the men's board:
The Championships Committee has prioritized the following site-selection criteria for all championships:

1. Quality and availability of the facility and other necessary accommodations;
2. Geographical location (which may include such factors as rotation of sites, weather, accessibility and transportation costs);
3. Seeding; and
4. Attendance history and revenue potential, which shall be considered necessary to assure fiscal responsibility.

(page 7)

Given these criteria, it is a pretty close argument between Holland and Bloomington. 
1. Hope has a better arena - but the Shirk Center is pretty nice. 
2. Bloomington is slightly more centrally located, and has an airport with connecting flights to Chicago nearby.  Bloomington is also a metro area of over 100,000.
3. IWU seems to have a higher seed - though Hope at 29-1 is no slouch.
4. Hope draws more per game, but IWU has been averaging well over 1000 a game lately.

I don't think it would a terrible obstruction of justice if either hosted. 

But remember, those 4 considerations are not weighted equally.  The history of the process has shown that seeding and geography and clearly the 2 biggies.  Numbers 1 and 4 are almost just there to rule out sub-par facilities.

I believe IWU will host.  See the men's board for my complete thoughts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 07, 2010, 10:24:32 AM
Carthage heading to Wash U, per Facebook post from Wash U SID Chris Mitchell.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2010, 11:52:51 AM
Good work, Titans and Lady Reds!
Hope Schulte and Rosie Dorn were spot-on with their shooting.
Hope hit 8 of 11 FGs including 4/5 threes, plus 2/2 FTs.
Rosie made 10 of 14 FGs including 2/2 threes and 4/4 FTs.
Excellent production from two of our all-CCIW stars!
(I stayed in Chi and saw an SXU 103-96 conf championship win over ONU. That'll be my last "fix" of the season for my addiction to high-scoring NAIA action.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2010, 12:36:23 PM
It appears that IWU is hosting next weekend.  The interactive NCAA brackets show IWU, SP, Hope, and Marymount playing at Shirk.

Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2010, 02:33:58 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2010, 12:36:23 PM
It appears that IWU is hosting next weekend.  The interactive NCAA brackets show IWU, SP, Hope, and Marymount playing at Shirk.

Go Titans!

Yes, IWU is hosting.  And, the grumbles have already started on the MIAA board from the Hope posters citing an advantage for IWU.

The bottom line:  The NCAA and its committee demonstrated that seeding based on merit based criteria counts; and, no unwritten rule exists about the Final Four Host school being unable to host through the tournament bracket. 

Did IWU women catch a break?  Yes.  More importantly, they earned it. 
First, IWU improved its strength of schedule rating by playing a much tougher non-conference schedule than prior seasons.  Second, they won on merit in earning the in-region wins battle, the conference AQ and positioned themselves as a high seed.  Third, a tough CCIW conference contributed to sustaining their OWP and OOWP numbers.   And, last they took care of business in rounds 1 & 2.

Where's the break?  It is not the Final Four at the Shirk.    It is a combination of being able to take opportunity advantage of the NCAA "even/odd" rule; the lower seeding of the IWU men in their NCAA tournament and not being bracketed where the geographical proximity rule could have sent them elsewhere (as it did Hope last year).  Based on Titan women's ranking, they would have had home court advantage through the sectional regardless of Final Four location. 

P.S. - GO TITANS!!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hwbb on March 07, 2010, 03:05:31 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 07, 2010, 02:33:58 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2010, 12:36:23 PM
It appears that IWU is hosting next weekend.  The interactive NCAA brackets show IWU, SP, Hope, and Marymount playing at Shirk.

Go Titans!

Yes, IWU is hosting.  And, the grumbles have already started on the MIAA board from the Hope posters citing an advantage for IWU.

The bottom line:  The NCAA and its committee demonstrated that seeding based on merit based criteria counts; and, no unwritten rule exists about the Final Four Host school being unable to host through the tournament bracket. 

Did IWU women catch a break?  Yes.  More importantly, they earned it. 
First, IWU improved its strength of schedule rating by playing a much tougher non-conference schedule than prior seasons.  Second, they won on merit in earning the in-region wins battle, the conference AQ and positioned themselves as a high seed.  Third, a tough CCIW conference contributed to sustaining their OWP and OOWP numbers.   And, last they took care of business in rounds 1 & 2.

Where's the break?  It is not the Final Four at the Shirk.    It is a combination of being able to take opportunity advantage of the NCAA "even/odd" rule; the lower seeding of the IWU men in their NCAA tournament and not being bracketed where the geographical proximity rule could have sent them elsewhere (as it did Hope last year).  Based on Titan women's ranking, they would have had home court advantage through the sectional regardless of Final Four location. 

P.S. - GO TITANS!!!!

Michiganders are not unanimous around this point-of-view, of course. My sense: I don't think there's any dispute up here with whether IWU earned the right to host. Clearly, they did, for all the reasons iwumichigander cites. This is a great team that deserves its accolades and seeding. Here's what I think the concerns are. First, the ability of any team to host an entire national championship tournament. Rule against it? Doesn't seem to be. But maybe there should be--if hosting weren't such a distinct advantage, then why do teams so badly want to host. And if you want to retain the option to host the first two weekends, then don't bid on the Final Four. No single team should have a distinct advantage that the other 63 teams cannot have. But, of course, that's simply an opinion, and not the rule. Secondly, and iwumichigander hits this as well, is the geographical advantage that IWU has. Merit goes only so far, it seems, with the NCAA; then geography takes over. If your school is on the northern, western, or southern tier of states, you are diasadvantaged by NCAA practice. If you're in the Northeast or the I-70 corridor, you have an advantage.  Don't believe me. Ask the folks at George Fox, whose higher seed this year got them a trip to St. Louis. Or maybe ask NCAA why they preach regional play all season, even publish regional rankings, and then give two of the four sectional host sites to the same region. Because it's convenient. Does it all fit the rules? Yes. Does it privilege certain schools? Yes again.

And in the end, of course, all the words of the previous paragraph aren't worth the time you just spent reading them. Because you play the games where the NCAA tells you to play the games, and it is what it is. And there will be four quality teams in Bloomington. Look forward to seeing both the arena and the team. Got any good restaurant suggestions?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dothedew on March 07, 2010, 03:42:06 PM
As a Hope fan sneaking over to your board...we are not upset...and are very excited for a great Sectional...sadly, I will be watching on the internet (but that is better than just radio).
When Hope won it all...EVERY game was on the road...so I believe they can do it again.
Everyone up here is more grumpy about the way the Hope women have been treated by the NCAA in the last decade....not this one instance....where IW has totally earned a right to host.
Congrats to Titans on a great season so far, should be a great weekend.
I will HOPEfully make the trip down there....just not this weekend...but next!
Good luck to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2010, 11:25:25 PM
Warm congrats to IWU and Carthage !!!  Keep it going.  Let's have both teams in the Final Four at the Shirk!  Good luck to both teams, both programs in the Sectionals this weekend.  All great teams now.

So glad to see the Sectional at Shirk.

:)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2010, 11:37:42 PM
I'm a Titan fan who is (sorta) disappointed that the Sectional is in Bloomington! :o

I would have been in both Holland (this coming weekend) and Bloomington (for the FF), but I just can't justify to my family going all the way to B'town two weeks in a row.

I'll be watching, and crossing my fingers that it IS a Titan FF! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bearsfan on March 08, 2010, 08:10:12 AM
Not that which team hosts matters to me, but just to stoke the fire so the discussion can continue, it seems interesting to me the way it played out. Ultimately, it would seem geographically that the decision came down to the fact that UWSP is 100 miles closer to Bloomington than Hope. The assumption I would make is that Marymount would have to fly into most likely Chicago for Bloomington and either Chicago or Grand Rapids for Hope so that cost should be about the same and I would assume the cost of busing from Hope to IWU or IWU to Hope would be the same. Seems cost wise, geography shouldn't matter. Facility wise it should be close to a wash as both have great facilities. Hope would have the edge in attendance but not by much.

So ultimately the decision must have come down to seeding. This is where it gets fascinating. Hope is #1 in Great Lakes, IWU is #1 in Central. Hope is 24-0 in region vs IWU being 23-1. IWU, however, has the stronger SOS at .575 vs .535. Hope was 3-0 vs in region regionally ranked teams vs IWU being 5-1. If IWU didn't win on the primary criteria, I think Carthage is most likely the reason that Hope came in as the #2 seed with them being Hope's only loss and a likely secondary criteria difference. Kinda ironic that another CCIW team might have been what helped IWU to host. Either way, this sectional should be full of great basketball with 4 tough teams coming to Bloomington over the weekend.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 11:30:21 AM
It slowly occurred to me that IWU hosted and played UW-Stevens Point last year in the sweet 16 round, on March 13. This time, it'll be March 12.
A majority of the starting five for each team will be different this year, though.
IWU also hosted UW-SP earlier this year (11/28/09), with the Titans edging them, 84-80. IWU has not given up more than 72 pts in any game since then.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 09, 2010, 12:12:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 11:30:21 AM
It slowly occurred to me that IWU hosted and played UW-Stevens Point last year in the sweet 16 round, on March 13. This time, it'll be March 12.
A majority of the starting five for each team will be different this year, though.
IWU also hosted UW-SP earlier this year (11/28/09), with the Titans edging them, 84-80. IWU has not given up more than 72 pts in any game since then.
Having earlier won over Wisconsin Eau-Claire March 7 80-63; IWU won the March 13 contest 77-64 and subsequently lost to WashU March 14 by a five point margin 58-53.
This Pointers team is young - one senior.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: closetothechest on March 09, 2010, 01:59:37 PM
They have one senior, #10 Ashley Windt.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 02:35:24 PM
On behalf of iwumichigander (who may be busy watching a Hawaii 5-0 dvd), I will Point out that the player in question could easily pass for a junior.
Furtherly, we on the CCIW page occasionally throw in erroneous information solely to see if anyone catches it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2010, 04:48:26 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 11:30:21 AM
It slowly occurred to me that IWU hosted and played UW-Stevens Point last year in the sweet 16 round, on March 13. This time, it'll be March 12.
A majority of the starting five for each team will be different this year, though.
IWU also hosted UW-SP earlier this year (11/28/09), with the Titans edging them, 84-80. IWU has not given up more than 72 pts in any game since then.
Rog,
Christina Solari, Hope Schulte, and Stacey Arlis all started for the Titans last year--only the guards are different.  More spurious information to catch the uninitiated?  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 05:02:04 PM
I think Colleen Caplice started that particular game. At least, the box score has a position for her, while Stacey was a sub.
I like your use of the word 'spurious', though. Sounds vaguely San Antonio-related somehow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2010, 05:10:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 05:02:04 PM
I think Colleen Caplice started that particular game. At least, the box score has a position for her, while Stacey was a sub.
I like your use of the word 'spurious', though. Sounds vaguely San Antonio-related somehow.
Oops!  You're right.  Just tryin' to sneak one by.....maybe living this year in a country where people play a game called "football" with the feet is messing with my mind.  :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 09, 2010, 05:22:09 PM
Quote from: closetothechest on March 09, 2010, 01:59:37 PM
They have one senior, #10 Ashley Windt.
Thanks - fixed post
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 09, 2010, 05:23:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 02:35:24 PM
On behalf of iwumichigander (who may be busy watching a Hawaii 5-0 dvd), I will Point out that the player in question could easily pass for a junior.
Furtherly, we on the CCIW page occasionally throw in erroneous information solely to see if anyone catches it.
Whoops - Danno was just booking another bad guy as I was typing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 05:29:02 PM
Good, but Wo Fat got away again!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2010, 05:43:10 PM
IWU's Christina Solari and Hope Schulte were chosen to the all-region squad and are among 40 finalists for the 2010 State Farm Coaches' NCAA Division III All-America Team.

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2010/3/9/WBB_0309105903.aspx?path=wbball

Congratulations, ladies!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 05:56:48 PM
My congratulations to Christina and Hope, too.
Likewise, to the other all-region 7 selections: our own Lyndsie Long, Janice Evans of Wash U and Julia Hirssig of UW-Stout.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 06:02:30 PM
The latest NCAA stats show Carthage as #1 in the nation for team FG% at .474.
Their next opponent, George Fox Univ, is #5 in FG def % at .319. They have a 6'5" freshman (Hannah Munger) who averages 3.4 blocks per game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2010, 06:34:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 05:56:48 PM
My congratulations to Christina and Hope, too.
Likewise, to the other all-region 7 selections: our own Lyndsie Long, Janice Evans of Wash U and Julia Hirssig of UW-Stout.


Excellent!  I was just passing on the news from the IWU site and hadn't seen the full list.  Well done, all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2010, 06:43:52 PM
On the WBCA site http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010DIIISFCAATFinalistsPR.html
they list Christina as a junior. What can we conclude from that?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2010, 06:52:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 06:43:52 PM
On the WBCA site http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010DIIISFCAATFinalistsPR.html
they list Christina as a junior. What can we conclude from that?

Probably nothing, alas.

She does have junior eligibility (or would, with a medical redshirt), but I somehow doubt her parents want ANOTHER year of two Solaris at IWU! ;)

But we can dream! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 09, 2010, 07:14:06 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2010, 06:52:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 06:43:52 PM
On the WBCA site http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010DIIISFCAATFinalistsPR.html
they list Christina as a junior. What can we conclude from that?

Probably nothing, alas.

She does have junior eligibility (or would, with a medical redshirt), but I somehow doubt her parents want ANOTHER year of two Solaris at IWU! ;)

But we can dream! ;D
We can draw the conclusion that the NCAA, Institutions of Higher Learning and Basketball Coaches Associations/Conferences (men and women) with all their education, degrees and experience can not figure out a simple way to communicate the status of a 4th year academic senior whom has a year of athletic eligibility remaining.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 09, 2010, 09:56:51 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2010, 06:52:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 06:43:52 PM
On the WBCA site http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010DIIISFCAATFinalistsPR.html
they list Christina as a junior. What can we conclude from that?

Probably nothing, alas.

She does have junior eligibility (or would, with a medical redshirt), but I somehow doubt her parents want ANOTHER year of two Solaris at IWU! ;)

But we can dream! ;D

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_b3a53774-184d-11df-962e-001cc4c03286.html

"It's awesome both teams are doing so well," said Solari, a political science major who plans to attend graduate school in the Chicago area to earn a master's degree and a teaching certificate. "We couldn't imagine better seasons for each other."

By no coincidence, Dwyer also will be heading back to the Chicago suburbs after graduation. The business finance major has a job as a financial advisor waiting at Edward Jones Investments near his Arlington Heights home.

(Actually, both Solari and Dwyer have one season of eligibility remaining - Sean was injured in the 2nd game of his freshman season and missed the remainder of that year.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2010, 10:19:06 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 09, 2010, 09:56:51 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2010, 06:52:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2010, 06:43:52 PM
On the WBCA site http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010DIIISFCAATFinalistsPR.html
they list Christina as a junior. What can we conclude from that?

Probably nothing, alas.

She does have junior eligibility (or would, with a medical redshirt), but I somehow doubt her parents want ANOTHER year of two Solaris at IWU! ;)

But we can dream! ;D

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_b3a53774-184d-11df-962e-001cc4c03286.html

"It's awesome both teams are doing so well," said Solari, a political science major who plans to attend graduate school in the Chicago area to earn a master's degree and a teaching certificate. "We couldn't imagine better seasons for each other."

By no coincidence, Dwyer also will be heading back to the Chicago suburbs after graduation. The business finance major has a job as a financial advisor waiting at Edward Jones Investments near his Arlington Heights home.

(Actually, both Solari and Dwyer have one season of eligibility remaining - Sean was injured in the 2nd game of his freshman season and missed the remainder of that year.)

Woo hoo - a plan! ;)

How about Christina and Sean do a honeymoon year winning national titles in Bloomington! ;D

Doubt it works for them, but it sure works for me! ::)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2010, 10:47:10 AM
Due to road construction detours last week, the Carthage team bus ended up being diverted into Ontario, while on the way from Kenosha to Whitewater.
At the border crossing, a Canadian customs employee entered the bus, looked at the players and asked, "Are you all Americans?"
"We don't know yet," yelled Rosie Dorn, "but we do have three all-conference players!"
(old joke, slightly modified)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2010, 11:38:33 AM
Speaking of all-Americans, hopefully the CCIW will be well-represented, particularly IWU, Carthage, Elmhurst, maybe Millikin.
I was looking at the national stats and noticed this player :
Kimberly Blakney, 5'11" senior for Farmingdale State (25-2);
averaged 25.6 pts, 11.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.6 turnovers, 2 blocks, 6.1 steals. Quite a player. Shot .492 on 2FG and .317 threes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on March 10, 2010, 03:11:42 PM
Well, our 2 CCIW nominees were not selected to the Josten's award. But, it's an honor in itself for being 2 of the 12 nominees in such a great award! Congrats again to Long and Solari for being nominated  ;D... Here is the link of the winners http://www.odaconline.com/jostens/10winners
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 10, 2010, 06:44:45 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.

Any chance they'll ever admit to miscalculating the mileage from Wheaton to Calvin?  Carthage to Hope? ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 10, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.

How is that possible? What do they use to calculate mileage?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 10, 2010, 08:51:08 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 10, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.

How is that possible? What do they use to calculate mileage?

This is the official mileage calculator: https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/miles

Any chance the committee accidently chose Washington College (MD) instead of Washington Univ. in St. Louis on the mileage calculator?  Maybe the "MD" looked like an "MO"?

However it happened it's a pathetic mistake.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: ChicagoHopeNut on March 10, 2010, 09:34:26 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 10, 2010, 08:51:08 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 10, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.

How is that possible? What do they use to calculate mileage?

This is the official mileage calculator: https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/miles

Any chance the committee accidently chose Washington College (MD) instead of Washington Univ. in St. Louis on the mileage calculator?  Maybe the "MD" looked like an "MO"?

However it happened it's a pathetic mistake.

Wow, that's amazing. It's just incredible the NCAA makes such huge mistakes year after year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 10, 2010, 10:00:54 PM
Quote from: ChicagoHopeNut on March 10, 2010, 09:34:26 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 10, 2010, 08:51:08 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 10, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.

How is that possible? What do they use to calculate mileage?

This is the official mileage calculator: https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/miles

Any chance the committee accidently chose Washington College (MD) instead of Washington Univ. in St. Louis on the mileage calculator?  Maybe the "MD" looked like an "MO"?

However it happened it's a pathetic mistake.

Wow, that's amazing. It's just incredible the NCAA makes such huge mistakes year after year.

All you've gotta do is use Mapquest: 563.56 miles from Alliance to St. Louis; 445.99 miles from Alliance to Kenosha
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Usuallywrong24 on March 10, 2010, 10:27:23 PM
Before everyone gets upset at the committee for making a mistake, lets simply look at last year.  The four teams in the IWU sectional last year; IWU, Stevens Point, St. Bens, and Wash U.  Everyone but St. Bens were within driving distance of IWU.  Sounds good right?  Only problem was that ALL teams were within driving distance to SP.  The committee decided to let the rankings stand and reward IWU for a great season and let them host, even though it meant spending more money on flights. 

I have to believe even though it was admitted a mistake apparently, it isn't the great deal we are making of it.  Wash U was ranked higher in the final Central standings that Carthage, so why shouldn't they host? It is the same scenario as last year, making one more team fly than needed, so it shouldn't be a huge deal this year.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 10, 2010, 10:41:16 PM
And if they had made that decision, I wouldn't have had a problem with it.

But to hear that they would have put it in Kenosha if they knew how to read a map is just another punch to the gut of D-III.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: ChicagoHopeNut on March 10, 2010, 10:48:26 PM
Exactly JustBill!

What it sounds like is the NCAA had Plan A and Plan B. They wanted to enact Plan A but due to gross negligence and/or general incompetence they thought they had to implement Plan B and so they did.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Usuallywrong24 on March 10, 2010, 10:50:43 PM
I just don't believe a team should host simply based on location, which I believe is the argument here.  Wash U draws fans, had a great season, and is deserving.  That said, I also would think George Fox and Hope also have valid arguments why they aren't hosting in the sectional round.  

I also believe it would have been hard to have two teams from the same conference host, even though I know that doesn't come into effect. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 10, 2010, 11:00:08 PM
Sheesh, that's ridiculous if true. But, sadly, it's very believable.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 10, 2010, 11:17:31 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

Amazing.
Mt Union to Carthage = 471 miles
Mt Union to Wash StL = 574 miles

[Source: NCAA Travel Expense System Mileage Calculator (https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/miles)]

Are there any consequences at the NCAA for the poor performance and malexecution of a national championship such as we see in D-III?


I'll bet they keep giving us these D-1 graduates, who know nothing about D-III, as administrative interns!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 10, 2010, 11:23:02 PM
Final Regional Rankings, quoted off the Daily Dose

QuoteCentral Region Record Overall Record
1. Illinois Wesleyan 23-1 26-1
2. Washington U. 20-2 23-2
3. Carthage 19-3 22-4
4. UW-Stevens Point 19-6 21-6
5. Chicago 19-6 19-6
6. UW-Whitewater 19-6 20-7

Nevertheless, two plane flights instead of one.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 11, 2010, 11:02:27 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on March 10, 2010, 11:23:02 PM
Final Regional Rankings, quoted off the Daily Dose

QuoteCentral Region Record Overall Record
1. Illinois Wesleyan 23-1 26-1
2. Washington U. 20-2 23-2
3. Carthage 19-3 22-4
4. UW-Stevens Point 19-6 21-6
5. Chicago 19-6 19-6
6. UW-Whitewater 19-6 20-7

Nevertheless, two plane flights instead of one.

Looking at those regional rankings I see that 4 of the Central Region teams are in the Sweet 16.  Congrats!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on March 11, 2010, 02:05:31 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 10, 2010, 06:38:04 PM
I have it on pretty solid authority that the NCAA miscalculated the mileage from Mount Union to Wash U, and thus, awarded the Sectional to Wash U instead of Carthage by mistake.  According to my source, the NCAA contacted Carthage Monday morning and acknowledged the mistake, but explained it was too late to correct.

I rarely ever doubt anything you have to say, but this mistake, if it really was a mistake, seems so incredibly stupid that it is almost impossible to believe.  It seems on par with awarding the sectionals to Fontbonne, even though they were knocked out in the first round.

The thing that I find most hard to believe is that the NCAA would actually admit to the mistake.

I know that the NCAA has made poor decisions, and mistakes large and small, but I have never once heard of them admitting to the mistake before.  Have you all?

Of course the team I pull for is benefiting greatly from the decision and I would feel better if the decision was made fairly.  Maybe I am being naive, but to me it seems likely that the NCAA had to have taken in to consideration the regional record, the driving distance between Kenosha and Chicago for George Fox, the free online video streaming, the one-of-a-kind St. Louis style pizza or something else.  Something.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bflong on March 11, 2010, 04:25:16 PM
Does anyone know when All-Region/ All-American teams will be announced?!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: ChicagoHopeNut on March 11, 2010, 04:37:25 PM
Quote from: WUH on March 11, 2010, 02:05:31 PM

I rarely ever doubt anything you have to say, but this mistake, if it really was a mistake, seems so incredibly stupid that it is almost impossible to believe.  It seems on par with awarding the sectionals to Fontbonne, even though they were knocked out in the first round.


Or scheduling BYU to play on a Sunday, or miscalculating the number of Pool C bids, or taking 4 years to investigate USC and Reggie Busy....should I continue?

The NCAA is one of America's most fundamentally flawed institutions.  I realize there is the NAIA, NSCAA, etc. but realistically the NCAA is a monopoly and as such can operate poorly without anyone being able to seek out a better alternative.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 11, 2010, 08:21:43 PM
QuoteDoes anyone know when All-Region/ All-American teams will be announced?!

Voting for All-Region happens this weekend and Monday with the announcement during next week.  All-Americans are announced during the pregame coverage of the national championship game and then posted later that day.



We'll also be working with the NCAA on its video broadcast of Friday and Saturday's games at Illinois Wesleyan.  You can find those broadcasts here:

http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=ncaa
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 11, 2010, 10:06:32 PM
http://www.wsaw.com/sports/headlines/87392322.html
(see video)

"We played very young and intimidated when we were down there in November, and to go back to their house now and know that we've probably gotten better than they have in the last 4 months really, I think, works to our advantage."

- Shirley Egner, head coach, UW-Stevens Point
----------------------

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_928478c2-2d68-11df-ad64-001cc4c03286.html

IWU defeated Stevens Point, 84-80, on Nov. 28.

"We weren't the team that we are now," said Smith, whose squad had yet to acquire transfer Olivia Lett from Division I Southern Illinois. "They've made some changes too, but I think our changes are better."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2010, 10:29:20 PM
Shirk Center Sectional looks awesome -- four top 25 teams, all on good rolls, all with excellent players and coaches.  Should be some real special DIII women's basketball this weekend.  Hope the Shirk is packed to the rafters, with all the railings filled.  Wish I could be there.

Wishing Coach Smith and all the Titans all the best for a really great, two-win weekend! 

GO TITANS!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: ChicagoHopeNut on March 12, 2010, 05:15:27 PM
Almost game time. Should be exciting games tonight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2010, 07:09:22 PM
Tight game for Carthage : 40-40 with 8:47 to go (2nd half). Four fouls called on Diana Jacklin. The bench will need to fill in for her for a while.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2010, 07:29:13 PM
It's over for Carthage, 55-48 in favor of G Fox. Dang it.
Congratulations to Coach Bernero and his team for an outstanding season, I think it's the best Carthage has had.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 12, 2010, 07:46:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2010, 07:29:13 PM
It's over for Carthage, 55-48 in favor of G Fox. Dang it.
Congratulations to Coach Bernero and his team for an outstanding season, I think it's the best Carthage has had.

Good effort by the Lady Reds. The bottomline was that they didn't make enough shots. Their D was outstanding, but the offense just wasn't there at key times.

Congrats to Carthage on a fabulous season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 08:00:07 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 12, 2010, 07:46:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2010, 07:29:13 PM
It's over for Carthage, 55-48 in favor of G Fox. Dang it.
Congratulations to Coach Bernero and his team for an outstanding season, I think it's the best Carthage has had.

Good effort by the Lady Reds. The bottomline was that they didn't make enough shots. Their D was outstanding, but the offense just wasn't there at key times.

Congrats to Carthage on a fabulous season.

So far, they STILL have the ONLY win over IWU and the ONLY win over Hope - not a bad season at all!! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 12, 2010, 08:23:15 PM
Someone turn Gordan Mann's mic on!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 08:38:38 PM
Halfway thru the first, IWU 20, UWSP 15.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 09:09:05 PM
Anyone know what happened at the end of the half?  K. Solari hit a 3, Josi Schultz was hit with her 3rd fould, but (even though in the double bonus) no one ever took a free throw.  Strange.

BTW, IWU 43, UWSP 37, at the half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 12, 2010, 09:43:51 PM
I would suspect Schultz's foul was a charge, therefore no free throws.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 12, 2010, 09:54:25 PM
Fantastic game!

UWSP hits two FT's to go up 71-70 with under 4 togo.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 09:58:44 PM
3:00 to go - UWSP 73-70.

IWU had a narrow lead nearly the who game, but this one is to the wire!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 10:02:37 PM
51 second, UWSP by one.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 10:03:38 PM
16 seconds, IWU by one.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 12, 2010, 10:07:21 PM
Averkamp put back bucket 77-76 UWSP with 2.2 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 12, 2010, 10:10:48 PM
Half court heave not close.  UWSP wins 77-76.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 12, 2010, 10:27:15 PM
Congratulations to the Titans, the Lady Reds, and all the CCIW teams on a fascinating conference season.  Next year should be every bit as good!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2010, 10:35:28 PM
I am in NO way blaming the Solari sisters for the loss (27 points and 14 boards ain't bad for one family!), but when you lose by one point and they missed all seven of the FTs that IWU missed, it hurts. :(  (I'm sure even more for them than for us, so chin up - without you the game would not have even been close enough to worry about missed free throws.)

Christina, thanks for one helluva career.  With the graduation losses last year, I thought we'd fall quite a bit this year.  I think you're the single biggest reason we didn't.  (And DO consider returning for a 'revenge' year! ;))

Karen, do so good that we'll remember Christina mainly as your big sister! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 13, 2010, 10:17:35 AM
And just like that the CCIW's season is over. Tough loss for IWU. I though for sure when the Titans went up 50-39 early in the second half that the game was over, but give UWSP credit for not breaking.

It would be easy to point to Solari's missed FT or the questionable charge call on Solari, but UWSP also missed two big FTs with 1:09 left and the Pointers also misfired on 3 or 4 gimmies in the last two minutes. I actually think UWSP did more to lose the game down the stretch than IWU did, but managed to pull out the win anyway.

Congrats to IWU on another great season. 28-2 with CCIW regular season and tourney titles and a Sweet 16 appearance is nothing to sneeze at, but when the goal was a national championship I'm sure it will be a while before the sting wears off for the Titans and they are able to appreciate what they did accomplish.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 13, 2010, 10:42:10 AM
This was a very good year for the CCIW. IWU was once again the best team, but they were tested much more in league play this year than last year. Looking ahead, it seems that the league can only get better as a whole next season.

Only four of the 15 all-CCIW players are seniors, and while those seniors are all outstanding players it is pretty clear that it was not a senior-dominated league. A team-by-team look at the seniors:

Augustana: Kristen Fox

Carthage: Rosie Dorn, Katie Klemke
Coach Bernero's comments make it sound like Heather Gilmore will be back: "In looking back on this experience, you hope your younger kids were observant of the senior leaders we had in Rosie and Katie (Klemke)," he said. http://www.kenoshanews.com/sports/george_fox_puts_clamps_on_reds_7540162.html

Elmhurst: Maggie McTeague, Lyndsie Long, Rashida Joiner

Illinois Wesleyan: Carrie Williams, Christina Solari

Millikin: Brooke Carlson

North Central: Brittany James

North Park: Juliann Plimpton, Larisa Coldebella

Wheaton: Sarah Jones

Congrats to all these players on great careers and thanks for sticking with it.

Only taking statistics into consideration (and not the many other ways these players impact their teams) it is the top 3 teams that are losing the most. It makes sense that the teams with strong senior classes were the most successful in a league dominated by underclassmen.

Next year should see an even more competitive league.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2010, 11:19:47 AM
Well stated, Moser.
My congratulations to IWU for another excellent season. I was hoping to see the Titans vs Lady Reds in the national championship game, but sadly, not this time. Double dang it!
Christina Solari set the standard for superior athleticism and versatile, smart play at the post position.
Fellow senior Carrie Williams also was a good teammate, who did well when she got the chance to play.
Carthage seniors Katie Klemke and Rosie Dorn were remarkably reliable throughout their careers and each peaked as players this season.
Rosie is also known for having a delightful sense of humor. Coach Bernero has mentioned it to me a few times in recent years.
I enjoyed an example of it when I was seated near the Carthage players before a game at the U of Chicago early this season. Some of the players were looking at the banners of the UAA schools and were discussing where various schools were (Emory, Carnegie-Mellon, etc). I mentioned that Brandeis U is in Boston, but that CCIW teams get to go to places like Decatur, to which Rosie replied, "Decatur is the new Boston!" A great line, which just about made snot shoot out of my nose. (no offense intended for Millikin)
Good luck to all of the CCIW seniors! Thanks for playing!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 13, 2010, 04:50:33 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2010, 04:48:10 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 13, 2010, 10:42:10 AM
North Park: Juliann Plimpton

You forgot NPU's Larisa Coldebella, who is also a senior.

Whoops! My mistake...now corrected.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2010, 11:17:51 PM
Warmest congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on an incredible season -- yet again.  Very exciting for all and a great strength for the IWU/Titan nation.  We are proud of all of you.  Next year will be even better . . . so keep up the good work, work hard in off-season, make us proud again.

To Christina Solari . . . you are simply one of the best overall, all-round players in the history of IWU sports . . . if not the best woman basketball player in the great tradition of IWU basketball.  Thank you and all best wishes for future endeavors.  We wish you all the best . . . and, of course, all IWU fans hope you "pull a Kent Raymond" and come back again next year for your last year of eligibility.  :)

Again, great season Titans.  We so enjoyed watching you play the great game, and were proud of you on and off the court.

Thanks to all who made possible the IWU season -- coaches, staff, trainers, players, fans . . . and all the staff, supporters at the Shirk Center.  It's wonderful for the B/N community and IWU community. 

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2010, 11:48:24 PM
Mark, as I posted on the men's board already, Sean Dwyer also has a medical redshirt year for the asking.  I behooves us to urge Christina and Sean to spend a 'honeymoon year' seeking matching national championships! ;D

I doubt it will work, but can't hurt to try! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2010, 02:19:26 AM
Perhaps romance and grad school calls . . . but one can always hope they both come back.  Both are great players and a credit to IWU and the community.  The future looks bright for both our teams.  Olivia Lett moving to the front court?  Or, Karen taking up Christina's position . . . with lots of other great players waiting for their turn. (Sarah Cotner?).   On the men's side, hope to see all the great players back, stronger, bigger and fitter than this year . . . and the further development of Connolly and others.  Let's hope Brady Zimmer is joining us, and his brother, for further bombs from three-point land, and spreading the floor more for Sexauer and other post players.  I think we need one more lights-out, consistent perimeter shooter and one more bruiser, enforcer big -- a la the Jones, or Steve Schweer.  The CCIW on the men's side will be very very tough next year, so IWU must improve, get stronger and even faster to compete, to get back to the DIII dance again next year.   Sad to see the season end -- it was a very good and exciting one for IWU fans and the Titan nation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2010, 10:33:49 AM
The highlight of this season for me was the February 10 Carthage - Elmhurst game, the most memorable I've seen in my eight or nine years of following CCIW women's basketball.
Thanks to Katie Klemke and especially Lyndsie Long for making it such a fabulous game!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2010, 03:21:27 PM
iwu70, you raise some interesting questions about who gets Christina's minutes next year.
Sarah Cotner is a good low-post scorer, but may not be able to replace what Christina did in IWU's press. Same might be said about Amy Burton.
Mackenzie Floyd is an excellent rebounder and would be a long-armed impediment for opponents to inbound the ball past in a press situation.
If they decide to use less height, Karen Solari could get more minutes.
If it was up to me (and it definitely isn't!), I'd play Karen until she tired out or fouled out. I've seen her be a game-changer defensively and she can score pretty well too.
Olivia Lett did many things well, but wasn't one to get a lot of steals : one every 53 minutes, compared to Christina's one steal every 9 minutes.
We'll see if IWU presses less next year.
Offensively, they're relying less on threes than a few years ago : 24.8 3att/g in 06-07, 27.8 in 07-08, 22.5 in 08-09 and 20.1 in 09-10.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2010, 03:58:18 PM
IWU's 20.1 3FG att per game did lead the CCIW, by the way.
The rest: Millikin 19.8, Wheaton 18.8, North Central 16.5, Carthage 15.3, Augustana 14.7, Elmhurst 13.1, North Park 12.2.
But I wouldn't call 20.1 a lot. Olivet Nazarene's 47.4 3FG att per game is a lot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2010, 06:29:26 PM
Nobody thinks my IWU speculation is a pile of fecal deposits?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 15, 2010, 06:54:59 PM
I believe it is very safe to say that Olivia Lett will start next year for the Titans.  Lett's upside as a CCIW player is very high...I think she is good enough to develop into a 1st Team All-CCIW performer.  Maybe as early as next season.  She brings such a unique skill set to the Division III level - a 6-0 guard who can shoot the heck out of it.

Lett played at about 80% this season after transferring to IWU (still coming back from the knee injury at SIU).  She should enter 2010-11 much closer to 100% (both in terms of her knee and also conditioning...she was never completely in "basketball shape" this year) and she will no longer be the transfer trying to fit in without rocking the boat.  

IWU will really miss Christina Solari, and the Titans certainly won't have the low post presence they've had the last 3 years,  but my guess is that Lett will turn into a CCIW star next season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2010, 07:20:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 15, 2010, 06:29:26 PM
Nobody thinks my IWU speculation is a pile of fecal deposits?

I have yet to see them live (I was counting on doing it this weekend :(), but your analysis sounds pretty close to what this distant observer thought.  Of course, it would be no issue if Christina Solari and Sean Dwyer (who are both eligible for medical redshirts) would take my light-hearted advice and do a 'honeymoon tour' next year to try for matching Walnut-and-Bronze trophies! ;D

Alas, it won't happen (but a fan can dream, can't he?!).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 16, 2010, 06:41:07 AM
I have been thinking for sometime about the Titan team will look next year if Christina Solari does not come back.  It will be massively different; more so than many realize.  I began to appreciate CS's game after I learned that she had played football (er, soccer) as a central midfielder throughout high school.  That position requires the ability to score, but also awareness of where teammates are (on a much wider playing field) and a willingness and ability to pass to the open player.  All of that, of course, we saw in her basketball play.  There just aren't many post players who have such a wide skill set, and that's no knock on the rest of the Titans, or on any other team.

No one has mentioned Stacey Arlis, and that was surely an oversight, as Stacey is the most athletic of the frontcourt Titans.  Hope Schulte was first team all-CCIW, and I think those two are set.  Karen Solari is a brilliant player, but at 5'8" it's unrealistic to ask her to play the post.  She's had some great play under the basket (somewhat like Crystal Dye a few years ago), but I think she's really a guard.

Mia Smith will have some interesting decisions to make, for sure.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2010, 10:33:25 AM
That's interesting about Christina having been a soccer player, HT.
The lateral mobility and running endurance which soccer players develop translates very well into basketball, from what I've seen. The ability to change directions while sprinting makes for a good point guard and it's a real bonus to have that agility in a 6-footer.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 16, 2010, 11:14:40 AM
All-region teams are up.  C. Solari and Lyndsie Long are first-teamers; Hope Schulte and Elise Wildman third-teamers.  Julia Hirssig of UW-Stout is POY and Shirley Egner of UWSP Coach of the Year (well-deserved in my opinion).

The announcement came out on Facebook and Twitter first; it's here:
http://www.d3hoops.com/all-region/index.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2010, 11:19:01 AM
Congratulations to 1st teamers Lyndsie Long and Christina Solari and 3rd teamers Hope Schulte and Elise Wildman.
A big mistake leaving out Diana Jacklin! She was the third best player in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2010, 03:23:03 PM
One team that should be as good, or better, in '10-'11 is Millikin.
They had just 8 players play more than 41 minutes in '09-'10 : Brooke Carlson (the only senior), Beth Wellbaum, Crystal Zeigler, Elise Wildman, Cecily Aldridge, Julia Robert, Kaitlin Brassil and Amy Radford.
I assume that the seven returning players will again play a lot, but perhaps not as heavy minutes for some of 'em. I'm guessing that Radford may get more time, reducing Wildman's a little.
Judging from one JV game I saw, Wellbaum may not have to play whole games if Olya Cholewick and/or the Williams sisters (twins?) get some time at guard. Millikin has a large roster, so there could be others that will factor in, too. Not to mention new freshmen.
I thought Julia Robert became an improved scorer late in the season, from distance and nearer the basket. I'll predict that her overall FG pct and 3FG pct will go up in '10-'11. She's not easy to guard.
I see no reason why Aldridge, Zeigler and Brassil will not be as good or better next year, too.
With Wildman as their go-to first choice offensive weapon, I expect they'll remain a half-court-type team. They can be beaten soundly, as IWU proved in the conference playoffs. But, if anyone plays a half-court style with them, it'll be a battle.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2010, 04:19:25 PM
What are some other thoughts about Millikin? Moser? Anyone?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: rfcf on March 16, 2010, 08:44:39 PM
Carthage makes it to the Sweet 16 and not one player makes it to the Central All Regional Team? It doesn't make sense. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 16, 2010, 08:51:50 PM
Jacklin was the next-best vote-getter among post players, the first player left off the team. As a sophomore I am sure she will have other opportunities. When you're going up against the WIAC and Wash U, like the Central Region does, it's an accomplishment to make All-Region.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2010, 01:53:24 PM
Now that everyone is done discussing Millikin, let's look at Wheaton.
The Thunder were middle-of-the-pack this season (13-12, 6-8), but will be better next year, if a few things happen :
(1) Better health for Breanna Bohlen and Lissie McAlvey and (2) just a little more help in the frontcourt.
Kelly Brooks and Lisa Ballenger are good players, but neither are 25-30 minute per game players (not so far, anyway). Annie Bowen often played the 5 position, but was out-heighted now and then, and might be best as a 4. Elisabeth Potts is definitely good as a 3 and sometimes as a 4. Add in one or two new good big players and you have a very solid group.
The guard list is pretty deep. Lindsey Brenneman is an all-conference-level player. Brooke Olson is a hard-nosed player, who could be very good, with a little refinement. Breanna Bohlen, if healthy, could become a major star. McAlvey, if healthy, would be very valuable at either guard or small forward.
Shannon McNeil, Jennifer Lee and Darcy Cornell all provided a good boost as subs.
Wheaton's returning players combined for a very good .347 3FG pct.
The team 2FG pct was only .405, though, so I'm sure they'll work on that.
What do others have to say about Wheaton?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2010, 02:25:04 PM
The Kenosha News sports page has an article mentioning that the NCAA has in fact apologized for screwing up and letting Wash U host, when Carthage should have been the host.
http://www.kenoshanews.com/sports/index.php
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 18, 2010, 12:12:14 AM
Wheaton and Millikin are teams to watch for the 2010-11 season. Here's my scattered thoughts on the two teams.

Millikin needs depth. They had a solid starting group this season (4 sophomores, 1 junior) and Kaitlin Brassil provided scoring off of the bench. But the Big Blue rarely played more than 7 players, which makes winning against say, Illinois Wesleyan, very difficult. Millikin's roster is certainly big enough to fit a couple more people into the rotation, and I would expect that some JV players will find their way into the mix next year. The advantage Millikin has is that it's entire starting 5 returns.

I don't think 11 CCIW wins is out of the question for Millikin next year, simply based on who is returning around the league.

Wheaton needs to improve defensively. Wheaton was seventh in points allowed (73.8 ppg), fourth in field goal % defense, last in 3 pt. % defense, and last in defensive rebounding and rebounding margin. By contrast, Wheaton's 2007 CCIW Champion team was second in points allowed (58.1 ppg), first in field goal % defense, fifth in 3 pt % defense, fifth in defensive rebounding, and third in rebounding margin. Those are significant differences, especially points allowed.

There are two things Wheaton is missing defensively: consistent defensive energy and a Jill Trenz-like rebounder/post defender. Wheaton's post players are good scorers, but not as strong defensively and on the boards. Keep in mind though that Annie Bowen was not completely healthy this year. Overall, Wheaton was pretty banged up this year.

I would project Wheaton in the 8-9 win range next year, though with good recruits and overall team health 10 or 11 could be within reach.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 18, 2010, 02:50:42 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 17, 2010, 02:25:04 PM
The Kenosha News sports page has an article mentioning that the NCAA has in fact apologized for screwing up and letting Wash U host, when Carthage should have been the host.
http://www.kenoshanews.com/sports/index.php

Interesting that this story doesn't actually quote the NCAA.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2010, 10:56:06 AM
The article doesn't say if the reporter tried to reach the NCAA directly.
Should he have suspected that the Carthage AD fabricated the content of the NCAA phone call?
Ideally, the NCAA would have issued a press release to explain the error.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2010, 11:39:35 AM
Moser, if Millikin jumped from this year's 9-5 to 11-3, they would have to sweep Augie, North Park, North Central, Elmhurst and Wheaton and gain a win over IWU or Carthage. I'm assuming IWU and Carthage will still be topnotch teams next year.
Quite a bit of how next year turns out may depend on how Elmhurst does. Their loss of seniors (Long, Joiner, McTeague) is quite significant, so they may not be a 10-4 team. But, they should certainly be in the vicinity of 8-6. Maybe 9-5 or better if recruiting is fruitful.
Another question is whether Augie, North Park or North Central can show progress to the point of getting a win vs any of the other five teams. It would be nice if they could, for the sake of competitiveness (and of course for the sake of their players and coaches).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2010, 12:03:22 PM
Moser, Wheaton's points allowed was 69.6 overall, 71.9 in CCIW play. North Central had the 73.8.
Regardless, even 73.8 is not necessarily a problem, if your offense can produce 79 or 85 or 92 points per game. (Oops, I think I just revealed by bias toward running, running and more running!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 18, 2010, 02:37:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 18, 2010, 10:56:06 AM
The article doesn't say if the reporter tried to reach the NCAA directly.
Should he have suspected that the Carthage AD fabricated the content of the NCAA phone call?
Ideally, the NCAA would have issued a press release to explain the error.
As someone that works in the media... I wouldn't say there was a fabrication of a conversation, but there could be changes in the context of a call either by the AD or by how the reporter interrupted or heard information from the AD. Also, it's one-sided. If the AD is angry or disappointed, he could alter his words slightly changing the meaning of the story completely.

I talked to the NCAA and what they told me was that the mileage mistake was made... but it wasn't a factor in the decision on who hosted. Wash U was the higher regionally ranked team and since Mount Union planned to bus to either location... a decision to fly two teams or one based on mileage wasn't part of the decision. I don't know when Mount Union informed the NCAA about their plans to bus and I did leave the ten minute conversation wondering a few things I couldn't get answered, but the message was clear... the mileage mistake wasn't made and I was told, in a some-what guarded way, the NCAA did make calls to explain the mistake but didn't apologize.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2010, 02:49:17 PM
Until this matter came up, I wasn't aware that the NCAA pays the transportation costs for tournament teams. Too bad they can't afford to allow the top seed to host, regardless of distances.
Under the current plan, George Fox has little chance of ever hosting that round of games.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 18, 2010, 03:20:47 PM
True about Millikin, but all I said was that 11 wins is not out of the question.

My point with Wheaton is that it has been a defensively-oriented program. Their best teams have been in the upper part of the league defensively.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2010, 04:54:07 PM
All true, Moser. Sometimes I am an agitator. No offense intended, especially toward you, since you're one of the apparent few who are interested in the entire league.
Do you have any ideas about our three 2-12 teams, Augie, NC and NP?
Which, if any, might make a move upward in the standings in '10-'11?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 18, 2010, 06:06:24 PM
Hey Rog,
Some of us just didn't have the chance to see everyone this season...doesn't mean we're not interested! 

Thanks for keeping us informed.  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2010, 06:31:40 PM
HT, can't you use some galaxy-strength (?) telescopes to look into all the CCIW gyms and monitor four games at once?
I accept the point of your post. As an observer not tied to any of the CCIW schools, I am in the unusual position of being able to go to any gym based on whim, to sample the whole league. Plus, I can easily visit half the league without having to travel for several hours after a game.
My lament probably should be that we don't have contributors on this page from all eight schools. It would be fun if we did, especially if they had the enthusiasm of you IWU supporters.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 19, 2010, 10:59:01 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 18, 2010, 10:56:06 AM
The article doesn't say if the reporter tried to reach the NCAA directly.
Should he have suspected that the Carthage AD fabricated the content of the NCAA phone call?
Ideally, the NCAA would have issued a press release to explain the error.

No, but as a journalist his duty is to get both sides of the story.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on March 19, 2010, 12:00:06 PM
All American Team was announced today! Lyndsie Long was 1 of 10 D3 women to receive the top honor  ;D! Here is the link for all to see: http://www.wbca.org/releases/2010DIIISFCAATPR.html. Now that her career has come to an end I can now say on this blog that I am a proud oldest brother to have a wonderful and talented sister in Lyndsie. All those youth years of my brother and I picking on her on and off the court have paid off in one of the biggest ways I never thought could be possible;). It's a great Friday and soon I will be soaking up the sun at today's White Sox/Cubs game in Glendale, AZ! :D What else could be better than that?

Also, I want to say Congrats the the CCIW ladies that received honorable mention in the Al-American voting! Way to go CCIW!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2010, 01:02:33 PM
Congratulations to Lyndsie!
That's the honor that Claire Sheehan got a year ago. Very good.
It's too bad that we don't get to watch Lyndsie and Claire play hoops for a longer period of time, but then again, there has to be room and opportunity for new players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 21, 2010, 02:11:51 PM
Congrats to Lyndsie Long and Christina Solari on being named to the D3hoops All-American team. A well-deserved cap to their careers.

http://www.d3hoops.com/all-american/womenallam10.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: pointlem on March 21, 2010, 03:41:30 PM
Kudos and thanks to IWU for its well-managed Final Four hospitality this weekend.  The event was well-staffed.  The PA announcer was great (was he from the NCAA . . . or Bloomington?).  And the IWU pep band was (in the minds of Hope fans) amazing.  IWU must have either a great music department or a popular band director.  Too bad the long hoped-for IWU/Hope women's BB matchup didn't happen.  But with both teams returning lots of talent, perhaps next year?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 21, 2010, 04:08:22 PM
Quote from: pointlem on March 21, 2010, 03:41:30 PM
Kudos and thanks to IWU for its well-managed Final Four hospitality this weekend.  The event was well-staffed.  The PA announcer was great (was he from the NCAA . . . or Bloomington?).  And the IWU pep band was (in the minds of Hope fans) amazing.  IWU must have either a great music department or a popular band director.  Too bad the long hoped-for IWU/Hope women's BB matchup didn't happen.  But with both teams returning lots of talent, perhaps next year?

Thanks.  The IWU School of Music is excellent (I nearly married a piano major/voice minor, though, in retrospect I prefer the wife I've got - even if she cares nothing about IWU ;)).

Our only really painful loss is Christina Solari - as you probably remember, she was 1st team pre-season AA over Carrie Snikkers, though that obviously changed during the course of the year ;) (they still haven't posted the women's AA list, but she was 1st team all-central region).  She will be hard to replace, but I thought the same after 3 starters graduated last season! 

I'm starting to think having home-court for the FF is like being on the cover of Sports Illustrated. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 21, 2010, 04:54:20 PM
Quote from: pointlem on March 21, 2010, 03:41:30 PM
Kudos and thanks to IWU for its well-managed Final Four hospitality this weekend.  The event was well-staffed.  The PA announcer was great (was he from the NCAA . . . or Bloomington?).  And the IWU pep band was (in the minds of Hope fans) amazing.  IWU must have either a great music department or a popular band director.  Too bad the long hoped-for IWU/Hope women's BB matchup didn't happen.  But with both teams returning lots of talent, perhaps next year?

Pointlem, IWU is really lucky to have a terrific pep band.  The band has become such a big part of the Shirk Center atmosphere on game day.  I think sometimes it is not until a home game when they are not there (a game over a break) that IWU fans really realize how important they are.

(And yes, IWU has a really good school of music.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Moser on March 21, 2010, 05:03:00 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 21, 2010, 02:11:51 PM
Congrats to Lyndsie Long and Christina Solari on being named to the D3hoops All-American team. A well-deserved cap to their careers.

http://www.d3hoops.com/all-american/womenallam10.htm

Mr. Ypsi, they actually have posted the All-America list.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 21, 2010, 06:54:25 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 21, 2010, 05:03:00 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 21, 2010, 02:11:51 PM
Congrats to Lyndsie Long and Christina Solari on being named to the D3hoops All-American team. A well-deserved cap to their careers.

http://www.d3hoops.com/all-american/womenallam10.htm

Mr. Ypsi, they actually have posted the All-America list.

Thanks - it wasn't up the last I had checked, and I overlooked your post.

Since Christina's stats this season were not that great, glad they looked a bit deeper into the full player value.

I'm still sorry we will never see that Solari/Snikkers face off! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dothedew on March 21, 2010, 09:01:37 PM
As a Hope fan I would also like to thank IWU for an enjoyable weekend. We would have liked a better outcome...but it was good times for all. AND.....a short drive.
ENJOY THE OFF SEASON :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 22, 2010, 01:34:54 PM
My congratulations, too, to Lyndsie and Christina for making the d3hoops all-America top ten! Our conference is proud of them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 24, 2010, 01:19:52 PM
The final d3hoops poll for '09-'10 places IWU 6th and Carthage 11th.
Congrats to coaches Smith and Bernero for that achievement. I'm sure neither was satisfied, but they each did very well.
Now, if we could get all eight CCIW teams into next year's top 25 or 30...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 25, 2010, 12:45:33 PM
Can anyone offer insight into the relationship between D3 basketball coaches and athletic directors?
Do ADs ever get involved in any on-court issues, or do they typically leave the coaches alone?
Does an AD say "what you're doing defensively (or offensively) doesn't seem to be working... is there another direction to try?"
Or, might there be discussion involving specific players like there is between NBA general managers and head coaches?
Or, in the other direction, does a coach approach the AD for feedback if he or she is thinking of some significant change in the program, such as recruiting from a new geographical area, or for altering the style of play?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 26, 2010, 05:46:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 25, 2010, 12:45:33 PM
Can anyone offer insight into the relationship between D3 basketball coaches and athletic directors?
Do ADs ever get involved in any on-court issues, or do they typically leave the coaches alone?
Does an AD say "what you're doing defensively (or offensively) doesn't seem to be working... is there another direction to try?"
Or, might there be discussion involving specific players like there is between NBA general managers and head coaches?
Or, in the other direction, does a coach approach the AD for feedback if he or she is thinking of some significant change in the program, such as recruiting from a new geographical area, or for altering the style of play?

Roger - my response is based not just upon Div. III but expose to Div. I programs, too.
In general terms, AD's leave the coaching to the coach.  If I'm an AD and have to get involved in the level of questions posed, what the heck did I hire this coach for? And, when you take a look at the bios of AD's, most don't necessarily have a strong basketball background.  Their coaching experience maybe in other sports; academics; or, business/management.  

IMHO, an AD's primary role is to support the objectives of their university and boss (usually university president) and manage: athletic department personnel, relationships within and outside the university, alumni relations and budgets - fiscal and facilities.

If an AD gets involved it is usually because some action, or someone, brought a "potential problem"  to the AD's attention.  No AD wants a "potential coaches' problem" to become an AD's problem.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 26, 2010, 06:01:09 PM
Though one might make an exception for Lori Kerans! :D

(Did she resign as AD - I can't recall.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 26, 2010, 06:30:39 PM
Yup, she did, Mr Ypsi.
For several years, she was AD and head coach, as was Jack Surridge at North Park.
Kerans dropped the AD gig and Surridge did the opposite, staying as the AD.
I wonder if either ever called themselves into their office for a chat!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 26, 2010, 07:49:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 26, 2010, 06:30:39 PM
Yup, she did, Mr Ypsi.
For several years, she was AD and head coach, as was Jack Surridge at North Park.
Kerans dropped the AD gig and Surridge did the opposite, staying as the AD.
I wonder if either ever called themselves into their office for a chat!

What I'm waiting for is a coach/AD where the AD flat-out fires the coach!

I suspect I'll be waiting a while! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 09, 2010, 11:21:45 AM
Has anyone heard a rumor that IWU has cancelled next year's athletics schedule so that maximum resources can be devoted to Y3K preparations?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sumfun on April 09, 2010, 08:50:27 PM
Except for the fact that it's April 9th....April Fools?!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 09, 2010, 11:01:03 PM
Quote from: sumfun on April 09, 2010, 08:50:27 PM
Except for the fact that it's April 9th....April Fools?!

I think RogK is just desperate for conversation on this board! ;)

Alas, I have no recruiting news to post.

I AM curious to hear opinions about continued Titan domination - they graduate only one key player, but what a player!  With Christina Solari gone, I'm guessing they are still the team to beat, but are they THE team to beat?  (UWSP got 'em this year, but are they still a threat to finish at home in March?)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on April 10, 2010, 11:42:53 AM
Out of curiosity: what are the odds that Illinois State goes after Coach Mia?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on April 10, 2010, 12:53:34 PM
Quote from: WUH on April 10, 2010, 11:42:53 AM
Out of curiosity: what are the odds that Illinois State goes after Coach Mia?

I would say almost zero chance.  If Illinois State decided to hire a Division III coach (which I do not see happening), I just can't see that it would be from the Division III school down the street.  There is just kind of a hard-to-explain dynamic there between ISU and IWU.  Ultimately I think you'll see ISU hire either an assistant at a major program or a head coach at a lower D1.  Outgoing coach Robin Pingeton (now here in Columbia, Mo.) started her career at her alma mater, NAIA St. Ambrose, but she was on the staff at Iowa St before getting the Illinois State job.  I think if Mia Smith wants to get to D1, she'll have to make a similar move first.

Actually, it is a shame for ISU that they probably won't even consider her.  Mia Smith has proven to be a tremendous recruiter of Illinois talent.  I don't think that would change at Illinois State, where you're looking in a lot of the same places.  Mia has roots in southern Illinois (from little Farina, and played at SIU-E) and has obviously proven she can recruit the Chicago area.

But good for IWU - it seems she'll have the Titans in the conference title hunt almost every year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on April 10, 2010, 04:35:44 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 10, 2010, 12:53:34 PM
I would say almost zero chance.  

Thanks for the answer.  I had selfishly hoped you would say something else, but not for the reasons one might expect.

My wife teaches at a local high school, and one of her students is the best point guard in the state, and happens to be one of the smartest students my wife has ever had.  She is headed to Illinois State in the fall and deserves an exceptional coach.  

The coaching world is so incredibly interesting.  If you are Illinois State, you have in Mia Smith a proven head coach, and also a proven recruiter who knows how to find talent in the city and region that matters most to your success.  You have a coach who is obviously committed to the community.  And, most importantly, you have someone that brings a style of basketball that is flat-out fun to watch.
_____

Mr. Ypsi: I know what you are thinking after reading my post.  Titan fans also deserve an exceptional coach.  You obviously have great fans and a great tradition.  How could I disagree with you there?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on April 10, 2010, 04:37:36 PM
And, while I know very little about the sport, it seems to me that Illinois State would run a similar level of risk hiring Mia Smith as they would hiring a Division I assistant coach. 

I know at least one local Division I institution that went for the big hire, a former Pac 10 Assistant Coach, but what has she done for them lately?  Nothing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 15, 2010, 11:23:12 AM
Hey Hoosier Titan,
Are you still in England?
Looks like an interesting day in the UK, with Icelandic volcano ash causing air traffic to halt.
The airborne ash might result in a pretty sunset.
Will you pay attention to the PM candidate debate?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on April 15, 2010, 12:41:27 PM
Rog,
Yes, here for exactly two more months.  It is very grey; not sure I would have noticed much difference in the weather except that it was supposed to be sunny and it isn't!  (But that is not unusual).  All airports in the UK and Scandinavia are closed; it now seems to have spread to the Continent as well. 

Today is the 21st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster:  thousands of Liverpool Football Club fans (that's what we call soccer) went to a semi-final match in a national tournament and, because of police and organizational incompetence, 96 of them were crushed to death when too many people were forced into too small a space. No one has ever been held fully accountable, although a new inquiry has just been launched and thousands of documents released.  This is by way of answering your question about whether we'll watch the debate tonight, and the answer is no.  We're going to hear friends perform at an open mic night at a folk music club.  This is held in a pub that was built in the 14th century!  We practiced, and might possibly perform, a Liverpool song in tribute.

I mention this because this day always makes me realize how much anyone who attends sporting events, or concerts, or plays, or even religious services or school depends upon organizations to make sure the premises are safe and not overcrowded.   Thankfully, this can be taken for granted.

We'll be here for the election...not sure I can take much speechmaking.  At least they are limited to about a month of campaigning here.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 15, 2010, 01:39:29 PM
This link
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/destination/stadiums/index.html
may interest you, HT.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on April 19, 2010, 09:00:31 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 10, 2010, 12:53:34 PM
Quote from: WUH on April 10, 2010, 11:42:53 AM
Out of curiosity: what are the odds that Illinois State goes after Coach Mia?

I would say almost zero chance.  If Illinois State decided to hire a Division III coach (which I do not see happening), I just can't see that it would be from the Division III school down the street.  There is just kind of a hard-to-explain dynamic there between ISU and IWU.  Ultimately I think you'll see ISU hire either an assistant at a major program or a head coach at a lower D1.  Outgoing coach Robin Pingeton (now here in Columbia, Mo.) started her career at her alma mater, NAIA St. Ambrose, but she was on the staff at Iowa St before getting the Illinois State job.  I think if Mia Smith wants to get to D1, she'll have to make a similar move first.

Actually, it is a shame for ISU that they probably won't even consider her.  Mia Smith has proven to be a tremendous recruiter of Illinois talent.  I don't think that would change at Illinois State, where you're looking in a lot of the same places.  Mia has roots in southern Illinois (from little Farina, and played at SIU-E) and has obviously proven she can recruit the Chicago area.

But good for IWU - it seems she'll have the Titans in the conference title hunt almost every year.

This is who Illinois State is hiring...

http://www.utladyvols.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/glance_stephanie00.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on April 21, 2010, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 19, 2010, 09:00:31 PM
This is who Illinois State is hiring...

http://www.utladyvols.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/glance_stephanie00.html

Thanks for posting!  Incidentally, it looks like the student I mentioned may be headed in your direction if everything falls in to place, though the quick hire may be enough to convince her that the first choice was the best choice.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 23, 2010, 07:07:21 PM
Congratulations to Millikin's Dick Marshall. Tomorrow, he'll be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (and I assume they'll let him go home later in the day).
Prior to his current 15 years as an assistant at Millikin, he worked 33 years as a head coach at the high school level. That's quite a history for a guy who's only 52 years of age!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 23, 2010, 11:24:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 23, 2010, 07:07:21 PM
Congratulations to Millikin's Dick Marshall. Tomorrow, he'll be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (and I assume they'll let him go home later in the day).
Prior to his current 15 years as an assistant at Millikin, he worked 33 years as a head coach at the high school level. That's quite a history for a guy who's only 52 years of age!


He was a HS HC at age 4?!  What a prodigy! :o ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on April 26, 2010, 03:35:01 PM
IWU recruit...

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/marengo/features/x1042552649/Easts-Baltes-to-ink-with-Illinois-Wesleyan-today

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 04, 2010, 01:32:21 PM
IWU's web site lists some Class of 2014 WBB players :
Lexi Baltes, point guard, St. Charles, Ill. (St. Charles East HS)
Annie Brown, forward, Bloomington, Ill. (Normal West HS)
Colleen McMahon, guard, Orland Park, Ill. (Sandburg HS)
Taylor Reaber, forward, (Immaculate Conception HS)
Katy Seibring, forward, Bloomington, Ill. (Normal Community HS)
Abby White, guard, (Glenbard West HS)
--
I did a quick look at the rest of the league, but didn't see any news of other new players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on May 06, 2010, 10:53:58 PM
Article on IWU's class...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/article_fba58942-597b-11df-8f55-001cc4c03286.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 11, 2010, 06:52:17 PM
Wheaton has a '10-'11 schedule posted :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&
Only nine nonconference games are accounted for, so they could still add two.
Of the 14 CCIW games, seven are on Saturdays, five are on Wednesdays and just two on Tuesdays (vs Augustana).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 28, 2010, 06:54:58 PM
Carthage has a good pile of players set to arrive in the fall :
"The six are guard Gabby Chapa (5-9, Barrington, Ill./Lake Zurich), forward Ashley Hermanson (6-0, Monroe, Wis.), guard Stephanie Kuzmanic (5-8, Mount Prospect, Ill./Wheeling), forward Kristi Schmidt (5-9, Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community), guard Haley Stercic (5-4, Chicago, Ill./Marist) and center Michelle Wenzel (6-0, Darien, Wis./Delavan-Darien)."
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2010/5/28/Womens_Basketball_0528105903.aspx
And 16 Augie players (and coaches) are departing for Athens on June 1. They will play three games in Greece, on June 4, 7 and 9. Happy travels!
http://www.augustana.edu/x19923.xml
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on May 31, 2010, 05:02:52 AM
Warm congrats to the Track and Field Lady Titans, bringing home the DIII National Outdoor Championship/Title, outright.  A super achievement. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on June 01, 2010, 08:54:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 28, 2010, 06:54:58 PM
Carthage has a good pile of players set to arrive in the fall :
"The six are guard Gabby Chapa (5-9, Barrington, Ill./Lake Zurich), forward Ashley Hermanson (6-0, Monroe, Wis.), guard Stephanie Kuzmanic (5-8, Mount Prospect, Ill./Wheeling), forward Kristi Schmidt (5-9, Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community), guard Haley Stercic (5-4, Chicago, Ill./Marist) and center Michelle Wenzel (6-0, Darien, Wis./Delavan-Darien)."
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2010/5/28/Womens_Basketball_0528105903.aspx
And 16 Augie players (and coaches) are departing for Athens on June 1. They will play three games in Greece, on June 4, 7 and 9. Happy travels!
http://www.augustana.edu/x19923.xml

I think Hermanson will be a very good player for them. True 5 player with long arms and a decent 15-foot jump shot.
I saw Kuzmanic a little bit and feel like she could help to; just not as convinced she'll transition to the college game like Hermanson should.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: CCIWFAN10 on June 02, 2010, 03:37:28 PM
North Central College has hired Michelle Roof from Aurora University as Head Coach.   Megan McGuire is transferring to NIU for her senior year. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 02, 2010, 05:48:02 PM
Thanks for providing that news, CCIWFAN10.
I hadn't even heard that Kendra Hunter had left NC.
Here's my un-asked-for advice to the new coach (and to all coaches throughout basketball, for that matter!) : get the ball down the court before the other team's defense has a chance to set up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 03, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Natalie Runge, Jessica Scott and Allie Scaggs have already posted some reports on the Augie team trip to Greece :
http://www.augustana.edu/x19947.xml
The initial travel itinerary got lengthened further, with St John's Newfoundland added between Atlanta and Athens.
(for some Newfie jokes, see http://www.upalong.org/newfieJokes.asp )
Sounds like (and looks like -- check the photos) the Augie girls are having a lot of fun.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 07, 2010, 01:34:28 PM
IWU assistant coach (and recent North Central player) Katherine Menendez has left the CCIW, taking an assistant coach position at Emory U in Atlanta.
Wasn't Bloomington-Normal southerly enough? Evidently not.
Well, good luck to her, anyway.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on June 24, 2010, 07:35:20 AM
IWU schedule...

http://www.iwusports.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on June 29, 2010, 07:07:17 AM
Christina Solari will be an assistant coach at Maine South while pursuing her teaching certificate and master's at DePaul...

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge/sports/highschools/2442542,park-ridge-solari-070110-s1.article
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on June 29, 2010, 12:33:16 PM
Very nice schedule.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on June 30, 2010, 05:57:03 PM
Holy moly.  That is impressive.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 15, 2010, 07:22:45 PM
The summer league at Elmhurst College wrapped up last night.
Thanks to Coach Werner and her crew for again hosting the league.
I enjoyed several evenings there, although I didn't see last night's action.
The CCIW was well-represented, with players from seven of the eight schools (no Millikin participation --- they may have their own summer league).
The host Bluejays did very well, from what I saw. Meghan Merklein appears to be at her healthiest, which is very good news for the Jays.
And don't be surprised if some players that you haven't heard of play prominent roles for Elmhurst this fall. Coach Werner can expect a lot of serious competition for playing time from throughout her '10-'11 roster.
Carthage is loaded with talent. They will likely have the best group of low-post players that has been seen in the CCIW in quite a while. Diana Jacklin and Cailee Corcoran have proven themselves already, and Ashley Hermanson leads a freshman group that should do well.
IWU did not have most of its starters playing this time. There were a bunch of new Titans there, though. They did not do any full-court pressing from what I saw, so not many conclusions could be conclusively concluded by me.
Wheaton had a few players in the league. Kelly Brooks did quite well the night I saw her. I saw Brooke Olson in 4 or 5 games; she is always fun to watch --- very fine effort defensively and she's a sharp three point shooter (led the conference-only with .438).
I'll do another post regarding Augie, NP and NC.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 16, 2010, 01:38:24 PM
The five teams that finished above Augie, North Park and North Central are led by some pretty good coaches. Let's check their CCIW in-conference results, ranked by winning pct :
Lori Kerans 257-91 (.739), 11 CCIW titles
Beth Baker 248-100 (.713), 6 CCIW titles
Mia Smith 119-49 (.708), 4 CCIW titles
Tethnie Werner 25-17 (.595), no titles yet
Tim Bernero 57-41 (.582), no titles yet
---
There can't be too many D3 conferences with a majority of current coaches achieving .582 or better.
So, Michelle Roof (0-0 in CCIW), Bobbi Endress (7-49) and Amanda Reese (3-25) do not have a particularly easy task outwitting or outrecruiting the five coaches listed above.
In order to encourage Augie, North Park and North Central, each of whom went 2-12 in conference play in '09-'10, I offer this:
In '06-'07, Elmhurst was 2-12. The following season, they went 8-6. So, a quick jump in league play is possible.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on July 21, 2010, 07:17:26 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 16, 2010, 01:38:24 PM
The five teams that finished above Augie, North Park and North Central are led by some pretty good coaches. Let's check their CCIW in-conference results, ranked by winning pct :
Lori Kerans 257-91 (.739), 11 CCIW titles
Beth Baker 248-100 (.713), 6 CCIW titles
Mia Smith 119-49 (.708), 4 CCIW titles
Tethnie Werner 25-17 (.595), no titles yet
Tim Bernero 57-41 (.582), no titles yet
---
There can't be too many D3 conferences with a majority of current coaches achieving .582 or better.
So, Michelle Roof (0-0 in CCIW), Bobbi Endress (7-49) and Amanda Reese (3-25) do not have a particularly easy task outwitting or outrecruiting the five coaches listed above.
In order to encourage Augie, North Park and North Central, each of whom went 2-12 in conference play in '09-'10, I offer this:
In '06-'07, Elmhurst was 2-12. The following season, they went 8-6. So, a quick jump in league play is possible.

IF any of them have a Lyndsie Long sitting around! ;D

Maybe it is just too early for the question, but I still haven't gotten an answer.  With Christina Solari graduating, I'm guessing that IWU is still a favorite, but are they still THE favorite?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 26, 2010, 06:50:37 PM
Yeah Mr. Ypsi, it's too early to declare THE favorite. We may know by late February!
All eight CCIW teams face the need for some tinkering, if not significant adjusting.
IWU definitely has plenty of good players to absorb Christina's minutes. The personality of the team will be altered somehow (toward size or speed?). The Titans will have a highly-experienced core of seniors and employ the best style of play in the league, so they will be formidable.
Rosie Dorn and Katie Klemke will certainly be missed, but Carthage has many, many good players to take over their playing time.
Elmhurst finished third at 10-4; the Jays most major loss is Lyndsie Long, obviously. They have some interesting newcomers though, so they should be fine.
Millikin was fourth at 9-5. They got mangled and mutilated by IWU in the conference playoffs, so they will modify their game a bit. I expect them to be strong in '10-'11.
Wheaton went 6-8 in conference play, but I think they're close to becoming very good (see my 3/17/10 post). Haven't heard any recruiting news about the Thunder.
Augie, North Park and North Central, each 2-12, face a steeper climb than the other five teams and therefore get the bulk of my wishes for good luck. But, it should be their goal to go 14-0 and to be competitive with everyone; not to be afraid of running with IWU, for example. Get ready to play fast, I say. Practice pressing, please!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on July 26, 2010, 08:04:08 PM
Love your opening line - by LATE February I suspect we don't need this conversation!

By late January we will probably have a pretty good handle on the question.

But I'm impatient - I want insights NOW! ;D

I'll stick my neck out and say IWU IS gonna win again.  Just not sure who is waiting if they stumble.  I thought they would have a big drop-off after one of the best back-courts in d3 graduated in 2009.  I now think Mia Smith has them at a re-load, don't re-build point.  Which probably means I am at a full-of-**** point of utter disappointment! ;D

But, dang it, they only have one more season of hosting the d3 Final Four - show UP for it this year! ::)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 27, 2010, 11:20:51 AM
Mr. Ypsi, you didn't need to use asterisks in lieu of the four-letter word 'kelp'.
I don't think anyone who reads this web site would be offended.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: beltsh97 on July 27, 2010, 04:17:12 PM
Saw a post about Ill Wesleyan sched and it is very tough indeed.....heres another 1 to add to the mix as 1 of toughest in nation

http://www.keanathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2010-11/schedule
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 27, 2010, 06:00:35 PM
The intersection of those two schedules is December 31, 2010, when Kean hosts IWU.
In the final d3hoops poll of last season, one finds Kean at 5 and IWU at 6.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 02, 2010, 06:29:51 PM
Since no one has written a critique of my recent post encouraging most or all CCIW teams to play a fast tempo and practice pressing, I'll anticipate what a coach or two might think:
"My roster is smallish. I plan to use my best players 35 or 38 minutes per game. A lot of pressing and running will wear them out early in the game."
Yeah, individual players can't do high tempo for 35 minutes; you're stuck playing slow. However, practicing pressing should still improve your ability to deal with a press imposed by opponents. And, if your players get good at pressing, it could be used now and then to (hopefully) induce a turnover by the other team.
"I don't like to press because my team will get into foul trouble sooner than in a half-court game. I don't want to send the other team to the line."
Not to worry : in a one-and-one situation, D3 teams do not consistently make 2 FTs. Even in a double bonus, missed FTs are common.
A successful defensive stand allows 0 or 1 point, in my view.
Of course, the main purpose of pressing is to get the other team to commit a turnover. This is achieved with an in-your-face press, not from 8 feet away.
A half-hearted press isn't worth much; it'll eat some time off the shot clock, but it's not going to cause turnovers.
"I have great low post players, which means that a half-court game works in our favor."
OK, but if you practice pressing and get good at it, you'll still gain the advantages listed above : you will be better at getting through another team's press and you will have a good press in your arsenal, to periodically spring on the unsuspecting opponent.
I hope this answers all the questions that nobody asked!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 05, 2010, 06:09:10 PM
thought of another one:
"My guards are too short to use in a full-court press. The other team can easily pass the ball over their heads."
Well, that's a problem in a half-court defense, too.
Solution: have non-guards do the initial wave of trapping/pressing, if your bigger players are agile enough to chase the ball.
At least have a tall player guard the inbound pass.
The bigger players are probably in the vicinity anyway -- have 'em play D where they are, rather than making them run from end-to-end every time. If none of this works, you can always teach height to the small players.
Such useful advice!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 12, 2010, 06:49:01 PM
Had a look at the eight web sites.
Six have their '10-'11 schedules posted. Still waiting on EC and NP.
Carthage has the new roster, as does Millikin (without freshmen).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 16, 2010, 11:14:18 AM
Elmhurst has their sked up now, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 30, 2010, 08:15:27 PM
I haven't spoken to the NPU coaches yet, but I've been told that the Vikings are expecting twenty or so women to be out for the team this year -- and some of the newbies are supposed to be pretty impressive. I'm not surprised. I doubt that anyone in the league is going to outwork Amanda and Rachel on the recruiting trail.

Given the fact that, more often than not over the past four or five years, NPU has not had enough healthy women on the roster to even have full five-on-five practices, a twenty-player squad would be pretty amazing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 02, 2010, 07:08:53 PM
A deep roster will surely help North Park, Greg, even if it takes a while for them all to "get on the same page." And we may now get a better idea of what brand of play Coach Reese wants to implement.
Did any of our numerous IWU fans notice that the Titan web site now has a 25 player (8 freshmen) 2010-11 roster? Looks like everyone who could return has returned. Coach Smith again has an abundance of fine players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 15, 2010, 03:09:51 PM
Just looked for any new roster info.
Millikin now lists four freshmen, plus 14 that aren't.
IWU has added two more freshmen, for a total of ten.
Practice starts one month from today, I think.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 17, 2010, 12:23:24 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 02, 2010, 07:08:53 PM
A deep roster will surely help North Park, Greg, even if it takes a while for them all to "get on the same page." And we may now get a better idea of what brand of play Coach Reese wants to implement.
Did any of our numerous IWU fans notice that the Titan web site now has a 25 player (8 freshmen) 2010-11 roster? Looks like everyone who could return has returned. Coach Smith again has an abundance of fine players.

Just caught this line.  Alas, not quite.  Christina Solari COULD have returned! :(

It's been known for a long time that she wouldn't, but she COULD have.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 17, 2010, 10:25:45 AM
I sit corrected, Mr Ypsi.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 30, 2010, 03:33:11 PM
NPU's 2010-11 schedule is now posted. (http://resources.northpark.edu/athletics/womensBasketball/2010wbbsked.pdf) The Vikings seem to have quite a year-to-year divergence in terms of the number of home non-conference games. Some years NPU plays as many as six home non-conference games, sometimes as few as one. This is one of those years in which the Vikings will play six non-conference games at home.

NPU's opener is on Wednesday, November 15, in the North Park gym against Roosevelt. This is the first year that Roosevelt has fielded a team since the school dropped intercollegiate sports twenty years ago. The revived Roosevelt athletics department has joined the NAIA, with an eye towards eventually joining the NCAA on the D3 level.

It's always an extra challenge to face an NAIA team at the very start of the season, since the NAIA basketball schedule starts before D3's in terms of both the preseason practice phase and the season phase. Their game at NPU will be the fourth game of the season for the Lakers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 06, 2010, 07:14:29 PM
The new Augustana roster (25 players) is posted on their site.
Most everyone is back, with the exception of the player who led them in five categories in last year's CCIW-only stats: as a sophomore in '09-'10, Lani Kasten averaged 11 pts, 5.8 rebs, 1 block (not a huge amount, but 4th best in the league) and shot .464 FGs and .831 FTs (4th best in the league).
We'll see who gets her minutes.
Augie has certainly not accomplished much in CCIW play lately. Do we attribute that to the players or the coaching? Who knows?
Hey Greg, you wrote that Roosevelt may be interested in switching to D3 down the road. That raises questions :
Does the CCIW want nine teams? Would a tenth school join simultaneously?
Would a current member school leave?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 06, 2010, 08:23:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 06, 2010, 07:14:29 PMHey Greg, you wrote that Roosevelt may be interested in switching to D3 down the road. That raises questions :
Does the CCIW want nine teams? Would a tenth school join simultaneously?
Would a current member school leave?

Short answers: No, no, and no. ;)

If Roosevelt does indeed go D3, look for the Lakers to try to join the NAthCon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 06, 2010, 08:47:26 PM
A suggestion for wild speculation: IF a current school did leave, who (if anyone) would replace them?

My contention has always been that 8 is the ideal size for a conference.  Any odd number makes scheduling a nightmare; 6 loses the AQ; 10 leaves too few non-con games if you play a full round-robin (or double round-robin in bball), but not doing so makes for inevitable inequities in determining the conference champion.

So ... if someone left and we wanted 8, who would be invited?  Let Carroll back in?  Aurora?  Chicago (doubt they'd be interested in leaving the UAA despite travel costs; that's 'coins found under the sofa cushions' to U of C! :D)?

Anyone feel like playing my hypothetical? ;)

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 06, 2010, 10:12:19 PM
Carroll might get the nod, although the downstate schools would rather not have to shlep all the way up to Waukesha all the time. Since the departure of one of the downstate schools would still leave two in the CCIW, that's a consideration.

Benedictine will never get in, no way, no how, because: a) North Central is adamantly opposed to having its next-door neighbor join the league; and b) even if NCC was the school that left the CCIW, there's the religious consideration. Chicagoland is heavily Catholic, with a not-inconsiderable percentage of CCIW student-athletes hailing from parochial schools, and having a Catholic school in the league would give the school in question (in this case, Benedictine) an unfair recruiting advantage.

Concordia (IL) just doesn't have the resources or the athletic tradition to merit a CCIW membership. Dominican is doing alright in some sports (soccer, particularly), but it doesn't offer one of the four men's sports that are mandatory for CCIW membership, football. Plus, Dominican has the Catholic thing working against it, too. Other NAthCon schools north of the border (Marian, Maranatha Baptist, Wisconsin Lutheran, Concordia WI, Edgewood, and Lakeland) have distance and competition level working against them, while the more CCIW-proximate Rockford is not a financially healthy school.

St. Norbert would like to join the league, and it has the best across-the-board athletic department in the MWC. But it's much too far away from even the Chicagoland Four, to say nothing of the Downstate Three. And it's not as though it's within easy distance of Carthage, either. Ditto Ripon and Lawrence, who haven't shown the same interest in CCIW membership as have Carroll and St. Norbert.

The University of Chicago? Forget about it. Chicago does not fit the CCIW profile of a small liberal arts college. It's a medium-sized school whose profile is that of a research university. Its mission, ethos, calendar -- heck, pretty much everything about it -- is dramatically different than the CCIW's schools. Of course, Chicago does recognize that CCIW schools have an affinity to it in terms of placing a high premium on both academics and athletic success, so it regularly plays CCIW schools in non-conference competition in numerous sports. But if the UAA were to vanish overnight, the Maroons would probably go back to playing in the MWC, which is where they were prior to the creation of the UAA, rather than join the CCIW. Milwaukee Engineering, too, is probably a bad fit for the CCIW because of its academic mission (i.e., the narrow focus upon engineering and related fields; MSOE only offers four majors).

Beloit, Knox, and Monmouth are all within the general geographic perimeter of the CCIW, but I've never heard of any of them evincing any interest in CCIW membership. Lake Forest and Illinois College, the two other schools besides Carroll that deserted the CCIW in favor of the MWC, likewise have not appeared to show much interest in joining the CCIW. All five schools would be good fits in terms of academics, resources, and facilities, but all five would trail badly in terms of competition level.

The only SLIAC schools that're geographically even semi-reasonable are Eureka and MacMurray, and both are definitely a no-go as far as the CCIW is concerned. Heck, the Red Devils are so bad at football that the last two times they played NPU they lost by four touchdowns (2006) and three touchdowns (2007) -- while the Highlanders were trounced on the gridiron this year by NPU to the tune of 70-7, and it could've been much worse if North Park hadn't called off the dogs early. If you get steamrolled by NPU in football, then you have no business considering CCIW membership.

The CCIW does have an associate member, Rose-Hulman, but that's strictly to fill out the league in men's and women's swimming so that the CCIW can have an automatic bid to the postseason. It does not participate in the CCIW in any non-aquatic sports. Terre Haute, IN is too far away for normal membership purposes.

Of all local current D3 members, Aurora would probably be the best bet to fill an empty slot in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 06, 2010, 11:03:18 PM
Thanks for the very thorough run-down, Greg. :)

Any NAIA schools that would be likely options if they chose to migrate?  IWU has (had?) a long-standing series with Olivet Nazarene (though they are not on this year's schedule).  Care to do a run-down on them, maestro? ;)

BTW, RHIT might be less a geographical outlier than Augie (they'd be closer to IWU and Millikin than any other CCIW schools, but I haven't checked total distances to ALL schools), though I have no idea whether they would be interested or overall appropriate.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2010, 01:45:34 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 06, 2010, 11:03:18 PM
Thanks for the very thorough run-down, Greg. :)

Any NAIA schools that would be likely options if they chose to migrate?  IWU has (had?) a long-standing series with Olivet Nazarene (though they are not on this year's schedule).  Care to do a run-down on them, maestro? ;)

There's a couple of CCAC schools that would be worth considering as potential CCIW members. Olivet Nazarene is the obvious one. Trinity International is also worth mentioning, although it doesn't have the facilities or the athletic bona-fides of OliNaz. Plus, TIU would have to add two more sports in order to qualify for D3 membership (probably men's and women's track & field). Judson doesn't have football. Neither does Trinity Christian, which would also need to add a sport just to meet the D3 minimum. Cardinal Stritch, Holy Cross, CCSJ, St. Xavier, and St. Francis probably wouldn't be considered due to the religious reasons I've already mentioned.

The CCIW would never accept public institutions, so that crosses Purdue-Calumet, Purdue-North Central, Indiana-Northwest, and Indiana-South Bend off the list (among myriad other reasons).

Illinois Tech is shedding sports, not adding them. Any school that drops basketball is not a school worth considering for CCIW membership. Roosevelt is intriguing, because its size, academic status, and fiscal solidity are comparable to CCIW schools and it would definitely raise the league's media profile if it ever joined. However, we're talking about a commuter-based school whose dedication to athletics was so tenuous that it actually discontinued intercollegiate sports for twenty years -- and is only now starting them up again. That's not a school that's likely to add much to the mix in terms of CCIW competition. Plus, there's the added problem of athletic facilities: Roosevelt doesn't have them. The Lakers are going to play basketball and volleyball at IIT's Keating Sports Center, which is three and a half miles south of Roosevelt's Loop campus; it's using the Diversey Tennis Center for tennis, which is four miles north of campus; and their baseball, softball, and soccer facilities are still TBA (some of these sports won't get underway until the 2012-13 school year). Football, if Roosevelt ever chose to add it, would be even more problematic.

Even more intriguing is Robert Morris -- the main campus in the Loop, that is, not the Lake County or Springfield branch campuses. RMC fields a full slate of sports teams, and the school devotes a lot of resources to athletics and derives a lot of prestige from the success of the Eagles on the playing field. RMC is even in the process of adding a football program. However, RMC also has lots of drawbacks as far as the CCIW is concerned. It's well below par academically by CCIW standards, for one. For another, only 200 or so students live on campus; it's essentially a commuter school, so student interest is nil. And, like Roosevelt, its facilities are scattered hither and yon; the basketball teams play in Loyola's Gentile Center, for example, which is waaaay up in Rogers Park on the city's Far North Side, nowhere near RMC's downtown campus.

As I said, OliNaz is the obvious pick. However, that school has never showed the slightest interest in joining either D3 or the CCIW, as far as I'm aware. And why should it? It has achieved great success in athletics in the NAIA, where it owns a solid niche on the national level. Like St. Xavier, it can pursue the same type of high-quality student-athlete suited for small-college sports that the CCIW pursues -- and it can (usually) beat out the CCIW schools by offering those student-athletes scholarships. It doesn't need the CCIW. If the NAIA were to fold or merge into the NCAA, I'd expect OliNaz to go D2, not D3.

But the reason why I didn't include OliNaz or any of the other local NAIA schools in my initial response to your hypothetical is because your question piles one unlikelihood on top of another. That is to say, even if a local NAIA school or schools would be inclined to switch over to the NCAA and join D3 and the CCIW, that doesn't mean that it would necessarily follow. D3 has significantly ramped up its entrance requirements and restricted the number of annual applications for membership that it is accepting. The spigot that was once on full-blast has now been tightened to allow only a mere trickle. If the CCIW were to lose a member and therefore seek a replacement school, I can almost guarantee that it would seek it from among the current D3 membership.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 06, 2010, 11:03:18 PM
BTW, RHIT might be less a geographical outlier than Augie (they'd be closer to IWU and Millikin than any other CCIW schools, but I haven't checked total distances to ALL schools), though I have no idea whether they would be interested or overall appropriate.

No, RHIT is definitely more of a geographical outlier than is Augie. It's closer to Millikin and IWU, sure, but the balance of the league's teams is in Chicagoland. The closest of the Chicagoland Four to Rose-Hulman is North Central, and it's still a four-hour trip from Terre Haute to Naperville. By contrast, the furthest of the Chicagoland Four from Augustana is North Park ... and yet it's only a three-hour trip from the NPU campus to Augie, or vice-versa. Plus, you have to take into consideration the fact that Carthage and Augie are even further away from RHIT than are the Chicagoland Four.

There aren't any D3 Indiana schools that're really suitable for CCIW membership in terms of geography -- which is a little strange, considering how heavily populated northwest Indiana is.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 15, 2010, 04:59:27 PM
The first day of practice has arrived for the various teams around the CCIW.
I can already hear the cursing and swearing. It is a happy time of "accidental" tripping of teammates, elbows to their teeth and hiding of their shoes. All to impress the coaches.
Not to mention the coach patiently approaching each player and making her spit out her gum into Coach's hand.
It's a time of great optimism, including unbridled confidence that the bus drivers will be able to find all the road gyms.
So, good luck to all eight teams. May they all start the season 0-0.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2010, 03:09:01 PM
The coaches did pre-season voting of their expectations today:
http://www.cciw.org/news/2010/10/28/WBB_1028104921.aspx
Bear in mind that they do not vote for their own team. I think it goes like this -- 7 pts for 1st place, 6 for 2nd et cetera. 28 points would be middle of the pack.
You can read through this morning's Coaches' Chat to see just how pessimistic all of them are.
The most notable news is that North Park's Kamauria Acree (2nd team all-CCIW as a freshman) wrecked an ACL and is out for the season. A rotten bit of luck for the Vikings (NP, not Aug). Her teammates will need to assert themselves more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 28, 2010, 04:59:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 28, 2010, 03:09:01 PMThe most notable news is that North Park's Kamauria Acree (2nd team all-CCIW as a freshman) wrecked an ACL and is out for the season. A rotten bit of luck for the Vikings (NP, not Aug). Her teammates will need to assert themselves more.

"A rotten bit of luck" is a huge understatement, Rog. Kamauria Acree was the first freshman to make the All-CCIW second team since 2006. The sky was the limit for her coming into this year, although I'm very hopeful that she'll be back as good as new in 2011-12. Nevertheless, I've heard great things about NPU's ten newbies (haven't seen them yet, though), and with the eleven returnees they should make the Vikings a better team this year, even with Kamauria sidelined.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 29, 2010, 01:09:32 AM
I'm kind of surprised how close the poll came out for first place - I'm taking that as yet another tribute to Christina Solari! :o ;D

Sheesh, we graduate ONE top player, and (after going 27-1 the last two years in conference) end up in a virtual dead-heat with a team who went 19-9! ;)

The poll may be right - Christina WAS that good!  Of course, it may also be bulletin board material for all the remaining Titans! ;)  I'm betting on the latter - Titans to win 13 or 14 games in conference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2010, 12:28:42 PM
As I said, I haven't seen NPU yet in a scrimmage setting. But, based upon Amanda Reese's comments in yesterday's coaches chat, it sounds as though the Vikings will rely heavily upon three juco transfers in the wake of Kamauria Acree's unavailability this season. Two of the three, who are all juniors, are 5'6 guards: Torey Walker from San Jose City College, who averaged 10.4 ppg and shot 78% from the free throw line last season; and Antoinette Collman from Oakton College, who averaged 12.4 ppg and 7 rpg and shot 35% from downtown last season and made the NJCAA All-Region team. I'm hoping that they'll bring some of the necessary athleticism and scoring punch that was lost to the NPU backcourt when Kamauria went down with that torn ACL last month.

The one of the three that really sounds like a player to watch, though, is 5'10 forward Roxxanne Jones from Wright College, four miles west of the NPU campus. Jones averaged a double-double last year for Wright, scoring 21.7 ppg (ninth-highest in the country) and pulling down 11.7 rpg (fifteenth-highest in the country) en route to being named to the NJCAA All-American team. Together with senior Lyndsey Thompson and sophomore Sarah Peterson, she could be one-third of a pretty solid rotation of bigs for the Vikings.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2010, 01:13:33 PM
Sounds like North Park has an exciting infusion of talent for the upcoming season, Greg.
Mr Ypsi, there is a chance of IWU going 14-0, but they would have to be BETTER than last year's team to do so. Expect Carthage to be very tough and deep. Incidentally, they were 24-5 last year, not 19-9. Imbibing a little too much Green River, Mr Ypsi?
Several other CCIW teams will be able to put up a very good fight against the Titans, maybe even up-ending them in a game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 29, 2010, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 29, 2010, 01:13:33 PM
Sounds like North Park has an exciting infusion of talent for the upcoming season, Greg.
Mr Ypsi, there is a chance of IWU going 14-0, but they would have to be BETTER than last year's team to do so. Expect Carthage to be very tough and deep. Incidentally, they were 24-5 last year, not 19-9. Imbibing a little too much Green River, Mr Ypsi?
Several other CCIW teams will be able to put up a very good fight against the Titans, maybe even up-ending them in a game.

The 19-9 (and 27-1) were the conference records for the last two years combined.

And, being more realistic, I'd be happy with a 12-2 mark, but I'll stick my neck out with the bolder '13 or 14 wins'. ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2010, 02:40:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 29, 2010, 01:13:33 PMImbibing a little too much Green River, Mr Ypsi?

Imbibing it? He bathes in it, Rog. :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2010, 03:17:28 PM
Now we have some good unproductive banter !!
Greg, you lean toward drinking tranya, don't you?
Mr Ypsi, as I've stated before, I think IWU has the best style of play in the conference. And they have a talented, deep roster. But, it looks like Carthage and Millikin are heading into peak seasons, experience-wise and player-wise.
I think Wheaton and Elmhurst have the ingredients to do quite well. And I hope North Park, Augie and North Central will all be better than last year.
That said, IWU is at the top until somebody bests them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2010, 03:19:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 29, 2010, 03:17:28 PMGreg, you lean toward drinking tranya, don't you?

This is a personal first for me, as I've never been likened to Clint Howard before.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2010, 03:47:30 PM
You have been known to eat a bowl of corbomite for breakfast now and then, haven't you?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2010, 04:04:20 PM
No, but i have been mad enough to chew neutronium.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2010, 04:12:15 PM
Ah ha, that explains your third eye.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2010, 05:02:29 PM
North Central, Wheaton and Elmhurst now have new rosters posted.
Elmhurst has 18 players, 6 of them new.
Wheaton has 13, 5 new.
North Central has 18, 10 new (including several transfers). Wow.
Maybe all eight teams will be good this year?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 30, 2010, 02:09:34 PM
Preseason Top 25 is up.  IWU is 3rd, Carthage 9th; no one else received any votes.

Since IWU is 4th and Carthage 5th in the men's poll, it could be a fun winter in Kenosha and Bloomington! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 01, 2010, 11:14:39 AM
That's interesting, Mr Ypsi.
IWU and Carthage are each rated above the teams (UW-SP, George Fox) that knocked them out of the NCAA tournament last season.
I'm not sure that I like preseason polls anyway. You should have to play first.
Hopefully more than two of our CCIW teams will do very well against non-conference opponents, to earn some national recognition. All teams will have to earn it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 05, 2010, 07:45:00 AM
Article on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_13c40fec-e876-11df-9433-001cc4c03286.html


From that, it sounds like the starters will be:

G - Brittany Hasselbring, 5-7 Jr.
G - Hope Schulte, 5-10 Sr. (*1st team)
G - Olivia Lett, 6-0 Jr.
F - Nikki Preston, 5-10 Sr. (*2nd team)
C - Stacey Arlis, 5-11 Sr. (*3rd team)

Top Reserves: G Karen Solari, 5-8 Jr...PG Holly Harvey, 5-6 Sr.

* returning all-CCIW player


It looks like the Titans are positioned for another big year, with 3 returning all-conference players and Olivia Lett, a former mid-major Division I scholarship layer (Southern Illinois).  I won't be surprised if Lett leads the team in scoring this year.

#3 IWU opens at the DePauw tournament, Nov. 19 & 20, facing the host, 12th-ranked DePauw, and then the defending national champion, #7 Wash U.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2010, 11:44:11 AM
Before DePauw, there's DePaul (Sunday afternoon).
Titan Q, you got me thinking about who will pick up the scoring load for the Titans, replacing what Christina did.
Lett is certainly a possibility to lead them, as you suggest.
My first inclination is to say that Hope Schulte is their best all-around player and could easily score more than she did last year.
Stacey Arlis may be the number 1 low post option now; she always shoots a high pct.
Nikki Preston can score from distance and in the lane.
A bunch of other Titans could average in double figures if they got enough minutes. But with IWU's depth, minutes are usually spread around, so no individual gets a large number of shot opportunities.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 07, 2010, 08:13:57 AM
IWU @ DePaul today at 4:00pm...

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/110610aaa.html


The press release mentions that there will be live video.

Last year the Blue Demons beat IWU by 44.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 07, 2010, 07:01:44 PM
Final:

DePaul 72
IWU 57

- Olivia Lett: 16 pts, 4 reb
- Nikki Preston: 12 pts, 3 reb
- Melissa Gardner: 10 pts, 3 reb

After losing by 44 last year, the Titans held their own pretty well in this one.  IWU trailed by just 4, 34-30, at the half.

A couple impressive stats...

* The Titans outrebouded Division I DePaul 44-41...that rarely happens in these DI/D3 games.  Usually D3 teams get crushed on the boards.  

* IWU forced 18 turnovers...looks like their pressure defense gave even a DI team a little trouble.

The Titans turned it over 31 times (which is also what happens in these games to the D3)...DePaul had 28 more FGA than IWU.

Overall I have to believe this was encouraging for the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2010, 07:53:03 PM
I agree; that was an encouraging performance by the Titans, Titan Q.
I think the best news for IWU is that Olivia Lett and Sarah Cotner look like they're in very good health, with full agility.
Hope Schulte didn't play, due to a minor injury.
DePaul was without Deirdre Naughton, an excellent player.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2010, 06:16:11 PM
NPU's roster is posted. (http://www.northpark.edu/Athletics/Womens-Sports/Basketball/Roster)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2010, 07:21:36 PM
That's an abundance of players, Greg.
Now the question is, how many of them can shoot threes?
Opposing teams have been able to stifle the North Park offense by packing the lane defensively and daring the Vikes to make some threes, not many of which were made.
Having spectated this level for a while now, I've come to think it makes sense for teams to try these things defensively:
1 : put on a full court press to see if the opponent can handle it; if they can't, then use it.
2 : pack the lane defensively and force the opponent to prove they can shoot from distance; this may not work in div I, but can work in div III.
3 : man-to-man (and associated variations) if the above two options don't work.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 10, 2010, 11:26:49 AM
North Central recently played Div I Southern Illinois - Edwardsville and lost by 39. NC was down 13-0 before getting on the board. Christine Karl did not play.
Wheaton's web site has a season preview. Coach Baker is quoted saying that they will have a new offense this year. And she will expect better defense from her team this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2010, 11:43:33 AM
I was refreshing my memory of the Carthage roster and noticed the absence of six-footer Ashley Hermanson, one of their prize recruits. Not sure if she's still a possibility for the team in the future or not. A google revealed some earlier interest from Nebraska-Kearney, but that fell through, apparently. Oh well, we shall see.
I saw Elmhurst scrimmage vs Chicago. Both teams seemed to be experimenting with different things and player combinations, so no conclusions could be drawn.
Coach Werner does face some difficult decisions regarding how to distribute minutes among the guards. Some are better ball-handlers than others, while some are superior defensively.
It looked like the whole team worked on its shooting during the summer, which good, since there's no Lyndsie Long to fill the hoop this season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2010, 11:52:53 AM
question for RogK : "which good", Rog?
What kind of deficient grammar is that?
answer : Oh, sorry. I promise not to make that exact mistake again.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2010, 11:25:37 AM
My predictions for CCIW statistical leaders :
Scoring - Julia Robert, Millikin
Rebounding - Elise Wildman, Millikin
Assists - Britt Hasselbring, IWU
Technical fouls - Greg Sager, North Park
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 15, 2010, 03:39:49 PM
My predictions for the CCIW season:

Leader in TOs caused:  IWU
Leader in fast break / points off turnovers:  IWU
Leader in chaos caused by pressing defense:  IWU
Leader in Scoring Differential:  IWU
Leader in number of players used in the rotation off the bench:  IWU
Leader in consecutive CCIW regular season and tourney championships:  IWU
Leader in the team most fun to watch . . .

Let the mayhem begin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2010, 01:21:31 PM
NPU began the year with a 84-71 loss to Roosevelt. The Vikings played the Lakers close in the first half, trailing only 46-42 at the intermission, but a 7-0 run to start the second half by the visitors led to Roosevelt opening up an 18-point margin, 63-45, at the 15:35 mark of the second half. North Park battled back and actually had a chance to cut the lead to four with under four minutes left, but an Emily Viernesial trey attempt rimmed out, Roosevelt grabbed the long rebound and got a quick deuce on a runout, and the threat was abated.

For a program that is in its first year, the Lakers are very good. There's some serious scholarship talent on that team. They're much quicker than your typical D3 squad; most of Roosevelt's points came on dribble penetration that NPU just wasn't quick enough to stop. Still, it would've been nice if North Park's best defender (Sarah Peterson) was healthy enough to play last night. She's out with a concussion -- seems like North Park's women's basketball players are more concussion-prone than NFL quarterbacks -- and will miss this coming weekend's tourney at Adrian as well.

The silver lining was junior transfer forward Roxxanne Jones. She scored 34 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in her debut as a Viking, and went a perfect 9-9 from the field in the first half. She's quite a player. I've only seen her play one game and one scrimmage, but I'm still fairly certain that she's the most electrifying inside talent that NPU has had in recent memory. Rog, you're going to enjoy watching her play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2010, 01:52:22 PM
Quite a debut for Roxxanne. I may have to revise my scoring leader forecast.
Not a good first night overall for the conference : 0-3.
I saw North Central lose by 25 at the U of Chicago. They did well early, but then the offense sputtered badly (some credit to the Chicago defense, of course). Jackie Errico tallied 13, 11 rebs, 3 steals.
Elmhurst lost at Edgewood, 64-58. Looks like it was a plodding game, as neither team made it to 50 FG attempts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2010, 05:51:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2010, 01:52:22 PM
Quite a debut for Roxxanne. I may have to revise my scoring leader forecast.

I don't foresee Roxxanne scoring 34 ppg this year, especially once Sarah Peterson and Antoinette Collman are healthy and in the lineup. Still, it's nice to know that the Vikings have a player who can fill up the basket like that.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2010, 01:29:32 PM
Not wanting to upstage EC NC and NP, Wheaton and Augustana lost last night.
The Thunder fell to Saint Mary's of Indiana, whose six-footer Kelley Murphy scored 21 (8/11, 5/5) and grabbed 18 rebounds. Wheaton made 8 of 33 2FGs and 5 of 22 3FGS. Unless you get a massive amount of offensive rebounds, those shooting pcts will decide the game.
Augie had three players in double figures, but Coe was a little better, topping the Vikings by 8.
Carthage had a good first game of the season, rolling past Conc-Wisc, 86-51.
Cailee Corcoran tallied 20 in 25:00, Heather Gilmore had 5 steals in 17:00, Diana Jacklin contributed 9 pts, 7 reb, 3 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks in her 23:00. Dani Ripkey scored 11 pts on just 5 shots. The other starter, Taylor Tondelli, directed all of this success with timely encouragement, but retained the threatened use of severe criticism if anyone screwed up (so no one did).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2010, 10:54:19 AM
Millikin gained an 88-82 OT win at Carroll.
Beth Wellbaum made a layup with :11 left in regulation to tie it and sank a three to open the OT.
Elise Wildman had 27 pts, 16 reb and 4 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 11:08:35 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2010, 01:21:31 PM
NPU began the year with a 84-71 loss to Roosevelt. The Vikings played the Lakers close in the first half, trailing only 46-42 at the intermission, but a 7-0 run to start the second half by the visitors led to Roosevelt opening up an 18-point margin, 63-45, at the 15:35 mark of the second half. North Park battled back and actually had a chance to cut the lead to four with under four minutes left, but an Emily Viernesial trey attempt rimmed out, Roosevelt grabbed the long rebound and got a quick deuce on a runout, and the threat was abated.

For a program that is in its first year, the Lakers are very good. There's some serious scholarship talent on that team. They're much quicker than your typical D3 squad; most of Roosevelt's points came on dribble penetration that NPU just wasn't quick enough to stop. Still, it would've been nice if North Park's best defender (Sarah Peterson) was healthy enough to play last night. She's out with a concussion -- seems like North Park's women's basketball players are more concussion-prone than NFL quarterbacks -- and will miss this coming weekend's tourney at Adrian as well.

The silver lining was junior transfer forward Roxxanne Jones. She scored 34 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in her debut as a Viking, and went a perfect 9-9 from the field in the first half. She's quite a player. I've only seen her play one game and one scrimmage, but I'm still fairly certain that she's the most electrifying inside talent that NPU has had in recent memory. Rog, you're going to enjoy watching her play.


Sager,

So if Rossevelt's intention is to start in the NAIA and eventually transition to NCAA D-III, why did they declare for NAIA D-I in basketball? (http://"http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/naia/member-services/championships/Qualifcation_Plans/qual_plans_pdf/qual_WBB_DI.pdf")  It would seem to me NAIA D-II, which is completely non-scholarship like NCAA D-III, would have made more sense. Are they giving out or planning to give out scholarship money while in the NAIA?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 18, 2010, 11:41:04 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 11:08:35 AM
So if Rossevelt's intention is to start in the NAIA and eventually transition to NCAA D-III, why did they declare for NAIA D-I in basketball? (http://"http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/naia/member-services/championships/Qualifcation_Plans/qual_plans_pdf/qual_WBB_DI.pdf")  It would seem to me NAIA D-II, which is completely non-scholarship like NCAA D-III, would have made more sense. Are they giving out or planning to give out scholarship money while in the NAIA?

NAIA II basketball gives scholarships, right?  Just less than NAIA I.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 11:46:20 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on November 18, 2010, 11:41:04 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 11:08:35 AM
So if Rossevelt's intention is to start in the NAIA and eventually transition to NCAA D-III, why did they declare for NAIA D-I in basketball? (http://"http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/naia/member-services/championships/Qualifcation_Plans/qual_plans_pdf/qual_WBB_DI.pdf")  It would seem to me NAIA D-II, which is completely non-scholarship like NCAA D-III, would have made more sense. Are they giving out or planning to give out scholarship money while in the NAIA?

NAIA II basketball gives scholarships, right?  Just less than NAIA I.

I thought NAIA II did not, only NAIA I. But I could be mistaken.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on November 18, 2010, 11:52:18 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on November 18, 2010, 11:41:04 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 11:08:35 AM
So if Rossevelt's intention is to start in the NAIA and eventually transition to NCAA D-III, why did they declare for NAIA D-I in basketball? (http://"http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/naia/member-services/championships/Qualifcation_Plans/qual_plans_pdf/qual_WBB_DI.pdf")  It would seem to me NAIA D-II, which is completely non-scholarship like NCAA D-III, would have made more sense. Are they giving out or planning to give out scholarship money while in the NAIA?

NAIA II basketball gives scholarships, right?  Just less than NAIA I.
Is the distinction even because of scholarships between I and II?
I KNOW II gives out scholarships and know of schools that give out a large amount of scholarships who are Division II.
I always wondered what the distinction was between the two levels
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 18, 2010, 12:23:28 PM
I can't confirm this is updated and correct, but...

http://speeddevelopment.net/NCAA_College_Scholarship_Rules_and_Limits_-_CollegeAthletes.com.pdf


11 scholarships for NAIA I basketball and 6 for NAIA II...sounds right to me.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 12:58:07 PM
All right, I'll buy that.

So I wonder if Roosevelt is awarding any scholarships during their NAIA years?  It would seem like they wouldn't in order to ease the planned transition into D-III, but the fact that they've put together a quality team, according to Sager, in their first season hints that they may be awarding scholarships.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on November 18, 2010, 02:19:01 PM
Nice find ... thanks Titan.
I'm not sure how much those numbers truly matter; since I believe the majority of NAIA schools (if not all) are private.

Since equivalencies only include money provided by athletics it's relatively easy at those schools to put together a roster on 6 athletic scholarships and combine with academic, grant, and university financial aid to get a lot of really good kids.

It is an interesting question Bill to consider if they are awarding athletic scholarships now. What is the "grandfather" period for those kids accepting awards who are still there in the NCAA years? I think Centenary had a similar issue going from D1-D3 but I think those kids had the choice of keeping their scholarship and not playing or playing and giving back the scholly?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2010, 05:28:30 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 11:08:35 AM
Sager,

So if Rossevelt's intention is to start in the NAIA and eventually transition to NCAA D-III, why did they declare for NAIA D-I in basketball? (http://"http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/naia/member-services/championships/Qualifcation_Plans/qual_plans_pdf/qual_WBB_DI.pdf")

This was part of the deal that Roosevelt's administration made with the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. As you may or may not know, the CCAC, which is an all-NAIA league, is divided into two divisions in basketball: Division I and Division II. As the names indicate, the CCAC's divisional alignment is based upon the respective competition levels of each CCAC school. They do play crossovers, but there's no overall league championship game; the top CCAC D1 teams (Robert Morris, St. Xavier, etc.) move on in the postseason to the NAIA-1 national tournament, and the top CCAC D2 teams (which were Cardinal Stritch and Judson last season) do the same in the NAIA-2 tourney.

Roosevelt's intention is to be an NAIA-2 program. As Bob pointed out, NAIA-2 programs are allowed six basketball scholarships. My understanding is that Roosevelt has women's basketball players on scholarship, although I'm not 100% certain as to whether or not they're using the six-full-scholie maximum or not. (Lots of NAIA-2 programs don't use the full six; some don't use any at all and are, in effect, the financial equivalent of a D3 program.)

However, the deal that the CCAC made with Roosevelt was that the Lakers would be granted immediate membership in the league only on the condition that they compete in the D1 division for now. The NAIA rule is that a league must have six teams in it to get an automatic-qualifier bid to the national tournament (similar to D3's seven-team rule), and the CCAC's D1 division only had five teams in it after Illinois Tech dropped basketball two years ago. Last year another school, Holy Cross (one of Notre Dame's two sister schools in South Bend, the other being D3 member St. Mary's), joined the CCAC, and though Holy Cross's ultimate intent was to be in the league's D2 division, it, too, was required to play in the D1 division in order to maintain the six-team required minimum for the national AQ. The Saints paid the price for it on the hardwood; they went 0-10 in the D1 division, losing by nine to Indiana-South Bend across town and losing the other nine games by double digits (the Saints went 3-28 on the season).

Roosevelt was immediately granted acceptance into the CCAC and took Holy Cross's spot as the placeholder in the D1 division, with Holy Cross moving to the D2 division that is now eight teams strong. Like Holy Cross last year, it's an NAIA-2 program in terms of compliance (six basketball scholarships rather than eleven), but it's competing in a division with five teams that each have an eleven-scholarship ceiling. So, like Holy Cross last year, the Lakers will probably not fare very well in the D1 division. (They play very good basketball in the CCAC D1 division; it's quite comparable to the CCIW.) But they're stuck there until either NAIA-1 alters its minimum-member requirements for participating leagues, another school joins the CCAC, or Roosevelt exits the league.

It's the price that the Lakers paid for immediate membership in a league upon starting up the athletic program. Roosevelt's administration apparently felt that that was preferable to starting off life in the NAIA as an independent, with all the scheduling difficulties that that entails.

Quote from: Just Bill on November 18, 2010, 12:58:07 PM
All right, I'll buy that.

So I wonder if Roosevelt is awarding any scholarships during their NAIA years?  It would seem like they wouldn't in order to ease the planned transition into D-III, but the fact that they've put together a quality team, according to Sager, in their first season hints that they may be awarding scholarships.

I have it on good authority that they are awarding basketball scholarships. How many, and whether they're full or not, I can't say.

Quote from: billys on November 18, 2010, 02:19:01 PM
Nice find ... thanks Titan.
I'm not sure how much those numbers truly matter; since I believe the majority of NAIA schools (if not all) are private.

Most are, some aren't. For example, the NAIA league with which those of us here in CCIW country are most familiar, the CCAC, is a mixed league. Its private members are Roosevelt, St. Xavier, Olivet Nazarene, Robert Morris, St. Francis (IL), Trinity Christian, Calumet St. Joseph, Trinity International, Judson, Cardinal Stritch, and Holy Cross; and its public members are Indiana-South Bend, Purdue-North Central, and Purdue-Calumet. Additionally, there's a local NAIA independent school that is a public institution: Indiana-Northwest.

Quote from: billys on November 18, 2010, 02:19:01 PMIt is an interesting question Bill to consider if they are awarding athletic scholarships now. What is the "grandfather" period for those kids accepting awards who are still there in the NCAA years? I think Centenary had a similar issue going from D1-D3 but I think those kids had the choice of keeping their scholarship and not playing or playing and giving back the scholly?

Here's the pertinent rule in the NCAA Division III Manual regarding provisional schools (schools that are in the four-year process of converting to a D3 school):

Quote20.3.4.1 Athletically Related Financial Aid Exception. A provisional member shall not award new athletically related financial aid to incoming students (e.g., freshmen, transfers) beginning with the first year of provisional membership and thereafter. Following the completion of year two, a provisional member may no longer award athletically related financial aid to any student, unless the institution previously awarded athletically related financial aid to the student, and the student no longer participates in intercollegiate athletics. During the second year of provisional membership (and each following year), a provisional member must complete the financial aid reporting process (see Bylaw 15.4.1.1). (Revised: 5/4/06, 1/8/07 effective 8/1/07, 1/14/09)

It's still a mystery to me why: a) the NAIA accepted Roosevelt into membership; and b) the CCAC accepted Roosevelt into membership, when it's no secret that the school intends to apply for D3 membership (and, presumably, the NAthCon) as soon as it's feasible. I can sort of understand the CCAC's acceptance of Roosevelt, since, as I indicated, Illinois Tech left a hole in the D1 division that the league needs to fill. However, I'm not sure why the NAIA let in a school that's already indicated that it intends to bolt at some future date.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on November 18, 2010, 08:07:27 PM
Thank you Mr. Sager ... awesome post.
I'm mostly familiar with the Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa NAIA's so I was at a loss (and to lazy) in knowing if there were publics.

Interesting situation- From the NAIA's standpoint I think as an organization that is potentially on it's last breathe, they're probably figuring anyone who's interested in joining and writing a check for a few years is worth our time. Maybe they're hoping Roosevelt will like the lower costs and autonomy of NAIA and stick around.

They do play good ball in the top of the CCAC. Robert Morris beat Carthage last year and St. Xavier is also legit.

Thanks for the handbook citing. That is what I had heard at Centenary with their move eventually it was either play and no pay, or no play and pay. That's gotta be a tough situation for kids who went down there right when it started. In these cases here though maybe the basketball money won't be significant enough to force a lot of kids out. Or ... for now look for transfers and JUCO's to use your basketball money knowing they'll be done before you move to NCAA.

Good discussion.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2010, 12:17:33 PM
Since the topic is CCAC/NAIA, I'll mention that the Olivet Nazarene women missed 63 3FG attempts last night (this would cause most coaches to pass out, if not away), but won by 21 over Cardinal Stritch U of Milwaukee. Study their box score to figure out how a team shoots .295 overall FG pct and still wins comfortably. They are unorthodox and completely rational.
To get back to the CCIW, I want to mention that in the Millikin opener, not only did Elise Wildman ring up 27 pts, 16 rebs and 4 steals, she did it in just 29:00 (foul trouble may have limited her minutes even though the game went OT). Nice work, tall person!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on November 19, 2010, 04:53:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 19, 2010, 12:17:33 PM
Since the topic is CCAC/NAIA, I'll mention that the Olivet Nazarene women missed 63 3FG attempts last night (this would cause most coaches to pass out, if not away), but won by 21 over Cardinal Stritch U of Milwaukee. Study their box score to figure out how a team shoots .295 overall FG pct and still wins comfortably. They are unorthodox and completely rational.

Are they playing the Grinnell "System"?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 19, 2010, 06:49:40 PM
Uh oh - at the half, #3 IWU trails #12 DePauw, 36-24.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 19, 2010, 06:50:26 PM
Live stats...

http://www.depauw.edu/ath/live/women/xlive.htm

DePauw outrebounding IWU by 8 and has taken 14 more FGA.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 19, 2010, 08:02:01 PM
Final:  DePauw 77, IWU 65. :(

We were out-rebounded by 12, and caused only 13 turnovers.  Neither stat sounds like Titan basketball.  (No disrespect intended to DePauw; I'd assume they had something to do with those stats. ;))
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on November 20, 2010, 01:35:36 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on November 19, 2010, 04:53:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 19, 2010, 12:17:33 PM
Since the topic is CCAC/NAIA, I'll mention that the Olivet Nazarene women missed 63 3FG attempts last night (this would cause most coaches to pass out, if not away), but won by 21 over Cardinal Stritch U of Milwaukee. Study their box score to figure out how a team shoots .295 overall FG pct and still wins comfortably. They are unorthodox and completely rational.

Are they playing the Grinnell "System"?
Yes they do
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on November 20, 2010, 09:39:20 AM
I caught the Elmhurst, Franklin game last night; Franklin hit 8 free throws in the OT to edge Elmhurst by 2. It was a competitive game from the start; neither team ever took control though Franklin seemed a little more organized on offense (as well as better free throwers). Perhaps, Elmhurst is still looking for an identity with Long gone. Clearly, both teams were in early season form; sloppy play was the rule. Undoubtedly, it had to be a difficult game for the officials to ref. They were fair, but they also seemed to be early season form, perhaps preseason. Whistling 63 fouls (5 players fouled out) and 53 turnovers, the game moved like molasses. With a whistle about every 20 seconds, the game took well over 2 hours. Officiating basketball is undoubtedly difficult; you can whistle an infraction on just about every play (see last night's game), but it seems to me that the objective is to let the game flow while maintaining reasonable control. My ears are still ringing. Anyone else catch the game?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 20, 2010, 10:39:30 AM
Stories about IWU's loss to DePauw yesterday:

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2010/11/19/WBB_1119105512.aspx?path=wbball

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_019e0d32-f464-11df-881d-001cc4c03286.html

We were unable to go due to the early start time (there is such a thing a work!).  Sounds from Mia Smith's comments in the Pantagraph that some adjustment--attitude or otherwise--will be in order.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2010, 12:13:49 PM
to Just Bill and billys : Olivet Naz women play a better version than do the Grinnell men. I've seen the Grinnell guys make no effort to impede layups/dunks when the opposition gets through their press; the ONU women will try to take a charge or at least pressure the shot. Secondly, one time I saw Grinnell have a 2-on-0 with the ball in the lane and instead of taking the lay-up, the guy (trying to build up his assist total) threw it to the corner for a 3, which was missed. ONU is a lot smarter than that and will make a lay-up when the opportunity is there.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2010, 12:53:41 PM
I saw Wheaton get a 61-56 win over NAIA Taylor U yesterday afternoon. Brooke Olson had a solid game, scoring 15, as did Lindsey Brenneman. The Thunder got good contributions, in one manner or another, from all who played.
In the evening, I saw the Elmhurst game. Kelsey Monroe sent the game into OT by hitting a three with about :01 to go. Other than her 7/11 FG (3 threes), EC made 13 of 55 from the field and they missed 15 FTs. Several players on both teams received significant bruises, as there were some heavy collisions. As bblover stated, Elmhurst is working on things, filling the void left by Lyndsie Long (now coaching at) : http://www.saintjoe.edu/athletics/sports/?sport=wbasketball
Elsewhere in the league:
Augie fell to Lakeland, 63-54. Newcomer Jessica Baids had 15 pts, 13 reb in 26:00. The very reliable Natalie Runge had 16 pts, 8 reb.
North Park topped Adrian 62-54, thanks in part to Sarah Peterson's 14 pts, 12 reb, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 3 assists.
Carthage edged Beloit 80-44. Diana Jacklin had 18 (6/8, 6/7), 8 reb, 4 steals in 22:00. Heather Gilmore had 6 steals.
North Central won 64-52 over Webster. Christine Karl had 17 pts.
Millikin was up-ended by UW-Eau Claire, 62-48.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 20, 2010, 03:53:01 PM
IWU down to Wash U by 7 at halftime, 42-35.  Wash U 4/6 on threes; IWU 2/11.  Distressingly, Olivia Lett and Brittany Hasselbring have 3 fouls each. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on November 20, 2010, 04:58:33 PM
IWU 73
Wash U 68

The Titans took their first lead with :54 to play on a Nikki Preston 3.  IWU trailed by as much as 12 in the 2nd half in this one.  

Preston had an enormous game for the Titans - 28 pts, 5 reb, 4 assists.  Olivia Lett had 15 & 4.  Stacey Arlis had 11 rebounds.

Great win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Bulldog8 on November 21, 2010, 02:39:25 PM
Right now it doesn't seem Elmhurst has any leaders? I was thinking Merklein would be that leader this year. But, in the 2 games she only has a total of 19 points with 18 shot attempts. She is a big/strong presence that can and I believe will take over games. She just needs the confidence and leadership to do so. One thing that needs to be addressed is their free throw shooting. Avg. 56%; not gonna win many ball games. Yes, they are going to miss Long this season, but with 4 returning starters there's no reason they shouldn't be a top 3 team in the conference. Their team chemistry just needs to fuse together, and that starts in practice.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 21, 2010, 03:04:13 PM
The Pantagraph piece on IWU's win over Wash U:

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_4177b136-f524-11df-abf6-001cc4c03286.html

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2010, 01:46:25 PM
Some thoughts in reaction to Bulldog8's post:
I didn't see too much to complain about in Merklein's game Friday. Early on, she went well out of her way to dive in as an opponent was picking up a loose ball and got a held ball call. True, her shooting was a little off, but I think she displayed good leadership with consistent hard work.
The main problem for the Jays was that they couldn't stop Sarah Condra in the 1st half, when she scored 20 of her 26.
I'm sure the Jays would like to get 20/10 games from Merk and Ney every time, but opposing defenses are going to try to force someone else to make shots.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2010, 03:11:01 PM
A quick look at other CCIW results from the weekend -
Wheaton got 24 pts from Lindsey Brenneman and 20 from Brooke Olson, defeating Luther 66-53. Wheaton had excellent free throw defense, limiting Luther to 6 of 16. (ha)
North Central had turnover trouble (26) and lost to St Mary's Ind 75-56.
Loras eased past Augustana 74-41.
Millikin fought back from 18 down, but lost 85-81 to Marian. Elise Wildman poured in 34 pts (made 16 FTs) and blocked 4 shots. Julia Robert added 18 and 9 rebs.
North Park fell to Wittenberg 70-64. Roxxanne Jones led NP with 20 pts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2010, 05:54:42 PM
The good news for NPU is that Sarah Peterson came back early from her concussion (my understanding was that she was going to be out until Wednesday's game against Blackburn) and played both games in the Adrian tourney this past weekend, and junior transfer Antoinette Collman returned from her injury and made her debut as well at Adrian. However, she's been out for probably a month or so, and therefore it could take her awhile to be up to full speed.

Peterson, who collected double-doubles in both games, and Roxxanne Jones were both named to the all-tourney team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2010, 06:48:47 PM
The first conference Player of the Week honor goes to Lindsey Brenneman. Congratulations!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2010, 11:39:15 AM
I attended Wheaton's 84-56 win over Aurora last night. Five Thunder players scored in double figures, topped by Elisabeth Potts who had 24 pts (10/15 FG), 7 reb, 3 steals. Freshman Maris Hovee had her best game yet, with 14 pts (7/8) and 12 reb in 17:00. Breanna Bohlen had 14 (and 7 assists), Annie Bowen had 12, Lindsey Brenneman had 10 (plus 8 assists and 4 steals). Brooke Olson had 7 assists and a number of excellent defensive plays, taking a few charges and getting 6 steals.
The whole team looked pretty sharp at both ends of the floor. Their next game, though, will be more difficult, at the U of Chicago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 24, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
Titan Q,
I'm trying to get a handle on how significant WW's win over IWU in Bloomington was.  Last year IWU drilled us in our gym and I thought they were one of the best DIII women's team that I'd ever seen.  What did they bring back this year and where how were they expected to do in the CCIW?

Hope things on the farm are going well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 24, 2010, 12:16:07 PM
Badger,

Christina Solari was the only player with big minutes to graduate.  She was a big loss, perhaps even bigger than we realized prior to last night.  The rest of the starting five and the regular rotation are back from last season, but the Titans have not played well, by their standards, for most of the three games they've played.  They did rally to beat Wash U, also a top 25 team, last weekend, but trailed throughout most of that game.

Last night the Titans, well known for their run and jump press, had it used on them and looked as if they'd never seen it before.  They were outrebounded by the bigger Warhawks, not too surprisingly, but their inability to move the ball upcourt to get a good look was their downfall.  Coach Mia Smith, one of the best in the business, says she doesn't know what's wrong.  I don't either.

I too hope things on the farm are going well, wherever the farm is.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 24, 2010, 01:28:49 PM
Thanks Hoosier.  We lost a ton of talent and a significant percentage of our scoring to graduation so we're a young team and last night should be confidence builder. 

The farm would be State Farm an organization Titan and I have in common.  As you are undoubtedly aware it has a presence in Bloomington. 

Good luck the rest of the season.  I'm sure coach Smith will get it figured out. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2010, 01:44:13 PM
Millikin won at UW Stevens Point, 73-71, thanks to a three by Julia Robert with :04 left. The Big Blue outscored the host team 8-0 in the final :43.
Robert had 21 pts, while Elise Wildman tallied twenty.
Carthage topped Benedictine 65-49. Diana Jacklin led all scorers with 19.
Elmhurst lost at Loras, 59-48. Meghan Merklein's 12 led EC. Kim Schwerdtmann had 5 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 24, 2010, 03:02:24 PM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on November 24, 2010, 01:28:49 PM
Thanks Hoosier.  We lost a ton of talent and a significant percentage of our scoring to graduation so we're a young team and last night should be confidence builder. 

The farm would be State Farm an organization Titan and I have in common.  As you are undoubtedly aware it has a presence in Bloomington. 

Good luck the rest of the season.  I'm sure coach Smith will get it figured out. 

The Warhawks looked very good.  You should have a good season.

Ah, State Farm.  We have a steady stream of IWU students going to work there; far more than do traditional farming.  Now I get it.  :) (And yes, my house overlooks the corporate headquarters).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 24, 2010, 10:50:18 PM
NPU evened its record at 2-2 with a 73-53 win over Blackburn in the crackerbox tonight. Roxxanne Jones again paced North Park with 20 points, and she added a game-high eight rebounds as well. Torey Walker chipped in 13 points, and Sarah Peterson added 10.

The outstanding stat of the night, though, was sophomore point guard Shaina Yalda's 13 assists against only one turnover. She fell two shy of tying the North Park all-time single-game assists record of 15, set by Becky Johnson Djurickovic against Carthage back in 1983. Yalda now leads the league with a 3.71 assist/turnover ratio, almost a full point and a half ahead of Wheaton's Brooke Olson in second place at 2.22.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2010, 08:09:30 PM
NPU defeated Aurora in the crackerbox this afternoon, 66-48. Lyndsey Thompson and Sarah Peterson each had double-doubles, with Thompson going 16 and 13 and Peterson contributing 10 and 14, with Peterson dishing out four assists to boot. Torey Walker was the high scorer for the Vikings with 18 points, and PG Shaina Yalda continued her fantastic start to the season in terms of her floor game by posting eight assists and only one turnover, upping her assists/turnover ratio to 4.25.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2010, 01:07:29 PM
Other recent CCIW results:
Carthage topped the Coe Eds 62-57. Diana Jacklin led four Lady Reds in double figures with 15.
Nikki Preston scored 24 (8/12 incl 5 threes) and nabbed 6 steals as IWU beat Cornell 79-65.
Natalie Runge poured in 27 (11/15, 5/6) and grabbed 13 rebs in Augie's 62-60 loss to Webster.
Elmhurst went 1-1 in the Cal Luth tournament, defeating the host team 72-71 but falling to LaVerne 69-66.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2010, 11:11:07 AM
Augustana built an early 16-12 lead Sunday over Wash U, but things went sour thereafter, ending 78-48 in favor of the Missourians.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2010, 01:52:14 PM
The second conference Player of the Week honor goes to Julia Robert. Congratulations!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2010, 03:49:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 28, 2010, 01:07:29 PM
Other recent CCIW results:
Carthage topped the Coe Eds 62-57.

The actual nickname of Coe College, the Kohawks, has produced what I consider to be the best posting name on d3boards.com: coocooforcoekohawks.

This individual posts mostly posts on the men's basketball boards, and every time I see that moniker it makes me hungry for chocolate kid's cereal.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2010, 11:06:05 AM
That is a clever one, Greg.
Carthage squeaked past Loras last night, 58-57, and are now 5-0. Diana Jacklin had 5 steals, 3 blocks, 11 rebs and 17 pts.
The new D3Hoops poll has the Lady Reds at number 5. Too bad we don't have any Carthage fans participating on this page, so we don't know if their hot start is exciting or not.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2010, 11:26:52 AM
North Central got 42 of its 71 points off the bench and beat RMU-Springfield by 19.
Jenny Swanson scored 20 via some sharp shooting, including 5 of 7 threes.
Fellow sub Yassenia Cabadas added 11 pts in her 15:00.
Fourteen Cardinals played, none exceeding 25:00.
The opposite philosophy applied for Millikin, which used seven players in their 70-64 OT loss to UW-Platteville. Elise Wildman had 21 pts and 15 rebs in her 41:00. Cecily Aldridge played 44:00 and registered 19 pts, 8 rebs, 4 steals. Point guard Beth Wellbaum played 45:00; I wonder if she did 1000 dribbles in one game (15 dribbles in maybe 65 or 70 possessions?).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on December 01, 2010, 11:57:01 AM
Can anyone explain Milikin beating top-10 ranked UW-Stevens Point on the road and then losing to WIAC also-ran UW-Platteville at home?  Strange result.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2010, 12:20:30 PM
Against Point, Millikin made 8 of 16 threes. Last night they made 4 of 29.
Not having seen either game, I couldn't attribute the above to anything for certain.
By the way, it's way too early in the season to label Platteville's team, or any team, as "also-ran."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2010, 11:06:00 PM
NPU fell to #2 Hope tonight, 72-47. Sarah Peterson and Roxxanne Jones each picked up two fouls within the first 3:15 of the game, which pretty much ended North Park's chances of hanging with the Dutch long-term. Still, the Vikings were competitive until an 8-0 run late in the first half basically put the game away for Hope, which went into the locker room at the half with a commanding 37-16 lead.

The Vikings did manage to more or less trade baskets with Hope throughout the second half, but it was mostly cosmetic; the Hope coach put in his third team with six minutes left in the game and the Dutch up by 25, and that ended up being the game's final margin, so the game was not as close as the final score seems to indicate.

NPU didn't quit, though, and I thought that Dana Christensen and Torey Walker in particular played well. Walker and Roxy Jones led the Vikings with nine points apiece, and Christensen added eight. Sarah Peterson was her usual gung-ho self before fouling out -- she had the unenviable assignment of guarding Hope's 6'3 superstar Carrie Snikkers.

What impressed me most about Hope was not the fact that the Dutch are big, athletic, and highly skilled, it's their motors. They never give up on a ball, and they really get after it on defense and on the boards. I'm hopeful that this will be a learning experience for NPU in that the Vikings will be a little less likely to be freaked out when they face Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2010, 06:53:00 PM
Last evening, I saw Wheaton's 84-63 loss at the U of Chicago.
Excluding team rebounds, the Maroons got 38 of the 58 contested rebounds. And, Chicago's tough half-court defense held the Thunder to 8 for 36 on 2FG attempts.
A couple of positives for Wheaton :
Lindsey Brenneman scored 18 pts from 13 FG att.
The end of the soccer season allowed Laura Karsten to join the basketball team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on December 02, 2010, 06:55:24 PM
Im quoting you and adding it to the UAA board. Thanks RogK and feel free to add more comments on the game (or the Maroons) to our section.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on December 03, 2010, 11:06:47 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2010, 12:20:30 PM
Against Point, Millikin made 8 of 16 threes. Last night they made 4 of 29.
Not having seen either game, I couldn't attribute the above to anything for certain.
By the way, it's way too early in the season to label Platteville's team, or any team, as "also-ran."

We'll see when the season's over. Very few of us who watch the WIAC would predict anything better than 6th place for UWP
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2010, 01:22:10 PM
Fair enough, billys. I just think all teams start the season even.
And we shouldn't diminish any players or coaches in advance. Certain teams probably realize they have an uphill course in front of them, but I wish them optimism and the ability to have fun as the season progresses.
In CCIW action, Elmhurst got past Ohio Wesleyan 64-54. Megan Ney had 22 (8/11, 6/6) and 11 reb, while Meghan Merklein added 21 and 12.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 04, 2010, 11:23:54 PM
It was a real barn-burner at the Shirk Center Saturday afternoon.  The IWU Titans managed to outlast the Maroons of the University of Chicago 76-75 in overtime.  Hope Schulte scored five of the Titans' eight points in the OT period, while Nikki Preston added the other three.  Schulte's hoop with 8 seconds on the clock gave the Titans the win.

The Titans were slow out of the gates, and Chicago led for the first five minutes or so.  Then the defense tightened up, and the IWU lead reached 11 at one point in the first half.  In the second half the Maroons pulled back slowly, tying the score with about 5 minutes to go.  The game had four lead changes and seven ties.

IWU junior point guard Brittany Hasselbring had a career-high 14 points, all in the first half.  She looked very comfortable shooting the ball.    Sophomore Melissa Gardner scored 12, all on 3's, and Olivia Lett had 11 points and led the Titans in both rebounds (7) and assists (6).  All of Lett's points came in the second half.  Stacey Arlis had 10 points.

For the Maroons, Morgan Herrick had 23 points and 10 rebounds.  The Maroons outrebounded the Titans 48-35.  Chicago's leading scorer Bryanne Halfhill was held to 5 points.

A good outing for the Titans over an always-tough opponent.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2010, 01:41:52 PM
I saw Wheaton's 65-49 win over UW-Oshkosh.
Oshkosh spent the early part of the game trying to force the ball into the low post, but Wheaton's good interior defense prevented any success. Annie Bowen was particularly active and strong.
The Thunder grabbed an early lead and never trailed. Bowen also did well on offense with 15 pts (5/8, 5/6) and added 8 rebs. Lindsey Brenneman topped Wheaton with 19 pts, matched by 19 from Oshkosh's Michelle Boeder (8/9 FG with 3 threes). I was a bit mystified why Boeder didn't get the ball more. And I was further mystified that Oshkosh did not accelerate the game when down double digits with 5 or 6 minutes to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2010, 03:15:02 PM
Looking at the other CCIW weekend results:
Jenny Swanson made a game-winning three as North Central beat Dubuque 49-47 (that's a good half-time score).
Heather Gilmore had 19 pts, 5 steals, 5 assists, 7 rebounds as Carthage (6-0) beat Robert Morris Chicago 64-62. Diana Jacklin blocked 6 of the other team's shots. Cailee Corcoran scored 15 in her 22:00.
Elmhurst fell to Wash U 61-36.
Augustana topped Robert Morris Springfield 78-65. Natalie Runge had 15 and 9, while teammate Molly Etheridge scored 13 in 18:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2010, 05:12:52 PM
Congratulations to Jenny Swanson, CCIW player of the week!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2010, 02:00:32 PM
Illinois Wesleyan opened with a 10-0 burst last evening and defeated NAIA St Francis, 76-59.
Stacey Arlis tallied 14 pts, 9 reb, 5 assists. Nikki Preston and Olivia Lett also scored 14. Hope Schulte and Lexi Baltes each had four steals. IWU induced 34 turnovers by St Francis.
IWU has UW-SP next.
After that, they will have a 5:00 start on Monday at Olivet Nazarene; this will be the battle of the pressing/trapping teams. If any other CCIW coaches/players have a possible interest in pressing and causing turnovers, this is the game to see it in full, energetic use.
Carthage and North Park have games that night. And, I wouldn't suggest that anyone come all the way from Millikin or Augie, but maybe someone from Elmhurst, Wheaton (which has already employed a semi-aggressive press occasionally this year) and North Central would consider attending.
(plus, it's a chance to scout IWU)
If so, allow plenty of time to get to Bourbonnais, as it is an early start.
I admit that pressing isn't for everyone; you need a lot of athletes to shuttle in and out (to avoid exhaustion). But, I think it's an aspect of the game that has been severely underused in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2010, 03:30:09 PM
Isn't anyone going to tell me to shut up about pressing and go try coaching?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on December 07, 2010, 05:14:11 PM
I was thinking it...but now Ill say it. Shut up about pressing, lol  ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2010, 05:44:29 PM
Very good, sir. I'll try to withstrain myself. Perhaps I'll switch to telepathy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2010, 06:10:42 PM
I was going to respond "no one has told you to shut up because no one is reading your posts anymore", but that would be both rude and untrue! ;D

As a Titan, I obviously have nothing against pressing. 8-)  I'm just disappointed that it has so far not yielded a title (or even a FF appearance).  Despite losing Christina, and the sub-par start to the season, perhaps THIS is the year we remember to show up at our own final four! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2010, 06:24:14 PM
I don't mind snide retorts, Mr Ypsi! Your line was a good insult and made me laugh.
It's true that IWU hasn't made the Final Four, but 95 pct of the teams that play half-court ball don't make the FF either. I hope, if IWU does make it to the Finals, that they stick with "what brung 'em there."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2010, 06:33:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 07, 2010, 06:24:14 PM
I don't mind snide retorts, Mr Ypsi! Your line was a good insult and made me laugh.
It's true that IWU hasn't made the Final Four, but 95 pct of the teams that play half-court ball don't make the FF either. I hope, if IWU does make it to the Finals, that they stick with "what brung 'em there."


I would be totally shocked if they changed their style at that point.  I just hope there IS a 'that point'! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2010, 09:55:14 PM
North Park defeated Benedictine tonight in Lisle, 69-59. NPU was paced by Roxxanne Jones, who had 17 points and 8 rebounds; Sarah Peterson, who finished the night with 14 points and 10 rebounds; and Lyndsey Thompson, who chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. Torey Walker had 9 points and 7 rebounds as well.

Antoinette Collman of the Vikings took a nasty spill late in the second half and had to be helped to the bench after clutching her leg. I sure hope that she's OK; NPU has been absolutely snakebit by serious leg injuries this year -- Kamauria Acree, Hillary Kuhl, and Bridgette Gray are all sidelined for the year with various injuries -- and they certainly don't need another one.

The Vikings up their record to 4-3, and will next take on Trinity International (7-6) on Thursday evening.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on December 08, 2010, 12:06:09 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 07, 2010, 05:44:29 PM
Very good, sir. I'll try to withstrain myself. Perhaps I'll switch to telepathy.

"Very good ma'am" please.  :-* Thanks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on December 08, 2010, 08:34:26 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2010, 06:33:10 PM
I would be totally shocked if they changed their style at that point. 

I am curious, are you blaming the approach to defense for the losses?  And, there is nothing snide about my question.  I am simply curious.

It looks like Olivet has a live webcast of the game on Monday.  I will have to mark that on my calendar: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/olivet.portal#
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2010, 11:29:05 AM
Sorry about that wrong guess on your gender, Wydown Blvd. I wanted to use "very good, sir" in case other fans of Jeeves and Wooster (a fun British TV series) were reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeeves_and_Wooster
Augustana picked up another win, 69-56 over Greenville. Kristen Fox had 16 pts and 10 reb; Molly Etheridge also scored 16. Didn't see a box score yet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 08, 2010, 11:54:34 AM
Quote from: WUH on December 08, 2010, 08:34:26 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 07, 2010, 06:33:10 PM
I would be totally shocked if they changed their style at that point. 

I am curious, are you blaming the approach to defense for the losses?  And, there is nothing snide about my question.  I am simply curious.


Heavens no!  I think the press has been the key to their success.  When opponents consistently have 25-30 turnovers, you're gonna win a lot of games! :D

I'm just frustrated that a team I'd penciled into the FF three straight years has yet to make it.  IMO they have not lost to 'better' teams in general, though obviously the opponent was better that day. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on December 08, 2010, 04:52:26 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 08, 2010, 11:29:05 AM
Sorry about that wrong guess on your gender, Wydown Blvd. I wanted to use "very good, sir" in case other fans of Jeeves and Wooster (a fun British TV series) were reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeeves_and_Wooster

;D gotcha. no prob.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2010, 11:32:17 AM
Half of the league played yesterday.
Millikin knocked off another highly-rated team (DePauw), winning 65-59.
Elise Wildman had 22 pts and 7 reb. Julia Robert hit some late-game threes on her way to 15 pts and Crystal Zeigler added 13. The Big Blue used 7 players. DePauw started one Kate and two Katies.
Elmhurst trounced MacMurray 87-64. EC shot .590 FG including 6/6 threes. Merk scored 19 in 24:00 and Megan Ney put in 18 in 25:00. Others did well, too. The stats show 48 total rebounds (no team rebs), but there were 50 missed FGs and 15 missed FTs.
Carthage took its first loss, 69-59, at Calvin, which scored 39 from behind the arc. Heather Gilmore led Carthage with 13 pts, 6 reb and 4 assists; she also had 3 steals.
Wheaton lost 60-48 at NAIA St Ambrose.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2010, 11:27:21 AM
Saw the North Park 69-62 win over NAIA Trinity Int'l last night.
It was an action-filled game and some of it was productive.
NP's starting frontcourt, Lyndsey Thompson, Sarah Peterson and Roxxanne Jones, had at least 10 rebounds each, which may have been the deciding factor.
Jones led the scoring with 21, while Peterson (running a fever) contributed 18.
TIU used pressing now and then throughout the game, but Peterson's passing and some fine dribbling by Shaina Yalda and Antoinette Collman got the Vikings through the press nearly all of the time.
There were 49 fouls and 63 FTs. Dana Christensen made some late FTs to seal the win. Collman had 5 steals. Yalda had 6 assists and 0 TOs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 10, 2010, 11:52:44 AM
North Park slogged out a 69-62 win over Trinity International last night at Foster & Kedzie. The game shouldn't have been that close, but the Vikings were atrocious at the free throw line; they finished the game 20-37 at the charity stripe, and at one point in the second half they were only 8-19. That, and a frustrating inability to knock down shots around the basket, kept NPU from being able to put away a Trojans team that they led by as many as 13, and whose two leading scorers (Melanie Duplessis, 19.6 ppg, and Reanna Perera, 16.0 ppg) they held to 16 points (5-18 FG) and 10 points (4-11 FG), respectively.

Roxie Jones led NPU with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Sarah Peterson had her second consecutive double-double, scoring a career-high 18 points and garnering 14 rebounds, while Lyndsey Thompson grabbed 10 boards, Antoinette Collman (who largely held Duplessis in check defensively) had five steals, and Shaina Yalda continued her amazing run of floor games by dishing out six assists without turning the ball over once. Shaina's assist:turnover ratio is now 4.70, more than twice that of the next-best CCIW playmaker, Wheaton's Brooke Olson (2.31). The D3 season record, set two years ago by Ellen O'Brien of Denison, is 4.31.

Sarah Peterson's performance was all the more remarkable for the fact that she's battling the flu and played with a 101-degree temperature. People dared her before the game to "pull a Michael Jordan," and she certainly did. She's an enormously fun player to watch, and a fantastic asset to her team. She spends so much time on the floor going after loose balls, rebounds, and getting hit while putting up shots in close that I've taken to calling her "the Human Mop." If there was an inspirational poster for the word "hustle," it'd have Sarah's picture on it. I realize that Millikin's Elise Wildman had a strong night in the Big Blue's upset win over #8 DePauw on Wednesday, but Sarah Peterson's performances against Benedictine and Trinity International while severely under the weather certainly ought to earn her the CCIW Player of the Week award.

NPU (5-3) is next in action at home on Monday against Kalamazoo in the opening game of a women's/men's doubleheader.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2010, 12:28:08 PM
If she asks you about being called a mop, you'd better say it means most outstanding player!
But, you're right, Greg. She has been doing a lot of things outstandingly, kind of like a tall Heather Gilmore.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2010, 03:06:17 PM
One of the better freshmen so far has been Carthage's Kristi Schmidt.
Her FG shooting has been very consistent : 3/6 twice, 2/4 twice, 3/5, 3/7 and 5/7, adding up to .538 including hitting both 3FG att.
She has made 14 of 17 FTs and has 23 rebounds in 123:00, which is pretty good.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2010, 03:15:31 PM
Another good freshman is Augie's Molly Etheridge, who has scored 12, 13 and 16 in their three recent games.
Guess what --- she's from the same high school class as Kristi Schmidt: Normal Community, not far from IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 12, 2010, 12:10:41 PM
The Illinois Wesleyan Titans avenged their defeat in last year's NCAA tournament at the hands of UW-Stevens Point on the Pointers' home court yesterday, 76-72.  The Titans were led in scoring by Stacey Arlis with 20 points on 8/11 FG and 4/4 FT shooting.  Olivia Lett had 19, Hope Schulte 12, and Holly Harvey 10 for a balanced attack.  The game had 19 lead changes.   A couple of interesting stats:  the Titans made 18 of 19 free throws to the Pointers' 12 of 22; IWU won the battle of the boards 38-27. 



Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 12, 2010, 12:12:59 PM
On a holiday note:  Illinois Wesleyan's Holiday Celebration for staff and faculty was Friday afternoon.  As President Dick Wilson began his traditional holiday toast, something new happened.  I must have been the last person on the planet not to know what a "flash mob" was, but I do now.  The man in the front row facing the audience is Provost Frank Boyd; President Wilson joins about halfway through.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmXfrb01xFc
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2010, 11:43:16 AM
Traffic reports say that there are icy conditions on I-57 near Kankakee (which is in the vicinity of Bourbonnais). I assume other area roads are fairly bad, too.
In earlier posts, I encouraged readers to attend the IWU game vs Olivet Naz in Bourbonnais this evening. I now advise against it, for travel safety reasons.


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2010, 12:18:18 PM
Other weekend action:
Julia Robert poured in 38 as Millikin topped Fontbonne 75-68. Crystal Zeigler had 14 pts and 14 rebs. Elise Wildman scored 16.
Robert made 14/20 FGs, including 7 threes.
Millikin also beat Illinois (C, not U) 68-60. Wildman had 24 and 7, Robert tallied 13.
North Central took two to the chin in So Cal, losing 61-30 to Redlands and 80-59 to Chapman.
Augustana upended Buena Vista, 68-59. Kristen Fox scored 18 in 26:00, Molly Etheridge had 13 in 18:00 and Whitney Miller had 10 assists.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 14, 2010, 02:52:27 AM
Sadly, the Titans lost 110-106 in overtime.  A real defensive struggle.  The Titans set a record for rebounds in one game, but amazingly had 52, yes 52 turnovers.  Gracious.  That takes great skill to do.  What is going on with basics with our Titans this year?  Wild.  A pretty rough start to the year at 5-3.  A good test coming up at Kean.

Congrats to Stacey Arlis as CCIW player of the week last week.  See the CCIW website for the detailed write-up.  She is really coming into her own as a significant low post presence for scoring and rebounding.  Christina Solari would be proud.

Hope we can take better care of the ball in future.   

Happy holidays to all CCIW chatsters.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2010, 11:26:09 AM
I attended the North Park 70-39 drubbing of Kalamazoo. Dana Christensen scored 8 quick points and the Vikings cruised to a 40-13 halftime lead. The starting five did quite well in limited playing time. Roxxanne Jones had 13 pts, 9 reb, 3 steals in 19:00. Shaina Yalda had 10 more assists. Lyndsey Thompson had 12 pts in 16:00. Sarah Peterson did her customary variety of good things.
NP used the bench for most of the 2nd half. But this one was a mismatch from the start.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 14, 2010, 12:12:18 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 14, 2010, 02:52:27 AM
Sadly, the Titans lost 110-106 in overtime.  A real defensive struggle.  The Titans set a record for rebounds in one game, but amazingly had 52, yes 52 turnovers.  Gracious.  That takes great skill to do.  What is going on with basics with our Titans this year?  Wild.  A pretty rough start to the year at 5-3.  A good test coming up at Kean.

Congrats to Stacey Arlis as CCIW player of the week last week.  See the CCIW website for the detailed write-up.  She is really coming into her own as a significant low post presence for scoring and rebounding.  Christina Solari would be proud.

Hope we can take better care of the ball in future.  

Happy holidays to all CCIW chatsters.

I had thought about attending this game and thought better of it with the weather.  I watched the streaming broadcast and was very glad we did not make the trip.  Very, very disappointing performance by the Titans, who simply did not show up ready to play.  They dug themselves an enormous hole with turnovers and, well, dumb plays.  They did manage to claw their way back, but it took so much effort that they were exhausted by the end.  If those 52 turnovers are not a school record, I don't want to know what the record is.

This is truly a Jekyll and Hyde team--you never know which one is going to turn up.  The one possible mitigating factor might be fatigue--it was a long, snowy trip last weekend to and from Stevens Point, right after finals--but Mia Smith wasn't having it.  It's mystifying.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on December 14, 2010, 12:15:06 PM
I would have guessed if anyone had been prepared for the Grinell/Olivet style it would have been Illinois Wesleyan who's used to playing at breakneck speed. Considering Olivet averages well over 50 3-point attempts a game and only shot 39 last night those TO's must have directly translated to lay-ups?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 14, 2010, 12:26:06 PM
Quote from: billys on December 14, 2010, 12:15:06 PM
I would have guessed if anyone had been prepared for the Grinell/Olivet style it would have been Illinois Wesleyan who's used to playing at breakneck speed. Considering Olivet averages well over 50 3-point attempts a game and only shot 39 last night those TO's must have directly translated to lay-ups?

I'm not by any means an expert on that style of play--I hate it, even when it works.  But Olivet has at least one player who's pretty effective at bodying up under the basket, and they didn't always go for the three.  They got plenty of open looks from short range, thanks to the turnovers and fast pace, and they took them.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2010, 01:55:21 PM
Hoosier Titan, I think you may have preferred the Carthage game last night: Chicago 49, Lady Reds 46.
Chicago and Carthage each like a fairly slow game, with strong half-court defense, of which there had to be plenty. Only 3.1 baskets were scored for every four minutes of play. No easy baskets allowed, but none scored either.
Clearly, their coaches feel that, given their personnel, a slowish game is to their advantage. Fair enough. But, one still wins and one loses.
At the opposite extreme is ONU, which feels an accelerated game is to its advantage. They sub frequently and think that with their athleticism and depth they can wear the other team out. Setting back into a half-court defense does not fit their logic because it slows things down. Also, they normally want to shoot 60 threes per game, in addition to getting some high pct lowpost scoring. Shooting threes makes the game faster because you usually need far fewer passes than if you are trying to go lowpost all the time.
IWU is not as devoted to speed as ONU is. But, IWU has certainly preferred a faster game than the rest of the CCIW of recent years. Still, one fast team won, one lost.
Some fans (not you HT, but others) and coaches deride a lot of full-court defense. I find that attitude to be irrational. If that's how you can get the ball back without the other team scoring (the WHOLE PURPOSE OF DEFENSE), then it works. Forechecking has value in hockey and can in basketball, too. Depends on if you have enough players to do it, since it is tiring.
Despite the 52 turnovers, IWU still had time to make 41 of 79 FGs and get 31 FT att. And, they must have guarded the 3pt line tightly, to prevent ONU from piling up points that way.
HT, I wouldn't put a lot of blame on IWU for losing in OT. Instead, I'd give them credit for what had to be very substantial, exhausting effort. And I give a lot of credit to Coach Smith for scheduling the annual ONU game. Only she, Wheaton's Coach Baker and Millikin's Coach Kerans have taken on the significant challenge of playing ONU in recent years.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 14, 2010, 06:25:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 14, 2010, 01:55:21 PM
Hoosier Titan, I think you may have preferred the Carthage game last night: Chicago 49, Lady Reds 46.
Chicago and Carthage each like a fairly slow game, with strong half-court defense, of which there had to be plenty. Only 3.1 baskets were scored for every four minutes of play. No easy baskets allowed, but none scored either.
Clearly, their coaches feel that, given their personnel, a slowish game is to their advantage. Fair enough. But, one still wins and one loses.
At the opposite extreme is ONU, which feels an accelerated game is to its advantage. They sub frequently and think that with their athleticism and depth they can wear the other team out. Setting back into a half-court defense does not fit their logic because it slows things down. Also, they normally want to shoot 60 threes per game, in addition to getting some high pct lowpost scoring. Shooting threes makes the game faster because you usually need far fewer passes than if you are trying to go lowpost all the time.
IWU is not as devoted to speed as ONU is. But, IWU has certainly preferred a faster game than the rest of the CCIW of recent years. Still, one fast team won, one lost.
Some fans (not you HT, but others) and coaches deride a lot of full-court defense. I find that attitude to be irrational. If that's how you can get the ball back without the other team scoring (the WHOLE PURPOSE OF DEFENSE), then it works. Forechecking has value in hockey and can in basketball, too. Depends on if you have enough players to do it, since it is tiring.
Despite the 52 turnovers, IWU still had time to make 41 of 79 FGs and get 31 FT att. And, they must have guarded the 3pt line tightly, to prevent ONU from piling up points that way.
HT, I wouldn't put a lot of blame on IWU for losing in OT. Instead, I'd give them credit for what had to be very substantial, exhausting effort. And I give a lot of credit to Coach Smith for scheduling the annual ONU game. Only she, Wheaton's Coach Baker and Millikin's Coach Kerans have taken on the significant challenge of playing ONU in recent years.



A mere coincidence that every CCIW title the last 17 years has been won by Wheaton, Millikin, or IWU?  I doubt it. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2010, 07:22:24 PM
hmmm, I wouldn't necessarily make that connection. But, I think those three coaches have looked at it as an opportunity to test/improve their teams' abilities in certain areas of the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 14, 2010, 08:41:02 PM
Oh, I wasn't trying to give ONU THAT much credit, just that they are willing to schedule ANYONE to test their teams.  IWU, for example, begins every season against perennial top ten teams DePauw and WashU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 14, 2010, 10:02:41 PM
Ever since reading Rog's description of the Chicago-Carthage game this afternoon I've been trying to decide what style of play I DO like, because 49-46 sounds pretty excruciating to me.  So I'm not sold on "The System," and I'm not in favor of slowing it down that much.  I guess it's obvious that coaches have to use the skill set available to them in their players.  Given that, I favor playing just as fast as the players can handle, no faster and no slower.  Sometimes teams try to move the ball so fast that they force themselves into turnovers and rushed shots.  At times it seemed that was what IWU was doing last night.  They don't usually do that, so perhaps ONU were causing the rushed play and the turnovers, and more power to them if that's the case.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2010, 01:54:54 PM
Two CCIW teams were in action last night.
Elmhurst topped Rockford (are they called the Files?), 64-54. Megan Ney was 8/8 in 18:00 and had 4 steals. Meghan Merklein also scored 16.
Augustana lost at Aurora, 68-65. Kristen Fox had 13 rebs and 11 pts.
Hoosier Titan, I'm glad to have induced broad reflection in your mind regarding basketball. And, I like your conclusion : play as fast as the players can handle.
I also noticed that you threw in some British grammar, since you lived in the UK recently : "ONU were" rather than "ONU was".
Some of the more astonishing stats from IWU/ONU have already been mentioned, such as the Titans' 72 rebounds. I wonder if their 54 def rebs was a record.
Another unusual stat is that, in a 45:00 game, no ONU player was in for more than 17:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2010, 07:00:55 PM
Maybe it's not too early to have a look at some stats, bearing in mind that an apples vs oranges situation exists since some teams have played tougher non-conference schedules than others'.
Scoring : Elise Wildman MILL 22.4, Julia Robert MILL 16.8, Roxxanne Jones NP 16.3, Lindsey Brenneman WHE 15.1, Nikki Preston IWU 15.1;
Rebounds : Sarah Peterson NP 9.1, E Wildman 9.0, Natalie Runge AUG 7.3, J Robert 7.1, Diana Jacklin CART 6.8;
FG pct : you know who IWU .662 (Malibu Stacey);
Assists : Shaina Yalda NP 6.33;
FT pct : .833, Hope Schulte IWU and Jackie Errico NC;
Steals : Heather Gilmore CART 3.88;
3FG pct : Torey Walker NP .556;
3FG made : J Robert 3.25;
Blocks : D Jacklin 2.88;
Assist/TO ratio : S Yalda 5.18
more at --
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1011/CONFLDRS.HTM



Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 15, 2010, 11:24:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 15, 2010, 01:54:54 PM
Two CCIW teams were in action last night.
Elmhurst topped Rockford (are they called the Files?), 64-54. Megan Ney was 8/8 in 18:00 and had 4 steals. Meghan Merklein also scored 16.
Augustana lost at Aurora, 68-65. Kristen Fox had 13 rebs and 11 pts.
Hoosier Titan, I'm glad to have induced broad reflection in your mind regarding basketball. And, I like your conclusion : play as fast as the players can handle.
I also noticed that you threw in some British grammar, since you lived in the UK recently : "ONU were" rather than "ONU was".
Some of the more astonishing stats from IWU/ONU have already been mentioned, such as the Titans' 72 rebounds. I wonder if their 54 def rebs was a record.
Another unusual stat is that, in a 45:00 game, no ONU player was in for more than 17:00.

That "play as fast as you can but no faster" mantra is either utterly trivial or Zen-like in its depth; I haven't decided which.  It came to me while watching the IWU men's tournament with Aurora, Ripon, and Buena Vista.  None of the teams were terrible, but all of them wanted to play run-and-gun style basketball, and a lot of the players just couldn't bring it off, due to problems with either endurance or ball handling.  Don't forget the John Wooden aphorism along the lines of "Be quick, but don't hurry."

The Brit-ism just crept in, as witness the fact that I said "IWU was in the same sentence."  Just confused about which side of the pond I live on!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on December 16, 2010, 12:41:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 15, 2010, 01:54:54 PM
Two CCIW teams were in action last night.
Elmhurst topped Rockford (are they called the Files?), 64-54. Megan Ney was 8/8 in 18:00 and had 4 steals. Meghan Merklein also scored 16.
Augustana lost at Aurora, 68-65. Kristen Fox had 13 rebs and 11 pts.
Hoosier Titan, I'm glad to have induced broad reflection in your mind regarding basketball. And, I like your conclusion : play as fast as the players can handle.
I also noticed that you threw in some British grammar, since you lived in the UK recently : "ONU were" rather than "ONU was".
Some of the more astonishing stats from IWU/ONU have already been mentioned, such as the Titans' 72 rebounds. I wonder if their 54 def rebs was a record.
Another unusual stat is that, in a 45:00 game, no ONU player was in for more than 17:00.

Regarding Rockford being called the "Files", yes I'm tempted to go that route again, but I don't want 2010-11's equivalent of Angel Martin messing things up again (like what happened on my Maranatha/Rockford gridioron pick) (Ba dumm bumm!)   :D :D

 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on December 16, 2010, 12:47:06 PM
As long as we're on the subject of NAthCon teams, for you Millikin followers, here are the stats for the Wisconsin Lutheran squad you'll be playing tomorrow night, barring a weather interruption--

http://northernac.org/sports/basketball_women/statistics/2010-11/wlc.htm

(Here's hoping I didn't just jinx my own team  :-X :-X :-X)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2010, 02:16:05 PM
WLCALUM83, your mention of Angel gave me a good laugh. Jim could always rely on Angel to be unreliable. That series (The Rockford Files, for you young readers) featured a good amount of comical wisecracks, not to mention decent drama. Now that I think about it, I may need to buy it on DVD.
You may be addressing a nonexistent audience when you talk to "Millikin followers" in these pages. I don't think we've had a post from a Millikin fan here in the last 5 or 7 years. Coach Kerans reads our stuff, but she may be the only Millikinite who does.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2010, 04:23:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 15, 2010, 07:00:55 PM
Assists : Shaina Yalda NP 6.33

In the first official tally of D3 statistics for the 2010-11 season, the NCAA website listed NPU point guard Shaina Yalda as third in the nation in assist:turnover ratio at 4.70. That first tally was thru the games of December 12. Since then, Shaina has posted a 10 assists:1 turnover performance in NPU's rout of Kalamazoo, upping her a:t ratio to 5.18. The player who had been in second place, Serafina Nuzzo of Denison, had an 8:3 night in the Big Red's win over Grove City on Tuesday, lowering her a:t to 4.27 and propelling Shaina into second place in the nation in a:t ratio. The player in first place, Brandi Cresap of Minnesota-Morris, has a hard-to-fathom 9.00 ratio (36:4), and the Cougars have not played since 12/12. They next play on Friday.

Shaina was also listed as twelfth in the nation in assists per game as of 12/12, with 5.9 apg. Her performance against Kazoo increased her apg to 6.33, and without looking up the box scores of all eleven women who were listed ahead of her in the 12/12 tally I'm guessing that she's somewhere in the lower half of the top ten now.

Of course, none of this is terribly important, and it's still comparatively early in the season. My guess is that it's going to be harder for Shaina to maintain this torrid a:t pace in league play. Still, it's great to see just how well she's doing at her job as the Vikings' floor general in the larger context of D3 women's basketball.

NPU's next game is Saturday afternoon in River Forest against a red-hot Dominican team that's 9-1 and is on a nine-game winning streak.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on December 16, 2010, 04:34:16 PM
Greg and all,

You might be interested to know that Division III is starting to do statistics reporting in the same manner that D-I does, meaning that the host school uploads a report directly to the NCAA after each game.  In the past, schools would send their stats to the conference SID who would then transmit them to the NCAA once a week (usually on Sunday or Monday).

The plus is that eventually we will get to the point where the national statistics rankings for D-III will be updated in real time (or at least daily) as each game ends and get reported.  Currently (and probably for the rest of this season) the national report is only updated every Tuesday, which isn't very helpful once you get to Saturday's games.  Once all D-III SIDs are completely on board and the bugs are worked out, they will literally be able to update the national leaders as often as they want.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2010, 04:57:28 PM
That would be huge, Bill. Having the conference SID function as the middleman is never a good idea; many leagues don't have a full-time conference SID, and you can't always assume that this sort of thing is seen as a priority. There are holes all over the place in D3 athletics reporting, and this should help fill up some of those holes on the national level.

I've never understood why so many D3 schools don't take sports information seriously. Not only do you reinforce the popular perception that D3 is "glorified intramurals" if you don't do a professional job with your school's sports information, you also deprive the school of a resource for both public relations and admissions recruitment -- and a lot of D3 schools could use help in both of those areas.

/soapbox
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2010, 05:25:18 PM
Greg, since you used the term "soapbox" in that post, could you be more specific?
Was it Biz? Boraxo? A-L-L?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on December 16, 2010, 07:08:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2010, 04:57:28 PM
That would be huge, Bill. Having the conference SID function as the middleman is never a good idea; many leagues don't have a full-time conference SID, and you can't always assume that this sort of thing is seen as a priority. There are holes all over the place in D3 athletics reporting, and this should help fill up some of those holes on the national level.

I've never understood why so many D3 schools don't take sports information seriously. Not only do you reinforce the popular perception that D3 is "glorified intramurals" if you don't do a professional job with your school's sports information, you also deprive the school of a resource for both public relations and admissions recruitment -- and a lot of D3 schools could use help in both of those areas.

/soapbox

+1
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2010, 11:30:40 AM
Greenville topped North Central 60-53.
Jackie Errico had 20 pts, 9 reb. Helen Muleya had 6 steals.
NC shot poorly : 15/42 2FGs, 2/20 3FGs and 17/31 FTs. Did they breathe in too many fumes on the bus ride?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on December 18, 2010, 07:18:33 AM
Millikin beat WLC by 13, (Warriors were without one starter--who had good reason to miss the game- this starter's older sister's getting married today.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2010, 03:48:33 PM
scores from the weekend :
78-60, 66-47, 77-67, 71-63, 70-40, 67-54, 93-35.
Nikkis did very well.
Nikki Preston (IWU) had 19 pts, 9 reb in 17:00.
Nikki Tipsword (Millikin) scored 32 in 52:00 over two games. Teammate Elise Wildman had 19 pts, 19 reb in the 58 point clobberation of Blackburn.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2010, 05:22:56 PM
Elise Wildman, who has had a bunch of fine games already this season, wins the CCIW Player of the Week honor. Congratulations!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2010, 11:25:26 AM
Sounds like Millikin has another good player:
https://www.millikin.edu/sites/athletics/Pages/AthleticNews.aspx?ID=8378
She didn't play in yesterday's 66-46 win over Cornell.
Olya Cholewick led M with 21 pts (9/15 FG incl 2 threes, a FT), while Crystal Zeigler grabbed 15 rebs. E Wildman and J Robert had 15 pts each. Bethany Wellbaum played 40:00 and had only 3 TOs; she is not easily fatigued.
Cecily Aldridge must be injured, as she has missed the last 5 games.
In the other CCIW contest last night, North Central was topped by Benedictine 73-64.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2010, 09:24:29 PM
IWU over Baruch in the blizzard-delayed game in New York City.  Titans go to 7-3 with a 75-71 win, after leading 41-30 at halftime.  Titans play #2 Kean University tomorrow in Union, NJ.  A New Year's eve game vs. #2 in the country will be a good test of where the Titans really are now, before the start of the CCIW campaign.

Happy New Year to all . . . esp. all in snow-drenched New York City. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on December 30, 2010, 11:05:32 PM
We're going to do an audio broadcast of the Titans' battle with Kean tomorrow at 1 pm ET.  Click here (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/d3hoops-illinois-wesleyan-vs-kean) to listen.  

There's also a separate video broadcast by Kean.  Click here (http://www.keanathletics.com/general_news/012309live) to watch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2010, 02:52:39 PM
#15 IWU trailed most of the game against #3 Kean, but finished the game on a 23-7 run to win going away, 68-57.

Stacey Arlis led the scoring with 17, but player of the game has got to be Britt Hasselbring who had 15 points and 15 boards, not to mention 4 steals, 3 assists, and a block!  Monster game, Britt! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2010, 09:43:30 PM
Congrats to the Titans for the two wins, including taking down #3 Kean, on the snowy, difficult East Coast trip.   Two games in two days -- 6 p.m. delayed and 1 p.m. the next day.  Travelling around NJ in the snow is never fun!!!   Welcome home to the warm confines of the Shirk.   Indeed, a monster game for Brittany Hasselbring. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on January 01, 2011, 12:02:50 AM
I was very impressed by IWU's victory at Kean today.  Hasselbring stole the show with the double-double and Arlis is a really nice post player.  The most impressive element of today's win was that IWU didn't get big contributions from Preston and Schulte, played against a really tough defense and still found a way to win on the road.  That's the stuff national championships are made of.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 01, 2011, 09:11:39 AM
Clearly, the sugarplums were still dancing in their heads that is the heads of the players and coaches of Nebraska Wesleyan and Elmhurst. With 8 minutes left in the first half, the score was just 12-8. Nearly every point scored was either a layup or a free throw. Perhaps, noticing that neither team could shoot a jump shot, Wesleyan went into a tightly-packed zone. Elmhurst did not respond well; poor ball movement led to a number of turnovers. At the half, Wesleyan led 23-21. Elmhurst was clearly flat coming out of the locker room. Continuing to use its zone, Wesleyan dominated the first five minutes, stretching its lead to nine. Both teams tried to go inside, but Wesleyan was clearly more successful. Unfortunately for Wesleyan, foul trouble forced them to sit down their bigs and it was then that Elmhurst woke up from their long winter nap. Raising their defensive intensity seemed to ignite their offensive skills, at least some of them. They still could not hit a 3 to save their life. They ended the game 0 for 15. Wesleyan was 0 for 3. However, Elmhurst started hitting some mid-range jumpers. With 8 minutes left, the game was tied, and from that point, neither team could gain control. With a little over a minute left, Elmhurst took its first lead of the half. As it had all evening, Wesleyan responded, going inside, scoring two key buckets to take a 3-point lead with just 49 seconds. Elmhurst remained cool. Merklein hit a mid-range jumper to cut it to one. Elmhurst played tough defense and got the ball back with 10 seconds and called time out. They managed to get the ball to Merklein, who had trouble grabbing hold. She did get a shot up, but it missed. Ney rebounded, was probably fouled but also missed. Somehow, in the middle of the lane among some very big players, a not so big Kelsey Monroe managed to grab the ball, put it back up and literally stop time. Her shot which left her hands with just a tick or so remaining hung on the rim for what seemed like an eternity. While it remained on the rim, the horn sounded. I thought for a brief moment that it was going to fall out, but clearly, Kelsey must have been a very good girl in 2010. It fell in. A very nice way for Elmhurst to enter the CCIW and excellent present for the fans who got to see this defensive gem of a game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 01, 2011, 08:56:36 PM
Having now seen the recap of the IWU/Kean game, and therefore checking the play-by-play more carefully, I see I misrepresented the Titan comeback somewhat.  The teams basically traded baskets throughout the game (neither team ever led earlier by more than 8) until IWU detonated one of their patented 'blasts'.  From about 8 minutes left until the game was already in hand (about 1+ minutes), the Titans went on a 17-0 tear!  That took them from -7 to +10.

They can't always do that (and I sure as he!! hope they don't think they can and start relying on it! ;)), but there have been numerous games in the last few years where that has happened.  Warning to opponents: leads against the Titans are fragile things! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: ronk on January 01, 2011, 11:35:47 PM
   IWU didn't panic despite the many 6/7/8 point deficits in the 2nd half against #3 on the road. The players played within their capabilities, as a team, not individuals, hit a good % of their FTs throughout, and preserved the lead when they finally got it, effectively using up clock. Having seen Kean on videocasts 5 times this year, consider me impressed with the Titans. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 04, 2011, 12:40:21 AM
New poll is out.

IWU jumps to #11 (though still trailing now #9 Kean), Carthage remains at #16, Millikin has 12 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2011, 01:57:52 AM
Congrats to IWU's Brittany Hasselbring, CCIW Player of the Week!  Great job "out East," Brittany! 

Yes, seems IWU should rise above Kean after beating them pretty well in Union, NJ last week.  Titans now at #11 in the week 5 poll. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2011, 11:43:19 AM
Saw the 68-59 Millikin win over Elmhurst last night.
EC did an effective job containing Elise Wildman, holding her to 10 pts. And they limited Julia Robert (capable of 20 or 30 in any game) to 14.
However, Heather Pruemer had a dazzling debut for the Big Blue. She was basically unstoppable in the low post, making 9 of 12 FG on her way to 20 pts in 18:00.
Megan Ney led EC with 17 pts, 7 rebs, 5 steals. Kim Schwerdtmann had a sharp game, making 6/7 FG and 4/5 FT in her 19:00.
In this game, Elmhurst's defense was good enough, but their shooting wasn't. Other than Schwerdtmann, they made 14 of 52 FG att. This could be attributed to Millikin's defense and Elmhurst's methodical passing. Millikin did a lot more "skip passing" than did the Jays, enabling some better looks at the basket.
Astute readers will note that I have curtailed my posting here. Another interest of mine, airplane photography, has more of my enthusiasm now. This is a worldwide hobby, but is not real big in the US. See http://www.airliners.net/.
I just got back from a week in Ft Lauderdale/Miami, where I shot approximately 600 airplane photos. Anyway, I will attend fewer basketball games this season and seeing Olivet Nazarene (love that fast pace) will be my first choice, CCIW teams 2nd.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2011, 12:21:27 AM
NPU scratched out a 58-49 win over Augustana in the CCIW season opener for both teams, in spite of the fact that the Park went through a dreadful twelve and a half minute stretch on offense in the second half in which the hosts only scored five points. Fortunately, NPU started that stretch with a 19-point lead, so Augie was too far behind to fully exploit the NPU scoring drought. Augie was unable to get any closer than six points in the second half.

Roxie Jones led the way for NPU with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals, while Sarah Peterson (12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 5 steals) seemed to be everywhere on the floor (including, of course, on the actual floor itself!). Dana Christensen also contributed 10 points in the win. Augie was led by Natalie Runge's 17 points.

Not an impressive win, as Augie really isn't very good. But a W's a W, as they say. Still, North Park will need to play much, much better in order to beat Millikin on Saturday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 06, 2011, 02:00:28 AM
Big win for Coach Madsen's crew tonight at King as Wheaton upsets Carthage 66-62. Wheaton did a terrific job all night long attacking off the dribble and never letting the Carthage posts get established.  Wheaton led 30-28 at halftime but quickly found themselves trailing 44-30 out of the break.  Wheaton stayed calm and went back to lead 52-49 and it went back and forth from there with Wheaton pulling it out.  Bowen and Brooks were outstanding in the second half keeping Jacklin from touching the ball and Potts did a nice job slowing down Corcorran.  Wheaton held Jacklin to 11 points, 5 boards, as her biggest asset was five blocks but the Thunder attacked her and she ended up fouling out with 1:21 to go.  Karsten finished with 15 and seven and Brenneman tallied 14 and eight for the Thunder. 

Wheaton has the schedule, they could be looking at 4-0 in conference play heading into Bloomington in two weeks.  Could be interesting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 08, 2011, 08:09:31 PM
IWU downed Carthage, 70-60, in Kenosha.

I missed the game and no box or recap is yet posted, so if anyone else knows any details, go for it! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 10, 2011, 01:07:08 PM
From what I could tell just by watching the live stats it didn't look as close as the final score.  Carthage jumped on top early but after the first few minutes Wesleyan got their feet under them and pulled away from there.  Once again it looked like the game plan was to take away Jacklin and force the rest of the Lady Reds to beat them and again it paid off. 

Pretty entertaining game over at the Hangar as well.  Wheaton really looked like they had an intensity letdown coming off the upset of Carthage on Wednesday night.  They had a chance to put North Central away early with a 29-21 lead but the Cards closed the half strong and continued to make it a game.  As unfortunate as it was, the game swung on the injury to Christine Karl after she went down hard after colliding with Brooke Olsen at midcourt.  After that Wheaton slowly pulled away and finally got to the free throw line late to ice it away.

Congratulations to Lindsey Brenneman who was named to d3hoops.com national team of the week and has shown why with big performances again this week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2011, 12:44:49 AM
New poll out.  IWU continues it's climb back up, rising from 11 to 9.  With two losses, Carthage fell all the way from 16th (211 points) to ORV with 20 points - which tied them with Millikin, who rose from 12 to 20 points with two wins.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2011, 10:13:43 PM
IWU wins pretty easily in Decatur tonight, holding the Big Blue's top scorer to 7.  Good distribution of scoring, but Hope Schulte still struggling with her shot.  If the Titans put it all together, they can go very far in the DIII dance.  Returning home for a home Final Four still the dream, still the goal.  Keep up it Titans! 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 12, 2011, 09:34:08 AM
Five inches of snow could not stop Carthage from crushing Elmhurst last night at Faganel Hall. You never know what to expect when these two teams meet. Three years ago, in coach Werner's initial season as head coach, horrific weather delayed Carthage's arrival, and after an abbreviated warm-up, Carthage fell far behind in the first half. They did rally in the final 20 minutes, but Elmhurst still won, a key victory in its surprising 8-6 run into the CCIW playoffs. Last year, Elmhurst looked like they barely warmed up before the game, lucky to be behind by only 16 at halftime. An impressive rally led by Lyndsey Long (who ended up scoring an incredible 45 points) pushed Elmhurst into the lead in the game's waning minutes, and then lightning struck. A half-court shot at the buzzer went in and Elmhurst lost a heartbreaker. Of course, Elmhurst got revenge at the CCIW playoffs.

For the most part, it was a defensive struggle in the first half. Kelsey Monroe's clean strip off a defensive rebound led to a Monroe three-pointer two minutes into the game. It gave Elmhurst its only lead of the game as well as Elmhurst's only points until the 10:33 mark. Carthage was only somewhat better as Elmhurst did a nice job clogging the middle. Carthage did take a 10-point lead but Elmhurst was able to cut it to 6 on two occasions. The half ended poorly for Elmhurst. With a chance to narrow the lead to 8 in its final possession, Elmhurst turned the ball over, and Carthage cashed in two free throws with no time remaining.

In the first couple of minutes of the second half, Elmhurst remained in the game, perhaps remembering last year's rally; it was just a 10-point lead with 17 minutes left. Then it got very ugly. Eight minutes later, Carthage was up 30. Similar to the first half, Elmhurst managed to score only two points in those eight minutes. Unlike the first half, however, Carthage netted an impressive 22 points, seemingly scoring at will from both inside and outside. I did not see the final 10 minutes, but I understand that Elmhurst cut the lead from 30 to 14 in the final six minutes.

While I have only seen Elmhurst games so far this season, and it is still very early in conference play, my predictions are that IWU will win the CCIW easily, but still lose a game, maybe two in conference. I expect Carthage to finish second and Millikin to be a close third. Wheaton should complete the playoff picture. Of course, when asked how many games the Bears would win this year, I said that they would be lucky to win 8 (I should have said 8 by November). Injuries almost always play a role and every season has more than a few surprises. That is why I go to the games. Good luck to all. 





.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2011, 11:40:44 AM
North Central topped North Park 75-73 in OT last night.
NC's Jackie Errico made both FTs with :07 left in regulation, saving the game (and the season, in my view; 0-3 is a deep hole to climb out of to get back into contention for the conference playoffs) for the Cardinals. And Jenny Swanson hit some huge shots in the OT, scoring 7 of NC's 9 pts.
Swanson led NC with 18 pts, while Sophie Newson added 13. Sophie reminds me a lot of Latrice Newson, who was on NC last year. (ha!)
Jasmine Tracy had 11 pts and 4 steals. Emily Collins had 9 rebounds.
Two of the best players from these teams had really crummy shooting nights: Christine Karl went 1 for 10 and Sarah Peterson 0 for 11. But both contributed well in other ways, as expected.
Roxie Jones had a very nice game for NP, scoring 27 (9/16, 9/12), to go with 7 steals and 11 rebs. Antoinette Collman made 8/9 FGs and scored 17. Teammate Dana Christensen scored 14, including a clutch three to tie it at 73 with :10 to go. But then Swanson hit the game-winner for the visitors.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 12, 2011, 12:24:23 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 11, 2011, 10:13:43 PM
IWU wins pretty easily in Decatur tonight, holding the Big Blue's top scorer to 7.  Good distribution of scoring, but Hope Schulte still struggling with her shot.  If the Titans put it all together, they can go very far in the DIII dance.  Returning home for a home Final Four still the dream, still the goal.  Keep up it Titans!  

I got back from a work trip too late to make the drive to Decatur and watching the video, which was very nicely done.  (The play-by-play guy does need to find some verbs besides "to mug", though!).  The color guy was much more balanced.

Very good performance all around by the Titans.  Wildman was very effectively taken out of the game by double teaming, and no one else was able to step up for the Big Blue.

While Hope Schute did shoot 3/10, she had a 4/1 A/TO ratio, 2 blocks, 4 steals, and generally kept things moving well.  Olivia Lett apparently dislocated a finger in the first half but came back to shoot 3/3 in the second. The Titans shot 56% from the field, and nearly the same on 3s, so overall the shooting was excellent.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2011, 02:55:02 PM
NPU is certainly struggling. Losing to NCC at home is a bad outcome, no matter how you slice it; the Cards will be a second-division team again this season, so any team with CCIW tourney aspirations has to take care of business against them. NPU blew a seven-point lead late in the game, couldn't even get off a shot at the end of regulation in a situation in which the game was the Vikings' to win, and missed two crucial free throws that would've given the Vikings a three-point lead with 1:12 left in the extra stanza.

Sarah Peterson did shoot an 0-fer for the night, but she contributed in other ways. She had eight assists and five blocks and did a terrific job defensively. Roxie Jones, Dana Christensen, and Antoinette Collman, as noted, played outstanding basketball last night for North Park.

It was good to see Danielle Cathey get her first action of the season for NPU. The Vikings are thin in the backcourt, so her contributions will be greatly welcomed.

Because of this loss, NPU is going to have to steal a win somewhere in order to get back in the race for a CCIW tournament spot. I can't think of a better time and place to steal a win than on Saturday in King Arena against a Wheaton team that'll be a pretty sizeable favorite going into that game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 13, 2011, 12:52:26 PM
you bring up a good point Greg in that a home loss to north central definitely is a big hit for any squad trying to make the conference tournament.  i was impressed last saturday's with ncc's improved guard depth from last season as that was definitely an area they needed to improve on.  did christine karl play for the cards cuz that was a pretty nasty collision she was on the receiving end of on saturday?

unfortunately for north park this probably isn't the right time to try to steal one from the thunder in King.  wheaton is playing pretty confident ball right now and from what i've noticed this year, with the exception of the season opener against saint mary's, they shoot the ball much better and take better control of the ball at home which i suppose is typical.  having karsten at full health is huge for this team and kent madsen has done a terrific job using his bench through the early season.  if they can get some more improved consistent scoring from potts, who has been seemingly out of the offensive loop lately, that's a fun offense to watch.  hopefully wheaton can take care of business saturday and then they can take their shot with the titans in bloomington.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2011, 05:11:21 PM
In the Star Trek episode "Mirror Mirror" Capt Kirk lightheartedly said, "I'm not sure, but I think we've just been insulted."
That could very well be what North Central's players might think after reading the previous post or two.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 13, 2011, 05:34:28 PM
Roger, as a MIT graduate and sci-fi fan, I love the captain Kirk reference. If there is a surprise in the CCIW playoffs (IWU, Carthage, Millikin, Wheaton), Elmhurst or North Central would clearly have the best chance of slipping in.

For Elmhurst to do it, they would seem to need a little more cohesiveness as a team; sometimes they work well together, sometimes they do not. More specifically, they seem to have these long droughts on offense. Some of it is due to bad shooting, which I would guess will improve; they have too many good shooters. However, some of it is that players stop moving on offense; that needs to stop. On the defensive end, Elmhurst is still pretty aggressive in a good way, but has been vulnerable to good inside play. Sometimes, helpside is there; sometimes it is not. If either of these teams (Elmhurst or North Central) is to make the playoffs, one of them will probably have to sweep the series between them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2011, 05:53:22 PM
When you say MIT, do you mean Montreal Institute of Trekkies?
Don't count North Park out quite so fast. They are improved from recent years. Augie, at 0-3, would have to go something like 8-3 or 7-4 the rest of the way; not impossible, but tres difficile.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2011, 09:33:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 13, 2011, 05:11:21 PM
In the Star Trek episode "Mirror Mirror" Capt Kirk lightheartedly said, "I'm not sure, but I think we've just been insulted."
That could very well be what North Central's players might think after reading the previous post or two.

Just telling it like it is. North Central was picked to finish sixth in the league in the preseason poll by the CCIW coaches, and the Cards finished in a last-place tie last season with a 2-12 record.

Quote from: thunder38illini on January 13, 2011, 12:52:26 PM
you bring up a good point Greg in that a home loss to north central definitely is a big hit for any squad trying to make the conference tournament.  i was impressed last saturday's with ncc's improved guard depth from last season as that was definitely an area they needed to improve on.  did christine karl play for the cards cuz that was a pretty nasty collision she was on the receiving end of on saturday?

Christine Karl not only played against NPU, she started and saw 25 minutes of action.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2011, 06:45:21 PM
Earlier, Millikin handily beat NCC.

IWU has doubled up Elmhurst at the half, 44-22.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2011, 09:20:08 PM
IWU wins by about 20 over EC after being up 35 half way through the second half.

Very nice to see Hope Schulte have a solid game, better overall shooting evening. 

Put it all together Titans. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2011, 09:24:12 PM
Today's games:

IWU over Elmhurst, 81-59
Millikin over NCC, 65-52
Wheaton over NPU, 72-49
Carthage over Augie, 71-33

Millikin's win was the CLOSE game!! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 16, 2011, 10:38:07 AM
Looking at the week ahead. I would guess-estimate that there will be 3 competitive games (with no overwhelming favorite) and 2 potentially interesting games. Carthage at Milikin will clearly be the marque match up of the week. Wheaton at Elmhurst should be competitive; so should North Central at Augustana. On paper, Elmhurst, playing at home, should be the favorite, but an upset cannot be ruled out. Finally, Milikin will be the clear favorite at Augustana, but if Milikin looks ahead to the weekend, it might get interesting.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 19, 2011, 02:16:53 AM
I think there might be a Wednesday night game in Bloomington that is getting overlooked.  Wheaton and IWU are the only remaining undefeated teams in conference play and they tangle at the Shirk.  Wheaton is a very confident team right now coming off one of if not their most impressive showing of the night.  Lately they've been thriving when opponent's choose to full court press as their transition game as been extremely effective the last few games.  I'm not belittling IWU at all because they are clearly still the class of the conference since they've gone on the road and throttled Millikin and Carthage and I would still favor them in the spread, but this is definitely a measuring stick game for the Thunder.  They were very competitive in the first half against the Titans in Bloomington last year until Brenneman went down and then the wheels fell off so that will be a fun game to watch.  IWU has very impressive depth and they will stretch a defense all night so Wheaton will have their hands full.  It's gonna be a fun couple of games in Blo-No on Wednesday night! Also I'm not sure how any win by an 11-3 road team over a 7-9 home team is considered an upset but I'm sure theres circumstances outside of Saturday night that fit. ;)

Unless Millikin accidentally leaves Wildman and Roberts in Decatur on Wednesday night I don't see them losing to Augie.  How that Carthage/Millikin game shakes out is a toss-up at this point but I would think the edge at this point would go slightly towards Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2011, 02:52:56 AM
In this week's poll, IWU continues to climb back up, moving from #9 to #7.  Millikin and Carthage both slide a bit - last week they each had 20 points; Millikin now at 9, Carthage at 2.  Wheaton enters the poll at 2 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on January 19, 2011, 12:39:08 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on January 19, 2011, 02:16:53 AM
I think there might be a Wednesday night game in Bloomington that is getting overlooked.  Wheaton and IWU are the only remaining undefeated teams in conference play and they tangle at the Shirk.  ...
I really don't feel Titan fans are overlooking Wednesday night.  We are just not trying to look past them.  Big night for both Wheaton and IWU women and men teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 19, 2011, 12:51:18 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 19, 2011, 12:39:08 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on January 19, 2011, 02:16:53 AM
I think there might be a Wednesday night game in Bloomington that is getting overlooked.  Wheaton and IWU are the only remaining undefeated teams in conference play and they tangle at the Shirk.  ...
I really don't feel Titan fans are overlooking Wednesday night.  We are just not trying to look past them.  Big night for both Wheaton and IWU women and men teams.

I heartily concur.  I think bblover must have overlooked tonight's IWU-Wheaton matchup in his/her earlier summary of the week's games.  I'm quite sure that Mia Smith and her team are not taking anything for granted in this one.  (And neither are the men, of course).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 19, 2011, 02:27:31 PM
I caught the North Park at Elmhurst game last night. The game was very competitive until the final minutes though by no means a work of art. North Park had the lead down to 4 with less than five minutes left. The final score was 70-57. Clearly, North Park missed Sarah Peterson, who was on the bench but did not play. Elmhurst, still looking for a rotation that works, ran almost the entire team in and out of the game. In the end, Elmhurst had nine (yes 9) players with 16 or more minutes. Meghan Merklein broke a scoring drought, hitting 18 with a nice mix of medium-range jumpers and inside play. Ceejay Harris started and scored 11 with 8 rebounds, 4 of them offensive; she was very active in her 27 minutes. Interestingly, Elmhurst only attempted three 3-pointers, relying their on their inside game, and given North Park's defense, they had a number of good looks from the outside. Elmhurst had been averaging more than 17 3-point attempts in their previous four conference games. They clearly have not shot well from the 3-point line the entire season, making about one out of every four. I suspect that fewer 3-pointers will be the norm for the remainder of this campaign.  North Park was led by Roxanne Jones, who scored 20 points, mostly from the inside, but she sat during the final several minutes of the games. Without Peterson and Jones, they simply did not have enough firepower in those waning minutes. North Park had 21 turnovers, many of them versus Elmhurst's full court press; the resulting steals led to a number of easy baskets. This, more than anything else, was the difference in the game.
   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 19, 2011, 03:00:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 19, 2011, 12:51:18 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 19, 2011, 12:39:08 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on January 19, 2011, 02:16:53 AM
I think there might be a Wednesday night game in Bloomington that is getting overlooked.  Wheaton and IWU are the only remaining undefeated teams in conference play and they tangle at the Shirk.  ...
I really don't feel Titan fans are overlooking Wednesday night.  We are just not trying to look past them.  Big night for both Wheaton and IWU women and men teams.

I heartily concur.  I think bblover must have overlooked tonight's IWU-Wheaton matchup in his/her earlier summary of the week's games.  I'm quite sure that Mia Smith and her team are not taking anything for granted in this one.  (And neither are the men, of course).


I know Mia Smith will have her squad ready to go tonight and the Titans won't be looking past tonight.  They're too mature as a group for that but I was more referring to the "Carthage/Millikin game of the week"
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 19, 2011, 03:04:39 PM
I have a feeling that IWU is going to crush Wheaton tonight, but you never know.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2011, 03:14:25 PM
That's a good summary of the Elmhurst win.
The only thing I'd see differently is that I don't think it's a problem to have 9 players play 16 or more minutes each. But then, I really like the Olivet Nazarene method, which always has the playing time spread around among 15 or 16 players, using hockey-like shifts.
NP's Roxie Jones did not appear to be at full strength and, as you say, Peterson did not play. We of course don't know if NP could've won if both were fully healthy. There will be a re-match.
EC won by 13, Millikin won by 13 and Carthage won by 14.
Jackie Errico had a fine game for NC (28 pts, 9/13, 5/5 FT, 5 threes). Carthage's Dani Ripkey also hit 5 threes. Allison Groessl scored 13 pts on 9 shots.
Beth Wellbaum had 15 pts, 7 assists for Millikin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 20, 2011, 01:49:14 PM
Quote from: bblover on January 19, 2011, 02:27:31 PMNorth Park was led by Roxanne Jones, who scored 20 points, mostly from the inside, but she sat during the final several minutes of the games. Without Peterson and Jones, they simply did not have enough firepower in those waning minutes.

Roxie Jones has been fighting a respiratory ailment for the past week to ten days. I'm not sure if it's bronchitis or walking pneumonia or what, but it was serious enough for her to have to get chest x-rays this week. I'm surprised that she's even playing at this point, as she seemed to be laboring through a lot of Tuesday night's game and wasn't able to return to the floor during those crucial final minutes.

As you said, without her and Sarah Peterson NPU just doesn't have enough scoring punch available. I'm hopeful that NPU can get the two of them healthy soon; even though the conference tournament is probably out of the question now, I'd like to see NPU put together a nice run at the end of the season that the Vikings can build upon heading into 2011-12.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2011, 03:16:26 PM
Greg, you've got me thinking. Even though we are only 5/14ths done with the conference season, some teams (your Vikings among them) do face a steep climb to make it to the upper half of the ladder.
Here's a look at the losses so far:
IWU --- none
Millikin --- lost to IWU
Wheaton --- lost to IWU
Carthage --- lost to IWU, W
Elmhurst --- lost to IWU, M, C
North Central --- lost to IWU, W, M, C
North Park --- lost to M, NC, W, E
Augustana --- lost to NP, E, W, C, M
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 20, 2011, 09:34:09 PM
I would say Wheaton was far from getting crushed last night at the Shirk.  The Thunder played Wesleyan about as well as you could play them in their own building.  Wheaton gave IWU everything they wanted in the game and afterwards Mia Smith referred to it as a "gut-check win".  Wheaton had the lead cut from 14 down  to two and had their chances but IWU came back and hit back to back threes that finally kept the Thunder at bay.  Wheaton just ran out of gas in the last two minutes after spending all their energy cutting the lead down.  Definitely a much closer game than the final score indicated.

Great second half by Stacey Arlis to help lead the Titans and Olivia Lett did a nice job in the first half carrying the offense at points.  She created a matchup problem in the first half but Potts did and Hovee did a better job on her in the second half.  An incredible night by Laura Karsten, 24 points on 8-11 shooting.  Great night by the freshman Maris Hovee for the Thunder.  She scored eight points with seven rebounds and was extremely impressive in the transition game as she had a nice look away pass to Karsten for a lay-in, a pass fake that got Solari diving away from the basket, and a breakaway lay-in. 

We'll see how the Thunder rebound from a loss for the first time in a month and hopefully they can come back and pull the "upset" on Saturday night at Fanagel.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 20, 2011, 09:47:15 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on January 20, 2011, 09:34:09 PM
Wheaton gave IWU everything they wanted

Looking at the running score, it does not look like this was a close game at all...

http://www.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/WBB2011/HTML/iwwbb16.htm

What am I missing?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 20, 2011, 10:01:39 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 20, 2011, 09:47:15 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on January 20, 2011, 09:34:09 PM
Wheaton gave IWU everything they wanted

Looking at the running score, it does not look like this was a close game at all...

http://www.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/WBB2011/HTML/iwwbb16.htm

What am I missing?

Wheaton DID get it down to 2 w/ 10:11 to go, but the Titans immediately went on a 12-0 run.

Momentarily scary, but not close.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 20, 2011, 10:37:18 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 20, 2011, 09:47:15 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on January 20, 2011, 09:34:09 PM
Wheaton gave IWU everything they wanted

Looking at the running score, it does not look like this was a close game at all...

http://www.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/WBB2011/HTML/iwwbb16.htm

What am I missing?

I think thunder38 and I saw the same game, but his/her glasses are tinted orange while mine have a green tinge.  I would agree with most of the specific comments except I didn't see the Wheaton defenders stopping Olivia Lett at all--she scored at will in both halves (along with garnering 7 assists).  She was out of the game for an extended period in the second half; her hand was hurting and we were sure she wouldn't be back, but she was.  Stacey Arlis did have a monster game and Melissa Gardner impressed with 4/6 shooting (3/5 on threes) in 13 minutes.  The one poor aspect of the Titans' game was free-throw shooting, as they went 10 of 17 from the line.  In a game as tough and physical as this one, you need to make the free throws you get.

In fact, one can make the case that the difference in free throws kept the score as close as it was, as the Thunder went to the line 29 times and made 25 of them.  Impressive.

As Mr. Ypsi said, there were a couple of mild scares, but overall the score was fairly representative of the game.  If the performances I've seen from Elmhurst and Wheaton are representative, I would say Wheaton will be the favorites on Saturday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2011, 03:03:58 PM
In their first five conference games, the IWU Titans have made 107/182 2FGs (.588!) and 45/109 3FGs (.413, excellent). No wonder they are 5-0.
Their average game so far : 21/36 2FG, 9/22 3FG, 10/14 FT (roughly), 21 turnovers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 23, 2011, 02:58:51 AM
Just in from the IWU-North Park games and it's late.  This is just to point out that for the week IWU's Olivia Lett totaled 36 points (19 and 17), 8 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals playing an average of 30 minutes a game. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 23, 2011, 09:57:05 AM
Elmhurst topped Wheaton by 14 at home last night. Elmhurst never trailed by more than 2 points, and after it took control in the final seven minutes of the first half, its lead was never less than 7. Elmhurst started three seniors (Monroe, Joiner, Harris) and two juniors (Ney, Merklein). Each of them played well. As a result, all five played 27 minutes or more. No sub saw more than 14 minutes, but all six subs contributed meaningfully to the victory, providing good play as well as needed relief to the starters. Contrast those numbers to the Tuesday home game versus an undermanned North Park, where one freshman and one sophomore started and nine players saw 16 minutes or more minutes. I described the North Park game as "very competitive until the final minutes though by no means a work of art." Last night was a Picasso (read: Elmhurst looked like a very good team).

Often playing four out, Elmhurst pushed the ball inside repeatedly for easy scores. When Wheaton tried to bring help inside, Elmhurst moved the ball well, better than anytime this season by far. Lots of skip passes, lots of easy looks. Ney, from the inside, and Monroe, from all over, led the Bluejays in the first half. Scoring a dozen in the second hafl, Merklein led all scorers with 18. You could see her confidence building as Elmhurst dominated the second half. Elmhurst did turn the ball over 19 times, but Wheaton's quickness causes every team some problems. On the defensive end, Elmhurst was alert and aggressive, never letting any of Wheaton's offensive weapons get untracked. Wheaton got very little that was easy. I was somewhat surprised how meekly Wheaton finished the game, but perhaps, they were frustrated by Elmhurst's consistent (40 minutes of) strong offensive and defensive play.

What does it all mean as far as the CCIW. I am not sure. IWU has taken control (again). Even though Carthage is 3-3, two of those loses came in close finishes on the road versus Milikin and Wheaton. I still suspect that they will finish second. Milikin is well positioned for third, and despite last night's loss, Wheaton is the favorite for fourth. Elmhurst, however, has a real chance to make the playoffs. They will probably need one more win against an upper division team as well as taking care of business versus North Central, North Park and Augustana. Consistency has been a problem for Elmhurst. We will see.     
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2011, 12:28:19 PM
To supplement bblover's report :
A large amount of credit to EC Coach Werner and staff. EC was very prepared to deal with Wheaton's halfcourt offense. They limited Lindsey Brenneman (a wonderful shooter) to 1 three pt attempt in her 36:00.
Some of the Jays who were very sharp include :
Ceejay Harris, who did many things really well -- 8 rebs, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 3 steals.
Rashida Joiner, had 6 assists and 0 turnovers.
Stephanie Mitchell, poured in 8 pts in just 7:00.
Elmhurst played with good energy and optimism.
Wheaton looked at bit demoralized, perhaps residue from the loss to IWU.
Maris Hovee got 5 rebounds in 15:00, but the Thunder's other big players (Potts, Brooks, Bowen) combined for an unsatisfactory 10 rebs in 69:00.
We'll see if Wheaton can get back on its feet quickly.
They'll have to find a way to employ a more free-wheeling offense, one that gets open looks for Brenneman and some of their other fine shooters. On a positive note, Wheaton's Brooke Olson made one of the best steals we'll see all year, making a backward scoop to a teammate while sprinting to the sideline, her momentum carrying her five or six steps up into the stands, followed by a quick dash back down. It is always fun to watch her play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 23, 2011, 04:34:24 PM
All great points Roger. One additional point. I have been watching college games for a few decades, but I have never seen a team return to the floor as quickly as Elmhurst did after the end of the first half. Clearly, Coach Werner did not have much to say, and whatever she did say in those two or three minutes in the locker room worked great. Elmhurst played well in the first half and even better in the second half; it probably did not hurt that Elmhurst got 10+ minutes to warm up for the second half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2011, 01:21:07 AM
Titans keep rolling along.  Good performances by Olivia Lett, Hope Schulte and Karen Solari on Saturday.  The Titans are getting ever closer to the proverbial driver's seat in the CCIW race. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on January 24, 2011, 11:18:28 AM
Long time no post...  We attended the IWU-NPU game Saturday and we sat with the Christina and the rest of the Solari family. 

It was a bit of sloppy game played by both sides.  NPU did not give up and made a couple of runs to get the deficit back to within 5 and 11 in the 2nd half. In the end, NPU clearly did not have the depth to keep up with the bigger IWU team and the outside 3's by IWU. 

On a personal note, my daughter is playing for Maine South HS and the new Freshman-B coach, Christina Solari.  Under Christina, the B-team is at 14-1.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2011, 01:44:15 PM
Jackie Errico continued her fine play, hitting a go-ahead basket with :42 left, helping North Central get past Augustana, 68-64. At 2-4, NC still has an outside chance to contend for the conference playoffs. Tuesday's game vs Elmhurst is a must win for them. And it's a very important game for Elmhurst, as well. Should be well-contested.
Millikin handed Carthage its 3rd CCIW loss, 46-44. Each team shot a measly 6 FT attempts in that one. One would have to assume that the refs didn't call much, which favored defensive play. On top of that, I'd assume that both coaches decided to favor defense to the detriment of their offenses. A clue supporting that supposition is that 58 (nearly 3/4ths) of the total 78 rebounds were defensive, meaning that players mostly went back on defense rather than going for offensive rebounds.  I'm guessing that there were a lot of one-and-done possessions.
It worked for Millikin, anyway. If I'm misinterpreting the stats, one of our readers should tell us.
One of the fans at the Elmhurst game Saturday asked me how Olivet Nazarene is doing lately. They are the last team to beat IWU, by the way.
That fan can read the following (the rest of you shouldn't, as it is NAIA, not NCAA).
ONU led Trinity International 35-31 at halftime Saturday. Eleven minutes later, it was 68-55. Then ONU apparently got pissed off and outscored TIU 50-18 over the final 9:00 of the game. Now THAT is a scoring spree.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on January 24, 2011, 02:12:09 PM
I wonder if she replicates the same style of play of her college teams?  Could you imagine this team if she would have came back for one more year!

Quote from: jshoops on January 24, 2011, 11:18:28 AM
Long time no post...  We attended the IWU-NPU game Saturday and we sat with the Christina and the rest of the Solari family. 

It was a bit of sloppy game played by both sides.  NPU did not give up and made a couple of runs to get the deficit back to within 5 and 11 in the 2nd half. In the end, NPU clearly did not have the depth to keep up with the bigger IWU team and the outside 3's by IWU. 

On a personal note, my daughter is playing for Maine South HS and the new Freshman-B coach, Christina Solari.  Under Christina, the B-team is at 14-1.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2011, 04:41:35 PM
Congratulations to Olivia Lett and Meghan Merklein, co-Players of the Week.
Nicely done, girls! Maybe not the last time for either, either.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 24, 2011, 08:52:49 PM
New poll is out.  IWU continues to slowly climb back up - now 6th (from 7th).  Beyond that the news is not so good: Millikin rose only from 9 points to 12; Carthage and Wheaton both fell out completely.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2011, 10:17:13 PM
NPU put in a good effort on Saturday. The Vikings had the IWU lead down to five about halfway thru the second stanza, much to the extreme and vocal annoyance of a Titans coaching staff that was clearly expecting a walkover, before a collective NPU panic attack against a press that hadn't presented a huge problem for the Vikings up to that point allowed the visitors to go on a 14-2 run within the space of only a few minutes that put away the game.

Roxie Jones, who is still under the weather and unable to play a full game, nevertheless scored 19 points. Sarah Peterson, who isn't 100% herself, had a weird game -- eight turnovers, but four blocks and five steals. Antoinette Collman continues to get better every time she takes the floor, and it was good to see Danielle Cathey make the most of her limited minutes towards the end of the game. I think she'll now start to play a more prominent role for the Vikings.

As one poster said, NPU just doesn't have the depth at this point to hang with a team like Illinois Wesleyan for forty minutes. But the Vikings are working hard and gaining good experience, and I'm pretty confident that in 2011-12 Amanda Reese will have enough firepower on hand for North Park to pose something more than a mild and momentary threat when the Vikings go head-to-head with the established powers of the league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 24, 2011, 10:28:06 PM
Hang on, Greg.  Some of the team might have expected a walkover, but the coaching staff didn't.  I saw the prep notes.  The Titans were very sloppy in the first half and early in the second but they finally got their act together to pull away.  I was impressed with Collman and it's good to know that Jones was under the weather--that explained her short stints on the floor, where she was very impressive within her range.  This is a much better North Park team than I've seen in a long time; they look to have a bright future and that's good for the conference. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2011, 11:12:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 24, 2011, 10:28:06 PM
Hang on, Greg.  Some of the team might have expected a walkover, but the coaching staff didn't.

I beg to differ. I was sitting at the scorer's table, five feet away from Mia Smith, and early in the second half (while NPU was chipping away at the 13-point lead Wesleyan had at halftime) I heard her say something like, "C'mon, let's wake up and put this one away," or words to that effect. She clearly did not anticipate North Park hanging around for thirty minutes, much less forty.

The prep notes only demonstrate that she's a good coach who does thorough advance work.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 24, 2011, 11:27:06 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2011, 11:12:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 24, 2011, 10:28:06 PM
Hang on, Greg.  Some of the team might have expected a walkover, but the coaching staff didn't.

I beg to differ. I was sitting at the scorer's table, five feet away from Mia Smith, and early in the second half (while NPU was chipping away at the 13-point lead Wesleyan had at halftime) I heard her say something like, "C'mon, let's wake up and put this one away," or words to that effect. She clearly did not anticipate North Park hanging around for thirty minutes, much less forty.

The prep notes only demonstrate that she's a good coach who does thorough advance work.

Yes, I heard that too.  I was closer than you.  :)  She was talking to her team, who were clearly playing below their potential.  Just because she wanted the Titans to do their best doesn't mean that she was denegrating North Park.

And if she were anticipating North Park folding, why would she have bothered doing the advance work?  (She wouldn't be a very good coach if she were anticipating that).  And she is a very good coach indeed. 

But if you want to encourage the d3 community to think that Mia Smith takes things for granted I guess that's fine with me.  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2011, 11:40:58 PM
I didn't say that she was denigrating North Park. I said that she was annoyed that her team hadn't put away the Vikings, particularly since her team had put the Vikings down by a substantial margin at the half. And she didn't say it to her team; she muttered it in a thinking-out-loud kinda way. I suspect that her male assistant coach was the intended target for her words, if anyone was.

Doing the advance work is part of the job. Every good coach does it, regardless if the opponent is 15-2 or 2-15. You never take anything for granted. Nevertheless, you don't expect a clearly inferior foe to hang around and chip away at your lead, particularly when you have them down by 13 at the half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 25, 2011, 09:20:03 AM
The coaching quality in the CCIW is clearly well above average, but let's not make these incredibly hard-working, for the most part, quite talented, people into gods. In the end, it is the players who play, not the coaches. Is it Coach K's fault that Duke fell to an unranked FSU? Is it Thibodeau's fault that the Bulls lost to a lousy Philadelphia team after beating them by 40 at home a few days earlier. Is it Doc's Rivers fault that the Celtics, the number one team in the east, lost to one of the worst teams in the NBA, the Washington Wizards. Is it Phil Jackson's fault that his Lakers recently lost to the lowly Clippers. No matter what a coach says and how much they prepare a team, the players (the kids in this case of CCIW) know who they are playing. Inevitably, even the very best teams, are not emotionally prepared for a few of their games. As happened on Saturday, the better team (IWU) prevailed, but I do not think that it had much to do with the coach or preparation. As my brother tells me again and again, when a great team plays a weak team, every so often, that weak team wins. "That is why they play the games". 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2011, 11:39:04 AM
It is true that the players do the playing, the coaches don't.
But, in the NBA, a crummy General Manager gets the blame for a roster that can't compete with the rest of the league.
In college, especially at D3, if a team doesn't have a talented-enough roster, the coach has to look in a mirror to see who's responsible.
The D3 coach has a difficult, time-consuming job (particularly if he or she is a busy recruiter). They also do things that we don't see, to help players grow as people, sometimes completely unrelated to basketball. I think many of them get their greatest satisfaction by helping their players to be ready for life after college. Success on the court is a big focus, too, of course.
The D3 coach does not have the public or media scrutiny that D1 or NBA coaches have to face, nor are millions of dollars riding on how well they do. But, D3 coaches do have their hands full, for sure.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 25, 2011, 12:22:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2011, 11:39:04 AM
They also do things that we don't see, to help players grow as people, sometimes completely unrelated to basketball. I think many of them get their greatest satisfaction by helping their players to be ready for life after college.

I agree with you 100% that many coaches, including a number in the CCIW, do an incredible job in helping their players develop as both basketball players and human beings. In the end, isn't this what it is all about. I used "well-known names" in my previous blog, because I think that they can help make this point. I read John Wooden's last book. In it, he points out that in his career as a coach, he was probably most proud of the first team that he coached at UCLA. That team ended up being 500 and got nowhere near a national championship. Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz has never won an NBA championship (or been coach of the year), but he consistently produces winning teams with whatever talent he has, and every player who has played for him has nothing but great things to say about him.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 25, 2011, 08:10:25 PM
Quote from: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on January 24, 2011, 02:12:09 PM
I wonder if she replicates the same style of play of her college teams?  Could you imagine this team if she would have came back for one more year!

Quote from: jshoops on January 24, 2011, 11:18:28 AM
Long time no post...  We attended the IWU-NPU game Saturday and we sat with the Christina and the rest of the Solari family. 

It was a bit of sloppy game played by both sides.  NPU did not give up and made a couple of runs to get the deficit back to within 5 and 11 in the 2nd half. In the end, NPU clearly did not have the depth to keep up with the bigger IWU team and the outside 3's by IWU. 

On a personal note, my daughter is playing for Maine South HS and the new Freshman-B coach, Christina Solari.  Under Christina, the B-team is at 14-1.

Yeah, and she COULD have done it (she had a legitimate medical red-shirt).  With no disrespect whatsoever to this year's Titans, if you add Christina I'd be willing to bet a fair amount that they would be undefeated and ranked #1! ;D

But then your daughter's team probably wouldn't be 14-1! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2011, 10:09:30 PM
Carthage whipped NPU tonight up in the Toolshed, 81-43. It was a classic case of one team doing everything wrong and the other team doing everything right. It won't get any easier for NPU, either, as the Vikings continue their road swing on Saturday night down at Millikin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 25, 2011, 10:44:01 PM
IWU rolled over Augustana 91-58 in Rock Island.  Nikki Preston led with 21, Hope Schulte had 15, Olivia Lett 12, and Stacey Arlis 10.  Whitney Miller, Kristen Fox, and Jessica Baids paced the Vikings with 9 each.   The Vikings won the rebounding battle, while the Titans shot 48.5% from the field and 80% from the foul line (a big improvement over the last couple of games).  
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2011, 11:30:02 PM
Good to see the Titans keeping it rolling.  They now have 4 players averaging in double figures as Hope Schulte continues to work her way back into the same kind of form she demonstrated last year.  Stacey, Lett and Preston still having banner seasons.  I think as pressure defense and rebounding go, so go the Titans.  They don't have the steals or turnover ratios they enjoyed last year, though Arlis Stacey has well replaced the scoring and rebounding of Christina Solari.  Strong guard play from Harvey and Hasselbring will be crucial to the rest of the season, limiting TOs and fouls . . . along with a decent overall team percentage from 3-land.  Arlis Stacey's shooting percentage is awesome.   Keep it up, Titans.  Get stronger and stronger, play together better and better.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 26, 2011, 10:28:17 AM
I caught the Elmhurst at North Central game via Live Stats. I hope someone that was there can also report. Elmhurst won its third in a row, reaching 500 for the first time this season. More importantly, they are still in the race for a CCIW playoff position. If they can get by Augustana on Saturday at home, they will face Milikin on the road next week in an important battle.

What goes up must come down (apparently). Elmhurst started the same line-up (3 seniors, 2 juniors) that played so well on Saturday vs Wheaton. Neither team could take control of the game in the first half. It was a see-saw 20 minutes, with the biggest lead being 4 points. For a change, Elmhurst finished the first half strongly. Down 3 with 3 minutes left, Elmhurst scored the final 7 points of the half to go into the locker room with a 4 point lead. At the mid-point, Merklein had 10 points for Elmhurst. Errico had 8 for NC.

As is often the case, that momentum carried over into the second half. With just over 10 minutes left, Elmhurst was up 14. North Central made some headway over the next six minutes, but Elmhurst still led by 10, 59-49, with just under 4 and a half minutes left in the game. Then, it got most interesting. Led by Errico, North Central stormed back. With just 12 seconds on the clock, Errico hit 2 pressure-packed free throws to tie the game. Both teams had opportunities in the final dozen seconds. In fact, Elmhurst appeared to win the game in the final tick, but the officials, after conferring, waved off the basket (as being after the buzzer).

In the first two minutes of the OT, the teams traded scores. Merklein continued to lead the way for Elmhust. As sometimes happens when a team spends a lot of energy catching up, North Central seemed to run out of gas at the end. After the 10th tie of the game at the 3:05 mark, Elmurst, led by Monroe and Merklein, outscored NC 9-2 for the win.

Errico led all scorers with 26; she also had 13 rebounds, 5 of them were offensive. Merklein continued her scoring ways, hitting 22 with 8 rebounds. This recap would not be complete without mentioning Kelsey Monroe of Elmhurst. She hit 19, 7 for 11 from the field, 4 for 4 from the charity stripe. All 4 of those free throws came in the final minute of the OT. The not-so-tall Monroe also had 5 rebounds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2011, 01:38:26 PM
A question for thunder38illini :
On a scale of 1 to 2, how important is today's Wheaton vs Millikin game?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2011, 04:00:45 PM
How about on a scale of 36 to 42?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 26, 2011, 09:42:15 PM
Wheaton downs Millikin, 62-59.  I have no further details to provide.

That leaves IWU on top by two full games after the first run-through.  I'd say they are firmly in the driver's seat, though I'm not popping the champagne just yet. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 27, 2011, 02:58:32 AM
I regret that I'm just now getting around to the boards RogK but both teams certainly played with a lot of gusto tonight at King.  I felt like there was more energy in the gym for this game than the following men's game and rightfully so.  That was just a fun basketball game to watch and I'm sure it's a game that Lindsey Brenneman won't soon forget.  Several observations that I had from this one and I'm sure Rog can provide a couple more:

-I think Coach Madsen made the right decision not calling a timeout on the final possession.  Obviously it paid off with Brenneman knocking down the corner three with two seconds left but even if Wheaton wouldn't have gotten such a good look I still like the decision and as he stated in the postgame, it's easier in those situations for an offense to execute in the flow than for the defense.

-Both teams deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the amount of backbone shown.  Wheaton started the game 2-12 from the field and Kelly Brooks gave them a huge pick-up off the bench with several key midrange jumpers to get the offense going.  Millikin showed me a lot when all the momentum was against them and Wheaton was starting to gain some distance up 40-31, Millikin slowed the game back down, got the ball to Elise and she got a big three-point play that settled Millikin down and allowed them to regain their composure.

-Karsten and Olsen did a great job on Robert making her work to get open looks from deep and forcing her into some challenging shots.  I was impressed with how quick her shot release was because several times they were in great defensive possession but gave her just enough of a window to squeeze a shot off and she did and connected.

-Both teams had tremendous flow to their offenses in the second half.  Millikin's ball movement in the second half was a huge improvement from the first half and thats ultimately what led to Wildman having the better looks and Millikin getting her the ball as opposed to the first half when she was held to just five points.  Wheaton's offense really made Millikin work on the defensive end all night.  Their spacing was much better than what we saw at Elmhurst on Saturday night and their ball security was a huge improvement from last week as Wheaton only turned the ball over eight times on the night.

Halfway home and here's where we're at:

IWU 7-0
Wheaton 5-2
Millikin 5-2
Carthage 4-3
Elmhurst 4-3
North Central 2-5
North Park 1-6
Augie 0-7
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on January 27, 2011, 11:49:58 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 25, 2011, 08:10:25 PM
Quote from: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on January 24, 2011, 02:12:09 PM
I wonder if she replicates the same style of play of her college teams?  Could you imagine this team if she would have came back for one more year!

Quote from: jshoops on January 24, 2011, 11:18:28 AM
Long time no post...  We attended the IWU-NPU game Saturday and we sat with the Christina and the rest of the Solari family. 

It was a bit of sloppy game played by both sides.  NPU did not give up and made a couple of runs to get the deficit back to within 5 and 11 in the 2nd half. In the end, NPU clearly did not have the depth to keep up with the bigger IWU team and the outside 3's by IWU. 

On a personal note, my daughter is playing for Maine South HS and the new Freshman-B coach, Christina Solari.  Under Christina, the B-team is at 14-1.

Yeah, and she COULD have done it (she had a legitimate medical red-shirt).  With no disrespect whatsoever to this year's Titans, if you add Christina I'd be willing to bet a fair amount that they would be undefeated and ranked #1! ;D

But then your daughter's team probably wouldn't be 14-1! ;)
Yeah, too bad Christina needed to graduate (LOL). Christina is now in a grad. program.  Hope to see more CCIW/IWU at the North Central, Elmhurst and Wheaton games if time permits (busy with my 2 kids in HS b-ball).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2011, 11:52:33 AM
Thanks for the very good game report, thunder38illini.
I, too, thought the first half was less than dazzling; each team was fortunate not to be down by 15 at halftime, having blown a number of possessions by committing turnovers and/or missing easyish shots.
It was a big accomplishment for Wheaton to hold Wildman and Robert to a combined 26 pts. Those two can score 26 each in any game, if not guarded vigorously.
Millikin scored 24 pts via 25 2FG att and 24 pts via 23 3FG att.
Wheaton scored 30 pts via 42 2FG att and 27 pts via 23 3FG att.
The loss greatly reduces Millikin's chances of hosting the CCIW tournament, but they are still in good shape standings-wise.
The win was big for Wheaton, keeping them a step ahead of Elmhurst and Carthage.
Incidentally, I asked Millikin assistant coach Dick Marshall how Cecily Aldridge's injured hand was coming along. He reported that Cecily wants to play now, but that the medical opinion is for her to wait, to allow more healing. She may get back on the court toward the end of the season. When she does, the Big Blue will be even better.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 27, 2011, 01:46:41 PM
I'd have to rely on someone with more knowledge of Millikin that I have just from seeing them last night but is it common for Nikki Tipsword to get a majority of the second half minutes as opposed to Olya Cholewick or was that just a matchup move made last night.  I thought it was a smart move regardless as it gave Millikin one more shooter to stretch the defense and draw defenders away from Wildman in the middle.  Especially given her effectiveness to knock down the big three at several points in the first half.

I question the shooting numbers of Robert on the night.  The stat sheet had her for 1-1 from three at halftime but I know she put up a couple of long threes early in the half that were no good, one from deep left wing and the other from in front of the Thunder bench on the right wing so I think those numbers might actually be more watered down than what the stat sheet claims.  Rog perhaps you can help me out if I'm remembering that correctly.  Who knows maybe my orange-tinted glasses are making me misremember ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2011, 03:20:09 PM
Can't help you with that stage of the game, thunder38illini.
I was chewing nachos at that point, which pretty much sapped my powers of concentration.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on January 27, 2011, 03:31:56 PM
In the past, I have kept some of my own stats. When I did this, I also found some discrepancies like what you mentioned with respect to shots missed. First of all, it is an impossible job especially for one person. Even the very best mess up. From what I have seen (and you might imagine), the running scores are the primary focus of the person keeping track, and I have never seen an error there. For the most part (like 99% of the time), the correct players are credited with scoring, but every so often, there can be errors; with the players help, coaches can and will typically correct these after the game. Minutes played are usually within a minute or so of the truth, but I have seen discrepancies of 5 minutes and more; they simply miss a substitute, and do not catch the error for a few minutes. Watch out when both coaches makes mass substitutions at the same time, say in a rout; there will be a lot of 'unusual' stats. Rebounds, especially defensive are usually pretty accurate, but turnovers, steals, and assists are often far off the mark. With respect to these three key stats, it often depends on the person who keeps track.  
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2011, 07:25:33 PM
YIKES!  At the Shirk, IWU was held to FOURTEEN points in the first half! :o

Carthage led by 14 at the half; they are now up 50-41 w/ 6 to go.  The big difference: Carthage is a blistering 9 of 13 from deep; the Titans are an ice-cold 2 for 16.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2011, 07:50:22 PM
In B'town: Carthage 63, IWU 55.

The Titans shot horribly (how much was Carthage defense, and how much was just an off night, I don't know): 5 of 23 from deep, and only 14 of 40 even from inside the arc.  Carthage had a respectable 13 of 28 from short range, and a blistering 9 of 14 from long range.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 30, 2011, 12:17:31 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2011, 07:50:22 PM
In B'town: Carthage 63, IWU 55.

The Titans shot horribly (how much was Carthage defense, and how much was just an off night, I don't know): 5 of 23 from deep, and only 14 of 40 even from inside the arc.  Carthage had a respectable 13 of 28 from short range, and a blistering 9 of 14 from long range.

It was a combination of both, Mr. Y.  Carthage played very well at both ends of the court.  The Lady Reds have learned the Titans' style and play it at tempo.  I don't believe it's their preferred pace (they committed 31 turnovers), but their torrid shooting carried them through.

What to say about the play of the Titans?  Not very many good things.  The first score of the game was a two-point basket by Olivia Lett, and then five minutes in Karen Solari hit one of two free throws.  With more than ten minutes gone, the Titan offense had scored exactly THREE points.  Missed layups, balls dribbled off one's own feet, dangerous cross-court passes picked off.  It was a nightmare.  The Titans were fortunate to be down only 14 at the half.

The Titan press finally got going in the second half (once the gap had reached 19!), and they were able to tie the game at 37 (a typical halftime score for them) with 10:49 to go.  But they were unable to take the lead; the Lady Reds pulled away again with several well-timed threes and too much energy had been expended just getting back.  It was a well-earned victory for Carthage, although the Titans helped them along a bit.

Individually, Heather Gilmore impressed for the Lady Reds with 19 points and Diana Jacklin had 10 points and 11 rebounds.  Olivia Lett's 16 points kept the Titans in the game.  The Titans shot 30.7% overall, 21.7% on threes, for the game; the Lady Reds shot 52.4% and 60% on threes.  Carthage coach Tim Bernero said an interesting thing in the story here on d3hoops--he said that the Lady Reds' 31 turnovers were to be expected "because we were playing their game", and that's true.  The trouble for the Titans was that, when they are playing their game, they should score between 70 and 80 points.  A mixture of outstanding shooting from the Lady Reds and a no-good, rotten, miserable, very bad day in almost every respect for the Titans produced the result.

Sunday Morning edit:  The Titans' post-season prospects (including the CCIW tourney) look a lot bleaker if they have any more spells like yesterday's first half.  Wake-up call, ladies.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: scorow on January 30, 2011, 09:28:29 AM
My daughter is a high school player and just started looking at some D3 schools. We noticed that Wheaton currently has an assistant as Acting Head Coach. We wondered if anyone knew why Coach Baker is not coaching this season and whether she is expected to return. Thanks in advance for any info.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 30, 2011, 01:47:46 PM
Quote from: scorow on January 30, 2011, 09:28:29 AM
My daughter is a high school player and just started looking at some D3 schools. We noticed that Wheaton currently has an assistant as Acting Head Coach. We wondered if anyone knew why Coach Baker is not coaching this season and whether she is expected to return. Thanks in advance for any info.

Coach Baker is out this season due to health issues.  I'm not completely sure what the status is for the long term whether she's expected to return next year or not.  If she doesn't I think Kent Madsen has definitely earned his shot to be next in line.  It's definitely not an ideal situation but Madsen has stepped up in a big way for this program and has done a nice job helping to transform the culture of the program over the last year.  He should definitely be in the running for Coach of the Year assuming the Thunder don't collapse down the stretch.  The addition of Sarah Harris has also been a big addition to the coaching staff as she brings some good experience and insight to the staff and is very effective with preparation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 30, 2011, 02:12:50 PM
Very entertaining game last night at King.  I wasn't sure what to expect coming in since North Central played Wheaton very close over at Gregory until the injury to Karl and with Wheaton coming off such an emotional win against Millikin on Wednesday night.  There was certainly no let down for the Thunder and there was no let up from the Cardinals.  Wheaton was in a great situation in the first half when two quick fouls against Newson sent her to the bench with 17+ minutes left and then two fouls on Errico sent her out with five minutes left but Wheaton was ice cold from  the outside (4-25 on the night) and North Central's half court offense was efficient.

The second half was back and forth for a lot of the time with North Central opening up their biggest lead of the night at 52-47 with eight minutes left and it felt like the Cardinals had the right things working to maybe pull away a little bit but Wheaton ran off a 19-4 run to take a 66-56 lead that was too much for the Cardinals to overcome.

Great post play for the Thunder with Kelly Brooks scoring a career high 20 points in 21 minutes off the bench and Annie Bowen adding 14 points.  They definitely needed the posts with the starting guards (Brenneman, Karsten, and Olsen) combining to shoot 6-27 even though Brenneman was 9-10 from the free throw line.

Jackie Errico was worth the price of admission for the Cards tallying 29 and 12.  She just never gives up on a play and it's fun to watch.  Good contribution also from Jenny Swanson who shot the ball very well to get her 17 points.  Great shooting night from deep for the Cards shooting 39% for a team that was shooting 27% on the year coming into play.  Even after missing all but two minutes of the first half Newson was not a threat on the offensive end and North Central really need someone to step up and becoming that third big scoring threat.

On an interesting night of play in the CCIW, Wheaton was able to hold serve at home and set up a big match-up in Kenosha on Wednesday night.  Congrats to Carthage on their big road win in Bloomington.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: scorow on January 31, 2011, 10:23:04 AM
Thanks, Thunder 38.  We could tell that they are having a good season in Coach Baker's absence.  I hope that the situation is not too serious and that she is able to return.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2011, 11:17:30 AM
Congratulations to Coach Bernero and his flock for being the first CCIW team to topple the Titans this season.
Congratulations to Augustana for getting into the Win column. bblover, do you have any compliments to direct at Augie, or did you not see that game?
I went NAIA Saturday and saw a very sharp U of Chicago team yesterday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:33:45 PM
North Park at Augustana originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. preceding the men's game. Obviously, that could change again.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2011, 05:42:44 PM
Quote from: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:33:45 PM
North Park at Augustana originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. preceding the men's game. Obviously, that could change again.

Is that due to the predicted weather conditions?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:50:45 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2011, 05:42:44 PM
Quote from: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:33:45 PM
North Park at Augustana originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. preceding the men's game. Obviously, that could change again.

Is that due to the predicted weather conditions?

Yes. Predicting a total of 12-18" of snow and high winds for the Quad Cities over the next couple of days. Sounds like ice to the south. Could play havoc with the CCIW schedule.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2011, 06:15:32 PM
Quote from: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:50:45 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2011, 05:42:44 PM
Quote from: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:33:45 PM
North Park at Augustana originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. preceding the men's game. Obviously, that could change again.

Is that due to the predicted weather conditions?

Yes. Predicting a total of 12-18" of snow and high winds for the Quad Cities over the next couple of days. Sounds like ice to the south. Could play havoc with the CCIW schedule.

That's what I assumed.  Y'all stay safe out there!

We're not supposed to get hit until late Tuesday/most of Wednesday.  Too cold for the freezing rain/ice storms, but I've seen predictions of snow anywhere from 8 to 15+ inches and high enough winds that whiteouts, huge drifts, and loss of power are definite possibilities. :P
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2011, 09:22:56 PM
New poll is out.  IWU drops from 6 to 9 (staying behind #3 Kean, whom they beat, and falling behind #6 UWSP and #7 WashU, both of whom they beat, but staying ahead of #15 DePauw, whom they lost to :P).  [Can't complain TOO much - they are still by far the highest ranked team with 4 losses!]  Millikin fell from 12 points to 5, but Carthage re-entered the ORV with 15 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on January 31, 2011, 09:30:26 PM
Will Carthage be ranked in the central region rankings?  They come out this week.  IWU should be ranked very high. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2011, 11:18:39 AM
Elmhurst at Millikin and IWU at NC are also postponed.
Whether (weather) any games will occur Wednesday is a bit iffy, too.
Meanwhile, congratulations to NC's Jackie Errico, the new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2011, 03:14:20 PM
Quote from: dansand on January 31, 2011, 05:33:45 PM
North Park at Augustana originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. preceding the men's game. Obviously, that could change again.

Both the women's and men's NPU @ Augustana games are likely to get postponed again from Wednesday to Thursday. In order to reach Rock Island in time, it's necessary for the NPU bus to leave the North Park campus no later than noon -- and the National Weather Service travel advisory is in effect until 3 pm Wednesday. When I spoke with NPU men's basketball coach Paul Brenegan last night, he seemed pretty pessimistic that the games would get played on Wednesday.

It would be easier if the games could be postponed until the week of the CCIW tournaments, but Augustana has already pushed back its women's and men's games at Illinois Wesleyan to that week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 02, 2011, 03:29:44 PM
First Regional Rankings: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 06:18:25 PM
While I'm pleased, of course, I'm rather surprised that IWU held off UWSP for #1 in the region.  Though, on second thought, we DID beat them head-to-head (AT SP), and (while I didn't actually calculate it) have a very strong 'results against regionally-ranked opponents' (especially if the Central Region committee went ahead and just assumed Kean would be ranked in their region).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 06:26:29 PM
Just noticed that for at least the second year in a row, IWU has beaten ALL of the other ranked teams in the Central Region - way to go, ladies! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 02, 2011, 06:38:56 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 06:26:29 PM
Just noticed that for at least the second year in a row, IWU has beaten ALL of the other ranked teams in the Central Region - way to go, ladies! ;D

Yes, that SOS is really important.  Good scheduling and good results :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 08:28:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 02, 2011, 06:38:56 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 06:26:29 PM
Just noticed that for at least the second year in a row, IWU has beaten ALL of the other ranked teams in the Central Region - way to go, ladies! ;D

Yes, that SOS is really important.  Good scheduling and good results :)

Probably at least as important as SoS is they are an amazing 6-0 against regionally-ranked teams (another of the primary criteria).  (They would be 6-1, but the Great Lakes is so stacked this season that DePauw is not ranked!  They are 17-3 overall, but I suspect they may have fallen afoul of a one-year glitch: they got re-classified from South to GL [they've left the SCAC but don't join the NCAC until next season], but are still playing largely a SCAC schedule.  I haven't checked in detail, but they probably have very few in-region games.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 02, 2011, 08:48:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 08:28:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 02, 2011, 06:38:56 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 06:26:29 PM
Just noticed that for at least the second year in a row, IWU has beaten ALL of the other ranked teams in the Central Region - way to go, ladies! ;D

Yes, that SOS is really important.  Good scheduling and good results :)

Probably at least as important as SoS is they are an amazing 6-0 against regionally-ranked teams (another of the primary criteria).  (They would be 6-1, but the Great Lakes is so stacked this season that DePauw is not ranked!  They are 17-3 overall, but I suspect they may have fallen afoul of a one-year glitch: they got re-classified from South to GL [they've left the SCAC but don't join the NCAC until next season], but are still playing largely a SCAC schedule.  I haven't checked in detail, but they probably have very few in-region games.)

Whoa, hold on...IWU lost to UW-Whitewater back in November at Shirk.  Score was 74-60.  They have played all the ranked teams, and Whitewater is the only loss in that group.  They do, of course, play Millikin again at least once (maybe twice, including the CCIW tournament) more before the end of the CCIW season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 09:31:50 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 02, 2011, 08:48:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 08:28:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 02, 2011, 06:38:56 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 06:26:29 PM
Just noticed that for at least the second year in a row, IWU has beaten ALL of the other ranked teams in the Central Region - way to go, ladies! ;D

Yes, that SOS is really important.  Good scheduling and good results :)

Probably at least as important as SoS is they are an amazing 6-0 against regionally-ranked teams (another of the primary criteria).  (They would be 6-1, but the Great Lakes is so stacked this season that DePauw is not ranked!  They are 17-3 overall, but I suspect they may have fallen afoul of a one-year glitch: they got re-classified from South to GL [they've left the SCAC but don't join the NCAC until next season], but are still playing largely a SCAC schedule.  I haven't checked in detail, but they probably have very few in-region games.)

Whoa, hold on...IWU lost to UW-Whitewater back in November at Shirk.  Score was 74-60.  They have played all the ranked teams, and Whitewater is the only loss in that group.  They do, of course, play Millikin again at least once (maybe twice, including the CCIW tournament) more before the end of the CCIW season.

OOPS! :-[  For once I would have been better off NOT checking!  I read the score backwards, whereas if I had trusted memory I probably would have recalled that that was the game which made for a 1-2 start on the season (and a plunge in the poll).

[As long as I'm on mea culpae (did I get that plural right? ;)), I also erred on the primary criterion.  Only in-region wins over regionally-ranked teams are primary; wins over regionally-ranked teams in other regions are a secondary criterion.  So with the corrections, IWU is 4-1 on the primary; 1-0 (1-1 if DePauw makes it into the rankings) on the secondary.]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 10:48:56 PM
I checked on DePauw and (if d3hoops.com has the in-region games listed correctly) they are actually 14-2 in-region, with good results against regionally-ranked teams (at least in other regions ;)).  The GL region is brutal this year - Hope is #4 in the d3hoops.com poll, and #FIVE in the GL region! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 03, 2011, 01:43:23 AM
DePauw is still in the SCAC.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 03, 2011, 10:41:27 AM

[As long as I'm on mea culpae (did I get that plural right? ;)), I also erred on the primary criterion.  Only in-region wins over regionally-ranked teams are primary; wins over regionally-ranked teams in other regions are a secondary criterion.  So with the corrections, IWU is 4-1 on the primary; 1-0 (1-1 if DePauw makes it into the rankings) on the secondary.]
[/quote]

Baruch is ranked in the Atlantic Region.  That makes IWU 2-0 against other region raked teams. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 03, 2011, 12:15:34 PM
Interesting that IWU is ranked ahead of Stevens Point.  Obviously Bernero and his staff of reps from the conferences in the central region felt that the head to head win was bigger than the records. 

It is funny to see how other regions rank teams.  An example is the West region where Coe is ranked ahead of Simpson even though they have very comparable records (Coe is 16-2 in region, 17-2 overall compared to Simpson at 15-2, 17-3) and Simpson holds the head to head win.  Obvouisly there is other criteria involved there also, but they seem to overlook head to head more than the Central region.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2011, 02:04:06 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2011, 09:31:50 PM
[As long as I'm on mea culpae (did I get that plural right? ;))

"Mea culpa" is now considered to be a fully nativized English term, rather than simply a foreign-language borrowing. (It's taken from a Latin prayer of confession called the Confiteor ("I Confess") that was used in the Catholic church in the days before Vatican II.) And since it is now a bona-fide English term (just like "bona-fide"!), and it wasn't adopted as such by English speakers with an intact Latin plural attached to it (as was the case with "alumni" and "alumnae") "mea culpa" takes a standard English plural. It's "mea culpas", not "mea culpae".
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2011, 04:59:12 PM
The plural of mouse is mice.
Why isn't the plural of house "hice" ?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2011, 05:11:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2011, 04:59:12 PM
The plural of mouse is mice.
Why isn't the plural of house "hice" ?

There ARE those who insist the plural of spouse is "spice". ;D

Despite Greg's reasonable (and probably correct) explanation, I'm sticking with mea culpae - I just like the sound of it!  And if I get a Prius to go with my wife's Prius, I will call them "Prii"!  (After all, the plural of radius is radii. 8-))

(I've got a couple of friends with the name Moses.  I told them that 'the Moseses' just sounded weird, so they are now "the Mosi" - they love it! ;D)

English is a weird enough language.  As long as you are understood, if you can't have fun with it, what's the point?! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2011, 05:30:23 PM
Weird, indeed.
You'd think that bough, cough, dough and rough would rhyme.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2011, 05:56:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2011, 05:30:23 PM
Weird, indeed.
You'd think that bough, cough, dough and rough would rhyme.

And through doesn't rhyme with any of them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2011, 06:05:23 PM
It don't? Not even in Ypsilanti?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2011, 06:13:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2011, 06:05:23 PM
It don't? Not even in Ypsilanti?

Hey, now, us speak good here in Ypsitucky. :P
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2011, 06:37:24 PM
Ypsilanti, in one of its earlier heydays (1974), was proud home to the World Football League's Detroit Wheels :
http://wfl.charlottehornetswfl.com/team_pages_1974/03.php
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2011, 07:48:13 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2011, 06:37:24 PM
Ypsilanti, in one of its earlier heydays (1974), was proud home to the World Football League's Detroit Wheels :
http://wfl.charlottehornetswfl.com/team_pages_1974/03.php


Hey, now, notice we were a last resort!

(Oh, wait, that didn't sound so good. :P)

OK.  We are a small town (city); less than 25,000.  We DO have a few claims to fame (I won't bore you with the details), but we are not world-beaters (unless you count 3 Olympic gold medalists).

While I did my grad work at U of Michigan (and remain a fan), we live in Ypsi by choice.  Initially, we couldn't really afford Ann Arbor, but once we could, we discovered we liked Ypsi better.  While we have many friends in AA, we agree with the MSU coach (can't recall if it was Duffy Daugherty or George Perles) who said that AA stood for "arrogant a**holes" - a grotesque over-generalization, but kinda reinforces WHY we prefer Ypsi! ;D

[BTW, 1974 was much closer to a nadir of Ypsi than a 'heyday'! ::)  "Depot Town", now a thriving area, was then a 'biker' hang-out that EMU explicitly warned students to avoid.]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 03, 2011, 07:51:08 PM
Final from Kenosha...Wheaton dominates Carthage 68-50.  Carthage scored the game's first five points before the Thunder responded to run away to a 23-13 lead.  Carthage responded to cut it to 26-24 but the Thunder pulled out again to lead 36-29 at half.  Wheaton then ran Carthage out of their own gym in the second half and led by 17 or more from around the 10 minute mark on leading by as many as 24.  Wheaton held Jacklin to 10 points while Gilmore and Ripkey had nine each.  Kristi Schmidt came off the bench to score ten as well.

Brooke Olsen absolutely put on a show from deep going 5-7 from beyond the arc and stepping back to a few feet past the men's line for a couple.  She finished with 21 ponts.  Laura Karsten was equally impressive finishing with 17 points.  Kelly Brooks also finished with eight off the bench.

Impressive win for the Thunder and adding to their resume as a contender in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2011, 08:44:05 PM
NPU beat Augustana in Rock Island tonight, 62-44. According to the Augie live stats, Amanda Reese was one of the three officials who adjudicated tonight's game. No wonder North Park won! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2011, 12:10:34 PM
Ha! Good observation, Greg. She did not call a tech on herself.
Within the last two weeks :
Augustana defeated Elmhurst (1/29)
Elmhurst defeated Wheaton (1/22)
Wheaton defeated Carthage (2/3)
Carthage defeated Illinois Wesleyan (1/29)
Therefore, we can retroactively conclude that the 91-58 IWU win over Augustana (Jan 25) was an upset!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 04, 2011, 12:28:03 PM
Very good, Rog!  :D  I started down that road this morning but you thought it through to the logical conclusion.

Definitely an interesting CCIW season.  Looking forward to the stretch run!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 04, 2011, 04:02:43 PM
Standings and remaining schedules  for the top 5 as we head down the home stretch

Illinois Wesleyan 7-1
Wheaton 7-2  .5 GB
Millikin 6-2 1 GB
Carthage 5-4 3 GB
Elmhurst 4-4 3.5 GB
North Central 2-6 5 GB
North Park 2-7 5.5 GB
Augustana 1-8 6.5 GB


Carthage
Sat. Feb. 5 @ Augie
Tues. Feb. 8 vs. Elmhurst
Sat. Feb. 12 @ North Central
Tues. Feb. 15 @ North Park
Sat. Feb. 19 vs. Millikin

Elmhurst
Fri. Feb. 4 vs. Illinois Wesleyan
Tues. Feb. 8 @ Carthage
Sat. Feb. 12 @ North Park
Tues. Feb. 15 vs. North Central
Sat. Feb. 19 @ Wheaton
Tues. Feb. 22 @ Millikin

Illinois Wesleyan
Fri. Feb. 4 @ Elmhurst
Tues. Feb. 8 vs. Millikin
Sat. Feb. 12 @ Wheaton
Thurs. Feb. 17 @ North Central
Sat. Feb. 19 vs. North Park
Tues. Feb. 22 vs. Augustana

Millikin
Sat. Feb. 5 vs. North Central
Tues. Feb. 8 @ Illinois Wesleyan
Sat. Feb. 12 vs. Augustana
Wed. Feb. 16 vs. Wheaton
Sat. Feb.19 @ Carthage
Tues. Feb. 22 vs. Elmhurst

Wheaton
Sat. Feb. 5 @ North Park
Tues. Feb. 8 vs. Augustana
Sat. Feb. 12 vs. Illinois Wesleyan
Wed. Feb. 16 @ Millikin
Sat. Feb. 19 vs. Elmhurst
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 05, 2011, 12:09:02 PM
Guess who is coming to dinner? Well, it was the Elmhurst A-team last night. After last weekend, you had to wonder if the Bluejays would phone in the rest of the season; it is that time of the year. Perhaps aided by the rescheduling of Tuesday's game, Elmhurst used its six days to regroup, and to the team's credit, played a very hard game before succumbing in the final 9 minutes to Wesleyan's continual blitzkriegs. Elmhurst was hampered by a number of injuries, most importantly, the loss of starter Rashida Joiner, their sure-handed point guard. Putting in relatively inexperienced underclassman guards against Wesleyan's pressure-cooker defense is usually a prescription for disaster. Not last night. If Elmhurst could shoot free throws, this contest might have gone down to the very end. Even behind by a dozen or so near the finish, the Bluejays were still fighting. Bravo. Even Spencer Tracy would have been impressed.

I missed the first several minutes of the game, but I understand that IWU never trailed. When I walked into the gym, IWU was up a few, which they increased to 8 by half-time. After half-time, Elmhurst came out ready to do battle; Wesleyan appeared flat. Slowly but surely, Elmhurst worked their way back into the game. With 10 minutes left, they were down just one, and if not for several missed free throws, including some front ends of one-and-ones, they clearly would have been up a few.

Elmhurst played with courage. A year ago at home, the Bluejays, with perhaps the most talent in the CCIW, had  a big lead against IWU with about 15  minutes left in the second half; they collapsed and lost badly. The Bluejays also lost last night, but unlike last year, they left it all on the floor; they did not play afraid. Undermanned against a poised, well-coached team, Elmhurst ran out of energy in those last several minutes. IWU stepped up as great teams usually do.

Two side points. One, the game was officiated by just two refs in the first 17 minutes of the first half; the two did a great job. The third official showed up late, one would assume because of the aftereffects of the storm.

Second, I have a pet peeve. I cannot stand it when fans, including parents, start yelling ugly comments at the refs and to the opposing fans. Last night, it was both sides, back and forth, and it was embarrassing to those that did it and unpleasant for the rest of us. To all the parents and fans, I can tell you one thing for sure: the players absolutely hate it, especially when it is their parents. Please be respectful. Nothing justifies this kind of behavior.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 05, 2011, 01:48:07 PM
bblover,
It was nice to meet you last night.  Enjoyable game, well played for the most part by both sides.

Quote from: bblover on February 05, 2011, 12:09:02 PM

I missed the first several minutes of the game, but I understand that IWU never trailed. When I walked into the gym, IWU was up a few, which they increased to 8 by half-time. After half-time, Elmhurst came out ready to do battle; Wesleyan appeared flat. Slowly but surely, Elmhurst worked their way back into the game. With 10 minutes left, they were down just one, and if not for several missed free throws, including some front ends of one-and-ones, they clearly would have been up a few.

Elmhurst played with courage. A year ago at home, the Bluejays, with perhaps the most talent in the CCIW, had  a big lead against IWU with about 15  minutes left in the second half; they collapsed and lost badly. The Bluejays also lost last night, but unlike last year, they left it all on the floor; they did not play afraid. Undermanned against a poised, well-coached team, Elmhurst ran out of energy in those last several minutes. IWU stepped up as great teams usually do.

Sounds like we arrived at about the same time.  Getting to a suburban location at 5:00 P.M. on a Friday was always going to be difficult (especially having left Bloomington at 3:00), so that may have led to the tardiness of the third official that you referred to.

I wasn't at the game last year, but I would agree that this year's Bluejays played hard and well against the more experienced Titans.  Yes, free throw shooting was an issue for the Jays (16/28 for 57%), while the Titans were more efficient (20/27 for 74%).  Considering that some of the misses did come on the first of one-and-ones, that could indeed have made up a lot of the discrepancy.

Individually, Meghan Merklein seemed unstoppable in the low post; I was surprised that she was "only" 7/12.  Her 19 points led all scorers.  Megan Ney contributed 12 and Kelsey Monroe 10; Jordan Maisto had 5 assists.  One aspect of the Elmhurst strategy seemed to be not to led Stacey Arlis beat them and that worked well.  Arlis had to sit with foul trouble, ending up with only 7 points before fouling out.  Olivia Lett led the Titans with 16 points and Hope Schulte had a good game:  14 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals.   Holly Harvey and Karen Solari each contributed from the bench for the Titans; Harvey's two and then a three when the game had gotten to a one-point margin felt like a game changer, and Solari went 3 for 3, two of them down the stretch.

Quote from: bblover on February 05, 2011, 12:09:02 PM

Second, I have a pet peeve. I cannot stand it when fans, including parents, start yelling ugly comments at the refs and to the opposing fans. Last night, it was both sides, back and forth, and it was embarrassing to those that did it and unpleasant for the rest of us. To all the parents and fans, I can tell you one thing for sure: the players absolutely hate it, especially when it is their parents. Please be respectful. Nothing justifies this kind of behavior.

I have to say, as an IWU fan, that I get very annoyed with the whining at officials that I hear from other IWU fans.  I'm as likely to shout "traveling!" as the next person, and I'll start counting when an opposing player camps out in the lane (just trying to help :D), but yelling nasty comments at either officials or players is going too far.  Of course the players hate it!  I hate it too.  This is an apology for whatever you heard from the green contingent.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 06, 2011, 02:57:26 AM
nice summary of the Elmhurst-IWU game from Friday night bblover. that was a very entertaining game that gone thrown into the muck by the fans from both squads.  i thought the two officials handled the game well in the first half as that can sometimes be a daunting task.  unfortunately i'm not sure the fan behavior was helped at all by Mia Smith "accidentally" yelling "ignore the crappy officiating and play the game" in a quiet gym as Elmhurst was shooting a free throw.  i know that fans and players talk at the shooter but i think it reflects poorly on coaches when they stoop to that level.  i thought Smith probably deserved a technical in that situation.  just my honest opinion and i'd love to hear what other people thought of that situation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 06, 2011, 03:10:00 AM
an ugly win for the Thunder tonight in the Crackerbox. thankfully not as ugly as last year when they only scored 14 first half points but yet still rough.  North Park led 41-30 with 17:35 to play before Wheaton switched into a full court 1-2-2 and fell back into a half court zone that led to three turnovers and a missed shot and threw North Park out of their offensive groove.  The Thunder then responded to go on a 26-3 run and never looked back in a 72-62 victory.

North Park had three very strong individual performances from Sarah Peterson, Roxxanne Jones, and Dana Christiansen that kept them in the game.  Peterson and Christiansen combined for an 8-13 night from 3 with Peterson going 5-6.  Peterson single-handedly kept them in the game when Wheaton finally hit the ground running in the second half.  Roxxanne Jones was fun to watch as she didn't play very many minutes in the game at King earlier this year but she owned the insides during the first half and did a nice job creating her own shot.

For Wheaton Lindsey Brenneman single handedly kept the Thunder together in the first half with 12 of her 21 points and controlled an offense that was without Brooke Olsen who picked up two early fouls.  Olsen struggled with foul trouble last year but has been able to play better defense without fouling this year and has rarely been in foul trouble and as a result has done a terrific job running this offense and it was apparent her presence was missed.  Upon her return in the second half the offense seemed to flow better.

Wheaton has an opportunity to build some momentum if they can turn in a dominant performance on Tuesday night and then take a run at the Titans on Saturday.

Make sure to tune in to WETN at halftime of the Wheaton-Augie game on Tuesday night for a 3-point shootout between Wheaton College President Dr. Philip Ryken and men's head basketball coach Mike Schauer who is one of the best three-point shooters in Wheaton history.  Should be a lot of fun to watch.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 06, 2011, 02:43:39 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on February 06, 2011, 02:57:26 AM
nice summary of the Elmhurst-IWU game from Friday night bblover. that was a very entertaining game that gone thrown into the muck by the fans from both squads.  i thought the two officials handled the game well in the first half as that can sometimes be a daunting task.  unfortunately i'm not sure the fan behavior was helped at all by Mia Smith "accidentally" yelling "ignore the crappy officiating and play the game" in a quiet gym as Elmhurst was shooting a free throw.  i know that fans and players talk at the shooter but i think it reflects poorly on coaches when they stoop to that level.  i thought Smith probably deserved a technical in that situation.  just my honest opinion and i'd love to hear what other people thought of that situation.

I really would rather not be responding to this post, but a response is necessary.  

As I stated in my previous post, I don't slate officials for bad calls.  Every game has them; it's inevitable.  There were some bad calls the other night.  Over the course of the game, I think they evened out.  I didn't notice booing or commenting any worse than it usually is, and as I've said I don't like it.  (I was sitting in the IWU section, about three rows up).  Perhaps you were sitting elsewhere, and heard things in those parts that I couldn't hear. But I was well-placed to hear what was said from the IWU bench and section.

I distinctly remember Mia Smith yelling at her team about a call which did look like a bad one.  What I heard was "Stop complaining about the officiating and play the game."  No one was shooting, players were walking around, getting into position.  No epithets, and no trying to distract a player shooting.  That would be poor (although it is common amongst fans and even a few CCIW coaches on the male side).   But it didn't come from anyone on the IWU bench.

Can we please get back to discussing the games?  The conference is more competitive than ever this year, and that's good for everyone.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2011, 02:38:01 AM
Yes, big games for the Titans coming up . . . basically for the CCIW championship.  The rest of the games should be really great . . . and wishing the Titans all the best to clinch the conference championship and to host the CCIW tourney.   Total team effort, strong rebounding, and tough D . . . keep it all rolling.   

GO TITANS!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2011, 04:49:47 PM
Having seen the IWU/Elmhurst and Wheaton/North Park games, I'll add some thoughts to those already posted here.
First, I was very impressed with Olivia Lett's game. Some of her scoring moves were practically impossible to stop, although Elmhurst tried. Mia Smith will certainly have her in mind when it comes time to nominate someone for conference player of the year. Obviously, several other Titans have been outstanding as well.
Assuming the Titans finish CCIW play with one or two losses, they would deserve 3, maybe 4, all-conf players.
If all-conf spots were apportioned according to team wins, a team would need 3.7 wins for each player that makes all-CCIW (56 wins divided by 15 all-conf spots). That formula is not followed exactly, of course, but it should not be strayed from too far. So, do I think North Park should get only one all-CCIW player, even though they have two pretty-clear choices in Roxie Jones and Sarah Peterson? Good question, Rog.
Getting back to the IWU/EC game, Elmhurst did have some major problems dealing with IWU's early full-court pressing. Later in the game, Jordan Maisto proved to be adept at dribbling through the press.
I did hear some yapping from Elmhurst and IWU fans. A good ref is not influenced, certainly not  favorably, by fans' griping. A good ref will listen to legitimate complaints from coaches and players. Coaches and players have to learn what amount of complaining is useful. Excessive pleading will annoy the ref and could be counterproductive.
The Wheaton/North Park game was feisty at times. NP's Shaina Yalda got hit in the eye early in the game: it was a loose ball situation, Brooke Olson was looking left and used her right arm to vigorously fend off Yalda in the other direction. The hit to the eye was not deliberate, from what I saw, but the fending off was overdone, enough to be a foul regardless. The North Park players saw it as a flagrant foul, understandably, as it looked bad initially, with Yalda suddenly fallen and in pain. Later on, to no one's surprise, Olson was deposited onto her back side, by Peterson, I think. Subsequently, Wheaton's Annie Bowen and Peterson shared an unfriendly series of contacts, necessitating some anti-inflammatory remarks by one of the refs . There may have been confrontational activities among others that I didn't see.
Anyway, Olson was clearly concerned for Yalda and was no doubt relieved, with the rest of us, when Shaina got back in the game. Shaina and Brooke are definitely among our more intense players, although they probably aren't best buddies at the moment.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2011, 07:20:40 PM
In other CCIW action Saturday, Millikin won by one, thanks to an offensive reb and 2 FTs by Crystal Zeigler with :01 left. North Central gave 'em a good battle.
Augustana's home schedule ended on a sour note, as visiting Carthage won 85-60. C's Heather Gilmore, in 25:00, made 3/3 2FGs, 2/5 3FGs, 3/4 FTs, had 4 assists and 1 TO (how careless of her!), plus 7 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 07, 2011, 08:32:58 PM
One more quick note about the MU/NCC game...Jackie Errico for NCC scored 22 points, 16 in the second half.  It was an impressive performance and was a huge factor in NCC storming back from 11 down in the second half to take the lead late until Zeigler's free throws.  Kudos to Zeigler as well, stepping up and easily draining those two free throws.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 08, 2011, 10:49:17 AM
New polls out this week:

Illinois Wesleyan stays at #9

Wheaton back into the discussion with eight votes and Millikin gains two up to seven votes.

Carthage drops out of the voting all together.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 08, 2011, 11:41:52 AM
Big week of games this week that will probably give us a pretty clear picture of where we sit for the conference tournament by the end of the week.

Tues. Carthage @ Elmhurst
Tues. Millikin @ IWU
Sat.   IWU @ Wheaton

IWU could virtually lock up the conference race with a 2-0 week as that would give them a two game lead with Wheaton and Millikin matching up next Wednesday night.  Tonight's gonna be a fun night to scoreboard watch around the conference. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2011, 11:46:36 AM
Aren't we supposed to be debating CCIW MOP -- Lyndsie vs Christina at this time of the season?
It may be too early, yet.
I doubt if the MOP voting will be anywhere near unanimous, but things could clear up in the next 2 weeks.
First team all-CCIW?
A Titan, but which one? Elise Wildman? Heather Gilmore? Laura Karsten/Lindsey Brenneman/Brooke Olson? Jackie Errico? Meghan Merklein? Roxie Jones/Sarah Peterson?
Yeah, maybe too early and muddled at this point.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 08, 2011, 01:55:31 PM
I agree Rog it's early but I certainly think there's frontrunners

While this could certainly change in the final five games or so here's my two cents worth so far and really just a conversation starter:

1st Team
Olivia Lett
Elise Wildman
Jackie Errico
Megan Merklein
Laura Karsten

2nd Team
Brooke Olsen
Heather Gilmore
Stacey Arlis
Kristin Fox
Roxxanne Jones

3rd Team
Julia Robert
Nikki Preston
Lindsey Brenneman
Diana Jacklin
Hope Schulte
Sophie Newson


Coach of the Year: Kent Madsen
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2011, 02:57:44 PM
Thanks for your listing, thunder38illini. I assume these are the players you think should be honored, rather than your prediction of what the coaches will select.
My initial reactions:
I'd move Gilmore to 1st team; in fact, she could be my MOP, at this point.
Even though some of Schulte's stats are down this year, I still see her as among the elite of the league and as extraordinarily valuable to IWU. So, I see her as better than 3rd team.
I thank you in advance for not asking me whom I'd demote from your list.
I'm wondering if Kelsey Monroe or Megan Ney will be nominated, after Merk, by Elmhurst.
It also would not surprise me if Millikin nominated Beth Wellbaum early in the voting. She is remarkably focused, tireless and durable. And she seems to never deviate from her coach's instructions. In other words, extremely reliable.
Since you have a tie for the 3rd team, allowing 6 players, let's add Sarah Peterson into that mix!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2011, 03:37:11 PM
Incidentally, coaches usually place a very high value on big players who are good. If there was a draft of current CCIW players, I'd bet that Diana Jacklin would be selected very high, probably in the top 3 or 4.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2011, 10:10:08 PM
IWU over Millikin, 71-58, at The Shirk.

Stacey Arlis had a monster game, 26 points on 11-11 from the floor. 

Titans take another big step toward the CCIW crown.

Keep it rolling TITANS!

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2011, 10:15:24 PM
I don't see how you keep Stacey Arlis off the first team CCIW.  Yes, Titans have a plethora of riches and talent.  Arlis, Lett, Preston and Schulte all deserving.  And, Karen Solari is probably the most valuable sixth woman in the league.  Harvey and Hasselbring have played well, contributed to defensive pressure and key offensive spurts in key games.   

Keep it rolling TITANS!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2011, 10:29:43 PM
Wheaton over Augie easily, so the big game IWU@Wheaton Saturday.  Should be a good one. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 08, 2011, 10:40:47 PM
IF IWU downs Wheaton, I declare the regular season race officially over and pop the champagne. :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2011, 11:54:23 PM
Chuck, I agree.  If Titans can handle Wheaton, things look mighty fine.  But, gotta play out the string . . . and get to the post-season in good shape, hopefully 21-4.  We'll see.  The Titans are firing on all cylinders right now.  Stacey Arlis had a monster game, even against the top post talent in the league.  You can't do much better than 11-11 from the field.  mls
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 08, 2011, 11:57:54 PM
I agree with you Mr. Ypsi if the Titans win Saturday it's all over except for the formalities.  Saturday's going to be a lot of fun with both of those games at King having a lot of significance
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 09, 2011, 12:13:56 AM
Everyone's seen the news about Stacey Arlis's monster game.  It was beauty--a school-record 11 for 11 from the field, and 4 for 6 on free throws.  (Incidentally, Stacey's mom won a free-throw shooting contest at halftime, hitting 4.  Guess we know where Stacey gets the talent).  Stacey did all that in 31 minutes.  Olivia Lett had 12 and led the Titans in rebounding with 7, while Hope Schulte had 10 assists and only one turnover. 

For the Big Blue, Elise Wildman was hard to stop in the low post, going 7 for 12.  She ended with 18 points.  Heather Pruemer had 16 points, going 4 for 4 from the field and hitting 8 of 11 free throws.  The Big Blue outrebounded the Titans 33-28.

Saturday's games at Wheaton are pivotal for both sides, men and women.  Looking forward to it!

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2011, 12:16:13 AM
Quote from: thunder38illini on February 08, 2011, 11:57:54 PM
I agree with you Mr. Ypsi if the Titans win Saturday it's all over except for the formalities.  Saturday's going to be a lot of fun with both of those games at King having a lot of significance

Especially if the Wheaton men can take down Augie tomorrow! ;D

Then it is huge for both teams.  If Augie wins, the Saturday game is almost an elimination game for Wheaton for the conference tourney (depending on how Carthage does, of course), but would be less consequential for the Titans (little chance of catching Augie, but almost certainly in the tourney).

And, yes, I am oversimplifying the permutations - so sue me! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 09, 2011, 12:25:12 AM
Also of note in the MU/IWU game, Cecily Aldridge played in her game for the Big Blue since having surgery on a brolen hand and wrist in the DePauw game on 12/8.  She could make a significant impact for the Big Blue as the season winds down.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 09, 2011, 01:06:18 PM
updated standings for tournament contenders heading into Saturday

IWU         9-1
Wheaton 9-2   .5 GB
Millikin      7-3  2 GB
Carthage 7-4  2.5 GB
---------------------------
Elmhurst  4-6  4.5 GB

pretty uphill battle for Elmhurst at this point especially with games still left against Wheaton and Millikin.  Wheaton might have the toughest remaining schedule with IWU, @ Millikin, and Elmhurst still left on the docket.  Carthage is going to have to knock off Millikin in their last meeting if they have any chance of moving up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2011, 01:47:35 PM
I saw most of the Wheaton/Augustana game (took off with about 6:00 to go and caught my Metra with approx 64 seconds to spare).
The Thunder were very sharp, moving the ball well and firing threes from all over (making 14 of 29, the equivalent of .724 2FG shooting).
Augie began the game in Awful mode, falling behind 19-4. During one stretch, 4 of 5 of their possessions ended in turnovers. It seemed like it was October 15 and they hadn't established any familiarity with each other. Their only really good stretch was for a period in the 2nd half, when Wheaton had its subs in.
Augie's top forward senior Natalie Runge has been out injured for several weeks. If she can't return this month, let the record show that she had a very fine career for the Vikings. They sure could have used her last night, as well as (dare I say) Lani Kasten. Without Runge and fellow senior Kristin
Fox next year, things may again be tough. What does the Augie AD think of the WBB program?
Wheaton's Brooke Olson endured a very hard foul, by the way. If Augie was trying to instigate something, it didn't work. Brooke smiled at her teammates and stoically made her free throws.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2011, 03:18:05 PM
In that Carthage win, four Lady Reds scored 12 or more, topped by Diana Jacklin's 20 (8/11, 4/5). Megan Ney (7/10, 10/12) excelled for the Jays : 24 pts, 10 rebs.
Christine Karl (7/8, 6/6) led four North Central players in double figures with 20 pts. Roxie Jones tallied 19 and 11 rebs for North Park. NC won 73-57.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on February 09, 2011, 05:22:17 PM
This week's Central regional rankings:

Central
1. Illinois Wesleyan 13-3 16-4
2. UW-Stevens Point 19-2 19-2
3. UW-La Crosse 16-5 17-5
4. UW-Whitewater 13-5 16-5
5. Chicago 17-3 17-3
6. Washington U. 14-2 17-3

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 10, 2011, 11:13:58 AM
Quote from: buf on February 09, 2011, 05:22:17 PM
This week's Central regional rankings:

Central
1. Illinois Wesleyan 13-3 16-4
2. UW-Stevens Point 19-2 19-2
3. UW-La Crosse 16-5 17-5
4. UW-Whitewater 13-5 16-5
5. Chicago 17-3 17-3
6. Washington U. 14-2 17-3



Based on these rankings, I would say this region is wide open after Illinois Wesleyan and Stevens Point.  La Crosse goes from unranked to third!  Still big games coming up in this region the next two weeks.  IWU @ Wheaton, SP @ LC, and Chicago @ Wash U.  Lots of things COULD change based on these games. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 10, 2011, 05:16:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2011, 11:46:36 AM
Aren't we supposed to be debating CCIW MOP.

I ran some statistics and the results were interesting.  First of all, I do not want to imply that stats are a complete measure of the contribution on the basketball court.  They are just a starting point for discussions.  That being said, here is what I did.

I took all the conference players stats as of 2/9 and broke them down on a per minute basis.  Than I took the 40 players with the most total minutes and ranked them on Minutes Played, 2 Point Shooting %, 3 Point Shooting %, Free Throw %, Orff. Rebs., Def. Rebs., Fouls, Assists, Turnovers, Blocks, Steals and Points. After adding those rankings together I ranked the players by their totals.  Here are the top 10:

   Player    GS
Whe    Karsten, Laura   137
Mil   Wildman, Elise     180
IWU   Lett, Olivia     182
NC    Errico, Jackie   183
IWU   Preston, Nikki     184
Elm    Monroe, Kelsey   189
Elm    Merklein, Meghan   191
Whe    Brenneman, Lindsey   197
Car    Jacklin, Diana   198
Aug   Fox, Kristen   201

After seeing all of these players play I am not surprised that they appear on the list, but I was surprised that Laura Karsten has such an overwhelming edge.  Then I noticed that she was in the top 10 in all three shooting Pcts., Def. Reb., Assists, Turnovers, Steals and Points and in the top 15 in every catagory except Blocks and Minutes Played (missing 4 games).

For the offensive only stats the top ten lines up this way:

   Player    Offense Only
Whe    Karsten, Laura   40
IWU   Preston, Nikki     85
NC    Errico, Jackie   94
Elm    Monroe, Kelsey   96
IWU   Lett, Olivia     100
Whe    Brenneman, Lindsey   101
Car    Ripkey, Dani   101
Mil   Zeigler, Crystal     102
Whe    Potts, Elisabeth   115
Elm    Merklein, Meghan   117

And the meager defensive stats available total up like this:

   Player    Defense Only
IWU   Schulte, Hope     44
Mil   Wildman, Elise     48
Car    Jacklin, Diana   48
NP   Peterson, Sarah   54
NC    Karl, Christine   59
IWU   Lett, Olivia     60
Whe    Karsten, Laura   63
Elm    Ney, Megan   63
Elm    Joiner, Rashida   63
Car    Gilmore, Heather   65

I have atached a Word file with the full rankings and anyone who wants the stats to play with on their own can email  me and I will sent them the Excel file. 

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 10, 2011, 06:28:43 PM
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 10, 2011, 05:16:09 PM

I ran some statistics and the results were interesting.  First of all, I do not want to imply that stats are a complete measure of the contribution on the basketball court.  They are just a starting point for discussions.  That being said, here is what I did.

I took all the conference players stats as of 2/9 and broke them down on a per minute basis.  Than I took the 40 players with the most total minutes and ranked them on Minutes Played, 2 Point Shooting %, 3 Point Shooting %, Free Throw %, Orff. Rebs., Def. Rebs., Fouls, Assists, Turnovers, Blocks, Steals and Points. After adding those rankings together I ranked the players by their totals.  Here are the top 10:

   Player    GS
Whe    Karsten, Laura   137
Mil   Wildman, Elise     180
IWU   Lett, Olivia     182
NC    Errico, Jackie   183
IWU   Preston, Nikki     184
Elm    Monroe, Kelsey   189
Elm    Merklein, Meghan   191
Whe    Brenneman, Lindsey   197
Car    Jacklin, Diana   198
Aug   Fox, Kristen   201

After seeing all of these players play I am not surprised that they appear on the list, but I was surprised that Laura Karsten has such an overwhelming edge.  Then I noticed that she was in the top 10 in all three shooting Pcts., Def. Reb., Assists, Turnovers, Steals and Points and in the top 15 in every catagory except Blocks and Minutes Played (missing 4 games).


OSHF,
This is interesting, and I'm sure that much discussion will ensue.  I haven't taken part in any previous discussion involving stats, so I feel that I'm coming in late here.  I see from your Word document that the "GS" referred to above must be the Gross Score near the right hand column.  But what does that mean?  It doesn't seem to be a total of all the standings. What am I missing?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 11, 2011, 10:52:48 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 10, 2011, 06:28:43 PMOSHF,
This is interesting, and I'm sure that much discussion will ensue.  I haven't taken part in any previous discussion involving stats, so I feel that I'm coming in late here.  I see from your Word document that the "GS" referred to above must be the Gross Score near the right hand column.  But what does that mean?  It doesn't seem to be a total of all the standings. What am I missing?
HT, You are not missing anything.  You just caught me revealing one of my favorite stats - Assist to Turnover Ratio.  I accidently posted it on the Word table instead of TO/M ranking.  Attached is a corrected Word Table.  Now the totals should match.  Thanks for catching that.



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2011, 08:46:12 PM
Titans win a close one at Wheaton, almost dying by the 3 ball, only 5-25 or 20%.  If the perimeter Titans start hitting a decent percentage, I hate to think how far this team can go.  Chuck, you can almost break out the champagne now, me thinks.  Looks like strong rebounding saved the day . . . and again a stellar performance by six woman, Karen Solari.  Gotta stay with it now and play out the string of the final three games against the lower half of the league.  Again, Stacey Arlis had a monster game.  I just don't know how you keep her off the CCIW first team.  Look at the stats, especially in big games against the top post competition in the league.  I'm sure her teammates get her the ball in the right place, but look at the finish and the shooting percentage.  If she doesn't get CCIW player of the week this week, then there's no week when it will happen.  Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans.

Keep it rolling!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2011, 02:30:40 AM
Just back from the games at Wheaton.  First, a word about IWU men's point guard Travis Rosenkranz.  In the second half Travis brought the ball up court at his usual speed, and looked to be trying to drive to the basket.  He got right under the basket, closely guarded, and slid to the floor, where he just lay there.  Medical personnel were soon called and he was strapped to a board and taken to the hospital for tests.  Word is (see the men's board for more details) that he has a bad concussion after receiving an inadvertent knee to the head.  Best of wishes, Travis!

Both games were hard-fought with very little breathing space for either team.  The IWU women survived poor 3-point shooting thanks primarily to the stellar post play of Stacey Arlis (26 points on 11/15 shooting, 3/4 on free throws, and a career-high 11 rebounds).  iwu70 is right:  Karen Solari also had 11 rebounds and was a key player in the win.  Arlis now is 22/26 (0.846) for the week, with an average of 25.5 points and 7.5 rebounds for the two games .  Player of the Week?

The Thunder were hitting the three, three each from Laura Karsten and Elizabeth Potts en route to 19 and 17 point totals respectively. 

It was a crazy day around the CCIW, and I'm hoping others will fill in the picture on this.  IWU went to Wheaton a half-game a head of the Thunder, with Millikin another game behind in the loss column and Carthage in fourth.  At the end of the day the standing are the same, but Millikin lost to 8th-place Augustana at home, Carthage lost to North Central by 14, and fifth-place Elmhurst lost to seventh-place North Park by 25 just to continue the trend.  As a Titan fan I'm relieved by the results, but the basketball fan in me wants to know what happened.  Do tell!

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2011, 09:18:43 AM
NPU had an exceptional first half in its easy win over Elmhurst yesterday afternoon. It was as if the Vikings let loose a season's worth of frustration by scoring a torrent of points in the opening twenty minutes. I'm not sure what the school record is for points in a half, but 51 has to at least be close to it. The Vikings went 9-11 from treyland -- one of the two misses was a halfcourt heave at the buzzer to end the half -- including a 5-5 performance from downtown by Sarah Peterson, and they outshot the 'jays from the field, 53% to 29%, as North Park went into the locker room with a commanding 51-24 lead. NPU couldn't keep up that pace, of course; in fact, the Vikings scored only four points in the first nine minutes of the second half. But some solid defense kept Elmhurst from ever getting any closer than an 18-point deficit, and down the stretch the Vikings pulled away to what was their easiest CCIW win in quite some time, 75-50.

North Park played very sharp defense, holding Elmhurst to under 26% from the field for the game and shutting down the team's leading scorer on the year, Meghan Merklein, completely (2 pts, both earned at the free-throw line). The Vikings had nine steals on the afternoon. Eleven of the fourteen Vikings who played in the game scored. Dana Christensen led all scorers with 17 points, while Sarah Peterson added 15 and Lyndsey Thompson chipped in 10 for NPU. Meghan Fitts led Elmhurst with 16, while Megan Ney added 14.

Good to see the Park rally for a strong win late in what has been a somewhat disappointing season thus far.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 13, 2011, 10:30:26 AM
In Decatur, it was a tale of two halves.  Millikin was up 23-17 at the break with MU's largest lead being 9 pts.  In the second half, Augie outscored MU 48-41.  Augustana caught fire from outside the arc.  They were 7-12 fron long distance in the second half and was 10-22 for the game. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 14, 2011, 01:29:22 PM
So which of the three major upsets this past weekend was the most unexpected? Here is my view.

I was most shocked by the Augustana upset at Millikin. Playing in Decatur is especially tough. That was a real stunner.

I would put the NC home victory over Carthage as number 2. Perhaps, Carthage relaxed, knowing that it will make the playoffs regardless of how it finished, and given that they beat IWU at IWU, they let up versus NC. Regardless, a big win for NC.

Elmhurst losing to NP was not a huge surprise. An undermanned NP team came pretty close to upsetting Elmhurst at Elmhurst a few weeks ago. At the same time, after losing to Augustana at home recently, Elmhurst was a long shot, at best, to make the playoffs. Losing by 25 points, however, was a shock. Elmhurst has looked very good a couple times this season, but it also has looked very bad a number of times. It never seemed to find a good consistent level. To NP's credit, they showed some pretty potent outside weapons -- watch out next season.

Clearly, the CCIW has become more competitive -- no more (easy) bottom three. Also, the power  of the 3-point shot as an equalizer was amply demonstrated this weekend. Congratulation to Augustana, NC and NP. Well done.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2011, 01:36:22 PM
I'll certainly agree with Player of the Week for Stacey Arlis.
NC's Jackie Errico had another fine game in Saturday's win, making 2/3 2FGS, 6/7 3FGs, 7/7 FTs for a highly efficient 29 pts; she also had 9 rebs. NC's team totals were 19/30 2FGs, 12/20 3FGs, 15/15 FTs. Which brand of cereal did they eat for breakfast? C's Diana Jacklin had 20 pts (8/10, 4/4) and 7 rebs, while Cailee Corcoran had 12 rebs, 6 steals, 17 pts.
NC is now tied for 5th with Elmhurst, each still in the hunt for a conference playoff spot.
Greg, did you see any reason why Merklein played only 8:00? Injury? Was she benched for taking a cell call while shooting a free throw?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2011, 01:47:45 PM
bblover, to your optimistic words for North Park, add that, next season, they should see the return of Kamauria Acree, 2nd team all-CCIW as a freshman last season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 14, 2011, 04:05:57 PM
Congratulations to Stacey Arlis on being named CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2011, 04:52:23 PM
bblover, I was re-reading your recent post and the phrase "the power of the 3-point shot as an equalizer" catches my curiosity.
Can you explain more of what you mean by that? How do three pointers fit into your general basketball philosophy? Also, how much different do you see D3 basketball from D1 from NBA?
I think it's a different game, in that what works at D3 may not work in D1 or vice versa, just because of the bigger, more talented players in D1.
Anyone else should join in, if this is an interesting topic.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2011, 05:07:00 PM
Perhaps bblover had more than this in mind, but if a team gets hot from trey-land, they can score a bunch in a hurry, and a team can upset a 'better' team.

In IWU's only conference loss, Carthage went 9 of 14 from downtown (over 64%, the points equivalent of shooting almost 97% from 2-point range)! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 14, 2011, 05:13:46 PM
The distance for the 3 in today's woman's game seems way to close. I like the 3; it opens up the game, but it needs to be moved back. Too easy. It will happen -- just a matter of when. The 3 makes it easier for upsets if the underdog gets hot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2011, 05:32:22 PM
Is an upset more legitimate if it is achieved via 2FGs and FTs?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 14, 2011, 05:58:32 PM
Roger: I am not sure about that one. I do not think 3s change the expected result; they just increase the standard deviation around the mean of that result. Thus, the chance of one major upset may be a bit higher than otherwise.

Maybe, the 3 just gives the underdog a feeling that they have some chance of winning; that feeling is critical if a big upset is going to occur. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2011, 06:04:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2011, 05:32:22 PM
Is an upset more legitimate if it is achieved via 2FGs and FTs?

Not sure 'legitimate' is the right term.  But I think the 3 makes an upset more likely.

As bblover noted (saw the post just before I hit 'post'), the 3 does not give either team an advantage, a priori, but it does increase the variability of outcomes, which is a plus for the underdog.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2011, 06:56:44 PM
It is more difficult to sit on a lead, compared to the old days of no 3 pointer.
The 3 pointer does give a trailing team the opportunity to catch up quicker than if they had to score solely via 2FGs and FTs. Quicker for two reasons : fewer possessions are needed; plus, a three can often (not always) be shot sooner within a possession than can a higher percentage 2FG attempt.
For those same reasons, though, a good team that is also a good 3-shooting team can expand a lead more quickly.
As for the 3 point line, I think it's at a good distance now. Very few players can make more than about 1/3 of their threes, which is equal to 50 pct 2FG shooting. Plus, with 2FG shooting, you get some "and ones." At the line's current distance, very few coaches are confident enough in their long-range shooters to rely on threes late in a tight game.
Even a team that shoots a massive quantity of threes (53/g)
http://web.olivet.edu/sports/basketball/women/stats/2010/teamcume.htm
gets over 57 pct of its scoring from 2FGs and FTs.
So, I think there's a good balance the way things are.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2011, 07:20:39 PM
On another topic, am I correct in assuming that the other 7 CCIW teams have decided that containing Elise Wildman is the absolute defensive priority when facing Millikin? She hasn't "gone off" for 30 or 35 as much this season compared to earlier. I don't think it's any reduction in her abilities; in fact, she is certainly among the best players in the league.
I see it as a sign of her excellence that opponents have to create their defensive strategies with her foremost in mind. Does anyone else see it this way?
Is Stacey Arlis now in that same category?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2011, 07:31:30 PM
^^I doubt it with Stacey Arliss.  I'm not at all saying Elise Wildman is a one-woman team, but it is more a Lyndsie Long situation.  With the Titans, if you focus too much on Arliss, you'll get killed by Nikki Preston, or Hope Schulte, or Olivia Lett, or ...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2011, 07:34:33 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 14, 2011, 01:29:22 PMElmhurst losing to NP was not a huge surprise. An undermanned NP team came pretty close to upsetting Elmhurst at Elmhurst a few weeks ago. At the same time, after losing to Augustana at home recently, Elmhurst was a long shot, at best, to make the playoffs. Losing by 25 points, however, was a shock. Elmhurst has looked very good a couple times this season, but it also has looked very bad a number of times. It never seemed to find a good consistent level. To NP's credit, they showed some pretty potent outside weapons -- watch out next season.

As hot as NPU was on Saturday, it wasn't as though the outside game was the team's only option. Although NPU's leading scorer, Roxie Jones, had an off game, center Lyndsey Thompson made some nice shots in the vicinity of the basket.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 14, 2011, 08:22:40 PM
In response to RogK's question about Wildman, it does appear teams are committed to double and triple teaming her and defending her very physically whenever possible.  With the recent struggles MU has had from the outside, I think teams are sagging their defense into the post even more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2011, 11:40:38 PM
My congrats to Stacey Arlis on CCIW Player of the Week.  Greatly deserved.  As you know from my earlier posts, I'm a big fan of Ms. Arlis and her importance to the overall Titan effort and success this year.  Remember when we debated how the Titans were going to replace the brilliance of Christina Solari?  Well, Stacey has given us the answer.  The Titans can really go far this year with tough defense, good rebounding and overall team play.  I still feel the perimeter shooting is weaker than before and needs attention.  It is time for the seniors to really step up and put their imprint on this great run of the past several years of Titan women's basketball.  Keep it rolling Titans.   We are all behind you and wish you all the best for the CCIW tournament and, hopefully, a long run in the DIII dance.  Shirk Center awaits you. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 16, 2011, 02:27:22 AM
Unlike the men's side it looks like the CCIW tournament field is set except for some possible seeding drama.

IWU- win one of last three against bottom three in conference to lock up #1 (NCC, NPU, AU)
Wheaton- win one of two this week to lock up #2 (MU, EC)
Millikin- must finish 2-1 including win over Carthage to clinch #3 (WC,CC,EC)
Carthage- win Saturday clinches #3; loss Saturday keeps them at #4

Elmhurst- could set up a potential tie breaker with MU with wins over WC and MU coupled with 0-3 finish for MU; MU wins tiebreaker due to season sweep over NPU (EC 1-1 vs. NPU)

Therefore:
Here are the tournament pairings if Millikin knocks off Carthage (and beats WC and EC)
#1 IWU vs. #4 Carthage
Wheaton vs. Millikin-seeding depending on finishes for both teams

If Carthage defeats Millikin
#1 IWU vs. #4 Millikin
#2 Wheaton vs. #3 Carthage

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 16, 2011, 12:38:39 PM
A fun evening for Elmhurst fans yesterday. Elmhurst, with a nice win, kept its very slim hopes alive for a CCIW playoff bid. With this being the final Elmhurst home game, the evening began with the honoring of 4 seniors, Claire Gentry, Rashida Joiner, CJ Harris and Kelsey Monroe. Due to a knee injury that never got completely right, Claire was denied what would have undoubtedly been a productive senior year. Joiner, who transferred to Elmhurst early in her college career was a frequent starter for Elmhurst, a solid point guard who was not afraid of defensive pressure. For those that have watched CJ Harris for the past four years, one saw an amazing transformation. CJ turned into quite a ballplayer. She started about one-third of Elmhurst games this season. By her final season, she was accomplished rebounder, especially on the offensive side of the glass. Finally, Elmhurst said good bye to Kelsey Monroe. If you polled every player in the CCIW that has had Monroe guard her, I believe that most everyone would rank Kelsey as the best defensive player that they came up against. She has a way of being glued to her defensive assignment. Combine that with amazingly quick (but quite small) hands, she was able to deflect or steal many, many passes. If there were an all-defensive CCIW team, she would be a top vote getter.

On to the game. The first half saw both teams look a little lethargic. The biggest lead by either was 5 points (by NC); for most of the period, NC was in the lead. At the half, the score was 29-27 in favor of NC. In the first 20 minutes, 25 fouls were called and many free throws were shot. NC hit a very credible 16 of 19 from the line. They also made 3 threes (3 for 7) as Elmhurst lost track of key shooters a couple of times. However, NC was a paltry 2 for 14 on twos. Sophie Newson led the way for NC with 15 points, including 8 for 9 from the charity stripe. Elmhurst hit just one of 10 threes and was not that much better close in. Mitchell along with seniors Harris and Monroe helped keep Elmhurst close.

The second half was more of the same, at least for the first 15 minutes. NC seemed to be in control, but could not build a commanding lead. NC was up 8 with just over 7 minutes left. They still led by 7 (62-55) with 4.5 minutes. It seemed like it would be enough, but Elmhurst's bigs thought otherwise. Pushing the ball inside, Elmhurst scored on nearly every possession at the end, a nice combination of inside shots and/or free throws. Elmhurst also dialed up the pressure on the defensive end.  In those final 4.5 minutes. Elmhurst outscored NC 13 to 1. Ney and Merklein combined for just 5 points in the first half, but scored 29 of Elmhurst's 41 in the second half, much of that from the inside.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 16, 2011, 03:37:42 PM
Week 3 Regional Rankings are out: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2011/02/16/ncaa-2011-regional-rankings-week-3/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 16, 2011, 06:49:33 PM
Unless I'm reading the tiebreaker rules incorrectly, Millikin just needs a win over Carthage to secure the #3 seed, not necessarily needing to finish 2-1 .  Even if MU went 1-2, a win over Carthage would put both teams at 8-6, but MU would hold a 2-0 record over Carthage.  However, a win over Carthage is definitely necessary.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 17, 2011, 10:18:57 AM
Three key games left, I believe. Elmhurst travels to Wheaton on Saturday; Elmhurst beat them handily at home, but Wheaton definitely had an off day. It will be much tougher for Elmhurst to win at Wheaton, but you never know. Wheaton does not really have much to play for in their final regular season game. Win or lose, they will undoubtedly be the second seed. Meanwhile, what is going on with Millikin; they have not looked good in recent games. Carthage should be the clear favorite as Millikin travels to Wisconsin on Saturday. So, Tuesday's Elmhurst at Millikin, the make up game due to the snowstorm on Groundhog day, might just be a critical battle for the 4th spot. Interesting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 17, 2011, 03:49:52 PM
Milikin has been a bit of a Jeckle and Hyde team all year.  They can look great one game, then really fall off the Earth the next.  Dangerous team in the CCIW tournament if they make it? Absolutely.  They have one of the best post players in the conference and experienced guards.  I wouldn't doubt they could win two games and sneak into the NCAAs. 

Which brings me to my next point.  Would the conference be for IWU losing in the conference title game to get two teams in or have a IWU which allows only one team in, but strengthens IWU chances of hosting? 

I think I know where IWU stands on the topic, but any other opinions?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 18, 2011, 10:50:18 AM
Quote from: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 17, 2011, 03:49:52 PM
Milikin has been a bit of a Jeckle and Hyde team all year.  They can look great one game, then really fall off the Earth the next.  Dangerous team in the CCIW tournament if they make it? Absolutely.  They have one of the best post players in the conference and experienced guards.  I wouldn't doubt they could win two games and sneak into the NCAAs. 

Which brings me to my next point.  Would the conference be for IWU losing in the conference title game to get two teams in or have a IWU which allows only one team in, but strengthens IWU chances of hosting? 

I think I know where IWU stands on the topic, but any other opinions?
Usually, teams with 6 or more losses have little chance getting into NCAA tournament.  The exception - win the Automatic Qualifier (AQ) in those conferences which receive an AQ (CCIW does).

The above the only way I see conference getting two teams in.

Hosting - as IWU hosting CCIW tournament almost a given, a loss in the conference tournament would not likely effect IWU changes of hosting an NCAA 1st round.  The big unknown as far as IWU --- How does this year's committee (given the national tournament will be played at the Shirk again this season) view IWU as a host team in the early rounds?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 18, 2011, 11:01:25 AM
Can anyone clarify...if Millikin beats Carthage tomorrow does it matter what they do against Elmhurst as to rather they're the three or the four?

I was shocked at the Millikin team I saw on Wednesday night.  Wheaton's post defense was the best I've seen all season during the first seven minutes, of which Millikin was held scoreless, but Millikin seemed to just give up on the post game after that and decided just to shoot threes from anywhere.  Congrats to Julia Robert on breaking the Millikin single season 3-point record, but jacking up 16 3's a night the way she did Wednesday night, I'm not surprised she broke it.

Speaking of 3-point shooting...what's the single season conference record for 3 point percentage because Laura Karsten is most likely close to breaking it.  Shooting anywhere near 40% from 3 is impressive but shooting 50% on the season and 57% in conference play is unbelievable.  I think at this point it's between Karsten and Stacey Arlis for Player of the Year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 18, 2011, 11:21:39 AM
I believe (emphasis on believe) that if Millikin beats Carthage, they will end up with the 3rd seed and Carthage the 4th seed, regardless of what happens when Elmhurst visits Millikin next week (Millikin's then 2-0 record vs. Carthage wins any tiebreaker). If Elmhurst loses at Wheaton and Millikin loses at Carthage, then Carthage will get the 3rd seed and Millikin will get the 4th seed. If Millikin loses to Carthage, and Elmhurst beats Wheaton, then the fourth seed will be determined by the Elmhurst at Millikin game (if Elmhurst wins, Elmhurst wins the second level of the tiebreaker; season series would be 1-1).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 18, 2011, 12:34:22 PM
I also believe that tiebreaker scenario is correct.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2011, 01:15:05 PM
thunder38illini, the CCIW weekly notes
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Notes/1011/WBB_Notes17.pdf
list Wheaton's Amy Russell (1993) holding the conference games only record for 3FG pct with .586 (17/29).
Laura Karsten has done a wide array of things superbly this season. She has as good a chance as anyone for Most Outstanding Player. Whomever IWU nominates also could take it. Players from other teams are up there, too. But, it probably should go to someone from the winningest teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 18, 2011, 03:53:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2011, 01:15:05 PM
thunder38illini, the CCIW weekly notes
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Notes/1011/WBB_Notes17.pdf
list Wheaton's Amy Russell (1993) holding the conference games only record for 3FG pct with .586 (17/29).

Yikes! Thanks for that Rog.  Russell was 17/29 but Karsten is 35-62!!  She'd have to shoot 4/4 or 5/6 from deep on Saturday to break Russell's record.  There almost need to be a separate demarcation for that.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2011, 04:32:54 PM
The best small college 3FG shooter I can remember, for accuracy and quantity, was a 5'10" forward at NAIA St Xavier, Angie Brown.
In '06-'07, she made 120/228 (.526) in 32 games. That's 3.75/7.13 per game average. She made 24/26 FTs (.923) and averaged 2.0 assists per game. Not bad, eh?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on February 18, 2011, 05:51:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2011, 01:15:05 PM
thunder38illini, the CCIW weekly notes
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Notes/1011/WBB_Notes17.pdf
list Wheaton's Amy Russell (1993) holding the conference games only record for 3FG pct with .586 (17/29).
Laura Karsten has done a wide array of things superbly this season. She has as good a chance as anyone for Most Outstanding Player. Whomever IWU nominates also could take it. Players from other teams are up there, too. But, it probably should go to someone from the winningest teams.
Is that a 1 make per game minimum to qualify?
Seems like a really low threshold to be considered the all-time leader. Kind of an injustice to the kids that have made 40 or 50 and shot a very high percentage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 18, 2011, 06:49:17 PM
Congrats to Julia Robert on breaking MU's school record for made 3 pt goals in a single season.  Wednesday night was an anomaly for MU in a lot of ways, but certainly Robert putting up 16 3's is not her typical game.  In fact, if you check the stats, you'll see she puts up just under 8 per game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2011, 06:55:13 PM
Apparently, the only qualification for the league record is at least 16 attempts. So, if someone hits 10/16 or 10/17, they have the new league record.
The qualification for current league leader is 1 make per game, by the way.
That hypothetical player who made 10/17 would set the new league record, but would not be the league leader for the season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2011, 08:02:18 PM
Warm congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on their 4th consecutive CCIW regular season crown.  A twenty win season, now 20-4.  Way to go, Titans.  Keep it rolling.

Nice to see so many Titans get to play vs. NP and also for such a good cause, with a good turnout for the Pink Zone game -- over 700.

All for the good of the cause.

I'm still voting for Stacey Arlis, MOP for the season for the Titans and the league.  Olivia Lett also had another outstanding game tonight.

Keep it rolling, Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2011, 08:42:46 PM
Thanks and best of luck to NPU's only senior, Lyndsey Thompson, who completed her career today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 20, 2011, 09:08:46 AM
Congratulations to Mia Smith on one heck of a run...

2007-08: 13-1 (26-3)
2008-09: 14-0 (30-1)
2009-10: 13-1 (28-2)
2010-11: 12-1 (20-4)


When I was in school in the early '90s, IWU was anything but a CCIW powerhouse.  What Mia has built is just really impressive.

Also congrats to IWU's senior class of Holly Harvey, Nikki Preston, Sarah Cotner, Jessica Hinterlong, Hope Schulte, and Stacey Arlis.  This group has been part of 104 wins so far.  To put that in perspective, consider that the average Division III team plays just 100 games in 4 years.

Best of luck to the Titans in the CCIW and NCAA tournaments.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BleedBlue4Life on February 20, 2011, 11:26:34 AM
Quite an entertaining game in Kenosha yesterday.  After a closely contested first half with neither team getting more than a five-point lead at any point, the second half was quite the roller coaster.  Carthage built an 11-point lead early in the half, then the Big Blue fought back to take a 60-52 lead with a little over five minutes to play.  Carthage then rattled off six straight points to cut it to two with just over three to play.  However, Millikin hit their free throws down the stretch, including six straight by Beth Wellbaum in the last thirty seconds, to take the game 73-70.  Congrats to Millikin on securing the third seed in the CCIW tournament.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 20, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
As Q has noted, this year's IWU seniors have had an amazing run.   Mia Smith's recruiting and coaching have built the program steadily over the past ten years. 

Coach Smith is a bit of a perfectionist; she almost always notes something to be improved on.  In today's Pantagraph story, she mentions absolutely nothing in yesterday's win over North Park that she was displeased with.  I thought the first twelve minutes were as pretty a stretch of basketball as I've seen at any level.  (And let it be noted that North Park are not a bad team.  There is a lot of talent there and I understand more good players are injured).  The IWU ball movement was exceptional; Olivia Lett and Stacey Arlis are working the high-low very well indeed. 

I don't usually get too involved in all-conference and MOP discussions.  I have been thinking about the MOP, though, having seen Laura Karsten's fine game against the Titans last week.  I definitely think it's between Karsten and Stacey Arlis, and either would be a deserving winner.  Comparing a point guard and a power forward/center is obviously comparing apples to oranges.  Although my glasses are obviously tinted green, for me it's Arlis.  She's leading all of Division III in 2-point FG percentage.  As of 2/13 (NCAA website) her FGP was 64.9%; that number has only gone up with the subsequent games.  And she's not just standing under the hoop; she's constantly covered (sometimes doubled), and moves incredibly well both with and without the ball.  Christina Solari was a huge part of the Titans' success throughout her career and we all wondered how they would do without her.  She is still missed, but Stacey Arlis has stepped up big time.  For that and for her senior leadership, she deserves the MOP.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2011, 12:26:48 PM
I attended the 72-59 Wheaton win last evening. The 1st half was largely rancid, dominated more by the refs than either team. Many turnovers due to traveling calls, but also some passes that were off-target. The star of the first half was Brooke Olson, whose sharp shooting gave the Thunder their advantage. For the game, she made 6 of 10 FGs, including 3 threes.
Elmhurst wanted to get the ball in to Megan Ney, but was often stymied by Wheaton's defense. When she did get the ball, Ney was quite productive : 5/8, 4/4 and she added 8 rebounds.
A bunch of recent Thunder players were on hand to loudly cheer Annie Bowen and Kelly Brooks for their Senior Day celebrations. And both players turned in fine on-court performances. Bowen provided her customary tough low post defense and tallied 10 pts. Brooks also played good D and poured in 18 pts (7/9, 4/7) in 18:00.
L Karsten was well-covered by Elmhurst, but she did get 4 steals and played a good all-around game, as did E Potts and L Brenneman.
Meghan Merklein hit some late threes and maybe should have shot more of 'em earlier. And freshman Meghan Fitts shot very well from distance, giving us a peek at what we may see more of, next season. She will need to improve other phases of her game. Elmhurst has one game remaining, which will wrap up the careers of some very good seniors, and also might be an opportunity to experiment with next year in mind.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 20, 2011, 01:58:57 PM
This class has to be one of the top 5 in NCAA in terms of wins.  I would imagine Wash U's 4 peat would be number 1, but already 104 wins with a possible 8 more would be incredible. 

Quote from: Titan Q on February 20, 2011, 09:08:46 AM
Congratulations to Mia Smith on one heck of a run...

2007-08: 13-1 (26-3)
2008-09: 14-0 (30-1)
2009-10: 13-1 (28-2)
2010-11: 12-1 (20-4)


When I was in school in the early '90s, IWU was anything but a CCIW powerhouse.  What Mia has built is just really impressive.

Also congrats to IWU's senior class of Holly Harvey, Nikki Preston, Sarah Cotner, Jessica Hinterlong, Hope Schulte, and Stacey Arlis.  This group has been part of 104 wins so far.  To put that in perspective, consider that the average Division III team plays just 100 games in 4 years.

Best of luck to the Titans in the CCIW and NCAA tournaments.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 20, 2011, 05:09:05 PM
I caught the video of the Millikin-Carthage game and attended the Elmhurst-Wheaton game. The second half of the earlier game was definitely a kick (it even included a fire alarm, a false one, at half-time). For Elmhurst fans, it surely was a roller coaster for those final 20 minutes, with a horrific conclusion.

The score was tied at half-time in Wisconsin,  However, five minutes into the second half, Carthage raced to an 11-point lead, 47-36. Millikin, which seemed to have lost its mojo in recent games, finally found that special ingredient (called teamwork). Outscoring Carthage 15-2 over the next five minutes, they found themselves with a 2 point lead, 51-49, at the 10-minute mark. Five minutes later, Millikin increased their lead to 8, 60-52. From one extreme to the other. Wow. Carthage, which had scored just 5 points in 10 minutes rallied. Three times, at 2:17, at 1:26 and finally at 0:40 seconds left, Carthage took a one-point lead. Millikin had the answer each time. In the end, Millikin hit their final 8 free throws and played smart, earning a well-deserved and important 3-point victory.

For the game, Carthage hit an impressive 15 of 17 free throws, but it was paltry compared to Millikin's 25 out of 27. Amazing

No doubt, the final result took the starch out of Elmhurst that, up until that result, still saw a way, albeit a long route to the CCIW playoffs. As Roger aptly described, with both teams playing for nothing but pride, it was a pretty ugly game. It was fairly close from time to time, but Wheaton always seemed to be in control.

Congratulation to IWU, which I agree, put together another special group despite losing some key players from last year's team. They have had an incredible season (so far). Overall, it was an off-year for the CCIW. Millikin, Carthage, and especially Elmhurst have to be disappointed with their inconsistent play. To Wheaton's credit, they took advantage of the relatively weak CCIW play, doing well in conference. Other than being handled by IWU, they lost one game. I, for one, will be very surprised if IWU does not easily move ahead to the D3 tournament and does well there.

As far the MOP, I agree with John Wooden; such awards should not be given out. Basketball is a team sport. I would say the same about Coach of the Year. About 90+% of the time, this award goes to the coach with the best record. Often, another coach has done a lot more with a lot less. However, this year, if you must give out this award too, Mia Smith is clearly deserving.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 21, 2011, 11:52:45 AM
Quote from: bblover on February 20, 2011, 05:09:05 PM
I would say the same about Coach of the Year. About 90+% of the time, this award goes to the coach with the best record. Often, another coach has done a lot more with a lot less. However, this year, if you must give out this award too, Mia Smith is clearly deserving.



Via the record Mia Smith is clearly deserving but if you're looking for the coach who's actually coached their team into the position they're at right now then it's Wheaton's Kent Madsen.  He wasn't even supposed to be the head coach and he took a team picked preseason fifth in the conference and had them a couple plays away from knocking off IWU and hosting the conference tournament is definitely COY worthy.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2011, 11:20:57 AM
Congratulations to Augie's Kristen Fox, CCIW Player of the Week.
Kristen has fought back from injury several times in her career in order to get back on the court. She obviously loves basketball and her teammates.
It is nice that she will end her career having won at least two of her last three games. She is among the top scorers and rebounders of the conference.
She deserves, and will get, all-CCIW honors.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2011, 11:32:47 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a superb regular season and CCIW championship, now 21-4, CCIW 13-1.  Keep it rolling Titans!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: 7express on February 23, 2011, 01:46:59 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2011, 11:32:47 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a superb regular season and CCIW championship, now 21-4, CCIW 13-1.  Keep it rolling Titans!!!


Saw them play and beat Kean in New Jersey on New Year's eve day.  Beating Kean especially at Harwood arena the last couple of years is very difficult, not even Amherst could do that.  With the final 4 being at their school I wouldn't be surprized if  they ended up winning the title this year; their certainly playing like it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 23, 2011, 01:14:24 PM
Defaulting to someone who knows the national picture better than I...but is it possible for Wheaton to snag a Pool C look if they lose to IWU on Saturday?  At that point they would finish 19-7.  I know it depends a little bit on the Regional Rankings (With the UWL loss last week I would think the Thunder would slide into RR somewhere there) when they're re-released as well as how the WIAC plays out (with UWSP or UWW needing to win their tournament).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 01:35:59 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on February 23, 2011, 01:14:24 PM
Defaulting to someone who knows the national picture better than I...but is it possible for Wheaton to snag a Pool C look if they lose to IWU on Saturday?  At that point they would finish 19-7.  I know it depends a little bit on the Regional Rankings (With the UWL loss last week I would think the Thunder would slide into RR somewhere there) when they're re-released as well as how the WIAC plays out (with UWSP or UWW needing to win their tournament).
I think we CCIW fans have to hope the WIAC and UAA destroy each other to have any chance of getting Wheaton in.  Right now I just do not see CCIW getting more than one team in.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2011, 02:12:52 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 01:35:59 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on February 23, 2011, 01:14:24 PM
Defaulting to someone who knows the national picture better than I...but is it possible for Wheaton to snag a Pool C look if they lose to IWU on Saturday?  At that point they would finish 19-7.  I know it depends a little bit on the Regional Rankings (With the UWL loss last week I would think the Thunder would slide into RR somewhere there) when they're re-released as well as how the WIAC plays out (with UWSP or UWW needing to win their tournament).
I think we CCIW fans have to hope the WIAC and UAA destroy each other to have any chance of getting Wheaton in.  Right now I just do not see CCIW getting more than one team in.

Unless (God forbid!) someone other than IWU wins the tourney.  The Titans would be a lock for a C.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 02:26:17 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2011, 02:12:52 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 01:35:59 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on February 23, 2011, 01:14:24 PM
Defaulting to someone who knows the national picture better than I...but is it possible for Wheaton to snag a Pool C look if they lose to IWU on Saturday?  At that point they would finish 19-7.  I know it depends a little bit on the Regional Rankings (With the UWL loss last week I would think the Thunder would slide into RR somewhere there) when they're re-released as well as how the WIAC plays out (with UWSP or UWW needing to win their tournament).
I think we CCIW fans have to hope the WIAC and UAA destroy each other to have any chance of getting Wheaton in.  Right now I just do not see CCIW getting more than one team in.

Unless (God forbid!) someone other than IWU wins the tourney.  The Titans would be a lock for a C.
Correct!  I was just coming back to clarify. 

If IWU takes a loss in Women's CCIW Tournament, the conference tournament winner takes the CCIW's Automatic Qualifier (AQ) bid and IWU would be a likely "lock" for a Pool C bid. 

Under the above scenario, the CCIW gets two teams into the tournament.  Ironic that this season the CCIW Men also have the same scenario (i.e. Augustana loses CCIW tournament thereby getting a Pool C; and, another CCIW men's team take the AQ.

A team can have some control over its NCAA Tournament opportunities by limiting total "in region" Div III losses to 6 or less.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 23, 2011, 02:32:59 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 01:35:59 PM
Quote from: thunder38illini on February 23, 2011, 01:14:24 PM
Defaulting to someone who knows the national picture better than I...but is it possible for Wheaton to snag a Pool C look if they lose to IWU on Saturday?  At that point they would finish 19-7.  I know it depends a little bit on the Regional Rankings (With the UWL loss last week I would think the Thunder would slide into RR somewhere there) when they're re-released as well as how the WIAC plays out (with UWSP or UWW needing to win their tournament).
I think we CCIW fans have to hope the WIAC and UAA destroy each other to have any chance of getting Wheaton in.  Right now I just do not see CCIW getting more than one team in.

Sounds about right.  I know UWL opens WIAC play tonight against Oshkosh so I know Oshkosh needs to win there to knock UWL out of the conversation but it seems to me that Stevens Point and Whitewater are probably Pool C locks.  It is helpful that Rochester is not in the region as far as the UAA but it looks like Chicago has wrapped up that Pool B bid.  I was under the assumption that it would take the Titans not winning the Tourney in order for the CCIW to be a two-team league
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 23, 2011, 02:59:51 PM
More than you want to know.

The rules and regulations about this year's D3 selection can be found at:
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/0312ac804564e6d699f1df90a48a4ecb/DIIIWBB_Handbook_2.3.11.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=0312ac804564e6d699f1df90a48a4ecb

Other years can also be found through the usual searches.

For the past few years, including this year, there have been 20 at-large bids. In other words, 64 teams now make the tournament; 43 are conference champions who make it automatically; 1 is expected to be independent, leaving the precious few vacancies.

Bottom line: if you do not make the tournament automatically, your team better be very very good, and you better hope that all the other great teams in your region make it automatically, reducing your competition.

In other words, if IWU beats Wheaton in the championship game, Wheaton, having lost to IWU three times and without many 'big' wins on their resume along with an uncomfortably high 6 loses, should do a lot of praying.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2011, 03:13:42 PM
Good luck to our four conference playoff teams.
To the other players, whose season has ended, and especially to those who have played their last NCAA game, thanks for playing! We don't say it much on these pages, but we appreciate your effort and dedication and the long hours of practice.
One such player that I've enjoyed seeing play for the past 4 years is Elmhurst's Kelsey Monroe. A recent post (reply 2128) by bblover told us some very nice things about her. I've always admired her cheerful optimism and her diverse basketball talents. Supposedly, she is also smart and may even graduate!
I tallied her career numbers and found that she shot .517 on 2FGs (172/333), .348 on 3FGs (100/287) and .729 on FTs (156/214). That last stat would have been better, except that during the 08-09 season she tried eyes-closed free throw shooting, making 19 of 40.
She had a good assist/turnover ratio: 218 / 154. She ended up with 141 steals, 239 rebounds and even 35 blocks (not bad for someone who could've used 4 or 5 additional inches of height). She missed only three games out of 103 played by Elmhurst.
Well done, Kelsey! To honor her, the Chicago Transit Authority has named an L station for her :
http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/blueline_schedules/Monroe.pdf
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 23, 2011, 03:25:19 PM
Thunder,

Chicago has wrapped up the Pool A bid for the UAA.  They do not have a conference tournament, but still have an AQ spot.  So the Pool B spot is still available for the independants.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 04:05:20 PM
Quote from: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 23, 2011, 03:25:19 PM
Thunder,

Chicago has wrapped up the Pool A bid for the UAA.  They do not have a conference tournament, but still have an AQ spot.  So the Pool B spot is still available for the independants.
And the UAA gets allocated into regional rankings based not upon their conference but the geographic location of the team.  So the Wash U Bears have some chance of getting into the final rankings after the AQ winners get pulled out. 

Assumption - the current Week 3 rankings hold into the final ranking.  With AQ's under my assumption, #1 IWU, #2 UM-SP, #4 Chicago with AQ get slotted and replaced in the rankings.  Current #3 UW-Whitewater, #5 UW-LaCrosse even with losses in conference tournament will move up; and, likely Wash U Bears get ranked.  So, if Wheaton would sneak into the rankings they would not 'make it to the table' because they would likely be ranked behind at least three teams.

In short, the best bet (and, maybe the only way) to get two CCIW teams into the tournament - somebody needs to deliver a knock-out punch to IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2011, 04:20:50 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 04:05:20 PM
Quote from: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 23, 2011, 03:25:19 PM
Thunder,

Chicago has wrapped up the Pool A bid for the UAA.  They do not have a conference tournament, but still have an AQ spot.  So the Pool B spot is still available for the independants.
And the UAA gets allocated into regional rankings based not upon their conference but the geographic location of the team.  So the Wash U Bears have some chance of getting into the final rankings after the AQ winners get pulled out. 

Assumption - the current Week 3 rankings hold into the final ranking.  With AQ's under my assumption, #1 IWU, #2 UM-SP, #4 Chicago with AQ get slotted and replaced in the rankings.  Current #3 UW-Whitewater, #5 UW-LaCrosse even with losses in conference tournament will move up; and, likely Wash U Bears get ranked.  So, if Wheaton would sneak into the rankings they would not 'make it to the table' because they would likely be ranked behind at least three teams.

In short, the best bet (and, maybe the only way) to get two CCIW teams into the tournament - somebody needs to deliver a knock-out punch to IWU.

I'm torn on this, of course.  As a CCIW fan, I'd love to see two teams in the tourney (and don't doubt that a Wheaton, Millikin, or Carthage team could play up to potential and do some damage).

On the other hand, I'm first a Titan fan, and would like to see them host first round or sectional games to improve their odds of actually showing up at the Shirk to host the Final Four!

Bottom line, I'll root for the Titans this weekend, but (knowing they are safe as a Pool C) will not be TOO distraught if they get upset! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 23, 2011, 04:30:36 PM
Final Regional Rankings before Selection Sunday: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 23, 2011, 04:30:58 PM
Week Four Rankings
Central
1. Illinois Wesleyan 17-3 20-4
2. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 23-2 23-2
3. Wisconsin-Whitewater 17-5 20-5
4. Wisconsin-La Crosse 18-6 19-6
5. Chicago 21-3 21-3
6. Washington U. St. Louis 17-3 20-4

I swear I did not see these before I wrote may prior post.  However, fallowing the same logic, the CCIW gets two teams in only if some team knocks-out IWU.  Otherwise, a WIAC or UAA team (deservedly so) will be first and likely second up on the Central Region board for a Pool C discussion.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 23, 2011, 04:39:36 PM
nothing unexpected as far as where Wheaton lies in the overall picture for Pool C...I was a little surprised to see UW-Lacrosse lose last week and then move up in the Regional Rankings.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2011, 06:47:37 PM
how about a partial filling-in of the all-CCIW team?
1st team (arranged according to penultimate letter in last name, of course) :
Elise Wildman, Jackie Errico, Laura Karsten, Stacey Arlis, Heather Gilmore.
2nd team (arranged by whim) : Olivia Lett, Hope Schulte, Diana Jacklin, Brooke Olson.
3rd team : Lindsey Brenneman, Nikki Preston.
This would leave four spots, to be awarded to Kristen Fox, another Big Blue like Beth Wellbaum or Julia Robert, one or two EC Bluejays, one or two NP Vikings?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2011, 06:57:13 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2011, 06:47:37 PM
how about a partial filling-in of the all-CCIW team?
1st team (arranged according to penultimate letter in last name, of course) :
Elise Wildman, Jackie Errico, Laura Karsten, Stacey Arlis, Heather Gilmore.
2nd team (arranged by whim) : Olivia Lett, Hope Schulte, Diana Jacklin, Brooke Olson.
3rd team : Lindsey Brenneman, Nikki Preston.
This would leave four spots, to be awarded to Kristen Fox, likely two EC Bluejays, one or two NP Vikings?

Hey, you've only got 4 Titans in there - how about another Titan or two! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2011, 07:19:34 PM
Ha ha! We could easily have something unexpected happen.
Remember 07-08, when Christina Solari did not make all-CCIW, despite being the 2nd best in rebounding and FG pct, 9th best in assists, 11th best in steals and 13th best in scoring avg.
Oh crud, I just realized that I need to include mention of a second Millikin choice in my prior post, which I will edit.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on February 23, 2011, 09:41:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2011, 03:13:42 PM
One such player that I've enjoyed seeing play for the past 4 years is Elmhurst's Kelsey Monroe. A recent post (reply 2128) by bblover told us some very nice things about her. I've always admired her cheerful optimism and her diverse basketball talents. Supposedly, she is also smart and may even graduate!

Not sure if meant tongue-in-check but for the record, Monroe has even graduated early and has already passed her actuary exams.  No easy feat! I concur in congratulating her on a fine career.  In her final game last night at Millikin, she hit her 100th career three-pointer and her 800th career point.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2011, 03:50:09 AM
A fifth Titan, how about Karen Solari -- at least for the sixth women award!   I'd also give a vote to Brittany Hasselbring for sure. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2011, 10:24:50 AM
Backer, welcome to these pages. Of course I was teasing about Kelsey's graduation. Her dad has told me how excellent she is in the classroom.
iwu70, I think those two will have to wait until next year, along with Melissa Gardner. Maybe Holly Harvey will make this year's list, in lieu of one of the others.
On the other hand, Hasselbring was fabulous (15 pts, 15 reb, 4 st, 0 TO) in the win at Kean, which may be IWU's most impressive victory of the season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 24, 2011, 12:09:43 PM
i could see harvey sliding in there or solari snagging a third-team nod.  it's possible Brenneman grabs a third team nod as well.  her scoring numbers are down from last year but that's mainly because she has more scoring around her this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2011, 12:21:04 PM
The conference has plenty more players worthy of nomination than can possibly fit into the 15 spots available. I don't know if any coaches discuss this with the players, but we do know that many good players will not make all-conference, even though their value to their team is highly appreciated.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2011, 01:08:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2011, 06:47:37 PM
how about a partial filling-in of the all-CCIW team?
1st team (arranged according to penultimate letter in last name, of course) :
Elise Wildman, Jackie Errico, Laura Karsten, Stacey Arlis, Heather Gilmore.
2nd team (arranged by whim) : Olivia Lett, Hope Schulte, Diana Jacklin, Brooke Olson.
3rd team : Lindsey Brenneman, Nikki Preston.
This would leave four spots, to be awarded to Kristen Fox, another Big Blue like Beth Wellbaum or Julia Robert, one or two EC Bluejays, one or two NP Vikings?

Roxie Jones is a lock for NPU, probably on either the second team or the third team. I'd love to see Sarah Peterson make it from NPU as well, but I doubt that it'll happen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2011, 01:46:56 PM
I've been assuming that the voting would be done tomorrow in Bloomington.
Wrong.
http://www.cciw.org/news/2011/2/24/WBB_0224112748.aspx
IWU got 4, Wheaton 3, Carthage Elmhurst Millikin 2 each, Augie and NC 1 each. North Park 0.
Congratulations to Laura Karsten, Most Outstanding Player!
Likewise to Kent Madsen, Coach of the Year!
Both are deserving, but I am surprised that those awards were not split between Wheaton and IWU.
I'm also surprised at neither Roxie nor Sarah getting on the list.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2011, 02:11:35 PM
NPU -- and Roxie -- got ripped off.

I can see how an 0-14 team might get shut out of the All-CCIW awards. That's happened before, although it's worth mentioning that the Millikin men's team, which finished 0-14 as part of a CCIW-worst-ever 1-23 overall season, still managed to place a player on this year's All-CCIW men's third team. But the NPU women finished 3-11 -- bad, but not 0-14 bad -- and tied for seventh with Augie (which technically puts NPU ahead, since the Chicago Vikings swept the Rock Island Vikings).

Roxie placed seventh in points (13.8 ppg), seventh in rebounding (6.6 rpg), and second in steals (2.57 spg) in CCIW play, plus she also placed on the lists for FG percentage and FT percentage. Every coach in the league game-planned to stop Roxie in the low post terms of defending against NPU. And she did it all in spite of suffering from a respiratory ailment that cut into both her minutes and her effectiveness throughout the latter two-thirds of the CCIW season.

Roxie Jones was totally disrespected by the other seven head coaches in the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 24, 2011, 02:28:06 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2011, 02:11:35 PM
NPU -- and Roxie -- got ripped off.

Roxie Jones was totally disrespected by the other seven head coaches in the CCIW.

Couldn't agree more Greg.  Especially after seeing her play the second time through I thought she could even crack the second team but that's just a wrong doing.

Congrats to Kent Madsen on Coach of the Year and Laura Karsten on Most Outstanding Player!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 24, 2011, 03:34:21 PM
Congratulations to all the players on all the teams, and to Laura Karsten and Coach Madsen!

I think all are deserving winners.  I'm just a little curious--I thought that on the men's side, it was an automatic that the coach of the team winning the regular season won the coaches' award.  Thus, the Augustana and North Central coaches are Co-Coach of the Year for the men.  I certainly think Coach Madsen has done a fine job under difficult circumstances.

Greg, I agree that Roxane Jones should have been on one of the teams.  The comparison with the Millikin men is an apt one.

And now on to the games!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2011, 04:06:33 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 24, 2011, 03:34:21 PMI'm just a little curious--I thought that on the men's side, it was an automatic that the coach of the team winning the regular season won the coaches' award.

It's not a one-size-fits-all league rule. The various CCIW sports have differing criteria for determining Coach of the Year. For men's basketball, the award automatically goes to the coach(es) of the league champion(s); hence, Grey Giovanine of Augustana and Todd Raridon of North Central shared the award. For women's basketball, it's a peer vote. Kent Madsen of Wheaton won it because he outpolled his seven rivals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbaskets on February 25, 2011, 01:22:06 PM
Congratulations to the 2011 CCIW All-Conference Women's Basketball Teams, Laura Karsten and Coach Madsen.  The majority of the honors were very deserving and as always, there were several players that were more deserving of the honor that did not make the cut due to the fact that the winning teams, as in the past, tend to get more players on the All-Conference Teams.  It is unfortunate that the CCIW tends to honor players just because they are on a winning team even though other players in the conference had better statistics and were more deserving of the honor. 

In response to all of the Titan Fans' postings regarding the 2011 CCIW All-Conference Women's Basketball Teams, you should all be very pleased with the outcome.  Having 4 players on the All-Conference Teams is exceptional and something to be proud of.  Wanting or expecting more would have only taken the honor away from other players in the conference that were truly deserving of the honor, not just because they were on a winning team).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2011, 01:56:40 PM
bbaskets, I think we all admire each of the CCIW's players, regardless of their team's win-loss record.
I'd say that four all-conference players is the maximum that any one team should get. IWU, with a 13-1 conference record (or if they went 14-0), deserves four. They must have numerous outstanding players to win 13 out of 14 games, whether or not those players have the top individual stats.
On the other hand, if you say that a team with much fewer wins has nearly as much all-conference talent as do the best teams, then you have to account for that team's losses some other way. Was the coaching crummy or were the remainder of the teammates awful?
I'll re-state what I think is a rational starting point for allotting all-conference spots : there were 56 games won in conference play; there are 15 all-conf spots; therefore, 3.73 wins earn a spot on all-conf. I don't say that this formula must be followed rigidly, but credit has to be given to the players that won the most games.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2011, 03:03:11 PM
Here is the distribution of final scores from this season, CCIW games only:
30s - 2
40s - 7
50s - 30
60s - 33
70s - 30
80s - 7
90s - 3
That's a real clump in the mid-range, with 93 of 112 scores in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2011, 03:08:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 25, 2011, 01:56:40 PM
bbaskets, I think we all admire each of the CCIW's players, regardless of their team's win-loss record.
I'd say that four all-conference players is the maximum that any one team should get. IWU, with a 13-1 conference record (or if they went 14-0), deserves four. They must have numerous outstanding players to win 13 out of 14 games, whether or not those players have the top individual stats.
On the other hand, if you say that a team with much fewer wins has nearly as much all-conference talent as do the best teams, then you have to account for that team's losses some other way. Was the coaching crummy or were the remainder of the teammates awful?
I'll re-state what I think is a rational starting point for allotting all-conference spots : there were 56 games won in conference play; there are 15 all-conf spots; therefore, 3.73 wins earn a spot on all-conf. I don't say that this formula must be followed rigidly, but credit has to be given to the players that won the most games.

I didn't expect NPU to put multiple players on the All-CCIW team. I understand how it works as well, if not better, than anyone else around here, as I've been following CCIW basketball for over thirty years. Winning teams get more players, losing teams get fewer players. I don't have any problem with that. What I do have a problem with is NPU getting shut out altogether, and Roxie Jones getting shut out in particular.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2011, 03:25:26 PM
You're right, Greg.
Using my formula (3.73 wins earns a spot on all-conf), IWU earned 3.49 spots (got 4), Wheaton earned 2.95 (got 3), Millikin earned 2.41 (got 2), Elmhurst earned 1.34 (got 2), NC earned 1.07 (got 1), Augie earned .8 (got 1), North Park earned .8 (got 0).
So, North Park was most under-represented (by .8), followed by Millikin (.41).
It should be uncommon to not have all 8 teams represented on the all-conf team. The unrepresented team would have a really poor record (0 to 2 wins?) and no one who had a particularly good season. North Park was better than that and Roxie did have a fine season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 25, 2011, 04:07:55 PM
I agree with Rog's analysis of the allocation of spots on the all-conference teams.  And I agreed earlier with Greg that it was 1) unusual and 2) particularly unfair this year that no player from North Park was selected for the all-conference team at any level.  I haven't seen any IWU poster or anyone else complain about the number of spots allocated to IWU. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 25, 2011, 05:13:10 PM
I stand by my earlier blog -- these CCIW all-star teams are about as interesting as an NBA all-star game. Basketball is a team game, and these CCIW top groupings are about individuals, more specifically players with certain offensive skills. Forget defense or anything else intangible – such qualities are largely irrelevant  in being selected by the CCIW.

For the record, I feel bad for Roxie Jones; she deserved better. However, if the CCIW and other conferences must publish such lists, why not at least make a half-hearted attempt at selecting all-around players on the lists. What about the player, who consistently causes the player that they are guarding to shoot poorly or make more turnovers than normal; what about the player who can anticipate and provide consistent help to their teammates. What about the point guard, who quarterbacks both the offense and defense; who gets players where they belong; who always plays very smart? Frequently, such players are the critical glue to winning. Yet, if they do not average 10 points or more and shoot high percentages from the field or rebound well, they are not even considered.

There was a team in the CCIW, not that long ago that did extremely well. They returned four starters who all got lots of recognition (First team, etc.). The only player that did not come back was their senior point guard; she got no recognition by the CCIW. Yet, that team, despite being injury-free the next season, had a very mediocre season; they needed that point guard real bad. Why wasn't she, with her mediocre points per game and so-so shooting percentages on the CCIW's 1st, 2nd or 3rd teams?

Finally, to continue to demonstrate my inability to predict basketball. I expect Millikin despite its inconsistencies throughout this season as well as two previous loses to Wheaton, to upset Wheaton in a close game. Despite Carthage's victory at IWU, I expect IWU to crush Carthage and then roll over Millikin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2011, 05:36:25 PM
Wow, bblover, that's a thought-provoking post.
In one of my posts, I wondered if Beth Wellbaum (who fits your low-scoring point guard description) would make all-conf. Coach Kerans probably saw it as a toss-up between her and Julia Robert.
You are braver than I am, predicting winners in today's games.
I'll say that the first game will be 81-80 in 2OT. I have no clue who will win.
The IWU Carthage game will end 64-61, also in double OT. One of the teams will win.


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: billys on February 25, 2011, 06:17:48 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 25, 2011, 05:13:10 PM
I stand by my earlier blog -- these CCIW all-star teams are about as interesting as an NBA all-star game. Basketball is a team game, and these CCIW top groupings are about individuals, more specifically players with certain offensive skills. Forget defense or anything else intangible – such qualities are largely irrelevant  in being selected by the CCIW.

For the record, I feel bad for Roxie Jones; she deserved better. However, if the CCIW and other conferences must publish such lists, why not at least make a half-hearted attempt at selecting all-around players on the lists. What about the player, who consistently causes the player that they are guarding to shoot poorly or make more turnovers than normal; what about the player who can anticipate and provide consistent help to their teammates. What about the point guard, who quarterbacks both the offense and defense; who gets players where they belong; who always plays very smart? Frequently, such players are the critical glue to winning. Yet, if they do not average 10 points or more and shoot high percentages from the field or rebound well, they are not even considered.

There was a team in the CCIW, not that long ago that did extremely well. They returned four starters who all got lots of recognition (First team, etc.). The only player that did not come back was their senior point guard; she got no recognition by the CCIW. Yet, that team, despite being injury-free the next season, had a very mediocre season; they needed that point guard real bad. Why wasn't she, with her mediocre points per game and so-so shooting percentages on the CCIW's 1st, 2nd or 3rd teams?

Finally, to continue to demonstrate my inability to predict basketball. I expect Millikin despite its inconsistencies throughout this season as well as two previous loses to Wheaton, to upset Wheaton in a close game. Despite Carthage's victory at IWU, I expect IWU to crush Carthage and then roll over Millikin.

Since I'm sure the coaches vote for all-conference; you'd need to take it up with them.

Everyone has unsung heroes and I agree that they deserve some recognition. But if coaches are voting they're probably voting for who they had the most trouble guarding, who they had to game plan for, and who they watch and say, "Dang, I would love to have that kid."

Also you must factor in that coaches only see a kid twice in person; they have to be one heck of a defender, passer, etc., to make that impression. Therefore you need to rely on stats to account for the rest of the year. Not to mention I assume the CCIW coaches need to nominate their candidates; often times these kids aren't even selected by their own coaches.

In my mind usually if a kid is truly one of the top 15 or 20 players in their conference; they're going to have SOME numbers to show it. Good players make these glue kids better as well.

I definitely understand your point and agree there should be some recognition for these kids; I just don't think the all-conference team is the place for them. The WIAC I think still has a Sportsmanship Team or something to that affect; seems like that would be a place for the glue, hard worker, nuts and bolts players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 25, 2011, 06:19:30 PM
Thanks Roger. I did not mean to lambast the CCIW in particular. Pretty much all basketball conferences at all levels do it the same way. The NBA is similar. How much recognition does Shane Battier get? Every night, he guards the best players in the NBA; he consistently forces 'stars' into uncharacteristically low shooting percentages and high turnovers. At least, the NBA does have an all-defensive team; it is also pretty good about acknowledging great point guards, even those who do not score much.

Let the games begin.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2011, 10:46:22 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the TITANS on a big win tonight at the Shirk.  Stacey Arlis with another monster game -- 24 points, 14 boards, 3 assists -- on the big stage.  She surely deserves CCIW first team.  Frankly, I think she deserved MOP award, or co-award, too.  Four players in double figures and a massive advantage on the boards, compensating for overall not a strong percentage night shooting the ball.  Should be a good championship game . . . and hope the TITAN faithful turn out massively.   This team, and this four year run of great success of our team deserve the support.  Keep it rolling TITANS.  The TITAN nation is behind you. . .
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 26, 2011, 12:09:53 AM
Wheaton absolutely gutted out the win in the opener.  It just didn't feel like the Thunder had it in them down 52-45 late but Elisabeth Potts hit a monster three to give them the lead with 16 seconds left and Laura Karsten sneakily stole the inbounds pass and converted the free throws to make it a three-point game.  Karsten played one of the gutsiest games I've seen in a long time.  It was obvious that Millikin's game plan was to get physical with her and they succeeded as she was repeatedly knocked to the ground sometimes almost by comical no-calls.  She was held scoreless for the first 34 or so minutes and finished with nine points but stayed very composed despite the physical play.

Elise Wildman was absolutely terrific for the Big Blue almost single handedly willing her team for a win.  She is one heckuva competitor and congratulations go to her on a very fine career. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2011, 11:59:42 AM
My congratulations to the Thunder and the Titans.
Also, a gentle pat on the heads of those Millikin and Carthage players whose careers closed out. Thanks for playing!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 26, 2011, 12:37:08 PM
The IWU-Carthage rematch was a tense, competitive affair right down to the final minute.  Carthage's game plan was clear:  get it into the middle, to Jacklin, Corcoran, and Schmidt (off the bench; she was their leading scorer with 18).  That was well executed.  Stacey Arlis showed again why she is a most outstanding player for Illinois Wesleyan with 24 points and a career-high 14 rebounds.  She was unstoppable in the first half, when she scored 20 of her 24; in the second half she sat for a while with foul trouble but came back to make some great assists to Olivia Lett, who finished with 21 points.  Hope Schulte's 12 points and Nikki Preston's 10 look less spectacular on the box score, but both made big plays at key times.  One of Schulte's threes came when the Lady Reds had cut the margin to two.  Early in the second half, Preston seemed to be everywhere on the court; her 6 assists led both teams.  A good game, well coached and hard fought by both teams.   

The first game, in which Wheaton edged Millikin 58-55, was fun to watch for a neutral observer.  Lots of momentum changes and key players making big plays. 

This has been a very interesting and competitive CCIW season.  The women's side is starting to approach the men's in terms of "on any given night," and that's good for the entire conference.  Elise Wildman of Millikin and Carthage's Heather Gilmore, among others, have given a lot of pleasure (and a lot of consternation to opposing teams!) over their careers.  Thanks to the players from all the teams whose college careers have come to a close. 

On to the final!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2011, 08:25:18 PM
And just like that, in one of their patented runs, IWU goes from down 8-14 to up 20-16!  About 6 left in the first half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2011, 08:42:42 PM
At the half at the Shirk: IWU 34, Wheaton 23.

IWU closes the half on a 26-9 run.

Brooke Olson (W) and Karen Solari (I) each have 3 fouls; no one else in foul trouble.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2011, 09:07:03 PM
Wheaton on a run of their own - IWU led 43-28, but w/ 13 left it is 45-39.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2011, 09:30:39 PM
Titans up 65-55 w/ 2 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2011, 09:41:26 PM
Final from B'town: IWU 67, Wheaton 57.  Looks like just one team in the tourney.

Olivia Lett was the big story - 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Hope Schulte added 15.

POY Laura Karsten was held to 9 and 3.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2011, 09:43:35 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans on the CCIW Tourney Championship.  By the looks of the stats, Olivia Lett should have been first team CCIW, even MOP.   Guess she made her case a bit late.  Tonight 20 points, 11 rebournds, double-double.  Hope Schulte also had a fine game.  Titans win 67-57 in what appears to be a slugfest, lots of fouls.  Keep it rolling TITANS, stay tough, stay on course.  Congrats again on CCIW regular season and tourney championships.  Now we should surely have a few more home games  . . . then working our way back to the Shirk.  Great job tonight vs. a very determined Wheaton team.

Congrats and best wishes to all the fine CCIW players completing their academic and sports careers this year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2011, 12:10:05 AM
Any chance of all DIII dance games at home for IWU?  That would be sweet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 27, 2011, 07:51:20 AM
The final four for DIII Women this year is at the Shirk Center on March 18-19. I do not know the rules, but I would guess that they will be on the road before that. Hard to imagine that one team would be allowed to play four games at home. Anyway, congratulation to the entire IWU team and good luck.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on February 27, 2011, 12:34:43 PM
Congratulations Titans!  Seniors - a terrific 4 year record; and, the good part - you are not done yet - go all the way!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on February 27, 2011, 05:00:41 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 27, 2011, 07:51:20 AM
The final four for DIII Women this year is at the Shirk Center on March 18-19. I do not know the rules, but I would guess that they will be on the road before that. Hard to imagine that one team would be allowed to play four games at home. Anyway, congratulation to the entire IWU team and good luck.

It is very possible that they get all home games.  I believe last year they hosted the first 2 weekends.  If they had not lost, they would have played all their games at home.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 27, 2011, 05:36:47 PM
Thanks for the info. I did not realize. Quite an edge to get so many home games in tournament run. Obviously, the economics of the Shirk Center with its large capacity and strong fan base is compelling at the D3 level.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 27, 2011, 09:27:43 PM
I think it is a shame that Wheaton will most likely not make the tournament.  I saw them play twice this year and was really impressed how they kept getting better.  Coach Madsen did a great job with this group. 

I have heard that Coach Baker will be back next year.  Is this true?  Also, is Madsen going to go back to be the assistant or does he have higher aspirations? 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2011, 03:26:07 PM
I haven't looked at the actual bracket yet, but according to posters on the WIAC board, IWU will host, with Webster as the first opponent.  Wisconsin Lutheran and UW-LaCrosse are the other two teams.  None of the other 3 were in last week's top 25 (Wis Lu and UW-LaX each received ONE #25 vote), so looks like a favorable draw for the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 28, 2011, 03:29:59 PM
thought would be correct. very fortunate draw for the Titans.  Interesting to see other places in the bracket had Whitewater going on the road and undefeated Denison going on the road as well.  Meanwhile Hope and Calvin host.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 28, 2011, 03:31:54 PM
not only that but Denison drew the defending champs in Wash U
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on February 28, 2011, 03:46:12 PM
Unbelievably unbalanced brackets if the national rankings are in any way accurate.  The left side of the bracket has 22 of the top 35 teams with an average ranking of 18 and the right side has 13 with an average ranking of 18.3.  Throw in an average ranking of 40 for all unranked teams and the left side has an average ranking overall of 25 while the right has an overall average ranking of 31. That is a 25% difference.  
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 28, 2011, 03:47:42 PM
While it was foregone conclusion, it is now official. Wheaton did not make it. To step back a bit, while it was a more competitive CCIW this year, I did not believe that it was an especially great year for the conference overall versus the rest of the D3 powers. There have been years where two CCIW teams clearly deserved to go to the tournament more so than this year (and did not). Good luck to IWU.

Bracket can be found at:
http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d3/2011
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2011, 03:57:07 PM
Looking way ahead (which I'm confident Mia Smith will not allow the team to do! ;)), here's hoping for revenge rather than deja vu: if games go the way I predict, IWU and UWSP will meet again in the Elite Eight.

Last year UWSP knocked both the women AND the men out of the tourney. >:( :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 28, 2011, 04:04:02 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 28, 2011, 03:47:42 PM
While it was foregone conclusion, it is now official. Wheaton did not make it. To step back a bit, while it was a more competitive CCIW this year, I did not believe that it was an especially great year for the conference overall versus the rest of the D3 powers. There have been years where two CCIW teams clearly deserved to go to the tournament more so than this year (and did not). Good luck to IWU.

Bracket can be found at:
http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d3/2011

It did seem like a foregone conclusion that Wheaton would be staying home but I was surprised to see them as the second team left on the board when the predictions came out last night.  That and the IWU men getting in earlier in the day while not even being "left on the board" in the predictions had me thinking there might be a crack that Thunder could slide through but alas there was none.  Congrats on a fine season for the Thunder and fine careers by their two seniors Kelly Brooks and Annie Bowen.  Wheaton has a bright future ahead of them with a lot of talent coming back and I think they showed at the end of the year that they closed the gap that had existed early in the year between themselves and IWU
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2011, 07:06:26 PM
Congratulations to IWU and "nicely done" to Wheaton.
I am hoping for IWU and the U of Chicago to meet in the final four semifinal, with the winner taking the championship the next day. Good luck to each!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwufans on February 28, 2011, 10:57:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 28, 2011, 07:06:26 PM
Congratulations to IWU and "nicely done" to Wheaton.
I am hoping for IWU and the U of Chicago to meet in the final four semifinal, with the winner taking the championship the next day. Good luck to each!

I can agree to that.  Good luck to the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2011, 03:21:30 PM
Here are the percentages of team points according to how scored, conference games only:
via FTs :
Elmhurst .249, Millikin .241, North Central .225, Wheaton .214, Carthage .179, Augustana .175, North Park .171, Illinois Wesleyan .148.
via 2FGs :
NP .618, Elmh .547, Augie and IWU .544, NC .540, Cart .539, Mill .501, Wh .478.
via 3FGs :
Wh .309, IWU .308, Augie and Cart .281, Mill .258, NC .235, NP .211, Elmh .204.
Augustana and Carthage had almost identical distribution, although Carthage scored 938 points, Augie 790. Elmhurst's numbers show the least reliance on threes and the most reliance on FTs. Is reliance the right word?
Any analysis of these numbers should include bearing in mind that they were influenced not only by a coach's philosophy and players' skills, but also by the opposition's defense.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2011, 09:02:16 PM
Wis Lu upsets UWL in the opener, 73-59.  (At least I thought UWL was the favorite.)  IWU walloping Webster in the nightcap - 44-26 at the half.  So far it is the Olivia Lett show: 16 points and 3 of their 5 offensive rebounds (Karen Solari has the other 2 - yes, ALL the offensive rebounds are by guards! ;)).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on March 04, 2011, 09:25:49 PM
My neighborhood University has pulled to within 11.  Not necessarily pulling for Webster, but surprised to see them getting back in it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
And, the Titans pull away.

Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2011, 09:49:16 PM
Quote from: WUH on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
And, the Titans pull away.

Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.

Agreed.  I'm kinda surprised the NCAA would even place a FF at a school that doesn't video their games.  I assume the infrastructure must already be there (since the FF IS videocast); why they don't do it routinely is beyond me.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 04, 2011, 10:07:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2011, 09:49:16 PM
Quote from: WUH on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
And, the Titans pull away.

Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.

Agreed.  I'm kinda surprised the NCAA would even place a FF at a school that doesn't video their games.  I assume the infrastructure must already be there (since the FF IS videocast); why they don't do it routinely is beyond me.
Infrastructure is likely there; but, I think the local cable station still broadcast most home game live (as well as multiple rebroadcasts) as does WJBC radio.  With the front to back door coverage of the Daily Pantagraph, Div III teams just do not get that amount of support.

HT - Thanks for the follow-up.  I was not sure what happened when Insight sold to Comcast. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 04, 2011, 10:09:11 PM
Nice wins by women's and men's teams tonight.  Let take care of business early tomorrow please.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2011, 10:20:20 PM
Good win for the Titans tonight.  Congrats to Coach Smith and all the team.  Four players in double figures, another with 9.  Strong games by Olivia Lett and Stacey Arlis, also Melissa Gardner.   Keep it rolling Titans -- keep winning the TO, rebounding, and shooting percentages battles, and play tough as a total team.  Good luck tomorrow against a very good Wisconsin Lutheran team. 

GO TITANS. 

(Men win in MSP, with five players in double figures.  Sean and Jordan with monster games. Good to see Connolly and Victor Davis have minutes and good contributions).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2011, 11:41:16 PM
It wasn't a beautiful game tonight at the Shirk Center, but we'll never apologize for a win.  The Titans came out running and shooting, and it looked as though they might run away with it when the lead reached 18 at halftime.  But the Gorlocks rallied with the 3-ball; they shot 37.5% on threes in the first half and 64.6% in the second half.  The 82-70 final score is perhaps a little closer than the game felt, but the outcome was never really in doubt.

Overall, the Gorlocks shot 52.6% on threes for the game while the Titans shot the three at 57%, led by the 5/8 shooting of Melissa Gardner off the bench.  Gardner and Webster's Katy Meyer both had 19 for the game.  For the Titans, Olivia Lett had 18 overall, 16 in a dominant  first half.  For the Gorlocks, Tori Fenemor had 17 points, and Maggie Zehner had 14.  Meyer and Fenemor each had seven rebounds.  For the Titans, Stacey Arlis had 13 and Hope Schulte 11; Lett, Karen Solari, and Arlis each had six rebounds.

I don't know what to say about video from Shirk.  There are no televised broadcasts any more; those stopped with the NCAA tournaments two years ago.  Since Insight Communications sold out to Comcast, there has been no broadcasting of games.  Certainly the games are filmed, and at times in the past there have been student commentators.  I think the question should be asked widely and often:  why can we not have at least coverage over the Internet of games at IWU? 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2011, 01:34:58 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2011, 11:41:16 PM
It wasn't a beautiful game tonight at the Shirk Center, but we'll never apologize for a win.  The Titans came out running and shooting, and it looked as though they might run away with it when the lead reached 18 at halftime.  But the Gorlocks rallied with the 3-ball; they shot 37.5% on threes in the first half and 64.6% in the second half.  The 82-70 final score is perhaps a little closer than the game felt, but the outcome was never really in doubt.

Overall, the Gorlocks shot 52.6% on threes for the game while the Titans shot the three at 57%, led by the 5/8 shooting of Melissa Gardner off the bench.  Gardner and Webster's Katy Meyer both had 19 for the game.  For the Titans, Olivia Lett had 18 overall, 16 in a dominant  first half.  For the Gorlocks, Tori Fenemor had 17 points, and Maggie Zehner had 14.  Meyer and Fenemor each had seven rebounds.  For the Titans, Stacey Arlis had 13 and Hope Schulte 11; Lett, Karen Solari, and Arlis each had six rebounds.

I don't know what to say about video from Shirk.  There are no televised broadcasts any more; those stopped with the NCAA tournaments two years ago.  Since Insight Communications sold out to Comcast, there has been no broadcasting of games.  Certainly the games are filmed, and at times in the past there have been student commentators.  I think the question should be asked widely and often:  why can we not have at least coverage over the Internet of games at IWU? 


Amen.  You at least can easily attend the games.  I'm 400 miles away.  (And iwu70 is, what, 8,000 miles away? ;))
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2011, 09:41:41 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2011, 01:34:58 AM

Amen.  You at least can easily attend the games.  I'm 400 miles away.  (And iwu70 is, what, 8,000 miles away? ;))

True enough this year, although last year I was on sabbatical in York, England.  My husband and I stayed up to watch the women and men whenever the games were on (which meant until 3:00 a.m. for evening games because of the time zone difference).  And it meant we only saw away games.  So I've experienced the frustration, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2011, 09:02:15 PM
Titans with a comfortable lead the whole game, up 13 at the half.  We may have to sue Wis Lu for patent infringement - they open the 2nd on a 7-0 run. :o  That is TITAN ball! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2011, 09:19:37 PM
OOPS!  Wis Lu ties it up at 49 with 10:25 to go. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2011, 09:52:44 PM
Titans pull away late, win 84-69.  Stacey Arliss with another monster game: 26 and 14.  Nikki Preston also had 26 and 6.  Olivia Lett added 20.  Yes, the three of them had 72 of the Titans' 84 (they had all but SIX of their points until the game was no longer in doubt)! :o
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 05, 2011, 09:56:14 PM
Nice work Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2011, 10:07:31 PM
Congrats to the Titans and Coach Smith. 

Monster games by the big three tonight -- Stacey, Lett and Preston.  Amazing.  And interior defense did a great job on the star WL post player as she goes 3-14 and only 8 points, after averaging 18 all season. 

Sweet SWEET SIXTEEN . . . how sweet it is.  Great job!

Hope we get to host the next round too.  Point and Coe coming our way again.  Still no word on the west coast game.

Great job tonight, TITANS, to hold off the WL run, and take it home down the stretch.  Seniors, veteran players, this is the time to shine. 

Keep it rolling.  The Titan nation is behind you!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2011, 12:32:28 AM
Great atmosphere for the IWU-WLC game tonight at Shirk.  Everyone at my house was a little bit on edge today about this one.  The Warriors brought a small, vocal cheering section (a subset of the football team, perhaps?) and they stationed themselves under what was to be the IWU basket in the first half.  They were balanced by the IWU Titan Band under the other basket and probably the two student groups just about canceled each other out.

Both teams came out a little tight--at the 15:00 minute mark the score was WLC 7, IWU 8.  Within the next minute and a half IWU would run the lead to nine on 3-pointers by Nikki Preston and Olivia Lett and a layup by Stacey Arlis.  The lead swelled to 16 just before the break, with a 3 by Shavon Dillon at the buzzer cutting it to a 40-27 gap.  Lett, Arlis, and Preston were the key Titan contributors, as they would be in the second half. 

The beginning of the second half is a standard time for IWU teams to make a run, but no one told WLC that (or maybe they did and the Warriors thought it was a great idea).  At the 10:00 minute mark the score was tied, and soon WLC took the lead on a Dillon layup.  The next few plays brought an Arlis layup followed by a FT and then several more layups as the Titan press took over again.  It was unfortunate that WLC persisted in fouling to stop the clock down to the last possessions; as the Titans were hitting their free throws at an 85% clip this only extended the lead.  The last foul, by Dillon on Karen Solari, was clearly a flagrant one.  With her arms raised, Dillon shoved Solari off the court and into the scorer's table.  Such potentially dangerous fouls should always be called as flagrant.  Fortunately, no harm was done. 

For the game, Arlis led the Titans with 26 points (matching her career high) and 14 rebounds.  Preston also had 26 points with 6 rebounds and 4 steals, while Lett contributed 20 on 4 of 5 shooting for 3's.  There was a scary moment when she collapsed to the floor holding her head and play was stopped; it turned out she'd just (!) taken a kick to the head and was good to continue.  Dillon led the Warriors with 20 points on 7 for 20 shooting, and Rachel Johnson contributed 13.

The Titans now face Coe College at a site to be determined tomorrow.  The other game on Friday will feature UW-SP and George Fox. Obviously IWU fans hope that IWU's #1 in-region ranking and previous win this season over UW-SP will trump any other factors, but we will have to wait and see what the NCAA says.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 06, 2011, 08:18:18 AM
iwu70--

Thanks for the positive comments on the Warriors--
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on March 06, 2011, 10:55:06 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2011, 12:32:28 AM

The Titans now face Coe College at a site to be determined tomorrow.  The other game on Friday will feature UW-SP and George Fox. Obviously IWU fans hope that IWU's #1 in-region ranking and previous win this season over UW-SP will trump any other factors, but we will have to wait and see what the NCAA says.

I am starting to believe that IWU is not ranked a head of Stevens Point for one reason.  IWU is playing Coe, ranked 1st in the West Region at the last public regional rankings.  SP is playing George Fox, who was ranked 3rd in the last Regional Rankings.  One would then think the NCAA would give the top seed an easier draw to get to the Elite 8.  We should find out soon.

Just a thought. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 06, 2011, 12:57:37 PM
The interactive bracket on ncaa.com has Point as the host for this upcoming weekend games
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: buf on March 06, 2011, 01:47:38 PM
Quote from: buf on March 06, 2011, 12:57:37 PM
The interactive bracket on ncaa.com has Point as the host for this upcoming weekend games

The women's sectionals will be hosted at Thomas More, UW-Stevens Point, Amherst and Lebanon Valley.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2011, 05:06:04 AM
Good luck to the Titans this weekend.  Keep it rolling . . . and bring it back to The Shirk for the following weekend.  Great job on Saturday . . .esp. by Olivia, Stacey and Nikki!  More to go . . . all out team effort, strong defense and rebounding and win the TOs & steals battles. 

Go TITANS!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on March 07, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
Quote from: WUH on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.

I called the SID earlier in the season and was told that the IT department budget was cut and that IWU's broadband network was no longer robust enough to broadcast the games on the internet. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2011, 11:17:04 AM
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on March 07, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
Quote from: WUH on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.

I called the SID earlier in the season and was told that the IT department budget was cut and that IWU's broadband network was no longer robust enough to broadcast the games on the internet. 

Even via UStream? Its lower quality, but can still get the job done with a lower broadband network.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: OldSchoolHoopsFan on March 07, 2011, 11:29:28 AM
Quote from: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2011, 11:17:04 AM
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on March 07, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
Quote from: WUH on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.

I called the SID earlier in the season and was told that the IT department budget was cut and that IWU's broadband network was no longer robust enough to broadcast the games on the internet. 
YOU WOULD THINK SO.

Even via UStream? Its lower quality, but can still get the job done with a lower broadband network.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2011, 12:14:28 PM
I'm not surprised that was the answer.  IWU, like just about everyone, was hit hard by the economic downturn.  There have been massive cuts in all areas of the university, although fortunately no one has lost a job (unlike the situation at many small colleges).  But the academic budget, as well as things that are vital to the long-term health of the institution such as faculty benefits (especially significant to some of us!), have been hit hard. 

This is not to say that every pool of money is equal, or that making a cut in the available bandwidth for netcasting made it possible to save people's jobs.  My personal opinion is that some of the cuts have been more draconian than they needed to be, and this one seems likely to hurt both the prestige and the recruiting efforts of the institution if it is not reversed. 

But I'm only one person who works at IWU.   :( :-[ :'(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: larry_u on March 07, 2011, 01:05:09 PM
Quote from: Wydown Blvd. on March 07, 2011, 11:17:04 AM
Quote from: OldSchoolHoopsFan on March 07, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
Quote from: WUH on March 04, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
Illinois Wesleyan needs to invest in a video feed system.

I called the SID earlier in the season and was told that the IT department budget was cut and that IWU's broadband network was no longer robust enough to broadcast the games on the internet.  



Even via UStream? Its lower quality, but can still get the job done with a lower broadband network.


Even via Ustream you need a full ethernet connection in the gym.  if there is only a weak wireless signal in the gym, that won't do it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2011, 02:09:54 PM
That's going to make the Final Four interesting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sumfun on March 07, 2011, 02:33:36 PM
Maybe someone from IWU should tip off the NCAA and broadcasting crew so that arrangements can be made now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2011, 03:12:08 PM
I checked -- they are aware.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2011, 02:49:56 PM
Good luck to the Titans in their games this weekend.
Try to be intense and stay calm at the same time!
To everyone, ride or drive safely.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2011, 06:51:49 PM
IWU coach Mia Smith is scheduled to be on Hoopsville tonight (Thursday, 10 March).  It's reachable from the d3hoops front page from 7-9 p.m. Eastern time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 10, 2011, 10:34:20 PM
Good luck to the Titans this weekend in Wisconsin!  All out team effort, bringing it back to the Shirk for the "home Final Four." 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2011, 10:46:09 PM
Coach Smith sounded confident and happy tonight.  She says that Coe has one of the best motion offenses she's seen; she likes the way they play.  The Titans feel good about either of the matchups that might come should they beat Coe, although either will be tough.  She thinks the Titans are a much better team now than they were early in the season (and fans will concur with that).  In addition to the obvious contributions from the starters--Stacey Arlis, Olivia Lett, Hope Schulte, and Nikki Preston--she identified the point guard combination of Brittany Hasselbring/Holly Harvey and the play of Karen Solari and Melissa Gardner as integral to the Titans' success at this point.

Unfortunately I'm off on a research trip until Thursday night.  My husband is making the trek north, however, and I'm planning on being back at Shirk next Friday. I'm expecting two tough games, but the Titans are due at their own house.  Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 06:38:28 PM
Titans led most of the first half, but Coe got hot and leads 36-32 at the half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 06:49:51 PM
Livestats were frozen at 2-0 throughout the first half, but have finally gotten updated.

Stacey Arliss has 11 points, but only 2 rebounds and SIX of the Titan's 9 TOs.  Olivia Lett has 8 points and 4 boards.  (Karen Solari was injured (knee?) and the announcers doubted she would return.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:04:18 PM
Noe THAT is Titan basketball!  They caught up in less than 2 minutes, and now lead.

OOPS - Coe back up, or I should say Anciaux back up, who has every point for Coe in the 2nd half.

Now things are back to where they should be - IWU up 48-44, w/ 14 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:08:21 PM
Stacey Arliss is en fuego!  10 points in the second half already (only 8+ minutes in) - Titans up 54-46.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:22:07 PM
Coe refuses to go away - in fact they have taken the lead 67-66.

Olivia Lett answers with a 3 - Titans back up.

BTW, the zebras really suck - fortunately both ways.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:26:26 PM
Titans up 72-68 w/ 1:52 to go.

Arliss and Lett have combined for 49 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:30:11 PM
73-70 w/ :52.4 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:35:14 PM
75-74, 17 seconds to go.  Titan ball, up one.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:37:24 PM
77-74 w/ 13.4 to go.  Real hard to beat  team if they make their FTs!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 07:38:43 PM
TITANS WIN, 77-74!! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 07:42:48 PM
Love it.  Elite Eight for our Titans.  Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Team.  One more and you are back to The Shirk!  Whew, that was a close one.  Congrats to Coe on a great game, great season.

For this group, 109-10 over four years.  Truly outstanding.

Keep it rolling TITANS!

(Lett with 28, Arlis with 23).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2011, 07:58:01 PM
How clutch a player is Olivia Lett?  Wow. 

Kudos to the Kohawks.  They played a good game and never backed down.

I am watching from home as I'm on a plane tomorrow.  The video feed was very herky-jerky so it was hard to tell, but there looked to be some very dubious traveling calls.  Fortunately, they seemed to go pretty much both ways.  (And yes, I know it's a better feed than would be available at IWU!  Some of us are trying!).  I'm looking forward to UWSP-GF.

Way to go, Titans...win one more and I'll see you at Shirk next week!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Naperick on March 11, 2011, 08:40:45 PM
Congrats Titans!  Good luck tomorrow!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 09:52:30 PM
Wow, Point goes down x 2, both men and women.  Tommies take out the defending National Champions and now George Fox takes out the Pointer women.  IWU-GF match up should be a good one, two very experienced, senior-laden teams wanting to make their big moves to the Final Four.  Good luck to the TITANS and to Coach Smith and all the team. 

Some great match ups now again in Elite Eight --- Wash U vs. Chicago, Babson vs. Amherst, and IWU vs. GF. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2011, 10:03:00 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 09:52:30 PM
Wow, Point goes down x 2, both men and women.  Tommies take out the defending National Champions and now George Fox takes out the Pointer women.  IWU-GF match up should be a good one, two very experienced, senior-laden teams wanting to make their big moves to the Final Four.  Good luck to the TITANS and to Coach Smith and all the team. 

Some great match ups now again in Elite Eight --- Wash U vs. Chicago, Babson vs. Amherst, and IWU vs. GF. 

And, be fair - Christopher Newport against (presumably) Lebanon Valley (they're up 18 w/ 3+ to go) may not have the historical 'chops' of the other three, but it ain't chopped liver!  Both are in the top 20.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 10:43:22 PM
Very sorry to see in the Pgraph article on the IWU-Coe game that Karen Solari had a knee injury that Coach Smith thought might be serious.  She left the game in the latter part of the first half and did not return.  Hope Karen is OK, can continue to play and contribute to the TITANS run to the "home Final Four."  She's a great player, a tough competitor, and IMHO the best six women in the CCIW, by far.  Wishing her well that the injury is not too serious.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 10:47:33 PM
Now the TITANS get to face one of the very few 6'5" women players in the nation, Ms. Mungar, from George Fox.  A good challenge for Stacey Arlis and the other quick interior post players for the Titans.

Good luck to Coach Smith and all the Titans Saturday!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BruinFan on March 11, 2011, 10:53:24 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 09:52:30 PM
IWU-GF match up should be a good one, two very experienced, senior-laden teams wanting to make their big moves to the Final Four. 

I might be misreading the comment, but George Fox does not have any seniors on the roster and starts 2 freshmen.  They have a new coach this year who was highly successful at the high school level and the team has spent most of the year learning and becoming comfortable with a new system.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2011, 11:18:33 PM
This may be slightly off topic, but I was stunned to see the score of the Penn State-Wisconsin men's game:  36-33 Penn State.  Sounds like a game from my father's time! And Olivia Lett scored 28.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 12, 2011, 12:06:37 AM
Nice win Titans! Terrific job by Lett and Arlis
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 01:00:12 AM
Bruin, thanks for the clarification.  My bad.   I assumed they had more seniors due to their appearance in the final four in 2009.  Sounds then like they have a wonderful new and dynamic team and will be around and a force in DIII hoops for some time.  If they can take down Point, they must be really good.  Why weren't they ranked in the DIII hoops ranking more this year, during the regular season? 

Should be a good game tomorrow.  Of course, all of the Titan nation is hoping for a "home Final Four" for our TITANS.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 12, 2011, 01:18:23 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 11, 2011, 09:52:30 PM
IWU-GF match up should be a good one, two very experienced, senior-laden teams wanting to make their big moves to the Final Four.  Good luck to the TITANS and to Coach Smith and all the team. 

Correction: George Fox has no seniors on the team. 4 juniors and the rest of the roster is all underclassmen. Starting lineup is made up of two juniors, a sophomore, and two freshmen. The Bruins also have a first year coach, as former head coach Scott Rueck left to take the helm at Pac-10 Oregon State this past summer.

Should be a great game though. Fox fans are looking forward to it!

Go Bruins!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 12, 2011, 01:34:11 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 01:00:12 AM
Bruin, thanks for the clarification.  My bad.   I assumed they had more seniors due to their appearance in the final four in 2009.  Sounds then like they have a wonderful new and dynamic team and will be around and a force in DIII hoops for some time.  If they can take down Point, they must be really good.  Why weren't they ranked in the DIII hoops ranking more this year, during the regular season? 

Should be a good game tomorrow.  Of course, all of the Titan nation is hoping for a "home Final Four" for our TITANS.

Sorry IWU70...Didn't read all the messages first. I see that BruinFan beat me to the punch. The team that won it all two years ago had 11 freshmen and one senior. Only one of the starters from that team is still around, in wing Keisha Gordon.

As for why they weren't ranked, its hard to know. They lost two early pre-season games to top NAIA teams (DI #8 Westminster and DII #21 Concordia) both on the road. They got beat up pretty good by UW-Whitewater at a tourney in San Diego, and then lost its first two conference games in three years to Lewis and Clark (West #4) and Puget Sound (twice ranked in the West). On the second swing through the conference, Fox thoroughly dominated both L&C and UPS. They are now on a 14-game winning streak. Overall, this team is very talented, but has taken a while to come together with all the new faces, a new coach, and a bit different system. It is starting to click, but I would still say that this is probably the third best Fox team in the past five years. Bruinfan may have a different assessment, but that's my perspective.

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 05:21:07 AM
BlueZone, thanks for the background on GF.  Sounds like lots of talent com'in and go'in.  They certainly have me convinced if you took down Point.  Must be strong.  IWU also got beat up pretty bad by Whitewater.  I saw that game and wondered if the TITANS would pull it back together, but they have, esp. during the tough CCIW run where they went 13-1.  We did beat Chicago and Wash U earlier, too, so we've had some really good wins . . . at Kean too.   Of course, we are all hoping for one more step this year after being in Sweet Sixteen and Elite 8 the last two.  We want that "home Final Four" badly.  Should be a great match up, a great game.  May the best team win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 12, 2011, 08:58:08 AM
I watched the final 10 minutes of the IWU/Coe game last night.  Olivia Lett is quite a player -- hit an enormous 3 to put IWU back up 2 after going down 1, and then made 2 big FT's in a tight spot.

Good luck tonight, Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2011, 09:15:22 PM
Titans got off to a HORRIBLE start - they were down 25-4!! :o

With about 10 left, they have crawled back in, but so far haven't gotten to single digits.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2011, 09:21:03 PM
W/ 8.5 to go, Titans have cut the deficit to 7!!

The 'big 2' from yesterday (Lett and Arlis) have combined for only 12 points and 3 rebounds. :(  Thank God for depth!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2011, 09:27:51 PM
Titans got as close as 5, but now trail by 9 with 3.5.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2011, 09:33:11 PM
60-54, with 1:57 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2011, 09:36:44 PM
60-59, w/ :41 to go!!!!! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2011, 09:39:41 PM
TITANS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!  61-60.

We're gonna show up for the Shirk invitational!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 12, 2011, 09:44:25 PM
WHAT A GAME!!!!!!!!

Down 16-0 to start the game
Down by as many as 23 in the first half.
Down 8 with 3 minutes to go.
Down 1 with 4.1 seconds to go.

Nikki Preston goes to the line with a one and one, and hits them both.  That is the definition of clutch.

My poor dog went crazy as I was jumping up and down in my living room, now watching the Titans cut down the nets.  Two more to go!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 12, 2011, 09:46:15 PM
Oh YES Oh Man what a come back effort - way to go Titans
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 12, 2011, 09:46:40 PM
I just realized that over the last minute of the game, it was Nikki Preston 7, George Fox 0.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BruinFan on March 12, 2011, 09:48:27 PM
Congratulations to IWU. Enjoy next weekend.  Bruins did a lot of good things, but the Titans would not let George Fox pull off the win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwufans on March 12, 2011, 09:57:48 PM
WHEW!  Congratulations, IWU.  What a finish!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 10:01:34 PM
Congrats to George Fox on an amazing season.  I truly thought you had us blown away.

And, God Bless Nikki Preston.  An amazing, gutty comeback for the TITANS.

This group over four years, just superb.  Truly deserves a chance to play in the Final Four, and now at HOME.

Great stuff, 23 down, and still fighting, coming all the way back. 

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the TITANs.

Total team effort tonight -- TItan scoring = 10, 10, 8, 8, 8, 8, 6, and 3.  Karen Solari is smiling.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 12, 2011, 10:28:24 PM
What an amazing comeback!  Congratulations Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: jshoops on March 12, 2011, 10:34:06 PM
IWU wins!!!  What a CRAZY game.  Could not believe IWU was down 0-16 when I signed in to webcast.  IWU stayed with it and kept shooting (60).   Dropped a text to J. Solari/Christina about this stuning comeback win.  Doesn't look good for Karen Solari. :(    Maybe I'll make the trip down Friday.  Hmmm.  

Off topic- I was down at ISU last weekend for Maine South Final Fou run. (Solari gals are Alumni).  Maine South came in third when they BEAT Whitney Young,  the 9th  ranked team in NATION.  Cool!  

Christina Solari (1st yr coach) coached the Maine South Freshmen B team to a 18-2 record, Conference Champs!  (Freshmen A were 18-2 too!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 11:06:06 PM
Can anyone give a definitive update on Karen Solari's injury and status?  It sounds, from the reference to the injury made by Coach Smith in the Pgraph piece earlier, that the injury was serious and would likely mean Karen is done for the season.   Can anyone informed about this clarify?  Wish her the best . . . and hope she can still play next weekend. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 13, 2011, 06:41:24 AM
I have no news to add.  I just landed in Manchester, England.  I had to turn my phone off on the plane just at the start of the second half and have been struggling all night not to go into "what ifs". 

I'll be back for the Final Four!  Keep it going, Titans---it's too late to lose now!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 13, 2011, 09:05:51 AM
This video of the final seconds of the IWU/George Fox game was taken by former IWU men's player Sean Dwyer.  Pretty cool...

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=563227361107
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on March 13, 2011, 12:03:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 11:06:06 PM
Can anyone give a definitive update on Karen Solari's injury and status?  It sounds, from the reference to the injury made by Coach Smith in the Pgraph piece earlier, that the injury was serious and would likely mean Karen is done for the season.   Can anyone informed about this clarify?  Wish her the best . . . and hope she can still play next weekend. 

I saw her go down on Friday night.  Looked like a knee injury.  She was going for a rebound, got bumped a little bit by one of her own teammates and went down holding her knee.  If I had to speculate, I would say she isn't going to be ready to give any meaningful minutes Friday.  But I am not a doctor and she knows her body better than anyone. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 13, 2011, 03:59:31 PM
Who's looking forward to the game with WashU?  The Titans have beaten them four straight years.  On the other hand....well, you already know or can find out the points in the Bears favor yourself.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: larry_u on March 13, 2011, 07:44:01 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2011, 11:06:06 PM
Can anyone give a definitive update on Karen Solari's injury and status?  It sounds, from the reference to the injury made by Coach Smith in the Pgraph piece earlier, that the injury was serious and would likely mean Karen is done for the season.   Can anyone informed about this clarify?  Wish her the best . . . and hope she can still play next weekend. 

I talked to her before last night's game.  She said that she still needed to have an MRI when the swelling went down, but that they did not think anything was torn enough to warrant surgery, however it was a very severe sprain, and her chances of playing on it next weekend were very slim.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2011, 01:36:45 AM
Thanks, Larry-U, hope Karen is OK and that she can recover by next weekend.  Doesn't sound too good.  I'm a great fan of her play and her contributions to the Titan's overall effort and season, so sure would be nice to have here playing next weekend.

I think the Wash U game for the Titans is a huge challenge -- we all know the DIII dance record that Wash U has, and with 5 championships already, they will be tough, well-coached with many many top-notch players.  I saw the game earlier in the season and it basically came down to a few possessions, with IWU just playing better at a few key moments late in the game. 

Should be a great test for both teams, as any National Semi is surely likely to be.  Let's hope the sixth women -- the IWU home crowd -- will bring us through to the championship game.  Overall team effort again . . . and please, ladies, no early holes to dig out of this time, heh?

I have Amherst over C-N, though C-N has this scoring machine, Ms. Schwerrs? 

Keep it rolling Titans . . . "home Final Four," can't beat that!  Congrats again to Coach Smith and all the TITANS on amazing Sectional wins up in Wisconsin.  Heart-stopping, heart pounding stuff. 

Two more.  Enjoy the ride, the Final Four weekend.  Everyone has worked so hard for it.  Very deserved.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2011, 03:01:52 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 14, 2011, 01:36:45 AM
Thanks, Larry-U, hope Karen is OK and that she can recover by next weekend.  Doesn't sound too good.  I'm a great fan of her play and her contributions to the Titan's overall effort and season, so sure would be nice to have here playing next weekend.

I think the Wash U game for the Titans is a huge challenge -- we all know the DIII dance record that Wash U has, and with 5 championships already, they will be tough, well-coached with many many top-notch players.  I saw the game earlier in the season and it basically came down to a few possessions, with IWU just playing better at a few key moments late in the game. 

Should be a great test for both teams, as any National Semi is surely likely to be.  Let's hope the sixth women -- the IWU home crowd -- will bring us through to the championship game.  Overall team effort again . . . and please, ladies, no early holes to dig out of this time, heh?

I have Amherst over C-N, though C-N has this scoring machine, Ms. Schwerrs? 

Keep it rolling Titans . . . "home Final Four," can't beat that!  Congrats again to Coach Smith and all the TITANS on amazing Sectional wins up in Wisconsin.  Heart-stopping, heart pounding stuff. 

Two more.  Enjoy the ride, the Final Four weekend.  Everyone has worked so hard for it.  Very deserved.
For CCIW fans, Chelsie Schweers seems to be the women's equivalent Stevie D.  Schweers is a senior three time All American whom averages 25.9 PPG; .521 FG%; .508 3PT% (deadly129-254 3PT) and .833 FT%.  Her numbers are incredible.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2011, 07:04:17 PM
Was just looking at the stats of the earlier IWU/WashU game and noticed that there were 51 fouls in that one. And, it wasn't a game with a real high number of possessions. There were 2 foul-outs and six players finished with 4 fouls. Friday's game may be different; who knows?
From the stats of the IWU/GFox game, I see that Shelby Jackson played 19:00, nine more than she had played in any other game. I assume that was to matchup with the 6'5" opponent and may not mean she'll be in that much in the next two games. Again, who knows? She sure might be a prominent part of the '11-'12 Titans, especially if she maintains a .679 FG pct over a greater quantity of shots. OK, back to this season!
Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 14, 2011, 07:13:19 PM
Schweers is the best pure shooter I've ever seen in D3 women's hoops.  Not the best all around player, per se, but definitely the best shooter.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2011, 11:51:33 PM
Shelby Jackson played well the other night.  Seems she is filling in for, taking the minutes of the injured Karen Solari.   Very likely she has a bright future with the Titans now and in future years. Next year, Titans will have a good core coming back, even with the loss of all the talented seniors.  Coming back are Hasselbring, Lett, Solari, Gardner . . . add Shelby Jackson and the other untested freshmen, sophomores.  Looks bright.  Making a Final Four at home can't hurt recruiting.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on March 15, 2011, 12:36:22 AM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 14, 2011, 03:01:52 PM
...Chelsie Schweers seems to be the women's equivalent Stevie D.

Except much better looking!  Whew!  Am I allowed to say that?  Sorry.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 12:53:04 AM
Quote from: WUH on March 15, 2011, 12:36:22 AM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 14, 2011, 03:01:52 PM
...Chelsie Schweers seems to be the women's equivalent Stevie D.

Except much better looking!  Whew!  Am I allowed to say that?  Sorry.

I suspect she wouldn't object. :D

And, actually, considering the numbers, it would be more accurate to say that Steve D. is the male Chelsie Schweers of d3! ;D  I understand the reason for the comparison (I daresay more viewers here are familiar with Steve than Chelsie), but he could only dream of her numbers. ;)

[Yeah, yeah - one on one I'll take Steve and spot 17 in a game to 21.  So?? :P]
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2011, 01:04:20 AM
Ms. Schweers numbers are truly impressive, without doubt.   But, I have Amherst over C-N in the first national semi on Friday at The Shirk.  I have IWU over Wash U in a close one in the second semi. 

Keep it rolling TITANS.  Nothing quite like "home cook'in."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 01:23:29 AM
My final was also IWU over Amherst.  Alas, my other two teams were Hope and Kean. :(
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2011, 05:13:24 AM
Chuck, are you going over to The Shirk this weekend for the big party, the "home Final Four?"  Wish I could make it, but, alas, a bit too far for a weekend jaunt home. Many of our classmates will be there.  My folks will be there, too.  Hope you can make it . . . and, hope our Titans keep it rolling, go all the way. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 15, 2011, 01:08:00 PM
I filled out a tournament pick 'em, but cannot find where to check how I'm doing.  I feel like I might be doing well, but am not sure.  A little help?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on March 15, 2011, 01:45:42 PM
Congrats to Laura Karstens on being first team all region from D3Hoops!  And Stacey Arlis for being Third Team.  Lot of great talent in this region!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 04:22:32 PM
Quote from: mactitan on March 15, 2011, 01:08:00 PM
I filled out a tournament pick 'em, but cannot find where to check how I'm doing.  I feel like I might be doing well, but am not sure.  A little help?

Go to d3photography.com
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 04:26:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 15, 2011, 05:13:24 AM
Chuck, are you going over to The Shirk this weekend for the big party, the "home Final Four?"  Wish I could make it, but, alas, a bit too far for a weekend jaunt home. Many of our classmates will be there.  My folks will be there, too.  Hope you can make it . . . and, hope our Titans keep it rolling, go all the way. 

Alas, no.  I forgot to check the tournament calendar before scheduling a (belated) St. Patrick feast at our house!  (My understanding spouse has already given permission to 'poop out' on the party during the game if the Titans are playing.  I think she's a keeper! ;D)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 15, 2011, 05:18:26 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 04:26:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 15, 2011, 05:13:24 AM
Chuck, are you going over to The Shirk this weekend for the big party, the "home Final Four?"  Wish I could make it, but, alas, a bit too far for a weekend jaunt home. Many of our classmates will be there.  My folks will be there, too.  Hope you can make it . . . and, hope our Titans keep it rolling, go all the way. 

Alas, no.  I forgot to check the tournament calendar before scheduling a (belated) St. Patrick feast at our house!  (My understanding spouse has already given permission to 'poop out' on the party during the game if the Titans are playing.  I think she's a keeper! ;D)
Your St. Patrick's Day Feast is already belated, delay it again, go to the tournament and take the spouse with you! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2011, 05:27:41 PM
And there may be a few people wearing green.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 15, 2011, 05:37:04 PM
NCAA tournament should be terrific with several All Region, POY and an All American:
Amherst - All Northeast Region - Caroline Stedman (Jr) and POY - Jaci Daigneault (Sr.)

Christopher New Port - All South Region and All American - Chelsie Schweers (Sr.); Rookie of Year 2008; All American 2008 (HM), 2010 (1st); POY 2011

Illinois Wesleyan - All Central Region - Stacy Arlis (Sr.)

Washington University - All Central Region - Kathryn Berger (Sr.) and Alex Hoover (Sr.)

Exciting basketball no matter what team you are cheering for.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 06:19:59 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 15, 2011, 05:18:26 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 04:26:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 15, 2011, 05:13:24 AM
Chuck, are you going over to The Shirk this weekend for the big party, the "home Final Four?"  Wish I could make it, but, alas, a bit too far for a weekend jaunt home. Many of our classmates will be there.  My folks will be there, too.  Hope you can make it . . . and, hope our Titans keep it rolling, go all the way. 

Alas, no.  I forgot to check the tournament calendar before scheduling a (belated) St. Patrick feast at our house!  (My understanding spouse has already given permission to 'poop out' on the party during the game if the Titans are playing.  I think she's a keeper! ;D)
Your St. Patrick's Day Feast is already belated, delay it again, go to the tournament and take the spouse with you! ;D

Alas, I (consciously) noted the date conflict too late to make changes - after the last few seasons, I just didn't have sufficient confidence they would actually show up to host their party. :-[  And while my wife is very gracious about MY passion for the Titans, she has no reason to share it (and no particular love for bball, anyway - she's a 'keeper' but not perfect) ;)

Quote from: RogK on March 15, 2011, 05:27:41 PM
And there may be a few people wearing green.

:D :D :D  +k
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2011, 05:22:49 AM
Shirk could be pretty well filled with Green by 7 p.m. on Friday.  Good luck to the Titans for a great game vs. Wash U.  Should be a real good one, very worthy of the DIII national tourney semi.  Would love to see the Amherst - C-N shoot out too.  I have Amherst winning that one . . . but you gotta stop Pistol Chelsie.  Should be some great basketball 'all round at The Shirk.  Good luck to all teams. 

Go TITANS.  Keep it rolling!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 17, 2011, 10:31:47 PM
If anyone is still prowling about, we tried something new for this year's final four.  We put together five minute profiles on each team that you can listen to and watch on UStream.


Click here for Amherst (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13379120)

Click here for Christopher Newport (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13378546)

Click here for Illinois Wesleyan (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13382880)

Click here for Washington U. (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13388730)


While we're at it, here's the link for audio broadcasts this weekend:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/division-iii-women-s-basketball-championships
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 18, 2011, 12:48:35 AM
Anyone have an extra ticket to the Final Four?  I was going to order one in the morning, but read that they are sold out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2011, 02:47:30 AM
Ahhhh, sold out!  The Titan faithful cometh.  Sure hope it is a sea of green.  Should be a great atmosphere this weekend at The Shirk.  The "home Final Four" that we all hoped for has come.  Good luck to Coach Smith and all the Titans this weekend.  Win the TO, rebounding and steals battles, and win the game.  Shoot the 3 well, and the middle opens for Stacey Arlis.  Keep it rolling Titans.

GO TITANS.  You are home so bring it home -- walnut and bronze.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 08:18:29 PM
Less than 5 minutes in, IWU up 16-9.  Olivia Lett has THIRTEEN freakin' points already! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 08:29:06 PM
IWU shooting 75% overall, 71% from 3, yet TRAILS 26-23, with 10 to go in the first.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 08:36:17 PM
Titans up 36-29 w/ 5:48 left in the first.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 08:51:24 PM
At the half, WashU 45, IWU 42.

Incredible game!  Titans have twice led by 7; Bears biggest lead has been 3.  Constant back and forth.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 09:12:53 PM
OUCH - Bears come out red hot and lead 59-50.  Plenty of time - treat 'em like George Fox! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 09:29:47 PM
Bears went up by as much as 14, but Nikki Preston has gone unconscious from 3 - it's down to 6 w/ just under 7 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 09:48:38 PM
Titans cut it all the way to 3, but went cold at the very end.  Bears win 87-77.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on March 18, 2011, 09:53:45 PM
Great effort by both teams tonight.  Wash U gets IWU back again for another early season loss.  Looks like the the Title Game at the "Shirk Invitational" will be between Amherst and Wash U.  Should be a dandy. 

Interesting moment at the 46 second mark left in the game.  With IWU down by six, Coach Smith used her last timeout after a Wash U player knocked the ball out of bounds.  IWU had to go full court.  Just seemed like an interesting time to use that last timeout.  Would have been nice to have that one back, but probably didn't matter.  Wash U was the better team in the end. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2011, 10:46:35 PM
I've developed a bit of a complex about UWSP (who knocked out BOTH our teams last year, and which got me in hot water on the WIAC board after they lost to George Fox), but I'm really developing a complex about WashU!  In both 2009 and 2011 we beat them early in the season, then lost in the tourney.  Aaarrgh!! :(

Don't forget that although the men have abandoned the third place game, the Titans will still meet Christopher Newport tomorrow.  Some may scoff (and even Denny Bridges was not real fond of having to come back for the 'consolation' game), but I for one am proud that in four trips to the FF by the Titan men, they NEVER finished the season with a loss!  Go take out your frustrations on CN tomorrow, ladies! :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 18, 2011, 11:11:14 PM
Just back from Shirk and not a lot to say other than it was a bad night for the Titans, and of course no one can afford a bad night now.

OOMK, that timeout had to be called because there was a lot of confusion about who was on the floor and who should be on the floor with subs on both sides going in and out.  The Titans were on the verge of starting play with only four players on the court.  That explains the "interesting" time out.

Good luck to all the teams tomorrow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on March 19, 2011, 01:34:45 PM
Well that makes sense then.  The guys doing the color and play by play didn't say that.  But nonetheless, that stuff shouldn't be happening in a Final Four game.  

Best of luck to IWU on the third place game today.  Two of the scorers in the country going head to head albeit at different positions.  

I think the Wash U coach should be National Coach of the Year.  The lost to Hope in the regular season, beat them in the tournament.  Lost to Chicago twice, then beat them in the Elite 8.  Lost to IWU in the season, then beat them in Final Four.  Couple that with beating the #1 ranked team in the country on their homecourt and wow.  Great adjustments.  Great coach with a championship pedigree.  
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 19, 2011, 03:12:52 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2011, 12:53:04 AM
Quote from: WUH on March 15, 2011, 12:36:22 AM
Quote from: iwumichigander on March 14, 2011, 03:01:52 PM
...Chelsie Schweers seems to be the women's equivalent Stevie D.

Except much better looking!  Whew!  Am I allowed to say that?  Sorry.

I suspect she wouldn't object. :D

And, actually, considering the numbers, it would be more accurate to say that Steve D. is the male Chelsie Schweers of d3! ;D  I understand the reason for the comparison (I daresay more viewers here are familiar with Steve than Chelsie), but he could only dream of her numbers. ;)

That's ridiculous, Chuck. Chelsie Schweers is a great scorer, but she isn't a distributor. Steve Djurickovic has been one of the top distributors, both in terms of raw assists totals and assist/turnover ratio, in the nation in all four of his seasons at Carthage.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 19, 2011, 10:32:07 PM
Warm congrats to Coach Smith and our Titans.  A superb season, first ever Final Four, 27 wins, and just a great superb run for four years, at something like 113-12.  What an outstanding group.  We shall dearly miss our top seniors as they have been the heart and soul of IWU women's basketball for these wonderfully successful four years!  All best wishes and thanks to them.

A tough weekend, as we didn't win the rebounding or TO battle, but shot the three like I've never seen -- setting an DIII tournament record with 15 treys in the semis.  Truly wonderful, but Wash U was just a bit better . . . we just tip our hat to them and know we'll be back in big important games with them again in future.  Agreat rivalry on both the men's and women's sides.   Two wonderful coaches, two great programs -- always doing battle, giving the fans more than their money's worth.

IWU women's basketball has a very bright future -- think next year with Hasselbring, Lett, Gardner, Solari coming back, joined by all the freshmen and sophomores.  IWU could again be very very good.  And, the men too -- think Gonzoles, a Zimmer on each wing, the Kman and Victor Davis at power forward and Connelly and Nick Anderson formidable in the post.  I like what I see coming next year . . . Augie will again be tough, but our Titans will be there ready for the challenge.

Congrats to Amherst and the Tommies on their National Championships.  Very worthy victors. 

Hate to see the DIII hoops season come to an end. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 20, 2011, 12:18:39 PM
A warm "thank-you" to the graduating IWU seniors.  This class has achieved greater success than any previous group of IWU players, and the trend is set to continue.

Stacey Arlis--whose emergence this season helped to fill the enormous gap left by Christina Solari's graduation.

Sarah Cotner--whose fought back from an ACL injury to become a steady contributor in the low post and on defense.

Holly Harvey--whose defensive excellence and timely three-point-shooting helped turn the tide in many games.

Jessica Hinterlong--who came in, worked hard, and made the extra pass in many games.

Nikki Preston--who carried the Titans to the high point of this season in the miracle comeback at Stevens Point.

Hope Schulte--whose stats, although impressive, don't begin to tell the story of her contributions at both ends of the court.

Next season looks bright, with the return of Olivia Lett, Karen Solari, Melissa Gardner, Shelby Jackson; with a large, talented group of JV players ready to step up; and with several new players coming in.  The program should continue to be strong, even as the rest of the CCIW is getting stronger.  It should be an interesting year.

And thanks to Coach Mia Smith, who has built the program with support from Dennie Bridges.  This is my ninth year at IWU and I'm amazed at the progress and growth in community support.  Looking forward to many more years, and to more long tournament runs!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on March 20, 2011, 03:19:26 PM
Congrats to the IWU team.  Great year.  Nothing to hang your head about even though it didn't finish quite like you wanted. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 21, 2011, 01:11:32 PM
Thank-you to the Titans for a great season. 

Congratulations to Nikki Preston for making the NCAA All-Tournament team
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 21, 2011, 01:36:17 PM
Congratulations to the Titans on another top-notch season, especially all those seniors, each of whom gave four years of dedication and endless effort to Mia Smith's program.
Congratulations to Wheaton's Laura Karsten, who made 2nd team all=American. She was very good for the season as a whole and was particularly excellent in conference play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 21, 2011, 07:20:39 PM
Without knowing anything in regard to newcomers for next season, I'd say the league looks to be weaker overall in '11-'12.
Alphabetically :
Augie : loses their only proven scorer (Kristen Fox) and their 2nd best player (Natalie Runge). Will they be able to score 70 pts often? ever?
Carthage : loses Heather Gilmore (1st team all-conf) and starting point g Taylor Tondelli. At 8-6, they were under-achievers in CCIW play. But, Coach Bernero has much returning talent and is an outstanding recruiter. So, I'd expect Carthage to improve to 11-3 or better next season.
Elmhurst : ended in a bit of a mess at 5-9 and lost some good players. Can they gain at least 3 wins and make it to 8-6 next year?
IWU : it would be stunning if they don't fall back a fair amount, considering how many fine players are graduating.
Millikin : they should be good again, but losing Elise Wildman will make them less formidable.
North Central : like Augie, who is going put the ball in the hoop? Errico in particular will be missed.
North Park : getting better, but more depth has to be developed.
Wheaton : needs several new big players to help Hovee and Potts, to replace Bowen and Brooks.
So, I'd say that things look best for Carthage at this point, with Millikin in the vicinity. IWU and Wheaton have major questions to be answered. Can any of the others climb past those four teams to get into the top half of the league? Many teams need help.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 21, 2011, 08:45:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 21, 2011, 07:20:39 PM
Without knowing anything in regard to newcomers for next season, I'd say the league looks to be weaker overall in '11-'12.
Alphabetically :
Augie : loses their only proven scorer (Kristen Fox) and their 2nd best player (Natalie Runge). Will they be able to score 70 pts often? ever?
Carthage : loses Heather Gilmore (1st team all-conf) and starting point g Taylor Tondelli. At 8-6, they were under-achievers in CCIW play. But, Coach Bernero has much returning talent and is an outstanding recruiter. So, I'd expect Carthage to improve to 11-3 or better next season.
Elmhurst : ended in a bit of a mess at 5-9 and lost some good players. Can they gain at least 3 wins and make it to 8-6 next year?
IWU : it would be stunning if they don't fall back a fair amount, considering how many fine players are graduating.
Millikin : they should be good again, but losing Elise Wildman will make them less formidable.
North Central : like Augie, who is going put the ball in the hoop? Errico in particular will be missed.
North Park : getting better, but more depth has to be developed.
Wheaton : needs several new big players to help Hovee and Potts, to replace Bowen and Brooks.
So, I'd say that things look best for Carthage at this point, with Millikin in the vicinity. IWU and Wheaton have major questions to be answered. Can any of the others climb past those four teams to get into the top half of the league? Many teams need help.

NPU will get an All-CCIW player back who missed this past season due to injury in Kamauria Acree, plus two other experienced guards who had to sit out 2010-11 due to injury in Hilary Kuhl and Bridgette Gray. So that will help the Vikings roster in terms of both quantity and quality. What NPU does need next season is more help up front, as the only player who won't be back next year is senior center Lyndsey Thompson.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 22, 2011, 07:12:40 PM
Incidentally, I certainly would have mentioned it here if Olivet Nazarene's WBB team had won the NAIA tourney. So, I probably should report that they were knocked out 81-69 by Union Univ. That 69 tied for their lowest output of the season. ONU ended up 27-7, averaging 103.9/g.
While I'd love to see some CCIW team(s) play that frenetic style, I realize that D3 can't give athletic scholarships like NAIA can, so it's difficult to assemble a group of 15 or 17 very athletic players, if a coach wanted to try that style.
And of course, it is a rare coach indeed who would try something out of the ordinary for one game, much less for a whole season. It is also a rare coach that expects/allows full participation from every freshman from day 1 and onward.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 23, 2011, 02:40:50 AM
RogerK, thanks for the assessment on next year.  Yes, lots of good talent moving on via graduation.  While that is surely true for the Titans, I personally don't think there's going to be much of a change and that the Titans will again be very good, formidable with the "run and jump" and with much good offense again next year.  Basically four front line, current year rotation players are returning -- Hasselbring, Lett, Gardner and Solari.   Gardner and Solari, if all goes well, move into starting positions and you add Shelby Jackson . . . and things look very strong to me again.  We all thought it would be impossible to replace Christina Solari, but look at the season Arlis Stacey had.  I would expect similar re-loading next year, and actually Gardner is more of a scorer than Hope Schulte was this past year.  No doubt, Harvey, Stacey, Schulte and Preston are big losses, but I do have confidence that the 2011-12 Titans will be equally strong again next year.  We don't know yet who amongst the non-rotation, practice squad players (current freshmen and sophomores), or the yet unknown recruits will step up and into the starting positions or top-flight rotation.  Mia Smith no doubt has some ideas already.  Stay tuned. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 23, 2011, 11:53:03 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 23, 2011, 02:40:50 AM
RogerK, thanks for the assessment on next year.  Yes, lots of good talent moving on via graduation.  While that is surely true for the Titans, I personally don't think there's going to be much of a change and that the Titans will again be very good, formidable with the "run and jump" and with much good offense again next year.  Basically four front line, current year rotation players are returning -- Hasselbring, Lett, Gardner and Solari.   Gardner and Solari, if all goes well, move into starting positions and you add Shelby Jackson . . . and things look very strong to me again.  We all thought it would be impossible to replace Christina Solari, but look at the season Arlis Stacey had.  I would expect similar re-loading next year, and actually Gardner is more of a scorer than Hope Schulte was this past year.  No doubt, Harvey, Stacey, Schulte and Preston are big losses, but I do have confidence that the 2011-12 Titans will be equally strong again next year.  We don't know yet who amongst the non-rotation, practice squad players (current freshmen and sophomores), or the yet unknown recruits will step up and into the starting positions or top-flight rotation.  Mia Smith no doubt has some ideas already.  Stay tuned. 
Agree.  Titans should be able to reload from the existing roster.  Recruits and/or a transfer could be value adds (Another Olivia Lett please!) Titans continued post season success can't hurt recruiting efforts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 23, 2011, 02:46:51 PM
QuoteWhile I'd love to see some CCIW team(s) play that frenetic style, I realize that D3 can't give athletic scholarships like NAIA can, so it's difficult to assemble a group of 15 or 17 very athletic players, if a coach wanted to try that style.

From what I understand, Muhlenberg (D3 school in Pennsylvania) tried this system for a season or so.  They didn't have the athletes to make it work and have subsequently become one of the better defensive teams in the region.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2011, 04:54:50 PM
Thanks for that info, gordonmann.
I checked their site and it was in '03-'04 and '04-'05 when they had a bunch of high scoring games.
The last time I saw Olivet Naz this year, a St Xavier fan seated next to me said it was kind of dumb for ONU to use their 11th - 15th best players almost as much as their best 5. That's was a fair point, but I replied that their best 5 couldn't play nearly as hard over 25-30 minutes as they do for 13 or 15 minutes. Also, ONU has been using that style long enough that all of the current roster knew exactly what they were signing up for when they joined the team.
By the way, ONU scatters its best players among the three 5-player "shifts,"
although they will play the best five together late in a tight game.
I don't know how well it would work if they just played their 10 best in two alternating shifts. The frenetic pace might be too exhausting, game after game, for individuals playing 20 minutes of it instead of 13 or 15.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bbaskets on April 14, 2011, 11:54:08 AM
Congratulations to Jackie Errico (NCC), Kelly Brooks (Wheaton) and the 15 other CCIW student-athletes from various sports that were honored with the 2011 Merle Chapman Leadership award!!!  The award identifies the student-athletes from the eight member institutions that best exemplify the traits that Chapman displayed and encouraged during his three-plus decades of service as teacher, coach and mentor to the athletes, coaches and administrators of the CCIW. Those traits are loyalty, enthusiasm, and commitment to academic, athletic and personal excellence, leadership and sportsmanship.  A wonderful honor for these student-athletes to achieve.

http://www.cciw.org/news/2011/4/13/Gen._0413112716.aspx
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on April 14, 2011, 11:56:52 AM
CCIW grad gets MWC job:

http://www.midwestconference.org/news/2011/4/14/WBB_0414110156.aspx
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on May 02, 2011, 02:43:40 PM
looks like Wheaton may have settled their coaching issue after all...rumors swirling that Coach Baker is announcing her retirement.  Kent Madsen more than proved his capabilities as the head coach this year so I would feel the program is in good hands but congratulations to Coach Baker on an absolutely outstanding career at the helm of the Thunder program.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 03, 2011, 11:37:13 AM
Baker's retirement is official:
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/5/2/WBB_coach_baker.aspx?path=wbball
She wraps up a very successful career. I wish her a happy retirement.
The last sentence of that release says a national search will be conducted for her replacement.
Probably could confine that to Illinois. Maybe the '10-'11 CCIW Coach of the Year would be interested in the job. I hope Kent Madsen's gender isn't a problem.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on May 04, 2011, 12:04:41 AM
i would sincerely hope that the search is only a matter of formality.  i think wheaton would be making a mistake passing on kent madsen the year after winning the coach of the year.  not only would it be a huge loss for the women's basketball program but also the baseball program where he is an assistant.  one would think that if wheaton passes on madsen that he would be a hot commodity for other head coach openings.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 25, 2011, 11:24:50 AM
Recent star player Joanna Conner has been hired as assistant coach for Millikin :
https://www.millikin.edu/sites/athletics/Pages/AthleticNews.aspx?ID=8587
Dick Marshall got his wish for revised duties; he'll be a "gym coach," working primarily to develop young players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on May 27, 2011, 03:15:47 PM
And the coaching search is over at Wheaton.  Kent Madsen has been named the head coach.  Very wise pick as the girls really bought in last year and it keeps a seemless transition following Coach Baker.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on May 27, 2011, 04:58:27 PM
Congratulations to Coach Madsen!
Coaches are allowed to spectate at the Summer League next month at Elmhurst College, so we will expect Kent to be there on a nightly basis.
Direct coaching is not allowed, although telepathy may be used.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 14, 2011, 06:53:20 PM
I think it's now official that the women's 19' 9'' three point line is gone:
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/NCAA/Resources/Latest+News/2011/May/Rules+panel+approves+restricted+area+arc+for+Division+I
Using the 20' 9" line may reduce the shooting pcts a little, but it should make calls easier for the refs visually.
That link refers to some other possible changes.
The suggestion of a 35 second shot clock for women is really awful. Stalling stinks. If anything, the men should go to a 30 second clock.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on June 15, 2011, 04:49:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 14, 2011, 06:53:20 PM
I think it's now official that the women's 19' 9'' three point line is gone:
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/NCAA/Resources/Latest+News/2011/May/Rules+panel+approves+restricted+area+arc+for+Division+I
Using the 20' 9" line may reduce the shooting pcts a little, but it should make calls easier for the refs visually.
That link refers to some other possible changes.
The suggestion of a 35 second shot clock for women is really awful. Stalling stinks. If anything, the men should go to a 30 second clock.

But I believe the combination of the 10 second backcourt and the 30 second clock would create a sloppier women's game. I don't support the ten second backcourt, but if I did, I would definitely recommend the 35 second change as well. We'll see how it tests during the experimental period.

I didn't see mention of the floor marking changes for the elimination of the women's three point line. Is there a deadline for the basketball courts to change their markings or is the dual three point line going to stay on most courts but just not be utilized? I guess that only really factors in for all-womens D3 schools...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on June 15, 2011, 04:52:58 PM
There is a little bit of talk about the rules change on the MIAA women's board as well. Wish we actually utilized the multi-regional section for big news like this  :-\
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on June 17, 2011, 08:51:10 PM
After 2009, with the graduation of Mallory Heydorn and Claire Sheehan (by FAR the best backcourt in the CCIW), I expected a setback.  After 2010, with the graduation of Christina Solari (who willed the Titans to a nearly equal season), I feared a setback.  After 2011, with the graduation of Holly Harvey, Nikki Preston, Hope Schulte, Sarah Cotner, Jessica Hinterlong, and, especially, Stacy Arliss (who willed them to the best national tourney finish ever), have the Titans finally run out of gas, or has Mia Smith made them the sort of team that perennially just reloads?

Beth Baker (Wheaton) and Lori Kerans (Millikin) had those sorts of teams for over a decade, and Diane Schumacher Augie) before them, so no dynasty is forever.  Is the CCIW wide open this year, or is IWU still the big favorite?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 20, 2011, 01:34:32 PM
Mr Ypsi, the Titans have only six returning players who played at least 100 minutes in '10-'11 (33 game season) :
Olivia Lett (900), Britt Hasselbring (776), Karen Solari (447), Melissa Gardner (404), Lexi Baltes (116) and Shelby Jackson (114). I'd guess that the 5 other than Baltes would be the starters next season. Just a guess. If so, the Titans have a lot less experienced subs to use, compared to recent years.
I'll repost my mediocre analysis from March:
Without knowing anything in regard to newcomers for next season, I'd say the league looks to be weaker overall in '11-'12.
Alphabetically :
Augie : loses their only proven scorer (Kristen Fox) and their 2nd best player (Natalie Runge). Will they be able to score 70 pts often? ever?
Carthage : loses Heather Gilmore (1st team all-conf) and starting point g Taylor Tondelli. At 8-6, they were under-achievers in CCIW play. But, Coach Bernero has much returning talent and is an outstanding recruiter. So, I'd expect Carthage to improve to 11-3 or better next season.
Elmhurst : ended in a bit of a mess at 5-9 and lost some good players. Can they gain at least 3 wins and make it to 8-6 next year?
IWU : it would be stunning if they don't fall back a fair amount, considering how many fine players are graduating.
Millikin : they should be good again, but losing Elise Wildman will make them less formidable.
North Central : like Augie, who is going put the ball in the hoop? Errico in particular will be missed.
North Park : getting better, but more depth has to be developed.
Wheaton : needs several new big players to help Hovee and Potts, to replace Bowen and Brooks.
So, I'd say that things look best for Carthage at this point, with Millikin in the vicinity. IWU and Wheaton have major questions to be answered. Can any of the others climb past those four teams to get into the top half of the league? Many teams need help.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on June 28, 2011, 08:33:27 AM
Ypsi, I take the view that until others in the league prove otherwise, IWU women's program is a situation of "re-loading" as you put it.  Yes, some very good players have graduated, and in good numbers this past year.  But, the Titans basically have three major starters returning and the best sixth person in the league (assuming she's back from injury), so that's almost 4 key players from the nation's #4 finisher last year.  Several good subs are there, and the new recruits are coming in all the time.  I'm of the view that the Titans are actually a pretty substantial favorite again for the 2011-12 season.  Coaching is still strong, Olivia Lett is going to be even better, and Karen Solari will get her chance to start and play many more minutes.  We have an excellent senior point guard in Brittany, so will need to find some rebounding and some additional perimeter scoring.  That has not been a problem in recent years of "reloading" with the Titans.   I'm very optimistic. 

Hope to see you in Bloomington this fall, to check it out yourself, in person.  I'll likely be around Bloomington again for much of the fall, into the basketball season, so look forward to catching more men's and women's games this upcoming season than usual.

Hope you are well.  MLS
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on June 28, 2011, 06:00:39 PM
Here's an article about recently-retired Wheaton coach Beth Baker :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/6/23/WBB_BakerFeature.aspx
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on July 08, 2011, 12:46:13 AM
Kean grade fixing scandal does sound like DI.  No place for that in DIII.  Hope the whistle-blower gets his job back. 

Hope everyone is having a good summer.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 13, 2011, 02:11:36 PM
Having seen some of the summer league action, I can offer some observations, Carthage first. They should be very good in the upcoming season.
Diana Jacklin is playing like a 1st team all-conference player, doing a lot of things very well. This is not a surprise.
Fellow senior Dani Ripkey scores in bunches (Dani being Dani, to borrow a line from baseball), from 3 land and closer in. Her varied guard skills would also allow her to take over some of the point guard duties (Taylor Tondelli graduated), but there are at least three other candidates for that category : Stephanie Kuzmanic (310 minutes last yr), Gabby Chapa (155 minutes) and Caris Alan (29 minutes). All three of them are excellent dribblers and can really push the ball up the court through traffic. Chapa had a crummy FG pct in her limited time last year, but made a nice variety of shots last night.
Allison Groessl is another senior who has looked really sharp. Cory Bazany looks improved, too, and will get time as a 4 or 5. Drewann Pancratz is another valuable Lady Red and is an excellent athlete who joins basketball once her all-star volleyball career is completed.
I haven't even mentioned forwards Cailee Corcoran and Kristi Schmidt, both very good. And there are others who could turn out to be prominent contributors. Coach Bernero has assembled a very athletic roster and should enjoy the challenge of making full use of its talents.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 13, 2011, 05:58:41 PM
straying off-topic a wee bit:
The Big Ten Conference now has 12 schools, while the Big 12 now has 10.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 13, 2011, 07:21:39 PM
A little more summer league commentary:
A number of IWU players looked good. Before I get to them, I did not see Olivia Lett, Melissa Gardner or Shelby Jackson; they may be participating in the league but weren't there when I was. Karen Solari was there, but is still in the injury rehab process. She was walking fine and expects to be ready for October 15.
Britt Hasselbring has done very well, running the offense (making numerous excellent passes) and playing tough defense. And I got the impression that she has taken on the role of leader, at least of the bunch playing in the summer.
Two players, Michelle Bilek and Amy Burton, have been Titans for a few years and are doing very well in the summer league. I expect they'll be significant contributors to the IWU effort this coming season. They know the system inside out and should be ready to help.
Some other players looked pretty good, some of which I don't know who they are (now there's some good grammar). I'm fairly certain that Lexi Baltes and Taylor Reaber were among the ones who impressed me.
Anyway, Coach Smith will have a good amount of talent again, despite losing so many stars to graduation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 14, 2011, 11:36:08 AM
More about the summer games -- (I didn't attend last night, but should next Monday)
Millikin - no one participating as far as I know
Wheaton - a few players. Brooke Olson - doing very well, with her usual high energy. I saw Laura Karsten one night and some guards that I didn't recognize (not sure if they're Thunders or not).
North Central -- saw them only one full game. I think they'll have some helpful new players. I didn't learn any names.
North Park -- same story as North Central. Additionally I learned that Kam Acree is definitely expected back from major injury. If she can be as good as she was in 09-10, the Vikings will be very happy.
Elmhurst -- I haven't watched them much, but will try to learn about any newcomers Monday. I think they've done alright with Ney and Merk present.
Augie -- An interesting tall player or two and a strong confident point guard -- not sure of their identities.
To summarize, each team has reasons for optimism for the new season, although many teams have much work to do.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 19, 2011, 11:31:18 AM
It seems that I need to use some mental floss : I had the idea that Augie's Natalie Runge and Brianna Skeens were seniors in '10-'11. Brianna's dad pointed out to me last night that those two will be back for next season.
Augie has been playing with vigor in the summer league. Yes, they will need to replace Kristen Fox (2nd team all-conference), but they could get enough help from others.
I also watched Elmhurst, North Central and North Park in games last night. With some promising new players, those teams should all have a shot at contending for a position in the top half of the CCIW. Will it be easy to displace Carthage, IWU, Wheaton or Millikin? No.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: AndOne on July 19, 2011, 12:31:01 PM
Wheaton College has named Sarah Harris as its full-time assistant women's basketball coach.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/7/7/WBB_0707110900.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 20, 2011, 01:38:45 PM
Saw some more summer league action last evening.
IWU's Amy Burton unfortunately experienced a leg/knee injury. Best wishes to her. Hopefully this won't have any effect on her upcoming season.
Four teams remain from this week's tournament; semis tonight at 7:30 and a final at 8:30.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on July 21, 2011, 11:36:42 AM
The Carthage women (9 of 'em) won the summer league tournament last night with an impressive decision (18 pt margin, I think) over a group of 8 current/recent Div I players. All nine Lady Reds were sharp and energetic, despite playing their 2nd game in 2 hours (as did the opposition) in warm conditions.
Coach Bernero wasn't there last night (attended his daughter's softball game), but he should be very pleased that his team did what he's been guiding them to do: playing smart intense defense, going after every rebound, looking for fast break opportunities, but otherwise working for high pct 2FG shots and good 3FG chances.
By the way, another round of applause goes to Elmhurst's WBB staff for hosting the league again.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on August 03, 2011, 06:50:19 PM
2011-12 schedules that I've found:
http://athletics.carthage.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
http://www.iwusports.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
http://athletics.millikin.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&schedule=79
(if the '10-'11 sched appears, use the Choose box)
http://athletics2.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&
I haven't found Augie's and North Park's.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on September 12, 2011, 07:19:37 PM
According to this CCIW publication
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Tournament_Programs/WBB_Program11.pdf
page 17 (19 of 29), Kent Madsen goes into '11-'12 with a 0-0 record in CCIW play. I'm certain he does not mind at all that Wheaton's 11-3 record went on Beth Baker's total, but it is a peculiarity that the defending conference coach of the year has 0 conference wins to this point.
As for the upcoming season. I'm still not sure where to place Wheaton in a standings prediction.
I think Carthage is most likely to be on top, followed by some arrangement of Millikin, Wheaton and IWU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on September 16, 2011, 04:52:29 PM
RogerK, thanks for the schedules.  Sure looks like the Titans have one tough pre-CCIW schedule, with away games and the overall high quality of the teams they are playing.  Look forward to the season, with the Titans again have a strong chance for CCIW and post-season achievements.  Sounds like Carthage really has a great team upcoming.  In eight weeks, we'll be playing basketball!  :)  Hope the streaming video system is in Shirk by then. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on September 16, 2011, 04:57:35 PM
IWU will have an exhibition vs DePaul again...

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/091511aab.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on September 16, 2011, 04:58:29 PM
Ypsi, Q and other IWU friends:  Homecoming October 21-23.  Hope to see you.  Great football game IWU vs. North Central that weekend.  iwu70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 03, 2011, 01:34:09 PM
North Central, Augustana, Carthage, Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin have new rosters posted.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 17, 2011, 07:00:54 PM
Pre-season hoops.com All-American teams up.  I find them dubious.  Two each from Chicago, William Paterson and George Fox, but not Olivia Lett of IWU? on any of the four teams?  Come on?!!  Someone has not done their homework very well.  IMHO.  Looking forward to the season and seeing what the "new look" Titans really look like.  Sure, lots of talent departed last year, but lots of very good talent remains.  Laura Karsten of Wheaton named to the first team. 

The "game of the year" in football this weekend at IWU Homecoming -- if you want to see a real corker . . . IWU vs. North Central, basically for the CCIW championship.  1:30 p.m. at IWU, Wilder Field at Tucci Stadium.  Get there early as I'm sure there will be a huge crowd, for Homecoming, for such a great match-up.

IWU 70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 17, 2011, 08:45:27 PM
I'm (sort of) new to the board -- had a different username a few years back. I feel a little more comfortable posting now that I'm out of school and don't have direct "inside knowledge." Now I can just offer unfounded opinions like everyone else  ;D

Looking forward to what should be a very competitive season in the CCIW. All of last year's conference tourney teams have seen key contributors graduate. Here are some things to watch:

-IWU: How well will last year's reserves adjust to more prominent roles? The Titans return two starters (Hasselbring and Lett) and two main bench contributors (Solari --who has to bounce back from a significant knee injury-- and Gardner). That leaves plenty of open spots. The recent past tells me that there's plenty of talent on the roster, but it will be interesting to see how a more inexperienced IWU team performs on that especially tough non-conf. schedule.

-Wheaton: People might not realize this, but Wheaton lost a lot with the graduation of Annie Bowen and Kelly Brooks. Bowen was the "glue" of Wheaton's defense (#2 in the league last year) and was the team captain. And I know that iwu70 talked a lot about Karen Solari's sixth woman prowess, which I wont argue with, but I'll just add that Brooks was indispensable in that role for Wheaton. The Thunder returns the best backcourt in the league, but they will need to maintain the same defensive urgency they had last year and have some bench players contribute. Also keep in mind that Laura Karsten also plays on the soccer team, which is currently 14-0-1 and has a pretty good shot to be playing into December.

-Millikin: The Big Blue return pretty much everybody, but I don't think it's possible to overstate the impact of Elise Wildman's graduation. She was one of the top two or three players in the league throughout her career (at least in my opinion). Millikin might be a bit more perimeter oriented on the offensive end, not unlike Wheaton was last year.

-Carthage: Heather Gilmore's graduation leaves a big hole. She was their best perimeter defender and arguably the toughest player for opposing teams to match up with (I say "arguably" because Jacklin is also very tough to defend). The Lady Reds didn't have a bad year last year, but I'm sure they were expecting to go further, so we'll see how they bounce back.

Lots of question marks, and that's just last year's top four! Elmhurst returns Merklein and Ney, but lost some good, tough guards. I think North Park has a chance to be pretty competitive this year with Acree returning (presumably) to complement Jones. Not sure what to expect out of NCC and Augie, they both lost their best players from a year ago.

I think IWU has to be the preseason favorite, but probably not as overwhelmingly as in recent years. Carthage has already beaten the Titans twice over the last two years, and Wheaton had a chance to beat them at King Arena last year and hung tough despite a bad shooting night in the conference championship. It should be an exciting race.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 17, 2011, 09:05:06 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 17, 2011, 07:00:54 PM
Pre-season hoops.com All-American teams up.  I find them dubious.  Two each from Chicago, William Paterson and George Fox, but not Olivia Lett of IWU? on any of the four teams?

Hard to argue against the players from Chicago or George Fox (I don't know anything about WP), but Lett certainly could be on one of the squad's. I guess to try to look at it from an outside perspective, Lett was not on the All-Region or All-American teams after last year. That might affect it, I don't know. She's certainly one of the best returning players in the league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 17, 2011, 10:37:41 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on October 17, 2011, 08:45:27 PMI think North Park has a chance to be pretty competitive this year with Acree returning (presumably) to complement Jones.

Kamauria Acree will indeed be back in uniform for NPU this season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 17, 2011, 10:51:56 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 17, 2011, 10:37:41 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on October 17, 2011, 08:45:27 PMI think North Park has a chance to be pretty competitive this year with Acree returning (presumably) to complement Jones.

Kamauria Acree will indeed be back in uniform for NPU this season.

That's great news both for Kamauria and NPU. As I inferred above, I think she makes them a completely different team. Adding her slashing ability to the strong post play of Roxxane Jones and Sarah Peterson and the shooting of Dana Christensen, and the Vikings have a nice lineup. Depth might be an issue, but I would expect them to win a few more than 3 games in the league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2011, 11:38:38 AM
At this point, I'm guessing that IWU will be a much more half-court oriented team than we're used to. Shelby Jackson may be a focal point of the offense; in her limited time last year, she made 20/30 2FG. Also, if heavier minutes are going to be expected from Karen Solari, Olivia Lett and Britt Hasselbring, a slower pace (less pressing and running) would be logical.
We'll see.
The Titans will surely be in the top 4 of the conference, but I see Carthage as the favorite. Senior-packed Millikin may be next in line.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on October 18, 2011, 11:57:38 AM
I'm the person primarily responsible for assembling Preseason All-American picks. So you can point your complaints and criticisms toward me. :)

That doesn't mean the picks are just my thoughts. We start with the postseason All-Americans from last year, unless someone else has returned from injury to knock them off the list. Then we look at the All-Region picks (which feed into the All-American selections), which are made by sports information directors and media members in each region.  We look at players who were first team all-region without being All-Americans. That isn't a guarantee that someone will make the All-Americans but it helps identify strong candidates.

Then we do the same thing with second team All-Region picks and so on.  We also factor in team success, strength of conference and input we've culled from coaches, media, etc. 

Backseat Driver hits the exact reason Olivia didn't make our list. She wasn't selected All-Region last year.  If the people who watch this region week in and week out didn't select her as one of the best 15 players in the region, then it's hard for us to elevate her to the top list in the country, even with all the graduations.

In Olivia's case, I've seen her play several times the past two years. She's very talented and has a great midrange jumper. She may have been the most versatile player on the Titans last year.  If she continues to play like she has and the Ttians keep winning, she'll get consideration for postseason awards this year.

It's not a perfect system and I'm open to recommendations on how to improve it. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 18, 2011, 04:30:09 PM
I seem to recall that IWU beat George Fox and Chicago last year.  Also, Kean.  Perhaps not William Paterson.  Seems like these awards shoulds spread the love around a bit more.  IMHO. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 18, 2011, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 18, 2011, 04:30:09 PM
I seem to recall that IWU beat George Fox and Chicago last year.  Also, Kean.  Perhaps not William Paterson.  Seems like these awards shoulds spread the love around a bit more.  IMHO.

At the end of the day, they are just preseason awards. That doesn't mean it's not significant, but it's almost more of a "players to watch" list than anything else. Olivia Lett will certainly be able to show how good she is as IWU's best returning player from their Final Four team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on October 18, 2011, 05:37:54 PM
QuoteI seem to recall that IWU beat George Fox and Chicago last year.  Also, Kean.  Perhaps not William Paterson.

Sure, but those are team accomplishments, not Olivia Lett beating the best players on George Fox, Chicago, or Kean.  When IWU played Chicago last year, both Maroon All-Americans outscored and outrebounded Lett.  When IWU played George Fox, Munger outscored and outrebounded Lett and Gordon had comparable points (Lett: 8, Gordon: 7).

QuoteSeems like these awards shoulds spread the love around a bit more.  IMHO.

I understand that sentiment.  It hasn't been our approach to just pick one person per team, but I understand that the best players on the best teams are worthy of All-American consideration, regardless of their numbers.  That's a fair criticism.

Lett's a really nice player.  As Backseat Driver said, she's got a chance to prove me wrong. Though I suspect she has much bigger motivations than that. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2011, 05:56:03 PM
The discussion of individual Titans who did very well against strong opponents brings to mind this : when IWU beat Kean at Kean's gym, Britt Hasselbring had 15 pts (efficiently - 5/7 FG, 5/6 FT), 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, 0 TO. Not bad.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 18, 2011, 06:16:03 PM
Returning '10-'11 all-CCIW performers (http://cciw.org/news/2011/2/24/WBB_0224112748.aspx (http://cciw.org/news/2011/2/24/WBB_0224112748.aspx)):

First Team
Laura Karsten, Wheaton (G)

Second Team
Lindsey Brenneman, Wheaton (G)
Diana Jacklin, Carthage (C)
Olivia Lett, Illinois Wesleyan (G)
Meghan Merklein, Elmhurst (F)

Third Team
Brooke Olson, Wheaton (G)
Megan Ney, Elmhurst (C)
Julia Robert, Millikin (G)

It makes sense to add Kamauria Acree from North Park to the list as well, a 2nd team performer as a freshman in '09-'10.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2011, 07:09:15 PM
I'm thinking Millikin may do alright lowpost scoring-wise despite the graduation of Wildman. Consider these 2FG pcts from last season : Heather Pruemer .566, Nikki Tipsword .529, Cecily Aldridge .507, Crystal Zeigler .475.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on October 18, 2011, 08:03:58 PM
QuoteThe discussion of individual Titans who did very well against strong opponents brings to mind this : when IWU beat Kean at Kean's gym, Britt Hasselbring had 15 pts (efficiently - 5/7 FG, 5/6 FT), 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, 0 TO. Not bad.

I was at that game. The combination of her play and Kean's inability to execute its offense down the stretch (partly a credit to IWU's defense) is why the Titans beat the Cougars.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 19, 2011, 05:40:12 PM
Wheaton's roster: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 20, 2011, 11:18:03 AM
And the Bluejays...
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Ten freshmen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 20, 2011, 01:35:19 PM
Meghan Merklein and Megan Ney have proven to be very reliably good at both ends of the court and are certain to play 25 - 30 minutes per game. Beyond them, though, a lot of Elmhurst's playing time should be up for grabs. Among the returning guards and small forwards, most of them excel at one or two aspects of the game but need improvement in another. Are any of the freshmen good enough to earn significant minutes immediately? And can any of them (regardless of height) hit threes, to punish defenses that sag in reaction to Merklein's and Ney's strong scoring abilities in the lane?
A reinvigorated Elmhurst could improve on last year's 5-9 CCIW record (they beat NC twice, Aug, NP and Wheaton once).
What are your views on the Jays, Backseat Driver?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 20, 2011, 03:07:02 PM
In looking at IWU's pre-CCIW schedule, I truly doubt that many teams have as tough a set of games as the Titans do this year.  That is one rough, tough road thru 'til early January and the beginnings of the CCIW schedule. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 20, 2011, 05:05:53 PM
NPU's non-conference schedule (2010-11 records in parentheses):

November 15 Benedictine (16-10)
November 18 @ Franklin (19-7) *   
November 19 vs. DePauw (25-4) or Albion (14-13) *   
November 25 @ Colorado College (11-15) %   
November 26 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson - Florham (9-16) %   
December 3 Purdue-Calumet   (17-13)
December 6 Greenville   (13-12)
December 12 @ Kalamazoo (5-20)
December 17 Dominican (20-7)
December 20 @ Aurora (6-19)
December 30 Chicago (25-4)

* Franklin College Tip-Off Tournament
% Colorado College Thanksgiving Classic

Looks like Amanda Reese has lined up some solid non-con competition for NPU. Interestingly, Colorado College faces NPU early in the season right after it hosts both Elmhurst and Augustana in another tournament.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 20, 2011, 05:51:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 20, 2011, 01:35:19 PM
Meghan Merklein and Megan Ney have proven to be very reliably good at both ends of the court and are certain to play 25 - 30 minutes per game. Beyond them, though, a lot of Elmhurst's playing time should be up for grabs. Among the returning guards and small forwards, most of them excel at one or two aspects of the game but need improvement in another. Are any of the freshmen good enough to earn significant minutes immediately? And can any of them (regardless of height) hit threes, to punish defenses that sag in reaction to Merklein's and Ney's strong scoring abilities in the lane?
A reinvigorated Elmhurst could improve on last year's 5-9 CCIW record (they beat NC twice, Aug, NP and Wheaton once).
What are your views on the Jays, Backseat Driver?

Elmhurst made 95 threes last year and shot just 27% from beyond the arc, both numbers were by far the lowest in the league. With such a talented and experienced inside duo, the Bluejays really need someone to knock down some outside shots if they want to move up in the standings. Meghan Merklein actually went 3-5 from beyond the arc at Wheaton last February, interestingly enough. With so many freshmen on the roster, it's tough to get a read on them at this point, but I think they'll be in the running for a conference tourney spot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 21, 2011, 01:53:57 PM
The more I think about Millikin (9-5 in CCIW last yr), the better they look for this season, even though Wildman is gone.
I am assuming that Cecily Aldridge and Kaitlin Brassil are fully healthy, along with the rest of their roster. If anyone knows of injuries, tell us!
Brassil missed all of last season, but is back on the roster this year; she shot .383 threes in 09-10. Aldridge missed a chunk of last season, but if she's back to 09-10 form (she made .375 threes then), she'll be one of the best small forwards in the league.
Heather Pruemer, a strong post player, was with the team only part of last year and could be a starter this year.
Three other seniors, Wellbaum, Zeigler and Robert, are excellent players, their talents well-known.
Juniors Olya Cholewick (can play point and 2 guard) and Nikki Tipsword (sharp-shooting tall forward) are both very good.
Any of these eight players are good enough to be starters.
And surely some of the younger players are pretty good, if inexperienced at the varsity level.
I realize that any player's senior season is not necessarily her best season, but Coach Kerans usually gets the best from her players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on October 24, 2011, 07:06:12 PM
To all the CCIW women basketball followers, I am back on the sidelines as an assistant (again). Having a great time, but unfortunately, with a 30-game season, I will not be watching many CCIW games this season. I will miss both the games and the discussions. Sounds like, for the first time in a long time, IWU is not a lock to go to the tournament. With more parity, it should be quite exciting. Have fun.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2011, 01:46:31 PM
The CCIW coaches did their annual standings forecast :
http://www.cciw.org/news/2011/10/26/WBB_1026115740.aspx
Carthage - IWU - Wheaton - Millikin - Elmhurst - North Park - North Central - Augustana.
Each coach ranked the other 7 teams, not her/his own.
I can't dispute the order other than Millikin 4th; I see them as 2nd place.
But, it would be more fun if all 8 teams finish at 7-7 in conference play. This could be accomplished if all 56 conference games ended with the visiting team winning 101-98 in OT.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 27, 2011, 02:45:17 PM
Not sure how happy fans would be if they NEVER saw a home team victory! ;D

I sure hope the Titans will be prepared for the onslaught.  I've got a feeling a whole lot of teams are thinking "payback time"! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2011, 03:03:01 PM
I think you are correct, Mr Ypsi, regarding a wish for "payback," at least among a few of the other CCIW coaches.
However, a win against this year's Titans team has no relevance in terms of making up for losing to IWU during previous seasons. IWU's recent successes are "in the books" and cannot be altered.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 27, 2011, 03:07:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 27, 2011, 02:45:17 PMI sure hope the Titans will be prepared for the onslaught.  I've got a feeling a whole lot of teams are thinking "payback time"! ;)

On the contrary, Chuck, I suspect that the other seven head coaches, their staffs, and their players are all focused upon maximizing their potential and building solid teams that can compete for the CCIW title. Yes, Illinois Wesleyan has been the top dog over the past four seasons, but that's not long enough to form the sort of dynastic rule that engenders the focus of every other program in the league (think NCC in men's cross-country, or Wheaton in men's soccer prior to a half-dozen years ago).

The CCIW is a strong league that has a couple of other programs that've had long-term success (Millikin and Wheaton) and another that has become a legitimate regional power under Tim Bernero in Carthage. It is not a league that revolves around one team, and I'm sure that Mia Smith would be the first to agree.

IWU will mind its business, the other seven teams will mind theirs, and we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 27, 2011, 03:20:56 PM
Greg, I will respectfully disagree.  Some of the coaches and long-time fans will certainly recall that traditionally Wheaton and Millikin are 'Queens of the Hill', but for the players IWU has been on top their entire careers.  For players I suspect that is dynasty enough. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 27, 2011, 03:35:13 PM
I'm with Greg on this one. Every team in the league has the conference championship as it's goal, and at the very least wants to be in the top four. That doesn't change regardless of who the top dog is. Sure, IWU's recent success adds significance since every team knows playing the Titans is a big game, but I don't think "payback" is really part of the equation. Teams are focused on this season, not the last four.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 27, 2011, 03:44:31 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on October 27, 2011, 03:35:13 PMTeams are focused on this season, not the last four.

Precisely.

If anybody's got a bulls-eye on his back this year -- and I'm not altogether sure that any one coach really does -- it could be Tim Bernero. People really shouldn't give the preseason poll that much credence, but, nevertheless, they do.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2011, 03:55:32 PM
A number of CCIW coaches definitely would derive a little extra pleasure from a win over IWU, compared to a win over other schools. But, most of the league will not be gaining victories over the Titans this year anyway; they're still pretty good. And hardly anyone in the conference has the talent to beat them soundly (by 25 or 30).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 27, 2011, 04:16:34 PM
Rog, there's a vast difference between deriving extra pleasure from beating Illinois Wesleyan and contemplating "payback time" vis-a-vis the Titans right now in the preseason, when every coach in the league is focused upon her or his team and how it will perform over the course of the season.

I just think that Chuck is flattering his alma mater's program too much by implying that it's in the forefront of the minds of the other seven head coaches, their assistants, and their players on October 27. I think that I know enough about this league to be confident that everyone else is concerned with their own business and their own seasonal expectations at this point.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2011, 04:30:52 PM
There is quite a bit of optimism around the league, as evidenced by the coaches' comments this morning. Replay available here :
http://www.cciw.org/sports/2011/10/13/WBB_1013112928.aspx?id=698
And several coaches indicate a wish to play a higher tempo game this season. That I won't believe until I see more scores in the 80s and up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 27, 2011, 05:28:52 PM
All you need to know is the fact that in the chat every single coach but one brought up the word "defense" to know that it's going to be the same ol' grind-it-out, scores-in-the-50's-and-60's, Rog-hates-it style of CCIW ball that it's always been. ;) ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 27, 2011, 05:42:40 PM
And I'm sure Rog isn't thrilled that last year's National Championship game was won 64-55 by Amherst, thus legitimizing the "defense-wins-championships" approach of the CCIW coaches.  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2011, 07:14:00 PM
Amherst averaged 77.2 for the season, hardly a slow-it-down style. They averaged a steal every three minutes.
Incidentally, shall I list all the grind-it-out teams that did not win the national championship?
Can we agree that the entire purpose of defense is to regain possession of the ball, having allowed the opposition to score 0 (preferably) or 1 point ?
It is equally good to get the ball back within 3 seconds via a steal in a press or within 29 or 55 seconds via a defensive rebound. What you do with the ball on offense is a separate issue.
In recent memory, IWU has played the fastest style in the league, simultaneously playing very good defense, but certainly not in a grind-it-out manner. Conversely, just because a team plays slow offense does not make it a good defensive team.
Many people still judge a basketball team's defense by Opponent's Scoring Avg or perhaps Opponent's FG pct, both of which are not anywhere near the whole story.
Opponents Scoring average is nearly as much a by-product of how fast you play offense as it is of how good your defense is.
Opponent's FG pct does not take into consideration how many turnovers are induced by the defense. To be analytically useful, FG pcts must be separated into 2FG pct and 3FG pct -- then you can get a better understanding of what's happening. But, don't forget turnovers.
By far the best measure of a basketball offense or defense is Points Per Possession. Too bad its not in the box scores.
Sorry to bring them up again, but the NAIA Olivet Nazarene women almost always give up a higher FG pct than they shoot, even when winning (which they usually do). ONU also gives up around 85 points per game, yet no one who has ever played them would say that they relax on defense. Quite the opposite.
To state the obvious, you win by scoring more than the other team. You can win 48-44, 64-55 or 102-91.
When the 1981-82 Denver Nuggets set the NBA record scoring at 126.5 per game, they gave up 126.0 (46-36 W-L), a reporter suggested to head coach Doug Moe that his team had the worst defense in the NBA, to which Moe replied, "yeah, except for the rest of league when they play us."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 27, 2011, 08:24:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 27, 2011, 07:14:00 PM
Amherst averaged 77.2 for the season, hardly a slow-it-down style. They averaged a steal every three minutes.
Incidentally, shall I list all the grind-it-out teams that did not win the national championship?

I only mentioned that particular score because it was in the 50s-60s range and since it was the championship game I could throw in a "defense-wins-championships" reference.  :) I wasn't trying to comment on Amherst's overall style, of which I know nothing about.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2011, 10:35:10 AM
Backseat Driver, ya mean ya weren't trying to provoke me into lengthy ramblings? (ha) I've given you your first karma point!
In my wonderfully profound discussion of statistics, I neglected to mention free throws. Oops.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 28, 2011, 12:22:59 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 27, 2011, 04:16:34 PM
Rog, there's a vast difference between deriving extra pleasure from beating Illinois Wesleyan and contemplating "payback time" vis-a-vis the Titans right now in the preseason, when every coach in the league is focused upon her or his team and how it will perform over the course of the season.

I just think that Chuck is flattering his alma mater's program too much by implying that it's in the forefront of the minds of the other seven head coaches, their assistants, and their players on October 27. I think that I know enough about this league to be confident that everyone else is concerned with their own business and their own seasonal expectations at this point.

I didn't mean to imply what has been highlighted above.  But as the Titan games approach, I would anticipate a bit of extra motivation (and I would certainly not be surprised if many players around the league already have those dates, probably among some others, circled on their calendars).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 28, 2011, 05:48:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 28, 2011, 10:35:10 AM
Backseat Driver, ya mean ya weren't trying to provoke me into lengthy ramblings? (ha) I've given you your first karma point!
In my wonderfully profound discussion of statistics, I neglected to mention free throws. Oops.

I got so lost in your poetic statistical analysis that I didn't even notice.

Thanks for the karma point, although as a Wheaton grad I'm not supposed to put much stock in karma  ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2011, 06:48:13 PM
Aha, so you have revealed yourself (a little)!
I suspected a Wheaton connection when you (accurately) pointed out the importance of Bowen and Brooks in a recent post. Anyway, I hope you stick around and contribute a lot. Your writing is very coherent and your viewpoint is interesting.
The Thunder will be fun to watch again this year, with an excellent core of talented players. If they can solve the issues of rebounding and interior defense, they'll be very strong. That's still an "if" though. Some of the bigger newcomers may be able to help.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on October 29, 2011, 11:02:57 PM
For anyone who is not aware of what Mia Smith has been dealing with off the court...

http://wjbc.com/cancer-doesnt-slow-illinois-wesleyan-coach-mia-smith/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 29, 2011, 11:35:26 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on October 29, 2011, 11:02:57 PM
For anyone who is not aware of what Mia Smith has been dealing with off the court...

http://wjbc.com/cancer-doesnt-slow-illinois-wesleyan-coach-mia-smith/

Thanks for the info. My prayers are with Coach Smith.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 30, 2011, 05:04:45 PM
My support goes out to Coach Smith as well.  This was going to be a very different season for the Titans with all that amazing class of seniors graduating, but now this for Coach Smith will really make the season different and put into a whole another context and perspective.  I've heard her on several interviews now and she's talkiing very openly about her illness, using it as an educational and inspirational moment for her team, herself and for the community at large, especially for women.  I admire her greatly. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 30, 2011, 10:38:10 PM
D3hoops poll out.  IWU 17th, Wheaton and Carthage getting some votes, mention.  Seems too high for IWU and not showing enough respect to Carthage.  IMHO.  Of course, these pre-season polls don't mean awfully much.  Time and actual play will tell.  IWU has a tremendously tough pre-CCIW schedule with 8 out of 11 games on the road.  Would be amazed if they came out of that run better than about 7-4 or 8-3.  CCIW race looks much tighter at the top this year, with more teams contending. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 30, 2011, 10:57:12 PM
IWU's pre-CCIW schedule potentially includes five teams ranked in the DIIIhoops, pre-season top 25 . . . and a few more from the "receiving votes" category!  A tough road.  Talk about being "road tested" before the CCIW season begins!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on October 31, 2011, 08:46:25 PM
More on Mia Smith...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_8f5b62e4-0374-11e1-a878-001cc4c03286.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on October 31, 2011, 08:48:06 PM
IWU @ Blue Demons Tuesday...

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/103011aak.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on October 31, 2011, 09:44:09 PM
Sure seems like the D3hoops pre-season poll is not giving much respect to the Carthage program.  IMHO.  Looking forward to the season getting started, now only about two weeks away.

Good helpful review of the top 25 programs in the D3 hoops.com feature piece today.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 31, 2011, 11:36:41 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on October 31, 2011, 08:46:25 PM
More on Mia Smith...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/article_8f5b62e4-0374-11e1-a878-001cc4c03286.html

Thanks for the link, Q.  It must be a comfort to Coach Smith that if (God forbid!) any complications arise, her emergency backup is nearly as familiar with the personnel and system as she is, and has 667 wins! ;)  (And, regardless of success, would have no interest in stealing her job! ;D)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 01, 2011, 05:01:12 PM
WBCA preseason poll: http://www.wbca.org/blog/index.cfm/2011/11/1/20112012-PreSeason-DIII-Poll/ (http://www.wbca.org/blog/index.cfm/2011/11/1/20112012-PreSeason-DIII-Poll/)

Illinois Wesleyan #13
Wheaton #25
Carthage RV (14)

There's a few differences, but overall pretty similar to the D3hoops.com poll.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2011, 07:29:53 PM
Seems the WBCA poll has a bit more respect for, perhaps more knowledge of the Carthage program and they received more votes.  Wheaton too. 

Titans play a pre-season exhibition tonight at DePaul.  Could be a tough night for our women.  Part of the "road tested" process I mentioned earlier.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 01, 2011, 08:54:35 PM
Just took a look at the livestats for the IWU/DePaul exhibition. IWU trails at the half, 54-32. Not too shabby for playing the #19 D1 team. From the looks of it, IWU's 15 turnovers are responsible for the deficit, as the Titans are shooting 45% (9-20) from the field and 60% (6-10) from three-point range.

Starters for IWU:
Britt Hasselbring
Melissa Gardner
Olivia Lett
Michelle Bilek
Shelby Jackson
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2011, 09:52:47 PM
Yup, final on the exhibition with DePaul, Titans come up short, as expected, 59-92.  Olivia Lett has a nice game with 22 points.  But, surely trouble with the size of the DP team, and large number of Titan TOs, stopping points in the paint.  Good shooting percentages for the Titans, except for FTs.   A rather rude initiation, but one that will pay dividends down the road in the DIII season very likely.  Good experience under games conditions for some of the new starters, new players in the '11-12 rotation.  Better nights to come, no doubt. 

IWU men have their first scrimmage tomorrow night at The Shirk.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2011, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 01, 2011, 07:29:53 PM
Seems the WBCA poll has a bit more respect for, perhaps more knowledge of the Carthage program and they received more votes.  Wheaton too. 

There's only eight voters in the WBCA poll. It only takes two people voting to get a team in the Top 25 in that poll if the No. 25 team gets 26 points. But yes, usually they follow us, especially because we share a couple of voters in common.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2011, 11:28:37 AM
My best wishes to Mia Smith, too. Life sure makes us deal with some rotten stuff now and then -- yesterday a 53 year old neighbor of mine died, less than a month after another neighbor in his 50s passed away.
It sounds like Mia is going to be alright, which is excellent.
It is nice to read how superbly supportive her team is.
I'm certain she has received great amounts of encouragement from the other seven coaches in the league, too. They will still be competitors on the basketball court, of course. Mia certainly will be.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on November 02, 2011, 02:17:06 PM
QuoteSeems the WBCA poll has a bit more respect for, perhaps more knowledge of the Carthage program and they received more votes.  Wheaton too. 

That's an interesting observation.  Why do you think the WBCA polsters have more knowledge of Carthage and Wheaton?  I can't draw that conclusion from the list of voting coaches.

As Pat points out, it's a smaller pool of voters -- 25 versus 8 since Williams' coach doesn't vote.  It's harder, though not impossible, to gather more knowledge for a national poll when you have fewer participants. 

It's particularly hard when some of those participants see such a limited number of Division III opponents.  Coach Fulks of Lewis & Clark is on the panel, but the Pioneers only played teams from four conferences last year.  L&C played their NWC mates, a sub-.500 SCAC team (Oglethorpe), a couple SCIAC teams and Howard Payne.  If Fulks watched Coe play IWU at the regional final where L&C played last year, then she saw a couple more teams.  But I assume it's hard for her to see a large variety of Division III teams given L&C's geographic isolation.  Our poll tries to address problem by using multiple people in the same region.

Also none of the coaches on this year's panel played Carthage or Wheaton (Ill.) last year.  Coach Fahey of Wash U. is on the panel and she probably has some familiarity with the programs.  But why would the coaches of Scranton, TCNJ, St. Joseph's (Conn.), Allegheny, Guilford and Rochester have special knowledge of Carthage and Wheaton?

Carthage and Wheaton aren't unusual in this regard.  None of the voting coaches on the panel played Babson, Calvin, Lebanon Valley, UW-Stevens Point, Mount Union or Bowdoin last year.  Certainly or two may have seen one or two of these schools at tournaments, playing other teams on tape, etc.  But I think we've got a better chance at getting that kind of indirect information with 25 voters, some of whom have a lot of freedom to see different teams from different conferences throughout the season. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on November 02, 2011, 04:55:28 PM
A couple of random thoughts. In the ESPN preseason NCAA Division I men's poll for last season (2010-11), the eventual champion, University of Connecticut, cannot be found anywhere, even in the category of others receiving votes. Also a year ago, preseason polls had MSU as number 2 behind Duke. MSU finished 19-15 and were lucky to make the tournament. Predicting NCAA Division III, with a lot less information available, has to be much more difficult. Good luck to anyone that tries.

With this in mind (lol), I will give my thoughts on the CCIW women (2011-12) this season. Be warned, I openly admit that almost all of you regular bloggers know a lot more than I do about current rosters. I expect Millikin and IWU to fight it out with Carthage and Wheaton following. I suspect the difference between the top 4 teams and the bottom 4 will be substantial even though a couple of the bottom teams seem to making positive strides.

I would also like to comment on IWU's basketball schedule. IWU typically schedules very tough opponents for their pre-CCIW games, at least for the last several years; it is not just this year. Every year, I get the impression that Mia Smith's primary focus is not just on making the tournament by winning the CCIW, she is aiming to be national D3 champions. It seems pretty clear that she believes that tough opponents throughout the season help get her team ready. Keep in mind that this year's schedule was made a couple of years ago.

Good luck to all the teams, coaches and players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on November 02, 2011, 08:45:45 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 02, 2011, 02:17:06 PM

Carthage and Wheaton aren't unusual in this regard.  None of the voting coaches on the panel played Babson, Calvin, Lebanon Valley, UW-Stevens Point, Mount Union or Bowdoin last year.  Certainly or two may have seen one or two of these schools at tournaments, playing other teams on tape, etc.  But I think we've got a better chance at getting that kind of indirect information with 25 voters, some of whom have a lot of freedom to see different teams from different conferences throughout the season. 

A coach would have seen one or two of those??? I disagree. A coach from each region would definitely have seen the top-level from that region at a minimum... A coach could see a team play if they had common opponents, if they were close within an NCAA bracket (on tape or live), or if they played in the tournament near their area. For example, of the schools you mentioned, Fahey would have seen UWSP, Carthage, Calvin, Babson, Bowdoin, and Wheaton -- and probably MU.

Additionally, considering that basically the same teams are continuously in the tournament year after year, there is certainly tons of familiarity with programs and the talent that they are bringing back.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on November 02, 2011, 11:40:07 PM
Maybe I'm totally underestimating how many teams coaches monitor. 

In my conversations with coaches, many have a good sense for the teams they've played but not for those they haven't.  I've had coaches that vote in other national polls -- not the WBCA poll -- ask me what I think of other teams in their region and the adjacent ones because they've never seen them and don't know what to make of their record.

However, I did say that Fahey was likely to have some familiarity with Carthage and Wheaton. And I'm aware that she's played Mount Union and other teams in prior years. But I don't know why Fahey, who has a brutal schedule of her own to work through, would watch a lot of film on Bowdoin or even Babson, understanding the Beavers played Brandeis last year.

Even if Fahey has done so, I think she's the exception to the rule in a lot of ways. She's got a record of success and knows there's a chance that the Bears will play some of these teams in the NCAA tournament.  Her team plays a national schedule so she'll see a good sample of teams around the country by virtue of reviewing film from the other UAA teams. The same is true of Coach Scheible of Rochester, who's also on the voting panel.  Plus she's got a big coaching staff that would help her break down film. 

I don't think the same is true of all coaches on the WBCA panel.  For example, I'd be surprised if the coach for St. Joseph's (Conn.) has a lot of time or incentive to break down film on Carthage, Wheaton or George Fox.  Honestly, I'm not sure why she'd even watch much film on Amherst or Bowdoin since the Bluejays have never made the NCAA tournament and aren't likely to cross paths with those teams.  If you look at the schedules for some of the WBCA, they are very regional in scope.  Again, look at the Lewis & Clark schedule. What incentive or opportunity does that coach have watch film on Top 25 teams off the pacific coast?

All of that said, please don't interpret my comments to mean these coaches are uninformed or don't have valid and valuable opinions. And even if the WBCA coaches have only seen a couple teams that are nationally ranked, I trust these coaches to have very solid, informed opinions.  I've even talked to a couple of them in the past and solicited their opinion for my D3hoops ballot.

But, in my opinion, if the D3hoops has a couple voters in a region and the WBCA panel has one, we have a better chance of having more "knowledge" (to use the word IWU70 did) about a team than the WBCA panel does.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2011, 11:55:45 PM
Our poll has three voters from each region, except for the East, which has just two because of its size. New England has four.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on November 03, 2011, 09:09:10 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2011, 11:55:45 PM
Our poll has three voters from each region, except for the East, which has just two because of its size. New England has four.

D3hoops poll is the best, I just though gordonmann was underestimating how much of other teams coaches can see. Sometimes it's not who you play but who your opponents play. But of course, a lot of the WBCA voting would still be based on word of mouth and familiarity with the programs.

Quote from: gordonmann on November 02, 2011, 11:40:07 PM
However, I did say that Fahey was likely to have some familiarity with Carthage and Wheaton. And I'm aware that she's played Mount Union and other teams in prior years. But I don't know why Fahey, who has a brutal schedule of her own to work through, would watch a lot of film on Bowdoin or even Babson, understanding the Beavers played Brandeis last year.

Definitely not a lot of film, but WUSTL would probably have seen the play of Bowdoin (NESCAC finals film v Amherst) and definitely Babson (NCAA tournament film against Amherst) and Mount Union (NCAAs vs. Thomas More).

With that being said, D3hoops is the best poll... hands down.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on November 03, 2011, 01:47:58 PM
Good point. I hadn't thought about some of those opponents' opponents.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 03, 2011, 06:44:58 PM
The Augie girls are up to their usual trouble-making :
http://www.augustana.edu/x37271.xml
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2011, 11:39:16 AM
One factor that made Wheaton so good last year was they almost always had 3 or 4 players on the floor who could hit an outside shot, so they could score even when the opponents clogged the lane defensively.
They will have the same advantage this year, maybe better. The new roster shows that Lissie McAlvey and Jennifer Lee are back. Both were on the team a couple of years ago and will add more to the Thunder's outside shooting depth. I recall both of 'em being good all-around players.
Laura Karsten and Lee are not in the team picture; I'm guessing it's because they are on the soccer team and missed the photo session.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 04, 2011, 04:16:42 PM
Kudos to the Viking women for their work with Habitat! 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 04, 2011, 06:57:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2011, 11:39:16 AM
One factor that made Wheaton so good last year was they almost always had 3 or 4 players on the floor who could hit an outside shot, so they could score even when the opponents clogged the lane defensively.
They will have the same advantage this year, maybe better. The new roster shows that Lissie McAlvey and Jennifer Lee are back. Both were on the team a couple of years ago and will add more to the Thunder's outside shooting depth. I recall both of 'em being good all-around players.

Here's a full preview for the Thunder: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/11/2/WBB_pre.aspx

I will say this about Wheaton: if healthy, this team has a chance to be very, very good. As coach Madsen said in the preview, health is the biggest question mark, especially in the post. If Maris Hovee is healthy and the freshmen are able to learn and contribute quickly, this team will be very dangerous. Elisabeth Potts will also be key to the success of the Thunder frontcourt.

The post play will be tested early with matchups against St. Mary's (Nov. 15) and Chicago (Nov. 30). Both of those teams gave Wheaton a lot of problems last season and return pretty much everybody.

Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2011, 11:39:16 AM
Laura Karsten and Lee are not in the team picture; I'm guessing it's because they are on the soccer team and missed the photo session.

Yep, that's exactly right. The soccer team plays Illinois Wesleyan tomorrow night at 7 in the CCIW tournament championship game at Joe Bean Stadium.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 04, 2011, 07:42:34 PM
IWU Women scrimmage on Sunday 2 p.m. at the IWU Basketball "Fan Fest" -- at The Shirk.  Also a 3 point shooting contest, dunking contest by the men and the full 40-minute men's Green/White game at 3 p.m.   Come on out! 

Good luck to the Titan women vs. Wheaton in the CCIW tourney soccer final on Saturday.  Hope they can finally get over the hump and beat Wheaton this year!!!  AQ at stake. 

And, good luck to all the athletes and coaching staffs as they begin the upcoming basketball season.   Should be very exciting. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2011, 07:11:12 PM
Watched the IWU scrimmage today as part of Fan Fest. 

Impressions:

Returnees are very good -- Olivia Lett and Britt Hasselbring.  Doing their things.  Melissa Gardner also had a pretty good day.
Quite impressed with Lexi Baltes and Katy Seibring.  Ms. Seibring had a wonderful day shooting, hitting numerous 3s.  Good range.
Titans will struggle with rebounding and interior D, speed by the front court players against stronger teams. 
Hope Karen Solari can return and toughen up this part of the floor for the Titans.
With loss of the seniors of the last year, one notices that the overall footspeed is not as key a part of ths Titan squad as before. 
Didn't see any of the "run and jump" today, though I'm sure that is still in Mia Smith's arsenal, the Titans being the Titans.
Good luck to all the team members and to the coaching staff -- wishing everyone another very successful season . . .
And good health to all, esp. Coach Smith.
Looking forward to the season.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 07, 2011, 08:59:03 AM
Season openers:

Nov. 15
Millikin @ UW-Platteville, 6 p.m.
Wheaton @ St. Mary's (Ind.), 6:30 p.m.
Elmhurst vs. Coe, 7 p.m.
North Central @ Dominican, 7 p.m.
North Park vs. Benedictine,7 p.m.
Carthage vs. St. Norbert, 7:30, p.m.

Nov. 16
Augustana vs. Monmouth, 7:30 p.m.

Nov 18
Illinois Wesleyan vs. Coe @ UW-Eau Claire, 6 p.m.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2011, 11:24:18 AM
Carthage fell at Div I Marquette in Milwaukee, 64-38. Their 14 pt, 19 TO first half did 'em in. Judging from the Marquette roster, the Lady Reds were significantly out-heighted.
Diana Jacklin, one of our top CCIW players, did fairly well : 10 pts, 8 rebs, 2 steals, a block and only 1 TO in 27:00.
Both teams had rather crummy shooting numbers.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 07, 2011, 06:37:07 PM
Elmhurst preview: http://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2011/11/3/WBB_1103113124.aspx

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2011, 11:40:07 AM
Since there is no NCAA D3 item to report at the moment (where is that North Park roster?), let's veer over to Olivet Nazarene's women's team. Their box scores are usually amazing in one way or another. NAIA starts a little earlier than NCAA, so ONU has played two games already:
http://web.olivet.edu/sports/basketball/women/stats/2011/teamstat.htm
In last night's contest, ONU had a stunningly good ratio of points scored vs turnovers committed (125 to 12). That pretty much blows out of the water the old notion that you must slow things down to avoid turnovers.
Yeah, I did see that they committed 29 TOs in their first game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 08, 2011, 12:11:38 PM
Looks like ONU is approaching a "Grinnell system" style of play.  Pretty amazing.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2011, 12:24:21 PM
They do it better than Grinnell has done lately.
The December 12 IWU/ONU matchup should be interesting. Melissa Gardner will need to hit 12 or 13 fast break threes!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2011, 03:13:32 PM
North Park season preview :
http://www.northpark.edu/Athletics/Viking-News/Current-News/2011-12-Womens-Basketball-Preview
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2011, 07:41:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 08, 2011, 11:40:07 AM
Since there is no NCAA D3 item to report at the moment (where is that North Park roster?)

Been wondering that same thing myself for the past couple of weeks.

Quote from: RogK on November 08, 2011, 03:13:32 PM
North Park season preview :
http://www.northpark.edu/Athletics/Viking-News/Current-News/2011-12-Womens-Basketball-Preview

Having twenty players on the roster is a pretty heady development, considering how handicapped NPU has been in recent years by a lack of numbers. It was only two seasons ago that the Vikings were reduced to seven players for much of the season. The word is that this year's expanded roster, plus the addition of a grad assistant to take some of the coaching load off of Amanda Reese and Rachel Theodore, is going to allow NPU to field a JV team this season. I'm pretty sure that it'll be the first time ever that North Park has had a women's JV team, or at least the first time within the thirty-plus years that I've been around.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 09, 2011, 05:03:14 PM
As I think has been reported earlier, Karen Solari had to have additional knee surgery, so is likely out 'til late fall, or January.  This is a big loss for IWU as she was likely a starter, very good and tough rebounder and defender.  Latest news is that Shelby Jackson has mono and may be out for a time as well.  Perhaps some of the newbies will get initiation by fire now . . . I would bet on Katy Seibring getting more floor time, from what I saw in the scrimmage last Sunday.  Titans are going to be short on bigs, short on interior, frontcourt D and rebounding, IMHO. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 09, 2011, 10:20:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 09, 2011, 05:03:14 PM
As I think has been reported earlier, Karen Solari had to have additional knee surgery, so is likely out 'til late fall, or January.  This is a big loss for IWU as she was likely a starter, very good and tough rebounder and defender.  Latest news is that Shelby Jackson has mono and may be out for a time as well.  Perhaps some of the newbies will get initiation by fire now . . . I would bet on Katy Seibring getting more floor time, from what I saw in the scrimmage last Sunday.  Titans are going to be short on bigs, short on interior, frontcourt D and rebounding, IMHO.

Mark, is that an assessment for the season, or just until the 'walking wounded' return?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 10, 2011, 12:26:49 PM
Ypsi, the Titans need both of these players back to compete well in the CCIW.  Seems this year we have a great abundance of perimeter players, very good three point shooters, but not as much to anchor it all in the post, nothing like Christina Solari or Stacey Arlis of the past.  IMHO.  We are going to miss the toughness and consistency of Hope Schulte for sure.  Let's hope some of the newbies, esp. those playing the post, can take up these new roles.  Shelby Jackson and Karen Solari are big losses, as both would have been starting, playing tons of minutes in the frontcourt. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 10, 2011, 01:28:08 PM
Rog, I found out last night that the reason why the NPU roster isn't up yet on the North Park site is because the school is in the process of changing the athletic department's website software provider over to Sideline.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 10, 2011, 01:55:34 PM
Thanks, Greg. See you at KedzieFoster Arena Tuesday evening!
To iwu70 and Mr Ypsi : I did a little math, confirming your concern about IWU's post play. The Titans took 617 FT attempts in 33 games last season. The returning players took only 234 of them (Lett 85, Solari 57, Hasselbring 49, Jackson 13, Gardner 12, etc).
With Jackson and Solari missing, IWU will certainly seek lane scoring from others. In the 2011 summer league, I remember Amy Burton and Taylor Reaber being pretty aggressive to the basket. Taylor is listed as a guard, but she acted much more like a forward in the summer games.
Coach Smith may show the team some video of Claire Sheehan's many successful drives to the basket and instruct them : "Do that!"
I think the Titans will get rebounding from a variety of players, including Hasselbring and Baltes, both of whom averaged 17 per 100:00, which is excellent for point guards.
But yes, they do need Solari and Jackson.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on November 10, 2011, 04:19:51 PM
Hi folks,

I'm around, but pretty busy these days and probably won't be posting too much for a while.  I think rebounding and interior play was always going to be a concern; some of last year's players have a chance to step up big time right now!

Karen Solari is on campus and walking around just fine, so I doubt she'll miss much of the CCIW season.  She was back in class right after her second surgery. 

The campus is full of the walking wounded right now--I'm home with a cold--so it's not too surprising to hear about Shelby having mono. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: spencer1988 on November 13, 2011, 12:41:12 AM
I would like to see Amy Burton get a shot to replace Shelby Jackson.  She could give you some necessary rebounds  Then I think you can bring in Katie Seibring, Lexi Baltes, and Colleen McMahon off of the bench.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2011, 03:54:07 PM
Spencer88, may happen.  Titans are going to need some boards, interior presence badly.  I do hope Karen Solari and Shelby Jackson aren't out too too long.  The new perimeter players did play very very well in the scrimmage I saw. . . with some good long-range bombs, good movement on offence and defense.  But, as at some points in the past, not always wise to live and die by the trey.  I'm sure Mia is thinking of ways to better anchor the offense in the post somehow.  Against many teams, the Titans can run and press them off the floor, but with smarter, bigger and better ball-handling teams, the Titans will surely need some presence in the post that can hold down the space, provide interior defense and get the ball out to the running lanes.  We'll see.  It surely must be true that the Titans have one of the most difficult schedules pre-CCIW, if not the most difficult schedule in the country up 'til January. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2011, 02:04:22 PM
It's nearing tipoff time for the new season. Nervous seniors and confident freshmen will soon take the floor.
Good luck to all eight of our CCIW teams. No injuries allowed!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 15, 2011, 08:16:40 PM
At the half in South Bend:

St. Mary's 34
Wheaton 31

Given how the first half played out, Wheaton is in a good place heading to the locker room.

Wheaton has 15 turnovers, has given up 10 offensive rebounds, and shot just 6-13 at the charity stripe. If the Thunder fix these things they are in a good position to take this opener on the road.

Freshman Lauren Graham leads the Thunder with 13 points. Brooke Olson has 8 points and 3 assists.

St. Mary's post duo of Jessica Centa and Kelly Murphy combined for 17 points and 6 boards in the opening frame.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 15, 2011, 09:21:25 PM
Final:
St. Mary's 66
Wheaton 63

Just too many missed opportunities for Wheaton tonight. The Thunder turned the ball over three times in the final minutes, finishing with 26 turnovers overall. Wheaton shot 59% for the game but had 26 fewer attempts than the Belles due to the turnovers and allowing 16 offensive boards. Probably the toughest pill to swallow is the 14-27 effort at the foul line. Probably just some first game jitters.

Lauren Graham and Brooke Olson each with 17 points, Lindsey Brenneman and Maris Hovee had 12. A pretty balanced offensive attack from Wheaton, which finished 3-8 from long range.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 15, 2011, 10:03:48 PM
Other scores from tonight:

Elmhurst 78
Coe 70

Dominican 88
North Central 81

North Park 49
Benedictine 47

Carthage 61
St. Norbert 48

No final from Platteville yet, but Millikin trailed by double digits in the second half. If that held up, a surprising and disappointing loss for the Big Blue against the preseason #9 WIAC team
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 15, 2011, 10:13:40 PM
Platteville over Millikin 69-61, so a 3-3 start for the CCIW.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2011, 12:25:53 AM
NPU's win over Benedictine certainly wasn't pretty. The shooting of the Vikings made you want to cover your eyes; 31% from the field, 14% from downtown, and a horrific 38% (8-21) from the charity stripe. If the Vikings had shot anywhere near the vicinity of where they usually perform from the FT line, they would've won easily.

The missed shots pretty much ran the gamut: Blown layups, clanked bunnies, shanked midrangers, and a plethora of just-slightly-awry bombs. Two things allowed the Park to pull this one out. One was defense; the Vikings used their superior athleticism to harry BU all night defensively, and they did a great job of jumping passing lanes. The Eagles turned the ball over twenty times, twelve of them NPU steals, while the hosts only coughed it up eleven times. In fact, NPU's A:TO ratio was an uncharacteristically solid 10:11. The other major factor in NPU's favor was offensive rebounds; the Vikings grabbed an impressive 18 offensive caroms, to only five for the Bennies, en route to a 40-34 overall bulge in rebounds for North Park. Combine the steals and the O-rebs, and you can see why North Park put up 62 shot attempts to only 42 for Benedictine (and six more free throws than the Bennies, to boot).

Shooting will come and go on any given night (although I'd rather not think about NPU having another evening as nightmarish as tonight's from the FT line), but defense and rebounding are constants that will always keep a team in a game. It was good to see North Park do so well on D and on the boards, as it bodes well for the season.

Sarah Peterson led the way with 12 points. Aside from her FT shooting, which was as woeful as was that of her teammates', she played a very impressive overall game -- 4 rebounds (3 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals, and only one turnover. Roxie Jones, who did most of her damage in the second half, had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kamauria Acree looked rusty after a year off (as did backup PG Bridgette Gray, Kamauria's fellow injured-reserve-list refugee), but did contribute four steals. Shaina Yalda was more aggressive offensively than I've ever seen her.

Amanda Reese used eleven different players tonight, all of whom saw time in both halves, and that was in spite of the fact that the Vikings didn't have the services of senior guard Anti Collman (out due to a concussion). It's a whole new thing to see an NPU team with depth; it was only two years ago that the entire roster was down to seven women at one point. In fact, NPU played its first-ever women's basketball JV game this evening as well.

Not the most impressive of nights for NPU, but ... well, it's a start. And at least it's a win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2011, 01:35:22 PM
A few scattered items:
I was at the North Park win and can't add much to what Greg reported. While others players had their moments, Sarah Peterson was better than anyone else on either team. She has really made herself into a valuable player at both ends of the court.
Millikin committed 41 turnovers in their loss at Platteville.
In Carthage's big win over St Norbert, they limited the visitors to 15 second half pts : 2/19 2FGs, 2/10 3FGs and 5 FTs. Now that's a major defensive clamp-down!
North Central (lost 88-81 at Dominican) got a 14 14 game from Emily Collins and three newcomers combined for 8-for-10 3FG shooting. It's good news for the Cardinals to have several players contribute to a diversified offense, considering that they graduated top scorers from last year's team.
Finally, a nice start for Elmhurst, particularly Meghan Merklein, who led with 25 pts and 6 rebs. Devin Vaughn had 9 assists.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2011, 02:37:18 PM
Titan open Friday 6 p.m. vs. Coe @UWEC.  Let the games begin!!!

Good luck to Coach Smith and all the Titans.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 16, 2011, 11:58:35 PM
Augie was a 78-73 winner over Monmouth tonight

http://www.augustana.edu/athletics/wbasketball/stats/2011-12/12wbb01.htm (http://www.augustana.edu/athletics/wbasketball/stats/2011-12/12wbb01.htm)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2011, 10:46:44 AM
A good start for Augie. Judging from the stats, they must've been attacking the hoop a lot. They had 37 FT att and made .615 of their 2FG att (24/39). Their 26 TOs were a little high.
With 2 minutes left, it was tied at 68, but Augie finished strong(ly), scoring 10 in those 2 minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on November 17, 2011, 03:20:00 PM
I did catch the first half of the Coe-Elmhurst game. Elmhurst was incredible in the first half offensively. It moved the ball extremely well (extraordinarily well for a first game) and shot the eyes out. It was 4-8 on its 3s and even better on its 2s, i.e., many easy inside shots. Merklein gave Coe fits, but Elmhurst had 9 that scored in the first half alone. Unfortunately, the defense was not as impressive, particularly the interior defense, an area that has plagued Elmhurst for years. Elmhurst led by 10 at half when I left. I understand the lead got up to 17 with 17 minutes left. Elmhurst let that lead drop to 1 (of course, just to make it interesting) with 3 minutes left before it began to play again. The final score was 78-70 in favor of Elmhurst. For the game, Elmhurst hit 7-14 on its 3s.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 18, 2011, 10:57:13 AM
Lee Pfund Classic tips off this afternoon.

1:00- Claremont-Mudd-Scripps vs. UW-LaCrosse

CMS was 20-7 last year and returns 4 of their top 6 scorers. Today is their season opener. UW-Lax was picked to finish 5th in the WIAC after losing quite a bit from last year's Pool C team. The Eagles opened the season with a 63-52 loss to Loras on Thuesday.

3:00- Wheaton vs. Illinois College

Illinois College is making its second consecutive appearance in the Pfund Tournament. The Lady Blues were picked to finish 6th in the MWC and lost 88-76 to MacMurray in their season opener.

Today's losers face each other tomorrow at 1:00 while the winners square off at 3:00 in the championship game. Beth Baker will be honored at halftime of whichever game Wheaton participates in on Saturday. http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/11/17/WBB_BBREC.aspx (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/11/17/WBB_BBREC.aspx)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2011, 03:15:02 PM
Pgraph article today indicates three lady Titans are out, at least for 2-3 weeks.  Amy Burton will likely start today.  The Titans will need Karen Solari and Shelby Jackson back as soon as possible. 

Good luck to the Titans today as they begin the long long, 2011-12 season journey vs. Coe @ UWEC.  Another game tomorrow also @ UWEC.   A tough tough road, in the pre-CCIW portion, and probably not much easier after that either!

GO TITANS!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2011, 08:22:09 PM
Titans, leading Coe 66-60 with about 3 minutes to go.

Sad to say it appears Olivia Lett was injured, ankle.  :(

More shortly.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2011, 08:40:22 PM
IWU over Coe, 77-66.  Titans put on the pressure for steals, shot a better percentage in the second half and pulled away a bit in the latter 6-8 minutes.  This game was closer than the score indicates.  Titan post and interior players played pretty well.  Run and jump used to good effect.  Always good to win the first one.  Five players in double figures.  Titans likely play UWEC tomorrow.  Congrats to the Titans. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 18, 2011, 09:48:23 PM
Mark, try to get updates on Olivia's injury - with the schedule they've got coming up we sure could use her!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2011, 05:39:47 PM
No word on Olivia Lett.  Have to watch and see if she plays today, vs. UWEC. 

Good start for the Titans. 

Tough loss in football today.  A game of inches.  (and uncooperative zebras).   

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2011, 07:54:58 PM
IWU over a very good, very tall UWEC team, 78-69 to win their tip-off tourney as well.  Guess Olivia Lett is just fine . . . she had 26, Melissa Gardner 20, Britt Hasselbring 13.  Run and jump runs and jumps onward . . . good pressure on the bigger UWEC squad.  Nice 2-0 start to the season for these Titans.  This team has more perimeter game this year, but still playing tough D.  Amy Burton had a nice game too, scoring 8-9.  Will be nice to get the three strong Titans who are out just now, back to the team. 

Congrats to Coach Smith and her team.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 20, 2011, 10:23:17 PM
Millikin picked up a big win over #20 UW-Whitewater today, 78-73.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2011, 12:57:35 PM
Congrats to MU.  That's a nice win over UWWW. 

IWU plays them Tuesday night @WW.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2011, 07:21:54 PM
On Friday, I saw Wheaton cruise past Illinois College 66-38. The Thunder looked good in that one (although they managed only 43 pts the next day).
Without Karsten, they're emphasizing lane scoring (only 36 3FG att in 3 games so far). Or maybe opponents aren't allowing good 3FG looks.
One problem for them is 17 offensive rebounds in 3 games. But, they'll surely work on that.
And once Karsten is back, she'll probably attract the opponent's best defender, so the other Thunder players may find things a little easier. I think Wheaton will be in fine shape by January.
On Saturday, I saw North Central fall 57-49 to Trine.
Not quite sure what to expect from NC. It'll likely take a while to sort out combinations that work well. Several of the new players look like they'll be good contributors later in the season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 21, 2011, 07:45:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2011, 07:21:54 PM
Without Karsten, they're emphasizing lane scoring (only 36 3FG att in 3 games so far). Or maybe opponents aren't allowing good 3FG looks.
One problem for them is 17 offensive rebounds in 3 games. But, they'll surely work on that.
And once Karsten is back, she'll probably attract the opponent's best defender, so the other Thunder players may find things a little easier. I think Wheaton will be in fine shape by January.

I've only seen Wheaton for one half so far-- the second half of Saturday's tough loss against UW-LaCrosse. The Thunder were not getting very many open looks from anywhere in that one. The Eagles were pretty physical defensively. Wheaton fought back from an early deficit and tied the game at 37 with 5 or 6 minutes remaining (no boxscore available so I'm going off of memory), but UW-L hit a tough, contested 3 on their next possession and stayed ahead the rest of the way.

Very impressed by Lauren Graham in the post. She seals extremely well and she looks to score when she gets the ball. She and Maris Hovee are a formidable duo when not in foul trouble.

The rebounding stat is one of the biggest reasons why Wheaton misses Laura Karsten. She was the team's leading rebounder last year (4th in the CCIW). Having a perimeter player who rebounds like that takes a lot of pressure off of the posts. And you're right, she will help everybody out on offense just by being there.

Wheaton's tough schedule early on will be a benefit down the road. They should be right in the thick of things in conference play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2011, 12:24:23 PM
Congratulations to Meghan Merklein of Elmhurst, the first CCIW Player of the Week. Leading the Jays to a 3-0 start, she scored 22.3 per game and grabbed 25 rebounds. Her overall FG pct so far is .605.
Today's game at Elmhurst tips off at 5:00, by the way.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2011, 12:37:45 PM
That's a great first week for Meghan Merklein.  Nice numbers.  Congrats to her.  I thought Olivia Lett might win it with her really great first two games in WI.  I can see why Meghan is/was honored. 

How long is Kasten likely to be out, still playing soccer, right?  Is Wheaton in the national semis now?

Titans have a tough road game at UWWW on Wednesday night.  Thanks to MU for beating them earlier.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2011, 01:22:30 PM
iwu70, Kasten is recent Augie player Lani Kasten. Laura Karsten is the Wheaton player. She's in the soccer final four on December 2 and 3 in San Antonio.
I'm sure that Lett got some consideration for Player of the Week, as hopefully did players from Augie (3-0) and Carthage (3-0).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2011, 05:19:55 PM
Thanks, RogerK, for sorting me out.  Yes, I meant Karsten @ Wheaton. 

Good starts for Elmhurst, Carthage, Augie and IWU.  I'm sure Wheaton will be very tough when soccer ends. heh?  I wouldn't be too surprised to see three CCIW clubs ranked in the top 25 at some point this season. 

I'm off to watch the Titan JV, and Titan varsity guys, vs. Monmouth.  Campus is emptying out, students headed home for Thanksgiving break.  I'm sure the crowd tonight will be rather light. 

Happy Thanksgiving, good holiday break to all CCIW D3hoops chatsters.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 22, 2011, 08:40:02 PM
Wheaton 84
Aurora    51

Elisabeth Potts - 21 points in 24 minutes
Brooke Olson 15 points 7 assists
Lindsey Brenneman 9 points 9 boards
Lauren Graham 8 points 7 boards

Wheaton shot 44% from the field (30-68), 31% from 3-range (7-22), and 85% at the line (17-20). The Thunder out-rebounded Aurora 42-32.

Aurora is not a very good team, but a nice win for Wheaton going into the break. Hopefully the players don't eat so much that they don't leave enough room for an upset of #2 Chicago next Wednesday  :D

Other results:

Elmhurst 63 - St. Mary's (MN) 58

#11 UW-Stevens Point 66 - Millikin 45
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2011, 11:38:05 AM
Backseat Driver, I agree with your earlier post complimenting the play of Wheaton freshman Lauren Graham. While she may have some things to work on, she is already a good scorer in the lane.
I attended Elmhurst's game yesterday. They weren't at their best, but still won. Meghan Merklein got her 1000th career point early in the game.
Megan Ney's 10 2nd half points were very helpful. The Jays have a pretty good freshman small forward, Tess Godhardt : very athletic and does many things well. Like Graham, she can improve on a thing or two, but she's off to a good start.
For a number of weeks (months?), Elmhurst will be without Kim Schwerdtmann who was on crutches. They'll miss her speed and ability to thieve the ball from opponents.
Carthage edged Benedictine by 20.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 23, 2011, 02:00:13 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on November 22, 2011, 08:40:02 PM
Aurora is not a very good team, but a nice win for Wheaton going into the break. Hopefully the players don't eat so much that they don't leave enough room for an upset of #2 Chicago next Wednesday  :D

I saw Chicago last night. The Maroons barely beat Lake Forest at Ratner. Granted, it's only one game, but I was not impressed by them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2011, 09:49:10 PM
Tough weekend for NPU out in Colorado Springs. The Vikings coughed up a four-point lead in the final half-minute of the game to fall to host Colorado College yesterday, 74-72, and then dropped a contest to FDU-Florham today, 65-54, as NPU falls to 2-3 on the season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: WUPHF on November 27, 2011, 03:39:56 PM
A last second three by Hendrix prevents Illinois Wesleyan from doubling up the score.  Final 84-43.  Wow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2011, 09:50:07 PM
IWU went 1-1 at the tournament at Wash U, losing first to DePauw, the beating Hendrix easily.  Loss to DP was a "live by the three, die by the three" situation, and DP went on to beat Wash U in the tourney championship.  So, IWU is now 3-2 during the first two weeks of the season.  I believe they play U of Chicago @Ratner next.  Would be nice to get the injured and ill players back. . .   I'll be very happy if they end of 7-4 or 8-3 in this very tough pre-CCIW portion. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 27, 2011, 11:43:30 PM
Carthage got overrun by Chicago today, 66-45. I'm betting that today's performance by the Maroons is more indicative of their level of ability than the close game against Lake Forest.

http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2011/11/27/Womens_Basketball_1127114503.aspx

Wheaton welcomes the Maroons to King Arena on Wednesday evening. Wheaton leads the all-time series against Chicago, but the Maroons are 4-1 against Wheaton over the last five seasons.

2010-11 @ Ratner: Chicago 84, Wheaton 63
2009-10 @ King: Chicago 49, Wheaton 42
2008-09 @ Ratner: Chicago 66, Wheaton 55
2007-08 @ King: Wheaton 55, Chicago 47
2006-07 @ Ratner: Chicago 57, Wheaton 36

Chicago has won 22 straight regular season games heading into Wednesday and pretty easily dispatched of the CCIW's preseason favorite. Being at home is a big advantage for Wheaton, but they're going to have play at a consistently high level to win. Chicago is seemingly a more talented version of the UW-LaCrosse team the Thunder struggled to score against a week ago. Given Carthage's statistics from today, points could be at a premium for Wheaton on Wednesday. Wheaton is definitely capable of shooting a high percentage, and they will need to capitalize on their opportunities.

When Wheaton plays good, tough team defense they always give themselves a chance to win, especially at home. I expect to see an aggressive and opportunistic defensive effort from the Thunder.  Another key factor is keeping Maris Hovee and Lauren Graham out of foul trouble. Their defense against Taylor Simpson and Morgan Herrick will go a long way in determining the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2011, 01:36:27 PM
Backseat Driver, you are exactly right when you say that yesterday's performance is more indicative of how good the Maroons are than was their game vs Lake Forest.
I attended yesterday's and was quite impressed by how they shut down a good Carthage offense. The game was tied at 11, but then the U of C used a 26-5 run to get a big halftime lead.
Carthage did hold Simpson to 5 pts, held Morgan Herrick to 6 and Bryanne Halfhill to 5. Chicago can and did get scoring from a number of other players.
Some interesting stats from Millikin's 74-61 win over Carroll : 8 steals for Olya Cholewick; 18 pts, 8 reb, 5 steals for Cecily Aldridge.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2011, 06:44:02 PM
Congratulations to Natalie Runge, CCIW Player of the Week!
http://www.augustana.edu/x38194.xml
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 28, 2011, 07:37:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 28, 2011, 01:36:27 PM
Carthage did hold Simpson to 5 pts, held Morgan Herrick to 6 and Bryanne Halfhill to 5. Chicago can and did get scoring from a number of other players.

Certainly. The post is just where I expect them to focus against Wheaton. The Thunder just needs to play good team defense.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 29, 2011, 11:26:17 PM
The CCIW lost its remaining unbeaten teams tonight, as Elmhurst fell to UW-Stevens Point 65-48 and Augie lost to UW-Platteville 59-56 on a three-pointer at the buzzer.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2011, 11:29:23 AM
I spectatorially observed the Elmhurst game. A rather long scoring drought in the 3rd quarter did them in.
One big positive for the Jays was the play of freshman Fiona McMahon, who tallied an efficient 16 pts (6/9, 4/6 FT), adding 6 rebs, 2 steals and a block in 27:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2011, 05:13:57 PM
Carthage basketball player Drewann Pancratz wrapped up her stellar volleyball career by making it to the D3 final four and earning this recognition:
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2011/11/15/Womens_Volleyball_1115111043.aspx
Congratulations, Drewann!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 30, 2011, 09:57:07 PM
#2-Chicago 71
Wheaton 60

For starters, the final score does not do this game justice. It was a see-saw affair throughout with both teams controlling momentum at various times. Chicago didn't pull away until the final 2 or 3 minutes.

Some thoughts...

1. Elisabeth Potts is on fire shooting the ball right now. She is shooting 68% from the field and 67% (10-15) from beyond the arc. The only three she missed tonight was somewhat of a desperation shot in the final minute. Wheaton is tough to guard when she is shooting with confidence like she is right now.

2. Wheaton had the exact recipe they wanted for a win for about 36 minutes tonight: aggressive and opportunistic defense combined with good motion and ball movement on offense. The game got away from the Thunder down the stretch when these things were not as evident.

3. Dating back to last January's win over then #16-Carthage, Wheaton has shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country. Games like tonight are ones that the Thunder will need to win in conference play, and having the experience of playing a team like Chicago will help when the CCIW battles begin.

4. Even though I wouldn't say it ultimately affected the outcome of the game, the officiating was extremely poor tonight. I hate to get down on officials, but it really took away from the game.

I'm sure Wheaton's not into moral victories, but they really did put together 36 minutes of very, very good basketball tonight. I expect the Thunder to build off of the positives from tonight's game moving forward.


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 30, 2011, 10:15:52 PM
While CCIW women's hoops doesn't have the national respect of CCIW men's hoops, IWU dropped out of the Top 25 this week (and no one else from the conference replaced them).  Can anyone recall the last time NO CCIW team was in the Top 25?  I'm pretty sure IWU had held a spot for all of the last 3+ years, and either Wheaton or Millikin would have been there most (if not all) weeks for many years before.  I'm not (quite!) bored enough to check ALL polls going back forever, in case anyone simply knows the answer to this question! ;)

I'm reasonably confident the conference will get one (or two?) teams into the Top 25 before the season ends.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 01, 2011, 11:36:19 AM
Just an irrelevant sidenote to last night's Wheaton/Chicago game: In the recap on the U Chicago website it says that the Maroons now hold a 14-13 advantage in the all-time series against Wheaton, while according to the Thunder's media guide Wheaton holds a 17-12 advantage dating to 1960-61.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2011, 11:43:05 AM
There were two fabulous defensive plays in the Wheaton game.
W's Brooke Olson dove and intercepted a pass along the sideline, with all her momentum carrying her out of bounds; but while she was still in the air, she was able to fire the ball directly to a teammate.
Later, Chicago's Morgan Herrick leaped high to block a Wheaton shot (she wasn't even the primary defender on the play), retrieved the ball, dribbled downcourt (she's 6'2", but why wait for a guard?) and sank a fadeaway.
Of course, there was much other good defensive activity, including an impressive block by W's Breanna Bohlen.
Backseat Driver, I'll agree that Wheaton should be encouraged by how well they did vs a very strong opponent. They survived a 14-0 Chicago run early in the 2nd half, when the Maroons showed excellent energy (the sort of energy Chicago had for even longer stretches in their win over Carthage).
Wheaton should also be encouraged by the play of Maris Hovee, who did well (10 rebs in 24:00 for example) against some very good tall opponents.
And, the Thunder will soon enjoy the return of last year's conference player of the year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2011, 06:17:48 PM
Now IWU's turn to have a crack at #2 U Chicago.  They play the Maroons on Saturday, Dec. 3rd @ Ratner, 2 p.m.   Hope the Titans are able to put together a more complete game with the necessary rebounding, intensity and good three-point shooting.  Looks to be a very tough, challenging outing.

Thanks for the reviews of the Carthage and Wheaton games vs. U Chicago.  Chicago has a very tough, high-quality pre-conference schedule as well.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 01, 2011, 06:22:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 01, 2011, 06:17:48 PM
Now IWU's turn to have a crack at #2 U Chicago.  They play the Maroons on Saturday, Dec. 3rd @ Ratner, 2 p.m.   Hope the Titans are able to put together a more complete game with the necessary rebounding, intensity and good three-point shooting.  Looks to be a very tough, challenging outing.

Thanks for the reviews of the Carthage and Wheaton games vs. U Chicago.  Chicago has a very tough, high-quality pre-conference schedule as well.

IWU70

The toughest hurdle for IWU may simply be playing @ the Ratner Center. Chicago doesn't lose there very often.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2011, 07:15:02 PM
Here's a story about one of Chicago's top players :
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-spt-1130-hersh-colleges--20111130,0,1450945.column
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2011, 04:23:15 PM
Nice story on Ms. Simpson.  Hope she's applying for a Rhodes Scholarship. 

I'm sure the Titans will have their hands full at Ratner, without doubt.

Good weekend to all CCIW chatsters.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2011, 05:47:43 PM
Titans played UC tough today at Ratner, but came up just short, 80-77.   That's a great performance vs. the #2 ranked Maroons on their home court.  Olivia Lett had a career day, a career high 30, with 10 rebounds.  I think the Titans are going to be very tough in CCIW play, after this initiation by fire, mostly on the road.  I think Mia and her team need a little home cooking.   Congrats to Olivia Lett on one heckava game.

I'm off to see the Gorlocks vs. Titans, at The Shirk.  Titan men need a win after two pretty tough, even dismal outings on the road in cheeseheadland.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2011, 08:47:47 PM
NPU fell to Purdue-Calumet today, 65-60. It was not as tough a loss to endure as others have been; the Peregrines are one of the better teams in NAIA-2, and the Vikings were without the services today of Roxie Jones, who is out with a concussion. NPU cut a fourteen-point deficit down to a point, PUC went on another run to get the lead back up to double digits, and the Vikings got to within five again before a couple of bad turnovers gave PUC the necessary breathing room to escape with the win.

Sarah Peterson probably won't get Player of the Week, since North Park lost, but she certainly earned it: 25 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks. Kamauria Acree added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Next up for NPU is Greenville on Tuesday night.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 04, 2011, 12:59:08 AM
Wheaton 61
Oshkosh  58

Oshkosh hit 11 of its first 13 shots to open up a 24-18 lead midway through the first half, but Wheaton weathered the onslaught and picked up a nice win on the road.

Lauren Graham - 20 points, 7 rebounds
Lindsey Brenneman - 16 points, game-clinching free throws with 2 seconds left
Elisabeth Potts - 8 points, 9 rebounds
Maris Hovee - 9 rebounds, 7 assists

Wheaton plays at winless Clarke on Monday, so no practice time to prepare. Clarke got dismantled by Carthage last week, 67-32.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2011, 12:17:58 PM
I saw that IWU at Chicago game. As iwu70 wrote, Olivia Lett had a very good game, scoring 30; just about all of her shots were taken under major defensive pressure. Nice work, Olivia.
North Central's Helen Muleya is off to a good start. In their most recent game, she had 13 pts (3/3 FG, 7/9 Ft), 5 rebs, 6 assists and 6 steals in 25:00. Through 6 games, she has 21 steals.
Elmhurst's Meghan Merklein had another sharp game (27 pts, 10 rebs) including 10/10 FT.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2011, 02:11:46 PM
Congratulations to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Olivia Lett.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2011, 09:26:43 PM
My congrats to Ms. Lett as well.  Super.  Well done.  Still a loss at UC, but a very good performance on the road. 

Hope the Titans are back to full strength by conference play.

Again, 8-3 or 7-4 is going to be tough.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 05, 2011, 09:46:50 PM
Wheaton 57
Clarke    43

Not the prettiest game, but the Thunder got the job done when it mattered. In his postgame interview the Clarke coach claimed that the Crusaders "gave [Wheaton] an early Christmas present" and "beat themselves," which isn't really what happened. What actually happened is that Wheaton is a much better basketball team and they played like it down the stretch. Wheaton trailed 38-35 with 9:46 to play but then outscored the hosts 22-5 the rest of the way.

Lauren Graham - 15 points, 6 rebounds
Lindsey Brenneman - 13 points, 12 rebounds

Next up for Wheaton is Simpson College on Saturday at King Arena. The four-time defending champions of the IIAC are 5-1 so far this season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 06, 2011, 11:05:16 PM
NPU breezed past Greenville tonight, 76-52. I'm pretty sure that the Vikings set at least two school records tonight, as sixteen players saw the floor and fourteen of them scored. Sarah Peterson continued to excel, scoring 21 points (she was 5-5 from beyond the arc in the first half) and adding four steals and three blocks. Kamauria Acree just missed a double-double, finishing with 10 and 9, while Roxie Jones returned from her concussion hiatus to score 10 points in only 10 minutes of play.

The Panthers are not a good team by any stretch of the imagination, but NPU nevertheless looked very strong on defense, very opportunistic. They had 19 steals, as Greenville turned the ball over 35 times, while the Vikings themselves had a better than 2:1 A:TO ratio as a team (21 assists, 10 turnovers).

Next up for NPU is a game at Kalamazoo next Monday evening.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2011, 03:25:55 PM
To this point, the composite conference record is 35-20. I have no idea if the median opponent is of normal strength or not-so-good.
The biggest margin of defeat among those 20 losses is only 23 pts (twice) and those were losses to Wash U and DePauw. That is not to say that some opponents couldn't have won by more, but it's probably a good sign that no one has been really thumped.
Hopefully, this means that there aren't any crummy teams in the CCIW this year. It would be fun to have all eight teams remain in contention for the four conference playoff spots for the whole season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2011, 06:49:24 PM
It does seem the CCIW race will be more even this year.   IWU has to get all its squad back and healthy.  They could come into CCIW play anywhere from 5-6 to 8-2 or 7-4.  Such a tough pre-CCIW schedule, with 8 out of 11 road games.  Seems to me from what I've seen that the conference championship will come down to  Wheaton, Carthage or IWU.  Titans have another tough game this Saturday, UW SP @ Shirk @ 2 p.m.  Finally some home floor games.  ONU (and their running/gunning system) Monday night @ Shirk, 7:30 p.m., then USF @Shirk, 5 p.m. on the 17th.  Exams are over tomorrow.  The campus is exhaling and clearing out bigtime. 

Happy holidays all.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2011, 12:43:59 PM
iwu70, happy holidays unto yourself too!
If you attend the IWU game Monday night, here are some things to bear in mind.
A typical ONU game has maybe 60 or 70 minutes worth of possessions crammed into 40 minutes. They average 103.8 (through 10 games; they play today and Saturday), but don't let that average make you think that they have the best, most efficient offense in the land. This year, they are making only .267 of their threes (163/611), a good .497 of their 2FGs (198/398) and .619 at the line (153/247 FTs).
Their opponents are shooting .464 on 2FGs (282/608), .247 on 3FGs (41/166) and are shooting 22.7 FT att/game.
ONU is being outrebounded 62.8 to 55.3.
I think their great strength is their defense, which may not sound right to some people, since they give up 83.9 a game. They are inducing 40 TOs per game. One guard has a fabulous 32 steals in 132 minutes played!
It should be a fascinating game. I was very impressed by IWU's performance at the U of Chicago; they'll need similar energy on Monday.
IWU's scorer's table better be ready for a challenging game, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2011, 03:53:09 PM
RogerK, yes, I'm hoping to catch the three IWU women's home games upcoming.  ONU does sound like a totally unique "system," if that is the word for it.  Sounds more like a madhouse.  IWU will have its hands full for all three of these games, IMHO.  Hope they can come out on the positive side in 3 out of 3 or 2 out of 3, then two more games over the Christmas break.  What a run for these under-womened Titans.  This tough ONU-IWU matchup sounds like a madhouse vs. "run and jump," -- though not sure the Titans have the horses right now to try that style for 40 minutes.  We'll soon see.

Happy Holidays!

IWU 70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 09, 2011, 10:37:21 PM
Tonight's results:

Dubuque 63
N. Central 60

Cards scored just 17 points in the second half.

Millikin 58
Ill. College 40
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 10, 2011, 08:47:43 PM
Rough day for the projected top 3 in the CCIW. Elmhurst and Millikin picked up victories.

Elmhurst 78
St. Catherine 67

Millikin 73
Fontbonne 52

Simpson 56
Wheaton 52

Wheaton led 50-46 with 2:46 to play. Laura Karsten made her debut; 8 points, 4 boards, 4 assists in 22 minutes off the bench.

Stevens Point 82
Illinois Wesleyan 68

Looks like IWU actually led for a good chunk of this game, but the Pointers turned on the jets midway through the second half.

Coe 63
Carthage 57

Elmhurst knocked off Coe earlier in the season, so the Bluejays might be more of a contender than we thought coming into the season.

Central (IA) 84
Augustana 76

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2011, 01:00:08 PM
Yes, IWU had the lead by about 8 in the first half, after a very poor start.  But, UWSP came back late in the first half to lead at the break by one.  Basically, IWU played strong, quite well, did alot of "run and jump" and had SP down but couldn't put them out.  In the second half SP got the lead with about 4 minutes into the second half and never gave it up.  IWU stayed within about 4-6 points until about 4-5 minutes to go when SP pulled away, mainly by better solving IWU's press and by getting the ball to their big post players more often for easy scores.  Seems the Titans ran out of gas a bit in the final 4-6 minutes.  SP hit their FTs very well, and pulled away.  This game was much closer than the score indicates, but still SP was the better team on the day.  They did a pretty good job holding Olivia Lett to 11.  Seems to me that IWU needs an offensive scheme to get Lett more isolated on the wing.  In this game, she often got the ball at the top of the key and tried to create against the heart of SP's defense, often with 3 even four defenders around here.  Not a high percentage play or placement on the floor.  IWU played their hearts out on D and shot the ball quite well.  But, SP just had too much size, too many horses off the bench, and finally did play a better against the Titan pressure, which in the first half had created good turnovers and points off of the defense.  If UWSP is #7, then the Titans are not far from top 25, but the schedule they are playing now has to be tough to take, a real killer.  ONU tonight, and St. Francis next weekend before the Christmas break trip.  7-4 is going to be very tough.

At the game, the announcement was made that next Saturday the Women's program will be hanging their 4th place DIII tourney banner in the rafters of The Shirk for last year's successes -- this during the double header with the men, vs. Wash U.  So, would be nice to have a huge turnout for that ceremony and also to support the women and the men in their games before the Christmas break.  Women play St. Francis and the men Wash U -- Men vs. Wash U at 3 p.m., Women at 5 p.m.  I think the banner hanging event is just before the Women's game.  Not completely sure. 

ONU and its wild Grinell-like pace and scheme come into the Shirk tonight.  Hope the Lady Titans were able to get a few good nights of sleep since the game on Saturday vs. UWSP.   They must be exhausted from their grueling pre-CCIW schedule.  On Saturday I was most impressed with Amy Burton and Melissa Garnder, both with good strong games.  Britt Hasselbring had a good all'round floor game and  handled the ball and the offense very well.  Without doubt, this IWU team is going to be tested and hardened for the CCIW schedule to come. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2011, 10:54:05 PM
Final from southwestern Michigan:

North Park 67
Kalamazoo 41

NPU won this one going away, holding the Hornets to only 15 points in the first half and 26% FG shooting on the night. Amanda Reese once again was able to empty her bench early; nobody played more than 25 minutes, and all sixteen players who dressed for the Park got into the game, with thirteen of them scoring. Bridgette Gray led the Vikings with 10 points, while Kamauria Acree was the leading rebounder with seven.

NPU's next game is Saturday afternoon against Dominican. The Stars will be a step up in class for the Vikings over their last two opponents; Dominican will come into the game with a 6-3 overall record and a share of first place in the NAthCon South at 4-1.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 13, 2011, 01:12:48 AM
YIKES!!  The new poll is out: not only does the CCIW not have a team in the Top 25, we don't have a team receiving even one vote! :o

If this has ever happened before, I can't recall it.  Let's step it up!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2011, 12:46:48 PM
A remarkable game at the Shirk last eve.  IWU over ONU 126-98, setting all kinds of records for points scored, total points scored, field goals and assists etc.  It was more like a track meet than a basketball game.  My hat is off to the Titans for weathering the storm of ONU's pressure and 50+ 3 bombs from ONU and breaking their press consistently and well, leading by over 30 in the second half.  My hat is also off for the athleticism and fitness of both teams.  Truly amazing.  ONU throws a new five into the fray every 3-4 minutes, so it is pretty intense throughout.  But the Titans were the much much better team this time.  Special kudos go to Britt Hasselbring, Karen Solari and Olivia Lett who all had excellent games in the rough and tumble of the ONU onslaught!  This may be the turning point in the IWU season, getting back to amazingly high-quality play against an excellent, if unusual opponent.  Titans are now 4-4.  (all four losses to top 25 teams).  Kudos to Coach Smith and her staff for preparing the Titans well for this game.  Lett had 27 and 4-5 other Titans also in double figures.  I was sitting next to the person doing the "live stats" and I think his fingers are now down to stumps. 

IWU plays U of St. Francis on Saturday, the 17th, at 5 p.m.  The banner raising ceremony will be just before this game, between the men's Wash U game and the women's contest vs. USF.  Another excellent banner in the rafters of The Shirk.  Congrats to the team members of the 2010-11 team, clearly the best in IWU women's basketball history so far. 

Congrats to Titan Eliud Gonzales on the men's side for CCIW Player of the Week! 

IWU70 

P.S.  Ypsi, I think CCIW will get a ranked team once it is clear who is leading the conference race.  But, the pre-CCIW schedule has not been easy or kind to any of the leading teams this year.  Several have commented that the CCIW is "down" this year on both the men's and women's sides.  I'm not so sure about that, as I think Augie and Wheaton, and perhaps IWU on the men's side will still be very competititive come tournament time.  Will one or two of them go far in the national tournament, well, who knows?  On the women's side, I'm pretty sure Wheaton, Carthage and IWU are easily good national tournament-level teams, should they qualify via the AQ or at-large picks.  IWU will certainly come in, if they make it, very battle-tested, hardened by the toughest of competition in pre-CCIW and also CCIW race play.  These teams may come in with 5-8 losses.  It's going to be a very exciting season, conference race.  Stay tuned.  ms
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2011, 02:19:33 PM
In addition to those complimented by iwu70, most or all of the rest of the Titans did quite well last night. Lexi Baltes, Melissa Gardner and Colleen McMahon were excellent contributors in the vital area of ballhandling.
Mia Smith gets applause for preparing her team very well; the Titans were very sharp mentally and maintained excellent energy. At the defensive end, IWU allowed Olivet Naz only a few good "looks" at the basket from either 3 land or closer in.
ONU's coach by now probably regrets scheduling IWU for the Tigers' 3rd game in 4 days (the other 2 in Ohio). ONU was the tired team this time. They usually wear out the other team, but it was IWU who wore them out.
The Titans got a good scoring boost off the bench, too, including a combined 32 pts in 27:00 from Taylor Reaber, Katy Seibring and Amy Burton.
IWU gave up 98 pts, but no one in the gym would suggest that they were  deficient defensively. It was just a very fast-paced game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on December 14, 2011, 09:23:01 AM
I was at the Elmhurst game last night; they played Rockford at home. When I walked in the door, there was 17 minutes left in the half, and Elmhurst was up 9-0. With 13 minutes left, it was 20-0. Almost everything was coming from the inside, mostly easy baskets (think of layups in warmups). With 12 and half minutes left, Rockford finally scored. Still, Elmhurst smartly kept going inside and scoring literally at will. With three minutes left in the half, Elmhurst was up 24. I was planning on leaving at the intermission. Then, Elmhurst stopped playing defense, and Rockford scored the final ten points of the half, the last two clearly coming after the buzzer. (Why the other two refs did not confer with the official that called the shot good is a mystery to me. This is typical in college.) At the half, the score was 36-22. Tess Godhardt for Elmhurst had 15 points on 7-8 (inside shots); Merklein had 7. There were just 9 threes attempted by the two teams; Elmhurst made 1-3, Rockford was 0-6. There was only 10 fouls called, 5 on each team. The low number probably had something to do with the general lack of defense by both teams. Rockford, which has struggled this year with a very thin team (i.e., not many players in total and few that can score), showed me something in those final minutes, and I decided to stay a while longer. Believe it or not, Rockford whittled the lead down to 10 with 18 minutes left. That was it. They never got any closer. The final score was 61-46. The second half was essentially a draw. As in the first half, most of the points came from the inside.

For the game, Tess Godhardt had 21. Merklein (who played 37 minutes) and Ney both netted 12. Fiona McMahon was force on the defensive boards, taking down 13. While I have not watched much basketball this year, it appears that Elmhurst can clearly score in multiple ways. When January arrives, they will clearly have to improve their defense, especially in the interior, if they plan on making the playoffs.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2011, 11:09:49 AM
Congratulations to Millikin's Heather Pruemer, CCIW Player of the Week!
Augustana, by the way, picked up their 7th win, a 33 point margin over Aurora. Augie ruled the rebounds, 59-23! It's starting to look like Augie will have a better season than last year's 7-18 (ha).
Carthage sped out to a 50-14 halftime lead and upended Beloit 79-49. The very reliable Cailee Corcoran scored 16 in her 20:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 17, 2011, 07:05:43 PM
IWU is finally getting a break from such a tough schedule: St. Francis.  The Titans jumped out to a 20-6 lead and kept their feet on the gas pedal - it is now 48-27 at the half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 17, 2011, 07:16:31 PM
Actually, I just learned that St. Francis is on an 8-game winning streak (though I have no idea the quality of the opponents).  Perhaps it is not a break in the tough schedule, but rather a break-out game for the Titans! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 17, 2011, 07:53:23 PM
Final: IWU 83, USF 64.

The Titans never trailed, and led by double-digits for the last 34 minutes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2011, 10:59:03 PM
North Park 73
Dominican 53

Roxie Jones: 14 pts
Antionette Collman: 11 pts, 11 rebs
Dana Christensen: 11 pts
Deima Thompson: 10 pts

NPU cruised to a surprisingly easy win against Dominican today. I thought that the Stars would put up more of a fight, as they came into the game with a 6-3 record, but the Vikings clearly outclassed them. The Vikings executed their halfcourt offense very well today, played very strong defense, and absolutely killed the Stars on the boards, 46-26. Anti Collman had one of the best games of her career, and Deima Thompson brought some impressive energy into the game; she didn't even play in the first half, and she got her ten points in only ten minutes of game time in the second half. Also good to see Dana Christensen getting her shooting stroke back, as the Park will need it badly when it faces Chicago in a couple of weeks (and then CCIW foes following that game).

NPU travels to Aurora on Tuesday evening for the team's final game before Christmas. The Vikings are now on a roll, having won their last three games by 20 or more points, and it'd be great to see that continue against the 2-9 Spartans on Tuesday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2011, 02:05:04 PM
Yes, the Titans way way too much for USF last Saturday.  I watched the game after the wonderful ceremony to "raise the banner" in the rafters of the Shirk, for last year's Final Four team.  (Check out the picture on the IWU official sports website).  Great to see all the seniors of that group back, good wishes from all the fans, and well-deserved appreciation to that most successful and winning team, with four straight CCIW championships and the home Final Four appearance under their collective belts.  Great stuff!!!

USF only had 7 players to the floor and IWU was able to run in and out, run and jump with 15 players in the first half alone.  It was never close.  IWU is gaining strength, getting all the needed players back from injury and illness.  Olivia Lett, Melissa Gardner and Britt Hasselbring all had very strong games.  Olivia had 21, Melissa shooting the three ball well, and Britt running the floor, running the show, defending and dishing.  The best development of course was the full return of Karen Solari who started her first game since coming back from her knee injury and surgery.  She had a strong game, rebounding, defending and scoring 9 points.  Now Mia can share post time with Shelby Jackson (also getting back to full strength) and Amy Burton.  Both played well for their minutes, in the 10-15 minute range.  Good to see all the key players coming back, getting healthy, off the injured reserve list!   Olivia Lett is such a skilled a player . . . and all the others are gaining in confidence, and in knowing their roles and strengths.  Good things will continue to come to the Titans during the CCIW season. 

Not sure if 7-4 is possible for the pre-CCIW phase, but I'm beginning to believe it might be.  The Titans played very well against a very out-girled squad in USF.  It was an easier win than I expected given the recent successes of the USF team.

IWU now has two games in California, (at Whittier) in late December, before returning to open the CCIW season on January 4th vs. Wheaton.  From the frying pan into the fire, it would seem.

Again, thanks to Mia, her staff and all the team members for some very skilled and spirited basketball so far, esp. that remarkable "track meet" game vs. ONU, an incredible 126-98 marathon game.  Amazing.  Record setting.   

Go TITANS!!!  Keep it rolling . . .

Happy Holidays and safe travels to all.  Have fun in sunny Souther California . . . bring home two Ws. 

IWU 70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2011, 04:05:42 PM
Big congrats to Olivia Lett, CCIW "Player of the Week" for a second time this young season.   I guess the NAIA style-of-play agrees with this talented Titan. 

Merry Christmas, Olivia!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2011, 01:44:15 PM
The CCIW has won 13 in a row, bringing the composite record to 51-25.
Augustana finished its non-conf schedule at 8-3.
Elmhurst upped their's to 9-1 last night.
Millikin notched 2 more wins, thanks in part to fine play from Crystal Zeigler : in 35 total minutes, she tallied 27 pts and 18 rebs. Plus, she can list the 50 state capitals according to relative humidity (I just made that up, but maybe she could).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 21, 2011, 12:49:00 AM
Final from the western suburbs:

North Park 80
Aurora 55

Dominikque Williams: 13 pts
Kamauria Acree: 12 pts
Roxie Jones: 11 pts
Antionette Collman: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Deima Thompson: 10 pts

Aurora's very bad -- the Spartans are now 2-10 and were blown out previously by Wheaton, Augustana, and North Central -- so this score doesn't surprise me. Given Aurora's helter-skelter style of play, I'm just happy that the Vikings got out of Thornton Gym and back on the bus injury-free. No Viking played more than 23 minutes, as for the fourth straight game Amanda Reese was able to play all sixteen of her players. That streak will come to an abrupt end ten days from now, of course, when NPU (6-4) tangles with undefeated and second-ranked Chicago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 29, 2011, 05:50:57 PM
At the half, IWU 32, Whittier 27.  MAYBE!

On livestats, the picture is the IWU Titan, but the name is Regis, and the players in the box score are definitely NOT Titans, so (although all other indications are that it is IWU playing at Whittier) take the score with caution!

I've seen many screwups with livestats, but this is a first! 8-)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: TitanPride on December 29, 2011, 06:00:57 PM
And the Titans are playing King's College @ Whittier, no?  Lots of confusion!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 29, 2011, 06:38:53 PM
Yeah, IWU plays at Whittier tomorrow night.  Tonight's score was Regis at Whittier (they got the logos mixed up, apparently!)  IWU does play King's starting about 7.  (In case anyone cares, Regis is up on Whittier by 7 with 2 minutes to go.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2011, 12:07:11 AM
Regis beat Whittier by 5.

In news more relevant to this board, IWU beat King's by 22!

Considering the quality of the Titan's losses, I'd expect that they will start sneaking back into ORV very soon (though with FOUR losses, however good the opponents, it may take a while to actually re-enter the Top 25).  I think this IS (yet again) a tournament team, though I'll reserve judgment on how far they can get.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2011, 12:17:15 AM
An amusing tidbit from the box score: attendance was listed as ZERO!

O c'mon - it can't have been THAT bad! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 30, 2011, 11:53:10 AM
Attendance was pretty bad, Ypsi.  Probably primarily parents (they couldn't be seen as the camera was practically looking down on the court, but they could be heard).  My husband and I have a certificate for a free companion flight on Delta, but they didn't open up any eligible flights until a week or so ago, at which point we'd already made plans for this week.

I missed the first few minutes of the game, and it sounds like that was a good part to miss.  It was the Olivia Lett-Shelby Jackson-Melissa Gardner show for the comeback.  Everyone played her part, though.  The trapping defense frustrated the Monarchs like crazy.  Good show by the underclass players, especially Taylor Reber.

I don't like to be harsh on student announcers--I'm grateful to have the video--but the Whittier broadcast was pretty amateurish.  The score banner was labeled "IWC" and the student announcers at first were pronouncing the name of the state as IlliNOISE.  Seriously!  Finally, the play-by-play guy took until the second half to even begin to try to put names on the players.  "Another three for number 10!"  "Number 23 is all over the court!"  They were obviously Whittier students, and equally uninformed about the Monarchs, but a few minutes of scanning the program during warmups would have done wonders.  The color guy did better with names, and by the time the starters checked out they knew them.  Hopefully they'll do better tonight--again, it's good to see the games and having a broadcast is better than IWU is doing at the moment!

Rant over.  Happy New Year, all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on December 30, 2011, 05:35:20 PM
A little farther east, I had a chance to watch Carthage play UW-River Falls yesterday. I was very impressed by Jacklin's shot blocking ability. We talked with Coach Bernero and her after the game.  You can see the post-game interview here.

http://www.d3hoops.com/classic/2011-12/interviews

PS - I'm familiar with the teams in King's conference (MAC Freedom). I think King's will finish somewhere between second and fifth, but the top five are pretty tightly packed together. None are Top 25 worthy but they aren't terrible either.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2011, 09:11:05 PM
Livestats has not updated in 5 minutes, with IWU up 86-56 over Whittier with 19 seconds remaining.  I'm gonna take a wild guess and say the game is over and the Titans won! ;D

All 15 players not only saw action, but got on the score score - the only two without points each had a rebound.  IWU finishes the non-con portion of the schedule at 7-4.  Not great, but considering the opponents, not too shabby.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2011, 09:26:45 PM
Chicago 65
North Park 49

The Vikings gave a game effort, but shot too woefully to compete tonight. Up by five at the half, 29-24, Chicago went on a 7-0 run to start the second stanza and never looked back. NPU was unable to get any closer than nine from that point onward.

The Vikings did hold the Maroons below their season averages in points, FG percentage, and trey percentage ... but their own shooting, except for the sparkling 20-21 performance at the charity stripe, was awful. NPU shot 26% (13-50) from the field, and 20% (3-15) from downtown. That's just not going to get it done against the #2 team in the nation. I suspect that Chicago's defense had a lot to do with it, but the execution simply has to be better from North Park's end against an opponent of that caliber. Chalk it up to a growth experience, and hope that it pays off down the line against other CCIW teams. This Vikings team certainly has the capability to take a big leap forward from the past few seasons.

Roxie Jones was the only Viking to reach double figures, as she scored 10 and pulled down seven boards. Deima Thompson also collected seven caroms.

Wish I could've been there in the best seat in the house, but I gave up my scorekeeper's duties for the night and followed the game via live stats here at my sister's house in Indiana. I suspect that Rog was there at the crackerbox tonight and can give us an eyewitness perspective.

NPU closes out its non-con slate at 6-5. Now it's on to the CCIW, as the Vikes tip off their league schedule next Wednesday afternoon at Faganel Hall against Elmhurst.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2011, 03:00:43 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans, on two big wins in California.  The team is playing well, pressing and pushing the ball, shooting it well, defending toughly.  I think this team has every prospect of winning the CCIW and the conference tournament and going deeply into the DIII dance should they get in.  All the players are back now and getting more and more used to the pace and system, getting healthy and more confident.  Looking forward to the  conference season . . . and a very tough initial test vs. Wheaton next week to open CCIW play.

7-4 is a major achievement, given the schedule they played and the injuries and illnesses the Titans had.

Notable developments in California were the consistency of the top three (Lett, Gardner and Hasselbring), the continued return/strength of Karen Solari, and the fine play in CA. of Shelby Jackson.  The bench/role players have all been improving, making contributions in each and every game.  Nice to see so much playing time for the pine-riders.  And, a little Southern California warmth and sunshine surely can't hurt anyone at this time of year.  Stepping back out into the Midwestern air exiting O'Hare must have been a bit of a slap in the face. 

Go TITANS!  Time for the tests of the conference season.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 31, 2011, 04:27:24 PM
We're just about through the non-conference season, folks - Wheaton hosts Rockford (3-8) on Monday night. Assuming that the Thunder wins that game, the standings look pretty muddled heading into conference play:

Carthage 9-2
Elmhurst 9-2
Augustana 8-3
Millikin 8-3
Illinois Wesleyan 7-4
Wheaton 7-4
North Central 6-5
North Park 6-5

That comes out to a composite record of  60-28 (.681). That's pretty good. I think the league is pretty strong this year top to bottom, not as top-heavy as the last few seasons.

The balance makes it tough to prognosticate how the conference season might play out, but for the sake of discussion I'll throw out some ideas.

I think Carthage, with its win over UW-River Falls, has legitimized its status as the preseason favorite. The loss to Chicago wasn't pretty, but it was on the road and Chicago might not lose all season. I think Illinois Wesleyan is right there with Carthage. They've lost four games to ranked teams, but it seems like they've gotten their legs under them a bit now.

Then there's Wheaton, Elmhurst, and Millikin. I think any of these teams could win the league, but it's also the case that at least one of them wont even make the conference tournament. I was surprised that Elmhurst lost to Loras at home yesterday, perhaps just a hiccup after a long layoff. Wheaton really only has one "bad loss" (@ St. Mary's), and Laura Karsten has a few games under her belt now (11.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.7 apg). Millikin's record is pretty appropriate for the schedule they've played.

I think Augustana and North Park are much improved over the last few seasons, but I'm not convinced that either or both can sneak into the conference tourney. There's been sort of a rotating top-5 over the last several seasons (IWU, Carthage, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Millikin), and none of those five have provided sufficient reason for me to think that will change. But if it does change, it will be because Augie or NPU strings together some upsets. North Central is better than I thought they would be, but I think their youth will hurt them in league play.

Nobody predicted Wheaton in second or Carthage in 4th last year, which just goes to show that "anything can happen."

Big game on Wednesday in Bloomington between Wheaton and IWU. A great test for both teams right out of the gate. These teams match up really well with each other. Looking forward to seeing that one.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on December 31, 2011, 05:46:50 PM
I caught most of the Loras - Elmhurst game; it was a competitive, enjoyable game that showed both the strengths and weaknesses of Elmhurst. While EC did manage a 9 - 2 record before conference begins next week, they were helped by having 8 home games and one game at a neutral site. Moreover, they played a number of games against very, very weak opponents. Friday's contest was a good test for EC.

By the way, after the Friday victory, Loras is 6-5. Both teams have played Coe; Elmhurst beat team; Loras lost. Both beat Edgewood, but Elmhurst thrashed them; Loras won by a small margin. Loras also lost to Dominican narrowly and Carthage by a wider margin. Loras played other quality opponents, including Washington University, losing by only 5. Overall, Loras appears to be getting better as January nears. With so much weak opponents, it is hard to tell with EC. They could have used some more quality opponents.

Elmhurst has a host of offensive weapons; it is much more than just Merklein scoring 19 per game; she had 21 vs. Loras; she needs a small crack to get up a very good shot. Overall, the team is shooting a very respectable 36% from 3-land and 44% overall. Megan Ney, the other senior, is steady and averaging 8 per game. Tess Godhardt is averaging 11 (she had 14 vs. Loras). Devin Vaughn is averaging 8.5 (she had a career-high 22 vs. Loras).  Jordan Maisto is the other starter, averaging about 4. Fiona McMahon comes off the bench, averaging 7.5. These 6 get most of the playing time, and that lack of depth could be an issue in some conference games, but does not have to be.

While EC is a coordinated offensive unit, a very good one, they remain spotty on defense, often giving up many easy baskets. Mobile post players often give the 3s, 4s, and 5s on EC fits. Help often arrives too late. Moreover, EC gave up 15 offensive rebounds on Friday. This is pretty typical; opponents average 14 offensive rebounds vs. EC. Loras also won the battle of loose balls on Friday.

Could EC make the CCIW playoffs. If they can raise their defensive intensity. Absolutely. However, that is a big if. Best of luck to EC. Happy New Year to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 31, 2011, 06:39:50 PM
Thanks for the input on Elmhurst. I have not seen this edition of the Bluejays yet.

Quote from: bblover on December 31, 2011, 05:46:50 PM
While EC is a coordinated offensive unit, a very good one, they remain spotty on defense, often giving up many easy baskets. Mobile post players often give the 3s, 4s, and 5s on EC fits. Help often arrives too late.

This could be a problem against the likes of Carthage, IWU, and Wheaton in particular. I'm thinking of Diana Jacklin, Olivia Lett, and Elisabeth Potts/Maris Hovee in particular as players with the quickness to exploit this.

With that said, it's not as though Elmhurst was poor defensively in non-conference. They rank 3rd in ppg, 1st in defensive field goal %, 2nd in blocked shots, and 1st in defensive rebounding. Stats don't tell the whole story though, and your comments about Elmhurst's opponents could play a big role. Non-conference results and stats don't necessarily translate into conference play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2012, 02:56:06 PM
Good luck to the Titans as they face Wheaton tomorrow, begin the CCIW race grind!  Let's go for five championships in a row!!!  Should be a very challenging game.

Men's game to follow should also be a great game, an early CCIW test for the Titans, following two good wins out east.  Important to hold home court vs. these top tier teams.

Students back, so hopefully a better crowd that in mid-December during exam week.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2012, 03:38:32 PM
Congratulations to Diana Jacklin (Carthage), new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2012, 04:52:34 PM
Wheaton last night used a 31-0 run to establish a 46-6 lead over Rockford; a last second three made the halftime score 46-9. The final was 83-39.
As Backseat Driver noted recently, it's not very clear how things will go in conference play, but I will predict Wednesday's scores : 64-52, 75-44, 63-62 in 2 OT, 76-72.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2012, 12:21:14 PM
Congrats to Ms. Jacklin on CCIW Player of the Week.  Look forward to seeing her play at The Shirk in coming weeks. 

Titans vs. Wheaton tonight @ Shirk.  Time for "run and jump," to be sure.  Should be a good one.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 04, 2012, 12:54:11 PM
Big test for both Wheaton and IWU tonight. I think ultimately this game will come down to which team can dictate the tempo of the game. Wheaton scores 66 points per game and allows 53. IWU scores 81 and allows 70. Mia Smith's comment in the brief Pantagraph preview tells the story:

"It's something we've been looking forward to and we're ready for. Wheaton is pretty good. Our run and jump (press) will absolutely be a key. We don't want a half court game."

Wheaton's defense is a big key to this game. If Wheaton establishes its physical defensive style and makes it tough for IWU to score, then that will neutralize IWU's run and jump. You can't press if you don't score. Obviously IWU wants this game in the 70-80 point range and Wheaton wants it in the 50-60 range. It's a great clash of styles.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 04, 2012, 01:16:01 PM
Wheaton/IWU is the marquee matchup tonight, but the other games should be pretty good too --and they also might help sort out some things.

#25-Carthage @ North Central: The Lady Reds should win this game, but they did lose at the Hangar last season (89-75).

North Park @ Elmhurst: A win on the road would be huge for the Vikings. Coming into the season I thought NPU could compete for a conference tourney slot. Tonight should be a good barometer of where these teams are right now.

Augustana @ Millikin: Augie beat Millikin in Decatur last year, arguably the biggest upset of the year in the conference. I would be surprised if that happens again, but how this game plays out will tell us just how improved the Vikings are.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2012, 01:47:08 PM
Wheaton has lost 9 straight to IWU over the last 4 seasons. In those games, the Thunder has scored 57, 63, 69, 70, 57, 57, 47, 59 and 52.
That tells me that Wheaton has usually tried to slow things down against the Titans, but loses in the process. Wheaton has numerous talented and athletic players and can therefore run with the Titans. If you think the Thunder should slow it down in order to get the ball in to Lauren Graham a lot, I say she'd score plenty in a fast game, too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2012, 03:01:51 PM
My advice comes with a full 8 minute incomplete warranty. Those 8 minutes are almost gone. Valid in Trieste and Antananarivo only.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2012, 02:05:47 AM
A frustrating loss for NPU tonight. It's hard to win on the road in this league, and when you've got a twelve-point lead three-quarters of the way through the contest you have to find a way to finish it out so that you can end the night with a leg up on everyone else in the league. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way for the Park. The Vikings chronically have trouble putting the ball in the basket, and tonight it cost them a win. They made fewer than a third of the shots that they attempted, and that, combined with Elmhurst's 44-32 advantage on the boards, spelled doom for the Vikings. Elmhurst nibbled away at that 12-point NPU lead until the 'jays finally caught up with a little more than three minutes to go, and you could see the anxiety in the faces of the Vikings as one open shot after another failed to go in. The other problem was that the Vikings defense faltered down the stretch, mostly because EC guard Devin Vaughn was able to get to the rim on multiple occasions.

Lest this turn into a full-blown jeremiad, I have to cite some very good things that the Vikings did. Elmhurst had 22 turnovers, 17 of which were North Park steals. The Vikings mostly got them by stepping in front of interior passes and by poking away the ball in the low post. Roxie Jones had seven steals and Sarah Peterson (who was noticeably under the weather tonight) pilfered the 'jays six times. You just don't see those sorts of steal numbers from bigs very often. Freshman Dominikque Williams continues to show that she belongs in the rotation, and reserve center Becca Heimsath had by far her strongest game of the year.

Nevertheless, the Vikings let this one get away. This would've been a great win against a solid team on its own floor. Instead, the Vikings are just going to have to pick themselves up and get themselves ready for Wesleyan on Saturday in the crackerbox.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2012, 12:01:05 PM
Great doubleheader @Shirk last eve, with our Titans winning both games in a great start to the CCIW season.   BackSeatDriver was exactly on target about the women's game, with the pace and style of the game determining who would win.  WC won the first half on pace and style, with the halftime score only 29-28, Titans, but the Titans using "run and jump" and finally getting in sync with better shooting and running, had their way with the pace and style in the second half, scoring 42 and getting in a more up-tempo game.  IWU got to 70 and won 70-55, though the game was closer than the score indicates.  Good games by IWU's bench and strong games as usual by Lett and Gardner, though the Titans didn't play particularly well in the first half.  Lots of miscues, bad passes, off balance shots etc.  Looked like a frustrating evening at first, though the Titans came through much better in the second half, especially with defensive intensity and harrassment.  To be honest, I was not very impressed with Wheaton, save for Ms. Karsten.  If WC is at the top tier of the league this year, then I feel the Titans have every good reason to believe they can win the CCIW championship again.  I know Carthage is strong, but WC was just not that impressive, physical or fast last evening -- nor were the Titans in the first half.  Perhaps too much holiday turkey or too much New Year revelry?  Olivia Lett is just an amazing DIII player, with her size, mobility, and skills . . . and no one could really match her on the court last night. However, she sometimes plays out of control, takes off balance shots and has an edge of frustration when doubled, even tripled.  IWU winning the conference will depend on her high quality play and scoring throughout, but also on improvement of all the role and bench players on the Titan squad.  Melissa Gardner was also a bit out of sync in the first half, though she hit key treys in the minutes down the stretch -- to celebrate her birthday!  Great start for the Titans, holding home court against one of the top teams in the CCIW race.   Better crowd with about 600 there for the women's game.  Good to see the students, especially the pep band, back. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2012, 02:01:55 PM
Since I was at the North Park - Elmhurst game last night, I feel compelled to comment on the W - IWU game!
Wheaton was within 4 (59-55) until IWU ran off 11 points in 95 seconds(approximately), from 2:59 to go until 1:25 to go. In the first 17 minutes of the 2nd half, the scoring was 31-28, hardly up-tempo. Also, both teams had more FG attempts in the 1st half than in the 2nd. And there were very few FT attempts in either half. The major difference evident to me is that IWU shot better (16/33) in the 2nd half (vs 11/37 in the 1st), while Wheaton was roughly the same in both halves (11 for 30, 10 for 27).
I'll repeat my point from yesterday -- keeping the game slow has not produced any wins in 4 years for Wheaton vs IWU. IWU has now won 10 straight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2012, 02:39:42 PM
Carthage cruised past North Central, 72-48. Cailee Corcoran tallied 20 (9/11 plus 2 FTs) and Diana Jacklin had 16 (8/12), 6 rebs and 3 steals.
Millikin, up 28-18 at halftime, beat Augie 55-49. Cecily Aldridge topped all with 17 pts.
Greg's report on the game I saw is very good, so I can't add anything useful. I did have to look up what jeremiad means, though.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 05, 2012, 03:11:45 PM
Ill. Wesleyan 70
Wheaton 55

I'm really not all that surprised by how the game turned out last night. For whatever reason, Wheaton really struggles to score at the Shirk Center, regardless of the opponent. Last night was a perfect example in that the Thunder missed a lot of open shots that they normally make just about anywhere else.

Now to the points made by iwu70 and Rogk. I'll concede that Wheaton was not very impressive last night, but last night is also not nearly the level that the Thunder is capable of playing at. Keep in mind, this was the first CCIW game, and it was on the road against an excellent team. There's a lot of basketball left.

I really just don't agree with the notion that Wheaton needs to play faster to beat IWU. In fact, when they tried to do that last night it got them into trouble with turnovers and rushed shots. Wheaton doesn't play very well when it's forced to play a frenetic style. Additionally, Wheaton had just 6 players play double-digit minutes last night (IWU had 9). You need to be deeper than that to play at IWU's tempo for 40 minutes. Last night came down to missing shots and not getting enough stops defensively.

This isn't a novel observation, but Olivia Lett is a great player. I actually thought Wheaton did a pretty good job defending her and making her take tough shots. She was only 8-22 (36%) from the field last night, but she came up huge when IWU needed her too (as did Melissa Gardner).

There's no question IWU was the better team last night. They executed better on both ends of the floor, they hit open shots, and played with more intensity. With that said, I really don't think IWU is significantly better than Wheaton (though they were last night). The overwhelming talent gap of recent years isn't there anymore (more because Wheaton has gotten better than IWU dropping off). I think Wheaton is capable of putting together a much stronger performance next time.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2012, 05:25:16 PM
Backseat Driver, I definitely agree with you that if only 6 players are getting major minutes, it is wise to avoid a fast, high-possession tempo.
I was thinking that Wheaton had more than 6 good players. I see that Breanna Bohlen played only 3:00 and that others (McAlvey?) didn't play at all. Possibly they weren't at full strength.
I appreciate your blunt honesty that Wheaton has trouble playing at a frenetic pace. Fortunately for the Thunder, IWU is the only CCIW team that is interested in that type of play.
I have seen some instances of Wheaton fast-breaking very effectively, getting easy layups and open 3 point opportunities for L Brenneman and others. A great shooter like Lindsey needs to take more than 5 shots, don't you think?
We'll see how Wheaton responds vs Elmhurst Saturday. I can't decide whether to see that one or IWU/North Park.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2012, 06:03:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2012, 02:39:42 PM
Greg's report on the game I saw is very good, so I can't add anything useful. I did have to look up what jeremiad means, though.

I threw that one in there just for you, Rog. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2012, 06:21:47 PM
And don't think for a minute that it went unnoticed, sir! It was a very considerable gesture on your part, perhaps even civic duty, to help us improve our vocabulary. It also activated memory of former NHLer Jere Gillis.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 05, 2012, 07:09:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2012, 05:25:16 PM
Backseat Driver, I definitely agree with you that if only 6 players are getting major minutes, it is wise to avoid a fast, high-possession tempo.
I was thinking that Wheaton had more than 6 good players. I see that Breanna Bohlen played only 3:00 and that others (McAlvey?) didn't play at all. Possibly they weren't at full strength.

My guess is that Wheaton was playing for specific matchups.

Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2012, 05:25:16 PM
I have seen some instances of Wheaton fast-breaking very effectively, getting easy layups and open 3 point opportunities for L Brenneman and others. A great shooter like Lindsey needs to take more than 5 shots, don't you think?

Don't get me wrong, Wheaton likes to fast break when they can. As a matter of fact, there where times last night when Wheaton was able to crack the press for uncontested layups. Laura Karsten drove the length of the floor uncontested several times. A lot of the open shots the Thunder got in transition last night simply didn't fall.

Lindsey is a great shooter and I didn't see her pass up any opportunities last night. She's as consistent a player as you'll find.

Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2012, 05:25:16 PM
We'll see how Wheaton responds vs Elmhurst Saturday. I can't decide whether to see that one or IWU/North Park.

Perhaps you can provide a firsthand account from Elmhurst since I wont be able to make it?  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 05, 2012, 07:21:21 PM
Both Backseat Driver (love the name!) and iwu70 gave very good and balanced accounts of the Wheaton-IWU game, IMO.  The tempo was definitely the determining factor.  IWU looked as poor as they have looked in recent memory in the first few minutes; as BD noted, when you don't score, you can't press.  The Wheaton defense was excellent in the first half, and that more than anything led to Olivia Lett trying to make hard shots (and occasionally doing so).  Once the run-and-jump press got going, the game went more to the Titans' liking.

The Titan bench added 24 points; Amy Burton's work in the post in the first half and Michelle Bilek's on the fast break in the second were especially timely and helpful.   

No question that the rematch will be a good game!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2012, 07:23:20 PM
If I attend, I will post a firsthand account!
Another topic :having previously discussed the so-called System here (even in the context of the CCIW!), I wish to report that the Knox women's team has implemented a version of it this season. So far, they are 1-9, being outscored on average 88.4 - 75.8.
They are getting the full-court trapping part of it to work fairly well, inducing 30 turnovers per game. But, they are committing 25 TOs of their own. They are doing the frequent 5-at-a-time subbing.
They are attempting 37.7 3FGs per game, but make only 8.2 (21.8 pct).
They average 41.2 2FG att, making 16.7 (40.5 pct).
I saw them lose 98-94 at Dominican on Monday. I'm not sure if they'll stick with the System all year or not. Clearly, the low 3FG pct is a problem and I don't know if any players can improve their 3FG shooting much in a matter of weeks or months. They may need to tinker with the plan.
Reliance on the 3FG is part of the System because you can generally get up a three sooner in a possession than a good 2FG shot; this keeps things going at a hectic pace, theoretically fatiguing the other team. Also, if you take a 3 early in a possession, you don't commit the turnovers that happen when you pass the ball around looking for a high-pct 2FG shot. Knox is nevertheless committing too many TOs; maybe they can reduce them.
Anyway, we'll see how it goes for them. I suspect the coach got interested by seeing the Knox men's team play Grinnell; and the local Galesburg High school has apparently used a similar style successfully for several years.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2012, 07:57:51 PM
BackSeatDriver, I agree with many of your points.  I, too, thought WC did a good job defending Olivia Lett and the Titans in the first half.  She did shoot a poor overall percentage, but got the job done at the key moments in the latter part of the game.  She was taking some bad and off-balance shots, in great part due to the WC defense.  I don't think WC has the depth and speed now to play with the Titans in an up-tempo game.  Perhaps it will be different on their home court and perhaps they will be better able to control the pace for the entire game.  The Titans are awfully good when they get things frenetic and wild, almost out of control, and running up and down.  Brittany just loves that kind of pace.  Depth makes such a difference when you can run fresh legs in and out.  That IWU-ONU game was truly one case in point.  Great speed, fitness, and high-quality of play at warp speed throughout, with IWU's depth again playing a key role.  I think the Titans can get frustrated when things slow, in half court sets, when shots aren't dropping and when the opposing defense is both clogging the lane and (if possible) defending the trey line.  I do wish Mia would develop a few offensive sets against M-to-M defenses where there would be a clearout, for some one-on-one sets with Olivia and Melissa Gardner, a kind of Utah Jazz two-player pick and roll set -- a la Stockton and Karl Malone.  Lett can breakdown almost anyone one-on-one.  This would isolate Olivia away from the congestion of the lane, let her do her magic, draw fouls, get to the FT line, score in one-on-one settings, and also often free up Melissa on a kick-outs for threes.  Just an idea.  IMHO.  (I also hope all the other Titans continue to improve, make contributions and that the Titans do get greater scoring from the post area, from Karen Solari especially, and from rebounding/put-backs more often from Shelby Jackson and Amy Burton.  Both have great potential for more post area scoring, defense, blocks and overall aggressiveness.  Again, IMHO.

Thanks for all the comments.  Didn't wish to be too harsh on the WC team, but they just didn't impress me that much, even when they were playing the Titans close and had a real chance to win a key road game.  Perhaps my expectations were too high.  Look forward to seeing Millikin and Carthage too.  Elmhurst is also playing pretty well, heh?  Should be a very good CCIW race.  Great start for Coach Smith and her squad. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2012, 05:04:05 PM
Tomorrow will be a good day for North Central or Augustana, as one will even its record at 1-1. The losing team, at 0-2, faces a definite uphill course thereafter.
Another interesting confrontation is Millikin vs Carthage; the loser of that one will not be in any real trouble, but the winner will be quite happy, I'd imagine.
Wheaton - Elmhurst may clarify how good each squad is. A Jays' win would not only put them more solidly in 1st place, but could earn them some respect in the national ratings (they'd be 11-2 overall). Wheaton certainly doesn't want to be 0-2, so it should be a hard-fought game.
IWU is likely favored at North Park, but the Vikings could really invigorate themselves with a win, which will require all-out effort. We'll see what they can put forth.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2012, 03:48:14 PM
IWU putting a pasting on NP -- 48-29 at half in the windy city -- with the IWU women 9-10 from treyland.  13 Titans players are already in the game.

Melissa Gardner 5-5 from the far beyond, for 15 first half points.  Lett with 14.   

Go Titans.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2012, 04:44:06 PM
Final from Chicago:

IWU 84 NPU 64

Lett 19 pts. 9 rebounds
Gardner 21 pts. 6-6 from treyland
Katy Seibring 14 pts.

Roxanne Jones 14 pts. 6 rebounds

IWU shot over 50% from the field, 70+% from treyland, and over 80% FTs.  Huge rebounding advantage.  Titans are getting better and better, deeper and deeper.

All 15 players on the bus ride to Chicago got good playing time in this game, which was never close.

Keep it rolling, Titans!

IWU70 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2012, 07:40:56 PM
Elmhurst is for real.  They are putting a pasting on Wheaton -- big second half run, great shooting.  Looks like Elmhurst is clearly joining the top tier for the CCIW race. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 07, 2012, 08:20:34 PM
Augustana 66
North Central 65

Unbelievable ending to this game. I tuned in with 30 seconds left and NCC leading 63-58. Augie fouled three times, NCC split at the line each time and Augie hit a three, a two, and then a heavily contested three at the buzzer by Molly Etheridge. Congrats to the Vikings on an exciting victory.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 07, 2012, 08:28:19 PM
Elmhurst 60
Wheaton 46

Only saw the last 10 or so minutes of this game on video. If there's a silver lining in this for Wheaton it's that they went 0-2 @IWU and @Elmhurst in the same week last year as well. Still a lot of basketball left. It turns Wednesday's game against Millikin into a must-win. Hopefully being back at home for the next three games will help the Thunder right the ship a little bit.

As iwu70 said, it looks like Elmhurst is clearly going to be in the hunt for the conference championship. They're getting good inside play and have improved greatly with their three-point shooting from last year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2012, 09:19:11 PM
Elmhurst looked very good tonight.  I think they are going to be a significant challenge to Carthage and IWU. 

IWU's shooting was extraordinary tonight, especially from 3.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2012, 09:47:59 PM
NPU never gave itself a chance this afternoon. The Vikings were going to have to play their best just to compete with Wesleyan, and they fell far short of that. They didn't rebound at all -- IWU won the rebounding battle by 19 -- and the Vikings continue to shoot poorly. The one bright spot in what was otherwise a dismal 41% performance from the field was that Dana Christensen finally regained her stroke, hitting four treys in the second half (her four treys and 14 points were both season highs). By the time she got hot, however, the game was pretty much lost. Sarah Peterson was, again, clearly under the weather today, although even if she had been at full strength it wouldn't have been enough to keep the game close. Adding insult to injury, she got hit with a bizarre technical foul in the second half that had everyone at the scorer's table scratching their heads.

The Wesleyan press really wasn't much of a problem for NPU, except for a five-minute stretch at the start of the second half. The Vikings got a lot of easy layups and Roxie Jones free throws beating the press early, and in the end only five of NPU's fifteen turnovers were forced by the Titans. But not rebounding killed them -- nobody's going to win a basketball game when they get outrebounded by 19. Well, that and the fact that the first nine trey attempts by the opposition were not only all good, none of them even touched the rim. They were all swishes.

The Vikes have gotta pick themselves up and get ready for just as stiff a test -- Carthage up in Kenosha at the Toolshed -- this coming week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2012, 03:04:42 PM
IWU hosting Augie @ Shirk on Wednesday night, 7:30 p.m.  Big men's game vs. Augie is Tuesday night, also 7:30 p.m.  Hope the Titan nation turns out bigtime for both games.  Both Titan teams playing very well.  Gotta love the trey shooting by the women = 90% in the first half, 75% overall for the game vs. NPU.

Let's give them strong support.

Keep it rolling Titans.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2012, 11:28:16 AM
In the Carthage win over Millikin, Diana Jacklin had 19 pts (5/8, 9/9), 3 blocks, 7 rebs in 25:00.
By the way, I attended zero games Saturday. I turned up at North Park at about 4:30 for the 5:00 game, which started at 2:00. Oops. I guess I better doublecheck my calendar which I compiled back in September. Things change.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2012, 12:05:39 PM
Backseat Driver, I guess I should be quiet about Wheaton for a while. Lindsey B took 13 shots, but tallied only 6 pts. As a group, the Thunder went 1/18 from three land. Ouch. Last year, 3 pt shooting was their strength. Must be the absence of that Annie Bowen character.
On the Elmhurst side, Nicki Shaffer scored 11 pts on just 4 shots. Not bad.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2012, 02:12:49 PM
Congratulations to Bluejay senior Meghan Merklein, CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2012, 04:06:48 PM
Yes, congrats to Ms. Merklein on Player of the Week.

Wheaton is looking very shakey for sure.  EC clearly a contender now.  Look forward to seeing Carthage play and see how good a team they are.  Coming in to Shirk soon.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2012, 06:45:35 PM
The new D3Hoops top 25 shows Carthage at 23, IWU at 32 and Elmhurst tied at 39.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2012, 12:29:02 PM
Pgraph reports today that Karen Solari, a Titan starter for the last 5 games or so, will be out for one-two games with an ankle injury.  Same article quotes Coach Smith saying that she now expects varying rotations to continue, as has been the case so far this season.  She may go small and start 3 guards or may replace Karen with Shelby Jackson who also started a few games after coming back from illness.  Amy Burton also started some games earlier in the season, when Shelby was out.  Depth again playing a key part in any CCIW run.  IWU vs. Carthage an early, important test for both teams for the CCIW race.  Saturday at 5 p.m. at The Shirk.

Go Titans.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2012, 12:57:36 PM
iwu70, if you attend tonight's Augie game, can you study them and give us a scouting report? They seem to be improved from recent seasons.
I'll be seeing Millikin for the first time (at Wheaton). Initially, I expected Millikin to be 2nd best in the CCIW, but that was based on thinking the Titans would suffer from graduating so many good players. IWU is a lot better than I thought, so I presently would rate IWU up there with Carthage.
Yes, we're only 2 games into conference play, so we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2012, 03:40:25 PM
RogerK, I'll surely be there tonight, so will be happy to give you my impressions following.  I've not seen the Augie women this year.  Titans are playing well, with good assist still from the "run and jump" style of up-tempo pressure, excellent shooting, esp. from treyland, and lots of running in and out, with still a pretty long rotation, lots of good high-energy and fit players.  Key is how far the new members of the rotation develop, and how quickly.  Karen Solari is a loss though, esp. against the stronger post-oriented teams, as she is a strong rebounder, gives a certain stability to the post area for the Titans which they have not always had this season.  Titans are basically a perimeter team with great athleticism and shooting from Lett, Gardner and Hasselbring.  The role players are beginning to step up and that will largely determine how far the Titans go this year -- how well McMahon, Baltes, Burton, Jackson, Seibring, and Solari play.  No doubt about the consistent high quality play of Lett, Gardner and Hasselbring.  Just look at the stats overall to date.  They are battle-tested veterans for sure now.  I would expect IWU to press AC bigtime tonight, and "go small" with their line-up and Karen Solari on the bench with her ankle injury. 

Big match-up on Saturday with Carthage coming into the Shirk.  That game will surely set the tone, set the stage for the first half of the CCIW race, IMHO.  Elmhurst seems to be the other challenge, the other contender, given play to date.   

Anyone out there with a good assessment of the Carthage women so far this year?

********

More later, after another evening of "run and jump," fun and games at The Shirk.  Last night's men's win over Augie was special, much enjoyed by the Titan nation.  Place was jumping with about 1800 in the house.  A slugfest, with rebounders flying all over the place, lots of plays above the rim, and some incredibly intense and tenacious defense by both teams.  Few IWU TOs, and some better shooting, esp. from threeland by IWU's bigs, made the difference.   Great to see the Augie men 1-2 at this early point in the CCIW race!!!

IWU70 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 11, 2012, 09:12:02 PM
Wheaton leads Millikin 27-23 at the half
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2012, 09:42:51 PM
IWU up 36-28 w/ 15+ to go.  Since the Titans' greatest strength is depth, I'm a bit concerned that 26 of the 36 points are from Gardner and Lett.  Great games from them, but where is the rest of the team?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2012, 10:01:10 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2012, 09:42:51 PM
IWU up 36-28 w/ 15+ to go.  Since the Titans' greatest strength is depth, I'm a bit concerned that 26 of the 36 points are from Gardner and Lett.  Great games from them, but where is the rest of the team?

If the top two are going good enough, it apparently doesn't matter!  Gardner and Lett STILL have all but 10 of the points, but they lead by 15 with 7+ to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 11, 2012, 10:31:44 PM
Wheaton 68
Millikin 56

Huge win for Wheaton tonight. Millikin opened up a 12-point advantage early in the game, but Wheaton finally got going and led by 4 at the half. The second half was pretty back-and-forth until Laura Karsten and Elisabeth Potts connected on consecutive threes to spark a 13-3 run that put the Thunder up 10 with just under 4 minutes left. Wheaton rediscovered its 3-point touch tonight, which propelled the hosts to the win. Being back at home certainly helped with that.

Wheaton: 19-56 FG (34%), 12-25 3FG (48%), 18-27 FT (67%), 43 REB, 20 TO

      -Elisabeth Potts: 20 points, 10 rebounds
      -Lindsey Brenneman: 23 points (5-8 3FG)
      -Brooke Olson: 10 points, 6 assists
      -Maris Hovee: 8 rebounds, 7 blocks

Millikin: 23-62 FG (37%), 6-15 3FG (40%), 4-7 FT (57%), 36 REB, 20 TO

      -Crystal Zeigler: 20 points, 8 rebounds
      -Nikki Tipsword: 9 points, 12 rebounds
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2012, 10:56:09 PM
Final from The Shirk:  IWU 65, Augie 44.

A really pretty poorly played game by both teams, with no real natural basketball flow to it.  The Titans won by over 20, but only led by 3 at the half, and overall played pretty poorly tonight.  RogK, Augie is a pesky team, with pretty good foot speed and a couple of nice post players, but they could rarely get the ball to the post area and I would say the Titan run and jump press had them in the backcourt or many many feet from the lane and any reasonable scoring area for the majority of the minutes in this game.  IWU's press and the scoring of Lett and Gardner, esp. Gardners 5-8 from treyland, saved the day for the Titans, who executed poorly overall tonight, IMHO.

Lett 22
Gardner 21, 5-8 from treyland

Natalie Runge 13 pts., only Viking in double figures.

Titans were led in RBs by Whitney Scurlock with 6 and Shelby Jackson with 6.  The Vikings outrebounded Wesleyan tonight, as last night, with 9 rebounds each by Whitney Miller and Kristina Howard. 

If the Titans play this loosely, this poorly vs. Carthage, they will have a pretty disappointing and bad night.  I think Karen Solari was greatly missed tonight as there was truly very little good rebounding, no consistent stabalization of the post area, and less than opportunistic steals off the middle area and back area of the run and jump, areas where Karen Solari excels.  The Titans just seemed one step behind tonight, and often took off balance shots with less than stellar shot selection..  Even though Olivia Lett finished with 22, many were close in, even in the lane jumpers where she just backed them down and jumped over smaller, less athletic defenders.  She also too quite a few bad, off balance or ill-advised shots and had 4 fouls.  Britt Hasselbring also played 6+ minutes with four fouls.

Not the most beautiful game, but, in the CCIW race, a win is a win, ugly or not.  It looks good at 65-44 with a differential of over 20, but the Titans just did not play all that well tonight.  OK, I said that already!  Perhaps best to get that out of the system and get back to better form on Saturday afternoon against Carthage.  Let's hope so.

Augie seems surely improved from previous years, from what I know of them, but they just didn't handle the IWU pressure very well, especially in the initial ten minutes of the second half . . . when Melissa Gardner hit 3 or 4 or her treys to stretch the Wesleyan lead. 

Still, nice to see the Titans now at 10-4, 3-0 in CCIW, and moving forward even when not playing their best basketball, grinding out a win.  I guess that is the theme when playing any Augie team.  You have to just grind it out.  That's what the Titans finally did tonight, esp. at key points in the second half.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2012, 10:59:44 PM
Yes, Ypsi is right, Gardner and Lett together scored 43, almost outscoring the entire Augie squad by themselves.  Melissa really saved Wesleyan's hide in this game with her trey bombs, five of them.  Olivia Lett played in the post area more, and when Britt Hasselbring had four fouls, she even played point guard for some minutes tonight.  Run and jump ain't pretty but in some games it is crucial to grinding them down, getting the turnovers, and wearing out the other team by the 12th-16th minutes of the second half.  It all makes sense. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2012, 01:50:31 PM
A few stray notes to supplement Backseat Driver's report:
THAT was the Lindsey Brenneman that I really enjoy to see play -- 5 of 8 threes, 6/6 FTs;
quite a defensive presence by Maris Hovee -- 7 blocks, 3 steals, 6 def rebs in 18:00;
kind of a weird game for Millikin -- certain of their players would do well for spurts, but then were not heard from for a long while;
the officiating appeared to be inconsistent : to me, it seemed that quite a few uncalled fouls were committed early in the game; also, there was a very surprising offensive foul called on Wheaton's Breanna Bohlen (right at the basket), matched at the other end by a call that astounded Millikin's coach (I can't recall the player involved);
even though the play was ragged at times, there was fine effort and intensity by both teams throughout;
it seemed to me that W's Laura Karsten and Jennifer Lee are a bit tired following a long soccer season, or maybe there are lingering aches and pains; I could be wrong on that, but that's the impression I got.
As Backseat Driver said, it was an important win for Wheaton.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2012, 02:29:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 12, 2012, 01:50:31 PM
the officiating appeared to be inconsistent : to me, it seemed that quite a few uncalled fouls were committed early in the game; also, there was a very surprising offensive foul called on Wheaton's Breanna Bohlen (right at the basket), matched at the other end by a call that astounded Millikin's coach (I can't recall the player involved);

It can sometimes be tough to tell on video, but from what I saw it certainly looked as though the player who took the "charge" on that play was not only not set, but also was within the newly-instituted restricted area. I don't recall what happened at the other end...and what I would remember would be pixelated anyway  ;)

RogK, what were your general impressions of Millikin? Early on it looks like we have quite the battle for fourth place on our hands.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 12, 2012, 02:56:52 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2012, 02:29:44 PM

It can sometimes be tough to tell on video, but from what I saw it certainly looked as though the player who took the "charge" on that play was not only not set, but also was within the newly-instituted restricted area.


Same thing happened in the IWU-Augie game.  Charging/blocking is the hardest call to make, but the Augie player who took the "charge" was right in the restricted area.  I think some of the refs are not yet up on all the new rules. 

Not of any significance in the game's outcome, but if new rules are introduced, they should be enforced.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2012, 03:52:16 PM
My general impressions of Millikin?
Not too different from last year (E Wildman graduated, of course).
Zeigler was very energetic, enthusiastic and productive. Pruemer had a sub-par game, but made smart quick decisions twice when she happened to be down on the floor getting possession of a loose ball, using a timeout  before a held-ball could occur. Aldridge and Robert were very effective at times. Wellbaum was also energetic and enthusiastic and (how to put this?) somewhat frisky on defense. Cholewick was alright; I think she'll shine more next year when more may be asked of her. Tipsword provided good play off the bench.
Millikin has some unusual ball and player movement in their halfcourt offense. I didn't see them do much of the typical windshield-wiper incremental passing around the perimeter that some (most?) teams use.
Wheaton's passing got better through the game, by the way, becoming very quick and accurate, a big factor in their success.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2012, 05:39:36 PM
Meghan Merklein scored 31 pts on 22 FG att, leading Elmhurst past North Central, 64-52. She also had 4 assists. Megan Ney had 10 rebs, 3 blocks and a pair of steals.
Carthage topped North Park 55-33. Diana Jacklin continued her fine play, leading all players with 14 pts, 12 rebs, 5 blocks. If it's any consolation, NP held Carthage to its second lowest scoring output of the season so far.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2012, 07:38:29 PM
Sure looks like evidence to date is that Elmhurst is playing at a very high level, right up there with Carthage and IWU.  Will be a great test for them when they match-up with IWU and CC soon, to see how far they've come.  That's quite a performance by Ms. Merklein.  EC also has other excellent players, who seem to know their roles and play hard, especially on defense.  EC-CC, IWU-EC, and IWU-CC should be some really great games.  Titans host Carthage this Saturday 5 p.m. at the Shirk, for the lead in the CCIW early on in the season.  The Titans, IMHO, will have to play better than they played vs. Augie last night to win over Carthage Saturday.  Do hope Karen Solari is able to play. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 14, 2012, 07:38:21 PM
IWU 70
Carthage 69


After an IWU steal (with the Titans down 2), Michelle Bilek hit a 3 from the left wing with 2 seconds to play for the win.

Carthage led this game 69-60 with 2:50 to play and never scored again.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2012, 07:39:05 PM
Apparently quite the game in B'town.  IWU led by 11 at the half, but Carthage came back to take the lead.  Michele Bilek got a 3-pointer with 3 seconds left, and the Titans prevail, 70-69!  (I forgot the time of the game, and only tuned in with a minute left - I await first-hand reports!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2012, 10:47:27 PM
Yes, very exciting game at The Shirk tonight, with never-say-die Titans getting an unlikely win on a last second trey.

Carthage:
Cailee Corcoran 23
Diana Jacklin 17, 15 rebounds, 4 assts, 2 steals, 2 blocks -- a tremendous game.

IWU:
Lett 21 (but 1-10 from three)
McMahon 12
Michelle Bilek,  12 (career high, and winning trey)

Titans lost the rebounding battle (Lett had 9), but won the turnover battle 20-14. 

Two really good teams slugging it out, and the Titans just hung on for one moreturnover, one more shot, and got the win.  One of the best women's games I've seen ever at the Shirk.

IWU 70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 14, 2012, 11:47:50 PM
Absolutely brilliant game tonight.  I was going to say "it's a cliche, but they were like two heavyweights going at it," and I see iwu70 is using it too.  The game, even more than usual for basketball, was a game of runs. For most of the first half, Carthage held a slim lead; it was tied at just over 3 minutes.  Then, the Titan press kicked in and they took an 11-point lead by halftime. 

In the second half, the Lady Reds chipped away and the Titans failed to convert a few chances, and the game was tied with just under 10:00 to go.  The Titans had a "deer in in the headlights" look, and Carthage pushed out to a nine-point lead, 69-60, with under 3 to go.  Again, the Titan press (of necessity) created turnovers and the Titans came to life.  I would have to look at the video to describe the Titan comeback, and everyone here can now see that online, so I'll jump to the final 15 or so seconds, with the Lady Reds holding a 69-67 advantage.

Cailee Corcoran, who had been lethal when shooting within her range, missed a shot, and Olivia Lett rebounded.  The Titans looked good with plenty of time, but turned it over.  The Lady Reds then turned it right back over inside the 00:10 mark.  The Titans had one timeout remaining, and I was expecting Mia Smith to call time out.  No.  I can only assume Olivia Lett was covered, as was Melissa Gardner when she got the ball.  She passed to Michelle Bilek deep in the left corner, who didn't hesitate to take what must be the biggest shot of her life.  It was a swish, with less than three seconds on the clock, to make the score 70-69.  After a Carthage timeout, Diana Jacklin made it nearly to half court to throw up one last shot.

Wow...just wow.  Great performances on both sides, and great coaching both ways.  They could play it again, at either team's gym, and it might go either way.  It was a privilege to be there.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 15, 2012, 12:30:39 AM
Wheaton 70
N. Central 48

Wheaton led 30-22 at the half and the Cardinals opened the second half with a 7-0 run to make it 30-29 with 18:39 left. From there it was all Wheaton, as the Thunder blew the game open with a barrage of 3-pointers. The Thunder hit eight treys in the second half and 14 in the game. Once Wheaton got hot, there was nothing the Cardinals could do to stop the bleeding.

Wheaton: 27-65 FG (42%), 14-27 3FG (52%), 2-3 FT, 39 REB, 13 TO
      -Elisabeth Potts: 18 points (4-5 3FG), 6 rebounds
      -Brooke Olson: 14 points (4-7 3FG), 5 assists
      -Laura Karsten: 12 points
      -Lindsey Brenneman: 11 points (3-5 3FG)

NCC: 19-47 FG (40%), 5-15 3FG (33%), 5-10 FT, 30 REB, 20 TO
      -Emily Collins: 8 points, 11 rebounds
      -Emily Murphy: 8 points, 7 rebounds
      -Sophie Newson: 8 points

Being at home has done wonders for Wheaton's shooting percentages. We'll see if that trend continues against a Carthage team coming off a heartbreaker in Bloomington today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2012, 05:02:17 PM
Tess Godhardt led Elmhurst (4-0) to a 56-35 victory over Augie; she had 22 pts (8/9 FG, 6/8 FT) and 12 rebs.
I saw Millikin use a late-game 22-6 surge to get past North Park 68-61. Julia Robert tallied 14 (if I counted right) of those 22, including a dazzling over-the-shoulder flip lay-in following a steal of the inbound throw. Certainly was a disheartening loss for NP, but they still have time to climb out of the 0-4 hole they're in. The Big Blue evened their CCIW record at 2-2, matching Wheaton in a tie for 4th/5th. Their mostly-successful use of fullcourt trapping late in the game invigorated them. Both teams got good contributions from a variety of players.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2012, 06:30:05 PM
Now so looking forward to the IWU-EC game, to see how good a road team these Titans are.  Agree totally with Hoosier Titan, the IWU-CC game was just fantastic.  Surely one of the best women's DIII hoops games I've witnessed ever.  Perhaps it doesn't compare to the comeback last year against George Fox, but this was truly two very good teams, heavy weight teams, matching skills, play for play, throughout, and two excellent coaches doing their utmost to get the win.  IWU got the last shot and, fortunately for the Titans at home, it went down.  Loved the head-to-head matchups with Lett and Jacklin.  My hat is off to the Titans for never giving up, even when down 9 with under 3 minutes to go.  Even with Lett and Gardner shooting 2-15 from treyland, the other Titans picked it up on defense, made key contributions on offense and got the improbable win.  Gotta be a heart-breaker for the Carthage women.  The rematch in Kenosha should be another barn-burner.  Titans have to face the surging EC team now, after NCC next Wednesday @NCC.  WC is beginning to play as well as most of us thought they would.  Lots of basketball left, to be sure, but nice to start out 4-0, protect home court in this big game with Carthage.

My hat is off to both teams  -- what a great effort, what a great game.  It was a privilege to be there.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 15, 2012, 06:51:32 PM
The On Demand replay of the IWU/Carthage game.  The final sequence is at about the 1:40:30 mark on the player...

http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/iwu.portal#


Carthage seemingly made two huge defensive plays to win the game.  First, the tie-up of Olivet Lett with :16 to play (IWU kept the ball), but then the biggie - the tie-up of Lexi Baltes with about :13 to go, with possession arrow to the Lady Reds.  Carthage just had to get the ball in and make FT's.  But credit the IWU defense on the inbounds play...I don't think a single Carthage player was open...which forced the bad pass and turnover.  Also credit the Titans on handling that final offensive possession without calling a timeout.  You can see Mia Smith getting ready to call one in the middle of that possession, but she changed her mind and did not.

Crazy finish.  Mia's Smith postgame comments on WJBC radio...

http://wjbc.com/iwu-men-win-9th-straight-women-win-on-late-3/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2012, 04:15:31 PM
Warm congrats to Olivia Lett on CCIW Player of the Week, her third such award already this season!

Titans have NCC this week, Wednesday, then the big showdown with ECC on the 21st, Saturday. 

Lots of excellent basketball, big games, to go, but CCIW season almost one-third in the books. 

With no disrespect to Olivia who obviously had a another huge week, Michelle Bilek is my Titan Player of the Week!  IMHO.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 16, 2012, 04:46:13 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 15, 2012, 06:51:32 PM
Also credit the Titans on handling that final offensive possession without calling a timeout.  You can see Mia Smith getting ready to call one in the middle of that possession, but she changed her mind and did not.


That final possession (which really took 10 seconds) seemed to take both half a second and ten years.  I kept expecting Mia to call the timeout.  Yesterday I spoke with Lexi Baltes, who said that the players on the floor thought they didn't have one.  As I thought about it, it would have presented other problems--they would have had to inbound the ball, this time without a timeout if they needed it.  Of course, knowing the ending, it all worked out perfectly for the Titans.

I once calculated that I'd been to a thousand basketball games before I went to college; there's been fewer live ones since but I've probably watched that many more.  Even having seen an undefeated team win a national championship, I don't ever remember a more exciting finish than that one.  Blo-No was ten degrees warmer after that!

Congrats to Olivia!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2012, 07:21:19 PM
After the win over Carthage, IWU breaks into the top 25, barely, at 25th.  Only team in the top 25 with 4 losses.

Carthage at 28th.

Still six undefeated squads in the top 25 listing.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2012, 07:03:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2012, 05:02:17 PM
I saw Millikin use a late-game 22-6 surge to get past North Park 68-61. Julia Robert tallied 14 (if I counted right) of those 22, including a dazzling over-the-shoulder flip lay-in following a steal of the inbound throw. Certainly was a disheartening loss for NP, but they still have time to climb out of the 0-4 hole they're in.

The disheartening part for NPU is that the Vikings had a six-point lead at 61-55 with three minutes remaining ... and then didn't score another point. Even though it took Millikin a full minute to register any points in its comeback attempt, that's still a distressing length of time for a drought, especially at the end of a game. Millikin's press really rattled the Vikings down the stretch, and two of the four shots that NPU missed in that final span were layups.

The ugly finish wiped out what would've otherwise been a fine effort by NPU on Saturday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2012, 08:52:57 PM
Anyone know why Britt Hasselbring is not playing for IWU tonight.

IWU up early 16-12 over NCC, about half way thru the first half.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2012, 09:13:45 PM
IWU up at NC 44-31 at the half.

Lett with 17.

No sign of Britt Hasselbring.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 18, 2012, 09:14:56 PM
Wheaton all over Carthage at the half, 40-27. The Thunder closed the first half on a 15-2 run. I would expect Carthage to make a strong push early in the half to get back in the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2012, 09:41:47 PM
IWU up 61-37.

Long way to go.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 18, 2012, 10:08:05 PM
Wheaton 66
Carthage 51

Wheaton delivered the knockout punch with its 15-2 run to close the first half. Carthage didn't get closer than 9 in the second half, as it seemed like the Thunder really took them out of everything they wanted to do. Wheaton applied constant pressure on the perimeter and really made it tough for the Lady Reds to get the ball inside. This is by far Wheaton's most complete game of the year, as they really played well at both ends throughout the night. I'm sure there was a bit of an emotional carryover for Carthage from their tough loss on Saturday to IWU. Wheaton is really starting to play well now after two stinkers to start conference play. Now they need to see if they can continue their hot streak on the road. The Thunder always seems to struggle a bit at North Park.

Wheaton: 23-50 FG (46%) 8-14 3FG (57%) 12-16 FT (75%) 25 REB 20 TO
       -Lindsey Brenneman: 19 points (7-9 FG; 3-4 3FG)
       -Breanna Bohlen: 15 points (5-6 FG; 3-3 3FG)
       -Maris Hovee: 11 points, 5 rebounds

Carthage: 18-40 FG (45%) 8-17 3FG (47%) 7-10 FT (70%) 24 REB 26 TO
       -Diana Jacklin: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks
       -Dani Ripkey:  9 points, 3 rebounds
       -Haley Stercic: 9 points (3-5 3FG)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2012, 10:14:38 PM
Final IWU 87 -- NCC 53

How about this for a line:  Lett 26 points, 8 RB, 2 Asst, 4 steals, 1 block, 1 TO, no fouls. 

Also:
Gardner 18
Bilek, career high 14

Only player in double figures for NCC:

Bobbi Johns with 10

IWU's bench scored 34.  Titans shot 51%, 50% from treyland, hitting 10 treys, 88% from the FT line.

Keep it rolling Titans.  Big game now with ECC on Saturday. 

It could be that Carthage lost tonight to WC, we'll see.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 18, 2012, 10:16:08 PM
North Park 64
Augustana 58

Elmhurst 72
Millikin 62
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2012, 10:16:27 PM
Wow, great game by WC to take down Carthage. WC is coming on strong, which is not surprising.  Thought that game with Carthage would be closer.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2012, 10:29:06 PM
North Park 64
Augustana 58

Roxie Jones: 18 pts, 9 rebs
Dana Christensen: 13 pts
Annie Shain: 10 pts

Natalie Runge: 14 pts
Allison Scaggs: 14 pts
Chaney Tambling: 10 pts, 8 rebs

NPU almost blew a 13-point advantage in the second half, as Augie closed to within one with four minutes left, but Amanda Reese's squad held it together, clung to the lead, and closed it out in fine fashion with a six-point road win at the Carver Center. Although NPU didn't take care of the ball particularly well, turning it over 17 times, Augie turned it over a whopping 27 times. That negated a 46-33 rebounding advantage for the Rock Islanders. The difference in the game was Roxie Jones, who pretty much had her way in the low post tonight, and the outside shooting of Dana Christensen and Annie Shain, who each drained three treys. It was also good to see Dominikque Williams back in uniform this evening for the Park after a one-game absence, as her defense and athleticism were missed in Saturday's loss to Millikin.

Good to finally get off the schneid, and even better to get it on the road. Now NPU will have to step up and face a stiffer test on Saturday when the Vikings host a streaking Wheaton outfit.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2012, 11:24:05 PM
HUGE game Saturday at Elmhurst - 5-0 IWU at 5-0 Elmhurst (everyone else has at least 2 losses).

Way too early to talk 'driver's seat', but if the Titans can win on the road, they can at least dream it. ;D  A Jay's win would likely set up a helluva showdown in B'town later.  (NOT to say that other teams may not still have a say in it!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 11:03:37 AM
Ypsi, you are so so right. Should be a great match-up on Saturday, IWU vs. EC with both at 5-0.  EC has been playing exceptionally well and, if you look at their stats and line-up, you see great talent, a very strong team, surely one of the premier teams in the CCIW this season.  They got a bit win on the road vs. Millikin.  IWU also playing well, even with the injuries, the changes of their rotation, etc.  Lett and Gardner are really putting up the numbers, consistent production.  Hope Hasselbring and Solari are healthy, back for Saturday, at Brittiny did not play at NC, and Solari still struggles with the ankle problem.  She did not play at NC either.  Titans are getting great assistance from their bench, role players, but are still vulnerable in the post, IMHO.  That's why Solari being back, getting her toughness and rebounding there, esp. against a strong and tall team like EC, could be key.  Olivia Lett's line last night was one of the best in her career, surely one of the best in the CCIW all season.  Michelle Bilek is really starting to contribute in a significant way.  The "run and jump," the Titan speed and transition game, and the shooting percentage the Titans can manage on Saturday will determine it.  I bet EC is practicing all week against pressure, the full court press IWU is likely to bring.  Should be a great game.   

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2012, 11:59:09 AM
I just checked the play-by-play of the E-M game; Millikin was up 25-12 but Elmhurst cut that to a 2 point deficit by the half. EC's Tess Godhardt had another big game : 22 pts (9/14, 1 three, 3/5 FT), 10 rebs, 3 steals. One major reason EC is doing so well is that they are not allowing many easy shots -- they held Millikin to 14/42 2FGs.
Olya Cholewick had 7 steals for Millikin.
To add to Backseat Driver's report, it was interesting that both Carthage and Wheaton shot better at 3FGs than 2FGs. I think that's due to both defenses' emphasis on not permitting much scoring in the lane (and to the fact that both teams have several outstanding longrange shooters).
Neither Brooke Olson nor Elisabeth Potts shot well (practically everyone else did), but I thought they each made fine contributions toward winning the game. As for Carthage, their main problem was turnovers. None of the Lady Reds had what would be considered a great game, but there were some nice efforts here and there, including the six blocks by Jacklin (she's such a smart, hard-working player) and three by Dani Ripkey (you don't expect that from a guard).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 19, 2012, 12:21:39 PM
The "Hoosier" in my screen name is there because I both was born there and graduated from Indiana University.  Now that my daughter's a graduate student there, my family has been enjoying going back to the "big" Bloomington.  The male Hoosier team has being doing quite a bit better than in recent seasons (it would be hard to do worse!), and we made the choice to go see them play Penn State at home this Sunday rather than follow the Titans to Elmhurst.  Now I'm wishing I could be in Chicago on Saturday and Indiana on Sunday.  Both IWU-Elmhurst matches look to be good ones and both look likely to loom large in the conference title races.

I'll be following both games closely, for sure!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 12:43:37 PM
Seems Elmhurst presents to the Titans a great challenge to their drive for five straight CCIW championships, if not the greatest challenge this season.  EC is playing very well with a range of talent, with new and experienced players.  I've watched them on video and they are long and fast, with great rebounding and defensive intensity.  If they have a weakness, it seems to be that they do, at times, turn the ball over.  ECC starters do play alot of minutes.  How the IWU "run and jump" gets to them or not, may be a major factor.  IWU usually plays best when things are up-tempo and when in transition and high scoring games occur.  Don't think IWU would have the advantage if this game is played at a slower pace, in the half-court sets, most of the game.  IWU is weaker in the post area, especially if Solari is still out.  Of course, Lett can play anywhere, post, wing, top of the key, even PG when Hasselbring sits.  She had an awesome, huge game last night.   IWU role players and bench will have to play well again, as they have been doing (especially Michelle Bilek), and Melissa Gardner will have to be patient, slash to the hoop as well as hit her treys.  Should be a great game.  Hope IWU bigs, Jackson and Burton, are ready for a war with EC post area players.  Scurlock and Seibring also getting some minutes now in the rotation.  Rebounding by IWU will surely be one key to this game. 

IWU70

P.S.  Any word out there on the status of Solari and Hasselbring for Saturday, as both did not play a single minute vs. NCC. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 19, 2012, 01:09:52 PM
Very interesting matchup between IWU and Elmhurst --of course as a Wheaton fan I'd like Elmhurst to beat the Titans and then lose to Carthage next week  :D

In all seriousness though, IWU will be the best team the Bluejays have played since their loss to UW-Stevens Point way back on Nov. 29. Winning at Millikin really has me convinced that Elmhurst is for real. Decatur is a tough place to win. Now they have the four-time defending champs on their home court. Elmhurst has played the Titans pretty tough at home the last couple of seasons.

From IWU's perspective, they still have to play @Elmhurst, @Wheaton, @Carthage, and @Millikin. If they're going to win the league again, they're going to have to do it by beating the other contenders on the road. That's the mark of a championship team, though, and I certainly don't doubt the Titans' ability to win those games. But they'll be tough ones.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2012, 01:17:42 PM
Hoosier Titan, I have a trivial inquiry that you could answer.
When I was in Bloomington IL in December, two local natives pronounced the Bloom part of it so that it rhymed with look and book. The lady who runs the B-and-B where I stayed assured me that it indeed should rhyme with look.
Is Bloomington IN pronounced the same way, or does it rhyme with tooth?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 19, 2012, 01:41:03 PM
Rog,

That's news to me!  But then, I am not a native here, so your B&B landlady may well be right.  I've always just pronounced them both "bloom," as in flowers. 

Of course, most university communities are primarily made up of people not native to the area, so it may not be surprising that I haven't noticed a native accent.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2012, 02:10:17 PM
Thanks for your reply, HT. I guess it would at least be safe to pronounce Normal normally!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2012, 03:03:26 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2012, 02:10:17 PM
Thanks for your reply, HT. I guess it would at least be safe to pronounce Normal normally!

No, that is pronounced like Garfield's nemesis: Nermal! 8-)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 19, 2012, 03:19:41 PM
Elisabeth Potts is a part of this week's D3hoops.com Team of the Week:

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/tow/2011-12/week8
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 03:35:10 PM
RogK, I think your B anb B lady just has a lazy mouth.  I've been here in town off and on since arriving my freshman year at IWU in 1966 and my folks have lived in this community now for over 30 years, plus their own four years at IWU in the late 30s, early 40s, and I've pretty much only heard "bloom," as in the flowers.  Just like the Bloomington in Indiana as far as I've heard.  I know there's "creek" and "crek", and "roof" and ruff" and "golf" and "gof", but I've never much heard of "bloom" as sounding like "look" or 'nook" or "book."  Perhaps she's such a local that she got carried away and went further with the "bloom" in Bloomington, making in "blum"  or rhyming with "plum" (perhaps even "dumb?")  Can't imagine it as a very widespread usage.

In any case, we know where we are, in the "smaller" Bloomington, right?  Bloomington, IN. is a nice university town too, to be sure, though no Titans over there.  I see the Hoosiers had another loss last night -- 3 in a row?  Big Ten is going to be wild, with OSU coming out on top at the end of the day, it would seem.  Illini are looking good initially, but I fear they are too inconsistent, won't be able to finish it out.  Stay tuned. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 03:45:47 PM
We all live somewhere "near Normal," right?  That's especially so for those of us who live in Bloomington. 

At Horenberger baseball field at IWU, one can literally hit the ball "all the way to the next town,"  from Bloomington to Normal.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2012, 03:51:52 PM
Congratulations to Elisabeth! Very good.
iwu70, I heard what I heard, from more than one person! Two, as a matter of fact. Could be a neighborhood thing, who knows. There are multiple pronunciations of Chicago (only one is correct!) and some people even say Illinoise. Anyway, perhaps you could patrol the aisles of a nearby Kroger and survey the shoppers for pronunciations of Bloomington. Countless d3boards readers now want this matter resolved. -- revision: Uncounted would be more accurate than Countless. But, basketball is a better topic.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2012, 04:21:18 PM
One significant confrontation in the upcoming IWU-EC game will be how IWU does shooting threes. In conference play, IWU is making .427 of their 3FGs, while Elmhurst is yielding only .215.
(the per games are 8.8/20.6 vs 2.8/13.0)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 19, 2012, 04:44:46 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 03:35:10 PM
I see the Hoosiers had another loss last night -- 3 in a row?  Big Ten is going to be wild, with OSU coming out on top at the end of the day, it would seem.  Illini are looking good initially, but I fear they are too inconsistent, won't be able to finish it out.  Stay tuned. 

IWU70

Yes, 3 in a row.  OSU away was expected, but Minnesota at home and Nebraska anywhere should not have happened.  They're still a work in progress--probably playing above their heads to beat #1 Kentucky and #2 OSU earlier, and below where they should be for 2 of the three losses.  Time for patience; of course many DI chat board fans think the sky is falling.  The Big "Ten" and CCIW have quite a bit in common.

Rog, the only people I've heard say "Illinoise" were the student commentators from Whittier, who didn't seem very knowledgeable about geography...they referred to Illinois as the East Coast.  I've lived on the East Coast, and this is not it!

Just noticed that Elmhurst will have live stats, video, and audio for the IWU-Elmhurst men's game, and only live stats for the women.  What's that about?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 05:59:28 PM
"But, basketball is a better topic."  Amen to that.

Let's somehow encourage Elmhurst to do the video and audio for the women's game, too, which is, afterall, the more important of the two IWU-EC games that evening.  No evidence yet that WJBC or WJBC.com is doing the women's game either.  :(

Looking forward to it . . . perhaps I'll have to find a ride to Elmhurst somehow.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on January 19, 2012, 06:04:23 PM
Elmhurst's schedule does have a "Watch" link to bluejaytv.com (http://www.bluejaytv.com/) and the game is listed there so I believe video will be available but this is speculation based on history and observation and nothing more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2012, 07:12:20 PM
through 5 conf games: HOME   ROAD
Augustana                 1-1      0-3
Carthage                   2-0      1-2
Elmhurst                    3-0      2-0
Illinois Wesleyan         3-0      2-0
Millikin                       1-1      1-2
North Central             0-3      0-2
North Park                 0-2      1-2
Wheaton                   3-0      0-2
SUM                        13-7     7-13
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 09:37:23 PM
Seems the remaining schedule for Elmhurst is a bit tougher, with more games still to play vs. "contenders" than IWU.  We'll see.  Gotta always get some good, big wins against the top teams on the road.  Good challenge for IWU this weekend . . . to try to get one of those key big wins on the road and the outright lead at this stage in the CCIW race. 

Glad to see EC "might" have a video feed this weekend.  Let us all know if that is confirmed.

Anyone know about the health status of Hasselbring or Solari?

RogK, thanks for the posting of all the games, wins and losses todate.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 10:18:04 PM
Kean's AD and head women's basketball coach fired.  So it seems like that scandal re: unsanctioned benefits to players and grade fixing, is now reaching its fruition.  With so many scandals this year in DI, sorry to see the scandal bug hitting DIII hoops as well.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on January 21, 2012, 02:41:43 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 09:37:23 PM
Glad to see EC "might" have a video feed this weekend.  Let us all know if that is confirmed.
IWU70
Both the Elmhurst and d3hoops schedules still link to bluejaytv.com which list the iwu-eC 5:30 game at the top of the links shown. I suppose true confirmation will occur at 5:30pm but the schedules are showing the video feed except perhaps iwu's web site is missing it FWIW.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2012, 04:53:46 PM
Yes, I believe BlueJayTV at 5:30 p.m.

Pgraph article today indicates that both Hasselbring and Solari will be ready, back for tonight's big showdown between IWU and Elmhurst.

GO TITANS!!!!!!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2012, 07:22:49 PM
IWU up over Elmhurst at the half, 45-23.  Lett with 16.  IWU pressure taking its toll on the Bluejays.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2012, 07:56:33 PM
W/ 10+ to go, Titans still by 22 - no signs of a comeback yet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2012, 08:21:44 PM
Final: IWU 75, Elmhurst 56.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2012, 08:24:46 PM
Titans over EC, 75-56.  After about 4-5 minutes, this game was never close, with the Titans maintaining about a 20 point lead throughout.

Lett with 22, 7 rebounds.  Hasselbring back and also with 7 rebounds.  Solari also played, had 7 points.  Karen was injured in the second half, so let's hope that is something only minor.  Titans had 6 players scoring 6, 7, or 8 points.  Great depth tonight.  The "run and jump" did in the Bluejays.  Everyone contributed.  Titans won the score line on almost every category, including rebounding. 

Titans now in first place by themselves, 6-0.  Look'in good.

I truly thought this EC team would give the Titans a tougher, closer game.  It appears Carthage and IWU are the class of the league race so far this year.

Hard to over-estimate the value of Olivia Lett and her abilities to play wing, post, PG, and defend and rebound well to boot. 


IWU70 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2012, 08:29:07 PM
Wheaton 48
North Park 36

NPU and Wheaton played one of the worst offensive halves I've ever seen, as it was only 18-13 in favor of the Sonic Atmospheric Distuburance when the two teams went into the locker room. NPU went ten and a half minutes without scoring, Wheaton went six and a half. I've seen those two schools play baseball games that had more scoring. Both defenses were pretty good, but it was really more a matter of the offenses being absolutely putrid. Both teams were so bad that, when NPU went into its ten-minute drought while up 11-4, when the drought ended with a Roxie Jones jumper it tied the game at 13! At least Wheaton had an excuse, and two of WC's better players (Brenneman and Karstens) didn't dress for the game. NPU, although it was missing Dominikque Williams, really had no excuse.

In the second half, Wheaton worked its way up to mediocre while North Park stayed stuck on putrid. NPU actually outshot, outrebounded, and had fewer turnovers than Wheaton in the second half, but Wheaton got to the line repeatedly and did its scoring there. Wheaton was led in scoring by Brooke Olson, who had 13, and Jennifer Lee, who had ten. NPU was paced by Roxie Jones, who had 11 and 8, and by Dana Christensen, who had 11 and 7.

A very disappointing afternoon for the Park, particularly as it came on the heels of a strong effort on Tuesday night at the Carver Center.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 21, 2012, 09:11:23 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 21, 2012, 08:24:46 PM
I truly thought this EC team would give the Titans a tougher, closer game.  It appears Carthage and IWU are the class of the league race so far this year.

I think IWU is in a class by itself, to be honest. At least to this point. Sure, Carthage nearly beat IWU, but the Lady Reds were just beaten soundly at Wheaton.

I got a little sick to my stomach when I saw the Wheaton/NPU boxscore from today. I guess this would fall into the "a win is a win" category for the Thunder, especially missing 2/3 of its all-CCIW backcourt.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2012, 09:51:44 PM
Past game interview on WJBC by Coach Mia Smith indicated how happy she was about the Titans performance in soundly beating EC, especially the play of the team and the "run and jump" in the first half.  Unfortunately, she also indicated that Karen Solari got dinged up twice and may have a concussion.  Let's hope Karen is OK and not out of action too too long.  She's a key piece to the Titan post presence. 

Congrats to the Titans on beating EC so convincingly and for the 6-0 start to the CCIW campaign.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2012, 10:21:26 PM
If Karen Solari is out for any time, ya suppose we could put her big sister in her uniform?  No one would notice, would they?! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 22, 2012, 10:22:15 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2012, 09:37:23 PM
Seems the remaining schedule for Elmhurst is a bit tougher, with more games still to play vs. "contenders" than IWU.

This is true and I overlooked it in my previous post. Elmhurst definitely came back to earth yesterday, and now they head up to Carthage. In addition to that game, the Bluejays still have road games at Wheaton and IWU remaining.

One thing Wheaton did well offensively yesterday was again shooting the three-point shot. After starting the CCIW season 6-40 (15%) from behind the arc against IWU and Elmhurst, the Thunder have connected on 40-76 (53%) over the last four games. That's a pretty significant turnaround.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: AndOne on January 22, 2012, 11:31:28 AM
Just wanted to say I thought the announcers for the Millikin/North Central women's game last night did a very nice job.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2012, 12:24:54 PM
I saw the IWU win at Elmhurst. I hope Karen Solari's head is OK; a scary situation for a while there.
EC will need to devise some way to deal with IWU's trapping if they are to have any chance in the rematch in Bloomington.
Again impressed by Olivia Lett; she does things nobody else can do in our conference.
Carthage used a 50-27 2nd half to top Augie after a 25-25 1st half. Diana Jacklin led with 23 pts (10/15, 3/4 FT), while teammate Cailee Corcoran had 13 pts and 8 rebs in just 20 min. Natalie Runge scored 17 (4/4, 9/10 FT) in 22 min.
Millikin and North Central were knotted at 35 at intermission, but Millikin ran off the 1st 10 pts thereafter and held on for a 70-60 win. Heather Pruemer and Crystal Zeigler each tallied 19 for M, with Cecily Aldridge grabbing 6 steals and 8 rebs.
North Central made 9 of 20 3FGs but only 11 of 44 2FGs ("live by the two, die by the two"?).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2012, 03:37:53 PM
As disheartening as yesterday's loss was for NPU, I want to put in a good word for Vikings junior guard Dana Christensen. She was really struggling badly with her outside shot in non-conference play, averaging less than 30% from beyond the arc in November and December. But she's undergone a complete turnaround in CCIW action, hitting 13 of 27 thus far for a .481 average from downtown that's got her within range of the league lead (she's currently third) and upping her season percentage to .348. NPU doesn't shoot well as a team -- the Vikings are seventh in team shooting percentage in CCIW play and eighth in the overall stats -- which makes it all that much more important to have Dana shooting well as the Park's primary trey threat.

A big part of shooting the basketball is confidence, especially for an outside shooter, and Dana's has to be pretty high right now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2012, 07:15:43 PM
RogerK, what actually happened on the play where Karen Solari was hurt?  I could not see it on the video stream from BlueJayTVland.   I sure hope she's OK, as she is a key piece of the Titan's post play.  She's a great person and a very talented and dedicated Titan team member.  Hope she's OK, though it sounds like she might be out for a time if she has a concussion.  Molinari on the men's side was out for 5-6 games, since mid-December, for the same reason. 

I agree with you as well about Olivia Lett.  She really has a level of skill, mobility, court vision and athleticism that is, as far as I've seen all season, just pretty much unmatched in the DIII women's game.  This was so even with the top players we saw earlier from the WAIC, and also throughout the CCIW so far.  Closest I've seen is Jacklin.  In addition, I appreciate her defense, rebounding and consistency.  Look at the games, game in and game out, and she's at 20+ points, 6-7 reounds, with steals, assists, blocks and most games very few TOs.  She's on a roll right now, and hitting FTs at like 85%.  Only Britt Hasselbring on the Titans is better from the charity stripe. 

First half of the season almost in the books.  Hope the Titans can go to 7-0 vs. Millikin on Wednesday evening.  Biggest challenge remaining in conference play will be the return match with Carthage up in Kenosha.  Titans are getting very consistent scoring and good defensive play from all the rest of the supporting cast right now, too -- Bilek, Jackson, Burton, Baltes, Solari, Seibring, Scurlock, McMahon, etc.  They have lots of active, tough, good players.  No hesitation on anyone's part, especially in executing "run and jump."  It's hard to score when you play most of the game in the back court, or in positions in the half court 40 feet from the basket.  Melissa Gardner is hitting her treys, and contributing at a high level, perhaps even an All-CCIW first team level.  Titans did a good job defending EC's top scorers. 

Lots more good basketball to be played, but getting on toward the home stretch now, with 7-8 games to go, and only February to play, before tournament time.  Time flies.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2012, 11:41:53 AM
iwu70, I didn't notice how Karen hit her head. I think she was in a cluster of players. My eyes were following the ball and I didn't realize she was hurt until the play ended at the other end of the court. Another fan told me Karen hit her head on the floor.
You mentioned, among others, the valuable contributions of IWU's Colleen McMahon. I like what I've seen (3 games) of her so far : a good all-around player, strong and athletic. Elmhurst's McMahon, Fiona, is doing rather well, too. She was very effective Saturday : 6/9 FG, 5/5 FT, 8 rebs, 3 blocks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2012, 12:16:05 PM
Incidentally, we were wondering how Elmhurst's excellent 3FG defense would fare vs IWU's excellent 3FG shooting. IWU made only 3 of 18. At the other end, IWU's 3FG defense permitted only 1/11 shooting by IWU. I'm giving credit to both defenses rather than saying anyone shot crummily!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2012, 12:53:18 PM
Thanks, RogK.  Sure hope Karen Solari is OK.  I'll watch for further reports.

Yes, Fiona McMahon had a superb game, outstanding off the bench.  One of the few bright spots for EC in their game with IWU.

IWU hosts Millikin on Wednesday night to complete the first run-through of the conference schedule.  Titans still have very tough games @ WC and @ Carthage in the second half. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 23, 2012, 02:50:35 PM
Congratulations to Olivia Lett on her second straight CCIW player of the week recognition. We're not even through half of the conference season, and to me she is the only candidate for this year's most outstanding player award.

With the exception of offensive rebounds, she is on every statistical leader list in conference play. 1st in scoring, 4th in rebounding, 9th in field goal percentage, 6th in assists, 1st in free throw percentage, tied for 14th in steals, 13th in 3-pt percentage, 5th in threes made, tied for 11th in blocked shots, 7th in assist-turnover ratio, 3rd in defensive rebounding, and 5th in minutes played. 

http://cciw.org/news/2012/1/23/WBB_0123123645.aspx
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2012, 03:22:03 PM
Congrats to Olivia Lett, yet again!  Great job.  Consistently outstanding, a great week.  Keep it rolling Olivia and all the TITANS. 

Great job by Mia Smith and her staff this year.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2012, 04:11:38 PM
Backseat Driver, I say it's too early to declare that no one other than Lett could be Most Outstanding. She's in the lead right now, but Diana Jacklin is not far behind. And let's see who else could have a great 2nd half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 23, 2012, 04:45:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 23, 2012, 04:11:38 PM
Backseat Driver, I say it's too early to declare that no one other than Lett could be Most Outstanding. She's in the lead right now, but Diana Jacklin is not far behind. And let's see who else could have a great 2nd half.

Perhaps my previous post was too strong--there are others who are having great CCIW seasons (i.e. Jacklin, Merklein). My opinion could be better stated by saying that based on what has transpired so far, Olivia Lett is the clear favorite to win MOP.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2012, 05:24:12 PM
Alot of basketball still to be played.  Several others are having outstanding seasons as well, no doubt. (including IWU's Melissa Gardner). 

Even at home, I think the IWU game Wednesday vs. Millikin will be a tough game.  Hope there's no overlooking this game, looking too much forward to the game @Wheaton, another key game in the CCIW race, next Saturday, 28th.  (Wednesday, another big game is EC @Carthage.  I'll be cheering for Carthage to put the second CCIW loss on EC, of course.  I'd pick them to do it).

Keep it rolling TITANS.  No holding back now . . . with only 8 games to go to the end of the regular season.

IWU70 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2012, 06:12:54 PM
Millikin has defeated North Park, North Central and Augie, with losses to Elmhurst, Carthage and Wheaton. A win at IWU would be a major boost for the Big Blue, but we'll see what they can do.
If they fall to 3-4, they'll really need a collapse by one of the four teams ahead of them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 23, 2012, 06:26:42 PM
Illinois Wesleyan #22 in the new D3hoops.com Top 25. Carthage in the Others Receiving votes, with 12.

http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2011-12/week8
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2012, 09:01:24 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans for moving up in the rankings -- from 25th up to 22nd. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2012, 02:14:04 PM
If anyone needs to see some lively hoops today and can make it to 103rd Street and 2 blocks east of Pulaski (4000 west) by 5:00 p.m., Saint Xavier hosts Olivet Nazarene. Over the past two seasons, SXU has won 5 of the 6 matchups (conference playoffs included).
The average scoring over those 6 games has been 99 for SXU and 93 for ONU.
It is #13 vs #14, NAIA Div I. SXU is 14-5 and ONU is 17-3 (last loss was to Illinois Wesleyan -- there's the NCAA/CCIW connection, ha!).
Directions : http://www.sxu.edu/maps/chicago-directions.asp
There will be a guys' game afterward, which might interest somebody.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2012, 03:45:59 PM
ONU is indeed fun to watch.  They put up 98 on the Titans and lost!  IWU scored 126 or something.  Sounds like quite a good matchup.  We'll watch for the score. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2012, 11:34:33 AM
It was close for about the 1st quarter (22-21), but ONU pulled away to a 59-36 halftime lead and it ended up 119-89. Endless back-and-forth action; the fast pace allowed (forced) players on both teams to use their athleticism and their wide range of basketball skills (that's why it's a pleasure to watch!). The refs and scorer's table were definitely kept busy! Ten different ONU players made a 3; they scored 63 pts from 3FGs, 44 from 2FGs and 12 FTs.
SXU was led by 27 from a sweet-shooting freshman. SXU committed 23 TOs, but that wasn't too bad, considering they scored 89 pts. A 4:1 points/TO ratio is pretty decent. ONU committed only 12 TOs and had an excellent 10:1 pts/TO ratio.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2012, 01:36:32 PM
ONU-SXU.  Wild!  Sounds very much like the Titans game with ONU, that up and down, run and gun, game that led to a 126-98 score.  Incredible fitness and basketball skills at mach speed by both teams.  So different than the IWU-MU men's game last night where MU slowed everything down, would only take a shot in the last 5-7 seconds of every shot clock, trying to stay close.  Got pretty boring, and a bit frustrating for our up-tempo Titans after a time.  Still IWU won 75-53.

IWU-MU women's game should be a good one tonight.  Hope the Titans can keep it going, finish the first half of CCIW play perfect, 7-0.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2012, 04:03:47 PM
North Park (1-5) plays at North Central (0-6). Both sides need a win! Good luck to each.
Similarly, Augie (1-5) can't afford many more losses. Wheaton will try to present one to them.
Carthage hosts Elmhurst in a battle between strong halfcourt-oriented teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2012, 08:55:47 PM
IWU up 33-13 over Millikin with 8 minutes to go in the first half.  Melissa Gardner having a big night from treyville, will 4 threes already. 

Score from Carthage anyone?

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 25, 2012, 09:05:04 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 25, 2012, 08:55:47 PM
IWU up 33-13 over Millikin with 8 minutes to go in the first half.  Melissa Gardner having a big night from treyville, will 4 threes already. 

Score from Carthage anyone?

IWU70

http://www.carthage.edu/athleticspages/livestats/wb/xlive.htm
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2012, 09:22:27 PM
Thanks, Q.  Wowza.  Looks like Carthage has that game truly in hand too!  Gotta love being two games up on the field after the first turn.

Lett and Gardner are lighting it up at The Shirk tonight.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2012, 09:57:12 PM
Titans up about 20 with 4:00 minutes or so to go.  Lett 22, Gardner 16, Shelby Jackson with a big night 15, and 6-7 rebounds.  7-0 Titans, Keep in rolling.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2012, 10:42:06 PM
Final from Naperville:

North Park 62
North Central 50

Roxie Jones: 19 pts, 9 rebs, 4 stls
Sarah Peterson: 14 pts, 12 rebs, 5 stls, 3 blocks

Maryssa Cladis: 11 pts
Helen Muleya: 10 pts

It was a fairly close, if not exceptionally well-played, game for most of the way, until NPU pulled away down the stretch. A lotta runs in this one: NCC went on a 15-point skein in the first half to flip a 10-3 North Park lead to an 18-10 Cards advantage, and then the Vikings immediately came roaring back with seven straight points of their own. But the most important runs came in the second half; with the Cards enjoying their biggest lead of the second half at 33-28 with 14:47 to go, the interior combo of Roxie Jones and Sarah Peterson started clicking for the Vikes, as the royal blue and gold scored nine unanswered points over the next three and a half minutes to take a lead that they would never relinquish. Finally, with NPU clinging to a 43-41 advantage with nine minutes to go, freshman Dominikque Williams of North Park buried a trey from the corner that set the Vikes off on a 12-0 run that basically put the game away.

North Park didn't shoot particularly well, especially from the free throw line, where the Vikes were an absymal 15-26 (58%). But they had so many more possessions than did the Cards that they could afford a truckload of misses. The Vikings took advantage of 21 NCC turnovers (14 of them NPU steals) and a +4 rebounding advantage (including a whopping 18-10 advantage on the offensive boards) to get off ten more FG attempts and ten more FT attempts than the hosts.

NPU freshman Annie Shain had to be helped off the floor after taking a hard foul in the second half. Sure hope she's OK.

Didn't sound like a pretty game (I listened to the WONC broadcast while following live stats), and my pleasure as a North Park fan in the win is mitigated a bit by the fact that, after all, NCC is in last place for a reason. But, still, a win's a win, and it's especially nice to pick up another one on the road. Kudos to the North Park women for getting the job done tonight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 25, 2012, 11:37:15 PM
Wheaton 78
Augustana 67

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/1/25/WBB_aug1.aspx

Wheaton:
Lindsey Brenneman- 15 points
Elisabeth Potts- 14 Points
Laura Karsten- 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
Brooke Olson- 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

Augustana:
Chaney Tambling- 13 points, 4 rebounds
Natalie Runge- 12 points, 7 rebounds
Molly Etheridge- 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

The Thunder shot 45% from beyond the arc, continuing its impressive run. It really is remarkable that after how poorly Wheaton shot the three in its first two games, it now leads the league at 40%. Augie dominated the boards, 40-28, and collected 14 offensive rebounds. Looks as though Wheaton led by 6-8 points throughout the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 25, 2012, 11:47:20 PM
Halfway home:

Wesleyan 7-0 (14-4)
Carthage 5-2 (14-4)
Elmhurst 5-2 (14-4)
Wheaton 5-2 (12-6)
Millikin 3-4 (11-7)
NPU 2-5 (8-10)
Augie 1-6 (9-9)
NCC 0-7 (6-12)

I was pretty sure coming into the season that IWU was still the top dog, and that's proven to be the case so far. In the 2-4 logjam, Elmhurst has beaten Wheaton at home, Wheaton has beaten Carthage at home, and Carthage has beaten Elmhurst at home. Millikin still has a shot at a tourney spot, but they face some tough sledding to get there.

I'm interested to see how Wheaton plays on Saturday vs. IWU. They didn't put their best foot forward in Bloomington by any stretch. The Titans are on some kind of roll right now, and it will take a really great performance by the Thunder--and maybe a bit of King Arena magic--to derail them. Wheaton has played really well at home in CCIW play so far.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2012, 03:33:49 PM
Hey Greg, I read your report on the NP/NC game and noticed your statement that NP had a lot more possessions than did NC. I've always thought that an offensive rebound extends the existing possession, but you seem to interpret that it starts a new possession.
Under my definition, each team would always have the same number of possessions in a game, give or take one. Theoretically, one possession could last 20:00, if the team that wins the tip keeps missing shots and gets all of the rebounds.
I've heard broadcasters say the same thing you did. I thought a possession doesn't end until one starts for the other team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Roundball999 on January 26, 2012, 04:21:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 26, 2012, 03:33:49 PM
Hey Greg, I read your report on the NP/NC game and noticed your statement that NP had a lot more possessions than did NC. I've always thought that an offensive rebound extends the existing possession, but you seem to interpret that it starts a new possession.
Under my definition, each team would always have the same number of possessions in a game, give or take one. Theoretically, one possession could last 20:00, if the team that wins the tip keeps missing shots and gets all of the rebounds.
I've heard broadcasters say the same thing you did. I thought a possession doesn't end until one starts for the other team.

The existence of the shot clock, and all its implications, tends to make me think of each renewal of the shot clock as a new possession.  But that may not have any relation to the official definition of a possession  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2012, 05:47:47 PM
Roundball999, I don't know if there is any official definition. I suspect it's more of an informal term that means different things to different people.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2012, 07:00:18 PM
BackSeatDriver, re:  "half way home," I agree with you that IWU has turned out to be the class of the field so far.  I also thought earlier that they would reload, not rebuild this year.  They just had too many good players remaining, esp. Lett and Gardner, and also great bench/role players and an excellent coach, to drop too far from that four-year group of the past era, the group that got all the way to the "home Final Four!"  They are playing well, on a big roll now.  I think WC will have to put up a very good performance this weekend to derail them and try to climb back into the race, get closer to IWU in the standings.  Key performance last night was an excellent one by Shelby Jackson with 18 points and good rebounding.   If Solari and Jackson are playing well, anchoring and solidifying the post area, then the Titans are extra tough.  They've always been good this year on the perimeter, on the run, in the "run and jump", from treyland, and in percentage shooting from the field and the line.  The post area is really improving and Solari, Jackson and Amy Burton are keys to really keeping that up with all the other advantages the Titans have, even with Lett leading in the rebounding category.  Fun to watch when you have the superb consistency of Lett and Gardner, then others each game stepping up and surprising folks with their play.  Lexi Baltes also had an excellent line, performance last night, too.  We'll see this weekend.  One big remaining challenge of course is the Carthage game at Kenosha.  I also expected Carthage to put a big slammer on the EC team this past game, and they surely did.  IWU vs. Carthage, that will be one of the best games of the year, just as it was here in The Shirk.

Congrats to the Titans, esp. to Coach Smith and to Olivia Lett, on the perfect record through the first go-round of the CCIW schedule.  Let's keep it rolling.

GO TITANS.  I'd love to see the 5th championship in a row!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2012, 10:35:39 PM
Roundball999 is right, Rog. When the ball touches the rim or passes through the cylinder in a live-ball situation, the shot clock is cleared by the shot-clock operator. Clearing the shot clock indicates that the possession is over. Any missed shot, of course, is a free ball (i.e., no de facto possession), whether it hits the rim or not, until one team or the other establishes control of the ball -- even if it's a wink-of-the-eye possession on a tip-in. But a cleared shot clock definitively ends the possession in the technical sense. Possession continues in a legal sense if the missed shot does not hit the rim, although that's really a rule that's less about the concept of possession and more about penalizing the shooter's team for missing so badly (by forcing it to continue on a running shot clock) if it gains the offensive rebound.

This is from page 60 of the NCAA men's and women's basketball rulebook:

QuoteSection 55. Rebound
Art. 1. A rebound is an attempt by any player to secure possession of the ball after a try for goal. In a rebounding situation, there is no player or team control.

Note the language. Any player can secure possession, indicating that there is no possession when the ball is in the air after a miss. In this instance, control is interpreted by the NCAA rulebook as being the defining condition of possession. When there is no control, there is no possession.

It's hard to read possession totals from a box score, because the PBP doesn't indicate whether or not a missed shot hit the rim, and there's really no way to read it statistically. A missed shot that's an airball, or that hits the backboard but not the rim, reads the same in both places as does a miss that hits the rim (and which therefore clears the shot clock and changes the possession). But it's safe to say, given the wide disparity in offensive rebounds in NPU's favor as well as the larger total of FG attempts and FT attempts, that NPU had a lot more possessions than did NCC.

(The language that I use as a broadcaster for the NPU men is actually a little misleading, in that, when an offensive rebound is gained, I usually say something to the effect of, "... and the Vikings retain possession." The term retain means "to continue possession", so that's technically inaccurate on my part. I, and a lot of other broadcasters, use retain to refer to an offensive rebound so as to verbally set apart an offensive rebound from a quick sequence of two turnovers, for which I would say, "... and the Vikings regain possession." But in the strict sense, an offensive rebound is a regaining of possession as well, not a retaining of possession. You can't retain something that you've already surrendered, and when you put up a shot you've surrendered possession by making it a free ball if it doesn't go in the basket.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2012, 02:49:52 AM
The word on NPU's Annie Shain is that she may have torn her ACL in Wednesday night's game. I'm very sorry to hear that. I hope things turn out all right for her.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2012, 09:37:56 AM
That is unfortunate for Annie Shain. She has been progressing well as a freshman, steadily becoming more important for the Vikings. I wish her a good rehab and full recovery.
Thanks, Greg, for your research into the NCAA's references to the term "possession," as well as your clear and thorough comments on the issue.
I imagine that scorer's tables occasionally have to apply judgment as to how many times possession occurs in some loose ball scrambles. We've seen some where a player from one team gets the ball, but quickly coughs it up, followed by an opponent doing the same thing. If there were possessions, then turnovers have to be charged and steals might be credited. Or, it could be seen that neither team had possession during that exchange, so no turnovers would be charged.
I still like my definition for its simplicity, but I concede that I'm in the minority.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on January 27, 2012, 10:47:25 AM
Agreed bummer for Annie Shain.  I've known her through high school and she's a great kid...not that an ACL tear should happen to anyone!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2012, 04:40:11 PM
Sorry to hear about the Annie Shain injury.  Very tough.  I wish her all the best, successful surgery if needed, and a full and speedy recovery.  Let's hope no more injuries for any of the CCIW teams or players the rest of the season.  Hope everyone can stay at full strength. 

IWU @WC should be a good game, and one that, should the Titans win, starts looking like a "driver's seat" situation, of course still leaving other tough games to come, but putting more and more distance between the Titans and the "contenders."  WC has been playing very well in recent games, so I expect a close game vs. WC on their home court.

GO TITANS . . . bring home another "W." 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 27, 2012, 04:54:44 PM
I, too, am sorry to hear about Annie Shain's ACL. I have not seen NPU play this year, but from having been involved with the Wheaton program when players suffered the same injury I know the impact it can have not only on the player, but on the team as a whole. Coming back from an ACL is dependent on a lot of different of factors, and I hope that Annie is able to recover within the 6-8 month period that is typically prescribed.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2012, 06:01:48 PM
Big game for the Titans tonight at King.  Should be a very competitive one this time, with WC playing so well recently and now playing at home.  Again, Wheaton will have to match the Titans' pace and respond well to the pressures, turnovers, caused by the "run and jump."  It's not as if they won't know what's coming.  Olivia Lett, Shelby Jackson and Melissa Gardner are all playing very very well.  Hope Karen Solari and all the other Titans are healthy and at full strength.  Let's see who surprises us tonight and steps up and has a big big game to match the wonderful season-long consistency of Lett and Gardner and Hasselbring.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2012, 07:40:38 PM
IWU down 32-24 at half @Wheaton.  Thunder doing a good job defensively, frustrating the Titans scorers.  Very rough, tumble game, with many turnovers, tips and loose balls, on boths sides.  Titans will have to come back bigtime to get back into this one.  They played pretty loosely, poorly in the first half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2012, 08:37:23 PM
Going to OT in Wheaton, tied at 60.

Britt Hasselbring was scoreless most of the game, but hit four clutch FTs down the stretch (including the ones, with 11 seconds left) to force OT.  Laura Karsten was held to 5 most of the game, but her 3 with 19 seconds remaining was HUGE.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2012, 08:45:17 PM
68-68, going to double OT!

Hope the men's game takes place before midnight!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2012, 09:04:50 PM
Titans fall in double OT, 76-74. :(  (I got a bad feeling when Olivia Lett (24 points, 12 rebounds) fouled out with 39 seconds left.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2012, 09:27:40 PM
Well, more of a race on our hands now.  76-74 WC over IWU in 2OTs.  Great game, great effort by both teams, a knock down drag-out, with big play after big play.  WC showed alot of heart tonight matching our Titans shot for shot.  IWU only one game lead over Carthage now.

Lett had 24, got her team back into it, but struggled against very tough WC defense in the first half.  Ms. Olson had a HUGE game for Wheaton.  Key to the game for WC was excellent overall rebounding, esp. offensive glass, and some very big clutch treys.  Wheaton will be hard to beat in the second half, so WC vs. Carthage also a big big game. 

Next Wednesday @ Augie.  Big game coming up in Kenosha.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 29, 2012, 04:19:23 PM
Wheaton 76
IWU 74 (2OT)

I posted this after Wheaton lost to #2 University of Chicago earlier this season:

Quote from: Backseat Driver on November 30, 2011, 09:57:07 PM
3. Dating back to last January's win over then #16-Carthage, Wheaton has shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country. Games like tonight are ones that the Thunder will need to win in conference play, and having the experience of playing a team like Chicago will help when the CCIW battles begin.

That experience paid huge dividends last night, as Wheaton was able to go toe-to-toe with IWU down the stretch of the second half and in the overtimes. It was an incredibly good game last night between two excellent basketball teams, with great performances from individuals on both sides.

Olivia Lett, once again, displayed just how good she is. She really struggled in the first half, but she put her team on her back down the stretch and into the overtimes. Saying that the Titans missed her on their final possession in 2OT would be a wild understatement. Melissa Gardner also had a fine game for the Titans. She can hit the three from just about anywhere.

Obviously, Brooke Olson was terrific last night. She hit some bigtime shots, and scored 12 straight points for the Thunder down the stretch. But Wheaton got significant contributions from every player who took the floor. It was a complete team victory.

Recap: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/1/28/WBB_iwu2.aspx
Box Score: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=2452

As important as this win was, Wheaton doesn't have the luxury of dwelling on it too much. Wednesday's game at Millikin is another huge test, and then Wheaton hosts Elmhurst and travels to Carthage. That's a tough stretch of games.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2012, 07:19:46 PM
BackSeat, agree with you.  Great game at King.  Two excellent teams with alot of heart, tough play throughout and in the OTs.  Did you see the charge call on Brittany Hasselbring?  From the video stream angle is sure didn't look like one that should have been called.  Tough to lose it on that one, (as Coach Mia Smith said in the Pgraph article today), but of course there were many good plays, tough calls both ways throughout the game, which was well-fought and at times quite crazy and loose.  WC did have Lett frustrated at first, but then she just went into her higher gear, got to the line, made shot after shot.  Ms. Olson is a terrific player, with lots of will to win last night.  The way WC is playing now, esp. when hitting so many treys, I wouldn't be too too surprised to see them beat Carthage.  I think EC is actually down a notch from the other three contenders, IMHO.  Of course, gotta play tough every game now, as there are no nights off in the CCIW stretch run for teams.  But, big games for WC still at MU, EC and of course at Carthage.  Big game for the Titans will be the one in Kenosha, for sure.  Great season so far with lots of excitement and wonderful performances.  Quality of play really improving now by several of the teams.  Melissa Gardner is fun to watch, isn't she, shooting her treys from all over the place.

I'm hoping IWU gets another crack at U Chicago too -- perhaps in the tournament?  We'll see.   

IWU @Augie Wednesday night. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 29, 2012, 07:32:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 29, 2012, 07:19:46 PM
Did you see the charge call on Brittany Hasselbring?  From the video stream angle is sure didn't look like one that should have been called.  Tough to lose it on that one, (as Coach Mia Smith said in the Pgraph article today), but of course there were many good plays, tough calls both ways throughout the game, which was well-fought and at times quite crazy and loose.

I had a pretty good look at the play and it looked as though, by rule, it was a charge. It seemed as though coach Smith was upset because of the situation and the stakes, not necessarily that the wrong call was made. Had no foul been called, Wheaton still would have had 9 seconds to win it. As it was though, Wheaton couldn't get the ball inbounds so the Titans got another chance. That's where Olivia Lett fouling out was huge.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on January 29, 2012, 11:52:25 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 29, 2012, 04:19:23 PM
Wheaton 76
IWU 74 (2OT)

I posted this after Wheaton lost to #2 University of Chicago earlier this season:

Quote from: Backseat Driver on November 30, 2011, 09:57:07 PM
3. Dating back to last January's win over then #16-Carthage, Wheaton has shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country. Games like tonight are ones that the Thunder will need to win in conference play, and having the experience of playing a team like Chicago will help when the CCIW battles begin.

That experience paid huge dividends last night, as Wheaton was able to go toe-to-toe with IWU down the stretch of the second half and in the overtimes. It was an incredibly good game last night between two excellent basketball teams, with great performances from individuals on both sides.

Olivia Lett, once again, displayed just how good she is. She really struggled in the first half, but she put her team on her back down the stretch and into the overtimes. Saying that the Titans missed her on their final possession in 2OT would be a wild understatement. Melissa Gardner also had a fine game for the Titans. She can hit the three from just about anywhere.

Obviously, Brooke Olson was terrific last night. She hit some bigtime shots, and scored 12 straight points for the Thunder down the stretch. But Wheaton got significant contributions from every player who took the floor. It was a complete team victory.

Recap: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/1/28/WBB_iwu2.aspx
Box Score: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=2452

As important as this win was, Wheaton doesn't have the luxury of dwelling on it too much. Wednesday's game at Millikin is another huge test, and then Wheaton hosts Elmhurst and travels to Carthage. That's a tough stretch of games.


The important thing to note was that game against Chicago was while Karsten and Lee were still with the soccer team in their postseason run.  I do certainly think that games like that one, the early loss vs. UW-L, and the loss to Simpson have really helped this team in conference play.  Similar to last year though, Wheaton may have killed their Pool C bid chances before the conference season started.  I would think they would almost have to run the table in the conference to have a chance.

The schedule certainly is stacked right now for the Thunder starting the second circuit with the top 4 other teams in the CCIW as I can see a letdown being a realistic possibility in Decatur on Wednesday, but if they can get the win Wednesday I like their odds at home against Elmhurst with the improved post play of Hovee and Graham and then a toss up in Kenosha the following week.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2012, 11:39:00 AM
I saw Elmhurst defeat North Park, 65-51. Megan Ney led 4 Jays in double figures with 16 pts (6/7, 4/5 FT) and had 11 rebs. Near the end of the 1st half, Meghan Merklein suffered what appeared to be a significant knee injury. I happened to be nearby during a 2nd half timeout when one of the refs asked her if she was OK; she sadly shook her head "no." I hope she can play again in this her senior year. The article on their site doesn't say anything about it, so hopefully that's a good sign.
Roxie Jones tallied 19 for NP, along with 4 steals, 6 rebs.
Millikin, down 33-22 at the break, won 63-60 at Augie. Crystal Zeigler poured in 24 pts (10/12, 4/6 FT).
Carthage trounced North Central 68-43 (42-14 at halftime!); Cailee Corcoran scored 19 in 24:00, while Diana Jacklin had 14 pts, 3 steals and 4 blocks in 22:00.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2012, 01:13:55 PM
RogK, thanks for the quick update and review.  So sorry to hear about Merklein and hope she is OK, able to play further this season.  She's been having a great season so far. 

I think IWU also benefitted greatly from the tough teams played earlier, the tough games lost but still quite competitive, esp. the 3 pt. loss to #2 Chicago @UC.  Also Whitewater and DePauw, etc.  Titans also have a few more pre-CCIW losses than one would want going into Pool C consideration.  Obviously, need best to win the league and go at least 1-1 in the CCIW tourney, hopefully 2-0.  We'll see.  Tough loss at WC, but I give the WC team all the kudos and credit as they played tough and hung in for a big win in 2OTs.  Great game to watch, like the very exciting IWU win over Carthage earlier @Shirk, just two outstanding teams duking it out to the final possession.  Great stuff from a fan point of view.   Really love the competitiveness and athleticism of these women's games. 

More coming . . . WC vs. Carthage, also IWU vs. Carthage, should be really great games, AGAIN.  We'll have to see if EC or MU have an upset in them yet this season.  I personally think not, but we'll see. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on January 30, 2012, 02:18:35 PM
EC's Merklein could put no weight on the knee which is never a good sign.  MRI was done today I hear with results coming tomorrow.  She reports feeling much better so fingers are firmly crossed!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 30, 2012, 03:44:10 PM
Hoping for the best for Meghan Merklein. It would be a real shame if she missed significant time, or worse the rest of her senior year. She's one of those players who, even though she could get by without significant improvement, has committed to improving her game every year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 30, 2012, 03:47:41 PM
Congratulations to Wheaton's Brooke Olson on her hard-earned and well-deserved CCIW player of the week award!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on January 30, 2012, 06:17:01 PM
An article on IWU senior Olivia Lett, and her transition from D1 to D3...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/senior-s-transition-from-transfer-to-top-iwu-women-s/article_9a18a352-4afc-11e1-b14e-0019bb2963f4.html


I have watched about 9 of IWU's games this year (online) and am sure that Lett is the best IWU women's player I've ever seen.  She is just so talented.

I don't know the women's landscape like I do the men's, but I have to believe Lett is a 1st Team All-American. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2012, 06:27:33 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 30, 2012, 06:17:01 PM
An article on IWU senior Olivia Lett, and her transition from D1 to D3...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/senior-s-transition-from-transfer-to-top-iwu-women-s/article_9a18a352-4afc-11e1-b14e-0019bb2963f4.html


I have watched about 9 of IWU's games this year (online) and am sure that Lett is the best IWU women's player I've ever seen.  She is just so talented.

I don't know the women's landscape like I do the men's, but I have to believe Lett is a 1st Team All-American.

You might have to say second best.  Since she says Christina Solari's warm acceptance was WHY she came to IWU, Christina may STILL be the Titan MVP, even after graduating! ;)  (Not to mention bringing along 'baby' sis!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 30, 2012, 07:04:28 PM
No CCIW teams in the new top 25. IWU (38), Carthage (15), and Wheaton (3) receive votes. The Titans are the top "receiving votes" squad.

http://d3hoops.com/top25/women/2011-12/week9
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2012, 07:15:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 30, 2012, 11:39:00 AM
I saw Elmhurst defeat North Park, 65-51. Megan Ney led 4 Jays in double figures with 16 pts (6/7, 4/5 FT) and had 11 rebs. Near the end of the 1st half, Meghan Merklein suffered what appeared to be a significant knee injury. I happened to be nearby during a 2nd half timeout when one of the refs asked her if she was OK; she sadly shook her head "no." I hope she can play again in this her senior year. The article on their site doesn't say anything about it, so hopefully that's a good sign.
Roxie Jones tallied 19 for NP, along with 4 steals, 6 rebs.

NPU just looked plain awful on Saturday afternoon. Apart from Roxie Jones's efforts the Vikings just couldn't do anything right. It was hard to figure, since the game between the Vikes and 'jays went right down to the wire in Elmhurst, and NPU had had a substantial lead in that game. Give EC credit for staying focused after Merklein went down. What a freakish injury, though; she was standing by herself in the center circle, dribbling the ball with no one around her, and she suddenly seemed to just crumple like an accordion. I could see by the way she was falling that her knee had buckled, but I couldn't figure out why. Sure hope she's OK.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2012, 08:47:21 PM
Congrats to Brooke Olson on CCIW POY.  Well deserved. She played a terrific game at WC vs. our Titans. 

I, too, think Olivia Lett is a first-team All-American candidate.  She's the total package and you just don't see that all that often in the DIII women's game.  Great article about her in the Pgraph today, big front page piece on the sports section.  Much deserved.

Time for a good stretch run, getting stronger and better in these final games, with all the conditioning and experience of tough, close games now coming into play.  Time to use the "run and jump" to great effect.  Still think the Titans rise and fall in close games on rebounding and interior play by Jackson, Solari, Burton and others.  We know what to expect and what we almost always get from Lett, Gardner and Hasselbring.  Many other perimeter role players can make a huge difference when/if they have above average or extraordinary games, contributions. 

WC vs. Carthage and IWU @ Carthage should be some great games.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2012, 09:23:40 PM
Ypsi, I agree that Christina Solari was the best Titan post player, rebounder and overall team leader we've seen in IWU women's hoops in the past several decades, although there have been many many good players.  But, Lett is overall the most well-rounded and skilled player we've seen -- scoring, rebounding, assists, defense, blocking shots, running the floor, breaking down defenders, passing when doubled, . . . well, it goes on and on.  She's just terrific, athletic, smart and can really put the team on her back at times and carry them.  I really think Q is right to say that she's legit first team All-American this year in the DIII women's game.  Hope we get a chance for a tourney run so Olivia can show off all her many talents and make another run at the Final Four.  I'd love a rematch with Chicago, DePauw, the WAIC teams, perhaps if George Fox again, as last year.  This team is hardened, experienced now, and, barring major injuries, could surely make a good run if they can make the tourney.  Doing that from the CCIW is never easy, but I'm still hoping for, cheering for a fifth straight CCIW championship. 

Hope all goes well for you.  Very mild, even warm winter so far here in Btown.  To be almost 60 degrees tomorrow, so you know what that means for the IWU Quad, Mudville. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2012, 09:34:24 PM
Mark, based on the videos, I agree that Olivia may be the best Titan ever.  But since she said she wouldn't have come except for Christina's warm acceptance (and who knows if we would have gotten Karen), CS may STILL be the MVP! ;D

'Only' near 50 here tomorrow, and with it still being January, I'm not dumb enough to conclude anything.  We've still got February and March (and in Michigan, April and even May), but this just MIGHT be the winter that forgot to show up! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: matblake on January 31, 2012, 09:39:44 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2012, 09:34:24 PM
'Only' near 50 here tomorrow, and with it still being January, I'm not dumb enough to conclude anything.  We've still got February and March (and in Michigan, April and even May), but this just MIGHT be the winter that forgot to show up! ;D

Thanks for the curse Ypsi.  I know you had a clarifier, but I'm still blaming you if things go south in SE Michigan! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2012, 11:45:22 AM
iwu70, while I was reading your list of things Olivia Lett does well, it occurred to me that most of them describe Christina Solari, too. But, Olivia has better shooting range and can make a shot from practically anywhere near the lane, even under excellent defensive pressure.
In the approximately ten years (there are worse ways to waste time in the winter!) I've followed CCIW WBB, probably the most dominant player was Millikin's Lindsay Ippel. She was an unstoppable lowpost scorer and a fine rebounder. At 6'2" she was not asked to do any ballhandling.
Someone of the size and wide-ranging talents similar to Olivia was Elizabeth Fox, a 5'10" Wheaton forward.
Among the best of the guard-size players, I think I'd take another former Thunder, Kathleen Fidelia.
A way I like to compare players is to imagine 5 of one playing against 5 of another : how would 5 Olivia Letts do against 5 Melissa Gardners, for example. This would probably never happen.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on January 31, 2012, 12:29:30 PM
My experience seeing Lett and Solari is limited to just a single time in their games against the WARHAWKS.  Solari ended with a double/double 10 points, 11 rebounds on what I still consider to be one of the best DIII women's teams that I've seen play.  Nikki Preston and Hope Schulte both scored 20 or more that night.  We had what I considered a very good team that year but IWU took it to us badly.   That was a really good women's team.  Lett had a big game against us this year with 26 points and is obviously a very good player but she didn't have the team surrounding her that Solari had in my opinion.  From that limited experience I don't know which is better but I do know that both are very nice players.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: matblake on January 31, 2012, 01:55:46 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 31, 2012, 11:45:22 AM
A way I like to compare players is to imagine 5 of one playing against 5 of another : how would 5 Olivia Letts do against 5 Melissa Gardners, for example. This would probably never happen.

A question for the NCAA in the future, "How many clones are allowed per team?"
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2012, 03:35:32 PM
You don't think there are any clones playing now?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: matblake on January 31, 2012, 04:22:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 31, 2012, 03:35:32 PM
You don't think there are any clones playing now?

+k
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2012, 04:56:40 PM
Yes, Solari and Lett surely the best of the recent few years.  But, those of us who have followed the IWU women's game longer of course have other nominees, additional recommendations.  The player that most reminds me of Lett in terms of overall, all-around play, skill set, speed, esp. scoring, would be Traci Butler.  Perhaps IWU's best woman player ever, certainly by the stats.  Top career scorer, and ppg average ever.   And, right up there on the perimeter would be the ever competitive, trey shooting, Mallory Heydorn.  Of recent groups, of course, all fans loved the play of Stacey Arlis last year and the durable, consistent play for four years, all times games played, of Hope Schulte.  Christina Solari and Hope Schulte were the big rocks, the big foundations on which all that four years of success were built.  Many contributed, but few as much as Christina and Hope.  Good coaching played a HUGE part. 

Seems Olivia Lett may be the first Titan player on the women's side in many many many years to average 20 ppg over the long, tough season.  A significant achievement.   

Lindsay Ippel was one terrific, almost unstoppable player, to be sure, bringing Millikin much success during her years.

I'll leave the clones question to others!  :)  I like to think of the top IWU team all-time playing the top all-time lineups of other CCIW programs.  I think I'd take the Titan all-time All-Star team on both the women's and the men's side, though there would be some incredible matchups.  No?

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2012, 11:35:49 AM
Hey Backer, is there any news on Meghan M's knee? If not, maybe I'll learn something at the Bluejay game tonight. I wonder if it was a torn meniscus, which can happen when one is pushing off one foot or pivoting at a bad angle. I did that to my left knee while pivoting to relay/throw a baseball.
On another topic, while the CCIW doesn't have anyone in the top 25, it's appropriate to have three teams in the vicinity, getting votes. It's not real easy to pick up wins in conference play; just ask Augie, who went 8-3 in nonconference play, but is 1-7 in the CCIW. Or North Central (6-5 nonconf, 0-8 in CCIW), North Park (6-5 nonconf, 2-6), Millikin (8-3 nonconf, 4-4). Only IWU and Wheaton have better winning percentages in CCIW play than in nonconference; IWU had a very tough nonconf schedule and Wheaton was waiting for 2 good players to finish their soccer season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on February 01, 2012, 12:00:42 PM
I'm hearing nothing torn.  Will no doubt take tonight's NCC game off and rest up for WC on Saturday.  Hoping for the best for her!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2012, 12:45:57 PM
Hope she's OK, gets to play more.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 09:08:35 PM
Wheaton leads Millikin 33-30 at the half. Very, very sloppy first half. Painful to watch at times. Millikin has 19 turnovers and Wheaton 17. The Thunder also having a hard time getting back in transition.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2012, 09:24:51 PM
IWU up over AC 36-34 at half at Carver.  Lett with 14, but overall Titans not playing very well.  AC playing quite well, playing good D. Titans with way too many sloppy plays, TOs, though leading the rebounding battle.  Better step it up and use more of the "run and jump."  Titans seem a bit lethargic.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2012, 09:26:33 PM
Potential shocker at the half: 0-8 NCC 32, 5-2 Elmhurst 28! :o

Closer than expected: 1-7 Augie trails 7-1 IWU by only 2 at the half (Jessica Baids nailed a jumper for the Vikes at the buzzer).  Olivia Lett has 14, but no one else seems to be helping out (second leading scorer has 6).  When I first tuned in (just under 10 remaining), IWU trailed by 4 and my reaction was 'What the ????')
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 09:27:20 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 09:08:35 PM
Wheaton leads Millikin 33-30 at the half. Very, very sloppy first half. Painful to watch at times. Millikin has 19 turnovers and Wheaton 17. The Thunder also having a hard time getting back in transition.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 01, 2012, 09:24:51 PM
IWU up over AC 36-34 at half at Carver.  Lett with 14, but overall Titans not playing very well.  AC playing quite well, playing good D. Titans with way too many sloppy plays, TOs, though leading the rebounding battle.  Better step it up and use more of the "run and jump."  Titans seem a bit lethargic.

IWU70

Perhaps Wheaton and IWU with some lingering fatigue from a hard fought game on Saturday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2012, 09:31:06 PM
CC way up on NPU with about 16 to go in the second half.  Jacklin has 22 and 9 boards already, with much of the second half to play. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 10:10:13 PM
Millikin 71
Wheaton 61

Not a good night for Wheaton. The Thunder led by eight, 53-45, with nine minutes left and seemingly had the game in hand. But it was all Big Blue from that point on. Give a lot of credit to Millikin for taking it to Wheaton tonight. It was a really important game for the hosts and they played with a lot more urgency.

Announcers were the biggest homers I've ever heard, and they weren't students. They were calling the game for a Decatur radio station.

Beth Wellbaum had a great game for the Big Blue (17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), hitting a couple big threes to erase Wheaton's lead. Heather Pruemer (14 points; 8-8 FTs), Cecily Aldridge (13 points), and Julia Robert (11 points, 6 rebounds) also had very strong games for Millikin.

Lindsey Brenneman (17 points), Maris Hovee (15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks), and Elisabeth Potts (11 points) reached double figures for Wheaton.

Tough loss for the Thunder. Big home game against Elmhurst coming up this weekend. Wheaton needs to continue to defend home court.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 10:17:13 PM
With Millikin now right on Wheaton's tail for a conference tourney slot, Saturday's win over IWU takes on another dimension for Wheaton, as it gives them a potential tiebraker over Millikin. Obviously, still a lot of basketball left to decide the top 4 slots.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: The Thundertaker on February 01, 2012, 10:18:20 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 10:10:13 PM
Announcers were the biggest homers I've ever heard, and they weren't students. They were calling the game for a Decatur radio station.

Agreed.  Not sure who the announcers were, but they were a disgrace to radio commentary.  They were criticizing the Thunder all night even going as far as ridiculing players shooting form saying "it is the worst in the county", "I can't stand watching it", and "she looks like a wounded deer" when shooting.  It's one thing to be homerish and its another to insult individual players like that.  Completely inappropriate for radio commentary.  There's no place for that on the radio  or in the CCIW
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 10:20:28 PM
Quote from: The Thundertaker on February 01, 2012, 10:18:20 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 01, 2012, 10:10:13 PM
Announcers were the biggest homers I've ever heard, and they weren't students. They were calling the game for a Decatur radio station.

Agreed.  Not sure who the announcers were, but they were a disgrace to radio commentary.  They were criticizing the Thunder all night even going as far as ridiculing players shooting form saying "it is the worst in the county", "I can't stand watching it", and "she looks like a wounded deer" when shooting.  It's one thing to be homerish and its another to insult individual players like that.  Completely inappropriate for radio commentary.  There's no place for that on the radio  or in the CCIW

Especially considering that they were lambasting one of the best players in the conference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2012, 10:26:44 PM
Livestats has still not gone to 'final', but apparently Elmhurst survived a scare by winless NCC, 63-60.

Overly close early, but IWU eventually downs Augie, 76-64.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2012, 10:33:59 PM
Yup, IWU keeps their one game conference lead, a rather unimpressive, though hard-fought win at Carver.

IWU 76 AC 64. 

Give Augie credit, they defended well tonight, holding Lett to no points in the second half and she had four fouls, had to sit long portions of the second half.  Other Titans had to step up, as Lett fouled out with about one minute to go as well.

Hasselbring 14 and 9 -- one of her best games this season
Lett 14 and 7
Bilek 12 and a fine game, with several key treys
Gardner 10 but no treys
Baltes 8

Karen Solari did not play . . . a worry.

Leading scorer for Augie was Natalie Runge, with 17.

AC played the Titans tough at home, but Titans prevailed getting a lead of 10-12 by latter part of the second half.  ANY road win in the CCIW is a good win.

Titans now 8-1 in CCIW play, host NPU in the Pink Zone game on Saturday, 5 p.m. @ The Shirk.

Good tough, gritty win tonight, not pretty, but we'll take it.  Keep it rolling Titans.  The drive for five still going.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2012, 10:50:36 PM
While IWU SHOULD have little trouble with NP at the Shirk, and Augie @ NCC is for the basement, two HUGE games on Saturday: Carthage @ Millikin and Elmhurst @ Wheaton.

Not necessarily a prediction, but I'll root for both home teams to give the Titans some breathing room!  (Though I'm torn on Elmhurst @ Wheaton - Wheaton definitely seems to be the tougher match-up for IWU, so if they miss the tourney ...!)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2012, 11:51:29 AM
A few notes on the Elmhurst game : North Central hung in pretty well, but looked bad at the end. EC's Devin Vaughn (15 pts) hit 2 FTs to put the Jays up by 5 with 18 seconds left. NC could not get a shot up, wasting most of the :18. Following a timeout, they scored a harmless last-second layup. The defeat eliminated NC from CCIW playoff contention.
One NC player that caught my attention for her energetic play was guard Bobbi Johns; she runs faster while dribbling than most players run not dribbling.
EC's Megan Ney blocked 6 shots, which certainly helped the Bluejays to victory. The Jays missed Meghan Merklein, who had 31 pts in the earlier EC/NC matchup. She is hoping to play Saturday vs Wheaton.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2012, 12:28:33 PM
Diana Jacklin outscored North Park 19-18 in the 1st half last night. May be why 4 of 5 Viking starters did not play in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2012, 01:00:07 PM
Ypsi, you are right about the big games on Saturday.  I'll also be cheering for the home teams, but given recent efforts and performance, I think Carthage and Wheaton will win.  We'll see.   Would be nice for the Titans to have a full two game lead going into Kenosha, but I doubt that will happen.

Strange game last night at Augie.  Titans didn't play all that well, had Lett on the bench for long stretches, but some other players stepped up and played well, especially Brittany Hasselbring, with 14, 9 rebounds, five assists and five steals -- something like that -- really quite a nice line.  Baltes and Bilek are also making good contributions.  Still worried about the post area, with Solari not playing, Jackson and Burton up and down with their play and contributions.  In some ways, the Titans do play with a five guard scheme at certain points!  If the Titans get all cylinders firing at once, they are going to be awfully tough in these final 4-5 games.  Sure would like to see us get to 20 wins in the regular season. 

Pink Zone events this weekend at The Shirk -- with Keck Invitational track and field, Alums vs. JVs, women's and men's games all the same day.  Plenty of chances for the fans to enjoy themselves . . . and donate to a good cause! 

Good luck to all the Titan teams and athletes this weekend . . . and then, the Superbowl!  Not sure who I want to cheer for in that one . . . Pats or Giants?

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2012, 05:23:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 02, 2012, 12:28:33 PM
Diana Jacklin outscored North Park 19-18 in the 1st half last night. May be why 4 of 5 Viking starters did not play in the 2nd half.

That's exactly what happened, for the most part. The Vikings played so poorly in the first half, going into the locker room trailing, 37-18, that Amanda Reese replaced all five starters with the end of the bench, plus backup center Becca Heimsath, to start the second half. Heimsath, Deima Thompson, and Anti Collman were the only members of the regular rotation who saw the floor in the second half for NPU. It was an opportunity for Amanda Reese to teach a lesson to her team about playing hard, and I hope that the Vikings regulars took it to heart.

The Vikings bench played about as well as anyone would've expected, but they did bring an energy and effort that was lacking from the regulars. Natalie Cerda, Kayla Scoggins, and Kayla McCall, in particular, looked like they belonged out there against a top CCIW foe. In fact, the NPU reserves managed to frustrate Carthage coach Tim Bernero to the point where he actually brought his starters back in with 8:02 left. Carthage was up by 29 at that point, so of course the game was over for all intents and purposes. But it did demonstrate that the effort was there on NPU's part when a lot of other teams would've just shut it down and waited for the game to end. That's why I think that Amanda's decision was sound from a teaching standpoint.

NPU was led by Anti Collman's ten points. Diana Jacklin, who finished with 22 and 12 for Carthage in only 24 minutes of play, is IMHO the second-best player in the league behind Olivia Lett of Wesleyan.

Sarah Peterson of NPU sustained an injury to her shooting wrist at the end of the first half that looked pretty serious. I sure hope she's OK. If anyone can play through an injury, though, it's Sarah Peterson. She is as tough as nails.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2012, 07:11:39 PM
I agree with you, Greg, that Sarah is one tough player. But, since NP is effectively out-of-it, playoff-wise, I hope she errs on the side of long-term health, rather than risk further damage (if there is damage). You concur with that sentiment, I'm sure.
She definitely gets clobbered around as much as anyone in the league and picks herself up and gets back at it. Her shooting is a bit awry lately, but other than that, there ain't much to complain about.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2012, 11:24:56 PM
Sure, I don't want to see Sarah make an injury worse. But she's a team player, and she feels a sense of responsibility to her teammates. NPU does count upon her to do an awful lot of things out on the floor, and she's aware of that.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2012, 11:42:16 AM
CCIW so far --
HOME W-L : Carthage, Ill Wesleyan and Wheaton 4-0, Elmhurst 4-1, Millikin 3-1, Augustana 1-5, N Central 0-4, N Park 0-5.
ROAD W-L : Ill Wesleyan 4-1, Elmhurst 3-1, Carthage 3-2, N Park 2-2, Millikin and Wheaton 2-3, Augustana 0-3, N Central 0-5. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2012, 12:03:43 PM
Thanks, RogK, for the rundown.

Sure would like to see my Titans get to a two full game lead in the conference standings soon.  Word here is that Karen Solari continues to have a ankle problem, not her surgery repaired knee.  Not sure when she might return, or what plan of healing and recovery they have to get her ready for the Carthage game, or perhaps fully recovered for potential post-season games.  Perhaps the others -- esp. Jackson and Burton -- have to step up, or Mia goes with her faster, smaller, more perimeter-oriented group, and uses the "run and jump" more extensively.  My guess is the latter, for now. 

Britt Hasselbring had an outstanding game @AC.  14 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals . . . in 35 minutes.  A great scoreline.  Stepping up with Lett in foul trouble, and sitting on the bench much of the second half.  Britt's best game of the season.

Five games to go.  Drive for five still in gear. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 04, 2012, 05:09:49 PM
Well Carthage holds off Millikin despite a Crystal Ziegler half-court heave at the buzzer.  You would've thought by listening that Ziegler's heave won Millikin the CCIW title or something instead of helping them cover the spread. 

Can they not find anybody better or even slightly more professional to call Millikin games down there?  Especially with their radio coverage, I would expect them to care about the product they're rolling out but maybe I'm wrong.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2012, 07:37:39 PM
Kudos to NPU!  The game was over at half-time, with the Titans up by 25.  But the Lake Vikings refused to admit it, and ended up winning the second half by 11.  The game was never really in doubt (the closest deficit was 10), but they definitely showed moxie! :)  The Titans were forced to bring back some starters, and Olivia Lett quickly stemmed the tide (I believe she finished with 27).

Rather different from the recent Augie destruction (98-28) of the Millikin men, where Augie's bench continued to pad the lead against Millikin's starters!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2012, 07:49:17 PM
The game just seems to go too fast for NPU against the better teams, such as Wesleyan and Carthage, and the Vikings (the campus is on a river, Chuck, not on a lake ;)) were a step behind on everything throughout the first half, as they went into the locker room trailing by the gigantic deficit of 48-23. But in the second half Amanda Reese went to a smaller lineup (I don't think Roxie Jones played at all in the second stanza, and Becca Heimsath saw only a couple of brief cameos) of four guards plus Sarah Peterson (11 pts, 13 rebs), and the Vikings started chipping away at the big IWU lead. Anti Collman (12 pts) was the key, and sophomores Kamauria Acree and Dominkque Williams also played well during the comeback. The Vikes had it down to ten with five and a half minutes to go, and eleven with under four to go, but they simply ran out of gas. They went into chucker mode, took poor shots, and didn't get back in transition -- plus, Olivia Lett basically took over the game at that point.

Not a good result in the end for the Park, but I'm encouraged by the way that the Vikings hung around and didn't simply concede a big loss. They played 100% better this afternoon than they did at home against Carthage on Wednesday. I applaud the effort by NPU today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2012, 07:51:09 PM
It was also great to see Sarah Peterson out on the floor today, seemingly no worse for wear despite the wrist injury.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2012, 08:36:26 PM
Greg, Augie is on (or near) a RIVER; NPU is on (in comparison) a creek!  On the other hand, NPU is near a LAKE; Augie is near a lot of swampland and cornfields!

Nonetheless, in deference to your feelings, I will go with the East Viking-West Viking meme from now on, instead of (IMO) the more poetic Lake Vikings-River Vikings. ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2012, 08:48:53 PM
I prefer Good Vikings and Evil Vikings, myself. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2012, 09:08:30 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2012, 08:48:53 PM
I prefer Good Vikings and Evil Vikings, myself. ;)

Understood, but you and dansand might view the terms differently! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 05, 2012, 12:37:41 AM
Seems like King Arena is the place to be on Satudays anymore if you're looking for good basketball.  Another overtime game and another Thunder victory.  Wheaton struggled for a lot of the second half after really running the game for the first half and found themselves down 53-47 with about three minutes left before running off an 8-0 run to take a two point lead with 55 seconds left.  Elmhurst tied and Wheaton missed a pair of shots at the end of regulation to send it to overtime.

Elmhurst looked to be in charge of the overtime up 59-55 before Laura Karsten continued her fine night (20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 7 steals) with a steal and breakaway lay-up and a nice pass to Brooke Olson (19 points) to tie the game.  The game went back and forth and Megan Ney had a point blank chance in the final second that went half way down and back out and the Thunder were able to hold on.

Nice to see Meghan Merklein return and have a good night for the Bluejays, who owned the post but couldn't control the Thunder guards.

Sets up a big game in Kenosha on Wednesday where a Thunder victory would almost all but wrap up an IWU conference title.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2012, 11:16:52 AM
Augie got its second conference win, 67-55, at the expense of no-luck North Central. Molly Etheridge topped all with 19 pts.
I strayed off the NCAA farm and saw a 111-82 NAIA women's game (72-34 at half).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2012, 01:45:35 PM
IWU in control early over NPU, then cruised to a 72-58 win.  Run and jump, and an up-tempo first 6-8 minutes basically put this game away very early. IWU's long bench on display as well.  Early on, Titans shot about 70%.  Amazingly good out-of-the gate game for the Titan starters.  Fun to watch, up and down, with a great flow and very efficient scoring. 

Good line for Olivia:  27 pts., 6 RBs, 4 assists, and 4 steals, including some great passing, running the floor, shoring up the back of the press, and one truly beautiful behind-the-back pass to a teammate for an easy lay-up off the break. 

Gardner with 11, Bilek a very good game with 9 pts. and 8 RBs.

Sarah Peterson for NP had 11 and 13 boards, but Titans overall had a big surplus on the rebounding line.

All Titans will be pulling for Wheaton up at Carthage on Wednesday, then the Titans invade Kenosha the following weekend.  Would love to see the Titans get to 20 wins, winning out in the regular season.

Big success for Pink Zone night at the Shirk, with a bigger crowd for the women's game than for the men's game.  Great work by all those involved, and a very meaningful and touching speech by Coach Mia Smith during the half-time ceremonies to honor the survivors and to remember those lost to breast cancer.  Proud of all the IWU players, coaches and fans for turning out so well and being so generous for this good cause, all in support of the local Cancer Center, where one of our IWU alums is now Executive Director, too!  Same Center that treated Minor Myers, jr. and now Coach Smith. 

IWU women @Shirk, hosting NCC on Wednesday.  Big game Tuesday as IWU men host NCC, @ Shirk too.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2012, 04:10:33 PM
Congrats, kudos to Diana Jacklin, CCIW Player of the Week.

Big games upcoming -- WC vs. CC, and IWU @Carthage. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2012, 05:39:09 PM
My congratulations to Diana, too!
Incidentally, Wheaton's win (their 7th in CCIW play) eliminated Augie and North Park (8 losses each). Only 5 teams remain in contention for the 4 playoff spots.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2012, 05:55:24 PM
New poll is out: IWU re-enters top 25, but barely.  They are 25th, 32 points behind #24 and 82 points behind #22!  Carthage is 26th, but 29 points behind the Titans.  No other conference teams received votes.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2012, 10:28:20 PM
Should be a great game IWU @Carthage next weekend.  Another Lett-Jacklin matchup (though all the other players often determine the outcome).  We can expect great games from Jacklin and Lett in such bigtime games.  Hope WC can put another loss on Carthage on Wednesday this week.

Looks good for CCIW getting two teams in the tourney this year, but still alot of meaningful games to go.  As mentioned earlier, would love to see the Titans get to 20 wins in the regular season, win out, and host the CCIW Tournament @ The Shirk.

IWU70 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2012, 01:53:42 PM
Here's something I'd like feedback on:
Over the last season or two, I've mentally tinkered with a formula applicable for a team trailing in the 4th quarter, perhaps in the range of 5 to 10 minutes to go. Add the number of remaining minutes to your opponent's score, with the result being the score you should aim for. For example, if team A is leading team B 50-38 with 8:00 left, add 8 to the 50, meaning that team A is likely going to score at least 58 in the game. This means that team B needs to score at least 20 in those 8 minutes in order to catch up (20 pts in 8:00 is a 100 pts/game rate, so you have to up the tempo). This is based on the fairly safe assumption that team A is going to average a point per minute, something even the most awful offense should do. This assumption is less accurate over a short period, which is why I put it in the 5 to 10 minute range. You can shut out the opposition for a few minutes, but not for much longer.
I don't offer any empirical data on this topic, but I think it's a useful formula.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 08, 2012, 03:05:18 PM
There are a couple of really important games tonight regarding the conference tournament. Both Wheaton @ Carthage (which also has CCIW title implications) and Millikin @ Elmhurst are huge, as we have a 5-team race, essentially for 3 spots. Right now, IWU is the only team that really can "breathe easy" about being in the tourney.

Wheaton @ Carthage
     Live Stats: http://www.carthage.edu/athleticspages/livestats/wb/xlive.htm
     Video: http://www.carthage.edu/library/webcast/

Millikin @ Elmhurst
     Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/elmhurst/wbball/index.htm
     Video: http://www.bluejaytv.com/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on February 08, 2012, 03:44:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2012, 01:53:42 PM
I don't offer any empirical data on this topic, but I think it's a useful formula.
Interesting.  I've often thought similar thoughts to myself but less structured than yours.  I've felt that if my team is ahead by more points than minutes left I breathe a bit easier.  Then as each minute ticks off, have we lost ground or not?  I think  of some sort of correlation between minutes and score.  Perhaps it's as simple as there are normally two possessions per minute if teams hold their possession close to their 30 seconds.  I guess I use the minutes left-spread ratio as a poor man's barometer of the pressure and is it rising or falling.  Is there a storm abrewin'?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2012, 04:01:10 PM
Backer, I like your viewpoint (from the perspective of the team with the lead) with regard to size of the lead and minutes remaining.
It raises an ancillary question : at what point is it safe to stop doing whatever got you the lead and switch to sitting on the lead?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2012, 04:14:56 PM
Go Wheaton, beat Carthage! :)  Looking forward to more Titans tonight vs. NCC @The Shirk.

Down the stretch we go . . . the drive for five!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on February 08, 2012, 04:21:00 PM
What's going on at NCC?  Just a young team? 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 08, 2012, 05:23:09 PM
First regional rankings are out; no real surprises in the Central:

1.  Chicago
2.  UWSP
3.  WashU
4.  IWU
5.  UWEC
6.  Carthage

IWU and Carthage still have each other to play (plus IWU has Millikin, while Carthage has Wheaton) and the conference tourney.  UWSP and UWEC still have each other to play, plus the conference tourney.  Chicago and WashU still have each other (in Chicago), but no conference tourney.  So these rankings WILL change before Selection Sunday!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2012, 07:02:05 PM
HCACBBALL, I've seen North Central only twice, the recent 3 pt loss at
Elmhurst and a very early game (vs Trine). I took a look at their stats, to see if anything stands out. In CCIW play, their rebounding and FT att are about even with opponents; they are committing 3 more TOs than the opposition. They are shooting .306 (44/144) 3FG and .357 (147/411) 2FG, while giving up .383 (64/167) 3FG and .466 (190/408) 2FG. You can get away with lower FG pcts if you get a lot more FG att than the opposition, but NC isn't. They shot much better in nonconference play: .375 (75/200) 3FG and .432 (169/391) 2FG. The .357 2FG pct in CCIW play is not good, so it seems that they take too many low pct 2FG shots. If you're going to take a low pct shot, take a 3 -- they count for more when they go in!
But, one can't make any major conclusions based on stats; like any team, it's all about the combination of players' abilities, effort, confidence and health, plus the coach's guidance, strategy, etc. I don't know what NC's  flaws are, compared to other teams. Could be as simple as this : some of their CCIW opponents have been noticeably better than NC, some have been only a little better. It would be nice if they got a win, though; 0-14 is no fun for the players or coaches.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 08, 2012, 10:19:38 PM
Wheaton beats Carthage 51-49...Wheaton shoots just 27% from the field as Carthage made a great move going to a match-up zone but Lindsey Brenneman had a huge game for the Thunder with 23 points.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2012, 11:04:22 PM
IWU pounds NCC tonight, 95-54.

Olivia Lett 23 and 9, 5 assist, 5 steals.
Melissa Gardner 16, 4-6 from treyland
Michelle Bilek 14 and a fine game running the floor.

Run and jump did the trick in the latter part of the first half, as Titans led 53-27 at the half.  The entire Titan roster got substantial playing time tonight.  Lexi Baltes also had a nice game.

Delighted to see Wheaton's win over Carthage, giving the Titans a full two-game lead out in front of the CCIW field with three games to play.

Drive for five in sight . . .

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 08, 2012, 11:18:19 PM
Nice to see Wheaton win an important game on the road, even while shooting poorly. I suspect the Thunder will see Carthage again in a few weeks.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2012, 11:31:02 PM
NPU held off Augustana in a sloppy but intense game, 52-44. It was a fairly strange contest; Augie outshot NPU (the home Vikes were particularly bad from downtown, going 1-for-16) and outrebounded the Park by a healthy margin as well. But a whopping 23 turnovers, a lot of them unforced, spelled doom for Augie. Roxie Jones was dominant, scoring 22 points and grabbing six boards. Gianna Pecora led Augustana with 15 points, while Natalie Runge had a 9 and 9 game before fouling out.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 08, 2012, 11:43:38 PM
Millikin put together a monster second half, scoring 52 points, to knock off Elmhurst 83-75 at R.A. Faganel Hall. This puts the Big Blue just one game behind Elmhurst now.

Elmhurst's remaining games are @ Augie, vs. Carthage, and @ IWU
Millikin's remaining games are vs. North Park, vs. IWU, and @ NCC

It will be interesting to see what happens here. If these games play out according to the current standings, we'll see a tie at 8-6. In that scenario, I believe Millikin would be awarded the #4 seed based on the "record in last seven conference games" tiebraker.

http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/29/Gen._0629100226.aspx?id=616

However, games don't always go according to plan. That's why they play them. There are several other scenarios that could take place as well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2012, 11:48:08 PM
I expect Millikin to surpass EC and gain the fourth spot in the CCIW tournament.  Yes, could be IWU vs. MU and WC vs. Carthage in the tournament upcoming.  Still several key games to be played, but that's my guess on recent form and earlier games played.

Hoping for the CCIW tournament to be hosted by IWU, @The Shirk.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2012, 12:05:31 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2012, 11:48:08 PM
I expect Millikin to surpass EC and gain the fourth spot in the CCIW tournament.  Yes, could be IWU vs. MU and WC vs. Carthage in the tournament upcoming.  Still several key games to be played, but that's my guess on recent form and earlier games played.

Hoping for the CCIW tournament to be hosted by IWU, @The Shirk.

IWU70

I think IWU definitely has the toughest schedule remaining among the top teams (@ Carthage, @ Millikin, vs. Elmhurst). However, I suspect that the Titans will find a way to win at least two of those games in order to clinch the top spot.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2012, 02:58:31 PM
BackSeatDriver, I agree with you.  Titans do have three tough games left.  Hope the Titans can win all three, get to 20 wins on the regular season, though 2 of 3 will probably do the trick, get to the successful end of the drive for five CCIW championships.  The Titans are playing very very well, and everyone is getting healthier, playing well together now.  Solari was back, perhaps not at full strength as yet, but did play some effective minutes vs. NCC.  Still issues to work on, consistency in the post area etc., perhaps a bit too much fouling at points, in the post and also on the "run and jump."  But, basically a very battle-tested team now, hopefully ready for a successful CCIW tourney at home and a good run in the DIII dance.  Stay tuned.  Sure do like the play of IWU's other "unsung" players: McMahon, Baltes, Bilek, Burton, Scurlock, etc.  We always know what we will get from Lett, Gardner and Hasselbring -- consistent, hard-driving excellence, night in and night out.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2012, 03:27:48 PM
Greg used the terms sloppy, intense and strange to describe the Augie / NP game. He was being nice. I'd say both teams played well enough to lose.
If anyone wanted to understand why these teams inhabit the bottom of the CCIW standings, this game could be Exhibit A.  Both teams gave a solid effort on defense, as do all of the teams above them in the league. Defense alone does not win championships. What keeps Augie and North Park down are their sporadically-effective offenses. Neither team shows any interest in regularly pushing the ball up the court to look for a quick open shot before the defense settles in. So, they do not put that type of stress on the opposition's defense. And apparently neither team is well-stocked (one or two is not enough) with good 3FG shooters, another factor that makes things easy for the opposing defense.
You might look at the 52-44 final and imagine that both teams played excellent defense, but really it was more a matter of pretty good defenses facing a pair of slow, sputtering offenses, fetid shooting, ridiculous turnovers.
Admittedly, I don't see Augie much, but there could be a few reasons why they are 12-69 in conference play during the last 6 seasons. They were not a happy bunch when NP began to pull away late in the game. When Augie decided it was time to stop the clock by fouling NP, there was a potentially dangerous hand-on-the-shoulder pull-down from behind, deliberate foul. Fortunately, Shaina Yalda was not seriously injured on the play. It appeared that the prospect of another loss within another subpar season had some Augie players a bit frustrated.
North Park can be happy for winning, but they can't be satisfied.
One thing I noted in this and another recent NP game that I found to be strange : once or twice, NP put on some fullcourt pressure with 2 or 3 players, but as soon as they trapped someone, they immediately ran away, untrapping the opponent. What the fun is that? Why not maintain the trap and force the opponent to use a timeout, or maybe make an errant pass? Very odd.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2012, 04:11:50 PM
A couple of compliments for North Park: Shaina Yalda did some sharp ballhandling and defended well. Sarah Peterson (along with Roxie Jones) was a key contributor for NP -- for example, in the space of about 15 seconds, she took a charge, Runge's 4th foul, and then got a hoop-plus-one, Runge's 5th foul. Things went poorly thereafter for Augie.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2012, 05:39:00 PM
Only 12 FT attempts in that Wheaton (9 of 'em) / Carthage (3) game. No one has yet mentioned here that Diana Jacklin had 10 pts (5/10 FG), 19 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2012, 09:40:37 PM
Wow, Jacklin is a monster on the boards.  A very nice line.  Titans will have their hands full in Kenosha, no doubt.  Previous game here at IWU was perhaps the best CCIW game -- men or women -- I've seen all season.  I imagine Lett and a number of other Titan post players will have their chances stopping/guarding Ms. Jacklin this weekend.   Wish I could get up to Kenoshaland for the rematch this weekend.

Down the stretch we go.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2012, 09:47:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 09, 2012, 04:11:50 PM
A couple of compliments for North Park: Shaina Yalda did some sharp ballhandling and defended well. Sarah Peterson (along with Roxie Jones) was a key contributor for NP -- for example, in the space of about 15 seconds, she took a charge, Runge's 4th foul, and then got a hoop-plus-one, Runge's 5th foul. Things went poorly thereafter for Augie.

I'm glad that you pointed that out, Rog, because that sequence was the turning point in the game.

NPU and Augie were not only tied at that point, 31-31, with seven and a half minutes to play, but they had been neck-and-neck almost the entire way up until then. The biggest lead that either team had enjoyed, Augie's early five-point (10-5) margin a little more than eight minutes into the game, had lasted for a grand total of 16 seconds before NPU's Kayla McCall hit a trey to knock the Augie lead down to two. That 31-31 tie was the sixth tied score of the game, and the lead had changed hands 11 different times up to that point. In other words, there was no separation at all between the two teams over the first 32 1/2 minutes of the game.

Sarah Peterson took a charge under the basket by Natalie Runge, Augie's top scorer, top rebounder, and best player, with 7:27 to go. It was Runge's fourth foul. The ball was inbounded by NPU before Augie head coach Bobbi Endress could get a sub into the game in order to save Runge. Sarah Peterson touches the ball on pretty much every North Park possession, and when she got the ball in her hands on this particular possession she deliberately drove at Runge and got the and-one with 7:14 to go that ended Runge's night. Not only did that remove Augustana's best scoring threat from the game, it also irreparably damaged Augie's control of the boards. Augie had ruled the glass up to that point in the game, 33-23. From the time Runge fouled out onward, NPU won the boards, 11-8. After one more brief tie at 34-34, NPU pulled away.

Sarah Peterson has a very high basketball IQ. Without any prompting from the bench, she knew that Runge had four fouls and was forced to stay in the game and play defense until the next stoppage of play. Sarah took advantage of it, got Runge out of the game, and set up NPU for the win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Backseat Driver, can I "put you on the spot" and ask which three Thunder players should make all-CCIW? I don't think they'll get 4. I'm thinking that Potts, Olson, Brenneman and Karsten would be likely.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on February 10, 2012, 03:34:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Backseat Driver, can I "put you on the spot" and ask which three Thunder players should make all-CCIW? I don't think they'll get 4. I'm thinking that Potts, Olson, Brenneman and Karsten would be likely.
Newb question: do teams typically get "so many" slots based their records?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2012, 04:09:55 PM
The eight head coaches vote for the 15 all-conference players. They generally elect more players from the teams with the best records. I'm not sure if they have the full 25-game season in mind, or just the 14 game conference season. If they base it on the 14 game season CCIW season only, they could roughly proportion the all-conf spots based on 3.7 wins per spot (56 total wins / 15). Anyway, it's not that formal. Probably, there is some negotiation involved. IWU got 4 players on last year's, but that's not common. At the other end of the standings, teams with 0-3 wins likely will have to settle for none or one. North Park was not represented last time, but will have at least one this time (Sarah Peterson and/or Roxxanne Jones, I'd say). Augie, maybe Natalie Runge. North Central, not sure. Millikin, Crystal Zeigler and maybe Cecily Aldridge?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2012, 04:26:14 PM
Thanks, RogK.  I would think Merklein, Jacklin and Lett almost sure-fire first team.  Also, someone from Wheaton.  Not sure who?  Karsten or Olson?

For IWU, I doubt they will get four this year, but we'll see.  My thinking would be Lett first team, perhaps Gardner first or second team, and Hasselbring second or third team.  Just guessing.  Others have played very well but not in season-long, consistent ways as those mentioned above.  Biggest single shot of the year -- Michelle Bilek vs. Carthage here @Shirk!  :)

My vote is for Olivia Lett as CCIW MOP, though Jacklin is also very deserving it is clear. 

Some big games yet to go, before the voting/negotiating goes on, just before the CCIW tourney, right?  Or, do they vote, decide after the tourney? 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2012, 05:02:43 PM
They have always voted before the conference playoffs; same day or the day before, I thinks. (I loved Carlos Zambrano's "we stinks" comment)
Very unlikely for any team to have more than one on 1st team; maybe impossible based on the nominating process -- does each coach first nominate one for POY and the 1st team consists of 5 of those 8 players?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 10, 2012, 05:33:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 05:02:43 PM
They have always voted before the conference playoffs; same day or the day before, I thinks. (I loved Carlos Zambrano's "we stinks" comment)
Very unlikely for any team to have more than one on 1st team; maybe impossible based on the nominating process -- does each coach first nominate one for POY and the 1st team consists of 5 of those 8 players?

It may be unlikely, but it's not impossible. Most recently, it happened in 2009-10: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527100441.aspx?id=213

2008-09: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527102017.aspx?id=219
2004-05: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608103757.aspx?id=541
2001-02: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608105543.aspx?id=553

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Backseat Driver, can I "put you on the spot" and ask which three Thunder players should make all-CCIW? I don't think they'll get 4. I'm thinking that Potts, Olson, Brenneman and Karsten would be likely.

Hmmm...How about I hold off on this one until all games have been played. How's that for a deflection?  :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2012, 06:19:50 PM
Your "deflection" is very reasonable, Backseat Driver.
Also, thanks for looking up those all-conf teams for us. I should not have said "very unlikely". Sorry about that.
Since Karsten is not having quite the excellent production that she had last year, plus the fact that she got major recognition (POY) last year, I wonder if Coach Madsen may give priority to getting the other three on all-CCIW.
While true that Wheaton improved significantly once Karsten came over from soccer, the other three would have been missed about as much, had any of them joined the basketball team late. We'll see.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2012, 12:39:26 PM
Big game today, Titans vs. Carthage in Kenosha.   Should again be one of the best matchups of the season.  Very talented, well-coached teams taking each others' best shots. 

GO TITANS, the drive for five in sight!!!!!!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2012, 05:03:12 PM
Final from Decatur:

Millikin 77
North Park 72

NPU must've read Rog's scathing indictment of the Vikings offense, because the Park scored the most points it's posted since before Christmas. But it wasn't enough, as Millikin outplayed the Vikings in crunch time.

It was a very tight game, as NPU's biggest lead was nine and MU's largest margin was six. The shooting from the field was almost identical, as Millikin was 26-57 from the field and NPU was 26-58. The Big Blue's 10-19 performance from beyond the arc was the difference.

Roxie Jones led the Vikes with 27 points and 10 boards, while Sarah Peterson contributed 22 points and 9 caroms. Millikin was led by Julia Robert's 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Heather Pruemer contributed 15 points.

A disappointing loss for NPU, which just seems to keep falling short in its attempts to get over the hump against the better teams in the league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2012, 07:18:27 PM
Bizarre game in Kenosha.  Both teams playing poorly.  24-21 IWU at the half.  Titans up first, then LadyReds up by as much as nine, then Carthage not scoring for almost 10 minutes, Titans coming back, mainly due to three treys by Shelby Jackson, of all people!  Not usually one of the Titans 3 point shooters!  Carthage with 13 or 14 turnovers in the first half, Titans with nine or ten.  Very poor percentage by the Titans.  21%.  If they get their act together, they will blow Carthage out.  Both teams looking very shakey.  Error prone, to say the least.  16-4 run By the Titans in the latter part of the first half.  Strange. 

Let's hope both teams find themselves, find better form in the second half.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 11, 2012, 08:32:37 PM
IWU 57
Carthage 53


I believe Mia Smith/the Titans can become the first CCIW basketball coach/program (men or women) to win 5 consecutive outright CCIW titles.  Someone check me on that but I think it's accurate.

5 in a row is incredibly difficult to pull off.  Congratulations to Coach Smith and the Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2012, 09:31:00 PM
My warm congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans on at least a share of the CCIW crown.

A bizarre, ugly, kind of game.  If you told me the Titans shot 23%, 20% from three, and 63%FT, outreboudned 45-34, and Gardner scoring 1, well, I'd say we'd been blown out.  But not.  IWU wins 57-53.

For IWU:

Lett 25 and 7
Jackson, the true hero, 14, 3 treys, 8 RB.

For CC:

Jacklin 15 and 13, double double
Kuzmanic 15

Now the Titans can win the crown outright with any one further win at MU or hosting EC.

Drive for Five almost complete.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:27:27 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 10, 2012, 05:33:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 05:02:43 PM
They have always voted before the conference playoffs; same day or the day before, I thinks. (I loved Carlos Zambrano's "we stinks" comment)
Very unlikely for any team to have more than one on 1st team; maybe impossible based on the nominating process -- does each coach first nominate one for POY and the 1st team consists of 5 of those 8 players?

It may be unlikely, but it's not impossible. Most recently, it happened in 2009-10: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527100441.aspx?id=213

2008-09: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527102017.aspx?id=219
2004-05: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608103757.aspx?id=541
2001-02: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608105543.aspx?id=553

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Backseat Driver, can I "put you on the spot" and ask which three Thunder players should make all-CCIW? I don't think they'll get 4. I'm thinking that Potts, Olson, Brenneman and Karsten would be likely.

Hmmm...How about I hold off on this one until all games have been played. How's that for a deflection?  :D

Based on their play I would expect it to be Brenneman, Potts and Karsten with Olson as the wild card.  Brenneman is the most consistent scoring guard the Thunder have had in conference play and as much as Olson has had monster games like IWU, she's also been held to near nothing against Carthage and shut out at Millikin.  Same can be actually be said for any of those Thunder names as there have been nights some of them have just disappeared.

I would actually be surprised if the Thunder put someone on the first team at all for that very reason.  I think Olivia Lett is the MOP and is joined in the first team in no doubt fashion by Diana Jacklin and Meghan Merklein.  My other two first teamers would be Melissa Gardner and Cailee Corcoran.  I think Wheaton could probably dominate the second team but I feel as if due to Wheaton's inconsistency that they would be sans a first teamer.  That being said Karsten's reputation could push her up there.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:28:51 AM
Congrats to IWU on another title. Quite a run they're on. As I said before, I don't think there is much of a debate on who the MOP is this year. Olivia Lett has been fantastic all year, even in the Titans' loss to Wheaton. I also think Mia Smith did a great job this year with a somewhat inexperienced group and deserves COY.

Very interesting week coming up. I see the Elmhurst/Carthage game as a must-win for both teams. Elmhurst absolutely needs to beat Carthage, or their season is essentially over. Lets face it, you don't want to be in a situation where you have to win at IWU and hope for Millikin to lose to winless North Central. The Lady Reds head to R.A. Faganel Hall licking their wounds a bit after two tough home losses to Wheaton and IWU. Carthage would not have a tiebraker on Elmhurst, because the Bluejays beat Wheaton.

I think it's a longshot for Millikin to beat IWU, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. The Big Blue has been playing well at home recently, and it's always better to control your own destiny than to rely on someone else to do it for you. Obviously, the Titans still have plenty to play for as well.

At this point, I don't think it's very likely that the CCIW will get two teams in the NCAA tournament if IWU wins the conference tournament. Wheaton and Carthage really only have one "signature win" apiece (Wheaton vs. IWU; Carthage vs. River Falls), and with the number of losses each has accumulated, going 0-1 or 1-1 in the tournament probably wont be good enough. I'm not even sure if IWU would be a "lock" for a Pool C berth. Those with a better grasp of the selection criteria could shed some light.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:35:04 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:28:51 AM


At this point, I don't think it's very likely that the CCIW will get two teams in the NCAA tournament if IWU wins the conference tournament. Wheaton and Carthage really only have one "signature win" apiece (Wheaton vs. IWU; Carthage vs. River Falls), and with the number of losses each has accumulated, going 0-1 or 1-1 in the tournament probably wont be good enough. I'm not even sure if IWU would be a "lock" for a Pool C berth. Those with a better grasp of the selection criteria could shed some light.

The only way I see the CCIW getting more than one team in is if someone whose colors don't include green whens the tournament.  Then I think IWU stands an above average chance of getting into the tournament based on where the teams above them in the regional rankings sit in their conferences, I think IWU would be able to get to the table fairly easily and with their reputation coming off the Final Four season I think they would likely get in.  I think Carthage may have been in solid shape as well but they needed to beat Wheaton on Wednesday to  have any hopes of the Pool C so now I think they're also in need of winning the tournament to get in.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2012, 12:54:51 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:35:04 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:28:51 AM


At this point, I don't think it's very likely that the CCIW will get two teams in the NCAA tournament if IWU wins the conference tournament. Wheaton and Carthage really only have one "signature win" apiece (Wheaton vs. IWU; Carthage vs. River Falls), and with the number of losses each has accumulated, going 0-1 or 1-1 in the tournament probably wont be good enough. I'm not even sure if IWU would be a "lock" for a Pool C berth. Those with a better grasp of the selection criteria could shed some light.

The only way I see the CCIW getting more than one team in is if someone whose colors don't include green whens the tournament.  Then I think IWU stands an above average chance of getting into the tournament based on where the teams above them in the regional rankings sit in their conferences, I think IWU would be able to get to the table fairly easily and with their reputation coming off the Final Four season I think they would likely get in.  I think Carthage may have been in solid shape as well but they needed to beat Wheaton on Wednesday to  have any hopes of the Pool C so now I think they're also in need of winning the tournament to get in.

I think you're probably correct.  IF the Titans win both this week, I won't mind overly much if someone else wins the conference tourney, as I think the Titans would be perfectly safe as a C, and the conference gets two teams in.  But if the Titans stumble this week, I'm gonna have to root hard for them in the tourney, as I fear they would be too bubbley for my ease of mind!

Not that I won't root for them in the tourney regardless! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:55:03 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:27:27 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 10, 2012, 05:33:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 05:02:43 PM
They have always voted before the conference playoffs; same day or the day before, I thinks. (I loved Carlos Zambrano's "we stinks" comment)
Very unlikely for any team to have more than one on 1st team; maybe impossible based on the nominating process -- does each coach first nominate one for POY and the 1st team consists of 5 of those 8 players?

It may be unlikely, but it's not impossible. Most recently, it happened in 2009-10: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527100441.aspx?id=213

2008-09: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527102017.aspx?id=219
2004-05: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608103757.aspx?id=541
2001-02: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608105543.aspx?id=553

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Backseat Driver, can I "put you on the spot" and ask which three Thunder players should make all-CCIW? I don't think they'll get 4. I'm thinking that Potts, Olson, Brenneman and Karsten would be likely.

Hmmm...How about I hold off on this one until all games have been played. How's that for a deflection?  :D

Based on their play I would expect it to be Brenneman, Potts and Karsten with Olson as the wild card.  Brenneman is the most consistent scoring guard the Thunder have had in conference play and as much as Olson has had monster games like IWU, she's also been held to near nothing against Carthage and shut out at Millikin.  Same can be actually be said for any of those Thunder names as there have been nights some of them have just disappeared.

I would actually be surprised if the Thunder put someone on the first team at all for that very reason.  I think Olivia Lett is the MOP and is joined in the first team in no doubt fashion by Diana Jacklin and Meghan Merklein.  My other two first teamers would be Melissa Gardner and Cailee Corcoran.  I think Wheaton could probably dominate the second team but I feel as if due to Wheaton's inconsistency that they would be sans a first teamer.  That being said Karsten's reputation could push her up there.

FWIW, I have a really hard time imagining Brooke Olson not being all-CCIW. She was a third-team pick last year as a sophomore, and her numbers are just as good. CCIW games only:

'10-'11: 11.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.5 apg, 32% fg, 27% 3fg, 21 steals, 1.4 A:TO (14 games)
'11-'12: 10.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.2 apg, 34% fg, 32% 3fg, 18 steals, 1.4 A:TO (through 12 games)

Those stats aren't even the whole story. I don't think Brooke has much competition in charges drawn. Her offensive outburst against IWU was certainly important, but ultimately she won the game for Wheaton by drawing a charge on Britt Hasselbring in the final seconds of 2OT. I think that Brooke might actually be Wheaton's best player this year simply because she contributes in ways like that, even when she isn't scoring.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 02:38:49 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:55:03 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:27:27 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 10, 2012, 05:33:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 05:02:43 PM
They have always voted before the conference playoffs; same day or the day before, I thinks. (I loved Carlos Zambrano's "we stinks" comment)
Very unlikely for any team to have more than one on 1st team; maybe impossible based on the nominating process -- does each coach first nominate one for POY and the 1st team consists of 5 of those 8 players?

It may be unlikely, but it's not impossible. Most recently, it happened in 2009-10: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527100441.aspx?id=213

2008-09: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/5/27/WBB_0527102017.aspx?id=219
2004-05: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608103757.aspx?id=541
2001-02: http://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/8/WBB_0608105543.aspx?id=553

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Backseat Driver, can I "put you on the spot" and ask which three Thunder players should make all-CCIW? I don't think they'll get 4. I'm thinking that Potts, Olson, Brenneman and Karsten would be likely.

Hmmm...How about I hold off on this one until all games have been played. How's that for a deflection?  :D

Based on their play I would expect it to be Brenneman, Potts and Karsten with Olson as the wild card.  Brenneman is the most consistent scoring guard the Thunder have had in conference play and as much as Olson has had monster games like IWU, she's also been held to near nothing against Carthage and shut out at Millikin.  Same can be actually be said for any of those Thunder names as there have been nights some of them have just disappeared.

I would actually be surprised if the Thunder put someone on the first team at all for that very reason.  I think Olivia Lett is the MOP and is joined in the first team in no doubt fashion by Diana Jacklin and Meghan Merklein.  My other two first teamers would be Melissa Gardner and Cailee Corcoran.  I think Wheaton could probably dominate the second team but I feel as if due to Wheaton's inconsistency that they would be sans a first teamer.  That being said Karsten's reputation could push her up there.

FWIW, I have a really hard time imagining Brooke Olson not being all-CCIW. She was a third-team pick last year as a sophomore, and her numbers are just as good. CCIW games only:

'10-'11: 11.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.5 apg, 32% fg, 27% 3fg, 21 steals, 1.4 A:TO (14 games)
'11-'12: 10.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.2 apg, 34% fg, 32% 3fg, 18 steals, 1.4 A:TO (through 12 games)

Those stats aren't even the whole story. I don't think Brooke has much competition in charges drawn. Her offensive outburst against IWU was certainly important, but ultimately she won the game for Wheaton by drawing a charge on Britt Hasselbring in the final seconds of 2OT. I think that Brooke might actually be Wheaton's best player this year simply because she contributes in ways like that, even when she isn't scoring.

I would agree that Olson most likely picks up the nod because of her defensive efforts as well as that monster game against IWU.  I was more just saying that there's some holes in the conference season where she has struggled mightily both from the field and with turnovers and with coaches only being able to see you twice sometimes that can leave a lasting impression.  I think she's certainly worthy of a nod but there's the possibility because of her not scoring at Millikin and going 1-10 from the field at Carthage that the support isn't there.  The same case can be made with Potts too, despite being one of the top shooters in the conference this season she struggled both games against IWU including being on the bench for the end of regulation and both overtimes at King.  The inconsistency can sometimes come back to hurt the all conference bids.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2012, 10:28:40 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:35:04 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:28:51 AM


At this point, I don't think it's very likely that the CCIW will get two teams in the NCAA tournament if IWU wins the conference tournament. Wheaton and Carthage really only have one "signature win" apiece (Wheaton vs. IWU; Carthage vs. River Falls), and with the number of losses each has accumulated, going 0-1 or 1-1 in the tournament probably wont be good enough. I'm not even sure if IWU would be a "lock" for a Pool C berth. Those with a better grasp of the selection criteria could shed some light.

The only way I see the CCIW getting more than one team in is if someone whose colors don't include green whens the tournament.  Then I think IWU stands an above average chance of getting into the tournament based on where the teams above them in the regional rankings sit in their conferences, I think IWU would be able to get to the table fairly easily and with their reputation coming off the Final Four season I think they would likely get in.

Reputation is neither a primary nor a secondary criterion. Lots of teams that have had major recent success get shut out of Pool C on Selection Day. It happens all the time. If Wesleyan has to get a Pool C, it'll have to get it through the same five primary criteria as everybody else.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2012, 02:12:18 PM
Agree with Mssr. Sager, the Titans need to keep winning and build up their credentials related to the primary criteria for this season, this selection.  It's always what have you done for me lately come selection time.  Given how well, how tough the Titans are playing, I wouldn't be too too surprised to see them win out this week, then take the tourney and go into the dance at 22-5.  They are battle-hardened now and have found all sorts of ways to win, with various combinations and contributions, from a wide range of players, through injuries and changes in the rotation/line-up, against varying styles and types of play.  Stay tuned.  That game last night was strange, ugly, but a road win is always good, no matter, esp. against a very good team like Carthage.  @Millikin and vs. Elmhurst are good challenges, but I wouldn't expect any let down from this group of Titans for the next two outings.  CCIW Tournament here at the Shirk will be grand!  Likely Carthage vs. Wheaton then, IWU vs. Millikin or Elmhurst.  I think likely Millikin.

I would definitely vote for Olson to one of the CCIW All-conference teams.  Agree with earlier posters that Melissa Gardner very much deserves consideration for first-team selection. 

Looking forward to the conference tournament at The Shirk.  Hopefully a tournament game or two to follow as well?  We'll see.  Drive for Five, almost complete.  You gotta have "Hope." 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2012, 05:33:51 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 12, 2012, 02:12:18 PM
Agree with Mssr. Sager, the Titans need to keep winning and build up their credentials related to the primary criteria for this season, this selection.  It's always what have you done for me lately come selection time.  Given how well, how tough the Titans are playing, I wouldn't be too too surprised to see them win out this week, then take the tourney and go into the dance at 22-5.  They are battle-hardened now and have found all sorts of ways to win, with various combinations and contributions, from a wide range of players, through injuries and changes in the rotation/line-up, against varying styles and types of play.  Stay tuned.  That game last night was strange, ugly, but a road win is always good, no matter, esp. against a very good team like Carthage.  @Millikin and vs. Elmhurst are good challenges, but I wouldn't expect any let down from this group of Titans for the next two outings.  CCIW Tournament here at the Shirk will be grand!  Likely Carthage vs. Wheaton then, IWU vs. Millikin or Elmhurst.  I think likely Millikin.

I would definitely vote for Olson to one of the CCIW All-conference teams.  Agree with earlier posters that Melissa Gardner very much deserves consideration for first-team selection. 

Looking forward to the conference tournament at The Shirk.  Hopefully a tournament game or two to follow as well?  We'll see.  Drive for Five, almost complete.  You gotta have "Hope."

IWU70

Fortunately, the Titans are carrying on quite well despite the graduation of Ms. Schulte! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2012, 08:53:45 PM
Ypsi, would love to have that "Hope," back, but I was looking forward =  DIII Women's National Championships, 2012 Final Four @"Hope" College, Holland, Michigan in mid-March, 2012.  Isn't that somewhere near you there in Michigan?   Gotta have "hope," for ten more games.  I've been saying "drive for five," (outright CCIW championships) which is almost complete, so then I'll shift to "drive for ten."  Just say'in. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2012, 09:19:07 PM
Mark, you serve up a fat pitch like that, I gotta swing at it! ;D

Holland is 'only' about 160 miles from Ypsi; if IWU is there, I will almost certainly be there too!

(I wonder if Hope Schulte would make it to Hope under those circumstances? ;)  I always dreamed of a Christina Solari vs. Carrie Snikkers match-up, but, alas, it never happened.  IWU vs. Hope; AA CS vs. AA CS.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2012, 09:53:15 PM
Ypsi, if our Titans make it that far, to Holland and Hope, to another Final Four, I'll be there too.  Missed the one last year, still in Hong Kong.  I'd love to see Ms. Munger play this year, from George Fox . . . and also a good rematch for our Titans vs. DePauw, Stevens Point, and/or another shot at University of Chicago, now ranked #2.  We only lost to them by 3 on their home floor earlier this season, so I'm hoping for another shot if we get a good long run into the tournament again this year.  Perhaps on a neutral floor?  Our squad is very battle-tested and tough now, so they may surprise some folks should they get into the dance and bring their best basketball of the season in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned. 

The Lett - Jacklin matchups in recent IWU-Carthage games were pretty good ones.  I think Olivia won the day each time, but Jacklin is a super player, esp. in the paint, on the boards. 

I saw Hope Schulte and all the other wonderful players from the last four years here at the Shirk recently, when they unveiled the 4th Place Banner in the rafters of Shirk.  Very cool.  Their step into IWU basketball immortality.  Great to see them all, looking all grown-up, professional and with longer, out of basketball season, hair.  Some working, some in grad school.   Really a wonderful group of talented young women, with a great record of basketball and academic achievement at IWU.  Great ambassadors for the University.   This current group is well within that great winning run, that tradition.  As I said at the beginning of this season on this board, IWU was really "reloading, not rebuilding."  Replacing a player of the quality and level of Olivia Lett, however, is going to be another thing altogether.  I'm sure Mia and her staff are recruiting hard, looking for another Christina Solari, Mallory Heydorn or Olivia Lett.  Perhaps others can grow into the major scoring role next season, esp. more from Melissa Gardner, but the Titans will need more for the 2012-13 squad, esp. in ball-handling and the post/rebounding areas.  Karen Solari and Britt Hasselbring will also be greatly missed next year.   IMHO.

Looking forward to the next 2-3 weeks of women's basketball.  Crunch time when all the pieces, all the contributors have to pull together, play well as one.

Really sad about Whitney Houston, heh?  A brilliant shining voice, gone too soon.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 10:28:43 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 02:38:49 AM
I would agree that Olson most likely picks up the nod because of her defensive efforts as well as that monster game against IWU.  I was more just saying that there's some holes in the conference season where she has struggled mightily both from the field and with turnovers and with coaches only being able to see you twice sometimes that can leave a lasting impression.  I think she's certainly worthy of a nod but there's the possibility because of her not scoring at Millikin and going 1-10 from the field at Carthage that the support isn't there.  The same case can be made with Potts too, despite being one of the top shooters in the conference this season she struggled both games against IWU including being on the bench for the end of regulation and both overtimes at King.  The inconsistency can sometimes come back to hurt the all conference bids.

I think you're ultimately showing Wheaton's greatest strength: that it is not a team that relies too heavily on one or two players. It seems that someone else steps up every game, while the person who stepped up the previous game might "disappear" in the next one. If you look at yesterday's game against NCC, none of Wheaton's starters reached double figures and the Thunder still scored 72 points (I understand that the Cardinals aren't a great measuring stick this season, but I think the point stands).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 11:03:58 PM
Ok RogK you got my mind going about all-conference picks so I'll throw out a list, fully expecting plenty of feedback:

First Team
Olivia Lett - Illinois Wesleyan (MOP)
Diana Jacklin- Carthage
Meghan Merklein- Elmhurst
Melissa Gardner- Illinois Wesleyan
Lindsey Brenneman- Wheaton

Second Team
Cailee Corcoran- Carthage
Crystal Zeigler- Millikin
Brooke Olson- Wheaton
Laura Karsten- Wheaton
Megan Ney- Elmhurst

Third Team
Roxanne Jones- North Park
Natalie Runge- Augustana
Cecily Aldridge- Millikin
Elisabeth Potts- Wheaton
Britt Hasselbring- Illinois Wesleyan

Other candidates
Sarah Peterson- North Park
Tess Godhart- Elmhurst
Julia Robert- Millikin

I think where a team finishes in the standings definitely impacts the selections, ultimately. That's one of the main reasons I included Britt Hasselbring over the "other candidates,"  and also why I slid Cailee Corcoran to the second team. I'm not convinced that Wheaton will get four players on the team, but I couldn't pick one to leave off. Depending on which team ends up in fourth place, I would not be surprised at all to see Julia Robert or Tess Godhardt replace one of the Wheaton players.

I also had a hard time with which NPU player to put on there since I don't think they'll get more than one. Peterson is a senior and has had a good year, but Jones has better numbers and was inexplicably left off of last year's team. It's a toss-up to me.

If I have any glaring omissions, let me know.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 12, 2012, 11:59:07 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2012, 10:28:40 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 12, 2012, 12:35:04 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 12:28:51 AM


At this point, I don't think it's very likely that the CCIW will get two teams in the NCAA tournament if IWU wins the conference tournament. Wheaton and Carthage really only have one "signature win" apiece (Wheaton vs. IWU; Carthage vs. River Falls), and with the number of losses each has accumulated, going 0-1 or 1-1 in the tournament probably wont be good enough. I'm not even sure if IWU would be a "lock" for a Pool C berth. Those with a better grasp of the selection criteria could shed some light.

The only way I see the CCIW getting more than one team in is if someone whose colors don't include green whens the tournament.  Then I think IWU stands an above average chance of getting into the tournament based on where the teams above them in the regional rankings sit in their conferences, I think IWU would be able to get to the table fairly easily and with their reputation coming off the Final Four season I think they would likely get in.

Reputation is neither a primary nor a secondary criterion. Lots of teams that have had major recent success get shut out of Pool C on Selection Day. It happens all the time. If Wesleyan has to get a Pool C, it'll have to get it through the same five primary criteria as everybody else.

Two years in a row the women's defending national champ was on the bubble and did not get in.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2012, 12:52:56 PM
BackSeatDriver, I pretty much agree with your picks.  I think you are pretty much on target.  We'll see. 

I also like Britt Hasselbring for third, or even second team All-CCIW.

Mia Smith, Coach of the Year.  Just say'in. 

Sure hope the Titans can keep building their resume, so if it is Pool C consideration later, they have more wins.  Reputation does nothing, performance is the main criteria.  Hoping for 13-1 in CCIW play, then a good tournament @The Shirk.  Getting to 20 wins always a good thing. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2012, 01:42:28 PM
Elmhurst needed a win at Augie, but Natalie Runge said "No" :
http://www.augustana.edu/x39373.xml
Her final home game was a big success. She's had a very good career and has battled through several injuries.
Backseat Driver puts her on the all-CCIW team and I agree.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2012, 03:01:34 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 13, 2012, 12:52:56 PM
Mia Smith, Coach of the Year.  Just say'in. 

As with Olivia Lett for MOP, I don't think there's a lot of room for discussion on that. Mia Smith has done a great job this year, even under what I would imagine to be extremely difficult personal circumstances.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2012, 05:52:35 PM
Congrats to Olivia Lett, once again, CCIW Player of the Week.  Fifth time this season. 

Keep it rolloing Olivia, keep it rolling TITANS.

IWU70

P.S.  Agree on Runge. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2012, 05:58:22 PM
New week #11 D3hoops.com poll, Titans up to #20 (from #25), at 18-5, with four of their losses coming to currently ranked #2, #4, #10 and the new #25.  I guess that's what is called "quality losses."   >:(

Yes, feel strongly that Coach Smith should be CCIW Coach of the Year.  Five outright championships in a row.  Pretty awesome. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2012, 07:24:04 PM
Backseat Driver, I think your all-CCIW list is pretty good. There can be surprise additions or omissions. I'd like to see Sarah Peterson and Roxxanne Jones make it, but that would likely (my guess) bump Laura Karsten from the list. Glad you mentioned Godhart --- she's a good one.
I think a lot of coaches around the league highly admire Diana Jacklin and what she's done this year, so I wouldn't be surprised by a MOP tie/split for her and Olivia.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2012, 07:38:48 PM
Olivia Lett needs just 3 more points to set an all-time single season scoring record at IWU.  She's in some very fine company now with Cantrell, Butler, and Solari.   Before the season is out, she's going to set a number of other single season records too -- likely FTs made in a season etc.  She's only played 23 games so far, and all the other record-holders she's passing did their fine work in 28-31 games.  What a season she's having.

See the nice write-up about her and her current CCIW Player of the Week award on the iwu.edu sports section page.

IWU70

P.S.  Agree on Godhart too.  A good player.  I don't see the coaches leaving Karsten off the All-CCIW squads.  ms
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2012, 07:52:05 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2012, 11:03:58 PM
Ok RogK you got my mind going about all-conference picks so I'll throw out a list, fully expecting plenty of feedback:

First Team
Olivia Lett - Illinois Wesleyan (MOP)
Diana Jacklin- Carthage
Meghan Merklein- Elmhurst
Melissa Gardner- Illinois Wesleyan
Lindsey Brenneman- Wheaton

Second Team
Cailee Corcoran- Carthage
Crystal Zeigler- Millikin
Brooke Olson- Wheaton
Laura Karsten- Wheaton
Megan Ney- Elmhurst

Third Team
Roxanne Jones- North Park
Natalie Runge- Augustana
Cecily Aldridge- Millikin
Elisabeth Potts- Wheaton
Britt Hasselbring- Illinois Wesleyan

Other candidates
Sarah Peterson- North Park
Tess Godhart- Elmhurst
Julia Robert- Millikin

I think where a team finishes in the standings definitely impacts the selections, ultimately. That's one of the main reasons I included Britt Hasselbring over the "other candidates,"  and also why I slid Cailee Corcoran to the second team. I'm not convinced that Wheaton will get four players on the team, but I couldn't pick one to leave off. Depending on which team ends up in fourth place, I would not be surprised at all to see Julia Robert or Tess Godhardt replace one of the Wheaton players.

I also had a hard time with which NPU player to put on there since I don't think they'll get more than one. Peterson is a senior and has had a good year, but Jones has better numbers and was inexplicably left off of last year's team.

Sarah Peterson is not a senior, BD. She's a junior.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2012, 11:17:48 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2012, 07:52:05 PM
Sarah Peterson is not a senior, BD. She's a junior.

Bummer I thought I made it through that post without any mistakes. My bad. For some reason I've had it in my head all year that she was a senior, when in fact, it's Roxxanne Jones who is the senior! I will now slink away in disgrace.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2012, 12:32:49 PM
No need to slink away, Backseat Driver. Last year, I was thinking Natalie R was a senior, but all the while she was a junior.
Hey Greg, do you know if Roxie Jones can return for another season? She hasn't played 4 years at North Park. She maybe has another year of eligibility even though a senior academically? I think a grad student could play a second year as a senior if she has her 4th basketball year remaining.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2012, 06:07:40 PM
Senior Night for IWU this coming Saturday vs Elmhurst, honoring Olivia Lett, Karen Solari, Amy Burton and Britt Hasselbring. 

It's wear green night, in recognition, too, of the University's commitment to environmental sustainability.  PINK fade to GREEN.

GO GREEN, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2012, 06:56:42 PM
iwu70's list of IWU seniors got me to look at their roster to see what grade Michelle Bilek is -- she's a junior. Took a look at her game-by-game stats in CCIW play. You Titan fans will enjoy this, and the rest of you will be impressed.
In the 12 conference games to date, she is shooting .571 overall FG, .385 3FG (10/26, very good) and .783 2FG (wow, 18/23). Her 28 total FGs made is less than the minimum 3/game needed to make the official leaders.
At the foul line, she's 17/22 (.773), not bad. Her 10 turnovers are not bad either.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2012, 08:24:58 PM
RogK, yes, Bilek has had a great run in conference play, surely one of the best bench players in the CCIW this season, and, of course, hitting that big trey vs. Carthage down here @Shirk.  The "shot of the year," in a way.  Had to do great things for her confidence, the trust of the other teammates in her play.   I would call her game "scrappy" as she just works so hard, and knows how to run the floor, move without the ball, play tough D in the run and jump.  She's shooting such a high percentage as she really knows how to slip thru on the fast break, get lots of layups, esp. from the left side.  Good balance and body control in strange situations.  Her teammates seem to know what she is about and often reward her effort with good passes.  She could easily be in the starting line-up next year . . . with alot of other juniors and sophomores with significant CCIW game experience returning -- Gardner, McMahon, Jackson, Baltes, Seibring, Scurlock, both Reabers . . . and a few others.  Given the frantic style of play, lots of Titans on the roster with significant minutes this year.   Along with the recruiting, some newbies, the Titans have a very good collection of experienced players to build on for next season.  Titans will need to recruit more post players and another PG or two.  Of course, very difficult to replace Lett, Solari and Hasselbring, but I think it actually is, to some degree, a situation again of "reloading, not rebuilding." IMHO.  Baltes likely replacing Hasselbring at PG.  Gardner will up her scoring, though she is primarily a perimeter player, trey shooter.  None of these returnees have the overall game that Lett has, but, frankly, who in the entire country does?    Glad you noticed Bilek's fine play.  Your kudos to her are well-deserved, me thinks.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2012, 01:23:10 PM
Since so many (none) of you ask for one, here's an Olivet Nazarene update.
Last night, they committed 33 TOs, shot 33 pct and won, 88-81 over St Xavier. Isn't it a bit unusual to miss 2/3 of your FG att, turn it over 33 times and still manage 88 points?
Last Saturday, I saw their 110-83 win at St Francis (remarkably similar score to the 111-82 final I saw the previous Saturday).
Illinois Wesleyan, on December 12, was the last team to beat ONU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2012, 02:37:39 PM
I'll be at Elmhurst tonight -- they and visiting Carthage each need a win, so it should be a vigorous battle.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2012, 03:14:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2012, 12:32:49 PM
No need to slink away, Backseat Driver. Last year, I was thinking Natalie R was a senior, but all the while she was a junior.
Hey Greg, do you know if Roxie Jones can return for another season? She hasn't played 4 years at North Park. She maybe has another year of eligibility even though a senior academically? I think a grad student could play a second year as a senior if she has her 4th basketball year remaining.

That's true. A grad student can finish out her or his collegiate playing career, as long as the student-athlete in question is enrolled in a graduate program affiliated with the school from which she or he graduated. NPU has had two recent student-athletes take advantage of this rule; Ed Whitaker of the men's basketball team used his fourth year of eligibility as an MBA student four seasons ago, and this past fall All-American soccer player Kristoffer Grahn did the same thing for the Vikings. (Grahn will complete his MBA next year while serving as an assistant coach for the NPU soccer team.) Kent Raymond, a three-time CCIW Most Outstanding player in men's basketball, used the same grad-school loophole at Wheaton a few years back.

Unfortunately, Roxie Jones played two years of ball at Wright College prior to enrolling at North Park, which means that her eligibility is expiring. Even if it wasn't, she's an exercise science major, and NPU does not offer a master's degree in that particular field.

I'd sure love to see her back with the Vikings next year if it was possible. As I will listen to Roxie's career stats being recited tonight over the P.A. in recognition of senior night (she and Antionette Collman are the two Vikings seniors being honored before this evening's game against NCC), I'll think about how much she will be missed next season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backer on February 15, 2012, 03:18:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2012, 02:37:39 PM
I'll be at Elmhurst tonight -- they and visiting Carthage each need a win, so it should be a vigorous battle.
Have you done the math to compute how the 3rd-4th place tie-breaker might fall out after an Elmhurst victory?  More difficult is a 4th-5th tie-breaker situation with Millikin perhaps at the end of the week?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2012, 03:37:10 PM
Backer, my answers are 'no' and 'no.' My brain is already strained from being at work!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 05:19:44 PM
Backer, let us know when you figure it out, OK?  All I know is that my beloved Titans are likely hosting, likely seeded #1 and likely playing at The Shirk for the CCIW tournament championship.  Looking forward to it.  I'm sure the game tonight @ Millikin will be a tough game. 

New regional rankings out today and IWU is ranked #5 in the Central Region, behind University of Chicago, WI-Stevens Point, Wisconsin-River Falls and Wash U.  Some mighty fine company there and some very tough opponents.  Titans lost earlier in the season to UC and Point.  Would love to have another crack at them.  Stay tuned.

Olivia Lett going for the single season scoring record tonight, perhaps the single season FTs made record, too, at the Griz in Decatur.

My money is on Carthage winning tonight.

Roxie Jones has played well during her NPU career.  Lots of good senior players wrapping up their CCIW careers this week.  Good luck to them all. 

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 05:37:06 PM
Quote from: Backer on February 15, 2012, 03:18:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2012, 02:37:39 PM
I'll be at Elmhurst tonight -- they and visiting Carthage each need a win, so it should be a vigorous battle.
Have you done the math to compute how the 3rd-4th place tie-breaker might fall out after an Elmhurst victory?  More difficult is a 4th-5th tie-breaker situation with Millikin perhaps at the end of the week?

If they win tonight, Elmhurst will likely get into the CCIW tourney. Here's what I think the scenario would be:

If Elmhurst beats Carthage, and IWU beats Millikin, Elmhurst and Carthage would be 8-5 and Millikin would be 7-6.

Saturday's games are:
Elmhurst @ IWU
Augie @ Carthage
Millikin @ NCC

Chances are, IWU will beat Elmhurst, Carthage will beat Augie, and Millikin will beat NCC--which would leave us:

Carthage 9-5
Elmhurst 8-6
Millikin 8-6

The tiebrakers are as follows:
1. Head-to-head competition.
2. Record against team(s) above the tie beginning with the highest ranked team.
3. Record vs. team or teams in 3 rd place. If still tied, go to the next place for determination, et cetera.
4. Road record against conference schools.
5. Record in their last seven conference games.
6. The point spread of the tied teams’ head-to head competition.
7. Coin toss

In this scenario, Elmhurst and Millikin would both be 0-2 vs. 1st place IWU and 1-1 vs. 2nd place Wheaton. Having beaten Carthage (hypothetical), Elmhurst would win a tiebraker over Millikin and receive the #4 seed.

Feel free to check my work.

If Elmhurst loses tonight, they would need to upset IWU at Shirk Center on Saturday to get in.

Obviously, if Millikin beats IWU tonight, the advantage swings to them for tiebrakers involving either Elmhurst or Carthage.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 09:00:16 PM
Poor start by the Titans tonight, down 21-11 with about 9:00 minutes to go in the first half.

IWU70 

Lett has the IWU single season scoring record early in the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 09:22:11 PM
Halftime Scores:

Millikin 35
IWU 28

Elmhurst 20
Carthage 19

NPU 35
NCC 28
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 09:23:01 PM
IWU down 35-28 at half, not playing too well, @ MU.  Poor shooting percentage tonight.  MU playing tough D, breaking the press at some points.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 09:24:07 PM
Wow, EC and CC can't get much going tonight, can they?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 09:26:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 09:23:01 PM
IWU down 35-28 at half, not playing too well, @ MU.  Poor shooting percentage tonight.  MU playing tough D, breaking the press at some points.

IWU70

I think IWU really needs to turn up the heat a bit more on the run and jump, especially early in the second half. Millikin has gotten some easy buckets when IWU has not been able to contain in the backcourt.

You're right about Millikin's D. They're playing pretty physically, especially on Olivia Lett.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 09:30:20 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 09:24:07 PM
Wow, EC and CC can't get much going tonight, can they?

Yeah pretty brutal offensively.

Carthage: 7-30 fg (23%), 2-6 3fg (33%), 3-5 ft (60%)
Elmhurst: 7-27 fg (26%), 2-7 3fg (29%), 4-6 ft (67%)

Elmhurst has a 30-16 edge on the boards.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 15, 2012, 10:23:00 PM
IWU 75
Millikin 63

Congratulations to Mia Smith and the Titans -- first CCIW basketball program (men or women) to win 5 outright CCIW titles in a row.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 15, 2012, 10:26:51 PM
However many games the Titans have left this year, I hope IWU fans take time to really appreciate watching Olivia Lett play basketball.  She is just in incredible player.  Lett has literally played all 5 offensive positions on the floor this season -- tonight she played the point most of the game, after playing a lot of 4/5 the last couple of games. 

Lett is one of those players for which D3 teams just don't have a matchup for.  Put a perimeter player on her and she'll post up...put a post on her and she'll blow by.  Seems to me to be a pretty clear 1st Team All-American.

Lett reminds me a ton of Bryan Crabtree ('97) on the men's side - same type of player and skill set.  The Titans can play with any team in the country as long as she is on the floor.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 10:28:19 PM
Carthage 72
Elmhurst 56

The Lady Reds caught fire in the second half and pulled away for the win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 10:32:21 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 15, 2012, 10:26:51 PM
However many games the Titans have left this year, I hope IWU fans take time to really appreciate watching Olivia Lett play basketball.  She is just in incredible player.  Lett has literally played all 5 offensive positions on the floor this season -- tonight she played the point most of the game, after playing a lot of 4/5 the last couple of games. 

Lett is one of those players for which D3 teams just don't have a matchup for.  Put a perimeter player on her and she'll post up…put a post on her and she'll blow by.  Seems to me to be a pretty clear 1st Team All-American.

Fun to watch.

How about CCIW fans in general? Olivia Lett is unbelievably good. She made some impossible shots tonight, once again putting her team on her back. IWU got significant contributions from several other players tonight (i.e. Britt Hasselbring and Michelle Bilek), but they lose this game without Lett. She draws so much attention that opens up wide open shots for other Titans.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 10:34:16 PM
Great comeback for the Titans tonight in a very physical, tough outing at the Griz.  Titans win 75-63, after trailing by 13 in the first half. 

Lett 28 and 10, double double, with 2 assists
Hasselbring 17
Bilek, again a good game, 11
McMahon 8
Jackson 7 RBs.
Titans shoot 84% from the charity stripe. 

Must be something physically wrong with Melissa Gardner, as she's had two sub-par games, was not in the ballgame much tonight in the second half.  Did hit one key trey at a crucial time in the game.  Hope she's OK.

Olivia Lett now IWU all-time season scoring leader, with more to go.  Congrats to Olivia and the entire team.

For MU:
Zeilger 15
Aldridge 12
Robert 10 and 9 RBs.

The Big Blue gave our Titans a real fight tonight, but in the end the Titans, and Olivia Lett, were again too much. 

My congrats, too, for Coach Smith and all the team, for the outright CCIW championship, now 12-1 in the league, and fifth straight outright CCIW championship.  Tremendous consistency and a great achievement.  A happy ride home on the bus tonight from Decatur. 

More to come.  Drive for five completed.  Now on to senior night and the CCIW tournament at home.  All the Shirk fans really appreciate this team. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2012, 10:40:42 PM
Q, and others, totally agree with you about Olivia Lett.  What a great time we've had watching her play this year.  Truly a player with all the skills, and the competitive fire, refusing to go down unless she fouls out.  Another great game tonight.  Clearly the league's MOP this year.  Lots of good contributions by others, too, esp. from Hasselbring who picks up her scoring when needed, and another solid game by Michelle Bilek.  Hope Melissa Gardner is OK . . . not so sure about this Shelby Jackson shooting treys thing, but she's made some in the last two games! :)  Other Titan starters and rotational players are just playing good, smart basketball for the most part.  Lexi Baltes is going to be very very good in future, IMHO.  Run and Jump brought us back again tonight.  Give MU credit, they played tough, played hard, but came up short tonight. 

Great win, drive for five completed.  Gotta love it.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 15, 2012, 10:43:02 PM
Really good effort tonight by Millikin. The Big Blue is obviously an extremely well-coached team and they executed their stuff pretty well.  As expected, they were a tough out on their home floor. It will be interesting to see how the (likely) rematch plays out in Bloomington next Friday.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on February 15, 2012, 10:52:55 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 15, 2012, 10:26:51 PM
Lett reminds me a ton of Bryan Crabtree ('97) on the men's side - same type of player and skill set. 

Senior season comparison...


* Bryan Crabtree ('96-97, 30 games) - 22.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 207-462 FG (.448), 55-174 3-point (.374), 209-248 FT (.843)

* Olivia Lett ('11-12, 24 games) - 21.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 177-381 FG (.465), 38-124 3-point (.306), 124-148 FT (.838)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2012, 11:01:10 AM
Before last night's game, I talked to Carthage coach Tim Bernero about the all-conference team. He explained that the 1st team is chosen first. Players who were nominated for, but did not make, the 1st team are then candidates for 2nd and 3rd team, along with whomever else the coaches add to the choices.
The MOP is then selected from among the five 1st team players.
This year's voting will be done by conference call (or all-conference call!).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2012, 11:33:32 AM
Interesting stat comparison of Crabtree and Lett.  Olivia has at least 3-4 more games to play, and let's hope up to 9 more games! 

She also got the single season FTs made record last night, surpassing a record held by Christina Solari in I think about 30 games.  Getting to the line, making 88%, a major part of her all-round game this year.

Tremendous season.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2012, 11:44:39 AM
iwu70, Shelby Jackson is making .321 of her 3FG att. If you don't want her to shoot threes, then you shouldn't want Lett (.306) to shoot them either.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2012, 12:15:06 PM
I hope Gardner is OK, as well. It could just be that Millikin (and Carthage before that) played some good defense on her. She has attained the level of performance that warrants a lot of defensive attention.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 16, 2012, 12:25:56 PM
I haven't been able to post much this season, but I wanted to give an eyewitness account of the IWU at Millikin game.  It was a live, combative atmosphere; the Big Blue were having Faculty Appreciation Night and lots of families were in attendance. 

As many here no doubt saw, the Big Blue started off well and the Titans not so much.  Olivia Lett is everything everyone else here has said.  Last night she came through in spades, jumping the tip and then later on running the point.  The defense on her was physical, to say the least.  Mia Smith acknowledged the Titans' second half surge as due to moving Lett to the point and having Britt Hasselbring go to the 2 position, where she poured in 17 points.  Great contribution from the usual point guard.  Coach Smith uses the long bench extremely well, moving people in and out in order to find what's working.  Michelle Bilek is looking very confident on the floor and in her shot; that game-winner against Carthage was not a one-off.  For those who noticed that Karen Solari was charged with a technical foul:  it came after she'd played tight D on a ball handler (I forget who) and there was some slight contact.  Karen was called for a foul, although she (and everyone else wearing green :) ) thought the defender had pushed off with an extended arm.  Karen reacted a little too much, waving an arm to show the ref what had happened, and he seemed to think she'd made a gesture.  Nothing to it, really.

With regard to Shelby Jackson shooting threes--I usually cringe when a post player throws up a three.  If they've got that shot, in my mind I allow them one per half.  Doug Sexauer, for the IWU men, hit that shot so often that he got an exception from Coach HT ;), and Olivia Lett can shoot from wherever she likes.  But Shelby probably saved the Titans at Carthage with threes; she gets my approval to shoot it when it's there, for what that's worth.

If Olivia Lett is not a First-Team All American, then I don't know what one looks like.

Good tough game, and both teams were really well coached.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2012, 01:47:16 PM
A few notes on the Carthage 72-56 win at Elmhurst.
Before the game, Bluejay seniors Megan Ney and Meghan Merklein were honored for their very fine careers. Each got a well-earned ovation; even a few of the Carthage fans applauded.
The 1st half (20-19) was extraordinarily bleak. Both teams' defenses knew exactly what the opposing offenses were trying to do, but there was also a surplus of crummy shooting and turnovers. Carthage's superiority became evident early in the 2nd half and they put together an impressive 53-36 20 minutes to win fairly comfortably.
Cailee Corcoran had a career high 24 pts and Diana Jacklin did her thing : 20 pts, 7 rebs, 6 steals, 4 assists and just 2 TOs.
Merk led the Jays with 14 pts and Ney had 11 and 11.
Best wishes to Elmhurst coach Tethnie Carrillo, who is off on maternity leave. I heard that she really wanted to be there for Merk and Ney's Senior Day, but the doctor said "no way."
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2012, 03:49:38 PM
North Park 61
North Central 57

Last year's NCC @ NPU game was a barnburner, with the Cards winning by two in overtime, but I didn't expect this year's version to be close. Foolish me! North Central head coach Michelle Roof and her players clearly had this game circled on the calendar as their optimal chance to break their goose-egg in the CCIW win column, and they played with the sort of spirit and abandon that showed that they truly believed that they could win this game. North Park, on the other hand, seemed to have a hard time getting engaged with the task at hand, and was clearly outplayed for much of the game.

NPU didn't do a good job of defending early on -- North Central's slow initial scoring pace was more a matter of Cards ineptitude than anything else -- and when both Sarah Peterson and Roxie Jones went to the bench with two fouls apiece with more than eight minutes remaining in the half and the Park clinging to a 20-17 lead, it looked like gut-check time for NPU. That's a long time to have to play without your two best players. But when the half ended, the Vikings had actually built upon their lead, as they went into the locker room up, 34-29. I figured that the crisis had passed, and that NPU had torpedoed NCC's best opportunity to make it a ballgame.

Again, foolish me! The Cards came out storming in the second half, working the ball inside effectively again and again to Larynn Shumaker and Emily Collins, while Helen Muleya played havoc with the Vikings in transition and Jenny Swanson hit some key three-pointers. The Cards caught up and then went ahead by seven, 51-44, with 8:25 left. It was still a seven-point Cards lead at 57-50 with just over three minutes to go when NPU finally went to work. Dana Christensen hit a 12-foot pullup, Roxie Jones knocked down an eighteen-footer following a Bridgette Gray steal, and after a Jones defensive rebound Gray hit a triple from the left elbow to knot the score at 57-all with 1:24 left.

NCC missed two close-in shots on the ensuing possession before Gray rebounded the ball. Jones hit a six-foot jumper from straight on with 25 ticks remaining to put NPU back in front, 59-57, and then Sarah Peterson, who had had a very quiet night due to foul trouble, took over the game. Despite the fact that she was playing with four fouls, she took it upon herself to rip the ball out of the hands of Emily Collins on the NCC inbounds play following Roxie's basket, and she got the ball into the hands of Kamauria Acree before the Cards were finally able to stop the clock by fouling with :16 left. It was Sarah's fourth steal of the game. Acree missed the front end of the one-and-one, but Peterson pulled in the offensive rebound off of Kamauria's miss and was fouled. Sarah then made both FTs, giving NPU a four-point lead with :13 left, and the Cards were unable to get any shots to fall in their final possession.

It was a little more exciting than I think anyone on the North Park side had envisioned, or would have liked, but the Vikes showed enough moxie at the end to come from behind and outscore NCC, 9-0, in the final 3:22 of the game to pull out the victory. Give the Cards credit for a terrific effort, but give NPU the credit for doing what it needed to do to complete the season sweep over the Napervillains.

Roxie Jones, who had a great crackerbox swan song with 16 points and 9 rebounds, went out with a bang. NCC did a great job of keeping her out of good position in the low post, and the Cards constantly double- and triple-teamed her throughout the game. Therefore, Roxie became a jump-shooter for much of the night -- and the fact that she was knocking down 15-to-18-footers is testimony to what a serious offensive force she is. There just aren't a lot of women at this level who are as dangerous as Roxie around the basket who can still go outside and beat you with the jumpshot if you deny her position. NPU will miss her badly next season. Anti Collman, the other senior honored last night, had a very solid final home game herself, scoring nine points and recording five assists. Dana Christensen also contributed nine points, and Kamauria Acree, who is finally beginning to look like the player she was freshman year prior to her ACL tear -- it usually takes an entire season before an ACL-tear victim has his or her full game back -- had a solid eight-point effort.

Larynn Shumaker led the Cards with 14 points and 9 boards, as she was joined in double figures by Jenny Swanson's 13 and Helen Muleya's 11, and Emily Collins contributed a strong 10 and 7 as well.

This has been a disappointing year for NPU, as expectations were higher than a sixth-place finish. The program is making progress, but it's coming more slowly than I think either the coaches or the players would like. The Vikes have beating North Central and Augustana down pat; now they need to figure out how to get over the hump against the likes of Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Millikin, and how to even compete against IWU and Carthage. Slow progress means painful progress, but it sure beats going backwards. ;)

Many thanks to Roxie and Anti for their hard work and their accomplishments as Vikings!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2012, 04:57:23 PM
RogK, yes, I hear what you say about the stats, the numbers on Jackson shooting treys.  But, like some others, I just cringe, especially at key moments in a game, when a post player not normally a trey shooter, starts putting them up like that.  Would feel the same way if Karen Solari or Amy Burton started to discover the arc.  But, in the Carthage game, Jackson did come thru with those three treys, no doubt.  I pointed this out in my post at that time.  Just makes me wonder whether Mia and the others are accepting of that shot selection or not.  During games, I always say under my breath, "not really the shot we wanted."  But, there it is.  She hit one last night too.  Jackson is a fast developing post area player and very key to the successes of the Titans esp. for the next two seasons.  Like Nick Anderson on the men's side, Shelby Jackson has a tremendous upside, IMHO.   But, I don't think standing at the arc she is quite yet a Doug Sexaurer, Andrew Ziemnik, or Parker Musselman when it comes to shooting threes.  I'd like to see Baltes, Gardner, or Bilek taking that shot. 

On Lett shooting threes or anything else, of course, she's carried the team offensively, and in almost every which way all year, she can do what she jolly well pleases.  Though, it must be said when Olivia gets doubled, tripled and frustrated maneuvering through the lane, she can take some pretty unorthodox, off-balanced, even ill-advised shots.  We've seen this too, and regularly, she defies defenses and makes them.  Some uncanny makes, and some misses and turnovers, too.   One can't argue with the outcomes, in most cases, though as an ardent fan, I do sometimes wonder about some of those shots, sometimes some turnovers.  Against really tough Ds, and bigger teams in the post area, this is not going to cut it -- look at the play against Whitewater, to see what I mean.  Some games like that are coming down the pike, and I hope that's when Olivia and others kick it out to our perimeter shooters for a three attempt, or reset to get the ball on the block in a better position, with Olivia balanced and squared up, able to operate again.  Just a thought. 

Yes, I hope Gardner is OK too.  Could be the defenses, could be a cold, could be an injury.  I just don't know.  But, I did notice the last two games, she was having a rougher time getting into the offensive flow more than usual. 

Senior night should be fun . . . especially with a game of no particular consequence, though I know the Titans, as always this year, will be very ready to play and send the seniors out with a win.

A superb season and my congratulations to Coach Smith and all those involved, team members, assistant coaches, staff, and trainers.  The IWU fans really enjoy supporting this team . . . especially given the special circumstances of Coach Smith during the past 3-4 month period.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 19, 2012, 01:31:24 AM
Well the field and matchups are set for the tourney since Millikin joins the field despite losing to North Central

Semi-final 1- #2 Wheaton vs. #3 Carthage
Semi-final 2- #1 Illinois Wesleyan vs. #4 Millikin
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 03:17:33 PM
I think the tourney games Friday are at 5 and 7 p.m. respectively.  I'm sure IWU will be putting up a CCIW tournament website, weblink soon.  Should be a great weekend of women's DIII hoops.

Lovely senior night @Shirk last eve -- with well-deserved recognition for Burton, Solari, Hasselbring and Lett.  As the crowd was chanting at the end of the men's game, "Thank you Seniors, Thank you Seniors . . .  "  Indeed. 

Strange injury to Solari last night, with a EC rebouder going over her top, crunching down on her neck, flattening her to the floor.  Foul called on Solari as I recall.  She stayed down in pain for quite a time, then was attended to, tested, then walked off under her own power.  Hope she's OK, though I'm pretty sure she has a very sore neck today.

Any take here on who you'all think will win the WC vs. CC game in the semis?  Seems if WC's outside game is working, they have a very good chance of beating Carthage on a neutral floor.  IMHO.  MU gave our Titans a very good game in the first half at Decatur, but on our home floor, I have to go with our Titans.  Should be two very good semis.

Michelle Bilek continues to play very well, put up solid numbers with her very "scrappy" style of play, high energy, excellent D, and running of the floor.  And, Britt Hasselbring seems to know when extra scoring is needed from the PG position.  Melissa Gardner pretty much seemed back to her normal, fine self in the game against EC.  Good to see.  Godhart of EC is going to be HUGE next year.  She had a monster game Saturday evening.

Lett surely deserves another Player of the Week award this week, her sixth, but I doubt they will give it too her.  Just say'in.  She had two huge games again, and last night made some shots and passes that just defied belief.  Q is right, we are very privileged to watch her play this season and to put up the numbers and the consistent high-level of excellence in her play she has achieved all season long.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2012, 03:41:50 PM
Tough way for NPU to go out last night, as the Vikings lost at King to Wheaton, 63-52. The Vikings essentially played Wheaton even for the whole game, except for about a three- or four-minute span in the middle of the second half in which they turned the ball over repeatedly or got off bad shots, while Wheaton never really had a bad dip in performance at all. It seemed as though every shot Wheaton put up was good, even though the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance actually only shot 37% for the game. The one big statistical difference was fouls, and therefore FTs as well. NPU committed 16 fouls to Wheaton's nine, many in the act of shooting -- mostly because the Vikings had a tough time handling the dive play down the lane that Wheaton ran like clockwork on every possession. Wheaton shot a very impressive 16-18 from the line; NPU shot 80% from the line, which isn't too shabby, either, but the Vikings only got to the line ten times.

Roxie Jones closed out her North Park career with a double-double, finishing with 16 and 10. Anti Collman (7 and 6, with four assists and four steals as well) also finished her career on a personal high note, and Sarah Peterson had an 8 and 6 game. Wheaton had three players in double figures; Lindsey Brenneman with 17, Elisabeth Potts with 13, and Laura Karsten with 10.

And thus ends a year that was disappointing for North Park in that it fell well short of expectations, but was still a step in the right direction. Now Amanda Reese and her assistants have to hit the high school gyms, the juco gyms, and the AAU circuit, and recruit, recruit, recruit!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2012, 09:16:28 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 03:17:33 PM
Any take here on who you'all think will win the WC vs. CC game in the semis?  Seems if WC's outside game is working, they have a very good chance of beating Carthage on a neutral floor.  IMHO.  MU gave our Titans a very good game in the first half at Decatur, but on our home floor, I have to go with our Titans.  Should be two very good semis.

Hopefully Wheaton heads into the tournament with a strong performance against Augie on Tuesday. You always want to be peaking this time of year.

The Wheaton/Carthage game should be a good one. Wheaton won by 15 at home and by 2 on the road, and I would expect this to be a single-digit game coming down to the wire. Wheaton has not really shot that well at the Shirk Center of late, regardless of the opponent, so hopefully that changes this time. As they say, "it's tough to beat a good team three times." I expect a physical, low-scoring game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Chicago wins their league, receives the AQ, as no league tournament.  Better Pool C prospects, as needed, for IWU, Carthage, perhaps Wheaton?  Chicago is one of the programs still undefeated, I think 24-0 now with one game to play.  IWU lost earlier to UC on their floor by 3 points.  Hope we get another shot at them.

Looking forward to the CCIW tournament @ The Shirk next weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2012, 09:20:45 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Chicago wins their league, receives the AQ, as no league tournament.  Better Pool C prospects, as needed, for IWU, Carthage, perhaps Wheaton?  Chicago is one of the programs still undefeated, I think 24-0 now with one game to play.  IWU lost earlier to UC on their floor by 3 points.  Hope we get another shot at them.

Looking forward to the CCIW tournament @ The Shirk next weekend.

IWU70

Carthage is 0-4 vs. IWU and Wheaton...I don't think Pool C is realistic. Same goes for Wheaton b/c of the non-conference losses.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 09:22:59 PM
BackSeat, that sounds about right for the WC-Carthage game on Friday.  I'll pick Carthage this time, as they played very very well at Shirk last time vs. IWU, and in some ways deserved to win that road game.  IWU won on the "shot of the year," a last second trey by Michelle Bilek.  That was probably the best game I've seen all year, men or women.  (though IWU's big win over Wash U on the men's side, perhaps a close second).  Of course, any men's win over Augie is right up there too. :)

I'd expect Wheaton to beat Augie in the women's game this week pretty handily. 

All-Conference Teams probably out on Thursday or Friday this week, right?   

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2012, 09:35:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 09:22:59 PM
BackSeat, that sounds about right for the WC-Carthage game on Friday.  I'll pick Carthage this time, as they played very very well at Shirk last time vs. IWU, and in some ways deserved to win that road game.  IWU won on the "shot of the year," a last second trey by Michelle Bilek.  That was probably the best game I've seen all year, men or women.  (though IWU's big win over Wash U on the men's side, perhaps a close second).  Of course, any men's win over Augie is right up there too. :)

Sure, but that was in January. Carthage has since lost to both IWU and Wheaton at home. That tells me that IWU and Wheaton are better than Carthage, regardless of preseason polls or expectations.

Now, a third matchup is always interesting. Especially when it's a neutral site game. i am under no illusions that Carthage can't beat Wheaton. I think that if Wheaton is able to, once again, take Carthage out of its offensive rhythm, the Thunder wins. If not, and Carthage plays like they did @ Elmhurst, the Reds win. We'll see.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 20, 2012, 12:08:10 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2012, 09:35:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 09:22:59 PM
BackSeat, that sounds about right for the WC-Carthage game on Friday.  I'll pick Carthage this time, as they played very very well at Shirk last time vs. IWU, and in some ways deserved to win that road game.  IWU won on the "shot of the year," a last second trey by Michelle Bilek.  That was probably the best game I've seen all year, men or women.  (though IWU's big win over Wash U on the men's side, perhaps a close second).  Of course, any men's win over Augie is right up there too. :)

Sure, but that was in January. Carthage has since lost to both IWU and Wheaton at home. That tells me that IWU and Wheaton are better than Carthage, regardless of preseason polls or expectations.

Now, a third matchup is always interesting. Especially when it's a neutral site game. i am under no illusions that Carthage can't beat Wheaton. I think that if Wheaton is able to, once again, take Carthage out of its offensive rhythm, the Thunder wins. If not, and Carthage plays like they did @ Elmhurst, the Reds win. We'll see.

The big question in this game is going to be will Carthage to back to the matchup zone they employed for much of the game up in Kenosha that was able to keep them competitive.  The downfall to that game was it ended up slowing Carthage up and keeping themselves out of rhythm as much as the Thunder so they ended up hurting themselves as well.  I would expect Carthage to use that for much of the game because they have struggled with the Thunder in man to man scenarios this year.  If Hovee can play 25+ minutes and hound Jacklin defensively I like the Thunder odds but if Hovee gets in foul trouble Wheaton may be in trouble.  It also comes down, as it has all year, with Wheaton's reliance on the 3.  If they don't settle and continue to work the offense to get open 3's they'll win but if they end up taking the first available three as they have been prone to do at times, they'll find their season over on Friday night.  I think Wheaton has the advantage off the bench with the improved play of Graham lately and the hot play of Bohlen as well as the return of Maria Panaggio. 

In the other semi I would expect a close game for maybe a half, depending on the outside shooting of the Big Blue but as they did on Saturday to Elmhurst, I would expect IWU to wear down Millikin and pull away in the second half.  That press will most likely bother MU as Wellbaum leads the conference in turnovers.  IWU is just a whole nother animal in the Shirk Center.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2012, 08:25:39 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 20, 2012, 12:08:10 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2012, 09:35:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 19, 2012, 09:22:59 PM
BackSeat, that sounds about right for the WC-Carthage game on Friday.  I'll pick Carthage this time, as they played very very well at Shirk last time vs. IWU, and in some ways deserved to win that road game.  IWU won on the "shot of the year," a last second trey by Michelle Bilek.  That was probably the best game I've seen all year, men or women.  (though IWU's big win over Wash U on the men's side, perhaps a close second).  Of course, any men's win over Augie is right up there too. :)

Sure, but that was in January. Carthage has since lost to both IWU and Wheaton at home. That tells me that IWU and Wheaton are better than Carthage, regardless of preseason polls or expectations.

Now, a third matchup is always interesting. Especially when it's a neutral site game. i am under no illusions that Carthage can't beat Wheaton. I think that if Wheaton is able to, once again, take Carthage out of its offensive rhythm, the Thunder wins. If not, and Carthage plays like they did @ Elmhurst, the Reds win. We'll see.

The big question in this game is going to be will Carthage to back to the matchup zone they employed for much of the game up in Kenosha that was able to keep them competitive.  The downfall to that game was it ended up slowing Carthage up and keeping themselves out of rhythm as much as the Thunder so they ended up hurting themselves as well.  I would expect Carthage to use that for much of the game because they have struggled with the Thunder in man to man scenarios this year.  If Hovee can play 25+ minutes and hound Jacklin defensively I like the Thunder odds but if Hovee gets in foul trouble Wheaton may be in trouble.  It also comes down, as it has all year, with Wheaton's reliance on the 3.  If they don't settle and continue to work the offense to get open 3's they'll win but if they end up taking the first available three as they have been prone to do at times, they'll find their season over on Friday night.  I think Wheaton has the advantage off the bench with the improved play of Graham lately and the hot play of Bohlen as well as the return of Maria Panaggio. 

In the other semi I would expect a close game for maybe a half, depending on the outside shooting of the Big Blue but as they did on Saturday to Elmhurst, I would expect IWU to wear down Millikin and pull away in the second half.  That press will most likely bother MU as Wellbaum leads the conference in turnovers.  IWU is just a whole nother animal in the Shirk Center.

Not a bad strategy for Carthage. Outside of Jacklin, I think Wheaton is probably more athletic across the board. Unfortunately I haven't seen Carthage in person this season so I'm basing that assessment on past seasons and video streams. You're right, thunder38, that Wheaton has to be patient offensively. This is especially true if Carthage is switching defenses or playing zone exclusively.

I expect IWU to win more in the fashion of their 86-61 triumph over the Big Blue on Jan. 25, than the more recent game in Decatur.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2012, 12:04:42 PM
Look forward to both games, boths semis, on Friday.  All the teams have worked very hard to earn these extra games, so should be very intense and competitive. 
Shirk is such a great place to host such a tournament.  Let's hope for a good crowd, full house, for both games.

Nice for IWU, Carthage and Millikin to have the full week to rest, prepare.  WC has a game with Augie, right?  A tune-up for them, me thinks.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2012, 03:18:36 PM
Congratualtions to Wheaton's Lindsey Brenneman, this week's CCIW player of the week. Read the release here: http://cciw.org/news/2012/2/20/WBB_0220123716.aspx. In Saturday's win over North Park, Lindsey established herself as one of the top scorers in the history of the Wheaton program by scoring her 1,000th career point. She is the 16th Crusader/Thunder player to reach that milestone.

Lindsey, along with Wheaton's other seniors, was honored during Saturday's senior night festivities at King Arena. Regretfully, my work schedule prevented me from attending, but it's nice to see that the Thunder was able to put together a win.

Lindsey Brenneman, Elisabeth Potts, Laura Karsten, and Lissie McAlvey represent a class that experienced early growing pains, but has developed into a very talented and successful group. They have continued the strong tradition of Wheaton basketball, and I cannot think of a better way to crown their careers than a trip to the NCAA tournament. That is something that they will have the opportunity to achieve this weekend.

Beyond basketball, these four are also some of the most genuine and kind people you will ever meet. They are model representatives of the type of student-athletes that Wheaton College strives to produce.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2012, 03:43:48 PM
Yes, congrats to Lindsey Brenneman, CCIW Player of the Week!

BackSeat, looks like WC is losing a fine fine, very talented senior class group.  Good luck to them all in the post-CCIW basketball endeavors.  We will welcome them warmly to the Shirk this weekend!  :)   Congrats to the Wheaton seniors.

Same with IWU, some very fine seniors leaving us this year -- we will surely miss Amy Burton, Karen Solari, Britt Hasselbring, and Olivia Lett.  They have been so dedicated, such fine reps of IWU, its basketball traditions and program, and have been through alot, through good times and bad, injury and good health -- and made it through the drive for five, bringing us the fifth straight outright CCIW regular season championship.  Quite an achievement.  Some amazing basketball throughout their careers at IWU.  This weekend is frosting on the cake for all the top four CCIW contending women's teams and programs.   

Should be a great weekend of DIII hoops in a wonderful, friendly environment of the Shirk Center.   You'all come down, now . . . Beer Nuts and good basketball, all for a reasonable price. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2012, 08:35:47 PM
Titans up to 17th (from 20th) in the latest D3hoops.com poll. 

Still four programs undefeated on the season. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2012, 12:15:29 PM
Thunder38, check the assist/turnover leaders in cciw.org. Beth Wellbaum does not lead the league in turnovers either in conference play or overall 25 game stats.
Also, your comments on the upcoming Wheaton/Carthage matchup do not include mention of Cailee Corcoran. She's only the 7th leading scorer in CCIW play and shot over 56 pct. That sounds exactly like the sort of player that Lauren Graham may become. You may not see any need for the Thunder to worry about Corcoran, but I bet Kent Madsen sure does.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2012, 12:51:13 PM
My congratulations to the Titans and Mia Smith for another very fine CCIW regular season. I thought there would be a falloff based on how many very good players graduated in recent years.
Seems to me that the IWU program would be a good one to attempt to replicate, given its consistent success.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2012, 01:14:07 PM
Here's an interesting note : only four teams have beaten Carthage this season -- IWU, Wheaton, Coe and the U of Chicago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 21, 2012, 02:32:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2012, 01:14:07 PM
Here's an interesting note : only four teams have beaten Carthage this season -- IWU, Wheaton, Coe and the U of Chicago.

Which is why I'm not ready to guarantee a Wheaton victory Friday. Carthage is a very, very good team, and they have plenty of motivation. Wheaton needs another outstanding defensive outing.

Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2012, 12:15:29 PM
Also, your comments on the upcoming Wheaton/Carthage matchup do not include mention of Cailee Corcoran. She's only the 7th leading scorer in CCIW play and shot over 56 pct. That sounds exactly like the sort of player that Lauren Graham may become. You may not see any need for the Thunder to worry about Corcoran, but I bet Kent Madsen sure does.

Wheaton is very well aware of Cailee Corcoran and her talents. Trust me, plenty of time will be devoted to post defense in practice this week.

And don't forget that, just a few pages back, thunder38 pegged Corcoran as 1st Team all-CCIW.

Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2012, 12:15:29 PM
Thunder38, check the assist/turnover leaders in cciw.org. Beth Wellbaum does not lead the league in turnovers either in conference play or overall 25 game stats.

True about Wellbaum, but as a team Millikin is last in turnovers overall, and third-to-last in CCIW play. So, turnovers are an area of concern for the Big Blue.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2012, 04:29:22 PM
Thanks for the mediative post, Backseat Driver.
Belated congrats to North Central for finally notching a conference win. A small but welcome amount of happiness for them.
It's possible they'll be the only CCIW team whose season ends with a win.
EC and NP lost their final contests. We'll see how Augie wraps things up tonight (silly me will observe it in person).
Of the four CCIW playoff teams, a maximum of one could end the season with a win.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2012, 08:24:35 PM
RogerK, you are right . . . at this time of year almost no one gets to end their season with a win . . . unless, of course, you really get on a roll and win the national title.  Gotta have dreams, right?  IWU had a great run all the way to the Final Four at home last year, but sadly ended the season with two losses, not one, and finished fourth overall nationally.  I'm sure the women on the team this year who finished that way last would love to see the Titans improve on that run this year, finish with a win for the title or for third place nationally.  The Titan men have finished third in the Final Four three times, and winning that last game, even with the disappointment of not playing in the title game, was a good ending, with much celebrations, banners in the rafters of the Shirk Center etc.  The women got to put up a fourth place banner earlier this year too, when the team from the Final Four year all returned.   The men went all the way in '97 and won the last game of the year in Salem for the national title.

Should be a good weekend of DIIIhoops in The Shirk.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 21, 2012, 11:20:19 PM
Wheaton handles Augie, 80-63. That's the third time this year Wheaton has cracked 80 points.

Recap: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/2/21/WBB_augie2.aspx
Box: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/custompages/wbball/wbb_stats/wwhe25.htm

Wheaton connects on 13-20 (65%) from beyond the arc to finish with 112 made treys in CCIW play.

Natalie Runge with a monster game to close out her career, 26 points on 11-16 shooting, with 4 rebounds.

Final Standings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan 13-1 (20-5)
2. Wheaton 11-3 (18-7)
3. Carthage 10-4 (19-6)
T4. Millikin 7-7 (15-10)
T4. Elmhurst 7-7 (16-9)
6. North Park 4-10 (10-15)
7. Augustana 3-11 (11-14)
8. North Central 1-13 (7-18)

Looking forward to the CCIW tournament this weekend. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make the drive, but I'm sure I will be rewarded with some great hoops if I do.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2012, 11:44:52 AM
I was glad to see Natalie Runge have such an outstanding game to finish her career. She's another of our league's players who has fought through injury and has not been discouraged along the way, despite some unhappy W-L results for her team. With those 26 pts, she jumped to 4th in scoring (14.5) in CCIW play.
As noted by Backseat Driver, Wheaton was fabulous from long range. Laura Karsten was practically flawless, scoring 15 pts on just 7 shots, adding 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 0 turnovers in 21:00. A pair of steals, too.
Lindsey Brenneman also was extremely efficient : 5/7 FG (including 3 3FG), 4/4 FT, 5 assists, 0 TO. Breanna Bohlen continued her fine play, contributing energetic defense and 10 pts in 16:00.
Augie's Kristina Howard was a forceful rebounder, seizing 8 in 15:00, and scored 7 pts. Molly Etheridge had 4 steals.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2012, 12:23:28 PM
Six sweet smiles :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/index.aspx?path=wbball
click on picture 2, the Lady Red seniors.
They look nice, but they want to block your shots.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: bblover on February 22, 2012, 02:26:48 PM
Based on watching only a few games this season and proven record of not being able to predict games, I am going to forecast that IWU is going to fall to Milliken in a major upset. I do not think IWU is that good; they played well-above their talent level to win so many this year, a real compliment to their coach. However, if they lose, IWU will get an at-large bid. Carthage will beat Wheaton, and Carthage will beat Milliken in the final. If IWU does manage to get by Milliken, I expect the Wheaton/Carthage winner to get the conference bid.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2012, 03:38:51 PM
bblover, I think you will continue your "proven record." :)  Titans have won games with their talent, speed, defense and dedication to full court pressure . . . and surely they have the talent level to play this kind of game, esp. on their home floor.  Offensively, running the floor and Olivia Lett's consistent exceptional offensive abilities have carried the day for the Titans.  Don't really know how Olivia can play any further "above her talent level," though I'd love to see that!!!   

I expect The Titans to beat MU by more than 10, then face a much tougher matchup in the championship game.  Both CC and WC are good, tough teams -- though very different in personnel and approach.  On recent form, one would have to pick WC, though I earlier thought it would be Carthage.  We'll see.  WC had a marvelous "tuneup" game at Augie, so will be very ready for this weekend.  They seem to live and die by the trey.  CC will have to stay with their speed and defend the perimeter shooters, rebound the ball very well, to win vs. WC this weekend.

Hope all the chatroom chatsters are planning to make the trip to The Shirk for three very good games.  The Shirk is always a marvelous place to enjoy DIII hoops when the place is full and jumping.  Welcome all!!!

Guess we'll see new regional rankings and the All-CCIW team selections later today or tomorrow.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2012, 04:13:12 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 22, 2012, 02:26:48 PM
Based on watching only a few games this season and proven record of not being able to predict games, I am going to forecast that IWU is going to fall to Milliken in a major upset. I do not think IWU is that good; they played well-above their talent level to win so many this year, a real compliment to their coach. However, if they lose, IWU will get an at-large bid. Carthage will beat Wheaton, and Carthage will beat Milliken in the final. If IWU does manage to get by Milliken, I expect the Wheaton/Carthage winner to get the conference bid.

bblover,

I think you have just made Mia Smith's motivational talk for the first game a lot easier!  She'll just have to print out your post and show it to the players.  I am interested as to how you've concluded that IWU is "not that good" and have played above their talent level if you haven't seen them play.

All four coaches are pros and the players will give their all.  I have no idea who will win the Wheaton-Carthage matchup, and I never predict how a team I follow will do.  I am looking forward to all the weekend's games, though!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2012, 04:38:49 PM
All-Conference selections come out tomorrow as the men's came out today.

New regional rankings are out and IWU sits #6 in the Central.  Given that they sit that low and behind Wash U and 3 WIAC teams, IWU's Pool C chances aren't the lock that everyone is making them out to be.  Especially given the depth of the Great Lakes Region and the in-region records of those teams IWU may actually need the AQ to get in.  After seeing the Regional Rankings today, the only way the CCIW has a chance of being a 2-bid league is if someone knocks off IWU in the championship game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2012, 04:46:36 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 22, 2012, 02:26:48 PM
Based on watching only a few games this season and proven record of not being able to predict games, I am going to forecast that IWU is going to fall to Milliken in a major upset. I do not think IWU is that good; they played well-above their talent level to win so many this year, a real compliment to their coach. However, if they lose, IWU will get an at-large bid. Carthage will beat Wheaton, and Carthage will beat Milliken in the final. If IWU does manage to get by Milliken, I expect the Wheaton/Carthage winner to get the conference bid.

I agree that the "proven record" will continue to be the trend here.  Illinois Wesleyan is still the class of the conference and despite getting challenged a little more frequently on the road this year than past years, they still have more than enough talent to dispatch Millikin by double digits.  I'm with Backseat here that this will be closer to the blowout from earlier this year at the Shirk, than it will be to the close game these two teams played at the Griz a couple weeks ago.

I do agree that the Wheaton/Carthage game will be a tossup.  It was pointed out that I forgot to mention Corcoran in my previous breakdown, and that's because Wheaton's game plan has seemingly been to let Corcoran get her points by attempt to slow down Jacklin because despite Corcoran's First-Team level talent, Jacklin is still a much more dynamic player.  I was in no way trying to minimize the talent of Corcoran, but instead was looking at the fact that Wheaton's game plans in the two Carthage games this year has been in limiting Jacklin and letting Corcoran "get hers".

I expect Carthage will really try to ugly that game because Wheaton has the advantage in a track-meet style game.  That being said, I expect a game more in the 50s than I do in the 70s.

Just as far as matchups go I think Wheaton matches up better with IWU than Carthage, and having the win over the Titans in their pockets already this year.  But beating IWU at King and beating them at the Shirk are indeed different and I hesitate to say Wheaton is ready to tackle that animal yet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2012, 05:17:27 PM
Yes, IWU ranked 6th in Central region, as Whitewater enters the picture.  UC gets a Pool A, and one of the WI teams likely gets a Pool A, but that would still have three Central regional teams ahead of IWU.  I agree that the Titans are not a "lock" on Pool C, depends what happens with other Pool A bids, and in other regions.  To be sure, of course, best to win the tourney and get the AQ.  Titans have a strong record, strong schedule, losses pretty much only against top 25 teams, but still would be best to be sure and win the AQ.  Nice to be playing at home.   

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 22, 2012, 05:24:02 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2012, 04:13:12 PM
Quote from: bblover on February 22, 2012, 02:26:48 PM
Based on watching only a few games this season and proven record of not being able to predict games, I am going to forecast that IWU is going to fall to Milliken in a major upset. I do not think IWU is that good; they played well-above their talent level to win so many this year, a real compliment to their coach. However, if they lose, IWU will get an at-large bid. Carthage will beat Wheaton, and Carthage will beat Milliken in the final. If IWU does manage to get by Milliken, I expect the Wheaton/Carthage winner to get the conference bid.

bblover,

I think you have just made Mia Smith's motivational talk for the first game a lot easier!  She'll just have to print out your post and show it to the players.  I am interested as to how you've concluded that IWU is "not that good" and have played above their talent level if you haven't seen them play.

All four coaches are pros and the players will give their all.  I have no idea who will win the Wheaton-Carthage matchup, and I never predict how a team I follow will do.  I am looking forward to all the weekend's games, though!

If Mia Smith has to scour the message boards to motivate her team, then bblover might be right about their chances against Millikin  ;)

In seriousness though, I would be absolutely shocked if IWU loses on Friday. It's not impossible, but to me it's the highest degree of unlikely. And I'm not trying to bash Millikin, because they are a quality team with a top-notch coach. I just think IWU is on another level right now.

IWU has played one of the toughest schedules out there, and is 20-5. To say that they are not very good is quite silly, although something tells me that bblover was typing tongue-in-cheek.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2012, 06:22:18 PM
In all fairness BD, North Central beating Millikin and Millikin still making the tournament was the highest degree of unlikely.  Ooops  8-)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2012, 06:23:18 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 22, 2012, 05:24:02 PM

If Mia Smith has to scour the message boards to motivate her team, then bblover might be right about their chances against Millikin  ;)

IF she needed to do that, I would agree.  Fortunately, I doubt very much that she's anywhere near these boards.  And she's done a great job of motivating them for five years' worth of championships now.

I have to say that after quite a few decades of watching basketball--women's and men's, Division III and Division I, including the last undefeated DI men's team--I have never seen a player so far above the level of all the other players  as Olivia Lett.  Last year's IWU team had more stars, but she has lifted her level of play immensely.  It's a pleasure to watch her, and she made it easier to decide whether to follow the IWU women or men this weekend.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2012, 08:26:22 PM
While it would seem that IWU should be a lock for a Pool C, they would likely be the FOURTH team from the Central to even reach the table for discussion.  I'm gonna be really nervous if they don't win the AQ.  (Fortunately, I'm pretty confident they will.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: spencer1988 on February 23, 2012, 12:33:22 AM
This is my prediction for this weekend in Bloomington.

Carthage beats Wheaton in a close ugly game.
IWU beats Millikin by 20

Carthage beats IWU in a slugfest.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 23, 2012, 07:37:58 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on February 22, 2012, 06:23:18 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 22, 2012, 05:24:02 PM

If Mia Smith has to scour the message boards to motivate her team, then bblover might be right about their chances against Millikin  ;)

IF she needed to do that, I would agree.  Fortunately, I doubt very much that she's anywhere near these boards.  And she's done a great job of motivating them for five years' worth of championships now.

That was my point.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2012, 10:50:25 AM
Previous all-conference honors for players currently in the league:
Beth Wellbaum (3rd team), Meghan Merklein (2nd, 3rd), Megan Ney (2nd, 3rd), Lindsey Brenneman (2nd, 2nd), Kamauria Acree (2nd), Diana Jacklin (1st, 2nd), Julia Robert (3rd), Brooke Olson (3rd), Olivia Lett (2nd), Laura Karsten (1st/MOP).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2012, 12:39:02 PM
Earlier, I said Carthage over WC in the semis, but have changed my mind, due to WC's recent form.

For the CCIW tourney,

WC over Carthage, very close game
IWU over MU, by 10 or more

Final:

IWU over WC by about 5-7

Titans want, need to be sure about getting into the Dance.  No Pool C drama required.  Just win out.  Last games Hasselbring, Solaria and Lett play on the Shirk hardwoods in CCIW play.   Finish strong, TITANS!!!

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2012, 12:46:53 PM
All-Conference selections up, on the CCIW site.

Congrats to Coach Smith, Coach of the Year and Olivia Lett, first-team All-CCIW and MOP of the Year!!!    Both much deserved.

Congrats to Melissa Gardner second team, and Britt Hasselbring third team.   All good.

Kudos to all the other honorees from the various CCIW teams.  Good luck especially to all the seniors in their future endeavors. 

Should be a great weekend of D3 hoops this weekend, men and women.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2012, 01:19:51 PM
1st : (all unanimous) Lett, Merklein, Brenneman, Zeigler, Jacklin.
2nd : Runge, Corcoran, Gardner, Aldridge, Karsten.
3rd : Godhardt, Hasselbring, Wellbaum, Jones, Olson.
Well done, all, including Mia Smith.
Of course there are others who just missed; an appreciative pat on their heads too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2012, 04:37:32 PM
Congrats again to all the All-CCIW honorees.   Nice that the first team was completely "unanimous."   Coaches did a pretty good job, IMHO.  RogK, yes, a few very deserving players just missed out . . .

Lots of good players returning, so the league will again be strong next year.  Seems WC has a lot of talent coming back.

Congrats to Coach Smith, especially, for having such a banner year under very difficult circumstances with her health.  Five outright CCIW championships in a row . . . an incredible achievement, given all the good coaches and talented teams in the CCIW, and the extremely tough schedule that the Titans played this season. 

IWU will be, in some ways, Gardner's team next year, though many many others will contribute, compete, defend and score.  Championships can again be won with defense. "A new mix for six!?"    Run and jump endures.  There's no mystery now to what will be coming from the Titans on the defensive end.

Titans can, IMHO, reload, not rebuild again.  But, key will be the further development and improvement of the current sophomore group.  Titans again have 3-4 starters, near starters returning in Gardner, Jackson, McMahon, Bilek and Baltes, and some other good role players coming back.  Lots of experience and playing time coming back, but of course hard to replace the scoring and PG, ball-handling duties of Lett and Hasselbring.  Need more strength, skill and scoring in the post area.  Of course, difficult to replace Lett and Hasselbring -- they are the rock solid, consistent pieces of this very successful Titan team this season.  Hope we can win the tourney and have a good, long run in the DIII dance.  Would love another shot at UC, Whitewater, and/or DePauw.  Could happen . . .

Godhardt has a HUGE upside . . . what a year for her, as a freshman.  Wish she was a Titan! :)

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2012, 05:34:12 PM
iwu70, let Elmhurst keep Godhardt! They need her. She is remarkably quick on her feet, as you no doubt observed when she tallied 26 in the game at Shirk. She's rather good as is, but could be even tougher to guard if she can develop 3FG range (2 for 10 this year). Ten attempts is a very small sample, so who knows.
Fellow freshman Fiona McMahon also put together a good debut, particularly in the rebounds and blocked shots categories. She and Tess could be very good players through March of 2015.
Elmhurst may see the return (from some sort of leg surgery) of Kim Schwerdtmann, who was perhaps the CCIW's fastest runner prior to injury.
The Bluejay offense will no longer have Merk and Ney to rely on, so they'll (obviously) ask others to shoot more.
One possible source of points may be Nikki Shaffer, who made 8 of 15 3FGs, admittedly another small sample. Closer to the hoop, though, she was 27/73. If she can hit 30-40 pct of 3FGs, keep her behind the arc! (sorry, that's the Olivet Nazarene way of thinking)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2012, 05:45:06 PM
I'm disappointed that Roxie Jones of NPU only made third team. Given the fact that she was fourth in the league in scoring and fifth in rebounding, not to mention second in steals as well as ranked in a few other categories, that's a rather paltry placement for her. Again, as with the men's side, this plays up the fact that where a team finishes plays a huge role in how the All-CCIW team, which is ostensibly an honor that recognizes individual achievement, is put together.

That aside, congrats to Roxie on making the team.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2012, 06:29:25 PM
Representation on, and placement within, the all-CCIW list is not exactly tied to team wins : Millikin (7-7) got three players, but Carthage (10-4) got two. If it was proportioned to wins, Dani Ripkey or Allison Groessl would be on in lieu of Wellbaum.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 24, 2012, 01:22:20 AM
The reigns might of tightened a big on IWU's Pool C chances a little tonight even thought a few were expected.  Teams now needing Pool C that will get to the table potentially ahead of IWU:

UW-River Falls- we knew two of the 3 WIAC's would need a Pool C
University of New England- Pool C lock that just burst a bubble somewhere by falling to Endicott.

The WIAC will expectedly burst another bubble with their championship when Stevens Point and Whitewater matchup.  Perhaps the bigger bubble burst will come if Whitewater is able to win since UWSP seems to be a Pool C lock while there's some conversation to be had about Whitewater.

Also the NWC will do the same when George Fox and Lewis and Clark meet up for the championship.

However, there's also a little more room on the bubble with Occidental's loss lengthening their Pool C odds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: thunder38 on February 24, 2012, 01:45:41 AM
Audio for the first semi-final game can be found at
http://www2.wheaton.edu/learnres/mediares/WETN/wetn_livewindow/WETN-TV.html (http://www2.wheaton.edu/learnres/mediares/WETN/wetn_livewindow/WETN-TV.html)

Is there going to be video available for the first semifinal?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 24, 2012, 07:14:26 AM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 24, 2012, 01:45:41 AM
Audio for the first semi-final game can be found at
http://www2.wheaton.edu/learnres/mediares/WETN/wetn_livewindow/WETN-TV.html (http://www2.wheaton.edu/learnres/mediares/WETN/wetn_livewindow/WETN-TV.html)

Is there going to be video available for the first semifinal?

Yes: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/iwu.portal#
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 24, 2012, 07:17:21 AM
RE:  broadcasts from Shirk.

This from iwusports.com:

Live stats and streaming video will be available for all games at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/iwu.portal and IWU games will be broadcast on WESN (FM) radio.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2012, 12:11:22 PM
RogK, yes, I was most impressed with Godhardt.  Tremendous upside, I would think.

Hope the Titans take care of business at home, don't need to worry about pool C vagaries.

This next year may be a year where some newbies, new recruits play a bigger role in the improvement of the various top teams.  IWU will need to replace scoring by Lett, though I think Baltes will be an excellent replacement at the PG position for Britt Hasselbring.  Gardner, Bilek and McMahon will be asked to score more.  Key will be the development of post area players, esp. Shelby Jackson.  Titans may shift even more to "run and jump" style, win whilst scoring less.  Will be interesting to see.

But now, let's get to the Dance and make a good long run.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2012, 04:06:28 PM
Good luck to all four teams tonight. Have fun, no injuries, relax, play flawlessly, don't screw up! The refs will be expected to start perfect and improve throughout the game. Coaches, please do not tell the players to "leave it all on the floor"; someone might intrepret that as instruction to vomit.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 24, 2012, 09:33:19 PM
Carthage 70
Wheaton 64

I was only able to watch the first half, and Wheaton was up 30-26 at the break. Carthage began a 15-0 run at 13:48 and the Thunder didn't convert another field goal until 3:36. Carthage led by 16 with three minutes left before Wheaton whittled it down to a three-point deficit with 1:25 left, but wasn't able to complete the furious comeback.

Since I didn't watch the whole game, I can't add much insight. Congrats to Carthage for the hard-earned victory. It looks like Dani Ripkey had a great game, 20 points with 6-9 three-pointers. The Lady Reds move one step closer to the NCAA tournament.

Wheaton concludes another fine season at 18-8. It's always hard to say goodbye to seniors, and this year is no different. This group has a lot to be proud of.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2012, 10:30:56 PM
IWU demolishes Millikin, 96-74, so Carthage @ IWU for the AQ.

If I were more confident about Pool C (WashU and TWO WIAC schools will be at the table before IWU would be, as of the last rankings we'll see before selection), I'd almost be tempted to root for Carthage so the conference gets two teams in.  But, especially since the men are now looking VERY iffy, I want that assured bid!  Go Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 24, 2012, 10:32:33 PM
It should be a great battle between IWU and Carthage tomorrow. I wish Wheaton was playing, but it will be a good game to watch nonetheless. Two very evenly-matched teams.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2012, 10:33:00 PM
Great comeback by Carthage to beat WC.  Carthage hit treys like mad in the second half, Jacklin had a huge game, is the real deal.

Titans cruise over MU, 96-74.  Led by 30 in the first half, and this game's margin could have been 30, even 40.  Lett and the starters just took over the game easily out of the blocks.  All the IWU top rotation was resting on the bench with 10 minutes to play, and the third five of IWU got to play the final 6 minutes of the game.

Olivia Lett just continues to amaze.  Strong games again tonight by Hasselbring, Gardner, Bilek, Solari and McMahon.  Run and jump was all over MU.  They had no answer.

Should be a great championship game -- CC vs. IWU at 7 p.m. Saturday evening, with the AQ on the line.  Carthage is a very good team. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2012, 10:17:42 PM
Another great IWU-CC game tonight, with the Titans winning 68-67 in a barn-burner, with many lead changes, runs by both teams.  My hat is off to Carthage for playing tough, hard, outshooting and out rebounding the Titans, but run and jump, and smart coaching adjustments again led to another IWU win, 68-67.  Lett again a great line, though CC did alot to slow her down.  Her line:  23, 7 RBs, 7 assists.  Very strong games by Solari, Hasselbring and Jackson.  Good coaching and play-calling adjustments to get behind the pressure on Lett at the top of the key.  Strong IWU senior leadership.  Jacklin had 26 and 11 and was just outstanding.  Jacklin and Lett were like two heavyweights trading excellent punches all night, back and forth.  A really great game.  My hat is off to both teams, both coaches -- a game deserving of the title "championship game."

Drive for Five complete -- five outright regular season and CCIW tournament championships in a row.  An amazing achievement in this tough league and with the incredibly tough schedule IWU played this year.  Congrats especially to Coach Mia Smith.  Tremendous job.

The Shirk faithful -- whiners and all -- went to their cars, went to their homes very happy tonight.

Everyone hoping now, of course, for a good seed and perhaps a home game or two as we start the journey through the Dance, yet again.

Again, Carthage is a great team, deserving of a bid for the national tournament.  I hope they get one.  My congratulations to them as well on a very fine season, great play.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 25, 2012, 10:22:54 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 68
Carthage 67

I tuned in to catch the last few minutes of this game. Carthage had the ball with 13.9 seconds left, drew up a play during a timeout, and then just threw the ball away. It looked like they were trying to get it to Diana Jacklin, but she didn't have time to create space from Olivia Lett before the pass was made and it just trickled out to half court where Britt Hasselbring recovered it and was fouled. She missed both free throws, but that gave Carthage less time and they couldn't get a shot off. Certainly a frustrating ending for the Lady Reds.

Congrats to IWU on the hard-fought victory. I'm sure the Titans will represent the conference well in the tournament once again. It will be interesting to see the pairings, especially with the likelihood of 3 or 4 WIAC teams, plus Chicago and I would think Wash U. as well. IWU could end up with a pretty tough first round draw.

Carthage is a really good team, with a star player in Diana Jacklin, and certainly is a team that could succeed in the tournament, but I just don't think they will even get to the table. Same goes for Wheaton, another team that could compete at the national level, but doesn't have the resume to get selected. The Central Region is just really deep this year.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2012, 10:36:06 PM
BS, yes, no easy outings upcoming in the tournament in the Central Region, esp. with Wash U, UC, and WIAC teams all there.  But, I'd bet few of these teams want to see IWU in their draw either . . . Whitewater, Pointers, WashU and UC, all excellent teams.  Hopefully, Titans will look forward to a rematch with them, and to get a win at this time of year.  No easy route, ever, to the Final Four . . . Hope College this year.  George Fox probably goes undefeated this year . . . at least 'til deep into the tournament.  IWU had to play them last year, too.  Remember the epic comeback?

Carthage was a tough tough opponent tonight.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2012, 10:38:54 PM
Perhaps WI-River Falls and Depauw there somewhere in the IWU draw too, could be.  A tough road, but you gotta get it going, for six games . . . play tough D, keep everyone on Olivia Lett's back, have all the role players contribute well, and use run and jump to frustrate most opponents.  Carthage handled it pretty well tonight, but you could see, feel the frustration, see the TOs, at various points in the second half. 

Shelby Jackson had a good game tonight -- also Karen Solari was big in the second half, playing very smart. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 26, 2012, 11:10:13 PM
You know, the more I think about, Carthage probably is in the mix for a Pool C. Last week's regional rankings:

1 Chicago 24-0 24-0 (AQ)
2 UW-Stevens Point 20-3 21-4 (AQ)
3 Washington U. 19-3 20-4
4 UW-River Falls 19-5 20-5
5 UW-Whitewater 20-5 20-5
6 Illinois Wesleyan 16-5 20-5  (AQ)

My uneducated guess is that Carthage is 8th, behind UW-Eau Claire. So they would probably be the 5th team from the region to the board. I don't have a good enough understanding of the national picture to have a really strong opinion on Carthage's chances though.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2012, 11:31:47 PM
I sure hope Carthage gets a chance to play more.  They deserve it.  IMHO, they are better than WI-EC.   Central region has alot of good teams, to say the least.

Will be interested to see the draw, to see if IWU hosts a pod the first weekend.  Would be nice, esp. with Shirk such a great place to host a round of the Dance.  We may end up in Wisconsin again, at Ratner in Chicago, or down at Wash U.  All familiar venues for this toughened, seasoned Titan squad.  No doubt you gotta be good on the road to get to the Final Four. 

Fan base here @The Shirk is so good, so that would assure a nice crowd, gate to have IWU host a first round group.  I know the top-seeds normally get to host, if eligible and have the approved facilities.  Guess that argues for UC.  We'll see.  No easy outings in this region from here on out.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 27, 2012, 08:25:47 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2012, 11:31:47 PM
I sure hope Carthage gets a chance to play more.  They deserve it.  IMHO, they are better than WI-EC.   Central region has alot of good teams, to say the least.
IWU70

D3hoops has Carthage in it's projected bracket, which is a good sign. It also tells me that if Wheaton had beaten Simpson and had won the CCIW semifinal, the Thunder would be in the tournament.

The mock bracket has IWU playing Simpson at Stevens Point, and Carthage playing Louisiana College at UChicago.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2012, 11:49:16 AM
I'd definitely like to see Carthage vs Louisiana College at the Ratner. That'd be a very interesting match-up, with Carthage's strong defense (and good offense) facing an 86 pts/g Louisiana College team.
It still holds true that only 4 teams have beaten Carthage this season. I hope they get in, especially for their fine seniors, who aren't ready to stop playing yet. I didn't see the 68-67 IWU/Carthage game, but it sure appears that iwu70 accurately described it as a barn-burner.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2012, 12:35:57 PM
Sure hope D3hoops.com has it right and that Carthage gets a bid.  They deserve to be in, IMHO. 

Some long trips, tough road games upcoming.  Hope IWU is peaking at the right time, and that the tough, long season will pay dividends here at the stretch run.   Six games to go. . . keep going.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2012, 02:53:41 PM
Congratulations to IWU and Carthage; here's hoping they meet on March 10.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 27, 2012, 04:00:41 PM
Congratulations to Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage. Both teams hitting the road. Success in the tournament is hard to predict, but both teams are capable of making a run.

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 27, 2012, 04:29:12 PM
FYI, Augie is looking for a new coach: http://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs#/detail/4685929
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2012, 05:14:13 PM
Hopefully, Coach Endress will "land on her feet" with another coaching job (perhaps in the Quad Cities area if she bought a home there) if that's her wish. She's definitely young enough to make a fresh start at another school.
I just read that job listing and found it (mildly) interesting that the position is called full-time, but on a 10 month schedule. Is that normal at the D3 level? Presumably, the off-months are what, July and August? Do coaches scout summer leagues or AAU games all summer? Just wondering.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2012, 06:24:11 PM
An odd tidbit for you Titan fans to chew on : Friday's opponent Maryville twice this season held the opposition scoreless. What?
Sorry, just two forfeits. Their stats cover only 25 games, but their record is 21-6.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Naperick on February 27, 2012, 06:40:35 PM
Congrats to IWU and Carthage on their D3 tourney berths!  Both are deserving.  Good luck to both teams!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2012, 08:35:17 PM
Congrats to Carthage and IWU for making the NCAA tourmament.  Let's make some noise now!

Seems Carthage got a pretty tough draw, with that "pod of death" with DePauw and Whitewater.  Two very tough nights, but I think Carthage can do it.  They played so well vs. IWU all season.  Wishing them good luck in making some noise at DePauw. 

IWU has a very interesting bracket, with some real unknowns there.  Seems like a pretty good "pod" to start off with, but we'll see.  Mount Union and Muhlenberg likely Wash U, pretty tough down the road.  But, one game at a time, keep winning, keep going.  Loose and go home.  KY. should be very nice in early Springtime.  Titans going behind the magnolia curtain for some women's roundball warfare.  Good luck Titans!!!

WIAC gets four teams in.  Would love to see the day when CCIW gets 3 teams in.  Overall, guess Amherst and perhaps George Fox have to be the favorites.  Sure bet George Fox was happy not to see IWU in their part of the bracket.  (GF will have to beat Amherst to get to the final). 

Would love to see the Titans play Carthage on March 10th, at a location to be determined.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on February 27, 2012, 08:53:04 PM
RogK, it is not out of the norm for coaching contracts to be only 10 or even 9 months.  That is still considered full time.  The typical months that are off are June and July. You are correct most of the recruiting/eval is done in July and many camps are done in June and July. So, even though the contract reads 10 months the coach is often still working during those months.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: scottiedoug on February 28, 2012, 10:51:54 AM
Maryville plays pretty good defense but every team they actually played did score.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2012, 11:12:34 AM
HCACBBALL, thanks for the explanation of the typical contract.
scottiedoug, I just found it unusual that Maryville won two games (1-0 score) by forfeit in one season. I can't recall a forfeit involving any CCIW team in the last 10 years.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2012, 01:27:28 PM
The "pod" in KY where IWU is playing looks like some real quality teams, too.  Programs with excellent records, and long traditions of success in their conferences, esp. Maryville and Thomas More.  No easy evenings here on out.  Carthage has the toughest pod, with Whitewater and DePauw.  Will be interesting to compare the quality of play, styles, and levels of DIII women's roundball in the different parts of the country.  Only 7-8 teams in the entire field with less than 20 wins on the season . . .and still four undefeated programs entering the dance. 

Good luck to both CCIW teams -- let's make some noise! 

I like IWU's chances in this bracket . . . and know Coach Smith and the Titans will be well-prepared, very ready to play on Friday.

GO TITANS!!! 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: scottiedoug on February 28, 2012, 01:42:37 PM
There are a couple of women's basketball teams in the GSAC that for various reasons did not have enough healthy players to field a team when it came to the Maryville game.  Maryville is joining the USA South conference next year and does not expect to win in that way next year. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2012, 08:57:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 28, 2012, 11:12:34 AM
HCACBBALL, thanks for the explanation of the typical contract.
scottiedoug, I just found it unusual that Maryville won two games (1-0 score) by forfeit in one season. I can't recall a forfeit involving any CCIW team in the last 10 years.

A forfeit score in basketball is 2-0, Rog. (http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/ForSIDs/Policies.pdf) That's true on every level, for both men and women.

NPU won a game by forfeit last year over on the men's side of things. Concordia (IL) used an ineligible player, and his ineligibility was only discovered a month or so after the game had already been played. The stats from the game counted for both teams, but it went into the books as a 2-0 win for NPU.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2012, 10:27:07 AM
Point(s) well taken, Greg. I wrote 1-0 based on how Maryville's site has it:
http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/athletics/sport/womens-basketball/schedule/
Maybe they thought 1-0 was good enough and opted not to "run up the score" to 2-0.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2012, 12:16:34 PM
Both Maryville and Thomas More look like very strong teams, programs, with a great traditions of winning their conferences and tourneys.  Louisiana College looks a bit like a team that plays like ONU.  Should be some very interesting style contrasts this weekend in KY.

Hope the tornadoes have passed by that area by Friday.  Some very tough weather down that way now, and some horrible scenes from Harrisburg, IL. this a.m.  My heart goes out to that community, for the lives lost and all the terrible destruction to their town, community.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 29, 2012, 12:24:17 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2012, 12:16:34 PM
Both Maryville and Thomas More look like very strong teams, programs, with a great traditions of winning their conferences and tourneys.  Louisiana College looks a bit like a team that plays like ONU.  Should be some very interesting style contrasts this weekend in KY.

Hope the tornadoes have passed by that area by Friday.  Some very tough weather down that way now, and some horrible scenes from Harrisburg, IL. this a.m.  My heart goes out to that community, for the lives lost and all the terrible destruction to their town, community.

IWU70

Mark, check your messages.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 29, 2012, 01:33:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 29, 2012, 10:27:07 AM
Point(s) well taken, Greg. I wrote 1-0 based on how Maryville's site has it:
http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/athletics/sport/womens-basketball/schedule/
Maybe they thought 1-0 was good enough and opted not to "run up the score" to 2-0.

LOL!

Perhaps Murvul's refusal to run up the score in those forfeits was a case of good ol' southern hospitality on the part of Coach Travillian, bless his heart. ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2012, 02:32:21 PM
iwu70, your mention of Olivet Naz and Louisiana College nudged me into this comparison:
LC scoring this season : 110s or higher - 0, 100s - 8 times, 90s - 5, 80s - 6, 70s - 4, 60s - 4, 50s - 1.
LC opponents : 90s or higher - 0, 80s - 3, 70s - 12, 60s - 5, 50s - 7, 40s - 1.
The scores in LC's three most recent games have been very conventional : 59-53, 76-54 and 73-64. Not sure if that constitutes a trend.
ONU scoring : 120s - 5, 110s - 8, 100s - 3, 90s - 9, 80s - 2, 70s -3.
ONU opponents : 120s - 1 (Olivia Lett and friends), 110s - 1, 100s - 1, 90s -5, 80s - 9, 70s - 7, 60s - 6.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2012, 03:39:48 PM
Some Maryville stats:
their pcts - 2FG .469 (474/1010), 3FG .338 (131/388), FT .730 (265/363);
opponent - 2FG .373 (354/949), 3FG .296 (92/311), FT .654 (312/477).
Average rebounding : Maryville 38.8, opp 30.4.
Their shooting numbers are good; their defensive FG pct numbers are very
good. They and their opponents commit about 19 TOs per game.
The heights of their six most-played players : 5'7", 5'9", 5'9", 5'9", 5'10", 5'8". After those, 5'9", 6', 5'7".
After a 5-5 start, Maryville has gone 14-1.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2012, 07:06:20 PM
A sim-yu-lar review of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Carthage's first opponent:
UWW - 2FG .459 (564/1229 in 28 g), 3FG .340 (145/426), FT .762 (423/555);
opponents - 2FG .397 (454/1143), 3FG .303 (115/380), FT .681 (399/586);
rebounding - UWW 36.3, opp 37.1
TOs committed - UWW 18.7, opp 24.3.
Heights of players in descending order of minutes played : 5'7", 6'1", 5'10", 5'5", 5'9", 5'11", 5'6", 5'6", 6'1".
UWW's shooting numbers look good, especially the 76 pct at the foul line.
They and their opponents take a somewhat above-average quantity of FTs, seems to me.
Defensively, UWW combines a fairly low 2FG pct allowed with a fairly high TOs caused. Not bad.
As with any look a full season averages for teams or individuals, certain things may have been done better early in the year, or not. A useful scouting report would include who's hot and who ain't. That detail takes a lot more effort than I wish to put forth!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: scottiedoug on February 29, 2012, 11:05:47 PM
Maryville's players and coach say they are playing their best basketball of the year lately.  I do not know how that matches up with teams like the other ones in this pod.  I guess that is why they play the games!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on March 01, 2012, 12:21:49 AM
Not to take away from all the great NCAA Tourney talk but what are the thoughts on the Augie Program?  Is it a untapped program?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 01, 2012, 08:29:18 AM
Quote from: HCACBBALL on March 01, 2012, 12:21:49 AM
Not to take away from all the great NCAA Tourney talk but what are the thoughts on the Augie Program?  Is it a untapped program?

Augie was the dominant program in the CCIW in the late 80s and early 90s, winning five conference titles. But since their last title in '93, the Vikings have had a winning record in CCIW play just twice, while Millikin, Wheaton, and now IWU have assumed "top dog" status. It seems like the Augie athletic program in general has dropped off quite a bit in recent years, men's basketball being a notable exception. But that horse has been beaten considerably on other boards.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 01, 2012, 04:17:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 29, 2012, 07:06:20 PM
A sim-yu-lar review of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Carthage's first opponent:
UWW - 2FG .459 (564/1229 in 28 g), 3FG .340 (145/426), FT .762 (423/555);
opponents - 2FG .397 (454/1143), 3FG .303 (115/380), FT .681 (399/586);
rebounding - UWW 36.3, opp 37.1
TOs committed - UWW 18.7, opp 24.3.
Heights of players in descending order of minutes played : 5'7", 6'1", 5'10", 5'5", 5'9", 5'11", 5'6", 5'6", 6'1".
UWW's shooting numbers look good, especially the 76 pct at the foul line.
They and their opponents take a somewhat above-average quantity of FTs, seems to me.
Defensively, UWW combines a fairly low 2FG pct allowed with a fairly high TOs caused. Not bad.
As with any look a full season averages for teams or individuals, certain things may have been done better early in the year, or not. A useful scouting report would include who's hot and who ain't. That detail takes a lot more effort than I wish to put forth!

If you happened to see the 2010 tournament game between the two teams you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect.  Some of the names have changed but there's very little, if any, difference in style.  It will be uptempo offensively and man to man, or perhaps I should say woman to woman, 94 feet defensively.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2012, 04:46:40 PM
badgerwarhawk, I didn't see the prior match-up.
Do I understand your description of the normal UWW defense as fullcourt, but not fullcourt trapping (chasing and double teaming the ball)?
My feeling is that fullcourt trapping is much more likely to induce a turnover, but also will result in some easy baskets at the other end. Fullcourt pressure without trapping will cause fewer turnovers, is not as risky (in terms of getting burned by a layup) and eats time off the shot clock (which may have some minimal value).
Your comments?
Does any team in your league do a lot of fullcourt trapping?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 01, 2012, 05:32:08 PM
We'll play full court and look to trap anywhere possible.  It's been referred to as the Tazmainian Devil defense which I think sums it up pretty well.  Of course the object is force a turnover but a secondary benefit is that it can cause a team to use a lot of time getting the ball into the front court and thereby having less time to run offensive sets.  Also we'll rotate players in regularly to keep fresh legs on the floor hoping that will create an advantage as the game progresses.  If an opponent has weak guard play they could be in for a long night.  Though in the post seson I assume most teams have pretty good guards.

UW-Stout plays a very similar system in our league.  They've slipped in terms of their competitiveness the past few years though they're very young.  Our coach was an assistant at Stout before she took the head job here.  Some other programs use it on occassion but not necessarily for 40 minutes.   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2012, 06:07:44 PM
Sounds like it'll be an interesting matchup.
Carthage usually is able to control the pace of the game, keeping it moderate, definitely not fast. This season, they've played Illinois Wesleyan three times and allowed IWU to score 65 pts per game. In IWU's 24 other games, they averaged 80.2.
That is not to say that Carthage lacks the athleticism to play fast; they do have numerous excellent athletes. But, they have a major aversion to allowing any easy baskets, so their emphasis is on halfcourt play.
We'll see how things go. As a sporadically-loyal CCIW fan, I'll be attending the games at the University of Chicago (Monmouth, UW-EC, Simpson).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 01, 2012, 09:23:20 PM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on March 01, 2012, 05:32:08 PM
We'll play full court and look to trap anywhere possible.  It's been referred to as the Tazmainian Devil defense which I think sums it up pretty well.  Of course the object is force a turnover but a secondary benefit is that it can cause a team to use a lot of time getting the ball into the front court and thereby having less time to run offensive sets.  Also we'll rotate players in regularly to keep fresh legs on the floor hoping that will create an advantage as the game progresses.  If an opponent has weak guard play they could be in for a long night.  Though in the post seson I assume most teams have pretty good guards.

UW-Stout plays a very similar system in our league.  They've slipped in terms of their competitiveness the past few years though they're very young.  Our coach was an assistant at Stout before she took the head job here.  Some other programs use it on occassion but not necessarily for 40 minutes.   

Sounds similar to Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2012, 10:26:56 PM
BHawk, yes, your style of D sounds very similar to IWU.  The Titans use this "run and jump" pressing defense to great impact, wearing down their opponents and getting many easy baskets off of steals, trapping anywhere on the court where they can use the double team advantage or the sideline to create basically three defenders.  They do this pretty much all game, if it's working, and really keep pounding on D to get into their flow offensively.  Carthage handled it pretty well this year, though it seemed to surely have an impact late in the game.  Titans also run 8-9 players in and out quite effectively, and can go deeper if needed.  They have a very good bench.  We'll see how the teams in KY. react to this type of Titan pressure.  Will be interesting to see the clashes of differing styles of play and who can impose their will, their style on the other.

Carthage is a very good team, esp. Jacklin.  They are quick, well-coached and play very good half-court sets.  Several very strong trey shooters.  Any matchup of CCIW top teams with WIAC top teams, should be a good one.

Good luck to all the teams, players and coaches this weekend.  I sure hope the CCIW teams can make some noise, do the conference proud.

GO TITANS!!! 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2012, 04:59:03 PM
Rain here in Chicago, but I'm not complaining. Strong storms, maybe hail, in the vicinity of Greencastle IN, where Carthage plays soon. Strong storms not far from Crestview Hills KY, where IWU plays soon.
Good luck on the court and be safe!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2012, 07:50:42 PM
IWU up big all night.  Led by 47-12 at half.  Just cruis'in now. 

Gardner and Lett with strong games.  Tough D all throughout. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2012, 08:17:37 PM
IWU wins 84-42.  Too easy.  Lett with 26 and 13 TITANS scoring.

Big win for Carthage over Whitewater tonight.  Great with for the CCIW over WIAC.

Keep it going CCIW!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2012, 12:33:03 PM
The biggest struggle for these Titan fans yesterday was getting to the gymnasium amidst heavy rain, hail, and tornado warnings!  We arrived about 15 minutes before the scheduled tipoff, only to be met by Thomas More officials and escorted to the basement due to tornado warnings.  The all-clear soon came, but the games got started an hour and a half late.  Small bother, given the devastation that hit other parts of Indiana and Kentucky.  My thoughts go out to them.

The Titans played a near-perfect first half against Maryville, shooting 65% from the field overall and 67% on threes.  Melissa Gardner was on fire, hitting 4 of 7 threes for the game.  Olivia Lett was her usual self, with 25 for the game, 4 rebounds, and a couple of steals.  Lexi Baltes hit 2 of 2 threes, and Shelby Jackson was 3 of 3 from the field (all 2's).  The Titans outrebounded the Scots 44-27, with Karen Solari the leading rebounder with 7.  No one played more than Britt Hasselbring's 28 minutes, and all the starters and first subs were resting on the bench for much of the second half.

The second game was weirdly fascinating.  Host school Thomas More has had a slew of injuries--leading scorer Katie Kitchen went down a few games ago.  Their opponent, Louisiana College, plays a wild, upscale style with ultra-frequent line changes (er, substitutions).  It's something like Olivet Nazarene's style of play, and also reminiscent of the John Carroll men's teams a few years ago.  RogK will know that this is not my favorite kind of basketball, so I may well be a biased reporter.  The changes for LC were so frequent--sometimes a group were on the court for less than a minute!--that in the second half they seemed to lose focus.  They led at halftime by 10, increased the lead to 18, and it looked as though Thomas More was toast, especially when TM starter Devin Beasley, who had 10 points at the time, went down with what looked like a serious knee injury.  But...TM hung in, led by junior guard Alison Long's ballhandling and scoring, and they took their first lead with just over a minute to go.  (Long finished with a career-high 36 points).  LC had no answer--they had been taking bad first shots and not following up for some time.  The game ended with LC turning the ball over and having to foul, making the final 94-91.  Kudos to the Thomas More determination and effort.  Although TM will clearly be tired tonight, and will be without yet another regular player, the Titans should be warned:  they don't quit.  Should be a good one!

Storms have passed here, and we're going into Cincinnati to visit Union Terminal, a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture.  I was taken there as a child when we came to Cincinnati Reds' games, and was totally blown away by the place.  Can't wait to see it again; the pictures look as beautiful as I remember.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2012, 12:35:11 PM
Good luck to Carthage tonight -- big game for them.  Great win last night.

IWU plays Thomas More today in KY. . . . Thomas More came back from 17-18 down to win 94-91 over Louisianna College.  The Titans were up 47-12 at the half and could cruise on in.  Starters were on the bench with 10 minutes to go in the game.  13 Titans scored, all 15 played significant minutes. 

GO TITANS!!!  GO CCIW!!!

IWU 70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2012, 12:41:43 PM
Hoosier Titan -- enjoy your time in KY. and OH.  Should be a much more pleasant and beautiful day today, with storms passed by.  Tough to see all the damage, devastation in southern Indiana.  My heart goes out to those who have lost family members and many many more who have lost their homes, businesses. 

Need another Titan "W" today.  CCIW goes 2-0, WIAC 2-2.  CCIW overall -- men and women -- goes 5 for 5!!!

IWU Men have a big mountain to climb vs. #1 Hope at Hope.  Jordan Zimmer is likely "doubtful."

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mwunder on March 03, 2012, 09:38:53 PM
Carthage gets a huge win at Depauw.  Two sweet 16 teams from the conference.  Nice job Lady Reds and Lady Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 03, 2012, 10:01:36 PM
Holy cow. IWU just absolutely blasted through the first two rounds  :o

Congrats to both teams on advancing to the second weekend. Big win for Carthage @ #4 Depauw. The Lady Reds seem to have found another level that they didn't reach during the conference season. Keep up the good work Reds and Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 03, 2012, 10:07:15 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on March 03, 2012, 10:01:36 PM
Holy cow. IWU just absolutely blasted through the first two rounds  :o

Congrats to both teams on advancing to the second weekend. Big win for Carthage @ #4 Depauw. The Lady Reds seem to have found another level that they didn't reach during the conference season. Keep up the good work Reds and Titans.
A good night, again, for entire CCIW as Wheaton, North entral and IWU Men all chalk up W's too
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2012, 10:43:08 PM
Congrats to Carthage women on a big big win, taking down DePauw on their floor.  Not a small thing.  Like winning at DeVos!!!  :)

My TITANS are dominating.  Another bigtime, too easy win tonight over Thomas More, ahead by 30 before half time. 

Melissa Gardner was lights out tonight -- 7 for 7 from treyland, finishing with 25.  Run and Jump must have been telling as Thomas More had bundles of TOs.  Titans are on a bigtime roll now.  Look out everyone.  Mt. Union up next.  Hoping for a Shirk Center Sectional.  . . .and a sectional final vs. Carthage.  Why not?  That game, given the three already played, would certainly be sectional final worthy.  Just say'in.  (Carthage plays Centre next, who took down Wash U). 

Go CCIW, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 03, 2012, 11:38:53 PM
The IWU-Thomas More game went pretty much as predicted:  the combination of a grueling, late game last night and the loss of yet another player meant that the Saints were pretty debilitated.  The Titans jumped out to a quick lead that they never came close to losing.  Melissa Gardner hit all seven 3's she attempted, and went 8/9.  Alison Long, the star last night for TM against Louisiana College, scored 14 and could still hit open threes.  A game performance from a team that was simply stretched too thin.  They are a quality program, and the folks at Thomas More were great hosts.

The biggest drama for the IWU fans came from laptops, tablets, and smartphones as we followed the men's progress in Hope.  By the end of the women's game we were huddled around computer screens to see the men defeat Hope, willing each free throw into the net. 

Not the Sweet 16 grouping anyone  would have predicted, I think:  IWU, Carthage, Centre, and Mount Union.  Who is likely to host?  Bloomington would seem as central a place as any, with good, proven facilities and a local airport.  We'll know tomorrow.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:06:05 AM
Mount Union is within 500 miles of the other three teams so they can all drive. Or at least the NCAA doesn't have to pay for a flight. My guess is that's who hosts.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: pbrooks3 on March 04, 2012, 12:19:52 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:06:05 AM
Mount Union is within 500 miles of the other three teams so they can all drive. Or at least the NCAA doesn't have to pay for a flight. My guess is that's who hosts.
When we will know? Sunday night during Hoopsville or before?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:24:58 AM
It'll be before the show, usually mid or early afternoon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: pbrooks3 on March 04, 2012, 08:14:12 AM
It's close to 500 miles from IWU to Mt. Union - just under.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sumfun on March 04, 2012, 09:38:16 AM
Centre might be more centrally located, but IWU and the Shirk will probably get the nod to host.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 04, 2012, 10:15:34 AM
Gordon is right--it comes out at 490+ between the campus addresses of IWU and Mount Union.  Of course, the trip to Bloomington would be much shorter for Carthage.

As an IWU fan who's typing this from Kentucky before starting home, I'd love to see a round at Shirk, but I do understand that's not one of the committee's criteria.  ;)

Besides, should the IWU-Carthage-Fourth-Time-Around-This-Season Matchup occur (no assumptions about the first games!), maybe it would be just as well not at Shirk--IWU both games there this season by a single point.

Whatever...
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 04, 2012, 10:48:40 AM
Having the sectional at IWU would not only be of great benefit for the Titans, but I think it would be for Carthage as well. Familiar surroundings can only make things easier, though it obviously doesn't guarantee anything.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:26:12 PM
The NCAA tournament bracket now has the sectional hosts. Mount Union gets this one. Amherst, Mary Washington and Chicago get the others.

On the men's side, it's Middlebury, UW-Whitewater, Franklin & Marshall and Wooster.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2012, 02:27:48 PM
Yup, Mt. Union hosting the sectional.  Higher seed gets it.

Warm congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans . . . and to Carthage as well.  Great night for the CCIW. 

Melissa Gardner last night was just in a zone . . . what a line, 8-9 shooting, 7-7 from treyville, and 25 points.  The basket to her must have looked like the ocean.  Great team effort on the defensive side, with everyone chasing and contributing.  Good games by Olivia Lett and Shelby Jackson too.  I think 14 Titans scored. 

Carthage must be playing in such an outstanding way now, too -- to take down Whitewater and DePauw on DP's home court.  Congrats to them.  Two bigtime wins on the first weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2012, 03:56:36 PM
Just got back from seeing the Titan men beat host Hope, 108-101 in double OT.  The DeVos is such a great venue (I'd seen it empty before, but never with a sell-out crowd!), and the hospitality was so gracious in Holland, that I wouldn't mind a return trip in a couple of weeks - hint, hint! ;D  (Of course, after their great run in recent years, the Hope women didn't even make it into the tourney, so the atmosphere will probably not be quite the same as this past weekend.)

Of course, if the men somehow make it to Salem, I'd REALLY be torn - with no laptop, I might have to just stay home so I could watch both tournaments!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2012, 08:26:30 PM
Ypsi, let's hope the Titans make it to DeVos.  My dream Final Four would be IWU, Chicago, Amherst and George Fox -- three undefeateds vs. our Titans!  :)  Then the place would be jumping!!!   

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2012, 09:26:15 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2012, 08:26:30 PM
Ypsi, let's hope the Titans make it to DeVos.  My dream Final Four would be IWU, Chicago, Amherst and George Fox -- three undefeateds vs. our Titans!  :)  Then the place would be jumping!!!   

IWU70

That sounds good, but for 'jumping', it might be better to sub Calvin for Chicago.  It would be fascinating to see if Calvin could be the 'home' team, or if Holland/Hope fans would come to cheer for whoever is playing against Calvin! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BruinFan on March 04, 2012, 10:05:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2012, 08:26:30 PM
Ypsi, let's hope the Titans make it to DeVos.  My dream Final Four would be IWU, Chicago, Amherst and George Fox -- three undefeateds vs. our Titans!  :)  Then the place would be jumping!!!   

IWU70

IWU70, that is my Final 4 in my bracket. Will have to wait to see if it remains a dream or becomes reality. If it comes to be, not too many outside of family will be able to make the trip to Hope to cheer on the Bruins. Those that do, will have to make up what they lack in numbers with plenty of enthusiasm to represent the rest of us back in Oregon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2012, 12:26:57 PM
BruinFan, nice Final Four picks.  I would love to see a rematch of the Geroge Fox-IWU game of last year.  I'm sure your team and program would like that as well.  (This year it would be in the championship game!!!).   I guess Mary Washington is still on an undefeated run too, though I actually thought Messiah would beat them.  Amherst and Chicago are going to be tough no matter when or where. IWU played UC about even earlier, losing to them 80-77 on their floor @Ratner.  We'd love another chance on that game too.  I guess Amherst has to be considered the favorite.  (Amherst seems to have the easiest road to DeVos).   Some tough games for everyone this weekend . . . IWU has Mt. Union, and then, perhaps, game #4 with CCIW running mate, Carthage.  Carthage is playing very very well, taking down Whitewater and DePauw, both tough, nationally-ranked teams.  Some great basketball, I'm sure, in these sectionals.  Hope your Final Four picks are spot on.

Hi to all the good folks out in Oregon, a most beautiful part of the US of A.  I have many friends there, from grad school and from my time in Asia. 

GF has quite a run going . . . good luck, safe travels to your team, your fans.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2012, 03:14:56 PM
Season (29 g) Mount Union stats:
2FG .482 (582/1207), 3FG .374 (219/586), FT .653 (313/479);
opponents 2FG .434 (512/1180), 3FG .274 (115/419), FT .700 (271/387);
rebs 37.8, opp 35.4
TOs 14.2, opp 21.0
heights of players most used : 5'8", 5'7", 5'10", 5'7", 5'8", 5'10"; five others play regularly too.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2012, 05:14:19 PM
Centre 29g
2FG .457 (546/1195), 3FG .380 (170/447), FT .796 (437/549);
opp 2FG .385 (414/1074), 3FG .292 (173/593), FT .678 (326/481);
rebs 38.8, opp 34.9
TOs 15.2, opp 16.4
heights of most-used players : 5'9", 6'2", 5'11", 5'6", 5'10", 5'11", 5'8", 5'7".
The individual numbers of Maggie Prewitt (5'9") are very good and she was conference player of the year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2012, 06:03:40 PM
Centre and Mount look very good, solid numbers all 'round . . . a stronger test than the teams in KY. for sure.  Carthage can truly say they've been "road tested" already, given their two tough tough games last weekend.

I hope we have an all-CCIW Sectional Final, two teams in the Elite 8.

GO CCIW, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2012, 06:54:43 PM
Hoosier Titan, did you end up visiting Cincinnati Union Terminal? If so, do they still have the superb diorama of the city circa 1930-40? I remember that it included a large model of Crosley Field.
Did you see the Reds' new ballpark in downtown?
http://digitalballparks.com/Reds.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2012, 08:00:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 05, 2012, 06:54:43 PM
Hoosier Titan, did you end up visiting Cincinnati Union Terminal? If so, do they still have the superb diorama of the city circa 1930-40? I remember that it included a large model of Crosley Field.
Did you see the Reds' new ballpark in downtown?
http://digitalballparks.com/Reds.html

Rog,
Yes, we did go to Union Terminal and it is even more special than I remember from many decades ago.  There was some sort of teacher workshop going on, so the nice wide spaces were filled with tables and displays, but it was nice to see it in use.  We discovered a free tour, and that was one of the best tours I've done.  We got to go up into the office part of the building--the executive offices are quite posh.  They estimate it would cost over a billion dollars to build the terminal today, since most of the marble was imported.  It is all Art Deco in design, and everything was custom made for the building.  Just do a Google image search on "Union Terminal Cincinnati" to see photos.

I didn't see a diorama.  I went to Crosley Field many times as a child; my cousin played for the Cincinnati Reds.  When he was traded to the San Francisco Giants I thought the world had ended, but I was comforted by getting to meet Willie Mays!  Good times.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2012, 09:05:08 PM
Who was your cousin?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2012, 09:23:21 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2012, 09:05:08 PM
Who was your cousin?

Ed Bailey.  He was on the NL All-Star team five times and played on the 1962 pennant-winning Giants team.  Best career stats were in 1956 when he hit .300, had 28 HR, and 75 RBI.  He caught a Juan Marichal no-hitter in 1963 and had two unassisted double plays in 1963 and 1965. 

Funny, all this means more to me now than it did then!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2012, 09:33:56 PM
I'm familiar with Ed Bailey. Very solid power hitter, didn't have much of a reputation as a defensive catcher. Played in the majors for a long time, especially for a catcher.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2012, 09:44:17 PM
That's been my impression.  However, I see that in 1957 he led NL catchers in Caught Stealing percentage at 46.2 and was second to Roy Campanella with a 0.992 fielding percentage--not too shabby.  So he was at least okay defensively.

On a women's basketball note--I'm not seeing anything but live stats listed for Mount Union this weekend.  Does anyone know whether there will be video?  I don't fancy "watching" the Sweet Sixteen games via live stats.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2012, 10:06:36 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2012, 09:44:17 PM
That's been my impression.  However, I see that in 1957 he led NL catchers in Caught Stealing percentage at 46.2 and was second to Roy Campanella with a 0.992 fielding percentage--not too shabby.  So he was at least okay defensively.

The Caught Stealing category wasn't much of an indicator of anything back in the Fifties, an era in which the stolen base was almost a forgotten play.

Admittedly, Ed Bailey was long before my time. I'm basing my impression of his lack of fielding skills upon the fact that Strat-O-Matic always listed him as a catcher-4 every year. Their fielding scale was 1 to 4, with 4 being the lowest.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2012, 10:27:21 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2012, 10:06:36 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2012, 09:44:17 PM
That's been my impression.  However, I see that in 1957 he led NL catchers in Caught Stealing percentage at 46.2 and was second to Roy Campanella with a 0.992 fielding percentage--not too shabby.  So he was at least okay defensively.

The Caught Stealing category wasn't much of an indicator of anything back in the Fifties, an era in which the stolen base was almost a forgotten play.

Admittedly, Ed Bailey was long before my time. I'm basing my impression of his lack of fielding skills upon the fact that Strat-O-Matic always listed him as a catcher-4 every year. Their fielding scale was 1 to 4, with 4 being the lowest.

I just found a really nice piece on him in The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, apparently written by someone else. Here's the link:  http://books.google.com/books?id=3uSbqUm8hSAC&pg=PA397&lpg=PA397&dq=Ed+Bailey+Bill+James&source=bl&ots=1ln2h52JAo&sig=byxuvrxb_Q-j640iCZxjMUqbGbo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-4FVT7zQJYbVgAfzit3hDQ&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q&f=false (http://books.google.com/books?id=3uSbqUm8hSAC&pg=PA397&lpg=PA397&dq=Ed+Bailey+Bill+James&source=bl&ots=1ln2h52JAo&sig=byxuvrxb_Q-j640iCZxjMUqbGbo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-4FVT7zQJYbVgAfzit3hDQ&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q&f=false)

He definitely was from my mother's side of the family.  I love the story about sitting with the black ballplayer in the segregated park and taking down the rope.  Yep, that's the Baileys and Franklins. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 06, 2012, 10:01:09 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 05, 2012, 06:03:40 PM
Centre and Mount look very good, solid numbers all 'round . . . a stronger test than the teams in KY. for sure.  Carthage can truly say they've been "road tested" already, given their two tough tough games last weekend.

I hope we have an all-CCIW Sectional Final, two teams in the Elite 8.

GO CCIW, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70

What a great year for the CCIW that would be with both the men's and womens's teams flyin' high!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2012, 11:55:46 AM
It hasn't been mentioned here yet that in Carthage's 53-48 win over DePauw, they were outrebounded 41-19. All of their other numbers added up to a victory anyway. Probably every one of the rebounds they got were needed, but they ultimately didn't need any more.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2012, 12:15:12 PM
Mt. Union Sectional site has a link for broadcasts, indicates some radio links for the semis.  No sign there of video.  I've written the Mt. Union Sports Info folks to see if they are going to have a video link, streaming of some type.  Stay tuned.  Perhaps it's all controlled by the NCAA . . . and there may be a link via D3Hoops?  Not sure.  Would be too bad if no video link, only radio and Live Stats.

Looking forward to the weekend.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 12:25:20 PM
Yes, I saw that too.  They do have Stretch Internet, so maybe they just haven't posted the link yet.  Given the prominence of their football program, it would be surprising if they didn't have video.

It would also be incredibly frustrating, so please post if you get a reply!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 01:00:38 PM
Mount Union hasn't done video itself but we are hoping to staff that sectional this weekend. We'll let you know if we can finish putting a team together.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 02:07:51 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 01:00:38 PM
Mount Union hasn't done video itself but we are hoping to staff that sectional this weekend. We'll let you know if we can finish putting a team together.

Ack!  When will you know, Pat?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 06, 2012, 02:19:46 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 01:00:38 PM
Mount Union hasn't done video itself but we are hoping to staff that sectional this weekend. We'll let you know if we can finish putting a team together.


This is part of the duties of hosting a regional. With great power comes great responsibility. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 02:58:16 PM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on March 06, 2012, 02:19:46 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 01:00:38 PM
Mount Union hasn't done video itself but we are hoping to staff that sectional this weekend. We'll let you know if we can finish putting a team together.


This is part of the duties of hosting a regional. With great power comes great responsibility. :)

Yep, which is why we came to the call when UWRF needed us. Hope UWW doesn't need a lot of drama to get it done this week, BW! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2012, 03:56:07 PM
Many many thanks, Pat.  Hope it can be worked out.  Perhaps Mia Smith could help, lending the IWU video team to come over and help Mt. Union do the video streaming.  But, it is Spring break week for IWU (starting after Friday), so perhaps students, volunteers or staff have other plans . . . like heading to Florida for beachtime or golf. 

Let us know.  Sure hoping to watch the IWU women . . . and wishing they have another weekend like last weekend.  A much more stern test this weekend, with Mount and the Lady Reds.  We already know how hard it is to beat Carthage.  Should be a great weekend of D3 women's hoops.  Your team, anyone covering this sectional will have the privilege of watching our Titans, and especially Olivia Lett, play.  Well worth streaming on the web somehow.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 04:11:51 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 06, 2012, 03:56:07 PM
Many many thanks, Pat.  Hope it can be worked out.  Perhaps Mia Smith could help, lending the IWU video team to come over and help Mt. Union do the video streaming. 

This isn't the coach's responsibility. She has plenty of other things to worry about. :)

Don't worry, we'll do what we can.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2012, 05:29:57 PM
Pat, re:  Coach Smith, you are right.  That's the understatement of the year, given what she's been dealing with this year.  (and for this weekend too!), But, I'm sure she'd help out if she could with the video team. 

Anyway, hope it can be worked out with Mt. Union somehow.  Seems as host this should be part of the deal these days.

IWU fans who can't travel, for whatever reason, will be truly grateful.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 05:33:52 PM
I just left a voice message and then sent email to the SID at Mount Union.  I agree that providing coverage should be a requirement for hosting, especially when teams are being bused in from near the 500 mile limit.  Very frustrating.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 05:33:52 PM
I just left a voice message and then sent email to the SID at Mount Union.  I agree that providing coverage should be a requirement for hosting, especially when teams are being bused in from near the 500 mile limit.  Very frustrating.

I don't know why you would do that. That doesn't help anything, just adds to everyone's hassle and workload. I felt like I was being very open about how the process was going here, and this doesn't help.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 06:34:49 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 05:33:52 PM
I just left a voice message and then sent email to the SID at Mount Union.  I agree that providing coverage should be a requirement for hosting, especially when teams are being bused in from near the 500 mile limit.  Very frustrating.

I don't know why you would do that. That doesn't help anything, just adds to everyone's hassle and workload. I felt like I was being very open about how the process was going here, and this doesn't help.

I don't know what is wrong with it.  I wasn't unpleasant, and he doesn't have to answer either an email or a voice mail if he doesn't want to.  I don't expect an answer.  But I think they should know that people from other schools want to see the games.  Clearly they have the capability to broadcast.

I was not being critical of you, Pat.  Yes, you clearly said that you are trying to help.  That's great, and I'm sure others appreciate it as much as I do.  The d3hoops broadcast from Hope was excellent last weekend; probably you will do a better job than most schools can do. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 06:47:34 PM
According to Massey, IWU and Carthage are #1 and #2 in Strength of Schedule:

http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?lg=cbw&yr=2012&sub=11620
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 07:12:43 PM
We won't be able to come anywhere near to that. We are looking at one camera, commentators, no graphics.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 07:53:25 PM
Any coverage at all will be much appreciated!  :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 08:03:34 PM
IWU is currently ranked 4th in Massey's ratings.  Here are their opponents this year from the Massey top 25...

#3 Chicago
#6 DePauw
#8 UW Stevens Point
#10 Carthage (3 times)
#12 UW Whitewater
#13 UW Eau Claire
#19 Wheaton (2 times)
#22 Coe

That's 11 games against teams currently in Massey's top 25.

On deck...

#9 Mount Union

http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?lg=cbw&yr=2012&sub=11620

Thanks to Titan Q for a similar post on the men's board that prompted me to check the Massey site!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2012, 09:12:34 PM
Pat, much appreciated, whatever you can do.  Looking forward to the weekend games.

HT, thanks for posting the Massey data.  Yes, I saw the posting Q made to on the men's board.  Pretty darn impressive, on both sides, proving that our Titans don't hesitate in taking on challenges, taking on the very best.  This, IMHO, pays off bigtime come time to Dance.  We'll see more this weekend.  Hope the men can keep up their recent high level.  And, hope JZim's foot and Kman's back are OK to go on Friday/Saturday.  Seems the women have pretty much avoided illness or injuries during this latter half of the season -- knock on wood.   Don't have any doubts about the women doing it, playing at a high level . . . keeping it rolling as best they can.

Stranded in Bloomington.
IWU70

Keep it rolling GREEN.  Go CCIW, GO TITANS!!!  A great time of year to be a Titan fan, a CCIW supporter. 

:)

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2012, 11:02:56 AM
A nice writeup on the Lady Reds on the front page.  Don't miss it!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 07, 2012, 12:03:38 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 05:33:52 PM
I just left a voice message and then sent email to the SID at Mount Union.  I agree that providing coverage should be a requirement for hosting, especially when teams are being bused in from near the 500 mile limit.  Very frustrating.

I don't know why you would do that. That doesn't help anything, just adds to everyone's hassle and workload. I felt like I was being very open about how the process was going here, and this doesn't help.

You should have seen the nasty email our athletic director got from a hostile CMS fan upset that there wasn't going to be a video broadcast of the their game with St Thomas. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 07, 2012, 01:00:31 PM
Here's the email I sent yesterday:
____________
Dear Mr. [SID],

I just left a message on your voice mail concerning Mount Union's video coverage of the upcoming NCAA sectional.  I cannot find a link on your site.  I can find links to live stats and audio coverage, however.

Thanks very much for your help.

Best wishes,
[Hoosier Titan]

__________

I hope that wasn't too hostile.  ;)

Looking further at the Mount Union site, it appears that even for their famous men's football program, they only have live stats and audio.  So, it's apparently a university-wide bandwidth issue.

Many of us will be looking forward to whatever coverage d3hoops can provide.  We thought about making the drive but we, like many other people, are busy and hassled and we just can't get away for a thousand-mile round trip.

Very nice story on the Carthage women on the front page.  They have a great program and deserve the recognition.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2012, 01:37:13 PM
BH, guess those West Coast friends aren't as "layed back" as Californians are often portrayed, heh?  This time of year, we have to admit, most fans are pretty intense, pretty much wanting to see what they want to see!  Right?

Glad Pat is trying to work something out for IWU vs. Mount, for that Sectional in Ohio.

Should be a great game -- Wheaton vs. WW, two excellent teams, programs.

Enjoy the weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 08, 2012, 09:26:49 AM
Good luck to IWU and Carthage this week-end!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2012, 11:22:03 AM
Hopefully, the Lady Reds and Titans will achieve a composite 3-1 record this weekend (unless they somehow figure out how to go 4-0!).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 08, 2012, 12:15:25 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 06:34:49 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 06, 2012, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 06, 2012, 05:33:52 PM
I just left a voice message and then sent email to the SID at Mount Union.  I agree that providing coverage should be a requirement for hosting, especially when teams are being bused in from near the 500 mile limit.  Very frustrating.

I don't know why you would do that. That doesn't help anything, just adds to everyone's hassle and workload. I felt like I was being very open about how the process was going here, and this doesn't help.

I don't know what is wrong with it.  I wasn't unpleasant, and he doesn't have to answer either an email or a voice mail if he doesn't want to.  I don't expect an answer.  But I think they should know that people from other schools want to see the games.  Clearly they have the capability to broadcast.

I was not being critical of you, Pat.  Yes, you clearly said that you are trying to help.  That's great, and I'm sure others appreciate it as much as I do.  The d3hoops broadcast from Hope was excellent last weekend; probably you will do a better job than most schools can do.
Pat - correct me if I'm wrong. 
Hope get a helping hand from Grand Valley State University in setting up the last weekend's broadcast.  I suspect/guessing GVSU giving Hope a hand with the Women's Final Four, too. Even with the add of GVSU expertise, there were times the audio and video were not quite sych'd up
I'd note also the Hope broadcast team did a nice job.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2012, 12:30:37 PM
Good luck to Carthage and the Titans this weekend.  Make the CCIW proud.  Wish I could be there to cheer you'all on.
GO CCIW, GO TITANS!!!

The IWU guys team did their thing at DeVos, so now time for the women to get there and do their thing.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Always.A.Titan on March 08, 2012, 03:14:26 PM
From Q on the Men's Board...

http://citizensvoice.com/sports/king-s-leading-scorer-picks-spring-break-over-tournament-1.1282736#axzz1oYd4L98M

Rough situation.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2012, 04:28:14 PM
Wow.  Can't imagine such a situation.  Can you imagine Olivia Lett chosing Florida/Spring break over a chance for the Elite 8 or Final Four?  Nada.  There's always Easter break, Easter week later on, when one can, horrors of horrors, skip a few days of class!  Never never done in my day, just never.  We had womens' hours and required Chapel afterall.  We would never think of skipping class for a trip to demonstrate in DC, watch the Titans in KC, or catch a tan in Myami.  Never. 

Some very very exciting games coming tomorrow . . . hope they live up to the TITANS @Hope in double OT. 

Any other predictions on the weekend's outcomes?  I have the Titans over Mount by 8-10 and the Lady Reds over Centre by 5.  Here we go . . .  if it comes to Carthage vs. IWU in the Sectional Final, well, obviously a "toss-up."  Would love to see a fourth encounter.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2012, 04:35:21 PM
Nice piece on Tufts and their good D on the D3hoops frontpage.  Their coach is a UConn national championship player.  Maybe they can make some noise in Chicago vs. St. Thomas and the winner of Calvin/U Chicago semifinal.  Also some great matchups there @ UC/Ratner Sectional.

IWU70

Still hoping for this Final Four:  Amherst, George Fox, UC and IWU -- three "perfects" and our beloved TITANS.   :)  We could call the Final Four, the ruination of perfection.  ms
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2012, 05:51:22 PM
An interesting stat among those for Tufts: Tiffany Kornegay has 253 rebounds in 797 minutes so far this season. That's a really good 31.7 per 100 minutes rate; 24.2 of the 31.7 are defensive rebounds. You might see those numbers for a very strong 6-footer; she's 5'6".
Tufts may emphasize defense, but I'm sure they have a good offense, too.
I don't think any team makes it to the final 16 without a good offense and a good defense.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2012, 09:20:39 PM
RogK, agree with you . . .all these teams are pretty darn good on both sides of the ball.  But, I think the differences will show up in the strength of the conferences they play in and the strength of schedules they have played.  I like our chances for getting one of our CCIW teams to the Final Four.  Sure hope so.  Carthage must be playing at a higher gear, given the results of last weekend at DePauw.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2012, 11:50:10 PM
Good luck to all five CCIW teams who are playing tomorrow!  Here's hoping for an Elite Eight game at Mount Union on Saturday.

Safe travels to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 12:32:59 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 08, 2012, 11:50:10 PM
Good luck to all five CCIW teams who are playing tomorrow!  Here's hoping for an Elite Eight game at Mount Union on Saturday.

Safe travels to all.

AND in Wooster!  Being 15-0 after Friday is a long shot, but so was being 10-0 after last weekend!  Three CCIW teams in the two FFs would be SO sweet!

For anyone going to Alliance or Wooster, they are only about 50 miles apart - support BOTH teams!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2012, 12:32:11 PM
Ypsi, good point.  Didn't realize Alliance and Wooster are so close.

Sure do hope for your wish -- 15-0 after three rounds.  That would be grand.

Good weekend to all, be well, drive safe. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 06:18:07 PM
Carthage up 57-43 w/ 7:55 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 06:23:47 PM
Now 61-43 w/ 5:55 to go.

I think the CCIW has their first (of 5? ;D) teams in the Elite Eight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 06:29:15 PM
Carthage only led by 5 at the half, but have turned this into a blowout.

Now up 20 w/ 4 to go.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 06:40:50 PM
A shout-out to Maggie Prewitt of Centre, who refused to admit they had already lost and scored ten points in barely over a minute.  Carthage finally stopped the bleeding, and will win - up 10 w/ 44 seconds.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 06:44:37 PM
First final from Alliance: Carthage 71, Centre 61.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2012, 07:01:22 PM
Congrats to Carthage!  Carthage wins over Centre 71-61.   Great win.  One CCIW team in the Elite 8.  Keep it going Titans.

Hope the men can all come through as well.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Naperick on March 09, 2012, 09:11:38 PM
Congrats to Carthage!  A great run so far!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 09:19:52 PM
Olivia Lett with a buzzer-beater - Titans win by one!! ;D

An all-CCIW final in Alliance.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Always.A.Titan on March 09, 2012, 09:38:47 PM
Congrats to the 2 CCIW teams!

Round 4 of Carthage vs IWU tomorrow!

Congrats to the IWU men as well!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2012, 09:45:13 PM
What a game!

THANK YOU, d3hoops team. 

And well done Carthage.  Tomorrow, Round Four!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 11:39:30 PM
Calvin trounced Chicago by 18.  I'm so far keeping with my 'jumping in Holland' prediction of Amherst, George Fox, Calvin, and IWU.  With the rivalry against Calvin, I just think WE might be the 'home' team at Hope! ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2012, 11:44:41 PM
 
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 11:39:30 PM
Calvin trounced Chicago by 18.  I'm so far keeping with my 'jumping in Holland' prediction of Amherst, George Fox, Calvin, and IWU.  With the rivalry against Calvin, I just think WE might be the 'home' team at Hope! ;D

If we are, Mr Y, will you make another appearance?  You seem to have brought good fortune to the gents!  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 10, 2012, 12:05:55 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 09, 2012, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 11:39:30 PM
Calvin trounced Chicago by 18.  I'm so far keeping with my 'jumping in Holland' prediction of Amherst, George Fox, Calvin, and IWU.  With the rivalry against Calvin, I just think WE might be the 'home' team at Hope! ;D

If we are, Mr Y, will you make another appearance?  You seem to have brought good fortune to the gents!  ;)

Seriously considered it, unless the guys made it to Salem - then where??!!

And then a couple of days ago realized that we are HOSTING a St. Patrick's Day party!  So, alas, neither Salem or Holland.  But if either makes the title game, the guests be damned, I'm at the computer! ;D  (Fortunately they are all long-standing friends who will understand, or even join me in the watching!  But talk about bad planning!)

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: pbrooks3 on March 10, 2012, 07:43:23 AM
A Centre fan who attended the game.  Congrats out to Carthage.  Fine team you have that doesn't require much space to find shots.  Got to believe they have a real shot @ finally knocking off IWU and reaching the Final 4.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: sumfun on March 10, 2012, 09:59:39 AM
Very hard to win 4 over the same team in the same year.  Look at the trouble George Fox had with L&C.  This will be a fun game to watch.  Good luck to all.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 10, 2012, 10:15:36 AM
Quote from: sumfun on March 10, 2012, 09:59:39 AM
Very hard to win 4 over the same team in the same year.  Look at the trouble George Fox had with L&C.  This will be a fun game to watch.  Good luck to all.

As a Fox guy, I want to echo that sentiment. It's very hard! And considering how close the other Carthage/IW games have been, this one should be great. Carthage has what it takes and knows IW well. Go do it!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 10, 2012, 10:22:03 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2012, 11:39:30 PM
Calvin trounced Chicago by 18.  I'm so far keeping with my 'jumping in Holland' prediction of Amherst, George Fox, Calvin, and IWU.  With the rivalry against Calvin, I just think WE might be the 'home' team at Hope! ;D

Sure the Hope fans might cheer for you, but from my experience being there four years ago with George Fox, the only Hope fans there when their team hasn't made it are the hardcore elderly fans that bought their tickets in October and don't want the $8 to be wasted. With Grand Rapids about 20 minutes away, I would argue that Calvin will have the clear home court advantage, should they make it to Holland.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Roundball999 on March 10, 2012, 10:58:24 AM
When is spring break for Calvin and IWU?  At Hope, it starts this coming Friday so many Hope students/staff will unfortunately be gone.  More tickets for others, I guess!  But you're right, Hope attendance is always so high because of incredible support from the surrounding community, not just the campus, and even though "their" team is not particicpating some of them will undoubtedly come out.  The Hope-Calvin rivally is intense but generally quite respectful, I'd bet that many hope fans would support Calvin in support of the league.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2012, 12:10:50 PM
IWU Spring Break started yesterday.

Here's the story on the IWU-MU game from the Bloomington Pantagraph:

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/lett-iwu-women-tip-mount-union-at-buzzer/article_9d35cd02-6a56-11e1-ad98-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=story
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2012, 12:19:40 PM
And the Mount Union athletics website has a great photo gallery--some of the best action shots I've seen:

http://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/wbkb/2011-12/releases/20120309tofhmu#
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 10, 2012, 12:45:34 PM
Lett's buzzer-beater video is on the front page.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 10, 2012, 05:02:27 PM
Looking forward to another great Carthage/IWU matchup tonight. To be honest, I didn't think either team would make it this far. But they've both played great and earned the right to square off tonight for a trip the Final Four. I don't think either team can really surprise the other with anything, it will probably just come down to one or two plays that make the difference.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 10, 2012, 11:01:48 PM
Did the boards just come back up?

I had a feeling all day that the IWU-Carthage 4-peat wouldn't be as close as the previous three, but I honestly didn't know which way it would go.  Great performance by Olivia Lett, and great heroics by Diana Jacklin and Dani Ripkey to throw a scare into the IWU crowd in the second half.

On to Holland!  And the men to Salem, too.  Great work.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: pbrooks3 on March 10, 2012, 11:22:49 PM
Congrats to the Titans.  They were impressive in winning #4 against the Lady Reds.  See that the men took down Witt at Wooster.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 11, 2012, 12:28:43 AM
Congrats to the Titans! Good luck next week-end.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2012, 01:24:43 PM
My warm congrats to the Titans, to Coach Smith and all the staff, all the players.  What a great run . . . Double Happiness -- both IWU teams to Final Four, women back to Final Four for double years!  Gotta love it.

Congrats to Carthage on a super season, a super run in the Dance.  They were the best team we faced all year for sure.  Great mathups always.  I love watching Jacklin play.

Back to the FF, now on to a national title.  Another mountain to climb next weekend.

IWU70

Brandon Landau RIP
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2012, 03:04:56 PM
Current rankings and SOS numbers for the Final Four:

School         d3hoops ranking           Massey ranking          NCAA SOS              Massey SOS

Amherst       1                                1                               8                           34
George Fox   3                                2                              78                          21
St Thomas    12                              7                              110                        39
IWU             16                              4                               5                             1

To date, IWU has gone 8-5 against teams in Massey's top 25; four of those losses came early in the season when they were playing without starter Karen Solari and the fifth was a 2-point, double-OT loss at Wheaton.  Although they took their knocks early, it looks as though the tough schedule Mia Smith put together prepared the Titans well for this Final Four run.               
                         
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 11, 2012, 03:20:45 PM
Congratulations to Coach Mia Smith and the Lady Titans - Good Job!  Go finish it in Holland!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 11, 2012, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2012, 03:04:56 PM
Although they took their knocks early, it looks as though the tough schedule Mia Smith put together prepared the Titans well for this Final Four run.               

Though I might be jinxing them, as a Bears fan, I'm rooting for the Titans.  They're the only one in the final four without a championship[1], and the only one of the Tip Off trio (with WashU and Depauw) without one as well.  After missing out on playing for the championship on their home court, it would be good for them to win now.

[1]Yes, the St. Thomas women haven't won for 20 years, but the men just won last year.  In fact, if the Titans win, the group of schools with men and women's championships will have doubled in two years, after St. Thomas and Amherst joined Scranton, Stevens Point and WashU last year.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 11, 2012, 05:56:04 PM
Congratulations to Mia Smith and the Titans!  I was at Wooster this weekend, but we were able to follow the women closely via the magic of technology (iPad).

Good luck in Holland!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2012, 06:57:27 PM
Just saw that both Mia Smith and Ron Rose are scheduled to be on Hoopsville starting very soon (6:00 CDT).

http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/index
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 11, 2012, 07:51:40 PM
Back-to-back Final Fours. Very impressive for IWU. Best of luck to the Titans next weekend in Holland. I don't know much about St. Thomas, but I think IWU has a good chance. They have a superstar in Olivia Lett, and they have a very deep and talented squad overall. I thought their halfcourt defense last night was excellent.

I'm sure Carthage wishes they could have the first 6-8 minutes of last night's game back. That hole that they dug themselves was just too much to overcome against a a great team like IWU. To me, the Titans looked very much like a team that had "been there before," and Carthage seemed to be a bit rattled early on.

But congrats to the Lady Reds on a great year. It speaks volumes about the improving strength of the CCIW that its 3rd place team can make a run to the Elite Eight. Carthage was really impressive during the tournament -- a great run for their seniors to look back on.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 11, 2012, 10:27:20 PM
Congrats to the Lady Titans and Good Luck next week-end.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2012, 12:35:38 PM
Any good assessments out there on St. Thomas?  They must be pretty darn good to beat Calvin, who had a great team and year too.  Would love to hear some views on St. Thomas.

We know pretty much what we are getting with Amherst or George Fox -- the defending national champs coming back again and a team with a 6'5" center and another All-American in the back court.  Looks like a "Holland worthy" group, all four teams, to be sure.

Congrats and big kudos to Carthage on a great year.  Happy for them that they got to Dance this year, and danced superbly, especially that first weekend against all top teams.  Jacklin, one of the best players in CCIW women's basketball history.   

Titans have played so so well, riding Olivia Lett, but also all the parts, all the role players doing their thing, doing their part.  Gotta love the "run and jump," the good trey shooting, the stronger rebounding now, and the tenacity of everyone whenever they get their minutes, they play hard.  Shelby Jackson is really coming into her own on the block and Karen Solari, in the back of the press and in the paint, is the rock.  Bilek and Baltes hitting big shots, playing so hard.  McMahon is surprisingly quick, making many contributions that often go unheralded.  Let's hope Melissa Gardner keeps on her current hot tear from treyville.  Her good overall defense esp. on the press.  Love it.

And, Britt is the field general, hitting the mid-range jumpers, dishing out the assists and getting more rebounds than most PGs.  How many years now has she been the court commander.  She'll be missed next year more than we know. 

GO TITANS!  All the way in Holland.  Thanks to Coach Smith and her staff for a tremendous job this year, under unique and trying circumstances. 

IWU70

P.S.  Ypsi, are you going back to DeVos, heading for Salem, or staying home so you can watch both teams, both Final Fours at once?  Hope all the CCIW board colleagues are able to make one of the Final Fours -- enjoying the culmination of another great season of D3hoops.  Needless to say, it's a great time of year to be a Titan fan, a Green Weenie on St. Patrick's Day at TWO, count them, TWO Final Fours.  As the Chinese say, Double Happiness!

Happy St. Patrick's Day soon to all CCIW chatsters.  ms
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2012, 04:19:09 PM
All-region teams have just been announced.  Mia Smith is COY.  Olivia Lett made first team, Diana Jacklin made second team, and Lindsey Brenneman made third team.

Congratulations to all!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2012, 05:15:05 PM
Warm congrats to Mia Smith on Regional COY, and to Olivia Lett on First Team, All Region.  (IWU's Ron Rose too!). 

Congrats to Jacklin and Brenneman as well.  Great job CCIW.

We need more info on St. Thomas?  Anyone have a good look at them this year? 

Amherst and George Fox will be tough, HUGE, and seasoned too.  Some great basketball coming up this weekend.

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2012, 05:53:15 PM
iwu70, I saw St Thomas twice recently, but not since Saturday (ha).
On Friday, they didn't look like a final-four team, but they beat Tufts; and maybe Tufts's style of play made both teams look not-so-good. It definitely wasn't a scintillating game, although certainly hard-fought. UST made enough good plays to hang on and win. But after seeing Calvin impressively top the previously-undefeated Chicago Maroons, I didn't think St Thomas had a real big chance of defeating Calvin. I was way off with that impression.
Somehow UST had even more energy Saturday and pressed/trapped most of the game; Calvin proved (surprisingly?) to be vulnerable to the trapping and committed a lot of turnovers. When Calvin got through the pressure, they "burned" UST with lay-ups only 2 or 3 times that I recall. Usually, UST got back quickly to establish a halfcourt defense. I thought they did a good job containing Carissa Verkaik, even though she scored 25. Against a mediocre opponent, Verkaik could score 40 on any given night if Calvin asked her to.
UST's Taylor Young (an agile 5'11" forward) had a wonderful game Saturday. She has a bunch of teammates who are also talented and energetic. They subbed pretty often and took advantage of the extra time-outs that these games feature. They don't seem to look for 3FG opportunities often, but they made some bigs ones. UST will be a tough opponent, although IWU will be the same for them!


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2012, 12:16:41 PM
RogK, thanks for the impressions on the Tommies.  Sounds like they have an excellent, hard-nosed team, and the style of play sounds decidedly similar to IWU.  Both are into the pressure, into strong half-court D.  Seems alot will turn on how the Tommies contain Lett and how the various backcourt players handle the pressure, handle the ball.  Tommies not a strong 3 pt. shooting style or team.  Looks like a game of constant pressure, and perhaps decided by who will win the turnover battle.  IWU hasn't played against too too many teams that press, but Lett, Hasselbring, Baltes, and Gardner do handle the ball pretty well, see the court well when a press is on.  Should be a very interesting matchup.  Whoever wins in the semis has a big challenge the next night in any case too -- against an undefeated team -- either George Fox (who IWU played in the Sectional Final last year) or Amherst, the defending national champion, now hitting on all cylinders.  Seems to be a very very very strong Final Four group of teams, programs. 

Let the games begin!!!

GO TITANS, GO TITANS, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 13, 2012, 01:49:33 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 13, 2012, 12:16:41 PM
RogK, thanks for the impressions on the Tommies.  Sounds like they have an excellent, hard-nosed team, and the style of play sounds decidedly similar to IWU.  Both are into the pressure, into strong half-court D.  Seems alot will turn on how the Tommies contain Lett and how the various backcourt players handle the pressure, handle the ball.  Tommies not a strong 3 pt. shooting style or team.  Looks like a game of constant pressure, and perhaps decided by who will win the turnover battle.  IWU hasn't played against too too many teams that press, but Lett, Hasselbring, Baltes, and Gardner do handle the ball pretty well, see the court well when a press is on.  Should be a very interesting matchup.  Whoever wins in the semis has a big challenge the next night in any case too -- against an undefeated team -- either George Fox (who IWU played in the Sectional Final last year) or Amherst, the defending national champion, now hitting on all cylinders.  Seems to be a very very very strong Final Four group of teams, programs. 

Definitely sounds like a game that could be won at the buzzer-great game for the fans to watch. Good Luck to the Titans.

Let the games begin!!!

GO TITANS, GO TITANS, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2012, 06:56:48 PM
iwu70, although UST pressed/trapped most of the Calvin game, I don't think that was their normal method during the bulk of the season. They induced 26 TOs by Calvin, but in their previous 30 games, UST induced an average of 16.8 TOs. Compare that to IWU's average 22.1 TOs induced (or Olivet Naz's 35.1).
It could be that UST employs a press off and on in every game; I'd just be guessing on that.
On offense, UST has been a much slower team than IWU, having scored in the 40s twice, 50s seven times, 60s ten times. IWU's season low output was in the 50s (twice) and scored in the 60s only three times. The Titans have scored in the 70s or better in 26 of 31 games.
UST has scored in the 80s twice and 90s twice, so they can speed things up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2012, 07:20:40 PM
iwu70, in case you weren't aware of this :
http://www.titanpride.org/s/653/index.aspx?sid=653&gid=1&pgid=1209&content_id=1030
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2012, 09:15:50 PM
Thanks, RogK, great info.  I saw the similar writeup in the Pantagraph and on the regular IWU website today too.  Much appreciated.  Thanks.

Sadly, I can't go this year -- to Salem or Holland, though I'd love to be either place, or especially both places at once.  I have elder care to attend to here, so will be watching both games, Live Stats, listening to WJBC, etc. with my 93 year-old Father, who is also a long, long-time Titan fan.  I'll be yelling and cheering, but in the quiet confines of my Dad and Mom's "assisted living" apartment.  Hope the Titan nation can turn out a huge contingent at both places to cheer on our Double Happiness Final Fours.

Thanks for the views about the Tommies.  Perhaps others will come on and tell us more about George Fox and Amherst.  We saw them both up close last year, and I'm sure they are just as good as they were, if not better.  Can Munger be any taller?  Amherst is loaded and in a 50 game winning streak.  Sounds pretty awesome, but, truthfully, I have faith in our Titans going all the way this year.  Tough schedules build toughness, character, and we are playing at our highest level so far this season.  I'm optimistic for the weekend.

Hope you get to go to Holland.

All best, IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2012, 11:42:53 AM
I see a pun in "Hope you get to go to Holland."
Here are some Amherst stats through 31 games:
2FG .473 (651/1375), 3FG .327 (203/620), FT .697 (419/601);
opp 2FG .310 (416/1341), 3FG .220 (71/323), FT 599 att;
Rebs 45.7, opp 35.5
TOs 12.5, opp 18.9
7.4 blocks/g, 10.3 steals/g
heights of most-used players : 5'10", 6', 5'9", 6'2", 5'3", 5'8", 6', 5'8", 6'1".
Such excellent stats can only mean one thing : they haven't played anybody good yet. Just kidding! They must be highly energetic and talented.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2012, 12:08:23 PM
Thanks, RogK, yes, I'm still hoping.

Amherst and GF stats are impressive, off the charts.  Haven't seen the SOS for either, but assume they are pretty good.  Amherst plays a tough team in Williams twice each year for sure.  Will have to look further at their other schedule.  GF has one key rival out west. 

I think being battle-tested in many close games, even taking some tough losses for further motivation, is very important come Final Four weekend.  Both GF and Amherst have not taken a loss, though of course only one can go forth to the championship game.  UC and Mary Washington, the other undefeateds coming in, have both gone down earlier.  MW to GF and I think UC to Calvin, right? 

I do like IWU's chances, with an amazing run through their bracket so far, with blowouts and one 1-point, buzzer beater game vs. Mount Union.  Like our draw vs. Tommies, then on hopefully to the big showdown with GF or Amherst.  Great weekend upcoming . . . and our drive to improve on last year's national 4th place finish at Shirk still rolling! 

Good luck to Coach Smith, all the IWU players, and all the Titan nation supporters gathered at DeVos, yet again, for this weekend's two games.  Keep it rolling, play the tough D, "run and jump" 'til the cows come home, win the TO and rebounding battles, bring home the Walnut and Bronze, and go for the higher order of banner in the rafters of The Shirk.

Nice piece in today's pgraph about IWU sophomore Victor Davis . . . and also a column about Dennie Bridges' decision as AD to support Mia Smith and go to the Women's tourney this time round.  President Wilson will go to Salem to support the men, represent the University.  Good moves all. 

GO TITANS!!!  GO TITANS!!!  Double happiness. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2012, 12:20:15 PM
RogK, if you look at the long run of victories on both the schedules of Amherst and GF, it would not be too difficult to conclude that they don't play anyone tough.  Not sure if that's the case, but in Amherst's up-to-now undefeated schedule, only Colby came ANYWHERE close to them.  Perhaps they are that good, surely they are good, but not much tough competition and surely no close games to speak of.  Same is pretty much true with GF as well, with only 1-2 really close games and no close games in the tourney.  They beat previously undefeated Mary Washington pretty easily.  Guess that's why, too, that MW was ranked lower down in the D3hoops poll all season, even with an undefeated record up to that point.  Seems the Tommies may have played a tougher schedule than either Amherst or GF.  To be honest, I think our Titans played one of the toughest, if not THE toughest, schedule of any D3 program in the country.  In close games, when the game is white hot, I think this will show up this weekend.  Our team is battle-tested and has been through the wars -- of adversity and the best possible competition.  If we do go all the way and win the Walnut and Bronze, I think we can thank Whitewater, Wheaton x 2, Chicago, and Carthage x 4 for the earlier examinations.  We'll see soon enough.

IWU70 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2012, 01:12:02 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2012, 03:04:56 PM
Current rankings and SOS numbers for the Final Four:

School         d3hoops ranking           Massey ranking          NCAA SOS              Massey SOS

Amherst       1                                1                               8                           34
George Fox   3                                2                              78                          21
St Thomas    12                              7                              110                        39
IWU             16                              4                               5                             1

To date, IWU has gone 8-5 against teams in Massey's top 25; four of those losses came early in the season when they were playing without starter Karen Solari and the fifth was a 2-point, double-OT loss at Wheaton.  Although they took their knocks early, it looks as though the tough schedule Mia Smith put together prepared the Titans well for this Final Four run.               
                       

I posted this last week.  It would be a mistake to assume that Amherst and GF haven't played a tough enough schedule to ready themselves.  Last year IWU saw GF in the Elite Eight game (I didn't; I was on a plane), and a very impressive Amherst team was far and away the best team at the Final Four.  Either will be tough to beat.

But it would also be a mistake to overlook either St Thomas or IWU, for the reasons we've all identified.  No direct comparison between the Massey, NCAA, or d3hoops methods of evaluating teams and schedules was intended.  But the NCAA and Massey strength of schedule numbers agree that IWU has played a very challenging schedule.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2012, 02:11:07 PM
Incidentally, since there will be two games on Saturday, all four teams will play twice.
One more item about Amherst : they've grabbed 40 pct of possible offensive rebounds and 72 pct of possible defensive rebounds. I'd estimate anecdotally that the national average might be that 30-33 pct of rebounds go to the offensive team, so Amherst is a strong rebounding team, no doubt.
Later in the day, I'll have time to look at the UST and George Fox stats.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 14, 2012, 02:13:55 PM
I remember reading about this at the beginning of the season, but haven't heard anything since.  Has Coach Smith been undergoing treatment all season? 

http://wjbc.com/cancer-doesnt-slow-illinois-wesleyan-coach-mia-smith/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2012, 02:14:29 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2012, 01:12:02 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 11, 2012, 03:04:56 PM
Current rankings and SOS numbers for the Final Four:

School         d3hoops ranking           Massey ranking          NCAA SOS              Massey SOS

Amherst       1                                1                               8                           34
George Fox   3                                2                              78                          21
St Thomas    12                              7                              110                        39
IWU             16                              4                               5                             1

To date, IWU has gone 8-5 against teams in Massey's top 25; four of those losses came early in the season when they were playing without starter Karen Solari and the fifth was a 2-point, double-OT loss at Wheaton.  Although they took their knocks early, it looks as though the tough schedule Mia Smith put together prepared the Titans well for this Final Four run.               
                       

I posted this last week.  It would be a mistake to assume that Amherst and GF haven't played a tough enough schedule to ready themselves.  Last year IWU saw GF in the Elite Eight game (I didn't; I was on a plane), and a very impressive Amherst team was far and away the best team at the Final Four.  Either will be tough to beat.

But it would also be a mistake to overlook either St Thomas or IWU, for the reasons we've all identified.  No direct comparison between the Massey, NCAA, or d3hoops methods of evaluating teams and schedules was intended.  But the NCAA and Massey strength of schedule numbers agree that IWU has played a very challenging schedule.
Absolutely correct HT!  Most years, every Final Four team is capable of winning it all.  St. Thomas turns out very good teams and will challenge the Titans.
Amherst, like Williams and the UAA teams draw top student/athletes from all over the country.  Their non-conference schedule is pretty good for the Northeast. Amherst in particlular reminds one of IWU in that Amherst does not rebuild - it just reloads.  I'd expect Amherst to be at least as tough as last year's team.
As for GF, well someone has to figure out how to game plan for Hannah Munger.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2012, 02:16:51 PM
Mac,
It's my understanding that her treatment was completed over the fall.  She's certainly going strong now!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 14, 2012, 02:19:11 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 14, 2012, 02:16:51 PM
Mac,
It's my understanding that her treatment was completed over the fall.  She's certainly going strong now!
More sight - I have a lot of respect for Coach Smith and how tough and determines she is -
http://www.pantagraph.com/blogs/kindred/kindred-for-bridges-decision-is-no-buzzer-beater/article_ba3e9ce6-6d97-11e1-888f-0019bb2963f4.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2012, 06:49:59 PM
George Fox stats, 31 games --
2FG .504 (580/1149), 3FG .332 (187/564), FT .625 (476/762);
opp 2FG .357 (433/1213), 3FG .295 (119/404), 489 FT att;
rebs - 40.6, opp 32.7
TOs - 17.7, opp 21.5
6.1 blocks (four by 6'5" Hannah Munger), 11.1 steals;
Heights of most-used players : 5'10" (West region player of the year Keisha Gordon), 5'8", 6'5", 5'11", 5'7", 5'10", 6'1", 5'9".
All stats very good, except .625 FT, but notice that they get to the line a lot, 24.8 att/g.
Just for fun, I'll note here that Olivet Nazarene has taken more 2FG att (1225) than George Fox has, in the same number of games (31). Some people say, "all they do is shoot 3s!"
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2012, 07:13:04 PM
St Thomas, also 31 games:
2FG .472 (635/1344), 3FG .346 (107/309), FT .756 (470/622);
opp 2FG .384 (424/1105), 3FG .289 (146/546), FT att 442;
rebs 37.8, opp 29.7;
TOs 15.3, opp 17.1;
3.5 blocks, 9.3 steals;
Heights for most-used players : 5'11", 6', 6'2", 5'11", 5'9", 5'6" and 5'5" tied (the 2 main point guards), 5'11", 6'.
They are a tall bunch, aren't they?
Bear in mind that stats measure what happened, not what could happen next.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 08:16:20 AM
Article on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/revamped-iwu-women-find-way-to-return-to-final-four/article_2848338e-6e5e-11e1-b87b-001871e3ce6c.html
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2012, 10:29:59 AM
Olivet Nazarene blew a 24 point lead and their season is done.
http://www.naia.org/fls/27900/1NAIA/SportsInfo/Championships/2012DIWBB/Game7_2012DIWBB.htm?SPSID=640721&SPID=96231&DB_OEM_ID=27900#TOP
That groan you heard was me.
Their 27-5 season was still pretty good!
- -
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 15, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 08:16:20 AM
Article on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/revamped-iwu-women-find-way-to-return-to-final-four/article_2848338e-6e5e-11e1-b87b-001871e3ce6c.html

It seems to be the story line of both Titan teams-Lost several players to graduation, new look, etc, however, both teams have taken everything in stride and busted it to get to the Final Four-Good Luck to all!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 01:39:18 PM
I've been meaning to ask about the Central Region "Player of the Year" award for a few days...

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2011-12/central-women


- Morgan Herrick (Chicago) - 11.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg
- Olivia Lett (IWU) - 21.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg


(In a head-to-head matchup - a 3-point Chicago win @ Chicago - Lett went for 30 pts and 10 rebounds...Herrick had 13 and 5.  I watched that game online and Lett was the best player on the floor by a significant margin.)

I know Morgan Herrick is a tremendous player, but doesn't it seem like a huge injustice for Herrick to win the Central Region P.O.Y. over Lett?

What am I missing on this?

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2012, 02:21:14 PM
If you want to call it debatable, go ahead. "Huge injustice" is nonsense. Morgan Herrick got UAA conference player of the year and Chicago went undefeated until last Friday.
You could argue that Olivia carried a bigger load for her team than Morgan did for hers. But, that suggests that Herrick's teammates were better than Olivia's.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 15, 2012, 02:41:43 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 01:39:18 PM
I've been meaning to ask about the Central Region "Player of the Year" award for a few days...

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2011-12/central-women


- Morgan Herrick (Chicago) - 11.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg
- Olivia Lett (IWU) - 21.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg


(In a head-to-head matchup - a 3-point Chicago win @ Chicago - Lett went for 30 pts and 10 rebounds...Herrick had 13 and 5.  I watched that game online and Lett was the best player on the floor by a significant margin.)

I know Morgan Herrick is a tremendous player, but doesn't it seem like a huge injustice for Herrick to win the Central Region P.O.Y. over Lett?

What am I missing on this?

I agree that it is indeed highly debatable.  Olivia's season-long stats are clearly superior, and she made the winning basket last weekend against a highly rated team on the road.  Her team is still playing, thanks in large part to her efforts. 

I'm sure that Morgan Herrick is a worthy winner, and that her winning is not an injustice.  But I would hope that the discussion was a serious one--that is, that the merits of the two (and possibly other) players were seriously considered and debated.

EDIT:  Rog, Melissa Gardner, Michelle Bilek, Britt Hasselbring, and Karen Solari--among others--all made big plays for the Titans this year, but I'm certain that no one in Bloomington would deny that without Olivia Lett the Titans would not be where they are.  It's not a dismissal of teammates to say that an outstanding player "carried the team on her/his back"--it's one of the nicer of the new cliches, in fact. :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 15, 2012, 03:32:03 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 15, 2012, 02:41:43 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 01:39:18 PM
I've been meaning to ask about the Central Region "Player of the Year" award for a few days...

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2011-12/central-women


- Morgan Herrick (Chicago) - 11.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg
- Olivia Lett (IWU) - 21.7 ppg, 6.6 r

(In a head-to-head matchup - a 3-point Chicago win @ Chicago - Lett went for 30 pts and 10 rebounds...Herrick had 13 and 5.  I watched that game online and Lett was the best player on the floor by a significant margin.)

I know Morgan Herrick is a tremendous player, but doesn't it seem like a huge injustice for Herrick to win the Central Region P.O.Y. over Lett?



What am I missing on this?

I agree that it is indeed highly debatable.  Olivia's season-long stats are clearly superior, and she made the winning basket last weekend against a highly rated team on the road.  Her team is still playing, thanks in large part to her efforts. 

I am quite sure that Morgan Herrick is a worthy winner, but I do wonder how these decisions are made.
I wonder the same thing myself-and not just in bball.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2012, 03:46:25 PM
I share Q's doubts, view about the Lett -- Herrick choice.  I'm sure Herrick is a great player and her team surely had an outstanding season.  When was the decision made and who made it?  That's d3hoops All-Region, right?  Perhaps the All-American teams coming later will have a different conclusion.  Sure hope Olivia plays like she's been playing this weekend -- to conclude her absolutely awesome, stellar season.  But, the Titans are not a one-player show by any means, and the others have also had outstanding performances and seasons, within their own roles and the IWU system -- esp. Hasselbring and Gardner . . . but also key contributions by many many others.  I'm sure that will be needed again this weekend in facing the Tommies and then either Amherst or George Fox.  This is the ultimate challenge this weekend.  Should be great stuff -- my money is on our battle-tested Titans.  I take nothing away from, have all respect for St. Thomas, George Fox and surely Amherst.  All great teams.  Their stats and their records speak for themselves.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2012, 03:48:09 PM
Good luck to Coach Smith and all the Titans tomorrow in Holland, MI. 

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2012, 04:18:46 PM
What provoked my comments was Titan Q calling Herrick a tremendous player, but following that with the suggestion that giving her that award could be a huge injustice. Olivia is a superb player, but not "hugely" better than a tremendous one.
Both are top stars, with Olivia having superior scoring talents. Morgan was the foundation of Chicago's excellent defense. Both contribute greatly in numerous ways. Believe me, all you Titan fans would've been thrilled to have Herrick on your team. Likewise, any team in the nation would want Olivia in their uniform.
I am curious, along with everyone else, as to when the voting for the All-Americans occurs --- has it taken place already, or is it done during the finals?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 05:54:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 15, 2012, 04:18:46 PM
What provoked my comments was Titan Q calling Herrick a tremendous player, but following that with the suggestion that giving her that award could be a huge injustice.

I'm comfortable with both points I made, Rog.  I do think that a) Herrick is a tremendous player, and that b) Lett losing the P.O.Y. award to her was a huge injustice. 

There is a just a big, big separation between these numbers:

- Morgan Herrick (Chicago) - 11.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg
- Olivia Lett (IWU) - 21.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg

And both led their teams to great seasons, and both provide great "intangibles." 

If we were talking about the CCIW M.O.P. I'd say that Diana Jacklin is a tremendous player...but had she won the M.O.P. over Lett it would have been a huge injustice.  On the men's side I'd say the same about Jordan Zimmer/Tim McCrary.

Olivia Lett, without question, had a better 2011-12 than Morgan Herrick as I see it.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2012, 06:13:37 PM
Here's hoping that the best part of Olivia's season will be tomorrow and Saturday!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 15, 2012, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 15, 2012, 06:13:37 PM
Here's hoping that the best part of Olivia's season will be tomorrow and Saturday!

That we can both agree on, Rog!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 15, 2012, 07:26:01 PM
A closer look

TO--- Herrick --37.   Lett. 110
3 pt.  Herrick 6-15 .400.  Lett 46-151 .305
Total Fg. Herrick 100-206 .534. Lett. 237-496 .478
Ft.   Herrick 56-70. .800.   Lett.  153-181 .848
Assist. Herrick. 49.  Lett 105
Blocks  Herrick  19.  Lett 32
Steals. Herrick 34.   Lett. 57

As those stats indicate ( steals-blocks), Lett plays some defense as well. We all know
you can twist and not list stats that doesn't support your views, but these are
telling in a couple of ways. Lett has more turnovers, but she also plays the point
when asked, having twice as many assists. Lett is a great all around player, she
just doesn't hang around wanting to shoot, yes she does shoot a lot, but it is something you want a good shooter to do.

Herrick is a great player as well, not trying to take anything away, but the results of the player of the region is a little puzzling. She might be a better player, but not this year.

They are both good to great players, but only one led their team to the Final Four.

Yes I know that has no bearing on the player of the region, but in reality maybe it does, just saying.


Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 15, 2012, 07:29:34 PM
Just learning how to do this stuff, so it doesn't look quite as pretty as some
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 15, 2012, 07:40:22 PM
Very nice job, D-3 watcher.  The more stats that show up, the more puzzling this becomes.  Thank you for posting!

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 15, 2012, 08:54:54 PM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on March 15, 2012, 07:26:01 PM
A closer look

TO--- Herrick --37.   Lett. 110
3 pt.  Herrick 6-15 .400.  Lett 46-151 .305
Total Fg. Herrick 100-206 .534. Lett. 237-496 .478
Ft.   Herrick 56-70. .800.   Lett.  153-181 .848
Assist. Herrick. 49.  Lett 105
Blocks  Herrick  19.  Lett 32
Steals. Herrick 34.   Lett. 57

As those stats indicate ( steals-blocks), Lett plays some defense as well. We all know
you can twist and not list stats that doesn't support your views, but these are
telling in a couple of ways. Lett has more turnovers, but she also plays the point
when asked, having twice as many assists. Lett is a great all around player, she
just doesn't hang around wanting to shoot, yes she does shoot a lot, but it is something you want a good shooter to do.

Herrick is a great player as well, not trying to take anything away, but the results of the player of the region is a little puzzling. She might be a better player, but not this year.

They are both good to great players, but only one led their team to the Final Four.

Yes I know that has no bearing on the player of the region, but in reality maybe it does, just saying.
You did a very nice job with these stats!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 15, 2012, 09:02:37 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 15, 2012, 07:40:22 PM
Very nice job, D-3 watcher.  The more stats that show up, the more puzzling this becomes.  Thank you for posting!
Do you know the criteria for selecting these awards? Is it done by committee,coaches a combination? I don't know the process, so I'm just asking.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2012, 10:23:30 PM
It was definitely a close vote by our panel, which is SIDs from the region and staff. Ironically, because most of UAA teams' games are out of the immediate area, UAA players tend to fare more poorly in our voting, rather than being favored.

One stat which nobody mentioned was minutes -- Herrick accumulated her stats in 22 minutes because of the team's balance, while Lett played 31.3 minutes per game.

And as a reminder, nominations close at the end of the regular season, and those are the stats that are voted upon.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 15, 2012, 11:18:27 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2012, 10:23:30 PM
It was definitely a close vote by our panel, which is SIDs from the region and staff. Ironically, because most of UAA teams' games are out of the immediate area, UAA players tend to fare more poorly in our voting, rather than being favored.

One stat which nobody mentioned was minutes -- Herrick accumulated her stats in 22 minutes because of the team's balance, while Lett played 31.3 minutes per game.

And as a reminder, nominations close at the end of the regular season, and those are the stats that are voted upon.
Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 15, 2012, 11:34:50 PM
Believe it or not, but I didn't leave that out on purpose.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 16, 2012, 09:46:54 AM
Congratulations to IWU sophomores Nick Anderson and Lexi Baltes on the academic awards they won last night at their respective banquets...

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/3/15/mbb_0315125710.aspx


Illinois Wesleyan sophomores Lexi Baltes and Nick Anderson are the recipients of the Elite 89 awards for the 2012 NCAA Division III women's and men's basketball championships, respectively.

The student-athletes were presented with the awards during their respective championship sport banquets on Thursday night (March 15) in Holland, Mich., where the women are playing in the final round, and in Salem, Va., where the men are participating in their final round.

Baltes has a 3.876 grade-point average majoring in English with a concentration in secondary education and political science at Illinois Wesleyan. A 5-7 guard, she has played in all 31 games and started nine, averaging 4.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Anderson, an accounting major with a 3.975 GPA, has played in all 30 games and scores 4.2 points per game while gathering in 2.8 rebounds.

The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: CCIWFAN6 on March 16, 2012, 10:39:38 AM
Nice article in the Chicago Tribune on the two IWU teams

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-cph-haugh-ncaa-20120315,0,3136582.story
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: veterancciwfan on March 16, 2012, 11:27:02 AM
Two suggestions for IWU fans heading to Hope.

1) Consider eating at Clines in rural Fennville (south of Holland) It's like stepping back in time to the 40s. Fantastic food and baked goods galore. It's about 4-5 miles from the Interstate. You will see the Clines sign on the Interstate.

2) Try the hike to view Lake Michigan at Saugatuck (sp?) State Park. It's about a 1.5 mile hike that leads to sands dunes above the lake. Saugutuck is between Holland and Fennville.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2012, 12:00:00 PM
Warm congrats to Lexi Baltes and Nick Anderson.  Now that's the kind of award that makes all Titans even more proud!  Way to go!  (and beating out Amherst and MIT, I might just add . . . just say'in!).  I heard on JBC this a.m., in the interview with Mia Smith from Holland, that the IWU women also won the award for the best entertainment at the D3 banquest Thursday night.  Did you know that Karen Solari is an expert rapper?  Who knew?   :)  Stay loose TITANS, play smart and keep laughing . . . then win BIG!  Very nice interview with Victor Davis on Hoopsville's vignettes -- online on D3hoops.com   Nice job, Victor . . . much appreciated. 

The Chicago Tribune article was the best so far . . . agree with Pat about the likelihood of Chicago area coverage of D3 sports in general, even basketball in particular.  Nice that many of the local, hometown papers are giving some kudos, articles on the various Titans hailing from their areas. 

Good luck to both teams this evening. . . we'll all be cheering you on!!!

GO TITANS!!!!!!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2012, 02:41:26 PM
D3Watcher, thanks for all the data.  Yes, very puzzling . . . moreso after more data comes to light.  Seems the timing of the decision may have been why, though still doesn't make sense on the basis of the data in the regular season.  Yes, UC was undefeated, though this is not a team award, this is the regional "Player of the Year" Award.  Let's hope Olivia puts a huge exclamation point on it all this evening and again tomorrow night.  Great season for her, with many single season Titan records set.  I think it will be a long long time before Lett's single season records are challenged or broken at IWU.

Looking forward to the matchup of the undefeateds in a few hours too -- Amherst vs. George Fox.  A clash of Titans, then hopefully they have to take on THE TITANS! 


GO TITANS!!!!!!!!!

IWU70

HT, have fun up there . . . cheer them on for me, OK?   
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 16, 2012, 03:22:34 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 16, 2012, 02:41:26 PM
D3Watcher, thanks for all the data.  Yes, very puzzling . . . moreso after more data comes to light.  Seems the timing of the decision may have been why, though still doesn't make sense on the basis of the data in the regular season.  Yes, UC was undefeated, though this is not a team award, this is the regional "Player of the Year" Award.  Let's hope Olivia puts a huge exclamation point on it all this evening and again tomorrow night.  Great season for her, with many single season Titan records set.  I think it will be a long long time before Lett's single season records are challenged or broken at IWU.

Looking forward to the matchup of the undefeateds in a few hours too -- Amherst vs. George Fox.  A clash of Titans, then hopefully they have to take on THE TITANS! 


GO TITANS!!!!!!!!!

IWU70

HT, have fun up there . . . cheer them on for me, OK?

IMHO, I would rather play in the Final Four with a trip to the National Championship game, if I had to choose between the two. Good Luck Titans!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2012, 03:40:07 PM
NewCard, agree with you.  But, just seems very puzzling given the tremendous single season performance that Lett has put up.  We are all delighted our Titan TEAM have gotten to the Final Four in Holland, and have high hopes for today and tomorrow.  Let's hope Olivia puts a HUGE exclamation point on her Titan career today and tomorrow, and brings home the Walnut and Bronze, surely another banner for the rafters of The Shirk --the top banner possible.

GO TITANS!!!!!!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2012, 05:47:28 PM
Amherst up 1 at half over GF.

Munger looks very tough.  Amherst moves the ball nicely.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 06:07:55 PM
GF now up by 3 early in the second.  For a long while it looked like Hannah Munger was a one-woman team (she had 16 of their first 22 points), but the rest of the team is now responding (she's still at 18 while the team has 40).

IF we face GF, I wonder what the plan is to slow down the 6'5" Munger?  (Or is that simply not possible for a d3 team?)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 06:50:06 PM
GF up 70-66 w/ 1:07 to go.  Munger has 34.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 07:01:49 PM
GF wins 76-69.  Munger finishes with 36 and 13 - can anyone slow her down?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 16, 2012, 07:03:18 PM
Great opening game! GF will be a tough foe in the championship game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 08:22:20 PM
At the half: IWU 26, St. Thomas 25.

Pretty ugly game so far.  I've seen the Titans on the web several times now - they are not playing well, and only a relatively small part of that is the Tommie defense, IMO.  (Never having seen the Tommies play before, whether their problems are a poor game or Titan defense, I can't say.)  IWU is shooting 33%, St. Thomas 27% - that may or may not be defense.  But since EACH team is shooting 20% from the line, the scoring problems sure ain't ALL defense!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 16, 2012, 08:25:35 PM
A little halftime reading.  My blog about Smith and the Titans

http://fatpastor.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/looking-for-a-team-to-cheer-for-in-march-madness/
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 08:59:43 PM
Wow - anyone catch tat play by Hasselbring?!  She tripped and maintained her dribble while flat on the floor, got up and continued the play!  Unbelievable!

Titans threatening to blow this one open.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 09:05:06 PM
Titans up 13 w/ 6:44 to go.

Not claiming victory just yet, but they are definitely the better team, IMO.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 09:25:31 PM
Titans win, 67-53.  ONE MORE!!

But I have no clue what they do with Hannah Munger (though they beat 'em last year in the Elite Eight, so who knows?!).

GO TITANS!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 16, 2012, 09:35:09 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 08:59:43 PM
Wow - anyone catch tat play by Hasselbring?!  She tripped and maintained her dribble while flat on the floor, got up and continued the play!  Unbelievable!

Titans threatening to blow this one open.
That was nice, but also no the Top Ten plays that wouldn't really make a top ten list would be when the St. Thomas player was trapped on the baseline, and she tried to throw it off of a Titan's leg.  I don't remember who it was, but she lifted her leg just in time so the ball went out of bounds.  What a heads-up play.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 09:39:18 PM
Quote from: mactitan on March 16, 2012, 09:35:09 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2012, 08:59:43 PM
Wow - anyone catch tat play by Hasselbring?!  She tripped and maintained her dribble while flat on the floor, got up and continued the play!  Unbelievable!

Titans threatening to blow this one open.
That was nice, but also no the Top Ten plays that wouldn't really make a top ten list would be when the St. Thomas player was trapped on the baseline, and she tried to throw it off of a Titan's leg.  I don't remember who it was, but she lifted her leg just in time so the ball went out of bounds.  What a heads-up play.

Somehow I missed that one (bathroom break, perhaps, or just old, slow eyes) - sounds like great reflexes!

Once the second half was underway, that game was easier than I had feared - no way would the Tommies have had only one loss against the Titans' schedule!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2012, 09:51:32 PM
Wow, great stuff, great win.  TITANS in the national championship game.  Congrats to Coach Smith and all the team.  Now one more, time for giant killing (again!) . . . taking down the Bruins.  Go get one more.  We're all pulling for you. 

Congrats to the Tommies, as they fought hard and had a great season.  Ypsi, agree with you totally -- they wouldn't have had such a fat record in the CCIW or with the TITANS pre-CCIW schedule. No way.

Lett again the key -- to me, still the regional player of the year, with 24 and 10 or some such tonight.  Just all over the place even with very tough D played on her by St. Thomas.  Shelby Jackson fought hard, scored and rebounded well.  Everyone fought hard.  Gotta watch the fouling tomorrow night, and have several Titan bigs come prepared to push Munger off the block -- would expect Solari, Jackson, even Amy Burton to put some body on her, get her a step or two further from the hoop and she won't be near as effective.  Gotta defend the entry passes very well . . . keep Keisha Gordon down too.

We'll need a total team effort, a great game from Lett and better perimeter shooting and play from everyone else.  Shelby Jackson will be key, perhaps fronting Munger. 

Should be another war, another great battle.  Go for one more, TITANS!

Congrats on a great national semi-final win tonight.  Rest up, drink lots and relax -- get ready for the war tomorrow night.

IWU70

The quick leg-removal play was by Melissa Gardner -- great move!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 16, 2012, 09:55:35 PM
Congats to the Titan ladies! way to take control in the 2nd half. Tomorrow's game should be a battle!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 16, 2012, 11:31:06 PM
Congrats to the Titans on the big win tonight. Unfortunately I'm not able to watch any of the games this weekend, but best of luck to the Titans tomorrow night. My dad actually worked at George Fox for a while in the late 90s, during which time I went to my first DIII womens game -- at George Fox. Should be a great game. I'm sure the Bruins have not forgotten last year's Elite Eight matchup.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2012, 11:52:16 PM
My congratulations, too, to IWU. Tomorrow's will be a tough challenge, but the Titans have what's needed.
Go get 'em, Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BruinFan on March 17, 2012, 12:29:51 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on March 16, 2012, 11:31:06 PM
My dad actually worked at George Fox for a while in the late 90s, during which time I went to my first DIII womens game -- at George Fox.

Backseat - did you live in Newberg during that time? I was going to GF games during those years. I think Hannah Munger was in town, but hadn't yet broke 6'. :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 17, 2012, 09:47:28 AM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 17, 2012, 12:29:51 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on March 16, 2012, 11:31:06 PM
My dad actually worked at George Fox for a while in the late 90s, during which time I went to my first DIII womens game -- at George Fox.

Backseat - did you live in Newberg during that time? I was going to GF games during those years. I think Hannah Munger was in town, but hadn't yet broke 6'. :D

We lived in Lake Oswego. I was about 10 I think when I went to the game, but I'm pretty sure it was an NCAA tournament game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 17, 2012, 09:57:05 AM
Just a thought on IWU, I think what has set this team apart from the Titans' other recent teams is that they are a really good halfcourt defensive team. That's not to say that they were bad in the past, but this year's team is just noticeably good. The press is still  hard to manage too, especially for the first time (like St. Thomas). George Fox will be more familiar with the press, so the Titans will need to be really solid in their halfcourt D today.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 17, 2012, 03:18:51 PM
Congratulations to Olivia Lett, D3hoops First Team All-American!

COY and POY to be announced later....

Holland is a sea of green for St. Paddy's day.  Off to DeVos for the consolation game.  This is a gorgeous place, including the people!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 17, 2012, 03:54:58 PM
http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2012


Really happy for Olivia Lett - much deserved honor. 

Also congrats to Carthage's Diana Jacklin!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2012, 04:08:45 PM
Congrats to Olivia Lett . . . and Jordan Zimmer on All-American honors.  Richly deserved.

Go get'em TITANS!

Good luck tonight in the big game. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 17, 2012, 07:00:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 17, 2012, 04:08:45 PM
Congrats to Olivia Lett . . . and Jordan Zimmer on All-American honors.  Richly deserved.

Go get'em TITANS!

Good luck tonight in the big game. 

IWU70
Adding my congratulations to the Titan All-Americans! Bring home the title tonight ladies!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2012, 07:48:54 PM
After falling behind 9-0, and still down 21-12, the Titans finished the half on a 16-1 run!

They lead at halftime, 28-22.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: realist on March 17, 2012, 07:57:25 PM
Lot different game with Munger out with the blown knee.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 17, 2012, 08:25:14 PM
I hate to see injuries - to any player any time.  It is heartbreaking to see someone go down in the championship game.  Still a lot of basketball to go, but it seemed like IWU started their run when Munger went down.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 17, 2012, 08:57:10 PM
One of my favorite things to watch as a sports fan is a team winning a national championship. I often tear-up when I see the players celebrate. It's even sweeter when it's my alma mater, and I can hear the fight song that I learned 17 years ago. It's good to be Green. Go Titans.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2012, 09:00:20 PM
2012 National Champions!!!  Final was 57-48.

A game of runs.  Titans trailed 9-0, then still 21-12, before finishing the half 16-1.  GF had a 13-0 run midway thru the 2nd half to take a 6 point lead.  Titans finished the game on a 12-0 run.

Neither team shot very well from the field (mainly because of outstanding defenses).  Perhaps the biggest stat was FTs - Titans shot 87%, GF on 62%.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2012, 09:04:16 PM
Love it.  Titans National Champs!  Congrats to Mia Smith and all the Titans.  Great final trey by Melissa and great performance by Olivia Lett.  Tough tough game.  Kudos to George Fox, a good tough team.  Very tough that Munger went down with injury.  Changed the style and pace of the game completely. 

Very proud for the Titans -- esp. for Mia Smith. 

Defense does win championships!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 17, 2012, 09:05:23 PM
Congratulations Titans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 17, 2012, 09:06:02 PM
This game was tied with 1:00 to play when Melissa Gardner his a huge three.  The rest was just no-fouls defense, rebounding and free throw shooting.  I give George Fox a lot of credit.  Not many teams have the kind of fight that the Bruins had tonight.  Losing their leading scorer with a big lead 6 minutes into the game was a huge blow.  When the Titans led by about 6-8 in the second half, I kept thinking they would pull away.  Fox started to attack the basket, got more aggressive on rebounds, and almost took control of things.  Olivia Lett struggled some, but she hit big shots when needed, and Gardner's three was so sweet.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 17, 2012, 09:32:13 PM
Congrats to Illinois Wesleyan!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2012, 09:42:53 PM
Congrats to all the Final Four teams, esp. to George Fox. They kept fighting and almost came all the way back with about 4 minutes to go, then the Titans went on a huge run, like 15-1 or so.  Gardner's shot was the dagger, and Olivia put it away with 6-6 from the line.  Great overall effort, a really tough, rather ugly game with little flow, so much tough D, lots of fouls, and pretty poor shooting by both teams, if truth be told.  Sometimes you gotta win ugly.  Feel bad for GF and for Munger going down.  Didn't look good.  Severe knee twist, sprain.  Hope she's OK and can come back, with another huge season ahead for her, I'm sure.  GF will be back again I'm sure.  GF gave everything they had tonight, esp. Gordon (great player) but our Titans were indeed battle-tested, without fear . . . able to come back from the GF surge and take it home!

Olivia Lett -- DIII Player of the Year!  Congrats Olivia.  Much deserved.  

Congrats to Mia Smith, my Coach of the Year, hands down.  Just say'in.  Look forward to celebrating later this week at The Shirk.  Bring that Walnut and Bronze back home so we all can see it . . .

So happy for all the kids, for Coach Smith, . . . who worked so hard all year, through thick and thin, through illness and treatment, and at the end, the TITANS are the team standing.

Another banner in the rafters of Shirk -- and this one is the best kind.

Love it.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 17, 2012, 10:17:37 PM
Gotta add my congrats to the National Champs. Great game!  Let the celebration(s) begin!!!!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 17, 2012, 10:33:24 PM
Congratulations to Illinois Wesleyan for the women's first basketball championship, which admits them into the club of champions with the other schools in the final four and into the club of schools with both men and women championship teams.  I also wonder if it this will make it even harder to recruit that fourth vict..opponent for the annual tip off tournament with WashU and Depauw.  ;D

It's always disappointing to have an early injury affect the game but that's one of the risks in relying so much on one player.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2012, 10:39:01 PM
I was delightfully surprised to see Olivia Lett named national POY!  Well deserved, but I didn't think she'd get it - good call, d3hoops.com!

Both teams had very low shooting percentages, but I didn't think that was primarily bad offense - both defenses were simply superb!  IMO the stat of the game was the one where defenses became irrelevant: GF made 62% of their FTs, IWU made 87%!  The final margin was a bit misleading because GF had to foul, and the Titans simply refused to miss any late FTs.

MUST IWU dig such a hole when they play GF?  Last year, 27-4, this year 9-0.  Fortunately, they dug their way out each time.  Just checked the play-by-play: IWU finished EACH half tonight with a 16-1 run!  But sometime those slow starts are going to be too much.

Just not tonight!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: BruinFan on March 17, 2012, 10:51:37 PM
Quote from: mark_reichert on March 17, 2012, 10:33:24 PM
It's always disappointing to have an early injury affect the game but that's one of the risks in relying so much on one player.

Munger led the team in scoring just 8 times this season prior to the tournament. Score tonight was tied under 2 minutes to go. GF held IWU to under 60 points for only the 3rd time all season even without Munger in the middle. I don't see how that is relying too much on one player.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2012, 11:01:03 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 17, 2012, 10:51:37 PM
Quote from: mark_reichert on March 17, 2012, 10:33:24 PM
It's always disappointing to have an early injury affect the game but that's one of the risks in relying so much on one player.

Munger led the team in scoring just 8 times this season prior to the tournament. Score tonight was tied under 2 minutes to go. GF held IWU to under 60 points for only the 3rd time all season even without Munger in the middle. I don't see how that is relying too much on one player.

Mark, gonna have to agree with BruinFan on this one.  Keisha Gordon was GF's first team AA; Hannah Munger was 'only' second team AA.  According to the announcers, when Hannah's replacement came in, she was STILL the tallest player on the floor!  You may be overreacting to Munger's game in the semi-finals, where she went for 36 and 13, and was virtually a 'one-woman-team' - after all, few of us (me included) would really follow a team so far away most of the season.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 18, 2012, 12:23:58 AM
Great job ladies, after being on the doorstep the last couple of years, you finally get to open it, and grab the grand prize. The girls certainly have a super star, but the cast around her, is a lot better than just a supporting cast. You are a fun group to watch, easy to follow. Speaking of following, got another one next year?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2012, 12:24:35 AM
Way to go Titans, those who played and those who supported from the bench!
I'm just back at my motel, having spent some time at the Titans' celebration at the Doubletree Hotel, along with Hoosier Titan, her husband and daughter. It was very nice, recognizing each player with applause. No bragging, just a positive time of enjoyment. Pizza, cake, beverages.
As I was heading out, the University of St Thomas team arrived to the Doubletree by bus, following supper somewhere. Special thanks to them for beating Calvin last weekend. Nothing against the Calvin team at all, but had they made the final four, the DeVos Fieldhouse would've been packed with a surplus of their fans. I liked it like it was, not completely full.
But back to IWU.
Excellent contributions from all eight who played, in what was a rugged game. Neither side allowed the other to establish anything that could be called a flow. Lexi was the top scorer early on, and played a very sharp game. Olivia ended things making several FTs, eliminating any hope GFox might've had. Melissa's 3FG was very important. Brit handled the ball superbly throughout. Colleen McMahon and Michelle Bilek provided great hustle and did many good things that aren't listed on the stat page. Shelby Jackson used her height and energy very effectively. Karen was Karen, acquiring more bruises and frustrating whomever she was assigned to guard; and she made the game-tying free throws. All eight gave all they had at both ends of the court. All told, an impressive win, capping an impressive season, all guided and inspired by Coach Mia Smith. Nicely done!
A great night for IWU and a good night for the CCIW, thanks to the Titans and to Carthage, who made the final eight.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2012, 01:57:24 AM
I am hereby giving up on worrying about graduation losses.  For at least 4 years (probably more) I have bemoaned the seniors who were leaving, expecting disaster.

Cutting to only the last two years, we lost Christina Solari (among others), then reached the FF for the first time.  Last year we lost such luminaries as Stacey Arliss, Hope Schulte, etc., then went from 4th to 1st in the country!  Now we lose Olivia Lett, Britt Hasselbring, Karen Solari, Melissa Gardner, etc. - what's next: beating Baylor and UConn next year??!! ;D ;D

Mia Smith is a magician!! 8-)

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 18, 2012, 08:20:54 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2012, 01:57:24 AM
I am hereby giving up on worrying about graduation losses.  For at least 4 years (probably more) I have bemoaned the seniors who were leaving, expecting disaster.

Cutting to only the last two years, we lost Christina Solari (among others), then reached the FF for the first time.  Last year we lost such luminaries as Stacey Arliss, Hope Schulte, etc., then went from 4th to 1st in the country!  Now we lose Olivia Lett, Britt Hasselbring, Karen Solari, Melissa Gardner, etc. - what's next: beating Baylor and UConn next year??!! ;D ;D

Mia Smith is a magician!! 8-)
With a national championship should come an increase in top recruits. I wouldn't worry about IWU womens hoops at all:):)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mactitan on March 18, 2012, 09:11:54 AM
How is Mia Smith still in DIII? Bigger schools with bigger paychecks and better facilities have to be calling, right?  Has that ever been in the conversation?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 18, 2012, 09:27:42 AM
Quote from: mactitan on March 18, 2012, 09:11:54 AM
How is Mia Smith still in DIII? Bigger schools with bigger paychecks and better facilities have to be calling, right?  Has that ever been in the conversation?
If they haven't called before, I would think they would take a close look now.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on March 18, 2012, 04:55:54 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2012, 11:01:03 PM
after all, few of us (me included) would really follow a team so far away most of the season.

Actually not at all until the tournament.  I saw Fahey's 600th win, but since I see sports as an insane distraction rather than a pleasant diversion these days, I haven't been to a Bears game since.  I just figured that Munger was this year's Kristen Shielee.  Sorry I figured wrong.

How about some reinforcement on the positive things I pointed out, trite as they might be to folks here?

I just discovered the IWU Final Four Media Guide and want to add that only WashU in 2009 and 2007, Stevens Point in 2004, and Centre in 1989 had had both the men's and women's team in the Final Four in the same year, none of them having both teams win.  Only UConn has succeeded at that.

The guide also shows the IWU women's history in the tournament and some of my delight in their win might be guilt.  In 1995, 1996, 2003, 2009 and 2011 it was the Bears who knocked the Titans out of the tournament.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 18, 2012, 05:14:30 PM
Finally back home after a wonderful weekend for Titan fans, and I hope the other teams and fans found some positives as well.  Holland and Hope College were wonderful hosts.  The city is gorgeous, the weather was fabulous, and they even put on a parade of green for us Saturday morning! ;)

I must agree that George Fox is far from a one-woman team.  Their gritty performance showed that last night.  Neither team was able to play beautiful basketball, thanks to the defensive efforts of the other.  Keisha Gordon was superb, all but matching Olivia Lett, and the cast of supporting characters was great:  for the Titans, Lexi Baltes's ballhandling down the stretch and Melissa Gardner's key 3 after a lot of misses jump to mind. 

I really felt for Hannah Munger; it was obvious that she was seriously hurting immediately.  The Bruins did a great job of re-grouping and, presumably, seriously restructuring their game plan on the fly.

All the teams were at the Doubletree and had celebrations, but having been at previous ones when we didn't win, I think it's safe to say that IWU's was the largest and most joyous.  The team, families, band members and fans enjoyed themselves immensely; I'm sure the party was going long after we headed back to our hotel.

If anyone in the B-N area isn't aware, there is talk of a celebration for both Final Four teams on Tuesday night.  I'll post more information as it becomes available.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2012, 05:31:34 PM
It occurred to me that I should delete part of my previous post, since it was a bit of an inappropriate observation on my part. I hope no offense was taken.
Here's something basketball-related I'd like to point out: The two teams in the final and the team that won the consolation game all pressed full-court for the whole game. While there weren't a whole lot of turnovers induced (credit excellent ball-handling), those coaches stuck with it, apparently finding value in eating time off the other sides' shot clock and just causing stress on the opposing offense. Is this the start of a wider trend of more pressing, or just a one year abberation?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2012, 05:44:25 PM
Quote from: mark_reichert on March 18, 2012, 04:55:54 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2012, 11:01:03 PM
after all, few of us (me included) would really follow a team so far away most of the season.

Actually not at all until the tournament.  I saw Fahey's 600th win, but since I see sports as an insane distraction rather than a pleasant diversion these days, I haven't been to a Bears game since.  I just figured that Munger was this year's Kristen Shielee.  Sorry I figured wrong.

How about some reinforcement on the positive things I pointed out, trite as they might be to folks here?

I just discovered the IWU Final Four Media Guide and want to add that only WashU in 2009 and 2007, Stevens Point in 2004, and Centre in 1989 had had both the men's and women's team in the Final Four in the same year, none of them having both teams win.  Only UConn has succeeded at that.

The guide also shows the IWU women's history in the tournament and some of my delight in their win might be guilt.  In 1995, 1996, 2003, 2009 and 2011 it was the Bears who knocked the Titans out of the tournament.

Sorry, I hadn't really meant the post as criticism of you - after her game against Amherst, I, too, was focusing all day on 'how can we possibly stop Hannah Munger?'  Only after a bit of research (and seeing GF after HM went down) did I realize that the team was definitely NOT 'Hannah and four of her little friends'! :P

I had been getting a bit of a complex about WashU - especially since several of those years we had won the regular season game! ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2012, 05:54:21 PM
Quote from: mactitan on March 18, 2012, 09:11:54 AM
How is Mia Smith still in DIII? Bigger schools with bigger paychecks and better facilities have to be calling, right?  Has that ever been in the conversation?

I'm sure Dennie Bridges got plenty of offers too (and such coaches as Larry Kehres and John Gagliardi are well know to have been courted).  Many coaches simply prefer the atmosphere, comraderie, and lower pressure of d3; you won't get filthy rich, but you'll be paid adequately and the quality of life is better (for those who prefer that sort of life).

(And, no, I have absolutely NO insider knowledge about Mia Smith's situation or goals.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2012, 05:56:01 PM
HT, let us know for sure about the celebration Tuesday.  I'd love to attend.

Sounds like a great trip, surely a happy outcome.  I watched the entire game with my 93 year old parents, all loyal Titan fans, too.  We were whooping it up in the retirement home!  :) 

Great season, fitting ending for this tough team and our even tougher coach.  Sounds like the post-game was lots of fun.

See you later this week.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwumichigander on March 19, 2012, 11:54:13 AM
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You Lady Titans! 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 19, 2012, 12:01:01 PM
It now looks more likely that the celebration of the two Final Four teams will be next Tuesday, 27 March, instead of tomorrow night.  Stay tuned.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 19, 2012, 12:13:26 PM
I was just reading through the recent posts and saw a little mistake in reply 3123 : the list of IWU seniors should include Amy Burton, but not Melissa Gardner. Melissa is just a junior and has another year of excellent play for the Titans.
Turns out that the last team to top the Titans was Wheaton, 76-74 in 2OT on January 28. That was when Brooke Olson poured in 25 pts for the Thunder.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 19, 2012, 02:38:26 PM
Yes, happily, Melissa Gardner, shooter of that HUGE trey in the championship game, is a junior, back again next season, along with all those active and hungry sophomores!  I think Bilek and Gardner are the returning seniors for next year.  Time to reload. 

Thanks to all of this year's seniors for their hard work and leadership -- Burton, Solari, Hasselbring and Lett.  We'll miss you next year for sure. 

HT, hope the celebration is on the 27th, better than tomorrow night, which conflicted with the homecoming concert of the Collegiate Choir at Second Pres.  Hope for no conflict.  Keep us posted.

Thanks to all the TITANS for a great season, a wonderful championship run.  Much appreciated.  Let's celebrate!!!

Just chatted with Jordan Zimmer here in the Library . . . he's still in the boot, hoping the stress fracture can heal up without surgery. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 19, 2012, 04:00:12 PM
In addition to Olivia being D3Hoops Player of the Year, Diana Jacklin made 2nd team. Both are deserving and both players represent the CCIW very well.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 19, 2012, 07:49:53 PM
Mia Smith with another big Coach of the Year award today.  Congratulations, Coach Smith.   (see IWU sports site, under "women's basketball" for details). 

Diana Jacklin very deserving on her All-American honors.  Great to watch her play and compete this year . . . and for her to lead Carthage to a great run in the tourney. 

Titans will have some very good, experienced players back, but some uncertainties too on how to replace Solari's toughness, Hasselbring's steadiness, ball-handling, floor generalship, and, of course, the total all-around offensive and defensive game of the Player of the Year, Olivia Lett.  No replacement likely.  It will be new, it will be different, just like it was this year.  No need to be discouraged, Ypsi!

Key players coming back:  Gardner, Bilek, McMahon, Jackson, Baltes, Scurlock, K. Reaber -- and some of the pine-sitters will have to step up.  Scurlock, Seibring, Brown and others can step it up.  Two starters and three key rotational players coming back.  I like Baltes as the new PG. Shelby Jackson improved greatly over the season -- will be really good these next two seasons.  Will have to find some new pieces, some new additional bigs, more scoring for sure..  Of course, we all hope Coach Smith will again be guiding the program, the team, running the "run and jump."  I like our chances.  Recruitment can't be hurt by a national championship.   To me, it's another reload, not a rebuild for 2012-13. 

New mix for six.  Hope for Hope, yet again.  Why not?   Look forward to that banner-raising night at The Shirk!

IWU70

Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Titan Q on March 21, 2012, 08:14:48 AM
A Springfield Journal-Register article on Olivia Lett and IWU's championship...

http://www.sj-r.com/sports/x1730865808/Wesleyan-s-title-team-has-strong-ties-to-area
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 22, 2012, 01:06:24 PM
Big IWU celebration @The Shirk, announced now for March 27th -- next Tuesday -- at 7 p.m. 

Oh happy day!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2012, 11:41:23 AM
A few more Final Four thoughts rattling around in my head:
Thanks to Michelle Bilek's dad for giving me a lift from the gym to the Titan celebration site.
Have we mentioned here that Karen Solari made game-tying free throws late in Saturday's game? I had noticed that she was making 70 or 80 pct of her shots in the warm-ups. Karen shot 79 pct at the line for the season, as well as just over 50 pct for FGs. Her scoring average was 4.8, with 7 teammates averaging higher. Known primarily for her defense, she likely would have had better scoring totals if the Titans needed her to (they didn't).
iwu70, I notice that you repeated the "defense wins championships" maxim.
I still don't like that simplification. I say good defense combined with good offense wins championships. And, if one says that all teams that make it to the Finals have very good defenses, then it is even more important to have talent on offense in order to score points against them.
Incidentally, I was glad to read that you got a great deal of enjoyment sharing the championship night with your elderly parents. An honorable thing to do. You definitely would've enjoyed being there in Michigan, too, seeing all the nonstop smiling on the Titan faces. It's possible you'll get to see a few smiles next Tuesday!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 23, 2012, 02:27:33 PM
RogK, sure wish I could have been in Holland.  But, elder care calls.  Perhaps next year!  My folks, both IWU grads too, '40 and '43, greatly enjoyed the night and the good video streaming from Hope. 

Yes, offense is needed, too, though I think everyone associated with the IWU program and championship runs this year will acknowledge that team defense, especially the pressure of "run and jump" had an awful lot to do with the Titans overall team successes this year in CCIW, league tourney and D3 dance.  That being said, it doesn't hurt to have on your side one of the best trey shooters in the country, alot of other tough/good offensive players, some of them improving quite abit over the year (like Bilek and Jackson), some awfully good experienced players (Solari, Hasselbring and Lett), and, certainly, the "national player of the year" and her terrific offensive (and defensive and rebounding and leadership) skills on your team.  As Dennie Bridges often said, it's surely best to have the best players getting off the bus with you! (or something like that!).  :)  We'll celebrate for sure.

I think the Titans will be pretty good again next year too -- likely:  1-Baltes and Reaber, 2-Gardner, 3-McMahon and Bilek, 4-Scurlock, Seibring, 5-Jackson and Brown.  Other pine-riders may surprise.  Need some new scorers, some new bigs.  Five from the championship team rotation coming back.  Very hard to replace the seniors -- Burton, Hasselbring, Solari and Lett.  It's happened before, though, and the program improved year to year.  Karen Solari has bragging rights over All-American sister, CCIW first-teamer, Christina Solari.  So, new mix for six.  Newbies and recruits yet to come.   Sure would be nice to find another Olivia Lett, another Hope Schulte, another Christina Solari, or another Mallory Heydorn . . . of course! :)

I'm very optimistic.  Will surely enjoy all the smiles Tuesday celebrating such a great season of IWU hoops -- both men and women.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 23, 2012, 08:42:38 PM
I've said this before, but I really think the difference for IWU this year was that they were a stronger half-court defensive team than the last few years. Their press is always good, but this year in particular the Titans were tough to crack in the half-court as well. I don't know if there's really a stat to quantify my opinion, it's just the impression I got after having seen IWU many times over the last several years.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 24, 2012, 08:15:18 AM
That's why defense wins championships! The offemse wows the crowd. Looks like iWU will be tough again next season as well. But for now-enjoy the celebrations!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 26, 2012, 07:10:14 PM
Olivet Nazarene, an annual opponent of IWU, will have a new coach next year :
http://www2.olivet.edu/athletics/news.php?c_id=3&n_id=8076
It's not clear if they will still generally play the same way, although a new coach will likely revise something, minor or major. The article also says ONU is transitioning to NAIA Div II (from I). The CCAC league has been divided into I and II, so maybe it is all going to be II? I'll check that out, but that's not of interest to most readers.
It sounds as if outgoing coach Doug Porter is taking a few years (?) off from coaching. Watching his recent teams several times a year has been interesting to me, since they played an unorthodox way, to the extreme. They made me think: what's the logic behind doing this or that, and how one aspect of their game complements the others. I'll check their box scores next fall to see what the new coach opts for, style-wise.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 26, 2012, 07:30:26 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 26, 2012, 07:10:14 PM
Olivet Nazarene, an annual opponent of IWU, will have a new coach next year :
http://www2.olivet.edu/athletics/news.php?c_id=3&n_id=8076
It's not clear if they will still generally play the same way, although a new coach will likely revise something, minor or major. The article also says ONU is transitioning to NAIA Div II (from I). The CCAC league has been divided into I and II, so maybe it is all going to be II? I'll check that out, but that's not of interest to most readers.
It sounds as if outgoing coach Doug Porter is taking a few years (?) off from coaching. Watching his recent teams several times a year has been interesting to me, since they played an unorthodox way, to the extreme. They made me think: what's the logic behind doing this or that, and how one aspect of their game complements the others. I'll check their box scores next fall to see what the new coach opts for, style-wise.
Any time a new coach comes in, you can bet they will bring, not only their philosphy, but make some changes as well. I played for three different coaches in colleg and each one brought something unique to the table.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: HCACBBALL on March 27, 2012, 12:16:11 AM
With ONU it sounds like they are going to hire their assistant to keep this style going.  They have a healthy following in the community that was not there before they started running this style. 
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 27, 2012, 07:58:34 AM
Quote from: HCACBBALL on March 27, 2012, 12:16:11 AM
With ONU it sounds like they are going to hire their assistant to keep this style going.  They have a healthy following in the community that was not there before they started running this style.

That's always nice when a school gives an assistant a shot at the HC slot. Good Luck to him. ONU is only about 30 min from where I live.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on March 27, 2012, 12:51:27 PM
I hope ONU keeps up that style of play, which is very entertaining and amazing =  the Grinnell of D3 women's hoops. 

We are celebbrating our National Champions tonight -- and our national semi-finalist men's team, too.  7 p.m. @The Shirk.  Should be smiles all round.  Good alot folks from the community can come celebrate as many many fans couldn't travel to Salem or Holland.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 27, 2012, 02:58:56 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 27, 2012, 12:51:27 PM
I hope ONU keeps up that style of play, which is very entertaining and amazing =  the Grinnell of D3 women's hoops. 

We are celebbrating our National Champions tonight -- and our national semi-finalist men's team, too.  7 p.m. @The Shirk.  Should be smiles all round.  Good alot folks from the community can come celebrate as many many fans couldn't travel to Salem or Holland.

IWU70
Have a great time tonight! I'm sure the place will be packed :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on March 27, 2012, 05:19:12 PM
Excellent news from Elmhurst today : Bluejay coach Tethnie Carrillo gave birth to a daughter this morning. Both are doing fine!
Congratulations to Tethnie and her husband Carlos.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 28, 2012, 08:05:48 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 27, 2012, 05:19:12 PM
Excellent news from Elmhurst today : Bluejay coach Tethnie Carrillo gave birth to a daughter this morning. Both are doing fine!
Congratulations to Tethnie and her husband Carlos.

New babies are alway great news! Congrats to them.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 28, 2012, 09:34:51 PM
Congrats to Tethnie and her family.  Hope to see her back next season, or whenever she's ready.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: loyalroyal on March 29, 2012, 01:15:44 AM
Hello everyone,

While I usually post in the Mid-Atlantic, Landmark Division Boards, I wanted to come here and congratulate Illinois Wesleyan on winning the National Championship.  I was at the University of Scranton in 2005 when the Lady Royals made it to the title game, but we unfortunately could not get to the mountain top.

I was looking at footage of the buzzer beater from the Sweet 16 and was curious as to something.  It seemed like the IWU head coach tried calling for a time out a few seconds before the shot was made when they didn't have any.  However, there was no call.  I was just wondering if 1) anyone noticed it; and 2) if anyone has any idea as to why it wasn't called.  I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, I am just curious.

Again, congrats to IWU!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 29, 2012, 06:21:36 AM
Quote from: loyalroyal on March 29, 2012, 01:15:44 AM
Hello everyone,

While I usually post in the Mid-Atlantic, Landmark Division Boards, I wanted to come here and congratulate Illinois Wesleyan on winning the National Championship.  I was at the University of Scranton in 2005 when the Lady Royals made it to the title game, but we unfortunately could not get to the mountain top.

I was looking at footage of the buzzer beater from the Sweet 16 and was curious as to something.  It seemed like the IWU head coach tried calling for a time out a few seconds before the shot was made when they didn't have any.  However, there was no call.  I was just wondering if 1) anyone noticed it; and 2) if anyone has any idea as to why it wasn't called.  I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, I am just curious.

Again, congrats to IWU!
My best guess is that no official saw it or could react to it before the shot was taken.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 29, 2012, 07:24:38 AM
Quote from: newcardfan on March 29, 2012, 06:21:36 AM
Quote from: loyalroyal on March 29, 2012, 01:15:44 AM
Hello everyone,

While I usually post in the Mid-Atlantic, Landmark Division Boards, I wanted to come here and congratulate Illinois Wesleyan on winning the National Championship.  I was at the University of Scranton in 2005 when the Lady Royals made it to the title game, but we unfortunately could not get to the mountain top.

I was looking at footage of the buzzer beater from the Sweet 16 and was curious as to something.  It seemed like the IWU head coach tried calling for a time out a few seconds before the shot was made when they didn't have any.  However, there was no call.  I was just wondering if 1) anyone noticed it; and 2) if anyone has any idea as to why it wasn't called.  I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, I am just curious.

Again, congrats to IWU!
My best guess is that no official saw it or could react to it before the shot was taken.
Mia Smith has said that she had just reminded every one "no time outs, no time outs!".  Almost immediately she found herself trying to call one and being called back by her assistants.  Yes, lucky for IWU that the refs didn't catch it.

I didn't notice it while watching the game live from home, but did see it afterwards.

Thanks for the congrats.  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 29, 2012, 08:14:52 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 29, 2012, 07:24:38 AM
Quote from: newcardfan on March 29, 2012, 06:21:36 AM
Quote from: loyalroyal on March 29, 2012, 01:15:44 AM
Hello everyone,

While I usually post in the Mid-Atlantic, Landmark Division Boards, I wanted to come here and congratulate Illinois Wesleyan on winning the National Championship.  I was at the University of Scranton in 2005 when the Lady Royals made it to the title game, but we unfortunately could not get to the mountain top.

I was looking at footage of the buzzer beater from the Sweet 16 and was curious as to something.  It seemed like the IWU head coach tried calling for a time out a few seconds before the shot was made when they didn't have any.  However, there was no call.  I was just wondering if 1) anyone noticed it; and 2) if anyone has any idea as to why it wasn't called.  I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, I am just curious.

Again, congrats to IWU!
My best guess is that no official saw it or could react to it before the shot was taken.
Mia Smith has said that she had just reminded every one "no time outs, no time outs!".  Almost immediately she found herself trying to call one and being called back by her assistants.  Yes, lucky for IWU that the refs didn't catch it.

I didn't notice it while watching the game live from home, but did see it afterwards.

Thanks for the congrats.  :)
What coach hasn't done that at least once during their career.  :)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 29, 2012, 07:42:07 PM
That wasn't the only break the Titans got in that game, they were not shooting free throws yet, so both coaches kinda of froze up. I believe they still had 2 fouls to give. Mount Union's going to think about those 2 things for a while.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 29, 2012, 08:09:52 PM
Quote from: newcardfan on March 29, 2012, 08:14:52 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 29, 2012, 07:24:38 AM
Quote from: newcardfan on March 29, 2012, 06:21:36 AM
Quote from: loyalroyal on March 29, 2012, 01:15:44 AM
Hello everyone,

While I usually post in the Mid-Atlantic, Landmark Division Boards, I wanted to come here and congratulate Illinois Wesleyan on winning the National Championship.  I was at the University of Scranton in 2005 when the Lady Royals made it to the title game, but we unfortunately could not get to the mountain top.

I was looking at footage of the buzzer beater from the Sweet 16 and was curious as to something.  It seemed like the IWU head coach tried calling for a time out a few seconds before the shot was made when they didn't have any.  However, there was no call.  I was just wondering if 1) anyone noticed it; and 2) if anyone has any idea as to why it wasn't called.  I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, I am just curious.

Again, congrats to IWU!
My best guess is that no official saw it or could react to it before the shot was taken.
Mia Smith has said that she had just reminded every one "no time outs, no time outs!".  Almost immediately she found herself trying to call one and being called back by her assistants.  Yes, lucky for IWU that the refs didn't catch it.

I didn't notice it while watching the game live from home, but did see it afterwards.

Thanks for the congrats.  :)
What coach hasn't done that at least once during their career.  :)

Players too--remember Chris Webber in the D1 Championship game?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 29, 2012, 08:20:39 PM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 29, 2012, 08:09:52 PM
Quote from: newcardfan on March 29, 2012, 08:14:52 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on March 29, 2012, 07:24:38 AM
Quote from: newcardfan on March 29, 2012, 06:21:36 AM
Quote from: loyalroyal on March 29, 2012, 01:15:44 AM
Hello everyone,

While I usually post in the Mid-Atlantic, Landmark Division Boards, I wanted to come here and congratulate Illinois Wesleyan on winning the National Championship.  I was at the University of Scranton in 2005 when the Lady Royals made it to the title game, but we unfortunately could not get to the mountain top.

I was looking at footage of the buzzer beater from the Sweet 16 and was curious as to something.  It seemed like the IWU head coach tried calling for a time out a few seconds before the shot was made when they didn't have any.  However, there was no call.  I was just wondering if 1) anyone noticed it; and 2) if anyone has any idea as to why it wasn't called.  I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, I am just curious.

Again, congrats to IWU!
My best guess is that no official saw it or could react to it before the shot was taken.
Mia Smith has said that she had just reminded every one "no time outs, no time outs!".  Almost immediately she found herself trying to call one and being called back by her assistants.  Yes, lucky for IWU that the refs didn't catch it.

I didn't notice it while watching the game live from home, but did see it afterwards.

Thanks for the congrats.  :)
What coach hasn't done that at least once during their career.  :)

Players too--remember Chris Webber in the D1 Championship game?
Yes I do! It's somtimes hard NOT to get caught up in the excitement of a great game :D
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Just Bill on March 30, 2012, 09:27:06 AM
It's also possible that the referee knew that IWU didn't have any timeouts and so the request was ignored. That's the correct thing for the official to do if the referee is aware of it. A technical foul for an excessive timeout is only called if the referee stops the game.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 30, 2012, 11:11:35 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 30, 2012, 09:27:06 AM
It's also possible that the referee knew that IWU didn't have any timeouts and so the request was ignored. That's the correct thing for the official to do if the referee is aware of it. A technical foul for an excessive timeout is only called if the referee stops the game.

Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 30, 2012, 08:22:45 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 30, 2012, 09:27:06 AM
It's also possible that the referee knew that IWU didn't have any timeouts and so the request was ignored. That's the correct thing for the official to do if the referee is aware of it. A technical foul for an excessive timeout is only called if the referee stops the game.

... and a good referee should be aware of it. As NPU's scorekeeper, I've come to expect the lead official to come over to the scorer's table in the waning minutes of a close game and ask me how many timeouts each team has, and what type of timeouts they are. Only a lazy ref would check the scoreboard for timeouts remaining rather than consult with the scorekeeper.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on March 30, 2012, 08:58:18 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 30, 2012, 08:22:45 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on March 30, 2012, 09:27:06 AM
It's also possible that the referee knew that IWU didn't have any timeouts and so the request was ignored. That's the correct thing for the official to do if the referee is aware of it. A technical foul for an excessive timeout is only called if the referee stops the game.

... and a good referee should be aware of it. As NPU's scorekeeper, I've come to expect the lead official to come over to the scorer's table in the waning minutes of a close game and ask me how many timeouts each team has, and what type of timeouts they are. Only a lazy ref would check the scoreboard for timeouts remaining rather than consult with the scorekeeper.
Absolutely correct. I also do the scorebook for both boys and girls games and the refs always ask how many/what type of fouls are remaing.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: 80sshorts on April 02, 2012, 08:56:25 PM
Just in from the WBCA Awards show in Denver- Mia Smith was named WBCA Coach of the year for division III: https://twitter.com/#!/wbca1981/status/186979689171124225
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on April 02, 2012, 09:39:20 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on April 02, 2012, 08:56:25 PM
Just in from the WBCA Awards show in Denver- Mia Smith was named WBCA Coach of the year for division III: https://twitter.com/#!/wbca1981/status/186979689171124225
Congrats to her on a well deserved award!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 03, 2012, 01:38:10 PM
My congratulations to Mia, too!
Here is the list of previous recipients:
http://www.wbca.org/awards/wbca-awards/coaches-of-year/past-coy/
I thought Lori Kerans might've won it in 2005, but not so.
North Central's Wayne Morgan got the award in 1983:
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/sports/2009/4/28/WBB_0428093413.aspx?id=318
Speaking of coaches, no mention of a selection for Augie on their web site.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on April 03, 2012, 02:25:59 PM
Warm congrats to Coach Smith on this award, the most sought-after one, voted, selected by your coaching peers. 

Much deserved by Coach Smith!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 05, 2012, 07:06:11 PM
Olivet Naz did promote Lauren Stamatis to head coach:
http://www2.olivet.edu/athletics/news.php?c_id=3&n_id=8113
I think they will play IWU again next Nov/Dec, but I don't know if a contract exists beyond that. The above article mentions that ONU will have fewer nonconference games in upcoming seasons due to their league (CCAC) going fully NAIA D2 instead of one D1 group and one D2. Robert Morris (Chicago) will be independent for a year, whatever that entails.
ONU will continue playing their intensely fast brand of basketball, making full use of their own athleticism, but also bringing the best athleticism out of their opponents (what sports should do).
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 05, 2012, 07:33:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 05, 2012, 07:06:11 PM
Olivet Naz did promote Lauren Stamatis to head coach:
http://www2.olivet.edu/athletics/news.php?c_id=3&n_id=8113
I think they will play IWU again next Nov/Dec, but I don't know if a contract exists beyond that. The above article mentions that ONU will have fewer nonconference games in upcoming seasons due to their league (CCAC) going fully NAIA D2 instead of one D1 group and one D2. Robert Morris (Chicago) will be independent for a year, whatever that entails.

RMC will be independent for a year, and then return to the CCAC as NAIA-2 in both men's and women's basketball, same as the rest of the league.

Quote from: RogK on April 05, 2012, 07:06:11 PMONU will continue playing their intensely fast brand of basketball, making full use of their own athleticism, but also bringing the best athleticism out of their opponents (what sports should do).

Yeah, but it'll be an adjustment for OliNaz to try doing it with only half as many scholies to hand out as it had when the Tigers were NAIA-1.

As I said in the CCIW men's basketball room, it will be interesting to see how this plays out with regard to local recruiting.

I also find it interesting that OliNaz was the one NAIA-1 school in the CCAC that explored NCAA membership as a result of the league's divisional shift, as stated in this Indiana-South Bend press release. (http://www.iusbpreface.com/sports/changes-to-chicagoland-conference-basketball-should-help-titans-1.2827993#.T34pLNXLuSp) Perhaps what's most interesting about this is that OliNaz didn't do the conventional thing, which was to enter what the NCAA calls an exploratory year in which the school does a full-bore study, with NCAA assistance, as to what NCAA membership would entail for the school. Instead, it hired an outside consultant to do the study independently. The IUSB press release doesn't say whether OliNaz was investigating the possibility of joining the NCAA's D2 or us here in D3.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 06, 2012, 11:46:15 AM
Thanks for that link to the IUSB release, Greg. You did some digging to find that one.
I heard that ONU was looking into NCAA D2, which would've put them in Lewis's conference, I guess.
You are right that ONU (and St Xavier, etc) could have more difficulty building a deep bench, due to fewer athletic scholarships. But, ONU will still have some advantages : (1) if you make their team, you're not only going to play in every game, you'll play within the first 3 minutes of every game; (2) they're a winning program of late, which is relatively easier to sustain; (3) their fast style attracts good athletes.
We'll see how it goes.
I'm also curious to see what happens at Knox (D3), where the WBB team adapted a version of the "Grinnell system" this past season. They went 4-19 (Midwest Conf schools play 23 regular season games, not the normal 25). Some things went well, some didn't. They made only .227 of their 3FGs (208/915) and didn't do much better at 2FGs (.397, 404/1017). They did take a very high amount of FTs, 31.8/game, which had to be among the national leaders (not a ranked stat). They committed 24.2 TOs per game and induced 32.3 by opponents. They were significantly outrebounded (not necessarily a problem, but it doesn't help).
They had 13 players play over 230 minutes in 23 games. They averaged 83.5 pts and yielded 95.4, a minus 11.9 differential.
They'll need to shoot a little better (a 5 pct increase in each FG category would've given them about 10 more pts/game - two more 2FGs, two more 3FGs), cut back some on their own TOs and find a lot of rebounding (their best rebounder was a senior). Easier written than done!
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: mark_reichert on April 07, 2012, 04:49:37 PM
Congratulations to Coach Smith on the awards, they're well deserved.  To the person who wondered why she's still in Division III, you could have asked the same question about Coach Fahey, and perhaps the answer would be those given by somebody else about the atmosphere  or the implied desire to coach student athletes rather than semi-pros.

And for the reason I came to this section today, I discovered this in the Open Dates section from last September:

"Illinois Wesleyan University located in Bloomington, IL is looking for 1 team to compete in the IWU Tournament Nov 23 and 24, 2012.  Format is tournament play.  Teams committed are DePauw University and Washington University."

Anybody know if a school committed and which?  Would be sort of intimidating to be the only other team in a tournament with half of the last six national champions, including the most recent as host.  On the other hand, as Fahey has said, and Smith would probably say, last year doesn't count, every year is a new team (or words to that effect).

Does anybody know if any of the other champion schools are involved in an annual tournament with even one other champion school, much less two, or is this the only one?
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on April 07, 2012, 06:02:11 PM
Mark, would love to have Chicago, Calvin, Stevens Point, WI.-EC, or Whitewater take up the final spot.  Might be an early-season tournament tougher than the Final Four!

Mia's tough tough schedule this past year made our team battle-tested and better, making possible the championship run once everyone got healthy and on the same page, having figured out their roles, etc. 

We gotta find another Olivia Lett!   :)  "Run and Jump" defense and Gardner's treybombs can't do it all next year.  I still like our chances, our returning team very much!

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: D-3 watcher on April 08, 2012, 08:09:31 PM
IWU isn't going to find another Olivia Lett. Those players that good are very rare. Coach Smith was very lucky she chose to transfer to IWU. Which makes it very odd that Coach Smith chose not to nominate Lett, for the coaches All-American team. Lett almost automatically would have been chosen for that team. She could have been selected as their Player of the year as well. We will never know, it's just to bad Miss Lett never got the chance. Being on the Coaches All-American team is something she worked hard for and more than likely deserved. It's just puzzling.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on April 08, 2012, 11:22:19 PM
D-3 Watcher, yes, pretty odd.  I don't know the story on that one, why Olivia Lett was not put on the WBCA All-America Team.  She certainly deserved it.  She did win the Final Four MVP and the D3hoops.com Player of the Year, CCIW All Conference First Team and CCIW MOP etc.  Plenty of awards going her way. 

Yes, hard to find another like her, though the IWU women's program has a pretty good record of finding outstanding players, from Traci Butler, to Mallory Heydorn, to Christina Solari, to Hope Schulte, and to Lett.  Fierce team defense and good trey shooting also played a key part in this year's championship run.  We'll wait and see what the new recruiting year brings.  A national  championship trophy and banner in The Shirk certainly can't hurt on that front.

Stay tuned.

We all know Hannah Munger will be back next year. :)

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 09, 2012, 12:26:30 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 08, 2012, 11:22:19 PM
D-3 Watcher, yes, pretty odd.  I don't know the story on that one, why Olivia Lett was not put on the WBCA All-America Team.  She certainly deserved it.  She did win the Final Four MVP and the D3hoops.com Player of the Year, CCIW All Conference First Team and CCIW MOP etc.  Plenty of awards going her way. 

Yes, hard to find another like her, though the IWU women's program has a pretty good record of finding outstanding players, from Traci Butler, to Mallory Heydorn, to Christina Solari, to Hope Schulte, and to Lett.  Fierce team defense and good trey shooting also played a key part in this year's championship run.  We'll wait and see what the new recruiting year brings.  A national  championship trophy and banner in The Shirk certainly can't hurt on that front.

Stay tuned.

We all know Hannah Munger will be back next year. :)

IWU70

Brittney Griner still has a year to go - ya suppose she'd like to finish at IWU?! ;D

Farewell for awhile - my 93-year-old father passed away Easter morning.  He was in the hospital for 5 days, but it still came as quite a shock - no clue that it was terminal, but at 93, nothing is 'routine'.  I'll be in the 'land the internet forgot' for a few days, comforting and helping direct my my 94-year-old mother (who is 100% mentally alert, and I have no clue whether she would be better off staying in the home they shared for 60+ years or going to assisted living - she can no longer drive, but could afford help coming in - I honestly have no clue whether staying in the home without one's spouse is more comforting or more depressing.)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on April 09, 2012, 07:22:03 AM
So sorry to hear that, Mr. Y.  It's always a shock to get news like that, regardless of a loved one's age or condition.  I've been through it twice.  My advice--consider all options, and make sure your mom feels like she is being listened to as everyone offers suggestions about what is best for her.  You'll be in my thoughts.

I will post some other thoughts about hoops later.

HT
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on April 09, 2012, 07:48:44 AM
I'd also like to add my condolences to you as well. I would agree with Hoosier Titan as far as making that decision. Take some time and do what's  best for you as well as your mom. Speaking from experience, for my mother-in-law,she was mostly depressed, but stayed in their home, and really never was the same. You were truly blessed to have your dad for so long. We buried our last parent three years ago and had to watch her literally waste away from cancer.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 09, 2012, 12:44:39 PM
Mr Ypsi, sorry for your loss. Here's a little advice if she decides to live at home for a while: look into possible assisted living options anyway and contact the local public aid office to see what type of financial assistance could be available (depending on her finances, which are none of our business of course). There could be a waiting list for one thing or another. It could help you to know what she would or would not qualify for. Good luck sorting through all that stuff.
D-3 watcher and iwu70, what I heard (3rd or 4th hand information) in regard to Olivia and the WBCA all-america team was that there was a snafu involving the nomination deadline. My guess (based on observing her personality on the basketball court) is that Olivia doesn't feel too awful about it anyway.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on April 09, 2012, 03:51:00 PM
Chuck, really sorry to hear about your Dad.  My prayers and condolences to you, my friend.

My folks have been in "assisted living" for about a year now.  On that, just be sure if you go that route to be clear on what "assisted living" really means, as it often doesn't really work out like one expected.  My folks perhaps waited a bit too long to make the decision, as they wanted so badly to stay in their own home and keep all their independence and autonomy as long as possible.  Both are pretty frail now, esp. my Mom, and surely need assisted living help, if not more, quite soon.  Tough to see them so frail and in decline, but we've also been blessed to have them around so long and still clear-minded, just frail of body, not of spirit or mind.  Being in the world of the "old old" is surely a challenge, often difficult, but also a blessing. 

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss and grieving.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: iwu70 on April 09, 2012, 03:52:17 PM
Sorry about the "snafu" for Olivia Lett and the other All-American process.  She does seem very cool about things, but incredibly competitive on the court! 

Hope everyone had a good Easter and Easter weekend break.

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Hoosier Titan on April 09, 2012, 04:15:44 PM
It's also my understanding that some deadline was missed so that Olivia was not nominated for the WBCA award.  Unfortunate, but she did get a lot of recognition.

It was really distracting that they chose a late timeout--I believe it was the 4-minute mark media timeout--during the IWU-St Thomas game to announce their team.  I know the WBCA wanted more visibility at the tournament, but surely it could have been done less intrusively.

It's certainly true that there won't be another Olivia Lett.  Other players just as wonderful in their own ways, perhaps, but she's been special.  Right up there with Larry Bird and Damon Bailey for all-around basketball smarts and execution (all right, I'm betraying my place of birth, but you already knew that from my name.)  ;)
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: dansand on April 09, 2012, 06:32:54 PM
Mark Beinborn named new Augustana women's basketball coach. Here's the release:

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Mark Beinborn has been hired as the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana, it was announced today. Beinborn, who has been an assistant for the Vikings since 2008, will slide over one spot on the bench next year as he replaces Bobbi Endress, who resigned on February 27.

Endress ended a six-year stint as Augustana's head coach after the Vikings turned in an 11-14 record in 2011-12, the most wins by the Blue & Gold since a 15-9 campaign in 2003-04. Her overall record at Augustana was 37-113 in six seasons.

"I am extremely proud and happy to be the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana," said Beinborn. "This is a program where the ground work has been laid. The players are on board and I am thrilled with this opportunity to lead them. Augustana is a great school and we are looking forward to taking the next step."

Beinborn has been the junior varsity coach for the Vikings the last two years, compiling an 8-3 record in 2011-12 and a 7-5 mark in 2010-11. He reunited with Endress in June of 2008 after serving as her assistant at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin from 2004 until 2006. He was the assistant men's coach at Edgewood from 2006 through 2008 before taking the position at Augustana.

Augustana director of athletics Mike Zapolski had this to say about the Vikings' new head coach. "Working through the search progress, it became clear that our women's basketball program needed a strong personality at the top – someone who was decisive, genuine, passionate and willing to work hard to build relationships with a wide range of prospects."

Zapolski was impressed with Beinborn throughout the process and it was clear that he stood out amongst the candidates. "We had some strong, credible candidates involved in the on-campus interview process, and in the final analysis there was consensus that Mark's background and skill set was the best match. I look forward to working with Mark to build our women's basketball program into a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin contender."

Beinborn is a 1998 graduate of the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He will receive his Master of Arts in human services from Liberty University in May of 2012. He was a two-time all-conference performer in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic conference while playing at Dubuque, where he was a two-time team captain. While at Dubuque he twice won the "Student Leadership Award".

"I think I knew I wanted to be a college head coach from the time I started playing basketball," said Beinborn. "I love working with kids and I believe in making it a family atmosphere.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: NCF on April 09, 2012, 08:55:30 PM
Quote from: dansand on April 09, 2012, 06:32:54 PM
Mark Beinborn named new Augustana women's basketball coach. Here's the release:

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Mark Beinborn has been hired as the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana, it was announced today. Beinborn, who has been an assistant for the Vikings since 2008, will slide over one spot on the bench next year as he replaces Bobbi Endress, who resigned on February 27.

Endress ended a six-year stint as Augustana's head coach after the Vikings turned in an 11-14 record in 2011-12, the most wins by the Blue & Gold since a 15-9 campaign in 2003-04. Her overall record at Augustana was 37-113 in six seasons.

"I am extremely proud and happy to be the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana," said Beinborn. "This is a program where the ground work has been laid. The players are on board and I am thrilled with this opportunity to lead them. Augustana is a great school and we are looking forward to taking the next step."

Beinborn has been the junior varsity coach for the Vikings the last two years, compiling an 8-3 record in 2011-12 and a 7-5 mark in 2010-11. He reunited with Endress in June of 2008 after serving as her assistant at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin from 2004 until 2006. He was the assistant men's coach at Edgewood from 2006 through 2008 before taking the position at Augustana.

Augustana director of athletics Mike Zapolski had this to say about the Vikings' new head coach. "Working through the search progress, it became clear that our women's basketball program needed a strong personality at the top – someone who was decisive, genuine, passionate and willing to work hard to build relationships with a wide range of prospects."

Zapolski was impressed with Beinborn throughout the process and it was clear that he stood out amongst the candidates. "We had some strong, credible candidates involved in the on-campus interview process, and in the final analysis there was consensus that Mark's background and skill set was the best match. I look forward to working with Mark to build our women's basketball program into a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin contender."

Beinborn is a 1998 graduate of the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He will receive his Master of Arts in human services from Liberty University in May of 2012. He was a two-time all-conference performer in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic conference while playing at Dubuque, where he was a two-time team captain. While at Dubuque he twice won the "Student Leadership Award".

"I think I knew I wanted to be a college head coach from the time I started playing basketball," said Beinborn. "I love working with kids and I believe in making it a family atmosphere.

Congrats to him! It is always great to see an assistant get the HC job after he/she has paid their dues in a program.
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: RogK on April 10, 2012, 01:41:36 PM
Congratulations to Coach Beinborn!
His familiarity with the CCIW should be helpful. He should already know what works and what doesn't. It'll be interesting to see what ideas he implements.
One thing Augie can't help but improve upon is their shot blocking; they blocked exactly 11 in 25 games this past season. That had to be the least in college basketball. For comparison, the CCIW individual leaders were 81 by Diana Jacklin, 54 by Maris Hovee, 42 by Sarah Peterson.
Augie will need to replace Natalie Runge's scoring, as well as that of other departing seniors. One player who might help is Amy Hicks. She had an excellent .587 2FG shooting pct (44/75 in 316 minutes). Her 3FG shooting was only 5/23, but she did well at FTs : .762 (16/21). Her 28 assists tied for 4th on the team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 17, 2012, 05:07:07 PM
News about a regular nonconference opponent of half (or more) of the CCIW:
U of Chicago coach Aaron Roussell is moving up to D1.
http://www.bucknellbison.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/041712aaa.html
Back-to-back 14-0 seasons in the UAA ain't bad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on April 17, 2012, 05:54:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 17, 2012, 05:07:07 PM
News about a regular nonconference opponent of half (or more) of the CCIW:
U of Chicago coach Aaron Roussell is moving up to D1.
http://www.bucknellbison.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/041712aaa.html
Back-to-back 14-0 seasons in the UAA ain't bad.


Best wishes to him.  Bucknell program is in a bit of disarray, previous coach was run out on a rail by former players and alumni through a campaign to the AD and president.  That said, it's a fabulous school, beautiful setting (if you like rural, small town) and their facility is magnificent for small-time D1.  It'll take a little time, but for the right coach all the pieces are in place to build a really strong program.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 18, 2012, 12:28:31 AM
Yes, Bucknell a good school, lovely little town in rural PA., Lewisburg.  Good luck to Coach Roussell as he "moves up?" to DI.  Chicago seems a pretty good gig too. 

Nice awards tonight at IWU, the Tommies, a la Espy's.  Olivia Lett wins "clutch play of the year" and "record setting performances of the year."  Well deserved, no doubt.  Men's OT win @ Hope wins "Best Game of the Year."  And, to my delight, "Breakthrough Player of the Year" at IWU goes to Michelle Bilek of the national championship women's basketball team.  Congrats to all the winners -- check them out on the IWU sports website. 

Zimmer, Hasselbring and Lett to "Order of Titans," and life-time free entrance into all IWU home athletic events.   A good reward for all the hard work and dedication to top notch DIII sports at IWU.  Full list of the "Order of Titans" there on the IWU sports webpage, too. 

IWU women's softball just tearing through their schedule, now 27-4, with another DH, two wins today.  They are pounding on everyone!   Really fun to watch, with excellent hitting, great speed and base-running, smart softball, and great pitching, perhaps even enough for a national title this year or next.  Molly McCready is the real deal, and the Titans have several other excellent pitchers.  Congrats to Molly McCready on CCIW Softball Player of the Week, this week.  She's like 12-2 with a 0.69 ERA, striking out like 12/nine innings.  Nasty. 

Outdoor CCIW Track and Field Championships coming up at IWU in a few weekends, too.  Final exams and Graduation first. 

Enjoy the Springtime.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 19, 2012, 05:02:07 PM
Kean got hit pretty hard, as well they should, IMHO.  Sure took the NCAA a long long time to do the investigation, study and announce the outcomes, penalties. 

IWU70
Title: Re: CCIW
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 20, 2012, 10:53:15 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 09, 2012, 03:51:00 PM
Chuck, really sorry to hear about your Dad.  My prayers and condolences to you, my friend.

My folks have been in "assisted living" for about a year now.  On that, just be sure if you go that route to be clear on what "assisted living" really means, as it often doesn't really work out like one expected.  My folks perhaps waited a bit too long to make the decision, as they wanted so badly to stay in their own home and keep all their independence and autonomy as long as possible.  Both are pretty frail now, esp. my Mom, and surely need assisted living help, if not more, quite soon.  Tough to see them so frail and in decline, but we've also been blessed to have them around so long and still clear-minded, just frail of body, not of spirit or mind.  Being in the world of the "old old" is surely a challenge, often difficult, but also a blessing. 

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss and grieving.

IWU70

I'm finally back home after helping mom tie up all the inevitable loose ends.  Mom is soon moving to a place which runs all the way from independent, but assisted, living to contracted nursing care without having to move out of the apartment.  (Even when fully 'independent', they check on the residents well-being at least three times a day.)  My wife's Aunt Flo very reluctantly moved into a place in the Detroit suburbs which seems very similar - turns out, she absolutely loves it there, so I'm very hopeful.

Thanks for everyone's concern - where she is moving is where she and dad had already decided to move when the time came (alas, she has to do it alone, but the location was already carefully selected).  And don't worry about her finances.  We had to talk her out of a studio apartment (she HATES spending money 'unnecessarily') with two arguments: first, the furniture he made that she insists on taking (among his many other talents was carpentry - he built the house they lived in and made most of the absolutely fabulous furniture in it) simply wouldn't fit in a studio apartment; second, don't fret the extra money - the investments he left are bringing money in faster than you know how to spend it!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 21, 2012, 07:28:40 PM
Ypsi, glad to see you back.  And, glad to hear your Mom's new situation looks good and hope she adjusts to it well.  It will take some time.  A blessing that she has the cherished items and the resources to enjoy a good and secure retirement living there.

On the IWU recruiting front, a nice transfer pickup for the Titans, reported in the Pgraph today.  Emily Beoletto who was at Loras is moving to IWU.  She was on the Central Catholic 2A State Championship team in 2010 and is a 5'8" guard, with strong press/defensive skills.  Seems a very nice pickup and a good addition to the "run and jump" with good length, strong conditioning and athleticism.  She has three years of eligibility remaining so coming in as a sophomore, in basketball terms. 

Stay tuned for more recruiting news -- both men and women.

Finals on now here, so only a few baseball and softball games about.   Titan baseball struggling.  Titan softball dominating.

CCIW Outdoor Track and Field championships at IWU in the coming weekends. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 23, 2012, 01:36:30 PM
Speaking of IWU's defense, among the non-seniors this past season, here are their steals leaders : Colleen McMahon 49, Lexi Baltes 43, Melissa Gardner 38. At the top of the list of non-seniors elsewhere in the CCIW : Sarah Peterson and Olya Cholewick, 55 each.
I'm too lazy to figure out any steals-per-minute stats.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 30, 2012, 04:42:32 PM
Congrats to IWU and Carthage softball for sharing the CCIW regular season championship.  Both teams very strong, playing very well, likely both in NCAA DIII post-season play.

Any further recruiting news??? . . . as we've reached the May 1st admission's decisions deadline now . . . so the recruiting classes should start to become more and more clear.

IWU Graduation yesterday . . . sad to see Lett, Hasselbring, Solari and Burton walk across that Shirk Center stage into Titan alumni-dom.  Congrats and good luck to them . . . and all the IWU Class of 2012.  A very talented and accomplished class.   Jordan Zimmer was the last graduate to receive his diploma, walk across the stage and off into Titan basketball history. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 01, 2012, 01:25:01 PM
Questions for Backseat Driver:
Can you reveal any recruit news for the Thunder women?
Wasn't there a freshman forward from Long Island who was injured this past season --- is she in the mix for '12-'13?
And finally, if a kangaroo rat leaves Tucson at 4:00 a.m. on a Thursday, heading ENE at 19 mph, and simultaneously a dung beetle stays in Idaho Falls, when do they not meet in Northbrook?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 06, 2012, 06:16:21 PM
Congrats to the Titan women for winning the CCIW Track and Field Championships yesterday.  And, that "Team that shall Not be Named" also won the  CCIW softball tournament championship, over Carthage.  Likely both IWU and Carthage to post-season DIII NCAA tournament play.  Both superb teams. 

Congrats to all the Titans (men's golf too!) for the big trophies, all the dedication and hard work.

Three CCIW Championships for IWU in one day -- all good.

IWU70

Q, get well soon.  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on May 07, 2012, 06:18:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 01, 2012, 01:25:01 PM
Questions for Backseat Driver:
Can you reveal any recruit news for the Thunder women?
Wasn't there a freshman forward from Long Island who was injured this past season --- is she in the mix for '12-'13?
And finally, if a kangaroo rat leaves Tucson at 4:00 a.m. on a Thursday, heading ENE at 19 mph, and simultaneously a dung beetle stays in Idaho Falls, when do they not meet in Northbrook?

I know that Wheaton will have some new players next year. Who they are and how many, I have no idea.

I think you're referring to Brannon Burke, and I don't know what her injury was nor where she fits in next year.

I would imagine that since the dung beetle is staying in Idaho Falls, they will never meet in Northbrook.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 09, 2012, 01:24:36 PM
IWU women 11th (out of about 20 teams) in the NCAA DIII championship golf tournament in Indiana.  Not a strong start, but can work their way back into it in the next three days.  Go TITANS.  One Titan is tied for second overall.

IWU Softball opens vs. St. Norbert on Thursday 10:00 a.m. in the 8 team regional tourney, hosted by IWU as the #1 seed.  Titans have a good shot and this tourney, though other strong teams including Carthage and #3, defending national champion Linfield, in the field of 8 as well.  Would love to see this Titan team win this regional and go on to Salem and the final 8 out of a field of 61-62 teams.

GO TITANS.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 09, 2012, 08:53:41 PM
Titan's women's golf make a good move, up to 7th overall out of 19 teams, after day two of the four-day D3 NCAA Golf Championships in Indiana.  Keep moving on up, Titans. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on May 09, 2012, 09:06:12 PM
If only the Titan softball team can match the 2010 baseball team (NOT the 2007 baseball team). ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: hopefan on May 10, 2012, 01:18:21 PM
IWU 4  St Norbs  1
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 11, 2012, 01:38:15 AM
IWU women still at #7 in the D3 golf championships, after round three.

Good start in softball, beating St. Norbert, staying in the winner's bracket.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 13, 2012, 03:20:43 PM
Titan women finish 8th in national golf tourney.  Great season, congrats to all the Titan linksters. 

That "team that shall not be named" beat Carthage yet again in Softball, to get to the final two teams now in the Regional in Bloomington.  Titans (opps, sorry, I named them!), now have to beat the defending national champions Linfield twice to get out of this regional.  A tough road.  Game #1 of that road starting now, and if the Titans prevail, they have to beat Linfield again on Monday.  Titans are getting very close to the single season record for wins by an IWU softball squad.

Congrats to the NP men on their CCIW tourney championship, AQ to the D3 baseball tourney upcoming.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 13, 2012, 03:46:03 PM
Here's some press about a pair of NPU recruits, Nicole Kruckman (http://libertyville.suntimes.com/sports/10336867-419/girls-basketball-libertyvilles-kruckman-brings-a-selfless-approach-to-the-court.html) of Libertyville HS and Ashley Clemmons (http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/2012/02/17/qa-minooka-girls-basketball-player-ashley-clemmons/avw03jg/) of Minooka HS. Both are low-post players who should bring some much-needed size to the NPU roster next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on May 13, 2012, 10:20:38 PM
Alas, Linfield prevails, 6-2.  A GREAT Titan softball season ends at 39-8, 1 game short of going to Salem.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 14, 2012, 04:40:07 PM
Yes, great softball season for the Titans, tied most wins ever by an IWU squad.  No seniors on this group, so everyone is back.  Should lead to a bright future.  Too bad, Linfield was just too high a hurdle this time, but Sweet 16 is pretty darn good.  Congrats to Coach King and all the Titans on an outstanding and exciting season.  Really enjoyed watching this team play and play so hard, great pitching, good speed on the bases, key hitting, excellent defense.  A bright future ahead.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 15, 2012, 05:03:13 PM
Talented Titan women at the national Track/Field outdoors in Claremont, California, up next.

Some say a 5th - 7th place finish likely this year, this go 'round.

Go TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on May 16, 2012, 07:41:24 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on May 15, 2012, 05:03:13 PM
Talented Titan women at the national Track/Field outdoors in Claremont, California, up next.

Some say a 5th - 7th place finish likely this year, this go 'round.

Go TITANS!!!

IWU70

Very talented track team! I've watched them a few times this season and they just keep getting better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 16, 2012, 12:50:30 PM
Thanks, NewCard, yes, we are hoping for the best in California for the IWU women.  They do work hard, get better and better.  Good coaching.

Your guys have a good chance at the national T/F championship, right?  Good luck to them.

Softball done, golf almost done, T/F done soon . . . what's a CCIW fan to do?  Guess it's time to return to my damn Yankees!

Summer break. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on May 17, 2012, 11:32:44 PM
Hey RogK, here's some recruiting news out of Wheaton:

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/5/17/WBB_0517122623.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 22, 2012, 07:04:02 PM
Thanks for that update, Backseat Driver.
I just did a quick look through the rest of the league and found a list of new IWU players:
http://www.iwusports.com/sports/2012/4/18/GEN_0418123914.aspx?tab=recruits-classof2016
Wheaton and IWU each expect a newcomer named Considine, though from different hometowns.
Those schools have preliminary 2012-13 schedules on their web sites, incidentally. Looks like the conference games will be just about all Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 23, 2012, 07:52:58 AM
Article on IWU's recruiting class...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/iwu-women-bolster-speed-with-basketball-recruiting-class/article_120cf714-a467-11e1-b2ba-001a4bcf887a.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 23, 2012, 11:44:53 AM
Looks like a mighty fine recruiting class for Mia Smith and the Titans.  Seems they will be even tougher, quicker on the perimeter and with the trey, the "run and jump."  IMHO, key next season will be the development of Shelby Jackson in the post and the other returning or new post players, "bigs" in the post area.  No doubt, Titans will be very press, defensive oriented again, and will have to find ways to replace the scoring and overall court presence and range of Olivia Lett.  I'm confident that Lexi Baltes will be just as good, if not better than Britt Hasselbring in the longer term.   Seems again it is a reloading year, not a rebuilding year.  Other CCIW teams will have to really "bring it," as IWU will again be very very good.  Melissa Gardner set to have a big senior year, and with the further development, tenacity of Michele Bilek, the Titans will have lots of talent, weapons still.  Key again will be defense, and perhaps even more living and dying by the trey.  Alot of pressing, run and jump leading to fast break points.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 01, 2012, 04:35:33 PM
North Central's '12-'13 schedule:
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&schedule=92
iwu70, you are again very optimistic about the Titans, even though they will have to replace some very fine players. At the end of the '10-'11 season, I thought they'd fall back somewhat in '11-'12, having lost really good players such as Stacey Arlis, Nikki Preston, Hope Schulte, Holly Harvey, Sarah Cotner. Turns out the Titans did alright in '11-'12! So, I have learned not to doubt how good they could be next season.
I agree about their pressing defense; as long as opponents remain vulnerable to it, keep using it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on June 01, 2012, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 01, 2012, 04:35:33 PM
North Central's '12-'13 schedule:
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&schedule=92
iwu70, you are again very optimistic about the Titans, even though they will have to replace some very fine players. At the end of the '10-'11 season, I thought they'd fall back somewhat in '11-'12, having lost really good players such as Stacey Arlis, Nikki Preston, Hope Schulte, Holly Harvey, Sarah Cotner. Turns out the Titans did alright in '11-'12! So, I have learned not to doubt how good they could be next season.
I agree about their pressing defense; as long as opponents remain vulnerable to it, keep using it.

I'd worried annually about graduation losses ever since Mallory Heydorn, et.al., graduated years ago!  After Christina Solari (arguably the best ever) graduated, and they finally made the Final Four the next year, I've stopped worrying!  The players ultimately win or lose, but the key is Mia Smith (she WILL get the players, and coach them up well) - when she 'graduates', then I will worry! 8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on June 01, 2012, 11:27:11 PM
BTW, 5 years ago IWU had a cumulative losing record in conference games.  Since then they are 66-4.  Millikin and Wheaton were the big guns ever since Diane Schumacher left Augie; watch out guys: Mia is coming on!

All-time wins and titles:

Lori Kerans  273  11
Beth Baker  248   6  (retired)
Mia Smith   145   6
Diane Schumacher 127  5 (retired)

(In the history of the conference, no other coach has more than 75 wins or more than 1 title.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on June 02, 2012, 12:45:03 AM
No, I do not expect to live long enough to see IWU take over the total wins tally!

1. Millikin  273 (yes, Lori Kerans IS the whole history of Millikin in the CCIW)
2. Wheaton 270
3. IWU   216

MAYBE in 20-30 years, the Titans could take over first place; my point was that  Mia Smith may be rapidly taking over first place in 'best coach ever' in the CCIW - with NO disrespect intended to the other three contenders.

Quite the reverse in the men's CCIW standings:

1. IWU  667
2. Augie 551
3. Wheaton 477

Here I could not possibly live long enough to see my Titans fall (especially since their immediate future looks good).  Since this is largely due to coaches Horenberger and Bridges, there is probably nothing short of 4-5 national titles that coach Rose could do to become a 'legend'! 8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2012, 11:28:05 AM
The Carthage schedule is here :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 04, 2012, 12:49:28 PM
I'm surprised the Carthage schedule does not have "the team that shall not be named" listed on the schedule, instead of IWU?! :)

Gotta be optimistic about the Titans' chances again next year.  Agree with Ypsi on the quality of Mia Smith's preparation, energy and coaching abilities.  Looks like a good recruiting class coming in.  If the pressing and pressure still works, why stop doing it.  I admit, very hard to replace Olivia Lett, Britt Hasselbring and Karen Solari . . . but recent years' experiences show that the Titans can reload, retool, adapt in a very adept way and still have an outstanding season.  Hard to top this last year, but I expect the Titans to again be very very good.  Don't think I'm being overly optimistic.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on June 04, 2012, 01:01:53 PM
Just a quick note, only 4 players from last year's all-CCIW squad are slated to return in '12-'13. That tells me that just about everybody has significant talent to replace.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2012, 02:02:17 PM
Interesting observation, Backseat Driver. The five non-seniors who made All-CCIW were Cailee Corcoran, Melissa Gardner, Laura Karsten, Tess Godhardt and Brooke Olson. I think I heard that Karsten will play soccer in the fall and graduate in the winter. Allegedly, she will not use her fourth year of basketball eligibility. Is that what's expected?
Among the best who did not get all-conference honors, more seniors (mostly): Dani Ripkey (a senior), Megan Ney (a senior), Elisabeth Potts (a senior), Sarah Peterson (a junior) and Helen Muleya (a senior).
So, yes, lots of opportunity for others to shine next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 07, 2012, 03:57:18 PM
I expect Tess Godhardt to have a monster, perhaps even 1st team all-CCIW season next year.  Yes, lots of talent gone, so plenty of turnover and chances for newbies, rising upperclassmen to make their mark in the 2012-13 season. 

Several Titans have that potential too -- at least to become all-CCIW players.  I'd expect this potentially from Lexi Baltes, Michele Bilek, Shelby Jackson, and perhaps Whitney Scurlock.  And, of course, I'd hope/expect a repeat All-conference year from Melissa Gardner.   Strong class of newbies coming in too. 

Happy summer all.  Glad to see the Titans' athletic program finish 12th in the Lear Cup, old Sears Cup?  So 12th out of all 317 DIII programs in the country.  That's a fantastic and fantastically exciting year.  Well done TITANS! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on June 07, 2012, 06:14:50 PM
It took looking at the IWU Athletic Calender since the schedule isn't up yet, but the fourth team for the IWU Women's 2012 Tip Off Tournament appears to be Coe College, in Cedar Rapids IA.

I thought the name looked familiar and they have indeed not only played WashU but they played in the Tip Off Tournament in 2005 when the host WashU and IWU stomped them.

But as most of the IWU fans here should remember they've played much better recently.  In 2011, they lost to IWU 74-77 in the Sweet Sixteen.  This past season they lost 66-77 to IWU in the Eau Claire tournament early on and lost 45-51 to St. Thomas in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

YMMV, but I think close losses to Final Four bound teams two years running makes them a fit opponent for the first year in which all of the rotating host teams (IWU, WashU, Depauw) have a national championship.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: dansand on June 12, 2012, 09:24:21 AM
Here's a rundown of Mark Beinborn's first recruiting class at Augustana:

http://www.augustana.edu/x41277.xml (http://www.augustana.edu/x41277.xml)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 12, 2012, 01:40:11 PM
dansand, that looks like a good set of new players for Augie. Coach Beinborn is no doubt eager for October 15 to arrive, so he can start implementing his ideas with this new roster. There's even a newcomer from north of the border (Edmonton). I just got back last night from 6 days in Toronto (pronounced more like "Trawno" by them). An example of how nice Canadians are : the official checkout time at my hotel was noon, but they let me leave before 11:00 a.m.
iwu70, I think you should add Colleen McMahon to your list of Titans from whom good things can definitely be expected. And, keep an eye on Kasey Reaber, assuming she's recovered fully from injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 12, 2012, 02:17:05 PM
Looks like a strong Augie recruitment class.

Yes, RogK, I totally blanked out on Colleen.  She's a terrific player, returning starter.  She could have a very big year with much improvement over past campaigns.  I loved the way she played in the national championship season.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the new pieces all come together and how the returning starters and key reserves have worked hard and improved over the off-season.  I'm sure Mia has them working with some pretty specific areas of proposed improvement highlighted.

Would be interested in proposed line-ups for the new go 'round.  I would guess:

Lexi Baltes -- PG
Melissa Gardner --SG
Michele Bilek/Whitney Scurlock - 3
Colleen McMahon - 4
Shelby Jackson - C 

Lots of others back, newbies etc. to make contributions, work into the overall 8-9 player rotation, including Kasey Reaber, with much emphasis again on defense and "run and jump."  Let the running and the jumping begin!  :)

Other thoughts?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on July 01, 2012, 10:12:28 AM
IWU's 2012-13 schedule...

http://www.iwusports.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 01, 2012, 07:49:32 PM
Another very very tough schedule for the pre-CCIW portion for the defending national champions.  Nice to see a better array of home games in that pre-CCIW run of games. 

Happy summer, happy heat waves to all the CCIW chatsters.  Again, very very optimistic for the Titans for the 2012-13 campaign.  It's going to be fun, AGAIN. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 02, 2012, 11:36:01 AM
The '12-'13 schedule for Elmhurst:
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
The summer league at Elmhurst College resumes a week from today.
I attended only one session in June. Games are set for July 9, 10 and 11, followed by a single-elimination tournament July 16 - 19.
Starting times on July 9 - 11 are 5:45, 6:45, 7:45, 8:45, 9:45. Games are completed in less than an hour because FTs are automatically made, not shot unless it's a close game at the end; also, I think teams are limited to 2 timeouts. The refs keep things moving pretty well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 03, 2012, 06:55:37 PM
Millikin's schedule :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Lots of prominent Big Blue players graduated this spring. Thus, lots of playing time is up-for-grabs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 05, 2012, 10:16:42 PM
Sure looks like MU is playng a much much tougher pre-CCIW schedule than in the past.  With the WIAC games, Wash U and Kean, that's a pretty darn tough schedule.  Hope it pays off for them. . .  Seems to be going the IWU route, method, to play a very tough series of games before the CCIW season. 

Looking forward to seeing the new IWU squad, if/when any of the newbies can fit in with the strong returning caste.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 06, 2012, 11:28:02 AM
iwu70, Millikin's opponents also include the rather good UST Tommies, 31-2 in '11-'12.
Also, I wouldn't attribute the idea of a tough nonconference schedule to IWU; it's been thought of by others. We know you see everything through green glasses, so I guess we should excuse your Titanic way of thinking (ha ha).
Did you mean cast or caste?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 06, 2012, 11:53:05 AM
RogK, I proudly and fully admit to my greenie glasses, no doubt.  Some habits never change, heh?

Of course other programs also try to schedule a tough pre-conference schedule, to prepare and toughen up, but I think you have to admit that in recent years IWU has surely done this to a degree beyond all the others in the CCIW.  I'm glad to see MU doing what they're doing and hope it pays dividends for them in terms of conference campaign prep, rankings etc., should they have success.  I think it has proved very helpful, overall, for IWU in the recent 5-6 seasons.  We'll see. 

Yes, UST is another very good, strong program . . . we played them several times in recent years, too, including for the national, Final Four semis last year, right?

"Cast" of characters, right?  :)  Guess I come from the Dan Quail (or is it Quale?) school of spelling!  :)

Stay cool, more terrible heat here in B/N today and tomorrow -- 103, then 105 as per "forecastes!"  (sic)   :) 

IWU70

P.S.  The Shirk full of wrestlers today, then high school all-star football at Tucci Stadium (Shrine Charity game) later in the month.   Should be fun, good if not too too hot.  These conditions are truly dangerous for outdoor work and football games/workouts.  ms   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 06, 2012, 12:18:40 PM
That's good advice, iwu70. Even the most superbly-fit athletes would be wise not to push their luck exercising in this heat.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on July 18, 2012, 07:47:00 AM
A DI game will be played at IWU's Shirk Center this season...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/isu-women-to-play-morehead-state-at-shirk-in-preseason/article_f2ae92be-d04a-11e1-b8e3-001a4bcf887a.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on July 18, 2012, 06:40:38 PM
Nice of IWU to help out the Redbirds!  It should be a positive experience for all involved.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on July 19, 2012, 10:37:26 AM
Looks like the typical crowd for ISU last year was in the 1,500 range, so the Shirk Center should provide a really nice atmosphere for that game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 19, 2012, 11:56:52 AM
The summer league at Elmhurst College wrapped up last night. A few remarks:
Thanks to the EC WBB staff for again hosting the league!
Of the 8 CCIW teams, all but Millikin had players participating. I didn't watch the North Central group much; when I did, I saw some good enthusiasm and effort. Last season didn't work out too well for them, but hopefully they can be more competitive this time.
Wheaton had some participants : Hovee, Graham, Lee, plus some new ones whom I didn't recognize. Didn't see them much.
I watched the North Park bunch a few times. They have some interesting newcomers who should get in the rotation and help out soon.
Augie also has some newcomers who will help them this coming season, with a lot more depth in the front court. Returning guards Molly Etheridge and Gianna Pecora played with renewed energy. There appeared to be a lot of optimism among the players.
I didn't watch the Elmhurst teams much, but they too have some new players that should help out. The Jays may be a noticeably different looking team next season, without Merk and Ney dominating the lane area.
The very swift (and cheery) Kim Schwerdtmann will return from last year's injury and could be a key contributor.
Finally, we come to the best of the conference, namely IWU and Carthage.
I'll predict here that Carthage will again lead the league in blocked shots. They will have a deep frontcourt, with at least five good big players to utilize. Their guard corps is rather good too.
IWU made it to the summer league title game, but lost by around 6 pts to a team of D1 players (a mix of UIC, Drake, DePaul?). Their core of prominent returnees (Baltes, Bilek, McMahon, Gardner) looked very sharp and energetic. Others played well too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 23, 2012, 01:39:05 PM
Following a good 14 more seconds of thoughtful reflection on what I saw in the summer league, I offer additional provocative blather:
I see no reason why IWU and Carthage will not make the conference playoffs in the upcoming season. Carthage looks to again have the ingredients to be a strong half-court oriented team, with good athletes (not slothful). IWU looks ready to use their speed to great effectiveness, leaving any less-athletic opposing teams in the dust.
Wheaton will likely be reasonably good, with solid returning talent and some promising freshmen. They probably won't be as good from three-land, losing some of the best shooters the league has ever had.
Millikin and Elmhurst are mysteries (to me, anyway) at this point.
Augie, North Park and North Central all have a good opportunity to move up, but not without improving significantly.
At the D3 final four, I observed that 3 of the 4 teams there implemented full-court defense for pretty much the full 40 minutes. The team that didn't do so left town without a win. The other 3 either won twice or once. So, I wonder, will pressing/trapping become more respectable and catch on?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 24, 2012, 12:41:43 PM
RogK, basically share your assessment early on here for the next CCIW women's season.  IWU will surely continue the "run and jump" and has the personnel again to pursue aggressively that style of play.  It has been their bread and butter for some years.  I'm sure they will keep doing it until it proves not to work.  Key thing for IWU will be stronger, better post and rebounding play, in addition to Shelby Jackson, to replace the toughness of Solari, and also how to replace the scoring and overall versatility of Olivia Lett.  This will be very difficult, though I'm sure the overall offensive posture of the Titans next year will be more balanced, with perhaps 4 or more players scoring in double figures.  Foot speed and trey shooting of course will be a key again.  Look to Gardner to have a big big year and also for significant improvement, greater contributions from Baltes, McMahhon, Bilek, Scurlock and Jackson.  Lot of good talent there and it can again be mixed together in a new and good way . . . and good things will again happen.  Leave it to Mia to stir the talent pot.  IWU will need a few newbies, especially front court players to step up and make some new and surprising contributions.  We'll see.  Looking forward to seeing the 2012-13 Titans in action.  I share your view that it is mainly Carthage and WC that will again contend with IWU.  I'd likely pick EC again to be the fourth in the CCIW tournament come season end. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 15, 2012, 06:42:53 PM
North Park's new schedule is here :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&tab=_basketball
I guess I'd better not wear my Banana Slugs shirt to NP's gym this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 15, 2012, 07:51:58 PM
NPU clearly had a late cancellation, which explains why Moody Bible is on the sked.

Go right ahead and wear your Banana Slugs shirt in the crackerbox, Rog. I'd wear one myself, if I owned one. They've been a hot pop-culture commodity ever since John Travolta's character Vincent Vega wore one in Pulp Fiction. When NPU's men's team visited the west coast and played in a tournament with UCSC several years ago I asked one of the coaches to bring me back a Banana Slugs shirt. Unfortunately, he forgot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2012, 06:12:40 PM
Here's something to mull over in late August. When Augie scored in the 70s last season, they were 3-1; in the 60s : 8-4; in the 50s : 0-3; in the 40s : 0-5; in the 30s : 0-1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on August 23, 2012, 06:50:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 23, 2012, 06:12:40 PM
Here's something to mull over in late August. When Augie scored in the 70s last season, they were 3-1; in the 60s : 8-4; in the 50s : 0-3; in the 40s : 0-5; in the 30s : 0-1.
How many three pointers in those high scoring games?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 24, 2012, 10:26:10 AM
Augie wasn't involved in any high scoring games last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on August 24, 2012, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2012, 10:26:10 AM
Augie wasn't involved in any high scoring games last year.

I'm thinking 60's and 70's are fairly high scoring girls games. Are there teams that averaged in the 80's, 90's or beyond? How many as compared to all d3 teams? Just curious, no time to do the research.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 24, 2012, 11:52:44 AM
The NCAA site shows that last year's D3 WBB leader was Louisiana College at 86.4, followed by Knox at 83.5 and the champs IWU at 77.6.
Please don't think of scores in the 60s as high; that level is extremely average for a 40:00 game. I'd define high scoring as somewhere in the area of 170-180 combined points. Others might say 160 is pretty high.
To return to your earlier inquiry, here are some details of the four games in which Augie reached 70 or more:
78 vs Monmouth (48 pts from 2FG, 6 pts from 3FG, 24 FT); 72 vs Presentation (60 2FG, 6 3FG, 6 FT); 70 vs Webster (48 2FG, 6 3FG, 16 FT); 76 vs Central/Iowa (50 2FG, 12 3FG, 14 FT). So, no, they didn't get much from threeland.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on August 24, 2012, 12:07:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2012, 11:52:44 AM
The NCAA site shows that last year's D3 WBB leader was Louisiana College at 86.4, followed by Knox at 83.5 and the champs IWU at 77.6.
Please don't think of scores in the 60s as high; that level is extremely average for a 40:00 game. I'd define high scoring as somewhere in the area of 170-180 combined points. Others might say 160 is pretty high.
To return to your earlier inquiry, here are some details of the four games in which Augie reached 70 or more:
78 vs Monmouth (48 pts from 2FG, 6 pts from 3FG, 24 FT); 72 vs Presentation (60 2FG, 6 3FG, 6 FT); 70 vs Webster (48 2FG, 6 3FG, 16 FT); 76 vs Central/Iowa (50 2FG, 12 3FG, 14 FT). So, no, they didn't get much from threeland.
Interesting and many thanks for taking the time to get the stats :) :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 24, 2012, 12:22:27 PM
You're welcome.
I just noticed that you have a helmet next to your posts. Here's a site that might be fun to look at, since the FB season is approaching :
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/
Scroll down the list on the left for D3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on August 24, 2012, 01:24:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2012, 12:22:27 PM
You're welcome.
I just noticed that you have a helmet next to your posts. Here's a site that might be fun to look at, since the FB season is approaching :
http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/
Scroll down the list on the left for D3.
It took some help from Raider 68 to get that helmet. The other Url's I tried didn't work or were no longer available. That is a very cool site. Thanks again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 24, 2012, 02:04:19 PM
Quote from: newcardfan on August 24, 2012, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2012, 10:26:10 AM
Augie wasn't involved in any high scoring games last year.

I'm thinking 60's and 70's are fairly high scoring girls games. Are there teams that averaged in the 80's, 90's or beyond? How many as compared to all d3 teams? Just curious, no time to do the research.

NCF, just as an FYI, when referring to female athletics you use the term "girls" for high-school sports and "women'" for college sports. Just thought I'd point that out, so that you don't slip up at an NCC women's basketball game and get an earful from some irate parent. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on August 24, 2012, 02:11:47 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 24, 2012, 02:04:19 PM
Quote from: newcardfan on August 24, 2012, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2012, 10:26:10 AM
Augie wasn't involved in any high scoring games last year.

I'm thinking 60's and 70's are fairly high scoring girls games. Are there teams that averaged in the 80's, 90's or beyond? How many as compared to all d3 teams? Just curious, no time to do the research.

NCF, just as an FYI, when referring to female athletics you use the term "girls" for high-school sports and "women'" for college sports. Just thought I'd point that out, so that you don't slip up at an NCC women's basketball game and get an earful from some irate parent. ;)
I'll just give it right back ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on August 26, 2012, 12:09:01 AM
Quote from: newcardfan on August 24, 2012, 02:11:47 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 24, 2012, 02:04:19 PM
Quote from: newcardfan on August 24, 2012, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2012, 10:26:10 AM
Augie wasn't involved in any high scoring games last year.

I'm thinking 60's and 70's are fairly high scoring girls games. Are there teams that averaged in the 80's, 90's or beyond? How many as compared to all d3 teams? Just curious, no time to do the research.

NCF, just as an FYI, when referring to female athletics you use the term "girls" for high-school sports and "women'" for college sports. Just thought I'd point that out, so that you don't slip up at an NCC women's basketball game and get an earful from some irate parent. ;)
I'll just give it right back ;D ;D ;D ;D

Oh -- that makes much more sense. I couldn't figure out why he was trying to compare high school scoring averages to D-III.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 27, 2012, 02:04:28 PM
I think we were talking about college scores. But, anyway, there have been (and still are) college coaches who "don't want to get into a track meet" with any number of opponents; in many instances, the coach on the other bench is thinking the same thing. As a result, defenses are allowed time to set up before any shot is considered; thusly, shooters are well-guarded and many one-and-done possessions ensue. In this pattern of play, scores in the 40s and 50s can be expected. Fans then have to go home and wash their eyes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 27, 2012, 03:58:57 PM
In the aforementioned type of game, naturally there would be a winning team and a losing team. Likewise, if both teams really pushed the ball on offense, one team would win and one would lose.
Most CCIW WBB games feature a fluctuating tempo or pace, with adjustments occuring based on how things are going, including who's in foul trouble. Truly high-scoring games (94-88?) are rare. Fortunately (in my opinion), 50-41 scores are uncommon, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 27, 2012, 04:10:00 PM
Here's a question that could induce some discussion : how many different ways can a possession (on offense) be successful even if 0 points are scored?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 27, 2012, 04:22:48 PM
Rog, the mean average of points per team in CCIW play in 2011-12 was 62.1. Let's just say that CCIW scoreboard operators weren't really hard-pressed to keep up last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 27, 2012, 04:30:27 PM
Was that 62.1 for all games or just conference matchups? Would you mind figuring the corresponding average for the CCIW guys' games?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 27, 2012, 05:02:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 27, 2012, 04:30:27 PM
Was that 62.1 for all games or just conference matchups?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 27, 2012, 04:22:48 PM
Rog, the mean average of points per team in CCIW play in 2011-12 was 62.1. Let's just say that CCIW scoreboard operators weren't really hard-pressed to keep up last season.

;) ;D

In all games, CCIW teams averaged 64.3 ppg.

Quote from: RogK on August 27, 2012, 04:30:27 PMWould you mind figuring the corresponding average for the CCIW guys' games?

CCIW men's teams averaged 65.7 ppg in CCIW play and 66.9 ppg overall last season. However, those numbers are deceptive, as they contain an extreme outlier; Millikin, which has lost a CCIW-record 34 straight conference games and has gone 1-24, 0-14 and 1-23, 0-14 over the past two seasons, fielded what is easily the worst men's basketball team I've ever seen in this league in 2011-12. The Big Blue averaged 45.7 ppg in CCIW play and 47.2 ppg overall. If you offset the Millikin outlier by using the median average rather than the mean average, CCIW men's teams averaged 70.7 ppg in CCIW play and 71.6 ppg overall, which are fairly typical numbers for CCIW men's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 27, 2012, 05:52:32 PM
The men have the occasional advantage of getting closer to the rim. The slightly smaller ball used by the women should be easier to fit through the rim space. The fact that women players are smaller than the guys are may aid offense (the lane being less crowded).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 27, 2012, 06:34:02 PM
The ability of men to get closer to the rim does play into the fact that male players have higher FG percentages on average than their female counterparts, but they also have higher trey-shooting percentages on average as well. The difference in college basketball between men and women in shooting efficiency from behind the arc is roughly 5 percent, a fact which can't be explained by the inherent gender discrepancies of height and vertical leap. Interestingly, free-throw shooting percentages don't show nearly as much difference between men and women.

Women do have the advantage of being able to drive to the basket with more lane space available, as you noted. That should theoretically give them an advantage that aids in their scoring that men don't have. However, women have five fewer seconds on the shot clock with which to break down a defense than men have.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 28, 2012, 11:56:40 AM
Greg, I'm not sure that I go along with your last sentence, if it means that the longer a possession lasts, the better chance of success for the offense. I think there can be a lapse in concentration by the defense at any point in a possession. The odds of inducing that lapse may go up as the offense passes/dribbles the ball around, but so does the likelihood of committing a turnover.
I don't see that a longer shot clock would favor the offense, at least in women's basketball. I would defer to your judgment in regard to the men's game.
Certainly a very short shot clock (5 or 10 seconds) would favor the defense, but I think 30 seconds is plenty for decent shot opportunities to appear. And the sooner a shot is taken, the lower the chance of committing a turnover. The reward of holding the ball deeper into the shot clock could be a high percentage shot, but on the other hand, that 4th or 7th or 9th pass may be a bad one. And that OK shot that was not taken with 15 or 20 seconds left might end up being better than the one available with 2 seconds left.
A great passing/ballhandling team has less risk of committing a turnover, of course, but they can probably get a good shot any time they want.
Surely, you have to completely agree with all that! Ha ha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NCF on August 28, 2012, 01:49:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 28, 2012, 11:56:40 AM
Greg, I'm not sure that I go along with your last sentence, if it means that the longer a possession lasts, the better chance of success for the offense. I think there can be a lapse in concentration by the defense at any point in a possession. The odds of inducing that lapse may go up as the offense passes/dribbles the ball around, but so does the likelihood of committing a turnover.
I don't see that a longer shot clock would favor the offense, at least in women's basketball. I would defer to your judgment in regard to the men's game.
Certainly a very short shot clock (5 or 10 seconds) would favor the defense, but I think 30 seconds is plenty for decent shot opportunities to appear. And the sooner a shot is taken, the lower the chance of committing a turnover. The reward of holding the ball deeper into the shot clock could be a high percentage shot, but on the other hand, that 4th or 7th or 9th pass may be a bad one. And that OK shot that was not taken with 15 or 20 seconds left might end up being better than the one available with 2 seconds left.
A great passing/ballhandling team has less risk of committing a turnover, of course, but they can probably get a good shot any time they want.
Surely, you have to completely agree with all that! Ha ha.
How often does that happen? ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 28, 2012, 01:49:47 PM
The advantage always lies with the team that has the ball in its hands, Rog. This is borne out statistically; even the most fumble-fingered team will regularly get off at least twice as many shots as it has turnovers, and for a competent team the ratio of shots to turnovers is more like 3:1, or even 4:1 for exceptionally good teams -- and that's not including free throws.

The typical CCIW women's team will attempt about 1500 field goals per season, and make somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 of them, while turning the ball over about 500 times. Roughly one CCIW team per year will record more turnovers than field goals. But even this doesn't point to the defense having the advantage against that opponent, because it doesn't take free throws into consideration.

The longer the defense has to work, the more likely it is to break down. That's why every coach's bete noire is an opponent's offensive rebound, because it re-establishes the opponent's possession and forces your team to play an even longer consecutive stretch of defense.

The longer shot clock definitely favors the offense in the men's game. While turnovers are more common in the women's game, the women's game is also more focused upon strictly utilizing patterned offenses to create open shots rather than relying upon individual abilities to establish scoring opportunities (aka "creating your own shot"), and an offense that is running a set is harder to defend for half a minute than an offense in which a player or players is taking it upon himself to create something out of nothing -- and when you do have that individualistic mindset, the chances for a bad decision increase exponentially as the shot clock winds down, whereas a team running a set play will simply continue to methodically work its way through the shot clock, because its confidence lies in the team's collective ability to score rather than in its individual abilities. One thing you notice if you watch both men's and women's games, as I do, is how dedicated the women are to sticking with the play to the end of the shot clock as compared to the men. My impression has always been that you see more baskets made within the last five seconds of the shot clock in the women's game, in terms of a proportion of the overall number of baskets made, as you do in the men's game.

Exceptions abound, as there are some pretty disciplined CCIW men's teams, and younger or less capable CCIW women's teams will sometimes panic as the shot clock runs down to single digits. But, taken as a whole, this is the general rule.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 28, 2012, 04:17:34 PM
Greg, it could be that women's teams stick with running a set play even as the shot clock wanes. To me, if often looks like "dang, our play fell apart and there are 4 seconds left; give it to the best scorer quick." That player may have been the intended shooter, but I don't think anyone other than the coaches and players know if it was a designed play to the end or just an effort to salvage the possession.
The ratios of FG attempts to TOs over the course of a season doesn't tell us about how early or late they occurred in any possessions.
Your impression about more late-shot-clock baskets in WBB than in MBB could very well be true and predictable : for example, a shot taken 27 seconds into a possession would be within the last 5 seconds in WBB but not in MBB. The shorter the shot clock, the more likely that shots will be taken late in the possession.
Incidentally, when you call a team "disciplined" you're not equating that to a slow, use-up-the-clock offense are you? Fast-break offenses can be very disciplined.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 28, 2012, 07:28:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 28, 2012, 04:17:34 PMGreg, it could be that women's teams stick with running a set play even as the shot clock wanes. To me, if often looks like "dang, our play fell apart and there are 4 seconds left; give it to the best scorer quick." That player may have been the intended shooter, but I don't think anyone other than the coaches and players know if it was a designed play to the end or just an effort to salvage the possession.

Everything's relative. While you do see a lot of what you described in the women's game, you see more of it in the men's game ... except that the thinking involved with men is often not, "Dang, our play fell apart and there are four seconds left; give it to the best scorer quick," but rather, "Dang, do I have to do everything myself? Oh, well, here goes ... eat my dust, dude, I'm taking it to the rack!"

Quote from: RogK on August 28, 2012, 04:17:34 PMThe ratios of FG attempts to TOs over the course of a season doesn't tell us about how early or late they occurred in any possessions.

True, but because there are far many more shots taken than turnovers coughed up in either version of college basketball, it stands to reason that there are more shots taken as the shot clock winds down than there are turnovers made.

Quote from: RogK on August 28, 2012, 04:17:34 PMYour impression about more late-shot-clock baskets in WBB than in MBB could very well be true and predictable : for example, a shot taken 27 seconds into a possession would be within the last 5 seconds in WBB but not in MBB. The shorter the shot clock, the more likely that shots will be taken late in the possession.
Incidentally, when you call a team "disciplined" you're not equating that to a slow, use-up-the-clock offense are you? Fast-break offenses can be very disciplined.

When I call a team "disciplined" I mean that it is more likely to follow the prescribed play called for it than it is to freelance ... unless the freelancing is what the coach is seeking to establish in the first place. Fast-break offenses are frequently designed to emerge out of pressure defenses, and the discipline therefore starts at the defensive end of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 29, 2012, 11:41:33 AM
Since we're on a general basketball theme, I have sometimes thought about how defense in basketball compares to defense in other sports (not golf!). Fullcourt pressure in basketball has similarities to forechecking in hockey and whatever they call it in soccer. It just occurred to me yesterday that they play fullcourt (fullfield) defense in football; football teams play defense at the line of scrimmage, even if it is too far too kick a field goal from.
The decision of where to play defense in basketball depends on the coach's philosophy and maybe the game situation. Some coaches say "why play defense in the backcourt? they can't score from there; guard the basket." Others see fullcourt defense as a possible way to get the ball back via a forced turnover.
Baseball is an oddity among team sports because scoring is done by movement of a player/runner rather than movement of the ball.
Thoughts anyone?
(Here's another dang : dang, I just noticed my ungrammatical linking in reply 3264 of the word ratios with the verb doesn't, a plural/singular violation. I'm lucky not to have been T'd up)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 29, 2012, 11:23:02 PM
IWU CCIW Player of the Year, and national Final Four MVP, Olivia Lett, is to play professionally in Spain starting next month.  Congrats to Olivia, fulfilling her dream to be a professional basketball player!  See IWU sports and regular website for details = iwu.edu

Football season about to commence.  Good luck to all the CCIW squads and coaches.  Let's hope it is an exciting and relatively injury free season.  Sure looks to me like another good year, championship season for North Central, with probably WC and IWU nipping at their heals.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 20, 2012, 01:52:35 PM
Good luck to Olivia!
North Central coach Michelle Roof has made an interesting selection of her new assistant coach. Recent Olivet Nazarene coach Doug Porter has signed on to join the Cardinals' efforts.
I can't imagine that Porter would be brought in to help make the team play slow, so I think coach Roof is planning to up the tempo.
Checking on last season's NC shooting numbers : they shot .378 FG overall, .348 on threes and .392 on 2FGs.
One of Porter's ideas for offense is to not take low pct 2-point shots, so I'd look for their 2FG pct to improve.
We'll have to wait and see how far coach Roof wants to go in adapting "the System."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2012, 06:01:28 PM
NPU has a new assistant coach. She's Lauren Rosengarden, nee Lauren Martin, a former shooting guard for the Vikings who graduated from NPU in 2007. Since then she's held several coaching positions in Chicagoland, including stints as an assistant coach at Judson and at Lake Forest, which was her most recent stop. Her predecessor, Rachel Theodore, recently resigned after her husband took a new job in another city.

Welcome back to NPU, Lauren!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 21, 2012, 04:26:22 PM
Speaking of NPU's class of 2007, further congratulations are in order as former Vikings star Laura Mount has been named to the Viking Hall of Fame. She will be inducted along with three other honorees at a ceremony next month during Homecoming weekend. Congratulations, Laura, on this well-deserved honor!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 25, 2012, 11:32:03 AM
Among Laura's basketball attributes was a fearlessness for getting clobbered when she drove to the basket. She must have had some previous experience playing Australian rules football.
New rosters are up for Millikin
http://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
and Carthage
http://athletics.carthage.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Millikin lists 29 players, but there are a lot of duplicate uniform numbers, so many of them will be primarily JV players.
There is a rumor circulating on Mongolian web sites that Millikin will be using an all-lefthanded starting lineup.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 25, 2012, 03:32:31 PM
Thanks RogK, that's quite a roster by the Big Blue, by MU.  That's a huge full lineup for both varsity and JV.  I think MU will be pretty good this year.  WC, Carthage and IWU all lost some key players to graduation, so will be interesting to see the new lineups, reload or rebuild?, the new speculation on how those traditional conference powerhouses will do.  ECC should be pretty good again this year, too, right?

IWU will again be very strong, rely more on the trey, surely on the "run and jump" and very tough defense, pressure, pressing all 40 minutes.  Key thing for IWU is to effectively spread the scoring better this year, with Lett gone, and find some key bigs, post area players to rebound and play interior D.  Shelby Jackson and others will need to come up big, to replace Solari and Burton, provide the rebounding and post defensive work.  I expect a huge year from Gardner.  IWU's perimeter players could be the best in the league -- Gardner, McMahon, Bilek, Scurlock, Baltes and Reaber -- running the floor, defending, and shooting the three.  Key for some newbies and rising underclassmen players to make a good, consistent contribution -- i.e. Seibring, Reabers, Brown, perhaps a freshmen or two.  We'll see. 

Starting lineup -- my guess:

PG -- Baltes, Reaber
SG -- Gardner
SF -- McMahon / Bilek
F -- Scurlock / Seibring
C -- Jackson / Brown

Will need some good strength, tough defensive work off the bench, in the 9-10 player rotation, making "run and jump" doable.  Don't know much yet about the freshmen and whether any of them will make a go at varsity playing time.  Rather doubt it, but we'll see in the coming 6-8 weeks.

Season not that far away now.  Let the defense of the national champions begin!  :)  What a great season, great run we had last year . . . we'll be hanging the national championship banner in the Shirk rafters during one of the home games this fall, no doubt.  The natonal champions got their rings during halftime of a Titan football game a couple of weeks ago . . . with every single player and coach there for the festivities.  Great to see.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 25, 2012, 03:41:50 PM
Rog, hope you aren't watching those "Mongolian" websites too too carefully . . . unless one of those left-handers you mentioned is a 6'10" Mongolian princess recruited by Millikin to join the CCIW this year. I didn't see her on the new roster just posted.  Quite sure the NBA or the WNBA are there looking . . . but perhaps not the CCIW.  I've heard of the "five guard" approach on the men's board, but not the "five lefties" strategy you've mentioned here on the women's board!   Stranger things have happened . . . perhaps Millikin is willing to try about anything to get its basketball programs back on top of the CCIW.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 25, 2012, 05:18:52 PM
iwu70, my guess is that Baltes, Gardner, Bilek and McMahon will be the top four Titans in minutes played, not necessarily in the order listed. They are all excellent athletes and each contributes in a variety of ways.
Another guess is that Jackson would be 5th in minutes played. Strictly all guesses. As you've suggested, Jackson may end up being the most important, given her size and agility.
On the topic of freshmen Titans, there was an extremely quick point guard (can't remember her name right now) that played in the summer league who may get to play varsity. Of course, she'd have to earn playing time like anyone else.
IWU should be very good again, as will Carthage. Wheaton, Elmhurst and Millikin all graduated players that were relied upon heavily (as did IWU and Carthage); we'll see who takes advantage of the opportunities. At this point I would not expect IWU or Carthage to deviate from their respective styles of play, which have brought them consistent success. Maybe Wheaton, Elmhurst or Millikin will somewhat alter how they play based on new personnel? Will Augie or North Park look much different in '12-'13? It appears that North Central will be trying something new, possibly really fun.
I'd say there is a chance for major volatility within the CCIW standings this year, but not affecting IWU and/or Carthage at the top. Then again, I could be full of doo-doo!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 25, 2012, 11:54:18 PM
Yes, I feel IWU returning players are very strong, but also interested to see any of the newbies, freshmen who may make an impact, or at least get into the varsity rotation.  We'll see.  Do feel a big and consistent year from Jackson and other IWU post area players will be needed.

I think the league will overall be more balanced, with more teams capable of beating the top teams, still IWU and Carthage, IMHO.  But, don't think IWU will be as far separated from the others this year, esp. with the dominant player, scorer, defender, ball-handler, etc. in Lett gone.  But, overall, I think they will be very balanced and very tough on their D, pressing etc. as in previous years.  They're not going away from that until other teams prove that the pressure and pressing can be well handled.  IWU still has a very good chance of winning the conference, the CCIW tournament and going deeply again into the DIII dance.  Lots of experience on this team returning, just a different mix, different type of team likely to emerge.  As mentioned, I expect Gardner to take up more scoring and for the Titans to also find more scoring from others in that returning perimeter group.  Baltes could emerge as an all-CCIW player, IMHO.  I think she's just as strong, good a player as Brittany Hasselbring was during her superb IWU career.  This year is her time.  Scurlock has a tremendous upside as well. 

Time will tell how it all comes together.  We are lucky to have such an excellent coach in Mia Smith and now a very strong tradition of women's basketball at IWU, these past 5-6 years. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 26, 2012, 11:28:26 AM
All of IWU's opponents this year will be excited about the chance to "knock off" the defending national champs.
Of course, last season is done and a victory over IWU this year has no effect on last year, nevertheless I think this year's opponents will have that motivation, to try to upset the champs.
iwu70, you're right to say that Gardner could carry more of the scoring load, but I suspect she'll be given a lot of attention by opposing defenses. Fortunately for IWU, many Titans have the talent to score in double figures. Bilek keeps improving and will be among IWU's scoring leaders. But, as you say, contributions will also come from some who haven't seen a lot of floor time before this season.
I've re-read this
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/5/17/WBB_0517122623.aspx
about new Wheaton players. Several sound rather good, especially the one from East Lansing, who was 1st team all-state. And she was very good in soccer; we've seen several examples in the CCIW of soccer athleticism translating well onto the hardcourt. While it takes time to work newcomers into the mix, the Thunder may have a strong team again.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 26, 2012, 12:25:45 PM
RogK, you are right, very strong WC freshmen class coming in.  Lots of talent there, esp. the student from Michigan.  I'm sure some of these kids will be top-notch CCIW players now and/or in a year or two.  WC and Carthage always tough, always finding good talent.  I'll try to find out more, post on the IWU newbies in due course. 

On IWU, I agree that many teams will give IWU their best shot . . . has been so for some years, esp. with the kind of pre-CCIW schedule that Mia books.  Look at IWU's schedule again for this coming year and you will see what I mean.  Usually some WIAC games, usually Whitewater, and Coe or Mt. Union, UC abd Wash U or Depauw.  Probably ONU too.  Very tough.   No wonder that last year early on the Titans were 3-4 and then went on to win the national title.  IWU could again be facing a number of teams in the top 25 rankings during November, December, before their run through the CCIW.  I think its a great strategy, even if you lose some games early on, drop out of the rankings like IWU did last season, then come back strong after a good run in CCIW and conference tournament play, well-steeled for the DIII dance, if you get in.  You learn how to play the toughest competition, how to play in close games, win or lose.  That seems to be Mia's strategy and thinking these past 4-5 seasons. 

Will be very interesting to see how the spread of scoring, style of offense goes for IWU this year . . . could be 4-5 players vying for points, and 4-5 scoring in double figures, much more balanced this year than with Lett in the lineup.  Defense will again lead to offense, so lots of layups, and then in half court sets, lots of trey attempts.  You may be right that Bilek will be in the top few scorers for IWU this season.  She and Gardner are the key trey shooters, though Jackson is also not afraid at the three-point line.  IWU will need some points in the paint in the half court.  McMahon and Scurlock will be more of the slashing, driving kinds of scorers.  Baltes, too.  If Lexi Baltes plays as well and steadily, as TO-free as Britt Hasselbring, the Titans can indeed go very far this year. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 03, 2012, 07:28:50 PM
New 2012-13 IWU roster up now, on the women's basketball page, iwu.edu sports.  Twenty players strong, with only two seniors (Gardner and Bilek) and four freshmen, so this team is very much experienced, yet relatively young and still around for some time, with 8 juniors and 6 sophomores.  Most of the rotation this year will be sophomores and juniors.  I'm sure Mia will again be looking for quick, tireless, tenacious, defense-oriented players, to run and jump, and to move in and out of the rotation with fresh legs, intense energy as has become characteristic of the Titans' signature pressure defense in recent years.  Scoring will be more balanced, with Lett gone, and surely the three ball will be evident.  Seems strong interior D and improved rebounding in the half-court sets will be key to the team's success this season.  Defending national champs . . . let's do it again! 

Don't know much about the freshmen or some of the sophomores either.  We'll soon see as formal practices begin now in about 4-5 weeks, right?  Given the strong, experienced talent returning, hard to see how any freshmen will break much into varsity playing time. 

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 04, 2012, 02:39:16 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 03, 2012, 07:28:50 PM
  We'll soon see as formal practices begin now in about 4-5 weeks, right? 

Unless things have changed, practices begin Oct. 15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 04, 2012, 04:45:41 PM
Ahhh, Backseat, you are right.  I was thinking it was now only mid-September, but it's already October 4th, isn't it???  Time flies when you're having fun and your football team is 4-0 and having a great season, so far!   You are right, practices will begin now in about 10 days, two weeks.  Can't wait.  I've watched "open gyms" of both the Titan men and women, and everyone is working out hard, seemingly coming back to official practices in very good shape.  Only worry I guess would be readiness and injury-free nature/status of Brady Zimmer.  We'll see in coming weeks.

I'm very optimistic about the IWU women again this year as they have lots of experienced, yet still young talent coming back.  It's, of course, impossible to replace a talent like Olivia Lett and no one here is saying that's possible, though everyone is optimistic about the overall team talent, prospects and the new mix that will be needed to continue the great success of the women's program at IWU in recent years.  Hasselbring and Solari will also be greatly missed.   Titans again have one of the toughest pre-CCIW schedules one could imagine. 

Superb coaching and strong team and player dedication is of course a big part of it here.  I have no doubt that the 2012-13 version of the Titans will be very different from last year's national championship edition.  But, with the returning talent coming back, I think they will be awfully good again. Looking forward to seeing who else emerges as an important contributor to that strong group we already know about -- as the Titans are pretty much 7-8 deep on proven, returning players in the rotation last year = Baltes, Gardner, McMahon, Bilek, Jackson, Scurlock and Reaber. Perhaps Seibring and Brown playing a bigger role this year. We'll see.   Some nice write-ups about the freshmen now on the tabs/links off the roster page of the new roster.  FYI.   I'm especially interested in Henzel and Beoletto, of the newbies.  We'll see again, soon enough.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 09, 2012, 01:48:59 PM
Here's a season preview for the W portion of the CCIW:
http://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/2012/10/5/Womens%20Basketball_1005124039.aspx?path=wbball
Several very good returning players and more talent (and size) arriving.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 09, 2012, 10:35:17 PM
RogK, thanks for the link/info on the Redpeople.  Looks like a tough pre-CCIW schedule as well for CC.  Some new faces, new mix will be needed there too, just like with the Titans.  Guess Carthage will not want to face the "team that shall not be named" again in 2012-13 after the four very tough losses to our ladies last season. 

Guess the official practices begin on Monday, right?  Let the games begin . . .

Looking forward to another very interesting, competitive season in the CCIW.  I'm sure the returning Titans are very very committed to defending their national championship.  A great spot to be in, a great tradition of women's hoops emerging at IWU.

IWU hosts the Redguys in football this weekend -- 1:30 p.m. kickoff for the IWU Homecoming encounter.

Go Yankees!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 10, 2012, 10:26:05 AM
So you think Carthage has a bunch of cowards on their team, afraid to play IWU? I think the Titan players would be the first to tell you that you're way off on that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 10, 2012, 12:36:21 PM
Rog, cowards no, of course not.  Carthage had a great team last year . . . but, I think you have to admit that CC must be a little spooked about IWU now, even going to the point of not saying the name, "the team that shall not be named," etc.  Must get into your head a bit to lose three times by a total of 6 points, then get another chance in the Elite 8 and go down again, by even more.  Of course, new season, new narrative, new teams now, so perhaps not an issue, but it was mightly fine to beat such a good CC team last year FOUR times, on our way to the title.  I'm sure both CC and WC will be gearing up to give the Titans a full run for their money this coming season . . . perhaps EC too.  As I said much earlier, I think the separation between IWU and the rest of the CCIW pack is likely to be less this year, esp. with the graduation of the National Player of the Year in Lett,   . . . though I still like our chances to win another league title and go into the tournament again.  But, gotta play the games, with courage and confidence, spooked or not. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 10, 2012, 01:01:30 PM
I think the phrase "the team that shall not be named" was the work of their SID. The players would have no connection to that. As for being "spooked," I can't imagine that any Carthage players are irrational or superstitious about playing any particular opponent; on the contrary, I'd bet they are very eager to have a new opportunity to defeat IWU.
As you point out, it is a new season. Last season is done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 10, 2012, 03:27:36 PM
iwu70, if you don't mind, could you specify which of the Reaber sisters you anticipate being in the regular rotation for IWU. I'm thinking you may mean Kasey (based on her high school credentials and recovery from injuries), although Taylor had some good numbers in limited playing time (good rebs and steals per minute).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 10, 2012, 03:55:40 PM
RogK, yes we'll see the new phase, whether any residual sentiment is there about being "spooked" or having something in your head after losing to IWU four times in one season.  Most will be new, but some of this year's starters on both sides will, of course, be players who played in those games last year.  Surely got to do a good thing for the confidence of the Titan players involved and coming back, remembering the good outcomes of the four games, three of them razor close. 

Yes, the Reaber mostly likely to play more time this year is, I think, the younger one, Kasey.  She's fit, injury free, ready to go, at least in the "open gym" sessions.  She may well be a key backup at the PG or the 2.  Probably at PG behind Lexi Baltes.  My guess only.  Sure starters, IMHO, are Gardner, Jackson, McMahon and Baltes.  Not sure yet of the role of Bilek and Scurlock, but surely in the regular, 1st line rotation.  IWU is going to need rebounding and interior D, toughness.  Solari will be missed.  Perhaps Brown and Seibring play more in the post area this year, too.  Not sure at all about the newbies, as yet.   Stay tuned.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 12, 2012, 01:45:29 PM
Backseat Driver, as our Thunder specialist, can you speculate on how Wheaton may or may not be different on offense this year?
Here are some numbers from 2011-12 14 game conference stats only :
per game attempts
AUG : 12.3 3FG, 40.5 2FG, 21.8 FT
CAR : 15.4 3FG, 36.4 2FG, 15 FT
ELM : 9.6 3FG, 42.8 2FG, 21.1 FT
IWU : 19.6 3FG, 41 2FG, 21.5 FT
MIL : 17.7 3FG, 40.6 2FG, 19.5 FT
NC : 15.6 3FG, 38.1 2FG, 18.1 FT
NP : 11.9 3FG, 43.6 2FG, 18.5 FT
WHE : 21.1 3FG, 37.4 2FG, 16.6 FT
Wheaton was more reliant on threes than the other teams, but having lost several of their best long range shooters, what might happen? I'm definitely not saying that 21.1 3FG att per game is a huge number. Just wondering if you think Coach Madsen might alter what they do based on a new roster, or if you think he'll continue to rely on threes to that extent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 12, 2012, 04:21:37 PM
Well, if you look back at the last 6-7 years or so, Wheaton's been pretty consistent with the number of its three-point attempts. And they actually took more threes in 2010-11 than they did last year. So I don't think you'll really see any major stylistic differences.

With that said, one would expect that Maris Hovee and Lauren Graham would play an important role in the offense this year. But I don't think the offense itself will change. And I don't think Coach Madsen ever told his team, "Hey, let's rely on three-pointers tonight and see how it goes." That's just what happened with a bunch of really good shooters on the floor.

Quote from: RogK on October 12, 2012, 01:45:29 PM
Backseat Driver, as our Thunder specialist, can you speculate on how Wheaton may or may not be different on offense this year?
Here are some numbers from 2011-12 14 game conference stats only :
per game attempts
AUG : 12.3 3FG, 40.5 2FG, 21.8 FT
CAR : 15.4 3FG, 36.4 2FG, 15 FT
ELM : 9.6 3FG, 42.8 2FG, 21.1 FT
IWU : 19.6 3FG, 41 2FG, 21.5 FT
MIL : 17.7 3FG, 40.6 2FG, 19.5 FT
NC : 15.6 3FG, 38.1 2FG, 18.1 FT
NP : 11.9 3FG, 43.6 2FG, 18.5 FT
WHE : 21.1 3FG, 37.4 2FG, 16.6 FT
Wheaton was more reliant on threes than the other teams, but having lost several of their best long range shooters, what might happen? I'm definitely not saying that 21.1 3FG att per game is a huge number. Just wondering if you think Coach Madsen might alter what they do based on a new roster, or if you think he'll continue to rely on threes to that extent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 12, 2012, 04:52:21 PM
You didn't say this directly, but I think it fits with your comments : what a team does on offense is also affected by what the opposing defense tries to allow or limit. I think you'd go along with that. I just checked on what Wheaton's highest games were for 3FG attempts.
Their highs were 33 and 32, both in important wins.
In a 76-74 win over IWU, they made 12/33 threes (36 pts) and 14/40 2FGs (28 pts).
In a 51-49 win over Carthage, they made 9/32 threes (27 pts) and 9/34 2FGs (18 pts).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 12, 2012, 05:15:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 12, 2012, 04:52:21 PM
You didn't say this directly, but I think it fits with your comments : what a team does on offense is also affected by what the opposing defense tries to allow or limit. I think you'd go along with that. I just checked on what Wheaton's highest games were for 3FG attempts.
Their highs were 33 and 32, both in important wins.
In a 76-74 win over IWU, they made 12/33 threes (36 pts) and 14/40 2FGs (28 pts).
In a 51-49 win over Carthage, they made 9/32 threes (27 pts) and 9/34 2FGs (18 pts).

Very true. And the thing about that IWU game (didn't see the Carthage one), was that a good chunk of those were relatively clean looks. IWU definitely was looking to make the Thunder "die by the three", which ended up not working in that particular game (although Olivia Lett fouling out was just as important).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 14, 2012, 10:16:01 PM
IWU ranked #4 in one pre-season poll, with Carthage ranked about 18th, as I recall.  Of course, these polls don't mean too too much, until some tough games are played, then they don't mean all that much more either, as IWU went 3-4 early in the season last year, losing to several "top 25" teams, then toughening up, rushing through the CCIW season and tournament, and running the table to the national title.  IWU senior guard, Melissa Gardner identified as one of the "top 24" pre-season top players.   Titans will be very good again, IMHO. 

Let the practices begin . . . first day of basketball season tomorrow, Monday. 

Congrats to Elmhurst footballers on their big win over Wheaton this past weekend.  We at IWU had a lovely Homecoming weekend with Green Weenies over Redpeople, 45-7.  A much happier Homecoming outcome than in recent years.  Big big games upcoming @ Wheaton, and @ NCC. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 16, 2012, 12:45:04 PM
Augie's schedule is here :
http://www.augustana.edu/x47882.xml
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2012, 10:31:29 AM
Augie's new roster :
http://www.augustana.edu/x47883.xml
Eighteen players are listed. We'll have to see how many Coach Beinborn uses on a regular basis. He may not know yet; we sure don't.
I remember a good amount of enthusiasm and energy from the Augie players who participated in the summer league at Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2012, 05:46:20 PM
North Central's new roster :
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Like Augie, they have 18.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2012, 11:17:39 AM
Wheaton's new roster :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
Eight freshmen join nine returning players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2012, 05:26:28 PM
And the Elmhurst roster :
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
They have 21 players, including 7 freshmen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2012, 06:51:36 PM
The annual coaches chat happens Wednesday in the a.m.
http://www.cciw.org/news/2012/10/17/MBB_1017122856.aspx
They will probably also do their standings forecast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 23, 2012, 06:55:04 PM
Preseason poll . . . coming soon.

I'd bet:  IWU, CC, EC, MU, WC, NP, NCC and AC . . . in that order.

In a few days, we will know.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on October 23, 2012, 08:25:33 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 23, 2012, 06:55:04 PM
Preseason poll . . . coming soon.

I'd bet:  IWU, CC, EC, MU, WC, NP, NCC and AC . . . in that order.

In a few days, we will know.

IWU70

This is the first I've really thought about the season, and looking at the field I don't think that any team is a "sure thing" going into this season. Seems like every team has significant shoes to fill.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2012, 12:15:33 PM
Yes, lots of questions, new combinations, and new, untested talent coming into the season.  IWU will be quicker, smaller, perhaps relying even more on "run and jump" and a high percentage from the trey line.  Key will be post play, rebounding and a new-found identity, toughness for this new group.  As I have posted here earlier, I think they will be very very good -- the departure of Olivia Lett, Britt Hasselbring and Karen Solari notwithstanding.  Reload . . .rely on, build on the strong traditions of the past 5-6 years and the good coaching of Mia Smith.  I'm very optimistic for the new season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2012, 01:11:30 PM
Olivia Lett made her debut over in Spain last Saturday :
http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Spain/2012/1020_7967_8104.asp
She did muy buena!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on October 24, 2012, 02:30:46 PM
Preseason Coaches Poll and chat transcript...

http://www.cciw.org/news/2012/10/23/WBB_1023120646.aspx

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on October 24, 2012, 02:34:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 24, 2012, 01:11:30 PM
Olivia Lett made her debut over in Spain last Saturday :
http://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/Spain/2012/1020_7967_8104.asp
She did muy buena!

IWU fans need to realize how incredibly difficult it will be the replace Olivia Lett's production.  She was a DI player playing in Division III -- a virtually impossible matchup for opponents.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 24, 2012, 03:03:06 PM
I've watched part of one NPU practice thus far, and it's good to finally see a decent amount of size on the floor. Seems like NPU's continually been undersized for about a decade or so. Of course, quantity isn't the same as quality, which is another way of saying that the Vikings as a team are going to have to find a way to replace Roxxie Jones's contributions in terms of inside points, rebounding, and defense.

One key to the season for the Park will be Kamauria Acree. Last season she looked like she was still suffering from the aftereffects of her ACL tear. She appeared to be a step slower, and she lacked the explosion she'd demonstrated as an All-CCIW player her freshman year. The other problem last year was that, since NPU didn't have many players who could play inside, Kamauria was asked to play a lot of power forward, where she had a hard time asserting herself amongst all the trees. This year she should be back on the perimeter, where she should thrive the way that she did as a freshman.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2012, 03:50:13 PM
Congrats to Olivia Lett on her pro debut.  Super duper.  Wow! 

Q is quite right that it will be virtually impossible to replace a player like Olivia this year . . . the new edition of the Titans will have to find a new scoring balance, a new identity especially on offense, and utilize their other many and varied strengths to find a new kind of winning formula.   My own view is that Baltes is every bit as good as Hasslbring, and Gardner will need to score more, find her places, open looks at the trey line more often, something like the year Kory Coon was so prolific at the trey line.  I'll bet Melissa will be running off screens alot this year.  And, key will be more balanced, productive scoring from Jackson and other IWU bigs this year, and how much, how fast the new bigs develop in interior defense, rebounding and finding that nasty edge so helpful, so associated with Karen Solari in her prime last year.  I think Whitney Scurlock may have alot to contribute in this regard, with rebounding and boundless energy.  We'll see who else develops and steps up this season -- could be Brown, Seibring . . . just don't know yet.  Titans have alot of talent on the perimeter and with experience and excellent foot-speed.  No doubt about that with Bilek, McMahon, Baltes, Gardner, Reaber etc.  Should be interesting to see how Mia puts it all together for another good season. 

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2012, 04:37:33 PM
A fully healthy Kamauria Acree definitely makes NP better, Greg.
They need her, or somebody, to get out on the break and get them some easy baskets. When they are "patient" on offense, allowing the defense to set up, they had scoring droughts. This is what I remember from the handful of games I attended. You saw more, so correct me if my impression is flawed.
The stats show that they made fewer than 4 threes per game, which I think could be described as a deficiency in today's game. Annie Shain's injury didn't help (she hit 16 of 40 threes); Sarah Peterson's 3FG shooting fell off (she did very good, 35/93, in '10-'11). Dana Christensen has been extremely steady season-to-season. Anyway, I still say NP's opponents need reason not to clog the lane defensively against the Vikings.
Would you concur with that, Greg, or do you see it another way?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 24, 2012, 05:00:45 PM
I don't think that pace is the basic issue regarding NPU's inability to score, Rog. The problem is simply a lack of good shooting. You're correct to reference Annie Shain's injury as one of the obstacles (and she's suffered another knee injury in preseason practice this month, which makes her potential contribution this season questionable), as well as Sarah Peterson's dropoff in that regard. But it really comes down to NPU not being able to make shots no matter where the Vikings happen to be on the court -- inside, midrange, or outside -- and it's a team-wide issue.

Last season NPU ranked last in the league in points scored in CCIW play, as well as next-to-last in FT percentage and dead last in trey percentage. The Vikes were a comparatively "solid" sixth in FG percentage, but that's largely because they had Roxxie Jones taking more shots than anyone else, and she was a close-in shooter who was one of only four women in the league who made better than half of their shots in CCIW action last season.

NPU has a well-deserved reputation for playing hard, steady defense. But the Vikings just haven't been able to put the ball in the basket at all the past few seasons, and that's gotta change in a big way if NPU hopes to make the upper division of the CCIW this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2012, 05:29:11 PM
The D3hoops.com women's basketball preseason Top 25 is out:

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2012/10/womens-preseason-top-25
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2012, 07:05:07 PM
Researching all the teams and thinking about who's going to have a great season is no doubt a fun exercise.
I just hope that once the season gets going, the preseason rankings get shredded and are completely re-thought once some teams are 4-0 or 5-0.
Getting back to North Park : this season will be as good as any for them to have a reasonable shot at advancing upward in the conference standings. A lot of teams (not Carthage, not IWU) could conceivably have a setback or two while reconstituting themselves after losing very good seniors. On the other hand, no one who has been in the midsection of the standings is interested in sinking, so it's not easy to escape the lower rungs of the league. I may sound extra critical of North Park; part of that is because I'd like the team nearest to me (3 miles from my abode) to be fun to watch. We'll have to see if things go better for them.
We'll also have to see what happens with Augie under a new coach. And, what exactly are they "cooking up" in Naperville? If assistant coach Porter is helping Coach Roof install something like what Olivet Nazarene does, we could have new records of all sorts set this year in the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2012, 07:19:29 PM
D3hoops pre-season poll has IWU at #5 and Carthage at #20.  No other CCIW school getting any love.  Seems to me a bit high for IWU, about right for CC.  IWU got 5 votes for #1!  Looking at the pre-season rankings, one can see the strength of IWU's scheduling philosophy, with the prospect of the Titans playing 6-7 top 26 teams in the 11 games prior to CCIW play.  Not sure of comparative SOS, but that has to be pretty much right up there.   

Calvin is #1 and, not surprisingly, with the return of Hannah Mungar, George Fox is #2. 

Let the pre-season speculation and guesstimations begin.

Olivia Lett's start in pro ball in Spain very impressive!!!

Sure will be an interesting set of pre-CCIW season games for our Titans.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 31, 2012, 11:03:57 AM
Given reports from a recent scrimmage by the IWU women (vs. Illinois Central College, I believe), it appears the starting five will very likely be (as expected by many):

PG - Baltes
2 - Gardner
3 - Bilek
4 - McMahon
5 - Jackson

Most likely first off the bench in rotations will be:  Seibring, Scurlock, Reaber, perhaps Brown.  Reaber has a hand injury and may be out for a few weeks leading up to the beginning of the season.  Stay tuned.

IMHO, key issues will be rebounding, interior defense and scoring, and who else from the rotation group steps up and makes a big, important contribution for this new mix, for the new season.   First five are very solid and experienced from the national championship run.  They are very tough, active and aggressive players all.  This team will have some of the best foot speed of any team in D3 for the upcoming season, IMHO.  Lots of run and jump coming your way in a few weeks time.  That type of defensive pressure will be coming hard until it proves not to work . . . which is rarely. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 01, 2012, 01:59:32 PM
Wheaton moving to pumpkin uniforms this year: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 01, 2012, 04:12:22 PM
Backseat Driver, I noticed the team photo, too. But, there are a couple of discrepancies with uniform numbers on the roster vs those worn for the photo. There is a player wearing 24 in the photo, but no 24 is listed on the roster. Also, Iris Cheng is wearing 33 but has 3 in the roster; another basketballista is wearing 3 in the photo.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2012, 11:26:29 AM
A season preview for Elmhurst :
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2012/11/2/WBB_1102123120.aspx
Sounds like they've picked up a good point guard transfer from NAIA Judson. She made close to 90 pct on her FTs and did well in their game vs Olivet Naz (which requires significant athleticism).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 02, 2012, 12:37:57 PM
RogK, yes, looks like Elmhurst has some major new horses, and likely good improvement.  I was very impressed last year with Tess Godhardt and would expect her to have another All-CCIW year of some sort, perhaps moving up to 2nd or 1st team.  She's really active, with a great nose for the ball in rebounding.  The new PG does sound good.  Time will tell if EC moves to the top four, CCIW tournament-qualifying level.

Not so sure about those "pumpkin" colored unis . . . but then again, most of the league doesn't much like the bold Weenie green either.   8-)  (There are many times when I'm very very glad to be color blind, esp. with the U of I orange . . . it's bold and stark, but of late more embarrassing than bright.  Just say'in).  IMHO.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2012, 02:04:57 PM
I like all the Wheaton uniform varieties : orange, blue or white.
Can't remember if I've seen them in pink, but those would be sharp, too.
iwu70, have you noticed that the Brooklyn Nets' colors are black and white?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nets
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 02, 2012, 09:25:31 PM
Rog, yes, for me, b/w and grey.  I see like you see a black & white television.  I did notice those new Nets unis, and somehow they seem right for that very gritty, urban section of Brooklyn where the Nets are soon going to be playing -- along Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Brooklyn.  I used to live about 8 blocks from there, and I can affirm that b/w/grey is a pretty good choice for that part of town!  Until they can get the subways and the LIRR up and running fully now, they are going to have a tough tough time getting the Nets opening games in at the new Barclay Center, in downtown Brooklyn.  Wish them success in the longer term, and full recovery and reconstruction for NYC, NJ and the Jersey shoreline.  Tough times.  You probably saw that Bloomberg reversed course late today and cancelled the NY Marathon for this Sunday.  Understandable, but really too bad, too, especially for many athletes, domestic and international, who must have already been in or heading for NYC.  Wish they'd postponed it 'til say Thanksgiving weekend Sunday or first weekend in December.  This year, Super Sandy, no marathon.

Looking forward to the new women's season, pumpkin unis, green weenie unis and all.  Should be another great CCIW season for the women's game. 

God bless Title IX.   

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 02, 2012, 10:29:17 PM
Season preview for Wheaton: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/11/2/WBB_SeasonPre.aspx

I think Wheaton's going to be good this year. I know that they're excited about their newcomers, and despite losing some really quality talent the Thunder will return some key people as well.

You'll probably see some growing pains early on, but I think this team will be able to compete well in the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 03, 2012, 12:43:57 PM
I agree -- think WC will be pretty good this year.  Looks like some very good new talent in the post area.  Olson is an excellent backcourt player.  Seems the top teams again in the league will be IWU, CC, WC, EC and MU.  We'll see how it all plays out pretty soon now.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 03, 2012, 09:49:12 PM
DePaul 105
IWU 68


http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/110312aac.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2012, 11:38:57 AM
Melissa Gardner (IWU) and Cailee Corcoran (Carthage) named to D3hoops.com pre-season All-American teams, both on the 4th team squad.  Not surprisingly, George Fox's 6'5" Junior, Hannah Mungar, named to the 1st team.  Wash U has a sophomore named to one of the teams.  Pre-season teams mean little, of course, but gives an idea of some of the fine players coming back for the stronger programs this year.

My thought on IWU -- best chances for "breakout" players for the Titans this year would be:  Lexi Baltes at PG and Katy Seibring in the post area.  Best chance for workhorse, consistent, high-percentage shooter/player of the year, doing her job with little notice but making great contributions:  Michelle Bilek.  Candidate for "sixth woman" of the year for the Titans:  Whitney Scurlock.  IMHO.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow, everyone!

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2012, 01:20:41 PM
North Park's new roster :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Five newcomers join ten veterans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2012, 02:20:04 PM
Correction:  GF's Mungar is a Senior.  Back from injury suffered in the national championship game vs. IWU last year.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2012, 02:21:46 PM
On NP's roster, would be nice to have size and class year of the players on the team.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2012, 02:46:43 PM
iwu70, you might also correct the spelling of her last name : Munger, not Mungar. I doubt if she's reading our posts, but anyway.
If you click on individual North Park player names, you can see their height. They may soon update the roster with all that data.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 05, 2012, 06:32:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 05, 2012, 02:46:43 PM
iwu70, you might also correct the spelling of her last name : Munger, not Mungar. I doubt if she's reading our posts, but anyway.
If you click on individual North Park player names, you can see their height. They may soon update the roster with all that data.

Having lost the game (and undefeated season) to IWU two years in a row, Hannah just might be reading this board! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 06, 2012, 06:16:15 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 05, 2012, 02:21:46 PM
On NP's roster, would be nice to have size and class year of the players on the team.

IWU70

???

The NPU roster lists both height and class. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 06, 2012, 08:36:23 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 01, 2012, 04:12:22 PM
Backseat Driver, I noticed the team photo, too. But, there are a couple of discrepancies with uniform numbers on the roster vs those worn for the photo. There is a player wearing 24 in the photo, but no 24 is listed on the roster. Also, Iris Cheng is wearing 33 but has 3 in the roster; another basketballista is wearing 3 in the photo.

It's possible that these were typos that have been corrected, but I don't see any discrepancies between the photo and roster?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2012, 12:56:57 PM
Backseat Driver, the Wheaton roster has been updated. Will you be able to attend the opening pair of Thunder games next week and provide for us some eyewitness reports?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 07, 2012, 02:52:42 PM
Thanks, guys, for the additional info on the NP roster.  I'll check it out.

Yes, Munger, not Mungar . . . I'll do better.  You know me, I'm not an ace at spelling and not a doyen of data, always looking to rosters or archives, hence my use of Kman, Zman, and now another error with dear Hannah, or is it Hanna? . . . time will tell.  Sure glad we have so many talented copy editors on these boards.

Only about a week or so and the season begins.  I'm sure Ms. Munger is ready to be back on the floor and would, no doubt, long for another shot at the Titans somewhere deep in the DIII dance come March, 2013.

Looking forward to seeing the 2012-13 edition of the Titans, of "run and jump" in the post Olivia Lett era. 

IWU70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 07, 2012, 08:04:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 07, 2012, 12:56:57 PM
Backseat Driver, the Wheaton roster has been updated. Will you be able to attend the opening pair of Thunder games next week and provide for us some eyewitness reports?

I will not be attending. I've moved out of CCIW territory so I think I'll be trying to catch video streams occasionally this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 07, 2012, 08:09:51 PM
In looking ahead to NPU's opening weekend, the Vikings start out with a home game against Milwaukee Engineering on Friday evening of next week, followed by a road game against Dominican on Saturday afternoon. MSOE was a solid 17-10 last season, but it looks as though the Raiders lost a lot from that team. MSOE only returns one starter and two other players who saw action in 20 or more games, and seven of the 11 players on the roster are frosh. Dominican doesn't have a roster posted yet on the school's website, so I can't be sure which players NPU will be facing. But three of the starters from last season's 19-9 Stars outfit are at least eligible to return this season, including leading scorer Ashley Oliver, along with most of the bench. DU does have a new head coach, so that might shake things up a bit.

This will be about as experienced a team as NPU has fielded in a long, long time. It's the senior year for Amanda Reese's first recruiting class, and we'll see what the six seniors who remain from that inaugural class have learned over the past three years.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2012, 12:26:47 PM
North Park's season preview :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2012/11/6/WBB_1106122948.aspx?path=wbball
Note the nice smiles in the photo.
Greg, you've recently mentioned here the need for more accurate shooting by the Vikings; Coach Reese specifically included that in her list of things they're striving to improve, along with rebounding and overall scoring average. I assume that 3FG pct and 2FG pct will be looked at separately.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2012, 03:09:30 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 08, 2012, 12:26:47 PM
North Park's season preview :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2012/11/6/WBB_1106122948.aspx?path=wbball
Note the nice smiles in the photo.
Greg, you've recently mentioned here the need for more accurate shooting by the Vikings; Coach Reese specifically included that in her list of things they're striving to improve, along with rebounding and overall scoring average. I assume that 3FG pct and 2FG pct will be looked at separately.

I think that a big ingredient to improving NPU's trey shooting is a healthy Annie Shain. Last season she connected from downtown at a 40% clip (16-40), on a team that only made a collective 27% of its treys. Keeping her on the court has been a problem, though; last year she tore an ACL in the middle of the CCIW campaign, and this preseason she's missed time due to an MCL injury. But she's now practicing again with the team.

NPU also needs Shaina Yalda and Sarah Peterson to bounce back from regressive campaigns in terms of three-point shooting, but I think that having Annie Shain available off the bench will be huge for the Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2012, 05:03:45 PM
A healthy and fun-filled 2012-13 season is hereby wished to all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 14, 2012, 08:45:16 PM
Good luck to all the CCIW teams, coaching staffs, and players for the 2012-13 season.  Should be another good one!  Our Titans open up on the road Friday with a very tough match-up with Mount Union, then Muskingum on Saturday, both games @North Manchester, IN.  It will be very interesting to see how the new starting five and new rotation of players comes together in these very tough pre-CCIW season games.  Mia Smith will be working her magic yet again. 

Good luck to the Titans, the defending national champions!  Go TITANS.  (I'll be staying home @Shirk Friday/Saturday to watch the IWU men start out vs. Coe, then Loras, also a Friday/Saturday tip-off tournament format). 

As RogK says, "a healthy and fun-filled season is hereby wished to all!"

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 14, 2012, 09:33:04 PM
Article on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/replacing-lett-s-scoring-will-be-key-for-iwu-women/article_c507ab9e-2ec7-11e2-9bc3-001a4bcf887a.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2012, 01:21:08 PM
The final sentence of that article says that IWU attempted 1827 threes last season. The league stats show that IWU opponents attempted 1827 total FGs. IWU did lead the league in 3FG attempts (650 in 33g) and 19.7 per game. Within the 14 game conference regular season, Wheaton led with 21.1 threes attempted.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2012, 05:34:15 PM
The burning question, Rog, is: Which gym will you grace with your presence tomorrow night as Opening Weekend commences? The airplane hangar for Olivet @ NCC? King Arena for Blackburn @ Wheaton? Or the crackerbox for Milwaukee Engineering @ NPU?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2012, 05:58:08 PM
Tonight I'll attend the Dominican at Elmhurst match. Tomorrow, Olivet at NC. As for Saturday, I haven't decided yet.
Last Saturday, I saw the other Olivet (Nazarene) win at St Xavier, 100-88. That one was hard-fought, high-energy and often sloppy (58 TOs, not all forced); 47 fouls included, so the scorer's table was kept very busy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2012, 09:32:22 PM
Doesn't sound like fun to me. I like a nice, leisurely pace at my scorer's table. I hate falling behind and trying to catch up, or trying to find a spare moment to erase a mistake, or having to confab with my tablemates about who scored the basket or how many team fouls there are or whether the shot clock was reset or not.

If I had to keep score for the Grinnell men's team, I'd demand a paid vacation at the end of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 15, 2012, 11:57:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2012, 09:32:22 PM
Doesn't sound like fun to me. I like a nice, leisurely pace at my scorer's table. I hate falling behind and trying to catch up, or trying to find a spare moment to erase a mistake, or having to confab with my tablemates about who scored the basket or how many team fouls there are or whether the shot clock was reset or not.

If I had to keep score for the Grinnell men's team, I'd demand a paid vacation at the end of the season.

Greg, you are not a tough enough negotiator.  If I were scoring a Grinnell men's game, I'd demand a paid vacation in Aruba (minimum of 3-star hotel) beginning the very next day! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NACfan215 on November 16, 2012, 12:03:18 PM
Rogk,
I know the Elmhurst v Dominican game was a blowout, what did you take away from the game regarding Dominican? I know thy had a coaching transition and graduated their top 2 players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2012, 12:09:47 PM
First the other CCIW action : Augie fell behind 32-14 and ended up losing 75-66 to Monmouth. They committed 24 fouls and 24 TOs. On the positive side, they got good production from young players Maddie Kerr (14 pts on 10 shots in 21:00), Kayla Boers (10 rebs), Marissa Pezzopane (6/9 FG).
Elmhurst sped past Dominican 90-47. Most every Bluejay played well. Some of the best : Devin Vaughn (5/5 FG incl a three, 8 assists, 3 steals in 21:00), Kim Schwerdtmann (5/5 FG, 6 steals in 16:00), Fiona McMahon (9/13 FG, 4/4 FT, 22 pts in 16:00), Stephanie Mitchell (10 pts in 15:00, several deflections of Dominican passes).
Elmhurst was up 78-22 with more than 12 minutes to go. Had they continued to use their top players, they could've really stomped Dominican, but Coach Carrillo was very nice to the visitors, using all of her bench for most of the 2nd half and slowing the pace of her offense. I'd rather not analyze Dominican, NACfan215. Suffice it to say that they and their new coach have a few things to work on. They had more than twice as many TOs (30) as baskets (13), never a good ratio. But, Elmhurst played an excellent, dominant game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: NACfan215 on November 16, 2012, 07:43:56 PM
Carthage 57 UW River Falls 50 at the St. Norberts classic.  RF tomorrow at 1, Carthage at 3 against winner of SNC and Lakeland College.  Only caught the last 5 mins and Carthage was basically in stall mode already. RF had a couple chances to tie it up, but Carthage held on late.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2012, 10:38:31 PM
NPU 69
Milwaukee Engineering 37

Sarah Peterson: 14 pts, 10 rebs, 4 blks (in 21 minutes played)
Dana Christensen: 11 pts, 5 asts
Soly Roman: 11 pts

This one turned into a rout very quickly. NPU scored 18 unanswered points over an eight-minute span and led by the ridiculous score of 42-8 at the half. Amanda Reese rested her starters for almost the entire second half, which allowed MSOE to make the final score quasi-respectable. And three of the NPU seniors (Shaina Yalda, Becca Heimsath, and Bridgette Gray) didn't even dress for the game, which gives you some idea of the talent gap between the two teams.

It's hard to glean much from a game played against such a significantly inferior opponent, but the Vikings did look very sharp on defense. MSOE only shot 19% from the field for the game, as the Raiders only sank nine FGs in the entire contest. Most of their second-half  points came on free throws, as the NPU bench did a lot of fouling down the stretch. NPU recorded 17 steals, and had a positive assists:turnovers ratio as a team (17:14) which doesn't happen too often.

The takeaway for me is that the two freshman bigs, Nicole "Spot" Kruckman and Soly Roman, both look like they're going to turn into very fine players down the road.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2012, 10:58:00 AM
I saw North Central fall to Olivet, 96-84. Olivet's two post players combined for 39 pts and their smaller players handled the ball well against a lot of trapping pressure by NC. Freshman Kimberly Wilson had a sharp debut for NC, tallying 20. No game for me today (attending a cousin's wake).
Wheaton rolled past Blackburn, 81-28, holding the visitors to 7/42 FG shooting. Four Thunderpersons scored in double figures.
Millikin was topped by UWSP, 65-50.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2012, 12:32:09 PM
My #4 Titans fell to #5 Mt. Union yesterday, 73-68.  Seems the Titans couldn't quite come back from 14 down with 6 minutes to play, getting within 3-4 points, but not quite getting over the hump.  Early season chemistry lacking, too many TOs according to Mia Smith postgame.  Titans had 27 turnovers, as both teams used the "run and jump," pressing the entire game.  A good rematch of a Sectional semi from last year, which IWU won on Mt. Union's court on an Olivia Lett buzzer beater.  Good to see balanced scoring with strong inside scoring:  Jackson 21, Seibring 15, Gardner 12, Bilek 10.  Plenty of positives to take away, but plenty of work still to do to bring this new group into full and complete sync.  A strong early test, for sure.  Not a bad start, all things considered.  IMHO.  Seibring may be the "breakout" player of the year for the Titans.  All good teams have to learn how to win tough, close games.  Stay tuned. Titans play Muskingum today at noon.  More to follow.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2012, 04:45:23 PM
NPU 79
Dominican 51

Dana Christensen: 14 pts
Sarah Peterson: 11 pts, 7 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 10 pts
Shaina Yalda: 10 pts
Kamauria Acree: 10 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts

A very efficient win for the Vikings in River Forest this afternoon. The Park shot 51% from the field, 58% from downtown, and 90% from the line, and stole the ball 14 times. Similar to the DU vs. Elmhurst stats, the Stars had several more turnovers (21) than field goals (16).

The immediate concern here is Sarah Peterson. She's sometimes the victim of the fact that her motor only works at one speed -- full -- and she took a nasty fall on her face at the end of the first half. She did not play at all in the second half, and she was holding a bag of ice to her head. I sure hope that she's OK.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2012, 08:54:43 PM
Titans over Muskingum today, 80-67, in Indiana. 

McMahon 16, Baltes 15, Jackson 12, Seibring 12, Bilek 10, Gardner 9  = the formula for wins in the post-Olivia Lett era.

Titans now 1-1, host another tip-off tournament-type event @The Shirk next weekend.  More very tough competition coming in.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on November 18, 2012, 03:32:28 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 17, 2012, 08:54:43 PM
Titans now 1-1, host another tip-off tournament-type event @The Shirk next weekend.  More very tough competition coming in.
IWU70

That's a perfect lead in and an understatement.  I'm stating the obvious and repeating what I said five months ago, but all three of the rotating hosts of this tournament (Illinois Wesleyan, WashU, Depauw) have a national championship and in fact have half of the last six (2007, 2010, 2012).  I was rooting for the Titans once they reached the Final Four and the Bears did not, just for that.  They're all in the top 10 of the preseason poll as well.

Which former champions do you think would ever contemplate playing in this tournament?  Given the distances for other champions, the only one's I can think of coming to this tournament would be either Hope (in spite of or because of their past history with all three teams) or Wilmington (Ohio). Millikin is perfectly located to travel to any of the three schools, but would a fellow CCIW team want to risk playing the Titans one more time in a season?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2012, 11:45:30 AM
Looking at a couple more of the Saturday games :
Molly Etheridge (6/9 2FG, 3/7 3FG, 5/6 FT) poured in 26 pts to lead Augie to a 75-63 victory over Robert Morris Springfiled. Trailing 51-37, the Vikings dominated the final quarter (10:01) of the game 38-12. That's a 150 pt/game pace. Congratulations to Mark Beinborn on win number 1 as head coach.
In Naperville, North Central missed 75 pct of their FG attempts and were outrebounded by 33. Oh, by the way, they won (70-67 over Alma College). Welcome to the world of nonsequiturial stats produced by "System" basketball. Emily Murphy led the Cardinals with 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2012, 12:07:06 PM
Yes, some of the finest DIII women's teams coming into the Shirk this weekend.  IWU, Coe, DePauw and Wash U, playing in a Tip-Off Tournament type of event.

IWU plays Coe College on Saturday at 3 p.m.   Wash U vs. DePauw is at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Then, Sunday -- 3rd place game at 1 p.m., Championship Game at 3 p.m.   

(Perhaps as good as, or better quality basketball than a Final Four?  Just say'in.  Last week, DP ranked #4, IWU #5, Wash U #9, and Coe #21). 

A challenging weekend for all the teams -- "to be the best, play the best." 

Happy Thanksgiving to all the CCIW "Chatsters."  Have a blessed, happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday break.

IWU70

P.S.  RogK, yes, that NC game was a very odd outcome and statistical bizarreness! 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2012, 01:43:38 PM
Some more Saturday results :
Brooke Olson was tournament MVP as she and teammates topped Saint Mary's (Indiana) 62-42.
Millikin lost to U of St Thomas 63-42.
Carthage lost a tight one to St Norbert 49-46. Cailee Corcoran had 11 pts, 10 rebs. The 2nd half was 17-17.
Elmhurst eased past MSOE 79-35. The Jays made 25 of 37 2FGs att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on November 19, 2012, 02:26:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 19, 2012, 11:45:30 AM
Looking at a couple more of the Saturday games :
Molly Etheridge (6/9 2FG, 3/7 3FG, 5/6 FT) poured in 26 pts to lead Augie to a 75-63 victory over Robert Morris Springfiled. Trailing 51-37, the Vikings dominated the final quarter (10:01) of the game 38-12. That's a 150 pt/game pace. Congratulations to Mark Beinborn on win number 1 as head coach.
In Naperville, North Central missed 75 pct of their FG attempts and were outrebounded by 33. Oh, by the way, they won (70-67 over Alma College). Welcome to the world of nonsequiturial stats produced by "System" basketball. Emily Murphy led the Cardinals with 10 pts.

I went to all the NCC games this weekend (former coach on the womens side, taking time off this year). The women shot 40 free throws on Saturday, which was enough to nudge them over the top. NCC is 1-1 without 2 of their top sophomores playing and 1 didnt play in the loss (Rezin). When they other 2 come back, I think the platoons will be more settled and a bit more effective. They have a ways to go but are buying in and are having fun.
The men..whew, what a game. I actually brough some of my 7th grade travel players to see the game, so they could see the physical nature and the level of execution involved...and I wasn't disappointed. The forwards for NCC will give ANYONE problems I think and they are uber physical (even Rairdon who had a mini shove in a minor skirmish in the Hope game)
RogK, were you at the game? I thought I saw you walk by towards the end but I had my 3 year old with me who took some focus! I was sitting between the band and the cheerleaders, with some former coaches and teammates of mine
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2012, 03:12:12 PM
Thanks for that reminder, keith45. I think you are referring to Kelsey Cooling and Larynn Shumaker. They should definitely help in a variety of ways, as you say. Everyone on the team has a lot to adjust to in this transition to a new style of play. By the way, I wasn't criticising the team for the stats I listed, but rather pointing out to readers that despite subpar FG shooting and rebounding, they did other things that added up to a win.
North Central's games this season will produce a lot of surprising stats.
Oops, I forgot to answer your question. I attended only the Friday women's game vs Olivet. I was seated in the endzone bleacher at the visitor (west) end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2012, 04:17:49 PM
Congratulations to Fiona, first CCIW Player of the Week :
http://www.cciw.org/news/2012/11/19/WBB_1119124926.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on November 19, 2012, 04:19:29 PM
Yes, KC and Larynn will replace some of the newer freshmen in the rotations and should add a boost (if not only from going through a year of CCIW games!)

I agree, I think we'll see some weird stats from NCC this year!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 19, 2012, 11:16:26 PM
Solid opening weekend for Wheaton, starting 2-0. I realize Blackburn is somewhere south of "good", and St. Mary's graduated a ton, but 2-0 is a good start nonetheless.

The most important thing, in my view, is that Brooke Olson had a really nice couple of games. Wheaton will rely on her leadership and experience a ton this year so it is good to see her have a good start to the season. Look for this to be her best season.

Wheaton is also getting some good contributions from freshmen. Hopefully that continues as the schedule progresses.

Wheaton hosts Aurora tomorrow, a game I hope to catch via video stream -- a mid-afternoon tipoff for me on the West Coast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2012, 11:17:17 AM
Looks like Brooke Olson is going to have a huge season this year.

Congrats to Fiona, first CCIW Player of the Week for the new season.

Looking forward to the games @Shirk this weekend, to see really where the new look Titans match up with some of the truly top programs in the nation.  No cupcakes here on Thanksgiving weekend.

Happy Turkey Day all!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on November 20, 2012, 02:16:17 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 20, 2012, 11:17:17 AM
Looking forward to the games @Shirk this weekend, to see really where the new look Titans match up with some of the truly top programs in the nation.  No cupcakes here on Thanksgiving weekend.
IWU70

Thanks for mentioning that Coe was a preseason #21.  I left out mention here that they've had to good trips to the NCAA Tournament the last two years.  At least I think close losses to Final Four bound teams is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2012, 04:01:13 PM
Coe has been excellent in recent years.  Titans just got by them on several occasions in recent years, in NCAA tournament games.  All the match-ups this weekend @The Shirk are going to be superb games.  Better shake of the turkey and dressing very soon and be ready to play on Saturday/Sunday.  With Calvin going down bigtime earlier to Point, whoever wins this Tip-Off event will likely be in the top five in the coming polls and rankings.  Early season, of course, when teams are still finding their identity, but a great test for all these regularly strong programs.

IMHO, it looks to me like Lexi Baltes at PG is going to be every bit as good as Britt Hasselbring was for the Titans these past 2-3 seasons.  And, Shelby Jackson has also started out very strongly with two excellent games in Inidiana last weekend.  When Gardner, Bilek and McMahon find their shooting range, these Titans are going to be pretty darn good.  Katy Seibring brings another strong, new dimension at various positions, with improved fitness on her part.  Kasey Reaber not back yet from a hand injury, as far as I know.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 20, 2012, 08:15:46 PM
Wheaton 96
Aurora 44

Brooke Olson - 21 points, 4 assists
Breanna Bohlen - 16 points, 4-4 on threes
Hannah Considine - 14 points, 4 rebounds
Moriah Reeves - 11 points

This game was respectable at the half (48-29), in large part because Aurora hit several quick-release shots at the end of the shot clock. Otherwise, Wheaton dominated as expected. The Thunder's first unit (Olson, Bohlen, Reeves, Graham, Hovee) played pretty well together tonight. It's a pretty strong starting 5. After that, there's a whole lot of freshmen coming off the bench for coach Madsen. He has a talented group of newcomers, and I'm intrigued to see how the rotation works itself out closer to CCIW play.

There was an Aurora player who left injured early in the first half with an apparent leg injury. Not sure of her name, but hope she's ok.

Wheaton's next couple of games figure to bring more of a challenge, against perennially-strong programs Chicago and Simpson, both on the road. The Thunder has shown a tendency to not play very well at the Ratner Center over the years.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2012, 01:49:07 PM
Having seen them for the first time last evening, I concur with your positive remarks about Wheaton's freshmen, Backseat Driver. The five that played a significant number of minutes (Reeves, Considine, Siebold, Zeller, Drury) all look athletic and are good sized. A freshman who could be (?) the best of the bunch (Brogan, all-stater in Michigan) is currently injured. I think she's expected to be able to play this season, but it is not known how soon.
Elsewhere, Stephanie Kuzmanic had a very sharp game (9/11 FG, 2/2 FT, 7 assists, 0 TO, 3 steals) leading Carthage 85-55 over Beloit.
Millikin topped Edgewood 67-54; Brittany Czaplicki scored 20.
Elmhurst's shooting was a little off (19/47 2FG, 3/17 3FG, 4/8 FT), maybe due to buslag? They lost at Coe, 56-51.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on November 22, 2012, 10:55:48 PM
Buslag is a good excuse as any, Rog!  A good three hour trip there though that was at least much better than the five hour fog-laden trip back home.

Bluejay shooting was off while Coe shot very effectively with good production off their bench.  I have to give credit to the Jays for responding to several deep holes as they fought their way back from a number of large deficits a number of times although in their aggression a number of starters got into foul trouble and had to sit decreasing their scoring ability.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2012, 11:36:47 AM
Wednesday results :
Augustana whipped Knox 83-56. It looks like Knox is using the "System" again this year and that style of play usually features exaggerated stats of one sort or another. In this game, Augie fully dominated the boards, 71-30. Knox's pressing (I assume) induced 47 TOs by Augie. Knox's shooting was bleak (11/42 2FG, 6/44 3FG), with some (or much?) credit going to Augie's defense.
Augie's Marissa Pezzopane had 18 pts (9/12 FG) and 13 rebs.
North Park won again, 73-64 over Benedictine. Sarah Peterson had a fine game : 6/7 2FG, 3/4 3FG, a FT, 6 rebs, 2 blocks, 3 steals). Kamauria Acree did well too, including 17 pts. NP had just 11 TOs.
Monmouth got past North Central 98-87. NC's Sophie Newson grabbed 9 rebs in 18:00, while teammate Amanda Hoye (speedy freshman point guard) contributed 13 pts, 4 assists and 3 steals. NC is also using the "System" but this game didn't have that many outlandish stats. Monmouth's Marla Willard had 21 rebounds in 27:00; that's pretty good!
(subsequent comment : "exaggerated" is not the best word, since the stats do measure reality and don't exaggerate it)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 24, 2012, 12:25:40 PM
George Fox opens the season 0-2 as Hannah Munger is still not back from injury. 

Calvin has also lost a game early on, to the Point, so new D3hoops ranking will surely look different at the top this coming week.

Titans play Coe this afternoon, after the opening game featuring DePauw vs. Wash U.  Some mighty big games in this "tip-off" affair.  (Inter-City HS tournament tonight at the Shirk, too, so four games in all from 1 p.m. thru 7:30 in the evening.  Great use of the Shirk during the holidays, with basketball almost every day, every night)

Third place game at 1 p.m. tomorrow, and championship game to follow at 3 p.m. @The Shirk.   All four women's teams participating are top 25 teams.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 24, 2012, 12:42:51 PM
Nice piece in the Pantagraph today about the early Titan games and the emergence of junior Katy Seibring as the Titans top "sixth man," person off the bench.  She's playing very well after the initial few games.  See pantagraph.com   Titans balanced scoring so far, with 4-5 possibly scoring in double figures, spreading the shots and scoring around, in the post-Olivia Lett era.  Top scorer so far is Shelby Jackson, in the post. 

Initial games show that there are quite a number of strong, improved teams in the CCIW this season.  Should be a great conference race. 

Titans vs. Coe today at 3 p.m. @The Shirk.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 24, 2012, 10:38:10 PM
Two wonderfully competitive games at The Shirk today -- with Depauw prevailing over Wash U 60-59 on FTs with 6 seconds remaining.  Both teams very talented, playing very tight D, and shooting it pretty well for early in the season.  Could have gone either way, though DP does seem slightly the tougher team overall. 

Titans used "run and jump," relentless D to prevail over a very fine Coe team, 81-67, though the game was much closer than this final score indicates.  Coe just didn't respond very well initially to the IWU pressure and were quickly down 25-7.  To their credit they fought back, even took a 4 pt. lead at one point in the second half before IWU's overall pressure, treyball game, and superior depth took their toll.  This Titan team is really going to be good.

The new normal in the post-Olivia Lett era is 4-5 players in or near double figures.  Great improvement, hustle by many of the players, great foot speed, and excellent treyball shooting.  The new balance in scoring, many contributions today was:  Seibring (off the bench) 17, Jackson 17, Gardner 15, McMahon 12, Bilek 9, and Lexi Baltes running the show.  IWU forced 36 Coe TOs., and therein lies the story.   Several of these Titan players had 5-6 steals and made any number of good defensive, deflection and hustle plays.  Lots of positives today on D, without a doubt.  Nice contribution by Taylor Reaber off the bench. 

More tomorrow -- Wash U vs. Coe at 1 p.m., IWU vs. DePauw for the crown, at 3 p.m.

Great intensity to both games and four excellent teams showing off their early season skills.  Have a feeling these teams may meet again down the road in March. 

Great to see the Titans playing so very well so very early in the season.  Just say'in.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 24, 2012, 10:51:03 PM
With a fair degree of confidence, I'll predict the winner of the DePauw/IWU title game will be the new #1 when the poll comes out (with UWSP likely to be #2 if they beat St. Thomas tomorrow).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 25, 2012, 08:39:00 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 24, 2012, 10:51:03 PM
With a fair degree of confidence, I'll predict the winner of the DePauw/IWU title game will be the new #1 when the poll comes out (with UWSP likely to be #2 if they beat St. Thomas tomorrow).

If IWU beats DePauw, wouldn't Mount Union have a better chance than IWU to be #1?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 25, 2012, 09:02:28 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on November 25, 2012, 08:39:00 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 24, 2012, 10:51:03 PM
With a fair degree of confidence, I'll predict the winner of the DePauw/IWU title game will be the new #1 when the poll comes out (with UWSP likely to be #2 if they beat St. Thomas tomorrow).

If IWU beats DePauw, wouldn't Mount Union have a better chance than IWU to be #1?

In any case, I'd be surprised if they put a team that already has a loss at #1 this early, when their are still plenty of top notch teams that are undefeated.  I'd guess UWSP,  or DePauw if it wins today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2012, 10:37:28 AM
D'oh! :-[  My brain has not yet moved from football to basketball - I completely forgot IWU's opening game loss to Mt. Union!  I agree that with so many excellent teams still undefeated, no way would a team with a loss be ranked #1 this early in the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2012, 07:15:14 PM
OUCH - DePauw thumps IWU by 23!

As the only still undefeated teams among the preseason top 9, I'll predict DePauw #1 and Mount Union as #2.  Lebanon Valley is still undefeated as the preseason #10, but they haven't played anybody, so I'll go with the triangle of Calvin, UWSP, and St. Thomas as the next three (in whatever order) - Calvin beat St. Thomas, UWSP beat Calvin, and St. Thomas beat UWSP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 25, 2012, 08:31:49 PM
Yes, the Titans basically got it handed to them today by an excellent DP team.  DP was up 34 at one point in the second half.  The story here is DP able to handle the IWU press/pressure, shoot a very high percentage, win the TO battle,  . . . need I say more.  DP shot almost 50%, the Titans, never getting into a good offensive flow, shot 35%.  Nuff said.  DP had excellent ball movement and beat the "run and jump" more times than not.  This DP team will go far this year.  IWU will bounce back and surely play and shoot better in future, surely better than they did today.  Titans shot about 20% in the first half.  Overall, the Titans played rather poorly today.  This game should tell Mia and the Titans that at times run and jump will not suffice and that some better half court play, sets, and offensive plays are needed.  Perhaps some of the high post sets used by Olivia Lett last year, with McMahon and Seibring on the high block.  A thought.  We'll see.  The Titans just looked a bit tired today, out of sorts offensively, after all the effort used in beating Coe yesterday, and also looked like they just hadn't had to play a game in the half court all that often.  Hence, the unease with playing against a very tough, an excellent defensive team playing in the half court. 

In the first game, for third place, Wash U blew out Coe, even more than I expected.  And, an alert to the rest of DIII, almost all of the Wash U players are underclassmen.  They have many excellent players playing major minutes who are freshmen and sophomores.  They are going to be very very good for a long long time to come -- yes, you say, when weren't Wash U teams good.  I agree, but it is striking how young, AND how good, the Wash U squad is.  They came within a point of beating DP on Saturday, really should have won the game.  When they learn how to win more close games, look out.  We all know how well coached they are, what a tradition Wash U has in women's hoops.  FYI.

Lots of lessons to be learned from the Titans poor game today vs. DP.  I'm sure they will be learned and the Titans will adjust and play better in future weeks.

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2012, 11:33:59 AM
Carthage picked up an impressive 68-46 win over Chicago yesterday.
Michelle Wenzel scored a very efficient 18 pts (5/7 2FG, 8/9 FT).
Carthage limited the visitors to 8/30 2FG shooting. Carthage committed only 7 turnovers.
p.s. I added a comment to the end of post 3367.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2012, 12:11:12 PM
Also over the weekend: Augie was edged by Webster 73-63. Amy Hicks did well for Augie with 13 pts, 6 rebs.
North Central got past Benedictine 96-91. Jenny Swanson scored 17 efficiently (5/9 3FG, 2/4 FT). Maryssa Cladis had 14 pts and 8 rebs.
As for speculation on who should be ranked number 1 etc, let's all remember that the preseason rankings were based on 0 games. The preseason rankings should be shredded and forgotten and have no impact on subsequent, result-based rankings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2012, 02:59:40 PM
Congratulations to the new conference player of the week, Sarah Peterson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on November 26, 2012, 05:48:12 PM
IWU lady titans game has been moved, they will play Tuesday, at 5:15 in front of the boys. Probable to try and save money, 1 bus trip instead of 2. Should be a good double header
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 26, 2012, 06:37:24 PM
Yes, pre-season polls, even early season polls mean rather little, as we pretty much know which programs are strong, have strong returning classes, strong coaching and traditions of late season tournament success.  Lots of these strong programs playing each other early to really test where they are, then make adjustments, get back all their injured players for their conference runs. 

I would be rather surprised if DePauw is not ranked #1 this week.  And, Wash U is going to be a very very good team this year.  Very young, but very good.  Titans have some work to do, but are still going to be very good down the road.  IMHO.

Another challenge with WI-WW, now moved to Tuesday night at 5:15 p.m. @Shirk, as mentioned.  Men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

National championship banner to come down for the women before the U Chicago game on Saturday, December 1st, @Shirk, @ 1:55 p.m. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2012, 06:40:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 26, 2012, 02:59:40 PM
Congratulations to the new conference player of the week, Sarah Peterson.

It sure was great to see that. It's NPU's first POW award since LaRae Kostreva won one back in 2008-09.

Sarah's the key to the season for NPU. As Sarah goes, the Vikings go.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2012, 08:57:08 PM
Ah, nailed it on the poll - #1 DePauw, #2 Mt. Union, then UWSP, Calvin, and St. Thomas.

RogK, I agree about the preseason poll - by January!  But so far there are very few results (and for many teams, NO meaningful results).  Expectations based on program history, returning rosters, etc., will inevitably (and IMO should) have an impact for several more weeks while this year's results slowly come in.

But your concern about preseason polling is precisely why I don't even start the (men's) Posters' Poll until January!  I'd love to see someone start a women's PP (I'd be a voter, but haven't the ambition to run both).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 26, 2012, 09:22:29 PM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on November 26, 2012, 05:48:12 PM
IWU lady titans game has been moved, they will play Tuesday, at 5:15 in front of the boys. Probable to try and save money, 1 bus trip instead of 2. Should be a good double header

Not quite as the two teams will travel separately.  The men don't want to leave as early as they would need to for the women and the women don't want to wait as late as they would have to for the men.   So each will take their own bus. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on November 26, 2012, 09:37:17 PM
Wow, pretty free with the states taxpayers money. Bus trip that far will run you about a grand.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 26, 2012, 10:07:15 PM
Yes, DePauw at #1 sounds right to me.  They are good.  IWU down to a more realistic #17 in the poll.  Strange to see Carthage drop out.  Everyone can work their way back into the top ten now.  I think DePauw and Wash U will figure in the post season, almost for sure.  George Fox dropped way down too.  Hannah Munger not back yet from injury.  Titans have another good test with Whitewater, Tuesday @The Shirk, @ 5:15 p.m.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2012, 10:23:14 PM
Last year IWU was #17 in the preseason poll, then dropped out completely for several weeks (a couple of them they did not receive a single point), and never did make it back above #16 in the final regular season poll - that season worked out pretty well!  I'm always interested in the poll results, but I've learned not to worry about them too much! ;)

After all, we have a tournament, not a BCS! 8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 26, 2012, 11:29:13 PM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on November 26, 2012, 09:37:17 PM
Wow, pretty free with the states taxpayers money. Bus trip that far will run you about a grand.

I don't believe they have to rent, if that helps.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on November 27, 2012, 07:34:33 AM
It sure would,
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on November 27, 2012, 10:29:44 AM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on November 26, 2012, 09:37:17 PM
Wow, pretty free with the states taxpayers money. Bus trip that far will run you about a grand.

How so? They dont get that much public funding, do they?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 27, 2012, 10:39:01 AM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on November 26, 2012, 09:37:17 PM
Wow, pretty free with the states taxpayers money. Bus trip that far will run you about a grand.

Our athletic department's operating budget is funded through student fees not the state.  The basketball team's budget is a fixed amount so spending the money for the bus trip means that there is less money to spend on something else.

The reason for the game being changed to coincide with the men's game has nothing to do with the men's game originally being scheduled a day earlier than the women.  The reason the date was changed is so the womens team can attend the funeral of a player who was on the team last year.  That funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.  Were it not for the funeral the schedule would have remained as it was originally and two buses would have been used.





Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2012, 11:44:57 AM
Our condolences to your team and school, badgerwarhawk. That's sad news for sure. It may be tough for them to fully concentrate on the game, or maybe the game will be a good distraction for a few hours. Either way, best wishes to them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2012, 12:15:28 PM
My condolences to the WI-WW team on the loss of your teammate.  Sad to hear the news.  Titan football lost a player, teammate, and classmate to cancer earlier this year . . . tough for everyone.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2012, 11:11:16 PM
The Titans had a great win tonight over #14-ranked WI-WW, a kind of get back your mojo, "steady-the-ship" kind of win after the loss to DePauw earlier.  The Titans fought back from ten down in the second half, finally got some shots to fall, and worked the pressure, and better half-court man-to-man D to get this impressive and important win.  Good to see the team bounce back and play well after having it handed to them earlier by DP.  They showed lots of character tonight. 

Gardner 19, 4-5 from treyland
Baltes a very good, aggressive game with 18
McMahon 17

McMahon is playing very well, moving with and without the ball, scoring in the paint, along the baseline.  She's quick and has good offensive moves.  If she keeps this up, she has a very good chance at a breakout, all-CCIW season.  IMHO. 

Bilek hit a key three in the last minute or so.  Titans shot FTs well, and finished it out.

Titans still struggling to rebound well, often undersized with opponents like WW.  You know you are in trouble when your sub PG leads the team in rebounding, = Mullarkey had 7 RBs. 

Word has it that Taylor Reaber is very soon to be back from her injured hand, can rejoin the Titans in upcoming games.  That will be a great help at PG and at the 2, another good sub to add to the mix, the rotation.  Seems Mia is still experimenting with various rotations, running people in and out all the time, seeing what the best mix might be.  She gave Katy Seibring her first start tonight, with Bilek subbing in as "sixth man," still playing lots of minutes, esp. in defensive situations.   Bilek also had key steals, and the key 3 down the stretch.  I love her energy and tenacity and "never quit" defense. 

The WW PG, Kaitlyn Thill, is a fabulous player, moving with the ball, defending, scoring, hitting shots from all over.  Gave the Titans lots of trouble in the first half especially.

A good struggle and the Titans coming out on top 72-69.  A good win.  Two very strong teams, well-coached, tonight.  Titans now 3-2, with U Chicago coming in on Saturday.  It will be time to lower another banner . . . this time for a national title!  Congrats again to Mia Smith and the women's basketball team/program at IWU.  Great job.  Fun to watch always, come rain or shine. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2012, 11:00:18 AM
North Central topped Central College 88-83. NC shot 20/34 on 2FGs and nine different players had a steal. Jenny Swanson led NC scoring with 14 (4/8 FG incl 3 threes, 3/3 FT) in her 14:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on November 28, 2012, 01:36:14 PM
The NCC women's team is employing the Grinnell System this season. In last night's game, they put up 47 threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2012, 03:06:41 PM
That is true, AndOne. No one style of basketball works for everyone. On the female side, NAIA Olivet Nazarene (where new NC assistant Doug Porter implemented it) has done very well with "System" basketball, but Knox (began it last season) has struggled to get wins.
We'll see how it goes in Naperville. One definite positive (in my view) is that the whole team gets to participate in every game, if healthy. Fifteen different players will probably play within the first 3 or 4 minutes. The better players are normally used most, but rarely for more than 20-22 (hectic) minutes.
Only the very best opponents will be able to run their regular game plan. Most teams will have their normal style of play disrupted one way or another.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2012, 03:54:13 PM
Yes, it will be interesting to see again IWU vs. ONU soon.  Seems when the opponent has an up-speed, fast break-oriented team, they can handle the ONU or Grinnell type system.  I'd expect our Titans this year to be able to adjust to it and take full advantage of it, as they did last year.  We'll see.  In any case, the ONU-IWU game will be good prep for the two NCC-IWU encounters during conference time.  IWU is not quite as deep or as talented (with Lett and Hasselbring gone) as last year.  But, they showed alot of character, got their mojo back last night against a very good WI-WW team.  This Titan team has a big upside again, in further development over the course of the season.

The WW guard was one of the best I've seen in D3 women's basketball = Kaitlyn Thill.  She was dribbling thru/past double-teams, almost like a hot knife through butter.  Titans went to a half-court, man-to-man, keep everyone in front of you, type of D in the second half and it slowed things down, got IWU in a better position to compete and, in this case, win in the half-court.  Baltes, Gardner and McMahon all had excellent offensive evenings.  Michelle Bilek is unrelenting on D.  Looks like against bigger teams when more rebounding is needed, Katy Seibring may be getting the starts. 

Very good to see the Titans get back quickly, and back into the winning column over such a high-quality opponent.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 28, 2012, 05:08:35 PM
The System is always a little interesting with D-III women's programs. Generally there's not enough outside shooting talent to make the goal but they make up for it by forcing more turnovers.

http://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2012-13/box_scores/20121127_80cb.xml

This is definitely a System box score. It's not just the large number of threes but the balanced playing time. Generally I would say Central got too many offensive rebounds here but also, Central didn't shoot as well as a typical Grinnell opponent would.

General System goals:

    100 shots per game
    50 3-point attempts per game
    32 turnovers forced
    A shot differential of plus-30
    An offensive rebounding percentage of 33%

2003 Around the Nation column:
http://www.d3hoops.com/columns/around-the-nation/2003-04/grinnell-system-begins-to-take-hold
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2012, 07:40:32 PM
Wheaton up over U Chicago 36-22 at the half.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2012, 08:41:33 PM
@Ratner, WC over UC 77-62 Final.  Two very balanced, good teams . . . with both teams having five players in double figures.  Brooke Olson is going to be a ton.  Tonight she had 20 points, 7 rebourds, 5 assists. 

UC comes into The Shirk on Saturday, 2 p.m.   

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 28, 2012, 08:47:12 PM
Wheaton 77
Chicago 62

Brooke Olson - 20 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast
Lauren Graham - 17 pts, 7 reb
Maris Hovee - 13 pts, 13 reb

All five starters reached double figures in scoring tonight for Wheaton, and Ellie Zeller scored 6 off the bench. A nice win for Wheaton on the road, over a Chicago team that is good, but not on the same level as the last few seasons.

I continue to be impressed with how Brooke Olson is playing. She had another great all-around performance tonight, running the Thunder offense at a high level and limiting turnovers. Moriah Reeves simply does not look like a freshman out there, very poised and she takes good shots.

Wheaton needs more games like this from Maris Hovee and Lauren Graham. They will be a tough team to beat when they are scoring inside and outside like they did tonight.

On the road against #20 Simpson (5-0) this Saturday will be a big test for Wheaton, and will tell a lot about where they are as a team early in the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on November 28, 2012, 08:59:24 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2012, 08:41:33 PM
UC comes into The Shirk on Saturday, 2 p.m.   

Carthage beat UC by 22 at home, Wheaton beat UC by 15 @ Ratner -- I would expect a similar result for the Titans. Chicago is working with a new head coach and a completely different lineup than last year. They have a decent team, but I think they'll be a much stronger team later in the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2012, 12:12:26 PM
Wheaton looks awfully good to me . . . seems there is much more parity in the CCIW this season . . . with IWU, WC and Carthage all looking very strong early on.  Titans have played a very tough schedule and looked good most of the time, except for the DePauw thrashing.  Should be an excellent CCIW race this year . . . perhaps MU and Elmhust coming into the picture as well?  Looks like CC, WC and IWU at the top of the race picture so far.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2012, 12:24:48 PM
I saw the Wheaton win last night. I've seen Lauren Graham play well before, but she was even better this time, very sharp and energetic.
And to add to the compliments toward Brooke Olson, this : since last night's attendance was not huge or loud and since I was seated near one basket, I could hear some of the conversation among the players; Brooke was really a player/coach because numerous times she reminded teammates to be aware of this or that, to watch out for certain things the opposition was doing, etc. Definitely an example of good senior leadership.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2012, 10:37:04 PM
North Park beat Moody tonight in the crackerbox, 97-20, the most lopsided win in NPU history. The less said about this game the better, although it's worth noting that Amanda Reese tried to hold the score down. No NPU starter played more than 18 minutes. All thirteen Vikings who dressed for the game scored.

The best thing about a game like tonight is that nobody got hurt.

Rog, you made it into the highlight picture. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2012/11/29/WBB_1129123350.aspx?path=wbball)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2012, 10:57:14 AM
Thanks for not making any snide comments about me being out of focus!
NP surely could have piled up more points than 97, had they opted to. And even if they had used 25 or 29 seconds of each shot clock, they probably still would've scored 80. MBI was strangely standoffish defensively for a lot of the game, allowing NP to pass the ball around with ease. On offense, there were numerous occasions where MBI bypassed a brief open look and attempted to get a near-the-basket shot, which NP was not permitting. To add to MBI's troubles, their most talented player (Rani Parish) had a bad foot.
At some point in the 2nd half, NP (kindness toward the visitors) pretty much stopped contending for offensive rebounds.
This was my first look at North Park this season. They seem improved, with better depth and speed. Some newcomers are helping out already. Ten NP players had a steal Thursday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2012, 11:29:17 AM
The other Thursday result was a 94-77 North Central win at Luther. The Cardinals hit 17 of 40 threes; Lauren Hernandez and Jenny Swanson made 4 each. Bobbi Johns shot very well, too : 3/5 2FG, 2/2 3 FG, 3/3 FT; she also had 3 steals in her 16:00. Ten NC players had a steal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2012, 01:00:13 PM
Titans host U Chicago, @The Shirk, 2 p.m. Saturday.  The 2011-2012 national championship banner will be unveiled at about 1:50 p.m.  -- hopefully with all the championship team seniors in the house -- Lett, Burton, Hasselbring and Solari.  Come one, come all to celebrate!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2012, 07:15:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 30, 2012, 10:57:14 AMThis was my first look at North Park this season. They seem improved, with better depth and speed. Some newcomers are helping out already.

Breaking my vow about not discussing last night's trouncing of the Archers, one thing I will comment upon is NPU freshman center Nicole Kruckman's poise and hustle. In spite of the fact that her low-post technique was sound, she nevertheless couldn't get anything to fall from close range early in the game last night. A lot of freshmen in that situation would've sulked or at least been thrown off mentally by their frustration -- but she never stopped playing strong defense or working hard at the offensive end of the floor. And she ultimately got her scoring game going, not by finally converting her bunnies in the halfcourt, but by running the floor on all of NPU's frequent fast breaks and getting either primary- or secondary-break layups.

She is going to have the usual hiccups of a freshman in 2012-13, but she is going to eventually become a very good center in this league for NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2012, 07:34:50 PM
Nice outing for the Titans this afternoon.  Prior to the game, the banner came down and the natioanl championship squad enjoyed their festivities, laurels, and kudos.  Former players Hasselbring, Burton, and Solari were there to unveil the banner, along with Olivia Lett's father, from Pana, IL., as Olivia still in Spain playing pro ball.  A good time was had by all, and Dennie Bridges made a nice speech, commending Mia Smith and the wonderful achievements of the women's program in recent years, especially last year's big breakthrough to win it all. 

In the game, Titans over UC 67-57 in a good struggle, with UC up as much as 14 at one point.  Titans fighting back to get the win over what must be one of the best 1-4 teams in the country.  Truly.

Melissa Gardner had one of her best games of her career, especially penetrating and getting her short jump shot game going, IMHO:

Gardner 18
Jackson 12
Baltes 10
Seibring 9
Bilek 8

You get the picture . . . this is the way to victory in the post-Lett era.  Great D and great balance.  UC had 34 TOs, IWU only 13.  IWU had 12 steals and shot it pretty well, esp. from the FT line, at 85%.  Tayler Reaber came back but needs to find her game legs and normal game speed. Will take some time.  She's learned to shoot left handed, given her right hand thumb injury.  :)  Pretty clear that Kaitlyn Mullarkey is going to see alot of minutes for the Titans with her speed, D, and nose for the ball.  She's the PG heir-apparent to follow on behind Lexi Baltes, who had a pretty strong game today too. 

UC player Morgan Donovan had a good game, with 21 points. 

IWU now 4-2 and has a real chance to improve on the record of last year's team which was, as I recall, 7-4, in the pre-CCIW tough row of games.  IWU plays Tuesday at ONU, against "the system."  Titans play six games on the road now, all the way 'til early January, when they finally return to Shirk for an early game in the CCIW schedule.  They will surely be challenged by all these tough opponents and surely "road-tested" if not "road weary" by the time they get back to their home environs in early January. 

A good game today, again coming back from being down to a pretty good oppenent.  UC has lots of young players and will, no doubt, continue to improve in the next year or two.  Titans just too too unrelenting and experienced for the young UC team today.

Great to see that lovely banner now in the Shirk, just as you come into the performance arena, on the left side, up in the rafters on the west end of the Shirk arena.

Congrats again to Coach Smith, all the Titan coaches and players on this wonderful achievement for IWU and the Titan basketball nation.

IWU70

P.S  ISU took #2 Louisville to the mat today, and came up just short, missing a trey for the tie in the last seconds.  And, ISU Football beat Appalachian State in OT, 38-37, on a blocked PAT, so they are in the second round of the FBS/DII football championships this year.  A good day in B/N sports.  Let's hope the Titan men can come out on top over Wash U tonight in St. Louis to top off a good day all 'round.  ms



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 02, 2012, 01:19:31 AM
Looks like Wheaton had a rough shooting night in a 74-52 loss to #20 Simpson tonight.

Box score: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=2940
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2012, 06:39:43 PM
IWU @ONU later this week, then exam week, before other games, holiday break games, and first away game of CCIW schedule.  Titans not back to The Shirk until early January.  Titans now 4-2, with losses to highly ranked DePauw and Mt. Union.  Hope the Titans again finish out the pre-CCIW season games at 7-4 or even 8-3, which would be a major achievement given the quality of all these opponents.   They will be very heavily and well-tested going into the CCIW race.

Good Luck TITANS . . . keep it rolling. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 03, 2012, 02:02:09 PM
Congrats to IWU senior Melissa Gardner, the latest CCIW player of the week.

Some intriguing games this week:

Tuesday
North Park @ Chicago
IWU @ Olivet Naz.

Wednesday
Millikin @ Wash. U
Elmhurst @ Loras

Friday
Millikin @ Wis. Lutheran

Saturday
Loras @ Carthage

IWU's difficult non-conference schedule has been well-documented, but Millikin's is just as tough (if not tougher). With losses to #3 UWSP and #5 St. Thomas already, the Big Blue now face #8 Wash U and Wisconsin Lutheran (4-1; NCAA qualifier the last 2 seasons) this week. Yikes.

I am interested to see how North Park does against Chicago. The Maroons have lost by double digits to Carthage, Wheaton, and IWU, so I think this could be a winnable game for NPU--though, admittedly, it is tough to make projections based on other teams' results.

Not sure what to make of Elmhurst so far this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 03, 2012, 02:19:59 PM
As far as Wheaton is concerned, the Thunder travels to southern California this week to play Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (1-5) on Friday and Pomona-Pitzer (0-4) on Saturday. If I wasn't working this weekend, I'd consider making the drive down there from Santa Cruz. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2012, 04:08:58 PM
Yes, congrats to Melissa Gardner on CCIW Player of the Week.  

She had two excellent games this past week, esp. the 19 points vs. Chicago where she really showed her slashing, short-jump shot game, though most think of her as a treyball specialist, which she surely is as well.  I think that was the best game I've ever seen her play, offensively and defensively.

IWU plays U St. Francis on Thursday night this week too.

Yes, Millikin's schedule is very tough, very impressive --agreed.

U Chicago, even with a 1-4 record, is a pretty good team.  Very big. Will be interesting to see if NP can handle them. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2012, 06:25:01 PM
New D3hoops weekly poll, Week #2

IWU at #15, up from #17
CC #28 in ORV
WC in ORV

DePauw still rightly at #1, Mt. Union #2.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2012, 06:47:10 PM
In Carthage's 77-50 win over Clarke, Cailee Corcoran played very well (as usual!) : 7/10 FG, 6/7 FT, 5 steals in  27:00. And Haley Stercic hit 4 of 8 3FGs on her way to 14 pts in 22:00.
Backseat Driver, you will have opportunity to see a CCIW team (not Wheaton, though) soon in the Banana Slugs' gym; North Park plays there on Dec 19 and 20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 03, 2012, 07:12:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 03, 2012, 06:47:10 PM
In Carthage's 77-50 win over Clarke, Cailee Corcoran played very well (as usual!) : 7/10 FG, 6/7 FT, 5 steals in  27:00. And Haley Stercic hit 4 of 8 3FGs on her way to 14 pts in 22:00.
Backseat Driver, you will have opportunity to see a CCIW team (not Wheaton, though) soon in the Banana Slugs' gym; North Park plays there on Dec 19 and 20.

As fate would have it, I'll be in Chicago visiting family on those days.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2012, 08:36:21 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on December 03, 2012, 02:02:09 PMI am interested to see how North Park does against Chicago. The Maroons have lost by double digits to Carthage, Wheaton, and IWU, so I think this could be a winnable game for NPU--though, admittedly, it is tough to make projections based on other teams' results.

NPU lost to Chicago by 16 last season. The Maroons never pulled away, but the Vikings never threatened them, either.

NPU is 4-0, but the Vikings haven't really played any quality teams yet. Chicago will be the best team that NPU's faced thus far this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 03, 2012, 09:05:07 PM
My exposure to Chicago is limited.  They scrimmaged the WARHAWKS earlier.  But my impression of them was that they aren't anything approaching the team they were last year.  Good luck to your women, GS. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2012, 09:11:21 PM
UC, yes, a very young team, way down from the top five team of last year's UC squad.  But, pretty promising too, and with some real size -- 2-3 players at 6'2".  IWU pressed them and wore them down, kept the ball for most of the evening away from the post area.  I think NP has a good shot at beating them, but they are, for such a young team, pretty good.  I think an interim coach, right?

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2012, 11:47:13 PM
I do know that NPU head coach Amanda Reese is pretty eager to beat Chicago, since one of her most recent pre-NPU coaching gigs was as the assistant coach for the Maroons.

Plus, there's always that city-bragging-rights thing. ;)

I won't be able to make it down to 55th and Ellis for the game, so I'm looking forward to watching NPU @ Chicago online tomorrow night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2012, 03:55:59 PM
IWU @ ONU tonight, 7 p.m.  Audio and Video link on the IWU women's basketball webpage.  I'm sure it will be an up and down, wild and crazy affair, if anything like last year when the Titans set an IWU record with 124 points, or some such.  ONU averages in the 90s most years. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 04, 2012, 08:42:16 PM
North Park leads Chicago 27-22 at the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2012, 08:44:45 PM
The Vikings couldn't make a shot to save their lives in the first half. NPU should be up by double digits right now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2012, 08:47:48 PM
Titans in trouble @ONU, down 51-39 at the half.  Pretty much letting ONU run their system, (and they have run it well), and have been subject to the ONU press, with far too many TOs, errant passes, and missed layups.  Big climb to get back.  ONU sending in players every 3-4 minutes, in waves of four-five each time and doing a good job of kicking out after penetration for treys.  Titans will have to guard the perimeter better to win this one. 

No Livestats, but a video feed, as far as I can see.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2012, 08:56:50 PM
LiveStats came on . . . for ONU vs. IWU.  And, you can see what kind of trouble, with Titans committing 21 TOs in the first half, with ONU getting 15 steals off their press.  Ouch.  ONU hit 10 treys in the first half.  Indeed, looks like trouble.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2012, 09:45:46 PM
North Park 53
Chicago 51

Kayla McCall: 11 pts
Kamauria Acree: 10 pts, 12 rebs, 4 asts
Sarah Peterson: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 7 rebs

An agonizing nail-biter to watch, as NPU just couldn't get the ball into the basket. The Vikings shot only 29% from the field, and while I think that Chicago's length bothered them a bit, the open mid-range and long-range shots weren't falling, either. Fortunately, the Vikings managed to stay in front by a few points almost the entire game, thanks to very solid defense and a good job of minimizing their mistakes. NPU only turned the ball over 11 times to UC's 14, and the Park's hard work on the boards paid off to the tune of a 45-40 carom advantage over the bigger Maroons.

Sure wasn't pretty, but a win's a win, and NPU will take it.

NPU is now 5-0 on the year, and will face Blackburn on Friday night down in Carlinville.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2012, 09:56:56 PM
Congrats to NPU on their win over UC.  Sounds very exciting. 

On the Titans, well, the Titans got something of their own medicine tonight, losing to the "run and jump" ONU press, going down 81-94.  If you want to see a very strange box, look at this one . . . as ONU won with their Grinnell-like system.  ONU made 99 shot attempts, IWU attempted it 98 times.  Sadly, the Titans didn't shoot very well, had what must be close to a record 38 TOs, lots of frustration errors and, no doubt, some fatigue.  Seibring led the Titans with 18, Gardner 17.  It was hard-fought, chippy, and lots of chatter out there tonight, from players and coaches.  Pretty sure Mia Smith was not happy with the zebras tonight.   Not sure I believe this, but LiveStats had Titans winning the rebound battle with an amazing 83 RBs, with the box showing ONU with 59 total rebounds.  Bizarre, but perhaps true.  It was up and down all night, with all the penetration, then kick out for treys, full court press by ONU the entire game. 

Sadly, Kasey Reaber went down to injury in the late first half and did not return.  Looked like an ankle or knee injury as she drove to the basket.  Couldn't see it very well with the herky-jerky video feed from ONU.  Hope it's not serious as she just got back from a previous thumb injury. 

Titans now 4-3, a tough loss to a very deep and active and athletic ONU squad, wave on wave. 

In a game like this, as Q mentioned very early on in the season, the Titans really missed the solid ball-handling abilities and open court skills, court vision of Olivia Lett and Britt Hasselbring.  The Titans just didn't fully rise to the occasion tonight in handling the ONU version of run and jump. 

Final  ONU 94 IWU 81.  Titans play Thursday at St. Francis in Naperville.  More tough road challenges ahead . . . also at Stevens Point.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2012, 10:10:23 PM
Wheaton over Clark tonight 60-47.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2012, 10:17:26 PM
That's actually Clarke, the NAIA school in Iowa, as opposed to Clark, the D3 school in Massachusetts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2012, 10:40:43 AM
I couldn't decide whether to go to the North Park game or the IWU game, so I stayed home; as a result, all of the dishes are clean!
Congrats to NP for defeating a good U of C team (better than their W-L record at this stage).
From the IWU stats, I see that Michelle Bilek had 15 rebounds in 22:00; not bad. ONU guard Miranda Geever had 10 steals, also not bad.
Augie had no trouble (75-47) with Blackburn and evened up the season record at 3-3. Gianna Pecora scored 16 (including 4 of 8 threes), while teammate Alexandria Lee grabbed 8 rebounds in 16:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2012, 12:22:26 PM
Yes, Clarke.  Thank you copy editor, Mssr. Sager.

Sadly, it appears that Kasey Reaber may be lost to an ACL injury, perhaps for the season.  We don't know yet how serious.  Very tough as she was to provide substantial minutes backing up the PG and the 2, coming off a 6 game hiatus due to the thumb/hand injury.  She only got into two games before going to the disabled list again.  Very sorry for Kasey.  As a result, we'll probably see much more of Kaitlyn Mullarkey (love the name!), and perhaps more of a few of the other freshmen perimeter players.  Initiation by fire last night. 

Do take a look at that ONU-IWU boxscore, as it is a Grinnell-like system game of stats.  80+ rebounds by the Titans and both teams putting up almost 100 shot attempts.  Sadly, not quite enough of the Titan shot attempts fell in last night to match the slightly better, helter-skelter, frenzied play of ONU. 

Titans have another NAIA challenge on Thursday vs. U of St. Francis.  No rest.  Finals next week, then another road game on 12/15 vs. Stevens Point.  Indeed, no rest.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2012, 04:30:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 05, 2012, 12:22:26 PM
Yes, Clarke.  Thank you copy editor, Mssr. Sager.

I didn't simply make the correction to be picky. It actually might make a difference somewhere down the road, since Wheaton could well be a Pool C candidate this year. While Clark isn't an in-region opponent for any CCIW team, naturally, it's a team that might go up against Wheaton or some other CCIW team for a Pool C berth (the Cougars are currently 5-1). Under such circumstances, a head-to-head result between Wheaton and Clark could be a very significant secondary-criterion outcome.

On the other hand, a game against NAIA Clarke is essentially irrelevant -- especially since the only other D3 team that the Crusaders play this season, Carthage, has already beaten Clarke as well. The only time an NAIA team ever enters the discussion in the D3 championship committee's selection and seeding process is if that NAIA team played two D3 teams that are being evaluated against each other and are deadlocked in terms of primary criteria in the opinion of the committee.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2012, 04:49:26 PM
Greg, the things you know about D3 and NAIA hoops never cease to amaze me.  Truly.

Do take a look at the ONU-IWU boxscore.  It is also something amazing.  Only seen ones like that in previous ONU-IWU games in recent few years and, of course, boxscores from Grinnell games on the men's side.  Perhaps we'll see a few like that vs. NCC women this year, as I hear they are using the ONU/Grinnell type system, or at least trying to adopt it.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2012, 01:01:17 PM
Titans, 4-3 at U of St. Francis (NAIA) 3-5 tonight, 7 p.m.  Last game before finals week, then Titans have the Point @SP on December 15th.

Titans need a win, must be pretty leg-weary, shooting arm weary, after the IWU-ONU run and gun fest on Tuesday last.  We'll see tonight another good test, to see how the Titans overall fitness has come up after 7 early season games.

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 06, 2012, 04:20:59 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 05, 2012, 04:49:26 PM
Greg, the things you know about D3 and NAIA hoops never cease to amaze me.  Truly.

Do take a look at the ONU-IWU boxscore.  It is also something amazing.  Only seen ones like that in previous ONU-IWU games in recent few years and, of course, boxscores from Grinnell games on the men's side.  Perhaps we'll see a few like that vs. NCC women this year, as I hear they are using the ONU/Grinnell type system, or at least trying to adopt it.

No need for me to look at that box score. I've seen lots and lots of Grinnell men's box scores over the years, so the types of numbers produced in a game that features a team that employs the Arseneault System no longer hold any novelty for me.

The NCC women are indeed using the Arseneault System this season. The box scores for the Cardinals -- vs. Olivet (http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1213/WBK01.HTM), vs. Alma (http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1213/WBK02.HTM), vs. Monmouth (http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1213/WBK03.HTM), vs. Benedictine (http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1213/BENUWB04.HTM), vs. Central (http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1213/game04.htm), and vs. Luther (http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1213/lutwncc.htm) -- all have the distinctive Arseneault System look to them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2012, 09:52:59 PM
IWU over St. Francis tonight, 73-69.

Gardner 19
McMahon 16
Bilek 12 and 7
Jackson 10
Seibring 7

Perhaps Michelle Bilek's most complete and solid game of her career.  Titans win the rebounding and TO battles tonight, and come out with a good road win.

Exams all next week, then SP game away on the 15th.

Good to see the Titans win tonight, now 5-3.  Still hoping for 8-3 in pre-CCIW portion.  A tough road still ahead.  Three more games, all away, before the opening CCIW contest.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2012, 09:21:37 AM
Carthage 84, Trine 34 : Carthage held Trine to .228 overall FG pct; Kristi Schmidt had a very productive 21:00 with 14 pts and 10 rebs. Teammate Kasey Kleiner hit 5/7 3FGs in 17:00.
Elmhurst and Millikin suffered defeats : Loras 72, E 57, Wash U 71, M 42.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2012, 05:14:29 PM
IWU sophomore Kasey Reaber has an ACL injury, suffered in the ONU game.  She's likely out for the season.  Tough, big loss for the Titans.  Likely means we'll see more of Kaitlyn Mullarkey backing up the PG, and also perhaps more of some of the other freshmen/sophomore perimeter newbies. 

Next Titan game, 12/15 @WI-Stevens Point. 

So far this season, seems the formula for IWU wins is very balanced scoring, even with 5 players in double figures, and somehow winning the rebounding and turnover battles.  Any number of 5-7 players on IWU can be the top scorer, though Gardner and Seibring have emerged so far.   In the last few games, the starting line-up has been:  PG-Baltes, 2-Gardner, 3-McMahon, 4-Seibring, 5-Jackson.  Bilek is first off the bench and often gets more minutes than some starters.  She's such a hard-worker, with great intensity and energy.   Others in the rotation are:  Mullarkey, T. Reaber, Scurlock.  Titans are still pretty under-sized and may struggle at times with rebounding.  All the more important to get the D, and the run and jump in finer form.

When the scoring is balanced, the Titans are pretty tough, hard to defend and can put up enough points, use their D to win games.  Pretty clear that this group is not as effective yet with run and jump, with open-floor run and gun, with ball-handling, and can struggle when pressured, or when they shoot a poor percentage, turn it over.  Not very surprising.  Also, need to work more on half-court sets offensively, and strong half court D of various types.  Mia Smith commented after the U of St. Francis win that, to paraphrase, "they needed more time to practice than to prepare for the next opponent."  Sounds about right to me. 

This is all to say that the CCIW race will probably show more parity than in recent seasons when it was pretty clear that the Titans often dominated most CCIW opponents.   I still have the Titans winning the league and hopefully the tournament too, but it's going to be one tough race, IMHO.  WC and CC are playing very well so far, as is NP.  NCC will be a challenge too with their Grinnell/ONU type system improving with more games. 

Time will tell.

Good luck on exams everyone!  :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2012, 07:17:49 PM
The Vikings will soon be on the air! (Figuratively speaking, of course, since it's actually webstreaming rather than radio.) I will be leaving my customary place at the scorer's table for NPU, where I've been the official scorer for about a decade now, and will take on the task of being the play-by-play voice of the Vikings for all NPU women's home games (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2012/12/7/MBB_1207122733.aspx?path=mbball), starting with the next home game. That'll be a week from tomorrow afternoon, as the Vikings play host to Westminster. I'm greatly looking forward to it, and it'll be nice to have the NPU women's team get the same sort of audio/video exposure for their home games that the North Park men's team has had for the past three seasons.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are currently enmeshed in a contest in downstate Carlinville against Blackburn. That school has neither media nor live stats, so we'll have to simply wait around in the dark and see how NPU fared once Blackburn posts the final score online.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mr_b on December 07, 2012, 09:56:45 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2012, 07:17:49 PM
Meanwhile, the Vikings are currently enmeshed in a contest in downstate Carlinville against Blackburn. That school has neither media nor live stats, so we'll have to simply wait around in the dark and see how NPU fared once Blackburn posts the final score online.
The Blackburn site is reporting that North Park defeated Blackburn 75-48.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on December 08, 2012, 12:43:55 AM
Wisconsin Lutheran beats Millikin 59-46 at the Crannell Holiday Classic

Story: http://www.wlcsports.com/article.asp?articleID=2933 (http://www.wlcsports.com/article.asp?articleID=2933)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 08, 2012, 03:11:52 AM
Wheaton over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 70-34.
Maris Hovee with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on December 08, 2012, 04:29:46 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2012, 07:17:49 PM
Meanwhile, the Vikings are currently enmeshed in a contest in downstate Carlinville against Blackburn. That school has neither media nor live stats, so we'll have to simply wait around in the dark and see how NPU fared once Blackburn posts the final score online.

Ya know, when I attended the game between the Battlin' Beavers and WashU on 12/9/00 at the Fabulous Beaverdome, I could only think one thing when I walked in:  This is the closest I've ever seen to Cosby's skit on the Wissahickon Boys Club.  Any basketball fan who hasn't heard it really should.

The other thing I knew about Carlinville before going was that it has largest contiguous collection of Sears homes in a single neighborhood in the United States. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2012, 06:06:41 PM
NPU 70 Fontonne 48 FINAL
Loras 60 CC 48 FINAL
EC 62 Webster 43 FINAL

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2012, 07:08:49 PM
#5 Wash U over Augie, 74-61.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2012, 07:33:12 PM
The Vikings took care of business on their SLIAC road trip, although it wasn't always done in artistic fashion. Last night NPU handled a pretty poor Blackburn team relatively easily, 75-48, although it took the Vikings awhile to get going due to the same sort of poor shooting that plagued them against Chicago. Kamauria Acree ended the day with 15 points for the Park, while Sarah Peterson recorded a double-double (10 and 10) and Shaina Yalda dished out 8 dimes. Today, NPU downed Fontbonne, 70-48. Freshman Nicole Kruckman had a career day with a 19 and 10 double-double, while Kamauria Acree contributed 18 points and Sarah Peterson grabbed 11 caroms.

The Vikings are now 7-0, but that doesn't really mean much of anything. NPU's played an extremely weak schedule to date; the opponents' winning percentage of the Vikings is a terrible .191 (9-38). NPU's next game is Saturday, the first day after finals conclude, as they will host Westminster (2-3). The Blue Jays face Millikin tomorrow, so we'll see if they will constitute a step up in competition from the two SLIAC teams that the Park disposed of this weekend. The good news is that NPU appears to be due to face some tougher competition just before the CCIW slate begins (which is exactly when you want to start facing tougher teams); on the west coast trip the Vikings will lock horns with Pacific (5-0) and UC-Santa Cruz (6-3) before coming back to the midwest to take on Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati in their final pre-CCIW tuneup.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 09, 2012, 02:38:11 AM
Wheaton wrapped up its SoCal trip as expected, with a 79-43 win over Pomona-Pitzer.

Brooke Olson with 22 points and 5 assists. Pretty balanced scoring from the rest of the squad.
Maris Hovee with 11 rebounds.

Wheaton plays @ Rockford next Friday, and then hosts Benedictine on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2012, 08:35:00 PM
Millikin over Westminster, 72-61.

Wheaton is playing very well, with Brooke Olson at an All-CCIW level, it would appear. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2012, 09:18:13 AM
Somehow I ended up attending Wheaton's two wins over there in Claremont (I'm in El Segundo at the moment for another day of planespotting at LAX). The Thunder did very well and the two opponents were not ready for Wheaton's smart and energetic defense (full and half court), nor could they do much about Wheaton's quick-moving offense. Maris Hovee was very sharp at both ends of the court. As stated by others here, Brooke Olson is definitely playing at a 1st team all-conf level. Breanna Bohlen doesn't get mentioned a lot, but she is an excellent contributor on defense and offense.
Jenn Lee rejoined the hoops team following the soccer season; congratulations to her and teammates for making the D3 final four. Also, congrats to teammate Laura Karsten (CCIW most outstanding player for basketball a couple seasons ago) for being named 1st team all-America in soccer.
A look at the stats of the recent NC 88-83 loss to Lake Forest shows an alarmingly low-scoring first half (38-36). Ha. NC shot not-so-good : 13/37 2FG and 12/51 3FG.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 10, 2012, 05:38:04 PM
RogK, nice job getting to So Cal when the temps dive to mid-teens here in Centrail Illinois!

WC looks very very strong to me.  I think they are the biggest challenge for the Titans to maintain their long run as CCIW regular season and tourney champs this year.  CC will be tough, perhaps others, but WC seems to have all the pieces and some mighty fine starters, perimeter and in the post, to put together a great run this year.  WC-IWU games are going to be something this year. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 10, 2012, 10:09:27 PM
Congrats to Wheaton's Brooke Olson for her CCIW player of the week honors! Brooke is the "motor" of this year's Thunder squad, and she is certainly playing well so far.

I do think, that while Wheaton is 7-1, they should be based on their schedule thus far. It's not as though it was by design to play a weak slate, since teams that have been pretty good in the past (Chicago, St. Mary's) are in rebuilding mode. But the reality is that the Thunder lost the only game it has played against a good team so far.

Now, that doesn't mean I doubt that Wheaton is a contender this year. I think they have the talent and the coaching to win the league. And the league is wide open, in my opinion. I don't think, based on this year's results to date, there is any kind of discernible favorite. I guess "favorite" status belongs to IWU until someone beats them.

All that to say, it is a good sign that Wheaton has taken care of business so far. But I'm sure that they are fully aware that the competition awaiting in the CCIW will be on another level than what they've seen so far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2012, 09:21:01 AM
iwu70, in addition to L.A. being warmer than Chicago in December, another good reason for me to visit here in the winter half of the year is that all but one of the prime spots for taking photos of planes at LAX are north-facing, so the planes are nicely sunlit. Right on the coast here though, a couple mornings were foggy and cool until about 10 a.m. Anyway, I'll be flying home later today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2012, 11:27:31 AM
Yes, WC could probably use a bit tougher schedule, in prep for the CCIW race.  I feel the Titans are still the favorite, though they won't be as separated from the rest of the league (save for usually WC and CC) as they were in the past.  If they can stay healthy, get the run and jump and the rebounding better tuned up, and keep up the very balanced and strong scoring attack, I think they have a real chance for their, what is it?, sixth straight CCIW crown.  I'm sure CC and WC will give them a real struggle for it this year, perhaps others, though it seems MU is not playing as well as some of us had expected.  We'll also see if NP is as good as their early season record perhaps indicates . . .  I doubt it. 

New poll out, with IWU at 18th (seems about right to me) and WC and CC getting some weak love in ORVs.  Wash U looks strongest regionally to me. 

Titans have a another very very tough game this weekend up in Wisconsin.  I'm still hoping for 8-3 in the pre-CCIW portion of the season, which would be a major achievement.  The national champs last year went 7-4 as I recall, in the pre-CCIW season part.

RogK, welcome back to winter.  LA and photo shoots there sound very nice, even with the morning fog.  I'm a Bay area person myself . . . never much enjoyed the spread-out spaces, urban environs of the LA basin.  Do enjoy the areas up the coast, and surely the San Diego area, esp. the UC San Diego campus.  Lovely.

Super cold her in Blo/No this a.m. -- 17 degrees as I went out my door for Ames Library this morning.  Everyone is in exams now for the next four days.

Yes, congrats to Brooke Olson on CCIW Player of the Week.  Well deserved.  Seems she's playing at the highest level of any CCIW women player just now.  Surely a candidate for POY honors if she keeps this up.   

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 11, 2012, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 11, 2012, 11:27:31 AM
Yes, WC could probably use a bit tougher schedule, in prep for the CCIW race.  I feel the Titans are still the favorite, though they won't be as separated from the rest of the league (save for usually WC and CC) as they were in the past.  If they can stay healthy, get the run and jump and the rebounding better tuned up, and keep up the very balanced and strong scoring attack, I think they have a real chance for their, what is it?, sixth straight CCIW crown.  I'm sure CC and WC will give them a real struggle for it this year, perhaps others, though it seems MU is not playing as well as some of us had expected.  We'll also see if NP is as good as their early season record perhaps indicates . . .  I doubt it. 

New poll out, with IWU at 18th (seems about right to me) and WC and CC getting some weak love in ORVs.  Wash U looks strongest regionally to me. 

Titans have a another very very tough game this weekend up in Wisconsin.  I'm still hoping for 8-3 in the pre-CCIW portion of the season, which would be a major achievement.  The national champs last year went 7-4 as I recall, in the pre-CCIW season part.

RogK, welcome back to winter.  LA and photo shoots there sound very nice, even with the morning fog.  I'm a Bay area person myself . . . never much enjoyed the spread-out spaces, urban environs of the LA basin.  Do enjoy the areas up the coast, and surely the San Diego area, esp. the UC San Diego campus.  Lovely.

Super cold her in Blo/No this a.m. -- 17 degrees as I went out my door for Ames Library this morning.  Everyone is in exams now for the next four days.

Yes, congrats to Brooke Olson on CCIW Player of the Week.  Well deserved.  Seems she's playing at the highest level of any CCIW women player just now.  Surely a candidate for POY honors if she keeps this up.   

IWU70

There's a ton of factors that go into scheduling, and like I said before it's not as though Wheaton decided they only wanted to beat up on inferior teams. The good thing about Wheaton's schedule is that it contains a lot of in-region games.

And, not to be picky, but technically everyone is still a candidate for the Most Outstanding Player award, since no conference games have been played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2012, 12:55:33 PM
Re: Olson, Backseat, I take your point, but I said "if she keeps this up."  Lots of basketball to be played and I'm sure others will have their say during the CCIW season.  I can think of 7-8 players who will likely have POY type seasons, if they continue to play well.  Should be a very interesting conference race.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 11, 2012, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 11, 2012, 12:55:33 PM
Re: Olson, Backseat, I take your point, but I said "if she keeps this up."  Lots of basketball to be played and I'm sure others will have their say during the CCIW season.  I can think of 7-8 players who will likely have POY type seasons, if they continue to play well.  Should be a very interesting conference race.

IWU70

My apologies, 70, you were the victim of a pre-coffee post on my part.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2012, 03:39:12 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on December 11, 2012, 12:24:52 PMThere's a ton of factors that go into scheduling, and like I said before it's not as though Wheaton decided they only wanted to beat up on inferior teams.

... and one of those factors is late cancellations. It's not as though Amanda Reese deliberately set out to have NPU play Moody. The good folks at Moody are always game to put an NPU team on the schedule if there's a last-minute cancellation for the Park. The NPU men's soccer team had a similar situation filled by Moody last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2012, 05:48:30 PM
Backseat, not to worry.  I have very thick skin and feel chatsters can say whatever they wish in here.  As you can see, I do . . . and often get called silly or something worse.  Goes with the room and the strong-minded chatsters we've always had in the CCIW rooms.   I enjoy it all and enjoy hearing all the various views, opinions and news shared here.

Back to my coffee. 

:)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 12, 2012, 12:47:30 AM
Elmhurst lost at home to Edgewood tonight, 71-65. The Blue Jays beat Edgewood by 36 last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2012, 11:31:11 AM
Augie got topped by UW Platteville 68-53. It was 11-11 (on 12/12), but Platteville then sped out to a 42-24 halftime lead.
NC was ahead 66-28 at the half against MSOE and rode the lead to a 102-49 final. NC's Maryssa Cladis had 7 steals. Emily Murphy tallied 16 pts and 9 rebs in her 15:00. MSOE used only six players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2012, 12:47:10 PM
WI-WW women beat WI-SP women last night.  IWU plays SP this Saturday, @SP.  IWU beat WW 72-69 on Nov. 27th at home.  Would love to see the Titans get this win @SP, a good road win it would be.   

Finals almost finished . . . a happy winter break to all, and happy and safe travels to all heading out for games in warmer climes.  IWU men heading to Orlando for two pre-Christmas games.  IWU women have some games in wintry Iowa, after Christmas, two games at a tournament @Wartburg.

Seems NCC is getting the hang of the Grinnell/ONU type system, scoring 102 in that game vs. MSOE.  Those MSOE six must be dog-tired today. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 13, 2012, 03:16:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 13, 2012, 11:31:11 AMNC was ahead 66-28 at the half against MSOE and rode the lead to a 102-49 final. NC's Maryssa Cladis had 7 steals. Emily Murphy tallied 16 pts and 9 rebs in her 15:00. MSOE used only six players.

... one of whom fouled out of the game. Two Raiders were forced to play 40 minutes apiece, and I shudder to think what that must have been like, given the context of the opponent.

MSOE is poor. The Raiders are 0-8, with losses of 32 to NPU and 44 to Elmhurst, and, aside from a twelve-point loss at Marian, they haven't managed to come any closer than 24 points in any of those eight losses. But, still, the Raiders are not as bad as last night's score made them look. A team that has only six players suited up is at a horrible disadvantage when playing an Arseneault System team. I've seen Grinnell's men's team beat pretty good foes that simply didn't have viable benches, which meant that the breakneck pace of the Arseneault System simply wore down the opposing starters. When a poor team with a short bench has to face an Arseneault System team, the result is invariably disaster -- no matter what skill level the System team happens to be.

All of which is a roundabout way of saying that North Central shouldn't be judged too closely on this game. The Cardinals have had an uneven performance this season as they've been getting used to the System. Any wins are positive outcomes, of course, and that's especially true for a team that has newly adopted a radically different style of play. But I wouldn't read too much into this one. (It's probably best not to read too much into NCC's upcoming win this Saturday over Dominican, either; the 0-8 Stars are pretty awful, too, although at least they'll dress more than six players.) A much better barometer for NCC's progress will come a week from today when it faces UW-Oshkosh (5-2) in Las Vegas.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2012, 03:33:11 PM
Greg, you just beat me to it, but I'll post this anyway:
iwu70, conclusions probably shouldn't be drawn based on NC's game vs a team with only six players. But, it is probably safe to say that NC's players and head coach are getting more accustomed to the hyper-fast brand of basketball. I think they'll eventually be ready to compete with the better teams of the CCIW, but I don't know if they're there yet.
I think you're right about the MSOE players. I haven't seen them this year, but they must be a resilient group, normally the underdog, facing difficult tests of endurance, all the while avoiding getting discouraged.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2012, 03:42:27 PM
I agree with you both.  Don't think NCC is there yet, surely not up to the ONU level with talent or with the system.  We'll see how far they've come soon enough.  IWU handled ONU reasonably well this year, though losing, but just had a bad night of careless errors, TOs, and a low shooting percentage.  Later in the season, likely the Titans beat ONU.  Titans still have a pretty big upside for improvement this year, perhaps similar or even moreso than last year. 

Will be interesting to see, as you point out, Greg, how NCC does vs. Oshkosh. 

Happy Holidays to all CCIW chatsters and lurkers following the women's game.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2012, 04:26:55 PM
iwu70, I'm not in accord with your view that IWU would necessarily beat ONU later in the season. Yes, IWU could improve during the season, but so could ONU. Sometimes it's good to compliment your opponents, especially if you lose to them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2012, 07:19:45 PM
Looking at some of the stat leaders (and bearing in mind that it's a bit of an apples and oranges situation since some teams have played tougher opposition) :
Scoring avg : Cailee Corcoran (C) 15.3, Brooke Olson (W) 14.1, Melissa Gardner (I) 14.0;
Rebs : Maris Hovee (W) 10.1, Fiona McMahon (E) 9.1, Cailee Corcoran (C) 8.6;
Assists : Brooke Olson (W) 4.75, Stephanie Kuzmanic (C) 4.57, Lexi Baltes (I) 4.13;
Steals : Brooke Olson (W) 3.13, Sarah Peterson (NP) 2.29, Cailee Corcoran (C) 2.29;
Blocks : Maris Hovee (W) 2.25, Fiona McMahon (E) 2.14, Jasmine Johnson (M) 1.67;
Overall FG pct : Emily Murphy (NC) .574, Kristi Schmidt (C) .538, Lauren Graham (W) .519;
3FG pct : Kasey Kleiner (C) .529, Dana Christensen (NP) .480, Katy Seibring (I) .421;
FT pct : Kimberly Wilson (NC) .944, Lexi Baltes (I) .905, Fiona McMahon (E) .833.
These players are off to a good start; of course there are others who are as good or better in different ways.
After several conference games in January, we can make better comparisons via stats. And obviously individual stats do not measure several very valuable aspects of play such as being able to run and dribble at the same time, or good defensive positioning. That said, the above players are pretty good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2012, 09:17:04 PM
Rog, ONU was clearly the better team on the night when IWU played them.  Seems to me I did compliment them in my earlier posts on the game, saying that they gave IWU some of its own medicine on pressure and shooting it well.   I take my hat off to them, but feel from what I saw that it was one of IWU's weaker games, with some key breakdowns you don't normally see from a Mia Smith-coached team.  (esp. TOs, and breakdowns on inbounds plays).  She said as much in the postgame write-ups.  Feel that IWU has a greater upside, as in previous years, when the Titans start out finding their way, play a very tough schedule and get ready and tested, with improvements, to face the wars of the CCIW season.  ONU could of course get as much, or more, improved as well, as you suggest.  They have lots of good athletes and really took it to the Titans on pressure this time.  It was a realization, I think, for the Titans, who usually put it to others with the run and jump, the pressure.  But, we'll never know, as very unlikely IWU will play ONU later this season, so have to wait to next year, with different teams, different situation.  Oh well . . .  I take your point.  ONU is a very good, deep team, perhaps better than last year's edition, which I also saw, when IWU played better, with Lett and others, and came out with a win.

Thanks for all the stats on players and play to date.  Very interesting.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2012, 12:50:43 PM
I saw energetic Elmhurst get past equally energetic Westminster last night, 86-79. The Bluejays over the Blue Jays. For EC, Fiona McMahon poured in 30 pts (23 1st half) plus 14 rebs, while teammate Tess Godhardt tallied 25 (19 2nd half) and 7. Guards Karen Senette and Devin Vaughn combined for 14 assists and only 4 TOs.
Elsewhere, Maris Hovee had 4 blocks and 5 steals to lead Wheaton 72-34 over Rockford. Five Thunder players scored 10 or more.
Millikin got a dozen pts each from Alyssa Saklak and Sydnee Sturdivant and topped Fontbonne 68-61.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2012, 02:23:04 PM
Today is our inaugural NPU women's basketball webcast! I'll be doing the play-by-play as the Vikings host Westminster (MO) this afternoon at 2 pm. Click on htp://www.northpark.edu/Events/Live-Events to watch all the action!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2012, 07:14:25 PM
North Park 66
Westminster (MO) 47

Nicole Kruckman: 14 pts
Kamauria Acree: 13 pts
Shaina Yalda: 10 pts, 6 asts

Aside from the disappointing 24 turnovers that the Vikings coughed up -- less than half of which were caused by Westmo's full-court press -- NPU played a really solid game today. And, since the Blue Jays turned it over 23 times themselves, it was usually a case of "no harm done," as there were several sloppy intervals in which the teams traded turnovers. One such sequence in the second half included eight straight turnovers, four apiece for each team, without a shot being taken.

NPU's defense was very strong against a Westminster team that does know how to put the ball in the basket. Last night the Blue Jays scored 79 and shot .403 from the field against Elmhurst, and last weekend they scored 61 against Millikin; today, NPU held them to 47 points and .315 from the field. The Vikings did an outstanding job of cutting off driving lanes, and after a first half in which the Blue Jays ended up flinging any number of improbable circus shots at the basket off the dribble, they basically gave up and resorted to shooting jumpers in the second half, in spite of the fact that the Westmo second-half strategy seemed to be to set ball screens at the elbow for their leading scorer on the season, Hannah Kloster, and letting her drive. She came into the game averaging 14.0 ppg, and the Vikings held her to nine points on 2-7 shooting from the field. Kamauria Acree did a great job on her.

Offensively, when the Vikings did manage to not give the ball away, they took full advantage of the possession. They shot a sparkling .558 from the field and dished out 21 assists, a lot of them the product of great back-door cuts that led to easy layups.

Westmo's not a great opponent, and it can still be argued that North Park's 8-0 start has come against weak competition. But you can only beat the teams that are on your schedule -- and NPU's performance today against a team that has recently played two other CCIW opponents does serve as a valid measuring stick at this point in the season. But I do expect NPU's upcoming west coast contests against Pacific (5-0) on Wednesday and UC-Santa Cruz (6-3) on Thursday to be tougher affairs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2012, 08:29:49 PM
IWU got it handed to them again today, losing at WI-SP 84-49. Whenever you see 20% trey shooting and Melissa Gardner going 0-9 from three-ball land, you know the Titans are in trouble.  Seems the Titan were off, flat after exams, though only down 8 at half 38-30, the Titans got pretty much blown out in the second half, losing by over 30. 

IWU has two games in Iowa now, @Wartburg, then the CCIW race about to begin.  Looks like 7-4 or so again in the pre-CCIW killer portion they have played.  Sure looks like the Titans are vulnerable to big, strong teams and to nights of inconsistent shooting. 

Perhaps everyone needs a holiday break, a rest from exams.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2012, 08:42:15 PM
IWU got killed on the boards by SP, and Shelby Jackson did not play, making the Titans even more under-sized than normally.  Does anyone know why?  Looks like a tough evening for the Titans, especially the second half.

Interesting stat of the day:  Attendance at the IWU women's game at SP = 688, attendance at the IWU men's game at home vs. UC = 526.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 16, 2012, 09:03:26 AM
I've watched the Titans play parts of three times now (online).  My take is that they just don't quite have enough talent to be a great team again this year.  IWU has some good perimeter shooters...but none is what you'd call a "great" player.  And the Titans have some good low post players...but none dominant.  And they are completely lacking a dynamic wing/small forward-type player who can score from the perimeter, or the mid-range, or get to the basket.  A player like Olivia Lett only comes around once in a program's history so I'm not going to say that the Titans "need an Olivia Lett"...but they just don't have anyone who can even come close to filling her role from last season. 

I would be very surprised if the Titans win their sixth consecutive CCIW title this year.  For the first time in a number of years, I think it's fair to say that there just isn't enough talent on the roster.  Now, I say this not being very familiar with what everyone else in the CCIW has...but I know what a CCIW champion looks like, and I just don't think the 2012-13 IWU team fits the description.

Mia Smith has become one of the top coaches in Division III.  She has had an amazing run and has built IWU into a national power.  And then, of course, there is what she did last season while battling cancer...amazing.  I'm confident she'll bring some good recruits in this year and build it back up in time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 16, 2012, 02:12:45 PM
http://cciw.org/news/2012/12/15/WBB_1215125030.aspx

Millikin topped Illinois College last night, the 500th career victory for head coach Lori Kerans. Quite an accomplishment. Coach  Kerans has established a pretty impressive legacy at Millikin, and she really is the standard that the other CCIW coaches are working toward. Congrats to her.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 16, 2012, 04:43:47 PM
Congrats to Coach Kearns.  Yes, quite a record over many many seasons. 

Q, you may well be right about the Titans this year.  Of course, almost impossible to replace Lett and you mentioned this as a key many weeks back, that the Titans might well struggle in figuring out a way to replace her court sense, steals, rebounding and, of course, scoring.  This Titan team has had flashes of high-quality play, but also flashes of lacking in focus and even team identity.  Not quite all put together as a team yet, similar to the men, though the men made some good strides vs. UC, esp. with Sodemann making his impact yesterday.  The women are undersized and have some key positions with inexperienced people, esp. Baltes at PG, though she's played pretty well so far.  Agree with you that there is no go-to swing player or player on the floor who helps prevent some major breakdowns, meltdowns at times.  I think McMahon has great potential offensively and again has shown flashes at times.  But, if the Titans are prone to pressure, can't really clamp down as in the past with run and jump, and have an off-night shooting, you can see the sad result, as last night at SP.  I think consistency and some better rebounding are going to be key to stay in the CCIW race.  As I mentioned before, there's going to be much more parity this season and WC and CC seem to be the pick of the lot so far, but the Titans could still be right there.  If they can play more consistently, get the shooting and rebounding sorted out, they still have a chance to win the 6th title, IMHO, just not in the dominant fashion of the past five seasons.  They may still win the league, tie for the league, with 11-3 or 10-4, type record.  We'll see. Surely, they need more toughness, Jackson back for sure, and better overall court leadership from Gardner and Bilek, as seniors.  The biggest positive so far as been Seibring, and she's played well consistently, though she's not a dominant player as yet. 

That sure was a thrashing last night . . . hope they can get that one out of their system and get back on the winning road, still go 7-4 in pre-CCIW play, which was, afterall, the record the team had last year during this tough road of highly rated teams, preparing for league play.  But, overall, you are right and this team does not have the level of talent of Lett, Hasselbring and Solari as yet, though they may put together a championship run in CCIW in a different fashion.  We'll soon see -- esp. when playing WC and CC. 

Happy Holidays to all CCIW chatsters.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2012, 11:46:11 AM
Congratulations to new CCIW Player of the Week, Brittany Czaplicki of Millikin. The Big Blue beat Illinois Coll 66-61 thanks to Brittany's 21 pts, 5 rebs and 4 steals.
Carthage got out to a 36-11 lead and held on to defeat Aurora 57-45.
Central beat Augustana 51-43.
Brooke Olson scored 26 (9/15 FG incl 6 threes, 2/2 FT) and had 4 assists, 4 steals as Wheaton topped Benedictine 65-39.
I saw North Central's 110-68 win over Dominican. NC stopped pressing with 9:00 to go, but they still had 34 steals. Dominican gave it all they had and in fact were trailing only 59-50 early in the 2nd half, but fatigue seemed to become a factor and they soon fell behind substantially. NC scored a majority (56) of its points on 2FGs. Larynn Shumaker led the way, making 7 of 8 on her way to 16 pts and 10 rebs in a highly-productive 14:00.
Four other Cardinals scored in double figures.
Michelle Todd had a remarkable 8 steals in 12:00.
A side note regarding the 102-49 NC win that was discussed here last week : I was told by a ref who worked that game that NC did not press in the 2nd half, showing mercy toward the shorthanded MSOE squad.
Now a comment to you spoiled IWU fans : appreciate the efforts of your players, win or lose! You have some wonderful players on your team; they can't be perfect all the time. I have no doubt that they will do very well in the CCIW season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2012, 04:34:40 PM
RogK, I hear you.  We can be analytical, critical of our teams, at times.  It's part of the analysis of the boards, I suppose.  I do greatly appreciate the efforts and skills of the IWU players and coaches . . . as they have brought us much success in the last 5-6 years . . . and much pleasure too for all IWU fans and loyalists.  Guess Q and I get a bit carried away at times, but just being the liberal arts, critical-thinking students that we are (as applied to roundball).  I, too, feel that IWU has a pretty good chance of still being right there for the CCIW crown this year, even with the difficulties, inconsistencies the team has exhibited to date.  They are a very good team, with a very different array of talents and a different approach to team identity, ways of winning this year.  It will have to be more balanced offensively and the margin for winning will be different than with a dominant player like Lett, no doubt.  Sure looks like NP, WC, and CC are all playing pretty well, and NCC and others may surprise.  I'd actually consider 7-4 in this run of very tough pre-CCIW opponents to be a pretty good outcome for the Titans.  Big, tall and strong WIAC teams are tough for the Titans to handle, as always.  I think the Titans will do better vs. most CCIW opponents.  If the Titans go 11-3 or 12-2 in CCIW play, I think they win the sixth straight title (or share it). 

Congrats to Ms. Czaplicki of MU on POW honors.  Wow, glad I don't have to spell that one very often!  I'm sure I'd just say the MU "C-lady" and let it go.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 17, 2012, 05:12:54 PM
Last year the Titans went 7-4 in the pre-conference season - that year didn't turn out too badly! ;D

Its pretty easy to get spoiled when the team has lost 4 conference games in the last five years!  But yes, we must somehow resist that temptation.  I wouldn't be surprised if IWU loses as many CCIW games in 2013 as in the previous five years combined, but I'd still be somewhat disappointed.  In the end, I fully expect to be in the thick of the race; just not likely to have it wrapped up with 2 weeks to go! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2012, 05:33:20 PM
Good points, Mr Ypsi.
iwu70, I go along with what you say that IWU still could be in the stage of finding its identity. These are amateur athletes and are not normally as predictable year-to-year as NBA players, for example. Also, as has been noted here several times, nonconference schedules vary in difficulty, so it's hard to analyze how the league's teams rate compared to each other thus far.
It could very well be that the CCIW coaches' pre-season rankings will turn out to be exactly correct. Or, there may be a surprise or two. IWU's nonconference losses may be disappointing, but by no means should they be discouraging. Way too early for any team to be discouraged.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2012, 11:23:16 AM
Elmhurst 70, Alma 50 : The Bluejays got 18 points (6/10 2FG, 6/8 FT) from Stephanie Mitchell and 11 pts, 11 rebounds from Nikki Moan. That's a positive indicator of additional depth among EC's big players.
The latest D3Hoops rankings include four CCIW teams (IWU, Carthage, Wheaton, North Park) although none in the top 25.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2012, 04:57:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 18, 2012, 11:23:16 AMThe latest D3Hoops rankings include four CCIW teams (IWU, Carthage, Wheaton, North Park) although none in the top 25.

Even so, having four CCIW teams receive votes is a very good accomplishment. It's not something that's happened all too often for the CCIW in women's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 18, 2012, 11:27:23 PM
I was moderately surprised that defending national champion IWU fell out of the national poll completely from #18, having lost AT ranked UWSP.  On the other hand, they were trounced, and it was their fourth loss.  Last year, they fell out of the top 25 by week ONE!

Last year turned out pretty well! ;D 

As we have no one threatening to be the national POY and save our bacon, I am NOT predicting a repeat title (or even necessarily final four or sweet sixteen).  I WILL predict that the Titans make it back to CCIW contention, and a tourney bid.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 19, 2012, 01:50:51 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2012, 04:57:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 18, 2012, 11:23:16 AMThe latest D3Hoops rankings include four CCIW teams (IWU, Carthage, Wheaton, North Park) although none in the top 25.

Even so, having four CCIW teams receive votes is a very good accomplishment. It's not something that's happened all too often for the CCIW in women's basketball.

Could this be the result of voters not being sure which team is the CCIWs best so far? I think the league has produced enough nationally-competitive teams over the years to have earned respect (especially with 2 national titles in 7 years), so voters assume that the CCIW has a top 25 team, though they disagree amongst themselves as to which team that is. Thoughts on that? I'm not trying to diminish the accomplishment, but that was a question that popped into my head right away.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 19, 2012, 07:56:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2012, 11:46:11 AM
Now a comment to you spoiled IWU fans : appreciate the efforts of your players, win or lose! You have some wonderful players on your team; they can't be perfect all the time. I have no doubt that they will do very well in the CCIW season.

Rog, I don't think questioning IWU's overall 2012-13 talent level (and projected competitiveness in the CCIW this year) makes me a "spoiled IWU fan", or means that I don't "appreciate the efforts" of the players. 

The Titans lost by 23 at home to DePauw and by 35 at UW-Stevens Point, as well as losing three other games so far in the non-conference.  I've watched three games online and just don't think they have enough talent to be a great team this year.  I'd like to think I can express my honest opinion while at the same time being a fan of the Titans and appreciating the efforts of the players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2012, 11:37:20 AM
Basiically agree with Q's second paragraph above.  Talent level of the Titans this year may be an issue, we'll see.  Lots of basketball to be played.  I, too, feel there are probably 2 CCIW teams that will be top 25 in the coming season, but just not sure which ones yet.  NP going undefeated so far will surely be challenged.  WC and CC are playing well, as is NCC and its new system at times.  Not quite sure what to make of MU yet.  So, my feeling is that whichever team emerges from the tough CCIW schlog, will of course be considered one of the better teams in the country, likely a top 25 team in due course.  Could be that the top CCIW teams are much closer together this year and may beat up on each other, so the league could be won with 11-3 or 10-4 this year.  Of course, I hope the very tough pre-CCIW run of games that the Titans have had will help them be ready, as in past years, for the CCIW race.  But, there are clearly things to attend to for Coach Smith and her team.  I have faith and trust that they will be attended to and that the Titans will be very ready for the CCIW race come early January. 

Still no word on what happened to Shelby Jackson @ WI-SP . . . and the loss of K. Reaber is a pretty big loss, which will lead to many more minutes by Kaitlyn Mullarkey, a very promising freshman at PG, but a freshman nonetheless, . . and/or other untested IWU newbies.  Titans still have a very strong and talented core in Gardner, Bilek, McMahon, Seibring, Baltes and Jackson, with Scurlock and Mullarkey now in the rotation.  This team is quick, good, and can score on the good nights.  Gotta have more consistency on offense and more results from the defensive side.  Rebounding is going to be an issue all year.  I still think they will be right there contending for the CCIW title come mid-February. 

Happy holidays all!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2012, 11:40:01 AM
Titan Q, in the national championship game in March, Lexi played 36:00, more than any other Titan. Melissa Gardner played 28:00, Michelle Bilek and Shelby Jackson 17:00 each, Colleen McMahon 16:00. If any of them had any significant flaws, IWU would not have won. I just think it's too early to count them out this season and to be looking forward to better recruits next year.
Millikin didn't do real well the season after they won the national title; we'll see how the Titans end up. I think they'll be very good. One thing that could be an issue : in the two worst losses, they were not able to cause turnovers. DePauw committed only 11 and Stevens Point only 16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2012, 01:39:18 PM
Augustana outrebounded Dominican 58-18 and outscored them 73-42. Molly Etheridge had 10 rebs.
Carthage improved to 7-2 via a 62-55 win at Coe. Coe was ahead 25-18, but Carthage then ran off 19 in a row and never looked back (well, maybe a glance). Stephanie Kuzmanic had 17 pts, 8 assists and 5 steals. Cailee Corcoran (6/10 FG, 7/8 FT) scored 19.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2012, 02:16:47 PM
Maybe I can be less combative, Titan Q. Can't you see being more optimistic than your earlier post indicated regarding this season? The Titans' veteran core of players has proven to be good under playoff pressure and the newer/secondary players can improve as this season progresses. Oui? Non?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2012, 04:24:47 PM
NPU is in Santa Cruz, CA this week, playing Pacific (6-1) later this afternoon and UC-Santa Cruz (7-3) tomorrow afternoon ... and neither game will be covered by live stats. UCSC doesn't have them. What, you sell twenty thousand Banana Slugs t-shirts on the Internet every year, and yet you still can't afford to have live stats like most of the rest of D3? Come on, UCSC!

(Can you tell I'm a spoiled fan?)

I guess that I and every other NPU fan will just have to keep checking back to the UCSC website an hour and a half following tipoff to wait for a result.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2012, 04:41:25 PM
Greg, here is the final from tonight : NP 119, Pacific 112. My source says Shaina had 11 pts, 12 assists and 13 rebounds, Kamauria led with 32 pts and Dana hit 7 threes in the final 4:00. Now you can go have a mushroom pizza in Berwyn!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2012, 05:37:19 PM
1. Since that would be an all-time single-game scoring record for NPU, I'm going to need more details than that, Rog.

2. Who's your "in" at UCSC?

3. Why mushroom? And why Berwyn, of all places? Is that a Svengoolie reference?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2012, 05:46:03 PM
My "in" is an actual banana slug that resides in a nearby forest and has learned to operate a cellphone. Kamauria was 32 for 32 at the foul line.
Mushrooms have nutrients. No, not a Rich Koz reference. Just figured you might be within staggering distance of Berwyn!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2012, 06:12:04 PM
Also found out that the Vikings rode a bus to California, sold the bus and will use the proceeds to buy first class airfare for the flight back. And then this : Coach Reese suspended Becca Heimsath for being too cheerful too often. Heimsath then suspended Sarah Peterson, who in turn suspended Coach Reese. It's a mess.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2012, 08:37:04 PM
Well, NPU got a rude awakening this evening, as Pacific saddled the Vikings with their first loss of the season, 60-43. NPU was only down by five at the half, but the Boxers went on an 11-0 run to start the second half, and the Vikes were never in the game again from that point onward. The story of the game was NPU's absymal shooting; the Vikes were only 15-55 (.273) from the field, as compared to Pacific's 22-46 (.478). NPU wasn't as comparatively bad from long range (6-21, .286), but Pacific shot a blistering 6-12 (.500) from downtown, and the Boxers also held slight advantages in the rebounds and turnovers departments.

Dana Christensen was the only Viking in double figures, as she led the Park with 10 points. Nicole Kruckman pulled down 9 boards for NPU.

Since NPU plays host UC-Santa Cruz tomorrow afternoon and the Boxers lost to UCSC yesterday, I have to think that the Vikings will have their hands full on Thursday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 19, 2012, 10:31:17 PM
Benedictine over Elmhurst, 57-56.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2012, 10:35:02 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 19, 2012, 07:56:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2012, 11:46:11 AM
Now a comment to you spoiled IWU fans : appreciate the efforts of your players, win or lose! You have some wonderful players on your team; they can't be perfect all the time. I have no doubt that they will do very well in the CCIW season.

Rog, I don't think questioning IWU's overall 2012-13 talent level (and projected competitiveness in the CCIW this year) makes me a "spoiled IWU fan", or means that I don't "appreciate the efforts" of the players. 

The Titans lost by 23 at home to DePauw and by 35 at UW-Stevens Point, as well as losing three other games so far in the non-conference.  I've watched three games online and just don't think they have enough talent to be a great team this year.  I'd like to think I can express my honest opinion while at the same time being a fan of the Titans and appreciating the efforts of the players.

Q IS feeling discouraged - he's even inventing Titan losses! ::)  The other TWO losses were AT #2 Mt. Union in a close game, and against a very solid Olivet Nazarene (and they have a win against ranked UWW).

Without an Olivia Lett to pull their bacon out of the fire in some tight game (e.g., the national championship game ;D), I'm making no outlandish predictions for this team.  But they WILL be a factor in the CCIW race, and I think they will ultimately win it.  And as long as they get IN the tourney, who knows (see IWU baseball, 2010 ;D)?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2012, 10:53:29 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2012, 10:35:02 PMWithout an Olivia Lett to pull their bacon out of the fire

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nerdtopiacast.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2Fhomer-drooling.png&hash=cd31d167ba4ef23b3dd1825df3c9896ec29b4b35)

Mmm ... bacon ...

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xGnYv7u5qXs%2FTnN1_WvTgTI%2FAAAAAAAABH4%2F5xFKLvZvW2Q%2Fs1600%2Freceive%252Bbacon.jpg&hash=f0877b1781350b6f87cbf3867bf52d9d70528204)

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2012, 10:35:02 PMI'm making no outlandish predictions for this team.

... much to everyone's dismay. Oh, how I yearn for the cabonney days when you could always be counted upon to hover an itchy trigger finger above the post button after typing in a prediction of an Illinois Wesleyan national championship, much to Bob's dismay. ;D

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2012, 10:35:02 PMBut they WILL be a factor in the CCIW race, and I think they will ultimately win it.  And as long as they get IN the tourney, who knows (see IWU baseball, 2010 ;D)?

C'mon, Chuck, give us a percentage. Just for old time's sake. C'mon, it's Christmas! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2012, 11:31:30 PM
Greg, your wish is my command. 8-)

Chance of winning the walnut-and-bronze: 0+% (same as I gave to the 2010 baseball team that had a losing record two weeks before the end of the regular season! ;D)

I was pessimistic when Mallory Heydorn graduated.  I was pessimistic when Christina Solari graduated.  I was pessimistic when Stacey Arliss graduated.  I can't help but be somewhat pessimistic when Olivia Lett graduated.  But I finally figured out that Mia Smith DIDN'T graduate, so I've gotten over being TOO pessimistic! 8-)

In the tourney at Waverly, I fully expect them to beat CURF (I refuse to accede to Concordia-Chicago ;)), then, presumably, Wartburg.  That would put them at 7-4, which is exactly how they finished the pre-conference season last year.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2012, 11:46:28 PM
RogK almost nailed the NPU/Pacific score - only off by 76 on the Vikings! :D

(That's 277%, but who's counting! ;))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2012, 11:39:35 AM
Mr Ypsi, I completely agree with you about the bogus re-naming of Concordia University River Forest to Concordia University Chicago. River Forest is a pleasant community, so why not be proud to be associated with it? Plus, the first thing high school students learn about the school is that is has a deceptive name.
My 119-112 NP score was more imagination than prediction. In fact, they had a feeble 29 through the first 33:00 of that game.
In the Elmhurst contest, Fiona McMahon tallied 15 and 13, while freshman Claire Monroe scored 16. I'm guessing that Tess Godhardt is not near full strength because she played only 18:00 and scored 0, both very unlike what she usually does.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2012, 11:45:23 AM
Ypsi's most astute post in years =  "Mia Smith didn't graduate." 

The issues of the Titan team this year are there, for all to see, but I'm with Ypsi and RogK on feeling that the Titans will be in the mix for the CCIW crown again this year.  I do have faith that the team will continue to improve, address the shortcomings to date, use the many talents they have, and find ways to win quite a few games in the CCIW race.  Enough for a title?  Not sure, but I'm pretty confident the Titans will be at or near the top of the league and make the Conference tournament again this year.

Happy Holidays all . . . stay well and safe as the big storm rushes by today and tomorrow.

IWU70 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2012, 04:26:31 PM
North Central lost 95-75 to UW Oshkosh in a 10:00 a.m. local start in Las Vegas. It was 58-39 at the half, 81-63 after 30:00. So the final 10:00 was 14-12, not what NC had in mind. NC had a small advantage (24 vs 30) in the turnover category, but got clobbered rebound-wise 57-31. They can win while being outrebounded but need to dominate other facets of the game, which they didn't.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2012, 05:31:31 PM
UC-Santa Cruz 53
North Park 42

Not a good afternoon for the Vikings, who had a double-digit lead in the first half and went into the locker room up by five, but, as was the case yesterday, endured an extended scoring drought to start the second half. During the opening five and a half minutes of the latter stanza, the Banana Slugs went on a 14-2 run, and never trailed again thereafter.

Another thing today's game had in common with yesterday's was terrible shooting by NPU. The Vikings were only 14-51 (.275) from the field and 3-12 (.250) from downtown, and were an uncharacteristic 11-19 (.579) from the FT line as well. UCSC didn't shoot great in response, but it certainly shot better than did NPU, comfortably enough to erase the Park's advantage in rebounding and turnovers.

Dana Christensen was really the only player for NPU to distinguish herself, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding with 10 and 8, although Shaina Yalda did pilfer five steals.

This was a tough road trip for NPU, but I think that the Vikings may look back upon it as a productive one. They had it way too easy back here in the midwest throughout November and the first half of December, playing teams that aren't nearly up to par with what they'll see in the CCIW. Pacific (7-1) and UCSC (8-3) provided a wakeup call as to what the Vikes can expect in January and February.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2012, 06:12:36 PM
Greg, as I see it, North Park may need to work on a few things in advance of the CCIW schedule, but they are not alone in that status.
I still expect IWU, Carthage and Wheaton to be somewhere in the top half of the league, but probably none of them are fully content with where they're at. The other five presumably also see areas where improvement is needed. No team should be discouraged, though, as everyone still has a 0-0 conference record and January is full of opportunities for good starts (or restarts).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2012, 06:31:10 PM
Oh, I don't think that NPU ought to be discouraged, Rog. This was a wakeup call for the Vikings and a good diagnostic tool for Amanda Reese so that she can tweak what the offense is doing during practices. Then NPU gets one more tuneup at home against Mount St. Joseph a week from Saturday before the CCIW slate begins.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on December 21, 2012, 12:11:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2012, 11:39:35 AM
Mr Ypsi, I completely agree with you about the bogus re-naming of Concordia University River Forest to Concordia University Chicago. River Forest is a pleasant community, so why not be proud to be associated with it? Plus, the first thing high school students learn about the school is that is has a deceptive name.
My 119-112 NP score was more imagination than prediction. In fact, they had a feeble 29 through the first 33:00 of that game.
In the Elmhurst contest, Fiona McMahon tallied 15 and 13, while freshman Claire Monroe scored 16. I'm guessing that Tess Godhardt is not near full strength because she played only 18:00 and scored 0, both very unlike what she usually does.

When did the name change occur if I may ask? At least the name change did wonders for the football team at CUC  ;).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 21, 2012, 12:59:47 PM
I think that it changed from CURF to CUC in 2006.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2012, 04:28:36 PM
North Central had another 10:00 a.m. game in Vegas and topped Goucher (D3 from Maryland) 104-90.
Goucher was ahead 22-13, but NC went on a 40-16 run to complete the half. In the 2nd half, Goucher came within 5 (64-59) and was within 9 fairly late (91-82), but the Cardinals pulled away.
The stats indicate contributions from throughout the roster. Larynn Shumaker was again strong in the low post, missing only 1 shot while scoring 22 pts (5/6, 12/12 FT). Oh, that was in 14:00. Paula Elum added 12 pts and 4 steals. Sophie Newson tallied 10 pts, 7 rebs, 3 steals.
Their nonconference schedule is done (7-4). Next we get to see how the various CCIW opponents will approach the NC "system." Do you run with them or try to slow 'em down?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 21, 2012, 08:56:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 21, 2012, 04:28:36 PM
North Central had another 10:00 a.m. game in Vegas and topped Goucher (D3 from Maryland) 104-90.
Goucher was ahead 22-13, but NC went on a 40-16 run to complete the half. In the 2nd half, Goucher came within 5 (64-59) and was within 9 fairly late (91-82), but the Cardinals pulled away.
The stats indicate contributions from throughout the roster. Larynn Shumaker was again strong in the low post, missing only 1 shot while scoring 22 pts (5/6, 12/12 FT). Oh, that was in 14:00. Paula Elum added 12 pts and 4 steals. Sophie Newson tallied 10 pts, 7 rebs, 3 steals.
Their nonconference schedule is done (7-4). Next we get to see how the various CCIW opponents will approach the NC "system." Do you run with them or try to slow 'em down?

Not sure yet about this year's edition of the Titans, but the last few years they would absolutely salivate over any team wanting to run with THEM!

The IWU men only played against 'The System' once - March 1, 2001.  They won 132-91, setting IWU and d3 tournament records that (I believe) still stand.

The System is capable of humiliating bad teams (as we saw in that obscene Grinnell/Faith Bible Baptist game with the phoney individual scoring record), and will occasionally upset better teams, but really good teams make The System totally backfire.  Unless NCC is ALSO vastly improved, I'll predict that The System will lead to some 40+ point losses to the top conference teams.

The element of unfamiliarity might get them into the conference tourney (much like the triple option lets Air Force win a few football games their 'beef' would suggest they shouldn't win), but The System seems to have definite upper limits.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on December 22, 2012, 01:55:57 AM
Ypsi -- it's a bit oversimplified to compare men's System with women's System. Key to beating the men's System is to throw the ball over the top of the press and get easy layups that way -- a play that is much more successful in men's basketball than it is in women's. You can't simply apply 132-91 to everything. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 22, 2012, 01:24:53 PM
My two cents on the recent discussions of IWU: during the Titans' recent run of dominance in the CCIW, they've always had 8-10 players contributing significant minutes (i.e. 10+ per game). And they were able to go 10 deep without seeing a significant drop in talent. As a matter of fact, IWU's second units on those teams often matched up just fine even against the starters from the other CCIW contenders.

This year, only 6 Titans are averaging 10+ minutes per game. Now, I'm not privy to injury details or anything, but it appears that the '12-'13 Titans are not as deep as in year's past. I think their starting 5 is still pretty solid, but a significant reason for their recent dominance of the league is that they were more talented off the bench than their opponents. So, while it is certainly true that not having a clear "go-to" player like Olivia Lett or Christina Solari is a big change for IWU, I think the depth question is perhaps more significant.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 22, 2012, 08:58:54 PM
Backseat, I think you are correct about IWU's depth and also lack of as many strong post area players as in the past.  (Look at "minutes played" in the CCIW all game stats).  Also, without the depth, the "run and jump" is more difficult to maintain.  Plus, to be successful with the run and jump you have to have that "go for the juggler" type of defensive player who knows when to go for, pick off the second errant outlet pass, following the trap, to anticipate the key steals off that press.  So far, IWU's D has less frequently exhibited that type of anticipation, not that key player in the middle of the press.  Time will tell . . . perhaps it's Baltes, or McMahon, but it hasn't happened as consistently this year as in the past . . . and the Titans have also surely run into a number of teams with superb PGs, able to break the press.  I still expect them to be one of the best teams in the CCIW, contending for the league title come mid-February. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 22, 2012, 09:14:54 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on December 22, 2012, 01:55:57 AM
Ypsi -- it's a bit oversimplified to compare men's System with women's System. Key to beating the men's System is to throw the ball over the top of the press and get easy layups that way -- a play that is much more successful in men's basketball than it is in women's. You can't simply apply 132-91 to everything. :)

You're probably right, and I'll have to take your word for it.  I've so far not seen women playing the System (unless you count the modified system Olivet Nazarene uses).  (I believe the Trine women used the System [don't know if they still do], but I haven't had occasion to see them.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 23, 2012, 08:09:40 PM
Merry Christmas to all the D3, CCIW and IWU chatsters!  All best for the New Year!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on December 23, 2012, 09:50:19 PM
Without going into the advantages/disadvantages of the "system," NCC has already equaled the number of wins they achieved last season. Credit Coach Roof with taking the initiative to make a radical change, and to bring in some players who could handle it. Also, credit her with bringing in an assistant coach in Doug Porter, whose former team, NAIA member Olivet Nazarene was the NAIA national scoring leader in 7 of the last 8 seasons, and who is an authority in the knowledge and teaching of NCC's new style of play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2012, 12:12:48 PM
I think (my guess) one reason Coach Roof opted to go to the "system" is that she saw that a good chunk of her roster would fit the style and that it was a way to fully use depth. She may like the idea of participation by everyone, too.
She hasn't shown any inclination to do things for the purpose of individual stats like Grinnell does. Doug Porter didn't do that at Olivet Naz either. So, you can run a version of the "system" without immitating everything Grinnell does. Also, North Central probably could have run up 130 in a game or two already this season, but that does not appear to be a priority of Roof's either, not in a mismatch anyway.
I don't know if any of this year's freshmen were recruited specifically for the new style of play. Next year's arrivals will be, of course.
A book that Porter co-authored (Coaching the System) describes the roles of various player positions. To briefly summarize : 1 is point guard, 2 and 3 are three-shooters, 4 is a lowpost scorer and offensive rebounder. The 5 is something completely foreign to most basketball styles : she is a tall player who shoots threes (almost exclusively) and is the safety defensively, frequently trying to stop 2-on-1s when the opponent gets through the press. Olivet Naz found a few 6-footers that fit that description, but that specific type of player is not easy to locate, I'm sure.
Was I leading to some point? I forgot!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 26, 2012, 01:04:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 26, 2012, 12:12:48 PM
I think (my guess) one reason Coach Roof opted to go to the "system" is that she saw that a good chunk of her roster would fit the style and that it was a way to fully use depth. She may like the idea of participation by everyone, too.

The Arseneault System also lends itself to augmenting a coach's job security, inasmuch as it requires a large roster in order to be implemented. An awful lot of college coaches at this level are under pressure from their respective administrations to reach annual recruitment quotas, and the large rosters required by the System are an admission office's dream.

Quote from: RogK on December 26, 2012, 12:12:48 PMShe hasn't shown any inclination to do things for the purpose of individual stats like Grinnell does. Doug Porter didn't do that at Olivet Naz either. So, you can run a version of the "system" without immitating everything Grinnell does. Also, North Central probably could have run up 130 in a game or two already this season, but that does not appear to be a priority of Roof's either, not in a mismatch anyway.

David Arsenealt does those types of stunts in order to draw publicity to the Grinnell program. That serves two purposes: 1) It gets the word out about his program via the media; and 2) it's a useful means for him to ingratiate himself with the Grinnell administration, because publicity for the men's basketball team means publicity for the school. The stunts really don't have anything to do with basketball at all -- in fact, the purists among us consider them to be antithetical to the sport, and certainly antithetical to good sportsmanship -- but they do serve ancillary purposes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2012, 01:36:43 PM
Greg, your second point (Arseneault's "stunts") has 0 to do with how Olivet Nazarene WBB has implemented the System, nor is there any sign that North Central will do that sort of thing. In fact, when Grinnell has altered its style for the purpose of setting individual player records (assists, points), it was a deviation from the basic idea of the system : no player gets more than 20 or 22 minutes. In those "stunt" games, the record-setters played something like 36:00. Certainly Grinnell can be criticized, but such criticism is not germane to any team in women's basketball.
Your first point (roster size) may be a motivation at North Central, but maybe not. A lot of teams have had rosters of 14 or 15 players, but didn't use 6 or 7 in many games. Millikin is an example recently. At least all 17 or 18 on North Central get to play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 26, 2012, 01:53:37 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 26, 2012, 01:36:43 PM
Greg, your second point (Arseneault's "stunts") has 0 to do with how Olivet Nazarene WBB has implemented the System, nor is there any sign that North Central will do that sort of thing. In fact, when Grinnell has altered its style for the purpose of setting individual player records (assists, points), it was a deviation from the basic idea of the system : no player gets more than 20 or 22 minutes. In those "stunt" games, the record-setters played something like 36:00. Certainly Grinnell can be criticized, but such criticism is not germane to any team in women's basketball.

Precisely my point, Rog. Arseneault does those stunts for reasons that really don't have anything to do with basketball per se. That brings us into the realm of issues such as publicity, ethics, and coach-administration relations, and it's quite understandable that other coaches would therefore choose not to follow Arseneault down that road. The System is controversial enough as a basketball strategy; why take on in addition all of the completely unnecessary baggage that its founder has added to it?

Quote from: RogK on December 26, 2012, 01:36:43 PMYour first point (roster size) may be a motivation at North Central, but maybe not. A lot of teams have had rosters of 14 or 15 players, but didn't use 6 or 7 in many games. Millikin is an example recently. At least all 17 or 18 on North Central get to play.

I don't know if Michelle Roof operates under a quota requirement or not, but it wouldn't surprise me if she did. Lots of D3 schools, CCIW schools included, have recruiting quotas for their various coaching staffs. But the System is ideal in terms of being administration-friendly, because it not ony demands a large roster -- even if the players themselves aren't what would be considered top-drawer talents by CCIW women's basketball standards -- it also aids in retention by giving just about everyone on the roster varsity playing time from Day One.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2012, 02:19:30 PM
The "baggage" doesn't come with it. What happens in Iowa stays in Iowa. Olivet Naz's players have used the System for their entire college careers and likely couldn't care if Arseneault is an unsportsmanlike nut or not. They haven't followed him down any publicity-seeking road. They don't need to answer for anything that Grinnell does. You can use a lawn mower without knowing or caring whether its inventor was a nut or a good guy or somewhere in between.
As you point out, the System's merits as a basketball strategy can be debated.
(spelling corrected)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 26, 2012, 02:58:37 PM
Personally, I like the System, inasmuch as it adds variety to college basketball. The sport would be far less interesting if everyone used the same offensive and defensive styles. David Arseneault, on the other hand, I have issues with. I do not approve of his deliberate and frequently gimmick-ridden attempts to set individual and team NCAA records, which are often unsportsmanlike and more than a bit seedy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2012, 03:13:19 PM
Greg, you may even enjoy the challenge of being the official scorer when NC comes to Foster and Kedzie. Will you need an extra score sheet?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 26, 2012, 03:18:41 PM
I'm not NPU's official scorer for women's basketball anymore, Rog. I've handed the reins to Aaron Coleman, who also scores NPU's men's games. I'm now the webcaster for both Vikings basketball teams, not just the men.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2012, 03:29:55 PM
Uh oh. Now you have to worry about the Kremlin monitoring your broadcasts!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 26, 2012, 04:00:48 PM
Da! Is very good basket!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2012, 06:25:25 PM
Would anyone out there like to give us any sort of report on Augustana, Carthage or Millikin?
None of the regular crop of writers has seen these teams yet, as far as I know.
We could review their stats, but a first-hand observation is better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 27, 2012, 07:03:11 PM
Here are Millikin's FT attempts :
in wins - 34, 37, 18, 20, 16;
in losses - 15, 27, 9, 6.
If not for that 27, we could make wide-ranging inferences and conclusions. But, we can't.
They have won every time they've scored more than 50.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2012, 11:19:53 AM
Carthage and IWU return to action this afternoon. Both play again tomorrow, as do Millikin, North Park and Elmhurst. Wheaton finishes its nonconference schedule on February 12. North Central has played their 11. Augie has played 10, with a game at Aurora (originally Dec 20) to be re-scheduled.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2012, 06:15:32 PM
Carthage (7-3) lost to Howard Payne 62-54 in San Antonio. Kristi Schmidt had 16 pts (6/8 FG, 4/5 FT) and 9 rebs and teammate Michelle Wenzel (3/6 FG, 7/9 FT) added 13 pts and 6 rebs. The Lady Reds suffered somewhat from turnoveritis (25 of them).
IWU (6-4) topped Concordia "Chicago" in Waverly Iowa, 87-59. Colleen McMahon had 18 pts and 5 steals, Melissa Gardner scored 17 and Lexi Baltes rang up 10 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2012, 06:24:38 PM
It's always hard to get a read on the comparative strength of ASC teams, given their geographic isolation, but Howard Payne came into the game against the Lady Reds with a 7-1 record. That's worth noting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2012, 01:12:32 PM
Strong game by IWU yesterday, with "run and jump" taking its toll on the opponent, with 30+ turnovers.  Seems Shelby Jackson is still out due to illness.  She did not play yesterday.

Wartburg today at 3 p.m., posing a more difficult test.  Good luck to the Titans in Iowa.  Hoping they are able to get to 7-4 for the pre-CCIW phase.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 29, 2012, 05:48:23 PM
But apparently not TOO difficult a test: IWU 80, Wartburg 62. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2012, 06:03:08 PM
NPU disposed of Mount St. Joseph in a rather ragged affair, 51-37. The Vikings led from wire to wire, and were never threatened in the second half, but a persistent inability to score the basketball continues to linger for them after a cold-shooting trip to California. North Park shot only 34% from the field today, and of NPU's 53 field goal attempts only 11 were from downtown, so there was a ton of missed layups, bunnies, and open midrange jumpers. Worse, turnovers plagued NPU today, as the Vikes coughed up the ball an ominous 18 times. Fortunately, their defense continues to shine. They held the young and erratic Lions to only 27% from the field, outrebounded them by a 42-37 margin, and were the recipients of 22 MSJ turnovers.

Kamauria Acree and Nicole Kruckman were really the only two Vikings who had solid games at both ends of the floor; Acree had a game-high 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Kruckman had 9 and 7 and was a perfect 4-4 from the floor.

NPU is now 9-2, and I can't remember the last time that the Park had that good of a record going into conference play. However, the Vikes are definitely going to have to step it up now. Nobody left the gym feeling as though NPU is really clicking on all cylinders heading into the CCIW portion of the slate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2012, 11:23:53 PM
Chuck, yes, a good showing by our Titans in Iowa.  Two more wins.  Vs. Wartburg, Lexi Baltes had a career game, career high 22, named tourney MVP.  Gardner and Seibring also good games, and the Titans winning 80-62.  Gardner also on the All-tournament team with Lexi.  Shelby Jackson again did not play, and this does make one worry more about the Titans' depth, rebounding etc. going into CCIW play. Hope Shelby is back soon . . . she's a very important player, post presence, and a great kid.  You can see from the minutes played that the Titans don't really have the depth, length of rotation so far this season that they've had in the past.  7-4 still a pretty good pre-CCIW phase, given the strength of teams played. 

On to the conference run . . . starting out @ Wheaton on Wednesday.  A very tough early test on the road.  I think WC is 9-1 now, right?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2012, 11:55:38 PM
Pantagraph article on the IWU win over Wartburg today reports that Shelby Jackson is out "indefinitely" due to an infected wisdom tooth.  That can't be good . . . sure do wish Shelby a quick and full recovery.  The Titans need her for sure.

On the men's side, I ran into Victor Davis and Pat Sodemann watching games at the State Farm Holiday Classic (high school games) at The Shirk yesterday, and they mentioned that both Zimmer and Mayberger are back at full practice . . . so some good news on the injury front for the Titans men's squad.  Sure would be nice to have a full, healthy squad by CCIW opener. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2012, 12:00:13 PM
I also saw the North Park game, but don't have anything to add to what Greg wrote.
Millikin got to play in the New Orleans Hornets' practice facility, the Alario Center in Westwego LA.
UW Whitewater won 58-49.
Carthage picked up a 64-52 win over host Trinity in San Antonio. Michelle Wenzel had 14 rebs in 22:00 and Stephanie Kuzmanic had 19 pts, 6 assists and 8 rebs.
Elmhurst rolled past Beloit, 85-55, thanks in part to Tess Godhardt (8/14, 6/6 FT) who scored 22 in 21:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 30, 2012, 05:07:33 PM
Non-conference play is now over, with the exception of Wheaton's game against Robert Morris in February. Here is where the records stand:

Wheaton 9-1
North Park 9-2
Carthage 8-3
IWU 7-4
NCC 7-4
Elmhurst 6-5
Millikin 5-5
Augie 4-6

I still don't see a clear-cut favorite heading into CCIW play. The conference openers on Wednesday:

North Park @ Augustana
Illinois Wesleyan @ Wheaton
Carthage @ Millikin
North Central @ Elmhurst
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2012, 05:30:05 PM
I think IWU is well-tested, well-prepared for the conference race.  Depth, injuries and rebounding still issues.  Consistency and intensity will be key in big conference games, as always.  If the Titans can play their game, be effective with the defensive pressure, and stay healthy, get Shelby Jackson back relatively soon, I have no doubt they will be in the mix for the conference title and tourney berth.   Seems to me the picks of the lot remain IWU, WC and Carthage.  We'll see if NP's record is meaningful or not . . .and we'll see if NCC can make "the system" work for them in tougher conference play.  I have my doubts on both accounts, but just call me silly.  EC and MU have some good players and could surprise.  I don't expect Augie to be in the top four mix.  Just my humble opinion from games, performances to date. 

IWU had an excellent two days in Iowa, playing very well even without Shelby Jackson.  Some rest now before opening @ WC, a great early test for both teams.

(Time for Q to trot out his formula for home/away wins, the formula to win the conference title at 11-3 or 10-4).  Time will tell.  I doubt any team gets to 12-2 or 13-1 this year. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2012, 11:31:21 AM
The opening conference games should all be competitive. Even if there are some wipe-outs, we still may not be wise to make conclusions based solely on them, as some (or all) teams could make improvements during the season.
How's that for platitudinous caution?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2012, 12:49:22 PM
Congratulations to Stephanie Kuzmanic, the new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on December 31, 2012, 01:24:17 PM
You might be right iwu70, but the CCIW champion has had an 11-3 record just five times in 26 years. And never has a 10-4 team won the league. This could very well could be one of those years, since the teams look pretty even right now, but  the top team usually distinguishes itself and wins at least 12 games. We'll see, it should be a entertaining season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2012, 01:58:59 PM
iwu70, who do you see beating IWU once or twice?
In regard to whether NC can make the "system" work in CCIW play, my initial guess is that only IWU will be happy to play a fast game with them. I'm thinking that since the Titans have faced Olivet Naz, they are confident that they can handle a less-established version of Olivet in NC.
The other six teams will probably wish to keep a lid on scoring. Carthage may be the most able to do so, although I think it unlikely that anyone is going to have a 70-50 game vs NC.
A couple other thoughts regarding "system" ball : it borrows from other sports in these ways -- the short-duration high-energy shifts are similar to hockey, the constant fullcourt defense relates to what is done via forechecking in hockey and soccer.
We'll see how the style works for NC this season. Some will doubt its usefulness. But, conventional ball annually proves to be a flop for lots of teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2012, 03:26:30 PM
A (last?) look at the nonconf stat leaders :
Scoring and Steals : Brooke Olson;
Rebounds and Blocks : Maris Hovee;
Assists : Stephanie Kuzmanic;
FG pct : Emily Murphy;
3FG pct : Kasey Kleiner;
FT pct : Lexi Baltes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 01, 2013, 01:33:39 PM
Big game right out of the gate tomorrow night with IWU @ Wheaton. Anytime you have the 5-time defending conference champion and the defending national champion in your gym, it's a big game. The last two IWU/Wheaton games at King Arena have gone down to the wire, with IWU winning 65-63 in 2011 and Wheaton winning 76-74 in 2OT last season.

All signs point to another great game tomorrow night. I think these teams are pretty evenly matched. Some factors that I think will be key:

1. Wheaton hasn't played a game since Dec. 15. That's a long break from game action. Will rust come into play?
2. In Shelby Jackson's absence, IWU has started 5 guards. Wheaton has strong post players in Lauren Graham and Maris Hovee. Will IWU struggle in the post, or will Wheaton struggle to contain the perimeter?
3. The effectiveness of IWUs run-and-jump. Wheaton has players who have seen IWU's press, but there are also several freshmen in the rotation. According to the Pantagraph recap of IWU's game against Wartburg, the Titans had a lot of success with the run-and-jump. Wheaton needs to handle it well to be successful.

It sure seems like these are two of the top CCIW teams this year, if not the top 2. I think this game is more important for Wheaton since it's at home, but obviously it's a big game no matter how you slice it. I'll give Wheaton the edge based on how well they've played at home under Kent Madsen (24-5), as well as being a shameless homer  8-) Should be a great game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2013, 03:18:12 PM
If IWU wins the TO battle and stays close on the rebounding battle with Wheaton, I think they have a good chance of stealing one at WC tomorrow.  Katy Seibring playing strong will be key.  Yes, a very tough early test for both teams.  Titans also need to shoot a pretty good percentage, especially from treyland, to compete well with the bigger, at home Wheaton team.  WC has played very very well so far this season.  The Titans have had a very tough schedule, but have played less consistently than in the past. 

To the question earlier, I think Carthage and WC are surely capable of beating IWU this year.  Not sure about the others . . . the verdict on NP's quality and NCC using "the system" is still out, IMHO.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 01, 2013, 04:27:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 01, 2013, 03:18:12 PM
If IWU wins the TO battle and stays close on the rebounding battle with Wheaton, I think they have a good chance of stealing one at WC tomorrow.  Katy Seibring playing strong will be key.  Yes, a very tough early test for both teams.  Titans also need to shoot a pretty good percentage, especially from treyland, to compete well with the bigger, at home Wheaton team.  WC has played very very well so far this season.  The Titans have had a very tough schedule, but have played less consistently than in the past. 

To the question earlier, I think Carthage and WC are surely capable of beating IWU this year.  Not sure about the others . . . the verdict on NP's quality and NCC using "the system" is still out, IMHO.

IWU70

I don't think any win for IWU is a "steal", considering the last 5 years  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2013, 10:30:12 AM
I'll bravely predict tonight's final scores : in Wheaton 76-69, in Rock Island 62-54, in Decatur 58-50, in Elmhurst 88-84. Notice that I did not bravely predict any winners!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2013, 11:08:07 AM
Hey RogK, not very brave! 

I'll give a go . . . and in an unorthodox set of picks, I'll go with all the road teams to win their CCIW openers.

NPU over AC
IWU over WC, by one or two points
CC over MU
NCC over EC

Good luck to all teams and coaching staffs.  Hope everyone plays well and without injury!

Let the conference race begin.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2013, 05:17:46 PM
I honestly have no idea what to expect out of this afternoon's NPU @ Augie game, scheduled to tip off about 45 minutes from now. But I find it amusing that the Massey Ratings computer projection has NPU winning 61-55, while Rog's carefully neutral prediction is for a 62-54 game.

Either way, I'll take it ... as long as it results in an NPU win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2013, 06:43:23 PM
NPU is up at the half at Augie, 31-17, as nine NPU players scored in the opening stanza. However, I'm much more concerned about the health of NPU senior shooting guard Dana Christensen. She went down early in the half and had to be carried off the floor. I missed the play, because the webstream was buffering at the time. Sure hope she's alright.

UPDATE: Dana limped across the floor with the rest of the North Park squad at the end of halftime. She's still in uniform. While I doubt that she'll play any more tonight, that was a great sign that she might not be as badly hurt as I initially feared.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2013, 07:53:47 PM
North Park 46
Augustana 38

The importance of good defense can never be overestimated. NPU's offense went into a seasonally-appropriate deep freeze in the second half, as at one stretch the Park went over nine minutes without scoring. But, to give an indication of how well the visiting Vikings played defense, that nine-minute-plus drought started with NPU up by 14 at the 18:06 mark, and when it ended at the 8:57 mark on Nicole Kruckman's successful jumper North Park was still up by 12. Augie did manage to whittle it all the way down to a four-point margin with five minutes left, but that's as close as the Doggies got. NPU mustered just enough offense in the waning minutes to hold Augie at bay, in spite of a second half that saw them go only 5-25 (20%) from the field. The bigger story, though, was that Augie shot only 29% from the field for the entire game.

Kamauria Acree led NPU in scoring with 11 points, and she shared high-rebounding honors with Sarah Peterson, as each collected six caroms. Augie's Jessica Baids led everyone in scoring with 14 points, while Kayla Boers gathered eight rebounds.

Augie's not what I'd call a tremendously talented team, but that squad does play with solid discipline on the defensive end and really knows how to trap and press well. While it's clearly a second-division team, I wouldn't be surprised if Augie managed to pull off an upset or two in CCIW play.

It was unpretty and occasionally frustrating to watch, but any road win in this league is a good one. NPU will take it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2013, 08:02:21 PM
WC over IWU 66-62 @Wheaton.   IWU was down as much as 16 with only 5 or so minutes to go but fought all the way back, almost to a one possession game, but couldn't quite get over the hump, not quite enough possessions to let the run and jump do its work.  Haven't seen the box but I would bet the Thunder outrebounded the Titans rather significally.  No sign of Shelby Jackson, so Titans very perimeter orientated.  The Titans really need some stronger post presence.  Wheaton has that.

More after I see the boxscore.

IWU70

Congrats to NP on their win vs. Augie.  A road win is always welcome in CCIW play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 02, 2013, 08:27:13 PM
IWU/Wheaton boxscore: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=2946&path=wbball

Wheaton led this game by 19 with six minutes to play before IWU went on one of their patented runs and had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds. The Thunder won this game by pretty thoroughly controlling the game from the 10 minute mark of the first half on, until IWU's big run at the end.

Wheaton shot 14% from 3, 60% from the line, and had 26 turnovers, but they did indeed out-rebound the Titans 48-36. And Wheaton's overall defensive effort was very strong, limiting IWU to 31% shooting from the field. No Lauren Graham for the Thunder, but Hannah Considine and Maris Hovee had big games in the post and combined for 19 points and 25 rebounds. Shelby Jackson will make a big difference for IWU when she can come back.

Very strong game for Colleen McMahon, 25 points. She really carried IWU on the offensive end.

Wheaton got really good contributions from the bench tonight, and that was key. This is a big win for the Thunder, but there are 13 games to go. I think the Thunder showed what they're capable of, now it's a matter of staying consistent over a long, tough CCIW season.

EDIT: This was Wheaton's 14th straight win @ King Arena. Recap: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2013/1/2/WBB_0102133438.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 02, 2013, 08:36:27 PM
Carthage 83
@Millikin 57
:o

@Elmhurst 97
North Central 90
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on January 02, 2013, 08:48:24 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 02, 2013, 08:36:27 PM
Carthage 83
@Millikin 57
:o

@Elmhurst 97
North Central 88

All of the North Central games will be interesting this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 02, 2013, 11:18:59 PM
Quote from: Naperick on January 02, 2013, 08:48:24 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 02, 2013, 08:36:27 PM
Carthage 83
@Millikin 57
:o

@Elmhurst 97
North Central 88

All of the North Central games will be interesting this year.

Indeed. I was surprised by Carthage's walloping of Millikin, not as much by the NCC/Elmhurst result.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 03, 2013, 01:20:01 PM
I'll be intrigued by Wheaton's response on Saturday in Naperville. Last year they knocked off the Titans at home and then went on the road and laid an egg in Decatur. Wheaton is 1-3 the last two years in the game after they play IWU and the Thunder looked a little tired at the end of the game last night. How will the legs respond and prepare to get up and down the floor with the Cardinals?

Wheaton looks like they have a pretty good ballhandler in the freshmen Ellie Zeller and Moriah Reeves but last night veteran Jenn Lee struggled with the trap so outside of Olson who will step up and be able to handle the ball against the Cardinal press. The concern for Wheaton is that the pace of play will likely negate Wheaton's big post advantage with Hovee. Considine looks like she can get and down for a while but this is a game that would be perfect for Lauren Graham but obviously she's still recovering from the foot injury.

Props to the Titans last night on making things interesting at the end. Extreme trust and extreme discipline by Mia Smith with her guards keeping Baltes and Gardner in the game in the first half when both picked up their third fouls and sticking with Baltes when she picked up her fourth at the 10 minute mark in the second half.

Surprising to me that Wheaton was able to win a game against the likes of Illinois Wesleyan by shooting just 2/14 from beyond the arc, struggling at the free throw line and losing the turnover battle. Last year it took Wheaton a school record 12 3's to score the upset over Wesleyan but shows the narrowing of the gap between these two teams this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2013, 01:54:46 PM
I attended the 97-90 Elmhurst win over North Central and my reaction to it is YOWZAH! An action-packed contest to say the least. To begin with, my expectations for the offense strategies of both teams were off or way off. I thought Elmhurst would try to use up most of their shot clocks -- they didn't (until late in the game) and in fact matched NC for speed, getting loads of fast break scoring, much from Fiona McMahon, who tallied career highs of 36 pts and 16 rebs. NC also surprised me by driving to the hoop so much, foregoing at least ten decent 3-point opportunities. They did shoot 39 3FG att, but came in averaging 47 and presumably want to launch 50 or 60? Shows ya what I know.
Elmhurst jumped out to a quick lead and was up 53-41 at intermission, extending it to 68-46 a few minutes later. NC fought back and eventually were within 4 at 81-77. EC finished it out to get the victory.
Even though EC committed 38 turnovers, I thought ALL of their guards did well passing and dribbling through relentless NC trapping. NC was credited with 28 steals, including 6 by Bobbi Johns (developing into quite a fine player), 5 by Paula Elum and 4 by Amanda Hoye.
Among the action was a huge collision between the strongest players from each team : Larynn Shumaker was chasing an Elmhurst guard dribbling in EC's backcourt and ran into a wall-like pick set by Fiona McMahon. This knocked Shumaker onto her backside. McMahon stood for a moment and then did a slowmotion backwards somersault as the effect of Shumaker's momentum set in. Wow.
Another collision happened later on when Amanda Hoye (pretty sure it was her) was driving to the hoop and EC's Tess Godhardt took a charge, but suffered immediate pain in the shoulder area and was writhing alarmingly on the floor. I asked former Bluejays Brittany Bobruk and Lindsay Long who were in the stands near me if they thought it might be a dislocated shoulder and they guessed it could also be a collarbone injury. Godhardt had to leave the game, but because she is an extraordinarily tough competitor she returned to play later on. Hopefully there is no lingering problem. Tess finished with 22 pts and 6 rebs in 26:00; she also helped often with good passes.
It was a hardfought game; by the end, McMahon had a bandaged nose and Elum had a bandaged chin.
Another memorable play was when Shumaker fired an amazing line-drive crosscourt pass to an open Kelsey Cooling who then sank a three. (The stat people forgot to credit an assist, incidentally.) Shumaker (6/9 FG, 7/9 FT) topped NC with 19 pts in 18:00.
A minor disappointment is that 3 or 4 Bluejays used an old game-delaying ploy of re-tying shoelaces to extend stoppages of play. Not sure if Coach Carrillo told them to cease doing that or if a ref advised that a tech could be forthcoming. Didn't happen in the 2nd half if I recall correctly.
Anyway, quite a game and if there wasn't a rivalry before, there could be one now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2013, 05:53:39 PM
From the Carthage/Millikin stats : Carthage won the rebounding 40-20, they shot 30/55 overall FGs and a Lady Red hot 11/20 3FGs, not to mention 12 of 14 FTs. Cailee Corcoran had 18 pts plus 13 rebs, Haley Stercic took 9 shots and scored 17 pts (not bad!), while Stephanie Kuzmanic totalled 16 pts, 8 assists, 7 rebs and 4 steals.
A very sharp start for Carthage. Millikin scorers were led by Alyssa Saklak with 16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 03, 2013, 07:28:07 PM
I just watched the video on the IWU website of their banner hanging ceremony for the national championship. I was struck by two things:

1) What Mia Smith and the Titans have accomplished over the last 5 years, culminating in a national championship, is pretty darn impressive. You've got to tip your cap.

2) Everyone in the Shirk Center, including the IWU players and coaching staff, erupted into thunderous applause when Dennie Bridges mentioned that IWU beat Carthage 4 times last year. Methinks there's no love lost between those two teams  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 03, 2013, 08:28:05 PM
Re: #2

I don't know whether there is any animosity, but I would suspect it was more respect than 'hatred'.  Last year Carthage went 23-4 against everyone else; 0-4 against the Titans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 03, 2013, 10:41:22 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 03, 2013, 08:28:05 PM
Re: #2

I don't know whether there is any animosity, but I would suspect it was more respect than 'hatred'.  Last year Carthage went 23-4 against everyone else; 0-4 against the Titans.

I just found the cheering and applause to be funny. I'm sure there's no hatred, but that doesn't mean they like each other.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on January 04, 2013, 03:05:28 PM
They do not root for each other, would be putting it lightly
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 05, 2013, 04:01:53 PM
North Park up 32-21 over Millikin at the half in Chicago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 05, 2013, 04:58:23 PM
North Park 62
Millikin 54

Big win for the Vikings this afternoon. NPU is a legitimate contender for a conference tournament slot this season, and it's important for them to defend their home court.

I watched the last 8 minutes or so of this game, at which time Millikin had a cut a 15-point deficit to 2. But over the rest of the game, the Big Blue really struggled to score and North Park was able to keep the visitors at arms length.

A couple of thoughts -

1. North Park survived a prolonged scoring drought in this game than enabled Millikin to get back in the game. It seems like the Vikings have had stretches like that in a lot of their games. Will NPU be able to score consistently against the likes of Carthage, Wheaton, and IWU?

2. Millikin is going to have to fight for a conference tourney slot this year. They just don't have the same level of talent they've traditionally had.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 05, 2013, 07:23:26 PM
The other three games are all blowouts:

IWU 64, Elmhurst 42 (9:44 to go)
Carthage 59, Augie 29 (4:17)
Wheaton 75, NCC 41 (10:02)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 05, 2013, 07:51:06 PM
All games now final:

IWU 64, Elmhurst 42
Carthage 73, Augie 35
Wheaton 106(!), NCC 67

The 'system' doesn't work so well when you miss 44 of 53 threes!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 05, 2013, 08:50:44 PM
Wheaton led 100-50 with 3 minutes left. Enough said.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2013, 10:06:55 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 05, 2013, 04:58:23 PM
North Park 62
Millikin 54

Big win for the Vikings this afternoon. NPU is a legitimate contender for a conference tournament slot this season, and it's important for them to defend their home court.

I watched the last 8 minutes or so of this game, at which time Millikin had a cut a 15-point deficit to 2. But over the rest of the game, the Big Blue really struggled to score and North Park was able to keep the visitors at arms length.

A couple of thoughts -

1. North Park survived a prolonged scoring drought in this game than enabled Millikin to get back in the game. It seems like the Vikings have had stretches like that in a lot of their games. Will NPU be able to score consistently against the likes of Carthage, Wheaton, and IWU?

2. Millikin is going to have to fight for a conference tourney slot this year. They just don't have the same level of talent they've traditionally had.

The first question's a fair one. The second point is valid. NPU does have stretches in each game in which the Vikings get stuck offensively; tonight they had a couple of four-minutes droughts and three others that were of a three-minutes-plus duration. Some of that was not having Dana Christensen in uniform (thankfully, she only sprained her ankle on Wednesday against Augie, and she's hoping to be back in uniform on Wednesday against Illinois Wesleyan), but it's been the Vikings m.o. whether she's been in the lineup or not. Fortunately, the defense for NPU has been so good that they've been able to survive those droughts, but Carthage, Wheaton, and Wesleyan are on a different level than the teams that they've been playing.

I'll also agree that Millikin's talent appears to have dropped off a bit with the loss of Zeigler, Aldridge, Prumer, and Robert, four players who each averaged in double figures last season. There's no one player on the MU team who really poses a major offensive threat; nobody averages in double figures, and the Big Blue as a team only average a little more than 56 points a game.

Bria Williams and Holly Haskins had 11 apiece for MU tonight, while Alyssa Saklak had 10. Williams led MU in rebounding with 9. NPU was sparked by Sarah Peterson, who had a 12 and 12 double-double, and 6 assists and three blocks to go with it. Shaina Yalda had a terrific game with 11 and 6, and Kamauria Acree was steady as usual with 9 and 9. The Vikins outrebounded MU by 7, which was a big key to the win.

I believe that this is the first time in seven years that NPU has knocked off Millikin. It's thus Amanda Reese's first win over Lori Kerans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2013, 11:31:35 PM
Very strong performance by the Titans tonight, beating EC 75-51.  The Titans shot a good percentage and Melissa Gardner was, well, Melissa Gardner.  She hit 5-5 treys in the first half on her way to big night with 24 points.  The Titans did pretty well rebounding against the much larger Bluejays and "run and jump" full-court pressure did its dirt.  IWU easily won the TO battle tonight something like 13-32.  With these numbers, you can expect a very happy outcome for the Titans.  Seibring and McMahon also in double figures at 17 and 20 respectively.  Whitney Scurlock got a start tonight in the post with Shelby Jackson still AWOL due to her infected wisdom tooth.  She was not in the building.  Sure hope she is OK and is able to return to action very soon.  Other contributed and played pretty well, esp. the ever active and tough Michelle Bilek.  I know she doesn't score much, but she is all over the place, diving for balls, making plays, tying up opponents, getting steals.  She was masked tonight, guess the result of an elbow to the face at some point.  A little bit of that Rip Hamilton look.  Seibring played well, coming in off the bench tonight.

Good to see the Titans bounce back from the WC loss . . . and have a very strong outing at home, so now 8-5, 1-1 in CCIW play.  Next up, a test @ NP, and a good test for NP.  Should be an interesting game, to guage where NP is and to see how the Titans respond again against a good opponent on the road.  Seems NP is making a run at the top tier this year.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2013, 01:47:18 PM
I believe it was Mr Ypsi who (accurately) foresaw an almost 40 point North Central loss to Wheaton.
thunder38, Wheaton did not lay any egg, nor does it look like they will any time soon. Coach Madsen had them very well-prepared for dealing with the "system." Wheaton made full use of its height advantages at nearly all positions. Not to mention excellent athleticism throughout the lineup. Maria Panaggio, for example, had 11 and 11 in 20:00.
NC stank at shooting, with the exception of Sophie Newson. Wheaton's 44 baskets were two short of tying the CCIW WBB record.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2013, 02:03:27 PM
Kudos to NPU's Sarah Peterson for the fact that her double-double last night was the 13th of her career. The record book for NPU women's basketball has some holes in it in terms of record-keeping, but I'm sure that her name will be in it in a few spots whenever it gets re-compiled.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2013, 11:33:45 AM
Another compliment for Wheaton's Brooke Olson : she committed just 4 turnovers vs NC in 32:00, handling the ball much of that duration. She (and her flock of athletic teammates) thrived in a fast-paced game. And, we know she does very well in slower, grind-it-out types of games, too.
I'm VERY impressed by Wheaton's freshmen, but Brooke is the leader of this team. The Thunder look pretty dang good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2013, 12:33:49 PM
I suppose one of Backseat Driver's "enough said"s might suffice for Carthage more than doubling up Augie 73-35. But I'll note how efficiently Coach Bernero's style of play is running for the Lady Reds. They hit 20 of 32 2FG att (better than 60 pct) and an equally impressive 8/17 3FGs (the equivalent of 70 pct 2FG shooting). This, combined with only 10 TOs, yielded 73 points in a relatively low possession game. Their defense is not allowing much either. No Augie player made it to 7 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2013, 01:01:37 PM
WC and CC are going to be very tough, and both squads are, I would bet, "hungry" for a CCIW crown, after the long stretch of IWU success.  IWU really needs Shelby Jackson back and needs to be more consistent with run and jump, overall defensive effort and shooting percentage.  Seibring is turning into an all-CCIW player, IMHO.  But, the post presence is still rather thin, weak without Jackson.   Against teams with big strong post players, the Titans can struggle, esp. if not shooting a good percentage, taking advantage of their overall team speed, defensive pressure, and trey shooting.  Against Elmhurst, all these things were clicking well.  Some of these games are going to be a big contrast in styles, varying types of skills of the players.  Titans will need to protect home court at Shirk all season to really be in the mix come February.

Wishing Shelby Jackson a quick and full recovery. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2013, 04:17:35 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW player of the week, Wheaton's Brooke Olson.
Good luck to Shelby Jackson getting rid of that infection or whatever is keeping her off the basketball court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2013, 05:00:04 PM
Wheaton up to (#27) with 46 points.  North Park, Carthage, and IWU all got goose-egged.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 07, 2013, 05:06:24 PM
I agree Rog, far from laying an egg in this one. Plain and simple North Central just doesn't have the personnel to fit the system. I think they have some nice pieces and could probably do just as well this year in a traditional system. I was impressed, as I always have been, with the effort and ability of Sophie Newson and also thought Larynn Shumaker had a nice game for the Cardinals earning several and ones. If you're going to run the System, you likely want 11-12 out of a 15-member roster to be snipers and North Central might have two right now. So many of their shots in the second half barely touched the rim if they did at all. The Cardinals themselves look like they're playing too fast and are out of control.

As BD noted, this game actually wasn't as close as the score indicates (if that's possible in a 39 point victory). Wheaton was up 100-50 with four minutes left and on pace to break their school record (112 against Concordia in 95) and probably the CCIW scoring record (113 by NCC against Carthage in '92) before Wheaton emptied the bench and the Cardinals finished the game on a 17-6 run against the end of the Thunder bench.

Wheaton really limited the offensive rebounds for North Central, winning the OREb battle in the first half 15-9 before North Central started hoisting more threes and tracking down long rebounds in the second half. Very good game for Olson as Madsen really never took her off the floor until this was well in hand. Panaggio thrived with the tempo as did Hannah Considine who is maturing by the game in the post for the Thunder. She has a very mature grasp on floor spacing and knows where to be and also how to fill lanes on primary and secondary breaks.

I think its a matter of time until Wheaton cracks the Top 25, if it doesn't happen this afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2013, 07:22:44 PM
Glad you complimented Sophie Newson, thunder38. No other NC player has had to make a bigger adjustment this season, seems to me. For her 3/4 of her career, she's been an in-the-lane player. This year, NC is asking her to play the safety role defensively, not easy for someone who is not close to being 6 feet tall. She has little chance to be the shotblocker that ideally occupies that spot in the "system." In fact, NC is averaging 2.2 blocks as a team. Olivet Nazarene's women average 5.8 so far, the same as Wheaton (to be fair, Wheaton blocks that many in games featuring fewer possessions). When you yield numerous 2-on-1s by the opponents, it helps to have a six-footer back there. ONU has one who blocks a shot every 7 minutes and another averaging a block every 8 minutes. We'll see if NC is able to recruit a few taller players for that purpose.
Meanwhile, there are a lot of ways that NC can improve during this season and I expect them to make progress.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2013, 08:41:20 PM
The biggest thing they need to improve is 3-point shooting.  Against Wheaton, they shot 17%, which was unusually poor, but not really an outlier - they are only 26% for the season.  For The System to be effective you'd better make well-north of 30%, or you're just committing voluntary turnovers. :P

I have no clue whether the current personnel can improve their marksmanship.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 07, 2013, 09:07:20 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 07, 2013, 05:06:24 PM
I think its a matter of time until Wheaton cracks the Top 25, if it doesn't happen this afternoon.

Provided they keep winning, of course.

And 38, it's nice to have you posting again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 07, 2013, 09:41:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 07, 2013, 12:33:49 PM
I suppose one of Backseat Driver's "enough said"s might suffice for Carthage more than doubling up Augie 73-35.

:) It didn't seem necessary to provide analysis of a fifty-point spread.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2013, 11:28:45 AM
Well, you could say why the game was a wipeout. Maybe the Cardinals ate too much of that caulk that people refer to as "greek yogurt" for the pre-game meal!
Plus, regardless of how big the margin was, it's still OK to recognize the efforts of players who did well.
If Wheaton had not played as well as they did, the score would've been closer, but they would have been less deserving of compliments. Do I make any sense? (and if so, why start now?)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2013, 01:43:04 PM
Even though it's still early, the three 0-2 teams may already have a little anxiety about getting in the W column in CCIW play. It won't be easy tomorrow though, as Millikin faces Elmhurst, Augie is at Wheaton and NC hosts Carthage.
Since this is my thousandthstnd post, this is a good time to thank Pat Coleman and the others involved for making this fun possible. Thanks, dude!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 08, 2013, 01:44:38 PM
I hate to ruin the fun as you bask in the glow of #1000 Rog (Congrats by the way) but Wheaton is at Augie tomorrow night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2013, 01:55:25 PM
Dam knit, what a time to make my 142rd error!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 08, 2013, 02:58:39 PM
A quick look at some national statistical leaders.
Cutoffs: Team- Top 40. Individuals- Top 50


Carthage
34th in scoring defense (50.0 PPG)
19th in field goal percentage (43.4%)
21st in 3-point percentage (35.7%)
39th in turnovers (15.6 per game)

Stephanie Kuzmanic is 34th in assists (4.9 APG)
Haley Stercic is 27th in 3-pt. percentage (42.7%) and 29th in 3's per game (2.69)

Elmhurst
17th in field goal percentage (43.5%)
14th in assists (17.1 APG)

Fiona McMahon is 6th in field goal percentage (60.8%) and 15th in double-doubles with 7

Illinois Wesleyan
40th in scoring offense (71.3)
11th in free throw percentage (75.6%)
38th in 3-pointers per game (6.5)
39th in turnover margin (6.15)

Melissa Gardner is 13th in 3-pointers per game (3.0)

North Central
2nd in scoring offense (88.5 PPG)
1st in 3-pointers per game (12.4)
9th in assists (17.5 APG)
3rd in steals (18.4 SPG)
5th in turnover margin (11.0)

North Park
10th in scoring defense (46.8 PPG)
36th in scoring margin (16.8)
24th in field goal defense (31.7%)
28th in turnovers (15.1 per game)

Wheaton
21st in scoring offense (73.8 PPG)
19th in scoring defense (48.0 PPG)
5th in scoring margin (25.8 PPG)
10th in field goal percentage (44.7%)
5th in field goal defense (29.0%)
18th in rebound margin (10.3)
1st in assists (20.0 APG)
9th in blocks (5.8 BPG)
37th in steals (13.3 SPG)
11th in assist/turnover ratio (1.06)

Maris Hovee is 24th in blocks (25 BPG) and 49th in rebounds (10.3 RPG)
Brooke Olson is 36th in assists (4.9 APG) and 44th in assist/turnover ratio (1.79)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2013, 11:21:28 AM
The IWU roster no longer includes Shelby Jackson. If she had to stop playing for health reasons, best wishes to her and get better soon! Basketball is not at the top of life's priorities. If she is off the team for other reasons, it's probably not any of our business either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 09, 2013, 01:06:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 09, 2013, 11:21:28 AM
The IWU roster no longer includes Shelby Jackson. If she had to stop playing for health reasons, best wishes to her and get better soon! Basketball is not at the top of life's priorities. If she is off the team for other reasons, it's probably not any of our business either.

Wow. What a shame. I too hope she is able to recover soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 09, 2013, 01:30:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 09, 2013, 11:21:28 AM
The IWU roster no longer includes Shelby Jackson. If she had to stop playing for health reasons, best wishes to her and get better soon! Basketball is not at the top of life's priorities. If she is off the team for other reasons, it's probably not any of our business either.

Well said Rog. That's an unfortunate loss for the Titans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2013, 03:15:42 PM
Very very sorry to lose Shelby Jackson.   It's a huge loss for the Titans and for their prospects of repeating as CCIW champions.  I always enjoyed watching her play and appreciated all her contributions to the team and the program these past few years.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 09, 2013, 09:12:58 PM
Wheaton trails Augie 38-18 after a miserable first half. Wheaton is 7-34 (21%) from the field, 1-11 from 3, and 3-8 at the line. Augie is 15-27 from the field (55%) and 6-12 on 3s. That pretty much tells the story. The Vikings are just playing better basketball so far. Maris Hovee not playing for Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 09, 2013, 09:17:29 PM
Other halftime scores:

Carthage 43
NCC 37

NPU 34
IWU 30

Millikin 31
Elmhurst 30
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 09, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Wheaton loses 60-53 @ Augustana. The Thunder had every opportunity to get back into this game, but the shots just didn't fall. Tough loss.

Other scores:

IWU 61
NPU 54

Elmhurst 68
Millikin 59

Carthage 85
North Central 74

Carthage emerges as the early front-runner.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 09, 2013, 10:59:19 PM
4-31 from 3 will lose you a lot of games. Brooke Olson 2-14 from the field and 0-9 from 3. Breanna Bohlen 4-17 from the field and 3-13 from 3.  :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2013, 01:26:23 AM
NPU gave away the ballgame tonight, plain and simple. The Vikings, who came into the game shooting .741 as a team from the free throw line, somehow managed to shoot an abominable 9-20 from the charity stripe tonight, a figure made far worse by the fact that they missed three straight front ends of one-and-ones, and then followed them up with 1-for-2 performances on their next two trips to the line, at a point in the last 6:30 of the game onward when the two teams were within a basket of each other.

The Vikings did a great job of beating the Wesleyan press for easy baskets in the first half, turning the ball over only six times (Elmhurst, by contrast, turned it over 34 times in its game against the Titans last Saturday) and going into the locker room with a 34-30 lead. The Vikings upped it to as many as seven on a layup by Dominikque Williams with 14:32 left that made it 46-39. However, the Vikings went into one of their patented offensive deep freezes at that point, scoring only two points over the next ten minutes as Wesleyan slipped in front at the five-minute mark, 49-48. Some of the offensive problems for North Park were caused by better footwork and positioning by the Titans in their press, but a lot of it was just thoughtless and easily-read long passes up the floor that the Titans were able to intercept. But the biggest problem was that string of missed one-and-one front ends that caused NPU to have empty possessions at a time when Michelle Bilek of Wesleyan was hitting two straight treys from the left elbow on consecutive possessions to turn a 48-46 NPU lead into a 52-50 advantage for the visitors that they would not relinquish. NPU continued to miss shots from the floor in the last couple of minutes, while Wesleyan pulled away by going 5-6 from the FT line.

Kamauria Acree led NPU with 13 points, while Shaina Yalda and Dominikque Williams had ten apiece. Sarah Peterson had a really remarkable game. She only scored a modest nine points, but she hauled in 12 rebounds, dished out 6 assists (to only two turnovers), and had five blocks and five steals as well. It was just an amazing overall performance. She pulled up lame in the waning seconds of the game, and while the NPU training staff doesn't think that her injury was too serious, she's still in some pain and was not putting weight on her leg when she left the building. I certainly hope she's OK. NPU is very dependent upon her all-around game, as one could tell from tonight's box score. Colleen McMahon led all scorers with 19 for the Titans, while Katy Seibring contributed 14 and 10.

It was a deeply disappointing loss. You can't help but feel as though you cheated yourself when you led for almost the entire game but came away empty, mainly because you couldn't make your free throws. But the Vikings have no time to hang their heads over this one, as the CCIW schedule doesn't afford the chance for extended navel-gazing. NPU's gotta bounce back and get ready for Elmhurst on Saturday afternoon at Faganel Hall.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 10, 2013, 01:56:11 AM
Greg,

It would make me feel better (and be a boost to the whole conference, whose only viable candidate for the top 25 in the near future just lost to Augustana!) if you would in the future refer to IWU as 'the defending national champion Titans'.

Thank you.  (No charge for the advice.)

;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2013, 01:42:14 PM
I saw the 85-74 Carthage win at North Central. Carthage's Cailee Corcoran set a new league record of 24 rebounds in a conference game. Her team needed just about all of them.
It was a tight battle throughout, with a 78-74 Carthage lead late, but they got a little breathing room thanks to a free throw and hoop from Erin Quinn. NC squandered its remaining possessions.
Other Lady Reds who did very well include Michelle Wenzel who tallied 22 pts, 12 rebs and 3 blocks in 20:00 and Kristi Schmidt who had 20 pts and 8 rebs. But possibly no one was more important for Carthage than very reliable point guard Stephanie Kuzmanic (13 pts, 8 assists, 6 steals); she played 35:00 in a hectic game and her total of 7 TOs was not bad, considering how much dribbling she did through pressure.
Defensively, Carthage did a fine job limiting NC's lowpost scorers Larynn Shumaker and Emily Murphy to a combined 13 pts. NC's Sophie Newson scored 11, while teammate Michelle Todd had 9 rebs and 3 steals.
North Central's Lauren Hernandez unfortunately got landed on by one or two larger players and suffered what looked like a bad injury to one of her knees. She is a good all-around player and I'm guessing NC will be without her for several games. Get well soon!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2013, 01:46:28 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 10, 2013, 01:56:11 AM
Greg,

It would make me feel better (and be a boost to the whole conference, whose only viable candidate for the top 25 in the near future just lost to Augustana!) if you would in the future refer to IWU as 'the defending national champion Titans'.

Thank you.  (No charge for the advice.)

;D

Chuck,

Go jump in the lake.

(No charge for this advice, either.)

;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2013, 04:29:41 PM
In that Elmhurst/Millikin game, Elmhurst made 22 of 34 2FG att. The Jays' Karen Senette had a nice game, hitting 5 of 6 FG att, including 2 threes, made 4/5 FTs, had 5 assists and 1 TO. Alyssa Saklak poured in 28 pts for the Big Blue; she thereby got her CCIW scoring avg up to 18, good enough for 3rd, behind the McMahons, Fiona and Colleen (not related). Fiona's conference-play FG pct is at .806, which is adequate, but she could stand to raise it some. (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 10, 2013, 08:54:01 PM
Some more thoughts from last night's Wheaton/Augie game:

Augie absolutely blistered the nets in the first half, and that's pretty much how they won the game. They came out fired up and ready to defend their home court after getting blasted by Carthage, and they did what they needed to do to win. Wheaton could've probably done a better job with defensive pressure and closing out, but Augie hit their shots.

The Vikings employed a full-court defense last night, which for some reason seemed to bother Wheaton (surprising given that the Thunder's previous 2 opponents were IWU and NCC). It's not necessarily reflected in turnovers (12 for Wheaton), but more in the types of shots that Wheaton took. It seemed that Wheaton often took quick shots after getting through the press. Give Augie credit for taking Wheaton out of its normal flow.

The Thunder also attempted 31 threes, by far their most of the season. Granted, a good chunk of those attempts came in the final minutes as the visitors tried to claw back into the game. But the reality is that Wheaton is a different team without Lauren Graham and Maris Hovee on the floor. Without those two in the paint, a lot more pressure falls on the perimeter players to get open and knock down long range shots. It's just harder to consistently score that way. I don't know the status for either of the starting posts, but it sure would be great to have them back.

Two big home games for the Thunder coming up against Millikin and North Park. Wheaton and Millikin have a long-standing rivalry, and North Park is right in the thick of the CCIW race.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2013, 10:49:29 AM
Interesting analysis, Backseat Driver. Augie has had some ups and downs, but that was a big win for them.
I also concur with the importance of Graham and Hovee as you described it.
I'm figuring on seeing the Augie at NC contest Saturday. It could be real test of ballhandling if both sides press the whole game. Not an easy game for the refs, either.
Hey, what did you mean about long-standing ribaldry between Wheaton and Millikin? Oh wait. Rivalry, never mind!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2013, 11:34:16 AM
Only two teams have scored 70 against Millikin so far : Washington U (St L) 71 and Carthage 83.
Millikin has allowed .343 3FG shooting overall and .404 in the 3 CCIW games. So, I'll predict that Wheaton will make 12 of 26 on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 11, 2013, 12:38:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2013, 11:34:16 AM
Only two teams have scored 70 against Millikin so far : Washington U (St L) 71 and Carthage 83.
Millikin has allowed .343 3FG shooting overall and .404 in the 3 CCIW games. So, I'll predict that Wheaton will make 12 of 26 on Saturday.

The problem for Millikin is that they are averaging 57 points per game on offense (both overall and in CCIW play). So teams haven't needed to score 70 to beat them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 11, 2013, 12:40:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2013, 10:49:29 AM
Hey, what did you mean about long-standing ribaldry between Wheaton and Millikin? Oh wait. Rivalry, never mind!

That would take things to a different level entirely.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2013, 10:49:29 AM
Interesting analysis, Backseat Driver. Augie has had some ups and downs, but that was a big win for them.
I also concur with the importance of Graham and Hovee as you described it.
I'm figuring on seeing the Augie at NC contest Saturday. It could be real test of ballhandling if both sides press the whole game. Not an easy game for the refs, either.
Hey, what did you mean about long-standing ribaldry between Wheaton and Millikin? Oh wait. Rivalry, never mind!

+k for undoubtedly the first usage EVER of 'ribaldry' and 'Wheaton' in the same sentence! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 11, 2013, 01:19:17 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2013, 10:49:29 AM
Interesting analysis, Backseat Driver. Augie has had some ups and downs, but that was a big win for them.
I also concur with the importance of Graham and Hovee as you described it.
I'm figuring on seeing the Augie at NC contest Saturday. It could be real test of ballhandling if both sides press the whole game. Not an easy game for the refs, either.
Hey, what did you mean about long-standing ribaldry between Wheaton and Millikin? Oh wait. Rivalry, never mind!

+k for undoubtedly the first usage EVER of 'ribaldry' and 'Wheaton' in the same sentence! ;D

Indeed
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2013, 01:55:31 PM
And in fact, none of our conference's women's basketball coaches have inclinations toward significantly vulgar language as far as I know.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2013, 04:09:46 PM
... and I hope it stays that way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2013, 04:34:24 PM
Greg, if you don't mind my prying, will you be attending the double header at Elmhurst tomorrow? I don't know about the men's game, but the women's one promises to be a good contest. I forgot if you told us how long Dana might be out. As you've said, NP surely needs a healthy Sarah Peterson too.
At 2-1, each team should be eager to solidify its position in the upper half of the standings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 11, 2013, 04:52:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2013, 04:34:24 PM
Greg, if you don't mind my prying, will you be attending the double header at Elmhurst tomorrow? I don't know about the men's game, but the women's one promises to be a good contest. I forgot if you told us how long Dana might be out. As you've said, NP surely needs a healthy Sarah Peterson too.
At 2-1, each team should be eager to solidify its position in the upper half of the standings.

Judging from the CCIW Pickems selections, the men's game should also be the most competitive one of the night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2013, 05:09:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2013, 04:34:24 PM
Greg, if you don't mind my prying, will you be attending the double header at Elmhurst tomorrow? I don't know about the men's game, but the women's one promises to be a good contest. I forgot if you told us how long Dana might be out. As you've said, NP surely needs a healthy Sarah Peterson too.
At 2-1, each team should be eager to solidify its position in the upper half of the standings.

Yep, I'll be at Faganel for both NPU @ EC games.

Dana Christensen is hoping to be back on the floor for tomorrow afternoon's game. She wanted to play in Wednesday's contest against Wesleyan, but she was forced to sit that one out. She's anxious to get back out there and contribute. Getting the green light to play again is not up to her, though; it's up to the NPU training staff.

I don't have an update on Sarah Peterson's condition. I just know that I have my fingers crossed that she'll be suited up tomorrow for the Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2013, 11:46:09 PM
Ypsi, like your request to Greg.   Hope you are not in the lake.

Now that Shelby Jackson has left the IWU program, I think we have to admit that the Titans will have a much much tougher time defending their CCIW crown, let alone the national championship.  I'm still hopeful, though the lack of true, strong post players will continue to be a significant problem for IWU.  I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Mia experiment with Seibring more and more in the post area, with some of the other frontcourt newbies getting more time, for rebounding and defense in the half-court.  Should the Titans be able to keep the games uptempo, have good results from run and jump, with the pressure, and hit a good percentage, esp. from threeball land, then the Titans can still contend.   Baltes needs to contribute more to the offense.  The game hosting CC this weekend will be a very good indicator of how far the Titans can go without Shelby Jackson.  My view is that she will be sorely missed.   McMahon is really coming into her own as a scorer.  If/when IWU's top four score in double figures (Gardner, McMahon, Seibring, and Baltes), then the Titans win.  Sure would be nice to have a bit more scoring out of the bench/rotation members -- Scurlock and Mullarkey. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 12, 2013, 12:40:04 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 11, 2013, 11:46:09 PM
Ypsi, like your request to Greg.   Hope you are not in the lake.

Now that Shelby Jackson has left the IWU program, I think we have to admit that the Titans will have a much much tougher time defending their CCIW crown, let alone the national championship.  I'm still hopeful, though the lack of true, strong post players will continue to be a significant problem for IWU.  I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Mia experiment with Seibring more and more in the post area, with some of the other frontcourt newbies getting more time, for rebounding and defense in the half-court.  Should the Titans be able to keep the games uptempo, have good results from run and jump, with the pressure, and hit a good percentage, esp. from threeball land, then the Titans can still contend.   Baltes needs to contribute more to the offense.  The game hosting CC this weekend will be a very good indicator of how far the Titans can go without Shelby Jackson.  My view is that she will be sorely missed.   McMahon is really coming into her own as a scorer.  If/when IWU's top four score in double figures (Gardner, McMahon, Seibring, and Baltes), then the Titans win.  Sure would be nice to have a bit more scoring out of the bench/rotation members -- Scurlock and Mullarkey. 

IWU70

Lakes around here are too damn cold.

If Greg ponies up for Hawaii or Aruba, I will happily go jump in the lake! ;D

I know Shelby Jackson has been dropped from the roster, but has she actually left the program or just out for the season?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 11:01:31 AM
From the Pantagraph today:

Starter Shelby Jackson, a 6-foot junior who has missed the past six games with a wisdom tooth problem, has left the Titans, but will remain an IWU student.

“It is not health related,” Smith said. “We want to wish Shelby the best and we hope stepping away from basketball is the right decision for her.”

It's good to know she wasn't forced to stop playing for health reasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
Today's Games:

2:00 pm - North Park (11-3, 2-1) @ Elmhurst (8-6, 2-1)
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/elmhurst/wbball/scoreboard.aspx
Video: http://new.livestream.com/elmhurstcollege/events/1716652

5:00 pm - Carthage (11-3, 3-0) @ Illinois Wesleyan (9-5, 2-1)
Live Stats/Video: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/iwu.portal#

5:00 pm - Augustana (5-8, 1-2) @ North Central (7-7, 0-3)
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/ncc/wbball/scoreboard.aspx
Audio: http://wonc.org/
Video: http://nctv17.com/

5:00 pm - Millikin (5-8, 0-3) @ Wheaton (11-2, 2-1)
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/wheaton/wbball/scoreboard.aspx
Audio: http://www2.wheaton.edu/learnres/mediares/WETN/wetn_livewindow/WETN-Radio.html
Video: http://www2.wheaton.edu/learnres/mediares/WETN/wetn_livewindow/WETN-TV.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 05:17:54 PM
North Park over Elmhurst 65-64. From the Live Stats, looks like Dominikque Williams was fouled with 1 second or less to play and sank 1 of 2 free throws for the NPU victory.

North Park moves to 12-3, 3-1; Elmhurst drops to 8-7, 2-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 12, 2013, 06:36:21 PM
Carthage stormed out to a 13-3 lead, but the Titans have mostly come back - they trail 23-21 w/ under 5 in the first half.  Twin stories: Carthage 15 TOs; Titans shooting 7-22.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 06:41:48 PM
9-0 run for Wheaton to close the first half and lead 26-24 at intermission. Millikin led for the majority of the first half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 12, 2013, 06:51:39 PM
At the half, Carthage 31, IWU 27.  The Lady Reds would be way up if they could hang on to the ball - 16 TOs so far.  On the other hand, the Titans would be way up if they could remember how to shoot - 8-31 from the field, including 0-8 from beyond the arc!

With no time on the clock, a Lady Red (forget who) was called for a foul and lost her composure and was also T'd up.  Alas, despite being previously near perfect, the Titans only converted 2 of the 4 FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 06:53:59 PM
NCC leads Augie 55-46 at the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 07:00:58 PM
Wheaton has extended it's run to 18-0 and leads 35-24 early in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 12, 2013, 07:39:27 PM
Carthage up by as much as 14 in the second half; Titans clawed their way back to -6, but trail 58-48 w/ under 3 to go.

Titans currently at 17-60 (2-20 from 3); much of it is Lady Red defense, but they are missing WAY to many wide-open looks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 12, 2013, 07:43:59 PM
Carthage 62
IWU 48


The Titans play very hard...they just don't quite have enough talent on the floor this season.  Just not enough firepower on offense.

This ends a 5-game winning streak by the Titans over the Lady Reds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 12, 2013, 07:48:53 PM
Wheaton 66
Millikin 46

Brooke Olson- 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Hannah Considine- 17 points, 12 rebounds
Breanna Bohlen- 14 points (4-7 3fg)
Maria Panaggio- 13 rebounds

Alyssa Saklak- 18 points
Holly Haskins- 14 points, 8 rebounds

A really good performance from the Thunder this evening. They trailed by 7 late in the first half, but rattled off a 26-0 run spanning the the end of the first half and the start of the second half. Breanna Bohlen and Brooke Olson hit some big threes during that run. Hannah Considine played a great game, scoring 17 despite constant double-teams. She also did a good job of kicking the ball out to open shooters. Maria Panaggio was awesome on the boards, and Wheaton did a much better job overall with its shot selection.

I think Millikin has some good young players, but they don't have enough offense to keep up with the better teams in the CCIW. Alyssa Saklak was all over the floor tonight making plays, and Holly Haskins also had a nice game.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 12, 2013, 07:57:45 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 12, 2013, 07:43:59 PM
Carthage 62
IWU 48


The Titans play very hard...they just don't quite have enough talent on the floor this season. 

This ends a 5-game winning streak by the Titans over the Lady Reds.

Agreed on the effort (25 TOs for the Lady Reds, most of them forced).  With no disrespect for the Carthage defense (who caused some of the problem), I haven't seen shooting like that since my son played 5th grade basketball - 17-67, 2-24 from 3! :o

They might yet rally and win the conference yet again, but this is NOT the Titan team we have gotten spoiled by!

They did a great job on Cailee Corcoran (4 pts, though 12 rebs), but had no answer for Stephanie Kuzmanic (28 pts, 9 rebs, though also 12 TOs).  For the Titans, Melissa Gardner had 17; no one else in double digits.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2013, 08:06:04 PM
Yup, plenty of effort by our Titans tonight, but a dreadful shooting night 2-23 or so from 3, and only one of our normal top scorers in double figures.  Colleen couldn't buy even a layup tonight and no one had a good night from the treyline.  Seibring held well in check.  So, CC is clearly the favorite now, in the cat bird seat, for sure, but with, of course, alot of basketball to be played.  Titans have to shoot better, have more balanced scoring to win these kinds of games against talented and bigger opponents.  The margin in such games is now small.   So far, it's been up and down, inconsistent on the offensive end.  One can see how much Shelby Jackson will be missed for interior scoring and defense, and rebounding.  Titans will need to suck it up now and work very hard to be sure to get into the top four for the CCIW tournament.  Overall championship of the league, while clearly not out of reach still, is a more distant prospect after this game tonight.  CC looks very strong and will clearly gain confidence from finally beating IWU at The Shirk.  Perhaps "the team that shall not be named," can now be named for them, again.  WC vs. CC should be a very good matchup.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2013, 10:31:40 PM
North Park 65
Elmhurst 64

Kamauria Acree: 17 pts
Nicole Kruckman: 13 pts, 4 stls
Shaina Yalda: 13 pts
Dominikque Williams: 12pts

Fiona McMahon: 20 pts, 9 rebs

What a gutsy performance today by the Vikings. With Sarah Peterson and Dana Christensen looking on in street clothes, NPU soldiered up and eked out a win this afternoon. It's the first win for NPU at Faganel Hall in six years.

Down by eleven with 2:53 left in the first half, the Vikings managed to close within six by the end of the half. They then scored the first six points of the second half to pull even for the first time. But despite forcing several more ties, the Vikings couldn't get over the hump until a pair of Kamauria Acree free throws gave the Park its first lead of the game, 48-46, at the 8:11 mark. From there on in it was a constant nail-biter, with neither team able to get out to a two-possession advantage. EC held a three-point lead with four minutes and change left, and it looked like it was going to be one of those characteristic stretches when the NPU offense gets stuck in neutral. But Dominikque Williams hit a trey, and then nine seconds later Annie Shain stole the ball, made a layup and was fouled, and completed the three-point play to put NPU back up in front by three. It felt like a big momentum swing, but the Vikes couldn't sustain it. Going into the final minute the score was tied at 62 after Shaina Yalda had hit a baseline jumper with 1:09 left to tie it up. When Elmhurst turned the ball over with 56 seconds left, NPU ran the exact same play and got the exact same result: A made Yalda jumper from the baseline, which put NPU up, 64-62. But Fiona McMahon, who is a force and a half underneath the basket for Elmhurst, sank a putback with 15 seconds left to bring on the final bit of drama. After Amanda Reese called timeout to draw up a play, the Vikings ran Yalda baseline yet again. This time the Elmhurst help defense crashed on her, and she deftly lobbed a pass in to Williams underneath the basket. She put up a layup attempt just before the game clock expired that missed because two Elmhurst players grabbed her in desperation. The refs ruled that there was two-tenths of a second left (a call which was not disputed by the EC bench, as it was pretty clear that Williams got the shot off in time), and Williams calmly hit the first free throw. She missed the second, which actually turned out to work in NPU's favor, as it elmininated the possibility of an inbounds play that could've led to a North Park foul. Instead, the ball dropped to the floor, McMahon was forced to pick it up, and the game was over.

Just a tough, hard-earned effort tonight by a shorthanded NPU team to steal one on the road against an opponent that's given them all kinds of misery in recent years. A great day for the NPU women's basketball team!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2013, 05:26:06 PM
I saw NC's 105-98 win over Augie. Both teams have improved over last year's squads.
NC was up 85-64 with 10:55 to go and 95-77 with 5:41 left, but Augie was conceding nothing. The Vikings rallied to get within 8 (98-90) with about 3 minutes remaining, but the Cardinals hung on for the 7 pt margin.
Ten players scored in double figures (5 on each team), led by 20 from NC's Larynn Shumaker and 18 from Aug's Chaney Tambling.
NC attacked the hoop quite a bit (47 2FG att and 42 FT att) and also made 13/35 3FGs.
Augie won the rebounding 59-40, but NC won the turnovers 40-27. There were some ragged periods during this game, but it was largely well-played and not lacking in energy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2013, 11:42:33 AM
I see that my prediction for Wheaton to make 12/26 3FGs was off target a little; they made 8/22. I can say with retroactive hypothetical certainty that had the Thunder shot four more, they would have gone in!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2013, 01:47:19 PM
The league is definitely different this year. I haven't seen Millikin yet, so I'll just say that they are between wins right now. Other than an inconsequential exhibition at DePaul, I haven't seen IWU either.
Carthage is rolling right along, being served well by Coach Bernero's formula of getting high-pct shots on offense and not allowing them at the other end of the court. Elmhurst needs a win in Kenosha, but that'll be a tough task.
After Wednesday, either North Park or Wheaton will be 4-1. Will any or all of the key injured players from both teams be suiting up?
I have no feeling about how Augie vs Millikin will go. Augie's depth and enthusiam are improved a lot.
North Central is a whole new animal this year and their games are action-packed. Each player knows she will be relied upon and they seem happy about it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2013, 02:17:52 PM
Congratulations to Stephanie Kuzmanic for being CCIW player of the week for the 2nd time!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2013, 05:21:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2013, 01:47:19 PMAfter Wednesday, either North Park or Wheaton will be 4-1. Will any or all of the key injured players from both teams be suiting up?

I ain't saying with regard to NPU's two injured starters. Giving out information of that type could only serve to help Wheaton's game-planning, and there isn't a molecule in my body that wants to help out Wheaton at anything, especially where NPU is concerned. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2013, 05:39:24 PM
Greg, your answer constitutes possible nonfeasance. That's better than misfeasance and malfeasance. Mel Feasance used to pitch for the Twins in the early 80s.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2013, 06:11:19 PM
It only stands to reason, as I have never been known for my feasing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2013, 05:21:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2013, 01:47:19 PMAfter Wednesday, either North Park or Wheaton will be 4-1. Will any or all of the key injured players from both teams be suiting up?

I ain't saying with regard to NPU's two injured starters. Giving out information of that type could only serve to help Wheaton's game-planning, and there isn't a molecule in my body that wants to help out Wheaton at anything, especially where NPU is concerned. ;)

Wheaton will prepare as if NPU is at full strength regardless, and I'm sure the Vikings will do the same.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.


I AM disappointed, however, that the CCIW seems to be immediately back to a 'little respect' conference.  Having the defending national champion in their conference seems not to be helping Carthage one bit - a team so dominating the CCIW should be getting more than 12 points!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.


I AM disappointed, however, that the CCIW seems to be immediately back to a 'little respect' conference.  Having the defending national champion in their conference seems not to be helping Carthage one bit - a team so dominating the CCIW should be getting more than 12 points!

A team wanting more than 12 points should consider beating St. Norbert, Loras or Howard Payne.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2013, 12:15:04 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.


I AM disappointed, however, that the CCIW seems to be immediately back to a 'little respect' conference.  Having the defending national champion in their conference seems not to be helping Carthage one bit - a team so dominating the CCIW should be getting more than 12 points!

A team wanting more than 12 points should consider beating St. Norbert, Loras or Howard Payne.

Perhaps true.  But those three teams ARE a combined 35-7.  Not exactly disgraceful. ::)

I'll stand by my belief that the CCIW is getting Rodney Dangerfielded.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:22:11 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2013, 12:15:04 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.


I AM disappointed, however, that the CCIW seems to be immediately back to a 'little respect' conference.  Having the defending national champion in their conference seems not to be helping Carthage one bit - a team so dominating the CCIW should be getting more than 12 points!

A team wanting more than 12 points should consider beating St. Norbert, Loras or Howard Payne.

Perhaps true.  But those three teams ARE a combined 35-7.  Not exactly disgraceful. ::)

And they're getting a combined 12 points themselves, Chuck. Carthage should be happy to be a point ahead of a team with a better record that it has lost to.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2013, 12:49:48 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:22:11 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2013, 12:15:04 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.


I AM disappointed, however, that the CCIW seems to be immediately back to a 'little respect' conference.  Having the defending national champion in their conference seems not to be helping Carthage one bit - a team so dominating the CCIW should be getting more than 12 points!

A team wanting more than 12 points should consider beating St. Norbert, Loras or Howard Payne.

Perhaps true.  But those three teams ARE a combined 35-7.  Not exactly disgraceful. ::)

And they're getting a combined 12 points themselves, Chuck. Carthage should be happy to be a point ahead of a team with a better record that it has lost to.

Point taken.  I'm just disappointed that the women are SO far behind the men in national respect that the undefeated (in conference) leader only garners 12 points, while among the men Augie loses TWICE and remains in the top 25.  (Mind you, I am NOT complaining about the respect for the men! :))  While IWU has laid a bit of an egg this season, I just thought their success over several recent years might raise the profile of the whole conference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:51:49 AM
CCIW women is not the same as CCIW men.

Like System women is not like System men. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2013, 01:25:05 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:51:49 AM
CCIW women is not the same as CCIW men.

Like System women is not like System men. :)

Yes, but System (women or men) IS prone to total blowouts (either way).  NCC @ IWU on Wednesday.  If I spot you 30 points, wanna go for bar tab if and when we finally meet? ;D

Women's sports didn't even exist when I was at IWU.  At some schools they are a century or more behind.  But I have hopes they are gaining!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2013, 12:19:32 PM
I was looking to see which Titans did well in their earlier game vs a System team. Katy Seibring scored 18 in 17:00. It would not be surprising if she scored at a point-a-minute rate vs NC.
But, we may not be able to project what'll happen in the NC/IWU game based on the IWU/ONU game since NC and ONU have different personnel. In the IWU/ONU game, ONU shot only 17 FT att, but took 60 threes. NC is averaging 46 3FG att and 26 FT att, so their offense is a little different than what IWU faced vs ONU.
There is no doubt, though, that IWU vs NC will be an interesting game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 15, 2013, 03:41:51 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 15, 2013, 12:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 14, 2013, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 14, 2013, 04:58:38 PM
Carthage picks up 12 votes this week. Wheaton lost all votes in latest Top 25.

Not surprising, really. Carthage is playing really well right now, and Wheaton had the major hiccup @ Augie.


I AM disappointed, however, that the CCIW seems to be immediately back to a 'little respect' conference.  Having the defending national champion in their conference seems not to be helping Carthage one bit - a team so dominating the CCIW should be getting more than 12 points!

A team wanting more than 12 points should consider beating St. Norbert, Loras or Howard Payne.

Exactly. I think if you look at the overall performance of CCIW teams in non-conference play this year, there aren't any signature wins. Overall, I don't think you can make the case that any CCIW teams "deserve" a Top 25 ranking based on this year's results. Sure, IWU is the national champion. But that doesn't effect the status of Carthage or Wheaton, when those teams haven't distinguished themselves against other top teams. Wheaton's best win so far is probably against IWU, and the Titans are clearly in rebuild mode right now. I do think that Wheaton wins at Augie if fully healthy and keeps its votes, but you can't really play the what-if game. Carthage's best win is probably against Trinity (TX), but you add in the losses that Pat noted above and it kind of neutralizes that win.

So all that to say, it would be great for the CCIW to gain more recognition. I hope it does. But right now, I thinks it's hard to make a case that it's deserved. The only way to change that is to have CCIW teams consistently score big wins in non-conference play and advance deep into the NCAA tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2013, 05:35:34 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2013, 12:19:32 PMThere is no doubt, though, that IWU vs NC will be an interesting game.

As interesting, perhaps, as IW vs. NCC? ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2013, 05:51:55 PM
Identical, only different.
I'm surprised that you don't refer to Wheaton as WC, given your slight but detectable animosity toward the Thunder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2013, 08:53:23 PM
I do refer to it as WC, on occasion. It's hard not to, what with that being another euphemism for the bathroom ("water closet"). ;) I also will call it "that orange-colored school in DuPage County" whenever I'm feeling particularly salty.

I always refer to Wheaton as the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance rather than the Thunder, but that has nothing to do with the rivalry. When Wheaton switched nicknames from the Crusaders to the Thunder, a friend of mine who is a Wheaton alumnus was completely irate. He kept going on about how his alma mater was stepping on tradition, bending the knee to the forces of political correctness, etc. To mollify him, I told him that I wouldn't use the new nickname on d3boards.com ... and I haven't. However, I do call 'em the Thunder when I'm on the air. It'd be confusing and unprofessional not to.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2013, 12:51:48 AM
Good luck to the Titans vs. the NCC "system," whatever that really is now, in the women's game.  More difficult news for the Titans in the Pgraph piece today, with Kaitlyn Mullarkey, the backup PG going out "indefinitely" with a heart condition.  Not good.  With the loss of Shelby Jackson earlier, seems Mia Smith is going to have to dig deeper on rotations, ideas, and how she deploys her diminishing roster to still make a run at CCIW crown #6.  The margin for error, esp. on rebounding and post presence, was already pretty slim, now she faces additional pressures on Lexi Baltes at the PG.  Not sure who gets additional minutes that might be needed to give Lexi a few minutes break, esp. against a "system."  Should be an interesting game, which I would still expect IWU to win.  IWU needs to win as many games as possible, perhaps still steal one away from one of the top teams, WC, NP or CC.  Gonna be tough.  (Mia Smith is also losing one of her long-time assistant coaches, as well -- see pantagraph.com for the piece today on the NCC game).   

Go Titans, good luck vs. NCC tonight.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2013, 01:24:35 PM
My best wishes to Kaitlyn. She caught my attention with fine play in the Elmhurst summer league.
Her health is of course infinitely more important than basketball or any sport. Good luck, young lady!
Her absence is certainly a bad break for the team. As iwu70 stated, more will be asked from others.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 08:36:17 PM
Wheaton/NPU underway...all Hovee/Graham and Peterson/Christensen out again.

EDIT: Check that, Dana Christensen in off the bench for the Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 09:07:45 PM
Halftime:
Wheaton 28
North Park 19
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 09:11:09 PM
Carthage leads Elmhurst 42-8 at halftime. Holy cow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 10:06:27 PM
Going to overtime in Wheaton, tied at 48. This game is U-G-L-Y.

After a Wheaton turnover under the NPU basket with 2.9 seconds left, North Park missed two open layups in the final seconds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 10:22:54 PM
Wheaton/NPU going to a second overtime after Nicole Kruckman splits a pair of free throws with .9 seconds left in the first OT. The officiating in this game is absolutely horrendous, both ways.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2013, 10:38:19 PM
IWU solves the NCC "system" handily, 125-89, with five players in double figures.  Good game for improving ones' stats.  Titans shot a good percentage, ran wild over NCC. 

Keep it rolling Titans, gotta grind out the wins, stay in position for the end of the season run.

Looks like Seibring had a career scoring night, also good games from McMahon, Gardner, Bilek, and Scurlock.  Even with the departures and health issues, the Titans still have lots of weapons.  Pretty much everyone got to play tonight.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 10:43:48 PM
Final/2OT:
Wheaton 71
North Park 64

Wheaton simply outlasted the Vikings tonight in King Arena, and escaped with an important CCIW victory. This game was played at a slow, grind-it-out pace; but when Wheaton finally pushed the tempo in the 2nd OT they were able to get some separation. North Park had opportunities to win the game at the end of regulation and the first overtime, but came up empty. Breanna Bohlen and Brooke Olson opened the second OT with back-to-back threes to finally get some separation in what was an otherwise seesaw game. Maria Panaggio had some really key offensive boards down the stretch as well.

Kayla McCall had a great game for the Vikings, connecting on 5 of 8 three-pointers and finishing with 17 points. Kamauria Acree had 13 points and 14 rebounds, albeit on 14 shot attempts.

Breanna Bohlen was the MVP on offense for Wheaton, finishing with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. She hit some big shots at very critical times in this game. As mentioned above, Maria Panaggio had some big rebounds and had 11 total. Four Wheaton players reached double figures.

Wheaton needs to finish possessions better against Carthage on Saturday. The Lady Reds are rolling right now, leaving the other contenders with little margin for error.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 16, 2013, 10:49:33 PM
The other finals:

@Carthage 63
Elmhurst 33

Augustana 69
@Millikin 55
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2013, 11:51:55 AM
I was at the North Park vs Wheaton game. Several players had to be exhausted after that one : 50:00 played by Olson and Acree, 49:00 by Yalda (lots of good work from Shaina), 46:00 by Zeller. NP's Nicole Kruckman's 39:00 were pretty impressive all-told; she was a major defensive presence, had some deflections that didn't show in the stats, got hit in the mouth (by an elbow?), hit her arm very hard on the floor, but stayed in the game. She's one tough kid and one of the best freshmen in the league.
In one sense (excellent effort from both teams), both teams deserved to win. But, both sides screwed up at various times and either could have lost based on their own play. I didn't think the officiating was that bad and it didn't help one team or the other.
But, now I really need to see a high-scoring game!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2013, 01:02:42 PM
On that last topic, Illinois Wesleyan's 125 pts and 50 FGs set new records for CCIW play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2013, 01:18:58 PM
Among those who did well for Carthage last night were : Michelle Wenzel (14 pts, 8 rebs, 2 blocks), Stephanie Kuzmanic (14 pts, 6r, 5 assists). Cailee Corcoran had 4 steals. Gabby Chapa had 5 assists and 0 TOs; the conference-only stats show that she has the best Assist/TO ratio in the league.
Some very good performances in the other game : for Augie, Molly Etheridge scored 27 and Gianna Pecora had 19, plus 8 rebs; Millikin's Jasmine Johnson (in 22:00) had 13 pts, 9 rebs, 7 blocks, 3 steals and 0 fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 17, 2013, 03:48:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 17, 2013, 11:51:55 AM
I was at the North Park vs Wheaton game. Several players had to be exhausted after that one : 50:00 played by Olson and Acree, 49:00 by Yalda (lots of good work from Shaina), 46:00 by Zeller. NP's Nicole Kruckman's 39:00 were pretty impressive all-told; she was a major defensive presence, had some deflections that didn't show in the stats, got hit in the mouth (by an elbow?), hit her arm very hard on the floor, but stayed in the game. She's one tough kid and one of the best freshmen in the league.
In one sense (excellent effort from both teams), both teams deserved to win. But, both sides screwed up at various times and either could have lost based on their own play. I didn't think the officiating was that bad and it didn't help one team or the other.
But, now I really need to see a high-scoring game!


Yeah, definitely some impressive minutes played by those players you mentioned. And it seemed like all of them were still playing at a pretty high level even in the 2nd OT.

Regarding the refs, I'll take your word for it since you were at the game. But from the video I thought the game was called extremely poorly (though I would agree it didn't favor either side). The examples that stand out in particular were the phantom traveling call in the backcourt on NPU late in regulation (or possibly the first OT), and the "foul" on Brooke Olson that put Nicole Kruckman at the foul line at the end of the first OT -- from the video, it looked pretty clear that Olson was blindsided by Kruckman's screen (a completely legal screen) on the play; a no-call in my opinion.

But again, you probably had a better look at things since you were actually there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2013, 03:58:32 PM
I'm, of course, deeply disappointed in the outcome of last night's NPU @ WC game. But I'm nevertheless proud that the Vikings came so close -- irritatingly close, in fact, given their tremendous chances to win at the end of regulation and the first overtime -- to beating a very good Wheaton team on its' own floor. The fact that they came so close to doing so without the services of Sarah Peterson, and with Dana Christensen relegated to three gimpy minutes on the floor before she was taken out for good, is a real testament to the grit of this NPU team.

Now, however, the Vikings will face a different sort of task altogether, as they face the likelihood of having to come to terms with North Central's accelerated System pace while fielding a roster that isn't at full strength. I still expect an NPU win, but I do not think that it will be a pretty one -- and an upset is not out of the question.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: 74impala on January 17, 2013, 04:42:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2013, 03:58:32 PM
The fact that they came so close to doing so without the services of Sarah Peterson, and with Dana Christensen relegated to three gimpy minutes on the floor before she was taken out for good, is a real testament to the grit of this NPU team.

Hopefully both teams will be at full strength by the time they see each other on Feb. 6th.  Wheaton has been missing the services of Maris Hovee for the past couple games and those of Lauren Graham since early Dec.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2013, 05:50:18 PM
Greg, I'm wondering if NCC's top 3FG shooter Jenny Swanson (best in pct .333 and quantity 36 in 16g) may be injured. She played only 2 minutes last night. And they were without Paula Elum, one of their few taller players. They did get Lauren Hernandez back quickly from a knee injury.
In conference play, they've had 3 fairly close games and've been clobbered twice. As for NP, the league is learning not to underestimate them. Or should we say misunderestimate?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2013, 06:50:08 PM
It's nice to no longer be underestimated, or misunderestimated, or however you want to put it. But it'd be even nicer if NPU was actually beating the teams that've characteristically been in the top half of the league the past few seasons. This makes two Wednesdays in a row that NPU has been the "close, but no cigar" team of the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 17, 2013, 08:07:43 PM
Coach Kent Madsen's thoughts after last night's game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npsQYiIWI8g&feature=player_embedded

Last night was a really important win for the Thunder heading into Saturday's matchup with Carthage. It gives Wheaton confidence that they can win a tight, down-to-the-wire type game against a stout defensive team. The injuries have made things difficult for the Thunder, but they're not making excuses and they continue to give maximum effort. Wheaton has fared well in Kenosha in recent years, and I think that Saturday will be a good, hard-fought battle between too really good teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2013, 11:32:08 AM
To update my previous post, I've found out that Jenny Swanson must have hurt her back while slamming into the bleachers, having saved a ball headed out of bounds. Hopefully she will heal quickly.
Backseat Driver, care to predict a score (not necessarily a winner) for that Wheaton-Carthage game? Our first thoughts might be that it'll be in the 50s, but both teams have had some higher-scoring games this season. So maybe 69-64? 77-62?
I'll be at the NC-NP game which I'd like to be 106-105, but that's probably not realistic.
Elmhurst at Augie could be a decent battle. IWU-Millikin could seem a mismatch based on the records, but maybe Coach Kerans will come up with a successful plan. A lot of career wins for the coaches involved in that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 18, 2013, 11:50:41 AM
I'll venture a guess on the Wheaton-Carthage game Rog. 67-59.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 18, 2013, 01:29:02 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 18, 2013, 11:50:41 AM
I'll venture a guess on the Wheaton-Carthage game Rog. 67-59.

I like that guess, but for the sake of originality I'll say 69-61.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2013, 05:59:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 18, 2013, 11:32:08 AMI'll be at the NC-NP game which I'd like to be 106-105, but that's probably not realistic.

And I'll be at the NCC-NPU game, which I hope does not end up 106-105, because that would create way too much stress on my vocal cords. I'm a broadcaster, not an auctioneer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2013, 06:12:27 PM
Of course, I'll be cheering for WC over CC . . . to keep the CCIW race closer.  Should be a really good game as, has been mentioned, both teams playing well at this point.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2013, 12:08:31 PM
Periodically, I write the dumb sentence here. It occurs to me that a recent one was to say that the league is learning not to underestimate North Park. I should have written that the league is getting to see firsthand that NP is a rather good team. And I certainly was inaccurate to imply that Wheaton's Coach Madsen had underestimated them. In fact, he has told me several times this season that it's tough to get any and all wins in CCIW play. Even their substantial win over NC required a large effort.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2013, 06:02:50 PM
Being back in HK, I seem to be blocked from some sites now, including the IWU sports page website and the cciw.org website, so can't see scores etc.   

Did the IWU women win today at MU?

Am listening to WBJC and the men's game just fine.  Titan men again playing very well. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2013, 06:23:46 PM
Mark, IWU 72, Millikin 67.

Raise you hand if anyone here thought they would ever see a Millikin team start the conference 0-6 while Lori Kerans was still coaching.  No hands?  Thought so. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2013, 06:27:14 PM
OK, no worry, heard the score on JBC, as the Titan women win in a tough one, I think it was 72-67 over MU, with Katy Seibring having another career night with 30 points.  More later.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2013, 06:28:46 PM
Ypsi, thanks.  Yes, MU having a very tough start in conference play.  Katy Seibring is quickly becoming an all-conference player.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 19, 2013, 07:39:54 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2013, 06:23:46 PM
Mark, IWU 72, Millikin 67.

Raise you hand if anyone here thought they would ever see a Millikin team start the conference 0-6 while Lori Kerans was still coaching.  No hands?  Thought so. :P

Raise your hand if anyone here thought Carthage would beat Wheaton by 32. I sure didn't.

This was the first time I've seen Carthage this year, and the Lady Reds looked awfully good this evening (I watched the video). Stephanie Kuzmanic was brilliant, she controlled the tempo of the game, found open teammates for shots, and knocked down a good amount of her own.

I think Wheaton is a pretty good team. And Carthage just completely dominated this game tonight from start to finish. Wheaton didn't shoot well, but Carthage was making it pretty hard to get good looks at the basket. Wheaton defended pretty well, but the Lady Reds ball movement and patience was impressive. I didn't see many rushed shots by Carthage, they used the shot clock, kept the ball and the offense moving, and eventually got a good look.

Is it a tough loss for Wheaton? No doubt. But I don't think there's much shame in losing to a really good team that played a flawless game on its home court. The Thunder will hopefully take this as a learning curve and bounce right back up.

And Carthage? They sure looked like a Top 25 team to my eyes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mr_b on January 19, 2013, 09:50:12 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2013, 05:59:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 18, 2013, 11:32:08 AMI'll be at the NC-NP game which I'd like to be 106-105, but that's probably not realistic.

And I'll be at the NCC-NPU game, which I hope does not end up 106-105, because that would create way too much stress on my vocal cords. I'm a broadcaster, not an auctioneer.
Well, you got your wish, sort of: 102-101 for NCC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2013, 10:01:55 PM
North Central 102
North Park 101

Shaina Yalda: 16 pts, 11 asts, 5 rebs (3 to)
Kamauria Acree: 15 pts, 9 rebs, 6 asts
Nicole Kruckman: 12 pts
Dominikque Williams: 11 pts
Kayla McCall: 10 pts
Dana Christensen: 5 rebs
Soly Roman: 5 rebs
Becca Heimsath: 5 rebs

Callie Rezin: 19 pts
Kelsey Cooling: 14 pts
Larynn Shumaker: 13 pts, 5 rebs
Maryssa Cladis: 10 pts
Lauren Hernandez: 10 pts
Michelle Todd: 8 rebs

The "close, but no cigar" CCIW season continues for NPU. Only now the Vikings have dug a pretty deep hole, and with very formidable Carthage coming up on Wednesday, the Park could be in serious trouble of getting pushed so far down in the standings that NPU won't make the CCIW tourney.

NCC led most of the afternoon, with the Cards up by as much as 12 in a first half in which the Vikings looked shell-shocked and mentally taken out of the game by the Cardinals press; NPU turned the ball over 19 times in the first half, as NCC went into the locker room ahead, 51-40.

The second half was more of the same, with the Cards leading by 10 at the 13:14 mark before the Vikings finally started to chip away at the lead. An 8-0 NPU run cut the Cards' lead to 67-65 with 10:25 to go, and it would remain close the rest of the way. NPU took three brief leads between the nine- and seven-minute marks, but couldn't sustain the effort, as the turnovers began piling up again and the Cards got to all of the long rebounds and caused lots of NPU fouls, all because the Cards had relatively fresh legs while the Vikings were noticeably tiring.

NCC was up by eight, 97-89, with 2:53 remaining when Cards coach Michelle Roof decided to discard the press and go to a straight defense while holding the ball on offense in order to drain the clock. It was a strategy that almost backfired, as the Vikings got treys from Dana Christensen and Kayla McCall to bring NPU within two. After a pair of Bobbi Johns FTs with 18 seconds left, McCall hit another trey to put the Park down by one with nine seconds left. However, NCC ran a good inbounds play that got Johns free up the far sideline to elude a fouler and run out the clock.

NCC shot poorly from downtown (8-40), but was able to successfully get to the rim and score quite a bit, especially as NPU's legs grew weary, as the Cards hit on 40% from the field for the game. NPU did what it was supposed to do offensively, avoiding shooting the trey until late in the game (but hitting 5-7 of them, anyway), and making 58% of its shots from the field. The problem was that NPU just ran out of gas; not enough ballhandlers for the Vikes, who could've used more of Bridgette Gray (she made her season debut tonight, but was in the game for less than a minute; she's not fully ready yet, apparently). Credit NCC for not folding every time that the Vikings made a run, and for, in the end, simply outlasting the Park.

As I said, NPU is now in a deep hole with the Lady Reds coming to town on Wednesday. I don't know if the Vikings can dig their way out of it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 20, 2013, 12:38:43 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on January 18, 2013, 01:29:02 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 18, 2013, 11:50:41 AM
I'll venture a guess on the Wheaton-Carthage game Rog. 67-59.

I like that guess, but for the sake of originality I'll say 69-61.  :D

Well between us we averaged the winning score. That's a pretty big dud for the Thunder. Wheaton is looking more and more like Jeckyl and Hyde. The only plus tonight was it was nice to see Maris Hovee back for a couple of minutes as she works her way back from a bout with mono. NPU has a chance to tighten things up again on Wednesday but by all means Carthage has a headlock on the rest of the conference as we head for the home stretch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 20, 2013, 12:28:18 PM
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2013/1/19/Womens_Basketball_0119134646.aspx

“Maybe I'm underestimating my own team,” said Carthage coach Tim Bernero.  “After we stumbled a little bit over Christmas break, our defense has really improved.  I think those December losses hardened us to a degree.  We're not the biggest team, but we're pretty tough and physical inside.  We're not the biggest team on the perimeter, but we get to the right sports, and that's gratifying.  We make it really hard for the other team to score.  Not in my wildest dreams did I think we were going to beat a 13-2 team by 30 points.  We're still long way from the end, but we're looking pretty good right now.  Erin Quinn was great tonight. She just gets better and better, and she took advantage of her opportunity in this game.  Wheaton is missing some people, and I'm sure by the time we play them next, they'll be looking to get even.  Everyone we've played so far will be coming for us in the second half and coming hard.”

We don't have anyone who regularly posts about Carthage, and as a result we haven't really had much by way of eyewitness accounts of the Lady Reds this year. Maybe their double-digit win in Bloomington or their stifling of Elmhurst should have served notice, but I had no idea how good this Carthage team is until yesterday. I think they're the most complete team in the CCIW right now, as far as being able to consistently score and stop the opponent from scoring.

Coach Bernero is right though, in that the second half of the conference schedule will bring stiffer challenges. IWU has essentially been reinventing itself midseason due to personnel changes and Wheaton has been missing it's starting frontcourt for a good chunk of the first half. Carthage hasn't played North Park yet, but the Vikings have had to deal with significant injuries in conference play as well. But having a two-game lead at this point certainly has Carthage firmly in the driver's seat for the regular season conference title.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2013, 01:22:21 PM
Elmhurst topped Augie 69-61. Tess Godhardt was a star, scoring 24 (9/12, 6/8) along with 9 rebs. Fiona McMahon had 21 rebs. Karen Senette made 4/6 threes and only 1 TO. Augie got 16 pts from Gianna Pecora and 15 from Molly Etheridge.
The 102-101 game was good fun (for the fans; the coaches may have had some stress!). Both sides were missing a prominent player (Swanson, Peterson), but their minutes were used well by others.
To add a little to what Greg wrote, lots of players on both teams played well. The NC style of play allows opportunities for many to shine (or mess up). I want to add a brief pat on the head for NC's Michelle Todd; her 8 defensive rebs and 4 steals were very important for the Cardinals' cause.
Another Cardinal who is improving game-by-game is Callie Rezin. I can't remember if she played any point guard prior to this year, but she's getting more and more comfortable with those duties. She along with Bobbi Johns and Amanda Hoye give NC an energetic and effective trio at that position.
North Park, despite two narrow losses, remains in the thick of the conference playoff race.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2013, 10:27:33 PM
Yes, Carthage surely in the driver's seat now.  Somebody has to pin a loss on them soon, or they will run away with the conference crown.  Second time 'round games will be more competitive, I believe, as teams find their stretch run rotations, hopefully stay healthy, and also consider ways to stop, slow down Carthage.  We'll see.  IWU has to just keep grinding away at wins, winning all the games possible, and taking their shot at WC, NP and CC when they have the second chance to tighten up the race.  I'm pretty confident the Titans will be in the top four and have a good shot at getting on a good role once the Conference tournament comes round.  Sure do wish the Titans still had the services of Shelby Jackson and Kaitlyn Mullarkey going down the stretch, but that is not to be . . .

Gardner playing well, and Katy Seibring has now had some monster games in Conference play. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 21, 2013, 05:53:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2013, 06:02:50 PM
Being back in HK, I seem to be blocked from some sites now, including the IWU sports page website and the cciw.org website, so can't see scores etc.   

Did the IWU women win today at MU?

Am listening to WBJC and the men's game just fine.  Titan men again playing very well. 

IWU70

We have a scoreboard as well. If CCIW schools reported scores to D3hoops.com more reliably (some do), you wouldn't have to ask those questions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2013, 07:08:39 PM
Carthage more than tripled their poll points this week (12 to 37), but still fell slightly short at #28.

No one else received any votes (probably only Wheaton was even considered by anyone).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2013, 01:34:06 PM
Congratulations to Katy Seibring, new CCIW player of the week!
Wednesday's games will complete the first half of conference play. All four should be hard-fought. Millikin stayed close with IWU Saturday and may have an increasing level of confidence in their quest for that elusive first conference win; Their opponent North Central will see this game as a big chance to get into the midst of the playoff race.
Carthage has been very sharp, but will face a tenacious North Park team which is not that far from having been 5-1 or even 6-0 instead of 3-3.
Augustana, like NC, is 2-4 and will try hard for a win over IWU. They have already beaten Wheaton. A Titan win would put the green-and-white solidly into the upper half of the standings.
Elmhurst hosts Wheaton. The Thunder would surely like to avoid a 4-3 record, while the 3-3 Bluejays could tie them at 4-3 with a win.
Yes, all of the above is obvious, but we could have a bunch of interesting games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2013, 05:22:39 PM
Congrats to Katy Seibring on CCIW Player of the Week.  What a fabulous week she had.  Keep it rolling Katy, keep it rolling Titans!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2013, 05:39:14 PM
iwu70, when in Hong Kong, do you have a fabulous view from your residence or workplace? (don't give out any detail if you don't want to)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2013, 09:26:43 PM
RogK, just back to HK, so staying temporarily with friends in Tsim Sha Tsui, the crowded and fun tourist district on the tip of Kowloon Peninsula.  No view there, but lovely, fun, intense, dyanmic HK style street life, which I love.  Very different than the praire and the empty, generally quiet streets of Blo/No.  Do miss IWU campus and Ames Library friends and colleagues.  But, lovely views at work, all over the CUHK campus as our University here is on a mountain side (just north of Shatin in the NT) and has wonderful views over Tolo Harbour, a big body of water with mountains behind, so very lovely, when the sunshine comes and the air pollution abaits abit.  Most days since my return have been lovely, pretty clear and in the mid 60s or 70s during the day.  This is the dry, cooler season here, so pretty nice, a lovely respite from Central Illinois ice and cold, bitter winter, to be sure.  It's great being back in Asia and Hong Kong specifically.  My teaching has started again and I have wonderful, very diverse groups of students for my two seminars here at CUHK -- including my first Chilean student and my first student from the Czech Republic.  Always learn a great deal from my students. 

Will be watching the upcoming CCIW games and hope for a conference crown for the men and for the women to stay in the mix through February, get to the Conference tourney.  Looks like Carthage is the pick of the lot this year on the women's side, at least so far, but I still have faith in my Titans and will support them 'til the end.  Katy Seibring is really coming into her own as a junior, others playing well too -- esp. McMahon and Gardner.  We need more rebounding and post presence and a bit more scoring out of Baltes and Bilek, IMHO.  We'll see.  Can't afford any more injuries or departures, for whatever reasons.  Pretty exciting season, some really great games so far, esp. for the Titan men.  Big game Wednesday night @The Shirk, NCC vs. IWU, for the conference lead.   Should be a very tough, competitive, grind-it-out type of game, with CCIW's best offense in league play vs. the best defense in league play -- two top 20 teams going at it, bigtime.   

Best to all CCIW chatsters from the "Far Side." 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2013, 11:12:25 AM
iwu70, this view of your neighborhood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Tsim_Sha_Tsui_200901.jpg
could easily be mistaken for Bloomington-Normal, couldn't it?
update : found this selection of HK photos -
http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong.htm
We'll get back to basketball momentarily.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2013, 05:58:30 PM
RogK, I'd say 80-85% of the buildings in that first photo are taller than anything in all of McLean County! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 23, 2013, 10:17:46 PM
Wheaton 67
Elmhurst 52

Brooke Olson- 19 points, 5 rebounds
Ellie Zeller- 18 points, 7 rebounds

Karen Senette - 15 points (4-6 3's), 6 rebounds
Fiona McMahon - 11 points, 11 rebounds

Wheaton bounced back nicely tonight with a really strong performance at Elmhurst. Wheaton led by 6 after a back-and-forth first half, but turned on the jets after halftime. The Thunder got good contributions from everyone tonight. Maris Hovee did a great job on Fiona McMahon (1-9 fg), making everything difficult for her. Ellie Zeller was outstanding. She made a ton of "hustle plays" and took smart shots, which is reflected in her going 9-11 from the field. Moriah Reeves was another freshman who played very well for Wheaton. Maria Panaggio continues to attack the glass for Wheaton (9 rebounds), and overall brings good effort and energy off the bench. It was also great to see Lauren Graham back, albeit in limited minutes off the bench. It's been a long time since she's played, so likely still working of rust and getting her conditioning back.

Karen Senette was having a really strong game before she got hurt towards the end of the first half. She returned to the game in the 2nd half, but didn't look to be at full strength. She knocked down some big 3's for the Bluejays. Wheaton focused a lot of attention on Fiona McMahon, obviously, and was able to keep her scoring down. But she still had a decent game. Elmhurst is a relatively young team this year, and I think they'll be a strong team in the next few seasons.

Wheaton hosts North Central on Saturday. It's pretty hard to predict games against the Cardinals this year, but I would expect a closer game than the Thunder's rout in Naperville earlier in the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 23, 2013, 10:22:23 PM
Tonight's other scores:

Carthage 56
North Park 53

Illinois Wesleyan 82
Augustana 62

North Central 92
Millikin 68
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2013, 10:42:46 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 22, 2013, 01:34:06 PM
Congratulations to Katy Seibring, new CCIW player of the week!
Wednesday's games will complete the first half of conference play. All four should be hard-fought. Millikin stayed close with IWU Saturday and may have an increasing level of confidence in their quest for that elusive first conference win; Their opponent North Central will see this game as a big chance to get into the midst of the playoff race.
Carthage has been very sharp, but will face a tenacious North Park team which is not that far from having been 5-1 or even 6-0 instead of 3-3.
Augustana, like NC, is 2-4 and will try hard for a win over IWU. They have already beaten Wheaton. A Titan win would put the green-and-white solidly into the upper half of the standings.
Elmhurst hosts Wheaton. The Thunder would surely like to avoid a 4-3 record, while the 3-3 Bluejays could tie them at 4-3 with a win.
Yes, all of the above is obvious, but we could have a bunch of interesting games.

A sure sign of how spoiled we (or at least I) have gotten over the last half decade: that phrase struck me as very odd earlier today!  Imagine being happy to be in the top half of the standings!

But I am happy to be in the top half of the standings.  I'd be even happier if we (and someone else) could knock off Carthage and return to the TOP of the standings!

I'm just not sure we have the firepower this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2013, 11:20:56 PM
Carthage 56
North Park 53

Shaina Yalda: 17 pts
Nicole Kruckman: 6 rebs
Sarah Peterson: 9 pts, 5 rebs

Stephanie Kuzmanic: 15 pts
Kristi Schmidt: 12 pts, 5 rebs
Caliee Corcoran: 8 pts, 12 rebs
Michelle Wenzel: 8 pts, 7 rebs

I hate to keep saying, "close, but no cigar," but it happened again to NPU. The Vikings fought back from a 13-point deficit and ran a solid double-screen play with five seconds left that resulted in an open Sarah Peterson look from the top of the key, but she back-ironed it and regulation thus ended in a Lady Reds win rather than an overtime.

The Vikings, who trailed almost the entire game, fought back to tie it up at 51-all, but never quite got over the hump. It was a terrific defensive battle between the two teams, and each team only managed to find a couple of things that worked all night. Carthage had an excellent high-low game going with Cailee Corcoran and Kristi Schmidt, and Stephanie Kuzmanic was able to use her combination of size and speed to take Kamauria Acree baseline and shoot over her all night. For the Vikings, Shaina Yalda was able to get a step on the Lady Reds defenders and penetrate, where she either did a nice job of converting her own shots or creating weak-side for Sarah Peterson. (It was good to see Sarah back on the floor tonight, although she is obviously laboring on her bad knee, while Dana Christensen is still not 100% on her ankle yet.)

Another tough loss for NPU, which keeps coming close but just can't seem to make it work out right in endgame situations. Four close losses in the last five games now for the Vikes; it's gotta be driving Amanda Reese crazy.

Judging by the venue that Carthage went to for the postgame meal, I'm sure that Tim Bernero probably used the old, "Win, and we eat at Charcoal Delights ... lose, and we eat at McDonald's" ploy that coaches will sometimes use before a game at NPU. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2013, 01:30:53 AM
RogK, thanks for the pic of Kowloon you posted.  Yes, I'm living in Kowloon, just a few blocks behind that huge skyscraper in the center/right of your picture of the Kowloon Peninsula.  That's the same neighborhood where my son was raised and grew up when here in HK.  It's great to be back in HK, my beloved city and home for 30+ years.

IWU wins tonight, moves to 5-2 in CCIW play and does stay within striking distance of CC. But, IWU will need some help, have someone else beat them, too, and hope for a strong rematch in Kenosha upcoming.  It's going to be tough to chase them down at this stage, me thinks.  Katy Seibring, the current CCIW Player of the Week, had another superb game at Augie.  Gardner and Bilek in double figures as well and some nice contributions on the glass from Scurlock.  The Titans have to keep it going, do the best they can with the current rotation, and bench contributors.  So far so good, climbing back to a better overall record and a respectable location in the CCIW standings to date.  We'll see if they are able to track CC done in the next 4-5 weeks.  Having a good seed in the CCIW tourney will help . . . then another rematch likely with CC.  Seems familiar enough as in recent years.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2013, 03:00:03 PM
The game in Naperville had two distinct halves. Millikin won the 1st 35-27, thanks in part to controlling the boards 35-20. Nikki Tipsword had 10 of her 12 rebs in the 1st half. The Big Blue had better energy than NC and also took advantage of some unwise passes by NC. If not for a couple of threes by Kelsey Cooling, NC would've been down 14.
North Central's effort was vastly better in a 65-33 2nd half, while Millikin seemed very unlike what they were in the opening 20:00. Millikin committed 29 TOs in the 2nd half.
Millikin's Moli Copple scored 10 pts in 13:00 and gave me the impression that she could be a "go-to" type scorer. Teammate Bria Williams had 16 (8/12 FG) and 9 rebs.
A lot of players contributed well in various ways for NC. Among them : Paula Elum grabbed 10 rebs; Emily Murphy made 7 of 8 FGs for a quick 14 pts in 15:00; Lauren Hernandez sank 4 threes; Callie Rezin had 6 assists; Tonisha Ellington had "8 and 5" in 10:00.
(added note : Millikin was without Alyssa Saklak, who has scored these amounts in conference play : 16, 10, 28, 18, 9)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2013, 01:44:30 PM
A look at some stat leaders for the 1st half of CCIW play as listed in cciw.org :
PTS - Brooke Olson 16.6, Katy Seibring 16.3
REBS - Cailee Corcoran 12.3, Fiona McMahon 11.4
FG PCT - Michelle Wenzel .673, Hannah Considine .610
ASSISTS - Stephanie Kuzmanic 6.0, Shaina Yalda 3.71, B Olson 3.71
FT PCT - S Kuzmanic .880, Colleen McMahon .875
STEALS - Bobbi Johns 2.86, Michelle Todd 2.71
3FG PCT - Karen Senette .565, S Kuzmanic .556
3FG MADE - Melissa Gardner 2.86, Haley Stercic 2.71
BLOCKS - Jasmine Johnson 2.83, F McMahon 2.71
A/TO RATIO - Lexi Baltes 1.85, S Yalda 1.53
O REBS - Ellie Zeller 3.86, C Corcoran 3.57
D REBS - C Corcoran 8.71, F McMahon 8.43
MINUTES - B Olson 39.4, Kamauria Acree 37.7
Hey Greg, will the Vikings beat the Vikings tomorrow?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2013, 03:19:28 PM
The half-way-through standings : C 7-0, W and I 5-2, E NP and NC 3-4, A 2-5, M 0-7.
If we double everything, a 6-8 team would make the playoffs. I don't expect Carthage, IWU or Wheaton to stumble out of the top half of the league, so we may have a five-way fight for 1 playoff spot. Millikin had better plan on going 7-0 or 6-1. Can they make such a big turnaround? Not probable, but it wouldn't surprise me if they picked up several wins. Augie will need to go 4-3 or 5-2 to have a shot at it.
Any of the other three, currently at 3-4, could easily go 3-4 again or 4-3, maybe 5-2.
So, the 4th playoff team could be at 8-6, 7-7 or 6-8. 5-9 may be possible, but some weird stuff would have to ensue for 5-9 to be good enough.
Good luck to all!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2013, 04:20:43 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2013, 01:44:30 PM
Hey Greg, will the Vikings beat the Vikings tomorrow?

I'd bet on the Vikings tomorrow, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 25, 2013, 04:49:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2013, 04:20:43 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2013, 01:44:30 PM
Hey Greg, will the Vikings beat the Vikings tomorrow?

I'd bet on the Vikings tomorrow, Rog.

Personally, I'd bet the entire national debt on the Vikings!  Now, if forced to specify which Vikings, the bet drops to about 3 cents! 8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2013, 05:12:48 PM
Incidentally, last season Carthage set a conference-games season record of .318 Opponents' FG pct. Through seven games this year, they are allowing .298; Wheaton is at .319.
The record for Opponents' scoring avg is 47.6 (2002 Wheaton); Carthage is holding CCIW foes to 48.0 presently.
North Central has a shot at some team season records, too:
they are at 88.4 pts/g (1995 Carthage avg'd 83),
they have made 69 threes in 7 games (IWU hit 121 in 14g in 2008),
they have made 140 FTs (IWU made 279 in 1991).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2013, 05:27:43 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 25, 2013, 04:49:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2013, 04:20:43 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2013, 01:44:30 PM
Hey Greg, will the Vikings beat the Vikings tomorrow?

I'd bet on the Vikings tomorrow, Rog.

Personally, I'd bet the entire national debt on the Vikings!  Now, if forced to specify which Vikings, the bet drops to about 3 cents! 8-)

I'd bet more than three cents on NPU. I don't know how big of a favorite I'd call the Park tomorrow -- Massey's got NPU as a 79% favorite -- but it's still worth more than a three-cent bet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on January 25, 2013, 05:37:47 PM
Just wanted to send a get well to Coach Beinborn down at Augie. Not sure if it's widely known but he had his appendix removed early Tuesday and was on the bench Wednesday against IWU (and subsequently back in the hospital later Wednesday night. The man loves the game). No word on if he is medically cleared to coach tomorrow, wishing him a speedy recovery
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2013, 06:07:30 PM
Thanks for telling us, keith45. I hadn't heard anything about that.
Assuming that his team dropped in to say Hi to him, the hospital staff probably wondered "hey, who is this guy that gets so many young female visitors?!" (ha ha; just kidding!).
Best wishes to Coach Beinborn from me and the rest of us here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2013, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2013, 06:07:30 PM
Thanks for telling us, keith45. I hadn't heard anything about that.
Assuming that his team dropped in to say Hi to him, the hospital staff probably wondered "hey, who is this guy that gets so many young female visitors?!" (ha ha; just kidding!).
Best wishes to Coach Beinborn from me and the rest of us here.

Ditto.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2013, 10:30:20 PM
LIke Mssr. Sager, I'd also have NP Vikings over Augie Vikings.  Dare I tender a score . . . or rest on my predictive laurels from last week?  I'd say NP 64, AC 57.  Time will tell.  Good luck to the Vikings all!

Agree that IWU, CC and WC are surely to be around the tournament at season's end.  The rest, TBD.  Perhaps NC. 

Katy Seibring is really coming into her own as a major factor in IWU's season.  Still strong years in the making, too, for Gardner, McMahon and Bilek.  The Titans need more from the role players, rotation members.  Baltes is playing well, with a great A/TO ratio.   Hope "run and jump" continues to improve and that the Titans are able to shoot a very good percentage down the stretch, esp. from treyville.  Someone has to put a loss or two on CC, otherwise they run away with it for a clear conference crown. 

Seven games to go . . . second go 'round.

IWU70, from the Far Side.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 26, 2013, 09:23:07 AM
Olivia Lett tweeted that her game today in Spain will be streamed online at noon central...

http://uniferrol.com
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 26, 2013, 03:10:37 PM
Lett had 30 points and 4 rebounds in that game...

http://competiciones.feb.es/estadisticas/Partido.aspx?p=1034562

The site for the league is - http://www.feb.es/inicio.aspx?tabid=36

Her team is UNIVERSITARIO DE FERROL.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 26, 2013, 05:24:25 PM
Today's early games:

Illinois Wesleyan 67
Elmhurst 51

North Park 60
Augustana 45
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 26, 2013, 05:28:31 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 26, 2013, 03:10:37 PM
Lett had 30 points and 4 rebounds in that game...

http://competiciones.feb.es/estadisticas/Partido.aspx?p=1034562

The site for the league is - http://www.feb.es/inicio.aspx?tabid=36

Her team is UNIVERSITARIO DE FERROL.

I don't know a lick of Spanish, but from what I gathered on the website, she is doing quite well over there. Not surprising, she's an incredible player. Congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2013, 05:33:00 PM
Olivia Lett in Spain.  Wow. 

NP gets there win, over the other Vikings. 

Good win for the Titans.  Keep in rolling Titans, scratching our way back and back, to the CCIW tournament.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 26, 2013, 08:10:28 PM
Wheaton 118
North Central 78

Wheaton
Hannah Considine- 33 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
Brooke Olson- 26 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
Breanna Bohlen- 13 points, 6 rebounds
Maris Hovee- 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists

North Central
Larynn, Shumaker- 16 points, 6 rebounds
Emily Murphy- 12 points, 5 rebounds

Wheaton set school records for points in a half (68 in 2nd half) and points in a game (112) with a big win over North Central tonight at King Arena. Both of the previous records came against Concordia (Ill.) in 1995. The two teams also scored the most combined points for a Wheaton game with 196, breaking the previous record of 188 set in a 104-84 Wheaton loss to Illinois-Chicago in 1984.

The Thunder led by four at the half (50-46) after a ver competitive first 20 minutes. Wheaton missed a number of layups in the opening frame and also had 15 turnovers. North Central, meanwhile, hit 21 of 23 first half free throws and executed very well on offense in the first half.

The second half was a different story, as Wheaton started finishing possessions and stopped fouling. The Cardinals seemed content to allow Hannah Considine to shoot layups, and the Thunder freshman responded with a career night. Wheaton played much more disciplined in the second half and got a ton of open, high percentage looks at the basket. Brooke Olson was terrific on both ends of the floor. In addition to the above stats, she also took 3 charges in this game.

I think it will be interesting to see how this system works for North Central down the road. They seem to have grown into it a lot more as the season has progressed and the players are buying in.

Wheaton resumes normal basketball activities by hosting Augustana on Wednesday night. Wheaton's earlier loss to the Vikings is looming large in the CCIW race right now, and I'm sure the whole team will be ready for the rematch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 26, 2013, 09:04:38 PM
The System is a double-edged sword - it can win you some games, but it can also get you totally blown out.  As long as the blow-out losses (now by 39 and 40 to Wheaton, by 36 to IWU) don't start getting in their heads, it is probably a net plus for them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2013, 09:21:27 PM
North Park 60
Augustana 45

Sarah Peterson: 20 pts (4-4 trey), 5 rebs, 5 blks, 4 stls
Dominikque Williams: 6 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 5 rebs

Jessica Baids: 12pts
Amy Hicks: 6 rebs
Gianna Pecora: 5 rebs
Kayla Boers: 5 rebs

Aside from a late hiccup in which NPU got sloppy with the ball and Augie made a late run to reduce a 24-point NPU lead (46-22) to only 11 (54-43) with a little over a minute left, NPU played a really solid game. That's when Augie coach Mark Beinborn really kind of blew it by incurring a technical foul after getting too vehement protesting an offensive foul called on Augie's Chaney Tambling under the basket. I thought the poor guy was going to pop his appendectomy stitches! That took the air out of his team's momentum and pretty much eliminated what slender chance Augie had of completing the comeback.

NPU shot a solid 49% from the field, while doing an outstanding defensive job in holding Augie to only 29% from the field. Augie did outrebound NPU, 37-29, which has to be a source of concern for North Park coach Amanda Reese -- especially the 16 offensive boards that Augie accrued.

What more can be said about Sarah Peterson? Playing on that bad knee, she did everything but pop the popcorn in the lobby before the game. She is so much fun to watch. She never cheats her team in terms of effort.

Solid win for NPU. Now the Vikings have to keep that momentum that they've regained when they head down to Bloomington to play Wesleyan on Wednesday. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2013, 01:32:54 PM
An important win for North Park, as they have 4th place to themselves. At 2-6, Augie probably needs to go 5-1 the rest of the way.
Carthage topped Millikin 66-44 and are now 8-0. Stephanie Kuzmanic had another very sharp performance with 21 pts and 6 assists. Three other Lady Reds tallied double figures (Kristi Schmidt, Cailee Corcoran, Michelle Wenzel). For the Big Blue, Bria Williams had 11 pts and 6 rebs, while Nikki Tipsword had 14 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2013, 07:20:32 PM
Congratulations to Brooke Olson for being CCIW player of the week (again!).
I saw most of her fine performance in the lopsided win over North Central. I ducked out a few minutes early in order to catch the 6:57 eastbound Metra, rather than get the 8:57.
Backseat Driver wrote a good summary of that game. To add to the compliments for Hannah Considine : her 33 pts, 9 rebs, 5 assists (and just 1 TO) were accomplished in 21:00. That's not to diminish what Brooke did in 37:00, because being able to play as hard and effectively as Brooke does for 37:00 in a fast-paced high-possession game is an outstanding achievement. She does not wear out easily, if at all.
The seven assists from Maris Hovee (Wheaton's post player) were quite helpful to the Thunder cause as well.
North Central has done well in a number of games, but they haven't been able to do much against the Thunder.
By the way, the other Chicago area "System" team, NAIA Olivet Nazarene, missed 65 threes Saturday and they won by 56. How's that for a strange stat combination? They did get 34 O-rebs, 33 steals and made 18 threes. OOPS --- correction : made 16, not 18.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2013, 07:36:10 PM
Confoundingly, Carthage continued to steamroll everyone in a well-above-average conference, and actually LOST 5 points (37 to 32) and one slot (28th to 29th).  Wheaton was again shut out.

It's as though the 2 national titles in the last 8 years never happened. ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 28, 2013, 07:52:34 PM
Massey, with its purely statistical approach, has them at #25.  I suspect the three non-conference losses to teams that are outside of the top 30 in both the polls and Massey are dragging them down.  The past doesn't count for much, especially since CCIW is down a bit based on non-conference record (though still above average I agree).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 28, 2013, 08:11:07 PM
Carthage has 32 points in the poll and 15 of them come from me. I have the Lady Reds ranked No. 11.

My take is that Carthage is a well rounded team that's rolling through a very good conference.  In my opinion, the No. 1 team in the CCIW is very likely one of the Top 25 teams in the country, regardless of record.  I heavily discount losses before Christmas at this point in the season.
 
I have the same perspective on the WIAC.  I have UW-Stevens Point No. 10, UW-Whitewater at No. 18 and UW-Oshkosh at No. 19, all higher than where they fall in the rankings.

To me, there are four conferences whose top team should almost always be in Top 25-- CCIW, NESCAC, UAA and WIAC.  The NJAC, NWC and OAC are the next tier where the top team is usually in my rankings, regardless of who it is.  Conferences like the MIAA and MAC Commonwealth usually have their top team on my ballot but that's more the reflection of excellent individual programs than the conference's overall strength.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2013, 08:52:24 PM
"Steamroll" is the right word for it. Aside from their three-point win over NPU, the Lady Reds have beaten every team in the league by at least 11 points. Carthage is +174 in points scored in CCIW play this season, which averages out to almost a 22-point victory margin per CCIW game. (And that number is not skewed by North Central's adoption of the Grinnell System style of play, because Carthage's 11-point win over NCC is the second-smallest margin of victory that the Lady Reds have managed in CCIW play thus far.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2013, 08:56:01 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 28, 2013, 08:11:07 PM
Carthage has 32 points in the poll and 15 of them come from me. I have the Lady Reds ranked No. 11.

My take is that Carthage is a well rounded team that's rolling through a very good conference.  In my opinion, the No. 1 team in the CCIW is very likely one of the Top 25 teams in the country, regardless of record.  I heavily discount losses before Christmas at this point in the season.
 
I have the same perspective on the WIAC.  I have UW-Stevens Point No. 10, UW-Whitewater at No. 18 and UW-Oshkosh at No. 19, all higher than where they fall in the rankings.

To me, there are four conferences whose top team should almost always be in Top 25-- CCIW, NESCAC, UAA and WIAC. The NJAC, NWC and OAC are the next tier where the top team is usually in my rankings, regardless of who it is.  Conferences like the MIAA and MAC Commonwealth usually have their top team on my ballot but that's more the reflection of excellent individual programs than the conference's overall strength.

Pleasantly surprised to hear CCIW placed in the (women's) elite.  In the men's, sure - for many, many years now.  I wouldn't have thought the women had risen to above 8-10, despite winning one quarter of the last eight titles (with two different teams).

Way to go, ladies!  Now if only more voters were like gordonmann! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 28, 2013, 09:16:15 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2013, 08:56:01 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 28, 2013, 08:11:07 PM
Carthage has 32 points in the poll and 15 of them come from me. I have the Lady Reds ranked No. 11.

My take is that Carthage is a well rounded team that's rolling through a very good conference.  In my opinion, the No. 1 team in the CCIW is very likely one of the Top 25 teams in the country, regardless of record.  I heavily discount losses before Christmas at this point in the season.
 
I have the same perspective on the WIAC.  I have UW-Stevens Point No. 10, UW-Whitewater at No. 18 and UW-Oshkosh at No. 19, all higher than where they fall in the rankings.

To me, there are four conferences whose top team should almost always be in Top 25-- CCIW, NESCAC, UAA and WIAC. The NJAC, NWC and OAC are the next tier where the top team is usually in my rankings, regardless of who it is.  Conferences like the MIAA and MAC Commonwealth usually have their top team on my ballot but that's more the reflection of excellent individual programs than the conference's overall strength.

Pleasantly surprised to hear CCIW placed in the (women's) elite.  In the men's, sure - for many, many years now.  I wouldn't have thought the women had risen to above 8-10, despite winning one quarter of the last eight titles (with two different teams).

Way to go, ladies!  Now if only more voters were like gordonmann! ;D

And it's not as though Carthage is an "unknown" program either. The Lady Reds have been in the Top 25 and have had success in the NCAA Tournament in the last few years.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2013, 09:30:59 PM
As a matter of perspective, take a look at Westminster (MO). The Blue Jays sit alone atop the SLIAC standings with a 9-1 league record, two full games better than anybody else.

In three consecutive games in mid-December, the Blue Jays lost to Millikin by 11, Elmhurst by 7, and NPU by 19.

Benedictine, which is currently second in the NAthC South with an 8-4 league record, went 1-3 against the CCIW, dropping games to NPU (by 9), NCC (by 6), and Wheaton (by 26), while beating Elmhurst by a point in Lisle.

So the same disparity between the CCIW and some of the other local D3 leagues that exists on the men's side exists on the women's side, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2013, 10:08:57 PM
Big game for the Titans this week @ Shirk vs. NPU.  I think the game will be very competitive and close.  Titans can't afford to fall further behind Carthage, with limited games left in the chase, so the Titans need this one bigtime.  Seems the Titan squad has found a certain stability and pace now, with the key personnel remaining, everyone playing their role, so let's hope for a strong stretch run down to the CCIW tournament.  Time to get all the pieces, all the formats and sets all working at top level.  At this stage of the season, conditioning will really play a bigger and bigger part, especially for a team like IWU that uses the "run and jump" extensively. 

Katy Seibring really playing well, making a good case for All-CCIW status.

Go Titans!!! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2013, 10:14:41 PM
Greg, true, but women's b'ball doesn't seem to be that much of a midwestern sport (despite veritable roots in Iowa).  I recall when consistently 3-4 teams from Maine would be in the Top 25.  And I can't even imagine a time coming when (as Ralph has reported about Texas) women's games start outdrawing men's (though it recently happened with a Calvin/Hope matchup).

And CCIW being better than SLIAC or NathCon is a given; doesn't automatically translate to national respect. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2013, 10:34:13 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2013, 10:14:41 PM
Greg, true, but women's b'ball doesn't seem to be that much of a midwestern sport (despite veritable roots in Iowa).  I recall when consistently 3-4 teams from Maine would be in the Top 25.  And I can't even imagine a time coming when (as Ralph has reported about Texas) women's games start outdrawing men's (though it recently happened with a Calvin/Hope matchup).

And CCIW being better than SLIAC or NathCon is a given; doesn't automatically translate to national respect. ;)

Women's basketball is not a midwestern sport? Try telling that to Calvin or Hope, or to Wash U, where Nancy Fahey's teams have regularly drawn more players from the midwest than from anyplace else. And as for attendance, the IIAC drew the highest league average in D3 women's basketball last season (406 fans per game), the MIAA was third (380), the WIAC was fourth (370), the CCIW was seventh (321), and the HCAC was eighth (321). By comparison, Ralph's ASC was sixth, at 352. The UAA was ninth (321), and of the three UAA schools that outdrew the league average, Wash U was first (419) and Chicago was third (327).

There may not be as much of a top-heavy look to D3 women's basketball as there is in D3 men's basketball as far as midwestern prowess is concerned, but it does not appear to me that your assertion is valid.

I didn't say that being better than the SLIAC or the NAthC was proof that the CCIW deserved national respect, in and of itself. I said that it showed that the CCIW enjoyed the same gap between itself and the lower leagues in women's basketball that it has in men's basketball. In other words, it's an indicator, not a proof.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2013, 11:12:08 PM
I stand corrected. :-[

But aside from the absolute top of the food chain, I think the east (especially the northeast) has far more dominance in women's than men's b'ball.  (At the VERY top, the ONLY two champions east of Ohio since 1989 have been NYU (1997) and Amherst (2011).)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 29, 2013, 12:02:50 AM
Augustana beat Aurora tonight, 70-63.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2013, 11:38:46 AM
Three bus trips in five days for Augie : Saturday's round trip to Chicago, yesterday's to Aurora and tomorrow's to Wheaton. (I'm assuming that they have gone back to Rock Island each time and are not doing one extended road trip. D3 budgets likely do not allow for that?) Augie's following three games are at home.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 29, 2013, 12:17:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 29, 2013, 11:38:46 AM
Three bus trips in five days for Augie : Saturday's round trip to Chicago, yesterday's to Aurora and tomorrow's to Wheaton. (I'm assuming that they have gone back to Rock Island each time and are not doing one extended road trip. D3 budgets likely do not allow for that?) Augie's following three games are at home.
Correct assumption for CCIW at least.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 29, 2013, 04:15:03 PM
890 miles in five days for the Vikings...giving the weather we've been having they might need to break out the rowboats to get to Wheaton tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2013, 01:08:08 PM
With possible hazardous freezing-over occurring later today in sections of Illinois and Wisconsin, safe travels are wished for all, even those who just need to walk across campus.
At first glance, tonight's contests may look like mismatches record-wise : 2-6 at 6-2, 3-5 at 0-8, 4-4 at 6-2, 3-5 at 8-0. We'll see if there are any "upsets."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 30, 2013, 10:01:54 PM
Wheaton 82
Augustana 45

Wheaton
Breanna Bohlen- 15 points
Hannah Considine- 12 points, 6 rebounds
Brooke Olson- 12 points
Lauren Graham- 12 points

Augustana
Amy Hicks- 9 points, 5 rebounds

Really good all-around performance for the Thunder tonight at King Arena. Lauren Graham played really well tonight. It looks like she's getting back into top form, which is great for the team heading down the stretch. Just a very balanced game from the Thunder. Everybody played well and made key contributions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on January 30, 2013, 11:42:09 PM
Wheaton's Brooke Olson surpassed 1,000 career points in the Thunder's victory tonight. Brooke has been an outstanding player for Wheaton throughout her career. She worked her way into the starting lineup during her freshman year and has stayed there. There's very little that Brooke doesn't do well on the court. She can shoot from the outside, pull up for jumpers, and drive to the basket. She is also an excellent defender, and she has taken an enormous amount of charges in her career. She simply plays extraordinarily hard whenever she's on the floor. In addition to all of that she is a great leader and teammate. Brooke represents Wheaton College very well, and it's great to see her reach this milestone in her career.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2013, 02:38:10 AM
Congrats to Brooke Olson.   A stellar career at WC to be sure.

Good, home court win for the Titans tonight over NP, who gave the Titans a strong contest.  IWU has to keep plugging away, staying within range of CC in the conference race, hoping that someone else will also puts a loss on Carthage, perhaps WC can do it. 

Strong games tonight by Michelle Bilek (scoring more now!) and Katy Seibring.  NP seems to have contained Melissa Gardner well in this game.  Katy Seibring is having a very strong stretch of games in conference play and making a good case for All-CCIW status, first or second team, in would seem to me. 

Big games upcoming for the Titans -- Pink Zone game @Shirk vs. WC, between the two strong second place teams, and then the tough road re-match with Carthage up in the Cheeseheadland. 

Keep it rolling, Green, still some important basketball to be played for conference honors and for seedings in the CCIW tournament and hopefully beyond.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans for the good home win over North Park.  (IWU men got a big big big road win at Augie tonight -- coming back from 16 down with about 9:00 minutes to play . . . a great stretch run, comeback in the tough environs of Carver.  Strong games by Overstreet and Zman, and some great bench spark and D from Eric Dortch).    :)   All good.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 31, 2013, 12:16:14 PM
I'm looking forward to a very quality matchup at the Shirk Center on Saturday. Both of these teams come in healthy and in full stride and the winner will emerge as the only contender left to rundown Carthage.  This will be interesting because there's too much time left in the conference schedule to go with the "vanilla" game plan but these two teams are probably a 75% lock to rematch in the 2/3 game in the conference tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2013, 03:24:33 PM
Carthage (9-0) used a 34-12 run over the final 8 minutes to get a comfortable 105-80 win over North Central. Five Lady Reds scored 15 pts or more, possibly a first in CCIW WBB history. Stephanie Kuzmanic had yet another outstanding game with 25 pts and 9 assists. Cailee Corcoran had 22 pts and 12 rebs. Kasey Kleiner had 8 assists and a nearly-perfect 16 pts (she missed a FT! shameful!). Michelle Wenzel had 15 pts and 3 blocks. Alexis Hahn poured in 15 pts (7/9 FG) in just 8:00.
For NC, Bobbi Johns had 9 assists and 5 steals in 17:00. Sophie Newson topped the Cardinals in scoring (12) and rebounding (5).
Millikin finally moved into the win column in conference play, getting past Elmhurst 72-53. Jasmine Johnson had 16 pts (7/9, 2/3 FT), 7 rebs, 2 blocks, 3 steals in 18:00.
Elmhurst got 19 pts and 6 rebs from Fiona McMahon, while Karen Senette tallied 12 on just 9 FG att (but she had 6 of EC's 27 TOs). The Bluejays did not lose any ground in the chase for the 4th playoff spot, as NP, NC and Aug also lost. If Millikin wins out the rest of the way, they'll be in that chase, too.
A couple of league freshmen may have given us a taste of good things to come. The aforementioned Alexis Hahn's quick 15 pts were impressive. And Wheaton's Makayla Seibold scored 9 pts in 69 seconds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2013, 04:11:10 PM
Carthage clinched a CCIW playoff spot with their 9th win, incidentally. The 5th place teams E and NC can do no better than 8-6.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2013, 04:44:58 PM
Last night was a very disappointing loss for NPU. The Vikings just can't seem to get it done in their games against the upper echelon, senior-dominated team or not. In some senses, last night was the most disappointing loss of them all, because the Vikings were up by double digits on the road at IW, but couldn't sustain it. Naturally, IW itself had something to do with that, but something just seems to be missing with these Vikings. I'm not sure what it is, and I've seen them play as much as anybody this season.

There were some good individual performances: Sarah Peterson had 14 and 8, Nicole Kruckman had 12 and 5, and Kamauria Acree had 10 and 6 in spite of the fact that she didn't shoot well from the field. But as a team, the Vikings just have a habit of going into a deep freeze offensively for three, four, five minutes at a time. Their defense keeps them in games, but their offense doesn't seem up to turning those close games into wins.

NPU is still hanging on to fourth place, but it's far from a given that the Vikes will be able to stave off the teams below them and secure a playoff spot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2013, 01:37:11 PM
Tomorrow's CCIW action includes the matchup of 7-2 teams (Wheaton at IWU) that thunder38 mentioned, a matchup of 3-6 teams (Elmhurst at NC) that promises to be very competitive, plus 4-5 North Park at 1-8 Millikin and 9-0 Carthage at 2-7 Augie. No team takes any other one lightly, of course.
Whoever loses in Bloomington can forget about any shot at catching Carthage. The winner in Naperville will either be one game behind or tied with NP for the 4th playoff spot.
All this leads me to a 1:00 game at Roosevelt University (will check out their new gym) and a 5:00 game at Lake Forest (so I can visit a Knox player whom I've known since she was about 7 yrs old). So, no firsthand report from me on CCIW results this weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2013, 05:08:20 PM
I won't be giving a firsthand report from Decatur, either, although I will be watching the NPU @ MU livestream on the computer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 02, 2013, 01:21:32 PM
Huge game at the Shirk Center tonight between Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan. As has been mentioned, the loser of this game can pretty much forget about catching Carthage.

Wheaton has not won against IWU in Bloomington since February 11, 2006. The leading scorers in that game were Elizabeth Fox and Mallory Heydorn (so in other words, it's been a little while). However, in more recent history, the Thunder has won its last two games against the Titans (both at King Arena).

I think the two most important things for Wheaton tonight are 1) Get ahead early, and 2) shoot well from the perimeter. Both of those things have been problems for the Thunder in Bloomington over the last 6 years.

For Illinois Wesleyan, I think the Titans must 1) Find a way to contain Brooke Olson, and 2) make Wheaton's post players defend on the perimeter. Brooke has torched IWU for 41 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the last two meetings. The Thunder's advantage in the post could be neutralized if IWU is able to draw Maris Hovee and Hannah Considine away from the basket on the defensive end.

I expect this game to be close and hard-fought. I've seen enough ugly losses at the Shirk Center to feel uneasy about this game, but I think Wheaton can win if they do the two things I mentioned above.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 02, 2013, 04:50:15 PM
Millikin over North Park, 48-40. Still a tight race for that 4th seed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2013, 04:56:30 PM
Millikin 48
North Park 40

A complete and utter disaster for NPU. The Vikings were up by 8 with twelve minutes left, sailing right along, and all of a sudden they couldn't hit a shot. Worse, they weren't even able to get a shot off on about half of their possessions, as they made one turnover after another. MU outscored the Park, 20-6, in the final ten minutes, and that was all she wrote. NPU turned the ball over an astonishing 29 times in this game; they were only averaging 16 cough-ups a game coming in, and although the very tough overplay defense of the Big Blue had a lot to do with it, a lot of those turnovers were unforced errors. NPU must've traveled close to a dozen times.

Brittany Czaplicki (20 pts) took over the game down the stretch for the Big Blue. She would do a U-curl around a high ball screen, and NPU had no answer for it.

I'm afraid that NPU may have dug a hole from which it cannot extricate itself.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2013, 06:57:31 PM
The game at the Shirk is as good as advertised.  Titans jumped out quickly, 16-6, but I never expected that sort of domination to continue.  It is Titans 36, Thunder 35 at the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2013, 07:56:31 PM
The Titans led non-stop for the first 36 minutes of the game, but clearly never by enough. :P  The Thunder finished out the game 14-4 to win by 8, 75-67.  Brooke Olson and Breanna Bohlen each scored 27; for the Titans, Katy Seibring had 18, Colleen McMahon 15, and Lexi Baltes chipped in 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2013, 07:57:13 PM
Titans go down by 7 to WC at the Shirk.  It was the Olson - Bohlen show for WC, with each scoring 27.  The Titans ran out of gas, shot it poorly in the final 7-8 minutes and had poor perimeter defense on the two WC trey shooters.  I'm pretty sure there will be a rematch of this game in Kenosha in the CCIW tournament, if current standings hold.

Seibring, McMahon and Bilek had good games for the Titans.  WC came well prepared for run and jump and the Titans shot a poor percentage from threeland.

To get in the DIII dance, I think the Titans now have to win the CCIW AQ.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 02, 2013, 08:01:20 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 02, 2013, 07:57:13 PM
To get in the DIII dance, I think the Titans now have to win the CCIW AQ.


Based on in-region record, this was true well before this loss.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2013, 08:07:50 PM
Bob, you beat me to it.  Alas, the defending national champion doesn't get a bye into the tourney! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 02, 2013, 11:20:06 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 02, 2013, 01:21:32 PM
I think the two most important things for Wheaton tonight are 1) Get ahead early, and 2) shoot well from the perimeter. Both of those things have been problems for the Thunder in Bloomington over the last 6 years.

I expect this game to be close and hard-fought. I've seen enough ugly losses at the Shirk Center to feel uneasy about this game, but I think Wheaton can win if they do the two things I mentioned above.

What I meant to say was that Wheaton needed to fall behind early, and then catch fire at the end to pick up the W.

Brooke Olson and Breanna Bohlen played like seniors tonight, carrying the team to victory. It's great to see them play at such a high level and lead the Thunder to a big road win. They understand what it takes to win and they just kept playing even when they were down big. Things were starting to look bleak down 10 with just over 10 minutes left, but Wheaton showed tremendous poise in chipping away and eventually taking complete control of the game in the final minutes.

All Wheaton can do is keep winning, and hope to get some help to catch Carthage. They'll need a strong performance on both ends of the floor on Wednesday night at North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2013, 07:51:39 AM
Ypsi and Q, you guys are so so smart.  What would I do without you!?   :)  I think we all agree that this year's edition of the Titans don't have enough firepower to overtake CC, especially after the WC loss, and probably won't get into the DIII tourney this year, save for the miracle of winning two games in Kenosha in the CCIW tournament.  It could happen, but very unlikely now.  In a game like the one vs. WC, it was very evident that Shelby Jackson is significantly missed and that injuries and departures have played a big part in hurting the Titans chances this year.  The Titans are way too perimeter oriented this year and when the treys don't fall, the Titans do.  14-7 is a very respectable record given all who the Titans have played, but it's not going to cut it to get to the post-season, almost for sure.  For the future, we can be very happy with the emergence of Katy Seibring and her excellent season, the good play of Lexi Baltes and Collen McMahon, though Gardner and Bilek will surely be missed next year.   The strength of the bench, development of the newbies seems to be rather weak, so I hope Mia has a big recruiting class coming in for future seasons.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2013, 01:35:14 PM
Carthage continues undefeated in CCIW play, topping Augie 67-46. Cailee Corcoran had 18 pts and 6 steals. Stephanie Kuzmanic had 10 pts, 6 assists, 6 rebs, 4 steals. Haley Stercic hit 4 of 5 threes. Kristi Schmidt scored ten, as did Augie's Amy Hicks and Jessica Baids.
North Central is now tied with North Park at 4-6 following a 105-93 win over Elmhurst (3-7). Five players on each team scored in double figures. NC was led by 19 from Larynn Shumaker, while Karen Senette had 18 for EC. This game featured 24 tied scores (25 if you count 0-0), the last being 86-86. Fiona McMahon didn't play; not sure why. EC still won the rebounding 50-40, but the TOs went 30-19 in NC's favor.
NC's point guard trio combined for 14 assists and just 3 TOs.
The two games I saw were decided at the last moment : NAIA Roosevelt edged Cardinal Stritch 66-64 with 2 FTs and Lake Forest got a last-second hoop to edge Knox 89-88.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 04, 2013, 02:21:58 PM
Wheaton's Breanna Bohlen was named the CCIW Player of the Week today. Much deserved, and a huge testament to Breanna's work ethic and commitment to the team. She has dealt with so many injuries in her Wheaton career, that I don't think anyone would have thought less of her had she walked away from basketball. But there's no quit in her, and she has battled through it all and had a productive career for the Thunder. Her perseverance has paid off this year, and I was thrilled to see her have such a great performance on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 03:58:39 PM
Agreed BD, Bohlen has certainly had plenty of chances to throw in the towel and it is great to see her finally healthy and having an All-Conference caliber year.

Obviously Wheaton is now the favorite if anyone is to track down Carthage and they will need help, ironically in the form of the Titans, to track them down. If Wheaton can work itself even with the help of a Titan win on Saturday, Wheaton would have the #1 seed thanks to the sweep of IWU.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:41 PM
Maybe some others with a better lay of the land can help me out here but at 17-3 but with a soft strength of schedule, where does Wheaton sit in the Pool C conversation. At the very least, assuming they lose to Carthage next Saturday and then lose the tournament semifinal they would head into Selection Monday at 21-5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2013, 05:22:58 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:41 PM
Maybe some others with a better lay of the land can help me out here but at 17-3 but with a soft strength of schedule, where does Wheaton sit in the Pool C conversation. At the very least, assuming they lose to Carthage next Saturday and then lose the tournament semifinal they would head into Selection Monday at 21-5.

You've overlooked the fact that one of Wheaton's games was against a non-regional foe, NAIA Clarke. That game won't count towards Wheaton's in-region winning percentage. In other words, Wheaton will go into the CCIW tourney having played only 24 relevant games in the eyes of the selection committee, rather than 25.

If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney semifinal, save for another loss to Carthage on February 16, WC would be sitting at .800 (20-5) in region on Selection Monday. If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney final (presumably a loss to host Carthage), save for that loss on February 19 to the Lady Reds, WC would finish at .808 (21-5) in region. Either way, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance would be a shoo-in for a Pool C slot, regardless of SOS, because the in-region winning percentage would be so high. I'm pretty sure that no team with an .800 in-region winning percentage has ever been left out of either the women's tournament or the men's tournament since the NCAA set up the pools system as its current basketball tourney format for D3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 05:30:15 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2013, 05:22:58 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:41 PM
Maybe some others with a better lay of the land can help me out here but at 17-3 but with a soft strength of schedule, where does Wheaton sit in the Pool C conversation. At the very least, assuming they lose to Carthage next Saturday and then lose the tournament semifinal they would head into Selection Monday at 21-5.

You've overlooked the fact that one of Wheaton's games was against a non-regional foe, NAIA Clarke. That game won't count towards Wheaton's in-region winning percentage. In other words, Wheaton will go into the CCIW tourney having played only 24 relevant games in the eyes of the selection committee, rather than 25.

If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney semifinal, save for another loss to Carthage on February 16, WC would be sitting at .800 (20-5) in region on Selection Monday. If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney final (presumably a loss to host Carthage), save for that loss on February 19 to the Lady Reds, WC would finish at .808 (21-5) in region. Either way, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance would be a shoo-in for a Pool C slot, regardless of SOS, because the in-region winning percentage would be so high. I'm pretty sure that no team with an .800 in-region winning percentage has ever been left out of either the women's tournament or the men's tournament since the NCAA set up the pools system as its current basketball tourney format for D3.

That was my assumption but I wanted to defer to someone with a bit more experience so thanks for that Greg.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2013, 09:57:22 PM
Congrats to Ms. Bohlen on Player of the Week.  She had a devastatingly good game against my Titans, hitting trey after trey. 

Looks like CC and WC get into the DIII dance, unless the Titans pull off a big upset in the CCIW tournament.

Go Titans, keep fighting.  Lots of basketball to be played. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2013, 10:37:23 PM
Carthage finally edges into the Top 25 (AT #25, 1 point shy of 24, but also only 1 point above 26!).  Wheaton still shut out the voting entirely.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2013, 11:43:35 AM
thunder38 mentioned Breanna Bohlen as someone who could make all-conference this year. In addition to her, Coach Madsen has several others that are worthy of consideration. Obviously Brooke Olson will be 1st team, possibly she or Stephanie Kuzmanic as MOP. After Olson, Maris Hovee may be the most important Wheaton player : she is a major defensive force, blocking a fair amount of shots and altering/discouraging many more; also a top rebounder and dishes out a large quantity of assists. Hannah Considine has had a number of outstanding games and should not be discriminated against for being a freshman.
If Carthage goes 14-0, they could get 4 on all-CCIW. Kuzmanic could be MOP and definitely should be joined on the 1st team by Cailee Corcoran. I'd also include Michelle Wenzel as all-conference, but Coach Bernero could also suggest Haley Stercic and Kristi Schmidt or ?? When you look at Carthage players' stats, add credit to the individuals for their excellent team defense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 05, 2013, 11:54:25 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2013, 10:37:23 PM
Carthage finally edges into the Top 25 (AT #25, 1 point shy of 24, but also only 1 point above 26!).  Wheaton still shut out the voting entirely.
It will be interesting to see the regional rankings.  Carthage should make the regional rankings and maybe Wheaton.   Getting in to the 1st regional ranking Feb 6th might help their cases with respect to Top 25 voters. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 05, 2013, 12:48:00 PM
With Carthage now in the Top 25 Wheaton only has one loss to a non-Top 25 team, granted its a very bad loss but at 17-3 I would think they should at least be getting a few votes considering they were on the verge of the Top 25 prior to the loss at Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2013, 01:21:01 PM
The remaining schedules for the lower 5/8ths of the league :
AUG (2-8) : M, NC, at E, at IW;
MIL (2-8) : at A, W, at IW, NC;
ELM (3-7) : C, at NP, A, at W;
NC (4-6) : IW, at A, NP, at M;
NP (4-6) : W, E, at NC, at C;
Based on the above, I predict that neither Augie nor Millikin will finish at 7-7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 05, 2013, 02:05:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2013, 05:22:58 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:41 PM
Maybe some others with a better lay of the land can help me out here but at 17-3 but with a soft strength of schedule, where does Wheaton sit in the Pool C conversation. At the very least, assuming they lose to Carthage next Saturday and then lose the tournament semifinal they would head into Selection Monday at 21-5.

You've overlooked the fact that one of Wheaton's games was against a non-regional foe, NAIA Clarke. That game won't count towards Wheaton's in-region winning percentage. In other words, Wheaton will go into the CCIW tourney having played only 24 relevant games in the eyes of the selection committee, rather than 25.

If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney semifinal, save for another loss to Carthage on February 16, WC would be sitting at .800 (20-5) in region on Selection Monday. If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney final (presumably a loss to host Carthage), save for that loss on February 19 to the Lady Reds, WC would finish at .808 (21-5) in region. Either way, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance would be a shoo-in for a Pool C slot, regardless of SOS, because the in-region winning percentage would be so high. I'm pretty sure that no team with an .800 in-region winning percentage has ever been left out of either the women's tournament or the men's tournament since the NCAA set up the pools system as its current basketball tourney format for D3.

A couple of quick thoughts on this...

1. Wheaton still has a game coming up against NAIA-Robert Morris, so the numbers will be different.

2. In 2004-2005, Wheaton finished 22-4, 13-1 in the CCIW. The Thunder tied eventual national-champion Millikin for the CCIW regular-season title, but lost to IWU by 2 in the CCIW semifinal. Wheaton was not selected as a Pool C. Wheaton's '04-'05 non conference:

W vs. Aurora
W vs. Benedictine
W vs. Dominican
W vs. Wisconsin Lutheran
L vs. Calvin
L vs. Hope
W vs. Lake Forest
W vs. Texas Lutheran
W vs. Concordia (TX)
W vs. Southwestern
W vs. Clarke

So Wheaton's 4 losses were to Calvin, Hope, Millikin, and IWU that year, and they played one non D-III opponent (Clarke). I'm not sure how the "in-region" winning percentage breaks down for that, but it looks pretty similar to what Wheaton has done this year. And I think Wheaton's loss to Augie this year looks worse than their "bad" loss to IWU in '04-'05.

I realize this is a different scenario, and the projections you guys have brought up include a win in the CCIW semi-final. Maybe a win against IWU in '04-'05 would have gotten Wheaton selected, but I guess the point I'm making is that I think Wheaton really should focus on winning the AQ this year. Regardless of record, it's best to not leave your fate to the selection committee.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2013, 05:04:58 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 05, 2013, 02:05:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2013, 05:22:58 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:41 PM
Maybe some others with a better lay of the land can help me out here but at 17-3 but with a soft strength of schedule, where does Wheaton sit in the Pool C conversation. At the very least, assuming they lose to Carthage next Saturday and then lose the tournament semifinal they would head into Selection Monday at 21-5.

You've overlooked the fact that one of Wheaton's games was against a non-regional foe, NAIA Clarke. That game won't count towards Wheaton's in-region winning percentage. In other words, Wheaton will go into the CCIW tourney having played only 24 relevant games in the eyes of the selection committee, rather than 25.

If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney semifinal, save for another loss to Carthage on February 16, WC would be sitting at .800 (20-5) in region on Selection Monday. If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney final (presumably a loss to host Carthage), save for that loss on February 19 to the Lady Reds, WC would finish at .808 (21-5) in region. Either way, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance would be a shoo-in for a Pool C slot, regardless of SOS, because the in-region winning percentage would be so high. I'm pretty sure that no team with an .800 in-region winning percentage has ever been left out of either the women's tournament or the men's tournament since the NCAA set up the pools system as its current basketball tourney format for D3.

A couple of quick thoughts on this...

1. Wheaton still has a game coming up against NAIA-Robert Morris, so the numbers will be different.

True. I was just looking at the d3hoops.com schedule for Wheaton when I made that post. For some reason, the d3hoops.com page for Wheaton does not include the game against Robert Morris.

I think that the numbers would've been different, anyway, because I'm expecting an NPU win over Wheaton tomorrow night. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 05, 2013, 05:46:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 05, 2013, 11:43:35 AM
thunder38 mentioned Breanna Bohlen as someone who could make all-conference this year. In addition to her, Coach Madsen has several others that are worthy of consideration. Obviously Brooke Olson will be 1st team, possibly she or Stephanie Kuzmanic as MOP. After Olson, Maris Hovee may be the most important Wheaton player : she is a major defensive force, blocking a fair amount of shots and altering/discouraging many more; also a top rebounder and dishes out a large quantity of assists. Hannah Considine has had a number of outstanding games and should not be discriminated against for being a freshman.
If Carthage goes 14-0, they could get 4 on all-CCIW. Kuzmanic could be MOP and definitely should be joined on the 1st team by Cailee Corcoran. I'd also include Michelle Wenzel as all-conference, but Coach Bernero could also suggest Haley Stercic and Kristi Schmidt or ?? When you look at Carthage players' stats, add credit to the individuals for their excellent team defense.

When I first read this I thought you were predicting up to 4 from Carthage on the first team, not overall, and checked CCIW.org to see how crazy that was! :P  During the Titans amazing 66-4 run the last five years, they had a first and 2 seconds in 2008 (13-1), 2 firsts, a second and a third in 2009 (14-0), the same again in 2009 (13-1), a first, a second and 2 thirds in 2011 (13-1), and a first, a second, and a third in 2012 (13-1).  For those unwilling to do the math, that's 3 years of 4 and 2 years of 3 (and only one of the five teams went 14-0), so it would not be at all out of line for Carthage to get 4 if they go 14-0 (or even 13-1).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 05, 2013, 05:53:56 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2013, 05:04:58 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 05, 2013, 02:05:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2013, 05:22:58 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:41 PM
Maybe some others with a better lay of the land can help me out here but at 17-3 but with a soft strength of schedule, where does Wheaton sit in the Pool C conversation. At the very least, assuming they lose to Carthage next Saturday and then lose the tournament semifinal they would head into Selection Monday at 21-5.

You've overlooked the fact that one of Wheaton's games was against a non-regional foe, NAIA Clarke. That game won't count towards Wheaton's in-region winning percentage. In other words, Wheaton will go into the CCIW tourney having played only 24 relevant games in the eyes of the selection committee, rather than 25.

If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney semifinal, save for another loss to Carthage on February 16, WC would be sitting at .800 (20-5) in region on Selection Monday. If Wheaton wins out until the conference tourney final (presumably a loss to host Carthage), save for that loss on February 19 to the Lady Reds, WC would finish at .808 (21-5) in region. Either way, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance would be a shoo-in for a Pool C slot, regardless of SOS, because the in-region winning percentage would be so high. I'm pretty sure that no team with an .800 in-region winning percentage has ever been left out of either the women's tournament or the men's tournament since the NCAA set up the pools system as its current basketball tourney format for D3.

A couple of quick thoughts on this...

1. Wheaton still has a game coming up against NAIA-Robert Morris, so the numbers will be different.

True. I was just looking at the d3hoops.com schedule for Wheaton when I made that post. For some reason, the d3hoops.com page for Wheaton does not include the game against Robert Morris.

I think that the numbers would've been different, anyway, because I'm expecting an NPU win over Wheaton tomorrow night. ;)

Naturally... ;)

It should definitely be another good game between Wheaton and North Park tomorrow, with both teams back at full strength. I think it's a "must win" for both teams, so the intensity and sense of urgency should be high on both sides.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2013, 06:06:54 PM
Thanks, Mr. Ypsi, for doing that research. I couldn't resist a little speculation on possible all-conf selections, even though a lot of big games remain to be played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2013, 07:10:26 PM
Within conference play so far (10 games per team), the league scoring average is 68.2. Last season's avg in conf play was 62.1. This increase can be traced directly to North Central Coach Roof's decision to adapt "the System."
The average final score so far is 76.4 to 60.0. In 10 games involving North Central, the average final is 104.0 to 83.8. In the 30 games not involving NC, the average final is 67.2 to 52.0.
Proportionally, the North Central finals have been a bit closer (1.24 : 1) than those in the other 30 games (1.29 : 1).
The sums are as follows : 2015 for winners and 1560 for losers in the 30 games not involving NC; 1040 to 838 in the NC games. I'm trusting that the scores listed in the Composite Schedule on cciw.org are correct.
A few more items : The highest winning score in the 30 non-NC games is 83 by Carthage, while the lowest winning score in the NC games is 85, also by Carthage. The highest losing score in the 30 non-NC games is 67, matching the lowest losing score in any of the 10 NC games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2013, 03:09:56 PM
Tonight we have the unusual circumstance of a consequential 2-8 vs 2-8 game (Millikin at Augie).
If (and I'm not predicting this or any other results) Carthage, Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan all win (they would be favored to do so), then those contending for the 4th playoff spot would be two 4-7 teams (North Park and North Central) plus two 3-8 teams (Elmhurst and the Millikin/Augie winner). Could happen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 06, 2013, 03:40:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 06, 2013, 03:09:56 PM
Tonight we have the unusual circumstance of a consequential 2-8 vs 2-8 game (Millikin at Augie).
If (and I'm not predicting this or any other results) Carthage, Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan all win (they would be favored to do so), then those contending for the 4th playoff spot would be two 4-7 teams (North Park and North Central) plus two 3-8 teams (Elmhurst and the Millikin/Augie winner). Could happen.

And that likely explains a lot as to why the CCIW has gotten very little love nationally this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2013, 09:28:32 PM
At the half: IWU 48, NCC 34.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2013, 10:04:19 PM
IWU up over NCC by about 30 with 10:00 minutes remaining.  Katy Seibring another monster game.  I think she's getting close to first team All-CCIW. 

Titans breaking the "system" it would appear.  Where is Lexi Baltes?  Not in the lineup tonight -- injured or sick?  Looks like a fine game too from Taylor Reaber, Colleen McMahon too, tonight. 

Keep it rolling Titans.  Still alot of basketball to be played.  Now very likely 8-3 in conference.  Hope WC can pin a lost on CC.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 06, 2013, 10:10:09 PM
Wheaton 48
North Park 32

Wheaton
Breanna Bohlen- 16 points (4-7 threes)
Maria Panaggio and Maris Hovee each with 6 points, 9 rebounds

North Park
Shaina Yalda- 8 points

Yes, that is the final score. After two 20:00 halves. Pretty ugly game with a lot of missed shots and turnovers by both teams. Wheaton found it's offense a bit in the second half, and Breanna Bohlen continued her recent hot streak from behind the arc.

Can't complain about a road win at this time of the year. Wheaton heads to Decatur on Saturday.

Sarah Peterson of NPU left the game with an injury about midway through the 2nd half and didn't return. Hope she's ok. She's had a tough year on the injury front.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 06, 2013, 10:18:39 PM
The first Central Region Rankings, just released this evening:

1. Cornell- 18-1 (region), 18-1 (overall)
2. Washington U- 16-2, 17-3
3. Carthage- 16-3, 18-3
4. UW-Superior- 17-3, 18-4
5. Monmouth- 16-3, 17-3
6. UW-Whitewater- 14-4, 16-5
7. UW-Stevens Point- 17-4, 18-4
8. Wisconsin Lutheran- 18-0, 19-2
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2013, 10:23:19 PM
IWU 102, NCC 69.  Katy Seibring had 25 points and 11 rebounds; Taylor Reaber with 17 and 15.

Again, The System is a mixed bag: it will win you some games; it will also get you blown out.  Since NCC has been terrible in the past, I guess the jury is still out on whether it is a plus.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 06, 2013, 11:01:35 PM
Looks like we may have missed the mark with Wheaton's spot in the big picture after all. Starting to look like Wheaton will need to beat Carthage next Saturday and probably again in the CCIW tournament in order to make the dance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2013, 01:28:48 AM
Yes, seems we really missed the mark with WC's place in the regional rankings.  So, both WC and IWU need to win the CCIW AQ to get dancing.

IWU beat NC soundly tonight -- I think it was 102-69.  Some big stat lines due to NC's system.  Taylor Reaber had her best game as a Titan with 17 points and 15 boards.  Katy Seibring continued her torrid pace on offense with 25 and 10. 

Hope the Titans can keep it rolling and give CC a real run for their money in the upcoming game in Kenosha. 

Any word on the status of Lexi Baltes?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2013, 01:30:30 AM
Not everyday you see IWU go 0-10 from treyland and win handily. 

Should be a good re-match up in Kenosha.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2013, 03:16:00 PM
Stephanie Kuzmanic had another wonderful game for Carthage, which improved to 11-0 with a 78-54 win over Elmhurst. She had 3 steals, 2 blocks, only 2 TOs, 9 assists, 13 rebounds and made 8/13 FGs including a 3, 6 of 6 FTs for 23 pts.
Cailee Corcoran (8/11, 2/2 FT) added 18 pts and 3 steals.
Fiona McMahon returned to action for EC and sank a three among her 10 pts in 12:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 07, 2013, 03:32:40 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 07, 2013, 01:28:48 AM
Any word on the status of Lexi Baltes?

IWU70

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/iwu-women-score-win-at-north-central/article_e828e6ba-70df-11e2-bf99-0019bb2963f4.html

Playing without junior guard Lexi Baltes, who didn’t dress for the game after suffering a bad ankle sprain in practice on Monday, the Titans looked to the inside and received a stellar outing from post players Taylor Reaber and Katy Seibring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2013, 04:54:16 PM
NPU is absolutely floundering right now at the offensive end of the floor. In fact, that's the best adjective to describe NPU's shooting: Offensive, as in causing offense to one's sense of basketball aesthetics. For six straight halves now, the Vikings have failed to crack 40% from the floor. Last night they hit rock-bottom, shooting less than 20% for the game and scoring only 32 points, featuring what might be an all-time school record low of 13 points in the second half.

Wheaton played good defense on the Vikings, but NPU still had a plethora of open shots that the Vikings somehow conspired to miss. Kamauria Acree had four layups or putbacks that she couldn't get into the basket. Centers Nicole Kruckman and Becca Heimsath, neither of whom ever takes a shot from more than ten feet away from the basket, were a combined 2-10 from the field. Layups, putbacks, midrange jumpers, long-distance bombs -- you name it, the Vikings missed them.

I wouldn't even say that NPU played particularly good defense last night, either. A lot of Wheaton's 23 turnovers were unforced results of WC carelessness or of trying to do too much to make a simple play, as Wheaton was pretty desperate to get some offense, too, until Breanna Bohlen heated up from downtown in the second half. The Vikings looked pretty flat-footed defensively, and they failed to fight through screens and gave Wheaton more open three-point looks than it should've had. I remarked after the game to my color commentator that it appeared as though the Vikings were coming off of a collective case of the flu. You'd never know that it was a key late-season tilt on their home floor against their archrival. They just looked listless all night.

NPU is really up against it now. Writing off the season finale at Carthage as pretty much a foregone conclusion in terms of a loss, the Vikings absolutely have to have their two upcoming games, this Saturday at home against Elmhurst and a week from Saturday at North Central. There's no more margin for error for NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2013, 04:58:24 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 06, 2013, 10:10:09 PMSarah Peterson of NPU left the game with an injury about midway through the 2nd half and didn't return. Hope she's ok. She's had a tough year on the injury front.

She landed right on the point of her bad knee after getting knocked in mid-air while going up for a rebound. She said after the game that it was pretty swollen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2013, 10:33:42 PM
Sorry to hear about Lexi Baltes' injury.  Sure hope she's a fast healer.  Hard to face 11-0 CC without your starting PG.  Perhaps the Titans will use Melissa Gardner at the point?  The Titans have had their share of injuries and departures this year, causing some considerable damage to their prospects.  Mia Smith is going to have to recruit hard to get the Titans back to CCIW-championship levels for the coming few seasons.  Doesn't Olivia Lett have a few younger sisters playing for Pana now?  :) 

Great to see so many Titans playing well -- McMahon, Bilek, Gardner and esp. Seibring.  Seibring is now leading the league in scoring during the CCIW portion.  Taylor Reaber had a superb game vs. NCC and the "system."  Hope Scurlock and Beoletto and others amongst the sophs and freshies, continue to improve and develop for future seasons.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2013, 10:31:14 AM
Colleen McMahon filled in well at point guard on Wednesday at NC. Melissa could do it, too, if needed. A lot of the Titans are good ballhandlers and passers. Michelle Bilek brought the ball up several times.
The CCIW is well-stocked with fine point guards this season and Lexi is in the top 3 or 4, I'd say.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2013, 11:21:49 AM
In the 75-65 Millikin win over Augie, the Big Blue shot extremely well : 24/40 FGs and 24/26 FTs. Brittany Czaplicki made 5/7 FG and 10/10 FTs for 20 pts and she added 7 rebs and 5 steals. Teammate Bria Williams made 5/8 FG and 7/7 FT and grabbed 7 rebs.
Augie's Molly Etheridge scored 22 to go along with 5 rebs and 3 steals.
At 2-9, Augie trails NP and NC by 2 games, with 3 left. Millikin joins Elmhurst 1 game out of the 4th playoff slot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2013, 06:55:30 PM
Tomorrow we have rematches of the January 12th set of games. The first time around, Wheaton beat Millikin 66-46, Carthage beat Illinois Wesleyan 62-48, North Central beat Augustana 105-98 and North Park beat Elmhurst 65-64.
I'll be attending the game at North Park which should be a very good one. Both sides are competing for that 4th playoff spot and no doubt are looking at this game as a must win. And, the first time they met, a late-game free throw won it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2013, 04:25:33 AM
Good luck to the Titans as they head north to Cheeseheadland to face Redpeople.  Hope our Greenies have their best game of the season and pin a loss on Carthage.  It would be a great win.

And, hope Lexi Baltes is better, able to play.

The season is wrapping up . . . selection day coming soon.  Hope the Titans have a AQ winning CCIW tournament.  That would be grand for sure.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 10:01:09 AM
It feels a bit strange to call a game between 9-2 Wheaton and 3-8 Millikin a "must-win" for both teams, but with the way the race for the 4th seed has shaped up that's exactly what this game is. For the second straight year, we know that the fourth seed can finish no better than 7-7--and that would require either North Park or Elmhurst to win out, which seems unlikely given their remaining schedules. So Millikin, despite an 0-8 start, remains in the tournament picture thanks to their 3-game winning streak. And Wheaton needs to win out, and get some help, in order to win a share of the conference championship.

Video: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/millikin.portal#

Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/millikin/wbball/scoreboard.aspx

The game tips at 2:00 pm (Noon for those of us on the West Coast).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 11:02:11 AM
Today's other games also have big implications when it comes to the conference tournament.

Elmhurst @ North Park, 2:00 pm
Another "must-win" for both teams. If Elmhurst wants any chance of grabbing the fourth seed, they have to win this game. North Park  really has no margin for error with two difficult road games looming next week.

Illinois Wesleyan @ Carthage, 5:00 pm
A win clinches a share of the CCIW title for Carthage. Illinois Wesleyan is pretty much locked into the 2-3 game at the CCIW tournament, but I'm sure they'd love to pin a loss on Carthage.

North Central @ Augustana
I don't think anyone wants to face NCC in the conference tournament, but the Cardinals seem to have the inside-track to the 4th seed right now already having a win over NPU and not having to face any of the top 3 teams the rest of the way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 04:57:16 PM
Wheaton 83
Millikin 59

Wheaton 19-3 (10-2)
Hannah Considine- 26 points, 6 rebounds
Brooke Olson- 11 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists
Lauren Graham- 10 points, 4 assists
Breanna Bohlen- 10 points, 6 assists
Maris Hovee- 10 rebounds

Millikin 8-14 (3-9)
Nikki Tipsword- 16 points
Jasmine Johnson- 13 points, 4 rebounds
Bria Williams- 13 points, 5 rebounds
Brittany Czaplicki- 11 points, 3 rebounds

Strong win for Wheaton on the road this afternoon, minus the 21 turnovers. Wheaton out-rebounded the Big Blue 51-33, shot 48% from the field, 41% from 3, and 85% at the foul line. Had the Thunder taken better care of the ball the margin could have been even more, but Millikin did a good job of pressuring the ball and altering a lot of passes.

Hannah Considine had a huge game, often finding herself wide open under the basket for some reason. Brooke Olson was all over the place, seemingly doing everything for the Thunder.

It was Millikin's senior day, and Olya Cholewick, Nikki Tipsword, and Brittany Galivan all started for the Big Blue. Coach Kerans subbed each of them out individually towards the end of the game so they could all get nice ovations.

Wheaton is the only CCIW team in action during the week next week, traveling to Robert Morris (Chicago) on Tuesday at 6:00 pm. The Eagles are currently 17-10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 05:01:17 PM
Elmhurst came from behind to beat North Park, 71-68, in Chicago. A potential game-tying 3 was short for the Vikings at the buzzer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 06:50:03 PM
Good game in Kenosha right now, Carthage leading Illinois Wesleyan 35-34 at the half. Aside from the nauseating homerism from the Carthage announcers, it was a really entertaining back-and-forth first half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 07:47:22 PM
Going to overtime in Kenosha, tied at 65.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Yes, great game in Kenosha.  McMahon having a monster game for the Titans, with 27 so far.  Seibring also playing well.

Carthage is a very good team.  They just hardly ever miss FTs.   They are a very deserving conference champion.  My congrats to them on their fine season, to date.

A good struggle.  Hope the Titans can finally pin a loss on the Lady Reds.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2013, 08:05:29 PM
Great finish in Cheeseheadland.  Colleen McMahon gets the game winner with 4 seconds in OT, for the Titans to win by one.  She finishes with 31, a career night.

Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans -- great grit and poise, playing well down the stretch, to finally pin a loss in CCIW play on the super fine Carthage team. 

Great confidence booster for the Titans!

Wonderful atmosphere there, big crowd for the women's game, now waiting for the men's contest in about 30 minutes. 

Titans now 9-3 in CCIW play.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 09, 2013, 08:06:00 PM
IWU 76
Carthage 75 (OT)

Colleen McMahon hits game winning layup with :04 to play.

Great win, Titans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 09, 2013, 08:08:14 PM
Final/OT:
Illinois Wesleyan 76
Carthage 75

Carthage hasn't won anything yet, iwu70, as the Titans pick up a thrilling win over the Lady Reds at the Tarble Arena tonight. What a game. It was back-and-forth the whole way, and Colleen McMahon hit the game-winning layup with 4 seconds to play in overtime. McMahon and Katy Seibring had monster games for IWU. Melissa Gardner hit some really tough shots down the stretch as well before she fouled out. For Carthage, Michelle Wenzel was outstanding, and Cailee Corcoran and Stephanie Kuzmanic had solid games as well.

This sets up a HUGE game at King Arena next Saturday between Carthage and Wheaton. The Thunder controls its own destiny now for grabbing a share of the conference title and hosting the conference tournament. If Wheaton wins out, they would own the tiebraker over Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2013, 08:09:52 PM
File under 'too little, too late' for the Titans (but still awfully nice to see! ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 09, 2013, 08:27:52 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2013, 08:09:52 PM
File under 'too little, too late' for the Titans (but still awfully nice to see! ;D)
Not done yet Mr Ypsi  I think we have better than even shot in conf tournament  I would rather play in Wheaton than have the longer travel to Kenosha
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2013, 08:32:08 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 09, 2013, 08:27:52 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2013, 08:09:52 PM
File under 'too little, too late' for the Titans (but still awfully nice to see! ;D)
Not done yet Mr Ypsi  I think we have better than even shot in conf tournament  I would rather play in Wheaton than have the longer travel to Kenosha

Don't worry, I'm NOT throwing in the towel on the tourney!  I just meant the conference title.  (Even there, we could theoretically still finish tri-champs, but that would require some extremely unlikely results.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2013, 10:54:34 PM
GREAT day to be a Titan in Kenosha!

Carthage women enter 11-0, leave 11-1.  IWU men enter 11-0, leave 12-0! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2013, 11:55:06 PM
Elmhurst 71
North Park 68

Sarah Peterson: 15 pts
Dana Christensen: 15 pts
Dominikque Williams: 10 pts

Fiona McMahon: 14 pts
Devin Vaughn: 12 pts
Katie Swanson: 11 pts

I don't know what to say at this point. The Vikings simply cannot seem to win close games, and at this point it's basically killed their season. There's some indefinable quality, some ability to execute at a higher level with the game on the line in the final minute or so, that good teams have and that NPU simply does not have. One would expect to see it in a team that has eight seniors, but it's just not there for the Vikings.

NPU blew a 12-point lead that it had established with some superb play early in the second half, and with Fiona McMahon in foul trouble it looked as though NPU would have a stranglehold on this game. It was not to be. EC did a great job of attacking the basket, and of knocking down FTs in the wake of their drives (25-29 from the line today for 86% as a team), while the Park faltered at both ends of the floor down the stretch. Once again the Vikings had a chance to tie with a trey at the end of the game (shades of the CC @ NPU game) with the ball in the hands of the right player, but Dana Christensen, who had made three of her first four trey attempts, was unable to connect this time.

I don't know if NPU is still mathematically alive or not, but I'm almost willing to say that it doesn't matter. The Vikings just don't have that extra something that allows them to prevail in a tight contest, sad to say. It was a really tough way for those eight seniors to close out their home careers on Senior Day.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2013, 12:57:44 AM
Backseat, if WC can chase down CC and tie for the conference, get to host for the CCIW Tourney, I'll tip my hat to them.  I just don't see it happening.  Glad my Titans pinned at least one loss on the Redpeople.  Titans are playing well, but basically have to win the CCIW tournament, it would appear, to get into the Dance.   Carthage is a really good team.  WC will have to play very well, shoot a high percentage from treyville, to win.  IWU would probably rather play in Wheaton.   We'll see.

All-conference selections will be interesting to see. 

Great game tonight by Colleen McMahon.  Her best as a Titan, ever.  Good timing.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 10, 2013, 11:29:31 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 10, 2013, 12:57:44 AM
Backseat, if WC can chase down CC and tie for the conference, get to host for the CCIW Tourney, I'll tip my hat to them.  I just don't see it happening.  Glad my Titans pinned at least one loss on the Redpeople.  Titans are playing well, but basically have to win the CCIW tournament, it would appear, to get into the Dance.   Carthage is a really good team.  WC will have to play very well, shoot a high percentage from treyville, to win.  IWU would probably rather play in Wheaton.   We'll see.

All-conference selections will be interesting to see. 

Great game tonight by Colleen McMahon.  Her best as a Titan, ever.  Good timing.

IWU70

Well, there's not much "chasing down" that has to happen, just one head-to-head game. Wheaton did get pretty thoroughly steamrolled by the Lady Reds in Kenosha, but I just don't see that happening again.

Wheaton did just beat IWU in Bloomington, the same IWU team that just beat Carthage, so I don't think a Wheaton victory is unfathomable.

Now you're right, it will take a good all-around performance from the Thunder. Carthage is a very dangerous team that can beat you inside and outside, and can lock you down defensively. I think the biggest thing for Wheaton will be defending Stephanie Kuzmanic, she makes the Lady Reds "go."

And keep in mind that Wheaton is typically a much stronger team at home, having won 18-straight at King Arena. Wheaton is 29-5 at home under Kent Madsen. Carthage will definitely be the best team to visit this season, however.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 10, 2013, 02:03:54 PM
There's not much to go off of in predicting the outcome of Wheaton's game against Robert Morris on Tuesday. Both teams faced Clarke early in the season. RMU won two games against the Crusaders (76-63 on Nov. 4; 79-74 in OT on Nov. 29), and Wheaton defeated Clarke 60-47 on Dec. 4. The two schools haven't played each other since 2009.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2013, 07:15:14 PM
Backseat, good luck to WC vs. Carthage.  I agree with you totally about Kuzmanic.  She's the key to stopping CC.  Carthage does have a strong post game too.  IWU really hung in, with the monster game from McMahon, to beat them.  Seibring also had an excellent, tenacious game.  We'll know the CCIW tournament line-up and location soon enough.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2013, 11:39:40 AM
The Elmhurst/North Park game was entertaining and hard-fought, as expected. Both sides gave full effort and deserved to win. Both sides also made several ill-advised mistakes and thereby couldn't blame anyone else for a loss. That said, they are both still in it (at 4-8) for the 4th playoff slot.
The only team out of it now is Augie (2-10), having been upended 87-67 by North Central (5-7).
For NC, Maryssa Cladis scored 14 and had 3 steals, Kelsey Cooling had 14 pts and 4 steals, Sophie Newson had 12 pts, 6 rebs. Callie Rezin had a productive 15:00 : 9 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assists, 4 steals.
Augie got 14 pts and 10 rebs by Molly Etheridge while Gianna Pecora tallied 13 pts.
Millikin at 3-9 needs to beat IWU, needs North Park to beat North Central and then would need to beat North Central. They'd also need Elmhurst to go 1-1 or 0-2 and North Park to lose at Carthage. Then we'd have a bunch of teams tied at 5-9. Trying to figure the tie-breakers would give me a headache. We may not need to worry about that anyway.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2013, 01:01:25 PM
North Central set a couple of records for CCIW play Saturday. They hit 17 threes (tried 65), erasing the prior record of 16 by IWU in 2007. They also moved past IWU's record (121) for threes made in the 14-game conference season with 123 at the moment (through 12 games).
NC's leading scorer, however, is Larynn Shumaker (14.1 in CCIW play, 12.7 overall) who has not even attempted a three.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2013, 02:42:48 PM
Congratulations to Colleen McMahon, new CCIW player of the week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on February 11, 2013, 03:54:46 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2013, 11:39:40 AM
The Elmhurst/North Park game was entertaining and hard-fought, as expected. Both sides gave full effort and deserved to win. Both sides also made several ill-advised mistakes and thereby couldn't blame anyone else for a loss. That said, they are both still in it (at 4-8) for the 4th playoff slot.
The only team out of it now is Augie (2-10), having been upended 87-67 by North Central (5-7).
For NC, Maryssa Cladis scored 14 and had 3 steals, Kelsey Cooling had 14 pts and 4 steals, Sophie Newson had 12 pts, 6 rebs. Callie Rezin had a productive 15:00 : 9 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assists, 4 steals.
Augie got 14 pts and 10 rebs by Molly Etheridge while Gianna Pecora tallied 13 pts.
Millikin at 3-9 needs to beat IWU, needs North Park to beat North Central and then would need to beat North Central. They'd also need Elmhurst to go 1-1 or 0-2 and North Park to lose at Carthage. Then we'd have a bunch of teams tied at 5-9. Trying to figure the tie-breakers would give me a headache. We may not need to worry about that anyway.

not trying to jinx NCC at all, but if NCC and EC both go 1-1 or 2-0 (both scenarios are likely, although I am not sold on EC beating WC @ WC but...) who gets in? As I typed this I realize its not only about the record the last 2 games but who they beat too..and then I got the aforementioned headache. My guess is that NCC goes 2-0 (they should be healthy in a week) and EC goes 1-1 and that gets NCC in. But if NCC goes 1-1 and loses to NP and EC goes 1-1 losing to WC....ok nevermind
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2013, 04:59:48 PM
Unsurprisingly, Carthage fell back out of the Top 25, losing 33 of their previous 51 points to fall to a tie for 32nd.  Wheaton finally received some votes (possibly former Carthage voters), finishing with 13 points (36th).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2013, 05:04:56 PM
I'm not even going to bother sorting out the tiebreakers, because I just don't think it's possible for NPU to get in. The Vikings have to end their season in the airplane hangar against North Central and in the Toolshed facing the Lady Reds, and I simply don't have the confidence that they can pull off both wins. This is very tough for me to say, but NPU just hasn't shown that it can close out a tight game -- and the Vikes would no doubt have to close out not one, but two tight games in order to finish the season 6-8 and in good shape to garner the fourth and final CCIW tourney slot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2013, 09:08:24 PM
Congrats to Colleen McMahon, CCIW Player of the Week.  Much deserved!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2013, 11:26:38 PM
If I were voting today, Kuzmanic would be the season MOP, IMHO.  Carthage Coach gets Coach of the Year? (unless Wheaton catches, ties CC this coming weekend?).

For all-CCIW, for our Titans, I'd say Seibring 1st team, McMahon 2nd, and Gardner 2nd or 3rd.  Lots of good players out there.  Kuzmanic and Olson clearly 1st team.

Nice to know the Titans have Seibring and McMahon coming back and another group, nice core of players with lots of experience, = Baltes, Scurlock, both Reabers, Beoletto, hopefully a healthy Mullarkey.  Would love to see Shelby Jackson return, of course.  Coach Mia will need to recruit some strong newbies, especially post players, rebounders.  Baltes, Seibring and McMahon are a very nice core to build on for next season.  Top assist person, very solid PG, and the two top scorers from this season.  Looks like Seibring might win the Conference scoring title, with two games to go.  McMahon has really come on strong as the season reaches the stretch run.

Seniors Gardner and Bilek. both with superb Titan careers.  Senior night coming up to honor them.   Gardner one of the best trey shooters in the history of the IWU program, hitting the key trey in the national championship game last year . . .  and Bilek, well, just a work-horse, tenacious defender, giving it her all, all the time.  Love her game.  It ain't always pretty, but she gets the job done.  Such a hard-worker, good team citizen.  She has hit some of the biggest treys in recent years for IWU, esp. the one last year at home vs. Carthage, to send the Titans on their way to the national championship run. I've seen her make more shots falling down than about any player in recent years.   :)  Both players will be greatly missed.

Opinions on All-Conference selections? 

WC-CC game this weekend should be a real good one.  Olson guarding Kuzmanic?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2013, 11:19:57 AM
OK, iwu70, since you're forcing us to :
1st team : Kuzmanic and Corcoran from Carthage, Olson (Wheaton), Seibring (IWU), Fiona McMahon (Elmhurst);
MOP - probably Kuzmanic, but Olson is very close.
For the other ten honorees, I'll go team-by-team.
Augie, Millikin and North Park : not sure who.
Carthage : leaning toward Wenzel (hopefully she'll catch me if I fall over!);
Elmhurst : Karen Senette if they get 2; Tess G not far behind, but the Jays won't get 3;
IWU : Colleen McMahon; they may get a 3rd, but I can't decide among some good choices;
NC : Larynn Shumaker plus maybe Bobbi Johns or ?
W : two of these three - Bohlen, Hovee, Considine.
Since the standings are still unsettled, someone else could still dazzle us.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2013, 03:41:42 PM
Backseat Driver, I'll be attending Wheaton's game at Robert Morris at 6:00. Like you, I'm not quite sure what to expect, although I think the Thunder will enjoy a height advantage. I'm wondering how much Coach Madsen will use the regulars, since this is an NAIA opponent and the game has no impact on NCAA rankings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 12, 2013, 05:36:08 PM
I would think for All-CCIW for Wheaton you can chalk Olson in for 1st Team: If they win the conference, you could make a case for Bohlen to also be 1st team, otherwise I think she's 2nd Team. Considine likely third team. Because of missing a couple games with mono, I think Hovee might be a snub.  Overall body of work warrants All-conference but the missing CCIW games will likely hurt her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2013, 07:02:58 PM
RogK, basically agree with almost all of your choices.  Bohlen a good shot at 1st team.

On MOP, perhaps Olson and Kuzmanic co-winners.  Guess it depends on the remaining big game to be played, to some degree.

On the Titans, I'd stay with Seibring 1st, McMahon 2nd, and Gardner 3rd. -- assuming they get three on.  The Titans were really hurt with the loss of Shelby Jackson in the post.

Should be a great game -- WC vs. CC.  I think the Titans will win out now, finishing the regular season 18-7, 11-3.  We'll see.  Gotta go get the AQ now.  ;)

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2013, 10:18:15 PM
Final/OT:
Wheaton 64
Robert Morris 60

Brooke Olson- 23 points, 14 rebounds (43 minutes played!)
Hannah Considine- 14 points, 7 rebounds
Maris Hovee- 10 rebounds, 2 blocks
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2013, 11:46:39 PM
Wow, a good game, WC vs. RM.  Now the big one, vs. CC.

If the Titans were to go 3-1 in the next four games, including the CCIW tournament, and finish 19-8, do they have any chance for an at-large, Pool C bid to the dance?

Is the AQ absolutely required?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 12, 2013, 11:59:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 12, 2013, 11:46:39 PM
Wow, a good game, WC vs. RM.  Now the big one, vs. CC.

If the Titans were to go 3-1 in the next four games, including the CCIW tournament, and finish 19-8, do they have any chance for an at-large, Pool C bid to the dance?

Is the AQ absolutely required?

IWU70

IWU definitely needs to win the AQ. The Central Region is too deep to sneak in with a 19-8 record, regardless of SOS.

Looking ahead to Wheaton's game against Carthage, the Thunder needs to be efficient on the offensive end. Carthage is a top tier defensive team, so that's easier said than done.  Wheaton was simply unable to score against the Lady Reds in the last meeting. The biggest thing for the Thunder is to not settle for outside shots.

Defensively, ball pressure will be huge. Kuzmanic and Stercic are lights out from the perimeter, and allowing easy passes into Corcoran, Schmidt, and Wenzel is a recipe for disaster. Wheaton needs to have good on-ball defense and crisp rotations.

I don't think you forget losing by 32 points. Motivation wont be enough to in the game, but hopefully it helps the Thunder focus during their preparation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2013, 12:51:28 AM
Backseat, agree with your recipe for taking on CC.  Gotta battle them on the boards, bigtime. 

Hope it is a good close game, giving WC a chance to win it.  Titans have a tough tough road to get to the AQ, no matter.  If I were the Titans, I'd guess I'd rather take the shorter trip in February up to Wheaton, than that long long trek back up to Cheeseheadland again, for the conference tournament.

IWU70 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 01:40:59 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)

Maybe "definitely" is too strong, since a lot can happen between now and the end of conference tournaments. But I think it'll be pretty tough to get a resume on the table with 8 losses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 13, 2013, 05:28:26 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 01:40:59 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)

Maybe "definitely" is too strong, since a lot can happen between now and the end of conference tournaments. But I think it'll be pretty tough to get a resume on the table with 8 losses.

Hope was 22-5 last year, beat several tournament teams along the way, 2 of its losses coming at top 5 Calvin - and no tournament invite.  I'd say IWU needs the AQ.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2013, 07:26:31 AM
Ypsi, sure looks to me like our Titans need the AQ to get in.  I agree they played one of the toughest schedules in DIII this year, had some good runs, but still losses, to top 25 teams, but just didn't amass the record needed for a Pool C consideration, spot.  Sad, but true.  I think we have to hope for two great performances in the CCIW tourney, and a surprise return to the Dance for our women.  They are playing well, have the ability to do it, but it's a tough climb given how well WC and CC have played and are playing.  If our team got in, likely a pretty low seed, so more tough games early on in the Dance,too.  We'll see.  Never say never.  My money this year would be on DePauw to win it all.  They are good! with a great point guard.

Am glad we have a good core coming back, losing only Gardner and Bilek as seniors.  Baltes as the solid PG, top assist player, and the two top scorers in Seibring and McMahon, all coming back.  Mia will need to recruit hard, train up the rest of the returning players and esp. find some size, rebounding strength and post presence for the next few seasons.  Others coming back are pretty good, with some experience = Scurlock, both Reabers, Beoletto, hopefully a healthy Mullarkey.  Not sure if Shelby Jackson would come back as that situation was more than a sore, infected tooth, it would appear.  Some of the deep bench players have to step up now and improve, get their minutes.  They should take a cue from Seibring and see how much she improved in talent, strength and fitness in the off-season to become a much-improved, surely an All-CCIW player, even 1st team All-CCIW.  We'll see.  18-7, 11-3 is a mighty fine season, but hard to compare it to last year's magical, national title run.

Hope you can stop by the Shirk sometime and see the women's national championship banner flying proudly in the Shirk rafters.   A nice bookend to the men's '97 championship banner flying at the other end of the performance arena.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2013, 11:52:41 AM
To add to what Backseat Driver wrote about Wheaton's win at RMU :
The Thunder's shooting was as off-target as you'll ever see from them, especially going 5/31 on 2FGs and 3/16 3FGs in the 1st half. But they got 17 offensive rebounds in that half, enabling them to get 47 shots up. Their size advantage (and effort) helped in that regard. For the game, they outrebounded Robert Morris 57-35.
Brooke Olson just refuses to rest, even in a nonconference, non-NCAA game. She fully took control of the overtime, even after playing huge minutes in regulation.
Jenn Lee also deserves special mention for energizing the team with a quick burst of scoring and sharp defense during an otherwise mediocre stretch for the Thunder in the 2nd half.
The game was an interesting challenge for Wheaton. No CCIW team plays like RMU. RMU has a couple of ultra-quick small guards who caused some difficulty for Wheaton; fortunately for Wheaton, one of them frequently seemed most interested in showing off her dribbling skill in lieu of getting something accomplished. Despite this advantage in quickness, RMU did not play a hurry-up game on offense. I did like a couple of their players : center Yolanda de la Torre, who had some nice moves around the basket and got 16 pts, 13 rebs, 5 blocks and 4 steals; forward Mary Colon who shot pretty well scoring 14.
I think Wheaton's younger players got some valuable experience learning to deal with RMU's speedy guards.
The game was played at Attack Athletics on Harrison St, a gym that several current and former NBA stars play at during the summer. The Thunder players can now say that they've played on the same court that Michael Jordan and, by the way, President Obama have played on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 13, 2013, 03:53:15 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)

They are not even in the regional rankings. They need to win out.

Ask 2003 Trinity (Texas) and 2004 UW-Stevens Point what benefit the defending champ gets. And they even had their coaches on the committee! It means nothing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 13, 2013, 04:04:22 PM
New Regional Rankings. I added strength of schedule and RvRRO

Central
1 Cornell 20-1 20-1/.485/2-0
2 Washington U. 17-3 18-4/ .554/2-2
3 UW-Whitewater 16-4 18-5/.574/3-2
4 UW-Oshkosh 16-4 19-4/.552/3-2
5 Carthage 17-4 19-4/.536/0-1
6 UW-Superior 17-5 18-6/.540/2-2
7 Monmouth 17-4 18-4/.504/1-2
8 UW-Stevens Point 17-5 18-5 /.539/1-4


Wheaton sits at 20-3 and 18-3 in region but is 0-2 vs RRO (at Carthage, at Simpson- #1 in West) and their SOS is just .479
Pretty easy to see where the shortcomings are in Wheaton's resume. A win vs. Carthage would be huge and their SOS will go up however the CCIW is still a one-bid league however it falls especially since at least three of these UW school will need Pool C.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2013, 04:31:31 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 01:40:59 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)

Maybe "definitely" is too strong, since a lot can happen between now and the end of conference tournaments. But I think it'll be pretty tough to get a resume on the table with 8 losses.

Six losses. As Chuck said, the OliNaz loss is practically irrelevant in the eyes of the committee, just as is Wesleyan's win over St. Francis and Wheaton's wins over Clarke and Robert Morris. But remember, too, that Wesleyan's loss to Mount Union and win over Muskingum, even though those were games against fellow D3 schools rather than NAIA foes, were non-regional and thus not a part of the primary criteria.

People tend to refer to a team's overall record out of force of habit when looking at post-season possibilities, which is understandable. But that's not how it works in D3. The won-lost record that you need to focus upon is in-region record. Currently, as indicated in thunder38's listing of the new Central Region rankings, Carthage is 17-4 (.809). Wheaton currently sits at 18-3 (.857), and Wesleyan is 14-5 (.737).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2013, 04:46:36 PM
When CCIW coaches schedule their 11 nonconference games, are they required to include a certain minimum of in-region NCAA opponents? If not required, is there incentive to do so? Are they required to devote a certain minimum of those 11 games to D3 opponents, in-region or not? Thanks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2013, 05:09:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2013, 04:46:36 PM
When CCIW coaches schedule their 11 nonconference games, are they required to include a certain minimum of in-region NCAA opponents? If not required, is there incentive to do so? Are they required to devote a certain minimum of those 11 games to D3 opponents, in-region or not? Thanks.

No, they're not required by the NCAA to do anything other than play at least half of their games against D3 opponents in order to be eligible fo rthe D3 tourney -- which the CCIW slate takes care of all by itself.

However, starting next season, D3 men's basketball is going to count all games played against D3 competition, not just the in-region games, towards the primary criteria. The countervailing requirement, though, is that each school will be required to play at least 70% of its regular-season games against in-region competition, in order to conform to D3's mission to emphasize local competition. That new rule may apply to women's basketball as well ... I'm not sure about that, as I don't follow the Multi-Regional Topics discussions of women's basketball the way that I do on the men's side. I pretty much stick to the CCIW room when it comes to women's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2013, 04:31:31 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 01:40:59 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)

Maybe "definitely" is too strong, since a lot can happen between now and the end of conference tournaments. But I think it'll be pretty tough to get a resume on the table with 8 losses.

Six losses. As Chuck said, the OliNaz loss is practically irrelevant in the eyes of the committee, just as is Wesleyan's win over St. Francis and Wheaton's wins over Clarke and Robert Morris. But remember, too, that Wesleyan's loss to Mount Union and win over Muskingum, even though those were games against fellow D3 schools rather than NAIA foes, were non-regional and thus not a part of the primary criteria.

People tend to refer to a team's overall record out of force of habit when looking at post-season possibilities, which is understandable. But that's not how it works in D3. The won-lost record that you need to focus upon is in-region record. Currently, as indicated in thunder38's listing of the new Central Region rankings, Carthage is 17-4 (.809). Wheaton currently sits at 18-3 (.857), and Wesleyan is 14-5 (.737).

You're right, that would probably fall into the "lazy post" category on my part.

It would probably be best if people like me, who don't know all the inner workings of the selection process, refrained from posting about such things :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 13, 2013, 07:11:18 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM
You're right, that would probably fall into the "lazy post" category on my part.

It would probably be best if people like me, who don't know all the inner workings of the selection process, refrained from posting about such things :)

As the head of the lazy posting police, I think you are in the clear here. 

- A lazy post would be, "Anyone know IWU's record?" 

- Not knowing the ins and outs of the NCAA Division III tournament selection process is completely understandable and something you become familiar with over time.

You're good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 07:25:54 PM
Anyone know IWU's record?

(Sorry, Bob - the devil made me do it! ;D)

Though I confess that even after years of dissecting Pool C chances, I totally overlooked that the Mt. Union loss would be non-regional, and only mentioned ONU. :-[
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 13, 2013, 08:36:26 PM
Here is how the Central region stacks up, with IWU's and Wheaton's numbers included below...

Central (2/13 ranking)
1 Cornell 20-1 (.952)/.485/2-0
2 Washington U. 17-3 (.850)/ .554/2-2
3 UW-Whitewater 16-4 (.800)/.574/3-2
4 UW-Oshkosh 16-4 (.800)/.552/3-2
5 Carthage 17-4 (.810)/.536/0-1
6 UW-Superior 17-5 (.773)/.540/2-2
7 Monmouth 17-4 (.810)/.504/1-2
8 UW-Stevens Point 17-5 (.773)/.539/1-4
----------
  Wheaton 18-3 (.857)/.479/0-2
  Illinois Wesleyan 14-5 (.737)/.580/2-3


Wheaton and IWU are both very close to being regionally ranked as I see it - Wheaton being first in line via the sweep of IWU.  But let's say one sneaks into the regional ranking at some point before the selection process (which I think is very possible).  The problem is all of the Pool C candidates from the Central region that will be ahead of Wheaton/IWU.  Potentially...

- Wash U
- WIAC 1
- WIAC 2
- WIAC 3 or Monmouth

So potentially 4 Pool C's from the region would have to be selected before that CCIW team could even get on the board for evaluation/discussion.  I just don't see it.  And if you're IWU, stuck behind Wheaton most likely, I think you have to assume that there just isn't a reasonable path to Pool C.

Carthage isn't even in a very comfortable spot.  If the Lady Reds lose @ Wheaton, and then lose in the conference tournament - even in the title game Saturday - they could end up buried behind the same teams I mention above.

I think all 4 teams that play in the conference tournament will need to go in assuming they need to win it to make the NCAA tournament.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2013, 01:22:56 AM
Yup, AQ required.  Q is right, never lazy with his analysis.  CCIW tournament should be a good one, hard-fought.

Chuck, you are a devil.  Of course we all know that only Q appointed himself as "lazy poster policeman." :)

What a liberal arts education does to people . . .

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2013, 09:09:24 AM
Nice feature on the IWU sports website on senior Melissa Gardner, in the "Featured Titan" series. 

I knew Melissa was already the second most prolific trey shooter. in treys made, of all time at IWU.  She probably can't catch, I believe, Mallory Heydorn for #1, but wow what a career in shooting from downtown.  But, didn't realize that Melissa, when she plays the first game of the CCIW tournament will set the all-time record for games played in the IWU women's program, at 122 games.  That, my friends, is a lot of mileage.  She's at 119 now according to this piece.  Talk about longevity and durability . . . and top performance all the way along.

Congratulations to Melissa on the most durable and long-tenured career at IWU.  Quite an achievement, given the academic demands of IWU and the physical demands of DIII women's basketball these days, especially in the Mia Smith era of "run and jump."  My hat is off to Ms. Gardner.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2013, 11:30:57 AM
The January 19th scores from the initial meetings of tomorrow's matchups :
IWU over Millikin 72-67, NC over NP 102-101, EC over Augie 69-61, Carthage over Wheaton 68-36.
I think I'll go to the NP at NC game; I hope this time there will be a decent score, like both teams in the 120s. Ha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2013, 04:18:54 PM
Bite your tongue, Rog. ;)

Actually, NPU should be more ready for the up-and-down-the-floor style of NCC's variation of the System. Now that Bridgette Gray is back in uniform and looks like she has her mobility back, NPU has three point guards rather than two. The extra ballhandler could make a big difference for the Vikings against the NCC press.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 15, 2013, 04:24:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2013, 04:31:31 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 13, 2013, 01:40:59 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2013, 01:06:36 AM
I disagree that IWU 'definitely' needs to win the AQ.  Probably, yes; definitely, no.  Don't forget that their loss to Olivet Nazarene doesn't count in the eyes of the committee.  Their losses are certainly not 'bad' losses: 23-0 Depauw, 19-3 Wheaton (twice), 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 Mount Union, and 18-5 UWSP.  And their wins are not all 'gimmes': 19-4 Carthage, 18-5 UWW, 14-9 Wartburg, 12-11 Coe, and twice each 13-10 North Park and 12-11 North Central.

I certainly would not want to rely on a Pool C, but I do not think it is beyond question.

(And maybe, just maybe, a defending national champion gets the benefit of the doubt on close calls! ;D)

Maybe "definitely" is too strong, since a lot can happen between now and the end of conference tournaments. But I think it'll be pretty tough to get a resume on the table with 8 losses.

Six losses. As Chuck said, the OliNaz loss is practically irrelevant in the eyes of the committee, just as is Wesleyan's win over St. Francis and Wheaton's wins over Clarke and Robert Morris. But remember, too, that Wesleyan's loss to Mount Union and win over Muskingum, even though those were games against fellow D3 schools rather than NAIA foes, were non-regional and thus not a part of the primary criteria.

People tend to refer to a team's overall record out of force of habit when looking at post-season possibilities, which is understandable. But that's not how it works in D3. The won-lost record that you need to focus upon is in-region record. Currently, as indicated in thunder38's listing of the new Central Region rankings, Carthage is 17-4 (.809). Wheaton currently sits at 18-3 (.857), and Wesleyan is 14-5 (.737).

I think if we are talking about the selection chances of a team so far down the scale that they are not regionally ranked, then secondary criteria will most certainly be in play. Non-D3 games? Perhaps not, but overall D3 record will definitely be considered if IWU is to have a shot to get in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2013, 04:32:49 PM
Good luck Titans.  Get the W on Senior night and send Melissa Gardner and Michelle Bilek out with a victory.

Congrats to Michelle and Melissa for superb IWU basketball careers.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2013, 05:22:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2013, 11:30:57 AM
The January 19th scores from the initial meetings of tomorrow's matchups :
IWU over Millikin 72-67, NC over NP 102-101, EC over Augie 69-61, Carthage over Wheaton 68-36.
I think I'll go to the NP at NC game; I hope this time there will be a decent score, like both teams in the 120s. Ha.

Aha!  RogK has finally revealed himself as a secret Grinnell fan! :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2013, 05:28:33 PM
No, he's not a Grinnell men's fan, but we've all known for quite some time that he is an OliNaz women's fan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2013, 06:11:29 PM
I've seen Olivet Naz only twice this season, a 100-88 win at St Xavier and a 112-96 loss at Roosevelt (on the UIC campus, before Roosevelt's new gym opened). ONU is not doing as well this year, only 21-7. They are averaging 101.5, yielding 87.1.
I'm not so ardent a fan of theirs that I'd enjoy seeing them maul somebody by 50. I just like the never-a-dull-moment aspect of their way of playing, which exhibits their athleticism and brings out that of the opponents as well.
As for Grinnell, they've left a very sour taste in my mind during the last few years, beating the crap out of a poor opponent solely to set individual scoring and assist records. While those games were deviations from the "system," I don't see any excuse for abusing their most helpless opponent. I don't object to them trying to set individual scoring or assist records, just do it against a good team.
Getting back to CCIW WBB, this season I've been observing how North Central is learning the "system." I admire the substantial efforts of their players to adjust to a style that none of 'em ever saw before.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2013, 07:03:09 PM
Certain that all here would concur, here's a wish to all the seniors on all the teams : have a fun, healthy time in your remaining games as college players. Thanks for playing! Thank your coaches for all the things they've done to make you a better player and person. Thank the trainers for tending to your wounds. Thank the people who clean the gym. Then get the hell out and find a cubicle to work in!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2013, 11:51:43 PM
Ditto to RogK just said.  Lots of good folks work hard to make the CCIW season happen. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 16, 2013, 12:15:22 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2013, 07:03:09 PM
Certain that all here would concur, here's a wish to all the seniors on all the teams : have a fun, healthy time in your remaining games as college players. Thanks for playing! Thank your coaches for all the things they've done to make you a better player and person. Thank the trainers for tending to your wounds. Thank the people who clean the gym. Then get the hell out and find a cubicle to work in!

Can't they at least finish the semester?! :o ;D

And many, of course, will be heading to other than cubicles.  Not all liberal arts grads are Dilberts!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2013, 02:33:06 AM
NYU women (2-10 in UAA) also beat Wash U, (8-4) in a pretty good upset, playing in NY.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2013, 01:37:57 PM
Yeah, the seniors can hang around as long as they like. This is the time of the year to get a little sedimental, or is it sentimentary? Only a handful of games left for us to enjoy the efforts of seniors who have devoted much to basketball. Of course, if they need to play more, there is the summer league at Elmhurst College.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 16, 2013, 06:43:57 PM
Halftime:

Carthage 22
Wheaton 21

Tough, defensive battle so far at King Arena.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2013, 06:58:25 PM
IWU 38, MU 26 at the half.  Seibring 13 first-half points.  Gardner and Bilek honored pre-game.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2013, 07:04:03 PM
NPU 42, NCC 40 at the half.

Sarah Peterson has 17 and 6 and Nicole Kruckman has 10 and 8 at the half for NPU.

Callie Rezin, who was NCC's leading scorer in the first matchup between these two teams, already has four fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2013, 07:40:25 PM
IWU up 10  with 7:00 to play.  MU won't go away.  Seibring has 23 and 7 already.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2013, 07:51:30 PM
YES!

Kamauria Acree's layup with one-tenth of a second left wins the game for NPU!

Final:
NPU 91
NCC 89

Three-way tie for fourth place!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 16, 2013, 07:52:41 PM
Final:
Carthage 47
Wheaton 44

Carthage
Cailee Corcoran- 16 points, 8 rebounds
Michelle Wenzel- 9 points, 5 rebounds
Haley Stercic- 9 points
Stephanie Kuzmanic- 8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists

Wheaton
Brooke Olson- 15 points, 5 rebounds
Lauren Graham- 8 points, 4 rebounds
Maris Hovee- 6 points, 10 rebounds

Congratulations to coach Tim Bernero, his staff, and the Carthage Lady Reds on wrapping up the 2013 CCIW Championship with a hard-fought victory over Wheaton tonight at King Arena. It was exactly the type of game you would expect from the top 2 defensive teams in the league. The largest lead for either side was a 42-34 edge for Carthage late in the game.

The difference tonight was that Carthage's defense was just a little bit better than Wheaton's. The Lady Reds simply didn't give Wheaton room to breathe offensively, every shot was contested. Haley Stercic freed herself for two huge 3's in the second half that ended up turning the momentum of the game.

It was a heavyweight fight, and the better team won. Wheaton had its chances to get back in the game at the end, but Carthage clamped down on defense when it mattered most.

Wheaton will wrap up the regular season by hosting Elmhurst next Tuesday, before facing Illinois Wesleyan up in Kenosha to open the CCIW Tournament on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2013, 07:56:06 PM
Titans win by a whisker, 72-70 on a game-winner by Melissa Gardner, on Senior night.  What a great way to go out.  Give all credit to MU, they fought back from 21 down and had three tries at tying or winning the game in the last .10 seconds.  Katy Seibring with a massive gave, doing it all, with 27 points, about 10 boards.  I think she's getting close to wrapping up the CCIW scoring title for this year. 

Warm congrats to Michelle Bilek and Melissa Gardner on Senior Night.

IWU  goes to 17-7, 10-3 in CCIW play.  Keep it rolling Green.

IWU70

P.S.  Congrats to NP on their big win over NCC.  Any result from CC-WC?  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2013, 08:01:50 PM
Congratulations to Carthage for their outright CCIW regular season championship.

Sounds like a very hard-fought game at WC.  Congrats to WC on a great regular season and for finishing 2nd, outright, in the league.

Tournament games will likely be equally hard-fought. 

IWU almost let one slip away tonight.  Gotta give MU all the credit for fighting back from 21 down to tie the game and to have 2-3 shots in the last .10 seconds to tie or win the game.  Katy Seibring had a massive game tonight and, as you would hope to script it, Melissa Gardner, on Senior Night, hit the 10 foot jumper from the FT area to win the game with about .15 seconds remaining.  A great game too.

Seems to me that IWU, CC, and WC are not all that separated so the competition for the CCIW AQ will be quite a battle next weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2013, 08:24:18 PM
North Park 91
North Central 89

Sarah Peterson: 31 pts, 11 rebs, 8 asts, 5 blks, 5 stls
Nicole Kruckman: 20 pts (9-9 FG), 10 rebs
Kamauria Acree: 20 pts, 6 rebs, 6 asts
Dominikque Williams: 7 rebs
Shaina Yalda: 6 asts

Sophie Newson: 14 pts, 7 rebs
Larynn Shumaker: 14 pts, 6 rebs
Kimberly Wilson: 11 pts
Callie Rezin: 5 rebs, 4 asts

FG%: NPU 54% (38-71), NCC 43% (32-75)
trey%: NPU 60% (3-5), NCC 43% (15-35)
FT% NPU 80% (12-15), NCC 50% (10-20)
reb: NPU 50, NCC 34
TO: NCC 22, NPU 28

A gutty win tonight for a North Park team that finally found a way to close out a nail-biter.

NPU never had a lead bigger than seven and NCC never had a lead bigger than three in a game that saw nine ties and 13 lead changes. NPU did have a four-point lead with a minute and a half left, and I thought that the Vikings looked as though they had both their legs and their composure at that point. But NCC's remarkable performance from beyond the arc continued, as Kelsey Cooling hit a trey with 1:01 left to put the Cards down by only a point, and after Shaina Yalda turned the ball over on a charge at the hoop, Larynn Shumaker's and-one runner put the Cards up by a point, 87-86, and her ensuing FT made it 88-86 with a half-minute left. At that point, I'm thinking, "Uh-oh. Here we go again." But Sarah Peterson, who played a game tonight that was nothing short of dazzling, hit a clutch trey herself with 23 seconds left to put the Park back up by a point. Nevertheless, Kamauria Acree fouled Sophie Newson with nine seconds left, and the Cards had yet another opportunity to go ahead. But she split her pair of FTs, setting up a NPU timeout with five seconds left and the game tied. The Cards were no doubt thinking that the ball was going to Peterson, but the Yalda pass instead hit Acree coming down the lane off of a high screen set by Nicole Kruckman. Her runner off the glass banked in with only a tenth of a second left, too late for the Cards to do anything but throw the ball down the length of the floor in frustration.

If Sarah Peterson isn't this week's CCIW Player of the Week, there oughta be a criminal investigation. She set a new career high for points tonight, came pretty darned close to a triple-double, and had five blocks and five steals, to boot (with only three turnovers). Yeah, as a power forward she scored a bunch of layups on the press break, but she also hit a number of pull-ups from the lane and from the baseline, and even made a pair of treys, with the big one at the 23-second mark being easily the biggest shot of her entire North Park career. Her performance this evening was nothing short of remarkable.

Nicole Kruckman did a great job of finishing off of both press breaks and perimeter-trap breaks, and Kamauria Acree got a number of tough layups and runners to go, including the game-winner. Sophie Newson and Larynn Shumaker played terrific games for NCC, and the Cardinals' shooting from downtown was amazing. What really hurt the Cards, though, was their inability to consistently make free throws. They also turned the ball over a lot, ending up with only a +6 in the all-important (especially for a System team) turnover category, which was more than made up for by NPU in terms of turnover margin.

A great, great, clutch road win for the Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2013, 11:25:16 PM
Truly a monster game by Sarah Peterson.  Congrats to her and to NP on their win.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 12:47:51 PM
Sounds like quite the rally by Millikin last night. Any further details on that?

Heading into Tuesday, one would think that North Central has the best shot of securing the #4 seed, but at the same time they're playing on the road against a Millikin squad that is playing better than its record might suggest.

A road win by either North Park (@Carthage) or Elmhurst (@Wheaton) would certainly come as a surprise. Judging by his comments in postgame interviews and on Hoopsville, I'm sure Tim Bernero isn't thrilled with the idea of playing North Central on Friday night in the conference tournament. Given the frenetic nature of playing against the Cardinals, that's understandable, but you've got to think that the winner of the IWU/Wheaton game will have survived a tough, down-to-the-wire game on Friday.

Tuesday night will be interesting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on February 17, 2013, 01:27:53 PM
Have any of you math majors figured out the tie breaker situation for fourth place  First glance looks like all three teams are 1-1 against each other head-to-head?  What's the story line for Tuesday?

1. Head-to-head competition.
2. Record against team(s) above the tie beginning with the highest ranked team.
3. Record vs. team or teams in 3 rd place. If still tied, go to the next place for determination, et cetera.
4. Road record against conference schools.
5. Record in their last seven conference games.
6. The point spread of the tied teams' head-to head competition.
7. Coin toss
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 01:58:51 PM
Frankly, there's a lot of different scenarios to look at.

As I said earlier, the most likely is an NCC win, and losses by NPU and Elmhurst.

Beyond that, the three teams are all 1-1 against each other and none of them have beaten any of the top 3 teams, so you'd be getting down to 4 thru 7 on the tiebreaks, I'm pretty sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on February 17, 2013, 02:48:55 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 01:58:51 PM
Frankly, there's a lot of different scenarios to look at.

As I said earlier, the most likely is an NCC win, and losses by NPU and Elmhurst.

Beyond that, the three teams are all 1-1 against each other and none of them have beaten any of the top 3 teams, so you'd be getting down to 4 thru 7 on the tiebreaks, I'm pretty sure.

See what you mean.  If there are no upsets, the scenario you describe is most likely.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 02:55:36 PM
Quote from: Backer on February 17, 2013, 02:48:55 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 01:58:51 PM
Frankly, there's a lot of different scenarios to look at.

As I said earlier, the most likely is an NCC win, and losses by NPU and Elmhurst.

Beyond that, the three teams are all 1-1 against each other and none of them have beaten any of the top 3 teams, so you'd be getting down to 4 thru 7 on the tiebreaks, I'm pretty sure.

See what you mean.  If there are no upsets, the scenario you describe is most likely.

Well, all I really did was say that the most likely scenario is that there wont be any upsets. If there is an upset (or two), then that's where the tiebreak situations come into play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2013, 05:05:20 PM
Tiebreakers explained. (http://www.cciw.org/sports/2013/2/17/WBB_0217132722.aspx?id=799&)

Go Millikin!

And ... uh ... Go Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on February 17, 2013, 09:50:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2013, 05:05:20 PM
Tiebreakers explained. (http://www.cciw.org/sports/2013/2/17/WBB_0217132722.aspx?id=799&)

Go Millikin!

And ... uh ... Go Wheaton.

That's the ticket. The link says it all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 10:48:44 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2013, 05:05:20 PM
Tiebreakers explained. (http://www.cciw.org/sports/2013/2/17/WBB_0217132722.aspx?id=799&)

Go Millikin!

And ... uh ... Go Wheaton.

If you type Go Wheaton enough times, I think it will start to grow on you  ;D

And Backer, you can see why I didn't want to start trying to break down the other possibilities :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on February 18, 2013, 10:06:56 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 17, 2013, 10:48:44 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2013, 05:05:20 PM
Tiebreakers explained. (http://www.cciw.org/sports/2013/2/17/WBB_0217132722.aspx?id=799&)

Go Millikin!

And ... uh ... Go Wheaton.

If you type Go Wheaton enough times, I think it will start to grow on you  ;D

And Backer, you can see why I didn't want to start trying to break down the other possibilities :)

Certainly!  But I'm glad somebody did.  8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 18, 2013, 03:32:10 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2013, 08:24:18 PM
If Sarah Peterson isn't this week's CCIW Player of the Week, there oughta be a criminal investigation. She set a new career high for points tonight, came pretty darned close to a triple-double, and had five blocks and five steals, to boot (with only three turnovers). Yeah, as a power forward she scored a bunch of layups on the press break, but she also hit a number of pull-ups from the lane and from the baseline, and even made a pair of treys, with the big one at the 23-second mark being easily the biggest shot of her entire North Park career. Her performance this evening was nothing short of remarkable.

No criminal investigation necessary. Congratulations to Sarah Peterson for her second player of the week award this season! http://cciw.org/news/2013/2/18/WBB_0218135601.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 18, 2013, 06:58:57 PM
CCIW-champion Carthage falls one vote shy of the top 25 this week. Wheaton retains just one vote.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2013, 04:32:18 AM
Congrats to Sarah Peterson.  Great performances this past week.

CCIW tournament should be good, with some really hard-fought games.  IWU has a tough road -- to beat WC, then likely take down CC again at home.  It's doable, so let's go get that AQ, Titans!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2013, 11:29:26 AM
Having been off-line a few days, I'm a little late with this.
Yes indeed, Sarah Peterson was fabulous Saturday. Among her 5 blocks were at least two deflected 3FG att where she came "out of nowhere." She was a key player advancing the ball up through NC's press. Her very full stat line tells the rest. All this was done with aching knees, it appeared to me.
Kamauria Acree had an extraordinarily strong game, too. What doesn't register among her stats is that she stopped NC's guards from driving to the hoop.
Shaina Yalda was very helpful to the Viking cause, as well, with smart energetic play.
North Central played almost well enough to win. As in the first meeting of these teams, NC seemed to stop doing what was working and altered their style of play in the last few minutes. And a couple of players who were "lights out" from three-land bypassed some open looks in the 2nd half. It looks weird when a "System" team doesn't shoot open threes. Oh well, easy for me to be a critic! The Cardinals better not hold back anything tonight in Decatur.
By the way, when Greg writes "Go Wheaton" he would prefer to add "and don't come back."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2013, 12:19:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2013, 11:29:26 AM
By the way, when Greg writes "Go Wheaton" he would prefer to add "and don't come back."

:) Indeed. I am very aware of that sentiment, since I am a partially Swedish Wheaton alum working at a Covenant camp and retreat center  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2013, 12:42:41 PM
My congratulations to Tim Bernero and his team for wrapping up the regular season title. Undoubtedly, he locked up the CCIW Coach of the Year honor, too.
However, his team and Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan will all be very interested in winning tonight, assuming that they all have some uncertainty about getting an NCAA seed if they lose a game this coming weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on February 19, 2013, 03:34:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2013, 11:29:26 AM
Having been off-line a few days, I'm a little late with this.
Yes indeed, Sarah Peterson was fabulous Saturday. Among her 5 blocks were at least two deflected 3FG att where she came "out of nowhere." She was a key player advancing the ball up through NC's press. Her very full stat line tells the rest. All this was done with aching knees, it appeared to me.
Kamauria Acree had an extraordinarily strong game, too. What doesn't register among her stats is that she stopped NC's guards from driving to the hoop.
Shaina Yalda was very helpful to the Viking cause, as well, with smart energetic play.
North Central played almost well enough to win. As in the first meeting of these teams, NC seemed to stop doing what was working and altered their style of play in the last few minutes. And a couple of players who were "lights out" from three-land bypassed some open looks in the 2nd half. It looks weird when a "System" team doesn't shoot open threes. Oh well, easy for me to be a critic! The Cardinals better not hold back anything tonight in Decatur.
By the way, when Greg writes "Go Wheaton" he would prefer to add "and don't come back."

not to be overlooked was that NCC played the system with 11 healthy players (Marion B. had some back and hamstring issues, but still played) A few other rotation players are out with injury as well, and while they may not play a ton of minutes, the minutes they play are critical (Tonisha Ellington is one who comes to mind, to spell the post players). I think they played well enough to win but the wide open 3 to Peterson was a killer, as well as the missed free throw. The game felt like 2 evenly matched teams and the season margin of victory says that.  I feel better about tonight with Michelle Todd back in her spot in the rotation.  GO CARDS
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2013, 05:01:58 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2013, 12:19:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2013, 11:29:26 AM
By the way, when Greg writes "Go Wheaton" he would prefer to add "and don't come back."

:) Indeed. I am very aware of that sentiment, since I am a partially Swedish Wheaton alum working at a Covenant camp and retreat center  ;)

Which one?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2013, 05:27:41 PM
keith45, true, NC did not have a full set of healthy players. But, North Park only used 10 and they played at North Central's pace, too.
Anyway, I fully agree about Michelle Todd. If she's not the most important defensive player on North Central, she's number 2 or 3. In CCIW play, she number 8 in defensive rebounds at 5.0 (Cailee Corcoran leads with 7.0) and is number 4 with 2.3 steals per game.
Millikin is ending its season on an upswing, so the Cardinals will have to play 40 good minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 19, 2013, 05:30:09 PM
Not unusual for System teams to play 15 players and their opponents to play 9 or 10. They may have played at the System team's pace (it's difficult not to) but they don't press the way the System team does.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2013, 06:23:36 PM
Also true, Pat.
NC may or may not have done better with 15 or 16; we can't know. None of that detracts from the fact that North Park came away with a big win.
Good luck to everyone tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2013, 08:02:46 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2013, 05:01:58 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2013, 12:19:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2013, 11:29:26 AM
By the way, when Greg writes "Go Wheaton" he would prefer to add "and don't come back."

:) Indeed. I am very aware of that sentiment, since I am a partially Swedish Wheaton alum working at a Covenant camp and retreat center  ;)

Which one?

Mission Springs in Scotts Valley, CA
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2013, 12:08:52 AM
Conference tournament field is set for Friday:

#3 Illinois Wesleyan (18-7, 11-3) vs. #2 Wheaton (21-4, 11-3) @ 5:00
#4 North Central (13-12, 6-8) vs. #1 Carthage (21-4, 12-1) @ 7:00

Also, congratulations to IWU head coach Mia Smith for her 300th career victory, picked up tonight vs. Augie. Yet another impressive milestone for her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2013, 12:25:03 AM
Wheaton 70
Elmhurst 50

I'll let RogK provide the details, since I spotted him in his customary west-endzone seat at King Arena, but I thought I'd point out Maris Hovee's unique stat line from tonight: 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks (0 points). Maris may not score a lot of points, but she is absolutely critical to Wheaton's success because of all of the other things she does well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2013, 01:04:32 AM
NPU fell to Carthage tonight up in the Toolshed, 69-50. Since North Central overtook Millikin late and beat the Big Blue, that ends the season for the Vikings -- and, sadly, the careers of eight NPU seniors.

I wish it would've turned out differently, but the unfortunate truth is that NPU has to look in the mirror to see who was responsible for the Vikings' missing out on the CCIW tournament. Game after game after game, the Vikings played down to the wire, only to end up losing. Last Saturday's win at NCC was an exception, but by that time the Vikings had really dug themselves so deeply into a hole that their destiny wasn't really in their hands -- not with a win at Carthage required to win the fourth seed rather than have a bunch of tiebreaker possibilities swing their way.

Nevertheless, those eight seniors -- Kamauria Acree, Sarah Peterson, Shaina Yalda, Dana Christensen, Bridgette Gray, and Becca Heimsath in particular, but also Tara Spell and Natalie Steward -- deserve to be commended and applauded for all that they did to bring NPU women's basketball back from the depths and to make the Vikings competitive once again. Their hard work and sacrifice has certainly not gone unnoticed by me or by anybody else. Well done, NPU seniors!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2013, 01:05:26 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2013, 08:02:46 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2013, 05:01:58 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 19, 2013, 12:19:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2013, 11:29:26 AM
By the way, when Greg writes "Go Wheaton" he would prefer to add "and don't come back."

:) Indeed. I am very aware of that sentiment, since I am a partially Swedish Wheaton alum working at a Covenant camp and retreat center  ;)

Which one?

Mission Springs in Scotts Valley, CA

A young man from my church, O'Neal Patrick, used to work there. He still makes his home out there in California.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2013, 01:40:59 PM
Backseat Driver, if you saw me on the webcast, you may want to wash the screen!
I don't have a great deal to say about the game. Wheaton played really well in spurts. Brooke Olson and Ellie Zeller tallied 17. As you noted, Maris Hovee had a big impact, including limiting Fiona McMahon to 11 pts.
Wheaton held Elmhurst to 18/63 overall FG shooting. For the 14-game CCIW season, they set a new .304 opponents' FG pct record.
North Central established a couple of conference-play records last night, too. Their team scoring average of 86.1 and total 3FGs made 142 are new highs.
Millikin led 63-62 with 4:19 to go, but NC ended the game on a 16-2 run (Bobbi Johns 8/8 FTs in that stretch). NC made just 4 of 22 3FG att and committed 29 TOs, but pressured Millikin into 41 TOs.
Millikin got 20 pts/7 rebs from Brittany Czaplicki, 16 and 8 from Kelsey Going. Johns and Larynn Shumaker topped NC with 14 pts, Callie Rezin 12 pts, Sophie Newson had 9 and 12r, Emily Murphy grabbed 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: TitanPride on February 20, 2013, 04:49:35 PM
New Midwest Regional rankings:

1   Cornell 22-1   22-1
2   UW-Whitewater   18-4   20-5
3   Washington U.   18-4   19-5
4   Carthage   18-4   20-4
5   UW-Oshkosh   17-5   20-5
6   Illinois Wesleyan   15-5   17-7
7   Monmouth   18-4   19-4
8   UW-Stevens Point   19-5   20-5

Surprising to see the Titans move in ahead of Wheaton?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on February 20, 2013, 05:36:45 PM
Why is Wheaton left out?  Am I missing something?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2013, 07:20:54 PM
Congrats to Mia Smith on win #300.  Great job!

Also, I think Katy Seibring, with her 14 points in that Augie game wrapped up the CCIW scoring title for the regular season.  Great job, Katy -- truly a breakout season for her.  She, McMahon and Baltes all back next season, so a good core to build on for Mia Smith going beyond 300 victories.  Need a strong recruiting class coming in for future seasons. 

Should be a great tournament this weekend.  Go TITANS!  I'm hoping for another IWU-CC clash in the championship game.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2013, 07:40:47 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2013, 07:20:54 PM
Congrats to Mia Smith on win #300.  Great job!

Also, I think Katy Seibring, with her 14 points in that Augie game wrapped up the CCIW scoring title for the regular season.  Great job, Katy -- truly a breakout season for her.  She, McMahon and Baltes all back next season, so a good core to build on for Mia Smith going beyond 300 victories.  Need a strong recruiting class coming in for future seasons. 

Should be a great tournament this weekend.  Go TITANS!  I'm hoping for another IWU-CC clash in the championship game.

IWU70

Yeah, but first we've gotta somehow beat Wheaton.  We lost in Wheaton, and we lost in Bloomington - maybe Kenosha will be our lucky charm! ;D  (Certainly no other CCIW team has the extent of tourney experience that the Titans have.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2013, 08:09:59 PM
Quote from: TitanPride on February 20, 2013, 04:49:35 PM
New Midwest Regional rankings:

1   Cornell 22-1   22-1
2   UW-Whitewater   18-4   20-5
3   Washington U.   18-4   19-5
4   Carthage   18-4   20-4
5   UW-Oshkosh   17-5   20-5
6   Illinois Wesleyan   15-5   17-7
7   Monmouth   18-4   19-4
8   UW-Stevens Point   19-5   20-5

Surprising to see the Titans move in ahead of Wheaton?

Wheaton .818 in region (18-4), .466 (OWP), .522 (OOWP), .485 (SOS), 0-3 vs. regionally ranked
IWU        .750 in region (15-5), .593 (OWP), .532 (OOWP), .573 (SOS), 2-3 vs. regionally ranked

The big difference between IWU and Wheaton is the strength of schedule. Wheaton didn't end up with as tough of a schedule as normal because teams that have been good in recent years (i.e. Chicago, Saint Mary's) were down this year. The Thunder is also probably hurting because of the loss to Augie.

Now, will Wheaton's previous two wins over IWU be counted as wins vs. regionally ranked in next week's data? If so, another win over IWU on Friday would give Wheaton a nice boost.

I think the biggest takeaway for the Thunder is just to go out and win the tournament this weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2013, 08:24:48 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2013, 08:09:59 PMNow, will Wheaton's previous two wins over IWU be counted as wins vs. regionally ranked in next week's data?

Yes, they will.

Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2013, 08:09:59 PMI think the biggest takeaway for the Thunder is just to go out and win the tournament this weekend.

I think that that holds true for all three teams. While nobody is doing the exhaustive work on compiling data for Pool C possibilities on the women's side as the men's side enjoys, it doesn't seem to me that any of the three appears to be a Pool C lock at this point. Wheaton, obviously, is the team whose Pool C chances are closest to nil at this point, but even Carthage doesn't appear to be in tremendous shape -- especially since Wash U didn't win the UAA and is thus standing in line in front of Carthage in the Pool C sweepstakes. I would be surprised if Carthage didn't get a Pool C berth if the Lady Reds don't win the CCIW tourney, but I wouldn't be shocked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Spencer19881991 on February 20, 2013, 11:49:25 PM
Any guesses on all conference selections?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2013, 10:57:19 AM
Replies 3821 - 3825 contain some discussion of possible all-CCIW selections. What's your view?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Spencer19881991 on February 21, 2013, 11:59:12 AM
I think Kuzmanic, Olson, and Seibring are sure things.  I am thinking that Corcoran should be the 4th  as part of a championship team.  The fifth could be one of three ...Bohlen from Wheaton, McMahon from IWU, or McMahon from Elmhurst.  Leaning toward Fiona McMahon from Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2013, 11:08:40 PM
Spencer, agree with you on first team -- likely McMahon from EC.  McMahon from IWU likely 2nd team.  Others, I think you are on target.  Corcoran likely 1st team.  CC gets two on 1st, very likely.  Seibring and Olson for sure.

Great season -- should be some great games this weekend in Kenosha.

Go Titans -- bring home the AQ!!! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2013, 02:08:57 PM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on February 20, 2013, 08:09:59 PM
Quote from: TitanPride on February 20, 2013, 04:49:35 PM
New Midwest Regional rankings:

1   Cornell 22-1   22-1
2   UW-Whitewater   18-4   20-5
3   Washington U.   18-4   19-5
4   Carthage   18-4   20-4
5   UW-Oshkosh   17-5   20-5
6   Illinois Wesleyan   15-5   17-7
7   Monmouth   18-4   19-4
8   UW-Stevens Point   19-5   20-5

Surprising to see the Titans move in ahead of Wheaton?

Wheaton .818 in region (18-4), .466 (OWP), .522 (OOWP), .485 (SOS), 0-3 vs. regionally ranked
IWU        .750 in region (15-5), .593 (OWP), .532 (OOWP), .573 (SOS), 2-3 vs. regionally ranked

The big difference between IWU and Wheaton is the strength of schedule. Wheaton didn't end up with as tough of a schedule as normal because teams that have been good in recent years (i.e. Chicago, Saint Mary's) were down this year. The Thunder is also probably hurting because of the loss to Augie.

Now, will Wheaton's previous two wins over IWU be counted as wins vs. regionally ranked in next week's data? If so, another win over IWU on Friday would give Wheaton a nice boost.

I think the biggest takeaway for the Thunder is just to go out and win the tournament this weekend.

So then to update your post BD, Wheaton is also 2-3 vs. regionally ranked opponents. It really just comes down to Wheaton played a cupcake schedule and the wins over Chicago and Saint Mary's don't mean as much as they usually do. A third win over IWU will help and it might put Wheaton into the bottom two of three of the regional rankings but its ultimately a win or you're not in situation.

That being said, North Central provides an interesting facet to the tournament since Carthage will have to play a back to back against Wheaton or IWU right after playing the system. While the 2/3 might be a harder semifinal, at least you're not playing the system.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2013, 03:11:52 PM
Just checked CCIW's site. All-conf should be coming up soon.
A side note, since the two Chicago area NAIA WBB leagues merged into one 12-team league this year, they decided to allow all 12 teams into their conference tournament. On Monday, the 4 games featured 5th place through 12th place. Those winners played seeds 1-4 on Wednesday. Three of the top seeds won on Wednesday, but 7th seed Indiana U South Bend also won. So today IUSB will play its 3rd game in 5 days. If they advance to tomorrow's championship, it'll be their 4th game in 6 days.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2013, 03:37:52 PM
http://www.cciw.org/sports/2013/2/22/WBB_0222131057.aspx

Here's the link to All-Conference

Coach of the Year: Tim Bernero, Carthage
Player of the Year: Stephanie Kuzmanic, Carthage
Newcomer of the Year: Hannah Considine, Wheaton
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2013, 04:08:25 PM
Thanks, thunder38. Congratulations to all. Not a bad choice among them. The CCIW website lists them alphabetically within each team, so I will too.
1st : Corcoran, Gardner, Kuzmanic, Olson, Seibring
2nd : Bohlen, C McMahon, F McMahon, Peterson, Shumaker
3rd : Acree, Czaplicki, Hovee, Senette, Wenzel.
The Newcomer of the Year is a new award. Congrats to Hannah C for winning it. I wonder, though, if it is intended strictly for someone who did not get on teams 1-3? What if we have a freshman MOP next year?
And Karen Senette, although a junior, is in her first year in the CCIW. Oh well, just wondering.
If any near-miss (didn't make all-CCIW) players may be reading this, don't feel bad! There isn't room for all the fine players in the league to be all-CCIW, but your coaches, teammates and us here all appreciate what you do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on February 22, 2013, 04:36:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2013, 04:08:25 PM
Thanks, thunder38. Congratulations to all. Not a bad choice among them. The CCIW website lists them alphabetically within each team, so I will too.
1st : Corcoran, Gardner, Kuzmanic, Olson, Seibring
2nd : Bohlen, C McMahon, F McMahon, Peterson, Shumaker
3rd : Acree, Czaplicki, Hovee, Senette, Wenzel.
The Newcomer of the Year is a new award. Congrats to Hannah C for winning it. I wonder, though, if it is intended strictly for someone who did not get on teams 1-3? What if we have a freshman MOP next year?
And Karen Senette, although a junior, is in her first year in the CCIW. Oh well, just wondering.
If any near-miss (didn't make all-CCIW) players may be reading this, don't feel bad! There isn't room for all the fine players in the league to be all-CCIW, but your coaches, teammates and us here all appreciate what you do.

Well said Rogk! I guess I have a small issue with NPU getting 2 and NCC getting 1..I would have thought 1 more NCC player makes 3rd team..but a small issue, congrats to all who made it!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2013, 05:07:13 PM
Quote from: keith45 on February 22, 2013, 04:36:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2013, 04:08:25 PM
Thanks, thunder38. Congratulations to all. Not a bad choice among them. The CCIW website lists them alphabetically within each team, so I will too.
1st : Corcoran, Gardner, Kuzmanic, Olson, Seibring
2nd : Bohlen, C McMahon, F McMahon, Peterson, Shumaker
3rd : Acree, Czaplicki, Hovee, Senette, Wenzel.
The Newcomer of the Year is a new award. Congrats to Hannah C for winning it. I wonder, though, if it is intended strictly for someone who did not get on teams 1-3? What if we have a freshman MOP next year?
And Karen Senette, although a junior, is in her first year in the CCIW. Oh well, just wondering.
If any near-miss (didn't make all-CCIW) players may be reading this, don't feel bad! There isn't room for all the fine players in the league to be all-CCIW, but your coaches, teammates and us here all appreciate what you do.

Well said Rogk! I guess I have a small issue with NPU getting 2 and NCC getting 1..I would have thought 1 more NCC player makes 3rd team..but a small issue, congrats to all who made it!

NPU and NCC were only separated by one game, Keith, and they split their season series. Given that NCC uses the Arseneault System, it's to be expected that the other seven coaches would not be inclined to single out more than one of the dozen and a half Cardinals who play regularly.

Also, the two NPU players are both seniors who did more than enough to earn slots on the All-CCIW team.

Congrats, Sarah and Kamauria!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2013, 05:55:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2013, 04:08:25 PM
Thanks, thunder38. Congratulations to all. Not a bad choice among them. The CCIW website lists them alphabetically within each team, so I will too.
1st : Corcoran, Gardner, Kuzmanic, Olson, Seibring
2nd : Bohlen, C McMahon, F McMahon, Peterson, Shumaker
3rd : Acree, Czaplicki, Hovee, Senette, Wenzel.
The Newcomer of the Year is a new award. Congrats to Hannah C for winning it. I wonder, though, if it is intended strictly for someone who did not get on teams 1-3? What if we have a freshman MOP next year?
And Karen Senette, although a junior, is in her first year in the CCIW. Oh well, just wondering.
If any near-miss (didn't make all-CCIW) players may be reading this, don't feel bad! There isn't room for all the fine players in the league to be all-CCIW, but your coaches, teammates and us here all appreciate what you do.

Rog the Newcomer of the Year is a new award but it is not just for those who did not make the team. Leah DeMoss and Kelly Farrell split the award and both were All-CCIW 1st Team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 22, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
Wheaton over IWU 62-59. Brooke Olson hit the go-ahead 3 with about 30 seconds left.
Box: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/custompages/wbball/wbb_stats/wwhe26.htm
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2013, 08:29:39 PM
Brooke Olson clutched up huge for the Thunder. Down 1, she hit a right wing three to put Wheaton up 58-57. She then hit the game-winner from NBA range at the top of the key. Incredible. Not sure I've seen this kind of line from her before though.

7-19 from the field, 7-16 from three and only one assist.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2013, 08:36:41 PM
Speaking of Olson, she has averaged 22 points in Wheaton's three victories over Illinois Wesleyan this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 22, 2013, 09:28:05 PM
Carthage broadcast needs to quit changing cameras. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. There's no advantage to the switch in most instances and they're just missing action.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2013, 11:09:12 PM
Congrats to the Titans on a great season.  Just came up a bit short, didn't quite have the rebounding and firepower this year to compete against excellent WC and CC teams.  Hope WC gets in the tourney.  IWU will not be in.

Congrats to Melissa Gardner and Katy Seibring on 1st team All-CCIW and to Colleen McMahon on 2nd team.  Great to have Katy and Colleen coming back next season.  Great career for Ms. Gardner!  2nd all time in treys, 1st all-time in IWU games played in a career.  Pretty amazing. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 22, 2013, 11:33:01 PM
Wheaton needs to figure out a way to score against Carthage tomorrow night. In the previous 2 meetings, the Thunder has managed just 36 and 44 points, respectively. Their defense should be good enough to keep them in the game, but they've got to score some points to win on the road.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 22, 2013, 11:46:02 PM
I guess this hasn't been reported here yet...

Carthage 91
North Central 81

Box: http://athletics.carthage.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=2165&path=wbball

A close game throughout, Carthage pulled away in the last 5 minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 23, 2013, 10:25:33 PM
Carthage 61
Wheaton 52

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=3331&path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 25, 2013, 11:24:13 AM
Happy Selection Monday! D3Hoops projections has Wheaton in the tournament. I'm surprised to see that but picking up three wins vs. RRO with Illinois Wesleyan moving into the RR last week must have made a huge difference. Hoping they're right.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2013, 11:31:52 AM
Congratulations to Carthage! Haley Stercic hit 4/7 threes and all six of her FTs to lead with 18 pts. Kristi Schmidt was next with 14. It was a good example of the value of Carthage's diversified offense, that in a very important game in which Wheaton was able to restrict the Lady Reds' top two scorers, others came through as needed.
Good luck to Wheaton and IWU to join Carthage in the national tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 25, 2013, 11:41:12 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 25, 2013, 11:31:52 AM
Congratulations to Carthage! Haley Stercic hit 4/7 threes and all six of her FTs to lead with 18 pts. Kristi Schmidt was next with 14. It was a good example of the value Carthage's diversified offense, that in a very important game in which Wheaton was able to restrict the Lady Reds' top two scorers, others came through as needed.

Stercic has been the difference-maker for Carthage against Wheaton this year, in my opinion (at least in the two games that were competitive). Her perimeter shooting makes Carthage a very difficult team to defend, because you have to focus so much attention on stopping Kuzmanic's wizardry and keeping the posts away from the basket. She hit some absolute dagger treys against the Thunder, just when it looked like Wheaton had taken all of the scoring options away.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 25, 2013, 02:40:26 PM
Wheaton's in!!! The Thunder plays Hope on Friday in Holland, MI.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 25, 2013, 02:54:56 PM
Tough draws for both CCIW squads:

Wheaton @ #2 Hope
Carthage vs. #7 Thomas More @ UW-Whitewater
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2013, 04:25:18 PM
I Hope that Wheaton and Carthage score More than the opponents.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2013, 04:39:59 PM
Yes, two VERY tough first round games! :P

Wheaton, make our 'sacrifice' worthwhile - you never would have gotten the C if we hadn't lost to you 3 times! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 25, 2013, 07:10:05 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2013, 04:39:59 PM
Yes, two VERY tough first round games! :P

Wheaton, make our 'sacrifice' worthwhile - you never would have gotten the C if we hadn't lost to you 3 times! ;D

Hope and Thomas More have at least two things in common: 1) both play CCIW teams in the 1st round, and 2) both suffered their only loss of the season against Calvin.

I thought it was strange that IWU appeared in the Week 3 Regional Rankings, but that ultimately did play a significant part in Wheaton receiving a Pool C.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2013, 09:04:54 PM
Congrats to Wheaton and Carthage for making the draw!  Now, make some noise, make the CCIW proud!  Everyone is 0-0 now, so go out there and take down some big teams!  A new season . . . all one needs to do is win 6 games, go 6-0 in the next few weeks.  One game at a time . . .

Congrats to all the All-CCIW players and coaches.  Special congrats to Ms. Gardner, Ms. Seibring and Ms. McMahon of our Titans for making the All-CCIW teams and honors list.  Great job, great season.

There's always next year. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 26, 2013, 12:30:19 PM
Quick look at the Hope/Wheaton matchup:

Wheaton College Thunder (22-5)
69.5 points per game
52.7 points allowed
41% team field goals
32% three-point field goals

Starters
G- Brooke Olson, 5'7" Sr.        16.0 ppg, 6.3 ppg, 3.7 apg
G- Jennifer Lee, 5'6" Sr.          4.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg
G- Breanna Bohlen, 5'10" Sr.  9.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg,
C- Maris Hovee, 6'1" Jr.           5.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.3 bpg
F- Hannah Considine, 6'0" Fr.  9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg,

Reserves
G- Ellie Zeller, 5'8" Fr.              7.7 ppg, 4.7 ppg
F- Lauren Graham, 5'10" So.    7.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg
G- Moriah Reeves, 5'9" Fr.        4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg
G- Maria Panaggio, 5'9" Jr.        3.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg

#2 Hope College Flying Dutch (26-1)
71.9 points per game
43.7 points allowed
41% field goals
35% three-pointers

Starters
G- Brittany Berry, 5'8" So.         6.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg
G- Liz Ellis, 5'7" Sr.                   10.3 ppg, 2.0 apg
F- Courtney Kust, 5'10" Sr.       12.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg
F- Hannah Doell, 6'1" So.          5.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg
C- Meredith Kussmaul, 6'1" Sr.  6.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg

Reserves
F/C- Rebekah Llorens, 6'1" So.    7.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg
G- Megan Kelley, 5'8" Jr.             4.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg
F- Maura McAfee, 6'0" Fr.            3.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg
F/C Ashley Bauman, 6'1" Sr.       3.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg

Hope leads the all-time series with Wheaton, 7-2. The last meeting was on Dec. 1, 2007, a 73-56 Hope victory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2013, 01:02:16 PM
Brittany Berry has some interesting season shooting stats : 7/27 2FG , 53/106 3FG and 14/14 FT.
The Thunder may want to assign a defender to "stick to her like glue" (or some similar adhesive) at the arc. Or at least encourage her to shoot 2s.
She also has a rather nice 66/20 assists/TO ratio. Her .078 steals per minute is good, as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on February 26, 2013, 01:31:04 PM
Carthage College Lady Reds (23-4)
68.6 points per game
52.6 points allowed
45% field goals
37% three-pointers

Starters
G- Gabby Chapa, 5'9" Jr.               3.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg
G- Haley Stercic, 5'4" Jr.               8.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg
G- Stephanie Kuzmanic, 5-8" Jr.  13.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.7 apg
F- Kristi Schmidt, 5'9" Jr.               9.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg
F- Cailee Corcoran, 5'10" Sr.        14.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg

Reserves
C- Michelle Wenzel, 6'1" Jr. 8.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg
G- Erin Quinn, 5'8" So.       3.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg
G- Kasey Kleiner, 5'6" So.   3.4 ppg, 0.9 rpg

#7 Thomas More College Saints (27-1)
76.9 points per game
50.6 points allowed
43% field goals
35% three pointers

Starters
G- Katie Kitchen, 5'8" Sr.        11.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg
G- Allison Long, 5'5" Sr.          17.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.5 apg
G- Jill Brunsman, 5'6" Sr.         5.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg
F- Jenny Burgoyne, 5-10" So.  10.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg
F- Moriah Corey, 5'11" Jr.         5.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg

Reserves
G- Devin Beasley, 5'8" Jr.         9.0 ppg, 2.3 ppg, 2.2 apg
G- Sydni Wainscott, 5'3" So.     6.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg
F- Alexa Santamaria, 5'11' Fr.   4.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg
G- Stephanie Krusling, 5'5" So.  3.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg
G- Olivia Huber, 5'9" Fr.            3.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg

This is the first meeting between Carthage and Thomas More in women's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2013, 03:20:12 PM
Some per-game averages for Thomas More :
2FG - 19.0/39.1, 3FG - 8.6/24.5, FT - 13.1/18.7;
their team assists/TO ratio is 1.3;
while they commit only 13.7 TOs per game (very good for a team that scores 76.9), they induce 25.6 TOs by opponents; I'm guessing that they must press/trap fairly often; for comparison purposes, IWU induced 25.3 TOs/g this season.
Thomas More's 24.5 3FG att/g is well above any CCIW team other than North Central and they hit a good pct, .350.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 26, 2013, 05:02:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2013, 03:20:12 PM
Some per-game averages for Thomas More :
2FG - 19.0/39.1, 3FG - 8.6/24.5, FT - 13.1/18.7;
their team assists/TO ratio is 1.3;
while they commit only 13.7 TOs per game (very good for a team that scores 76.9), they induce 25.6 TOs by opponents; I'm guessing that they must press/trap fairly often; for comparison purposes, IWU induced 25.3 TOs/g this season.
Thomas More's 24.5 3FG att/g is well above any CCIW team other than North Central and they hit a good pct, .350.

Not sure if Thomas More presses/traps or not, but their turnover stats (forced and margin) are very similar to Hope's.  Hope doesn't press or trap much, they just play very good ball pressure straight up man defense.  Someone told me that Thomas More and Hope were very similar in the way they played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2013, 11:29:03 AM
Good luck to Carthage and Wheaton. Safe bus rides, too.
If possible, block some of the opponents' free throws!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 01, 2013, 07:18:40 AM
This is a video taken from someone in the stands from the final seconds of IWU's national championship game last year vs George Fox.  Olivia Lett tweeted this out on the eve of the 2013 tourney starting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnKp540xqho


Pretty cool.  What a great accomplishment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 02, 2013, 12:47:32 AM
#2 Hope 64
Wheaton 37

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=3333&path=wbball

I wasn't able to watch this game, but the reality is that Wheaton ran into one of the best teams in the nation on its home floor. Wheaton's senior class (Brooke Olson, Breanna Bohlen, and Jennifer Lee) went from a 13-12 (6-8 CCIW) freshman year, to a 22-6 (11-3) senior year with a trip to the NCAA tournament. A big congratulations to those three as their careers come to an end. And while Carthage is certainly the favorite in the conference going into next year, Wheaton has a really solid group returning as well. It's exciting to see the Thunder program with such a bright future.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 02, 2013, 12:50:38 AM
Carthage 72
#7 Thomas More 55

http://athletics.carthage.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=2651&path=wbball

Carthage was finally able to show how underrated they've been this year by smoking a top-10 team tonight. The Lady Reds blistered the nets, shooting 47% from the field and 50% (8-16) from beyond the arc. Next up is UW-Whitewater on their home floor. Good luck to Carthage as they move forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 02, 2013, 01:20:01 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on March 02, 2013, 12:47:32 AM
#2 Hope 64
Wheaton 37

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=3333&path=wbball

I wasn't able to watch this game, but the reality is that Wheaton ran into one of the best teams in the nation on its home floor. Wheaton's senior class (Brooke Olson, Breanna Bohlen, and Jennifer Lee) went from a 13-12 (6-8 CCIW) freshman year, to a 22-6 (11-3) senior year with a trip to the NCAA tournament. A big congratulations to those three as their careers come to an end. And while Carthage is certainly the favorite in the conference going into next year, Wheaton has a really solid group returning as well. It's exciting to see the Thunder program with such a bright future.

On Wheaton's website, they have Jenn Lee listed as a junior - is that an error?

Even if she does come back, I think the loss of Olson and Bohlen will be a BIG hit - I see them fighting for third.  Carthage is gonna be tough, but I think Mia Smith will show that this year was a one year 'blip' (hard to immediately replace a national POY! :o) - Titans edge out Lady Reds for first next year. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2013, 04:18:05 AM
Congrats to Carthage on a big, big win tonight -  vs. #7 in the country.  Keep in rolling Red people.  Many more challenges to come. 

Congrats to WC too, on a great season.  Hard to take down #2 in the country on their home floor. 

Keep it going CC!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2013, 11:45:00 AM
I like the idea of Carthage's 44 pt 2nd half. In fact, I recommend it for 1st halves too!
Keep winning, Lady Reds!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backseat Driver on March 02, 2013, 05:28:09 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 02, 2013, 01:20:01 AM
Quote from: Backseat Driver on March 02, 2013, 12:47:32 AM
#2 Hope 64
Wheaton 37

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=3333&path=wbball

I wasn't able to watch this game, but the reality is that Wheaton ran into one of the best teams in the nation on its home floor. Wheaton's senior class (Brooke Olson, Breanna Bohlen, and Jennifer Lee) went from a 13-12 (6-8 CCIW) freshman year, to a 22-6 (11-3) senior year with a trip to the NCAA tournament. A big congratulations to those three as their careers come to an end. And while Carthage is certainly the favorite in the conference going into next year, Wheaton has a really solid group returning as well. It's exciting to see the Thunder program with such a bright future.

On Wheaton's website, they have Jenn Lee listed as a junior - is that an error?

Even if she does come back, I think the loss of Olson and Bohlen will be a BIG hit - I see them fighting for third.  Carthage is gonna be tough, but I think Mia Smith will show that this year was a one year 'blip' (hard to immediately replace a national POY! :o) - Titans edge out Lady Reds for first next year. ;D

Jenn is a senior academically, but has a year of athletic eligibility left because of injury.

Carthage will return 4 starters next year. I think everyone will be chasing them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2013, 03:29:07 AM
Sorry to see CC go out.  Thought they had a good run in them.  Seems a bad time to have an off shooting night, though perhaps it was the size, tough defense of the WI. team.  Tough league for sure.  Great season for the Red People and it's clear they will be favored again next year in CCIW play with four starters back, including the reigning MOP of the CCIW. 

Congrats to CC coaches and team.  A great season -- CCIW crown and CCIW tournament championship and a win against a top 10 team in the Dance.  Great to build on for more next season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2013, 01:02:16 PM
Congratulations to Carthage for a very good season. No doubt they are disappointed that it didn't extend for two more weeks, but they did really well. They should fit in somewhere in the 17-32 rankings, hopefully closer to 17 than 32. Wheaton would be somewhere in the 33-64 category. My opinion is that IWU certainly is among the best 64 in the country, too.
At this point, I expect these three teams to be in the top half of the CCIW next season. If so, that would mean another scramble among the remaining five squads. North Central made good progress this season, but surpassing Carthage, Wheaton or IWU will prove to be a major challenge. NC needs to bring in 2 or 3 or 4 athletic 6-footers -- easy to find, I'm sure! North Park needs a substantial new crop, considering how many good seniors they lose. I've heard that Tess Godhardt has left the Elmhurst team (gone from the roster too) and may be found in another conference next year; Elmhurst needs some good additions. Millikin appears to be getting better. Augie has some good players. It would be fun if all 8 teams were strong enough to beat any of the others.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2013, 08:03:38 PM
Yes, CC will be favored next year for sure.  IWU has a nice group returning, but some big questions too, as top trey shooter Gardner and tough D expert Bilek graduate.  Titans have three good starters returning in Seibring, Baltes and McMahon, all potential All-CCIW players for next year.  Some good rotational players back too, in Reabers, Beoletto, Scurlock, hopefully Mullarkey.  We'll see.  Mia Smith also needs a strong recruitment, esp. in post, rebounding area, perhaps some additional perimeter and "run / jump" type players.  Never enough of those, as the pressing style likely to continue.  Let's hope for a strong recruiting year.  Hard to overtake CC if not with additional firepower, rebounding, defensively skilled perimeter players and shooters. 

It was a great season -- thanks to all the players and coaches for their incredible dedication and efforts. 

IWU70

P.S.  Looks to me like Depauw runs the table, wins the national crown -- unless Wash U has an absolutely outstanding game and stops them, next game up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: sac on March 04, 2013, 08:09:05 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2013, 08:03:38 PM
P.S.  Looks to me like Depauw runs the table, wins the national crown -- unless Wash U has an absolutely outstanding game and stops them, next game up.

DePauw and WashU met earlier this season with DePauw winning 60-59 in a game played at IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 04, 2013, 09:01:17 PM
Quote from: sac on March 04, 2013, 08:09:05 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2013, 08:03:38 PM
P.S.  Looks to me like Depauw runs the table, wins the national crown -- unless Wash U has an absolutely outstanding game and stops them, next game up.

DePauw and WashU met earlier this season with DePauw winning 60-59 in a game played at IWU.

Were DePauw and Hope to meet in Holland, Massey would currently make Hope a 5-6 point favorite.  But both teams have several very tough opponents that could easily win, before we could see such a matchup.  Massey also makes a DePauw/Montclair State game a tossup.  One game at a time....
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2013, 08:29:33 PM
Yup, Sac, that was a great game at IWU.  I attended.  That's when I said that Wash U was going to be very very good for years to come as they have such a young team.  DP is the real deal, handling our Titans in that early season tourney quite handily.  Wash U- DP should be a great game.  I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Wash U win that game, as I'm sure they have improved during the regular season, long trips in the UAA.  We'll soon see.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2013, 01:44:29 PM
Anybody want to guess who might take over Brooke Olson's point guard role next season in Wheaton?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2013, 12:08:57 AM
Women's tourney down to Elite 8 now.  Some good games, even OT.

Surprised how easily DP handled Wash U.  Guess the "young" Wash U team showed their youth. DP is very very good, very likely going all the way, holding the Walnut and Bronze with an undefeated season.

More good games upcoming on Saturday evening, for a spot in the Final Four.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2013, 04:06:51 AM
Looks like a great Final Four in the making in Holland. 

My money is still on DePauw to wrap up an undefeated season and raise the Walnut and Bronze this weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2013, 11:18:47 AM
D3hoops All-Region honorees from the CCIW :
1st team - Stephanie Kuzmanic
2nd team - Brooke Olson
3rd team - Melissa Gardner
Congratulations to each!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2013, 01:18:54 PM
Congratulations to Tim Bernero for earning the WBCA Region 7 Coach of the Year!
Always nice to get recognition from one's peers.
And additional applause to Stephanie K and Brooke O for making the national honorable mention list of the WBCA. If you go on their dot org, look under News and then Press Releases.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2013, 07:35:36 PM
Wow, great game with WW beating Amherst in OT, on a last second shot, for a national semis win.  I thought Amherst would win the game.  Looks like WW vs. DP for the title.

Congrats to the all region honorees -- much deserved.

I actually thought Seibring and McMahon deserved All-region honors this year over Gardner, but Melissa had an absolutely marvelous overall career at IWU.  No doubt.  Katy and Colleen will have another year to further their levels of achievement at IWU. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 15, 2013, 07:38:27 PM
Mary Merg hits a three-pointer fading to her left as time expires to send the game to overtime and then hits a floater fading to her left as time expires to win the game. Quite the finish twice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2013, 10:20:33 PM
It's DePauw vs. WW for the Walnut and Bronze.  I expect DP to win and go undefeated for the season.  What a run.  Great game by WW to pull out the OT win vs. Amherst.

Midwest reins over "back east."

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 16, 2013, 04:07:22 PM
We've released our list of All-Americans. Congratulations to Stephanie Kouzmanic.

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2013/03/womens-all-americans
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2013, 10:17:37 PM
Congrats to DePauw on their Walnut and Brozne, undefeated season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on March 16, 2013, 10:34:22 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 16, 2013, 10:17:37 PM
Congrats to DePauw on their Walnut and Brozne, undefeated season.

IWU70

Do you realize this makes two years in a row, three of the last four, and four of the last seven championships that have been won by a Tip Off tournament host?  Also, six of the last seven have had at least one of the hosts in the championship game.  Challenging games up front helpful in season preperation?  Challenging competion useful in recruiting?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2013, 01:31:30 AM
Mark, no doubt.  Challenging competition good preparation for a great championship run.  That tourney always has at least 3 top 25 teams battling it out on the first weekend of the season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 29, 2013, 01:31:18 PM
Congratulations to Gianna Pecora, recently honored as Augie's team MVP :
http://www.augustana.edu/x56438.xml
Their season review is here :
http://www.augustana.edu/x56427.xml
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 01, 2013, 06:49:54 PM
Congratulations to Brittany Carper, an assistant coach at Carthage the last two seasons; she is now head coach at Aurora University :
http://athletics.aurora.edu/news/2013/4/1/WBB_0401131158.aspx
This article notes what a superb NAIA D2 player she was, not too long ago. One season she averaged 21.5, 5.8 rebs, 7.2 assists and 4 steals. Her team won national titles twice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 04, 2013, 07:09:57 PM
Mia Smith has landed Gabbie Holness, a 5-7 PG from Pomperaug H.S. in Connecticut.  This season she averaged 21.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.7 steals, and 3.6 assists per game.

http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2013/04/03/sports/hoopzone/714804.txt

http://nhrghoops.blogspot.com/2012/11/court-vision-top-players-in-state.html

http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2013/01/14/sports/athlete_of_the_week/691353.txt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rQyxlgAYEI
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: sumfun on April 04, 2013, 07:16:53 PM
And her sister is a sophomore at Amherst.  Fun if they met for a national championship!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 05, 2013, 11:33:15 PM
Holness looks pretty good, nice shot, pretty quick.  A good addition, a very worthy understudy for Baltes? 

Titans need some size, some rebounding to help out Seibring, Reaber and others in the post.  Need some pounders, some enforcers a la Karen Solari!  Sure would love to see Shelby Jackson return.  Just say'in. 

Good luck to all graduating Titans!  Graduation in less than a month now.  Amazing how early -- May 5th in front of the new State Farm Hall (new classroom building), north side of the IWU Quad.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 06, 2013, 12:29:54 AM
Mark, May 5th sounds about typical now that they are a standard calendar (I kind of liked the 4-1-4 system they had when we were there).  I'm assuming a primary reason they dropped the January term was because summer jobs were mostly all taken by the time Titans finished the term - when did that happen, do you know?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on April 06, 2013, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on April 06, 2013, 12:29:54 AM
Mark, May 5th sounds about typical now that they are a standard calendar (I kind of liked the 4-1-4 system they had when we were there).  I'm assuming a primary reason they dropped the January term was because summer jobs were mostly all taken by the time Titans finished the term - when did that happen, do you know?

It had been changed for some time when I arrived in 2002, Ypsi.  I've been at an institution that has the short term in January.  Doing it in May has several advantages, and getting a jump on the summer job market is one of them.  Another one is that the better weather is advantageous, both for classes on campus (tennis, golf, environmental activities) and for travel courses.  May 5 is actually a slightly later date than usual, but that's just because of the way the days fell in the calendar.  We had a holiday break that was longer for a day or two for the same reason, and that pushed back the graduation date.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 07, 2013, 12:55:49 AM
HT, the January term also had an advantage for me. ;)  My senior honors thesis was a 'nationwide' survey of college students (done face-to-face); since most schools are September to December, then January to April, my January tour worked a lot better than May!

Since my blessed parents were willing to send me to Europe that January, when I chose the survey instead they rented me an RV.  When it totally froze up after 3 days, I came back and used motels the rest of the month.  Fortunately, back then, Motel 6 really DID charge $6 a night!  My 'nationwide' survey never went west of Texas, but did hit most of the south, midwest, and east.

Statistics and research methodology eventually became my specialty, and I was rather embarassed about how biased and shoddy my thesis was, but it WAS a learning experience.  And, after all, that IS the point of it! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 20, 2013, 08:01:20 AM
On IWU's recruiting class...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/iwu-s-smith-likes-potential-of-recruits/article_4b171ee6-a960-11e2-adeb-001a4bcf887a.html

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 21, 2013, 01:38:01 PM
Wheaton assistant coach Sarah Harris has taken a D3 head coaching position :
http://athletics.covenant.edu/sports/wbkb/2012-13/releases/20130513c5oxn1
Congratulations, Sarah!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 22, 2013, 02:20:33 AM
Perhaps this was posted earlier.  The IWU program named Katy Seibring as the MVP for the season.  A break-out year for Ms. Seibring, first-team All-CCIW as well.  Coach Smith has recruited well.  She awarded 10 players letters, with 8 of 10 returning.  Of course, will be tough to replace seniors Melissa Gardner and Michelle Bilek, two wonderful TITANS.  But, three starters and many important role players returning.  Starters back are:  Seibring, McMahon and Baltes.  Reabers and Scurlock key role players returning.  Titans need some toughness, some bangers to hit the glass.  I'm sure "run and jump" will continue . . . perimeter shooting still important.  The future is bright, but CC will be the favorite, I would think. 

Looking forward to the new season . . . in time. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 24, 2013, 07:43:50 AM
Michelle Bilek named "Director of Basketeball Operations" for Div. I Columbia U in New York City.  Hired by Coach Glance, formerly of ISU, now the new head coach at Columbia.  Touring the Ivy League for basketball games is a pretty good gig.  Congrats to Michelle -- who has aspirations of being a coach herself.  Story on the iwu.edu sports page now.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: newCCIWfan on May 27, 2013, 04:26:18 PM
I don't usually post on here. But I came across this article / picture as I was searching for Millikin Basketball recruits. Should be a good get for the big Blue!

http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm
(http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm)

Here is a pretty cool picture of the Millikin coaches at her signing! I think its really cool they were able to be there!! pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp (http://pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 07, 2013, 11:14:50 AM
Carthage has a new assistant coach :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2013/6/6/Womens_Basketball_0606133439.aspx
She excelled at the high school and D1 levels.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 10, 2013, 04:10:09 PM
Wheaton has a new assistant coach :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2013/6/6/WBB_0606133023.aspx
She played four years for Wheaton a little over a decade ago. Welcome back!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 27, 2013, 12:21:31 AM
Quote from: newCCIWfan on May 27, 2013, 04:26:18 PM
I don't usually post on here. But I came across this article / picture as I was searching for Millikin Basketball recruits. Should be a good get for the big Blue!

http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm
(http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm)

Here is a pretty cool picture of the Millikin coaches at her signing! I think its really cool they were able to be there!! pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp (http://pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp)

I'm always amused when a D3 school apes the NAIA practice of the signing ritual. It has no function within D3, of course -- no athletic scholarships, therefore no reason to sign a letter of intent with your parents and your new coach hovering over your shoulders -- but I understand why it's a necessary PR device in parts of the country where the NAIA has a strong presence and the need to create the illusion of a "signing" is thus apparent for D3 recruits. But the NAIA doesn't really have that great a foothold in central Illinois any more, which makes this "signing" mildly strange.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on June 27, 2013, 09:26:24 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 27, 2013, 12:21:31 AM
Quote from: newCCIWfan on May 27, 2013, 04:26:18 PM
I don't usually post on here. But I came across this article / picture as I was searching for Millikin Basketball recruits. Should be a good get for the big Blue!

http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm
(http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm)

Here is a pretty cool picture of the Millikin coaches at her signing! I think its really cool they were able to be there!! pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp (http://pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp)

I'm always amused when a D3 school apes the NAIA practice of the signing ritual. It has no function within D3, of course -- no athletic scholarships, therefore no reason to sign a letter of intent with your parents and your new coach hovering over your shoulders -- but I understand why it's a necessary PR device in parts of the country where the NAIA has a strong presence and the need to create the illusion of a "signing" is thus apparent for D3 recruits. But the NAIA doesn't really have that great a foothold in central Illinois any more, which makes this "signing" mildly strange.

I don't really care one way or the other but I do wonder how often it is done for the parent's sake.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 27, 2013, 03:16:33 PM
"You're gonna have to pay a big pile of money for your kid to play sports at our college, but let's have this picture taken in which we can all pretend that that won't be the case." Yeah, I can see the appeal that that little bit of denial might have for parents. ;) :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 01, 2013, 07:10:05 PM
Some rule changes for the upcoming season (as far as I can tell, they are definite; if they still need approval at some other level, somebody tell us! thanks) :
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/playing+rules+administration/ncaa+rules+sports/basketball/womens/playing+rules/2013-15+womens+basketball+rules+changes
Items 20-22 describe the new 10-second back court rule :
"Adopt a 10-second back court count for women while still maintaining the 30-second shot clock.
Rationale: This should increase offensive scoring opportunities, reward defensive strategies, cause offensive teams to have to increase the pace of play from the back court to the front court. This will also provide basketball spectators familiarity with a rule that exists for every other basketball rule code. There has been an increased support of this rule change over several years.
Start the 10-second back court count when a player on the floor legally touches the ball, not on possession, thereby allowing the officials to use the shot clock to count time for a 10-second violation.
Rationale: Enables the shot clock to be used to count a 10-second back court violation and to create accuracy in 10-second back court counts.
A player holding the ball in her front court only is closely guarded when her opponent is in a guarding stance at a distance not exceeding six feet (changed from three feet). This distance shall be measured from the forward foot or feet of the defender to the forward foot or feet of the opponent.
Rationale: With the adoption of the 10-second back court violation count, there was no need for a closely guarded count on a hold in the back court. In addition, extending the closely guarded distance from 3 feet to 6 feet will encourage defenders to not have to guard the ball handler so closely which should decrease contact on the dribbler."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Just Bill on July 01, 2013, 08:47:52 PM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on June 27, 2013, 09:26:24 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 27, 2013, 12:21:31 AM
Quote from: newCCIWfan on May 27, 2013, 04:26:18 PM
I don't usually post on here. But I came across this article / picture as I was searching for Millikin Basketball recruits. Should be a good get for the big Blue!

http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm
(http://www.paxtonrecord.net/andrew-rosten/2013-04-22/pbl-girls-basketball-standout-amanda-yip-ypya-verbally-commits-millikin.htm)

Here is a pretty cool picture of the Millikin coaches at her signing! I think its really cool they were able to be there!! pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp (http://pic.twitter.com/ZEKNW1E1Dp)

I'm always amused when a D3 school apes the NAIA practice of the signing ritual. It has no function within D3, of course -- no athletic scholarships, therefore no reason to sign a letter of intent with your parents and your new coach hovering over your shoulders -- but I understand why it's a necessary PR device in parts of the country where the NAIA has a strong presence and the need to create the illusion of a "signing" is thus apparent for D3 recruits. But the NAIA doesn't really have that great a foothold in central Illinois any more, which makes this "signing" mildly strange.

I don't really care one way or the other but I do wonder how often it is done for the parent's sake.

It can even be a violation. A D-III school is not permitted to create a document which mimics a NLI or a commitment letter of any kind. I know of schools who got their hand slapped for making phony NLI-type letters. So hopefully she's signing something legitimate like a housing contract or a deposit check.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 03, 2013, 01:26:42 PM
I checked the team web sites and found that four schools (Carthage, IWU, Millikin, Wheaton) have posted their '13-'14 schedules.
Carthage will be playing an exhibition at Iowa State Univ.
Wheaton has an article about four newcomers :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2013/6/27/WBB_0627134732.aspx
They are in the 5'8" to 5'9" range. They all sound good basketball-wise and academically.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 15, 2013, 12:56:46 PM
This week will be the final one (Mon-Thurs) of the summer league at Elmhurst College. I believe all of the teams will play tonight and Tuesday and only the advancing playoff winners thereafter. Thanks again to the Bluejay WBB staff for organizing and hosting it.
It's a good opportunity for incoming freshmen and transfers to gain some familiarity with teammates, for returning players to engage in some competitive play and for "retired" players to play again with friends.
I've learned (slowly) not to draw many conclusions about individual players from what I see in the summer league, but here are a few notes regarding teams:
Carthage has size and depth at all positions and will be tough to beat in '13-'14. Elmhurst looks improved and should be in the thick of the conference playoff race.
IWU has some athletic newcomers. Millikin has 0 players there and Wheaton only 1 as far as I know.
I haven't watched the Augie bunch much. Also not sure about the North Park flock of newcomers. In the 3 or 4 games I've seen of North Central, they weren't doing full "system" activities and in fact looked a bit blah compared to the ultra high energy that I enjoyed watching this past season.
We'll see things look for everyone on November 15.
oops - that last sentence needs a "how" in there somewhere
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 16, 2013, 02:01:35 PM
Augie's team is soon heading to the deep south :
http://www.augustana.edu/x57432.xml
http://wikitravel.org/en/Rio_de_Janeiro
Their hotel along Avenida Atlantica :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303506-d651142-Reviews-or10-Hotel_Astoria_Palace-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
The "traveler photos" give you an idea about the world famous neighborhood they'll be in. Nice views from the rooftop pool area.
I visited that fascinating and very lively city in 1985. I'm glad they'll go up Corcovado and Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf) -- fabulous views from both.
Among some scattered memories : strong waves and strong reverse undertow in the shallow waters of the ocean (one wave wiped me out and gave me a mouthful of sandy saltwater and a foolish grin when I staggered to my feet); volleyball being played on Copacabana beach using soccer rules (feet or headers only); lots of tunnels, lots of traffic (even more than in the Quad Cities; be alert crossing the streets, girls); delicious fresh tropical fruit available everywhere; mild ocean breezes (as opposed to mild Mississippi River breezes).
It's a long trip (over 5000 miles), but the time is just two hours ahead of Central time.
p.s. it'll be winterish daylight hours there in August, getting dark around 6:00 p.m. according to this web site :
http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/rio-de-janeiro.html
I like the sun path diagrams on that site. Yeah, basketball is an indoor sport, so the sun angle won't be too relevant!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 22, 2013, 11:25:30 AM
Congratulations to the Carthage Lady Reds for this honor :
http://www.wbca.org/blog/index.cfm/2013/7/18/WBCA-Announces-2013-Academic-Top-25-Team-Honor-Rolls/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 22, 2013, 04:03:58 PM
The new North Central schedule is here :
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
They'll be playing Saint Mary's and Saint Mary's.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 22, 2013, 04:07:57 PM
The new North Park schedule is here :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&tab=_basketball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on July 22, 2013, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 22, 2013, 04:03:58 PM
The new North Central schedule is here :
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
They'll be playing Saint Mary's and Saint Mary's.

Hope College will be at the season opening tournament; any word on who else?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 22, 2013, 05:01:08 PM
Whoever the other two teams are, they surely won't be classified as cowards. They'll have to face a perennially outstanding team (Hope) and a "system" team (North Central) that will at least force them out of their comfort zone.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on July 23, 2013, 04:22:07 PM
Carthage's 13-14 Schedule:
http://athletics.carthage.edu/schedule.aspx?schedule=141&path=wbball (http://athletics.carthage.edu/schedule.aspx?schedule=141&path=wbball)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 23, 2013, 04:30:20 PM
We look forward to seeing them in Vegas again in the D3hoops.com Classic!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 23, 2013, 06:53:38 PM
Elmhurst's new schedule is here :
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 26, 2013, 01:45:24 PM
Within the 14-game conference schedule last season, Augustana did not end up scoring in the 50s, 70s or 80s. They scored in the 30s twice (0-2), in the 40s four times (0-4), in the 60s seven times (2-5) and in the 90s once (0-1). Their 57.3 avg in CCIW play was well below the composite 75.9 that the top half of the league averaged.
I think I just heard somebody say "That composite 75.9 includes North Central's 86.1 and they finished 6-8." OK, the three best teams (who went 35-7) averaged a composite 72.6, still 15 per game better than Augie.
So, what's the answer? (what the heck was the question?!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 28, 2013, 01:45:14 AM
Hey RogK, how 's it going?

Looking forward to the new season and seeing what the Titans can do.  Sure do need some new size and rebounding.  Good to have several key players back in Baltes, Seibring and McMahon -- for another go 'round.  Lots of questions to be answered from there on in the Titans' lineup, roster.  Perhaps Scurlock starts, perhaps one of the Reabers?  Not sure.  Newbies to be determined, tested.

Guess your post on Augie illustrates the basic point -- you gotta be able to put the ball in the basket, even if you have great defense.  I expect the Titans to again be very good on defense, but not sure how it all pans out offensively.  We'll see come November.  A new season, a new go 'round. 

Football first.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 06, 2013, 11:38:17 AM
iwu70, I think the Titans will be right up there near the top of the league (I foresee Carthage at the very top).
Augie's new schedule is here :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 06, 2013, 08:29:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 06, 2013, 11:38:17 AM
iwu70, I think the Titans will be right up there near the top of the league (I foresee Carthage at the very top).
Augie's new schedule is here :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&

While there might be the occasional down season, I think it is safe to predict that the Titans will always be contenders as long as Mia Smith is coaching.  Three years in a row I predicted doom-and-gloom based on graduation losses; each year they went further in the postseason, culminating in the title!  It finally got through my thick skull that Mia Smith did not graduate. :P

Graduating the national POY was finally a loss that even Mia could not overcome, but I have NO doubts that they will rebound.  Carthage might be too big an obstacle to surmount this year, but the Titans will be right in the thick of it, and I wouldn't bet too heavily against Mia Smith!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 08, 2013, 06:38:57 AM
Yup, I agree Ypsi, that Mia will put something together that will contend.  Do worry about size and rebounding, even with the run and jump, perimeter style of play our Titans have utilized in recent years.  Too many good teams have some size and rebounding that we often cannot match.  Pretty sure IWU will contend this year, though CC surely is the favorite given what they did last year and who they have coming back.  Look forward to the season and hope for very strong seasons for Seibring, McMahon, Baltes and the others.  We'll have to see if any of the newbies can start, or contribute significantly.  Reabers and Scurlock, perhaps Beoletto likely in the mix for the rotation this year.  Gardner and Bilek will surely be missed -- both with great careers, different kinds of major contributions to the 18-8 season last year and the better seasons previously.  Seems Olivia Lett is tearing it up in Spain, having a major impact.  Not surprising, but great to see. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 14, 2013, 03:19:21 AM
IWU team doing great work for Race for the Cure.  Way to go Titans!  Keep going . . .

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 02, 2013, 11:44:35 AM
Carthage's web site shows a new roster, including 14 returning Lady Reds and 7 freshmen :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Less than two weeks until practices begin!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 02, 2013, 04:03:21 PM
Carthage roster looks formidable  -- lots of experience there.  Pretty sure they will be voted the favorites to win the conference and ranked well nationally in pre-season polls.

I think the IWU roster will be up soon with some very pleasant surprises.  Should be another great year of CCIW competition -- Carthage vs. "the school that shall not be named"  --  :)

WC will be strong again too, I would bet.

Any views by CCIW chatsters on the CCIW pre-season poll by coaches???   I'd say:  CC, IWU, WC, EC, NCC, MU, NPU and AC  -- but, need a lot more info, a lot more help on how it all may pan out for the new season.


IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 02, 2013, 06:15:24 PM
iwu70, under the heading of wild and irrelevant speculation, how would the Titans do if coached by Tim Bernero and how would the Lady Reds do if coached by Mia Smith? Ha ha. I think I just heard loud screams of NO!! from Kenosha and Bloomington.
Just checked and found IWU's new roster (22 players including 9 freshmen) :
http://www.iwusports.com/roster.aspx?roster=115&path=wbball
Shelby Jackson is back, but I don't see Whitney Scurlock.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 02, 2013, 07:22:14 PM
RogK, yes, seems both IWU and CC are happy with the coaches they have.  Sure will be a great season, with both teams returning strong contingents, contending for the CCIW crown again.

You are very observant -- good news/bad news for the Titans -- with Shelby Jackson returning, looking very strong, and Whitney Scurlock deciding not to play this year.  Having Jackson back is HUGE for the Titans, giving good inside present, interior scoring, strong D and shot-blocking/rebounding and allowing Seibring to move to the 3 and 4, roam the perimeter a bit more.  She's surely not a traditional 5 in DIII.  I think the key is finding another perimeter player who can shot the three well, to replace Gardner's skills, scoring and quickness.  Very hard to replace a player of Melissa's experience and skill, but that will be needed.  Surely four of five spots pretty well set I would think now -- Baltes, McMahon, Seibring and Jackson.  Other spots, rolls, TBD.   We'll have to see who steps up, who has recovered from injuries, which of the newbies might make an impact.  I would think Beoletto will be in the rotation, one or more Reaber, others?  We'll have to wait and see what Mia cooks up with all the talent that's there -- nice to have basically four starters with much experience returning.  Should be able to give CC a good run for their money in the CCIW race.

I'm on campus now for some weeks, so should get to see some scrimmages and some games -- get a better reading of where the Titans are, where they are heading this season before the CCIW race begins in earnest in January.  I'm quite optimistic and, like Ypsi, have great faith in the coaching skills of Mia Smith.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 02, 2013, 08:56:41 PM
I used to think the same way about Lori Kerans as I do about Mia Smith - that as long as she was coaching, Millikin would always be a contender.  Was her stint as AD too much of a distraction, and now she just can't get it back on track?  Anyone know what has happened down in Decatur?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 03, 2013, 11:59:41 AM
Ypsi, must be a talent level and recruitment problem down in Decatur.  Decatur is hardly an attractive college town these days.  As Dennie always said, "best to get off the bus with the best players."

Delighted Shelby Jackson is back for our Titans.  I think she's going to make a huge difference in the type of squad IWU will be this year and also make several of the other players much more effective, allowing them to roam and slash in ways they couldn't without an anchor paint player like Shelby.  This will make Seibring, MacMahon and Baltes much better.  Key will be finding a few other strong perimeter players, with some range on the trey.  Reaber, Beoletto, Considine, Ransom?  . . . or one of the newbies?  Too bad we lost Mullarkey, now departed to play softball at Iowa?, and that Scurlock has decided not to play this year.  Both could have made good contributions, IMHO.   Also, we need a strong, good back-up 5, to rebound, and to give Shelby Jackson 3-4  rest minutes on the bench each half.  Again, IMHO.

In six weeks, we'll see the new starting line-up and new rotation and have a better idea of what Mia is putting together for this year's campaign.    GO TITANS!!!

Looking forward to the new season -- both men and women IWU teams should be really good.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 03, 2013, 01:37:06 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 03, 2013, 11:59:41 AM
Ypsi, must be a talent level and recruitment problem down in Decatur.  Decatur is hardly an attractive college town these days.  As Dennie always said, "best to get off the bus with the best players."


True, but surely Decatur hasn't deteriorated that much in just the past 5-6 years.  Now that I think about it, it is not just a women's basketball decline; back in the "Big 4, Little 4" football days, Millikin was one of the Big 4.  And while the deterioration in men's bball came much earlier, they once were consistent threats, and had arguably the greatest CCIW player ever in Jesse Price.  (Haven't checked other sports, but seems like they are rarely relevant in most, if not all, sports.)

Have they suffered a serious drop off in administrative support, or what is the story?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 03, 2013, 06:15:15 PM
People closer to the MU programs will have to fill you in, Ypsi.  I think the decline of the city of Decatur surely must have played a part in all this.  But, of course, there must be more to it.

Hope our Titans have a good visit to Decatur this weekend, and keep the good football season rolling by rolling to 4-0.  I'd expect the Titans to win by at least 2-3 TDs, and do even better vs. NPU at Homecoming on the 12th. 

Sorry to miss you at Homecoming this year -- looks a good turnout from Class of '70 comrades -- many coming back to honor Paul Bushnell's 47 years of teaching, mentoring and activism on campus and in the community.  A true, dedicated and loyal "public intellectual" who will be greatly missed in classrooms and in faculty and university forums.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 03, 2013, 09:52:32 PM
Just checked a couple of other sports of interest to me (don't trust my memory anymore :P).

In baseball, Millikin was a dominant team early in CCIW history, but since their last title (1964), have never really been contenders.  They have never been good in men's soccer; in women's, they were 4-3 as recently as 2009-10, but have never really been contenders.  Are there any sports where Millikin is consistently relevant anymore?

I'm sure Joe Hakes could enlighten us tremendously, but hate to put him on the spot - not sure he would feel ethically correct talking about his former employer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 03, 2013, 10:28:30 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 03, 2013, 09:52:32 PM
Just checked a couple of other sports of interest to me (don't trust my memory anymore :P).

In baseball, Millikin was a dominant team early in CCIW history, but since their last title (1964), have never really been contenders.  They have never been good in men's soccer; in women's, they were 4-3 as recently as 2009-10, but have never really been contenders.  Are there any sports where Millikin is consistently relevant anymore?

Millikin won the CCIW volleyball title a couple of years ago, and the men's golf program continues to field one of the better squads in the league. Other than that, there's not much of anything going on for Jimmy Millikin in the way of sports.

A decade and a couple of school presidents ago, MU's leadership made a decision to dramatically cut the school's budget in order to reduce debt load and reposition the school's economic health for the long haul. Millikin actually weathered the recession better than most schools as a result of this. But it also meant, if I'm reading the tea leaves correctly, that the school's athletics budget was pared down and the already-antiquated athletics facilities got no upgrades until the new Lindsay Field track was completed just this year. (Joe Hakes hasn't directly shared anything with me about MU's sports woes or the reasoning behind his resignation, by the way.)

Decatur's been a dump for decades, so that hasn't been an acute problem for the MU athletics department in terms of the time frame of this decline. (The MU campus is actually fairly attractive, and the school doesn't appear to be in a bad part of town.) And Decatur's lack of appeal to potential collegians certainly didn't get in the way of Lori Kerans winning the national championship in '05. In fact, reading about Millikin's post-millennial austerity measures only makes me respect her accomplishments in '05 all the more.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 04, 2013, 12:12:53 PM
North Central guard Callie Rezin has transferred to her hometown college (Rockford).
She is a versatile guard, capable of handling point duties well (55 assists, 60 TOs) and can score from inside and out (7.1 pts in 13.6 minutes). She also grabbed a lot of rebounds for someone of her size (22 per 100 minutes), even accounting for the fact that there are a lot of rebounds available in "system" games. She was also NC's best FT shooter last season at .776.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 07, 2013, 06:24:20 PM
Millikin and Elmhurst will have an unusually early opportunity to scout each other. Millikin will play its opening pair of games in Elmhurst's gym, although not against the Bluejays. Westminster (Mo.) and Greenville round out the foursome. Same story for the guys' teams of these schools. There will be 8 games in 30 or 31 hours, all officiated by the same three refs (well, maybe not).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 10, 2013, 06:54:48 PM
The new Augustana roster :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 10, 2013, 09:14:51 PM
North Park's schedule indicates that the Vikings are hosting a tipoff tournament. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&tab=_basketball) This will be the first tourney that either the women's or men's teams have hosted at NPU since the late '80s.

NPU will also be taking part in a classic-style tournament at Thomas More in northern Kentucky. Thomas More finished last season ranked #21.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 11, 2013, 10:39:25 AM
Greg, if you've seen any "open gym" play by the NP Viking women lately, how did they look? I didn't get any names of newcomers at the summer league, but I think there are some promising players joining the team. NP will have a lot of playing time "up-for-grabs" considering the numerous graduations off last year's team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 11, 2013, 05:41:25 PM
I haven't seen any open gyms yet at NPU, Rog, but I'm well aware that Amanda Reese had a pretty good recruiting cycle. My understanding with regard to the NPU newbies is that in particular there's a point guard, a couple of wings, and a big who have terrific potential.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 11, 2013, 10:37:50 PM
IWU roster is up now, as mentioned, and has 23 players.  IWU also has a schedule of 8-9 JV games listed for this coming year, so some of the newbies will get some good JV games and playing time in game conditions.  See the IWU "women's basketball" pages on the IWU sports website for details.  The program, in terms of numbers and developmental JV games, gets stronger.

Lots of varsity playing time and rotational position up for grabs.  I only see 8-9 names on the roster that are almost shoe-ins for varsity squad positions, so quite a few varsity spots, some PT still up for grabs in pre-season practices, competition.  I expect the Titans to  play substantially the same style of play as in the past, but perhaps be a bit more attacking, fast-breaking team as it would appear this year the team will not be as strong from treyland.  We'll see.  Gardner will be missed -- one of the greatest trey shooters in IWU women's basketball history.  Shelby Jackson returning is very big.  I expect Baltes, MacMahon, Seibring and  Jackson all to have potentially all-CCIW seasons. IMHO.  Development of additional post players, rebounders and some key role players, esp. on "run and jump" -- on the pressing defence, to be key.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on October 16, 2013, 10:50:00 PM
Couple photos of the Titans from today...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=568455006536300&set=a.262127327169071.59338.239906362724501&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=568455336536267&set=a.262127327169071.59338.239906362724501&type=1&theater
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2013, 12:54:47 PM
Wheaton has a new roster here :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
Missing is Makayla Seibold, whom I was hoping to see more of this season. As a freshman in '12-'13, she hit 10 of 20 3FG att. Not bad. We'll see if she ends up playing somewhere else or not.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 17, 2013, 10:56:29 PM
WC roster looks a little thin, and very young.  Only 2 seniors -- how many returnees?  Any assessment of the newbies?

Seems to be Carthage is the team to beat this season. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2013, 12:47:26 PM
iwu70, Wheaton is youngish, but several of the sophomores played a lot as freshmen, such as Zeller, Considine and Reeves.
Reviewing the team's stats from last season, I noticed something about 3FGs. Seven players connected on threes : Olson 67, Bohlen 55, Lee 13, Seibold 10, Zeller 6, Bri Graham 6, Panaggio 1. Of them, only Zeller and Panaggio are on the new roster.
Of course, some of the 6 newcomers may shoot threes well. And some returning players may have improved themselves in that aspect of offense.
The '12-'13 Thunder held opponents to a composite .310 FG pct. No doubt, Coach Madsen will aim for something similar in '13-'14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2013, 01:44:27 PM
Rog, hard to replace Olson.  Just like Titans, hard to replace Gardner.  Teams will have to adjust to the personnel they have for the new go 'round, the new season.  I don't think the TItans will be as strong from treyland this year either.  But, they could be very dangerous, still tough D pressing style, and a more running, slashing style on offense, esp. with Baltes and MacMahon.  If Shelby Jackson and Katy Seibring have big years, the Titans could be very tough.  I think the contributions of role players, rotational players and whoever is the new fifth starter, will be very key to IWU success this year.  Seems starting positions are assured for Baltes (PG), MacMahon (2 or 3), Seibring (4), and Jackson (5).  IMHO.  Of course, I could be wrong -- still a lot of newness and uncertainties to work out.  We'll know the new starting line-up and new rotation soon enough.  Opening games, season opening tip-off now less than four weeks away. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2013, 01:52:18 PM
IWU has to have one of the toughest pre-CCIW schedules of anyone in the country -- playing several consistent, perennial powers -- Jophns Hopkins, Stevens Point, Calvin, DePauw, Wash U, Chicago, etc.  I'd be very very happy if they came out of these first 11 games 8-3 or 7-4, though I think 6-5 is a possibility too.  At least our Titans will have a fierce, stern test through 11 games, well-prepared and well-toughed for the CCIW slate of 14 games.  Look at their pre-CCIW schedule and let me know if you find another first 11 games for any women's program in the country that is as challenging? 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2013, 01:55:47 PM
And, on IWU's schedule, I forgot WI-Whitewater and Howard Payne.  Wowza!!! Very tough first 11 games.  What's the phrase, "to be the best, you gotta play the best."  Guess Coach Mia believes in that for sure. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 20, 2013, 10:41:43 PM
Looks like the Titans have 4-5 top-25 teams to play in the pre-CCIW phase, according to one pre-season poll.  Talk about a "test" early on.

And then comes Carthage (twice) in the CCIW season, another pre-season top 25 team. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 20, 2013, 11:24:23 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 20, 2013, 10:41:43 PM
Looks like the Titans have 4-5 top-25 teams to play in the pre-CCIW phase, according to one pre-season poll.  Talk about a "test" early on.

And then comes Carthage (twice) in the CCIW season, another pre-season top 25 team. 

IWU70

With the DePauw, Wash U, IWU, plus whoever is brave enough to be the fourth team tourney to start the season, plus annual games against UWSP and UWW, plus other top teams, it is always thus.  Mia does NOT cringe away from top competition.

IWU is ALWAYS prepped for CCIW competition! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 20, 2013, 11:52:47 PM
Why did you have to post, Chuck? I wanted to see how many posts in a row he could string together. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 21, 2013, 11:40:32 AM
Greg and Ypsi, glad you guys posted -- thought I was talking to myself there for awhile.  Guess the CCIW women's chat room isn't the most popular place this time of year . . . or for that matter, ever.  Just me and RogK most of the time, me thinks.

Back to football.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 21, 2013, 12:39:33 PM
Which brings us to this : do we have some fans of Millikin, Augustana, Carthage, Elmhurst, North Central or Wheaton? Join the conversation, please.
Fortunately, we have good contributors for IWU and North Park. We don't hear enough from followers of the other six teams (in some cases never).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 21, 2013, 01:43:00 PM
NCC fan here..former assistant with Coach Roof at AU and at NCC.  Still connected to the program...I have been coaching for so long, I was used to not posting and just reading...hahaha
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 21, 2013, 05:17:09 PM
keith45, give us any updates you can. Don't worry about any secrets; everybody already knows exactly what the Cardinals will do on offense and defense anyway! Ha.
Here are new rosters :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
NC has one player taller than 5'10", so defensive quickness will be a necessity.
NC's 3FG shooting pct was hindered by the implementation of the System last season : mostly the same players went from .348 in '11-'12 to .266 in '12-'13. If they can get up closer to 30 or 31 pct this time, they'll have a chance to hold onto their spot in the top half of the CCIW. The national D3 WBB 3FG average last year was .2907, incidentally. D1 and D2 were each between 30 and 31 pct.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 21, 2013, 05:42:45 PM
I look for them to take a step forward this year...year under their belt, etc. Some good freshman, athletic and quick, but size will be the key. If they can keep pressure on the ball and not allow teams to use their size (like Fiona did last year), I can talk myself into a top 3 finish...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 21, 2013, 06:16:44 PM
keith45, keep posting.  We do need more posters for all the various schools and programs  -- fans, players or parents.  All good.  You are very optimistic in predicting a top 3 finish, so good on you!  Lots of unknowns for this upcoming season -- hard to say much other than CC and IWU will again be contenders.  Not very sure about the others.  Pre-season coaches poll soon will perhaps give us more knowledgeable "take" on the possible line-up, CCIW ranking for the new season.  I'm sure the coaches have had a good close look at the new rosters and may know more from their recruiting efforts, which players will be making an impact in the new year. 

IWU has a very experienced, very well-known core coming back -- with four starters pretty much set (Baltes, MacMahon, Seibring, Jackson), and some key rotational, role players also pretty well known too (Reabers, Beoletto, Ransom, etc.).  Not sure much at all on the newbies, freshmen, whether any can break into the varsity rotation.

Let us know what you think about the possible starters, role players for the new NCC line-up.  Any Millikin takers?  Augie posters?  Elmhurst posters?

Would be nice to have more voices, more assessments and opinions in here.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on October 21, 2013, 06:28:57 PM
Looks like NCC could get a good indication of where they are during their own season-opening tournament.  They play Ripon to open the season on 11/15, then play either Hope or Bluffton on 11/16.  Hope lost three strong seniors from last season's #3 ranked team but they should be tough with three experienced six footers and last season's national leader in 3pt % probably in the starting lineup.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 21, 2013, 07:17:50 PM
That could be a revealing tournament, Roundball999. Hope sounds like a tough opponent for anyone.
On a more general topic, the biggest story of the entire season could be how much the game is altered based on how the NCAA wants refs to make things less "physical."
http://www.wbca.org/includes/media/docs/WBBAreasofConcern_2014and2015.pdf
I see potential for some new interpretive disharmony between refs and coaches/players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 21, 2013, 09:35:41 PM
RogK, agree with you.  That memo is a bunch of garble.  What will officials and coaches make of that?  What does it really mean?  Seems to be targeted at aggressive trapping defences and strong on-ball defence.   Strange.    ?

Hope College will be, often is very tough, no doubt.  Surely ranked in the top 25 going in. 


IWU70
Title: Millikin Hoop
Post by: RHIThoops40 on October 22, 2013, 12:45:21 AM
I will be seeing a lot of Millikin this year, including Oct 30. Once I have seen how they have progressed should be able to give a decent report. In theory, they will be better this year, but it is  very dependent on how much their soph bigs have improved.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on October 22, 2013, 06:40:46 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 21, 2013, 09:35:41 PM
RogK, agree with you.  That memo is a bunch of garble.  What will officials and coaches make of that?  What does it really mean?  Seems to be targeted at aggressive trapping defences and strong on-ball defence.   Strange.    ?

Hope College will be, often is very tough, no doubt.  Surely ranked in the top 25 going in. 


IWU70

Yes, it is an interesting memo but I wonder how it will be used?  Is it a specific directive for the refs?  Or is it something for further discussion that may or may not lead to some rules revisions in the future?  It may also be aimed less at DIII and more at D1.  In any case, it will be interesting if it causes the refs to call the game differently.

Hope is preseason #13 in DIIINews rankings...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 22, 2013, 11:45:41 AM
RHIT, glad to have you in the room . . . and hope for more info and assessments of the MU program in coming weeks. 

Injury bug has hit the IWU women's program too, with Emily Considine out with an injury, then a concussion.  Likely out 2-3 weeks, then be evaluated re:  the concussion.  No fun.

Titans have an exhibition game vs. DePaul on November 1st, then open the regular season vs. Washington and Jefferson in a tip-off tournament in Baltimore, MD. on November 16th.  IWU's pre-CCIW run of games will be a tough test, quite a gauntlet. 

Looking forward to the season, coming soon.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on October 22, 2013, 02:44:42 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on October 22, 2013, 06:40:46 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 21, 2013, 09:35:41 PM
RogK, agree with you.  That memo is a bunch of garble.  What will officials and coaches make of that?  What does it really mean?  Seems to be targeted at aggressive trapping defences and strong on-ball defence.   Strange.    ?

Hope College will be, often is very tough, no doubt.  Surely ranked in the top 25 going in. 


IWU70

Yes, it is an interesting memo but I wonder how it will be used?  Is it a specific directive for the refs?  Or is it something for further discussion that may or may not lead to some rules revisions in the future?  It may also be aimed less at DIII and more at D1.  In any case, it will be interesting if it causes the refs to call the game differently.

Hope is preseason #13 in DIIINews rankings...

It's intended to advice the officials that these are points of emphasis this year.  So they should be enforcing the rules more effectively in these situations.  My experience is that they do enforce them more effectively for about a month and then it's back to business as usual which I think is more confusing to the players than NCAA creating them in the first place. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 23, 2013, 11:20:21 AM
Agree with you, Badger.  Could be quite confusing if things revert during the season.

Some very positive news from the IWU program, as Olivia Lett, former national play of the year and CCIW MOP, rejoins Coach Mia Smith as an assistant coach.  Welcome back, Olivia!  According to the Pgraph piece today, she's not returning to Spain to play pro (due to sports financial troubles in recession hit Europre), but still hoping to sign on with a team in Australia to play pro again, starting in March.  Going "downunder" likely a good move.  Hope it works out for her.  March as the new November . . .

Looking forward to the 2013-14 edition of the Titans, with Olivia Lett assisting from the sidelines. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on October 23, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
I think the areas of concern make sense, IF, as others have said, they are consistently noted and called.  While it could be the case that assertive (one might say aggressive) defenders would get called more, it could also happen that offensive players who throw the non-dribbling arm out would be called more often.  There are a lot of "coulds" and "woulds" in that sentence, so we'll just have to see whether the memo is read and taken to heart by officials.  With a father and a brother who were officials, I have sympathy for their job, especially the need for consistency.

Great news about Olivia Lett.  She always seemed like a coach in training, anyway.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on October 23, 2013, 12:34:28 PM
Oliva Lett was one of the best women basketball players that I've ever seen.  I imagine she would be a tremendous addition to an already good coaching staff.  The rich get richer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 23, 2013, 03:56:38 PM
Elmhurst's roster is here :
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Eleven newcomers join sixteen returning players. Not only did I need to take off my shoes and socks to count up to 20, I also had to make use of another person's hands to count 21 through 27! Holy moly, that's enough players to sub 7 or 8 at a time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 23, 2013, 04:07:26 PM
Was Tess G.'s departure widely known?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 23, 2013, 05:48:28 PM
Depends on how you define "widely known." Probably not in places like Asuncion or Chengdu or on Neptune. Ha!
She left the Jays late in the season, missing the last three games. I'm sure the word got around among CCIW coaches quickly.
I've heard rumors that she may join another CCIW team in '14-'15, but I wouldn't count on anything that far off. CCIW rules do not allow playing for another league team immediately, as in '13-'14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 23, 2013, 05:50:55 PM
hahahaha, good point.

She is enrolled in a CCIW school and will play next year. I'll let the suspense build since I'm headed home from work now and may not log back on here until tomorrow... but an educated guess should tell you.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 23, 2013, 05:58:18 PM
She would fit the "4" position very well on North Central, given her talent for offensive rebounding and putbacks.
We'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 23, 2013, 08:56:36 PM
Yes, glad to have Olivia Lett back at The Shirk, in a new role.  We are indeed blessed.  I agree, surely one of the best D3 women's basketball players seen in quite a few years.  Hope she gets back to the pro game in Australia later on, too. 

EC = now that is a roster!  27 strong and some real size there too.  Perhaps EC is one of the teams that will also have a JV schedule, like the IWU roster.  Good for the overall CCIW women's game.

About three weeks now . . . let's the games begin.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2013, 05:46:12 PM
keith45, I heard that around this time last year, the NC women played a scrimmage against Coach Porter's previous team, Olivet Nazarene. If that happens again this fall and if you happen to see it, you could tell us how peculiar a game it is (one System team vs another). Also, I'd like to know what you observe regarding Olivet Naz's 6'4" freshman. Thanks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on October 24, 2013, 05:49:59 PM
Word is that there will be a women's scrimmage at Shirk at 11:00 on Saturday, following the men's at 9:00. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2013, 06:21:48 PM
Thanks, Hoosier.  I'll go have a look.  Will be interesting to see what Coach Smith and new Assistant Coach Lett (and others) come up with for the new IWU line-up for this year's edition.  We'll have a look at the newbies.  Very tough pre-CCIW phase this year. 

Shirk is gonna be jumping on Saturday with basketball,  -- then football at 1 p.m. -- the BIG game with WC.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 25, 2013, 09:28:47 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 24, 2013, 05:46:12 PM
keith45, I heard that around this time last year, the NC women played a scrimmage against Coach Porter's previous team, Olivet Nazarene. If that happens again this fall and if you happen to see it, you could tell us how peculiar a game it is (one System team vs another). Also, I'd like to know what you observe regarding Olivet Naz's 6'4" freshman. Thanks.

The scrimmage is today actually, but it is at Olivet. As much as I love Roof, not making that drive for a scrimmage! I'll ask about the freshman though
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 26, 2013, 06:52:01 PM
A few quick impressions from the Titan's scrimmage / game vs. Eureka today @The Shirk.  Just impressions:

Considine and the senior Reaber injured, not playing as yet.  Starters were: (as expected) Baltes, Seibring, Jackson, MacMahon (and newly) Beoletto.  I watched the first half or so, and saw again the usefulness of tenacious D, the "run and jump" trapping.  When I left, IWU was easily up 34-18 and likely running away with it all.  Shelby Jackson looks good in the post, had several nice turn-arounds, put backs, short jump-shots, blocks etc.  She's going to be an anchor in most games down low.  Seems she and Seibring are trying to work a bit of the old "high / low" routine, to get one of them open, ball in hand, very near to the basket.  Some good trapping, points off the press, as we 've seen now for some years.  Not much treyball presence that I saw from anyone, at least not  yet.  The junior Reaber came in early and had some good minutes, running the break, passing well.  Didn't see much of the newbies, so don't know much about their talent or level, who might be shaping up to be the 6-9 players off the bench in the rotation.  Not too too many players really looked in total game shape yet, but I'm sure that's coming.  MacMahon still has one of the best, quickest first steps driving to the base line of anyone I've seen -- and she blew by several defenders easily again in this scrimmage.  Baltes ran the team, ran the floor well, worked very hard at the front of the "run and jump."  The second tier "anticipators" for steals didn't quite have it yet, so that will require more work -- mostly MacMahon and Seibring.  Mia has to find some key players for the rotation -- still searching and testing, me thinks.  "Run and jump" will most often be effective unless the other team has a very good PG -- like the one at Wash U.  Then the Titans could struggle in turning defensive pressure into points.  This scrimmage did not show much of what the Titans may or can do in the half-court, when the pace slows.  A key will be developing a few players who have some shooting range and being able to effectively feed the post with Seibring and Jackson down low.  Could be a very productive post area this year.  This is only a start, only very iniitial impressions, with a long long way to go to settle in on a full rotation of 9-10 players.  Stay tuned.

Olivia Lett was calling the game -- so in Halloween Zebra attire.  Must admit, seeing Olivia running the sidelines in stripes just didn't seem right at all!   :)  She's a much better, more confident player than she is an official! 

Again, Titans have one very tough schedule 'til CCIW time.  I'd be very happy if they are able to go 7-4 or better yet, 8-3.  That would be a HUGE accomplishment given the quality of teams they will be facing.  This team is pretty experienced, but still seems to have a long way to go to find its identity and flow.  I'm sure Mia and Olivia and the other coaches will do their best to do just that!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 26, 2013, 07:06:36 PM
Interesting that Olivia was the ref!

I say, get her plastic surgery, make her a freshman, and let's go get it!! ;D

Must drive Mia wild that even with a very good team, by far her best player is on the bench beside her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 26, 2013, 09:25:13 PM
Ypsi, we won't be finding a player like Olivia Lett for a long long time.  Glad she's back and can coach, mentor and teach the current team members.  In the women's game, she's once in a lifetime for IWU -- a DI quality player with a tremendous drive and basketball sense, playing in D3.  Hope she finds a spot in Australia, gets to play at the pro level a few more years.  Quite successful in Spain last season.   In the meantime, I'm mighty glad to see her back @The Shirk.  She seemed very relaxed and very a happy today.  Not sure she has a future in officiating, but you never know. 

IWU women's team will be strong, but also a "work in progress" still for some weeks, in many ways.  They could be very good, but not sure they have enough horses, enough pieces to really challenge CC and Kusmanic.   Hope the returning four starters all have big years in CCIW play.  I'm looking for Jackson and MacMahon to be more the scorers this season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2013, 04:51:41 PM
CCIW coaches pre-season poll:  CC, WC, IWU, MU, EC, NCC, Tied- AU and NP. 

Sounds about right to me going in, untested.  I'd probably have IWU ahead of WC, but not to quibble.   I'd probably have NCC higher too. 

CC got 7 first place votes, IWU got 1 (likely from the Carthage coach!).  He probably put on his ballot =  "the school that cannot be named."

So now we know what the coaches think.

Let the games begin -- in 18 days now.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 28, 2013, 06:09:08 PM
CCIW Coaches Poll

1. Carthage  49 (7)
2. Wheaton  41
3. Illinois Wesleyan  39 (1)
4. Millikin  27
5. Elmhurst  25
6. North Central  23
T-7. Augustana  10
T-7. North Park  10

This is about what I expected from the poll, except that I thought they'd put NCC fifth and Elmhurst sixth, especially in the wake of the loss of Tess Godhardt for the 'jays.

NPU is the Rodney Dangerfield of this poll, which doesn't surprise me. NPU didn't make the CCIW tourney last season, and the Vikes lost eight seniors from last season's team. I've heard nothing but great things about NPU's newbies, but the fact of the matter is that it's really hard to put a value upon unknown players when you're doing a preseason poll. I don't think that Amanda Reese is the bulletin-board type, so I doubt that being picked for last in a dead heat with Augie is going to be a point of emphasis for NPU in terms of motivation. I think that she's probably more worried about getting her players acclimated, unified, and conditioned at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2013, 07:04:42 PM
Millikin made 31 threes in 14 conference games last season. That team total was surpassed singlehandedly by Wheaton's Breanna Bohlen (32) and Carthage's Haley Stercic (33). Can Millikin vastly improve in that area of offense?
If someone is to supplant North Central in the top half of the standings, I see Elmhurst as the more likely possibility. I think we'll see Fiona McMahon perform as a 1st team all-conference player and Karen Senette is an excellent point guard (only Stephanie Kuzmanic and Lexi Baltes are better in our league in my opinion, with Bobbi Johns at number 4). And I think the Jays will turn up the energy level a few notches this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2013, 08:06:51 PM
From what I saw at the IWU scrimmage Saturday, I think the Titans are going to struggle some from treyball-land this year.  Gardner will be missed.  They will probably rely on their strengths:  up-tempo play, strong post presence with Jackson and Seibring, terrific pressure defence and points off of TOs, off of "run and jump."  Still to develop an identity, a clear set of offensive sets in the half-court.  They will need to develop some depth, rotational players as otherwise, they are not a particular deep team.  Time will tell.  The veterans I've talked to are pretty optimistic about the play, the contributions of some of the newbies.  Seems key players in addition to the four returning starters, will be the junior Reaber and Beoletto.  Not sure on the rest, as yet.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 29, 2013, 01:27:17 PM
I dont see how Milikin is ranked above NCC, unless there are some transfers we dont know about! NCC beat Milikin handily I think last year, both games. I can talk myself into EC equal to NCC, but with Tess' departure, ECC has to bridge that gap (and they split last year)..and NPU played NCC to 2 1-point games last year, so who knows....

I had NCC 4th, EC 5th, Milikin 6th, and toss up between NPU and Augie. I think Augie can move up this year personally, maybe sneak into 5th
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2013, 02:20:42 PM
North Central's top five rebounders last year were Sophie Newson (135), Larynn Shumaker (121), Michelle Todd (121), Emily Murphy (91) and Callie Rezin (76). With all of them, NC still got outrebounded by an average of 12.5 per game. Four of those players are now gone.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 29, 2013, 02:36:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 29, 2013, 02:20:42 PM
North Central's top five rebounders last year were Sophie Newson (135), Larynn Shumaker (121), Michelle Todd (121), Emily Murphy (91) and Callie Rezin (76). With all of them, NC still got outrebounded by an average of 12.5 per game. Four of those players are now gone.

I wouldn't hold rebounding as a key stat for a system team..NCC takes so many more shots than opponents, inherently more chances for rebounding......NCC will win by shooting more shots then their opponents (while shooting around average to slightly below average) and causing turnovers. 4 of their 5 top shot takers are back, and 6 of top 10 scorers are back.... 3 of top 5 in steals are back, 3 of top 5 3point shooters are back too.
the Milikin ranking above NCC is one that still confuses me, especially when looking at head to head results and returners
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2013, 03:02:34 PM
What you say about NC's opponents having extra opportunities for defensive rebs is true. But, a System team does even better when it rebounds well. Exhibit A is Olivet Nazarene, which went 23-9 while getting outrebounded by 7 or 8 per game in '12-'13 and which went 27-4 in '11-'12 when they were outrebounded by only 2 per game.
Having lost so many key rebounders, it'll be a chore for NC to improve on the minus 12 from last year. With some quick newcomers grabbing a lot of steals, they might be able to offset the rebounds deficit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2013, 03:36:07 PM
In '10-'11, ONU had a guard Danielle Pipal (now an assistant coach there) who had 124 steals in 446 minutes; that's a fabulous rate of one every 3.6 minutes. If NC can find one or two like her...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2013, 04:44:38 PM
keith45, did you hear anything about the NC/ONU scrimmage? It had to be a challenge for the refs, right?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on October 29, 2013, 04:57:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 29, 2013, 04:44:38 PM
keith45, did you hear anything about the NC/ONU scrimmage? It had to be a challenge for the refs, right?
I did. The first half was a struggle for NCC, to be expected as many key roles are filled by first time system players. They lost by 15 ish I think. 2nd half they won by almost 20. That was encouraging as ONU has been going at it for a few weeks already and this was NCC's first live competition. Some of the freshman impressed, and the returners were solid. I think they have Rockford in a week or so. Overall, a decent start
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 29, 2013, 06:45:32 PM
Yup, looks to me like NCC is higher than their 6th place ranking by the coaches.  I'd have them above EC and perhaps above MU, too.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2013, 11:25:14 AM
Augie previews :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/news/2013/10/18/WBB_1018133215.aspx
and
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/news/2013/10/28/WBB_1028133904.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 31, 2013, 11:50:44 AM
Good Pgraph piece today on the IWU women's program, Mia Smith's optimism about the newbies.  If Mia is optimistic about the quality and smarts of the freshmen cohort, I surely will be too.  Let's hope Coach Smith finds some good contributors, role players to come in and provide support and energy for the four strong, returning starters:  Baltes, MacMahon, Seibring, and Jackson.  This piece indicates that the fifth starter may well be the junior, Kasey Reaber, not Beoletto.  The senior Taylor Reaber and Beoletto perhaps come first off the pine in the rotation.  Mia is taking a number of the freshmen with her to Baltimore for the initial tip-off tournament at Johns Hopkins.   Taylor Reaber had a minor injury earlier, did not play in the scrimmage and Emily Considine is coming back from a concussion. 

Titans open Nov. 16th, Saturday in Baltimore, vs. Washington and Jefferson.  Play another game on Sunday, the 17th, also at Johns Hopkins. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RHIThoops40 on October 31, 2013, 04:30:41 PM
After viewing Millikin last night, I think 4th is a distinct possibility. Last year Millikin was sorely lacking in ball handling, which led to some 31 turnovers per game. Over 40 in the 2 games against North Central. They didnt really have a point guard or bigs and had people playing out of position This year:

2 point guards, Durkin, soph from Mother Mac, and Weber, a Freshman from Normal will half the turnovers,  2 strong ball handlers who were succesful in handling pressure against top flight AAU teams. and now Czplicki can play 2 guard where she belongs.

Soph Kelsey Goings will be a very strong post CCIW post. Probably 8 pt and 8 rebs this conference season, then better next couple of years.

Then there is Yip Ypya from PB-L, a freshman of immense talent, ball handles very well and can score.  If she can adjust to the college game by CCIW tournament, nobody is going to want to play Millikin. Potential 17 ppg player, but probably not this year.

Last seasons Millikin group was 5 role players all out of position. While Johnson and Bria Williams aren't real posts, they fill the roles and battle hard. Hoskins is a very solid player and this yr won't have to handle the ball so much.

This years team is much more to Coach Kerans' system. Now that her health issues are over, it looks like the talent pipeline to Decatur is reopening. Within 2 years they will be back in the mix for conference championships. Coach's track record is undeniable,she's hard to beat when she has the tools to work with.  This year they are a little young yet, but has as good a shot as anyone at 4th.

To put a little needle to my esteemed North Central fan: The new Millikin players are not transfers, they are freshmen and sophs (2 classes that have enough talent to have 7 to 8 players of CCIW starting abilities). We 've addressed ball handling and size issues here.

Has North Central addressed their 48% field goal defense? We'll get 15 more shots per game this season, that would be about 14 pt if  last year holds. The NC- Big Blue games become quite interesting then!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RHIThoops40 on October 31, 2013, 04:33:44 PM
Hey IWU fans,

Is there any report on how Gabbie Weber is looking and what chances she has for playing time? Good athlete, hard worker, very focussed, my daughter really liked playing ball with her in the summer when they had the chance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 31, 2013, 05:39:55 PM
Yip Ypya is a shoo-in for the all-name team.  She needs to transfer to EMU so she can be Yip Ypya from Ypsi! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 31, 2013, 07:55:25 PM
Does Yip Ypya get the yips?    :D  Sorry, couldn't resist.  Surely a CCIW all-name winner.  "It's Yip at the line with the yips." 

On TITAN newbie, Ms. Weber, Titan Coach Mia Smith specifically mentioned her amongst the three pleasing, developing freshmen for her "strength" and toughness.  (Pgraph piece today).  She's on the varsity group, in the first 12-15 who are going to Johns Hopkins for the first weekend, tip-off tourney road trip.  Don't know how much playing time she'll get, what role she'll play, though in looking at the Washington and Jefferson roster, W & J has some big (6'3" and 6'0) returning horses, scorers, so perhaps Ms. Weber may well get some PT to help Seibring, Jackson, and Taylor Reaber in the paint.  Time will tell.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RHIThoops40 on October 31, 2013, 11:05:28 PM
Very glad to hear the news on Ms. Weber.

Not sure, she'll help you with the 6'3 girl, but she give you some hard mid court traps on the run and jump!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2013, 12:08:37 PM
Yes, I'm pretty sure IWU will do everything it can to play, defend and trap near the half court line and not let the ball anywhere near the 6'3" girl from Wash and Jeff (playing in Baltimore on the 16th).

IWU plays an exhibition at DePaul today -- this evening.  If as in the past, IWU will get thumped pretty good . . . but always good to play tough opposition and get toughened up for the very tough D3 schedule IWU plays, toughened up for the CCIW run, esp. games against the top teams like Carthage.

I'm pretty optimistic about IWU's prospects for the new year.  Wouldn't be surprised to see them be 7-4, even 6-5 going in to CCIW play, but then really contend for the CCIW championship.  That will be key as they may not have the record or ranking to be considered for the D3 Dance unless they do well in CCIW play.  We'll see.  Would love to see them go 8-3 or 9-2 in the early going, but that's probably a bit too optimistic, given the quality of the teams they are playing.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2013, 06:28:15 PM
D3 Pre-season poll out with DePauw #1, Wash U #2, Whitewater #4, Carthage #12, IWU at #28 (ORV) and WC getting a few votes in ORV too.  Sounds about right to me.  Sure shows what a tough schedule the Titans will have playing potentially Numbers 1, 2, 4, 12 (twice) 23, and several of the ORV teams including Howard Payne, Wash and Jeff (opening day), Wheaton, etc.  Of course, don't really know too too much about what these pre-season polls mean.  Seems to me DePauw lost more than Wash U and it could have been Wash U at #1.  Sounds about right for Carthage, though they could have been ranked in the top ten, reasonably.

By January 1st, we'll really have a better idea, see how some of these tops teams really play, compare against each other, as lots of top 30-35 match-ups will have been played by then. 

Congrats to Carthage for a good pre-season ranking.

IWU at DePaul in an exhibition in an hour or so.

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2013, 09:54:18 PM
IWU getting totally thumped by DI DePaul in their exhibition game tonight.   It's about 120-54 with 2+ minutes to go.  Not quite sure the usefulness of this kind of exhibition, other than having a good workout, seeing how different the divisions are in talent, size and physicality.  It's a tune-up, surely a confidence-builder for DP, but not quite sure the purpose of this for the Titans.  Have wondered about it in past years too.  But, there it is -- it is what it is.

Seibring led the Titans with 13 pts.  DP had three players with 20+ pts.  You can find the "live stats" on the IWU site.  Not sure it's very instructive of what to expect from the Titans once the regular season gets underway.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on November 02, 2013, 03:01:28 PM
Blue jays down 47-22 at the half to the Flames at UIC scrimmage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on November 02, 2013, 04:09:52 PM
Flames over Jays 94-63. Too tall,  too fast,  too good. Two of the Jay's three six footers not dressed due to injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2013, 11:28:12 AM
I didn't attend that EC/UIC game, but a few of the Bluejays did alright getting the ball into the hoop : Devin Vaughn made 11 of 12 FTs and Whitney Shaffer scored 10 pts on 8 FG att in 15:00. Elmhurst had a bad case of turnoveritis, committing 42.
Elmhurst's opening tournament will now be held in Missouri Nov 15-16.
On Saturday, I saw a 50 minute scrimmage in which North Park drubbed Concordia by a composite 119-72 score.
Can't make any broad conclusions based on one practice game, but the Vikings were energetic and smart.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 04, 2013, 12:27:20 PM
Wow, looks like NP has some gamers, some horses there -- or that Concordia is a door mat?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2013, 02:34:56 PM
Concordia is predicted to be in the middle of the pack in their conference according to this :
http://naccsports.org/sports/wbkb/2013-14/releases/20131023zkm668
North Park has numerous good athletes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2013, 05:38:18 PM
I had to miss the scrimmage on Saturday due to my North Park football broadcasting duties, although NPU will host another scrimmage next Saturday morning against Lake Forest. But I heard very good reports from Saturday's scrimmage.

The freshman to watch is Rachel Torres (DeKalb). She's CCIW-starter ready, from what I've been told. Liz Rehberger (Resurrection) is another wing who has a really bright future ahead of her as a Viking. NPU also has a new point guard named Nikki (can't recall her last name at the moment, and the roster isn't posted yet) who may step in and start right away, and another backcourt player named Tiffany (again, can't remember her last name) who is a pure shooter and will probably get a lot of playing time. The Vikes have also added a skilled front-liner who has the mobility to start at power forward right off the bat. (Sorry, I can't remember her name at all.)

It's going to be a really young team, with only one senior who was in last year's rotation (Dominikque Williams), so defense and ball discipline will probably be what coaches euphemistically call "areas of growth" for the Vikings in the early going. The tradeoffs are that the Vikes should be deeper, more athletic, and better shooters as a unit. And, to be perfectly frank, the huge advantage that the Vikes had in experience last season, with so many seniors in the rotation, ended up not being an advantage at all in terms of how endgames played out; NPU lost a lot of close games that senior-laden teams ought to win. I think we'll see NPU do a lot more full-court pressure this season than the Vikings have done in years past.

This should be a fun group. I'm looking forward to watching this NPU team this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2013, 11:27:12 AM
Carthage had a 5 point lead mid-1st-half at Iowa State but ended up on the short end of a 78-49 final, seen by 9,586.
Not bad for the Lady Reds, considering that the hosts are expected to be among the best D1 teams.
http://www.cyclones.com/pdf9/2561209.pdf?ATCLID=209300912&SPSID=46667&SPID=4253&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=10700
Haley Stercic topped Carthage with 9 pts and Taylor Boardman led with 6 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 07, 2013, 11:50:47 AM
Really?  9,500 for a women's basketball exhibition game at Iowa State?  Wow, must be a very boring town . . . or fan loyalty beyond belief.  (or both).

Season upcoming now, only about a week away.  Titan women heading for Baltimore and two games at Johns Hopkins.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2013, 12:02:49 PM
Fan loyalty is your answer, iwu70. See this :
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/reports/Attend/13att.pdf
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 07, 2013, 01:35:46 PM
Women's basketball has always been a big deal in the state of Iowa, going back many decades. It's not an accident that Iowa State ranks #2 in D1 women's basketball attendance and Iowa ranks #19. It's not just the big girls that draw the crowds, either; the IIAC, which doesn't tend to be either a power conference or a big draw in most sports, ranks third among D3 leagues in women's basketball attendance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2013, 01:41:35 PM
Hey keith45, have you noticed that fellow "system" team Olivet Naz is using only 12 players so far? Must be some injuries.
They had turnover problems in their first two games, committing 90 (!) and losing 121-107 and 131-88. In game 3 on Tuesday, they committed 29. They also tightened things up defensively, limiting the opponents to 118 points. ONU fired in 138 themselves. It was 91-63 at halftime.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 07, 2013, 02:13:25 PM
Iowa State = unbelievable attendance.  CC will never have a crowd again like that!  Do the Iowa State women's fans pay?

Wow, think of the season long stats for ONU if you have 90+ points by half time.

Stunning.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2013, 03:40:42 PM
That's an odd question for a women's basketball fan to ask, iwu70. Of course, Iowa State WBB fans pay to see their games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 07, 2013, 04:33:30 PM
Just checking -- some sports at some schools, esp. in DIII are free, save for tournaments at the end of year.  Thought they paid, but wasn't sure -- great revenue stream with that kind of loyalty and attendance. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 09, 2013, 06:37:52 PM
I got my first peek at North Park's new-look roster today, as the Vikings hosted a scrimmage against Lake Forest. NPU won the first two halves, 72-66, and then won a ten-minute scrimmage against the Foresters reserves, 21-7. For the afternoon as a whole, transfer Brittany Pittas led a balanced Vikings scoring attack with 15, while freshmen Rachel Torres, Hannah Rehfeldt, and Nikki Przybyslawski had 14, 12, and 11, respectively, with junior Kayla McCall also breaking into double figures with 10. Another freshman, Amanda Behles, led the team in rebounds with six.

The Vikings started off very wobbly, falling behind 31-18 with five minutes and change remaining in the first half. They were continually victimized by poor transition defense, both primary and secondary, and they had trouble containing LFC's quick senior point guard. But they gathered themselves and made a terrific comeback in those final five and a half minutes to bring themselves to within 34-33 when the half ended. The Vikings then dominated the second half against the taller and more experienced Foresters, leading by double digits for most of the way.

The Vikings certainly have a lot to work on in the three practices they'll have remaining before Friday night's opener against Westminster (PA). The defense, both halfcourt and transition, really needs a lot of tightening up, and ballhandling is a concern as well. But I am seriously impressed by the crop of newbies that Amanda Reese and Lauren Rosengarden have brought in this year. They have a number of new players who will be able to step in and play right away, and they should be competitive most nights in CCIW play. They'll be deeper and more athletic than last year, and -- this is big -- they'll shoot the ball much better, too. Shooting was a big concern last year, as NPU only shot .403 from the field and .317 from beyond the arc. This year the Vikings will have multiple shooters -- Hannah Rehfeldt, Brittany Pittas, Kayla McCall, Annie Shain, Rachel Torres, and Liz Rehberger -- who can knock it down from distance consistently (the first four players in particular). Although she didn't play today (she just finished a season of playing soccer for the Park, so she's resting a recently-reconstructed ACL tear), freshman McKenzie Wiedemann is supposed to be a very good shooter as well.

With only two seniors (Dominikque Williams and Kayla Scoggins) on the squad, this should be a season in which the Vikings have some growing pains at times. But it should also be a team that gets better and better as the season goes along. This could be a really fun group to watch over the next few seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2013, 11:26:40 AM
The North Park list :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
I'll agree with Greg that NP should be competitive with most CCIW opponents, but it'll take a massive effort for them to upend Carthage. Maybe this year we'll have all 8 CCIW teams do well. The next few weeks may reveal that answer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2013, 11:52:05 AM
Seems the women's game in CCIW is stronger this year, with more parity, more balance.  CC surely the favorite, but more teams having some new strength, exciting new and more athletic players.  The Titans will be good, but not as deep or as experienced as in recent few years.  If the key starters stay healthy, play up to their potential, the Titans will contend, give CC a good run for their money.  Hope a few of the newbies really make a good contribution. 

The season now just a few days away.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2013, 12:22:13 PM
Wheaton's preview :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2013/11/12/WBB_1112134904.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2013, 04:46:30 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 12, 2013, 11:26:40 AM
The North Park list :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball

NPU opens its season at home against Westminster (PA) on Friday evening. I'm certainly looking forward to my first basketball webcast of 2013-14! I'm not entirely sure what to expect, both because the Vikings have so many new faces and because the Pennsylvania-based opponent is an unfamiliar one. Most of what I know about the visitors is that the Titans return two starters from a team that went 11-15 last season.

This means that I have three more days to perfect the pronunciation of NPU's new point guard, freshman Nikki Przybyslawski. Hey, I mastered the pronunciation of NPU soccer player Przemyslaw Zabielski, so I'm battle-tested and ready. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2013, 05:35:29 PM
Nikki P . . . . surely a nominee for the All-CCIW great names list . . . Good luck, Greg.  Yes, seems some practice in pronunciation will be required. 

Looking forward to Friday through Sunday this weekend and all the CCIW action in several sports.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2013, 06:00:04 PM
North Central's preview :
http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/news/2013/11/12/WBB_1112132915.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2013, 07:05:26 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 12, 2013, 05:35:29 PM
Nikki P . . . . surely a nominee for the All-CCIW great names list . . . Good luck, Greg.  Yes, seems some practice in pronunciation will be required. 

Perhaps I should follow your lead, MS, and refer to her as "Pwoman". ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2013, 10:36:07 PM
Indeed so.  Pwoman meets Zman and lives happily ever after.  Much easier for announcers and for spelling on D3 chat.   +k to you Mssr. Sager.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2013, 11:35:57 AM
Very nice coverage of the Titan women and their schedule made in hell in today's Pgraph.  (pantagraph.com).  Other coaches asking Mia Smith, "what were you thinking?"  Apparently the top SOS in the nation?  Well, the Titan squad will be "well-tested" as they say.  Could come out of the pre-CCIW season 6-5 or 5-6.  I'm certainly hoping for 8-3 or 7-4.  It will surely be a great set of games to see really how well this Titan group stacks up with the best in the nation now.  Hope it doesn't grind the Titans down for the CCIW season, as this Titan group is not particularly deep.  Some newbies may get thrown into the fire, get well-tested, too.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2013, 12:08:08 PM
We won't know a thing about any team's "strength of schedule" for a long time, iwu70. Remember that pre-season polls are based on zero games and are worth nothing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2013, 06:49:50 PM
RogK, I beg to differ.  I think it's pretty certain that many of the teams IWU plays will still be in the top 25 long into this season -- look more carefully -- with the two top WIAC schools, Wash U, two games with Carthage, Calvin, Howard Payne, DePauw etc.  These strong programs and strong teams are not going anywhere -- and will be in the mix for DIII dance bids come season's end.  I 'd be willing to put some money on it.  Some of these schools, teams, could even be top seeds in the DIII tournament come March.  I'll be very happy if IWU gets out of this run of games at 7-4, better yet 8-3.  Frankly, I think 6-5 or 5-6 is a real possibility.  We'll see.  Hope the Titans get off to a good start, build some good confidence and team chemistry starting this weekend vs. Wash and Jeff, perhaps Johns Hopkins, in Baltimore.  They could be very good, surely very road-tested come CCIW time.  But, then again, they could be battered and lacking in confidence.  I have a lot of faith in the four strong returnees and in Coach Smith, so I think it will be the former, not the latter.

Here we go . . . another exciting season.  Carthage is the team to beat for the CCIW crown and the AQ.  Always the goal = win the conference, gain the AQ.  Always the best road to the dance. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2013, 10:44:37 AM
Doesn't strength of schedule materialize gradually and steadily throughout the season? After 5 games in a 25 game schedule, it is 1/5th complete. After 10 games, 2/5ths complete.
With 0 games played, there is no strength of schedule established.
Did Carthage (13-1) have the weakest strength of schedule within the 14 game CCIW schedule last year because they were the only team who didn't play against Carthage? Should they have been penalized in some way for that?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 14, 2013, 11:18:55 AM
RogK, I understand your point, understand how SOS is calculated over a season, but just saying that these teams, programs IWU is playing are all likely to have bigtime winning seasons, many of them at .700, .800 or more in wins, many highly ranked all year, and many making the DIII dance.  So from past performance and almost certain future records, I think its a very strong likelihood that IWU's SOS will be one of the toughest in the nation.  Of course, we'll see.  I can't find any pre-CCIW set of games that look as tough, as daunting as those IWU has lined up.  That's Mia's method, to toughen up the team for the CCIW run. It's the ethos of "to be the best, play the best," that Coach Smith has had for some years.  That's what she did when the Titans won the national title a few years back -- a similar run of games and that squad rose to the challenge.  Of course, no Olivia Lett this year, (except on the bench as an Assistant Coach), but a pretty good array of returnees and some very promising newbies, playing roles on this new team.  The Titans will look different, play different this year.  Perhaps not as much "run and jump." I think more of the scoring will come in the post area with Jackson back, and more will come from slashing wings -- MacMahon and Seibring, driving and getting to the line.   Would be nice to get some scoring off of TOs, off of the pressing as in the past, and some from PG Baltes.  The Reabers will need to contribute.   I could be wrong about all this, but I'm pretty sure about the SOS scenarios that are coming this season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2013, 04:45:23 PM
NPU's season preview is now up on the North Park website. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2013/11/13/WBB_1113131919.aspx?path=wbball)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 14, 2013, 04:47:59 PM
Good luck to the Titans this weekend as they travel to Baltimore for two games in the first weekend, tip-off tournament at Johns Hopkins.  A new season, full of prospect.  Welcome back Shelby Jackson!

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2013, 04:56:35 PM
A fun and healthy season is hereby wished to all. Most importantly, travel safely.
And, as usual, we will expect the refs to start off perfect and then show steady improvement!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 14, 2013, 05:58:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 14, 2013, 04:56:35 PM
A fun and healthy season is hereby wished to all. Most importantly, travel safely.
And, as usual, we will expect the refs to start off perfect and then show steady improvement!

And, as usual, we will be sorely disappointed in those expectations! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2013, 06:18:44 PM
They do better work than the NBA's refs do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 14, 2013, 08:12:34 PM
The zebras have a tough job.  I wish them well too -- though surely I will do my share of yelling at them and complaining about the calls, at times.  All part of the game!  I've done a good bit of officiating at various school and high school levels, and know how difficult it can be.  Have retired to rank partisan fan-dom now.

Yes, safe travel to all teams during the course of the season -- most important. 

Let the games begin.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2013, 01:56:41 AM
North Park 67
Westminster (PA) 58

Nicole Kruckman: 13 pts
Brittany Pittas: 12 pts
Rachel Torres: 10 pts, 3 stls
Dominikque Williams: 10 rebs
Soly Roman: 8 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 5:2 a:to

The Vikings came out of the gate a little wobbly tonight, as one might well expect for a team that is playing seven freshmen and a transfer (the second transfer, Donnie Taggart, was not in the gym tonight, due to a death in the family). The Titans were killing NPU on the boards early, and the visitors went into the locker room up by a point. But NPU went on a 12-0 run over a four-minute stretch in the middle of the second half, turning a 41-40 deficit into a 52-41 lead that they never relinquished. The sparkplug for that run was freshman Liz Rehberger from Resurrection HS here on the North Side; she had five points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals during that stretch. From that point onward, NPU began to dominate in the paint, as the rebounding got better and better and Nicole Kruckman made her presence felt in the low post.

The Vikings used their quickness to good effect in this game, as twelve of Westminster's 26 turnovers were NPU steals. Between that and the 52-47 rebounding advantage for NPU (which included a 22-11 advantage on the offensive boards for the Park), the Vikings ended shooting a whopping 72 field-goal attempts for the game. That leads us to the downside, though, which is that the Vikings really didn't shoot well at all; they were only 23-74 (31%) from the field and an atrocious 2-20 (10%) from downtown. Chalk up a lot of that to opening-night jitters from the freshmen, though.

The Titans are no great shakes, but they're not that bad a team, either. This was a nice opening-night win for the young Vikings. NPU will have an interesting test on Saturday afternoon, though, as the Vikes host Knox, which defeated Dominican tonight, 105-93. As you can guess by the score, Knox plays the Grinnell System -- so this will be good practice for NPU, seeing as how the Vikes are going to have to face North Central's version of the System twice after the calendar turns to 2014.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2013, 05:25:32 PM
IWU women over Wash and Jeff, in Baltimore, 84-70.  Titans start off the new season with a bang!

McMahon 22
Baltes 14 with 9 assists
Seibring 13  and 8 REBs
Kasey Reaber 8 and 10 REBs
Jackson 8 and 4 REBs
Holness 7 off the bench

Good balance. 

Looks a very solid, promising start.  As I thought, McMahon is going to be doing more of the scoring this year.  IMHO.

IWU football wins this afternoon, going to 9-1 and a likely NCAA play-off berth.  Announcements coming Sunday.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: BruinFan on November 16, 2013, 06:59:42 PM
Greetings from Oregon and the Northwest Conference!

It is great to have Wheaton out here this weekend. I wish George Fox would travel to your region at least every other year. This season they are headed to Texas in late December for some out of region play.

I think it is a win-win to have the CCIW and NWC play each other and get a brief snapshot comparison between the two conferences. I look forward to tonight's game between the Thunder and Bruins as both are voted by their conference coaches to be near the top at the end of the conference season. (6 PM PST)

What do you think about the CCIW coaches poll of a Carthage 1st place finish followed by either Wheaton or IWU?

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2013, 08:11:33 AM
North Park 134
Knox 74

Liz Rehberger: 23 pts
Brittany Pittas: 20 pts
Annie Shain: 15 pts
Soly Roman: 13 pts, 8 rebs
Amani Davis: 11 pts
Hannah Rehfeldt: 11 pts
Nikki Przybyslawski: 5:0 a:to
Dominikque Williams, Rachel Torres, and Kayla McCall: 4:0 a:to each

NPU ran out to a quick 19-0 lead en route to setting a new school record for points scored in a game, as the Vikings easily solved Knox's version of the Arseneault System. The record is not the matter of which the Vikings should be the most proud, though; what's really exciting about what North Park did yesterday was that the Vikes only turned the ball over thirteen times against a style of play that is completely predicated upon causing turnovers. In fact, the 28:13 assist-to-turnover ratio posted by the Vikings yesterday would have been very impressive against even a team that played a normal style of play. Meanwhile, Knox itself turned the ball over 30 times -- with 17 of those turnovers caused by NPU steals.

As ugly as the final score looks, nobody should feel sorry for the Prairie Fire. One of the consequences of using the System is that you can end up on the ugly end of a massive blowout if you don't play well or don't really have the capacity to perform it well. While Knox is no great shakes -- North Central is a much better exemplar of the System -- it was still good enough to beat Dominican last night using the System.

I'm very impressed with what the Vikings have done thus far with so many new faces in the lineup.

NPU will have a much stiffer test on Monday, as the Vikings travel to Monmouth to take on a 1-0 Scots team that went 20-5 last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 17, 2013, 08:27:03 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2013, 08:11:33 AM
As ugly as the final score looks, nobody should feel sorry for the Prairie Fire. One of the consequences of using the System is that you can end up on the ugly end of a massive blowout if you don't play well or don't really have the capacity to perform it well. While Knox is no great shakes -- North Central is a much better exemplar of the System -- it was still good enough to beat Dominican last night using the System.

Congrats to North Park, sounds like they executed exceptionally well against the system style. 

I agree with your comment about the potential for blowout, yesterday I witnessed a system team for the first time when I saw Hope win by 70 against North Central.  I honestly can't figure out how the system would work against any team that has decent players, some depth, and good coaching.  Therefore it seems mostly geared toward creating big numbers against opponents that the system team might beat anyway, even if they didn't play the system style.  It's also pretty much impossible to keep down the winning margin against an overmatched system team when the end of the bench is getting layups time after time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2013, 12:43:56 PM
Roundball999, you won't attribute any credit to that style of play, even when it works? That's like saying that driving a Ford from Schaumburg to Madison is no good because you could've gotten there in a Toyota.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2013, 01:14:23 PM
In Elmhurst's opening pair of wins, Fiona McMahon made a total of 14/20 FGs and Melanie Schwerdtmann made 14 of 19.
In Millikin's opening pair of wins, Bria Williams averaged 18.5 plus 8 rebs, Brittany Czaplicki averaged 18.5 and 9 rebs and Jasmine Johnson averaged 10 rebs, 2 blocks and 2.5 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 17, 2013, 04:34:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 17, 2013, 12:43:56 PM
Roundball999, you won't attribute any credit to that style of play, even when it works? That's like saying that driving a Ford from Schaumburg to Madison is no good because you could've gotten there in a Toyota.

Well, as I said this was the first "system" game I've seen so I'm hardly an expert, just giving my opinion.  But there are a lot of smart coaches out there and I suspect it is meaningful that so very few of them choose to employ the system.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the system "works".  Is there evidence that system teams regularly beat teams they wouldn't normally beat if they hadn't used the system style?  I really don't know because I haven't followed such teams, it's entirely possible such upsets are common and I'm just not aware of it.  As I said, my impression based on a data set of just one game was that using the system may allow the system team to beat an opponent the system team would have beaten anyway.  But it really didn't seem to me that it would help upset a superior opponent, rather it seemed more likely to me to magnify the superiority of the opponent.  On the other hand, I can recall many instances of disciplined half court teams beating superior opponents (some of the old Pete Carril Princeton teams come to mind as classic examples).  So on the balance I just don't see the upside of using the system.   

On another note, the new officiating guidelines may also work against system teams, again based on just the one game I saw.  All the trapping, chasing and all court pressure lead to 30 foul calls against North Central, many that may not have been called last year.  Hope was in the double bonus less than ten minutes into each half, it allowed a lot of points to go on the board with no time coming off the clock.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2013, 07:36:09 PM
Roundball, my take is that the System ultimately doesn't have that much direct impact upon the outcome of a game either way in terms of overall team strength. A team that is superior to a System team will still beat it most often, and a team that is roughly parallel in ability to a System team stands a good chance of winning if it remains disciplined enough to take what the System gives it. This is taking as a given that the opponents in question have sufficient numbers on the roster to deal with the pace of a System game.

As the MWC men's basketball room posters have attested for years, it's often the team that plays a System team's opponent immediately after that System game that is the clearest beneficiary of the System. Since the far-flung MWC played a Friday/Saturday schedule for many years, there is apparently a pretty healthy set of data that shows that the teams that played Grinnell on a Friday suffered adverse effects in their Saturday game. Given the physical demands put upon a team by Grinnell, that's entirely understandable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 18, 2013, 06:53:49 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2013, 07:36:09 PM
Roundball, my take is that the System ultimately doesn't have that much direct impact upon the outcome of a game either way in terms of overall team strength. A team that is superior to a System team will still beat it most often, and a team that is roughly parallel in ability to a System team stands a good chance of winning if it remains disciplined enough to take what the System gives it. This is taking as a given that the opponents in question have sufficient numbers on the roster to deal with the pace of a System game.

As the MWC men's basketball room posters have attested for years, it's often the team that plays a System team's opponent immediately after that System game that is the clearest beneficiary of the System. Since the far-flung MWC played a Friday/Saturday schedule for many years, there is apparently a pretty healthy set of data that shows that the teams that played Grinnell on a Friday suffered adverse effects in their Saturday game. Given the physical demands put upon a team by Grinnell, that's entirely understandable.

That makes a lot of sense to me, thanks for the insights.  I hadn't thought of the effects on teams for games the day after they play a system team; I can see how having some real depth is important for playing both the system team and for the day after.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2013, 11:46:32 AM
Along those lines, we just had two examples of System teams having to use maximum effort on a Friday evening to eke out a tight victory (Knox over Dominican at North Park, North Central over Ripon in OT), but having very little energy the next afternoon, each getting drilled/destroyed/demolished by 60 and 70.
So, one could certainly say that the System puts a strain on its own players to the point that a quick turnaround day 2 game is going to be difficult.
At least Knox and North Central went 1-1 for the weekend instead of 0-2.
To answer Roundball999's question, when I say the System "works" in a game, I simply mean that it produced a win. And when it does produce a win, accept it as reality. Speculation about how they or any other team would do using an alternate style is merely guessing.
It is not a magical style of play that will turn any team into a dominant team.
Given that it normally yields a game with a large number of possessions for each team (maybe 150 pct of a regular game), it does magnify any mismatch.
As I've said here before, conventional basketball doesn't work very well for a lot of teams either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on November 18, 2013, 11:53:43 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2013, 11:46:32 AM
Along those lines, we just had two examples of System teams having to use maximum effort on a Friday evening to eke out a tight victory (Knox over Dominican at North Park, North Central over Ripon in OT), but having very little energy the next afternoon, each getting drilled/destroyed/demolished by 60 and 70.
So, one could certainly say that the System puts a strain on its own players to the point that a quick turnaround day 2 game is going to be difficult.
At least Knox and North Central went 1-1 for the weekend instead of 0-2.
To answer Roundball999's question, when I say the System "works" in a game, I simply mean that it produced a win. And when it does produce a win, accept it as reality. Speculation about how they or any other team would do using an alternate style is merely guessing.
It is not a magical style of play that will turn any team into a dominant team.
Given that it normally yields a game with a large number of possessions for each team (maybe 150 pct of a regular game), it does magnify any mismatch.
As I've said here before, conventional basketball doesn't work very well for a lot of teams either.

I'm not sure the back to back had as much of affect on NCC versus playing a Hope team that is big, athletic, composed and very very good. NCC played better last season in this same tournament, in the 2nd game of the back to back. I missed the first half, but saw the 2nd half and NCC just couldnt make shots or get past Hope defenders. i still think NCC is 4th this season, they have some impact freshman and transfers that help absorb the losses from last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2013, 12:04:31 PM
I just saw that NC committed 51 turnovers, which has to be the most disappointing aspect by far for them.
Hope had 32 steals. How and where on the floor did they get all those steals?
And NC got up only 19 3FG att, un-System-like. Credit Hope for preventing them, or wasn't NC looking for threes?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: keith45 on November 18, 2013, 12:08:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2013, 12:04:31 PM
I just saw that NC committed 51 turnovers, which has to be the most disappointing aspect by far for them.
Hope had 32 steals. How and where on the floor did they get all those steals?
And NC got up only 19 3FG att, un-System-like. Credit Hope for preventing them, or wasn't NC looking for threes?

it felt like a ton of them were on post entry passes. Some were bad passes and some were well defended. Hope is a LONG team, disrupting passing lanes and blowing up screens. I dont think they played starters in the 2nd half either. Was a great learning experience for the NCC team
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2013, 12:20:43 PM
It's not too early to look at stats, is it? Come on.
Haley Stercic is her normal self again this year, making 6 of her first 9 three attempts.
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1314/confldrs.htm
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2013, 12:51:09 PM
Here's a short report on the Titans' second game in Baltimore -- at Johns Hopkins.  They won the tournament beating Salisbury on Sunday 90-72 after trailing by double digits 5 minutes into the second half.  A great comeback, limiting Salisbury to 26 second half points after allowing 48 in the first half. 

McMahon 23 points and Tournmament MVP
Baltes 16  6 REBs 6 assists
Jackson 14 and 7 and All-Tournament team
Seibing 12
Taylor Reaber 7 REBs off the bench

Titans shot 45%, 45% from long-range, and 73% from the charity stripe.

A very good start, with Colleen McMahon having a monster weekend.

Next up a tip-off tournament Friday and Saturday @The Shirk vs. Cornell on Friday and a very stiff test vs. UW-SP on Saturday.  We'll really know more after that game.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on an outstanding first weekend tournament championship.

GO TITANS.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2013, 12:54:24 PM
Congrats to NP on their big win.  134 points.  You don't see that everyday, even in a "system" game.  Impressive.  Looks to me like NP will challenge the traditionally strong, top teams -- IWU, CC and WC -- this year. 

Looking forward to the weekend tip-off tourney @The Shirk and seeing this new edition of the Titans first hand. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2013, 01:39:14 PM
It's much too early to talk about NPU being a challenger for anything. I think that a lot of the speculation in here about who is going to finish where in the CCIW is speculation with a very limited amount of information behind it, as it seems like every team lost some very important players from last season. Moreover, most CCIW teams seem to have at least one, if not several, newcomers who are already contributing. NPU and NCC are certainly good examples of that.

The only clear-cut reality in this league, as far as I can see, is that Carthage is going to be awesome again. The Lady Reds look absolutely loaded this season. I'm pretty sure that every coach in this league will be following Tim Bernero's vapor trail.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2013, 02:31:41 PM
Speaking of newcomers that are contributing already, Katie McDaniels leads Wheaton by far in minutes played with 68. Another Thunder freshman Chantal Meacham has played 50 minutes in the 2 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2013, 03:02:49 PM
Carthage lost its first game vs. Northern Ohio.

I hear you Greg, very early to know much, but you have to admit your NP women are looking encouraging to start out, wouldn't you admit? 

IWU actually doesn't have much new in terms of the starting line-up.  Only lost key piece was Gardner, (yes, Bilek too off the bench), and with Jackson's return, the line-up looks awfully familiar and strong:  Baltes, McMahon, Jackson and Seibring -- with two returning all-CCIW players, and two others very experienced and war/road-tested.  Only new piece still being explored is the fifth starter -- so far Kasey Reaber, though that could change, and what Mia does with the rest of the rotation, contributions by Taylor Reaber, Beoletto and some of the newbies.  I agree with you that CC is the team to beat, and is very good -- no doubt -- but the Titan squad is pretty solid.  They had a pretty good opening weekend, esp. with better play in the paint with Seibring and Jackson, and McMahon having a break-out time in scoring.   You can say I'm just a homer with Green-tinted glasses (all true), but I think this Titan squad is going to contend, be pretty good and pretty tough, toughened by the CCIW season.  We've already discussed here the kind of games they are playing in the next 6 weeks.  If they come out 7-4 or 8-3 I'll be delighted. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2013, 03:19:05 PM
The school is Ohio Northern, not "Northern Ohio", and the Polar Bears were nationally ranked in the preseason poll, just as were the Lady Reds. ONU went 29-2 last season and ran the table in the OAC. All of which goes to say that it's not a terrible opening-game loss for the Lady Reds, especially since it was played on ONU's floor.

And, yes, I am encouraged by the start to NPU's season. But it's a young and unproven team. I don't believe in hyping young and unproven teams. My philosophy is this: Let's see how the Vikes do tonight on the road against a Monmouth team that went 20-5 last year, and go from there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2013, 07:28:38 PM
Good point, Greg -- yes, a good team CC played, quite clearly.  But, a loss is a loss -- and the Titans will surely take some losses against ranked teams in the pre-CCIW portion, too.  IWU's schedule is a nightmare.

I'll watch for the score on NP tonight against stiffer fare and see how they do.   I'll be interested.

On the Titans, the fifth starter may change and adapt -- looks like Holness is getting substantial minutes and Mia Smith has also spoken highly of the senior Reaber, Taylor, esp. when REBs are needed.  Some experimentation is likely to go on for a time.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2013, 10:47:43 PM
NP loses tonight 80-68 to Monmouth.

(Greg, I see what you mean).

iwu'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2013, 09:37:42 AM
Monmouth 80
North Park 68

Brittany Pittas: 19 pts, 9 rebs
Rachel Torres: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Nikki Przybyslawski: 11 pts
Dominikque Williams: 8 rebs
Annie Shain: 5:1 a:to

NPU got ambushed in this one. The Vikings didn't score for the first five and a half minutes, and found themselves down by 20 about halfway thru the first half. They fought back to cut the Scots' lead to seven with about six minutes left, but another run put the hosts back up by 18, and NPU trailed at the half by 49-35.

Monmouth went up by 20 again five minutes into the second stanza, 59-39, a lead at which the Vikings slowly ate away. But they never got closer than 11, and eventually they lost by 12. I think it's safe to say that the game was really won by Monmouth in the first five minutes of the contest.

NPU was outrebounded, and didn't protect the ball very well, either (26 turnovers).

Nights like last night are to be expected with a young team such as NPU, especially against an outfit that's coming off a 20-5 season and which starts four seniors and a junior. But the fact that the Vikes fought back and were competitive after spotting Monmouth 15 points to start the game was very encouraging.

NPU will host Aurora (0-1) on Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2013, 12:18:36 PM
Thanks, Greg, got it. 

All best,
IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2013, 12:58:32 PM
Congrats to Ms. McMahon from Elmhurst on CCIW Player of the Week.  I thought IWU's McMahon would win it with her 22 and 23 weekend, but the Elmhurst version of McMahon also had an outstanding first weekend.

More great basketball from the McMahons to come.   :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2013, 01:38:25 PM
Greg, out of curiosity I asked a Polish-born friend here at work to pronounce Przybyslawski.
What he said sounded like Pshibaswofski. I think that's pretty close to how Nikki said it.
Another example my friend here gave of an L sounding like a W is the Polish city Lodz, which is pronounced something like "woods."
Anyway, to avoid eventually injuring yourself during your webcasts, you could just call her Nikki or The Nikki.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2013, 01:50:00 PM
That's basically how I've been pronouncing it, except for the part about the 'l' sounding like a 'w'. Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2013, 03:38:48 PM
I'm still for "Pwoman."  Zman it shall be, all season.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2013, 10:56:12 PM
Speaking of good competition, we're going to learn a lot about how tough, how good the Titans are in the next week or so as the IWU women play #25 Cornell, #23 WI-SP, and then #4 WI-Whitewater.  Hope the Titans are eating their Wheaties. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2013, 10:36:42 AM
With 5:00 to go in the 1st half last night, Wheaton led Aurora 37-5! 
The Thunder rolled to a 74-46 final. For the game, Wheaton held Aurora to .241 overall FG pct and 8/34 on 2FGs.
Hannah Considine tallied 17 pts and 9 rebs in just 17:00. Sarah Drury had 8 and 8 in 14:00.
All Wheaton players were in for fewer than 22:00 except for Katie McDaniels who played 32:00. She had 0 turnovers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 20, 2013, 11:24:31 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 19, 2013, 10:56:12 PM
Speaking of good competition, we're going to learn a lot about how tough, how good the Titans are in the next week or so as the IWU women play #25 Cornell, #23 WI-SP, and then #4 WI-Whitewater.  Hope the Titans are eating their Wheaties. 

IWU'70

Mark, the conference season hasn't started yet. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2013, 12:53:36 PM
Ypsi -- LOL. 

Wheaties = "Breakfast of Champions."  Yes, the Titans hopefully will eat more Wheaties later in the season, too. 

Look forward to seeing the Titan women at The Shirk this weekend.  Two games -- with IWU DIII tournament football in between.  Would be nice to see the Titans win these three games upcoming and move into the Top 25 in the rankings.  We'll see.  I'm sure Coach Mia will have them well-prepared.

By early reports, Wheaton will be very very good this year.  Perhaps they can put a loss or two on Carthage. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2013, 05:41:16 PM
Millikin beat Eureka 64-54 yesterday. Bria Williams tallied 19 pts and 8 rebs. Jasmine Johnson rang up 10 pts, 9 rebs and 4 blocks. The Big Blue have made only 7 3FGs in 3 games, but are 3-0.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2013, 09:19:25 PM
Good start for Millikin, but not against the strongest of competition.  More serious tests to come.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2013, 09:48:41 PM
Carthage winning easily tonight. 

Great run of games upcoming for the Titans -- as follows:  #25, #23, #2, #4, potentially #1, Not Ranked (Chicago), ORV (Calvin), #27 and #37.  Hope the pre-season conditioning was thorough.

This is the gauntlet.  Guess some CCIW games later on will seem like a stroll in the park. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2013, 12:23:25 PM
CCIW Women off to a good start so far -- at 16-5. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2013, 02:45:22 PM
In that Carthage win, Taylor Boardman had 10 rebs and 2 blocks in 18:00. The Lady Reds made 29 of 48 2FGs (Michelle Wenzel 6/6, Alexis Hahn 4/5) and 11 of 22 3FGs (Kasey Kleiner 5/5, Haley Stercic 5/10).
Elmhurst defeated Dominican, thanks in part to Devin Vaughn (4/5 FG, 3/4 FT, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals), Melanie Schwerdtmann (16 pts in 19:00) and Fiona McMahon (17 pts, 10 rebs, 4 blocks in 18:00).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2013, 03:12:16 PM
Went to Naperville last evening to see how North Central would respond following their 70 pt loss. No signs of discouragement were noted as the Cardinals topped Lake Forest 123-99.
Eight Cardinals scored in double figures; NC scored 54 pts from 3FGs, 42 from 2FGs and made 27 FTs.
They had 28 steals (Anita Sterling 7, Bobbi Johns 5, Sofia Svensson 4).
Maryssa Cladis was one of many who played very well; she is always a very hard worker, doing a lot of good things at both ends of the court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2013, 09:40:50 PM
IWU over #25 Cornell (of Iowa) tonight 79-70, to go to 3-0.  A tough, rather ugly game with both teams not playing, shooting particularly well.  The Titans were able to grind it out, grind them down with pressure, and take a 5-6 point lead with about 5 minutes to play and never relinquish it -- winning by 9 on a flurry of Lexi Baltes FTs.  Titans forced 29 TOs, made 15 steals (to Cornell's one), but had trouble scoring, shooting a rather poor % and making way too many mistakes, TOs (24) themselves.  Cornell is a tough, big team, with some good trey shooters, so this was a tough win, over a ranked opponent.  The beginning of the IWU gauntlet of games.  So far, so good.  Tomorrow, #23 WI-Stevens Point -- 4 p.m.

Baltes 19
Jackson 18 and key treys, 3-5 from beyond the arc
Seibring 12

Colleen McMahon had a rough night and couldn't buy a basket.  Several Titans in foul trouble, early and late.  The closer officiating made the game very disjointed and ugly -- with some very questionable calls.  Both teams were hurt by TOs, travelling calls, mistakes that experienced teams, senior players should not be making at this stage, even early in the season.

Coach Smith used "run and jump", kept the pressure on, which probably won the game, but she substitutes so rapidly and quickly that you wonder what the players think and feel, moving in and out so much.  Starters again:  Baltes, McMahon, K. Reaber, Jackson and Seibring -- major rotation included Holness, T. Reaber, Samantha Ellsworth and Emily Beoletto.  The Titans will struggle this year with BIG teams, when they get in the half-court, as they do not rebound, box out all that well and don't have the treyball threat they had previously with Gardner and Bilek.  Best trey shooter tonight was Jackson, when she stepped out of the lane and her defender didn't follow. 

Overall, pretty ugly, with plenty of areas of improvement needed, plenty!  This team, this rotation is a work in progress, but tonight was a good win against a big, talented and ranked opponent.  More of these challenges to come, some much much bigger.  To win those down the line a bit, the Titans will have to play A LOT better and shoot a better percentage, take care of the ball and reduce silly errors and TOs much much more.  Plus, "run and jump" just won't much work vs. some teams with excellent PGs. 

But, 3-0 is 3-0 -- a good win, grinding it out, sticking with it and hitting lots of FTs when the game was almost in hand.  Overall, not sure this team has enough offensive weapons to really challenge the top teams.  We'll see.  Good D, good tenacity tonight -- but lots of issues on offence. 

Keep going, keep improving TITANS.

A stiffer test tomorrow -- 4 p.m. vs. WI-SP.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2013, 09:43:21 PM
#1 DePauw over Millikin tonight 63-45.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 23, 2013, 08:01:43 PM
North Park smoked Aurora today, 84-55. No surprise there, but it was a game with a surprising start. I could tell in warmups that the Vikings looked lethargic and disinterested, and that's exactly how they started the game. After finding themselves down 10-2 after the first three minutes to an opponent that they knew full well was slower afoot and thinner on the bench, they kicked it into high gear, scoring the next eight points and then going on a 16-3 run later in the half, while finally closing out the first stanza with a 13-point run and starting the second half with an additional seven-point run to make it a rout. NPU led by as much as 33 in this one.

It was Spread The Wealth Day at the crackerbox, as twelve of the thirteen Vikings who played this afternoon scored. Brittany Pittas was the only one to reach double figures, as she scored 18 (including 4-6 from behind the arc). The only niggling irritants that remain from an otherwise-immaculate day at the office for the Park were some continued bad free-throw shooting (55% for the day, now 56% for the season -- that's not going to get it done in January and February, ladies) and a minus-two rebounding margin (if you can't outrebound Aurora, how are you going to outrebound Carthage and Wheaton and Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan?).

But I don't want to detract too much from the day's accomplishment. The Vikings played a team that they were supposed to trounce, and, in fact, trounce them they did. They showed great energy for the most part, after that sleepwalk of a start, and were extremely aggressive on defense (26 Spartans turnovers, right at the average for NPU opponents).

NPU's next game is Tuesday at home against IIT (where former Elmhurst guard Rashida Joiner is an assistant coach), a game that promises to not be very competitive, either. But after that the cupcakes vanish from the schedule. On tap for next weekend is a trip to Kentucky to face eighth-ranked Thomas More (3-0) and a perennially solid Centre squad (3-1). The four opponents who'll close out the NPU non-conference slate -- Olivet, Fontbonne, Heidelberg, and Dubuque -- are currently a combined 10-1. The Vikings should be pretty well prepared by the time that the CCIW portion of the schedule opens up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 23, 2013, 08:10:53 PM
Sometimes you win ugly -- like last night vs. Cornell -- but some nights you lose ugly too -- like the Titans tonight vs. UW-SP.  Titans lost 73-71 in a game they should have won.  I'm sure some layup drills are going to be involved in practice in the coming weeks.  Don't think I've ever seen a game -- men or women -- at IWU where so many layups were missed, where the Titans were superior in foot speed but couldn't finish.  Point is a BIG strong team with a couple of good trey shooters, esp. #10.  Titans worked at it all night, had an 11 point lead, then went down by 7-8, fought back to have a shot to win the game, but poor shot selection and clock management, strange coaching at the end did them in.  Don't know why they didn't foul earlier and have an additional possession to tie or win the game with a trey.   Good game again by Jackson and Baltes.  McMahon still struggling as it is pretty obvious that teams have done their homework and are trying to take away her baseline quickness and moves now.  So many Titans missed so many easy shots, enough to pull out your hair in disbelief.  Kasey Reaber played pretty well tonight, though she also does things that must make Mia Smith just want to scream.  Titans subs have to improve, get some kind of offensive contribution going, or this team is going to rely much much too much on the 4-5 starters.  I like the looks of Holness so far, but, to be honest, this team really has some work to do on fundamentals, on valuing the ball and each possession and on getting the rotations on the "run and jump" better organized.  Could have been a great win over another ranked, big, tough team tonight, but the Titans just came up one trey or one possession short tonight.  55% FT shooting in a game like this just won't cut it.  It was an exciting and hard-fought game and both teams really wanted it -- but Point got the nod over the Titans @home tonight.  Titans now 3-1 on the season, on the gauntlet of pre-CCIW games.

IWU travels to #4 WI-WW on Wednesday.  Yet another very tough, big and experienced team.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on November 25, 2013, 06:55:54 PM
Though I haven't check Massey's to see the overall toughness, I just wanted to commend Millikin on having Depauw(1) and Washington University on their schedule.  I've stated D3boards before they're perfectly placed geographically to play in the Tip Off Tournament those schools co-host with   CCIW rival Illinois Wesleyan (and make it four champions(2)) but they already play IWU twice a year.  Perhaps it could be when the other two are hosting, because there's a chance they won't play the Titans then.

(1) Well, they consented to play in tournament in which Depauw was on of their opponents which is much like putting them on their schedule.

(2) Other Midwest based candidates would be Hope and Wilmington College.  I don't think George Fox, Amherst or Howard Payne would travel that far in November.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2013, 07:59:20 PM
I've always admired the guts of whichever team joins the IWU/WashU/DePauw tourney.  I haven't attempted to check, but I wonder how many times that team has avoided 4th place?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 25, 2013, 08:10:37 PM
Similarly have to give props to Wisconsin Lutheran this year, for inviting WashU and Hope to their inaugural Paul Knueppel tournament this past weekend and playing them both.  They've had great success in their league in recent years and have made the NCAAs, but suffered early exits from the tournament.  Seems clear they decided they needed to strengthen their non-league schedule to better prepare for post season.  They took a couple of losses but they have a very nice team and such experience will help them understand what to expect come NCAA time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2013, 11:42:53 AM
Congratulations to Katie McDaniels, Wheaton freshman, the new CCIW Player of the Week.
http://www.cciw.org/news/2013/11/25/WBB_1125130102.aspx
I had my first look at Wheaton on Friday night and was impressed by McDaniels (among others). The scoring and rebounding mentioned in the article are not the whole story; she's also an excellent dribbler/ballhandler with no shortage of effort and energy. Coach Madsen used a lot of freshmen effectively last year and has definitely found another good one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2013, 05:39:12 PM
Some unusual numbers from the Augie game the other day : Augie had only 4 FT attempts and Blackburn tried only 9.
The composite CCIW record is at 22-9, with 4 contests set for this evening.
Early CCIW stats show Carthage and Elmhurst players doing very well in the Assist/Turnover category : Erin Quinn 12/2, Karen Senette 15/4, Devin Vaughn 21/6, Stephanie Kuzmanic 30/12. Yes, iwu70, Lexi's 22/10 is next and is quite good, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2013, 05:47:14 PM
I wouldn't put much stock in stats at this point, Rog. Just look at the point differentials; four CCIW teams have average scoring margins that are up over +21!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 26, 2013, 09:54:17 PM
Seems the women in the CCIW are having a much better time of it so far than the men.  Yes, some good players -- veterans and newbies.  Should be a very competitive league race.  IWU plays so many top teams in the next few weeks, doubt they will have much of a point differential as in past years.  They will play a lot of close games, perhaps even be beaten badly by Wash U or DePauw.  We'll see.  They played Point tough, but just one possession or one trey short.  Game with Cornell was also close, hard fought.  IWU is clearly a good team, but also very much a work in progress, with much improvement needed to contend with the very top teams, and with Carthage.  Could happen. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2013, 11:39:29 PM
North Park 103, Illinois Tech 29 (http://athletics.northpark.edu/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&id=1213)

Liz Rehberger: 16 pts, 3 stls
Brittany Pittas: 14 pts, 3:0 a:to, 3 stls
Annie Shain: 14 pts (4-4 trey), 4:1 a:to, 4 stls
Soly Roman: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 11 pts
Amani Davis: 6 rebs, 4:2 a:to, 3 stls
Nikki Przybyslawski: 5:0 a:to

This one went according to form, as the Vikings set a new school winning-margin mark by annihilating the badly-undermanned Scarlet Hawks. All fourteen NPU players who suited up scored, and none of the starters saw more than 16 minutes of action. Given that Amanda Reese Crockett is already using everyone on the roster pretty extensively, it was a bit hard to hold the score down on IIT; it wasn't as though she could put in a JV team or a little-used bunch of reserves from the end of the bench into the game in the second half. And you can't tell the Vikings, who pilfered 23 steals tonight, to stop playing defense.

This ho-hum win will have a very different flavor than what the Vikings will face this weekend in northern Kentucky. NPU will be very sharply tested by #8 Thomas More (3-0) and Centre (4-1), the latter of which has only a double-overtime loss to #1 DePauw as a blot on its record.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2013, 11:25:47 AM
The league record improved to 26-9 with yesterday's 4 wins.
Augie topped Clarke 80-60 as Jessica Baids made 8/8 FGs.
Carthage eased past Trine 77-44. Michelle Wenzel had 16 pts (8/13), 7 rebs, 3 blocks while Stephanie Kuzmanic had 15 pts (7/8 FG, 1/2 FT), 9 assists, 0 TOs.
North Central rallied from a 14 pt deficit and defeated Benedictine 102-98. Kimberly Wilson led 'em with 17 pts and DeJa Moore had 7 rebs.
Greg, you forgot about NP's 97-20 win last year, a margin of 77.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2013, 12:00:51 PM
Good luck to the Titans tonight vs. highly-ranked WI-WW up in Cheeseheadland. 

GO TITANS -- bring home a W.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2013, 12:22:43 PM
I'm surprised that you didn't use the "Come Smell Our Dairy Air" line, iwu70.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2013, 05:27:29 PM
You're right. For some reason I was thinking that NPU won that game over Moody last year by an 87-20 score. Nice catch, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2013, 06:55:00 PM
I like, prefer the one that Northfield, MN. uses = "Cows, Colleges, and Contentment."

Go TITANS -- tonight in Whitewater.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on November 27, 2013, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2013, 07:59:20 PM
I've always admired the guts of whichever team joins the IWU/WashU/DePauw tourney.  I haven't attempted to check, but I wonder how many times that team has avoided 4th place?

Three times: Illinois College,  Kalamazoo, Central (Iowa) College.   There's been 14 tournaments, one time there wasn't a 4th team, and 10 times the 4th team has gone 0-2.  IWU has gone 0-2 twice and WashU once.

1999-00 Washington University 2-0, IWU, Depauw 1-1, Beloit 0-2
2000-01 Washington University 2-0, Depauw, Illinois College 1-1, IWU 0-2
2001-02 Washington University 2-0, IWU, Depauw 1-1, Thomas More 0-2
2002-03 Washington University 2-0, IWU, Depauw 1-1, Illinois College 0-2
2003-04 Washington University 2-0, IWU, Depauw 1-1, Illinois College 0-2
2004-05 Washington University 2-0, Depauw, Kalamazoo 1-1, IWU 0-2
2005-06 Washington University 2-0, IWU, Depauw 1-1, Coe College 0-2
2006-07 IWU 2-0, Depauw, Central (Iowa) College 1-1, Washington University 0-2
2007-08 Depauw 2-0, IWU, Washington University 1-1, Olivet 0-2
2008-09 IWU 2-0, Depauw, Washington University 1-1, Central (Iowa) College  0-2     
2009-10 IWU 2-0, Depauw, Washington University 1-1, Central (Iowa) College  0-2

2010-11 IWU, Depauw, Washington University 1-1 (no fourth team, round robin)

2011-12 Depauw 2-0, IWU, Washington University 1-1, Hendrix 0-2
2012-13 Depauw 2-0, IWU, Washington University 1-1, Coe 0-2

The Bears haven't gone 2-0 since the year before Depauw won its first championship, though it was IWU that went 2-0 that year.  Also, the three teams had a history of playing each other before the tournament started.  WashU is listed as playing both at the start of the year the three years prior to the tournament and one or the other for quite a few years before that.

Illinois College is making its fourth appearance this year breaking the tie with Central (Iowa).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on November 27, 2013, 09:09:08 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on November 25, 2013, 08:10:37 PM
Similarly have to give props to Wisconsin Lutheran this year, for inviting WashU and Hope to their inaugural Paul Knueppel tournament this past weekend and playing them both.

The format of that tournament is one way Millikin could avoid playing IWU in the Tip Off tournament, since Hope and WashU only played Wisconsin Lutheran and Hiram, not each other.  You don't insure that there is a single 2-0 team like the usual format, but they didn't get that 2010-2011.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2013, 10:57:34 PM
IWU loses tonight to Whitewater up in Wisconsin, 96-79.  About what I expected.  Titans got back to within 9, but then WW blew it back out in the final minutes, latter portion of the second half. 

Colleen McMahon had 19, other Titans played well.  WW had six players in double figures and outrebounded the smaller Titans.  Titans now 3-2.  WW now 5-0 and clearly a top five team.  WW shot over 60% from the field and over 90% from the charity strip.  Lots of fouls, FT shooting again.  Titans played decent, but just not enough against a team like WW.

Doesn't get any easier for the Titans as they next face another top-five ranked team in Wash U in a tournament this weekend, along with #1 ranked, defending national champions, DePauw.  I expect IWU to go 1-1 this weekend, and come out of the first 7 games at 4-3.  Again, if the Titans finish this first pre-CCIW portion at 7-4 or still better, 8-3, I'd be delighted, amazed.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2013, 11:04:43 PM
Good luck to the Titans this weekend -- first up on Saturday, #4 Wash U.  A great match-up.  If the Titans win that one, they likely get #1 DePauw.  A great opportunity to play the best to be the best.  The other team in the tournament is 3-1 Illinois College, also a good team.

GO TITANS!

IWU'70 -- off to Asia tomorrow.  I'll be watching, cheering from the Far Side.

ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mark_reichert on November 30, 2013, 11:09:00 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 29, 2013, 11:04:43 PM
Good luck to the Titans this weekend -- first up on Saturday, #4 Wash U.  A great match-up.  If the Titans win that one, they likely get #1 DePauw. 

Here is the link for Live stats and video streaming:

http://www.depauw.edu/athletics/womens/basketball/midwestchallenge/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 04:48:15 PM
NPU trails Thomas More at the half, 40-25. It's easy to see why the Saints are the #8 team in the nation. Their combination of length and quickness is giving the Vikings fits, as the Park has turned the ball over 17 times already, 10 of them on Saints steals. TMC works a nice half-court trap game, but they're getting most of their steals from jumping passing lanes. NPU is also being beaten on the boards, 21-16. The one thing that's keeping this game from being a blowout thus far is the fact that the Saints aren't shooting very well.

North Park is really going to have to step it up in the second half by taking better care of the ball and not getting so many reach-in fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 05:48:37 PM
Apparently, Thomas More has not one but several more gears than what the Saints showed in the first half. TMC absolutely blitzed NPU with a fistful of steals and easy layups at the start of the second half, and the Saints ran away and hid. The final score was 92-61 in favor of the Saints, and it could've been worse if the Saints coach hadn't emptied his bench with a full four minutes to go. TMC just stole the ball at will in the second half, pilfering 12 more steals for a total of 22 on the game. North Park just didn't recognize where the traps were coming from, and the Vikings threw away any number of errant passes rather than trying to step through the traps or wait for a teammate to come to their aid.

The only bright spots for NPU were Brittany Pittas, who scored 18, and McKenzie Wiedemann, who had four steals of her own. The Vikings were also outrebounded, 39-29.

Thomas More is as good a team as I've seen in a long, long time. The Saints are super-quick, they're deep, and they rotate and recover on defense about as well as anyone I can remember seeing. As badly as NPU was beaten today, playing a team like this is nevertheless a much, much more productive use of the schedule for the Park than is playing the likes of an Aurora or an IIT. The young Vikings will be a better team for having played a team like Thomas More.

Tomorrow will present a different set of challenges for NPU, as Centre (4-1) appears to be more of a half-court, grind-it-out kind of team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 30, 2013, 06:36:24 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 05:48:37 PM
Apparently, Thomas More has not one but several more gears than what the Saints showed in the first half. TMC absolutely blitzed NPU with a fistful of steals and easy layups at the start of the second half, and the Saints ran away and hid. The final score was 92-61 in favor of the Saints, and it could've been worse if the Saints coach hadn't emptied his bench with a full four minutes to go. TMC just stole the ball at will in the second half, pilfering 12 more steals for a total of 22 on the game. North Park just didn't recognize where the traps were coming from, and the Vikings threw away any number of errant passes rather than trying to step through the traps or wait for a teammate to come to their aid.

The only bright spots for NPU were Brittany Pittas, who scored 18, and McKenzie Wiedemann, who had four steals of her own. The Vikings were also outrebounded, 39-29.

Thomas More is as good a team as I've seen in a long, long time. The Saints are super-quick, they're deep, and they rotate and recover on defense about as well as anyone I can remember seeing. As badly as NPU was beaten today, playing a team like this is nevertheless a much, much more productive use of the schedule for the Park than is playing the likes of an Aurora or an IIT. The young Vikings will be a better team for having played a team like Thomas More.

Tomorrow will present a different set of challenges for NPU, as Centre (4-1) appears to be more of a half-court, grind-it-out kind of team.

Greg, you can't remember the IWU teams prior to last year??!! :o ;D

(Or is 20 months ago 'a long, long time'?)

Other than that, the post seems about right. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 08:30:44 PM
Thomas More looked every bit as impressive as the Wesleyan team of two years ago, Chuck, national championship or no national championship. The Saints returned three starters from a 27-2 team, as well as four of last season's reserves who each averaged at least 15 mpg, and added a transfer from the U of Florida, Sydney Moss (daughter of former NFL star Randy Moss), who made the All-SEC Freshman team last season and is averaging 21.5 ppg this season for the Saints.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 30, 2013, 08:40:28 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 08:30:44 PM
Thomas More looked every bit as impressive as the Wesleyan team of two years ago, Chuck, national championship or no national championship. The Saints returned three starters from a 27-2 team, as well as four of last season's reserves who each averaged at least 15 mpg, and added a transfer from the U of Florida, Sydney Moss (daughter of former NFL star Randy Moss), who made the All-SEC Freshman team last season and is averaging 21.5 ppg this season for the Saints.

I'll have to check them out when they play a good team.  I have my doubts that Sydney Moss is the equal of Olivia Lett, or that her supporting cast is the equal of Olivia's.  But I'll keep an open mind - or at least try to!! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 10:01:15 PM
Impressive win for Wheaton, as the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance beat UW-Whitewater, 66-62, despite the fact that Wheaton's top two scorers for the season didn't play tonight.

Luther dumped North Central in Naperville, 108-93, Wash U rolled over Illinois Wesleyan, 80-63, and Augustana edged Webster in the QC, 89-83.

The CCIW is now 27-13 on the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2013, 11:45:29 AM
Maris Hovee set a team record with 22 rebounds in Wheaton's win. And she added 3 blocks, 3 steals and 5 assists. Pretty dang good!
Ellie Zeller scored 22.
Molly Etheridge had a wonderful game in Augie's win : 32 pts (10/16 FG, 3 threes, 9/11 FT), 9 rebs, 5 steals. Nicely done!
For NC, Larynn Shumaker had 17 pts and 7 rebs.
For IWU, Lexi Baltes had 19 pts and 10 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2013, 04:17:59 PM
Overtime final from Kentucky:

North Park 82
Centre 72

Nikki Przybyslawski: 18 pts, 3 stls
Nicole Kruckman: 15 pts, 7 rebs
Brittany Pittas: 15 pts, 5:0 a:to
Rachel Torres: 11 pts
Dominikque Williams: 14 rebs, 5 stls

Today NPU did what #1 DePauw was unable to do: Beat Centre in only one overtime. ;) Actually, this contest never should've gone to overtime, as NPU missed the front ends of one-and-ones at both the 00:17 and 00:10 marks of regulation while nursing a 66-63 lead, which allowed the Colonels to send the game into the extra session on a trey with two seconds left. I was thinking that this was going to be the day that NPU's chronic free-throw troubles would come back to bite the Vikings, but, after spotting Centre the first four points in OT, the Vikings came roaring back and actually put the game away at the charity stripe, hitting all eight of their free throws in OT.

It was a well-played, close game throughout, as neither team had a double-digit lead the entire afternoon until the Park went up by 10 towards the end of overtime. Down by eight points with 11 minutes and change remaining, the Vikings really stepped it up at the offensive end, as Nikki Przybyslawski, who played a terrific game, sparked the mini-comeback. In overtime it was Dominikque Williams who took over with her rebounding and defense, while Brittany Pittas and Nicole Kruckman were steady throughout the entire contest.

This was a good win for the young Vikings. Centre, which like North Park is now 5-2 on the year, is very solid and is comparable to a first-division CCIW team. It was especially good to see NPU bounce back strong after yesterday's discouraging defeat at the hands of Thomas More. Now the Vikings will get a week to fine-tune things in practice before traveling to Michigan next Sunday to face Olivet (4-1).


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2013, 10:17:38 AM
IWU over Illinois College 92-79 for third place in the DePauw Tip Off tourney.  Another good scoring game by Colleen MacMahon and five Titans in double figures, Titans having their biggest offensive production of the season so far.  As I expected, Titans come out of this weekend with a 1-1, so now 4-3 overall.  The gauntlet continues now @ Chicago.

Did not see what happened between Wash U and DePauw in the championship tilt.

IWU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2013, 10:25:16 AM
DP over Wash U 74-62

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2013, 11:54:33 AM
Carthage had a very impressive 52-25 2nd half and topped U of Chicago 80-65. The host Maroons looked pretty good in their 40-28 1st half.
But Carthage's Stephanie Kuzmanic scored 22 of her 30 in the 2nd half and Kristi Schmidt scored 19 of her 25 in that half, as well. Michelle Wenzel was very sharp too, with 6 blocks, 17 rebs and 14 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2013, 01:13:04 PM
The aforementioned Sydney Moss scored 38 yesterday; evidently she's pretty good. Not having seen her, I certainly couldn't compare her to Olivia Lett.
Olivia was good at all aspects of the game, but what was extraordinary about her in my view was her ability to get a good shot off while being guarded tightly. She had that sideways mid-air fadeaway that was tough to stop.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2013, 05:14:13 PM
Congratulations to Molly Etheridge, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 08:23:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D

Now, now, Greg.  I'll try to view it objectively.  From what I'm reading, she may end up the best D3 player ever.  But Walnut-and-Bronze and national POY IS a pretty steep target for a sophomore!  And I haven't viewed them yet, but I have my doubts her teammates are as solid as Olivia's.

I'll try to remember to watch them on the 19th against Chicago or the 30th against Centre.  (Unless they have a worthy opponent, I wouldn't be able to judge her skills.  Anyone can look great against Podunk Tech.)

BTW, that is quite an unusual transfer.  Usually a transfer from D1 is because they saw the handwriting on the wall that they were overmatched.  Anyone have an explanation why she went D3?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 09:11:23 PM
Jenny Burgoyne (17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg) is an outstanding player who would be a star in our league. Katie Kitchen, Devin Beasley, and Sydni Wainscott are terrific players as well.

I chose my words very carefully. When I said that TMC was as good as any team that I've seen in a long, long time, I meant it. Granted, it was only one game -- and the more times you see a team, the truer the picture of that team that you get. But that one performance would've been incredibly hard to fake; I'm not saying that it's impossible that I saw a deceptive picture on Saturday afternoon, but most teams simply don't have the physical capacity to do the things that the Saints did.

I understand why you've gotten your partisan hackles up about that, Chuck. But this isn't about oneupsmanship of any sort. I am simply relaying what I saw on Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2013, 10:07:40 PM
I look forward to seeing Sydney Moss and TMC play.  Sounds absolutely terrific.  Ypsi and Greg, I take your points about comparing here to the Lett level, that is Lett as a senior, but Moss surely has time to prove her bona fides and find a way with her own caste of characters.  Didn't IWU handle TMC pretty easily in the run to the national title?  Don't quite recall.

Seems a lot of really good new players in the D3 women's game this year -- in CCIW and on the national landscape.

On IWU so far from what I've seen, they are a talented team with a lot of experience, but just not sure they have the horses or the athleticism -- offensively or defensively with "run and jump" -- to really compete with the bigger, most talented teams in the top 10 or so.  Until they take down one of these top squads, I think the Titans will languish in the ORVs category for now.  Their route to the dance this year may be only through winning the CCIW and tournament -- so the key is how they go against the top teams in the league.  Seems right now that CC, WC, NPU, perhaps a few others could be considered CCIW top teams.  Shall we do a ranking given what we know, what we've seen so far?

I'd have to say:  CC & WC #1, then IWU, NPU, NC, MU, EC, and Augie.  Any views?  Your rankings from what we have seen, what we know now?

Congrats to Ms. Etheridge.

Greetings from warm Hong Kong -- sunny and in the 70s -- I have escaped winter and will only follow the action from afar now, the Far Side.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 10:17:23 PM
Sydney Moss doesn't play in the CCIW. And, for as much as you two greenies talk about her all the time, Olivia Lett doesn't play in the CCIW, either.

I'm ready to talk about players who actually play in this league right now. Or players who should be playing in this league right now, but aren't. Which is why I'm going to ask Rog if he has any idea why Wheaton's top two scorers, Hannah Considine and Katie McDaniels, didn't play against UWW the other night. Injuries? Illnesses? Something else? Will one, or both, miss any CCIW time?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 11:52:40 PM
Actually, neither Mark or I has talked about Olivia Lett beyond what naturally fit into the discussion.  Though I would recommend plastic surgery and coming back as freshman Taltia Olive. ;D  It must drive Mia Smith crazy that she has a very talented team, but by far her best player is sitting on the bench beside her. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2013, 12:16:19 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 11:52:40 PM
Actually, neither Mark or I has talked about Olivia Lett beyond what naturally fit into the discussion.

Not true, Chuck. I went back and counted. ;) Nine mentions of her in this room over the past six weeks prior to the current discussion, seven of them by the two of you -- and most of those seven mentions quite definitely shoehorned her into the post.

Tell you what: You guys stop talking about IWU's assistant coaches, I won't mention NPU's Lauren Rosengarden, Shanice Sadler, or Erin Cepa, and we'll call it even. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2013, 10:47:26 AM
Greg, I don't know why Wheaton was without Considine and McDaniels. I could find out tomorrow (U of Chi at Wheaton), but I won't. I'll be seeing the St Xavier women (6-3) at Roosevelt (9-1).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2013, 10:53:51 AM
Let it go guys.  Olivia Lett was a great player, very likely the best ever in the IWU program.  One could easily argue for Traci Butler and Christina Solari, too.  Seems Ms. Moss is or will be a great player too . . . and has plenty of time to prove and show her greatness.

On the current IWU team, seems the Titans need to be more consistent and have an urgency in protecting the ball, getting the TOs and TO points off of run and jump pressure.  Titans need more post scoring from Jackson and more consistent and productive play from Seibring, up to the level of last year's All-CCIW play.  So far McMahon and Baltes have played very well.  Reaber and the other rotational, bench players are works in progress.   I'm sure Coach Mia will be working to get this all to come together.  Next up for IWU is U Chicago @Chicago.

IWU's gauntlet continues.
IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 03, 2013, 11:45:03 AM
You can learn more about why Moss transferred to Thomas More via an archived interview with her on Hoopsville:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=PLlrC7HJaXPc6xkrk98zLuv0y5ZJ8TsLr1&v=-fOWON0ZmEk

Also listen to the interview with Preseason All-American Lauren Avant, who transferred to Rhodes from Tennessee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=PLlrC7HJaXPc6xkrk98zLuv0y5ZJ8TsLr1&v=y1760k3i9bg
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2013, 11:23:55 AM
Last night's results :
Carthage 78, Clarke 36 (4 Lady Reds score in double figures; Clarke limited to 13 2FGs and 3 3FGs; combined total of only 11 FT att in game).
Wheaton 79, Chicago 72 (another 20 reb game for Maris Hovee! she added 11 pts, 7 blocks, 4 assists; Katie McDaniels returned to action and rang up 26 pts, 8 reb and 5 assists).
Coe 86, Augie 56 (Amy Hicks 11 pts in 14:00, did not miss a shot).
Whitewater 85, Elmhurst 71 (the 'jays were ahead by 17 but got outscored 38-7; Hannah Lipman scored 19, Fiona had 17).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 05, 2013, 12:48:11 PM
How well is Elmhurst predicted to do in the CCIW?  They really came out on fire last night but midway through the second half you could see that they were tiring.  They seemed to have some pretty decent players.  I liked Lipman a lot.  She's very athletic.  And their bigs were pretty decent too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2013, 02:27:42 PM
The preseason poll of coaches had them in 5th place out of 8 teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 05, 2013, 02:52:01 PM
Thanks

They didn't play like the 5th place CCIW team for the first 27 minutes of the game but the last 13 minutes is probably the reason they're picked for 5th.  That being said they were more competitive than IWU was but that could be an "on any given night" thing. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2013, 06:57:12 PM
Did a little figuring and noticed that Carthage's offense is practically identical to that of the San Antonio Spurs in terms of where they get their scoring.
Carthage's scoring is coming from : .128 FTs, .239 3FGs and .633 2FGs.
The Spurs : .124 FTs, .237 3FGs and .639 2FGs.
Now we know that Gregg Popovich is learning from D3 WBB.
The rest of the CCIW :
Augie : .174, .210, .616
Elmhurst : .176, .204, .620
IWU : .213, .231, .556
Millikin : .252, .133, .614
NC : .226, .363, .411
NP : .182, .240, .578
Wheaton : .230, .152, .617
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2013, 12:52:17 PM
IWU lost to UC last night 92-90.  The Titans were down big, like 21 in the first half, came all the way back to take a lead with about 3 minutes to go, but then ran out of gas, missed two shots for the win or the tie with 15 seconds or so to go.  A great comeback, but a tough loss in the end.

McMahon with 29, Baltes with another strong, all-round game.  The Titans just have not put all the pieces together yet, in a consistent enough way.  Rebounding and consistency are issues.

Exams now, then Calvin.  The gauntlet continues.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2013, 05:17:26 PM
Final from the middle of the mitten:

Olivet 82
North Park 75

Brittany Pittas: 21 pts
Nicole Kruckman: 15 pts
Nikki Przybyslawski: 4:1 a:to
Dominikque Williams: 9 rebs
Rachel Torres: 6 rebs

NPU ran into a tough opponent in Michigan today and could not find a way to prevail. The game was back-and-forth until the Comets took the lead halfway thru the second half and boosted it to as many as eight points. The Vikings came as close as one point as the game wound down, but never got over the hump.

Brittany Pittas was her usual solid self in terms of scoring, but the Vikings were a bit too reliant upon her down the stretch; she and Nicole Kruckman accounted for all but four of the 21 points that NPU scored in the game's final eleven minutes. Kruckman did a nice job, by the way, of using her quickness to get around the much bigger but less mobile Comets centers.

Which leads me to mention the standout player for the Comets. They have a very unusual player in 6'4 center Stefanie Lang, who came into the game averaging 27 ppg and 16 rpg. The likely reason why a player that tall isn't on scholarship somewhere is that, well, she's plus-sized. But Olivet has another very bulky center on the bench who is 6'1, which allows the Comets to keep Lang from being run off the floor every game, and they have a 6'1 power forward as well. Lang had 23 and 21 today, but Nicole Kruckman and Soly Roman certainly made her work for it; she took 24 shots from the field, so the Vikings made her very inefficient as a scorer. But power forward Carli Reid had 8 rebounds, and all that size was just too much for the Vikings to handle, as they were outrebounded by a 50-30 margin and gave away a whopping 17 offensive boards to the Comets. Olivet also has two very good guards, Chelsea Ciba (24 pts, 6 asts) and Kelsey Campbell (14 pts, 7 asts), who were able to take advantage of the attention that NPU had to focus upon collapsing on the bigs.

The Vikings didn't take care of the ball as well as they have thus far this season. They usually enjoy a pretty good disparity in turnovers, but this afternoon it was only a three-turnover advantage, not nearly enough to counteract the lopsided rebounding deficit. They shot better than the Comets in all three phases of the game, but couldn't make up for the fact that Olivet got to the FT line 31 times to NPU's 16. It just seemed like the Vikings were a half-step slower than usual on the perimeter today, which led to a lot of fouling.

It's not a catastrophic loss, as road losses go, as the Comets are a very solid team. But it would've been nice to pull this one out.

NPU falls to 5-3, while Olivet improves to 5-1. NPU will now prepare for Fontbonne (3-2), which arrives next Sunday afternoon in the crackerbox to play the second game of a two-game Chicagoland swing for the Griffins; they'll face Elmhurst at Faganel on Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2013, 12:56:45 PM
iwu70 wrote that Lexi Baltes had another strong all-around game. Having attended it, I can report that she was excellent. We'd say a player that scored 19, had 6 rebs, 5 assists and speedily brought the ball up the court for practically a whole game had done quite well. Lexi did that and also set a team record with a dozen steals. Seven or eight steals in a game is uncommon and really good. Twelve is fabulous.
In the midst of this, she had a substantial collision that knocked her to the floor, a hit that would've sent a normal person hobbling to the bench. She briefly caught her breath and got up, grimacing for a bit and got back in the action. I'm not sure anybody else noticed it (in front of me, but at the far end from the Titan bench), but it was a good example of her relentless effort.
A close game is not necessarily a good game, but this one was. Several momentum swings and very fine athletic ability displayed by both teams. And you'll never hear me complain when both teams make it to 90.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2013, 06:26:34 PM
Congratulations to Wheaton's Katie McDaniels, CCIW Player of the Week. On Saturday, by the way, her 28 pts helped Wheaton top NAIA Roosevelt 91-79. Ellie Zeller scored 18 and Maris Hovee had a 13 - 13 game.
Melanie Schwerdtmann scored 21 in Elmhurst's win over Coe. She fouled out, which means she played her maximum minutes. This is an indirect compliment to her coach in my opinion, because why have one of your better players (number 2 scorer in the league at 17.2) sitting on the bench, never using the 5th foul?
Does anyone else see that this way? Or am I full of doo-doo?
Speaking of Elmhurst, they play hapless IIT tonight and may have to figure out how not to win by too much.
http://www.illinoistechathletics.com/schedule/0/6.php
I'm not sure why IIT isn't counting the St Ambrose loss or why they are counting a game against unnamed Northeastern Illinois students (no athletics mentioned on their web site). At any rate, IIT's players (6 are getting most of the p.t.) are having a rough time while trying to reestablish the WBB program. Hopefully they're getting some enjoyment out of it. Next on their docket is Olivet Nazarene, which will clear its bench early and often.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2013, 06:40:49 PM
Maryssa Cladis sank a game-winning three as North Central beat St Mary's (Indiana) 90-89. That hoop was part of a 9-2 turnaround in the final 1:42, as were 4 of Larynn Shumaker's 15 pts. Bobbi Johns had 7 assists and 3 steals (not in 1:42!).
In Carthage's 21 pt win over Loras, Alexis Hahn made 8/9 FGs, 2/2 FTs and grabbed 11 rebs in 22:00. Carthage has many good players, don't they?
Augie lost a pair over the weekend and Millikin did so once. The league is now 37-20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2013, 10:55:12 PM
Yes, very impressed with the play of Lexi Baltes so far.  McMahon is also playing at a very high level.  Baltes is unrelenting, very aggressive and well-rounded, getting many assists and steals.  Reminds me in a way of another fine, recent IWU PG, Brittany Hasselbring.  Tough and very active on both ends of the floor.


Titans 4-4 now and haven't gotten it all put together.  I said once earlier that IWU might go 6-5 in this gauntlet and that may well be the best they can expect -- they may even go 4-7.  We'll see.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2013, 10:57:20 AM
I'd describe Lexi as assertive, not aggressive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2013, 11:21:51 AM
Elmhurst improved to 6-1 via a 94-45 win over IIT. Whitney Shaffer scored 18 on just 10 shots and Melanie Schwerdtmann had a 24 / 11 game, missing precisely one shot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 10, 2013, 08:12:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2013, 06:26:34 PM
Melanie Schwerdtmann scored 21 in Elmhurst's win over Coe. She fouled out, which means she played her maximum minutes. This is an indirect compliment to her coach in my opinion, because why have one of your better players (number 2 scorer in the league at 17.2) sitting on the bench, never using the 5th foul?
Does anyone else see that this way? Or am I full of doo-doo?

If the game is close, you're going to want to have that player on the floor for crunch time.

Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2013, 06:26:34 PM
Speaking of Elmhurst, they play hapless IIT tonight and may have to figure out how not to win by too much.
http://www.illinoistechathletics.com/schedule/0/6.php
I'm not sure why IIT isn't counting the St Ambrose loss or why they are counting a game against unnamed Northeastern Illinois students (no athletics mentioned on their web site).

It shouldn't count, as the NCAA doesn't recognize results against club teams. (IIT is in the midst of reclassifying as NCAA D3.) NEIU discontinued its athletic department back in '97. This is the first year that I can remember that NEIU has fielded club teams against varsity teams from other schools.

If you think it's bad that the female version of the Scarlet Hawks are counting that win against NEIU, imagine how the IIT men's team feels. They've actually lost -- twice -- to the NEIU men's club team this season.

Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2013, 06:26:34 PM
At any rate, IIT's players (6 are getting most of the p.t.) are having a rough time while trying to reestablish the WBB program. Hopefully they're getting some enjoyment out of it. Next on their docket is Olivet Nazarene, which will clear its bench early and often.

They didn't look like they were having too much fun when they were getting drubbed by NPU.

In the eight games that they've played against actual varsity teams, the Scarlet Hawks have lost by 52 (Coe), 56 (Rockford), 56 (Alverno), 75 (St. Ambrose), 74 (NPU), 66 (Simpson), 68 (Buena Vista), and 49 (Elmhurst). It takes a certain kind of intestinal fortitude to endure that sort of losing, and I respect the Scarlet Hawks for sticking it out through thin and thin. But I just can't imagine that they're enjoying themselves all that much -- although, like you, I hope that there's some silver-lining moments in it for them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2013, 01:57:05 PM
Greg, I've finally looked at the play-by-play of the Elmhurst/Coe game. You'd think I'd have done that before starting the discussion, eh?
The player in question, Melanie Schwerdtmann, played 10:00 in the 1st half and picked up 3 fouls. She played 11:00 in the 2nd half. She is listed with a turnover at 19:02.
She picked up her 4th foul with 12:46 to go. Subbing is not on the play-by-play, so here is where she appeared from that point forward : (with Elmhurst's lead)
12:46 PF4 (10 pt lead)
9:57 turnover (10)
8:10 missed FG (5)
7:58 missed FG (5)
6:53 2FG (2 becomes 4)
4:58 2FG (4 becomes 6)
4:10 3FG (8 becomes 11)
2:25 2FG (11 becomes 13)
0:36 PF5 (11)
Would you say it was foolish or unnecessarily risky to have her in the game that much after getting the 4th foul? I'd say her being in the game and taking shots was the main reason that it wasn't a close game at the end.
Based on the Bluejays' lead and how it fluctuated, was there any "crunchtime" in that game? Can crunchtime occur well before the last 2 or 3 or 4 minutes?
Elmhurst risked her fouling out with 10 minutes to go. A more cautious coach might have kept her out substantially longer, but might have missed out on her valuable scoring.
Of course, if the coach knew in advance that Mel would miss the shots prior to the 6:53 mark, she could've been held out until 7:00 to go. Coaches are not quite that clairvoyant.
I think I've made a brilliant point in there somewhere! ha.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2013, 04:31:09 PM
You've answered your own question with your point about game flow, Rog. Part of the expertise that a head coach is supposed to have developed in terms of game management is the ability to get a feel for the flow of a game. Are you in a lead that seems comfortable? If so, why? Are you in a lead that feels shaky? If so, why?

"Crunch time" is a term that's used to describe end-game situations in which the score is close. But I agree with you that crunch time isn't necessarily the most crucial period of a game. In fact, Bobby Knight used to say that the first five minutes of the second half was the most important period of a game, because that's when the halftime adjustments either take effect or don't take effect.

Coaches are mostly conservative by nature. As a group they tend to err on the side of caution, more often than not. As a result, they're more prone to view a lead as shaky than as comfortable, all things being equal. (Of course, not all things are always equal, as there may be specific schemes or matchups that have produced said lead that the opposing team either hasn't countered or lacks the personnel to counter.) Given that, they're more likely to husband the minutes of a key player in foul trouble in order to save her or him for the end of a game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2013, 05:48:50 PM
Last evening's CCIW results :
Augie topped Dubuque 63-54. Chaney Tambling had 14 pts and 10 rebs; Jessica Baids was similar with 14 and 8.
Illinois College got past Millikin 56-51. Kelsey Going made 6 of 9 FG att for the Big Blue. Millikin was averaging 25 FT att per game, but had just 9 last night.
Will North Central and Wheaton be sharing a bus Saturday? Both have afternoon games in Dubuque.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2013, 09:25:40 PM
Titans have exams all this week, head back to action this weekend with another tough game vs. Calvin.  Hope the Titans get a few more wins in the remaining 3 games prior to the CCIW season opening in early January.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2013, 11:31:24 AM
iwu70, I think you can retain some optimism for the Titans this season, even though things appear a little unsettled at the moment. Not sure if Katy Seibring is at full strength; her minutes have steadily declined in the last four games. I was glad to see Kasey Reaber in good enough health to play; she's made 25 of 38 FG att so far. Gotta admire her for battling through several years of major injuries.
Greg, IIT ended up losing 119-40 to Olivet Nazarene; definitely a lopsided score, but not absolutely bleak. The 1st half was 73-19, so ONU scaled things back in the 46-21 2nd half. ONU must have played a fairly gentle defense, picking up only 7 fouls in 40:00. They do have a rematch later.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2013, 12:25:04 AM
RogK, yes, I retain my optimism about the Titans for the longer term.  You are right about Seibring, not quite back to full strength.  I think both Reabers will make key contributions this season, esp. later on in conference play.  McMahon and Baltes are playing at a higher level than in the past and when Jackson and Seibring get back to levels of the past, the Titans could be very very good.  CC still the favorite and other teams, esp. WC, playing very well.  But, I'm sure Mia will have the Titans ready for the conference race, even if coming in to the conference portion at 6-5 or even with a losing record against this very tough pre-CCIW portion.  If the Titans get to 7-4, I'd be rather surprised.  The Titans will surely be "battle-tested," without doubt.

Lots of good players in the conference this year -- including some outstanding newbies -- it would appear. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2013, 03:35:27 PM
North Park beat Fontbonne today at the crackerbox, 91-45. I'm not terribly surprised by the outcome, even though Fontbonne came into the game with a 3-3 record. Wash U beat the Griffins on Tuesday by a score of 83-53, and Elmhurst beat them last night by 89-48. All twelve Vikings who dressed today played between 13 and 18 minutes, and all twelve scored at least four points.

NPU (6-3) looks to face a much stiffer test next Friday evening when 7-2 Heidelberg comes to town.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2013, 10:15:28 PM
IWU takes down Calvin, 103-81.  Carissa Verkaik FINALLY graduated, but Calvin is still very solid and entered the Shirk at 5-2.  Carissa's younger sisters combined for 21 points and 13 rebounds, but that's a sub-par game for Carissa!  McMahon and Seibring had 25 points each (Katy also had 8 boards), as did the Reabers (Kasey with 17, Taylor with 8 ;D).  All five starters were in double digits and none were still in the last quarter of the game; all 15 on the roster saw action.  Gabrielle Holness came off the bench to lead the Titans with 9 rebounds in only 14 minutes of play!

The Titans move to 5-4 - they will be VERY battle-tested by conference play!  If they can even make the national tourney, they may have a fairly deep run.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2013, 11:31:21 PM
Great win by the Titans.  Congrats to Mia and all the team members.  Really glad to see this win.

Merry Christmas to all the Titans and to all the CCIW chatsters.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 19, 2013, 11:42:22 PM
As an indication of just how battle-tested the Titans will be, their 4 losses are to teams now 27-9, their 5 wins are against teams now 27-14.  Nary a cupcake in the bunch! ;)  8 of the 9 have winning records; Chicago is 5-5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2013, 11:57:52 PM
Really nice to see Katy Seibring have such a strong game:  25 points, 8-12 from the field, 8-10 at the line, 8 REBs, no fouls.  Colleen McMahon is really picking it up her scoring this season too -- one of the quickest first steps in women's D3 hoops.   Now averaging about 18 per game.  Also nice to see the team finding the role players, good performances by the Reabers, and some support off the bench.  Holness is going to be very good. 

Titans clearly have gone through a tough gauntlet, will fear no opponent going forward.  Would be delighted if they are able to get two wins in Texas and finish this pre-CCIW run at 7-4.  A major achievement.  Two pretty tough games still to go.

IWU70

Ypsi, Merry Christmas, my friend.  ms

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2013, 08:42:13 PM
Congratulations (slightly belated) to Melanie Schwerdtmann, CCIW Player of the Week!
I've been preoccupied enjoying the warm breezes of South Florida and doing airplane photography (amateur, just like my writing quality here) at Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Saw a lizard and a raccoon today in urban settings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 21, 2013, 06:11:36 PM
Heidelberg 87
North Park 75

Rachel Torres: 15 pts, 6 rebs, 5:3 a:to
Brittany Pittas: 15 pts, 4:1 a:to
Dominikque Williams: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Nikki Przbyslawski: 10 pts, 7 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 6 rebs, 4:0 a:to

NPU was beaten yesterday by a very good Heidelberg (9-2) team that was very deep. The 'berg used ten players for double-digit minutes, and there really wasn't any dropoff between the first team and second team. Their whole game plan was to run the Vikings out of the building, and it worked. NPU jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, but Heidelberg immediately countered with a 21-2 run, and was never headed again -- the visitors, in fact, went into the locker room at the half with a commanding 18-point lead. The Vikings got as close as 45-40 five minutes into the second half, but a 10-2 run by the 'berg quashed that comeback, and NPU never got closer than nine the rest of the way.

Very disappointing loss, because the Vikings squandered a ton of points along the way. They missed an amazing number of layups and bunnies, as can be seen by the FG stats of several players who do all of their shooting within five feet of the basket: Nicole Kruckman (3-7), Dominikque Williams (5-10), Soly Roman (1-4). Brittany Pittas, who has as pure a stroke as any Viking I've seen over the past six or seven years, went an uncharacteristic 6-17 from the field. The proverbial lid was on the basket. Very frustrating to watch.

NPU (6-4) will look to bounce back on New Year's Eve, as the Vikings will host Dubuque (6-3) in their non-conference finale.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 22, 2013, 01:02:51 AM
Good luck to the Titans in Texas -- for the two games in San Antonio.  Hoping for two Ws, a tournament win, and completing the gauntlet at 7-4, a truly amazing achievement.  Truly.

Travel well, Titans, and have fun down there -- play well.  San Antonio is a nice city. 

Merry Christmas to all the Titans, Titan fans and D3 chatsters here on the CCIW Women's roundball board.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 23, 2013, 08:16:58 PM
Congrats to IWU's Katy Seibring on CCIW Player of the week honors.  A good way to go into Christmas.  Keep it rolling, Katy, and keep it rolling Titans, in Texas.

(Actually, could have been Colleen McMahon too). 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2013, 04:39:29 PM
OK, since things are sleepy on these pages, I'll offer a forecast for the 14-game conference season standings :
Carthage
Illinois Wesleyan
Wheaton
Elmhurst
North Central
North Park
Millikin
Augustana
Now that ought to get some blood boiling.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 26, 2013, 09:31:29 PM
RogK, no blood boiling from me.  From what I've seen so far, I basically agree with your line-up.  I might even have WC ahead of my Titans, just to show my green glasses aren't too too dark green.  It will be a good CCIW race and I don't think CC will run away with it.  Lots will depend on injuries and how teams defend home court.  My Titans have a chance, but still think CC is the favorite.  Hope IWU can win these two remaining games in Texas and finish the amazing gauntlet of tough games 7-4, an amazing feat. 

Happy New Year to all -- yes, the Year of the Horse coming soon.  Did I mention it?

Best and Happy New Year to all the CCIW chatsters.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 27, 2013, 03:19:50 PM
At the moment, Stephanie Kuzmanic has 42 more assists than TOs; pretty dang good. The rest of the top 5 are doing very well : Devin Vaughn at plus 25, Erin Quinn at plus 23, Karen Senette at plus 20 and Bobbi Johns at plus 17.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2013, 10:54:58 PM
IWU 0ver Howard Payne in Tx. -- in OT 93-87. 

Lexi Baltes with the first triple double in IWU women's program history:

14 pts., 16 REBs and 13 assists.  Now that is great PG play.

Shelby Jackson 24 and 9

Titans were down 8 with 50 seconds to play, tied the game and rolled in OT, shooting 5-5 from the field in OT.  Guess that's called the "big Mo" -- when the tied (tide) turns.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans, now 6-4.  IWU plays #26 Trinity of TX. tomorrow, another tough game. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2013, 08:22:38 PM
Titans go down to #26-ranked Trinity University of Texas, 86-71 in San Antonio.  McMahon with 17, Baltes 15, but the Titans shot it poorly overall, and esp. from treyland, and got outrebounded.  Therein lies the story.  Seems Katy Seibring is either injured or ill, as she had another poor outing.   

Titans finish the pre-CCIW gauntlet with a winning record at 6-5, but barely.  They open CCIW play at Elmhurst next week.  I think the Titans will contend, but may not have the overall firepower and three point shooting to overcome CC or WC this year.  Gardner's perimeter shooting is sorely missed.  This is a solid, experienced senior group, very good defensively and with no give-up in them, but that may not be enough in CCIW competition.  I'd predict at this point 10-4 in CCIW play putting the Titans at 16-9, 17-8 or so, probably not strong enough to get into the dance.  They surely didn't shy away from playing an absolutely tough schedule up to now.  We'll see if that pays off when it comes to conference play.  They basically have to win the AQ to get into the Dance. 

Happy New Year all -- hope the Titans get a chance to rest and celebrate, see something of the city in Texas, before returning to the cold and wintry prairie, and the new gauntlet of games in the CCIW race.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 29, 2013, 10:18:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 29, 2013, 08:22:38 PM
Titans go down to #26-ranked Trinity University of Texas, 86-71 in San Antonio.  McMahon with 17, Baltes 15, but the Titans shot it poorly overall, and esp. from treyland, and got outrebounded.  Therein lies the story.  Seems Katy Seibring is either injured or ill, as she had another poor outing.   

Titans finish the pre-CCIW gauntlet with a winning record at 6-5, but barely.  They open CCIW play at Elmhurst next week.  I think the Titans will contend, but may not have the overall firepower and three point shooting to overcome CC or WC this year.  Gardner's perimeter shooting is sorely missed.  This is a solid, experienced senior group, very good defensively and with no give-up in them, but that may not be enough in CCIW competition.  I'd predict at this point 10-4 in CCIW play putting the Titans at 16-9, 17-8 or so, probably not strong enough to get into the dance.  They surely didn't shy away from playing an absolutely tough schedule up to now.  We'll see if that pays off when it comes to conference play.  They basically have to win the AQ to get into the Dance. 

Happy New Year all -- hope the Titans get a chance to rest and celebrate, see something of the city in Texas, before returning to the cold and wintry prairie, and the new gauntlet of games in the CCIW race.

IWU70

They missed the good stuff - sunny and forties Friday-Sunday!  Haven't checked the weather in Bloomington, but just came back from Aledo (20 miles south of Augie) yesterday (where my sister and mom are located): the quad-cities are expecting 0 to -10 by Tuesday, with wind chills of -30. :o

I'm very grateful for the moderating effects of the Great Lakes.  Central Illinois is 5-10 degrees hotter in the summer and 5-10 degrees colder in the winter than Ypsi.  Nonetheless, once our snow-shoveling younger son leaves the area, we are probably snowbirds!  (We DO get more snow than central Illinois; but fewer 'blizzards'.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2013, 10:26:59 PM
Yes, good to get away from winter if possible.  Sunny, warm and in the 60s here in Hong Kong, though we have pretty dirty air so there's often a kind of orange-ish haze.  Not much fun, not much good for the lungs.

I see Carthage stuck it to No. 8 WI-WW tonight 91-77.  CC is playing very well.  Will be tough to de-throne them.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ron Boerger on December 30, 2013, 08:07:27 AM
I was at that game in SA last night, IWU ... do your women always employ the full-court press as much as they did last night?   Led to a number of turnovers, but also led to a lot of easy layups the other way when the press was broken.   And you're certainly right about the shooting, in the first half it seemed that the only thing the Titans were hitting were layups.   

Worth noting that Trinity also was dealing with a number of injury issues, suiting up only 11 (of 16) and then losing their starting PG to what looked like an ankle sprain in the first half.     Hope Ms. Seibring recovers from whatever ails her, and I also hope the team gets a chance to have some fun during their time in San Antonio.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2013, 03:19:29 PM
Congratulations to Lexi Baltes, the new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2013, 11:16:10 PM
Adding my warm congrats to Lexi Baltes on CCIW Player of the Week!  Way to go Lexi!  First triple double in IWU women's basketball history. 

Ron, yes, the Titans have used the full-court pressure for some years now -- and it has been very effective, esp. vs. teams that don't have good ball-handlers, experienced PGs.  Often they get many more TOs against their opponents and turn them quickly into easy layups.  Against stronger teams with good PGs, the pressing often doesn't work and Mia Smith calls it off.  But, IWU is not such a strong half-court team and is also not a strong rebounding team, so this defensive pressure is often the way to go to win games.  In the past 5-6 seasons, the Titans have been unrelenting in their use of it -- called "run and jump" -- including the season they won the national title.  It's also great for conditioning and for late season, late game fitness over most opponents.  Up til last year, IWU won 5-6 straight CCIW titles, largely using this pressure strategy.  Carthage won the conference last season, as is strongly favored to win it again this year. 

Sounds like Trinity has a very strong team -- to win over IWU by 15, even with some key players injured.  Sounds like they are a top 25 team for sure.

A long season ahead -- and a tough conference race now for most everyone.  Seems to me from what I've seen so far that IWU may finish 2nd or 3rd in CCIW, and be on the bubble for the dance.  They'd likely have to win the Conference AQ to get in. 

Good luck to Trinity for the rest of their season. 

I'm sure the Titans enjoyed San Antonio and soaked up the warm and the sunshine before returning to the wintry blasts of the prairie in Bloomington -- with another super cold front coming down in these next few days.  BRRRRR.

Go TITANS!!!  Let the CCIW race begin.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2013, 12:03:50 PM
Incimentally (sic), the Assist/Turnover stat was probably originated as a measurement for point guards.
But, it is a stat that does not tell the whole story.
If a point guard could only commit a turnover or get an assist (and do nothing else), the A/TO ratio would pretty much tell the whole story.
However, a guard (or any other position) can do many things in lieu of committing a turnover : make a good pass that isn't an assist, score a basket, get fouled, set a good screen, do the bulk of the dribbling duties.
Also, I suspect there are some assists that are not credited in certain games; some scorer's tables may be more generous crediting assists than others are, or some may notice them better.
Who brought up this topic anyway?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2014, 01:24:04 PM
Saw North Park beat Dubuque Tuesday, 78-66.
Nicole Kruckman was sharp ; 8/10 FG, 1/1 FT, 12 rebs, 4 assists, 3 blocks. Hopefully there are no lingering effects from a loud fall she took late in the game.
Annie Shain had 15 pts, 7 rebs, while Rachel Torres added 12 pts, 6 rebs, 5 assists, 3 steals. It has taken a slightly dimwitted observer like me a few games to gain full appreciation of the varied ways that Torres helps out the Vikings; she does a lot of good, not all measured statistically. She's part of a pretty promising group of NP freshmen.
Dubuque looked good off and on, but made too many mistakes. Plus, time slipped away from them without their apparent awareness. Of course, credit North Park for disrupting Dubuque's gameplan.
With the nonconference schedule nearly complete (Wheaton has one left to play in Feb), the CCIW has won 56 of 87, over 64 pct.
I wonder if anyone else would like to submit a forecast of the 14-game CCIW standings. I thought the one I posted was debatable-enough to stimulate debate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2014, 03:36:47 PM
Some notes from the stats so far :
Wheaton is restricting opponents to a .326 overall FG pct.
Elmhurst is at plus 8.5 rebounding advantage and is making an impressive .766 at the foul line.
Augie is making .729 of their FT attempts, also good.
There have been 117 pts scored in an average Millikin game, 200 in an average North Central game.
Carthage is shooting .527 at 2FG att (267/507) and .432 at 3FGs (73/169), both excellent.
Carthage has seven players who have a season high of 17 pts or better : Kuzmanic 30, Schmidt 25, Wenzel 20, Boardman 20, Hahn 18, Stercic 17, Kleiner 17.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2014, 10:05:06 PM
Carthage is loaded, it would appear.  Only way to beat them is to keep the ball in the backcourt, right?   :)

Looks to me to be WC and IWU chasing Carthage for the CCIW title.  Someone has to put some losses on them.

I still have faith that the very tough gauntlet of games that IWU has played prepared them very well for the CCIW race.  Even at 6-5, the Titans are a very seasoned, dangerous team.  Gotta rebound better and have more effective outcomes when in half-court sets or situations. 

IWU starts @Elmhurst this weekend.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2014, 01:36:14 AM
Good luck to the Titans as they begin the CCIW campaign @Elmhurst.

GO TITANS!!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2014, 07:20:42 PM
IWU over EC bigtime, 82-55

Jackson 19 and 6
McMahon 15 and 4
Seibring 10
Baltes 8  5 assists 7 steals

Taylor Reaber 8 off the bench

Another Reaber, Brittany, playing in cleanup time, so three sisters now on the IWU roster.  :)

A good start to the CCIW campaign.  Road wins always good.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2014, 03:22:16 PM
In the other conference openers :
Carthage 88, Augustana 52; five Lady Reds scored in double figures, topped by Haley Stercic (5/9 3FGs).
Wheaton 71, Millikin 60; an efficient 22 pts by Ellie Zeller (Wheaton) who made 9/12 FGs (a three incl) and 3/4 FT; Maris Hovee had 15 rebs and 6 assists.
I saw North Park beat North Central 92-71. NP's Rachel Torres, the new CCIW Player of the Week, was quite good, tallying 14 pts, 11 rebs, 7 assists and 6 steals; Brittany Pittas scored 19 in 24:00, adding 4 assists and 3 steals, while Dominikque Williams did well with a dozen pts and a dozen rebs.
Larynn Shumaker scored 24 for NC. As always, I enjoyed the unrelenting hard work from Bobbi Johns and Maryssa Cladis.
Best wishes to NP's Annie Shain (who had to exit the game for a while due to dizziness after taking a clunk to the head) and Kayla McCall (missed most of the game following a hurt leg).
And best wishes to NC's Sofia Svensson, who took a tumbling fall during a collision mid-2nd half. Suffering from neck pain, she was taken away by paramedics. I also learned that she had a concussion around a month ago. She's a freshman exchange student from Sweden and has a host family in the Naperville area. Some of the NC people told me after the game that she had not lost feeling in arms or legs etc and that she'll probably be OK. Her teammates were anxious and concerned, of course. North Park's team was relieved to know that Sofia was expected to be OK. Best of luck to Sofia.
If anyone can post an update about her, please do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2014, 07:04:16 PM
Rog, thanks for the updates.  Hope the injured players are OK, getting cleared and recovered to get back to action.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2014, 11:41:49 PM
We all know that this current IWU senior group has been great, very accomplished and dedicated -- and will be greatly missed -- Seibring, McMahon, Baltes, Jackson, Reaber.  Titans will have to rebuild, and recruit like crazy in the coming few years to replace these great players, great contributors to the Titan program.  Sounds like it's starting

EPG's Ehresman selects IWU -- see piece in today's Pgraph sportspage or website -- pantagraph.com 

A PG, Ehresman averages 16.4, 7+ REBs, and her team is 10-2 -- she has, to date, 1376 career points.  Sounds like the "worthy successor" at PG to Hasselbring and Baltes or possibly playing at the 2.  I'm sure Mia Smith has many more good prospects coming her way in the coming weeks.  The academic strength of IWU and the great facilities @The Shirk are a great draw for students like Ms. Ehresman.  Another player who has already played often at The Shirk during high school tournaments. 

Welcome to the Titan nation, Ms. Ehresman.

Go TITANS!  Titans at home vs. Augie at 7 p.m. Wednesday, with a junior varsity game at 5 p.m.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2014, 05:55:57 PM
Tonight, we have 1-0 North Park at 1-0 Carthage. The Lady Reds are coming off scoring outputs of 88, 91 and 88. And they have the top overall FG pct and top 3FG pct in the nation (D3). North Park has good depth (although shorter on average) and very good athleticism, so this one could be interesting (maybe for a while, maybe for 40:00?).
I'll probably end up going to Elmhurst, which hosts Wheaton. The Thunder have a 9 game winning streak, while Elmhurst just got whipped by IWU. The 'Jays prefer to get a lot of offense from their lowpost scorers, but Wheaton excels in prevention of that. We'll see what gives. Elmhurst does not typically allow opponents to shoot a high pct either. Maybe just for me, they'll have a 98-96 game, but perhaps I should be happy with 76-72. Wheaton freshman Katie McDaniels is off to a great start, including getting to the foul line for 98 FT att in 10 games.
Augie should be giving it all in Bloomington in order to avoid an 0-2 start.
North Central at Millikin should also be hard-fought, as each squad looks to be 1-1 instead of 0-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2014, 12:41:10 AM
IWU over Augie, 78-68, in a very hard-fought game.  Augie has improved a lot.

Jackson 15, McMahon 19, Baltes, an excellent overall game and 21 points.

Titans now 8-5, 2-0 . . . and moving on up.  Keep it rolling, Titans!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2014, 03:23:46 PM
iwu70, if Augie has improved a lot, that only adds to the early parity among them, Millikin, Elmhurst, North Park and North Central. I may have to disavow my recent standings prediction, although I want to retain the right to brag about it if it turns out to be accurate (ha!).
I did see Wheaton top Elmhurst 69-61. (it wasn't a 98-96 final as I had hoped for; could've been, but for some reason, they didn't play the 3rd half).
The game was fairly tight throughout. Maria Panaggio had a key last-minute steal when her team was up by only 3. Ellie Zeller led Wheaton with 17 pts; Katie McDaniels was sharp, tallying 14, 6 assists, 3 steals; Maris Hovee had 13 rebs and 10 pts. Chantal Meacham made a couple of threes that did not even seem to disturb the net; she could soon be one of our (CCIW's) best 3FG threats. Wheaton committed just 6 turnovers.
Fiona McMahon scored 22 for EC, adding 10 rebs and 3 blocks.
Carthage rang up 42 2nd half points and topped North Park 71-58. Michelle Wenzel led them with 19 pts, while Rachel Torres scored 20 for NP.
In Decatur, Larynn Shumaker's game winning hoop and FT helped North Central edge Millikin 87-85. Brittany Czaplicki almost had a quadruple double for Millikin : 25 pts, 12 rebs, 11 TOs and 8 steals; she had to be pretty tired after such a substantial effort in a high possession back-and-forth contest.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2014, 06:58:00 PM
NPU managed to hang around with Carthage last night at the Toolshed before succumbing, 71-58. Reigning CCIW Player of the Week Rachel Torres had another solid night with 20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals for the Vikings, while Soly Roman added 12 points off the bench.

While I didn't watch the game, due to my broadcasting duties in NPU Gymnasium for the men's game, it looks to me like the Vikings lost this one at the free-throw line. Not because they shot poorly from the charity stripe, although 5-9 isn't anything to write home about; they lost because the Lady Reds got to the line a whopping 31 times, making 21 of their attempts. A free-throw disparity that big tells you plenty about just how experienced, athletic, and aggressive Carthage is.

Still, I had worries that NPU was going to drop this game by 20 or more. Given the youth of the Vikings, I can live with a 13-point loss in Kenosha to what is clearly the best team in the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2014, 10:40:55 AM
Carthage has been to the foul line more lately. Here are their FT attempts for games 1 through 13 :
14, 19, 7, 19, 20, 22, 7, 11, 10, 27, 26, 13, 31.
With NC in town tomorrow, something in the range of 25 to 30 could be expected, since NC opponents have shot an average of 30.5 so far. That 30.5 figure should be understood in the context of the abnormally large quantity of possessions in a North Central game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 10, 2014, 10:59:47 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 10, 2014, 10:40:55 AM
Carthage has been to the foul line more lately. Here are their FT attempts for games 1 through 13 :
14, 19, 7, 19, 20, 22, 7, 11, 10, 27, 26, 13, 31.
With NC in town tomorrow, something in the range of 25 to 30 could be expected, since NC opponents have shot an average of 30.5 so far. That 30.5 figure should be understood in the context of the abnormally large quantity of possessions in a North Central game.

I sat through the Hope-NC game earlier this season, when Hope shot 35 FTA and NC 21.  Honestly, it got a little tedious especially toward the end....
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2014, 01:35:26 PM
Hope did a majority of the fouling late in that game; NC shot 9 FT att in the final 6:00, while Hope shot 5.
Neither team had a FT att in the final 2:33.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 10, 2014, 01:44:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 10, 2014, 01:35:26 PM
Hope did a majority of the fouling late in that game; NC shot 9 FT att in the final 6:00, while Hope shot 5.
Neither team had a FT att in the final 2:33.

Understood and am not surprised.  I mainly meant that ANY game stoppage seemed long at that point in the game.  Maybe because I'm not used to "system" games but the game seemed to go on for a very long time.  The constant "line changes" mean that most dead balls last longer than usual as the teams shuffle players in and out and get set.  That coupled with the typical high number of foul shots seemed to make the game last longer than usual from opening tap to final buzzer.  Might just be my perception from one game and I don't imagine anyone keeps stats on total length of games.  Yeah, I know, 40 minutes right?  :)))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2014, 02:23:50 PM
Your perception is correct, as far as I know. NC's games are very likely the most time-consuming of any in the CCIW (and maybe in all of D3 WBB) for the reasons you listed.
Fortunately, there aren't any media timeouts in CCIW games. I hope there weren't any in the one you saw.
Speaking of timeouts, NC (and other "system" teams) will frequently use their own timeouts just to send in subs, so those stoppages are briefer than a regular timeout.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2014, 09:09:52 PM
Good luck to the Titans up at NPU on Saturday.  I think it will be a close, hard-fought game.  Any road win in the CCIW is a good win.  Augie gave IWU a good fight, though the Titans played very inconsistently -- strongly in the first half, rather shakey, mistake-prone and weak in the second, winning only by 10 in a game that should not have been so close.  Seibring is hurting.  Baltes, Jackson and McMahon playing very very well, so far. The Reabers and the other role players have to step up more.

Lots of basketball to be played.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2014, 09:49:50 PM
Some really great news on the early recruiting front for the IWU program -- see Pgraph again today.  Ehresman, the current Pantagraph Area Player of the Year, is being joined at IWU by Central Catholic's Molly McGraw -- averages 18+ per game and is a real athlete.  She's scored 1358 points for Central Catholic to date.   Also track and field star in high jump, long jump and triple jump, with a high jump already that would have placed 4th in the DIII national track meet.  Her CC teams have been 88-17 in the recent 3+ years.  Sounds like a great recruit, strong jumper and scorer, for Mia Smith and the Titans going forward.  I'm sure there's more to come, but what a fabulous start to the recruiting year.  A lot of good basketball players in the B/N area. 

Welcome to the Titan nation, Ms. Molly McGraw, class of 2018.  Ehresman and McGraw sound like a great, complimentary duo.

 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2014, 07:50:55 PM
IWU over NPU 85-60.  "Run and jump" again producing the result.

Seibring a good game - 15
Holness likely a career high - 15
T. Reaber 12
Baltes 10
K. Reaber 9
McMahon 9

Very good Titan defense in the first half.  It was all "academic" after that. 

Enjoyed the video and the call by Mssr. Sager from North Park University.

Titans now 9-5, 3-0 in CCIW play.  Should be some very good games vs. CC and WC upcoming.  Titans will have to play their best to challenge these two teams, IMHO.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2014, 01:01:54 PM
I attended the IWU/NP contest and would like to add that Lexi played her usual smart game; Kasey Reaber was sharp, too, including some excellent passes. Holness was indeed productive in her 16:00. NP missed a couple of key players : Williams (injury), Torres (attending a funeral).
Carthage wiped out North Central 119-78. Michelle Wenzel scored 26 pts, had 9 rebs, 4 steals, 3 assists. Her pair of games warrant CCIW Player of the Week, I'd think. Or is Carthage not going to get one this season because they have so many good players? Then again, Coach Bernero could nominate Stephanie Kuzmanic, who picked up 17 assists (only 4 TOs). The Lady Reds committed a modest 23 TOs against the NC trapping. They made 47/68 2FG att and 5/8 3FG att. NC made 11/41 3FGs and maybe should study the shooting form of the Lady Reds' 3FG specialists.
I'm glad to see that Sofia Svensson is well enough to return to action; she played 13:00.
Elmhurst topped Millikin 76-63. Karen Senette led with 18 pts; Devin Vaughn did a lot well, with 11 pts, 6 rebs, 6 assists, 4 steals. Brittany Czaplicki had 24 pts for the visitors.
Wheaton defeated Augie 66-54. Ellie Zeller scored 17, Lauren Graham 13; Maris Hovee had 14 rebs, 3 steals, 3 blocks. Chaney Tambling scored 12 for the Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2014, 08:50:09 PM
RogK, thanks for all the updates, info.

You can see how much AC has improved, playing Wheaton to a reasonably close game, too.

Yes, Baltes is such an unrelenting hard worker.  I love her game.  If the Titans can pull it all together and play their best as a team, they have a shot with CC and WC.  Seibring is not completely healthy, some players rather inconsistent and the Titans seem to have a Jekyl and Hyde personality -- either playing brilliantly or playing stupidly.  It's a mystery.  So far McMahon and Baltes playing up to All-CCIW level.  Jackson has had her moments.  Key factors always for the Titans are rebounding enough and playing well enough in the half court when  "run and jump" is not producing the desired result of a huge gap in TOs.  They are a team of peaks and valleys, it would appear.  Hope they can pull it all together, have great contributions from the role players, and play a full, complete 40 minutes vs. WC and CC.  Holness is the most pleasing surprise this year and has a great great future as a Titan.  Some really good recruits announced this week, so the future is bright after this current top-notch, high-performing group of seniors departs.  Taylor Reaber has played very well in her minutes off the bench, too.  All IMHO.

Much more basketball to be played -- it's a long long season, grinding it out time now.  Road trips must be so so tiring for these committed, dedicated student athletes and so many of them are in very demanding academic majors, too -- lots of pre-med kids, science students, in tough majors, quite serious students.  Gotta admire how they manage it all.  My hat is off to them, truly.

My kudos to Coach Smith and all the Titans on the 3-0 CCIW start.  Keep it rolling Titans!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2014, 11:27:25 AM
Here are the standings, excluding games involving Carthage, Wheaton and IWU :
Elmhurst 1 - 0
North Park 1 - 0
North Central 1 - 1
Augustana 0 - 0
Millikin 0 - 2
One way to look at who might get the 4th conference playoff spot. So far, these 5 teams are 0 - 9 vs the top 3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2014, 03:31:13 PM
Congratulations to Michelle Wenzel, new CCIW Player of the Week. For the whole season so far, she's made .647 of her FG att (88/136). In conference play, she's at 83 pct (25/30)!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2014, 09:48:33 PM
Congrats to Ms. Wenzel.  Some serious, high % shooting. 

Big game upcoming -- IWU vs. Wheaton.  Should be a good one, and a way to really see where these teams are now -- how far IWU has come back from its pre-CCIW run, gauntlet of tough games.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2014, 09:52:37 PM
NPU pretty sorely missed reigning CCIW Player of the Week Rachel Torres on Saturday. Illinois Wesleyan is not the right team to play if you're missing your starting point guard. The loss of leading rebounder Dominikque Williams hurt, too, as the Vikings ended up with a -13 on the boards on Saturday afternoon. But I'm not sure how much of a difference they would've made, because the panic that I saw from the Vikings when the going got tough seemed to be pretty much a team-wide affair. It even registered at the offensive end; when the Vikings did manage to break the press, they almost invariably missed the ensuing layup or the easy bunny. NPU's shooting as a whole was atrocious for the day: 30% from the field, with a lot of the misses being close to the rim, and a baffling 5-30 (17%) from downtown. They did shoot extremely well from the charity stripe (19-24 for 79%), but they didn't get there enough for it to really make any difference.

It was a see-saw game for the first 14 1/2 minutes, with a whopping eleven lead changes, and neither team really asserting itself. But at that point, with Wesleyan up 22-21, the Titans press really kicked in. And in spite of Amanda Reese Crockett's entreaties, the Vikings simply handled it poorly. They passed the ball backwards (the ultimate no-no against a full-court press), they heaved it blindly up the floor, they dribbled straight into halfcourt traps -- in short, they did everything they could to convince me that they'd never seen continuous full-court pressure before. That makes no sense on the face of it, because the Vikings had whipped North Central in the airplane hangar just seven days before. Of course, without having seen NCC thus far this season, I don't think that I'm going out on a limb in saying that Illinois Wesleyan runs its press a whole lot better than does North Central. Nevertheless, the team-wide breakdown that the Vikings suffered in that final five and a half minutes of the first half -- a 17-0 run by the Titans that led to an eye-popping 23-6 finish to the half -- should not have happened. And the youth of the Vikings should not be an excuse for it.

The Park just looked beaten in the second half. They never really rose out of the funk into which that end-of-the-half explosion by Wesleyan had put them, not even when Mia Smith called off the press about halfway thru the second stanza. Just an all-around stinker of a half by the Vikings, who seemed to play as though they were just trying to get the game over with. I thought that Soly Roman (10 pts, 6 rebs) put forth a good effort, and Kayla McCall shot well (it was good to see her back after she missed the Carthage game due to a sprained ankle), but nobody else really had a game worth mentioning.

The panic attack, I can somewhat understand. IWU has overwhelmed people in the past by scoring in bunches off of that press, and they'll do so again in the future -- especially to young teams and/or teams that are missing a reliable rotation ballhandler or two.  But one thing that you feel that you can always count upon with a young team is energy, and I just didn't sense that NPU had any at all on Saturday afternoon. I sure hope that they find it on Wednesday night at Faganel Hall, because Elmhurst is a foe not to be trifled with, especially on its own floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2014, 03:01:46 AM
New D3 poll, WC is at 12th, CC at 14th, and nobody else in CCIW getting votes at present. 

WC and CC go at it at Wheaton on Wednesday, then WC comes to The Shirk.  Things are going to get further sorted out.

GO TITANS!  A big big game, a chance to "move on up."

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2014, 01:51:28 PM
Greg, in North Park's game at North Central, NP did commit 40 turnovers, for which some credit goes to NC's defense. That may mave been approximately the same percentage of their possessions as in NP's game vs IWU. But, I think even NC would admit that their press surrenders many more layups than does IWU's.
In the games vs NP, IWU's offense was clearly better than NC's (NC committed 34 TOs, made a poor 14 of 45 2FG att and 6/29 3FG att). IWU's offense was generally good Saturday, with long stretches of excellent ball and player movement.
I, too, was surprised by the irregular energy on North Park's part. Offensively, they appeared unsure about how aggressive to be. Should they look to Brittany Pittas for more scoring? She seems capable.
Their halfcourt defense allowed multiple drives to the hoop, which probably did not please the coach.
I'm glad you complimented Soly; she keeps improving.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2014, 05:07:33 AM
One the great names in D3 sports, Millikin's freshman, Yip Yipya! 

Titans ready to get to 10 wins -- @The Shirk hosting Jimmy Millikin tonight.  Hope the Titans are able to keep it rolling, use the pressure of "run and jump," play well offensively and get to 4-0 in the CCIW. 

Freshman Gabrielle Holness featured in the Pgraph pre-game piece today.  As I've mentioned earlier, she has a bright future in the Titan program.  Very optimistic about the new IWU recruits, too, so far. 

I'll be cheering for WC over CC . . . just say'in. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2014, 12:46:10 PM
iwu70, you seem to have given the young Millikin player an extra letter in her last name.
Last year IWU beat Millikin twice, but the scores were close : 72-67 and 72-70.
I'm planning on seeing the Carthage at Wheaton game and am not sure what to expect (not that I should need to expect anything).
NP vs EC could/should be a good one, as may be NC vs Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2014, 04:10:25 PM
Our condolences to the Elmhurst Athletic Dept :
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2014/1/14/GEN_0114140443.aspx?path=general
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on January 15, 2014, 07:12:23 PM
Bluejays playing with heavy hearts and orange leukemia shirsts...do it for Matt! Elmhurst family!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2014, 07:59:38 PM
My condolences to the friends at Elmhurst. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2014, 09:57:23 PM
IWU over MU bigtime 94-74. 

Jackson and McMahon with big games.  "Run and Jump" doing its dirt.  Tremendous defensive effort by the Titans, all of them.

Titans now 10-5, 4-0 with a big game at home vs. Wheaton on Saturday.

Keep it rolling, Titans!!!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2014, 10:26:10 PM
In the IWU win:

Jackson 24
McMahon 19

Ms. Yip Ypya had 16 and a good game for MU.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2014, 12:06:37 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 15, 2014, 10:26:10 PM
In the IWU win:

Jackson 24
McMahon 19

Ms. Yip Ypya had 16 and a good game for MU.

IWU70

I still say she should have gone to EMU, where she could be Yip Ypya from Ypsi! ;D

All she had to do was add an E! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2014, 03:51:14 AM
Warm congrats to the Titans on a great win over MU, 94-74.  The Titans are really putting up some points.

And warm congrats to Katy Seibring on winning the Woodrow Wilson Teaching fellowship, including a scholarship for grad school!  Way to go Katy!   Titan nation is proud of you!

And, whilst I'm here on an academic note, congrats to the three IWU students who recently came first out of 60 teams in the 19th Annual Michigan Math Challenge -- by the names of Duc Nguyen, Ahn Dao, and Tung Nguyen.  All international students doing great work -- congrats to them too!  And who says we shouldn't have more international students.  (Yes, still looking for the next Yao Ming for IWU).  Ypsi, you'd love these students, really brilliant in math, and pushing the domestic students, tutoring them when needed in Ames. 

Keep it rolling -- athletically and academically -- all TITANS!  All good.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2014, 11:53:47 AM
Stephanie Kuzmanic was superb in Carthage's 77-69 win at Wheaton. She had 8 rebs, 8 assists, made 6/7 FTs, 5/8 2FGs and 6/9 3FGs for a career high 34 pts. Stephanie alternates between being superb and being excellent (this has to aggravate Coach Bernero, not knowing which way she'll be).
Teammate Haley Stercic hit 5 of 7 threes; she must be a perfectionist because she actually seemed lightly embarrassed when she missed a shot.
Neither team allows anything resembling an easy basket in the lane, so it sures helps to make some threes against them. Carthage hit 12 of 21; Wheaton's 4/14 was OK (5 of 14 would've been 36 pct which is good).
Ellie Zeller topped Wheaton with 21 pts; she has developed into a pretty strong scorer. Carthage was able to largely cut off the paths that Katie McDaniels likes to take to the hoop, but she still managed 13 pts (not too bad for a freshman going against a smart experienced defense).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on January 16, 2014, 12:24:31 PM
It must be nice to be aggravated by whether a player is "superb" or simply "excellent." 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2014, 01:33:39 PM
Indeed, badgerwarhawk. Kuzmanic is the reigning CCIW Most Outstanding Player and has a shot at repeating that honor. Too early to say, of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2014, 02:36:13 PM
I opted to see the Carthage/Wheaton game last night, but among the alternatives was NAIA Olivet Nazarene vs Robert Morris Chicago (now has gym in Arlington Hts). That one ended up 134-111 :
http://web.olivet.edu/sports/basketball/women/games/2013/onuwb19.htm
Six players in double figures on each team; teams combined for : 33 fouls (not a lot), 37 steals, 134 rebounds, 138 2FG att, 82 3FG att, 41 FTs. Kept the scorers table and refs busy.
Oh, 17 blocked shots too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2014, 03:11:23 PM
The two conference games not yet mentioned each saw a team shoot 38 FTs.
Augie shot 38 in their 101-91 win over North Central. Three Augie players were in double figures for pts and rebs : Chaney Tambling, Amy Hicks, Andrea McNally. Molly Etheridge had a big game, scoring 27 and had 9 rebs, 9 TOs, 4 assists, 3 steals. Olivia Mayer also did quite well, with 9 assists and 6 steals.
NC did nicely from three-land 18/40 (Lauren Hernandez made 4 of 5 for example), but their other activities didn't add up to enough.
Elmhurst also shot 38 FTs, as they beat North Park 71-63. Katie Swanson led the 'jays with 17 pts, while Fiona McMahon grabbed 14 rebs. Brittany Pittas had 18 pts for the visiting Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2014, 05:18:31 PM
Since we still have the situation that none of these five teams has defeated Carthage, IWU or Wheaton, here are the standings for games among the five :
Elmhurst 2 - 0
Augustana 1 - 0
North Park 1 - 1
North Central 1 - 2
Millikin 0 - 2
This way of looking at things may become moot, but presently is unmoot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2014, 06:21:49 PM
NPU is really digging itself a hole. The Vikings are going to have a hard time climbing back out of it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2014, 10:57:40 PM
Carthage sounds very tough to beat -- so many weapons.  We all know how good Kuzmanic is.  Tremendous player.  And CC is the premier three-ball shooting team this year, for sure.  Mia Smith will have her hands full developing a plan to slow CC down.  Should be two really great games upcoming -- WC @ IWU, then IWU visiting Kenosha.  Looking forward to these games.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2014, 03:43:55 PM
Greg, I know you'd prefer North Park to be 4-0 or 3-1 at this point, but they are just 1 game out of 4th place.
If things go their way tomorrow (they beat Augie and NC beats EC), they'll be tied for 4th.
Ten regular season games remain for all, so we'll see. I still foresee Elmhurst getting into the CCIW playoffs, but all 8 CCIW teams are competitive. It may not get decided much in advance of round 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2014, 07:00:57 PM
Titans up 45-37 over WC at halftime.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2014, 07:18:54 PM
Titans up 16 with about 12 minutes to go in the second half.  Run and Jump doing its dirt. Big big TO advantage again.

If the Titans play like this they can go far.  They are playing excellent basketball even in the half court sets tonight.  Great passing and cutting.  Offense comes from defense.

Go Titans!  Keep it rolling.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2014, 07:54:16 PM
Final from the Quad Cities:

North Park 53
Augustana 50

Nicole Kruckman: 13 pts
Soly Roman: 7 rebs

Molly Etheridge: 13 pts, 6 rebs
Chaney Tambling: 11 pts
Amy Hicks: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Marissa Pezzopane: 7 rebs

This one was a defense-dominated struggle the whole way. NPU led almost the entire second half, but was unable to pull away from a doughty Augie squad that had a chance to tie on the final possession but missed a low-percentage trey attempt. NPU didn't shoot well at all -- the normally reliable Brittany Pittas missed a lot of open treys from the left side, and Augie's bigs gave the visitors a lot of trouble when the Park drove to the basket -- and was outrebounded by 11. But NPU is a quicker team, and they really bothered Augie on every possession except for transition; Augie turned the ball over 25 times.

Any road win in the CCIW is a good win. This one wasn't pretty, but North Park will certainly take it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2014, 07:55:39 PM
Incidentally, webcaster Brendan Casey (my guess is that he's an Augustana student), did a really nice job calling this game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2014, 09:21:54 PM
WC hung tough, played hard, got back to within 5 but Titans win over WC 93-85.  A big win in CCIW.

McMahon 26
Jackson 17 and an overall very effective offensive game
Baltes 13
Seibring 12
Holness 11
K. Reaber 8

Ellie Zeller a monster game for WC  27.

Titans now up and coming 11-5, 5-0.  Great game upcoming vs. CC in Kenosha.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2014, 12:32:02 PM
Carthage topped Millikin 73-63. Stephanie Kuzmanic led the scoring with 21, Kristi Schmidt poured in 18, Michelle Wenzel had 14 pts, 14 rebs. M's Jasmine Johnson did well with 17 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blocks, 3 assists, 2 steals.
I saw the 111-92 NC win over EC. It was a close game most of the way, but NC used a frenzied few minutes to establish a safe-ish lead. The Cardinals had 7 in double figures. Bobbi Johns had 16 pts, 6 assists and 5 steals, Kimberly Wilson tallied 15 and Maryssa Cladis's 4 steals were big.
Elmhurst's Fiona McMahon had 16 pts, 15 rebs and was a notable defensive factor, altering shots. Melanie Schwerdtmann led all with 22 pts. Claire Monroe had 11 pts, 6 rebs and 7 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2014, 11:45:23 PM
For those of you who have seen CC and IWU in person, what's your take on the upcoming clash of undefeated teams in the CCIW -- IWU @CC?  Could be 6-0 CC vs. 6-0 IWU, for the title game of the first go 'round in the CCIW season cycle.  Titans surely playing a lot better and CC with so many weapons, such a strong experienced team as well. 

Should be a great game . . . and an important away game for the Titans men's team that night in Kenosha, too.

Player of the week this week?  Kuzmanic or Coleen McMahon? 

Nine games to go . . . all the seniors knowing the time is now.  Within about a month, we'll be to the CCIW tournament time.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 20, 2014, 08:29:25 PM
New poll is out: Carthage up 2 spots to 12; Wheaton fall 8 slots to 20.  IWU received one point - their first since week 2.  (They had 72 points in the preseason poll; good for 28th.  In week one they lost 26 points but rose to 27th.  Since then they had received no love at all.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2014, 09:47:03 PM
Congrats to Carthage's Stephanie Kuzmanic for CCIW Player of the Week.  Much deserved, though I do hope Colleen McMahon wins it one of these weeks too, as she's having a great season, perhaps winning the scoring title in the CCIW this year.  Kuzmanic had a terrific set of games last week no doubt, esp. against Wheaton.  A great player.  Titans will have to attend to her, clamp down on her, just like the men did on Peters vs. WC. 

Glad to see the Titan women getting a little bit of love in the rankings.  I think they are much much better now than earlier in the year and surely better than their record of 11-5, 5-0.  They just gotta keep at it, keep climbing, keep winning.  Would love to see them rain on the Carthage parade up in Kenosha.  Will be interesting to see what impact "run and jump" has on the experienced Carthage team.  Otherwise, could be a game of half-court sets.  Titans have improved immensely in this regard in the recent few games.  An up-tempo game favors the Titans, a half-court set game, probably favors CC.  But, could be closer than many expect.

Titans play NCC first, then travel to Kenosha to wrap up the first cycle, the first go'round in CCIW play. 

GO TITANS!!!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2014, 01:48:15 PM
Since we still have the situation that none of these five teams has defeated Carthage, IWU or Wheaton, here are the standings for games among the five :
Elmhurst 2 - 1
North Park 2 - 1
Augustana 1 - 1
North Central 2 -2
Millikin 0-2
iwu70, let's wait and see what pace the IWU/Carthage game is played at. I'd say both teams can be comfortable in a fast or slow game. Note that Carthage scored 119 vs NC and has many games scoring in the high 80s and low 90s.
Yes, Colleen is having a very fine season; even if she doesn't get a player of the week honor, I'm sure she'll be properly recognized on the all-conference team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2014, 08:43:45 PM
Seems to me that the IWU-CC is a pretty close one -- CC still the favorite at home, but IWU improving greatly in recent weeks.  Yes, RogK, they can play up-tempo as well ans score in big bundles. 

Key for CC is taking care of the ball, limiting the turnovers and playing the half-court sets the way they wish.  For IWU, gotta guard the perimeter, limit Kuzmanic and Stercic if at all possible, and rebound enough to keep the possessions and TO margin in their favor.  May see more of Taylor Reaber in this regard.  Jackson needs a very big game.  I would expect Baltes to guard Kuzmanic and McMahon to guard Stercic.  We'll see. 

Look forward to it, though both teams have to take care of business on Wednesday too -- before the Saturday showdown in Kenosha.

Hope everyone there is staying warm, staying safe.  A brutal winter.

Seems to me NPU has a real shot at being the fourth team to make the CCIW tournament. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 22, 2014, 01:37:27 PM
Former D3 Player of the Year Olivia Lett will make her head coaching debut this evening, filling in for Mia Smith who has the flu.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2014, 01:47:29 PM
Get well soon to Coach Smith!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2014, 12:01:41 AM
IWU overcomes "the system," in a track meet of a game, 115-106.  Titans had the lead by 20+ about halfway through the second half and coasted a bit after that, if one can ever "coast" in such an up-and-down festivity of running, trapping, treys and layups.

McMahon 28
Jackson 23 and 11
Seibring 15 and 7
K. Reaber 12
Baltes 12

and future star and freshman, Gabrielle Holness, a career high 21.  She's gonna be really really good in future years. 

K. Cooling for NCC with 28 and a program record 7 treys.

Titans shoot 57%.

Now comes the big one.  IWU at CC on Saturday, two 6-0 teams in CCIW play. 

Titans 12-5, 6-0 and ready to rain on the Carthage parade.  Hope the TITANS get some rest, have a day or two off before the CC game, after this circus, track meet of an outing @NC. 

Congrats to the Titans and Coach Lett.  Hope Coach Smith is recovering fully. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2014, 12:13:59 AM
Wow, NPU over WC.  Greg, give us a good account of that one.  A big upset in OT.  :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2014, 11:30:14 AM
Carthage topped Elmhurst 71 - 33. Stephanie Kuzmanic had 9 assists and 11 pts, while Michelle Wenzel had 14 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls.
Millikin got past Augie 76 - 66. Jasmine Johnson had 18 pts, 9 rebs; Yip Ypya scored 16; Brittany Czaplicki had 13 pts and nabbed 5 steals. Augie got 15 pts and 8 rebs from Chaney Tambling; Katie Villa had 11 pts and 9 rebs in 15:00. Augie was charged with 30 fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2014, 04:05:35 PM
North Park 73
Wheaton 68

Nikki Przybyslawski: 17 pts
Brittany Pittas: 16 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls
Soly Roman: 16 pts, 3 blks
Liz Rehberger: 10 pts, 6:0 a:to

Ellie Zeller: 18 pts
Lauren Graham: 15 pts
Katie McDaniels: 14 pts, 6:4 a:to
Moriah Reeves: 10 pts
Maris Hovee: 15 rebs, 4 blks
Maria Panaggio: 7 rebs

http://athletics.northpark.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=1225&path=wbball

Last night felt like a program-changing event for NPU women's basketball. During her five and a half seasons at North Park, Amanda Reese Crockett has slowly managed to turn the longship around and get it headed in the right direction -- but wins over the top three programs in the league (Carthage, Illinois Wesleyan, and Wheaton) have continued to elude her. The win last night was the first breakthrough against one of those teams during her tenure.

It didn't feel like it was going to be a breakthrough at first, though. Not only was NPU's leading rebounder and only senior, Dominikque Williams, still out with a concussion, but starting PG Rachel Torres didn't dress either, due to a back injury suffered in Saturday's game at Augustana. Then the game began ominously, with Nicole Kruckman picking up three fouls in less than three minutes. When Soly Roman went to the bench with her second foul halfway thru the opening stanza, the Park was reduced to using undersized and little-used reserve forward Kayla Scoggins as the sole remaining post player along with four guards. No wonder 6'1 Wheaton center Maris Hovee looked like a rebounding machine. At the half, Wheaton enjoyed a whopping 25-10 edge in rebounds. And NPU, pressured on the perimeter by a Wheaton defense that no longer needed to worry about containing the Vikings bigs, shot only 35% from the field and 27% from downtown, suffering two shot-clock violations and a near-shot-clock violation (a shot with one second left on the shot clock that hit the side of the backboard) in the process.

And yet the halftime score was only Wheaton 31, North Park 25. That was crucial, because by all rights Wheaton should've just run away with the ballgame during the first twenty minutes. But the Vikings induced enough Wheaton turnovers to reduce the visitors' opportunities during that first half, and that was key.

Wheaton did pick up the pace by scoring the first six points of the second half to build its largest lead at 37-25 with 18:14 to go. But the Vikes came charging back with a ten-point run of their own, sparked by a pair of Nikki Przybyslawski treys, to cut the lead to 37-35 at the 15:55 mark. From that point on it was a nip-and-tuck game, with both teams enjoying the lead at various points but with neither team able to build a lead of more than two possessions.

A Przybyslawski jumper in the lane with 1:05 to go put the Vikings up, 62-60. Her right leg cramped up on the shot, putting her out of the game for good -- which seemed to be yet another ominous sign, as she had the hot hand for NPU all night. After being fouled, Lauren Graham hit a pair of free throws at :44 to tie it up again. Brittany Pittas missed a bunny with 28 seconds to go, and after Pittas and Hovee struggled for the rebound the ball went out of bounds off of Pittas. Wheaton thus had the ball in a tie game with the shot clock turned off. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance played for the last shot, and on the air I expressed my hope that WC freshman Chantal Meacham, statistically the weakest shooter that Wheaton had on the floor, would take the final shot. Sure enough, the NPU defense forced the ball out of the hands of Katie McDaniels on the perimeter and gave Meacham the open look from 20 feet out. She missed the shot with seven seconds left; Hovee got the offensive rebound, but her fadeaway putback glanced off the rim, and Liz Rehberger secured the ball for the Vikings to force overtime.

The extra session was more of the same seesaw action, with two Rehberger FTs putting NPU up by one, 67-66, going into the final minute. Wheaton got the ball into Hovee in the high post, but she traveled, giving North Park the chance to extend the lead. At this point, North Park made the play of the game; the Vikings ran a weave to bring the shot clock down, and then Pittas suddenly broke out of the weave cycle, turned, and rifled the ball down the lane to Roman. The Vikings sophomore center turned to her right, reached up around Hovee, and flipped the ball over the front of the rim and in to make it NPU 69, WC 66 with 34 ticks left. Meacham missed another trey with :17 remaining that rolled to the near corner over by the Wheaton broadcasting table, and Rehberger alertly got in front of Hovee to screen her off from retrieving the loose ball before it went out of bounds. Pittas was fouled on the inbounds pass, made both free throws to give NPU a five-point lead, and, after both teams added a pair of free throws apiece, the Vikings were finally able to walk off the floor as the victors.

Nikki Przybyslawski and Liz Rehberger played outstanding floor games for the Vikings, pressuring the Wheaton defense with repeated drives to the bucket and distributing the ball well. They both made great decisions with the ball throughout the game. Soly Roman stood tall in the absence of the foul-plagued Nicole Kruckman and played what was easily the best game of her career at both ends of the floor. Her defense kept Maris Hovee from getting good looks in the low post; Hovee was mostly reduced to shooting ten-foot jumpshots, and her 1-7 shooting indicated to me that that's clearly not her expertise. Brittany Pittas, who has struggled recently, was sharp last night.

Ellie Zeller carried Wheaton for long stretches. Lauren Graham, the Wheaton player who most concerned me at the outset, played very well, too, but her foul trouble towards the end of the game reduced her defensive effectiveness. Moriah Reeves was effective off the bench for the visitors, and Katie McDaniels showed why she is such a promising freshman ... although the NPU defense kept her off-balance throughout the night.

It was certainly an historic win for NPU. There seemed to be some dispute after the game as to the last time that the Vikings had defeated Wheaton. I thought that they picked up at least one win in the middle of the last decade, when NPU was a middle-of-the-pack team during the Mount/Slattery/Young era under Jack Surridge, but Jack maintains that the Vikings hadn't defeated the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance since all the way back in the 1995-96 season. At any rate, the Vikings have come agonizingly close time and time again -- last season's disputed overtime loss at Wheaton and the one-point defeat at the crackerbox four years ago immediately come to mind in terms of recent close calls -- but just haven't been able to get over the hump. Last night they finally did it, although it took five extra minutes for them to accomplish the feat.

Now the motto is "no letdown" against Millikin on Saturday afternoon. There are no easy games in the league this season, and I don't see Saturday's contest against the Big Blue as being anything other than a struggle for the Vikings. If they want a chance to savor this win over Wheaton, they'd better wait until after the season to do it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2014, 08:42:43 PM
Greg, thanks for the full write-up on the big win over WC.  That's a big breakthrough win for the NPU program.  Congrats to NPU.  Hope they get another win this weekend over Jenny Millikin. 

Stay safe, stay warm -- the brutal winter continues into next week, in would appear.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2014, 11:18:21 PM
GO TITANS -- this weekend in Kenosha.  This is the big one -- be "that team that shall not be named" again.  Good luck.  Keep it rolling.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2014, 11:45:26 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 23, 2014, 11:18:21 PM
GO TITANS -- this weekend in Kenosha.  This is the big one -- be "that team that shall not be named" again.  Good luck.  Keep it rolling.

IWU70

Danged right!  Until last year, Mia Smith had four losses in conference play in five years!  Time to get that mojo back!  GO Mia (and Titan Nation)!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2014, 12:32:10 AM
Ypsi, let's hope the Titan women can put it all together this weekend in Kenosha.  A big challenge, but they are clearly playing a lot better than earlier in the season.  Should be a very interesting game.  CC has so many weapons, lots of experience, so no small challenge for our squad.  Mia Smith and Olivia Lett will have them ready, have a good plan I'm sure. 

Hope you are surviving the polar vortex and all that over there.   Tough tough winter.  Stay safe.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2014, 02:37:02 PM
This season has seen :
Wheaton beat Millikin
Millikin beat Augustana
Augustana beat North Central
North Central beat Elmhurst
Elmhurst beat North Park
North Park beat Wheaton
This would prove that if Wheaton held an intrasquad game, it would go overtime. (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2014, 06:48:33 PM
IWU up on CC at the half 42-39 in a back and forth, game of runs.  Pace seems to favor IWU, but we'll see.  Both teams playing very well.  A real heavyweight game, with both teams giving and taking their best.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2014, 07:16:33 PM
CC up by 4 with 10:00 minutes to go, second half.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 25, 2014, 07:43:41 PM
Carthage wins it, 90-83.  IWU had five players in double digits, while Carthage only had two.  Alas, those two (Kuzmanic 33, Wenzel 28) nearly outscored the Titan five! ;)

The closeness of the outcome gives me hope that IWU might be able to prevail in the friendly confines of the Shirk - so it may all come down to who can avoid the upset elsewhere.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2014, 07:46:03 PM
Great game, two great teams in Kenosha.  CC comes back from 16 down in the first half to win.  Our Titans played very well.

CC 90 IWU 83

Just too too much Kuzmanic, a great game with 33, Wenzel 26.

For IWU, a great overall effort at Tarble:

K. Reaber 10
Baltes 18
McMahon 13
Seibring 16
T. Reaber 11
Jackson 9

For the Titans, just a bit too much trouble fouling on run and jump and just not quite enough rebounding.  But, I think IWU wins the rematch at The Shirk.  This game, against No. 12 Carthage, shows how much the Titans have improved over the season.

Yes, a loss, no doubt and CC now in the driver's seat for the CCIW crown, but still a lot of basketball to be played.

Great effort, high quality play by both teams.  Congrats to Carthage tonight.  See you in Bloomington.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on January 25, 2014, 08:04:48 PM
Wheaton wins 118 to NCC 81.  The 118 points ties the record set last year for most points scored.
Hannah Considine returned after missing the last 11 games and scored 19 points going 9-9 from the free throw line. 
Ellie Zeller had 32 points.  Congratulations to Maris Hovee the senior leader is now number four in the Wheaton record books in blocks.
Overall a much needed win for this young Wheaton team who lost the three previous games. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2014, 03:47:29 PM
Millikin 70
North Park 68

Liz Rehberger: 18 pts (3-3 trey)
Soly Roman: 17 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls
Nikki Przybyslawski: 11 pts, 4 stls

Alyssa Saklak: 24 pts, 6 rebs
Jasmine Johnson: 10 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls

NPU squandered the forward progress it had made Wednesday against Wheaton by blowing a game yesterday that the Vikings should have won. If you had told me beforehand that Millikin's star, Brittany Czaplicki, would score only nine points, turn the ball over six times without notching an assist, and foul out of the game, I would've told you that North Park stood a great chance of winning in a walkover. But that's not what happened.

It was close throughout, with eight ties and 13 lead changes. NPU had an eight-point first-half advantage and MU had a ten-point bulge in the second stanza, but neither team was ever able to establish a secure lead. North Park did manage to erase a three-point deficit in the final half-minute on a rainbow trey by Liz Rehberger with 13 ticks remaining, but the Vikings panicked on the final possession, swarming ballhandler Rachael Weber as she drove and leaving all alone under the basket the one Big Blue player who had made them pay time and time again throughout the game, Alyssa Saklak. She made an uncontested layup to make the score 70-68, and Nikki Przybyslawski's desperation halfcourt heave at the buzzer wasn't really close. What made it worse was the fact that NPU would've been at a great advantage had the game gone to overtime, since two Millikin starters (Czaplicki and PG Susan Durkin) had fouled out of the game.

It's not as though Millikin played particularly well in victory. The Big Blue turned the ball over 29 times, 16 of them the result of NPU steals and a number of others caused by NPU defensive pressure. But North Park coughed up the ball 25 times in return -- and the Vikings were the self-induced victims of many more unforced turnovers than were the Big Blue.

The Vikings also burned themselves at the free throw line. Whereas they shot a sparkling 78% as a team on Wednesday in the win over Wheaton, they were an earthbound 17-27 (63%) yesterday on an afternoon in which their Big Blue counterparts couldn't seem to miss from the charity stripe (16-20, 80%).

It was a very disheartening loss. NPU had a chance to put some distance between itself and the pack -- but, instead, the Vikings fell back to the pack, a pack that now legitimately includes Millikin. The Vikings are simply going to have to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and resign themselves to having to slug it out game-by-game in order to make the CCIW tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2014, 09:46:08 PM
Mia Smith got all over the Titans in her post-game press account of the CC-IWU game, basically saying that they knew all what Kuzmanic and Wenzel would be doing but did little defensively to stop it.  See Pgraph article.  Basically saying Kuzmanic is a great player, but we (the Titan defense) made her look better than she is. 

Harsh, but I think honest and true.  Sure hope the Titans put up a better defensive effort and plan in the game at The Shirk in February.

It was an excellent game with two very fine teams, surely the top of the line in the CCIW this season.  CC has many weapons, and Kuzmanic and Wenzel just went off with monster games @Tarble.  Wenzel, of course, with many layups when CC beat the IWU press.   Titans battled them almost even 'til the last 2 minutes when CC and Kuzmanic went on a 9-0 run.  Just shows you gotta play the entire 40 minutes in games like this in this league.

Second half of the CCIW cycle has more games away for IWU, but key game, the rematch with CC is back at The Shirk.  Plenty of basketball still to be played.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on January 27, 2014, 12:42:38 PM
Go Thunder, Hovee has been third on the career blocks list for much of, if not all of the season. She passed Jill Trenz for fourth on the all-time rebounding list on Saturday night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on January 27, 2014, 10:20:00 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on January 27, 2014, 12:42:38 PM
Go Thunder, Hovee has been third on the career blocks list for much of, if not all of the season. She passed Jill Trenz for fourth on the all-time rebounding list on Saturday night.
Sorry my bad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2014, 12:30:22 AM
Congrats to Cathage's Ms. Kuzmanic on Player of the Week, second-straight week.  She sure had a monster game against my Titans. 

Carthage up in the week 8 poll, to #10 I believe.  WC and IWU still getting a little little bit of love in ORV. 

Stay safe, stay warm over there -- the polar vortex still mis-behav'in for sure.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2014, 12:55:57 PM
This is a few days late (was off-line, a condition some would say I retain permanently) :
On Saturday I saw two interesting games; one was the Millikin win at NP, which Greg already covered. Earlier that day, I saw a 112-99 Olivet Nazarene win at Roosevelt (Wheaton beat Roosevelt 91-79 this season, so we have an NCAA connection!). ONU won the rebounding 65-61 and made 24/61 3FGs; their best player (guard Miranda Geever from Moline -- too bad Augie didn't get her) had 27 pts, 9 assists and 5 steals in 20:00. A teammate made 8 threes in 15:00. Roosevelt had a forward register a triple-double and a guard (Casey Davis) score 51, among them her 2000th career point. A lot of impressive athleticism from both sides.
Our CCIW "system" team, North Central, didn't fare as well as ONU did, falling behind Wheaton 15-0 and 28-7.
Wheaton committed only 15 TOs.
As noted here already, Wheaton enjoyed the return of Hannah Considine, one of the top forwards in the league. This makes them deeper and stronger. Also, NatalieRose Brogan finally got to play, after injury prevented any action as a freshman last year and for half of this season. If I recall, she was well-regarded prep player in Michigan, so Coach Madsen is probably enthused to see her getting back into playing condition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2014, 09:51:40 PM
IWU over the Big Blue, 94-78.

Seibring 26
McMahon 21
Baltes 14
T. Reaber 12

MU with over 30 TOs.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2014, 10:12:30 PM
It was an unbalanced schedule tonight, as NPU and Carthage had the night off.

NCC knocked off Augie in the airplane hangar, 97-85, and Wheaton nipped Elmhurst, 57-56, at King Arena.

That means that Carthage's lead over Illinois Wesleyan is now at a half-game, 7-0 to 7-1. Wheaton is back securely in third at 5-3, and the Elmhurst loss puts NPU back in fourth at 3-4. The Bluejays are now tied with their fellow DuPage County birds from Naperville for fifth place at 3-5, with Millikin at 2-6 and Augie bringing up the rear at 1-7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2014, 04:52:06 AM
Titans played better D vs. MU, and also had excellent overall ball-movement and passing on offense.  Seibring hit 5 treys, Baltes I think 4.  McMahon an overall strong game. 

Gotta just keep grinding out the wins, get back to another shot at Carthage at the Shirk.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2014, 01:00:35 PM
Reactions to last night's results :
Both Wheaton/Elmhurst games this season were tight until late or very late. Credit the Thunder for getting enough done to win both. Otherwise, they'd be 3-5 and EC would be in 3rd place. Elmhurst should still be regarded as a good team.
Credit North Central for being resilient, if inconsistent as a group.
Among those on the lower rungs of the league ladder, it seems North Park is the only one with much chance at finishing 7-7. But, a 6-8 record may again be good enough to make the CCIW tourney. Maybe several teams will tie at 5-9?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2014, 03:17:37 PM
NPU simply has to be more consistent in order to secure a playoff berth. The Vikings play "young", which is to say, they have a tendency to be up one game and down the next. Sometimes it even varies half by half. It's what comes from having a team that's dominated by freshmen and sophomores.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2014, 09:50:34 PM
Congrats to Lexi Baltes on regional nomination for Academic All-American.  A tough, very smart player, at 3.89 GPA. 

Keep it rolling Titans -- on the court and in the classroom.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2014, 06:43:46 PM
As always, everyone travel safely tomorrow, whether short distance or long.
I suspect that I'll confine myself to Chicago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2014, 09:05:21 AM
Four games at The Shirk today = JV women vs. alums, JV men vs. alums, Women vs. NPU at 5 and men vs. NPU at 7.  A full day at the house that Beer Nuts built.

GO TITANS -- all of them.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2014, 06:32:29 PM
NPU @ IWU has been postponed due to the snowstorm. It has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2014, 07:00:13 PM
Q has the men's game, NPU @IWU re-scheduled for 2/19?  Different dates for men and women?

A rest day for the Titans and the Vikings.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2014, 07:03:07 PM
Yep. Different dates. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2014/2/1/MBB_0201145543.aspx?path=mbball)

(I love the pic of a basketball half-buried in snow. Hat tip to NPU Sports Information Director Kevin Shepke for the artistic flourish. ;))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2014, 07:50:01 PM
Carthage escapes at NCC, 80-76 in a very close game.  Tonight, "the system" almost produced a win for NCC.  Had they played with a bit more poise, smarts at the end, they would have pinned one on CC.  Carthage slipped out at the end.

Let's now see what Gramps can do.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2014, 07:51:40 PM
Carthage barely nips North Central in the hangar, 80-76. The Cardinals had a chance to tie it or win it on the last possession, but they lost the ball out of bounds with 3.3 seconds left, and Stephanie Kuzmanic made two free throws to ice it.

Wheaton likewise had to eke out a tough road win, downing Augie at Carver by a score of 68-63.

The Elmhurst @ Millikin game has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 19, at 5 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2014, 01:21:16 PM
Some stat highlights :
Augie - Chaney Tambling 19 pts
Wheaton - Maris Hovee 12 pts, 14 rebs
Carthage - Alexis Hahn 18 pts, Taylor Boardman 12 pts, 13 rebs
Stephanie Kuzmanic 6 pts in final minute
NC - Maryssa Cladis 14 pts
The standings :
C  8 - 0
IW 7 - 1
W  6 - 3
NP 3 - 4
E  3 - 5
NC 3 - 6
M  2 - 6
A  1 - 8
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2014, 03:43:06 PM
Congratulations to Katy Seibring, IWU forward, for her 2nd CCIW Player of the Week honor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2014, 09:05:20 PM
Congrats to Katy Seibring!  Keep it rolling Katy, keep it rolling Titans.  Keep on winning, then CC at home upcoming.  A long long season, a long long journey.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2014, 03:44:59 AM
New weekly poll = Carthage up to #9.  Wheaton and IWU with a dabbling of votes in ORVs. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2014, 03:45:54 PM
Huge, huge game tomorrow night for NPU. The Vikings take on an Elmhurst team that is just a half-game behind them in the race for fourth place. Considering that the remaining schedule does not favor NPU, this really looks like a game that the Park can't afford to lose. I trust you'll be joining us in the crackerbox for this one, Rog?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2014, 10:17:25 PM
Greg, good luck to NPU tonight.  Titans play @ AC and should come away with another W, but looks like the big storm may intervene on travel to Rock Island.  We'll see.  Perhaps more postponements and more juggling of the schedule for the rest of the conference contests.  Would be nice if winter would give everyone in the Midwest a  break.  Big big game likely at IWU vs. CC coming up on the 15th.  IWU will have to find a way, play much better D against Kuzmanic and company. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2014, 09:08:16 PM
IWU over AC at the half by 5.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2014, 12:13:54 AM
Good win for the Titans up in Rock Island, against a very tenacious, stubborn AC team.  Close game 'til latter part of the second half.  Titans winning 84-71.  Titans now 14-6, 8-1 in CCIW.

McMahon continues her awesome, consistent season with 27, 6 steals
Baltes 18
Seibring 14
Jackson 12

These seniors are good, putting up some numbers. 

Titans turning 24 TOs, into 44 points.  Run and jump doing its dirt, especially in the second half.  Titans 15-18 FTs. 

Keep it rolling Titans -- gotta grind out the wins, get back home to a re-match with Kuzmanic and company. 

Next at home vs. Elmhurst for the "Pink Zone" Game.  Hope everyone turns out, supports a very good cause.

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2014, 02:56:16 AM
What's up with Kuzmanic?  She did not play tonight vs. WC.  Carthage won pretty easily tonight without her. 

Colleen McMahon having a great season -- offensively and defensively -- now leading the CCIW in scoring for the overall season and also in league play.  She got hit, taken down in the game tonight at AC and was out briefly, dusted herself off, and came right back in for 27 points and six steals.  One of her best games as a Titan. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2014, 11:04:20 AM
Greg, normally I would have been at Foster/Kedzie Arena last night, but I've been under the weather for a few days. My next game will be Saturday at NP.
iwu70, this article explains about Kuzmanic's injury :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2014/2/5/Womens_Basketball_0205140030.aspx
Sounds like she should return to action soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2014, 05:03:49 PM
Elmhurst 68
North Park 57

Rachel Torres: 19 pts
Liz Rehberger: 14 pts
Dominikque Williams: 6 rebs
Brittany Pittas: 6:2 a:to

Fiona McMahon: 24 pts, 6 rebs
Katie Swanson: 14 pts, 7 rebs
Melanie Schwerdtmann: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Karen Senette: 5:2 a:to
Devin Vaughn: 4:2 a:to

Call it stage fright, call it a lack of experience, but last night the Vikings played like a team that wasn't ready to play a game that big. Elmhurst, on the other hand, showed the poise of a veteran team by holding the Vikings at bay down the stretch.

NPU was dominated inside by EC's bigs McMahon and Schwerdtmann, who not only put up strong numbers but put a lot of pressure upon both Nicole Kruckman and Soly Roman, as they were two of the three Vikings who fouled out of the game. The other problem was Katie Swanson, whom I don't remember being as quick or as active as she was last night. She was the best player on the floor, as she continually put pressure on the NPU inside defense with her dribble penetration and ability to induce fouls at the rim (nine of her 14 points were from the free-throw line).

The two teams shot identical 20-49 totals from the field, and NPU was actually a little better from downtown than were the 'jays. But the difference in the game was at the free-throw line; Elmhurst, which came into the game shooting a tremendous 77% from the stripe as a team, actually improved upon that impressive stat by going 25-32 (78%) from the charity stripe last night. It's very tough to beat a team that makes 25 free throws in a game, because that not only means that you're committing a lot of fouls (NPU was whistled 27 times, and, as I said, three Vikings fouled out), it also means that the other team is making hay from those fouls on the scoreboard. NPU was an excellent 12-15 (80%) from the line as well, but that was far too few FTs to offset the Elmhurst advantage. Aside from Rachel Torres, the Vikings mostly settled for jumpshots last night.

Liz Rehberger and Rachel Torres played very well for the Vikings, and it was great to see Dominikque Williams back in uniform, but it was a depressing evening for North Park fans. The Vikings had fourth place in their grasp, and they let it slip away. It will now be an uphill battle for the Vikings to make the CCIW tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2014, 05:07:22 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 06, 2014, 11:04:20 AM
iwu70, this article explains about Kuzmanic's injury :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2014/2/5/Womens_Basketball_0205140030.aspx
Sounds like she should return to action soon.

The impressive thing about the Carthage win is that, according to Tim Bernero, Kuzmanic hurt her ankle at the end of practice on Tuesday. That meant that Carthage had no opportunity at all to practice without their All-American ... and yet they still went out and whipped a pretty good Wheaton team last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2014, 05:22:44 PM
Records and remaining opponents :
Carthage : 9 - 0;  A  E  IW  NP  M
Ill Wesleyan : 8 - 1;  E  NC  C  W  NP
Wheaton : 6 - 4;  M  NP  NC  IIT  IW
Elmhurst : 4 - 5;  IW  C  A  M  NC
North Park : 3 - 5;  NC  W  M  C  A  IW
North Central : 3 - 6;  M  NP  IW  W  E
Millikin : 2 - 6;  NC  W  A  NP  E  C
Augustana : 1 - 9;  C  M  E  NP
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2014, 11:09:10 PM
RogK, thanks for the info on Kuzmanic.  I had no idea.

Some good games upcoming still.  Looking forward to the re-match CC vs. IWU @The Shirk.

"Pink Zone" Games -- both men and women - @The Shirk this Saturday.  Hoping for a big turnout, a big fundraising success for the local Cancer Center -- for research and support.  The Cancer Center does great work in the Bloomington/Normal community and broader area. 

Go TITANS -- keep it rolling vs. Elmhurst! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2014, 11:33:47 AM
Millikin moved up in the standings last night, thanks to a 101-82 win at North Central. The score was knotted at 26, but Millikin led the rest of the way. Brittany Czaplicki did very well, with 25 pts, 5 assists and 8 rebs. Kelsey Going tallied 21 (10/11 FG). North Central won the TO battle, but only by 38 to 30. Millikin ruled the rebounding 59-31. I imagine that Coach Roof was not particularly pleased about that. Coach Kerans had to be very happy with her players' efforts.
Updated records (excluding the 3 best) :
Elmhurst 4 - 5
North Park 3 - 5
Millikin 3 - 6
North Central 3 - 7
Augie 1 - 9
Augie is probably out of it; a 5-way tie at 5-9 may not even be possible and if it was, the NP win over Wheaton would be a tie-breaker I think.
North Central has no room for error, likely needing to go 3 -1 or 4 - 0.
Millikin may have some momentum, but has a fairly difficult schedule remaining.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2014, 08:46:39 PM
Rochester beat #2 Wash U @Wash U.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 07, 2014, 09:03:55 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 07, 2014, 08:46:39 PM
Rochester beat #2 Wash U @Wash U.

'70

Yeah, that's gonna really hurt in the poll.  They had maintained #2 because their only loss was AT what appears to be by far the best d3 team this year, and by a highly respectable 8 points.  On the other hand, Rochester coming into St. Louis was 7-11 overall, 1-6 UAA, and on a 5-game losing streak.  A VERY bad loss!  With so many teams still undefeated, or only one loss, I suspect they'll fall to 9th or 10th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2014, 09:54:19 PM
Ypsi, let's just hope our Titans can win out, or do well in the final 5 games, plus CCIW tourney, and get some consideration for a Pool C bid.  Would love to see our Titans beat CC at home in a few days time, then host the CCIW tourney.  They are improving, grinding out the wins, up to 14-6 now, 8-1, another good season.  CC just has so many good players this year, Kuzmanic doing her thing.  Baltes and McMahon surely having 1st team All-CCIW seasons.  We will miss these four seniors, plus Taylor Reaber, so next year is clearly a rebuilding year, me thinks.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 07, 2014, 10:57:08 PM
Taylor Reber is also a senior and is deserving of mention equally with the other seniors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2014, 12:50:05 AM
Yes, I'm a big fan of senior Taylor Reaber and her important contributions to this year's Titan squad. 

GO TITANS!!!  Hope there's a big big turnout for the "Pink Zone" games at The Shirk vs. Elmhurst, both men and women's games.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2014, 03:32:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2014, 11:33:47 AMNorth Central has no room for error, likely needing to go 3 -1 or 4 - 0.

No room for error for NPU, either. The Vikings need this win this afternoon against the Cardinals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2014, 06:45:48 PM
IWU over EC at the half, 39-34.  EC hanging tough, hitting a good percentage from 3. 

Pink Zone game, Pink Unis.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2014, 09:14:18 PM
Important win at home for the Titans tonight, 81-70 over a very improved EC team.  This game was closer than the score indicates and was not decided until the last 2-3 minutes.

McMahon continues her amazingly consistent season -- 26 and 5 with 4 steals
Seibring 15 and 5
Jackson 15 and 6
Taylor Reaber 7 and 7

Karen Senette for EC had a excellent game with 21, shooting the trey very very well.

Titans forced 22 TOs, though EC handled the pressure pretty well throughout, perhaps as well as about any team this season.

IWU now 15-6, 9-1. 

Keep it rolling Titans, keep grinding out the wins.  Great crowd tonight for the "Pink Zone" -- the place pretty much full by the time the men tipped off in their game with EC.

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2014, 07:23:40 AM
Hope Colleen McMahon gets Player of the Week this week.  She's been amazing scoring the ball all year.  Just say'in.

Go TITANS -- keep it rolling.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2014, 01:48:29 PM
Colleen has to get the Player of the Week, iwu70. Yes, she and Lexi certainly deserve consideration for 1st team, but so do multiple Carthage and Wheaton players. Those 3 teams may split the 5 1st team spots.
If Carthage goes 14-0, I'd expect them to get 4 seniors on all-CCIW. We'll see what happens.
Speaking of the Lady Reds, they did not need Stephanie K vs Augie, topping the visitors 80-53. Kasey Kleiner scored 15, Erin Quinn 12. Michelle Wenzel had 5 assists and made 4/4 FG, 3/4 FT. Haley Stercic had 7 rebs. Olivia Mayer made 5/6 FGs for Augie, along with 3 assists and a pair of steals.
Wheaton thumped Millikin 89-67; Ellie Zeller tallied 18, Katie McDaniels 17. Maris Hovee had 8 rebs and 4 blocks. Chantal Meacham added 11 pts, missing just 2 shots. Yip Ypya led Millikin with 12 pts (plus 5 rebs).
I attended an entertaining game : North Park 97, North Central 86. NC was up 54-36 at halftime, but NP dominated the 2nd, 61-32. A lot of credit to spread among the victors : Liz Rehberger displayed her speed while scoring 22 pts, Dominikque Williams picked up a double-double (10 and 12), Hannah Rehfeldt scored 12 pts on 9 shots, The Nikki provided excellent dribbling and smart passes. NP clobbered NC rebound-wise 72-42, thanks in part to Soly Roman (8 reb, 15 pts in 13:00) and Nicole Kruckman (11 r and 6 assists in 17:00).
Maryssa Cladis topped NC with 18 pts; teammate Sofia Svensson had 12 rebs and 3 steals in just 10:00, but could have shot better with her eyes closed.
Uzuri Williams and Kelsey Cooling contributed 13 pts each.
Slumping Larynn Shumaker was "rested" by Coach Roof. North Park's Brittany Pittas was absent.
Tess Godhardt made her NC debut after sitting out the league-mandated 12 months, having transferred from Elmhurst. She provided some excellent energy and enthusiasm for the Cardinals, although she did kinda run of out gas late in the game. She'll be a major positive for NC next season. Last time I looked, the stats had her switched with Natalie Gath, because the roster had their uniform numbers reversed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2014, 03:13:44 PM
We're going to have to check the North Park record book to see if the Vikings set the school record for rebounds last night, but I suspect that they might have. That total of 72 is a lot of boards -- and it's a staggering amount for a team that is normally not a good rebounding outfit. Unfortunately, the 38 turnovers that the Vikings picked up might've set a school record as well, or at least come close to it. Bad entry passes, bad cross-court passes, pockets picked, travels -- it was like a smorgasbord of turnovers for the Park in the first half. (Note my use of "smorgasbord" in honor of Sofia Svensson, the only Swedish student-athlete in the league who doesn't play for NPU. ;)) The Vikings not only coughed up a nine-point lead in the first half, they went from being up by a point with five minutes left in the opening stanza to being down by 18 when the halftime buzzer sounded.

As frighteningly bad as NPU looked over the course of those final five minutes of the half, they more than made up for throughout the entire second half, in which they outscored NCC 62-31. While much of the half was a series of tradeoffs, the Vikings matched that late-first-half run by North Central with one of their own. The fortunate thing about playing a System team is that teams of that ilk are not only capable of building big leads quickly, they can lose them just as quickly. In the space of a mere three and a half minutes in the middle of the second half the Vikings went on a 19-3 run to turn a 15-point NCC lead into a one-point NPU lead. And down the stretch the Vikings simply took over the game at the defensive end, as they held the Cardinals without a field goal over a final 5:52 in which the Vikings outscored the Cards by 16-4. NCC simply doesn't execute well in the half-court offensively, and since the Cards don't rebound well, either, the Vikings simply shut them down once NPU stopped giving the Cardinals transition chances.

But it all came back to beating that press. After turning the ball over 29 times in the first half, the Vikes only turned it over seven times in the second. The NPU inbounders did a much better job of visually locating the bigs at mid-court and hitting them with inbounds passes, and then the bigs did a great job of immediately hitting the streaking guards (usually Przybyslawski and Rehberger), who then attacked the basket. The surprising thing, though, was that NCC looked more gassed at the end of the game than did NPU. You just don't expect to see that in a team that played a dozen different players for double-digit minutes. The System is designed to wear down an opponent, but the exact opposite happened. Amanda Crockett recognized that and down the stretch had Nicole Kruckman stationed outside the lane. She then ran cutters down the lane that Kruckman hit for easy layups, since the Cards simply didn't have the legs to stay in front of anybody at that point.

It was a great comeback win, and the Vikings certainly needed it. But they're going to have to put two good halves together on Wednesday at Wheaton. They won't be able to get away with those five-minute hiccups like the one that they had last night. But at least they're back in fourth place for the moment and have their destiny in their own hands again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2014, 04:01:02 PM
Greg, that is a TON of rebounds - I dare say that in a majority of games, both teams together don't get that many.  Of course, that also means that there were a TON of missed shots. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2014, 06:33:13 PM
True, although the breakneck pace of a System game means that there's that many more shot attempts.

NCC attempted 82 field goals, but the Cards average 79 FGA per game in CCIW play, so they were pretty close to par. (To keep last night in perspective, the Cards attempted 104 FGs against Aurora and 98 against Ripon.) They missed 56 of them, for a shooting percentage of 31.7%, but even that's not that far off of their CCIW season percentage of 35.7% (which is last in the league by a country mile). NPU shot fairly well from the field, hitting 37 of their 76 attempts for 48.7% -- not as good as the league's mark of 51.3% against North Central (although that can be explained in part by the fact that the Vikes shot a lot more treys against North Central than teams usually shoot), but still not that bad.

The real outliers were fouls and free-throw misses. A total of 54 fouls were called between the two teams; that's high even for a North Central game (the average # of fouls called in a CCIW contest involving the Cardinals is 45). And neither team distinguished itself at the line; NCC missed 16 free throws and NPU missed 14. Toss out the nine deadball rebounds, and that's still an extra 21 caroms after missed FTs that constitute a part of those rebounding totals. That's a lot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2014, 09:05:23 PM
Yes, I noticed Kuzmanic did not play vs. AC.  I guess she's resting up for the game @ The Shirk! :)

Selecting the All-CCIW teams this year will be tough -- so many good and deserving players.  Lots of veteran and experienced seniors playing well in their final few games of college play.  Four games to go now for most teams.  Sure hope IWU can win out, host the CCIW tournament, win the AQ or get some consideration for the D3 dance.  I think they are very deserving.  CC does have a good shot at 14-0 in CCIW play, no doubt.  With their fine record, they are in the D3 dance for sure.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2014, 10:51:43 PM
I confess to not following individual players like I should.  Are any beyond Kuzmanic and McMahon absolute locks?

And is Stephanie Kuzmanic a lock for POY, or does Colleen McMahon have a chance?

(And, yes, I realize that the rematch of Carthage @ IWU will have an impact [as well as the conference tourney], but wondering if posters see the race as already a done deal.)

Just checked out the CCIW stats: Michelle Wenzel of Carthage also seems to be consistently high in several categories.  And Maris Hovee of Wheaton seems to be a freak of nature in rebounds and blocks.  Would posters judge these also to be locks for first team all-CCIW?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2014, 11:08:07 PM
Maris Hovee isn't Wheaton's best player, Chuck. She is a rebounding machine, but Ellie Zeller mints the money for Wheaton. They'd be dead in the water without her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2014, 11:23:21 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2014, 11:08:07 PM
Maris Hovee isn't Wheaton's best player, Chuck. She is a rebounding machine, but Ellie Zeller mints the money for Wheaton. They'd be dead in the water without her.

OK.  Hate to stint my Titans, but would Kuzmanic, Wenzel, McMahon, Zeller, and Hovee be a decent guess at first team, or am I leaving someone obvious out?

The Titans are so balanced that even if they win the conference I'm not sure they get more than Colleen on the first team (though probably 3 more on second and third).

[Kinda like the men: even if they win, Ziemnik is the only real candidate for first team, and he is not an MOP candidate.  They should get plenty of players named overall, but not real high.]
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2014, 01:25:21 AM
Ypsi, guess it depends who finally wins the CCIW crown.  Aren't All-Conference decisions made before the conference tournament?   CC hard to de-throne, but I'm hoping the Titans have their best game of the season at The Shirk vs. CC on the 15th.  A great game coming our way soon.  Seems IWU the only team now that can really come close to pinning a loss on Carthage. Wheaton didn't put up much resistance the other night.  Kuzmanic looks like the MOP to me, but if the Titans win, host the tourney, Colleen could be the choice too -- or co-winners.  I think Lexi Baltes is a first team All-CCIW candidate.  Do agree with Greg about Zeller and WC.  Seems Seibring and Jackson will make second or third teams.  So many talented seniors this year,  Stercic and Wenzel surely first-team candidates too.  Some tough decisions.  Looks to me like Colleen McMahon will win the scoring title if she keeps up her amazingly consistent season of scoring the ball.  Not often anyone in CCIW, especially in the women's game, finishes a CCIW season over 20 ppg.  Pretty special players who can do that, with consistency of 20+ per game over the long CCIW and regular season.  Colleen's numbers are impressive and consistent -- and the game is about scoring points afterall.  Of course, there's much more to it -- and Lexi Baltes makes all kinds of contributions too on defense, with steals, with assists, running the team, and a pretty good scoring record herself this year. 

Titan men may get two first teamers in CCIW this year -- if they finish it out and beat WC on the last day of the regular season.  I'd say Davis and Zman or perhaps Zman and Overstreet.  Wish there was a "sixth man of the year award."  Perhaps Dortch would have won it last year, likely Mayberger this year.  Bench depth is going to continue to play a role down the stretch and the Titans are so lucky in this regards . . . and most teams have avoided the injury bug so far this season too.  Knock on wood.

Look forward to the final few conference games, the tourney and then the D3 dance.  Should be lots of fun.  Titan women need to just keep winning and then we'll see if they get some Pool C love.  Don't know if 19-8 will do it.  Of course, the AQ beckons . . . on March 1st. 

Hope winter soon wanes for you'all and you have the big thaw soon.  What a tough tough, never-ending winter. 

Also hope IWU posts up a piece on how much was raised by the "Pink Zone" games and effort.  A really good contribution by IWU athletes and atheletics for a great cause.  Kudos to all involved, all supportive and generous.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2014, 03:26:34 AM
Isn't the CCIW giving a "newcomer of the year" award now too?  Who would that be?  Any candidates, any nominations?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PM
Greg, can you clarify this? The roster passed out to the fans on Saturday had Natalie Gath as number 4 and Tess Godhardt as 3. As the broadcaster, did you get a roster based on the official one submitted to the scorer's table? Did that one also have the wrong numbers? Godhardt wore number 4; I don't think Gath got in the game at all. The stats still attribute Godhardt's play to Gath. Can't this be fixed?
Also, if NC submitted the wrong uniform numbers to the scorer's table, a technical could have been assessed, right? Can the offficials initiate such a tech, or would North Park have needed to point it out?
Or did NC correctly submit number 4 for Godhardt?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2014, 01:50:26 PM
My guesses for 1st team candidates (with 3/4 of conf play done) :
C : Kuzmanic, Wenzel, Stercic
IW : McMahon, Baltes
W : Hovee, Zeller, McDaniels (remember we all couldn't imagine how Olson could be replaced?)
E : McMahon
Whichever four of those aren't 1st team are easy choices for 2nd team.
That would leave six more all-CCIW spots, with Kristi Schmidt, Shelby Jackson, Rachel Torres, Maryssa Cladis, Brittany Czaplicki as strong possibles. Seibring, too. The team that gets 4th place could have a 2nd player. Someone from Augie?
update : Colleen McMahon is indeed the new CCIW Player of the Week - - congratulations to her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 10, 2014, 02:05:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PM
Also, if NC submitted the wrong uniform numbers to the scorer's table, a technical could have been assessed, right? Can the offficials initiate such a tech, or would North Park have needed to point it out?

The officials could note this, I suppose, but it would require them knowing the players. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on February 10, 2014, 04:47:37 PM
Generally the official are made aware of errors by the scorer.  In WHITEWATER the procedure to fill in the score book goes like this.  First the scorer will take a game program to the coach and ask them to review it for any changes.  The coach then makes whatever corrections are necessary.  Then the scorer will advise the coach that they will enter the information in the score book taking the corrections into account.  The scorer will also request that the coach check the information entered into the score book once it is completed and initial the score book after they have reviewed the entries.  It's worked out pretty well.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2014, 04:58:12 PM
That's thoroughly thorough, badgerwarhawk. The box score has been fixed on cciw.org, so the league stats are good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2014, 06:16:17 PM
Haven't looked at the full-season conference FT pct leaders in a long time. Here are the top 10, as listed on cciw.org, minimum 2 made per game :
Amy Hicks (A) .855
Devin Vaughn (E) .846
Molly Etheridge (A) .843
Stephanie Kuzmanic (C) .813
Lexi Baltes (IW) .802
Fiona McMahon (E) .781
Larynn Shumaker (NC) .763
Bobbi Johns (NC) .753
Ellie Zeller (W) .744
Chaney Tambling (A) .738
Good work, all.
(pause) - - did further research on good FT shooting in the league :
best who hasn't missed - CeCe Cortez (M) 8/8;
best who have missed 1 FT - Annie Shain (NP) 14/15, Kim Schwerdtmann (E) 14/15, Gabby Chapa (C) 11/12;
best of those just short, quantity-wise, of making the official leaders -
Karen Senette (E) .878 (36/41)
Hannah Lipman (E) .833 (35/42)
Maryssa Cladis (NC) .827 (43/52)
Hannah Considine (W) .825 (33/40)
Katie Swanson (E) .822 (37/45)
Brittany Pittas (NP) .805 (33/41)
Lots of Elmhurst Bluejays, eh?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2014, 09:15:43 PM
Warm congrats to Colleen McMahon on her Player of the Week award. She had a monster week, some great performances for sure.  Hope she continues in this way vs. "the system" vs. NCC and then in the big game at home vs. Carthage.  I see Carthage remains in the top 10 in the new D3hoops poll.  Some tepid love for IWU in the ORVs category. 

Keep going TITANS -- just grind them out, get to Saturday and the big showdown with the Redpeople. 

Do hope Baltes gets consideration for 1st Team All-CCIW.  I think she deserves it. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2014, 01:18:45 PM
iwu70, early in the season, we discussed IWU's strength of schedule. Now that most of the season is done, we can agree that IWU has faced tough opponents. I'm not sure of the exact formula used by Massey, but they have IWU's SOS as 10th in D3. Others in the CCIW : Wheaton 16, Carthage 26, Augie 50, Elmhurst 54, North Park 57, Millikin 65, North Central 77. All 8 are well within the top 1/5th of the 437 D3 schools listed.
Of course wins and losses are still relevant.
Five of the top eight SOS are in the Northwest Conference. Does that add or subtract validity of the ranking? Beats me. U of Chicago has the highest SOS outside that conference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2014, 05:25:56 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PM
Greg, can you clarify this? The roster passed out to the fans on Saturday had Natalie Gath as number 4 and Tess Godhardt as 3.

Yes, because the NCC online roster listed Gath as #4 and Godhardt as #3. NPU SID Kevin Shepke reprinted the NCC online roster for Saturday afternoon's game program, which is customarily the way that SIDs assemble game programs. (The NCC online roster has since been changed to reflect the numbers that Gath and Godhardt actually wore on Saturday.)

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PMAs the broadcaster, did you get a roster based on the official one submitted to the scorer's table?

No. I get a copy of the game program from Kevin as part of my game-prep package, and that's what I use for calling the game. I always check with the official scorer (Aaron Coleman) about five to eight minutes before tipoff in order to find out who's starting for both teams (NCAA rules require that the starters be indicated in the scorebook ten minutes before scheduled tipoff). And I always consult with an opposing coach during the shootaround to check on pronunciations, and at that point the opposing coach will usually tell me which players are scratched and which players will be wearing different numbers.

However, I was running late on Saturday (thank you, CTA  ::)) and didn't arrive at the gym until about eight minutes prior to tipoff. By the time that I discarded all of my winter gear and got myself situated, it was time to go on the air. (And thanks again, by the way, for coming up to the booth before I went on the air to inform me that Lauren Hernandez was out for NCC.) I thus didn't get the chance to confer with either Aaron or one of the NCC coaches before the game started.

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PMDid that one also have the wrong numbers?

I honestly don't know. PA announcer Tim Dykes called Godhardt "Gath" throughout the game, so Aaron Coleman never corrected him. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the numbers were wrong in the scorebook. I can attest from having sat in Aaron's seat for many years that the official scorer has a lot going on while a game is in progress -- and that's especially true when one of the two teams in the game is playing the Grinnell System.

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PMGodhardt wore number 4; I don't think Gath got in the game at all. The stats still attribute Godhardt's play to Gath. Can't this be fixed?

It already has. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/custompages/wbasketball13-14/2-8wbb.htm) My guess is that either Michelle Roof, NCC SID Clark Teuscher, or (most likely) Clark's assistant Andrew Sauer called Kevin and asked him to fix it, and he complied. Now you need to work on CCIW SID Mike Krizman, who still has the box score as it was originally submitted -- and the CCIW stats thus reflect Godhardt's line from Saturday being attributed to Gath. Give Mike an e-mail at mkrizman@cciw.org -- he's very good about responding to these sorts of requests.

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PMAlso, if NC submitted the wrong uniform numbers to the scorer's table, a technical could have been assessed, right? Can the offficials initiate such a tech, or would North Park have needed to point it out?

The answer given by badgerwarhawk is the same that I would've given:

Quote from: badgerwarhawk on February 10, 2014, 04:47:37 PM
Generally the official are made aware of errors by the scorer.  In WHITEWATER the procedure to fill in the score book goes like this.  First the scorer will take a game program to the coach and ask them to review it for any changes.  The coach then makes whatever corrections are necessary.  Then the scorer will advise the coach that they will enter the information in the score book taking the corrections into account.  The scorer will also request that the coach check the information entered into the score book once it is completed and initial the score book after they have reviewed the entries.  It's worked out pretty well.

That's how I handled things when I was the scorer, and that's how Aaron Coleman does it as well.

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2014, 12:41:01 PMOr did NC correctly submit number 4 for Godhardt?

As I said, I don't know. It really doesn't matter anymore, since the game is over and the official box score has been amended to reflect reality in terms of which Cardinal played and which one didn't. As I said, all that's left is for someone to inform the league's SID that the official box score has been amended.

If you watch the archive of the webcast, you'll notice that, like Tim Dykes, I referred to Godhardt as "Gath" throughout the game, since I was working off of the game program. I don't know most opposing CCIW women's basketball players by sight, as I usually see them only once a year and I rarely see them more than four times. I did notice afterwards when I looked at the NCC online roster that Godhardt is a blonde while Gath is a brunette, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything, either. Hair color is hardly a given, especially where females are concerned. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2014, 05:54:45 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 10, 2014, 01:25:21 AMSeems IWU the only team now that can really come close to pinning a loss on Carthage.

That's simply not true.

NPU lost to Carthage by 13 in Kenosha in a game in which the Vikings had the Lady Reds' lead down to eight with 2:11 to go before they faded. They will get Carthage in the crackerbox a week from tomorrow. North Central, which is a humble 10-12, 3-8, lost by four to Carthage last week in a game in which the Cardinals had a chance to tie or win in the final ten seconds.

I'm not saying that NPU has a great chance to pull off an upset of the Lady Reds -- Massey gives the Vikes a 10% shot, which I'd say is about right -- but it's a puncher's chance, nevertheless. Elmhurst, which hosts Carthage tomorrow night, is in the same boat; the difference is that, unlike NPU, the 'jays were absolutely walloped by Carthage in the January game up in the Toolshed, so the 'jays may have some matchup problems there that NPU doesn't. (It's not easy to identify matchup issues if you didn't actually see the game.)

But to say that Illinois Wesleyan is "the only team now that can really come close to pinning a loss on Carthage" just isn't true.

Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2014, 01:18:45 PM
iwu70, early in the season, we discussed IWU's strength of schedule. Now that most of the season is done, we can agree that IWU has faced tough opponents. I'm not sure of the exact formula used by Massey, but they have IWU's SOS as 10th in D3. Others in the CCIW : Wheaton 16, Carthage 26, Augie 50, Elmhurst 54, North Park 57, Millikin 65, North Central 77. All 8 are well within the top 1/5th of the 437 D3 schools listed.
Of course wins and losses are still relevant.
Five of the top eight SOS are in the Northwest Conference. Does that add or subtract validity of the ranking? Beats me.

It subtracts. The Northwest Conference is on a geographicaaly-imposed island as far as D3 is concerned. Only 36 of the 81 non-conference games that NWC teams played this season were against D3 foes -- a far smaller percentage than is typical of D3 leagues, because the NWC is so far away from everybody else in this division. That skews their SOS pretty badly, because all of that NAIA influx into their SOS adds a random element nobody else has. Plus, the NAIA teams that they play -- Corban, Concordia (OR), Evergreen State, etc. -- are members of the Cascade Conference, which has similar issues in terms of being situated at a vast geographic distance from everybody else as far as the NAIA is concerned.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2014, 06:13:03 PM
Thanks for the explanations, Greg.
Do you agree that Rachel Torres is North Park's most likely 1st nominee for all-CCIW honors based on what has transpired so far (not knowing who'll shine in the next five games)? Several others have had multiple outstanding games, too.
If NP wins the 4th spot, I could see them having two players honored.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2014, 06:44:23 PM
Rog, I'd say that either Rachel Torres or Soly Roman has the best chance at All-CCIW recognition for NPU, based upon conference play. (All-CCIW voting only takes conference games into consideration.) Right now, though, Liz Rehberger is the player who is really making the Vikings go.

I'm not really concerned with the All-CCIW team, though. I'll let you and iwu70 worry about it. NPU is a share-the-wealth team in which nobody has posted any significant or notable statistics (although Torres does lead the league in steals per game in CCIW play). I'm more focused upon the standings and upon what North Park has to do to get to the CCIW tourney.

I will point out, though, that the three players that I've mentioned here are a freshman, a sophomore, and a freshman. The future looks very bright for NPU women's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2014, 09:13:07 PM
RogK, thanks for the info on SOS.  I'm not surprised it played out this way -- as I had indicated earlier.  IWU has six losses, all to pretty good teams in the top 25 or nearby.  Hopefully the IWU SOS will help them now down the stretch, making them better and tougher come tournament time.  I just hope they have a chance to dance.  We'll see.  19-8 may not do it.  Of course, if they can beat CC soon and have 1-1 in the tournament, perhaps 20-7 would be enough.  Not sure.  Anyway, they've had a good overall season, even with the six losses so far.  15-6 given who they have played is a pretty good achievement.  Game @ Shirk vs. CC should be a good one.

Greg, I'd be delighted if you are right -- that someone other than IWU pins a loss on CC.  Please prove me wrong.  I take your points -- saw the CC vs. NCC and thought NC really missed a big big chance to win that game.  It came down to poise and Kuzmanic again coming up big at key moments.  But, I'll stand by my basic point that I doubt anyone will beat CC in the remaining games.  Of course, I hope IWU will win at The Shirk on the 15th.  IWU does have the best chance given how they are playing now and that the game is at home.  Still, tough to beat CC as they are a pretty complete team with so many weapons. 

********

A big big congratulations to Lexi Baltes on being named to the national "good works" team awarded by the national women's coaches.  Only 10 players nationally named for this important award for good works, contributions to the community.  Way to go Lexi!  Mia Smith called the award to Lexi "huge!"  Lexi gets to travel to Nashville to receive the award, meet the other winners, participate in a community service project during the D1 Women's Final Four.  Another Titan following Minor Myers' mantra "to go out and do well, but more importantly, do good."  Full story on the IWU website now -- at iwu.edu -- sports section.  Good stuff.

Good luck to all the teams, players and coaches for the remaining games of this CCIW season.  I hope several CCIW teams get into the Dance in a few weeks' time. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2014, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 11, 2014, 09:13:07 PMGreg, I'd be delighted if you are right -- that someone other than IWU pins a loss on CC.  Please prove me wrong.

No, that's not what I said ...

Quote from: iwu70 on February 11, 2014, 09:13:07 PMBut, I'll stand by my basic point that I doubt anyone will beat CC in the remaining games.

... and, no, that's not what you said, either.

This is what you said:

Quote from: iwu70 on February 10, 2014, 01:25:21 AMSeems IWU the only team now that can really come close to pinning a loss on Carthage.

"Really come close to pinning a loss on Carthage" is not the same thing at all as actually beating Carthage.

For the record, I did not say that NPU will beat Carthage. I did not say that anyone will beat Carthage. My comment was strictly based upon the fact that other teams besides the Titans have the ability to possibly pull off an upset of the Lady Reds. Your original statement discounted that possibility as far as Elmhurst, North Park, and Millikin are concerned.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2014, 11:21:47 PM
Go NPU, Elmhurst and Millikin!  Beat the Redpeople!

Let's hope you are right Greg and that one of these teams turns their snowball's-chance-in-hell to a win over Carthage.  I would be DE-lighted.  Perhaps your NPU squad, Greg, has the best chance, playing at home in the Crackerbox.  Go for it!

Kuzmanic has been side-lined two games now, though I'm pretty sure she re-appears for the game @The Shirk on Saturday night.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2014, 04:39:49 PM
This evening, we have the rematches of the January 22 games. I was considering seeing Carthage at Elmhurst, but am discouraged by the fact that Elmhurst managed only 33 pts the first time around. So, I'll stay on Metra a few more stops and see Wheaton host North Park. NP won the earlier contest 73-68.
I'm hoping for a 56-55 score tonight (at halftime!).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2014, 06:26:53 PM
You can hope all you like, Rog. You can also hope to win the Powerball this coming weekend. There's about as much of a chance of that swinging your way as there is of NPU and Wheaton playing to a 56-55 halftime score tonight. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2014, 08:55:40 PM
IWU and NCC, yes 59-59 at the HALF!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2014, 10:05:41 PM
Titans fight back from 20 down, but still go down 121-113 vs. NCC at the Shirk.  Another total points scoring record.  A big loss for the Green, perhaps taking them out of the conference race and perhaps out of the dance too.  Tough loss.  NCC played well, gave the Titans some of their own medicine tonight, pressing the entire time, probably winning the TO battle.  NC is a different team with Tess Goddhardt. 

Gotta regroup now, get back up for CC coming into town on Saturday.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2014, 10:26:06 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 12, 2014, 10:05:41 PM
Titans fight back from 20 down, but still go down 121-113 vs. NCC at the Shirk.  Another total points scoring record.  A big loss for the Green, perhaps taking them out of the conference race and perhaps out of the dance too.  Tough loss.  NCC played well, gave the Titans some of their own medicine tonight, pressing the entire time, probably winning the TO battle.  NC is a different team with Tess Goddhardt. 

Gotta regroup now, get back up for CC coming into town on Saturday.

IWU70

Well, the Titan's likely needed to win the tourney anyway to make the dance.  This just makes it harder, since now the conference tourney is almost certainly in Kenosha, even if we beat Carthage in B'town.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2014, 02:16:18 AM
Yes, I'm afraid the AQ beckons for the Titans on March 1st.  When this teams loses the TO battle, you know they are in trouble.  I give NCC a lot of credit as they took it to the Titans tonight with their own version of run and jump, shot it pretty well, and stayed tough when the Titans got it back to within 6.  What a point total, but the Titans on the wrong end of the stick tonight.  Tough loss.  Hope the Titans can put it behind them and prepare well for CC at home on Saturday.  Yes, looks like a long long trip to Kenosha for the CCIW tournament. 

NCC will be tough with the inside presence of Godhardt, as they have lots of good trey shooters on the perimeter.  The difference tonight was that they were relentless on D tonight too. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2014, 11:37:08 AM
Maris Hovee had another very sharp game, helping Wheaton get past North Park 67-50. She rang up 6 blocks, 3 steals, 15 rebs, 8 pts, 3 assists. The fleetfooted Katie McDaniels had 20 pts, 4 assists; Ellie Zeller tallied 18 pts.
Hannah Rehfeldt led NP with 18, while Dominikque Williams had 8 rebounds. Nicole Kruckman and Soly Roman combined for 9 close-range baskets.
With Elmhurst's 7th loss and Wheaton's 8th win, the Thunder clinched a CCIW playoff spot. North Park retains 4th place, 1/2 game ahead of Elmhurst, 1 game ahead of North Central and 1 1/2 ahead of Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2014, 01:26:12 PM
Augustana 74, Millikin 66 :
A - Jessica Baids 19 pts, 8 rebs; Amy Hicks 10 and 11, Molly Etheridge 14 and 10.
M - 19/62 2FG, 5/20 3FG; Susan Durkin was the only one who shot FGs well, scoring 6 pts from 5 FG att.
Carthage rolls on, 65 - 48 over Elmhurst :
C - Stephanie K returns from injury, 19 pts, 8 r, 4 a; Kristi Schmidt 14 pts, Alexis Hahn 13 and 13.
E - Fiona McMahon 8, 9 rebs, 2 blocks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on February 13, 2014, 01:42:28 PM
Here's the Pantagraph article on the IWU-NCC game.  Mia Smith's comments near the end are pointed, and spot on.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/iwu-women-stunned-by-north-central/article_bd1a32e6-f1a6-50c4-8107-2c5200e97490.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2014, 01:42:45 PM
Disappointing loss for NPU. After the Vikes beat Wheaton in Chicago I thought that this might be the year that they got over the hump and ended their King Arena jinx. No such luck. But it was a nice consolation to see freshman Hannah Rehfeldt play so well, as she scored her 18 points by going 6-10 from long range. She's one more weapon with which CCIW foes are going to have to contend for the next few seasons.

At least Elmhurst lost, although I didn't expect the 'jays to give Carthage much of a fight. NPU retains that half-game lead over the 'jays, but the remaining sked favors Elmhurst. NPU really needs this win on Saturday at the Griz, another place where they have historically faltered on an annual basis.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2014, 06:55:02 PM
Records and remaining opponents :
C 11-0  IW  NP  M
IW 9-2  C  W  NP
W 8-4  NC IW (also IIT)
NP 4-6  M  C  A  IW
E 4-7  A  M  NC
NC 4-8  W  E
M 3-8  NP  E  C
A 2-10  E  NP
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2014, 01:16:36 AM
Yup, Mia Smith rarely minces words when she's pissed about her team's expected performance.  I can surely see what she had in mind.  Titans really in trouble with TOs against NCC's pressure.  Also tough after McMahon fouled out.  I don't think anyone, either side, was very happy with the officiating, especially Coach Smith.  Jackson and Baltes had really great games, but the Titans got worn down, ran out of gas a bit mid-way through the second half, then came roaring back from 20 down to get within six, but couldn't get over the hump at the end.  Gotta give NCC and their waves of players a lot of credit.  They earned a big win on the Titans' home floor.  The "system" is starting to pay off for them and their many bombers who can hit treys from all over, from the rafters and the lobby, it would seem.  Godhardt is a big plus for them now in the paint, for rebounding.  They will be tough in the future if they continue to perfect this style of play and have the players to make it work.  I think they have over 300+ treys now for the season and must be setting some kind of D3 record.  The point total of 121-113 is truly amazing.  I wonder if any of the players involved can walk to class today. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2014, 11:53:41 AM
iwu70, my "take" on Coach Smith's post-loss comments is that they are intended solely to motivate her players. Complimenting the opponent that just beat them does not fit in with that purpose. I appreciate that you complimented the other team.
North Central should do well when they make around 40 pct of their threes. But they can't expect to shoot with such accuracy every time. I still think they need a couple of 6' 1" kids to use at the back end of their press to discourage too many layups. Their 70 point loss to Hope indicates that there is a lot of room for improvement. Godhardt is a very helpful addition, for sure, not only for what she does in the game, but also for encouraging teammates to keep working hard.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 14, 2014, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2014, 11:53:41 AM
I still think they need a couple of 6' 1" kids to use at the back end of their press to discourage too many layups.

RogK, I think you hit the nail on the head.  I was at the Hope game and their three leading scorers that day were their bigs.  They are all agile and at least 6'; once the NCC pressure was beaten, the Hope bigs had a lot of room inside the 3 pt arc to drive for relatively uncontested layups.  As you say, having that last line of defense would be very helpful to any system-type team I would think.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2014, 03:49:07 PM
Of course, my thoughts about what NC could use next year are beside the point of this season. The Cardinals are still in the hunt for the 4th playoff spot. And as long as there are games left on any team's schedule, let's hope that they are well-played and enjoyed by the players. (such heart-warming sediments!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2014, 12:15:47 AM
NCC will be very good if they keep up this level of play, trey shooting and defensive frenzy.  They throw waves at you.  Godhardt impressed me in her previous incarnation, before joining NCC.  Yes, Mia Smith wants to motivate her squad.  IWU actually played pretty well in that game, esp. Jackson and Baltes.  Tough to take scoring 116 and losing.  That's another record that could stand for a time = most points scored whilst losing.  Several key Titans got into foul trouble midway through the second half, with McMahon fouling out pretty early, so Mia had to go longer, deeper in her rotation than usual to protect those in foul trouble.   Pretty tough for the Titans to catch CC now, being 2 games back with only 3-4 to go.  Doubt the Titans get in via Pool C.  Gotta win the AQ to play after March 1st.  Titans 15-7, 9-2.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2014, 09:37:30 AM
Warm congrats and thanks to the IWU Seniors on Senior night -- Taylor Reaber, Katy Seibring, Shelby Jackson, Lexi Baltes and Colleen McMahon.  One of the best, strongest groups of seniors ever in the IWU program.  Thanks for all the dedication, all the hard work and all the good memories these past few years.   Keep it rolling.  Let's pin one on Carthage!

Have a great Senior night -- hope all your friends, fans, supporters and family members are able to join and support you on Senior night.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2014, 06:46:51 PM
Titans down 32-26 halftime.  Wenzel is hurting the Titans, with 14 first half point.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2014, 06:50:58 PM
NPU and Millikin are all locked up at the half, 28-28, in Decatur (aka Buffertown for those of us who are trying to watch the game online). Rachel Torres and Dominikque Williams have six apiece for the Vikings, while Jasmine Johnson has nine for the Big Blue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2014, 07:28:40 PM
Carthage was threatening to blow the game open - up 47-35 - when Titans went on a 17-2 run!

W/ about 6 to go, Titans up by 1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2014, 07:53:31 PM
Millikin edges NPU, 73-72, as Kelsey Going hit a free throw with two seconds left to give the Big Blue the win.

Man, I hate Decatur.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2014, 07:55:08 PM
Titans win the final 12 minutes, 34-11, and the game, 69-57. ;D

During long stretches, this looked more like 7 vs. 8 than 1 vs. 2: air balls, unforced turnovers, players left totally unguarded under the basket, etc.  But that final run was almost entirely the IWU offense finally waking up and the defense FORCING turnovers.  (The Titan shooting stats will still look pretty pathetic, but they could hardly miss the second half of the second half [and always seemed to get the offensive rebound when they did].  Meanwhile the Carthage overall shooting percentage was much better, but they went 1-15 from downtown.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2014, 08:05:04 PM
Liz Rehberger led the Vikings with 15 points, and was joined in double figures by Dominikque Williams with 12 and Brittany Pittas with 11. Brittany Czaplicki led the Big Blue with 15 and 8, while Jasmine Johnson and Yip Ypya had 14 apiece and Bria Williams added 12.

NPU had to fight back in the second half in this one. The Park trailed by a dozen with eight minutes and change left, and with as little as two and a half minutes left North Park was still down by ten. But the Vikings showed nice composure, stuck with it, and finally tied the Big Blue on three Pittas FTs with 20 seconds left. The Big Blue played for the final shot, naturally, and Johnson threw up an off-balance shot off the glass with eight seconds left that went out of bounds off of the Vikings. After a pair of timeouts, Nicole Kruckman fouled Going on the inbounds pass, leading to the final made free throw that decided the game.

Very tough to fight all the way back only to lose, but NPU was outrebounded and turned over the ball more, which negated superior shooting by the Vikings. As hard as NPU played, Millikin played just as hard and deserved the win every bit as much as North Park did.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2014, 08:29:10 PM
Big big BIG win for the Titans.  Both teams playing poorly at first, Titans coming back in the latter part of the second half creating chaos defensively, getting the TOs as usual, with run and jump doing its dirt, even on Kuzmanic. 

Titans win:  69-56, probably their signature win of the season.

Jackson 21
McMahon 14
Baltes 11

Tonight, it looked like Shelby Jackson was the league MOP.  If I voted today, I'd vote for Colleen McMahon over Kuzmanic.   Titans did a great job on Kuzmanic tonight and she had a poor game.  Wenzel almost beat the Titans on her own with 24, 'til the big run at the end.  Wenzel and Kuzmanic both with 7 TOs, and the Titans winning the TO battle, staying very close in the rebounding battle.

Give credit to the tough Titan D and pressure.   All seniors starting, so Taylor Reaber most deservedly got the start.  That little energizer bunny Emily Beoletto can play some D.  Give her a lot of credit for this win.  Truly.

Great win for the Titans -- only putting into disappointing relief the loss vs. NCC last Wednesday.

A good way for the Seniors to go out at the Shirk for Seniors' night.  Again warm thanks and kudos to Seibring, Baltes, Jackson, Taylor Reaber and McMahon.

Go get'em guys!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2014, 09:32:07 PM
NPU is really up against it now. The Vikings are in a position in which they not only have to beat Augie in Chicago, but they absolutely have to steal an upset over either Wesleyan in Bloomington or Carthage in Chicago. And even that might not be good enough, given the relatively easy schedule that Elmhurst has left.

North Park is going to look back on this season and wish dearly that it had those two Millikin games back. Both games were lost by the Vikings in the final five seconds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2014, 05:14:10 PM
Gleaned from the box score of Elmhurst's 75-71 win at Augustana (the Vikings' home finale) :
Fiona 17 pts, 11 rebs; Nikki Moan 10 pts off the bench;
Molly Etheridge was sharp - 28 pts; Marissa Pezzopane 4/5 FG, 4/5 FT.
I saw Wheaton dismember North Central 96-52.
The Thunder came in well-prepared and then used their superior athleticism to execute the game plan. It was not a wonderful day for Wheaton though, as Maris Hovee (off to another fine start with 4 blocks and 5 rebs in 9 min.) suffered what looked a significant knee injury driving to the hoop. She had it iced for a while, but not later on. Good luck to her. Hopefully that wasn't the end of her college career.
Moriah Reeves did very well, with 11 rebs, 3 steals, 3 assists, 7 pts; we don't mention her much, but she's a topnotch athlete and a very smart one.
Katie McDaniels scored 19 to go along with 6 assists. Ellie Zeller had 18 pts, 9 rebs. Maria Panaggio also contributed mucha : 14 pts, 5 rebs, 3 a, 4 blocks.
NC more or less stank. They missed 32 of 36 3FGs and 42 of 55 2FGs. Such pathetic shooting may have set a new CCIW record. They didn't do much else very well at either end of the floor. Wheaton guarded them tightly, but now and then somebody would be open, but passes were sent elsewhere. I recall a couple of instances where Emily Zgoda had no defender anywhere near her and was summarily ignored. Hopefully Coach Roof was not amused by that.
I thought Uzuri Williams was NC's most productive player (12 pts, 6 reb in 17:00). Maryssa Cladis didn't have her usual numbers, but tried hard.
Credit Wheaton with a dominant performance. Best wishes to Ms Hovee.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 16, 2014, 08:36:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2014, 05:14:10 PM
Gleaned from the box score of Elmhurst's 75-71 win at Augustana (the Vikings' home finale) :
Fiona 17 pts, 11 rebs; Nikki Moan 10 pts off the bench;
Molly Etheridge was sharp - 28 pts; Marissa Pezzopane 4/5 FG, 4/5 FT.
I saw Wheaton dismember North Central 96-52.
The Thunder came in well-prepared and then used their superior athleticism to execute the game plan. It was not a wonderful day for Wheaton though, as Maris Hovee (off to another fine start with 4 blocks and 5 rebs in 9 min.) suffered what looked a significant knee injury driving to the hoop. She had it iced for a while, but not later on. Good luck to her. Hopefully that wasn't the end of her college career.
Moriah Reeves did very well, with 11 rebs, 3 steals, 3 assists, 7 pts; we don't mention her much, but she's a topnotch athlete and a very smart one.
Katie McDaniels scored 19 to go along with 6 assists. Ellie Zeller had 18 pts, 9 rebs. Maria Panaggio also contributed mucha : 14 pts, 5 rebs, 3 a, 4 blocks.
NC more or less stank. They missed 32 of 36 3FGs and 42 of 55 2FGs. Such pathetic shooting may have set a new CCIW record. They didn't do much else very well at either end of the floor. Wheaton guarded them tightly, but now and then somebody would be open, but passes were sent elsewhere. I recall a couple of instances where Emily Zgoda had no defender anywhere near her and was summarily ignored. Hopefully Coach Roof was not amused by that.
I thought Uzuri Williams was NC's most productive player (12 pts, 6 reb in 17:00). Maryssa Cladis didn't have her usual numbers, but tried hard.
Credit Wheaton with a dominant performance. Best wishes to Ms Hovee.

Dang!  If NCC had shot even half that bad in Wednesday, the Titans would be tied for the conference lead! :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2014, 09:57:37 PM
"We gave them 30 points off TOs.  That's how they win."  CC Coach Benero.

********

RogK, thanks for the summary, other good achievements and performances in games Saturday.  Hope Ms. Hovee is OK, not a serious injury.  She's a great player, a rebounding machine.  I was surprised how easily WC beat NCC, after having seen what kind of performance NC put on the Titans @Shirk.   A different night, a different result, in the CCIW.

Titans have a big big game now @WC.  Tough to win there -- men too.  Lots on the line for the men.  Hopefully by then, the Titans will have clinched a share of the CCIW regular season crown.  Then, tournament hosting and out-right championship on the line in that final regular season game at King. 

IWU women just have to keep winning, keep grinding it out.  Hopefully CC will slip in the final two games, but I doubt it very much.  Senior night was big, emotional for the Titans and the proud group of IWU seniors wanting that game with great intensity and determination.  Given the number of losses though now, seems the Titans have to win the AQ to play beyond March 1st.  A tall order.  CCIW tournament championship game if CC vs. IWU could be the rubber match for the season, with a lot on the line.

Great season this year, with lots of great games and performances.  Picking All-CCIW teams is very tough.  The quality of the women't game in the CCIW is really extraordinary.  Great to see -- in the long historical trend of things, much due to Title IX and now the commitment of the institutions to women's sports.  An important development for college life, for the conference and overall for the country longer term.  Nothing like this in women's sports in Hong Kong or Asia generally.  Focus here is more on academics, on getting ahead, especially working class kids getting work, career opportunities via higher education to help the family improve their economic lot and get ahead in the longer term.   Interesting contrast of university priorities and educational cultures.

GO TITANS -- keep it rolling.  Great win over Carthage.  Congrats again to all the seniors in the CCIW who dedicated so much time and effort to their athletic and academic careers in college.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 16, 2014, 11:49:14 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 16, 2014, 09:57:37 PM
"We gave them 30 points off TOs.  That's how they win."  CC Coach Benero.

********

RogK, thanks for the summary, other good achievements and performances in games Saturday.  Hope Ms. Hovee is OK, not a serious injury.  She's a great player, a rebounding machine.  I was surprised how easily WC beat NCC, after having seen what kind of performance NC put on the Titans @Shirk.   A different night, a different result, in the CCIW.

Titans have a big big game now @WC.  Tough to win there -- men too.  Lots on the line for the men.  Hopefully by then, the Titans will have clinched a share of the CCIW regular season crown.  Then, tournament hosting and out-right championship on the line in that final regular season game at King. 

IWU women just have to keep winning, keep grinding it out. Hopefully CC will slip in the final two games, but I doubt it very much.  Senior night was big, emotional for the Titans and the proud group of IWU seniors wanting that game with great intensity and determination.  Given the number of losses though now, seems the Titans have to win the AQ to play beyond March 1st.  A tall order.  CCIW tournament championship game if CC vs. IWU could be the rubber match for the season, with a lot on the line.

Great season this year, with lots of great games and performances.  Picking All-CCIW teams is very tough.  The quality of the women't game in the CCIW is really extraordinary.  Great to see -- in the long historical trend of things, much due to Title IX and now the commitment of the institutions to women's sports.  An important development for college life, for the conference and overall for the country longer term.  Nothing like this in women's sports in Hong Kong or Asia generally.  Focus here is more on academics, on getting ahead, especially working class kids getting work, career opportunities via higher education to help the family improve their economic lot and get ahead in the longer term.   Interesting contrast of university priorities and educational cultures.

GO TITANS -- keep it rolling.  Great win over Carthage.  Congrats again to all the seniors in the CCIW who dedicated so much time and effort to their athletic and academic careers in college.

IWU70

Carthage would have to lose BOTH games, since they hold the tie-breaker (they swept Wheaton, the best we can do is split) - that AIN'T gonna happen.  If we win out, and they lose one, we tie for the title, but they still host the tourney.

Why, oh why, couldn't NCC shoot Wednesday like they did Saturday?!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2014, 01:23:25 AM
Yup, two very different trey shooting performances by NCC, bigtime.  I think vs. WC in the second half NCC was like 1-21 or some such. 

Ypsi, I'm just hoping for a share of the CCIW crown, which I doubt will happen, but one can hope.  Titans have a very tough game @King.  Don't both teams have a chance to sweep Wheaton?  I thought the Titans had a chance to host the tourney if they shared the title with Carthage???  I thought I saw that somewhere on this board or in the Pgraph.  Oh well.  That loss at home to NCC was a killer.  NCC was lights out that night hitting 21+ treys?  Wild. 

Guess we just have to win out -- and beat CC in the rubber match in the CCIW tournament championship game.  Titans must have a lot of confidence after that big win over CC at home.  Great game, especially the last 8+ minutes.

Wishing you'all a big thaw and an early Springtime. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2014, 01:45:53 AM
Mark, you are absolutely correct - I somehow had it in my mind that IWU lost to Wheaton.  Their only losses are to Carthage and NCC; Carthage's only loss is to us.  So if we win out and they lose either game, WE have the tie-breaker (as long as NPU or MIllikin (whoever they lose to) stays above NCC).  I suddenly feel much better! ;D

Though I suspect Carthage will win out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2014, 03:19:50 AM
Would be great to get to host the tourney.  Just sad about that NCC loss at home.  I 'm pretty sure CC wins out, but we'll see.  Let's cheer for Greg's group, the NPU women to pin one on Carthage.  Big doubties, but one never knows.  "On any given night in the CCIW . . . "   CC also has a game left with the Big Blue playing at home.

Titans have a very stern test vs. WC at King.  That's going to be a very tough game to win with WC playing well recently.  They took NCC apart, though NCC shot the trey horribly and went down bigtime.  "Live by the three, die . . . "  If Hovee is out with injury, though, that could be a big impact on that game @King.  We'll see on Saturday.  Titans get a few extra days off, time to prepare, catch up on classes etc. as they don't play the make-up game vs. NPU 'til the following Tuesday, after the game away with Wheaton. 

Tournament will be a concluding season test of fitness and endurance, with back-to-back, night-after-night games, Friday-Saturday.  Sure hope it is @The Shirk, not another long long journey up to Cheeseheadlandia.  Loved the way our Titans flustered the Redpeople in the last 8 minutes of that win on Saturday.  Great stuff with run and jump doing its dirt.  I think the Titans are really getting that press finally tuned correctly and working like Coach Mia wants it to work.  Big steals numbers for Baltes and McMahon.  Beoletto seems to be a perfect person at the front of all that, with her quickness, arms flailing about and seemingly a bit out of control.  I love watching her, glad I don't have to dribble against, try to break that press.  Even Kuzmanic got flustered.  Holness does a good job in that D too and has had a good freshman season for the Titans.  All good. 

Will be interesting to see how Mia handles a major rebuilding task for next year with all these seniors, career players going.  She's got some great recruiting news already and one of the recruits is having a banner senior year in HS.  Like a good guard who could play right away in the CCIW.  But, much of the Titans squad, rotation next year will be all new, and pretty inexperienced in varsity CCIW play.  Kasey Reaber, Beoletto and Holness are back.  Gotta recruit some new scorers and paint players/rebounders, for sure. 

I still have hopes the Titans will make the D3 dance, but pretty much a long shot at this point.  Surely need both regular season wins, then 1-1 in the tournament, or win the AQ if at all possible, of course.  Four games to go.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2014, 10:03:01 PM
Congrats to Katie McDaniels on CCIW Player of the week.  As a freshman, she's having a monster year.  Surely she wins "newcomer of the year," in a stroll.

Looking forward to the big game at WC this Saturday.  Any word on Hovee and her injury?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2014, 10:37:16 PM
Carthage at #10 in the new poll, with IWU and WC getting a little voting love in ORVs.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 18, 2014, 09:29:58 AM
I account for the two Wheaton (Ill.) votes and I think I've accounted for most, if not all, of their votes for a couple weeks now. We'll see if they reward my confidence. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2014, 09:40:45 AM
Wheaton has been playing very well of late and I think the Titans getting a win up at King is going to be very difficult.  With Zeller and McDaniels beings so young and talented, WC is going to be good for some years now.  Perhaps they will be favored for the CCIW crown next year, given the talent they have, losing only two seniors, though Hovee is of course a huge loss to graduation.  Beating Carthage last Saturday has to give the Titans a lot of confidence going into the last two games @ Wheaton and the make-up game @The Shirk vs. NPU.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2014, 01:14:39 PM
I haven't learned anything about the severity of Hovee's injury. They surely won't need her vs IIT tomorrow, so her potential absence from that will box score would not tell us about Saturday.
Some of our readers may not know that at the end of each game, Wheaton's womens team asks the opposing players to join them for a midcourt prayer. Anyway, at the end of that on Saturday, I noted Maris Hovee having a chat with North Central's Lauren Hernandez, who is having knee surgery this week. By all accounts, both are very pleasant young women, so it was no surprise to see them concerned about each other's knee troubles. Good sportsmanship, I say. Not sure if the prayer included any complaints about the timing of the injuries!
iwu70, I've always felt that Emily Beoletto should be good in the IWU press. I remember being impressed by her quickness and athleticism the first time I saw her play. The roster lists her at 5'8" but it seems like she's 5'10" or so. Maybe a wide wingspan. I can see her being an important component of next year's team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2014, 01:33:01 PM
Lauren Hernandez, by the way, is very likely to finish number 1 in 3FG shooting pct in CCIW play at .529 (18 for 34). The conference stats pages indicate that you need at least 14 made threes (1 per team's game) to qualify.
Haley Stercic is well ahead of everybody else for the season as a whole : she has hit 70 of 145 for a superb .483 pct. That's the equivalent of shooting over 72 pct on 2FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2014, 01:55:00 PM
Congratulations to Stephanie Kuzmanic for this :
http://capitaloneacademicallamerica.com/News/Details/989
Nicely done, number 24.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2014, 07:02:12 PM
The 4th CCIW playoff spot is still up for grabs, with Elmhurst (5-7), North Park (4-7), Millikin (4-8) and North Central (4-9) in contention.
Tomorrow, North Park hosts Carthage, while Millikin hosts Elmhurst. NC is idle.
If Elmhurst and Carthage win, Elmhurst captures the playoff spot (having defeated NP twice).
If Elmhurst and North Park win, Millikin and NC are out.
If Millikin and North Park win, NC is out (having lost to NP twice).
If Millikin and Carthage win, all four survive into Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2014, 09:51:52 PM
Warm congrats to Stephanie Kuzmanic on being named the Academic All-American of the Year. That is huge -- she's a great player, with a 4.0 GPA and considered the top Academic D3 athlete of the year.  Impressive! 

IWU's Lexi Baltes also was designated as an Academic All-American, with a 3.8+ GPA in double major -- English and Poly Sci -- making the Third Team Academic All-American honor.  Congrats to Lexi.

CCIW and all the institutions should be very proud of these two excellent D3 student-athletes. 

********

4th spot for the tournament really a helter-skelter grab bag here at the end.  IWU has a very very tough game at WC.  Titans have Wednesday off and a bit more time this week to prepare for Wheaton.  Of course, I'll be cheering for NPU over Carthage, too, but that's a long-shot chance.  We'll see. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 19, 2014, 11:18:05 PM
Considering the remaining games, a FOUR-way tie for 4th (at 5-9) looks like a real possibility.  Has anyone wrestled with the tie-breaker?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2014, 11:57:41 PM
As expected, Carthage over NPU tonight, 80-74.  Seems NPU gave them a good struggle, a good game, but the Redpeople come through and claim the road win and a share of the CCIW regular season crown.

Congrats to Carthage on this achievement.

Not sure about the tie-breakers, Ypsi.  Looking more and more like the tournament will require another long long ride to Kenosha.  Only MU now has a chance to pin another loss on CC.  Again, very unlikely. 

Titans have a very tough away game @ WC -- probably they are the 2 and 3 seeds for the tournament, so will face each other again right away on the following weekend, at the tournament, perhaps a neutral court.  They also have the weather-related make up game vs. NPU at home the following week.  Looks more and more like the Titans have to win the AQ to go danc'in.  I don't think 19-8 gets them in -- given where they are in the regional rankings.  We'll see.  Beating WC this Saturday is crucial as they would then likely be ahead of WC in the regional rankings, with 2-0 head to head. 

Congrats again to Lexi Baltes on Academic All-American.    I think three other CCIW women players were also honored.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2014, 01:38:41 PM
Mr. Ypsi, the tie-breaker scenarios are explained here :
http://www.cciw.org/sports/2014/2/19/WBB_0219145531.aspx?id=878&
I got a headache from just reading it all.
A few notes on the Carthage win that I attended last night :
While no Lady Red was fabulous, they mostly did their usual thing - Kuzmanic 17 pts, 6 a, 3 steals; Wenzel 13 pts, Schmidt 12; Stercic sharp from 3-land.
Possibly/probably for the first time in NCAA history, there was a player on each team who played exactly 20:00 and scored 11 pts while not missing a shot. This was done by Kasey Kleiner and Nikki Przybyslawski. Well done, both of ya!
North Park also got 15 pts from Rehberger, 11 and 5 assists from Torres, 10 pts 10 rebs from Williams. Brittany Pittas in 10:00 picked up 4 assists, a couple of which were really excellent passes.
The Vikings gave themselves a real shot at the win, but 4 turnovers in the final 4 minutes hurt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2014, 02:56:48 PM
In Millikin's season-saving 68-57 win over Elmhurst, Yip Ypya had 21 pts and 6 rebs; Brittany Czaplicki had 10 pts, 5 steals, 3 assists, 5 rebs; Bria Williams had 9 pts, 7 rebs, 3 steals.
For the 'jays, Fiona McMahon had 18 pts and 12 rebs; Melanie Schwerdtmann had 14 and 7.
Wheaton topped IIT 90-32; a dozen Thunder players scored and had rebounds, each playing 13 to 19 minutes. Katie McDaniels had 21 pts and 4 steals; Lauren Graham had 11 rebs. Hovee did not play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2014, 10:21:12 PM
Thanks, RogK, for the updates, details.

Sure seems NPU gave CC a real tough game.  I don't think MU will offer as much resistance this Saturday in Kenosha.  Lots and lots of talented players in the CCIW this year. 

The Titans have two very tough games remaining == @WC and the make-up game @Shirk wth NPU the following Tuesday.  The Titans really need to win out, to be above WC in the regional rankings when they come to the table, likely on the bubble big time.  As I''ve said, I don't think 19-8 gets them in, so the AQ beckons.  We'll see.  If WC wins on Saturday, then goes 1-1 in the tournament, they'd be 21-6, in better shape for Pool C.   Or, losing vs. IWU, 0-1 in the tournament (playing IWU again!), they'd be 19-7, right?  Bubble territory, then below IWU in the final regional rankings.  Haven't run the numbers, but this game Saturday is very important to both teams.  They likely play again in the first round of the CCIW tournament, both needing another win to improve the resume. 

Last week of the season, before the D3 dance.  It's been a fun season to watch.  Sure wish the Titans hadn't slipped vs. NCC and the "system" at home.  Carthage has put together a great season, likely outright CCIW champs.  Congrats to them. 

Why does Wheaton play IIT?  Strange.   Clearly Katie McDaniels = "Newcomer of the Year," in CCIW.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2014, 10:24:16 PM
Still 5 undefeated teams in D3 women's hoops.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2014, 12:06:00 AM
RogK, or others -- any word on Hovee playing on Saturday night?

Should be a very competitive game with a lot on the line for both teams -- then very likely another chance, same two teams, in the first round of the CCIW tournament.

Zeller and McMahon fighting it out for the CCIW scoring title.  Shelby Jackson has had a very strong CCIW conference season, now 4th in scoring, some big games down the stretch, especially her performance vs. Carthage. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2014, 10:51:57 AM
No word on Hovee, iwu70. Incidentally, after a 0-5 start in CCIW play, Millikin has gone 5-3. Carthage will not take them lightly.
I'll be attending Augie at North Park tomorrow. This will be my first time seeing Augustana and I'm confident that if I study them carefully, I'll be able to make a decent projection as to how well they'll do this season. (yeah, I'm a smar tass sometimes)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2014, 09:38:33 PM
Rog, better late than never in your judgement of Augie and their quality this season! :)

Hope MU plays their game of the year and pins one on CC.  I would be DE-lighted.  Still, very doubtful me thinks. 

Titans have a huge challenge @WC with or without Hovee.  Should be a great game -- then the big men's game to follow @King.  I'm hoping for two Titan Ws on the road.

Season coming to an end -- tournament play about to begin -- win or go home in most cases.  Sure hope WC and IWU get some consideration for the DIII dance.

It's been a great season, lots of good games, enjoyable for the fans, some really talented women players in the CCIW.  Thanks to all the dedicated coaches and players. 

GO TITANS!!!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2014, 06:55:23 PM
At the half, IWU 41, Wheaton 38. ;D

Also at the half, Carthage 35, Millikin 26. :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2014, 06:55:59 PM
IWU up over WC by 3 at the half.  Lots and lots of fouls, mostly on the Titans.  Serious foul trouble for most of the Titan starters.  McDaniels for WC with 20 first half points.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2014, 08:08:22 PM
Final: IWU 88, Wheaton 84.  But all for naught as Carthage easily handles Millikin.  We were the secondseed before the game, we are second seed now.  Still, a warning shot to Wheaton who we will face again in the first game of the conference tourney.  Should be yet another down-to-the wire game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2014, 08:33:48 PM
Good win for the Titans, probably putting them ahead of WC in the final regional rankings.  A key point out of tonight's game.

Baltes 21
McMahon 15
Seibring 13
T. Reaber 10

An ugly foul-filled affair.  Choppy, ugly game with likely over 50 fouls called. 

The WC freshman McDaniels is going to be a force for sure, a monster game tonight with 29.

Congrats to the Titans on a great CCIW season 12-2, one game behind Carthage at 13-1.  Congrats to them on the outright CCIW championship.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2014, 09:28:33 PM
WC has many good young players.  A force to be reckoned with in the next 2-3 years.

DePauw women lost tonight, first time in almost two years. 

Sure hope IWU slips above WC now in the regional rankings with a 2-0 head to head against the Thunder.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2014, 09:50:25 AM
One more go 'round with regional rankings this week, right?  Is it correct to say that IWU should now be ahead of WC in regional rankings this week given the 2-0 record head-to-head?

Great game at King.  Lexi Baltes is one tough competitor.  Jackson fouls out with almost 10 minutes to go and the Titans still bring home the win, largely due to Baltes, McMahon and Seibring.  Taylor Reaber also had an excellent game.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2014, 09:45:15 PM
Pretty amazing that IWU averaged 89+ point per game throughout the CCIW season.  Amazing offensive performance.  Guess they have a "system" of their own, even outscoring the trey-bombing "system" of NCC this year.  Looks very likely that Colleen McMahon will win the scoring title with one game vs. NPU on Tuesday evening to go -- the weather/snow make-up game cancelled earlier.

Freshman Gabrielle Holness also had a good game, good contributions in the win over WC @King.  She has a very bright future with the Titans. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2014, 11:23:25 AM
Elmhurst won the final CCIW playoff spot. Fiona McMahon had 29 pts (12/19, 5/7 FT), 12 rebs and 4 blocks in their 95-85 win over North Central. Karen Senette scored 24 (6/9 FG incl 3 threes, 9/9 FT) and had 7 assists. Katie Swanson led with 11 assists. EC won the rebounding 54-37.
Tess Godhardt did not do so good in the return to her former home gym, making just 2 of 15 FG att; no doubt her ex-teammates had resolved to pay extra attention to her.
Maryssa Cladis scored 18 for NC (6/9 FG incl 1 three, 5/7 FT) and added 3 assists.
NC made 5/28 3FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2014, 01:47:04 PM
I saw North Park top Augie 76-62. On her Senior Day, Dominikque Williams led NP with 12 pts. Amani Davis was next with 11. Soly Roman grabbed 13 rebounds. Rachel Torres led with 5 assists and 3 steals.
NP needed NC to beat EC, which didn't happen. NP could still tie Elmhurst at 6-8 but the Bluejays own the tie-breaker.
Augie's four seniors all made good contributions in their final game : Jessica Baids scored 18, Molly Etheridge 13, Chaney Tambling led with 7 rebs and Amy Hicks led with 4 assists. Those four played 2382 of the Vikings' 5025 total minutes in '13-'14, so there will plenty of opportunity for others to shine next season. Augie was a reasonably good team this year, but managed to get conference wins only by splitting with North Central and Millikin. One thing next year's squad will have to work on is long-distance shooting; among the potential returners who took more than one attempt, the highest 3FG accuracy is 25 pct.
Greg, what can you add about the game?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2014, 04:05:27 PM
Congratulations to Carthage for winning the regular season with an outstanding 13-1 record. Also, hats off to Stephanie Kuzmanic for her 3rd CCIW player of the week award.
In their Saturday 77-64 win over Millikin, Stephanie had 21 pts and 10 assists. Michelle Wenzel (7/10, 5/6 FT) had 19, plus 13 rebs. The Big Blue were led by Holly Haskins's 13 pts, 4 assists and 3 steals. A dozen points each were scored by Yip Ypya and Alyssa Saklak.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2014, 07:16:55 PM
Once tomorrow's NP/IWU game is completed, there will have been 56 wins in CCIW play. Since we have 15 positions on the all-conference team (not counting Newcomer, which can/will be a duplicate), we could say that one win earns 15/56ths of an all-conf spot. I offer this as a general guideline, not necessarily to be exactly followed (can't be, anyway).
Carthage 13 wins : 3.48 all-conf players
IWU 12 wins : 3.21
IWU 11 wins : 2.95
Wheaton 9 wins : 2.41
Elmhurst 6 wins : 1.61
North Park 6 wins : 1.61
North Park 5 wins : 1.34
Millikin 5 wins : 1.34
North Central 4 wins : 1.07
Augustana 2 wins : 0.54
Incidentally, a 14-0 record would yield 3.75, while 7-7 yields 1.88.
Now, to immediately violate the above. I think Wheaton should get three (exceeding their 2.4 allotment)  players on all-CCIW : Hovee, McDaniels and Zeller. And, in fact, I have no problem with any one or two of those three making 1st team.
Can Carthage get four on all-CCIW? Kuzmanic and Wenzel are certainly 1st team, I'd say. And it's hard to argue against Stercic and Schmidt also being all-conf. Might be difficult to get all four, especially if Augie gets a representative.
Baltes and McMahon of IWU are worthy of 1st team, as is McMahon of Elmhurst. Seems I have more than five 1st teamers! Shelby Jackson should be among the 15 honorees.
I think Czaplicki of Millikin and Cladis of North Central belong on all-conference.
North Park gets one, Elmhurst could easily get a 2nd player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2014, 09:59:32 PM
RogK, thanks for all the updates, All-Conference recommendations.  One more game now -- NPU at IWU Tuesday night.  McMahon needs 5 points to win the scoring title. 

On All-Conference, you forgot Seibring, another good candidate.

Titans have another tough game left, NPU at home.  Hope they get to 12-2.  We'll still rue the loss at home to NCC.  Could have shared the CCIW crown and hosted the tournament.  Titans likely need to win the AQ to keep playing after March 1st.  A tough road @Kenosha.  WC may be in the dance going 1-1 in the tournament.  Don't think 19-8 does it for IWU this year, given how many other teams nationally have records with many fewer losses. 

A good weekend of basketball @ IWU and @ Carthage this weekend.  Top four teams going at it a few more times for the AQ. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2014, 01:31:44 AM
Congrats to Carthage on their outright championship, at 13-1.  A great season.  And, congrats to Stephanie Kuzmanic, again the CCIW Player of the Week.

Good luck, safe travels to all the teams for this weekend's tournament, for the long ride back up to Kenosha.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2014, 11:46:05 AM
iwu70, I definitely did not forget about Katy Seibring. I'm thinking Shelby Jackson is slightly ahead of her for all-CCIW and that if any team gets 4 players, it's Carthage (they may also have to settle for 3?).
Katy is another one of the CCIW's very good athletes who are also very good academically. Her bio mentions that she'll be heading east to earn her master's in math education at The College of New Jersey.
Here's more about TCNJ :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_of_New_Jersey
While she'd surely like to be honored as all-conference again, she may get more satisfaction knowing that a civic group in Texas is doing things on her behalf :
http://cityofkaty.com/our-community/keep-katy-beautiful-2/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2014, 05:59:17 PM
We've had 27 different players score in the 20s or 30s this season (NP/IWU will play tonight). The best game is listed for those players who have reached 20 multiple times.
Augustana : M Pezzopane 20, C Tambling 21, M Etheridge 32;
Carthage : T Boardman 20, K Schmidt 25, M Wenzel 28, S Kuzmanic 34;
Elmhurst : K Senette 24, M Schwerdtmann 27, F McMahon 29;
Illinois Wesleyan : L Baltes 21, G Holness 21, S Jackson 24, K Seibring 26, C McMahon 29;
Millikin : B Williams 21, Y Ypya 21, K Going 22, A Saklak 24, B Czaplicki 25;
North Central : L Shumaker 25, K Cooling 28;
North Park : R Torres 20, B Pittas 21, L Rehberger 23;
Wheaton : K McDaniels 29, E Zeller 32.
While assembling this list, I noticed that Yip Ypya scored 142 pts in her last 11 games (12.9 avg).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2014, 08:25:16 PM
Come on, Mr. Illinois Wesleyan PA Announcer. How hard is it to ask someone affiliated with the visiting team how to pronounce the names of the visiting players?

It's just so unprofessional when a PA announcer or broadcaster butchers an opposing player's name. It's so unnecessary, too.

Quote from: RogK on February 25, 2014, 05:59:17 PM
(NP/IWU will play tonight).

No, Rog, NPU/IWU are playing tonight. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2014, 08:46:03 PM
IWU over NPU at the half 40-29. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2014, 09:40:18 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 73
North Park 52

That was a very poor performance by NPU, and the wrong way to end the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2014, 10:16:27 PM
Liz Rehberger was the only Viking to score in double figures, as she had 10 points. But she didn't play well tonight; she shot only 2-12 from the field and turned the ball over seven times. Dominikque Williams and Nicole Kruckman had eight rebounds apiece, as the one thing that North Park did do well was rebound. The Vikings outboarded the Titans, 40-38.

NPU's shooting was abysmal tonight. The Vikings shot less than 33% from the field (17-52) and a disappointing 14-22 (64%) from the line. But the real story was their three-point shooting. NPU was a hair-pulling 17% (4-23) from downtown, and it's not as though IWU was contesting those shots. The Titans focused upon stopping dribble penetration and the dive play, which meant that there were lots of open shooters on the perimeter tonight for the visitors. On some of the misfires, it was obvious that the Vikings were simply rushing their shots. But on a number of them they were squared up to the basket, had great looks, had plenty of time to rise up -- and they simply missed.

But the biggest problem was the lack of ball discipline. IWU got a few turnovers off of its press, which was to be expected (Amani Davis needs to keep her head up and look up the floor when she has the ball in the backcourt against a press). But most of the 33 NPU turnovers came in the halfcourt, and an awful lot of them were self-inflicted. There were lots and lots of overthrown passes, especially skip passes and down-the-lane post-entry passes. There was much too much dribbling straight into traffic by NPU's smaller guards. There were several instances in which a Viking dribbled towards the sideline when presented with a trap, which is the one place that you're not supposed to go when the opposition traps. And there were any number of Titans steals of ill-advised passes in the halfcourt set. That's the variety that I really don't get. You know that Illinois Wesleyan is an overplay-D team that constantly jumps the passing lane ... so why do you throw those passes rather than fake and then hit your open teammate, especially if she cuts to the basket? I know that this is a freshman-laden team, but in late February there's really no such thing as a freshman anymore. Too many of the Vikings' miscues looked like November mistakes, not February mistakes.

My comment on Wesleyan was the same comment I had about Carthage after the CC @ NPU game: Seniors make all the difference in the world, particularly when they're the right seniors. The Titans run their stuff really well, with maximum efficiency. They were turnover-prone tonight, in part because NPU never quit hustling, but other than that Wesleyan looked like a team that's going to be a tough out in the CCIW tourney.

Rachel Torres only played three minutes at the start of the game, and then never took off her warmups again. I don't know if she was hurt or ailing, but the Vikings clearly needed her. The 2013-14 Vikings were a team without stars, but Rachel Torres was first among equals on that squad. Katie McDaniels of Wheaton may be the CCIW Freshman of the Year, but I like Rachel Torres's upside more. In fact, I can't remember a North Park freshman class that has ever shown as much promise as this class of Rachel Torres, Liz Rehberger, Amani Davis, Nikki Przybyslawski, Hannah Rehfeldt, and McKenzie Wiedemann.

I don't want this post to sound too harsh. Last year the Vikings came up a game short of making the CCIW tournament while fielding a rotation that was mostly seniors. This year they finished with the same CCIW record and again came close to making the tourney -- but they did it with only one senior on the roster, as it was a team whose mainstays were mostly freshmen and sophomores. That bodes really well for the future of North Park women's basketball. Dominikque Williams, who had a very good career at NPU as a lunch-bucket player, will be missed -- especially her rebounding acumen, as (tonight notwithstanding) this is a team that doesn't rebound very well overall. But when you look around the league at all of the seniors who are playing out the ends of their careers this month and in March, NPU looks really strong for next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on February 25, 2014, 10:58:15 PM
It was senior night at the Elmhurst game Saturday.  According to the program, among the five seniors, Devin Vaughn played in her 100th career contest (out of 100).  She is a four-year letter winner who has started 69 career contests.  Going into the game she had career totals of 584 points, 283 rebounds, 284 assists, 44 blocked shots and 92 steals.  Her 284 career assists (plus two more that game) tied her for the Elmhurst College career record of 286.  Probably her best statistic is one that is not kept: offensive charges taken (no doubt averaging > 1 per game and I've seen as many as seven in a game).  IMO, these should be counted as steals as they are also forced turnovers not to mention debilitating to the opponents.  Her late charge taken at Augie led directly to a technical foul on the bench and the ensuing free throws and basket sealing the win in an 11-1 run.  In addition to total assists, she appears to be on the conference leader boards for free throw percentage, blocked shots, assist/turnover ratio, and minutes played.  Nice career Devin!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2014, 11:14:27 PM
IWU over NPU tonight by 21.  Greg has given you more of the details, more of the flavor.  I agree the NPU squad is young and error-prone.  Actually the Titans played ragged tonight too and only scoring 73, an off night for them.

Baltes 16
McMahon 12 -- completing the CCIW scoring crown.  Congrats to her.
Seibing 10
Holness 10

Titans 12-12 from the charity stripe. 

I agree with Greg that many accomplished seniors will be departing now and an entirely new landscape will appear next year in women's play.  Wheaton seems to have the most young and experienced talent now, by far.  From what I've seen this season, I'd expect them to be the pre-season #1 next year.  Titans have a major rebuild now -- with only Kasey Reaber returning as a starter and some good role players back, like Beoletto and the freshman Holness.  But, that's not enough to contend -- so recruiting will be key for Mia Smith and IWU for next season.  I wouldn't be at all surprised to see two freshmen and several sophomores playing key roles for the Titans next year, with even a freshman or two starting.  The two recruits already announced could be immediately in the lineup, in the rotation.   Very hard to replace these experienced seniors, all with substantial careers at IWU and in the CCIW:  Baltes, Seibring, Jackson, McMahon and T. Reaber.  My warm congrats and thanks to them.  18-7, 12-2 given the schedule IWU played is pretty darn good.  Kuzmanic and company just one game better in CCIW play.  Perhaps we'll have a chance to win the rubber match and the AQ vs. CC again next Saturday.  WC will be very tough to beat a third time, though I think the Titans are tough, strong enough to do it -- to sweep WC 3-0, then win the rubber match vs. CC on their home court, grab the AQ.  A tough climb, a tall order, but why not?

More on next year's Titans after the dust settles on the CCIW tournament games and hopefully a chance to play on beyond March 1st.  If Titans go 1-1 this weekend, finish 19-8 just don't think that gets them in.  But, given the schedule and all, we'll see.  Hope so.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a very good regular season -- 18-7, second place in CCIW at 12-2. 

IWU70

P.S.  Greg, sorry about the IWU announcer and the names.  I agree they should check with the visiting coaching staff and get it right.  Video feed from IWU tonight was very good -- no problems and very clear.  I enjoyed the game and, as always, the great Pep Band music.  The best Pep Band in all of D3.  Hope they get a trip to Salem this year too!  :)  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2014, 11:18:44 PM
Congrats and good wishes to all the seniors around the CCIW, as they finish the regular season, many of them playing their last games in College.  Good luck with your studies and planning in the run-up to graduation and all best with future endeavors.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2014, 11:40:36 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2014, 11:14:27 PMWheaton seems to have the most young and experienced talent now, by far.

I vehemently disagree, especially with the "by far" part.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2014, 11:14:27 PMFrom what I've seen this season, I'd expect them to be the pre-season #1 next year.

I will agree with that, although anything and everything could change between now and next November.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AM
OK, Greg, perhaps I overdid it a bit with "by far," but look at what WC has coming back with Zeller and McDaniels, two young All-CCIW players.  And, last year's newcomer of the year too, right?   There will be more coming up.  Yes, plenty could change between now and next November, no doubt.  Injuries, departures, transfers and ineligibilities can all happen, though they don't so often happen at WC.  But, you are right.  Plus, we know little of the newbies league-wide.  IWU is going to need some help from the freshmen coming in -- and Ehresman and Molly McGraw of Central Catholic, just voted unanimously to the All-Conference team in her high school league, could play a key part in the rebuild that Mia Smith has in front of her.  Ehresman likely the heir apparent at PG to Hasselbring and Baltes, though others will surely contend for the spot.   CC and IWU lose a lot on the women's side and will have to rebuild, more than re-load.  IWU on the men's side is already loaded, just has to re-organize.  Big number of good players waiting to have their chance, down the varsity pine and from the JV squad as well.  On the women's side, WC, EC and NPU seem to have good young players, many hopefully coming back for another year. Augie improved this year.  I thought MU not so much. 

Zeller and McDaniels played with the big girls this year and played superbly.  Your young NPU team got experience and often played like young players.  A big difference.  Whether that difference is "by far" -- well, we'll only find out next season.  Hopefully all the young players, those returning, will work hard and improve for future seasons.  IWU will need improvements from K. Reaber, Beoletto (offensively for sure!) and Holness . . . among others.

It's been a good regular season and I'm hoping my Titans still have their best few games ahead of them, ready to be played this weekend -- to beat WC the third time and then take down #10 CC on their own floor, well, it's a tough road.  We'll see.  CC does have one of the more complete and talented teams we've seen in CCIW women's play for some years.  IMHO.

Guess we'll see the All-Conference teams today or tomorrow.  I'd bet Zeller and McDaniels are there and that McDaniels is the Newcomer / Freshman of the Year, surely unanimously.  I think Hovee is the only senior WC had this year, right?

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2014, 12:00:02 PM
You guys are going to be unpleasantly surprised by how good Carthage will be next year, despite losing a lot of talent.
They'll probably start Kasey Kleiner (a smart sharpshooting guard), Erin Quinn (88/37 assist/TO so far), Alexis Hahn (56 pct FG), Taylor Boardman (64 pct FG). Hahn and Boardman are each scoring a point for every 2 minutes played this year as secondary scoring options. I suspect they'll score at that rate or better next year. Both are bigtime rebounders too. Pretty good shot blockers as well.
And it's very likely that several of their freshmen (learning the Bernero system in practice this year) will be good and have opportunity to show it next year.
Wheaton will definitely be near the top for the foreseeable future. As good as McDaniels has been, she could still improve as a 3-point threat and get better defensively. She seems like the sort of player who has no inclination other than to keep striving to be better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2014, 12:26:36 PM
Greg, I think it would be a hardship for me to start being consistent with my school abbreviations. If I began to use NPU in lieu of NP, I'd have to use NCC instead of NC. I could cause all sorts of trouble using WC for Wheaton, since WC has an alternate meaning (water closet).
Maybe I'll shorten IWU to IW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2014, 01:06:58 PM
Backer, thanks for posting Devin's numbers. She has done a lot of good at both ends of the court and has always been willing and able to do what is asked of her, from being point guard or shooting guard on offense and being able to defend players smaller or larger than herself.
Instead of stagnating (some players seem to), she has improved during her career as a Bluejay. It's nice for she and her fellow seniors to make the postseason, wrapping up their careers in an exciting way. Not every senior gets that chance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2014, 08:11:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AM
OK, Greg, perhaps I overdid it a bit with "by far," but look at what WC has coming back with Zeller and McDaniels, two young All-CCIW players.  And, last year's newcomer of the year too, right?

I'm well aware of what Wheaton has, Mark. I've seen the Wheaties play, too, you know.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AMThere will be more coming up.

We don't know that for sure. Yes, Kent Madsen has thus far been able to maintain the year-to-year recruiting consistency that Beth Baker had before him. But that never comes with a guarantee. And Wheaton does have a vulnerability in terms of recruiting that other CCIW schools don't have, in that (like other sports at Wheaton) the program doesn't bring in players in bulk. Wheaton operates on the "fewer, but better" principle when it comes to recruiting. It usually works in most sports, but it leaves the program vulnerable to the occasional fallow recruiting cycle or to attrition. The biggest reason why Beth Baker was so successful was because she never had two fallow recruiting cycles in a row. But those substandard years in terms of recruiting do happen in even successful Wheaton sports (of which women's basketball is certainly one) from time to time.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AMYes, plenty could change between now and next November, no doubt.  Injuries, departures, transfers and ineligibilities can all happen, though they don't so often happen at WC.

They happen more often than you think. Wheaton does usually get more buy-in from its student-athletes than do the other seven CCIW schools, so their players are less likely to transfer out or stop playing the sport than is the case elsewhere. But WC is certainly not invulnerable to attrition. That's especially true in terms of injuries; we can debate all day what Wheaton might've accomplished this year if Hannah Considine hadn't spent five non-con games and six CCIW games sidelined by injury.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AMBut, you are right.  Plus, we know little of the newbies league-wide.  IWU is going to need some help from the freshmen coming in -- and Ehresman and Molly McGraw of Central Catholic, just voted unanimously to the All-Conference team in her high school league, could play a key part in the rebuild that Mia Smith has in front of her.  Ehresman likely the heir apparent at PG to Hasselbring and Baltes, though others will surely contend for the spot.

I know how you love to endlessly toot the horn for anyone who ever decides to don Titans green, Mark, but you're really overreaching here in terms of drawing those two individuals into this conversation. Neither of those players has even graduated from high school yet.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AMWC, EC and NPU seem to have good young players, many hopefully coming back for another year. Augie improved this year.  I thought MU not so much.

Augie loses a lot in terms of its seniors: Four out of five starters, who also happen to be four of the team's five top scorers and rebounders. Barring some spectacular influx of transfer talent (or out-of-this-world freshman talent), I don't see Augie improving next season. Millikin's losing some very capable seniors as well in Czaplicki, Johnson, and Williams, and MU's recruiting has trailed off in recent years. But nobody in this league gets more out of whatever she has available on the roster than does Lori Kerans, so I will never take the Big Blue lightly.

Elmhurst is going to be very good next season. Don't sleep on the Bluejays! 

Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AMZeller and McDaniels played with the big girls this year and played superbly.  Your young NPU team got experience and often played like young players.  A big difference.

You make it sound as though NPU's underclassmen were incompetent, Mark. Nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps you should've watched them play more often than just last night. And McDaniels had her off-nights, too.

I don't know what the heck "played with the big girls" is supposed to mean, but there's a significant difference between how Wheaton operates and how North Park operates. Wheaton used seven or eight players in its rotation every night. McDaniels led the league in minutes played by a whopping two minutes per game over #2 Stephanie Kuzmanic, and Zeller was sixth. North Park had eleven different players average double-figure minutes per game this season. Not a single Viking appears on the CCIW minutes-played leaderboard. Wheaton has outstanding young talent, to be sure, but it's relatively concentrated; the players who have it thus get all the minutes that they can handle with which to develop it. North Park -- and, I'd argue, Elmhurst as well -- has talent that's spread out among a significantly larger pool of CCIW-quality underclassmen than Wheaton's. And that's why I assert that you were way off in your statement last night.

Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2014, 12:00:02 PM
You guys are going to be unpleasantly surprised by how good Carthage will be next year, despite losing a lot of talent.

I'm not going to be surprised at all, Rog. You're forgetting that I saw Carthage play just last week. Alexis Hahn absolutely ate up the Vikings inside last Wednesday, and Taylor Boardman is a star in the making. Tim Bernero is getting his program to the point where it's in reload-not-rebuild mode. He's certainly taking a backseat to no one in the league in terms of his recruiting ability.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 02:41:23 AMI think Hovee is the only senior WC had this year, right?

No. Wheaton also loses Maria Panaggio, one of the three WC reserves who were part of the rotation.

Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2014, 12:26:36 PM
Greg, I think it would be a hardship for me to start being consistent with my school abbreviations. If I began to use NPU in lieu of NP, I'd have to use NCC instead of NC. I could cause all sorts of trouble using WC for Wheaton, since WC has an alternate meaning (water closet).
Maybe I'll shorten IWU to IW.

I'm just asking you to be consistent about it with regard to all eight schools. In this instance, consistency is fairness.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2014, 08:50:14 PM
As I hoped, thought might happen, IWU now above WC in the new regional rankings.  Key to getting to the table for the Titans. 

Greg, thanks for more background on the different teams, players upcoming.  Very useful.  I take your points.  I think on many we just have to agree to disagree.  I truly don't think you can compare the performances, achievements of Zeller and McDaniels this year to those of your fine young players at NPU, especially from a team and over all record perspective.  And, yes, I hear what you and RogK are saying about the CC upcoming players and program.  They are really strong . . . and will likely continue to be so in the coming years.  IWU has a major rebuilding task now with the five key seniors departing.  Four of the five All-Conference level players. 

On Molly McGraw and Ehresman, I stand by my words that they will be very fine CCIW players soon.  Here's Ehresman's line from the Super-Sectional game that her team just played -- 27 points, 7 steals, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.  McGraw leading her conference in scoring too.  Of course, they could be busts at the college level but I think somehow this kind of player, coached well, getting used to the CCIW game and the Titan system, has a pretty bright future under Mia Smith's guidance.  They are both up-tempo defense oriented players.  Perhaps they will play next year, perhaps they won't, but I'd say they are major forces in the CCIW in the coming years.  Given the IWU rebuild, they will probably get PT earlier than other freshmen in recent seasons of Titan play.

Should be a great CCIW tournament at Carthage this weekend.  I agree EC could be very good next year, but unlikely to rain on the Carthage parade this weekend.  IWU and WC will be another tough game.  I hope the Titans get through and get their chance for the rubber match game with CC for the AQ.  Now that IWU is above WC in the regional rankings, I think if the Titans go 1-1 this weekend, they have a decent chance of getting a bid.  Of course, 2-0 this weekend would be much much better. :)

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on February 27, 2014, 01:45:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2014, 01:06:58 PM
Backer, thanks for posting Devin's numbers. She has done a lot of good at both ends of the court and has always been willing and able to do what is asked of her, from being point guard or shooting guard on offense and being able to defend players smaller or larger than herself.
Instead of stagnating (some players seem to), she has improved during her career as a Bluejay. It's nice for she and her fellow seniors to make the postseason, wrapping up their careers in an exciting way. Not every senior gets that chance.

So true Roger.  I may be wrong but i think Elmhurst has had to win the final game each of the past four seasons to make the tourney only to come up short each year until now.  I know the team is pretty excited to finally play in the "second season".  The last tournament appearance was when these seniors were seniors in high school (Long and company).

Also true that Devin went from a two to a one to a four the last couple seasons and now regularly gives up five or six inches and multiple pounds to her "man".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2014, 09:22:39 PM
Good luck to all the teams in the CCIW tournament this weekend.  Should be a great couple of days of women's hoops up in Kenosha.

For information, IWU recruit Ehresman named to Second Team All-State in 2A.  Molly McGraw from Central Catholic Honorable mention.

Sounds like EC is coming together well at the end of the season.  Hope they give CC a good run for their money, a tough game in the tournament semis.  IWU has a very tough task beating WC for the third time, even without Hovee.  Time for the Titan seniors to step up and enjoy their last few games as collegiate players.  Titans need 1-1 or 2-0 this weekend. 

Go luck to all.  GO TITANS!!!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 09:44:43 AM
Point and Whitewater beaten in their conference tournament.  Pool C candidates?

What's the deal?  No announcement as yet of the All-CCIW teams.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on February 28, 2014, 10:14:31 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 09:44:43 AM
Point and Whitewater beaten in their conference tournament.  Pool C candidates?

What's the deal?  No announcement as yet of the All-CCIW teams.

IWU70

No way Point gets a Pool C bid.  Their record simply doesn't justify that.  Hopefully the WARHAWKS body of work gets us one. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2014, 03:08:35 PM
Before the season began, some of us were wondering about the possible effects of tighter officiating.
Team scoring averages increased within CCIW play :
- - - 12-13      13-14
A     57.3         67.7
C     71.2         78.0
E     61.5         67.5
IW   76.1         88.1
M     59.9         72.0
NC   86.1         87.4
NP   60.8         67.5
W     70.4        75.1
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2014, 06:38:01 PM
A rather sloppy but highly competitive first semi-final so far.  At the half Wheaton leads IWU, 34-32. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2014, 07:37:23 PM
The Titans totally dominated the second half, and win 79-66.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 08:03:27 PM
Titans get the job done, beating WC for the third time, 79-66.

Baltes 19
McMahon 16
K. Reaber, likely career high and career game, 18
Jackson 11 and 5
T. Reaber 9

For WC, Considine 24 and McDaniels 15.

Titans played very tough D in the second half, and did what they do with pressure and run and jump.

Should be a great championship game should CC get through as well.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2014, 08:09:19 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 08:03:27 PM
Titans get the job done, beating WC for the third time, 79-66.

Baltes 19
McMahon 16
K. Reaber, likely career high and career game, 18
Jackson 11 and 5
T. Reaber 9

For WC, Considine 24 and McDaniels 15.

Titans played very tough D in the second half, and did what they do with pressure and run and jump.

Should be a great championship game should CC get through as well.

IWU70

And for you and me, Mark, probably an even better championship game if Elmhurst pulls the upset! ;D

(And, no, I am not throwing in the towel on beating Carthage in Kenosha.  But that is a pretty tough row to hoe.) 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 08:18:02 PM
Congrats to all the All-Conference honorees.  I have no beef with it at all -- came out pretty much as expected.  Congrats to Colleen McMahon and Lexi Baltes on First Team and Shelby Jackson on Second Team.  Great season, great job -- congrats on a superb season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2014, 08:24:41 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 08:18:02 PM
Congrats to all the All-Conference honorees.  I have no beef with it at all -- came out pretty much as expected.  Congrats to Colleen McMahon and Lexi Baltes on First Team and Shelby Jackson on Second Team.  Great season, great job -- congrats on a superb season.

IWU70

Hey, don't make it sound like the season's over! ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 10:21:33 PM
One more game Ypsi, perhaps more beyond.  Let's hope 7 in all to go for our Titans!  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2014, 10:31:41 PM
Titans now 19-7, a firm lock above WC in the regional rankings with 3-0 head to head.  Championship game, rubber match now with Carthage, who had to come from behind to beat EC, scoring 13 of the final 15 points, Wenzel having a monster game down low.  Should be a good one for the AQ, home court advantage notwithstanding.  Go Green, get to 20 wins for the year, bring home the AQ.

GO TITANS!

IWU'70

Saw the other day that Thomas More beat a team 130something to 34.  Sydney Moss, the sophomore now, having a truly monster season, averaging 27+ ppg.  Remember her?  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2014, 11:46:30 PM
Yeah, the Great Lakes region is absolutely loaded: Thomas More (undefeated and beating the crap out of everyone), Hope (undefeated and beating the crap out of most teams), and DePauw (undefeated since some time in 2012 until they had a hiccup).

I hope the committee can find a way to separate them in the tourney.  Those are ALL FF-worthy teams; it would be a crime if they had to meet earlier than that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2014, 02:00:11 AM
When we think of this current IWU team we usually focus on the veteran, experienced seniors:  Baltes, Jackson, McMahon and Seibring.  But junior Kasey Reaber just had the game of her life against Wheaton:

8-9 shooting, 18 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.   Nice line for a "role player."

Keep going Kasey, keep going Titans!   Go for 20.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2014, 03:45:02 AM
Sydney Moss scored 63 in a game, all-time D3 record.  Even as a sophomore, a woman playing amongst the girls.  Amazing.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2014, 09:58:22 PM
Congratulations to Carthage for winning the rubber match and the A.  With their 8 losses, but great SOS and vRRO, any guesses on IWU's chances of a C?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2014, 11:33:39 PM
I think I have answered my own question.  Despite 8 losses (which is a huge number for the upper reaches of women's d3, where parity is still some years away), their SOS is third in the country, and they are an astounding 6-5 in vRRO (and the committees seem to value number of RROs nearly as much as wins against them - still 6 wins is probably top ten in the country).

They should be pretty safe - we shall see in a couple of days.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2014, 08:01:48 PM
Ypsi, I think our Titans are in, after 1-1 this weekend.  I hope WC gets in too.  They are a good team as well.  These CCIW teams are surely battle-tested.  Our Titans just a couple of open looks, key shots short in Kenosha, and didn't execute very well in the last 1:30 or so.  You have to  hand it to Kuzmanic -- she's goes for the plays, made the key FT when CC was up 3 in the waning seconds.  CC is a tough out for anyone the way they are playing.  Hope the Titans get in and get a relatively easy bracket -- like in 2012, not DePauw or Wash U or Thomas More right away.  They should be seeded somewhere in the middle I would think. I guess 19-8 with their SOS is different than 18-8 last year.

Let's get the Oscars behind us and then we'll hear the bids, see the brackets.  CC surely gets to host the first weekend, if not further.  Titans likely travelling the entire time.

Keep going Titans --a good road team over the years. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2014, 10:51:55 AM
D3hoops has a proposed bracket up that has IWU going to Minneapolis, in a bracket with St. Thomas, starting out with a tough game vs. WI-Whitewater.  That would be a big challenge for the Titans, to say the least.  Big tough Wisconsin teams that rebound it well often give our perimeter oriented Titans a lot of trouble.  IWU lost to WW early in the year, 96-79.  We'll see if it turns out with this bracket or some other.  Lots of combinations possible.  D3hoops had WC left on the table, not making the dance.  Hope that is incorrect.

Anyway, we'll know in a few hours.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 03, 2014, 02:46:16 PM
IWU out
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 03, 2014, 02:47:39 PM
Carthage hosts a pod.

They play St. Norbert the Midwest Champion. The winner gets the winner of Wisconsin Lutheran-Hope. WLC and Hope played each other already this season with Hope needing overtime to beat WLC.

Illinois Wesleyan is left out of the Tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2014, 03:00:57 PM
IWU had the third highest SoS in the country, and a ridiculous 6-5 vRRO.  I guess the committee just couldn't get past 8 losses, no matter how good the opponents were.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on March 03, 2014, 03:40:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2014, 03:00:57 PM
IWU had the third highest SoS in the country, and a ridiculous 6-5 vRRO.  I guess the committee just couldn't get past 8 losses, no matter how good the opponents were.
Making an assumption central region rankings did not change, IWU had 2 AQs and 3 Pool Cs ahead of them just to get in the conversation.  And, you have, for example, a Springfield 17-11 that wins the NEWMAC; a Bridgewater State 16-11 that wins the MASCAC which does not help.

Too many under 6 loss teams this season.  Heck, the worst record in the last Top 25 was five (5) teams @ 21-4 !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2014, 09:20:20 PM
Really sad that IWU did not get in.  Yes, 8 losses and way too many teams this year with gaudy records against weaker teams.  To me it's a travesty that IWU is not in the tournament field.   May make Mia rethink her scheduling strategy and playing against so many top teams early the year.  Really hard to understand given the numbers, given the record IWU has against RRO, how they didn't make this field.  Very disappointed. 

My warm thanks to all the Titans, Coach Smith and all the staff.  Good luck to the seniors in future endeavors.  Great careers all.  We really enjoyed watching you'all perform this year, and in recent years, too, and appreciate all your efforts.  Good luck.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 01:19:45 AM
From a good source, seems IWU beating WC for the third time knocked them out of the last regional rankings, then of course losing to CC gave IWU the 8th loss, not securing the AQ, so the overall resume was changed by the time IWU got to the table.  In this case, damaged both by winning and of course by losing, by 4, really one shot, to CC in the tournament championship game.  Really sad.  This IWU team is definitely tournament worthy. 

You can see Mia Smith's take on it all in the short Pgraph article today.  She'd gathered the team together to watch the selection show, assuming that the Titans had done enough at 19-8 to get in. 

A bitter pill. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 04, 2014, 07:25:58 AM
I think IWU should have gotten in too and was very disappointed yesterday when I learned they had been left out, but the bottom line is that the home loss to North Central kept them out.  When you are already on the bubble, you just cannot lose a home game to the 7th place team in the CCIW. 

It's because of that loss I don't think words like "travesty" apply here.  Unfortunately you kind of have to live with what happens when you have a bad loss like that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 04, 2014, 07:37:29 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 04, 2014, 07:25:58 AM
I think IWU should have gotten in too and was very disappointed yesterday when I learned they had been left out, but the bottom line is that the home loss to North Central kept them out.  When you are already on the bubble, you just cannot lose a home game to the 7th place team in the CCIW. 

It's because of that loss I don't think words like "travesty" apply here.  Unfortunately you kind of have to live with what happens when you have a bad loss like that.

Sounds plausible.  Two years ago the Hope women were 22-5, ranked in the top 20 all year, and had some strong nonconference wins including Baldwin Wallace and Ithaca, the #1 team in the East.  They did not receive an invite and I believe it was largely due to a similar "bad" loss to a conference foe.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 09:23:26 AM
Q, I agree that NCC loss was a bad loss.  No doubt. It lost the Titans a share of the CCIW regular season crown, too.   I'll still stand by travesty though, given the Titans SOS and wins vs. RRO.  They should have been selected.  Problem this year too was that so many programs had very few losses, loading up on very weak schedules.  Perhaps Mia Smith has to think about a different strategy for scheduling pre-CCIW games if little emphasis is going to be placed on SOS.  Anyway, that's how it looks to me.  Everyone has their own opinion about it all and I respect the various views.  Given IWU's SOS, and overall resume, I still think they should be in -- and pretty much everyone around, including the D3 potential Pool C estimations, projected bracket, and many others -- thought so too.  I'm not alone in this one.  Clearly Mia Smith agreed, too, -- got her entire team together to watch the selection show assuming that IWU had done enough at 19-8, under the supposed, current criteria, to get a bid.  See the Pgraph article and the quotes by Coach Smith.  As she also said, of course it would have been better to win the AQ and not leave this kind of situation in others' hands.  The Titans played CC very tough in that last game, basically losing by one possession, one play, vs. the #9 team in the D3 poll, and one of the top seeds in the tournament.  Sorry, but a bitter pill, tough to accept. 

Good season for the Titans, some great games and lots of great seniors this year.  They did a great job all year.  Just hate to see it end this way. 

There's always next year -- Titans in pretty much a big time re-build mode now.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mwunder on March 04, 2014, 11:04:03 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 01:19:45 AM
In this case, damaged both by winning and of course by losing, by 4, really one shot, to CC in the tournament championship game.

There's a 4 point shot now??!!  Can I say the same thing about the Carthage men's team who essentially missed a 3 with 16 seconds to go and ended up losing by 5, or is 4 the cut-off for one shot loses?

I will agree with your last point though...IWU should be in the women's tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2014, 01:50:00 PM
Here are some numbers from the 14 game conference season. Listed are the total points scored and the total shots attempted (including 2FG, 3FG, FT). The formula equates making 1/3 of 3FGs to making 1/2 of 2FGs to making 100 pct of FT att. While making 100 of FT att is the most difficult, the value in terms of points produced per shot is comparable to the other shot types.
Etheridge 206 pts, 248 shots
Wenzel 215, 212
Kuzmanic 212, 208
Schmidt 168, 178
Stercic 117, 97
F McMahon 207, 200
Senette 152, 174
C McMahon 264, 249
Baltes 192, 202
Jackson 203, 216
Czaplicki 196, 222
Torres 111, 124
McDaniels 210, 251
Zeller 256, 224
Hovee 96, 127
The 15 above comprise the all-conference team. The numbers measure scoring efficiency only, not other aspects of offense like passing, dribbling, offensive rebounding and committing turnovers. Nor do they measure any aspect of defense, obviously.
A couple of players who (I assume) just missed making all-CCIW also had good scoring efficiency :
Seibring 165, 166
Cladis 159, 158.
Katy S probably missed out only because 3 teammates got on.
I'm wondering if the fact that Cladis (a relentless hard worker) played only 17.6 minutes per game is why the league's coaches decided that North Central didn't warrant any representation on all-conference. While NC had a disappointing 4-10 record, Augie went 2-12 and was represented. Hopefully Maryssa doesn't give a rat's --- about being omitted.
On a more general note, I've followed CCIW WBB for about 11 or 12 full seasons now and have pretty much seen what there is to see. I doubt if you'll see me next season, although I may take in a few NAIA games.
Thanks again to Pat for allowing us to write these pages.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 04, 2014, 07:10:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 04, 2014, 01:50:00 PM
On a more general note, I've followed CCIW WBB for about 11 or 12 full seasons now and have pretty much seen what there is to see. I doubt if you'll see me next season, although I may take in a few NAIA games.

Aw, c'mon, Rog. You can't bail out on us like that! You're the one who keeps this page going -- and you're easily the most faithful (and most objective) fan in the entire league. If I need a scoop on a player from one of the seven other teams in the league besides NPU, you're my go-to guy.

I sure hope you'll reconsider.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Rog, don't do it.  We need you on these pages, for sure.  I'm way over here in Hong Kong for most of the basketball season, so how will I find out about all the other CCIW programs and players.  Truly, don't do it.

mwunder, watch the last 1:30 of the IWU--CC game and you will see what I mean.  Basically, Kuzmanic made the shot and IWU didn't execute in the last few seconds.  Yes, basically a one possession difference.  Kuzmanic iced it with a FT.  A great game and the Titans had their chances, should have grabbed the AQ, then none of this other drama, disappointment would have happened.  Really too bad they are not in the tournament.  They are more than worthy.

Good luck to Carthage -- I hope they go far and have a great tournament, make some noise.  They are a very good team, but will likely run into undefeated Hope on the second night.  At least they are at home, so surely will feel comfortable, be able to take on the challenge.  No easy games now.

Rog, don't do it!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 09:03:07 PM
Congratulations to Lexi Baltes on her Jostens nomination -- of one ten D3 women players nominated nationally.  A great achievement and honor.  Full story on the iwu.edu site -- women's basketball link. 

I'm sure she'd rather just be playing basketball this weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2014, 11:46:19 AM
Thanks for the kind words, but you guys will do fine.
iwu70, even when you're in Hong Kong, you can study the rosters and stats of each team in the league. Stats don't tell the whole story, but are definitely part of it.
Both of you can write summaries of what happened in the various games around the league.
Greg, I'm sure you'll enjoy what looks like a promising immediate future for your Vikings, a talented and athletic group. A charming bunch, too.
iwu70, your Titans will continue to be good.
Now let me exit before the door hits me on my way out. (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 05, 2014, 11:49:41 AM
Rog,

Sorry that you won't be around so much any more.  I've been quiet lately but still following; this board will miss you.  Hope to see you occasionally at some games or at least online.  You probably won't see me at the NAIA games--but you knew that.  ;)  All the best--take care!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2014, 12:12:27 PM
Toodle pip, HT and the rest of ya.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: bballfan13 on March 05, 2014, 04:22:27 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Rog, don't do it.  We need you on these pages, for sure.  I'm way over here in Hong Kong for most of the basketball season, so how will I find out about all the other CCIW programs and players.  Truly, don't do it.

mwunder, watch the last 1:30 of the IWU--CC game and you will see what I mean.  Basically, Kuzmanic made the shot and IWU didn't execute in the last few seconds.  Yes, basically a one possession difference.  Kuzmanic iced it with a FT.  A great game and the Titans had their chances, should have grabbed the AQ, then none of this other drama, disappointment would have happened.  Really too bad they are not in the tournament.  They are more than worthy.

Good luck to Carthage -- I hope they go far and have a great tournament, make some noise.  They are a very good team, but will likely run into undefeated Hope on the second night.  At least they are at home, so surely will feel comfortable, be able to take on the challenge.  No easy games now.

Rog, don't do it!

IWU70

Not discounting Hope's undefeated season as that is no small feat.  But I see this game going Carthage's way on their home court.  Also, Carthage's schedule should have them prepared for this game:

SOS:
Carthage   .568  (40th in the country)
Hope         .517  (192nd in the country)
 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 05, 2014, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: bballfan13 on March 05, 2014, 04:22:27 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Rog, don't do it.  We need you on these pages, for sure.  I'm way over here in Hong Kong for most of the basketball season, so how will I find out about all the other CCIW programs and players.  Truly, don't do it.

mwunder, watch the last 1:30 of the IWU--CC game and you will see what I mean.  Basically, Kuzmanic made the shot and IWU didn't execute in the last few seconds.  Yes, basically a one possession difference.  Kuzmanic iced it with a FT.  A great game and the Titans had their chances, should have grabbed the AQ, then none of this other drama, disappointment would have happened.  Really too bad they are not in the tournament.  They are more than worthy.

Good luck to Carthage -- I hope they go far and have a great tournament, make some noise.  They are a very good team, but will likely run into undefeated Hope on the second night.  At least they are at home, so surely will feel comfortable, be able to take on the challenge.  No easy games now.

Rog, don't do it!

IWU70

Not discounting Hope's undefeated season as that is no small feat.  But I see this game going Carthage's way on their home court.  Also, Carthage's schedule should have them prepared for this game:

SOS:
Carthage   .568  (40th in the country)
Hope         .517  (192nd in the country)
 
I would tend to make Carthage a slight favorite on their home court.  But some other data points:

Massey SOS:  Carthage 30, Hope 90
Common opponent: Hope wins by 75 at NCC, Carthage wins by 4 at NCC.

But Hope needs to worry right now about Wisconsin Lutheran, not Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2014, 07:20:20 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 05, 2014, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: bballfan13 on March 05, 2014, 04:22:27 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Rog, don't do it.  We need you on these pages, for sure.  I'm way over here in Hong Kong for most of the basketball season, so how will I find out about all the other CCIW programs and players.  Truly, don't do it.

mwunder, watch the last 1:30 of the IWU--CC game and you will see what I mean.  Basically, Kuzmanic made the shot and IWU didn't execute in the last few seconds.  Yes, basically a one possession difference.  Kuzmanic iced it with a FT.  A great game and the Titans had their chances, should have grabbed the AQ, then none of this other drama, disappointment would have happened.  Really too bad they are not in the tournament.  They are more than worthy.

Good luck to Carthage -- I hope they go far and have a great tournament, make some noise.  They are a very good team, but will likely run into undefeated Hope on the second night.  At least they are at home, so surely will feel comfortable, be able to take on the challenge.  No easy games now.

Rog, don't do it!

IWU70

Not discounting Hope's undefeated season as that is no small feat.  But I see this game going Carthage's way on their home court.  Also, Carthage's schedule should have them prepared for this game:

SOS:
Carthage   .568  (40th in the country)
Hope         .517  (192nd in the country)
 
I would tend to make Carthage a slight favorite on their home court.  But some other data points:

Massey SOS:  Carthage 30, Hope 90
Common opponent: Hope wins by 75 at NCC, Carthage wins by 4 at NCC.

You're being selective with your data points, Roundball. You neglected the fact that Carthage and NCC played twice; Carthage beat NCC by 41 in the Toolshed back in January.

North Central isn't exactly the greatest frame of reference, either, as common opponents go. The Cardinals play the Grinnell system, which can lead to some pretty dramatic swings in terms of results (although the 37-point swing in results against the Lady Reds was dramatic even by Grinnell-system standards). Also, the Cardinals were a very young team this year, with only one senior (Marion Boeck) on the roster. Learning how to play Grinnell-style basketball takes time, and clearly the Cardinals were much better at it by season's end than they were on opening weekend, when Hope beat them by 70. Remember, that North Central team beat Illinois Wesleyan on IWU's own floor in the middle of February, a loss that in retrospect knocked the Titans out of a possible Pool C berth. The Cardinals also beat a pretty good Elmhurst team and lost a relatively narrow game to Elmhurst in the rematch.

In other words, the Cardinals team that your Dutch beat by 70 in November wasn't the same Cardinals team that in February took Carthage down to the wire and then beat IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 05, 2014, 09:46:39 PM
Yes, we're all sometime selective with our data, which was kind of the catalyst for my original response.

I have no doubt NCC is much improved.  After the same number of games and practices, is there some reason to think Hope hasn't also improved? 

But as I said I would give Carthage a slight edge on their home court.  Right now Hope needs to worry about WLC and their outstanding 6'2" post player who has been really dominant in recent games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2014, 09:54:48 PM
RogK, farewell!  Hope you at least lurk and stop by from time to time.  We'll miss you fine reports, good data provided on this board over the years. 

My Titans will be in a major re-build now, so next year will be a tough one, a learning experience for mostly younger, new players.  WC, CC and perhaps NPU will likely be in the top group next season.  We'll see. 

Good luck, and all best.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2014, 10:20:15 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 05, 2014, 09:46:39 PMI have no doubt NCC is much improved.  After the same number of games and practices, is there some reason to think Hope hasn't also improved?

Probably not as much as NCC has, given that: a) the Cardinals were a very young team; b) all of the Cardinals' newbies had to get used to playing a radically different style of basketball than they were used to; and c) Hope lost a couple of starters to injuries along the way -- which, although it didn't impede the Dutch enough to keep them from running the table, probably hindered their November-to-March growth in terms of overall competence when compared to a team like NCC.

Who knows? If North Central and Hope were to play again this weekend, perhaps the Dutch would win again by 70. Or perhaps the Cardinals would do to the Dutch what they did to Illinois Wesleyan. The way that the season bore out leads me to think that the latter is a better bet than the former, even though on balance I'd say that Hope would be a sizeable favorite. (It's just hard to predict an outcome margin that involves a Grinnell-system team.)

Quote from: iwu70 on March 05, 2014, 09:54:48 PMMy Titans will be in a major re-build now, so next year will be a tough one, a learning experience for mostly younger, new players.  WC, CC and perhaps NPU will likely be in the top group next season.

You're making a mistake in leaving Elmhurst out of that equation, Mark. I  think that the Bluejays are going to be a very fine team in 2014-15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2014, 02:33:03 AM
Yes, agreed Greg, EC will be good next year too.  Seems to me IWU could be in the bottom half of the league next year, but we'll see what Mia cooks up and what the newbies, those who've been sitting on the pine, can do.  Only key players back now are Kasey Reaber and Gabrielle Holness.  3/4s or more of IWU rotation next season will be new, untested in CCIW-level play.  Could be ugly at first, for a time. 

We all await more news on recruits for the class of 2018.  Molly McGraw and Rebekah Ehresman is all I've heard about so far for the Titans. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on March 06, 2014, 12:27:01 PM
Iwu will be fine next year yes they lose a lot but smith plays a lot of kids. Reaber played all 5 spots this year. I have watched her since high school she does whatever the team needs to win. So if they need her to score next yr I am sure she will she scored almost 500 pts junior yr. Holiness will be better soph yr and beoletto defense. Kelly was getting more and more time this yr. but I agree they will need a post but will be a very fast team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2014, 08:44:42 PM
Thanks, Madison, for info about the IWU prospects next year.  I agree Holness will be much much improved next year.  She had an outstanding high school career and played very well for the Titans this year, her freshman year.  And, Kasey Reaber will likely be one of the top scorers, key players next year.  I agree.  She's gotta learn to drive both ways, not just right.  Don't know much about the others coming up on the Titan rooster, those sitting on the pine this year and those playing some of those JV games.  Do provide more info if you have it.  We'd all be interested in seeing how the Titans' rebuild, reload goes for next season.  I'm impressed with the high school careers of McGraw and Ehresman and hope they make the transition quickly to the college game.  Sometimes it is smooth, other times it really takes some adjustment, especially for the competition with the upper tier of the CCIW.  Hard to quickly replace these five outstanding, departing seniors who have contributed so much, so long to the Titan program.  As has been mentioned, WC and CC and NPU have a lot coming back, and many also think EC will be very good next year.  I think WC will probably be pre-season favorite with McDaniels and Zeller returning.  Good luck to the Titans -- and hope everyone works hard, improves in the off-season.  I truly enjoyed the season this year and appreciate Coach Smith and all the squad members.  Good luck to the seniors in future endeavors.

How did the JV games go this year -- who played and who played well?  Good to see the Titans women's program so strong, able to have some JV games, schedule as well. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2014, 01:06:20 AM
D3hoops review of the D3 tournament up now.  They have DePauw winning the walnut and bronze again.  Thomas More, Hope, WWater, Carthage, some of the top teams out west, all have a shot.  3-4 teams, including Hope, still with unblemished records.  Carthage likely face Hope this weekend in round two.  That one is worthy of Sweet 16 or Elite 8, not round 2. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 07, 2014, 01:13:27 AM
Tough call for me this year and I don't know if I've ever picked the title winner correctly.

If I could pick more than one team, I'd go DePauw, Thomas More, Tufts (because the bracket lines up so well for them), the Hope-Carthage winner (I'd love to see that one in person), Wash U and St. Thomas as my dark horse.  They have been a really, really tough out this time of year. Whitman would be on that list if they didn't have to come east to play Thomas More in their gym, which is a really loud, fun environment.

But at the end of the day, I'm the one Top 25 voter who's picking DePauw No. 1 so I felt obligated to stick with them. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 09:55:34 PM
Carthage 60
St. Norbert 51

Kuzmanic had 25 and Wenzel had 10 for the Lady Reds, who will face Hope tomorrow in the second round.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2014, 11:18:45 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 09:55:34 PM
Carthage 60
St. Norbert 51

Kuzmanic had 25 and Wenzel had 10 for the Lady Reds, who will face Hope tomorrow in the second round.

In 2012, unranked (men's) IWU took down #1 Hope in Holland.  I see no reason that #9 Carthage can't do the same to #2 Hope!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 07, 2014, 11:33:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2014, 11:18:45 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 09:55:34 PM
Carthage 60
St. Norbert 51

Kuzmanic had 25 and Wenzel had 10 for the Lady Reds, who will face Hope tomorrow in the second round.

In 2012, unranked (men's) IWU took down #1 Hope in Holland.  I see no reason that #9 Carthage can't do the same to #2 Hope!

Hope had to earn it tonight as they held off Wisconsin Lutheran 60-54. WLC was done in by turnovers despite out rebounding Hope. WLC led for most of the first half but Hope took the lead before half and despite WLC getting within 2 points a few times did not relinquish.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2014, 11:18:45 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 09:55:34 PM
Carthage 60
St. Norbert 51

Kuzmanic had 25 and Wenzel had 10 for the Lady Reds, who will face Hope tomorrow in the second round.

In 2012, unranked (men's) IWU took down #1 Hope in Holland.  I see no reason that #9 Carthage can't do the same to #2 Hope!

I'm not sure that I see the parallel here, Chuck.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2014, 11:59:10 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2014, 11:18:45 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2014, 09:55:34 PM
Carthage 60
St. Norbert 51

Kuzmanic had 25 and Wenzel had 10 for the Lady Reds, who will face Hope tomorrow in the second round.

In 2012, unranked (men's) IWU took down #1 Hope in Holland.  I see no reason that #9 Carthage can't do the same to #2 Hope!

I'm not sure that I see the parallel here, Chuck.

Obviously there is no parallel.  But why can't I try to instill some hope?  Especially against Hope! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2014, 12:02:47 AM
I'm just not convinced that Carthage is in a wing-and-a-prayer situation here, Chuck. The Dutch are definitely the favorite in their own building, but I don't think that they're a big favorite at all. The Lady Reds are quite capable of winning tomorrow night without anybody in Kenosha having to cross their fingers or rub the lucky rabbit's foot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 08, 2014, 12:07:21 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2014, 12:02:47 AM
I'm just not convinced that Carthage is in a wing-and-a-prayer situation here, Chuck. The Dutch are definitely the favorite in their own building, but I don't think that they're a big favorite at all. The Lady Reds are quite capable of winning tomorrow night without anybody in Kenosha having to cross their fingers or rub the lucky rabbit's foot.

I agree.  Massey has the game basically as a toss up on Carthage's home court.  Not much difference between a #9 and #2 anyway, and Carhtage has played a tougher schedule.  I could see this one going either way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2014, 12:19:35 AM
Exactly. I think that the fact that Carthage will be at home tomorrow night comes close to swinging this one into pick'em territory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2014, 12:44:10 AM
My bad - I totally forgot this was in Kenosha, not Holland.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on March 08, 2014, 03:13:54 AM
Chatman losses by 51 tonite. They received a at large bid with a 21-6 record and a 248 SOS.  Iwu didn't get in with 19-8 and a 3 SOS I guess those 2 more wins against a lot easier teams did it. Just proves SOS means nothing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on March 08, 2014, 07:59:59 AM
Sorry chapman
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: pointlem on March 08, 2014, 02:29:24 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2014, 12:19:35 AM
Exactly. I think that the fact that Carthage will be at home tomorrow night comes close to swinging this one into pick'em territory.
Moreover, Hope will be hampered by the loss of two starters--its excellent post player and speedy point guard--both out with ACLs and expected back next year.  Still, the team has performed admirably even with the diminished roster . . . but will need to shoot better tonight to stay with Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2014, 09:50:46 PM
Carthage 72
Hope 67
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2014, 12:13:16 AM
Congrats to Carthage on Sweet Sixteen and a big win over previously unbeaten Hope tonight.   Good for them.

Still pissed IWU didn't get a bid instead of teams like Chapman with such a poor SOS.  Sure seems SOS means little, at least as applied by this year's committee.  The selection committee really blew it on some of the choices this year.  Nothing to be done. 

Hope Carthage keeps it rolling -- gets to the Final Four.  Go CCIW!

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2014, 12:35:36 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 09, 2014, 12:13:16 AM
Congrats to Carthage on Sweet Sixteen and a big win over previously unbeaten Hope tonight.   Good for them.

Still pissed IWU didn't get a bid instead of teams like Chapman with such a poor SOS.  Sure seems SOS means little, at least as applied by this year's committee.  The selection committee really blew it on some of the choices this year.  Nothing to be done. 

Hope Carthage keeps it rolling -- gets to the Final Four.  Go CCIW!

IWU70

The heck with JUST the FF - Carthage, win it all!

I'm pretty sure the CCIW is already the only conference with three different d3 national champions (NCC, Millikin, and IWU).  Having FOUR different national champs ought to raise the women's profile to the same area as the men's.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2014, 04:27:03 AM
Ypsi, would love to see CC win it all, though they have the bracket from hell now, playing DePauw next, defending champions and many folks' choice to take it all again, then either Oshkosh or Whitewater, both very tough outs.  If CC gets to the final four they will have earned it through several national championship-worthy games even before arriving.  So it goes in the upper Midwest. 

I think our Titans could have beaten 2/3s of the teams in this tournament.  OK, enough of my complaining.   What is done is done.  Moving on.

Good luck to Carthage next weekend.  I suppose DePauw gets to host that bracket from hell now, in Greencastle.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 09, 2014, 01:52:19 PM
Congrats to Carthage for their win over Hope.  The Lady Reds are a very strong team and I'll be cheering for them to go all the way.  Kuzmanic is a real handful and she is surrounded by a host of other solid players.  The Carthage defense gave Hope lots of trouble and their offense made Hope's help defense pay while keeping turnovers to a reasonable number.  The Carthage shooting has been strong all season and true to form, they hit their open shots.  Just too solid overall for Hope to squeak one out on Carthage's home court.

Congrats also to Hope on another stellar season.  On the one hand one is tempted to think "what if" in thinking about the two starters that went down with ACL injuries earlier this season and if the game had been at DeVos, but the focus should rather be on how hard these girls fought and how they rose to the challenge, conducting themselves with determination and class.  The future is bright and with eight of its top ten returning, I expect Hope will reside near the top of the polls again next season.

Good luck to the Lady Reds at DePauw!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2014, 04:47:49 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2014, 12:35:36 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 09, 2014, 12:13:16 AM
Congrats to Carthage on Sweet Sixteen and a big win over previously unbeaten Hope tonight.   Good for them.

Still pissed IWU didn't get a bid instead of teams like Chapman with such a poor SOS.  Sure seems SOS means little, at least as applied by this year's committee.  The selection committee really blew it on some of the choices this year.  Nothing to be done. 

Hope Carthage keeps it rolling -- gets to the Final Four.  Go CCIW!

IWU70

The heck with JUST the FF - Carthage, win it all!

I'm pretty sure the CCIW is already the only conference with three different d3 national champions (NCC, Millikin, and IWU).  Having FOUR different national champs ought to raise the women's profile to the same area as the men's.

Time to put on the Mr. Nitpicker hat ... just because I know that Chuck loves it when I do this to him. ;)

The CCIW has only won two D3 women's basketball championships, not three. North Central won the D3 title in 1982-83 as a member of the Chicago Metro Conference. The CMC included North Central, North Park, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Carroll, and, at various times, Carthage, George Williams, and Concordia (IL) as well.

In 1981-82 and 1982-83 the CMC didn't play a round-robin schedule; it was merely a postseason tournament format (although it did come with an automatic bid to the D3 tourney for the champion). In 1983-84, 1984-85, and 1985-86 the CMC was a full-fledged league that played a double round-robin. In the first year of the CMC double round-robin, 1983-84, North Central again had a great D3 tourney run, but lost to Rust in the national semifinal.

After the 1985-86 school year the CCIW expanded to include women's sports as well as men's sports, so the CMC was disbanded and CCIW women's basketball commenced with the 1986-87 season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2014, 05:44:00 PM
Actually, Greg, thanks for the history lesson!  I had forgotten that the CCIW was THAT late in sponsoring women's sports - for shame!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2014, 06:16:28 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2014, 05:44:00 PM
I had forgotten that the CCIW was THAT late in sponsoring women's sports - for shame!

Agreed ... but you can't unspill milk.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2014, 10:35:29 PM
Congrats to Carthage for their Sweet Sixteen success and their big win over Hope.  Now, they get DePauw at DP, and next Oshkosh or Whitewater.  If they make the Final Four, it will have been the toughest of journeys, the toughest of pathways.

I'm with you Chuck and Greg on the CCIW starting so late with full women's sports, not 'til 86-87 season.  Truly, for shame.  But, look at it all now, due to Title IX and other factors, a very robust range of sporting options for all the women students.  So good to see.  And now softball starting . . . outdoor Spring track and field, perhaps some golf and tennis too.  Good stuff. 

Can any one stop Sydney Moss?  Will she stay in D3 or return to some renewed offer in DI?

Sure sounds like Hope will be superb again next season with tons coming back.

Would love to be @Shirk this weekend.  Alas, it is mid-terms here and I'm loaded down with projects, grading and the wave of international visitors taking advantage of their "Spring break" to come to Asia.  So it goes . . .

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: pointlem on March 11, 2014, 09:41:07 AM
As a Hope fan I second the kudos to the Carthage team.  And added kudos for the quality of its video streaming last weekend.  It was uninterrupted, filled a large TV screen, offered an on-screen score and clock (so one always knew where the game was), and had a great announcer (albeit one, like most local announcers, loyal to the home team).  Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2014, 10:01:57 PM
Agreed, Carthage's video programming, coverage of their regional was first-rate. 

Good luck to Carthage this weekend as they attempt to take down the defending national champs, DePauw, on DePauw's home court.

GO CCIW!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2014, 10:19:17 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 11, 2014, 10:01:57 PM
Agreed, Carthage's video programming, coverage of their regional was first-rate. 

Good luck to Carthage this weekend as they attempt to take down the defending national champs, DePauw, on DePauw's home court.

GO CCIW!

IWU70

I was pleasantly surprised (well, mildly surprised) that the bean-counters allowed DePauw to host.  No one had to fly to any of the schools, but three buses from Wisconsin to Indiana still costs more than one bus from Indiana to Wisconsin, and two buses within Wisconsin.

They did the same thing with the Whitman sectional, where everyone had to fly anyway, but it will be 3 charter planes to Walla Walla, while it could have been 3 commercial flights to any other host.  Nice that seeding does still occasional trump $.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2014, 12:36:41 AM
Chuck, perhaps they saved money in the first/second round games, travel?

Can anyone stop Sydney Moss?  She must be a talent right up there with Olivia Lett's level.  Thomas More still undefeated going into the Sectional weekend.  They have a good bracket to get to the final four, seems to me.

Carthage has the bracket from hell.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2014, 01:35:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2014, 12:36:41 AM
Chuck, perhaps they saved money in the first/second round games, travel?

Can anyone stop Sydney Moss?  She must be a talent right up there with Olivia Lett's level.  Thomas More still undefeated going into the Sectional weekend.  They have a good bracket to get to the final four, seems to me.

Carthage has the bracket from hell.

IWU70

If she sticks around, Sydney Moss is a candidate for THREE-time national POY.  I am in awe of what Olivia did, but Moss is beyond that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2014, 06:24:30 AM
It will be very interesting to see how Sydney Moss does against the top-flight teams in the Sectional and, presumably, in the Final Four.  Has there ever been a two time national POY, let alone three?  Seems Moss also has a pretty good supporting cast too, so perhaps this is Thomas More's year.  I haven't seen Moss play, but would happily take Olivia Lett on my team any day. 

Good luck to Carthage at DePauw.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 12, 2014, 09:05:02 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2014, 06:24:30 AM
It will be very interesting to see how Sydney Moss does against the top-flight teams in the Sectional and, presumably, in the Final Four.  Has there ever been a two time national POY, let alone three?  Seems Moss also has a pretty good supporting cast too, so perhaps this is Thomas More's year.  I haven't seen Moss play, but would happily take Olivia Lett on my team any day. 

Good luck to Carthage at DePauw.


IWU70

Moss has already been a standout against big-time D1 competition in the SEC and nationally in the WNIT; I think it's pretty safe to assume she'll also stand out against top-flight D3 teams.

D3Hoops only started POY selection in 2006 so there hasn't been a repeater yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2014, 02:39:21 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2014, 12:36:41 AMCan anyone stop Sydney Moss?  She must be a talent right up there with Olivia Lett's level.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2014, 01:35:43 AMIf she sticks around, Sydney Moss is a candidate for THREE-time national POY.  I am in awe of what Olivia did, but Moss is beyond that.

Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2014, 06:24:30 AM
It will be very interesting to see how Sydney Moss does against the top-flight teams in the Sectional and, presumably, in the Final Four.  Has there ever been a two time national POY, let alone three?  Seems Moss also has a pretty good supporting cast too, so perhaps this is Thomas More's year.

Nice to see you two finally starting to come around to my way of thinking ;):

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 30, 2013, 08:40:28 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2013, 08:30:44 PM
Thomas More looked every bit as impressive as the Wesleyan team of two years ago, Chuck, national championship or no national championship. The Saints returned three starters from a 27-2 team, as well as four of last season's reserves who each averaged at least 15 mpg, and added a transfer from the U of Florida, Sydney Moss (daughter of former NFL star Randy Moss), who made the All-SEC Freshman team last season and is averaging 21.5 ppg this season for the Saints.

I'll have to check them out when they play a good team.  I have my doubts that Sydney Moss is the equal of Olivia Lett, or that her supporting cast is the equal of Olivia's.  But I'll keep an open mind - or at least try to!! ;)

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 08:23:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D

Now, now, Greg.  I'll try to view it objectively.  From what I'm reading, she may end up the best D3 player ever.  But Walnut-and-Bronze and national POY IS a pretty steep target for a sophomore!  And I haven't viewed them yet, but I have my doubts her teammates are as solid as Olivia's.

I'll try to remember to watch them on the 19th against Chicago or the 30th against Centre.  (Unless they have a worthy opponent, I wouldn't be able to judge her skills.  Anyone can look great against Podunk Tech.)

BTW, that is quite an unusual transfer.  Usually a transfer from D1 is because they saw the handwriting on the wall that they were overmatched.  Anyone have an explanation why she went D3?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 09:11:23 PM
Jenny Burgoyne (17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg) is an outstanding player who would be a star in our league. Katie Kitchen, Devin Beasley, and Sydni Wainscott are terrific players as well.

I chose my words very carefully. When I said that TMC was as good as any team that I've seen in a long, long time, I meant it. Granted, it was only one game -- and the more times you see a team, the truer the picture of that team that you get. But that one performance would've been incredibly hard to fake; I'm not saying that it's impossible that I saw a deceptive picture on Saturday afternoon, but most teams simply don't have the physical capacity to do the things that the Saints did.

I understand why you've gotten your partisan hackles up about that, Chuck. But this isn't about oneupsmanship of any sort. I am simply relaying what I saw on Saturday afternoon.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 12, 2014, 03:46:59 PM
If you read the story posted on the front page you'd see that her reason for transferring was that she didn't feel Florida was a good fit for her.  Why isn't clarified but given her first year's performance I kind of doubt the reason was she didn't feel she could compete at that level.  She also indicated that she didn't want to sit out a year by transferring to another D1 program and she played high school hoops in Kentucky so Thomas Moore was her choice.

I once said that I thought Oliva Lett was the best DIII female player that I'd ever seen.  I haven't seen Sidney Moss play so I'm not prepared to say that she is better than Lett.  However she is within 32 points of setting the all time DIII record for points scored in a season, she already holds the record for points scored in a single game (63), has had 15 double-doubles this season and she averages just a shade under 9 rebounds a game as a sophomore.   Something tells me she's pretty damn good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2014, 02:11:57 AM
I'd love to see Sydney Moss play, see how she is this year.  She sure is playing at an exceptional level as a sophomore.  Trully incredible numbers.  No doubt. 

Of course, we are very proud of Olivia Lett's performance and career at IWU -- it was truly outstanding, especially the national championship year as MOP of the Year.

Sounds like Sydney Moss could garner similar awards and accolades, lead her team this year or in future to the national title.  We'll soon see.  A rare case of a high-performing DI playing moving to a DIII program. 

Good luck to Carthage this weekend -- hope they are able to get two really tough road wins at DePauw and move on to the Final Four at WI-SP.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Carthage goes down to DePauw.  Hard to take down the defending national champion on their floor.

Great season for the Redpeople.  Congrats to them.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 14, 2014, 09:46:03 PM
The Lady Reds saw their season come to a close tonight, as they went down hard to #3 DePauw, 73-54. Carthage had an eight-point lead about halfway through the first half, but the defending champion Tigers just turned it on from there and never looked back, building up a lead that reached 26 in the latter stages of the game.

Stephanie Kuzmanic did not go out with a bang, as the Tigers limited her to four points on 2-11 shooting, although she did dish out nine assists. Her fellow seniors Michelle Wenzel and Krist Schmidt bowed out with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2014, 09:18:20 AM
Sorry to hear Sydney Moss was injured, playing only 6 minutes, and couldn't get her team (and her skills) to be on show at the Final Four.  Looks like a very strong Final Four grouping, with three new teams making it to the last weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: BruinFan on March 16, 2014, 10:55:53 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 16, 2014, 09:18:20 AM
Sorry to hear Sydney Moss was injured, playing only 6 minutes, and couldn't get her team (and her skills) to be on show at the Final Four.  Looks like a very strong Final Four grouping, with three new teams making it to the last weekend.

IWU70

Maybe not a huge difference, but she played 12 minutes of the first half.
I wish her a full recovery - all the tougher when your season ends with an injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 16, 2014, 12:12:14 PM
Sydney Moss is injured and won't play this weekend?  Really???
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: BruinFan on March 16, 2014, 12:17:29 PM
Moss left the game versus Whitman with under 8 minutes to play in the first half and did not return.
The score was 19-19 at the time and she had 6 points. She was on pace for about 20 points, 8 points below her average.

Whitman will play Whitewater in the semi-final.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2014, 09:39:06 PM
Yes, wishing Sydney Moss quick and full recovery.  Tough to be out in such a crucial game for Thomas More.  Shades of what happened to the 6'5" player from George Fox? in one of the key games against IWU a few years back.  She went down early and didn't return in the game.  A crash, roll on the floor with Olivia Lett, as I recall.  Was key to IWU getting to the national title. 

Looking forward to hearing more news about CCIW recruitment for next season.  Getting to mid-April soon, so these top players will be making their choices and signing admissions letters/contracts.  IWU needs some post players, some strong rebounders to compliment their normal pressure D and perimeter style offense.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2014, 10:15:23 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 16, 2014, 09:39:06 PM
Yes, wishing Sydney Moss quick and full recovery.  Tough to be out in such a crucial game for Thomas More.  Shades of what happened to the 6'5" player from George Fox? in one of the key games against IWU a few years back.  She went down early and didn't return in the game.  A crash, roll on the floor with Olivia Lett, as I recall.  Was key to IWU getting to the national title. 

Looking forward to hearing more news about CCIW recruitment for next season.  Getting to mid-April soon, so these top players will be making their choices and signing admissions letters/contracts.  IWU needs some post players, some strong rebounders to compliment their normal pressure D and perimeter style offense.

IWU70

That was in the first half of the national title game (Hannah Munger was the injured player).  George Fox partisans insisted that was the only reason IWU won the title.  I went on their thread to point out that in the previous year IWU ousted George Fox in the E8 with Hannah Munger playing the whole game (and, IMO, Olivia Lett not yet being OLIVIA LETT); I doubt they were convinced! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2014, 01:46:22 AM
Congrats to Lexi Baltes and Colleen McMahon on All-Region selection.  A great year, great careers for both of these Titans. 

But, Zeller over Colleen McMahon for first team, that's just wrong.  Come on selectors -- do your homework. 

Kuzmanic very deserving.  No doubt.

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 17, 2014, 01:40:01 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 17, 2014, 01:46:22 AM
Congrats to Lexi Baltes and Colleen McMahon on All-Region selection.  A great year, great careers for both of these Titans. 

But, Zeller over Colleen McMahon for first team, that's just wrong.  Come on selectors -- do your homework. 


Voters looked at the full season's resume and disagreed. Not sure what else to tell you.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2014, 07:16:35 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 17, 2014, 01:40:01 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 17, 2014, 01:46:22 AM
Congrats to Lexi Baltes and Colleen McMahon on All-Region selection.  A great year, great careers for both of these Titans. 

But, Zeller over Colleen McMahon for first team, that's just wrong.  Come on selectors -- do your homework. 


Voters looked at the full season's resume and disagreed. Not sure what else to tell you.

Curious.  Out of points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and lack of turnovers, McMahon led Zeller in 5 of the 6 categories.  I have to wonder what on the full season's resumes they thought they saw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 18, 2014, 12:53:21 AM
I notice Zeller shot better, across the board.

Could be, too, that Baltes and McMahon split the IWU vote.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2014, 01:25:06 AM
Sorry, Pat, just don't get it on Zeller over McMahon.  Look at head to head games, Titans win all three and McMahon significantly out-performs Zeller in those games as well.  I could easily make a case for Baltes over Zeller for first team too.  Truly strange, not right.  I respect the voters' rights to vote for whoever they wish, but this is a mistake.  IMHO. 

Oh well, it is what it is.  I just feel bad that the very strong, superb overall resume, scoring leader in the CCIW is not getting her due on the regional first team. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 27, 2014, 12:46:44 AM
Carthage finishes ranked #8 in the final D3hoops poll.  Congrats to them on a great season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 30, 2014, 10:11:29 PM
IWU recruit, Rebekah Ehresman named Pantagraph Area Player of the Year, for the second straight year.  See pgraph article today -- March 31 -- for details.  Looks like a great recruit, also first team All-Area.  IWU recruit Molly McGraw of Central Catholic also named to the All-Area first team.  A good start on the IWU rebuild.   Of course, no one knows how good these players will be at the college, CCIW level, but they sure look pretty good to me.  Great high school careers, high caliber students.  More recruits coming no doubt. 

Time for the recruiting news to come in -- in the next 3-4 weeks.  Good luck to Coach Smith in getting the recruits she's after and bring the IWU program back to a CCIW championship in coming years. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 02, 2014, 02:59:52 AM
"All In for Wesleyan" today -- April 2nd -- give 'til it hurts.  Thanks Titans!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 03, 2014, 01:32:48 AM
Thanks to all those Titans and friends of IWU who donated to the "All In for IWU" effort today.  A great job.

We raised a lot -- perhaps as much as 750K, with perhaps as many as 1800 donors.  We'll see the final tallies in the days to come.  Not bad for a day's work.

Thanks to all the creative development guys at IWU for all their good work on this -- you know who you are!

Go TITANS!

On to baseball/softball and golf now.  Oh yeah, lacrosse too. 

IWU70
mls
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Just Bill on April 25, 2014, 09:58:30 AM
Carroll joining the CCIW in 2016-17:

http://athletics.carrollu.edu/news/2014/4/25/cciw.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on April 25, 2014, 07:55:00 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on April 25, 2014, 09:58:30 AM
Carroll joining the CCIW in 2016-17:

http://athletics.carrollu.edu/news/2014/4/25/cciw.aspx

They should have never left the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 25, 2014, 09:48:14 PM
Quote from: Naperick on April 25, 2014, 07:55:00 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on April 25, 2014, 09:58:30 AM
Carroll joining the CCIW in 2016-17:

http://athletics.carrollu.edu/news/2014/4/25/cciw.aspx

They should have never left the CCIW.

Agreed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on April 28, 2014, 11:24:01 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 03, 2014, 01:32:48 AM
Thanks to all those Titans and friends of IWU who donated $US to the "All In for IWU" effort today. 

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 29, 2014, 06:46:45 PM
LOL!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: matblake on May 21, 2014, 04:02:12 PM
Wheaton announces recruits:
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2014/5/20/WBB_0520142006.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 24, 2014, 10:39:16 AM
Any further word on new recruits?  Esp. newbies for the IWU program? 

Happy Summer to all!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 31, 2014, 09:28:42 AM
IWU has 3 recruits coming that I am aware of - all seem to be very good.

* Alex Norville, 6-2 F/C (Taylorville H.S.) - 11.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg

* Molly McGraw, 5-8 G/F (Bloomington Central Catholic) - 19.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.1 spg

* Rebekah Ehresman, 5-6 PG (El Paso-Gridley H.S.) - 19.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 4.5 spg


Ehresman is the headliner.  I've heard she is outstanding.

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20140401/Sports/140409852

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on June 22, 2014, 11:43:45 AM
Article about the IBCA 1A/2A game where a couple of IWU's recruits were playing...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/schlipf-earns-mvp-as-north-wins-ibca-a--a/article_a3075344-0b1b-52d7-ab0a-dab87a223e4f.html

With IWU's roster in transition, it sounds like Ehresman and McGraw both have a chance to start as FR.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 25, 2014, 12:14:15 PM
Mia Smith has now posted the 2014-15 Titans roster.  A very young squad, likely in the midst of a rebuilding year after losing so much senior talent to graduation.  Squad has 18 members so far with 10 sophomores, 4 freshmen, 2 juniors, and 2 seniors (K. Reaber and E. Beoletto). 

If I were guessing, I'd think K. Reaber and sophomore Gabrielle Holness are almost assured to start.  Perhaps Beoletto too.  After that, it's all very competitive and uncertain.  Titans need a new PG for sure and are a team that is very vertically challenged with very little size and, seemingly, rebounding strength.  Likely that "run and jump" and a speed and pressure game are again in the future of this squad and Titan opponents.  This squad will have to find some shooters and scorers.  As Q indicated earlier, surely looks like highly touted freshmen, Ehresman and McGraw, have a great chance for major minutes, even starting spots.  Perhaps too 6"1' freshman Alex Norville in the post area.  We'll see in about 6 weeks or so. 

Full roster now posted on the IWU women's basketball page.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2014, 02:24:58 PM
IWU picked tied for third in the conference pre-season coaches' poll.  Wheaton picked by the coaches to win the title, with two-time defending champions Carthage second.  Should be a good season.  Surely, IWU is in a re-building year, a re-building mode, with a lot of young players, a huge sophomore group, plus two very promising freshmen.  IWU plays a very tough, demanding pre-CCIW schedule and would be lucky to go 7-4 or 8-3, IMHO.  These new kids are going to learn very very fast about the speed and physicality of the college game.  I'm optimistic as always, as we have one of the finest coaches in D3 in Mia Smith, but it would be a stretch for me to think that this team will win the CCIW or make it to post-season play this year. We'll see.  WC and Carthage will be tough. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 06, 2014, 03:15:11 PM
Mark,

Are Mia Smith's health issues all in the past?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 06, 2014, 04:22:48 PM
Wow. Seventh? If I were the NPU coaching staff and players, I would interpret the preseason poll as a total slap in the face of a Vikings team that returns seven players who averaged 18 minutes per game or better last season. Grist for the mill, I guess.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2014, 05:25:22 PM
Ypsi, yes, it seems so.  Mia has been healthy and cancer free for some time, as far as I know. 

She has a very young team, says it is one of her most athletic, though vertically challenged.  Very little size, but lots of speed, quickness, some skilled shooters, but many very inexperienced at the CCIW varsity level.  Only two seniors -- Reaber and Beoletto.  I heard 6-1 F Alex Norville is injured, perhaps out for the year.  But not confirmed.  Seems they must rely heavily on speed, pressure, and perimeter scoring.  That's not new I guess, but it would be nice to still have Karen and Christina Solari around, for rebounding and toughness.  Not so this year.  I'm sure Mia will adapt her approach and style of play to the talents of her squad.  I think the Titans will do fine against many teams, but struggle against big power teams like Whitewater, SP, and perhaps Wash U. or DePauw.  Many of these teams ranked in the D3 top 25 pre-season.  We'll see.  IWU plays another very tough pre-CCIW schedule, as is Mia's wont.  You can see the video interview she did -- linked off of the IWU website, in the story about the pre-season CCIW coaches' poll.  On the iwu.edu women's basketball sports site page now. 

Looking forward to what Mia and the team make of the season.  I'm optimistic, but especially for next and following seasons when this big sophomore and the two top freshmen are upper classpeople.  Bright future I think, but time needed for development and experience.  Ehresman and McGraw will be very good CCIW players, in time.  Need very big years this year from Reaber and Holness.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 08, 2014, 06:12:40 PM
Titan women play an exhibition game tonight at 7 p.m. at SIU Edwardsville.  A new edition begins the journey.  Lots of underclassmen featuring in this years squad.  Looking forward to seeing how fast they development, how well they find a new identity for this season.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 09, 2014, 08:44:16 PM
IWU played an exhibition vs. D1 SIU-E and got clobbered, something like 105-45.  Holness and Beoletto top scorers as I recall.  Freshman Molly McGraw in the starting line up.  Don't have a box.  Titans will be good against many D3 teams this year, but likely not against big strong teams with strong paint presence.   It's going to be an issue.  Vertically challenged, but with lots of perimeter speed.  We'll see how the shooters, how the freshmen (Ehresman and McGraw) develop.  Titans open on the 15th in Iowa, two games on 15 and 16, vs. Mount Mercy University and Cornell College.  Hope they get some momentum going early for tougher games later vs. Whitewater, Point, DePauw and Wash U.  Could be ugly.

Go TITANS!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on November 09, 2014, 08:56:41 PM
I heard Kasey Reaber also has a injury but is trying to play threw it. Never can tell how a team is gonna be in a exhibition game. After next weeks game they will see how good they are when starters play more minutes. McGraw did not start. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 09, 2014, 09:10:39 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 09, 2014, 08:44:16 PM
IWU played an exhibition vs. D1 SIU-E and got clobbered, something like 105-45.  Holness and Beoletto top scorers as I recall.  Freshman Molly McGraw in the starting line up.  Don't have a box.  Titans will be good against many D3 teams this year, but likely not against big strong teams with strong paint presence.   It's going to be an issue.  Vertically challenged, but with lots of perimeter speed.  We'll see how the shooters, how the freshmen (Ehresman and McGraw) develop.  Titans open on the 15th in Iowa, two games on 15 and 16, vs. Mount Mercy University and Cornell College.  Hope they get some momentum going early for tougher games later vs. Whitewater, Point, DePauw and Wash U.  Could be ugly.

Go TITANS!

IWU70

Wow, has SIU-E improved that much since Millikin beat them (in a real game!) a few years ago, or is this an ominous sign for the Titans?

(Oh, wait, that was a men's game - I don't know how the SIU-E women's team is historically.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 10, 2014, 02:06:14 PM
Thanks Madison135 for further detail.  What was the starting line-up at SIU-E.  Any further details?  Sorry to hear about Reaber.  Hope she gets well, gets fit by season start.  Agree, these exhibitions don't show much about what the Titans will really be like in D3 play.  More to come in the early games, I'm sure.

Look forward to the season and wish Coach Smith and all the team members all success in the upcoming season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on November 10, 2014, 05:14:53 PM
Iwu started Reaber, beoletto, weber, holiness and lehocky. I think lehocky started because of her size against siue size. Iwu played 16 kids and siue only played 10. As for Reaber I heard she has a complete tear of the ucl in her elbow which she will need surgery ( tommy john).  She said she will wait on surgery and play with a brace on, but on Saturday she took brace off and had trainer tape her up and she went back in. I think she only played like 5-10 minutes since game didn't mean anything that's why she barely played. That's one tough kid.  Hopefully I will be able to see more games but as of now it will be about 7 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2014, 05:51:14 PM
Sounds very tough for Reaber.  Can't imagine she can play very well, even very much this season with that injury.  May need to throw the new freshmen into the fire and see what happens, see this as a re-building and experience-gathering year.  I'm sure Mia will figure it out and do the best she can with the talent that is there.  Is Norville out for the year?  Hope to see more of all the roster in early games, so we can really see what comes into focus for a starting line-up and rotation come CCIW time.  This team is going to have troubles in the paint, with rebounding.  Hope they have a fierce press and really know early on how to use "run and jump" to pressure the ball in the back court in near the half-court line.  Sound familiar?

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 12, 2014, 05:00:48 PM
d3hoops.com's preseason women's AA team has been posted - Wheaton's Ellie Zeller (3rd team) is the only CCIW rep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2014, 12:43:42 PM
Reaber plans to play through the injury, braced or taped up.  She's spending time at the 4 now, given the Titans vertically challenged line-up. 

Titans open Saturday evening in Iowa vs. Mount Mercy.  Gonna depend a lot on speed and getting some better trey shooting, higher percentages shooting on offence.  The D, the fitness and the pressure will be there.

Looking forward to another season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on November 13, 2014, 01:52:18 PM
Reaber started at the 1 but played 1-4 in the game. I think coach is trying to see what players fit. So Reaber might play all spots this year. I believe she's pretty versatile and a team player and will go where's needed. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 14, 2014, 07:20:45 PM
Maybe the IWU line-up this year is truly closest to the 5 guard line-up that we sometimes joke about in the CCIW men's chat space!   :)

Good luck to the Titans out in Iowa this weekend, for the first two games of the regular season.  We'll be watching and cheering.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2014, 09:47:59 PM
NPU opens the season tomorrow afternoon in the crackerbox by hosting Olivet. The Comets, who went 22-4 in 2013-14 and beat North Park by seven in a game played at Olivet last December, are picked to finish third in the MIAA. Their size is intimidating; they're led by 6'4 center Stefanie Lang (21 ppg, 13.9 rpg), who tied for the most double-doubles in D3 women's basketball last year (she put up 23 and 21 against NPU) and 6'1 forward Carli Reid (11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg).

The game will feature a t-shirt fundraiser to benefit research for a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, the form of brain cancer that has stricken Lauren Hill of Mount St. Joseph.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2014, 10:15:17 PM
North Park 58
Olivet 45

Liz Rehberger: 20 pts, 6 rebs, 4:1 a:to, 4 stls
Annie Shain: 10 pts, 6 rebs, 3:0 a:to
Amani Davis: 6 rebs, 4 stls
Rachel Torres: 4 stls

The Vikings picked up a nice season-opening win today. Although I didn't see it, it would appear that the keys to the win were their limiting the vastly-bigger Comets to only a five-rebound advantage, and their managing to keep the Comets off of the free-throw line. Olivet attempted only two FTs all night, missing both of them. When you have a 6'5 center and a 6'1 power forward, you should be toeing the line a lot more than that. Olivet also turned the ball over 28 times, with 16 of those turnovers being Vikings steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2014, 06:16:23 PM
To my surprise, my Titans got two wins out in Iowa on the weekend.  Seems this team has some speed, some trey shooting chops, and surely some tenacity.  One win was easy, the other by a single point, first over Mount Saint Mary, then a close one over host Cornell.  Mia seems to be using a 9-10 player rotation, with freshmen McGraw and Ehresman in the mix off the bench.  Samantha Elsworth had a big game first, then Kasey Reaber the second night, playing with her injury.  Titans held their own on rebounding and got, as usual, a lot of TOs off the pressure.  Next two games are huge challenges against big WIAC teams.  But, a very positive start for the first weekend of play on the road.  Stories up on the IWU women's basketball page, with Box Scores, should you want more detail.

Way to start the season, TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2014, 08:36:00 PM
Titans starters were:  Ellsworth, Reaber, Holness, Beoletto, and Weber.  Mia Smith has 4-5 others coming on the bench, playing major minutes so far.  Both freshmen, McGraw and Ehresman, getting some pretty substantial PT. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on November 16, 2014, 09:09:46 PM
Just looked at the box score from last 2 games. Not shooting great percentage but winning. Reaber seems do be doing a lot all the way across the stat chart. Hopefully they keep it up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2014, 11:19:53 AM
Madison, agreed.  I think the shooting percentage will come up.  Glad to see Titans have some legit trey shooters.  I think Holness will find her grove as the season goes on.  She's a quality player. Yes, Reaber is versatile, hard to stop off the dribble and shoots FTs well, even with a bum arm.  Glad to see Ellsworth have a break-out game, surely gaining confidence.  I think McGraw and Ehresman are really going to contribute and develop very fast at the CCIW varsity level.  And, they're around for a long long time.  :)  Gotta be pretty optimistic after this past weekend, though I know some losses are likely coming to WIAC schools, with greater size.  We'll see.  I'd be very happy to continue to see this 10-11 player rotation, keeping everyone active, fresh and involved.  Titans really showed some tenacity and spunk.   I think Mia is a superb coach.  If the Titans come out of the pre-CCIW period at 7-4, that would be amazing.  Time will tell.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2014, 10:17:24 PM
Final from South Bend:

North Park 92
St. Mary's (IN) 68

Liz Rehberger: 17 pts, 5 stls
Kennedy Kantner: 14 pts, 6 rebs
Nikki Przybyslawski: 13 pts, 6 rebs, 5:2 a:to
Amani Davis: 12 pts, 3 stls
Annie Shain: 12 pts

The Vikings, after a slow start in which they were stuck on three points for the first six and a half minutes of the game, caught fire with an 18-0 run in the middle of the first half and then ran away and hid. Amanda Crockett was able to give double-digit minutes to all 11 Vikings who played, and NPU pilfered 16 steals out of SMC's 25 turnovers and shot a sparkling 89% (33-37) from the free-throw line. It was particularly good to see Nikki Przybyslawski play well in front of her hometown crowd.

Wheaton beat St. Mary's (IN), 78-41, three days ago. There's not much comparison there, since a rout is a rout and SMC is clearly not up to challenging a CCIW team.

NPU is off to a good start. I'm looking forward to broadcasting my first game for this team on Friday night, when the Vikings entertain a UW-Lacrosse team that is likewise off to a 2-0 start.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2014, 05:24:08 PM
Recent scores:

EC 63 Wi-Whitewater 60,  EC going to 3-0
MU 82 Blackburn 56
Coe 82 Augie 67

Looks like EC is starting to put together a pretty good season. Time will tell.

IWU plays Stevens Point next, then Whitewater, from the WIAC.  A good test for where this Titan team may be early on.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2014, 05:52:44 PM
I said it at the end of last season, and I'll say it again: Elmhurst is going to be very dangerous this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2014, 08:22:22 PM
Looks to me like you are right about Elmhurst, Greg. 

Will be interesting to see how the Titans match up with Whitewater.  Game is at home @The Shirk.  Titans have Stevens Point first, away.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on November 22, 2014, 11:16:04 AM
I see wheaton beat aurora university last night. Just looked at wheaton non- conference schedule they play a real soft schedule think that could hurt there ncaa bid.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2014, 11:39:03 AM
Yes, here's the games from last night:

WC 83 Aurora 25  (do I hear someone say "cupcake?")
NC 100 St. Mary's Ind. 84

I don't have a score on LX-WI vs. NPU last evening.

Titans play at Stevens Point this afternoon, Saturday, at 2 p.m.  A tough match-up for the vertically challenged Titans.  Video link on the Titan women's basketball page. 

Nice piece in today's Pgraph on the Titan's 2-0 start and strong compliments from Coach Smith on how hard this team plays.   

Titans also face a WIAC challenge on Tuesday night at home vs. Whitewater.    Home opener that evening for the men and the women.   All good, tough tests for CCIW play later on.  Titan men will face a pre-season first team All-American from MSOE. 

Hope'n for a big crowd at the Shirk, but unlikely as most students will be splitting campus by then for Thanksgiving break.  The community and the "Titan faithful" will be there. 

A happy Turkey Day to all CCIW chatsters.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 22, 2014, 12:53:28 PM
Quote from: Madison135 on November 22, 2014, 11:16:04 AM
I see wheaton beat aurora university last night. Just looked at wheaton non- conference schedule they play a real soft schedule think that could hurt there ncaa bid.

Not sure about the rest, but playing Hope at Hope next Tuesday is no picnic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2014, 03:55:00 PM
IWU down 34-24 at the half vs. Point in Wisconsin.  Titans out-sized in this one, a foul fest, with lots of problems with the Titan press and pressure.  Reach-in fouls killing the Titan defence.  From what I see so far, IWU will have some trouble this year scoring points.  Lots of inexperience out there on the floor.  I'm sure these players will mature, grow fast, but this is clearly a team, a work, in progress.  Perhaps Mia can make half time adjustments, but Point is a big, more experienced team with a pretty good PG, so hard to get the normal turnovers of the pressure.  Titans have to rebound better, block out, and get some shots to fall to get back in this one.  Perhaps part of the "learning process" for this time of year before CCIW play.  Ehresman started at PG today.  Several Titans in foul trouble going into the second half.  Point has some big big players.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2014, 04:24:23 PM
Speed and pressure (and perhaps fitness too) kills.  Titans roaring back, playing better.  Tale of two halves.  Titans up 11 now with 11 to go, second half.  An amazing turn-around.

Go Titans.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2014, 04:38:54 PM
Boy, did I speak to soon.  Titans go on a 41-6 second half run and now lead by 20+ points with about 4 minutes to go, bigtime win over Point.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2014, 05:04:05 PM
Final in Wisconsin, Titans going to 3-0 with an amazing second half run, at one point 41-6 over Point.

Holness 22
Ehresman 11
McGraw 11
Reaber 10

Point with 26 TOs off the Titan pressure, wearing them down, especially in the second half.  Those freshmen are really going to make substantial contributions, be good, and be around the Titan program a long time.

Still, this team a work in progress, but when the games goes at their pace, in their style, this team could be very very good.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 23, 2014, 10:58:53 AM
NPU really blew one on Friday night, losing to UW-LaCrosse, 68-66, in a game in which the Vikings owned the lead for 35 minutes, a lead which had been as big as 14 points. The UWL press in the second half had a lot to do with the Eagles crawling back into it, but the main culprit was missed free throws by the Park. After going 47-60 (78%) from the line in their first two games, the Vikings shot an atrocious 11-27 (41%) from the charity stripe on Friday night. All they needed to do was to make a mere half of their free throws and they would've won the game, but they just couldn't do it.

What made things worse was the fact that Carthage stomped UWL last night, 62-41, in a game that was never close. That's a bad note of comparison for NPU.

Liz Rehberger led NPU on Friday night with 16 points and 7 boards, Rachel Torres contributed 11 points, and Annie Shain had 10, while Nicole Kruckman led the Vikings with 10 rebounds.

The Vikings will return to action on Wednesday afternoon at Aurora. It should be a nice pick-me-up for NPU after Friday's mental and emotional disaster.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 25, 2014, 10:53:25 AM
A very good test in the home opener at Shirk tonight for the Titan women, now 3-0.  A struggling Whitewater comes to town.  My last look at this edition of the Titans in person before I decamp to warmer climes on the Far Side.  To morning basketball via video streaming from Hong Kong.  When the snow flies, I fly!  I'll return when the Spring flowers bloom and the golf courses re-open!   :)

Wheaton now at #15 in the new D3hoops.com poll.  IWU enters the poll this week at #22, with WW, a former #14 dropping down and out to the ORVs category. 

We'll see if the poll voters have it right, tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving to all CCIW players, coaches, fans and the loyal CCIW chatsters in this room.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 25, 2014, 03:45:29 PM
Interesting article, quoting Coach Smith in the Pgraph today, about how the Titans are developing.  She praises the two freshmen, Ehresman and McGraw, esp. McGraw.  Ehresman already starting, as she's a natural PG, good defender and great A:TO ratio, so that let's others in the small Titan line-up play 2 or 3 or even 4.  Strange as this may sound, Ehresman reminds me of freshman Korey Coon.   Seems Mia is preparing for McGraw to be in the starting line-up soon.  Perhaps tonight.  She's quick, jumps well, can play the 3 or 5.  With "run and jump" in full glory, I'm sure Mia will continue to play a 9-10 player rotation to keep things active, engaged and with fresh legs.  Use differing line-ups depending on the situation, the opponent.  Win tonight against WW would be big.  I surely didn't expect a 3-0 start, so things are looking pretty good, rather optimistic so far.  Reaber is one of those players that you either cheer grandly or scratch your head saying "why in the world?"  If she's on, she's hard to stop.  Question is ball and shot judgement.  Overall, I think the most solid, consistent player on the Titan roster is likely to be Holness. 

Two good ones at The Shirk tonight -- 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Come on down!!!

Happy Turkey Day to all -- don't let the turkeys get you down.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on November 25, 2014, 08:00:12 PM
IWU 72 UWW 75
Only saw the last 4 minutes but this looked like one the Titans should have been able to win.  Rushed things a little at the end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on November 26, 2014, 04:18:30 PM
Iwu70. I think the freshman do a good job for the most part. Ehresman I really like but if you have watched the whole game McGraw jumps hard for rebounds but takes a lot of plays off needs to mature a little and in Mia's system has to play defense. As for Reaber I think your wrong on ( what where you thinking ) yes she does stuff wrong like all of them but Mia has her guarding kids twice her size and she playing all 5 spots which is hard. I asked her last time I was at game why doesn't she shoot from outside and she said Mia tells her to drive all the time. But some of her drives she shouldn't do as for passing she sees the court a lot better then most of them and her passes are hard and fast.  If the would have slowed down the last minute the would have won.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2014, 07:26:26 PM
As expected, NPU flattened Aurora this afternoon out in the western suburbs, 73-46. The Vikings were up by 23 at the intermission and basically just mailed in the second half, with mostly reserves playing. Ten of the eleven Vikings who suited up played double-figure minutes, with only two of them playing more than 20 minutes -- and they stayed in that long only because a couple of injuries have left NPU shorthanded in the backcourt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2014, 09:46:41 AM
Clearly a game IWU should have won.  Issues of game management and FT shooting doomed the Titans.  Had a lead of 6 with two minutes or so to go.  Part of the process of a young team maturing, knowing how to finish games.  Going 12-32 from the line will not win you many games, also being hugely out-rebounded, yet still being close to winning.  Hope Beoletto's injury is not serious, but doesn't look good.  I'm sure Mia will take from this game and help her team develop, learn how to finish games.  Surely, most players will be on the FT line practicing many hours in the next few weeks.  Gotta clean that up quickly.

Still optimistic about the season.  This team has a lot of talent and speed and plays very hard.  The freshmen will develop and learn very fast now playing at the CCIW varsity level.  Many young players.  All will be veterans, more seasoned very soon now.

Keeping going TITANS -- a bright season ahead.

GO TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2014, 09:18:43 PM
Wow, always delighted to see the Titans prove my guesstimations and speculations correct.  Big win for the IWU women tonight over #6 DePauw.  Ehresman had her most outstanding game as a Titan, proving she is learning very very fast.  Titans now play #8 Wash U for the championship of the weekend tournament in Jacksonville, IL.  The Titans sorted out the FT shooting percentage problem right away and must have played one heck of a game to take down DP.  Titans now 4-1 on the new campaign.

GO GREEN, GO TITANS.  Keep it rolling vs. Wash U.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2014, 10:29:42 PM
North Park 76
Eureka 56

Annie Shain: 17 pts, 6 rebs, 4 stls
Nikki Przybyslawski: 13 pts, 7:1 a:to
Nicole Kruckman: 12 pts, 10 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 11 pts

This was a relatively routine win for NPU. The Red Devils managed to hang around for awhile, but a 12-0 run in the middle of the second half basically put them away for good. NPU improves to 4-1 on the season while Eureka drops to 2-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2014, 07:51:07 AM
Titans blown out by Wash U in the championship game of the tourney in Jacksonville.  Seems they ran out of gas in the second half, outscored like 46-21 or some such.  Still, Titans at 4-2 with a good win over DePauw, a pretty good start.  I'm still hoping for 7-4 or 8-3 in the pre-CCIW phase.  Very tough schedule, still some pretty tough games to come.  They are a very young, fast-developing team that has a very high bar for growth.  The two freshmen playing very very well so far.  Haven't heard about the injury to Beoletto as yet.

Good luck TITANS -- keep it going, keep improving.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on December 02, 2014, 01:29:13 PM
They are very fast and young. Beoletto has a torn acl out for year. Looks like they did run out of gas but wash u is a very big team. Girls seem to be getting adjusted to each other. I am hoping for 8-3 that would be nice way to start conference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 02, 2014, 03:24:02 PM
I watched portions of the Wash U/IWU game on Illinois College's streaming video. It was a little hard to follow because the video wasn't high resolution and there was no announcer.  So it was difficult to determine which player had the ball until I started to memorize hair styles, body types, etc. Eventually they turned on the ambient sound so I could sort of hear the PA announcer call out the players at the foul line, after they scored, etc.

For the portions I watched, IWU played Wash U. even.  They harrassed Wash U. with their pressure, scored off the fast break on turnovers and made really tough shots in the half court game against a good (and tall) defense.  Their energy was good and they have some players with nice shooting touch.

I was struck by how many difficult shots IWU takes in the halfcourt offense. Mid-range jumpers that are fade aways or contested shots, difficult layups or shots around the rim from a player leaping around low post defenders, etc.  It seemed like the only truly open looks were three pointers. That could be a byproduct of playing a really good team that defends well and has good size (or good size as best I can tell with that resolution of video).

All in all, I was impressed by IWU even with the margin of defeat.  Any team that doesn't have a couple good ball handlers will have a really tough time against them, regardless of how good their halfcourt offense is.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2014, 10:20:22 PM
Final from Dubuque:

North Park 76
Dubuque 65

Liz Rehberger: 17 pts
Nikki Przybyslawski: 16 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 12 pts, 9 rebs
Rachel Torres: 12 pts, 6 rebs, 4 stls
Amani Davis: 11 pts
Soly Roman: 7 rebs

North Park improves to 5-1 with a solid road win over an aggressive Spartans team that fell to 4-2. NPU got hot early in the second half and pushed the lead out to as many as 19, but the Spartans made a late run to cut it to as little as four before the Vikings righted the ship, protecting the ball well and making their free throws down the stretch. NPU did a very nice job in transition, as Nikki Przybyslawski and Rachel Torres did a good job of pushing the ball up the floor. Rebounding remains a concern for the Park, as, even though the two teams finished with 42 boards apiece, the midrange boards invariably went to the Spartans, especially on their offensive end, as they seemed to do a better job of reading the caroms and making the effort to get there. That's what sparked their comeback attempt.

That aside, it was a strong effort by the Vikings on the road tonight, and this represents their best win of the young season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2014, 10:29:45 PM
Really sorry to hear about Beoletto's season-ending injury.  That's a tough loss of one of the two seniors on the squad for the Titans.

Hope the Titans continue to develop and improve, get used to their schemes and strengths, find the right floor leadership and demeanor, as I think this team is so very talented, could go far.  Yes, Madison, 8-3 would be grand.  We'll see.

Seems, Greg, that NPU is really a strong team this year.  So, must be a four team race for the CCIW crown -- WC, EC, then IWU and NPU ?  Should be an interesting race, season.

IWU 70 -- now back on the Far Side, watching basketball in the a.m. hours. 

Congrats to the IWU soccer women -- National Semi-Finalists in the Final Four in KC, great run, great season . . . losing today, going out to undefeated Lynchburg College of VA. 2-1.  Johns Hopkins and Williams playing now in the other Semi. 

ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2014, 11:01:12 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 05, 2014, 10:29:45 PMSeems, Greg, that NPU is really a strong team this year.  So, must be a four team race for the CCIW crown -- WC, EC, then IWU and NPU ?

You're forgetting Carthage. The Lady Reds will be right there with the rest of the top teams.

I don't know what order I'd pick them all right now, aside from the fact that I think Wheaton's the team to beat.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2014, 01:57:57 AM
Greg, yes.  CC right there too.  Agreed.

I guess I'd pick them:  WC, CC, EC, IWU, NPU . . . and on, NCC, MU,AC,? .  We'll see.  Not sure either quite how to rank them.  Will be more clear after more games, more observations.  IWU will be erratic, up and down, sometimes very good, other times not getting it done.  Vertically challenged.   Would love to see them go 8-3 before CCIW opening.  Beoletto out for the season with a knee injury is a big loss, only one of two seniors there.  The freshmen are really showing early on what good potential they have, esp. Ehresman.  Mia must be pretty optimistic for the few seasons to come.  They need to recruit some size, paint and rebounding presence to get back to the elite levels of the CCIW and the national picture.  Only player, another freshman, taller than 6 ' also out for the season. 

IWU vs. UChicago should be a good test, good measure of how far IWU is coming, developing.  Helpful to have the game at The Shirk.  This young Titan team ran out of gas vs. Wash U in that second half down in Jacksonville, after the good win vs. DePauw the day before. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2014, 05:48:13 PM
IWU goes down to U Chicago at home, 69-63.  The Titans had a good 12 point lead with about 11 to go in the second half, but could not hold back the taller U Chicago team, losing the rebounding battle, not finishing the game again.  Perhaps some fitness and tiredness issues.   Holness with 20.  Titans now 4-3, still learning how to play together, how to win down the stretch.  Poor shooting night from three.  More tough games to come.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2014, 10:08:58 PM
North Park 87
Illinois Tech 46

Amani Davis: 13 pts
Soly Roman: 11 pts, 12 rebs
Annie Shain: 11 pts, 8 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 11 pts
Kennedy Kantner: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 7 rebs, 3 stls
Rachel Torres: 3:0 a:to
Nikki Przybyslawski: 4:1 a:to

I'd rather not see NPU play such a weak opponent, but at least the bench got some work in. Everybody who suited up for the Vikings played at least 13 minutes in this one. NPU head coach Amanda Crockett even spotted IIT an odd sort of advantage by playing four forwards for most of the second half, which made the Vikings look awkward on the floor -- but at least it distributed the minutes more evenly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2014, 09:23:51 PM
IWU women with a nice win over Lindenwood-Belleview 80-62 @The Shirk, moving to 5-3 on the season.

Two double doubles -- Alina Lehockey 10 and 13 coming into her own, Kasey Reaber 10 and 10
Weber 14 and 9 close behind
Ehresman 11 3:1 A:TO
Gray 9
Holness 8

Good overall balance, a rotation of 10. 

The Titans forced 24 TOs, had 10 steals, seemingly using their pressure for many points off the TOs.

On a non-basketball related topic, President Dick Wilson of IWU announced his retirement, effective next July.  He has been a excellent President, with many advances and achievements for IWU during his 11 year tenure.  Major improvements at Tucci Stadium at Wilder Field, in the overall athletic complex @The Shirk, at Horenberger Field for baseball, and now the extension, improvements on the east side of Shirk, under construction soon.  He will be greatly missed. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2014, 11:36:59 PM
North Park 92
Blackburn 52

Soly Roman: 16 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 15 pts, 9 rebs
Nikki Przybyslawski: 14 pts, 7:2 a:to
Liz Rehberger: 13 pts, 6:3 a:to
Amani Davis: 12 pts, 6 rebs, 4:2 a:to
Rachel Torres: 5:1 a:to

For the second Monday in a row North Park (7-1) wins a laugher by 40 or more. All eleven Vikings who dressed played at least ten minutes, and all eleven scored.

But the laughers are over now. This weekend the Vikings travel to Texas to take on Trinity (TX), which is 4-2 and riding a four-game winning streak, and Austin, which is 3-3, and then they'll come home in between Christmas and New Year's Day to take on a very good St. Mary's (MN) team that's currently 8-1 on the season. But that's the right way to do it: schedule the tough ones right before the CCIW portion of the season begins.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2014, 03:15:29 AM
Greg, looks like the NPU women are developing faster, stronger even than the NPU men.

Gonna be tough for my young Greenie Titan women's team to compete for the CCIW crown this year.  Stats show many Titan weaknesses so far this season, esp. rebounding the ball.

Many many strong contenders this year.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2014, 06:32:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 17, 2014, 03:15:29 AM
Greg, looks like the NPU women are developing faster, stronger even than the NPU men.

The NPU women had a much better foundation in terms of returnees than the NPU men had.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2014, 08:54:19 PM
Agreed, Greg.  The NPU women have to be considered one of the contenders, I would think.  WC, CC and EC, maybe NCC the others?  Until IWU figures out how to finish games, rebound the ball better, even with their pressure, skill and speed, seems they may finish somewhere in the middle of the CCIW pack this season.  Good things coming in the future, though, as only one senior (Reaber, with Beoletto now out for the season, a big loss) and all the rest mostly sophomores and the two talented freshmen, now getting very valuable varsity experience.  Ehresman very impressive so far.  I'd be surprised if this team wins 9 games in CCIW play, so likely finishing somewhere around 16-9 or 17-8.  We'll see.  A re-building year, it would appear.

Of course, I hope they surprise me.   

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2014, 10:11:49 PM
Final from San Antonio, TX:

Trinity (TX) 59
North Park 54

Liz Rehberger: 15 pts, 6 rebs
Annie Shain: 13 pts

The Vikings hung around, but just couldn't catch up to the host Tigers this evening. NPU outshot the Tigers from both the field and from behind the arc, but TU won the game on volume. The Tigers got off more shots due to a rebounding advantage and a plus turnover ratio. They broke a halftime tie and pulled out to as much as an eight-point lead late in the game. NPU did manage to struggle back, but the Vikings just couldn't hit the big shots when they needed them.

They'll get a rest tomorrow, and then finish up their road trip to the Lone Star State by taking on Austin College on Sunday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2014, 02:53:34 AM
IWU has a game @The Shirk today vs. Rose-Hulman, with the Titans at 5-3 and RH at 6-3.  Titans need a win, need to pick up as many wins as possible before CCIW play, which is really going to be a tough road this year.  This is the last game before the Christmas week break.  Titans have two more games on the road before opening the CCIW season in early January.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the CCIW chatsters.  Warm and festive here in Hong Kong, sunny and clear today about 70, with more that 12 million+ Mainlanders predicted to come to town during the holiday period.  Hong Kong is being overwhelmed.

I saw on FB today that the construction on the Shirk extension has started, pulling down the east walls to allow for expansion out that way into the east side parking lots.  More workout, activity and lifting areas, new meeting rooms and new locker room spaces, perhaps for Lacrosse and others. 

Go TITANS!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2014, 08:15:03 AM
After Rose-Hulman, the Titans have on heck of a stretch of games --  to NJ for #7 and 10-0 Montclair State @MSU, perhaps #21 and 8-0 Salisbury (or 4-3 Baruch), then CCIW openers vs. NCC, WC and Carthage.  Guess Mia Smith has a sense of humor about scheduling the best to get ready for the rough and tough CCIW campaign.  The Titans will be very lucky to be 7-4 coming into the CCIW run, immediately facing three top contenders in the league as January dawns. 

Go TITANS -- let's pull some surprises.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2014, 06:02:26 PM
Good win @The Shirk for the Titans tonight, 70-55 over Rose-Hulman.   It appears RH had no answer for Molly McGraw, playing perhaps her best overall game ever as a Titan, so far, in her freshman year.

McGraw 25 and 5
K. Reaber 13 and 5
G. Weber 8 and 6
Ehresman 7

For RH:  Grace Gibbs 20

RH had a massive 37 TOs, yielding to the Titan pressure.  RH 0-7 from treyland.  When they are playing well, this is a good Titan defensive team. 

Titans move to 6-3, can celebrate now for Christmas and some culinary indulging, but then head to scenic NJ for #7 and 10-0 Montclair State on their floor just before the New Year enters. The other game out there will either be #21 Salisbury or Baruch. 

Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans on this last home win of 2014. 

GO TITANS!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 21, 2014, 05:29:21 AM
I would have thought that North Central might get a little love from the rankings voters by now, given their record and pace of scoring to date.  Only Wheaton appearing in the top 25 or even ORV category.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 22, 2014, 06:12:46 PM
CCIW women's programs at 56-19, .746.  Not bad at all.  All programs with a winning record so far.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 27, 2014, 08:37:02 PM
IWU plays #21 Salisbury first, then either Montclair State or Baruch.  A tough tourney.  Article in today's Pgraph about it where Mia Smith compares this four-team tourney to a NCAA tournament sectional.  Titans always playing a very tough pre-CCIW schedule.  Looks like a 1-1 foray east to me, so the Titans would come into CCIW play at 7-4.  We'll see.  Hope the Titans surprise me and come home with two impressive Ws.

8-3 would be nice.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on December 27, 2014, 10:26:38 PM
I don't know how tough NCC's pre-conference schedule has been but, with one more victory, the Cardinals will enter conference play with a perfect 11-0 record in only their 2nd season of running "the system." They won 11 games all of last year.
It seems a little surprising that they haven't rec'd any votes in the Top 25 poll. At least in the ORVs. Maybe 11-0 will do it.  :-\
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2014, 02:53:20 AM
AO, agreed. Really thought NCC women should be getting some attention, some votes.  Amazing scoring outputs to date. I think they will enter CCIW play at 11-0.   Will be interesting to see how they fare against my Titans in the first game of the CCIW race.  Titans, when playing well, are a pretty good defensive team, so we'll see.  Challenge for the Titans is rebounding the ball and finishing games with the lead.  Losing Beoletto was a big loss, in defensive play and senior leadership.  The IWU sophomores and the two highly-touted freshmen are going to be thrown into the CCIW fires early on, immediately.  IWU has a bright bright future with these players, but perhaps not this year.  We'll see how fast they develop, how fast Mia Smith gets them to do what she has in mind, given their particularly skills and talents.  Titans sorely need some size in the paint.  Oh for Cristina or Karen Solari.  :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2014, 09:19:18 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 27, 2014, 10:26:38 PM
I don't know how tough NCC's pre-conference schedule has been but, with one more victory, the Cardinals will enter conference play with a perfect 11-0 record in only their 2nd season of running "the system."

This is the third season that NCC has run the Grinnell system, Mark, not the second. Two years ago the Cardinals went 13-13 in their system debut.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on December 28, 2014, 09:08:49 PM
Gee, sorry professor. The 2 is right next to the 3 and, being late for the party, my fingers were flying!  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2014, 10:00:25 PM
In what must have been a wild, crazy hack-fest, the Titans go down to #21 Salisbury 57-51 in NJ.  The Titans trailed by 13 at the half after what must have been the worst shooting performance by a Titan squad in many a moon.  They came back in the second half, got within 3-4 points, but could never overtake Salisbury.  The horrendous shooting makes me think this team has a bit of bi-polarity or Jekyl and Hyde or something.  At points in the first half, the Titans were at 20% shooting and 15 % from the FT line.  Maybe just good defence?  The final tallies weren't much better -- 20-73 from the field for 28% and a horrendous 6-21 from the charity stripe.  The Titans shoot 60% from the FT line and they win the game.  Sad.  I'm sure Mia Smith thinks this is unacceptable too!  No team will win games, however tenacious in coming back, with shooting at these percentages.

Holness 19
Reaber 8 and 14 -- but a horrendous night shooting
Ehresman 9

Maybe too much holiday cheer -- not sure?

Titans now face a pretty good Baruch team, now 4-5, that went down to #8 Montclair State in the earlier game.  Hope the Titans can regroup, get some practice at the FT line, and come back to win the consolation game tomorrow.

Titans now 6-4 on the season.  Not a happy outing vs. Salisbury.  An opportunity lost.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2014, 12:14:18 AM
Correction:  Apparently the Titans did come back in the second half to tie Salisbury, force OT.  Titans outscored 12-6 in OT to go down by a final score of 57-51.  Holness trey tied the game at 45 all at the end of regulation. 

Ugly -- 6-21 from the FT line.  Molly McGraw had to stay in Illinois with the flu.  Tough loss.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2014, 06:36:08 PM
Quote from: AndOne on December 28, 2014, 09:08:49 PM
Gee, sorry professor. The 2 is right next to the 3 and, being late for the party, my fingers were flying!  :D

Oh, that tricky, tricky keyboard layout. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2014, 08:59:54 PM
Sadly, the Titans lost to Baruch in the consolation game in NJ, so going 0-2 out east.  This is a team of streaks, and long periods without scoring did the Titans in today.  So, the pre-CCIW portion is over and the Titans stand at 6-5.  A tough set of games, to be sure.  Hopefully, it will prepare the Titans well for the tough CCIW road ahead.  Clearly now IWU has to win the AQ, win the conference crown to go dancing later in the year.  I think Molly McGraw was sorely missed out east.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2014, 08:46:10 PM
NPU women over #22 St. Mary's.  Looks like the NPU women are for real this year.

NCC scored 68 in the first half vs. Eureka.  Cruis'n. 

CCIW play to commence very soon now.

IWU7-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2014, 10:24:48 PM
North Park 64
#22 St. Mary's (MN) 62

Rachel Torres: 16 pts, 5 rebs, 5:2 a:to
Liz Rehberger: 15 pts, 5 rebs, 3 stls
Nicole Kruckman: 7 rebs
Soly Roman: 6 rebs

This was a very solid win for the Vikings, coming off of a tough Texas road trip. The Vikings almost blew an 11-point halftime lead, as SMU closed to within 47-45 with six and a half minutes remaining, but a 10-0 run over the next two minutes gave the Park the cushion it needed to see it through a final Cardinals run.

It was good to see Rachel Torres have a strong game in NPU's final pre-conference tuneup, as she had struggled throughout November and December.

This was exactly the kind of game you want your team to play four days before the conference slate starts, against the right kind of opponent. The Vikings look like they're ready for Millikin on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: robertgoulet on December 31, 2014, 10:34:30 AM
NCC women rolled over Eureka last night.

SHOOTING AN NCAA RECORD 80 3s. Ridiculous!

Also tied an NCAA record with their 5th consecutive 100 pt game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2014, 07:22:01 PM
Will be very interesting to see how NCC and IWU match up in the opening CCIW context this Saturday.  NCC is, no doubt, rolling from an offensive point of view, IWU a pretty good defensive team, but struggling to score and rebound the ball.  NCC's offensive stats, production are amazing, so far.

Let's hope Molly McGraw is recovered, able to play this weekend.  IWU surely missing the injured senior, Emily Beoletto, out for the season with a knee injury.

Go TITANS!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on January 01, 2015, 12:20:56 AM
IWU70, I read all your comments and some just don't make sense. You said kasey Reaber had a terrible night shooting but erhsman had the same shooting percentage 3-13 but you seem not to mention it. Looking at combined stats from New York trip Reaber had second most points, lead team in rebounding and assisits and 2nd in steals. Seems like you bash her a lot and never give her credit. How about giving her some credit she is basically playing with one arm and coach has her playing a 4 position and guarding all the 6 footers which takes even more energy. She is in top 3 of every category iwu has except 3pt shooting because she doesn't shoot them. Also seems like you give all the props to the kids that live near bloomington.  You also mention numerous times that the really miss Emily beoletto and could use her. Which could be true but she averaged 2 points and 1.6 rebounds a game last yr.  your acting like she is oliva lett and scores 20 a game. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2015, 05:51:35 AM
Madison, I take your points.  I think the Titans miss Beoletto more on D than on offense.  Surely senior leadership is important and the Titans only have K. Reaber now.  She is a good player and I've always liked her.  She can often be very good, then also very maddening, making silly mistakes that a senior should not make.   Don't mean to "bash" her, but just stating the obvious about her shooting percentage.  Yes, Ehresman shot poorly too.  I agree.  You are right that Reaber has to do a lot in many positions with an injury.  The Titans are a weak rebounding team, very vertically challenged, and need some bigger players in future to secure and protect the paint, rebounding the ball better.  Can't just be a perimeter team, just relying on the pressure, which they don't do as well this year either.   Overall, the Titans are at the bottom of most stats categories in the CCIW now, and shooting percentage both FG and FTs are pretty weak.  Some of this is surely a young, freshmen and sophomore dominated team.  I'm sure this will greatly improve in coming years.  No doubt, Titans missed McGraw out east.  Best overall player so far is Holness (and she doesn't live near Bloomington!).  Perhaps the tough schedule, playing some of the top programs, has toughened the Titans and made them more CCIW ready.  I hope so. They have been competitive against most of these top teams.  But, the CCIW looks very strong this year, esp. WC, EC, NCC and NPU.  Things don't get any easier.  I'll stick to my prediction that the Titans this year finish somewhere in the middle of the CCIW pack and will struggle to make the CCIW tournament, likely finishing the year about 16-9 or 15-10.  I surely hope they do better, even win the conference title.  We'll see, stay tuned.  A big challenge right off in NCC away, playing against a "system" team, now scoring over 100 per game, five games running.  NCC rebounds the ball well too.

Good luck to the Titans the rest of the way, esp. Saturday afternoon in Naperville.

Go TITANS!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on January 01, 2015, 10:18:36 AM
IWU70 I do agree McGraw was really missed out east.  But I disagree with Holiness being the best so far.
Gabrielle Holinesss 51-123  .415 fg%. 22-28  .786 ft%. 33 reb  3.0 avg  26ast. 13 stl  2 blk. 13.3 ppg
Kasey Reaber.        42-86.  .488 fg%.  31-51  .608 ft%. 58 reb  5.3 avg  34 ast  23 stl  5 blk. 10.5ppg

Those are comparible stats so I do believe scoring isn't everything. So looking at those stats Reaber is so far more important. 
We will agree to disagree. I believe they will finish cciw 2 or 3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2015, 08:30:13 PM
135, I agree both Holness and Reaber making key contributions to the overall Titan effort.  We need both to play well, continue to improve and shoot a better percentage with fewer TOs.  Other Titans need to step up more too.  Both freshmen playing well for their first year in tougher, faster college and CCIW play.  It will be good to have McGraw back, as she is really coming into her own early, me thinks.   I like our prospects for the future few years.  Do hope you are right and that we finish in the top four in CCIW, get to the tournament where anything can happen on that last weekend.  Agree the Titans have a decent chance of making the tournament, but surely need to shoot and rebound better to get there.  Esp. shooting FTs.  We'll see soon enough in the next 8 weeks.  CCIW women's side this year particularly strong.  Would be nice to steal one in Naperville or vs. WC these first two games of the year in CCIW play.

Happy New Year to all who follow CCIW women's basketball.  Should be a very competitive race for the CCIW crown.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 02, 2015, 01:23:25 PM
Quote from: AndOne on December 28, 2014, 09:08:49 PM
Gee, sorry professor. The 2 is right next to the 3 and, being late for the party, my fingers were flying!  :D

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2014, 09:19:18 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 27, 2014, 10:26:38 PM
I don't know how tough NCC's pre-conference schedule has been but, with one more victory, the Cardinals will enter conference play with a perfect 11-0 record in only their 2nd season of running "the system."

This is the third season that NCC has run the Grinnell system, Mark, not the second. Two years ago the Cardinals went 13-13 in their system debut.

And how far is the R from the N? :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 02, 2015, 03:55:09 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 02, 2015, 01:23:25 PM
Quote from: AndOne on December 28, 2014, 09:08:49 PM
Gee, sorry professor. The 2 is right next to the 3 and, being late for the party, my fingers were flying!  :D

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2014, 09:19:18 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 27, 2014, 10:26:38 PM
I don't know how tough NCC's pre-conference schedule has been but, with one more victory, the Cardinals will enter conference play with a perfect 11-0 record in only their 2nd season of running "the system."

This is the third season that NCC has run the Grinnell system, Mark, not the second. Two years ago the Cardinals went 13-13 in their system debut.

And how far is the R from the N? :)

ZING!!  Another notch on the guru's belt!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2015, 03:44:14 AM
Happy New Year, Ypsi.  Here we go again on some great CCIW races.   Our men look pretty good, right there competing for another CCIW crown, but the women still struggling to truly find their identity.  Injuries have hurt.  The freshmen are very promising.  I hope they make the top four and get to the CCIW tournament.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2015, 06:45:08 PM
Titans up over NCC 29-23 at the half in Naperville.  Handling the "system" pretty well so far.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2015, 07:44:11 PM
Titans go down in Naperville, 59-56.  Tough loss.  Leading the entire game, save for the last 30 seconds or so.  NCC pressure finally led to some Titan TOs in the last 2-3 minutes, leading to the win.  NCC now 12-0.  Titans are the best 6-6 team I've seen.  :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 03, 2015, 07:58:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 03, 2015, 07:44:11 PM
Titans go down in Naperville, 59-56.  Tough loss.  Leading the entire game, save for the last 30 seconds or so.  NCC pressure finally led to some Titan TOs in the last 2-3 minutes, leading to the win.  NCC now 12-0.  Titans are the best 6-6 team I've seen.  :)

IWU70


I watched this game and agree, very tough loss.  I believe IWU wins this game most of the time.  However it appeared to me that during the last 10-12 minutes Coach Smith allowed her team to go from being patient on offense to being passive.  The high post was always wide open, but the Titans failed to attack from there with either easy drives to the hoop or hitting cutters to the basket.  If your objective is to slow the game down and pass the ball around rather than finding good scoring opportunities, sometimes you become susceptible to steals as the shot clock winds down.  I think if they stayed aggressive on offense, IWU wins this one going away.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2015, 08:04:12 PM
999, totally agree with your assessment of the last 6-7 minutes.  NCC got more aggressive, got the TOs they needed, but IWU didn't adjust on offense.  Tough loss, as they played so well dealing with the system for 37 minutes or so.  A learning experience, bitter though it be, for the young Titans.  They will get better.  Kasey Reaber had an excellent game tonight.  You gotta hand it to North Central, they never gave up, even when shooting 20% from treyland.  Got a few key threes when they made their second half run, coming back from 12 or so down.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2015, 11:56:25 PM
Millikin 69
North Park 66

Annie Shain: 14 pts, 4 stls
Amani Davis: 13 pts, 4:0 a:to
Liz Rehberger: 13 pts, 5:1 a:to
Nicole Kruckman: 10 pts, 3 blks

Alyssa Saklak: 27 pts, 10 rebs
Holly Haskins: 14 pts
Hannah Millington: 10 pts
Emma Hoyer: 9 rebs
Rachael Weber: 7:1 a:to

This was a really bitter loss for the Vikings, as they blew an 18-point lead in this one. NPU went into the half with a 14-point lead, and led 44-29 with about 17 minutes to go, but MU went on a 16-0 run over the next five minutes and made a game of it. The contest seesawed back and forth down the stretch, but too much Alyssa Saklak -- she looks like a solid MOP candidate this season -- and too little rebounding by the Vikings (they were clobbered on the boards, 43-24) doomed the Park.

There's no time available for the Vikes to hang their heads, since they've got to turn around and get ready for defending champ Carthage up in Tarble on Wednesday. But, man, this one stung. Millikin just seems to have North Park's number. The two teams have played a number of close games over the past few seasons, both in Chicago and in Decatur, and MU always seems to find a way to scratch out the win at the end. Lori Kerans must have some sort of Viking voodoo doll stashed in her office.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on January 04, 2015, 03:21:03 PM
I think the primary consideration that NCC should take from last night's game is the fact that they are capable of winning even when an opponent conceives and executes a game plan which effectively takes them out of their comfort zone. Last night IWU spread the floor and slowed the frenetic pace the Cardinals are used to, and most comfortable, playing at. They eventually built a seemingly insurmountable 15 point lead in the 2nd half, from which the Cardinals, mainly through hitting some key threes, and applying tight ball-hawking defense, stormed back. Finishing with some clutch FTs, the Cards closed the game on a 17-4 run to take a 59-56 victory and remain undefeated on the season at 12-0. 

My understanding is that a new Top 25 poll comes out tomorrow. It is inconceivable to me that the NCC Cardinals not appear within it's perameters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 04, 2015, 05:16:34 PM
Quote from: AndOne on January 04, 2015, 03:21:03 PM
My understanding is that a new Top 25 poll comes out tomorrow. It is inconceivable to me that the NCC Cardinals not appear within it's perameters.

It definitely seems possible -- I will mention this, though, since I know you are primarily a men's poll watcher. The women's poll churns a lot more slowly. There are fewer losses by teams at the top of the poll (in any year, not just this year which has been a little topsy-turvy). So there aren't always as many entry points for women's teams.

Here's what North Central has accomplished so far and what voters will see -- not an automatic for inclusion, I don't think.

North Central (Ill.) (12-0)
Nov. 21   5:00 PM   St. Mary's (Ind.) (3-10) •   W, 100-84
Nov. 22   5:00 PM   Millsaps (8-3) •   W, 117-115 2OT
Nov. 26   7:00 PM   at Benedictine (6-5) •   W, 108-74
Nov. 29   2:00 PM   UW-Eau Claire (7-6) •   W, 101-89
Dec. 2   7:00 PM   at Redlands (4-7) •   W, 65-61
Dec. 4   7:00 PM   at La Verne (3-8) •   W, 92-74
Dec. 8   7:00 PM   at Trinity Int'l (0-3)   W, 119-53
Dec. 10   7:00 PM   at Carroll (7-3) •   W, 101-97
Dec. 16   7:00 PM   at Monmouth (3-7) •   W, 112-76
Dec. 19   7:00 PM   Dubuque (6-5) •   W, 110-93
Dec. 30   6:00 PM   at Eureka (5-6) •   W, 106-65
Jan. 3   5:00 PM   Illinois Wesleyan (5-6) * •   W, 59-56
Jan. 7   7:00 PM   Millikin (10-2) * •   
Jan. 10   5:00 PM   at Wheaton (Ill.) (11-1) * •   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 04, 2015, 05:26:44 PM
I think NCC definitely deserves some consideration.  But if the voters didn't rank them previously, I'm not sure that barely winning on your home court vs. an unranked sub .500 team (sorry IWU) is going to change minds nor can the two other games since the last poll be considered statement games.  If they beat Millikin and make at least a strong showing vs. Wheaton, they should surely step solidly into the top 20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 04, 2015, 05:36:33 PM
Well, and Millikin is 10-2, but 7-0 vs. SLIAC schools. That's a super-misleading record they have right now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 04, 2015, 05:39:37 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 04, 2015, 05:36:33 PM
Well, and Millikin is 10-2, but 7-0 vs. SLIAC schools. That's a super-misleading record they have right now.

Good point, didn't realize that.  So the Wheaton game will really be telling....
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2015, 05:21:15 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 04, 2015, 05:36:33 PM
Well, and Millikin is 10-2, but 7-0 vs. SLIAC schools. That's a super-misleading record they have right now.

It's not that misleading, Pat. Millikin is solid. Not Top 25 solid, but solid, nevertheless.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 05, 2015, 06:06:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2015, 05:21:15 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 04, 2015, 05:36:33 PM
Well, and Millikin is 10-2, but 7-0 vs. SLIAC schools. That's a super-misleading record they have right now.

It's not that misleading, Pat. Millikin is solid. Not Top 25 solid, but solid, nevertheless.

Well, it's hard to tell based on who they've played and who they've beaten, so I would stand by calling it misleading.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2015, 06:23:30 PM
Oh, I'm fine with the "misleading" part. It's the "super-" part with which we part company. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on January 06, 2015, 02:47:49 AM
New D3Hoops Top 25 pol out:

http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2014-15/week5

11-1 Wheaton moves up one from #14 to #13

12-0 North Central appears at #24

I'm not familiar with the history, but I'd guess this is the first time NCC has appeared in the Top 25 in many a moon, if ever. Congrats to the Lady Cardinals.



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: robertgoulet on January 06, 2015, 11:20:37 AM
Quote from: AndOne on January 06, 2015, 02:47:49 AM
New D3Hoops Top 25 pol out:

http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2014-15/week5

11-1 Wheaton moves up one from #14 to #13

12-0 North Central appears at #24

I'm not familiar with the history, but I'd guess this is the first time NCC has appeared in the Top 25 in many a moon, if ever. Congrats to the Lady Cardinals.

First time since 99.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2015, 10:14:44 PM
IWU goes down badly to WC.  Another very poor shooting night for the Titans.  First four game losing streak since 2001-2002.

Titans now at 6-7 for the season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2015, 08:43:08 PM
CC 69 IWU 62

The Titans are really having trouble finishing games.  They were up 10 in the second half but CC stormed back in the last 5-6 minutes to win this one.  A better shooting night for the Titans, but CC hit key treys in the run at the end and the Titans turned it over.  The Titans can't catch a break right now.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2015, 01:47:23 AM
WC over NCC tonight, giving NC it's first loss of the season.  WC is for real.  Looks like the class of the CCIW field this year.

Titans had CC down, should have put them away, but just couldn't do it, yet again.  The sign of a young team, short on rebounding and game experience.  Hope the Titans can bounce back.  A five game losing streak is no fun.  Now 6-8 on the season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2015, 03:56:55 AM
New poll:

WC up to #12
NCC #24

At this point in the season, looks to me like IWU will struggle to make the CCIW tournament.  Looks like EC and CC, plus NCC and WC to me.  Still, lots of basketball to be played. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2015, 01:38:23 AM
Greg, did the NPU women really beat Wheaton tonight -- or is there an error on the CCIW scoreboard?  Wow, that would be something, taking down #12.  If so, congrats to them.

IWU women go down again, 85-80 to Joycey Millikin.  Same old story -- leading by 10 or 12, then giving up the lead, shooting it poorly late, getting hugely outrebounded in the second half and giving up the lead.  This TITAN team has lots of talent, but just can't seem to stay the course, finish off games when they have the opponent down.

K. Reaber 24 and 9
G. Holness 22
M. McGraw 14

Titans now 6-9, 0-4.  A tough year.

Sure hope Mia is recruiting some size for the coming few seasons. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2015, 03:15:48 AM
Guess it's true.  NPU over #12 Wheaton in a big upset.  Looks like Wheaton couldn't buy a basket.  A bigger upset than CC or EC on the men's side, for sure.  Congrats to the NPU women.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2015, 05:42:29 PM
North Park 62
#12 Wheaton 48

Liz Rehberger: 18 pts (10-10 FT), 5 rebs
Soly Roman: 17 pts, 7 rebs
Nikki Przybyslawski: 11 pts
Rachel Torres: 5:3 a:to
Shaylee Sloan: 3:1 a:to

Katie McDaniels: 11 pts, 5:3 a:to
Hannah Considine: 5 rebs, 4 blks

In all three of NPU's prior CCIW games, the Vikings had built up a lead only to watch it vanish in the second half. And in all three of NPU's prior CCIW games, the Vikings couldn't come through at the end and lost a close contest (Millikin by 3, Carthage by 5, Augustana by 4).

Last night, the Vikings didn't allow that scenario to happen. They built up a big lead on Wheaton, went into the locker room up by 16, and built the lead to as much as 23 points in the late going, as the Vikings walked off the floor with a big victory.

The Park threw an effective mix of man and zone at Wheaton, and the visitors never really figured out how to attack either one properly. Wheaton was ice-cold in the first half -- 7-28 from the field, including 0-11 from downtown -- but equally important was that WC was almost exclusively taking nothing but jumpshots. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance rarely attacked the basket or put Hannah Considine down into the low post where she could do some damage. In fact, the ball rarely got below the foul line at all for Wheaton. NPU, by contrast, seldom settled for jumpers but instead attacked the basket, either by dribble-drive or via an effective high-low passing game by bigs Soly Roman and Nicole Kruckman. (Roman played a terrific game at both ends of the floor last night.) Since everyone in the gym knew that Wheaton wasn't going to keep missing treys all night, the unspoken question was: Could North Park finally maintain a second-half lead against a CCIW opponent?

Thanks to a relentless effort from Liz Rehberger and a nice spark off the bench from freshman forward Shaylee Sloan, the answer was "yes." By continuing to attack the basket, the Vikings piled up fouls on Wheaton defenders, all of whom (with the exception of Katie McDaniels) looked a half-step slow all night. When Considine fouled out with 7:10 to go and the two ensuing free throws by Nikki Przybyslawski made the score North Park 54, Wheaton 31, it was plain that Wheaton did not have a comeback in it. The visitors did shave nine points off of the NPU lead in the final three minutes, but the game was already in the bag at that point and WC coach Kent Madsen had emptied his bench.

Preseason All-American Ellie Zeller was practically invisible for Wheaton. She took a grand total of one shot -- a miss -- in the first half before sitting out the majority of the opening stanza with two fouls. She finished the night with 6 points, while sharpshooter Chantal Meacham, who came into the game shooting 41% from behind the arc, went 2-14 from downtown for the night.

This was just the confidence boost that the Vikings needed after those three tough losses. Now we'll see if they can continue to extricate themselves from the hole they're in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2015, 05:43:02 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 15, 2015, 01:38:23 AMJoycey Millikin

???
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2015, 10:10:31 PM
Greg, thanks for the write-up on the WC-NPU game.  A great win for the NPU women.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2015, 06:02:37 PM
Wesleyan's PA announcer mispronounced the names of two of NPU's starters. I can't wait until he tries to negotiate "Przybyslawski".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2015, 06:12:47 PM
Well, he got the "ski" part right. ::)

It seems like I ask this question a dozen times every season: How hard is it for a PA announcer or a broadcaster to simply ask somebody from the opposing team before the game how to pronounce the names?

(And I have no idea why he insists upon pronouncing Amani Davis's first name as "Amana".)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2015, 07:53:50 PM
IWU gets a much-needed home win, breaking their losing streak. Now 7-9, 1-4

IWU 89 NPU 72

Reaber 23 and 8
Holness 16 and 6
McGraw 14 and 4
Ehresman 12 and 4
Ellsworth 9 and 5

For NPU:
Soly Roman 23 and 9
Rehrberger 17

This time, even though again hugely outrebounded, the Titans stayed in their game down the stretch, attacked the basket and played better D late in the second half.  Good balance and good contributions off the bench.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a good run.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2015, 07:54:38 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 89
North Park 72

Soly Roman: 23 pts, 9 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 17 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 6 rebs
Rachel Torres: 5 asts

Kasey Reaber: 23 pts, 8 rebs
Gabrielle Holness: 16 pts, 6 rebs
Molly McGraw: 14 pts
Rebekah Ehresman: 12 pts

What an absolutely brutal second half by North Park. Time and again the Vikings beat the press, only to turn it over in the back third of the forecourt -- mostly because they weren't looking up the floor. The Vikings turned the ball over 25 times today, the vast majority of them in the halfcourt when they had 3-on-3 or 3-on-2 situations.

Illinois Wesleyan played with a lot more energy today than did the Vikings, as can be seen by the 19-9 advantage that the Titans had in offensive rebounds. A lot of those were long misses that the Titans simply went after out on the floor with a lot more alacrity than did the Vikings. IWU also shot well from midrange in the second half and thus kept the Vikings from making any sort of a run.

And thus NPU squanders the momentum that it had after Wednesday's big win over Wheaton. Now the Vikings are right back down in the hole that they've dug themselves. They've got to develop some consistency. And they'd better do it fast, because Elmhurst at Faganel is going to be no cakewalk next Wednesday, either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2015, 08:23:04 PM
Augie had a one-point lead on Wheaton with :18 left in the game at Carver, but couldn't hold on. Since Millikin upset Carthage in Kenosha and North Central edged Elmhurst in the airplane hangar, there's now a three-way tie for the top of the standings, with Carthage, Elmhurst, and Wheaton all knotted up at 4-1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2015, 09:44:00 AM
Surprised to see MU beat Carthage.  WC got quite a scare too.

IWU needs also to find consistency now and keep up the kind of intensity, esp. in the last 7-8 minutes of each second half, that they displayed vs. NPU. 

Still a lot of basketball to be played.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2015, 10:03:25 PM
Congrats to IWU's Kasey Reaber on being named CCIW Player of the Week.  Well-deserved, playing at a high level all year, even with injury. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2015, 02:57:52 AM
New poll, WC to 16, NCC still at 22.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2015, 11:46:57 PM
Good win for the Titan women at home, showing more fortitude and resiliance down the stretch.  Winning over Augie at The Shirk, 84-71.  Up by 20+, then down to 6, then pulling away for a 13 point win.

K. Reaber 26 and 5 and 5
Holness 18 and 9
Ehresman 10 and 7
McGraw 19 and 3

Augie had all five starters in double figures, led by Marrissa Pezzonpane with 13.

Titans now 8-9, 2-4 in CCIW.  Just gotta keep crawling back, get back in the mix for a CCIW tournament spot.

Kasey Reaber is putting together some pretty impressive numbers, a very consistently high quality season, especially in CCIW play.  It ain't always beautiful, but it's working for her and for the TITANS.   

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2015, 05:38:34 PM
North Park 64
Elmhurst 54

Liz Rehberger: 20 pts
Annie Shain: 10 pts

Fiona McMahon: 19 pts, 12 rebs

NPU picked up a nice win at Faganel Hall last night. The Vikings rolled out to a 23-point lead in the first half before the offense got stuck in neutral in the second half, in which NPU only shot 25% from the field. Fortunately, the defense stayed in high gear all night for the Park, as Elmhurst turned the ball over 28 times -- 14 in each half -- with Vikings steals accounting for 22 of those 28 turnovers.

Now the Vikings will return home to face the score-by-the-truckload North Central Cardinals, who are fresh off of a 101-72 crushing of Carthage at Gregory Arena last night, on Saturday afternoon. It's never easy to call a North Central women's game; I think I'll take a vow of silence all day Friday and Saturday in order to rest my voice. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2015, 08:32:04 PM
Greg, LOL.  Yes, your exhaustion may only be surpassed by those trying to keep track of NCC's substitutions at the scorer's table.

IWU had NCC beat, then let them slip away. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2015, 09:07:39 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 22, 2015, 08:32:04 PM
Greg, LOL.  Yes, your exhaustion may only be surpassed by those trying to keep track of NCC's substitutions at the scorer's table.

I think that a lot of scorer's tables bring in extra help -- i.e., a spotter -- to assist the live stats operator when a Grinnell system team like the NCC women is in the house. I know that North Park and Elmhurst do so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on January 24, 2015, 05:21:01 PM
Elmhurst 86
Illinois Wesleyan 61
-1st win for the Bluejays over IWU in Elmhurst since 1999
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2015, 05:57:59 PM
EC over IWU big at EC, 86-61.

McGraw 18
Ellsworth 12

Poor shooting night again by the Titans, tough EC D -- Titans at 18% on threes, only 38% on FTs.

For EC:
McMahon 24
Eppard 18
Summerline 13

Holness did not play.  Must be flu or something.  Not sure. 

IWU now 8-10, 2-5.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2015, 03:40:03 PM
North Central 95
North Park 90

Nicole Kruckman: 22 pts, 14 rebs
Soly Roman: 20 pts, 12 rebs
Nikki Przybyslawski: 13 pts, 6 asts
Amani Davis: 11 pts
Annie Shain: 10 pts
Rachel Torres: 7 asts
Shaylee Sloan: 7 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 6 rebs

Jamie Cuny: 21 pts (6-9 trey), 8 rebs, 3 blks
Corinne Rowe: 17 pts
Tess Godhardt: 11 pts, 7 rebs
Therese Pettersson: 6 rebs

This was a seesaw game for most of the contest, until North Central managed to open up a sliver of daylight by making it a two-possession lead for most of the final minute and a half. I'm sure that a lot of people who watched this game chalked up NPU's loss to exhaustion, as the Vikings were coming up short on most of their shots at the end of the game and looked a quarter-step slow on defense, and there's truth to that. The Vikings have an eight-player rotation, and it's hard to deal with the Arseneault system NCC uses unless your rotation goes deeper than that. But I think that the bigger problem was free-throw shooting; the Vikes only went 16-28 (57%) from the line, and those misses were costly.

NPU's struggles to find some consistency continue. Now the Vikings will take on a reeling Carthage team on Wednesday; the Lady Reds have lost three games in a row, so this will be a contest between two teams that each need a win very badly. Something's gotta give.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2015, 03:41:11 PM
Wheaton and North Central remain tied atop the standings at the conclusion of the first round-robin of CCIW play, with the two DuPage County schools each sitting at 6-1, and Millikin and Carthage two games back at 4-3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2015, 09:34:33 AM
IWU vs. WC tonight.  Gabrielle Holness with miss a second game with an injury. 

Gonna be very tough for the Titans to make the CCIW tournament as things are going.  Titans really need to recruit some size, some rebounders to match up with the talented sophomores and freshmen on this team.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2015, 08:46:23 PM
IWU holding their own vs. WC, leading 26-25 at the half.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2015, 01:04:28 AM
Wheaton pulls away in the second half, clobbering the the Titans 72-46.  The Titans just don't have the offensive weapons right now to stay with the top tier CCIW teams.  Holness still side-lined.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2015, 06:30:55 PM
North Park defeated struggling Carthage in overtime last night in the crackerbox, 63-60. Liz Rehberger paved the way for the Vikings with 22 points and Amani Davis added 11, while Soly Roman and Nicole Kruckman had solid nights on the boards for NPU with 11 and 8 caroms, respectively. Carthage was paced by a much-improved Erin Quinn, who had a 21-6-6 night and really carried her team down the stretch and into the extra session, while Erin Thomas scored 13 and Alexis Hahn added 10. Taylor Boardman and Allison Riley had 7 and 6 rebounds, respectively, for the Lady Reds.

The game never should've gone to overtime. NPU shot a horrid 12-26 (46%) from the free-throw line, and blew an eight-point lead in the last four minutes of regulation. Fortunately for the homestanders, the Lady Reds lost both of their bigs (Boardman and Hahn) to fouls over the course of the second half, and Carthage simply didn't have the inside game to keep up with the Vikings in overtime.

The win now puts NPU one game in back of the three-way tie for third with Carthage, Elmhurst, and Millikin.

The Vikings have struggled mightily to close out games in CCIW play. It was great to see them overcome their free-throw woes and the fact that they blew a late lead, and finish out overtime with a huge win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 29, 2015, 06:41:40 PM
I watched the Carthage/Wheaton game on Saturday and the Lady Reds are tough to figure. With Quinn, Thomas, Hahn and Boardman, Carthage has the talent and front court/back court balance to be a Top 25 team. They don't shoot free throws very well and they turn the ball over a lot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2015, 07:47:03 PM
Carthage over IWU 68-57.  Just too much size for IWU, again shooting poorly and being grossly out rebounded.  Titans got within 2 with about 5 minutes to go, them CC goes on a quick 9-0 run to pull away.  Similar story all year.  Titans now 2-7 in CCIW play, not likely to make the league tourney.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2015, 03:30:51 PM
North Park 66
Augustana 44

Rachel Torres: 16 pts, 5 asts, 3 stls
Annie Shain: 14 pts
Amani Davis: 11 pts
Liz Rehberger: 10 pts, 4 stls

Marissa Pezzopane: 10 pts, 10 rebs
Andrea McNally: 8 rebs

North Park dispensed with the problem of having to close out a nailbiter, which has been a chronic problem for the Vikings this season, by simply putting the steamroller to an outmanned Augustana squad. The Park looked very sharp in all phases of the game, and, after scoring the first nine points of the game, never looked back. NPU had a lead as big as 27 in the second half in what has to be seen as a nice confidence-builder -- especially for sophomore Rachel Torres, who has had an up-and-down season. She's never been anything less than a reliable defender, but last night she also looked as sharp at the offensive end as she has all year.

NPU is right in the thick of things in terms of the race for a conference tournament spot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2015, 03:35:52 PM
In the battle for first place in the airplane hangar yesterday, Wheaton cruised to a 109-60 win over North Central. I wouldn't make too much out of the lopsidedness of that score, however, since the Arseneault system that NCC employs lends itself to exaggerated margins; when things click for the Cardinals, they win by much bigger scores than anyone else wins by, and when they aren't clicking, the same thing holds true in reverse. The more important issue is that Wheaton (8-1) now owns the first-place tiebreaker, having swept NCC (7-2).

Elmhurst won easily over Millikin at Faganel Hall yesterday, which means that EC and likewise-victorious Carthage broke the three-way logjam for third down to a two-way tie. They're both 5-4, with North Park and Millikin a game behind at 4-5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2015, 08:50:01 PM
Titan folks, is Holness out for the rest of the year?

Titans just don't have the rebounding or adequate shooting percentage this year to compete with the top CCIW programs.  Gotta start thinking about next season, give some of the newbies more experience, build on the positives, esp. for the freshmen and sophomores in the program.  I'm optimistic about the next few seasons, esp. if Mia Smith can recruit some size, some rebounding and some paint scoring possibilities.  Gotta improve on lots of stuff for the coming few seasons, but I'm still quite optimistic that the Titans will bounce back and be in the top CCIW programs again in the coming few years.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2015, 09:44:26 PM
IWU a much needed win over the Big Blue, 83-76.

Molly McGraw with a career night, 25 and 6 at The Shirk
Reaber 15
Gray 15.

Keep it going Titans.  The season is not over.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2015, 11:23:55 PM
Pink Zone games at The Shirk this Saturday.  Hope everyone comes out and lends some support -- a good cause, the local Cancer Center. 

Go TITANS! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2015, 07:52:31 PM
Final from the Griz:

North Park 65
Millikin 63

Nikki Przybyslawski: 15 pts, 4 asts
Amani Davis: 13 pts, 6 rebs
Annie Shain: 12 pts
Soly Roman: 11 rebs, 4 asts

Yip Ypya: 17 pts, 5 asts
Holly Haskins: 14 pts, 4 asts
Kelsey Going: 10 pts, 7 rebs
Rachael Weber: 10 pts, 4 asts
Emma Hoyer: 7 rebs

Over the course of NPU's last three games against Millikin, the Vikes had lost by 3, 1, and 2 points. Tonight, with leading scorer Liz Rehberger sidelined with an injury, the Vikings broke through and became the one that closed out the game between these two squads, rather than the one that got closed out.

The key to the win was Amani Davis, who kept penetrating into the back part of the lane and hit one big midrange shot after another. Annie Shain connected on four huge treys, Nikki P. and Rachel Torres did a nice job directing traffic, and the defense down the stretch by the Vikings was really solid. Even the treys that Millikin hit were shot with hands in their face.

Both teams came into this contest with 4-6 conference records, so it was basically do or die for both teams in terms of retaining a shot at fourth place. And North Park was the team that did rather than died. Nice work, Vikings!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2015, 07:55:39 PM
Titans go down to the system at The Shirk, 96-81.  Hung around most of the game, but just got worn down, in foul trouble, couldn't make shots when needed.

McGraw 23
Reaber 16
Ellsworth 11
Ehreshman 10

For EC
Goddhardt 24
Rowe 17

NCC plays a rotation of 19, running them in and out.  NCC 13-39 from three, IWU 1-7.  The system worked tonight.

Looked like a good crowd for Pink Zone game.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2015, 08:12:50 PM
team  W-L  2/11  2/14  2/21
Wheaton  10-1  @ MU  @ CC  vs. AC
North Central    9-2  @ CC  @ EC  vs. NPU
Carthage    6-5  vs. NCC  vs. WC  @ MU
Elmhurst    6-5  @ NPU  vs. NCC  @ IWU
North Park    5-6  vs. EC  vs. IWU  @ NCC
Millikin    4-7  vs. WC  @ AC  vs. CC
Illinois Wesleyan    3-8  @ AC  @ NPU  vs. EC
Augustana    1-10  vs. IWU  vs. MU  @ WC
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on February 08, 2015, 04:08:49 PM
Big battle between Carthage, Elmhurst, and North Park for the 3rd and 4th spots in the CCIW tourney.  Every game is important!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 08, 2015, 05:03:26 PM
Kent Madsen will appear tonight on Hoopsville. Be nice Dave  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2015, 09:32:20 PM
Looks like WC and NCC make the tourney -- good luck to them in the D3 dance.  Hope they represent the CCIW very well.

IWU has some serious rebuilding and recruiting to do.  Only losing one key player in Reaber, a senior.  Beoletto out all year with injury.  Hope others with injury, esp. Holness, come back strong.  IWU has a very strong core of freshmen and sophomores to build on for next season, but surely will need some better rebounding, improved shooting percentages, and perhaps even a change of philosophy of play, to contend again in future.  Not sure the "run and jump" has a future with the current personnel.  Looks to me like both Ehresman and surely McGraw are future all CCIW players, so Mia Smith has a couple of very good players to build on for the coming three seasons.  But, rebounding and improved shooting surely have to be a high priority for IWU to return to being a contender. 

Good luck to WC and NCC in the CCIW tourney and in the national chapionship run.  WC would appear to have a good shot at going deep into the tourney, not so sure about NCC and "the system."  We'll see.  It has certainly worked for them so far this year, at 20-2. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 11, 2015, 04:10:53 PM
Looking for the Thunder Ladies to bring home a road W tonight @MU and keep things rolling into the post-season.  They seem to have taken up residence at the #16 spot in the D3Hoops poll.  Was nice to hear the interview with Kent Madsen on Hoopsville. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on February 14, 2015, 05:30:14 PM
Elmhurst defeats North Central, 91-62.  Bluejays improve to 8-5 and the Cardinals fall to 9-4.
Elmhurst has clinched a berth in the CCIW tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on February 14, 2015, 05:31:57 PM
EC & NCC could play again in the 1st round of the CCIW tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2015, 07:45:00 PM
IWU over NPU 72-68

Reaber 22
McGraw 18
Gray 12 on four treys
Ehresman 10

TITANS win by shooting 83% from the charity stripe.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2015, 02:22:28 AM
Senior night coming up for the TITANS vs. EC, next Saturday.

Warm congrats to Kasey Reaber on her excellent career as a Titan.  She has played well, consistently all year this year, on a very young team without the benefit of adequate bigs and shooting percentages.   She's had a great career at IWU and she will be sorely missed next season.  Perhaps the only All-CCIW player from the Titan squad this year. Also, warm congrats to Emily Beoletto, her Titan playing career cut short by a serious injury.  Senior Night honoring Beoletto and Reaber. 

The TITANS will return to being a contender in the next several years.  I have faith in the young players we have and in Coach Smith.  Of course, many improvements needed and surely some good recruiting for rebounding, paint scoring also needed.  Hope injured players can return stronger, especially Holness.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 21, 2015, 11:51:25 AM
Good luck to the Thunder Women tonight as they wrap up their season while honoring senior captain Lauren Graham!  Let's wrap up the season with a positive win to take us into the conference tourney at home and into the NCAA tourney - possibly first round hosting with a very high seeding.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2015, 08:11:51 PM
Tough season for the Titans, finishing with a loss to EC, 82-75.  Scratched back to three down after being way down early.  Similar story, but they never gave up.  Titans finish 10-15 on the year.

McGraw, a future all CCIW player, 26
Reaber, finishing out her great career at IWU, 17
Ehresman, another possible all CCIW player, 12

Both McGraw and Ehresman, very positive seasons for freshmen in the CCIW.

For EC:

McMahon a monster 37 and 17

IWU has no one to stop such a talented post player as McMahon.  Key need for future recruiting.

Congrats to Reaber and Beoletto on their TITAN careers.  Good luck to both for future endeavors after graduation in May.

Thanks to all the Titan players and coaches for the season, all the hard work, tenacity and good play.  We enjoyed watching you'all play.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2015, 08:24:13 PM
I have absolute faith in Mia Smith.  Warning to CCIW teams: this was an anomaly.  We WILL be back! 

Next year, maybe.  Two years, you bet your bippy!  (Just to be certain, anyone know where to get another Olivia Lett? ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2015, 08:53:45 PM
Down to only eight players, North Park was forced to close out the season playing the one team in this league against whom you can't possibly compete with only eight players: North Central. And, sure enough, NCC ran away with a 103-70 win. It was close for awhile -- NCC didn't take its first lead until the 9:13 mark of the first half, and NPU actually led with inside of six minutes left in the opening stanza -- but it all felt as though it was just a matter of time until fatigue took the Vikings out of the contest, and that's exactly what happened.

Nikki Przybyslawski led the Vikings with 15 points. The lone Vikings senior, Annie Shain, closed out her career with a nice 11 and 6 effort, while Nicole Kruckman had a 10 and 13 double-double. Three other players -- Rachel Torres, Kennedy Kantner, and Soly Roman -- reached double figures in rebounds.

For NCC, Tess Godhardt closed out the home-court portion of her unusual career -- over 1,000 points scored, some in an Elmhurst uniform and some in a North Central uniform -- with 30 points, while fellow senior Maryssa Cladis had a dozen points and both Anita Sterling and Corinne Rowe finished up with ten.

Thus ends a 13-12, 5-9 campaign for North Park that has to be considered a disappointment. Expectations were higher than that, especially considering that the Vikings had seven players coming back from last year's team who had played in at least 20 games and had averaged a minimum of 17 minutes per game. Of course, the loss of leading scorer Liz Rehberger to injury with four games left really put the Park up against it in terms of competing for a CCIW tourney berth, but even before she got hurt there had been too many close games that the Vikings were unable to close out. The team just didn't have either a collective killer instinct or a take-charge leader on the floor who could push her teammates through words and actions, or both. There's a missing ingredient there, and I'm not quite sure what it is.

Nevertheless, this remains a program that has a lot of promise. Six of those seven players I mentioned in the last paragraph will be back next year. (Much thanks to Annie Shain for her four solid years in a Vikings uni.) The roster needs more depth next season, but the core talent is there with which to make some noise. They just need to find that missing ingredient.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2015, 11:27:25 AM
Congrats to Wheaton on the CCIW crown.  Good luck to WC and NCC in the D3 tournament.  Make some noise for the CCIW.

All-conference teams announced soon.  I hope Kasey Reaber is recognized.

Again, good luck to all the league seniors for future endeavors.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on February 23, 2015, 03:52:33 PM
Congrats to the NCC Cardinals on a fabulous season. Their 21-4 record is the school's best since 1983-84. The Cards were blessed with a combination of strong senior talent and leadership, and a talented group of underclass women, many of whom matured and adapted to the system in rapid fashion.

They have a very tough matchup awaiting them in the conference tourney. Should they get by Elmhurst, their job won't get any easier. However, even if they should falter on Friday, a 21-5 record should still merit an invitation to the Big Dance, an unheard of proposition just a short time ago.

On this season's joyful journey, the Cards banked 359 three-point field goals, a new all-time NCAA Division III record.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2015, 05:54:36 PM
AO, those are truly amazing trey numbers for the NCC "system."  Again, good luck to NCC and to WC for the D3 dance, upcoming.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2015, 08:46:56 PM
359 from beyond the arc!  Whew, I get tired just pondering that stat.  Juwan Henry has nothing on the NCC ladies!

I'm hoping that the Cardinal and Thunder women get some bracket separation to see if both can make a run.  If WC can go 2-0 in the conference tourney and remain #1 in the Central, then perhaps they will have a chance at hosting the first weekend.  But with 3(St Thomas, Thomas More, Calvin) out of the 4 remaining undefeated teams coming from our little part of the country, they might get sent on the road.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 25, 2015, 08:25:49 PM
Good luck to the Thunder this weekend!!!

Carthage matches up the best against the Thunder lets show them some support this weekend and through the playoffs.

They can go far into the playoffs if they can avoid the slow starts to games.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2015, 11:01:50 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 25, 2015, 08:25:49 PM
Good luck to the Thunder this weekend!!!

Carthage matches up the best against the Thunder lets show them some support this weekend and through the playoffs.

They can go far into the playoffs if they can avoid the slow starts to games.

And if they can avoid being in a bracket of death that is beginning to take shape around the central/great lakes area.   St Thomas, Thomas More, Calvin, Hope, WashU, DePauw all within 500 miles.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2015, 05:48:29 PM
Congratulations to Kasey Reaber and Molly McGraw for all-CCIW honors.  Pretty special to be named All-CCIW as a freshman.  Kasey Reaber and Emily Beoletto will be missed.  Good luck ladies with future endeavors, post-graduation.

Good luck to the CCIW representatives in the CCIW and national tournaments.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2015, 06:02:00 PM
Congratulations to Kent Madsen, CCIW Coach of the Year;  Junior Hannah Considine and Sophomore Katie McDaniels (unanimous 1st Team); Junior Ellie Zeller (2nd team); and Sophomore Chantal Meacham (3rd)  for your ALL-CCIW Honors!!  You make all Thunder fans proud with your competitiveness and sportsmanship.  Good luck tonight and into the NCAAs!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 27, 2015, 06:56:07 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2015, 06:02:00 PM
Congratulations to Kent Madsen, CCIW Coach of the Year;  Junior Hannah Considine and Sophomore Katie McDaniels (unanimous 1st Team); Junior Ellie Zeller (2nd team); and Sophomore Chantal Meacham (3rd)  for your ALL-CCIW Honors!!  You make all Thunder fans proud with your competitiveness and sportsmanship.  Good luck tonight and into the NCAAs!

Congratulations to them.  What a great season for such a young team!!   Well deserved!

I think Katie McDaniels should have easily been the most outstanding player.   They just like to give it to seniors!!!!!!!!!

Watching nearly every game it was just very clear she is was the best and fastest player on the floor.  She has no weaknesses and is a great rebounder at 5'6".   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2015, 12:01:00 AM
Congrats to WC and NCC for making the championship game -- both tournament worthy teams for March.  Wheaton will be loaded again for next year.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2015, 01:23:58 AM
On a related note, the IWU women won the CCIW indoor track and field championship, edging out NCC by just 3 points.  Freshman basketball standout Molly McGraw traded her basketball uni for her track and field togs and won the high jump in a record, D3 national qualifying 5' 8" jump.  Congrats to Molly, the IWU coaching staff and the many fine women track and field athletes for this latest IWU CCIW championship.   Good stuff.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Madison135 on March 01, 2015, 05:40:43 PM
Well I don't think Katie Mcdaniels should of been MOP. She played on a very good team the award is not a team award. Fiona McMahon was the best player in the CCIW. Kasey Reaber stats are better then Mcdaniels and the only reason she was second team is because of there record. She finished 5th in scoring 14th in rebounding  1st in assisits and 1st in steals and she is second team that's not right. She is a point guard that had to guard posts because of their size. I know it's not others teams problems that IWU had not size but these awards are suppose to be individual awards not based on your teams record. Without Reaber they would have not even been in half these games she did everything for the  TEAM. For her to be second team with those stats just isn't right. Nobody is up there in almost every stat.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2015, 08:33:55 PM
Great overall season for Kasey Reaber.  I agree.  Titans need to have some rebounding and paint presence to be successful going forward.  Some key recruiting for Mia Smith and her team to do.  Congrats to all the All-CCIW awardees.  Good luck to WC and NCC in the tournament.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on March 06, 2015, 01:39:45 PM
Lets fill the seats this weekend with Wheaton fans!

Good luck lady Thunder BB team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2015, 08:17:05 PM
NCC goes out, losing by 5 to Oshkosh.  A good season for the NCC women's program.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on March 06, 2015, 09:12:56 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 06, 2015, 08:17:05 PM
NCC goes out, losing by 5 to Oshkosh.  A good season for the NCC women's program.

'70

Nice season for the Cardinals!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2015, 09:52:42 PM
WC and WI-Lutheran going to overtime at WC.  64 all.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2015, 10:08:18 PM
WI Lutheran upsets WC in OT 70-67.  Great season for WC, but one and done.  CCIW women one and done.  Season over for all.  Tough loss for WC.

Great season for all the CCIW squads.  There's always next year.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 06, 2015, 11:15:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 06, 2015, 10:08:18 PM
WI Lutheran upsets WC in OT 70-67.  Great season for WC, but one and done.  CCIW women one and done.  Season over for all.  Tough loss for WC.

Great season for all the CCIW squads.  There's always next year.

IWU70

Great win for WLC. They have come close so many times to pulling off big wins (Losing to DePauw in the last seconds, giving George Fox a heck of a game) and this time they came through. Props to Wheaton for the good season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 07, 2015, 09:11:08 AM
WLC's win is the 2nd NCAA tourney win ever for that school (back in '11 the Warriors knocked off UW-LaCrosse in the opening round before losing to IL Wesleyan)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 07, 2015, 11:02:44 AM
Tough loss for the Wheaton Women lastnight but lost to a solid Wisc-Lutheran team.  Congratulations on a great year of success despite the early exit. With all starters and key reserves returning, we have a lot to look forward to next season with a little more tourney experience under our belt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 08, 2015, 01:46:48 AM
That was a great win for the WLC program last night. The Warriors consistently challenge themselves in the non-conference schedule and it paid off last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on March 09, 2015, 01:45:18 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 08, 2015, 01:46:48 AM
That was a great win for the WLC program last night. The Warriors consistently challenge themselves in the non-conference schedule and it paid off last night.
Yes it was a good win for them and a bad loss for Wheaton.  Wheaton has been slow to adjust to teams, the loss at NP was not knowing what to do against a zone defense except throw up treys.  Against WLC Wheaton underestimated the 6'3" center and got burned for 28 pts.
Wheaton only has two coaches and looking at other teams in the playoffs most have more.  Maybe some former players women or men with good basketball knowledge could help out the team like they do in other sports at Wheaton.  This team was too good and special to go out that fast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2015, 05:58:43 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on March 09, 2015, 01:45:18 PMWheaton has been slow to adjust to teams, the loss at NP was not knowing what to do against a zone defense except throw up treys.

There was more to it than that. NPU played really well at both ends of the floor that night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 10, 2015, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on March 09, 2015, 01:45:18 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 08, 2015, 01:46:48 AM
That was a great win for the WLC program last night. The Warriors consistently challenge themselves in the non-conference schedule and it paid off last night.
Yes it was a good win for them and a bad loss for Wheaton.  Wheaton has been slow to adjust to teams, the loss at NP was not knowing what to do against a zone defense except throw up treys.  Against WLC Wheaton underestimated the 6'3" center and got burned for 28 pts.
Wheaton only has two coaches and looking at other teams in the playoffs most have more.  Maybe some former players women or men with good basketball knowledge could help out the team like they do in other sports at Wheaton.  This team was too good and special to go out that fast.


I was also disappointed to see Wheaton go out early and at home, but I would admit to not being totally surprised.  They did have some nice wins early(@ Hope, @ Chicago) but I'm not sure this year's league play served to keep them sharp in the later weeks.  I didn't get the sense the conference was quite as competitive this year and playing against North Central really doesn't prepare you for much else.  This year's Wheaton squad was a talented but young team with little to no tournament experience.  Zeller and Considine played 2 yrs ago in a blowout loss @ Hope but not much otherwise.  On the other bench was senior led Wisc Lutheran with 4 straight appearances.  So playing a solid team like that, with a problematic player (and I can't believe they would've underestimated Schultz), they needed to play at their normally high level and they just didn't quite shoot the ball well enough.  Perhaps they were caught looking ahead to a Hope rematch?  I'm thinking that Coach Madsen and crew will learn from this and determine to bring it next year when expectations will justifiably be even higher.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 10, 2015, 05:18:13 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 10, 2015, 11:34:35 AMI was also disappointed to see Wheaton go out early and at home, but I would admit to not being totally surprised.  They did have some nice wins early(@ Hope, @ Chicago) but I'm not sure this year's league play served to keep them sharp in the later weeks.  I didn't get the sense the conference was quite as competitive this year and playing against North Central really doesn't prepare you for much else.

I agree with that. I think that the overall level of play in the league was down this year. Wheaton was right on target, and North Central finally had the personnel that allowed the system to click, but that was about it in terms of upper-echelon teams meeting expectations. Illinois Wesleyan was way down, of course, but North Park clearly underachieved as well. Carthage didn't spring back from last year's heavy graduation losses nearly as much as everyone thought the Lady Reds would, given the talent that Tim Bernero still had coming back, and, I'd argue, Elmhurst was not as good as it should've been, given what Tethnie Carrillo had on her roster. Millikin was a bit better than last year, but not dramatically so, and Augustana continued to be stuck in the mud.

I blame it all on RogK's absence. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on March 10, 2015, 05:41:35 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2015, 05:58:43 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on March 09, 2015, 01:45:18 PMWheaton has been slow to adjust to teams, the loss at NP was not knowing what to do against a zone defense except throw up treys.

There was more to it than that. NPU played really well at both ends of the floor that night.

I agree that NP played good but Wheaton was flustered as it was really the first time this year a good team used a zone against them most of the game. 
4-24 .167  most three attempts in a game this season.
4-9    .444    free throws the least they went to the free throw line this season vs
NP's  20-28    .714 the most free throw attempts against Wheaton this season.
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/cumestats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2014
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 10, 2015, 10:23:04 PM
I didn't say that Wheaton wasn't flustered. What I said was that NPU played very well, and that to leave NPU out of an explanation of the game's outcome is both inaccurate and does the Vikings a disservice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 21, 2015, 09:01:03 AM
Two undefeated teams for the Walnut and Bronze -- George Fox vs. Thomas More.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2015, 12:04:58 AM
Congratulations to Elmhurst's Fiona McMahon, 3rd team All American on D3hoops.com.

To no one's surprise, Sydney Moss of Thomas More became the first repeat winner of the women's* national PoY.  Since she is still only a junior, barring injury or other catastrophe I'd expect that next year she will become the first ever three-time winner. ;)

*D3hoops.com has only picked national PoY's for ten years - she is the first repeat winner for either gender.  Last year she was the first sophomore winner of either gender.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 22, 2015, 08:47:18 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2015, 12:04:58 AM
Congratulations to Elmhurst's Fiona McMahon, 3rd team All American on D3hoops.com.

To no one's surprise, Sydney Moss of Thomas More became the first repeat winner of the women's* national PoY.  Since she is still only a junior, barring injury or other catastrophe I'd expect that next year she will become the first ever three-time winner. ;)

*D3hoops.com has only picked national PoY's for ten years - she is the first repeat winner for either gender.  Last year she was the first sophomore winner of either gender.

Is it time for me to say "I told you so" yet, or should I wait until she wins it for the third time? ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 22, 2015, 12:31:40 PM
I've started to ask people I respect as coaches or D3 observers if Sydney is the best player they've seen at this level. We can wait for her last year to see what she does as a senior but no one has definitively said no yet.

I think this was the single best season of any D3 player ever on the women's side but I want to do some research before saying that for certain. I'd be curious if there's any parallel on the men's side-- player of year, record setting tournament, national scoring leader (I think) and passing the eye test in terms of wow plays.

Greg, I also had a chance to see Calvin's old gym and hear some stories about the 1980s tourney games held there, including NPU's title game against Potsdam State.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 24, 2015, 07:28:55 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 22, 2015, 12:31:40 PMGreg, I also had a chance to see Calvin's old gym and hear some stories about the 1980s tourney games held there, including NPU's title game against Potsdam State.

North Park actually won two title games in Calvin's old gym, the one against Potsdam State in '85 (heckuva team, that Bears squad with Brendan Mitchell, Barry Stanton, and Pony Bullock) and the one against Clark in '87 (a Cougars team led by the phenomenal Kermit Sharp).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 25, 2015, 12:53:29 AM
But did Gordon get to hear stories about the '87 game this weekend?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 30, 2015, 03:09:53 AM
Any recruiting news out there, ladies and gentlemen?  IWU surely needs to find some bigs, some rebounding and some paint scoring.  Ehresman and McGraw are going to be better and better, but they surely need some help in the post.

IWU softball off to a scorching start.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: CoachM on April 04, 2015, 05:30:13 PM
Maddie Merritt has committed to IWU. Maddie played high school ball at Tri-Valley and club ball with the Predators program out of Springfield. Maddie was recruited by Maryville U and Columbia College (NAIA D1) amongst others. Maryville and Columbia both saw Maddie as a stretch 4 in their programs. She will give IWU some size.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 05, 2015, 12:19:29 AM
Welcome to the Titan nation, Maddie Merritt!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 09, 2015, 02:28:55 AM
Today's the Day, Titan Nation -- April 9th. "All In" for IWU.   Give 'til it hurts.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 16, 2015, 11:34:46 PM
Article in today's Pgraph about Mia Smith's recruiting class at IWU. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 26, 2015, 09:11:15 AM
Some information on IWU's recruiting class - http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/tri-valley-s-merritt-tops-iwu-recruits/article_bb67a41a-fac0-5e1c-9782-e174a89442e0.html.


* Nina Anderson, 5-9 G (Maine South H.S.) - 9.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2239444/nina-anderson



* Maddie Merritt, 6-0 PF (Tri-Valley H.S.) - 23.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 58 3s, 1st Team IBCA 1A/2A all-state

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/killer-instinct-tri-valley-s-merritt-feasting-on-opposition/article_7b4af24c-7e6a-11e3-89e3-001a4bcf887a.html

http://www.ncsasports.org/womens-basketball-recruiting/il/downs/tri-valley-high-school/maddie-merritt

http://www.ibcaillinois.org/news_article/show/485207?referrer_id=1320164



* Maggie Palmer, 5-9 G/F (Regina Dominican H.S.) - 12 ppg, 6 rpg

http://dailynorthshore.com/2015/02/17/palmer-is-a-pivotal-players-for-the-panthers/



* Ashley Schneider, 6-0 SF/PF (Nokomis H.S.) - 20.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.0 spg, 1st Team IBCA 1A/2A all-state

http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150416/SPORTS/150419600/2001/SPORTS

http://www.ibcaillinois.org/news_article/show/485207?referrer_id=1320164

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3887734/ashley-schneider
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 26, 2015, 10:32:25 AM
Q, looks very promising, esp. some post players, some decent size.  Should match up well with Ehresman and McGraw.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 03, 2015, 12:50:01 PM
Full new IWU roster now posted on the IWU sports website.  A young team, but with some very good returning talent.  Mia recruited some size, so perhaps the rebounding and paint defence will be better this year.  Time will tell.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 15, 2015, 12:26:50 PM
CCIW Chatsters, any thoughts on the prospects of various teams for the upcoming season? 

IWU has a good core coming back, but as in past years, needs rebounding, some post scoring and better interior D.  Time will tell.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 28, 2015, 03:32:31 PM
Coaches poll is out: (http://www.cciw.org/news/2015/10/27/WBB_1027151215.aspx)

1. Wheaton 49 (7)
2. Carthage 39
3. North Central 38 (1)
4. Millikin 29
5. Illinois Wesleyan 23
6. Elmhurst 22
7. North Park 16
8. Augustana 8

One thing we know from this poll is that Tim Bernero can fire up his players before they face Wheaton by telling them that WC head coach Kent Madsen didn't respect Carthage enough to put the Lady Reds at the top of his ballot. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 28, 2015, 05:44:52 PM
One really bad season has wiped out many years of high expectations.  I'll bet it is more than a decade since IWU was predicted to finish fifth!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 30, 2015, 03:49:25 PM
With Sydney Moss back for her senior season, can't really argue with the unanimous pre-season #1 in the D3 poll.

On the CCIW poll, Titans will have to prove they are higher than #5.  I know this polls pissed off and "shocked" Mia Smith so I'm sure she'll use it to marshall her young team and surely work hard to return the Titans to the contenders, to the CCIW tournament group.  Titans are very young still, only one senior, and still are vertically challenged, with untested post players, need for better rebounding and interior defence.  They have some good perimeter players and scorers, so we'll see.  Ehresman and McGraw coming into their own as team leaders.  Holness will be good.  I wonder if Mia thinks she still has the horses, the athletes to continue all the full court and trapping pressure.  Time will tell.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 02, 2015, 08:37:21 PM
I don't suppose any LadyRed (or Redmen) posters could give insight as to why would-be returning Carthage seniors Alexis Hahn and Taylor Boardman are inexplicably not listed on the 2015-16 roster?   Hahn was clearly their best player last year, first team all-CCIW, and Boardman was also core to the team.  Just an oversight perhaps?  For Carthage and the league's sake, I hope so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 03, 2015, 12:37:19 PM
I guess WC has to be considered the odds-on favorite for the CCIW title this year -- esp. with two pre-season All-Americans on their roster. 

Would be interested in other assessments, comments on how the other CCIW teams stack up, shape up this year. 

IWU is very young, needing improvement especially in rebounding, interior defence and three point shooting.  Mia Smith has some very good, experienced players coming back in McGraw, Holness and Ehresman -- and Samantha Ellsworth?  I think Ellsworth is the only SR. on the roster, so plenty of room, time for growth and improvement.  Mia did recruit some size and post players, but they are young, not CCIW-tested.  Being picked 5th won't have set well with Coach Smith, I'm sure.  I expect IWU to make a pretty good run to be back in the top four, back to the CCIW tournament level this year.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 03, 2015, 01:46:30 PM
What do folks think about NCC?

I thought about voting them in the Top 25 and found other teams I thought would be better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 03, 2015, 06:30:17 PM
Congratulations to Hannah Considine and Katie McDaniels on their D3 hoops pre-season All American nod.  Well deserved.  Those 2 along with senior Ellie Zeller(D3Hoops pre-season AA last year) will be the back bone of this extremely well-balanced team.  Thunder fans have every reason to expect big things from the ladies this year, but I would suspect no higher than what Kent Madsen and the players expect of themselves this season after a very disappointing home early exit last year in the NCAA tourney.  Given that they only graduated one senior and they return pretty much everyone who played significant minutes last season, their pre-season top 10 ranking is certainly justified.   Despite their heady 24-3 record entering post season play last year, one could argue that they were still young and perhaps not quite seasoned to make a deep run.  This year however, they will be senior-led by Considine and Zeller and McDaniels is as good a guard as you'll see who can either score, dish, or otherwise run the team making everyone else better.  Chantal Meacham, their 4th All-Conf player back, is dangerous from the arc.  If they can stay healthy, I'm not sure they will be very challenged for the CCIW title.  They have to believe that this is their year to really contend and compete well into the 2nd NCAA weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 07:39:02 PM
Three CCIW teams have won the women's national bball title - NCC, Millikin, and IWU.  Obviously I'd love for IWU to win it again, but if Wheaton can pull it off, we'd welcome them to the club!  (Though if Sidney Moss stays healthy, it is doubtful anyone can knock off Thomas More.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 03, 2015, 07:58:06 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 03, 2015, 01:46:30 PM
What do folks think about NCC?

I thought about voting them in the Top 25 and found other teams I thought would be better.

Well, the Cards lost three good players in Tess Godhardt, Maryssa Cladis, and Bobbi Johns to graduation. But Michelle Roof has the Grinnell system down to a T at this point. In fact, right now she's arguably running it better than the guy who invented it, Grinnell men's head coach David Arseneault. And the beauty of the Grinnell system is that, if you're doing it right, you're less dependent upon superstars than are other teams. if you have enough competent players, you will win more by the style of play than by individual execution. Plus, it's so darned hard to prepare for NCC, because nobody else runs the Grinnell system in this neck of the woods on the women's side, and that's always a big advantage for the Cards. Finally, she's got a (presumably) healthy Lauren Hernandez back after missing a year to injury.

If Carthage has indeed lost the services of Alexis Hahn and Taylor Boardman, then North Central is easily the top challenger remaining to give Wheaton a run this coming season.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 07:39:02 PM
Three CCIW teams have won the women's national bball title - NCC, Millikin, and IWU.

Incorrect, Chuck. North Central won the national title as a member of the Chicago Metro Conference, prior to the CCIW's sponsorship of women's sports. I think we've been over this ground before.

It's an important distinction, because the CCIW can't legitimately claim bragging rights for North Central's triumph.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 03, 2015, 07:59:57 PM
I will probably have something concrete to say about the 2015-16 NPU edition on Friday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 09:18:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 03, 2015, 07:58:06 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 07:39:02 PM
Three CCIW teams have won the women's national bball title - NCC, Millikin, and IWU.

Incorrect, Chuck. North Central won the national title as a member of the Chicago Metro Conference, prior to the CCIW's sponsorship of women's sports. I think we've been over this ground before.

It's an important distinction, because the CCIW can't legitimately claim bragging rights for North Central's triumph.

You're quite right, of course, and the CCIW can't take credit.  (And shame, shame for being SO delayed on sponsoring women's sports!)  But as a fan, I can count them as a team who presumably would still have won a banner for the conference if the conference was not so chauvinistic!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 03, 2015, 10:36:25 PM
Chuck, I wouldn't go that far. By 1982-83 the CMC had degenerated to only playing an end-of-season eight-team-tourney as its conference schedule, leaving everybody in the conference to essentially schedule the bulk of the season as they saw fit. NCC apparently scheduled in a manner designed to help it get into the NCAA tourney as an at-large, and the Cards were good enough to take it from there.

I know I've said this a million times before on d3boards.com, but there's no substitute for a full double round-robin. That's the proving ground where, nine times out of ten, you really separate out the contenders from the wannabes. I'm not saying that the Cards weren't special in 1982-83 -- with four members of the Thousand Points Club on that roster, they clearly were -- but I really don't think you can assume anything about how that team would've done if it had gone through a 16-game CCIW season, as opposed to a hand-picked slate of 24 non-con games before the CMC tourney. F'rinstance, one of the six teams that beat NCC that season was Augustana. Augie went 17-10 that season while playing a schedule that included the likes of two D1s (Notre Dame and Bradley), two D2s (Florida International and Southeast Missouri), and seven games against NAIA opponents in an era when, as you and Bob are always so fond of pointing out, NAIA membership really meant something. In the D3 tourney Augie lost by seven in the Naperville regional semi to Central, which then lost the next night to host NCC by three.

Picture a scenario in which the CCIW sponsored women's basketball in 1982-83, the CCIW played its usual double round-robin (16 games back then, since Carroll was still in the league), and only one CCIW team got into the D3 tourney. It wasn't terribly unusual for D3 to take only one D3 men's basketball team back then; since this league has never been as strong on the women's side as it's been on the men's side, it's even more plausible to contemplate D3 only taking one CCIW team back then. What if that team was Augustana?

I just don't think that you can automatically assume that things would've turned out the same if the CCIW had had women's basketball back then. Sure, there's a good chance that NCC would've won the national title, but there are enough variables at play in that counterfactual to keep it from being a slam-dunk assumption.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 11:12:51 PM
Greg, I'm gonna assume everything you said is true (I've caught you in errors maybe twice in all these years, but have learned that fact-checking you is generally a waste of time and brain cells - you are FAR more reliable than wikipedia! ;)), but I'm gonna keep thinking of NCC as a CCIW title the same way (Pat Coleman, cover your eyes ;)) that I'll keep thinking of Jack Sikma as a D3 NBA star (as long as Pat doesn't catch me saying it! ;)).  They're our conference rivals now, and would've been then if the CCIW hadn't been so slow to sponsor women's sports.

But I can't blame just 'the CCIW'.  IWU did not even have a women's basketball team until 1971-72, and for the first seven(?) years played 10 or fewer games a year.  The nadir came just before the CCIW started sponsorship, when they went 0-20!  IWU NEVER had a real program until the arrival of Mia Smith.  I just hope she can resurrect the program quickly after the worst season she has had since the very early days of a never-before-was program.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on November 04, 2015, 08:41:47 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 07:39:02 PM
Three CCIW teams have won the women's national bball title - NCC, Millikin, and IWU.  Obviously I'd love for IWU to win it again, but if Wheaton can pull it off, we'd welcome them to the club!  (Though if Sidney Moss stays healthy, it is doubtful anyone can knock off Thomas More.)

No doubt Moss is the best.
But I really hope to see  Katie McDaniels vs Abby Owings from Thomas More going head to head.  Two exceptional point guards that have almost exact same skill sets that are exciting to watch.  From the no look passes, ball handling and creating scoring opportunities. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2015, 04:27:48 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 11:12:51 PM
Greg, I'm gonna assume everything you said is true (I've caught you in errors maybe twice in all these years, but have learned that fact-checking you is generally a waste of time and brain cells - you are FAR more reliable than wikipedia! ;))

That's a bit of a left-handed compliment, but thanks, anyway. ;)

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 11:12:51 PM, but I'm gonna keep thinking of NCC as a CCIW title the same way (Pat Coleman, cover your eyes ;)) that I'll keep thinking of Jack Sikma as a D3 NBA star (as long as Pat doesn't catch me saying it! ;)).

Three eye-rolls for that, Chuck ... one for each NCAA division:  ::) ::) ::)

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 11:12:51 PM
  They're our conference rivals now, and would've been then if the CCIW hadn't been so slow to sponsor women's sports.

One of these days I'm going to ask one of the CCIW old-timers (Dennis Prikkel, perhaps, or Dave Wrath) why the CCIW was so tardy in sponsoring women's sports. It's not as though all nine CCIW schools back then lacked women's sports; they all fielded a full slate of women's teams by that point, since Title IX was passed all the way back in 1972. (D3's first women's basketball tourney was held in 1981-82, so that NCC team we're discussing was the second D3 outfit to take home a Walnut & Bronze in this sport.)

I have a pretty strong suspicion that the cause of the CCIW's tardiness was simply the intransigence of the league's old-boy's-club leadership, but I'd rather hear it from somebody who was a league insider during that era.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 03, 2015, 11:12:51 PMBut I can't blame just 'the CCIW'.  IWU did not even have a women's basketball team until 1971-72, and for the first seven(?) years played 10 or fewer games a year.  The nadir came just before the CCIW started sponsorship, when they went 0-20!  IWU NEVER had a real program until the arrival of Mia Smith.

That last statement is simply not accurate, Chuck. Mandy Neal's 1993-94 Titans went 20-5 and tied for second in the CCIW at 11-3, only one game behind Millikin. The following season her team went 20-6, 10-4 (good for third place in the CCIW) and made the D3 tourney, losing in the first round to Wash U, 75-69. And in 1995-96 her Titans went 18-8, finished fourth in the CCIW at 9-5, and were one of four CCIW teams to go dancing (that's still the high-water mark for the CCIW in terms of D3 tourney participation). They lost in the first round, again to Wash U, by a score of 68-63.

It's not fair to Mandy Neal or to her former players to gloss over that three-year period as though it never happened. I think that they would strongly disagree that theirs wasn't "a real program."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 05, 2015, 04:52:52 PM
My apologies to Mandy Neal and her players for my earlier mis-statement - I somehow simply didn't see those results as I scanned the historical record. :-[

I'll re-phrase to "IWU never had a dominant program until Mia Smith". 

I'm hoping that last season was just a one-year hiccup, though it will probably take longer to get back to the very top.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 05, 2015, 05:56:38 PM
I'm just going to say one thing, and I don't know how well it relates to this situation or not, Gregory. You talk about the double round-robin and the perils of that, but I have to say, in the 1980s there was a very wide variance in how seriously each school and athletic department took women's basketball. (Even today there are lots of schools who don't treat women's basketball seriously in terms of staffing, recruitment and the like.) Just having two games against teams isn't necessarily the be-all and end-all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2015, 06:22:33 PM
Quite true, Pat, and it was certainly true of the CCIW in the early years of the league's sponsorship of women's basketball ... and it's still true today, to a significantly lesser degree.

All I'm saying, though, is that the double round-robin established a more coherent baseline for comparison, especially when you consider the alternative at the time (the eight-team CMC tourney at the end of the season). And my overall point, which is that Chuck's assertion was hardly a given as far as counterfactuals go, really isn't dependent upon the overall depth of what would've been the CCIW at that point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 05, 2015, 07:48:20 PM
Greg, as to the 'left-handed compliment', shame on you for the slur on lefties! ;D  (Actually, I'm right-handed, but after congratulating you on you generally fine accuracy, I thought I should stick up for my left-handed friends! 8-))  I may have retired at just the right time - I was only getting wikipedia footnotes the last couple of years.  I made it clear that they were NOT acceptable - either cite the source they footnoted, or, if not footnoted, find another source.  (I got a lot of 'blowback' from students, but was solidly backed on this issue by my DH and other administrators.)  I kind of wonder if the problem has gotten worse (as students rely ever more on wiki) or better (as students get more sophisticated about 'the internet is not gospel')?  Glad it is no longer my problem! ;)

My dad felt the same way about computers in engineering.  He spent nearly his whole career pre-computer, and felt he could not possibly keep up with what was going on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on November 05, 2015, 11:10:15 PM
If being the North Park women's coach at the time of NCC's title qualifies me to chime in on the early CCIW schools and women's sports, I'll try.  The job was handed to me as a way to get a "full time" salary. I was the head men's soccer coach, head women's basketball coach and head men's tennis coach and I was general manager of Tam Tennis Club in Niles which was owned by NP.  That job scope might indicate something about the view of all those jobs.

There's no doubt that the women's programs were looked at as the junior junior varsity. Practice times were set around the men's schedule and the games in the Crackerbox were played with only half the bleachers pulled out. When we played a doubleheader at NCC they actually were putting together the floor level seating during the women's game. We at least had decent uniforms and a future NBA ref (Ron Olesiak) calling games. I know that the other coaches were happy when we won but rarely came to our games.  I was used to that from coaching soccer.

The NCAA was slow to embrace women's sports and the CCIW leadership was pretty much in line with that. We really didn't feel that bad about it at the time because at least the women got to play and the games were pretty intense. Looking back we should have been more demanding I suppose but we didn't know it at the time. I really enjoyed the experience and hopefully the players got something out of it. Glad to have been a pioneer with both soccer and women's basketball. Each had a ton more fans than tennis so it's al relative.

NCC was good in that era but didn't seem like they were unbeatable. The tournament was so low key that I don't know that we knew that they had won the Nationals until some time after the fact. Pre-D3hoops. Actually pre-Internet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2015, 02:24:22 PM
IWU hosts Thomas Moore and Sydney Moss on Dec. 30th, @The Shirk.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 06, 2015, 05:30:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 05, 2015, 07:48:20 PMGreg, as to the 'left-handed compliment', shame on you for the slur on lefties! ;D  (Actually, I'm right-handed, but after congratulating you on you generally fine accuracy, I thought I should stick up for my left-handed friends! 8-))  I may have retired at just the right time - I was only getting wikipedia footnotes the last couple of years.  I made it clear that they were NOT acceptable - either cite the source they footnoted, or, if not footnoted, find another source.  (I got a lot of 'blowback' from students, but was solidly backed on this issue by my DH and other administrators.)

That's where wikipedia's true usefulness lies, in the footnotes that link to more definitive sources. If a wiki article asserts something, and the footnote to that assertion is a dead link, I don't cite it.

Quote from: joehakes on November 05, 2015, 11:10:15 PMIf being the North Park women's coach at the time of NCC's title qualifies me to chime in on the early CCIW schools and women's sports, I'll try.  The job was handed to me as a way to get a "full time" salary. I was the head men's soccer coach, head women's basketball coach and head men's tennis coach and I was general manager of Tam Tennis Club in Niles which was owned by NP.  That job scope might indicate something about the view of all those jobs.

It does, but it's even more indicative of NPU's perpetual tendency to squeeze every dime. As bad as it is now, it was far worse back in the NPC days. (I notice that you left out your two most high-profile jobs on campus, that of resident advisor at Burgh Hall and p.a. announcer in the crackerbox for men's basketball.)

If nothing else, North Park certainly augmented your résumé quite nicely. ;)

Quote from: joehakes on November 05, 2015, 11:10:15 PMThere's no doubt that the women's programs were looked at as the junior junior varsity. Practice times were set around the men's schedule and the games in the Crackerbox were played with only half the bleachers pulled out. When we played a doubleheader at NCC they actually were putting together the floor level seating during the women's game. We at least had decent uniforms and a future NBA ref (Ron Olesiak) calling games. I know that the other coaches were happy when we won but rarely came to our games.  I was used to that from coaching soccer.

I remember thinking during my student days what a shame it was that your Vikings drew so little attention, because my classmate Becky Djurickovic (née Johnson) was so much fun to watch. She was good, and, while Bosko was a decent role player in his own right when he played on the NPC men's team (or so I'm told), I'm pretty sure that Stevie D. (as well as his younger brother, former Carthage football standout Pete Djurickovic) got his athleticism from his mother.

I enjoyed sharing the fact with Steve that, while he holds almost every conceivable scoring and assists record at Carthage, the record for the most assists ever tallied in a game at Tarble Arena wasn't his. It was held by his mother, who tallied 15 dimes for the Vikings in a game at Carthage in '83 (no doubt due to the flawless X's and O's drawn up in the huddle by Coach Hakes ;)). Alas, Stephanie Kuzmanic broke the gym record by dishing out 17 assists in a home game against North Central two years ago. The problem with having a Grinnell-system team in the CCIW is that no record is safe anymore, gym records as well as strictly women's basketball records.

Quote from: joehakes on November 05, 2015, 11:10:15 PMThe NCAA was slow to embrace women's sports and the CCIW leadership was pretty much in line with that.

Very true. We're talking about the time period in which the NCAA, which had fought tooth-and-nail against Title IX and showed little interest in sponsoring women's sports, caught on to the fact that women's sports could actually make money and began to challenge the AIAW for membership. The NCAA ran its first D1 women's basketball national tournament in 1982, and the AIAW, which lacked the TV contracts and the resources to fight back, went defunct a year later.

Quote from: joehakes on November 05, 2015, 11:10:15 PMWe really didn't feel that bad about it at the time because at least the women got to play and the games were pretty intense. Looking back we should have been more demanding I suppose but we didn't know it at the time. I really enjoyed the experience and hopefully the players got something out of it. Glad to have been a pioneer with both soccer and women's basketball. Each had a ton more fans than tennis so it's al relative.

One of the things that I find most gratifying about this generation of NPU students is the way that male student-athletes support female student-athletes. The volleyball team drew a lot of supporters in the crackerbox from the football and men's soccer teams, even though the NPU volleyball team struggled mightily this season, and the men's basketball team is always present in force down in the front row to cheer on the women's team. Of course, the fact that they travel together for weekend games in January and February contributes to that cameraderie.

Quote from: joehakes on November 05, 2015, 11:10:15 PM
NCC was good in that era but didn't seem like they were unbeatable. The tournament was so low key that I don't know that we knew that they had won the Nationals until some time after the fact. Pre-D3hoops. Actually pre-Internet.

That doesn't surprise me at all, especially since, as I said, it was only the second D3 women's basketball tourney ever held.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on November 06, 2015, 09:40:26 PM
I guess I have tried to forget about being the RD in Burgh Hall. I had never lived in a dorm and my wife was never a college student. But I should be proud of the student development role in producing such fine young men as Mr. Sager.  8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 06, 2015, 09:44:56 PM
Quote from: joehakes on November 06, 2015, 09:40:26 PM
I guess I have tried to forget about being the RD in Burgh Hall. I had never lived in a dorm and my wife was never a college student. But I should be proud of the student development role in producing such fine young men as Mr. Sager.  8-)

Don't worry - we won't blame you for how he turned out! :o ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on November 07, 2015, 06:58:13 AM
Gosi, thanks. That burden haunts me constantly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 07, 2015, 01:09:49 PM
There aren't a lot of people standing in line to take credit for my deportment.

I never understood why. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2015, 09:45:27 PM
North Park 64
St. Mary's (IN) 49

Shaylee Sloan: 11 pts, 9 rebs
Gabby Sandoval: 10 pts
Soly Roman: 7 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 6 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 5 stls

NPU looked great on defense tonight, as the Vikings open the 2015-16 campaign with a home win over the overmatched Belles.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 17, 2015, 10:07:49 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2015, 09:45:27 PM
North Park 64
St. Mary's (IN) 49

Shaylee Sloan: 11 pts, 9 rebs
Gabby Sandoval: 10 pts
Soly Roman: 7 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 6 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 5 stls

NPU looked great on defense tonight, as the Vikings open the 2015-16 campaign with a home win over the overmatched Belles.

Sounds like the Belles need to sneak in a couple of Notre Dame players in drag!  (Son #1 was running an indoor soccer facility in that area for a couple of years; we stayed at the Inn at St. Mary's on one of our visits - VERY nice facility.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2015, 11:04:08 PM
North Park 78
Anderson 62

Soly Roman: 20 pts (10-11 FG), 6 rebs
Amani Davis: 15 pts, 9 rebs, 5 stls
Liz Rehberger: 13 pts, 7 rebs, 5:1 a:to
Rachel Torres: 4 stls, 3:1 a:to
Nicole Kruckman: 4:1 a:to
Gabby Sandoval: 3:1 a:to

The Vikings scored the first 20 points of the game and never looked back; although the Ravens kept NPU from running away with it, the lead never dipped below double digits. A nice night of work for the Vikings, in spite of the fact that they went 0-11 from downtown.

North Park (2-0) will face Trine (2-0) in the championship game of the Anderson Tipoff Tourney tomorrow afternoon, as the Thunder beat #25 Baldwin Wallace in the other semi.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2015, 01:02:08 PM
IWU opens the season with a good 86-57 win over Oberlin, playing in Michigan @ Adrian tourney.  Starters as expected:  McGraw, Ehresman, Ellsworth, Weber and Holness.  But, some good contributions from the two new post playing freshmen -- getting 6-9 FG and 4-5 FTs from them, and some good rebounding.  This will be key going forward, and I'd expect more minutes for these two in different rotations.  Oberlin had 30 TOs, leading to 27 points, with the margin of victory about the same.  "Run and Jump" doing its dirt.  Titans play the hosts today 3 p.m.  If the Titans shoot it better from 3 and play the tough D, the full court pressure, with the improved rebounding and interior D provided by these two freshmen, this TITAN team could be good.  Time will tell.

IWU'70

IWU women's soccer playing in the D3 tournament Sectional today -- in St. Louis at Wash U, luckily below the snow line.  ISU playing football, their final regular season game today in the driving snow . . .likely 3-4 inches by game time.  I guess WC football is playing in the snow today too.  No thanks.  I'm to the warmth of The Shirk for the men's games -- IWU vs. Wilmington later today.  :)  Weekend tournament.  Games Saturday and Sunday. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2015, 01:20:52 PM
Correction:  Titans at Albion, playing host Albion today at 3 p.m. (not Adrian). 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2015, 04:49:27 PM
IWU starts the season 2-0 with a 57-54 win over Albion.  Rebekah Ehresman with 19 points, 8 RBs. 

Things looking up for the IWU women's program for this season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2015, 07:51:31 PM
Double OT final:

North Park 75
Trine 71

Liz Rehberger: 29 pts, 9 rebs
Amani Davis: 16 pts, 7 rebs, 4:1 a:to
Rachel Torres: 13 pts, 6 rebs
Soly Román: 9 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 6 rebs

NPU won a gut-check contest this afternoon against a really good Trine team to claim the Anderson University Tipoff Tourney title. The Vikings had to fight through weariness and some long scoring droughts in order to do so, but in the end their terrific defense allowed them to prevail.

The Vikings led for most of regulation, building up a lead as big as 12 points at 55-43 with less than seven minutes to go in regulation. But the offense stalled out, and the Thunder went on a 12-0 run over the next three minutes to tie it up. Trine was up by one, 60-59, and was at the FT line with six seconds remaining. The Thunder shooter made the first and missed the second; NPU center Soly Román grabbed the rebound and scored the tying basket at the other end of the floor just before the backboard lit up, forcing overtime.

Neither team was able to get any separation in the first extra session, but in the second the Vikings were able to play off of their defense to win the game. Trine was stifled on all of its final six possessions, with the only good chance to score in that sequence resulting in a pair of missed Thunder FTs. The Vikings, although clearly exhausted, managed to scrape enough points together during that strong defensive stretch to outpace the Thunder.

Although they didn't shoot well -- Trine's 6'2 center gave the Vikings bigs all kinds of headaches and redirected a lot of shots in close that usually go in the basket -- the Vikings played terrific defense for the most part and held Trine even on the boards while forcing five more Thunder turnovers than the Vikes themselves coughed up. Liz Rehberger's 29 points was a career high, as she and Román were named to the All-Tournament team.

The first two NPU wins were solid but not terribly impressive, given that neither St. Mary's (IN) nor Anderson is much of a force. But Trine is very good; the Thunder were picked to finish third in the MIAA, right behind perennial national powers Calvin and Hope, and they were fresh off of a six-point victory over preseason #25 Baldwin Wallace last night. This is a win that the Vikings can build upon.

NPU will next be back in action this coming Saturday in the crackerbox for the NPU Invite Tourney, hosting the Big Red of Denison (2-2). It's a classic-format tourney, since Elmhurst is one of the other participating squads. The 'jays will tangle with Wartburg in the other first-round game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 21, 2015, 08:38:35 PM
Greg, was it the Trine women who went System a few years back?  I believe they (or whoever it is I'm thinking of) abandoned it after just a few seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2015, 09:02:29 PM
I don't remember it being Trine. If it was, it was a long time ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 25, 2015, 10:45:52 AM
The WARHAWKS had their way with the Titans last night 96-79.  Wesleyan struggled in the first half particularly the last half of the second quarter when the WARHAWKS made an 11-0 run to go up 53-29 at the half.  It got pretty much out of hand when we started the second half with another run and the lead ballooned to a high of thirty one 70-39 midway through the third quarter.  Wesleyan did play better after that and cut the lead down to seventeen on multiple occasions in the final stanza but that's as close as it would get.  Wesleyan shot decently in the first half (45%) but the WARHAWKS shot 63.6% and our pressure defense forced 17 Titan turnovers.  Wesleyan shot 58.8% in the second half and played much better actually outscoring the WARHAWKS 50-43 and limiting turnovers to seven.  The WARHAWKS primary scoring advantages came off of turnovers 32-14,  from the bench 39-25 and in the paint 42-30.

For the Titans:
Molly McGraw: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
Rebekah Ehresman: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block
Maddie Merritt: 11 points
Gabrielle Holness: 10 points

WARHAWKS sophomore guard, Brooke Trewyn, led all scorers with a career high 25 points.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 25, 2015, 11:46:45 AM
QuoteGreg, was it the Trine women who went System a few years back?  I believe they (or whoever it is I'm thinking of) abandoned it after just a few seasons.

Muhlenberg out of Allentown, PA adopted the System and then abandoned it shortly after that. That was a while ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: jaybird44 on November 25, 2015, 11:57:37 AM
Wash-U will host the Midwest Challenge tournament this weekend at the Fieldhouse.  Good early-season barometer matchups that will give the teams a good look at what they are doing well, and what needs improvement.

Saturday:  DePauw vs. Illinois Wesleyan, 1 pm CDT (both teams 2-1)/Wash-U (2-1) vs. Illinois College (3-0), 3:00
Sunday:  Consolation game 1:00, Championship game 3:00

The national championship pedigrees of Wash-U, DePauw, and Illinois Wesleyan are well-known, but don't sleep on Illinois College--the Lady Blues have had two winning seasons in a row and bring a bumper crop of height to the Fieldhouse--6 players at 5'11" or 6'.  3 more at 5'10".

Should be fun to watch in person, or join me at http://bearsports.wustl.edu and click on "Live Games" for your game of choice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 26, 2015, 11:17:33 AM
A pretty disappointing effort by the Thunder ladies, losing at home to #11Hope 68-49 on Tuesday.  Wheaton didn't come out very well to open the game, missed their first 6 or 7 shots and went down 8-0 early, but settled down nicely enough to trail by 1 at half.  But then once again they didn't seem ready to control the game coming out in the 3rd with long stretches of very little offensive output.  They had a bad night shooting, only 25% from the field and that will happen on some nights.  So while no team will go far scoring only 12 pts in a quarter, this is especially so when your defense allows 29 pts like Wheaton did.  It never got close after that.

If this is an early season gauge of competitiveness vs a nationally ranked foe, then Kent Madsen's crew has some work to do.  Despite their terrible shooting performance, shooting a mere 25% for the game, this team has plenty of offense.  Taking their defensive intensity up a notch when they play the top teams might be their hurdle.  They now play 6 straight road games before CCIW play begins including nationally ranked St Thomas and possibly UW-Oshkosh after Christmas. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 29, 2015, 12:02:17 AM
Quote from: jaybird44 on November 25, 2015, 11:57:37 AM
Wash-U will host the Midwest Challenge tournament this weekend at the Fieldhouse.  Good early-season barometer matchups that will give the teams a good look at what they are doing well, and what needs improvement.

Saturday:  DePauw vs. Illinois Wesleyan, 1 pm CDT (both teams 2-1)/Wash-U (2-1) vs. Illinois College (3-0), 3:00
Sunday:  Consolation game 1:00, Championship game 3:00

The national championship pedigrees of Wash-U, DePauw, and Illinois Wesleyan are well-known, but don't sleep on Illinois College--the Lady Blues have had two winning seasons in a row and bring a bumper crop of height to the Fieldhouse--6 players at 5'11" or 6'.  3 more at 5'10".

Should be fun to watch in person, or join me at http://bearsports.wustl.edu and click on "Live Games" for your game of choice.

WashU 69, IL Col 51
DePauw 70, IWU 54

It's early, but might be more than a one year dip for the Titans.  But with Mia Smith, they WILL be back to the top.

With NO evidence whatsoever, I'm still gonna predict they will finish in the top four.  As Bosko would say: "Fifth place?  Impossible - we've never finished in fifth place." ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 29, 2015, 08:10:58 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 25, 2015, 11:46:45 AM
QuoteGreg, was it the Trine women who went System a few years back?  I believe they (or whoever it is I'm thinking of) abandoned it after just a few seasons.

Muhlenberg out of Allentown, PA adopted the System and then abandoned it shortly after that. That was a while ago.

Muhlenberg basically adopted it per the fact they didn't have team that was going to compete otherwise... so they decided to have fun. They quickly got better as a program after adopting the System and ran it for about a year and a half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2015, 11:17:35 AM
Ypsi, I think for the IWU women to return to the top tier of the CCIW will depend on the fast development of the two freshmen bigs that IWU has now.  And, it seems the team needs more diverse scoring with greater help from Holness and Ellsworth.  So far, depending quite a lot on Ehresman and McGraw, the two very good sophomores.  This team is very young and will take time to develop, learn how to win and put teams away.  Not there yet.  But, I think later in the year or surely next year, things will look much better for Mia and the TITANS.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 01, 2015, 07:40:05 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 01, 2015, 11:17:35 AM
Ypsi, I think for the IWU women to return to the top tier of the CCIW will depend on the fast development of the two freshmen bigs that IWU has now.  And, it seems the team needs more diverse scoring with greater help from Holness and Ellsworth.  So far, depending quite a lot on Ehresman and McGraw, the two very good sophomores.  This team is very young and will take time to develop, learn how to win and put teams away.  Not there yet.  But, I think later in the year or surely next year, things will look much better for Mia and the TITANS.

IWU70

Relying on freshmen and sophomores can be very frustrating in the short term, but is VERY encouraging for the long term! :)

I'm still gonna predict at least fourth for this year, and first or second for next year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2015, 06:51:29 PM
Ypsi, the Titans have a longl long way to go.  So far, they are shooting it very poorly with several experienced players seemingly in a shooting slump -- Holness and McGraw.  Only Ehresman so far is playing well.  The newbies will take time to season up.  If this continues, the Titans will finish no where near the top four in the CCIW. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 12, 2015, 05:45:08 PM
Wheaton 67, Loras 64

The Thunder Ladies won today in not-so-impressive fashion.  If not for Katie McDaniels(24 pts, 4 assists, 3 steals) hitting some big shots down the stretch and a key steal to secure the victory, Wheaton might have gone home with the road loss.  Wheaton had trouble scoring inside with the size of DuHawks F 6'2"  Lori Obendorf looming and what team wouldn't?   However, the Thunder had too much trouble defending the constant pick/roll offense employed well by Loras, especially in the 4Q when the DuHawks came back from a 9 point deficit to take a 1 point lead with 25 seconds left.   

Wheaton is #10 in the polls but I'm really not sure about that ranking.   They are 7-1 but their only significant opponent , Hope, was a game they lost by 20.  They will need to be much better, pick up the defensive intensity, if they hope to stay with #7 St Thomas in their next game after Christmas followed by either #5 UW- Oshkosh or 6-1 Wartburg.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2015, 08:45:58 PM
WC really looking good.

IWU struggling.  Losing 68-50 to Point to go now 3-5 on the year.  The Titans are really struggling putting the ball in the basket with several key players in a real shooting slump.  Titans shoot 29% and 16% from treyland, like 3-21.  No one wins games shooting it like that.  Could be a long long year unless things look up on the shooting front pretty soon.  Titans were WAY down in this game, fought back some in the second half, but are just struggling to score the ball right now.  Still a very young team.

Still more tough games to go, esp Thomas More.      YIKES.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2015, 10:02:26 PM
North Park 70
Chicago 54

Gabby Sandoval: 16 pts, 3:1 a:to
Amani Davis: 14 pts
Soly  Román: 7 rebs

After a couple weeks of indifferent basketball from the Vikings, in which they lost both ends of their own tourney, walloped an Illinois Tech team that they could've beaten in their sleep, and struggled to top a not-all-that-good Aurora team by six, the Park really put it together today and buried a strong Maroons team that is ranked 19th in the coaches poll and is close to being ranked in the d3hoops.com poll.

The Vikings appeared to break open the game with a 12-0 run over the last five and a half minutes of the second quarter to take a 34-21 lead into the locker room. But the Maroons managed to cut the lead to four late in the third quarter. However, the Vikes opened up the final stanza with an 8-2 run and then kept the lead permanently in double digits.

Liz Rehberger had a tough day offensively, but, just as Amani Davis did on Wednesday against Aurora when her shooting was off, Rehberger made up for it with a solid game defensively. This Vikings team has a really nice combination of size and speed, and freshman PG Gabby Sandoval has been a great addition that has helped make up for the absence of the injured Nikki Przybyslawski. I'm excited to see how the Vikings will fare in CCIW play come next month.

This was Chicago's third straight game against CCIW comp; the Maroons were nipped by Carthage, 64-57, and blew out Illinois Wesleyan, 67-39, before falling to NPU today. I suspect that they'll be solid in UAA play this season.

NPU will go on the road to face a couple of SLIAC team (Blackburn and Eureka) prior to Christmas before finishing up non-con play with a home contest against Olivet on the 30th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 18, 2015, 10:49:11 PM
IWU gets a much-needed win out West. Over Puget Sound.  Holness coming alive with 27.  McGraw and Ehresman also in double figures. IWU now 4-5, need to get a streak going, find a way for better, overall and more consistent play.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 21, 2015, 07:58:11 PM
IWU got two wins out west, with Rebekah Ehresman winning the tourney MVP, Holness also on the all-tournament team.  Important wins for IWU to right the ship, get some folks on track.  Now 5-5.  This team surely still a work in progress, much like the men, but much much younger and less-experienced.  Hope they can put all the good pieces together and find a way to gel for conference play.  Still looks a challenge to me for them to finish in the top four in CCIW play this go'round.

Rebekah Ehresman also named CCIW player of the week -- warm congrats to Rebekah!  She played very well, very consistently out west. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2015, 06:12:56 PM
Wheaton 66,  Univ St Thomas 58

A very strong come-from-behind win for the Wheaton ladies today over a tough #10 Univ of St Thomas team.  Both teams seemed to be a little rusty from the long 2+ week layoff with neither team particularly sharp offensively.  Wheaton has a few defensive lapses early also but they clamped down on the D and began to play much better mid-way through the 2Q to only trail by 3 at half 35-32.  Teams traded baskets for the most part in the 3rd until the Thunder finally were able to take the lead 2 mins into the 4th.  Even after the Tommies went out to another 3 point lead with about 6 mins left, Wheaton was able to pull even, take the lead and extend it with very solid play in the last 5mins to earn the victory.

This was a big win for Wheaton over a one-loss ranked team made bittersweet however when senior Ellie Zeller went down to injury in the first minute of the game after scoring the first basket.  It was tough to tell if it was ankle or knee but she pivoted awkwardly on her left and went straight to the floor.  She did not return but was on the bench with her leg wrapped and elevated for the 2nd half.  It would be a big blow for Coach Madsen's squad to lose a 2 time All CCIW player and their 2nd leading scorer for any extended time.  The upside is that a few players not use to playing crucial minutes did so today- notably NatalieRose Brogan played particularly well late in the game.

The Thunder will have to play a little better tomorrow vs undefeated #5 UW-Oshkosh or a 9-1 Wartburg team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2015, 07:36:43 PM
North Park 67, Olivet 58

Soly Román: 19 pts (7-8 FG), 12 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 16 pts (7-9 FG)
Liz Rehberger: 13 pts

In spite of a couple of lapses that led to Olivet runs at the end of the first quarter and midway thru the third, NPU turned in a dominant performance this afternoon, running up the lead as high as 18 in the last couple of minutes before a flurry of fouls by the Vikings bench brought down the final margin. The Comets simply had no answer for the Park's inside combo of Román and Kruckman. who were merciless in the low post.

NPU concludes its non-con slate at 9-2, with an appointment in the airplane hangar with North Central's flying circus coming up on Saturday afternoon.

I feel very good about this North Park team. I think it has the versatility, the experience, the athleticism, and the depth to make a run at Wheaton and the top of the CCIW standings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2015, 07:44:24 PM
Titans now 5-6 after losing to #1 Thomas More 92-69 @The Shirk.  IWU stayed with TM in the first half, only down 3 at the break, but had a rough 3Q, again shooting woes, with TM turning it on, outscoring the Titans 27-10 in the 3rd, and putting the game away.

Ehresman 19, McGraw 13 -- but again pretty poor shooting by the Titans.  Not enough support from the others. 

National Player of the Year Sydney Moss 37 points (on 9-15 from three), 11 rebounds and 7 assists.  Not a bad line!  Highest scoring total by an opposing player vs. the Titans in Shirk history.  Likely National Player of the Year again, assuming TM stays #1 and wins another national title.  Could happen. 

Titans need to keep improving, esp. in shooting percentage and consistency.  They can take heart from how they played TM in the first half, for sure, but have trouble finishing off games.  Now here comes CCIW play, opening vs. Elmhurst on the weekend.
It looks to me like the Titans will struggle to get into the top four of the CCIW race this year.  Time will tell.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2015, 08:55:11 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 30, 2015, 07:44:24 PM
Titans now 5-6 after losing to #1 Thomas More 92-69 @The Shirk.  IWU stayed with TM in the first half, only down 3 at the break, but had a rough 3Q, again shooting woes, with TM turning it on, outscoring the Titans 27-10 in the 3rd, and putting the game away.

Ehresman 19, McGraw 13 -- but again pretty poor shooting by the Titans.  Not enough support from the others. 

National Player of the Year Sydney Moss 37 points (on 9-15 from three), 11 rebounds and 7 assists.  Not a bad line!  Highest scoring total by an opposing player vs. the Titans in Shirk history.  Likely National Player of the Year again, assuming TM stays #1 and wins another national title.  Could happen. 

Titans need to keep improving, esp. in shooting percentage and consistency.  They can take heart from how they played TM in the first half, for sure, but have trouble finishing off games.  Now here comes CCIW play, opening vs. Elmhurst on the weekend.
It looks to me like the Titans will struggle to get into the top four of the CCIW race this year.  Time will tell.

IWU70

Barring another injury sit-out, I'd say she is almost a lock to repeat as POY regardless of how TM finishes.  There is a thread as to whether she has already established herself as the greatest D3 player of all time - a couple of alternatives were suggested, but there wasn't much dissent that she is.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2015, 10:37:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2015, 08:55:11 PMBarring another injury sit-out, I'd say she is almost a lock to repeat as POY regardless of how TM finishes.  There is a thread as to whether she has already established herself as the greatest D3 player of all time - a couple of alternatives were suggested, but there wasn't much dissent that she is.

Have I thrown a good I-told-you-so in your two guys's directions lately?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D

:D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2015, 11:26:01 PM
Greg, you are so wise.  We admit it.  Sydney Moss is clearly a woman amongst girls. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 30, 2015, 11:29:58 PM
Wartburg 75
Wheaton 69

Wheaton takes a road loss to a very good 9-1 Wartburg team hosting their own tournament.  The Thunder did not play poorly at all but they couldn't quite keep up with a hot shooting Knights team(52% from 3pt) that will surely get votes into the the Top 25 after taking down the #5 and #8 team in 2 days. 

Of greater concern is that Ellie Zeller once again did not play and perhaps looks questionable going into CCIW play.  It's a tough time to lose your 2nd leading scorer and a significant team leader.  Wheaton was the clear favorite in the league and they probably still are.  We'll have to see if others step up and fill those shoes adequately if Zeller does not return soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2015, 12:56:51 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2015, 10:37:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2015, 08:55:11 PMBarring another injury sit-out, I'd say she is almost a lock to repeat as POY regardless of how TM finishes.  There is a thread as to whether she has already established herself as the greatest D3 player of all time - a couple of alternatives were suggested, but there wasn't much dissent that she is.

Have I thrown a good I-told-you-so in your two guys's directions lately?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D

:D

Greg, in the very next post, I said something to the effect (I refuse to scroll all the way back again to get it exact :D): Sydney Moss may well end up being the best D3 player in history, but let's not get too carried away yet by a sophomore.  AT THAT TIME (despite her Florida resume), I don't think my comments were at all out of line.  NOW I will readily say that she is much better than Olivia Lett, and TM is much better than IWU.  Happy now? ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2015, 02:35:06 AM
Olivia Lett was a darn good player and was, after all, the National Player of the Year in her year.  Moss is an unusual and special talent, perhaps the best ever in DIII for women, but I'll take Olivia Lett on my side any day.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2015, 06:52:40 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2015, 12:56:51 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2015, 10:37:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2015, 08:55:11 PMBarring another injury sit-out, I'd say she is almost a lock to repeat as POY regardless of how TM finishes.  There is a thread as to whether she has already established herself as the greatest D3 player of all time - a couple of alternatives were suggested, but there wasn't much dissent that she is.

Have I thrown a good I-told-you-so in your two guys's directions lately?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D

:D

Greg, in the very next post, I said something to the effect (I refuse to scroll all the way back again to get it exact :D): Sydney Moss may well end up being the best D3 player in history, but let's not get too carried away yet by a sophomore.  AT THAT TIME (despite her Florida resume), I don't think my comments were at all out of line.  NOW I will readily say that she is much better than Olivia Lett, and TM is much better than IWU.  Happy now? ;D

Yep. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on December 31, 2015, 10:47:53 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2015, 06:52:40 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2015, 12:56:51 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2015, 10:37:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2015, 08:55:11 PMBarring another injury sit-out, I'd say she is almost a lock to repeat as POY regardless of how TM finishes.  There is a thread as to whether she has already established herself as the greatest D3 player of all time - a couple of alternatives were suggested, but there wasn't much dissent that she is.

Have I thrown a good I-told-you-so in your two guys's directions lately?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
She's more than "pretty good," Rog. Sydney Moss is averaging 24.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg while playing a wing position, and she's shooting 52% from the field, 35% from downtown, and 80% from the line while only playing about 30 minutes per game. And she's only a sophomore.

Again, she made the All-SEC Freshman Team last season. She played in all 37 games for the Florida Gators, starting 24 of them and averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. That's no small potatoes.

Of course Chuck is not going to give her credit because of this Olivia Lett thing ... but he bleeds green and you don't, Rog. ;) :D

:D

Greg, in the very next post, I said something to the effect (I refuse to scroll all the way back again to get it exact :D): Sydney Moss may well end up being the best D3 player in history, but let's not get too carried away yet by a sophomore.  AT THAT TIME (despite her Florida resume), I don't think my comments were at all out of line.  NOW I will readily say that she is much better than Olivia Lett, and TM is much better than IWU.  Happy now? ;D

Yep. ;)
Oh Greg, pleeeez do not let Mr. Ypsi off the hook so easily as he could have used the sites' search feature to find the his old post!  Of course, Mr. Ypsi would have to work for the post
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2015, 10:57:58 PM
LOL! Yes, quite true. But it's the holiday season, so I'm being charitable to Chuck this one time. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on January 01, 2016, 11:37:15 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 31, 2015, 02:35:06 AM
Olivia Lett was a darn good player and was, after all, the National Player of the Year in her year.  Moss is an unusual and special talent, perhaps the best ever in DIII for women, but I'll take Olivia Lett on my side any day.

IWU'70

I was fortunate to see Lett play because she was arguably the best DIII female that I've seen play.  I've never seen Moss play live or otherwise so I can't really offer an opinion.  However what I do know about Moss is that she wasn't only a D1 player who transferred.  She was among the best new players in the SEC which means she wasn't your average D1 transfer.  A practice squad player seeing little floor time.  She's way better than that.  There are a lot of DIII coaches who go their entire careers without landing a player of that caliber. 

But, regardless, even this WIAC dude recognized that Lett was special and despite the fact she kicked our butts I enjoyed watching her play. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2016, 09:52:24 PM
Lett also transferred from a higher level program -- from SIU, as I recall.  Only played at IWU two years, including her senior National Player of the Year season. 

I have no doubt that Sydney Moss is one of the top players ever to play women's hoops at the DIII level.  Would love to see her play in person.  She surely set a mark at The Shirk the other night that will likely stand a long long time -- 37 points and 9-15 from treyville. Rebounds and assists too.  Amazing numbers all 'round. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2016, 09:43:00 PM
IWU over EC in their first CCIW contest of the conference season.  Molly McGraw coming alive big time with a career best 28.  Ehresman continues to play well, all 'round.  The Titans will give lots of teams a good battle, esp. with their defensive pressure, but I still think this team will also battle to be in the top four of the CCIW standings come season's end. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2016, 09:47:49 PM
Wheaton goes down to Augie?  Now there's a head-scratcher.  Good win for NPU over the system and NC.  Over 200 points scored.

IWU70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 02, 2016, 11:31:16 PM
Augie 59
Wheaton 56

It's inexplicable that Wheaton lost this game tonight.  They led by as much as 15 or so, were ahead the entire game until Augie took it's first lead with 50 seconds left.  Even without Zeller the Thunder still have better overall talent.  What they seem to lack is intensity and focus, especially on the defensive end late in the game when they were leaving the Vikes wide open for the shots that led their comeback.  I give Augie all the credit in the world for making those clutch baskets but they're easier when they're not even contested.  In the meantime, Augies defensive pressure was all over as Wheaton had no easy time getting shots up.  Wheaton was +10 on rebounds but shot atrociously from the field including on 2/18 from 3pt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2016, 12:03:27 AM
Inexplicable, for sure.  Augie over WC.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2016, 02:29:51 PM
North Park 118
North Central 108

Liz Rehberger: 42 pts, 9 rebs
Gabby Sandoval: 18 pts (7-10 FG), 6:0 a:to
Amani Davis: 15 pts (6-11 FG), 6 rebs
Soly Román: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 15 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 6 rebs, 6:1 a:to

NPU did a terrific job against NCC's version of the Grinnell system last night. The turnovers were equal between the two teams -- 19 apiece -- and the Vikings won the battle of the boards, 60-57. Whenever the system team fails to win those two categories, it usually loses regardless of how well it shoots treys. And, since the Cardinals shot very well from beyond the arc -- 16-49 (33%), about eight percent higher than they usually shoot from out there -- you can see just how dominant the Park was in all of the other facets of the game. The ball protection and rebounding hustle of the Vikes, plus good composure and really solid ball movement, allowed them to control the game from very early on.

Liz Rehberger broke the North Park single-game scoring record with 42 points, eclipsing the old mark of 40 set by Rachel Pearson Bernero (NPU's all-time leading scorer, now the wife of the Carthage head coach) way back in 1993-94. Given the style of play utilized by North Central, it's practically a given that no single-game school record is safe anymore for any of NCC's seven CCIW foes, but it's still worth noting just how well Liz Rehberger played. She is having an outstanding junior season, averaging 18.6 ppg, and it seems to me to be a pretty safe guess that she's going to be in the conversation for first-team All-CCIW if she maintains this scoring pace (although certainly nobody's looking for her to score 42 again!). She wasn't the only star that the Vikings had last night, as freshman point guard Gabby Sandoval played an absolutely fantastic game. I don't think you can realize just how hard it is to protect the ball against a system team until you've actually seen one play, but she posted a spotless 6:0 assist-to-turnover ratio in 27 minutes of game time, made 7 of her 10 shots (including both of her trey attempts), and looked like she had much more energy at the end of the game than did any of the Cardinals, in spite of the fact that she played a lot more minutes than did anybody in home white. Shaylee Sloan, Rachel Torres, and Amani Davis also played really well for the Vikings.

Surviving the Cardinals in the airplane hangar is always an ordeal, but the Vikings came out of this smelling like roses. I feel even better about NPU's chances in the CCIW this season after last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 03, 2016, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 01, 2016, 09:52:24 PM
Lett also transferred from a higher level program -- from SIU, as I recall.  Only played at IWU two years, including her senior National Player of the Year season. 

I have no doubt that Sydney Moss is one of the top players ever to play women's hoops at the DIII level.  Would love to see her play in person.  She surely set a mark at The Shirk the other night that will likely stand a long long time -- 37 points and 9-15 from treyville. Rebounds and assists too.  Amazing numbers all 'round. 

IWU'70
Correct - D1 SIU transferred in the middle of her sophomore year 2009-10
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on January 03, 2016, 07:34:59 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 02, 2016, 11:31:16 PM
Augie 59
Wheaton 56

It's inexplicable that Wheaton lost this game tonight.  They led by as much as 15 or so, were ahead the entire game until Augie took it's first lead with 50 seconds left.  Even without Zeller the Thunder still have better overall talent.  What they seem to lack is intensity and focus, especially on the defensive end late in the game when they were leaving the Vikes wide open for the shots that led their comeback.  I give Augie all the credit in the world for making those clutch baskets but they're easier when they're not even contested.  In the meantime, Augies defensive pressure was all over as Wheaton had no easy time getting shots up.  Wheaton was +10 on rebounds but shot atrociously from the field including on 2/18 from 3pt.

I may be wrong but it looked like Katie McDaniels had trouble getting up and down the floor in the 4th.  A couple of times she didn't want the ball.  Look back at the end of the game and see if you notice an injury also.  If so I hope she doesn't make it worse by playing hurt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 03, 2016, 11:35:52 PM
Wheaton is really tough to figure. I've watched a couple of their games online (Hope, Wartburg) and they are really inconsistent on offense. When they are on, they look like a Top 5 team. When they are off, they settle for a lot of deep threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2016, 07:43:13 PM
Congrats to Liz Rehberger upon winning CCIW Player of the Week. (http://cciw.org/news/2016/1/4/WBB_0104164159.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2016, 09:08:25 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 03, 2016, 11:35:52 PM
Wheaton is really tough to figure. I've watched a couple of their games online (Hope, Wartburg) and they are really inconsistent on offense. When they are on, they look like a Top 5 team. When they are off, they settle for a lot of deep threes.

I agree with this.  There are times where Wheaton seemed to be over-reliant on the arc.  But then they actually have less 3FGAs than their opponents so far, averaging a little over 17/game, which is not crazy by any stretch.  Their 3FG% is fairly pedestrian at 31%.  2 out their 3 losses have been the result of very poor shooting so it begs the question as to whether Coach Madsen can adjust his team strategy if the shots aren't falling(Hope game was exceptionally egregious).  Only 11 free throw attempts in their loss to Augustana and a paltry 6 FTAs in the Wartburg loss.

I think their present ranking of #17 is a little more accurate.  Top 10 felt a little buoyant to me.  Injuries could be an issue for them going forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2016, 10:38:27 PM
North Park 69
Carthage 52

Liz Rehberger: 31 pts
Soly Roman: 12 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 9 rebs
Nicole Kruckman: 8 rebs
Amani Davis: 3:0 a:to
Rachel Torres: 3:0 a:to

In spite of the fact that she scored 42 points and set a new school single-game scoring record, Liz Rehberger didn't make d3hoops.com Team of the Week because she didn't play against "quality competition" on Saturday night (d3hoops.com's words, not mine). So the unflappable junior out of Resurrection sinply turned around and dropped 31 on the Lady Reds tonight in a "how do you like those apples?" performance. She won a really impressive duel of guards, as Carthage's Morgan Harris had a fantastic 20 and 10 game with a 3:1 ratio. Nevertheless, Carthage is really down this season. Unless Tim Bernero can find a way to up the offensive production he's getting out of his team, particularly his posts, the Lady Reds are going to be hard-pressed to make the CCIW tourney this year.

After only two games, there's only one undefeated team left in CCIW play, and that's NPU. I like the sound of that!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2016, 11:20:59 PM
IWU gave #17 Wheaton a good game but fell just short.  Titans now 6-7, 1-1.   Wheaton really needed this win at home after that inexplicable loss earlier to Augie.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: tjcummingsfan on January 08, 2016, 02:18:00 PM
It's a really quick first glance, and I acknowledge not know much about D3 Women's basketball, but I'm wondering whether North Park could/should be getting at least some ORV recognition in the polls...  They're 11-2 and haven't lost a game since the 9 point loss to #16 Wartburg a month and a half ago.  Is their competition just not good enough to warrant recognition?  Are they just getting ignored? 

I know there are much brighter D3 Women's bbball minds in here that can shed some light on this. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2016, 04:28:42 PM
Leaving aside questions of name-brand bias (NPU has never before received votes in the d3hoops.com women's poll) or the overall strength of the league on the women's side (a valid question), the truth of the matter is that the Vikings really don't have a strong enough strength of schedule yet to validate their case for inclusion on anybody's ballot.

The two toughest teams that NPU has faced thus far were #16 Wartburg and Denison (which is 11-3 and should be getting poll votes, but isn't), and the Vikings lost to both of those teams. North Park did handily beat Chicago (8-3), which was ORV in the first three polls, but the Maroons aren't receiving votes anymore. Other than that, the Vikes have beaten Trine, which is 9-5 but only 2-3 in MIAA play; a couple of 7-6 teams, Olivet and North Central; a 5-8 Carthage team that is clearly down from the program's dominance over the past several seasons; and six teams that can only be described as cupcakes. According to Massey, NPU's #35, but the Vikings have only the 133rd-best SOS in D3.

Augustana's currently 6-6, so perhaps if the Park can win tomorrow afternoon's game against Augie it might lead to a stray vote or two -- especially if Chicago obliges by knocking off #9 Wash U at the same time, thereby buttressing NPU's win over the Maroons. But it will probably take a win over Wheaton next Wednesday for NPU to get any poll love.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 08, 2016, 04:38:15 PM
You all can find out what North Park thinks about getting no love... Sunday on Hoopsville ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2016, 04:49:20 PM
North Park 71
Augustana 62

Liz Rehberger: 31 pts, 4 stls
Nicole Kruckman: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Rachel Torres: 7 rebs, 3 stls

NPU held off a pesky and much-improved Augustana team last night. It was a game in which Augie managed to take a third-quarter lead from what had been a host-dominated game, but NPU had the finishing kick in the final quarter and for the most part kept the lead at three possessions or more, even as Augie refused to fade away entirely.

Liz Rehberger continues to amaze. I don't see how the d3hoops.com Team of the Week selector or selectors can deny her now, after snubbing her following her 42-point school-record performance against NCC. She's now scored 31 points in each of her last two games, and is thus averaging an insane 34.7 ppg in league play, fourteen points per game more than the nearest competitor. She is now getting to the point where she has to be the focus of every opponent, which should aid the inside duo of Nicole Kruckman and Soly Román even more.

I can't remember the last time I saw an Augie women's team as good as this one. (Faint praise, I know.) The 6'5 D1 transfer is not much of a threat at the offensive end of the floor, but her shot-blocking ability changes the game, and that long reach of hers snares plenty of rebounds. And senior Marissa Pezzopane, who led Augie in scoring with 14, has become one of the best all-around players in the league. I'm not sure why head coach Mark Beinborn only gave her 23 minutes of tick last night.

Now comes the big showdown, as NPU travels to King Arena on Wednesday to play a Wheaton team that will clearly be the best opponent that the Vikings have faced this season.

Oh, and I'm looking forward to hearing Amanda Crockett on Hoopsville tonight. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 10, 2016, 05:15:19 PM
Believe it or not, but we are pretty much halfway through the 2015-16 season and there are plenty of teams still surprising and records being rewritten.

Tonight on Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) we chat with the fourth person to reach the 900 wins in men's college basketball, a woman who keeps herself very busy even when she isn't coaching, and several other teams who are surprising everyone by leading their conference races.

Hoopsville hits the air at 7:00 PM ET and you can watch it here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/jan10 (http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/jan10)

Guests include ( in order):
- Glenn Robinson, #17 F&M men's coach - won career game 900 Saturday
- Pat Manning, #18 Williams women's coach - WBCA Center Court segment
- Amanda Crockett, North Park women's coach
- Mac Brown, New Jersey City men's coach
- Kendal Wallace, LaGrange men's coach

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

And don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com (http://www.d3hoopsville.com)
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville (http://www.facebook.com/Hoopsville)
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville (http://www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2016, 10:42:47 PM
IWU beat CC pretty easily, getting more balanced scoring, now also shooting a bit better percentage.  With IWU's pressure D working its dirt, this team is coming on pretty well.  Still not sure they will make the top four in CCIW but they are looking stronger and stronger.  Perhaps, as Coach Smith has said, they are beginning to gel, get the idea of how they as a team win games.  I'd be very happy with 9-5 in CCIW play, might get them in the CCIW tourney.  Not any CCIW team is really looking dominating this year.  Perhaps NPU playing best so far.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 11, 2016, 01:01:54 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 10, 2016, 10:42:47 PM
IWU beat CC pretty easily, getting more balanced scoring, now also shooting a bit better percentage.  With IWU's pressure D working its dirt, this team is coming on pretty well.  Still not sure they will make the top four in CCIW but they are looking stronger and stronger.  Perhaps, as Coach Smith has said, they are beginning to gel, get the idea of how they as a team win games.  I'd be very happy with 9-5 in CCIW play, might get them in the CCIW tourney.  Not any CCIW team is really looking dominating this year.  Perhaps NPU playing best so far.

IWU'70
Easily?  An understatement!  When was the last time IWU defeat Carthage by 21 points and emptied the bench? Not since 09-10 with a 28 point win with a much deeper and better IWU squad (not taking anything away from current team). Carthage is struggling this season but by any measure .  It was a needed win to build confidence for IWU. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2016, 05:25:11 AM
I hear you, IWUmich.  Yes, good to see the Titans finally get the better of the Redladys so easily after so many losses in recent years.  The TITANS seem to be doing better, figuring it all out a bit more.  We'll see when they play WC again, how much improvement we've made.

Let's hope the TITANS make the top four, get their chance at the CCIW tournament.  Anything can happen on a weekend with two quick, back-to-back games.  Surely the style of play IWU uses, makes for pretty fit players by the end of the season.  We'll see if that pays off or whether the IWU rotation is just worn down.

Ehresman surely the most consistent performer for IWU so far this season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2016, 04:21:58 PM
Congrats to NPU's Liz Rehberger for repeating as CCIW Player of the Week. (http://www.cciw.org/news/2016/1/11/WBB_0111163916.aspx) She joins Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard as the league's second two-time winner of the award this season.

Also, the d3hoops.com folks were unable to say no to her this time, as Rehberger was also named to the d3hoops.com Team of the Week. (http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/tow/2015-16/week7) North Park SID Kevin Shepke noted the honor with a video of Rehberger highlight clips that included some amusingly appropriate theme music. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2016/1/12/WBB_0112163352.aspx?path=wbball)

Finally, here's the clip from this past Sunday's Hoopsville of Dave McHugh interviewing NPU head coach Amanda Crockett via Skype. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2016/1/10/WBB_0110165847.aspx?path=wbball) Non-NPU fans may want to watch it to hear her thoughts about the 2015-16 CCIW in general.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2016, 09:01:00 PM
Congrats to Ms. Rehburger.  Some great performances, great numbers these past several weeks.  No doubt.  Glad she's getting her well-deserved recognition. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2016, 12:50:05 AM
Sure looks to me like the CCIW women's side this year is not overall a very strong one.  Likely only the AQ making the tournament this season.  Is that how others see it?

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 13, 2016, 01:55:48 PM
While each year stands on its own, let's use last year to get a sense for how many losses a team can take before it can't get an at-large bid. Last year there were three teams with six losses that received at-large bids.

* Bethel: 21-6
* Stockton: 21-6
* Williams: 20-6

They all play in solid conferences, similar to the CCIW.

So let's say that 6 losses is the cut off point for getting an at-large bid. There were very likely teams that had less than 6 losses and didn't get an at-large bid, but no one got a bid with more than six losses. And since winning percentage is one of the criteria for selecting at-large teams and D3 teams can only play 25-28 games, depending on their conference tournament, it makes sense that the Mendoza line won't be too far from six.

So now look at this year's CCIW standings (http://www.d3hoops.com/conf/CCIW/women/2015-16/standings). There are only three team with six or fewer losses.

* Elmhurst has six losses so its next one, even if it's in the CCIW title game, will gave them seven. By last year's standard, they would be a stretch to get an at-large at 20-7. Finishing the year by winning 14 of 15 games would help, but it would be a stretch. It's also unlikely that Elmhurst runs the table since they've already lost to IWU and have to play the next two teams twice each.

* Wheaton has three losses, so they could definitely stay below the six loss threshold. They need St. Thomas and maybe Loras to play well the rest of the way so they don't have an 0-2 record against regionally ranked teams. They need North Park to play well enough to get regionally ranked but not so well that they beat Wheaton. But an at-large bid is still within reach.

* North Park has two losses, and their story is largely the same as Wheaton. Their quick-glance record against regionally ranked opponents is likely 0-1 or 1-1, depending on how Chicago does. An at-large bid is well within reach.

So the question then is how likely are Wheaton and North Park to separate themselves from the rest of the CCIW pack so they only take a couple conference losses before the CCIW playoffs?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2016, 03:53:36 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 13, 2016, 01:55:48 PM* North Park has two losses, and their story is largely the same as Wheaton. Their quick-glance record against regionally ranked opponents is likely 0-1 or 1-1, depending on how Chicago does. An at-large bid is well within reach.

I think that you're underestimating NPU's non-conference record a little, Gordon. Denison is 11-3 and leads the NCAC with a 4-1 record. The Big Red are very much in the picture for a Great Lakes regional ranking. Wartburg is 12-1, and the Knights are tied with Luther and Loras atop the IIAC with a 2-0 record. Both Denison and Wartburg -- they're NPU's two losses -- seem like good RRO bets. And you mentioned Chicago (8-4, 0-1 UAA) as well, for whom the Vikings will be fervently rooting (although the Maroons were drilled by Wash U down in St. Louis last Saturday).

I think it's likely that, among NPU's non-con foes, an 0-2 RRO record is probable, with 1-2 a possibility if the Maroons get their act together in UAA play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 13, 2016, 04:29:50 PM
Good point. I overlooked Denison which should get into the regional rankings. DePauw normally dominates the NCAC but not this year. Wartburg and Chicago were the other two non-conference RRO I identified at a glance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2016, 05:23:55 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 13, 2016, 04:29:50 PM
Good point. I overlooked Denison which should get into the regional rankings.

Denison's center, Jordan Holmes (14.6 ppg, 17.6 rpg, 6.3 bpg) is pretty darned amazing. She's one of the best players I've seen over the past few seasons. She dropped a triple-double on Elmhurst in NPU's tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 13, 2016, 07:17:07 PM
Yeah. I gave her a little front page shine last week when Denison beat DePauw.

No offense to DePauw. I really admire Kris Huffman. But it's good to see a more competitive regular season at the top of that conference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2016, 08:48:43 PM
Thanks, guys.  I do hope NPU and WC play well enough in coming weeks to get into the tourney, into the dance.  Otherwise, surely looks like CCIW only gets the AQ in.  My Titans are looking better, getting stronger, learning how to put games away.  The defensive pressure always does its dirt, unless the other team has a good PG.  IWU putting it to the Big Blue tonight, up something like 27-5 at one point, now something like 29-10 at the half at The Shirk.  Go TITANS!

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2016, 10:05:05 PM
Titans crush the Big Blue tonight, 77-54, leading hugely early on due to the defensive pressure, to "run and jump."

McGraw 27
Merritt 15

MU TOs - 31  IWU TOs - 12
IWU Steals - 18
IWU Points off TOs - 29 (likely more)

You get the picture pretty easily.

I'm feeling a bit more confident now that IWU is beginning to get some focus, some team identity even as a young team, and that they may well make the top four in CCIW, make the conference tournament this year.  We'll see.  Lots of basketball to be played.  Surely looking up. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 14, 2016, 08:13:19 AM
Wheaton 57
NPU   52

This was a very important home win for Wheaton to get back into first place in the conference.  Once again it was not a stellar game offensively by any means with some long stretches of very uneven play.  I think the loss of Ellie Zeller (their leading scorer last year, 2nd this year)to injury means it's going to be more difficult for the Thunder to score consistently.  Kelly Lawson and NatalieRose Brogan have picked up Zeller's minutes but they won't make up for the lost offensive output.  It seems that Katie McDaniels is asserting herself a little more but she and Hannah Considine might need to consider turning that up even more.  Chantal Meachem found her shooting stroke last night after a few tough games.

Wheaton played the Vikes pretty tough defensively.  Liz Rehberger saw very few open looks and was seldom allowed to take it coast to coast as she is more than able to do.  She still scored 17 pts but 4/17 from the field is not what she's used to- a reversion to the mean perhaps?

An important next 2 games for the Thunder as they go on the road to Elmhurst and Millikin.  They dropped their last 2 road games (Wartburg, Augie) so they need to get back on the winning track away from King Arena.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheels81 on January 14, 2016, 10:24:55 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 13, 2016, 01:55:48 PM


* Wheaton has three losses, so they could definitely stay below the six loss threshold. They need St. Thomas and maybe Loras to play well the rest of the way so they don't have an 0-2 record against regionally ranked teams. They need North Park to play well enough to get regionally ranked but not so well that they beat Wheaton. But an at-large bid is still within reach.

Not sure what you're saying here about 0-2 record against regionally ranked opponents(St. Thomas and Loras)  Wheaton's 3 losses were against Hope, Wartburg, and Augustana.  Unless the "they" is Loras and St. Thomas?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 14, 2016, 03:04:46 PM
QuoteDenison's center, Jordan Holmes (14.6 ppg, 17.6 rpg, 6.3 bpg) is pretty darned amazing. She's one of the best players I've seen over the past few seasons. She dropped a triple-double on Elmhurst in NPU's tournament.

Hey, speaking of Jordan Holmes, check out this week's Around the Nation (http://www.d3hoops.com/columns/around-the-nation/index) column

QuoteNot sure what you're saying here about 0-2 record against regionally ranked opponents(St. Thomas and Loras)  Wheaton's 3 losses were against Hope, Wartburg, and Augustana.  Unless the "they" is Loras and St. Thomas?

No, what I meant is that Wheaton will be 0-2 against regionally ranked opponents unless Loras and St. Thomas play well enough to become regionally ranked. Wheaton lost to Wartburg and Hope and they will be in the regional rankings. So that's an 0-2 record for Wheaton already. If the Duhawks and Tommies play well enough to get ranked, then the Thunder will be 2-2.


Greg Sager: Check your personal messages. I wanted to get your expert opinion on something privately. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2016, 03:22:45 PM
Tough loss for the Vikings last night, but the road game at Wheaton is one of those contests that you sort of write off at the beginning of the season as a probable 'L', anyway. Would've been nice to have stolen one at King, but the key for the Vikes will be to get the split when Wheaton comes to the crackerbox on February 3.

It was great to see that Nikki Przybyslawski made her varsity debut for 2015-16 last night. (She played in a JV game in the crackerbox on Tuesday.) She's recovering from a torn knee ligament suffered last spring, and the initial thought was that she'd have to miss this season entirely. She's worked hard to get back, and, while she might not have her full explosiveness until next season, her experience, savvy, ballhandling, and shooting ability will be a boost for NPU once she's fully back into the swing of things.

The immediate concern for NPU is to take care of business on Saturday at the Griz. I don't care that Millikin is 0-4 in the league, the Big Blue always make me nervous, especially in their own den. The Park never does well down there, and I'd like to see that trend change.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheels81 on January 15, 2016, 03:51:30 PM

No, what I meant is that Wheaton will be 0-2 against regionally ranked opponents unless Loras and St. Thomas play well enough to become regionally ranked. Wheaton lost to Wartburg and Hope and they will be in the regional rankings. So that's an 0-2 record for Wheaton already. If the Duhawks and Tommies play well enough to get ranked, then the Thunder will be 2-2.


Not sure where you see regional rankings I thought those didn't matter till later in season.  (Couldn't find them on NCAA site). but Wartburg, Hope, Loras, and St. Thomas are not in Central Reigon.  I thought out of region losses are less influential vs. in regional losses.   St. Thomas was #10 in national poll at the time they played Wheaton.  That's the only ranking I knew about.  Either way their loss to Hope I felt was much more damaging as it was a home loss and by a very large margin.  The other loss that was next damaging was to Augustana on the road who are now 6-9.

Seems like a lot of convaluting going on here :-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 15, 2016, 05:42:53 PM
QuoteNot sure where you see regional rankings I thought those didn't matter till later in season.  (Couldn't find them on NCAA site)...

Right, I'm projecting who's likely to be ranked. They don't come out for a while.

Quote...but Wartburg, Hope, Loras, and St. Thomas are not in Central Reigon.  I thought out of region losses are less influential vs. in regional losses. 

Results against the regionally ranked opponents (RROs) in the same region certainly impact how teams within the same region are ordered. So Wheaton's head-to-head win against North Park would help the Thunder be ranked higher, all else being equal. But the selection of at-large NCAA tournament teams is done on a national level, across all the regions at the same time. One of the committee's criteria for selecting at-large teams for the NCAA tournament is record against regionally ranked opponents and that applies to RROs in any region. So Wheaton's results against regionally ranked opponents from all regions are relevant by that criteria. 

Not too long ago the NCAA was more focused on results from 'in-region' games and had a multi-pronged test for determining which games were regional and which weren't. Now virtually every game between Division III teams is regional, even if one team is from Maine and the other from California.

And while the Top 25 rankings are fun and an interesting measure of how teams line up nationally, they have no bearing on the at-large candidate selection. If St. Thomas is ranked in the West Region when the season ends, that'll help Wheaton, even though the Tommies aren't in the same region and even if they don't appear in the Top 25 poll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2016, 08:45:05 PM
IWU over NC and "the system" 78-66, a good win for the Titans, now 4-1 in conference play.


McGraw 21
Ehresman 16

Seems the Titans are getting in a better groove now.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2016, 02:17:23 AM
North Park 63
Millikin 47

Liz Rehberger: 14 pts, 3 stls
Amani Davis: 13 pts, 4:2 a:to
Shaylee Sloan: 10 pts, 7 rebs

In spite of the fact that the Vikings were without the services of Rachel Torres and Hannah Rehfeldt tonight, they ended up having a rather easy time of it in the Griz, something I often wondered if I would ever get the chance to say. The Vikings blew open what had been a relatively close game at the half with a 23-6 third quarter that featured a lot of steals and easy layups, and they basically breezed home the rest of the way.

With Wheaton losing tonight, NPU is now tied for first with only one team, Illinois Wesleyan, at 4-1 -- and with a 13-3 overall record, the Vikes continue to be legitimate candidates for a Pool C berth if one becomes necessary. The problem is that seven of the eight CCIW teams are now within two games of first place, so winning this thing isn't going to be easy for the Vikes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: markerickson on January 17, 2016, 11:02:58 PM
Congratulations, Vikings, on your recent success!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 18, 2016, 12:02:15 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 15, 2016, 05:42:53 PM
QuoteNot sure where you see regional rankings I thought those didn't matter till later in season.  (Couldn't find them on NCAA site)...

Right, I'm projecting who's likely to be ranked. They don't come out for a while.

Correct... we won't see the first regional rankings until Feb. 10. We still have seven weeks of basketball before we are talking about selecting at-large teams.

Quote from: gordonmann on January 15, 2016, 05:42:53 PM
Quote...but Wartburg, Hope, Loras, and St. Thomas are not in Central Reigon.  I thought out of region losses are less influential vs. in regional losses. 

A loss is a loss if they are both considered "regional" games. The only way a loss (or for that matter a win) isn't considering in the primary criteria by either the regional committee or the national committee... is if it doesn't count as a region game or a Division III opponent. That game would get delegated to the secondary criteria and even then may never come up in consideration (due different to circumstances).

But just because you lost a game against a different regional team versus an in-regional team doesn't hold any more or less weight.

As Gordon points out, there is a head-to-head factor thus giving an in-region, or in-conference, game a little more "weight" per se because another part of the primary criteria is being used to consider it. However, committees tend to then unofficially adjust the vRRO so they don't accidentally count (or compare) the same game twice, per se.

But if head-to-head isn't a factor... then a loss (or win) against an actual in-region opponent will have the same weight as a loss (or win) against an out-of-region opponent ... since both games (assuming they meet the 70% in-region scheduling criteria - they most likely do, so don't worry about) are considered "regional" games anyway.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 18, 2016, 06:54:43 PM
After a 60-50 loss @ Elmhurst on Saturday, it's pretty evident that the Thunder are closer to a pretty ordinary team right now, with potential to be better than average.  They are prone to very inconsistent offensive performance, especially in their 3 pt shooting, and this is more than just a little surprising.  If he hasn't already, Coach Madsen needs to engage his team in a reality check and try to steady the ship a little.  They should still be able to make the conf tourney, but it looks increasingly important to host which means they are going to have to win some tough games away from King(they've lost their last 3 road games).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2016, 10:32:02 PM
I fear the CCIW has fallen back to the days of no national relevance.  Wheaton has now fallen to #24; no one else (except for NCC in the preseason 'guesstimate' poll) has ever even received a single vote.  We have two national title winners (three if you count NCC before the CCIW sponsored women's basketball), but just can't seem to gain the sort of foothold for the conference that the men perennially receive.

If anyone did a national ranking of conferences in basketball, like this site does for football, the men would virtually always be top 3 (and some years #1), the women I fear would be barely above average.  Come on, let's step it up!  We're the CCIW; we're better than 'barely above average'.  I hope. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2016, 03:59:07 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 18, 2016, 06:54:43 PM
After a 60-50 loss @ Elmhurst on Saturday, it's pretty evident that the Thunder are closer to a pretty ordinary team right now, with potential to be better than average.

Why couldn't your team have been "pretty ordinary" last Wednesday night at King? >:(

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2016, 10:32:02 PM
I fear the CCIW has fallen back to the days of no national relevance.  Wheaton has now fallen to #24; no one else (except for NCC in the preseason 'guesstimate' poll) has ever even received a single vote.  We have two national title winners (three if you count NCC before the CCIW sponsored women's basketball), but just can't seem to gain the sort of foothold for the conference that the men perennially receive.

If anyone did a national ranking of conferences in basketball, like this site does for football, the men would virtually always be top 3 (and some years #1), the women I fear would be barely above average.  Come on, let's step it up!  We're the CCIW; we're better than 'barely above average'.  I hope. ;)

That's significantly overblown, Chuck.

First of all, you're comparing apples to oranges when you compare CCIW men's basketball to CCIW women's basketball. Men's and women's sports in general really don't translate well for purposes of comparison. If you're going to compare CCIW women's basketball to anything, either compare it to other D3 leagues in this sport, or compare it to other CCIW women's sports.

In terms of the former, the CCIW is better than you think it is. Massey currently has the CCIW sixth out of the 48 D3 leagues, which is nothing to sneeze at. As far as the latter is concerned, the CCIW is hard-put to achieve the same level of success in this sport as it has in soccer or volleyball or softball, which are three of the best sports that this league has, women or men, in terms of national competitiveness. But that tends to be cyclical; there have been years in which the CCIW has been better overall in this sport than it has in the other three women's ball sports.

It is true that the league is down somewhat in 2015-16 from recent seasons when compared to itself. This season the CCIW is 50-37 (.575) in non-conference play, which will undoubtedly improve to 51-37 (.579) when Wheaton closes out the CCIW's regular season non-con slate with a walkover win over IIT (0-15) in late February. Here's how that mark compares to recent seasons (non-con records include postseason play, of course):

2014-15  64-26 (.711)
2013-14  59-32 (.648)
2012-13  58-32 (.644)
2011-12  68-28 (.708)
2010-11  55-38 (.591)
2009-10  56-38 (.595)

... but, going back further, when you look at the overall arc of CCIW women's basketball history it could be argued that the last four seasons were more of an aberration than this season's turning out to be. A lot of it has to do with postseason runs altering the league's record as a whole (and, yes, I realize that if the CCIW only gets one team into the tourney, then the chances of this year's non-con record being significantly altered are lessened).

However, note that the CCIW achieved a tremendous mark in non-con play last year in spite of the fact that both of the league's D3 tourney entries (Wheaton and North Central) bowed out on the first night of the tournament. The league was really strong from top to bottom in 2014-15; six of the eight teams finished with winning records, with only one team (Augustana) failing to reach double-digit wins -- and Augie's 9-16 record was very good by eighth-place standards. National success in March does not necessarily make or break the league's overall success.

In short, Chuck, don't put too much stock in the poll -- or in what the league has done over the past four years. If you're going to make sweeping statements about the league's competence in a sport, you have to take the long view.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2016, 08:46:11 PM
IWU over Augie 37-29 at the half, in Rock Island.  McGraw with 14 first half points.  Titans looking to go to 5-1 in CCIW play.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2016, 09:49:54 PM
In a hard-fought game in RI, IWU over Augie, 73-70.  McGraw 23, Holness 12, Ehresman 9.  The Titans now 5-1 in league play are slowly turning themselves into a contender for the CCIW championship.  Run and jump doing its dirt again, with 26 Augie TOs.  Should be a very good game next IWU vs. NPU, for the league lead.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2016, 09:59:13 PM
With North Park's loss tonight, IWU in sole 1st place in league play.  Amazing and surprising.  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2016, 12:08:27 PM
Grateful for the 61-57 WC win over MU.  Still not coming easy but right now a road win is a road win for the Thunder.

We've got quite a race at the top of the conference this year.  No team really taking control yet- very unpredictable.  Titans have the best opportunity if they can win the next 2(@Park, vs WC).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2016, 04:59:38 PM
Elmhurst 61
North Park 55

Soly Román: 13 pts, 15 rebs
Liz Rehberger: 13 pts
Nicole Kruckman: 10 pts

Mikaela Eppard: 12 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls
Kaela Jones: 11 pts

NPU flat-out tanked this one. The Vikings were up by twelve, 26-14, with five minutes to go in the first half when they just plain hit the wall. Elmhurst caught fire and scored the final 16 points of the half to go into the locker room with a 30-26 lead. And when they came out again, it was as if halftime had never happened. After Amani Davis hit a jumper to close the lead down to two, EC went on an 8-0 run to take a ten-point lead at 38-28, a lead that they later built up to 14 in the third quarter. All told, the 'jays bracketed halftime with a 24-2 run over a ten-minute period in which the offense of the Vikings looked absolutely helpless.

NPU did whittle down the lead late in the fourth quarter to three points, but the Vikes never got any closer than that, as the 'jays got three offensive rebounds through sheer hustle to keep possession from the 1:48 mark down to the :22 mark, at which point Nicole Kruckman was forced to foul because there was only a one-second difference between shot clock and game clock. Of course, there was a blown call in there, as EC clearly failed to hit the rim and should've been called for a shot-clock violation -- not to mention the fact that one official was signaling a three-second call when the whistle blew -- but after a lengthy conference, they collectively made the utterly unfathomable decision to award Elmhurst the ball with a fresh shot clock. (Alas, it wasn't reviewable, although those at the table who watched it later reiterated that the 'jays never hit the rim with either of the shots that they took during that sequence.) Nevertheless, this isn't a game that can be blamed upon poor reffing. The Vikes just plain blew it, fair and square. And give credit to the 'jays, too; they really bulldogged the Vikings on defense, as Hannah Henderson in particular did a really good job of limiting Liz Rehberger, and the post-entry denial of EC was superb.

The Vikings had first place all to themselves, and they gagged it away in the space of a week. Now it's suck-it-up time, as they have the chance to get it back on Saturday against the Greenies. But they're going to have to play much, much better basketball than they played last night.

It's a wide-open race now as we come to the end of the first round-robin.

(Good to see RogK in the crackerbox last night, BTW.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2016, 10:08:23 PM
Surprisingly, my password still works following a year and a half of dormancy. If anyone might wonder, I attended only 5 WBB games in the 2014-15 season, 4 were NAIA and I saw Carthage vs Chicago. This season, just 4 games so far, including last night at NP. In earlier years, I would have attended 20 games by late January, so my addiction to WBB is pretty much gone.
Gregory, nice to chat with you last evening, too. To follow up on something we discussed : it seemed to me that North Central was committing an excess of turnovers this season, and we briefly considered if this was a predictable by-product of playing the hurried System offense.
I decided to check their points scored / TO ratio, which seems a fair way to judge whether an offense blows an inordinate amount of possessions via turnovers.
Here are the Pts/TOs ratios for the league so far : Augustana (1122/252) 4.5, Carthage 3.8, Elmhurst 4.2, Illinois Wesleyan 3.7, Millikin 3.0, North Central 4.6, North Park 4.6, Wheaton 4.8.
Looks like Wheaton is the most efficient with the ball so far, scoring 4.8 pts for every turnover that they commit. NC, at 4.6, isn't doing too bad. While they may commit TOs because of haste, many other teams commit proportionally more, often in time-consuming efforts to get the ball into the low post.
Now, I know many readers would be disappointed, if not agitated and upset, if I neglected to mention the ultimate standard of System WBB, Olivet Nazarene (NAIA); through 20 games, they've scored 2250 and committed 362 TOs for a rather excellent 6.2 ratio.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 23, 2016, 10:02:05 AM
Obviously a big game at North Park tonight between the Titans (5-1, 1st place) and Vikings (4-2, 2nd place) to complete the first half of conference play.

I have watched 3 of IWU's game in CCIW play and am really impressed with the Titans' young nucleus:

(CCIW only stats)

* Rebekah Ehresman, 5-7 So. PG  (10.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.3 apg)
* Molly McGraw, 5-8 So. G/F  (22.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
* Maddie Merritt, 6-0 Fr. F/C  (11.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg)

Ehresman makes the team go - she is steady and smart and just seems to make good basketball plays all of the time.  McGraw, who is a Track All-American at IWU (4th in Division III Indoor high jump last year), is sort of more pure athlete than pure basketball player, but she does so many things well on the floor.  She's good off the dribble, has a nice pull-up mid-range game, and is perfect in IWU's run & jump press.  6-0 Merritt, a 1st Team all-stater last year at Tri-Valley, gives IWU a strong low post presence and is really starting to figure it out.

Also really impressed by the damage IWU is able to do with its press.  The Titans are forcing 27 turnovers per game in CCIW play.  IWU's CCIW opponents have 74 assists and 163 turnovers (0.45) - that's about as good as you'll see in that stat.

I'm looking forward to watching this group develop...they are very talented.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 23, 2016, 08:24:39 PM
Titans by 1 in OT over North Park yes!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2016, 08:51:09 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 01, 2015, 07:40:05 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 01, 2015, 11:17:35 AM
Ypsi, I think for the IWU women to return to the top tier of the CCIW will depend on the fast development of the two freshmen bigs that IWU has now.  And, it seems the team needs more diverse scoring with greater help from Holness and Ellsworth.  So far, depending quite a lot on Ehresman and McGraw, the two very good sophomores.  This team is very young and will take time to develop, learn how to win and put teams away.  Not there yet.  But, I think later in the year or surely next year, things will look much better for Mia and the TITANS.

IWU70

Relying on freshmen and sophomores can be very frustrating in the short term, but is VERY encouraging for the long term! :)

I'm still gonna predict at least fourth for this year, and first or second for next year.

Mark, O ye of little faith!  6-1!! ;D  Still a long way to go, but even I may have been too pessimistic about THIS year.  IF they continue on and finish first (or even second or third) with THIS young a team, it would be an absolute travesty if Mia was not COY.  (Or is the CCIW one of those backwards conferences that just automatically gives that award to the coach of the first place team - I can't recall.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 24, 2016, 09:03:14 AM
IWU 72
North Park 71 (OT)

http://www.iwusports.com/boxscore.aspx?id=3504&path=wbball

* Rebekah Ehresman: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
* Maddie Merritt: 15 points, 10 rebounds

* Liz Rehberger: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
* Soly Roman: 14 points, 8 rebounds
* Nicole Kruckman: 13 points, 7 rebounds


IWU trailed by 6 at the half and by 5 after the 3rd Q.  In the 4th Q, NPU led by 5 with 1:42 to go and 4 with 0:12.  Quite a comeback by the Titans.

Sophomore Rebekah Ehresman had 13 points in the final 5 minutes of regulation plus OT.  This included 2 FTs with 0:06 in regulation to tie the game at 63, and the game winning FT with 0:06 in OT.  She's a great player.

Freshman Maddie Merritt had her first career double-double (15 & 10) and made a number of big baskets down the stretch.

I think this young IWU group will keep getting better as they gain experience and confidence.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2016, 09:19:42 PM
We are at the halfway point of CCIW conference play, so this is a good time to look at numbers fairly (all teams having played the others once).
What follows are per game averages for each team's offense, conference games only. Yes, offense is only half the story.
TEAM FTs made  FTs missed  2FGs made  2FGs missed  3FGs made  3FGs missed  TOs
A       13.0          6.9               19.3            26.9               4.1              10.4               17.1
C       14.6          4.0               14.7            20.1               7.3              12.7               19.3
E       15.6          5.7               19.9            23.0               5.0              10.3               18.3
IW     15.7          7.6               23.7            28.3               4.0              10.9               17.9
M      13.4          4.1               18.6            25.4               3.9               9.3                 22.1
NC     17.3          8.6               18.4           22.3              11.7              29.9               21.9
NP     15.4          5.7               20.4            31.9              5.0                7.1                14.6
W      11.1          5.4               18.0            26.7               5.4               12.7              15.9
Thought it would be interesting to see bulk numbers instead of PCTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2016, 05:37:23 PM
Here is the defensive side of the story, per-game averages for opponents in 7 conference games.
TEAM oppFTs made   oppFTs missed  opp2FGs made  opp2FGs missed  opp3FGs made  opp3FGs missed  oppTOs
A          15.0                4.7                     18.0                 29.4                     5.6                     11.9                     14.4
C          14.6                5.9                     18.7                 25.3                     6.4                     15.9                     13.3
E          13.1                7.1                     20.1                 22.6                     6.1                     10.6                     16.3
IW        16.7                5.6                     18.3                 20.6                     4.1                     13.3                     25.9
M         13.0                5.7                      20.9                 23.0                    6.1                      14.4                    14.9
NC        14.3               6.1                      26.7                 33.7                     6.3                     10.0                     27.1
NP        14.9                7.9                     15.7                 25.1                     6.4                     13.3                     18.6
W         14.6                5.0                     14.6                 24.9                     5.3                     14.0                     16.6
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2016, 02:46:22 AM
Ypsi, I have faith -- always thought this group would develop, be good with Mia as Coach, and also baring injuries.  So far the sophomores and the freshmen are developing well, perhaps a bit ahead of schedule.  Titans actually need more contributions from Ellsworth and Holness -- the upperclasspeople.  Time will tell -- surely a good first half at 6-1 after the tough non-CCIW schedule earlier.  Defense telling the tale.  Hope they can finish strong and win the regular season crown.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 27, 2016, 11:11:35 AM
Once again a very big game for both IWU and Wheaton at Shirk tonight.  A victory for the Titans can just about lock up 1st place with a 2 game lead and a favorable schedule.  A win for the Thunder pulls them into virtual first with the double win tie-breaker(but with still a lot of work to be done).

The lady Thunder will need to shoot a pretty high percentage to come out with the W.  If they can shoot over 40% or so from the field and close to 40% from the arc while not getting hurt badly on the boards, that might be the recipe for the road upset.  Katie McDaniels will get hers as always, but they'll need a good game from Chantal Meachem to have a chance.  <12 turnovers and defense, defense, defense . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2016, 07:22:56 PM
GoPerry, I agree that the game at The Shirk is a big one.  I'm pretty sure the Titans felt they let one slip away up at Wheaton.  They have improved step by step all season and have a much better offensive identity now, to go along with their pressure defense.  My sense is that they will come out strong tonight and get the win, pretty well locking up the regular season CCIW crown, at least being in the driver's seat.  We're all surprised they went 6-1 in the first half, esp. after the struggles of the pre-CCIW schedule, which was as usual a pretty tough one.  Mia always has the team well prepared, so I'm sure that will be the case tonight.  We'll see how well WC handles the "run and jump" full-court pressure.  If the Titans get good contributions from Ellsworth and Holness and the other key players -- Merritt, McGraw and Ehersman -- play like they have been playing, I feel pretty optimistic about a home-court win for the Titans.  IWU has improved on rebounding and on paint defense.  We'll see.

Go TITANS!  A somewhat surprising, surely improving season so far. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2016, 08:40:06 PM
Titans down 29-13 at the half -- well, about the worst I've seen the Titans play all year.  McGraw with 3 PF, 0-6 shooting.  Ehersman also scoreless.  Seems their heads are not in the game.  Hoping for a big second half comeback. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2016, 09:19:47 PM
Well, I couldn't have been more wrong about the Titans being ready for this big game.  Being blown out by Wheaton at home.  Not playing well at all.  Tough loss, but still a good chance to win or share the CCIW crown. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 27, 2016, 10:07:40 PM
WC 69  IWU 53

And not really that close.  Nope - I was not really expecting that runaway.  Not sure where to begin on how the Thunder dominated just about every category.  Wheaton played well but it seems IWU had one of those untimely nights where they just simply could not make a basket despite plenty of open looks.  Wheaton handled the press rather easily from the 1st quarter on and I was somewhat surprised that Coach Smith stayed with it the whole game since Wheaton was getting so many uncontested layups, and I mean of the not-a-green-jersey-within-10-feet variety.  It took pressure off of Wheaton's half-court game which has been their weakness of late. 

This was an important road win for the Thunder-not just for pulling into 1st with the head to head tie-breaker but also to get a head of steam and confidence with 3 straight wins now with 2 tough games looming @NCC and @ NPU.  They absolutely cannot let up but have to protect what they did tonight.  I think the #1 seed and hosting the conf tourney will be key.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2016, 10:11:58 PM
I give credit to WC on their win, but the Titans really played poorly.  Ehresman and McGraw a combined 3 - 22.  Can't win when your key scorers have a night like that -- no one else really picking up the slack.  Only Holness tonight.  Very poor percentage shooting again.  Sad to lose one like that on your home court.

Gotta let it go and move on -- win out and hope WC has another slip up down the road.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2016, 06:52:25 PM
Not only did North Park's Liz Rehberger score the game-winning hoop to end the game at Carthage, she also managed (see the box score, as yet unfixed) to play 42 minutes in a 40 minute game.
As Uncle Leo would say, Hello?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2016, 09:36:45 PM
RogK, perhaps they gave her "extra credit" -- like those students who get over a 4.0 GPA these days . . . talk about grade inflation, this is minutes inflation.

Sure was disappointed the way the Titans played vs. WC.  Gotta recoup, forget the bad evening and move on . . . and do the best to win out.  WC has some additional tough games upcoming, so one never knows how it will all play out in the final six games of the CCIW season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2016, 09:56:21 PM
After handing Illinois Wesleyan the game on a silver platter on Saturday, it was good to see NPU squeeze out a tough one over Carthage in Kenosha last night.

The Vikings still have a ways to go to extricate themselves from the hole which they in large part dug for themselves over the two previous weeks, but that win was a good start.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 28, 2016, 10:19:11 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2016, 09:56:21 PM
After handing Illinois Wesleyan the game on a silver platter on Saturday, it was good to see NPU squeeze out a tough one over Carthage in Kenosha last night.

The Vikings still have a ways to go to extricate themselves from the hole which they in large part dug for themselves over the two previous weeks, but that win was a good start.
It was a very nice, highly polished silver platter. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2016, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 28, 2016, 09:36:45 PM
RogK, perhaps they gave her "extra credit" -- like those students who get over a 4.0 GPA these days . . . talk about grade inflation, this is minutes inflation.

Sure was disappointed the way the Titans played vs. WC.  Gotta recoup, forget the bad evening and move on . . . and do the best to win out.  WC has some additional tough games upcoming, so one never knows how it will all play out in the final six games of the CCIW season.

IWU'70

I don't see either Wheaton or IW winning out although the Titans clearly have the best chance schedule-wise.  I would even venture to say that if NPU or EC wins out, they'll have a good chance at the #1 and hosting the conf tourney.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2016, 07:29:30 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 28, 2016, 06:52:25 PM
Not only did North Park's Liz Rehberger score the game-winning hoop to end the game at Carthage, she also managed (see the box score, as yet unfixed) to play 42 minutes in a 40 minute game.
As Uncle Leo would say, Hello?

They decided that she 'gave 110%', so her 38 minutes counted as 42.  It's basic math! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2016, 10:28:50 PM
Ha ha, now it makes sense!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2016, 07:54:23 PM
Augustana beat North Park in the Carver Center today, 62-55. It was a frustrating loss to take, as the nip-and-tuck game was tied at 53 apiece with two and a half minutes to go. From that point onward, however, NPU turned the ball over, made a pair of free throws, and had three one-and-done missed jumpers, as the Vikes were badly outrebounded today by Augie by 14 boards. At the other end of the floor, Augie did almost everything right, going 3-3 from the field and 3-4 from the line.

Nicole Kruckman had a really good day for NPU, scoring 16 on 7-9 shooting from the field and adding eight boards. Liz Rehberger scored 14 and Soly Román had 10 rebounds. Marissa Pezzopane had a great game for Augie with 21 points before she fouled out just before the game's conclusion, while Kaycee Kallenberger had a 12 and 11 double-double.

With Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan, and Wheaton all winning today, this loss makes NPU's task just that much harder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2016, 08:40:36 PM
Yes, IWU over CC tonight in Cheeseheadland, 75-72.  Good contributions from the bench, still some pretty poor shooting.  This team is lucky to get this road wind, grind one out.  Win they are good, pretty good, but also pretty inconsistent still.  Gotta win out and hope WC takes another loss.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2016, 04:03:23 PM
Many/most of you may have seen the stat, effective FG pct or "eFG%." You can find it on basketball-reference for the NBA. Basically it is traditional FG% plus proper credit for 3FGs made. You add 0.5 more to the made FG totals for each made 3FG.
For example, Player A took 10 FG att and made 5 two-pointers and 0 threes, so her FG% is .500 and her eFG% is also .500.
Player B took 10 FG att and made 2 twos and 2 threes; her FG% is .400 and her eFG% is .500. Both players scored 10 pts on 10 FG att; the equal eFG% accurately reflects this.
By the way, the current NBA eFG% leader is DeAndre Jordan at .711, followed by Steph Curry at .635.
Here are the current CCIW WBB eFG% leaders, conference-play only. I arbitrarily limited the list to players who have scored at least 36 points from FGs (twos and threes) in conference play / 9 games, the equivalent of two 2FGs made per game for 9 games.
I decided on a .400 cutoff. Team is in ( ).
.625 B Gilbert (C)
.590 M Grizaffi (NC)
.585 H Considine (W)
.565 N Kruckman (NP)
.563 K Going (M)
.554 E Johnson (E)
.539 M Pezzopane (A)
.536 M Masini (C)
.533 V Allen (A)
.532 J Cuny (NC)
.530 K Jones (E)
.514 M Merritt (IW)
.509 C Monroe (E)
.491 C Somers (M)
.489 E Hoyer (M)
.489 M Kumer (E)
.488 J Berg (W)
.477 T Pettersson (NC)
.472 M Harris (C)
.470 M Eppard (E)
.469 S Roman (NP)
.459 M Vukovich (C)
.449 M Hozzian (C)
.446 G Holness (IW)
.444 L Rehberger (NP)
.442 M Whipple (NC)
.438 A Saklak (M)
.438 R Ehresman (IW)
.435 E Thomas (C)
.420 A Sterling (NC)
.420 O Mayer (A)
.406 C Meacham (W)
.400 L Hernandez (NC)
Differences in quantity of shots involved are not reflected, of course. And, obviously, the eFG% stat does not include FTs, which are an important aspect of certain players' games (such as K McDaniels -- her eFG% is .384 incidentally).
That said, it is more useful to look at this list than the traditional FG% leader list.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2016, 06:24:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 31, 2016, 04:03:23 PM
Many/most of you may have seen the stat, effective FG pct or "eFG%." You can find it on basketball-reference for the NBA. Basically it is traditional FG% plus proper credit for 3FGs made. You add 0.5 more to the made FG totals for each made 3FG.
For example, Player A took 10 FG att and made 5 two-pointers and 0 threes, so her FG% is .500 and her eFG% is also .500.
Player B took 10 FG att and made 2 twos and 2 threes; her FG% is .400 and her eFG% is .500. Both players scored 10 pts on 10 FG att; the equal eFG% accurately reflects this.
By the way, the current NBA eFG% leader is DeAndre Jordan at .711, followed by Steph Curry at .635.
Here are the current CCIW WBB eFG% leaders, conference-play only. I arbitrarily limited the list to players who have scored at least 36 points from FGs (twos and threes) in conference play / 9 games, the equivalent of two 2FGs made per game for 9 games.
I decided on a .400 cutoff. Team is in ( ).
.625 B Gilbert (C)
.590 M Grizaffi (NC)
.585 H Considine (W)
.565 N Kruckman (NP)
.563 K Going (M)
.554 E Johnson (E)
.539 M Pezzopane (A)
.536 M Masini (C)
.533 V Allen (A)
.532 J Cuny (NC)
.530 K Jones (E)
.514 M Merritt (IW)
.509 C Monroe (E)
.491 C Somers (M)
.489 E Hoyer (M)
.489 M Kumer (E)
.488 J Berg (W)
.477 T Pettersson (NC)
.472 M Harris (C)
.470 M Eppard (E)
.469 S Roman (NP)
.459 M Vukovich (C)
.449 M Hozzian (C)
.446 G Holness (IW)
.444 L Rehberger (NP)
.442 M Whipple (NC)
.438 A Saklak (M)
.438 R Ehresman (IW)
.435 E Thomas (C)
.420 A Sterling (NC)
.420 O Mayer (A)
.406 C Meacham (W)
.400 L Hernandez (NC)
Differences in quantity of shots involved are not reflected, of course. And, obviously, the eFG% stat does not include FTs, which are an important aspect of certain players' games (such as K McDaniels -- her eFG% is .384 incidentally).
That said, it is more useful to look at this list than the traditional FG% leader list.

Interesting.  Thanks for doing all that work(and posting it!).  The same stat would be applicable to team FG and eFG% right?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2016, 08:10:33 PM
You're welcome. Here are the team offense numbers for 9 conference games each.
A   FG% .384,  eFG% .412
C   FG% .416,  eFG% .482
E   FG% .413,  eFG% .460
IW FG% .402,  eFG% .432
M  FG% .401,  eFG%  .429
NC FG% .364,  eFG%  .444
NP FG% .392,  eFG%  .430
W  FG% .387,  eFG%  .428
These stats don't explain what happened in any single game, but they may help clarify what occurred over the 9 game period. You'd also have to know about FTs, rebounds and turnovers.
Speaking of averages, the late Jack Brickhouse (baseball announcer) told a story about a boy who had one foot in a bucket of boiling water and the other in a bucket of ice water, so on the average, he should be comfortable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 01, 2016, 08:25:07 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 31, 2016, 08:10:33 PM
You're welcome. Here are the team offense numbers for 9 conference games each.
A   FG% .384,  eFG% .412
C   FG% .416,  eFG% .482
E   FG% .413,  eFG% .460
IW FG% .402,  eFG% .432
M  FG% .401,  eFG%  .429
NC FG% .364,  eFG%  .444
NP FG% .392,  eFG%  .430
W  FG% .387,  eFG%  .428
These stats don't explain what happened in any single game, but they may help clarify what occurred over the 9 game period. You'd also have to know about FTs, rebounds and turnovers.
Speaking of averages, the late Jack Brickhouse (baseball announcer) told a story about a boy who had one foot in a bucket of boiling water and the other in a bucket of ice water, so on the average, he should be comfortable.

Carthage at eFG% of .482 to lead the conference is surprising.  But their stats also show that they turn the ball over a lot(dead last in turnover margin) and lose the offensive rebound battle(also bottom) stat - both of which translates to them taking the least amount of shots in the conference (483 FG attempts) and near last in free throws(161).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2016, 09:18:01 AM
Some of Carthage's best teams in recent years have had an outstanding eFG% :
2013-14 : .547 in 30 games
2011-12 : .513 in 31 games
2009-10 : .522 in 29 games
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2016, 11:22:53 PM
Thanks for all the data RogK.  Very interesting stuff.

Five games to go and still the young IWU squad in a pretty good spot to win the Conference, surely make the final four for the CCIW tourney.  Would surely be nice to host a @The Shirk.   I'm pleased and surprised.  Hope it happens.

Keep going TITANS -- win out!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2016, 12:27:52 AM
IWU has a pretty favorable schedule to win out -- with the final three games at The Shirk.  Key game is NPU on the 13th, the PINK Zone game at The Shirk.  Quite reasonable for the Titans to win out and go 12-2 in conference play.  The "run and jump" doing its dirt -- likely keeping the players in top shape, though also some long-season fatigue could set in.  Those ladies have put a long of miles on their sneakers.  We'll see.  Ehresman surely having an All-CCIW season, good contribution from the freshmen bigs, esp. Merritt, but still some inconsistent play from McGraw.  When she's good, she's very good, other times she has a rough, inconsistent, poor-shooting night.  Need good games from Holness and Ellsworth.  Overall, this young team has a real shot at the CCIW crown --  unexpected but very pleasing.

Keep going TITANS -- three more weeks! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2016, 07:59:38 AM
Yet another obviously big game at the Crackerbox tonight.  For Wheaton, a chance to extend their win streak by picking up a key road win and maintain a tenuous hold on 1st place.  If the Thunder can come out with the W, then the remaining schedule evens out a little bit vs IWU's last 4 games.

I believe as Liz Rehberger goes, so goes the Vikes.  If she is shooting well and getting to the line, she and the team are tough to beat.  In the earlier match at King, she picked up 2 quick fouls and sat out practically the entire first 2 quarters.  I doubt that will happen tonight so- while Wheaton is a very good defensive team this will be a team challenge.  Offensively, can the Thunder shoot 40%+ from the field and 33%+ from the arc?  Scoring has been tough for this team of late.

At this time of the year, they're all must wins for NPU.  They need this win to keep from falling into a tie for the 4th spot with either NCC or Augie(play each other tonight) and getting a season split with the Thunder could be a critical tie-breaker for them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2016, 10:37:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 02, 2016, 11:22:53 PM
Thanks for all the data RogK.  Very interesting stuff.
IWU'70
You're welcome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 03, 2016, 04:59:16 PM
For the third consecutive year, Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) will air for 12 hours as the regular season enters the final four weeks. Dave McHugh will chat with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and others involved in Division III basketball from around the country. Other guests will include those who have Division III roots or appreciate the division and the game along with the student-athletes who play the sport.

Hoopsville will air from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (and maybe later) on Thursday, February 4 live from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can see what guests are scheduled, get more information, and watch the show here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/feb4

You can also read the press release about the show: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/hoopsville-marathon-2016

Here is the guest list as we speak. All times are Eastern and subject to change. Additional guests to be added if and when necessary:


   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
TimeGuestSchool
10:15amConnie TilleySt. Norbert (WBB) - WBCA Center Court
10:40amJamie PurdyPeidmont (WBB)
11:00amKeri CarolloUW-Whitewater (WBB) - Nat'l Committee Chair
11:20amBrent PollariSaint Mary's (Minn.) (WBB)
11:40amKent MadsenNo. 21 Wheaton (Ill.) (WBB)
12:00pmRussell LoydRose-Hulman (MBB)
12:20pmKevin BroderickNazareth (MBB)
12:40pmJustin ScottArcadia (MBB)
1:00pmSam HargravesNo. 12 Alma (MBB)
1:20pmLenny ReichMount Union (SID)
1:40pmMaureen WebsterClarkson (WBB)
2:00pmBetsy WitmanYork (Pa.) (WBB)
2:20pmSara LeeDenison (WBB)
2:40pmKlay KneuppelWisconsin Lutheran (MBB)
3:00pmBrian Van HaaftenBuena Vista (MBB) - Nat'l Committee Chair
3:30pmSydney MossNo. 1 Thomas More (WBB)
3:45pmAaron RousellBucknell (WBB) - former Chicago coach
4:00pmTim ShanahanStaten Island (WBB)
4:20Pat CunninghamTrinity (Texas) (MBB) - NABC Coach's Corner
4:50pmBubba SmithSewanee (MBB)
5:15pmBen StrongFormer Guilford All-American
5:30pmKevin ConnorsESPN SportsCenter Anchor - Ithaca alumnus
6:00pmKristen DowlingClaremont-Mudd-Scripps (WBB)
6:20pmAllison ColemanSage (WBB)
6:40pmLandry KosmalskiSwarthmore (MBB)
7:00pmDave NilandNo. 23 Penn State-Behrend (MBB)
7:20pmAaron GallettaLasell (MBB)
7:40pmJohn BaronGwynedd-Mercy (MBB)
8:00pm
8:20pm
8:40pmMelissa HodgdonWheaton (Mass.) (WBB)
9:00pmG.P. GromackiNo. 2 Amherst (WBB)
9:20pmJames Wagner
9:40pmHAPPY HOURFree-for-all of calls, tweets, and fun!

We hope to get at least the full show on a podcast, or several podcast, during the on Friday. You can find it here:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2016, 10:16:15 PM
Titans over MU 69-56 -- grinding out another conference win.  Now 8-2 in conference.  Holness with 18, McGraw 14.

Keep going TITANS.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2016, 10:20:14 PM
NPU over WC, so Titans back in first place alone.

Thank you NPU.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 04, 2016, 08:31:10 AM
NPU 60, WC 51

Unfortunate for the Thunder, but not too surprising.  This one was always going to be a tough hurdle.  Once again, a tough time scoring with consistency.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 04, 2016, 08:46:52 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 04, 2016, 08:31:10 AM
NPU 60, WC 51

Unfortunate for the Thunder, but not too surprising.  This one was always going to be a tough hurdle.  Once again, a tough time scoring with consistency.

Didn't see the game but based on the box score, I'd comment that the Thunder would always have a tough go of it when an excellent player like Hannah Considine is saddled with foul trouble and therefore plays only 13 minutes with just one shot attempt. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
North Park 60
Wheaton 51

Liz Rehberger: 18 pts, 3:1 a:to
Nicole Kruckman: 13 pts, 7 rebs
Soly Román: 10 pts, 11 rebs
Amani Davis: 6 rebs
Rachel Torres: 3:1 a:to

Katie McDaniels: 20 pts
Mel Bremhorst: 8 rebs

I had a sinking feeling about this one early on, as Wheaton dominated the first quarter and NPU didn't look sharp at all. The visitors built up their biggest lead at 18-11, but then the Vikings started to get the transition game going and went on a 14-point run to take a seven-point lead of their own. Wheaton never got it back again, as the Park built the lead up to as much as 13 in the third quarter before the team in orange whittled it down to two early in the fourth quarter. But the Vikings managed to get some separation and ended up cruising to the win, in spite of the fact that they missed four free throws in the game's final 1:18.

The Vikings just plain outworked the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance last night. Although Wheaton is about as tall and as long as any CCIW team I can remember seeing in quite awhile, the Park outrebounded Wheaton to the tune of 43-34. Soly Román picked up her fifth double-double of the season and had a very nice lunch-bucket game under the basket, while Nicole Kruckman continued to show that she has sharpened her ability to finish at the rim. While Katie McDaniels slightly outplayed her fellow star guard Liz Rehberger last night, McDaniels had very little offensive support at all, and by the end of the game she was forcing it too much in an effort to generate something out of Wheaton's static offense.

This was a very good win for NPU, and I hope that it stems the bleeding of the past couple of weeks.

Quote from: Roundball999 on February 04, 2016, 08:46:52 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 04, 2016, 08:31:10 AM
NPU 60, WC 51

Unfortunate for the Thunder, but not too surprising.  This one was always going to be a tough hurdle.  Once again, a tough time scoring with consistency.

Didn't see the game but based on the box score, I'd comment that the Thunder would always have a tough go of it when an excellent player like Hannah Considine is saddled with foul trouble and therefore plays only 13 minutes with just one shot attempt. 

They weren't ticky-tack fouls, either. Considine's head just didn't seem to be in the game at all. Pretty surprising for the reigning CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2016, 01:30:07 AM
If you want to see something strange, look at the stats for this year's Titans and see that they are near or at the bottom in most every stat line -- save for steals and a few others.  But, somehow, almost miraculously, they are leading the CCIW race at this point.  They have played inconsistently, shot the ball poorly, not rebounded all that well, and still -- due to pressure defense and turning over the opponent -- are able to find ways to win, now 8-2 in conference play.  It is conceivable that they will go 12-2 or 11-3 in conference play.  Given the start they had in pre-CCIW play, it's pretty amazing.

Keep it going TITANS -- four games to go!  Go out and get the AQ.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2016, 03:49:16 PM
To further see what you referred to, iwu70, here are the game-by-game turnovers by IWU conference opponents : 20, 13, 31, 31, 42, 26, 18, 20, 20 and 37. Only the 13 was below average. Average seems to be around 18 in WBB (the guys commit fewer, I'd say). That 42 was by North Central, a really awful performance by them, or maybe really good D by IWU.
Judging by the numbers, IWU also seems to be guarding the 3-line quite well. Here are their CCIW opponents' 3FGs made : 5, 3, 5, 2, 9 (37 att), 0, 5, 5, 10, 0. The only unsuccessful IWU effort was allowing 10 threes to Carthage in 26 attempts. In 10 CCIW games, the opposing 3FG% is .259.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2016, 08:22:58 PM
If the Titans win the CCIW crown, it's going to be some kind of new, strange beast for sure.  Thanks RogK for the additional data on their strange stat lines this year.  When the Titans start to shoot a decent percentage, I guess the rest of the league will really have to watch out!!!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2016, 08:59:33 PM
Sadly, Titans go down to the system, at NC. 89-81.  NC hit a high enough % from three and the Titans turned it over more than usual, hence the result.  Two double-doubles by Titans, McGraw high points at 17.  Back to a tie with Wheaton now for the CCIW conference race lead.  Three games left -- all at home.  Gotta win out, hope WC has another slip up.  Not likely.  Key game  upcoming is IWU vs. NPU at home.  Looks now like the conference tournament might be at Wheaton.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2016, 10:16:02 PM
Quite a game for NC's Jamie Cuny. She had 13 rebs (10 def), 3 steals and 9 blocks. Also an efficient 7 pts. Ten different Cardinals made a 3.
Overall, IWU won the rebounding 62-41.
NC had 21 TOs, a major improvement on the 42 they did in Bloomington three weeks ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2016, 03:41:25 AM
Correction:  the score of IWU - NC was 87-81.  Yes, when NCC doesn't turn it over as much and shoots a decent percentage from 3, the system can work.  Tough loss for the Titans.  Gotta win out now for sure.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2016, 11:47:05 AM
North Park 49
Millikin 46

Liz Rehberger: 16 pts, 4 blks
Rachel Torres: 10 pts
Amani Davis: 10 rebs, 3 stls
Nicole Kruckman: 6 rebs

This game turned out to be much more interesting than it should've been, because NPU simply could not make a free throw. The Vikings were an abysmal 21-41 (51%) at the charity stripe last night, dropping them from fourth place in league play in that important category (.702) to seventh (.672) in one fell swoop. It stands to reason that any team that can get to the FT line 41 times should win handily, and that should've been the case last night. The fact that the Vikings simply couldn't convert at the line kept MU in it. Indeed, the Big Blue had the game tied up at 43 apiece going into the final two minutes, and they had the ball down three with nine seconds to go. But they inexplicably drove the lane in an attempt to get what would've been a useless two-pointer, missed it, got the offensive rebound, and tried a putback (which also missed) rather than kicking it out for a potential game-tying trey.

That was the bad news. The good news is that the Park really hustled defensively and made crucial plays when they absolutely had to. The best example of this was the play of Soly Román in the game's final minute. She had what would've otherwise been considered a horrible game; she was averaging 9 and 9 coming in, and she ended up only 2 and 4 for the game. But she grabbed an offensive rebound after Rachel Torres had missed two FTs with :50 left and the Vikes up by two, and then (after missing two FTs herself) grabbed a defensive rebound at the other end to get the ball back for NPU with :21 left, leading to two Liz Rehberger FTs that gave the Park a four-point lead. After MU cut the lead back down to two with :13 to go, Amani Davis was fouled on the inbound pass. Again, she missed both FTs -- and, again, Soly Román got the offensive rebound after the second miss, getting the ball to Davis, who made one of two FTs to create the final margin. In less than a minute, Román redeemed a bad game with tremendous effort when the game was on the line. (To be fair to Davis and Torres, they were both really solid everywhere for the entire game, except for at the FT line where almost the entire team just simply tanked.)

A win's a win, and NPU will take it. Everything broke North Park's way yesterday, including Wheaton's win over Elmhurst, as it puts the Vikings in sole possession of second place, only a game out of first, and the loss by Augie gives NPU a two-game cushion over the rest of the pack. The NPU @ EC game on Wednesday looms large now. If the Park can pull out the road win, the Vikes are poised to make a run at the top over the last two weeks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2016, 03:45:01 PM
Greg (or others), having seen Millikin in person, would you consider it a surprise that they are winless in CCIW play?
In 11 games, their median loss was by 10 points. Closer margins were 8, 6, 4, 3 and 3.
Incidentally, their remaining games are vs teams to whom they've lost by 6 or fewer pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2016, 04:08:01 PM
I do. It's not an untalented team at all. Alyssa Saklak, in particular, is a player I'd take on my team anyday.

The one thing that really separates them from the rest of the league, as far as I can see, is the lack of an outside game. Not only is MU dead last in the league in trey shooting %, the Big Blue have attempted 13% fewer treys than the next-lowest team in the league in that category; they've attempted only 122, while the next most conservative team, NPU, has shot 141. It's not just a CCIW thing, either; over the course of the season the Big Blue have attempted 199 fewer bombs than their opponents. That's more than nine fewer trey attempts per game, which is a glaring discrepancy. It's as though they know that they can't hit them and have therefore given up even trying them.

Against NPU the Big Blue were 0-6 from beyond the arc, and in their previous game against IWU they were 0-4. Their best shooter, Emily Schultz, works a perimeter that's about 17 or 18 feet away from the basket rather than 22 or 23 feet. That, and the fact that her teammates are reluctant to let it fly from distance, makes them much easier to guard as a team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2016, 10:09:48 PM
Here's another statistical look at how things have gone in conference play (11 games at the moment).
team offensive rebound pct
TEAM     OReb     Opp DReb    Total      OReb%
IW          175           294         469        .373
NC          217           408         625        .347
W           154           302         456        .338
E            133           263         396        .336
CCIW    1152         2455       3607        .319
A            138          307          445        .310
M           121           271         392         .309
NP          139          316         455         .305
C            75            294         369         .203
team defensive rebound pct
TEAM      DReb     Opp OReb  Total     DReb%
E            291         109            400       .728
W           337         133           470        .717
C           322          148           470        .685
NP          291         135           426        .683
CCIW    2455       1152         3607       .681
A            330         155           485        .680
IW         263          128           391        .673
M           301         147           448        .672
NC         320         197           517         .619
What can we make of this (besides printing it and making a hat)?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2016, 11:48:54 PM
A strange year, RogK.  Don't think the stats tell the entire story of defensive pressure and effort by various teams.  TITANS surely have poor stats for the most part, but still stand 8-3 with a very good chance of getting to the CCIW tournament, even winning the title.  They have three games left now, all at home, so why not push hard and win out??  Could be a tie with WC, then tourney in WC due to tie-breakers, but WC could slip again and then the Titans win.  Pretty much everything can happen.  TITANS have been up and down, pretty inconsistent all year, but still in a pretty good position in the conference race.

Go TITANS!!!  Pink Zone game upcoming too -- always a good night, esp. given Coach Smith's history with cancer.

Still important basketball to be played.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 10, 2016, 08:23:43 AM
Alot of important ball to be played by the Thunder.  They absolutely must take care of business tonight at home vs Millikin and then a very dangerous game @ Carthage Saturday night that will test them at Tarble, a place where Wheaton Women and Men historically don't play well.  Women have lost 3 straight there.

Can't let up with this (virtually) 1/2 game lead over IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 10, 2016, 02:40:07 PM
Alright, folks -- the NCAA's first women's basketball regional rankings are posted. Check out the full list from D3hoops.com:
http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2016/02/10/first-2016-regional-rankings-released-today/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2016, 09:17:18 PM
Titans ath The Shirk crush Augie 72-43.  Now 9-3 in CCIW play with two games to go.  Key game at home now with NPU.  Pink Zone Game.

Ehresman 12
Weber 11
McGraw 22

Titans force 22 TOs, points off turnovers = 26.  Titans win by 29.  There you have it.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2016, 09:26:35 PM
Correction -- that was the score at the end of the third quarter, more to go!

:)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2016, 09:33:52 PM
Final final from the Shirk:  IWU 79 Augie 57. :)   25 TOs forced.

Titans now 9-3 in CCIW play.  Really.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2016, 02:19:08 AM
Pink Zone games at The SHIRK this Saturday evening.  Hope everyone comes out to support Coach Smith and the TITANS at 5 p.m. -- to beat NPU and to raise a lot of money for a very good cause.  Should be a full day at The Shirk -- JV - Alumni game early afternoon, then women's game followed by men's game vs. NPU at 7 p.m.  Varsity games very important for both squads. 

GO TITANS -- do well and also do good! 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2016, 07:47:35 PM
Vikings fall at Shirk, 63-55. After a horrific start to the second half, which began with a 14-0 IWU run to open up a 43-26 lead for the hosts, the Vikes did an admirable job of fighting their way back into it, cutting the lead to one on a couple of occasions in the fourth quarter. But they just left too many misses at the rim, which more than anything explained why they couldn't get over the hump in what was a good defensive game for both teams. Liz Rehberger led the way with 23, while Amani Davis had 12 and Soly Román grabbed ten boards. Molly McGraw led Wesleyan with 17, while Gabby Weber added 13 and Maddie Merritt chipped in 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2016, 07:50:29 PM
Making things worse is the fact that North Central beat Elmhurst today, which means that next Saturday's game between the Vikings and the Cardinals in the crackerbox is essentially a play-in game for the fourth and final CCIW tourney spot as far as NPU is concerned.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2016, 08:21:46 PM
Yes, Titans over NPU 63-55.  A good crowd for the Pink Zone efforts.  More to come in the men's game.  Titans now 10-3 in CCIW play.  Who would have thunk it??  One more game to go, TITANS!  Keep it rolling.  Let's hope WC slips and we win the CCIW crown outright, get to host the conference tournament at The Shirk.   

Liz Rehberger one heck of a player. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2016, 08:59:34 PM
My vote would be for Mia Smith as Coach of the Year. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2016, 09:08:04 PM
 ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2016, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2016, 09:08:04 PM
::)

I understand the eye-roll - as though Mark would pick anyone else.  But this time he certainly has a point, since the Titans were picked to finish FIFTH.

But are the women like the men and don't even vote; just automatically give the award to the coach of the titlist?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2016, 12:10:22 AM
I'm sure the Wheaton coach is deserving of the honor this year too.  Both teams likely to finish 11-3, co-champs of the CCIW regular season.  Pretty amazing -- guess WC had injuries, TITANS surely well exceeded expectations, came back from a tough pre-CCIW race phase.  Tournament should be good -- hope the TITANS get another chance at WC for the finals and for the AQ to the D3 dance.  The way it looks now, likely at WC for the tournament.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2016, 12:29:57 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2016, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2016, 09:08:04 PM
::)

I understand the eye-roll - as though Mark would pick anyone else.  But this time he certainly has a point, since the Titans were picked to finish FIFTH.

But are the women like the men and don't even vote; just automatically give the award to the coach of the titlist?

Apparently only in men's BB do they do the totally lame 'coach of the champs is automatically COY'. since Mia Smith was not COY in 2011 (when they won the title and finished third in the country).  I assume COY is voted by the coaches themselves?  Since they picked IWU for fifth, I have trouble imagining they would not vote for Mia as 'most exceeding expectations'.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2016, 09:44:11 PM
Coach Smith surely deserves it this year, IMHO.  But, WC Coach has also done a great job.  Ypsi, we'll see. 

Saturday all day was a great day to be a Titan @The Shirk -- JV beating the alums back, then women over NPU to solidify their place with WC at the top of the CCIW race, then the men beating NPU pretty easily, with a great unselfish and confident team effort, giving them a shot at the 4th spot in the CCIW tournament likely upcoming in Rock Island.  Nice recognition of the 1996 and 2006 Final Four men's teams at halftime. 

Yes, a dubious honor perhaps, getting the pleasure of playing #1 Augie on their home floor in the CCIW tournament semis.  When the treys are falling, IWU can beat anyone, but beating Augie up in RI is probably a step too far this year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2016, 10:29:35 PM
That was a nice win on the road at Carthage, always a dangerous game for Wheaton men and women it seems.  And to do it in such dominant fashion - let's hope that portends peaking into form at the right time. 

They need to take care of business Saturday vs Augustana(and hopefully win Wed vs IIT also).  The Thunder is the only CCIW team that would be in a Pool C discussion and based on the 1st regional rankings-likely stuck behind at least 2 if not 3 WIAC teams, I'm uneasy about their at-large chances.  So they need to host the CCIW tournament to give themselves the best chance for the AQ.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2016, 02:23:14 AM
GoPerry, basically agree with you.  CCIW doesn't have strong Pool C prospects or credentials this year, even WC.  IWU must win the AQ to get in and they've struggled in both games vs. WC.  Tough road in the CCIW tourney, likely on the WC home court. IWU is very tough now, playing much better in the latter half, the CCIW league portion of the season.  They have to take care of business next Saturday, too, and finish up strong vs. EC on senior night -- honoring the lone senior on this young team, Samantha Elsworth.  Mia Smith has the nice prospect of all the others -- esp. McGraw, Ehresman and Merritt -- all coming back next year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2016, 08:09:04 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 15, 2016, 02:23:14 AM
GoPerry, basically agree with you.  CCIW doesn't have strong Pool C prospects or credentials this year, even WC.  IWU must win the AQ to get in and they've struggled in both games vs. WC.  Tough road in the CCIW tourney, likely on the WC home court. IWU is very tough now, playing much better in the latter half, the CCIW league portion of the season.  They have to take care of business next Saturday, too, and finish up strong vs. EC on senior night -- honoring the lone senior on this young team, Samantha Elsworth.  Mia Smith has the nice prospect of all the others -- esp. McGraw, Ehresman and Merritt -- all coming back next year.

IWU'70

Wheaton will graduate Hannah Considine(past and probable All Conf) along with Ellie Zeller(past All Conf) who has been out for the season anyhow.  Considine will be a loss but they've been playing lots of underclassmen this year so they won't lose much ground with McDaniels and Meachem returning.

The fact of the matter is that the whole league is young and replete with underclassmen seeing most of the playing time.  Several teams will have all their primary contributors returning and most teams lose only 1 or 2.  There will be very few seniors on the All CCIW team.  The Thunder and NPU look to lose the most but it won't be anything like the men's side (where you won't recognize Augie or Elmhurst next season).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2016, 08:26:12 PM
IWU has almost everyone coming back.  Ellsworth the only senior and she has been a rotational player this season, not a starter.  We'll see what Mia Smith adds in recruitment, but basically she'll be working with the same cast of characters next season as this.  Ehresman and McGraw will only get better and better, as will the current freshmen bigs (esp. Merritt), which IWU sorely needed for rebounding and interior defense, some post scoring.  IWU now needs to improve on shooting % and find some 3 point shooting threats, other than Holness.  Trey shooting this year was very very poor.  I bet a lot of improvements in fitness and strength will be developed over the summer period.  IWU could be very good the next two seasons. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2016, 06:09:06 PM
The only CCIW WBB game tonight has Wheaton hosting winless IIT.
Since IIT has moved from NAIA to no WBB to NCAA, I suppose that area D3 teams are expected to schedule games vs IIT, although they may not really want to.
Earlier, North Park beat IIT 92-24. Wheaton will likely do similarly.
IIT has been competitive against some opponents, but fell behind 36-0 to Webster, 36-0 to Grace Bible (Mich.) and 48-0 to Olivet College (Mich.).
IIT's average score has been 78-28, which can't be fun for them. Hopefully, they have retained a positive, enthusiastic outlook.
Approximately 11 or 12 years ago, IIT had a decent NAIA D1 WBB team. Unfortunately for them, a 5'10" forward who was an excellent 3FG shooter transferred to St Xavier.
When I saw that Carroll was rejoining the CCIW next season, I wondered if a 10th team would be added, but apparently neither IIT nor any others are imminent possibilities.
Update : Wheaton takes it, 90-10. I saw long segments of this one online and wondered why IIT didn't use timeouts, if only to let their players breathe a little.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2016, 06:54:37 PM
North Park is 12-1 when opponents score in the 50s or less.
North Park is 3-7 when opponents score in the 60s or 70s.
North Park is 1-0 when allowing 108 pts.
Greg, please explain.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2016, 09:27:40 PM
Three words: Reverse Bell curve. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2016, 10:10:22 PM
Wait a minute, wasn't that a specialty pitch developed by Padres reliever Heath Bell in 2010?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2016, 08:31:56 PM
IWU needs to take care of business on Senior night, Saturday night vs. Elmhurst, honoring Samantha Ellsworth, and getting a share of the regular season CCIW crown, likely a tie with Wheaton. 

Thanks to Ms. Ellsworth for her dedication and long-term service to the IWU program -- a four year letter winner, one of the TITANS playing the most games in her career.  A true TITAN!  Good luck, Samantha, with all your future endeavors following graduation in May. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 20, 2016, 07:49:14 PM
IWU 75
Elmhurst 69

* Hollness: 19 pts, 3 reb
* Ehresman: 19 pts, 5 reb
* McGraw: 12 pts, 3 reb
* Merritt: 11 pts, 4 reb

IWU earns a share of the CCIW title with Wheaton.  Impressive conference showing by this very young IWU team.

The conference tournament will be hosted by Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2016, 09:08:31 PM
Great stuff for the Titans -- to share the CCIW regular season crown with Wheaton.  Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans.  Young team, doing good things in CCIW play.  Go get that AQ, Titans! 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 21, 2016, 03:19:30 PM
Nice job by the Thunder ladies of sticking with Augie and coming out with the win. Congratulations to Coach Madsen and team on their conference title. They did what they had to do to keep winning and stay ahead of IWU to host the tournament this weekend.  Now let's win 2 this weekend, secure the AQ and avoid any Pool C anxiety with 3 other WIAC schools. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2016, 04:25:24 PM
Now that WBB has quarters instead of halves, a scoring drought can be noted quickly, as in Augustana getting 2 points in the 4th quarter (Wheaton tallied 19).
The game I attended saw 50 pts scored in the final 7:00 (North Park and North Central combined).
Augie's season (CCIW 5-9) ended with four losses, although they did record several impressive wins. Leading scorer (by far, 15 vs 8) Marissa Pezzopane is graduating, so they'll need to find scoring for next year. 6'5" Kaycee Kallenberger had a nice debut season, getting loads of rebounds (3rd most in conf play) and ending 2nd in the league in blocks. Augie may "build around" her next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2016, 09:16:40 PM
In terms of All-CCIW selections, I think Ehresman and McGraw clearly deserve it for the Titans at some level -- perhaps Ehresman 1st and McGraw 2nd team. 

I continue to think Mia Smith should be Coach of the Year.  Wheaton coach also very deserving this year.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2016, 09:48:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2016, 09:16:40 PM
In terms of All-CCIW selections, I think Ehresman and McGraw clearly deserve it for the Titans at some level -- perhaps Ehresman 1st and McGraw 2nd team. 

I continue to think Mia Smith should be Coach of the Year.  Wheaton coach also very deserving this year.

'70

CLEARLY the COY should be Mia Smith.  Her 'diaper dandies' were picked by the coaches to finish fifth and tied for the title.  Wheaton was unanimously picked to win (or as unanimously as possible, since coaches can't vote for their own team).  Even having a national title, this just might have been her best coaching job yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2016, 09:51:45 PM
I'm thinking that MOP honors is a race between Wheaton G Katie McDaniels(Jr), Elmhurst F Mikaela Eppard(So) and Carthage G Morgan Harris(So) with McDaniels likely getting the nod.  Liz Rehberger(NPU) 1st team also.  Alyssa Saklak(Millikin) or Rebecca Ehresman(IWU) for the 5th spot- maybe even WC Hannah Considine but doubtful.  Freshman of the year either to Bailey Gilbert(Carthage) or Maddie Merritt(IWU).

I think Mia Smith or Kent Madsen are equally deserving of COY.  Smith for aforementioned unexpectedly high league finish and Madsen overcoming key injury to Zeller.  Might go to Madsen for more impressive overall record and 2 wins over IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2016, 01:36:48 AM
Let's hope the coaches on this side do a better job than the men's coaches.  Lots and lots of grumping, disenchantment with the choices over there. 

Yes, Maddie Merritt would be a deserving Freshman of the Year awardee.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2016, 07:31:18 AM
There are so many good players here it's hard to narrow the list down to just five, but looking at the numbers I'd probably go McDaniels/Ehresman/Rehberger as your guards on the First Team, and Eppard as a lock at forward. I feel bad though leaving out Morgan Harris because she had great numbers before going down, and I'm not sure I want a four guard/one forward lineup even though NCC tends to trot out those numbers to start multiple games. Doing that also leaves out Alyssa Saklak, who should at least be Second Team.

NCC reps I'm thinking probably Mayson Whipple either Second or Third Team, and Jamie Cuny probably Third Team.

Hard to pick just one MOP, though given history it'll probably go to McDaniels. COY is pretty much a tossup between Kent Madsen and Mia Smith. I'd lean Smith since the Titans weren't viewed as highly coming into the season (last season was weird) but I wouldn't be upset if Madsen won it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2016, 07:55:25 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 23, 2016, 07:31:18 AM
There are so many good players here it's hard to narrow the list down to just five, but looking at the numbers I'd probably go McDaniels/Ehresman/Rehberger as your guards on the First Team, and Eppard as a lock at forward. I feel bad though leaving out Morgan Harris because she had great numbers before going down, and I'm not sure I want a four guard/one forward lineup even though NCC tends to trot out those numbers to start multiple games. Doing that also leaves out Alyssa Saklak, who should at least be Second Team.

NCC reps I'm thinking probably Mayson Whipple either Second or Third Team, and Jamie Cuny probably Third Team.

Hard to pick just one MOP, though given history it'll probably go to McDaniels. COY is pretty much a tossup between Kent Madsen and Mia Smith. I'd lean Smith since the Titans weren't viewed as highly coming into the season (last season was weird) but I wouldn't be upset if Madsen won it.

The All Conf teams are selected with no respect to position.  So the 1st team can have all guards or all forwards. I think the coaches will still select Harris- they should at least- despite her missing the last 2 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2016, 10:38:43 AM
For Newcomer of the Year, Kallenberger could get votes, too.
If All-Conf spots were allotted proportional to wins in conference play, it would look like this : W and IW - 2.946, NC - 2.143, E and NP - 1.875, A and C - 1.339, M - 0.536. The formula is (15/56) x wins. Anyway, I'd say this is a good guide for where to start, with some variation necessary. Millikin can't get 1/2 of a player on All-Conf, for example.
Here are current players that have been honored in previous seasons :
2012-13 : H Considine (Newcomer)
2013-14 : E Zeller (1st), K McDaniels (2nd and Newcomer), R Torres (3rd)
2014-15 : H Considine (1st), K McDaniels (1st), M Eppard (2nd and Newcomer), M Pezzopane (2nd), A Saklak (2nd), E Zeller (2nd), J Cuny (3rd), C Meacham (3rd), M McGraw (3rd), L Rehberger (3rd).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2016, 11:45:15 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 23, 2016, 07:55:25 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 23, 2016, 07:31:18 AM
There are so many good players here it's hard to narrow the list down to just five, but looking at the numbers I'd probably go McDaniels/Ehresman/Rehberger as your guards on the First Team, and Eppard as a lock at forward. I feel bad though leaving out Morgan Harris because she had great numbers before going down, and I'm not sure I want a four guard/one forward lineup even though NCC tends to trot out those numbers to start multiple games. Doing that also leaves out Alyssa Saklak, who should at least be Second Team.

NCC reps I'm thinking probably Mayson Whipple either Second or Third Team, and Jamie Cuny probably Third Team.

Hard to pick just one MOP, though given history it'll probably go to McDaniels. COY is pretty much a tossup between Kent Madsen and Mia Smith. I'd lean Smith since the Titans weren't viewed as highly coming into the season (last season was weird) but I wouldn't be upset if Madsen won it.

The All Conf teams are selected with no respect to position.  So the 1st team can have all guards or all forwards. I think the coaches will still select Harris- they should at least- despite her missing the last 2 games.

Forgot about that aspect, then realized it too when I was looking earlier at the men's teams.

No question she was really good, and missing the final two games shouldn't penalize her. It's a tricky thing since we can go with like seven different players for those five spots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2016, 11:52:31 AM
My all-CCIW honors :
Co Coaches-of-the-Year : K Madsen and M Smith (precedent - 09-10 Bernero and Smith)
Newcomer of the Year : B Gilbert
Most Outstanding Player : K McDaniels
1st team : K McDaniels, M Harris, M Eppard, R Ehresman, L Rehberger
2nd team : M Pezzopane, J Cuny, M Whipple, M McGraw, A Saklak
3rd team : H Considine, S Roman, M Merritt, T Pettersson, C Monroe
These selections are so perfect that they are not even debatable, unless you disagree with them! (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 23, 2016, 03:58:51 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 23, 2016, 01:36:48 AM
Let's hope the coaches on this side do a better job than the men's coaches.  Lots and lots of grumping, disenchantment with the choices over there. 

Yes, Maddie Merritt would be a deserving Freshman of the Year awardee.

IWU'70
Men's side - there is no more grumbling than in past years IMHO. 
The coaches will never satisfy everyone even on the women's side.  There is always a "high whine factor" when a team (NPU Men, for example) has two exceptional players (Henry and Robinson) but team can't get the job done I the W column.  Then you have AndOne who will whine even if the 1st were all NCC guys!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2016, 05:24:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2016, 11:52:31 AM
My all-CCIW honors :
Co Coaches-of-the-Year : K Madsen and M Smith (precedent - 09-10 Bernero and Smith)
Newcomer of the Year : B Gilbert
Most Outstanding Player : K McDaniels
1st team : K McDaniels, M Harris, M Eppard, R Ehresman, L Rehberger
2nd team : M Pezzopane, J Cuny, M Whipple, M McGraw, A Saklak
3rd team : H Considine, S Roman, M Merritt, T Pettersson, C Monroe
These selections are so perfect that they are not even debatable, unless you disagree with them! (ha)

I think Carthage's Bailey Gilbert will be in there somewhere (especially if another Frosh IWU's Merritt makes it)- could argue for 2nd team but more likely 3rd with Carthage's overall finish.  And I'm not sure you'll get 3 from NCC.  The problem with the 'system' is that it really inflates offensive stats relative to players from the other 7 teams.  So in my mind, you take their #s and sort of 'discount' them in a sense. 

It feels to me like Wheaton should have 3 players, maybe Chantal Meachem or Kelly Lawson who both played super solidly but perhaps not standing out. Both will get some consideration but maybe not enough.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2016, 05:33:40 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 23, 2016, 03:58:51 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 23, 2016, 01:36:48 AM
Let's hope the coaches on this side do a better job than the men's coaches.  Lots and lots of grumping, disenchantment with the choices over there. 

Yes, Maddie Merritt would be a deserving Freshman of the Year awardee.

IWU'70
Men's side - there is no more grumbling than in past years IMHO. 
The coaches will never satisfy everyone even on the women's side.  There is always a "high whine factor" when a team (NPU Men, for example) has two exceptional players (Henry and Robinson) but team can't get the job done I the W column.  Then you have AndOne who will whine even if the 1st were all NCC guys!

Said with affection I'm sure . . . :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2016, 07:17:55 PM
GoPerry, maybe I can persuade you to accept the NC players' individual stats as they are, without inflating or deflating them. These three players play only 16-20 minutes per game, so they're quite productive in that time. I would not suggest that we project what they might do in 30 or 35 minutes per game, which would be artificially inflating their value. On the other hand, if you want to consider that, due to the fast pace, they are already playing 25 or 30 minutes' worth of possessions, OK. But, then you still should accept their stats as they are.
I thought about Lawson and Meacham. Meacham is one of my favorites to watch, but her production has been down some this season. She did recently have an excellent 26 pt game, including 8/13 threes. Lawson hasn't shot a good pct, but is a fine all-around player. Both of them also get credit for a portion of Wheaton's overall fine defense.
Those two, Gilbert and some others like NP's Kruckman and EC's Jones would easily warrant inclusion. Fifteen all-conf spots are never enough, are they?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2016, 02:52:54 AM
RogerK, I could go with your All-CCIW slate, no debating.  :)

Looks about right to me.

I do hope Mia Smith is honored as this has been a particularly amazing year in coaching the young Titans to a share of the CCIW championship.  I just think she really deserves it for the job she's done.  Rarely will you see a team that is challenged in many ways, with poor shooting and overall some pretty weak stats, still win a conference title.  I attribute a lot of that to coaching and good strategy, scouting etc.  The Titans were surely not the most talented team this year, but they were perhaps one of the toughest as a team to beat.  They found a way.  To get to 10-3 and share the title, we'll, pretty amazing coaching, me thinks.  Of course, tremendous effort by the Titan players too -- esp. with the run and jump, pressure defense pretty much all 40 minutes.  Ehresman had a great year, over all.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2016, 09:02:37 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2016, 07:17:55 PM
GoPerry, maybe I can persuade you to accept the NC players' individual stats as they are, without inflating or deflating them. These three players play only 16-20 minutes per game, so they're quite productive in that time. I would not suggest that we project what they might do in 30 or 35 minutes per game, which would be artificially inflating their value. On the other hand, if you want to consider that, due to the fast pace, they are already playing 25 or 30 minutes' worth of possessions, OK. But, then you still should accept their stats as they are.
I thought about Lawson and Meacham. Meacham is one of my favorites to watch, but her production has been down some this season. She did recently have an excellent 26 pt game, including 8/13 threes. Lawson hasn't shot a good pct, but is a fine all-around player. Both of them also get credit for a portion of Wheaton's overall fine defense.
Those two, Gilbert and some others like NP's Kruckman and EC's Jones would easily warrant inclusion. Fifteen all-conf spots are never enough, are they?

Fair point on NCC reduced minutes.  My point has more to do with the challenge of comparing team(and thereby player) stats for a system style vs 'traditional' (however you may define that). But I'm not the one needing persuading- it's the coaches.

I agree that Chantal Meachem has not been quite as lethal from beyond the arc as last season.  She and Lawson would be the only candidates to receive consideration if Wheaton were to get an additonal .946 players as your calculus possibly suggests(only a guideline of course).

Also, I'm not sure how the coaches could vote Bailey Gilbert as Newcomer of the Year and not include her on the All conf team in addition to or instead of  IWU's Maddie Merritt, another newcomer.  Merritt might end up getting the Newcomer based on IWU's conference finish although I really do think Gilbert deserves recognition of some kind.  But both have 3 more years.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2016, 11:08:42 AM
GoPerry, I definitely had in mind that it would be somewhat irrational to have Gilbert as Newcomer, but not among the 15. But I think it is a way to honor 16 players instead of 15.
As you noted/implied, Merritt and Gilbert each look like certain stars for the upcoming years (although there's no guarantee of course). Merritt is very good at earning FTs, which should help her advance among the league scoring leaders.
I agree also that North Central team stats have to be interpreted based on the fact that their games feature many more possessions (40% more?) than those of other teams. Their 93 pt scoring avg in CCIW play doesn't necessarily mean that their offense is the best, nor does their opponent avg of 88 necessarily equate with being the worst defense.
Points scored or allowed per possession seems the best measure. Unfortunately we don't have those numbers. And I think a possession continues until one starts for the other team. Other people would say that a new possession begins with an offensive rebound. This distinction would skew the "points per possession" stat one way or the other.
Yes, my formula does say Wheaton deserves 3 all-conf players; just couldn't narrow it down for the 3rd. I'd have no objection to Lawson or Meacham (not Meachem).
From what I've heard, coaches strategize regarding how many of their players to nominate, as well as when to nominate them during the voting process. If you don't nominate someone, she won't get chosen, but if you nominate too many, votes may spread too thin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2016, 02:53:46 PM
The prior match-ups of Friday's CCIW playoffs were all won by the home teams.
Jan 16 : Wheaton 50 at Elmhurst 60;  North Central 66 at Illinois Wesleyan 78.
Feb 6 : Elmhurst 43 at Wheaton 65;  Illinois Wesleyan 81 at North Central 87.
In the Elmhurst win, Elmhurst trailed 35-24 at halftime and won the 2nd half 36-15. Hannah Henderson had 5 of her 6 steals in the 2nd half.
In the Wheaton win, Wheaton dominated the 2nd and 3rd Qs by a 35-12 sum. Hannah Considine had 16 pts, 17 rebs.
North Central committed 42 TOs in their loss and 21 in their win. They made 16 2FGs and 7 FTs in each game. NC made 16 threes in their win.
Illinois Wesleyan's scoring was almost identical in each game : 2FGs 26 and 28, 3FGs 3 and 3, FTs 17 and 16. Alina Lehocky and Amanda Kelly did really well in both games.
Based on all this, we can conclude, uhh...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2016, 03:34:13 PM
I'm not sure what it'll take to get Wheaton ranked ahead of any of 4 WIAC schools including one that's lost their last 3 games. All 4 teams are playing each other in the tourney but it still indicates to me that Wheaton has to win the AQ or they'll still be ranked behind them and be bubble at best for a Pool C.  A little frustrating to say the least.

The RR are shaping up for possibly 4 WIAC teams to make the tourney.  I wonder how many times 4 teams from a single conference has gotten in, men or women?  I would guess it hasn't happened yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 25, 2016, 01:39:26 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2016, 03:34:13 PM
I'm not sure what it'll take to get Wheaton ranked ahead of any of 4 WIAC schools including one that's lost their last 3 games. All 4 teams are playing each other in the tourney but it still indicates to me that Wheaton has to win the AQ or they'll still be ranked behind them and be bubble at best for a Pool C.  A little frustrating to say the least.

The RR are shaping up for possibly 4 WIAC teams to make the tourney.  I wonder how many times 4 teams from a single conference has gotten in, men or women?  I would guess it hasn't happened yet.


More than you think.

NESCAC in MBB last year; NEWMAC in MBB the year before that; ODAC MBB did it the year before that ('13).

I believe it has happened in WBB and I think the NESCAC and UAA are the likely sources to look for that accomplishment, but I don't have the women's four-team achievements off the top of my head.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 25, 2016, 07:06:49 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 24, 2016, 02:53:46 PM
The prior match-ups of Friday's CCIW playoffs were all won by the home teams.
Jan 16 : Wheaton 50 at Elmhurst 60;  North Central 66 at Illinois Wesleyan 78.
Feb 6 : Elmhurst 43 at Wheaton 65;  Illinois Wesleyan 81 at North Central 87.
In the Elmhurst win, Elmhurst trailed 35-24 at halftime and won the 2nd half 36-15. Hannah Henderson had 5 of her 6 steals in the 2nd half.
In the Wheaton win, Wheaton dominated the 2nd and 3rd Qs by a 35-12 sum. Hannah Considine had 16 pts, 17 rebs.
North Central committed 42 TOs in their loss and 21 in their win. They made 16 2FGs and 7 FTs in each game. NC made 16 threes in their win.
Illinois Wesleyan's scoring was almost identical in each game : 2FGs 26 and 28, 3FGs 3 and 3, FTs 17 and 16. Alina Lehocky and Amanda Kelly did really well in both games.
Based on all this, we can conclude, uhh...

At least for the NCC-IWU semi, how well NCC takes care of the ball is the biggest key in my mind. It amazed me in the game in Naperville just how good the Titans are with their hands on defense. They were picking pockets almost at will, and I can see how they forced 42 turnovers at home. At a neutral site, it should be interesting.

My money's on Wheaton in the second semi but I'm only basing that on history; no #4 seed has ever won a game in the CCIW Tournament. It's bound to happen at some point, and it could happen this year, but it's hard to say.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2016, 05:02:03 PM
Yeah, Wheaton hasn't lost at King Arena (vs Hope) since about three weeks after the World Series ended. Coach Madsen won't take anything for granted, either.
But, any of these teams, playing at its best, has a fair chance.
I think I'll be viewing the games at home, while consuming most of a 14" green pepper pizza.
Good luck to all and no injuries allowed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2016, 08:45:46 AM
Wheaton vs Elmhurst tonight at King Arena.  The post-season is here and the Lady Thunder need to understand that each game is an elimination game for them and must play with the win or go home mindset.  Katie McDaniels can't do it on her own so key to their success will be getting consistent performances from Hannah Considine and Chantal Meacham, both seasoned upperclassman who, must lead the younger Lawson, Kyler, Bremhorst, Berg, Dansdill.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2016, 02:57:34 PM
I wonder if any adjustment will be made for 2016-17 all-conference honors. The addition of Carroll (9th CCIW team) will make it tough for many teams to get more than one player on the 15 positions that currently exist. I wouldn't advocate expanding the 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams or adding a 4th. But maybe an honorable mention category would be good.
I don't particularly like how the UAA puts 7 or 8 on their 1st and 2nd teams (no 3rd). But I like their honorable mention category.
What do you think, anyone?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2016, 04:26:30 PM
All Conference team is out. 

Congrats to Jr Katie McDaniels on her Most Outstanding Player award and her 3rd straight All Conf recognition. Also to Sr Hannah Considine for her 2nd straight All-Conf nod (1st team last year along with 2013 Newcomer) and Kelly Lawson on 3rd team.

Nothing particularly shocking in my mind.

McDaniels MOP,  Smith/Madsen Co-COY, Gilbert - Newcomer

Out of 15 spots, only 4 seniors- none on 1st team.   On the men's side, 10/16 are seniors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2016, 05:28:02 PM
Here are the results, all deserving without question-- alphabetical as shown on cciw.org
1st : R Ehresman, M Eppard, M Harris, K McDaniels, L Rehberger
2nd : H Considine, M McGraw, M Pezzopane, A Saklak, M Whipple
3rd : J Cuny, B Gilbert, K Jones, K Lawson, S Roman
Also see GoPerry's above post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2016, 07:59:37 PM
IWU over NCC in the first semi -- 96-84.  Titans have developed lots of weapons.

McGraw 25
Ehresman 16 and 12
Weber 7 and 10
Kelly 12 and 7 assists
Merritt 13 (sorry she didn't get some All-Conference recognition)
Holness 10

Tops for NCC Whipple with 19

NCC made 12 treys -- about their average.  IWU didn't make a single 3, always attacking the basket.  One of the few games where the differential in TOs was not so great.  IWU beating the System, taking the rubber match for the season. 

On to the final, on to the AQ -- likely vs. WC.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2016, 08:04:39 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a great season, a CCIW championship, so far!  Keep going.

And, warm congrats to Coach Smith on Coach of the Year.  I think this is right.  Also, congrats to the WC Coach Madsen on his honor, recognition.  Both very deserving this season.

Very happy for Ehresman and McGraw on 1st and 2nd teams respectively, for All-CCIW honors.  Congrats to them and all the other honorees.  Great job all.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2016, 08:09:46 PM
iwu70, ya beat me to it! I'll add this anyway : a nice win for IWU in game 1. The Titans' 31-18 1st quarter proved to be decisive.
IWU was generally quicker to get rebounds,especially early. Both teams admirably worked hard to the end.
I did not see IWU in person this year, but based on viewing this game, I'd say they are developing depth among a number of really good athletes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2016, 08:41:36 PM
Yes, the IWU women's program has a bright future in the next few years.  Only Ellsworth graduating, so everyone else back.  They now have some size in the middle too with Merritt, a strong bench, and all the other pieces on the perimeter.  We all knew that Ehresman and McGraw were going to be All-CCIW players at some point, and now they are, as sophomores.  Mia clearly has a plan with the talent she has in place.  Hopefully, some good recruits coming in next fall too.  A good win tonight, a strong start out of the gate, as you indicated, RogK.

Let's see if they can finally give WC a run for their money -- not much luck in previous games this season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2016, 10:17:15 PM
Game 2 - Wheaton rolls past Elmhurst 82-51. Wheaton's defense dominated the 37-18 1st half. Katie McSomething (who was that #10 on Wheaton?), oh yeah, McDaniels, did rather well along with many Thunder 'mates.
In the 45-33 2nd half, several of Wheaton's secondary players showed their scoring talents.
Elmhurst did well here and there, but couldn't establish consistency.
correction : box score is up now, showing 2nd half was 45-32 and an 82-50 final.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2016, 10:33:03 PM
Yes.  Incredible performance from Wheaton tonight.  59% shooting, 8/10 from the arc, hounding defense.  McDaniels was doing her thing tonight. 

Celebrate a good win for the next hour or so and then focus on tomorrow.  Can't let down now.  IWU had a similarly good game and also playing desperate to extend their season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2016, 12:02:17 AM
Should be a good, worthy championship game tomorrow -- IWU vs. WC.  I expect this one to be a bit closer than than the previous two encounters.  The prevailing league power vs. the up-and-coming TITANS.

Go TITANS -- go get that AQ!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 09:52:47 AM
I'll be very interested to see how much IWU employs the backcourt pressure.  Wheaton has better than average ball handling guards and small forwards and they decimated the Titans breaking the press at Shirk last month.  Considine had 25 or 30 points but most of those were barely contested layups from her getting behind the full court D.

The Thunder have been prone at times to buckle under aggressive D, but they should be well prepared for it tonight.  Expecting another sizeable student crowd tonight(way to go Football team for showing up!) to counter the well-travelling Green faithful.

Basically a play-in game to the tourney although Wheaton will have a bubble chance at a Pool C if they lose.  Winning the AQ will give them a chance at hosting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2016, 01:46:50 PM
Some irony : unless Wheaton or Illinois Wesleyan win the national championship, the CCIW's worst team this season - Millikin - will be the only one to end its season with a win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 04:06:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 27, 2016, 01:46:50 PM
Some irony : unless Wheaton or Illinois Wesleyan win the national championship, the CCIW's worst team this season - Millikin - will be the only one to end its season with a win.

Not that ironic RogK.  63 out of the 64 teams that make the tournament will end their season with a loss.  In fact, in any playoff in any sport, only one team wins their last game, the team that wins the championship.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2016, 10:03:56 PM
Congratulations to the Thunder for an impressive win. They won every quarter, incidentally : by 6, 5, 6, 5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 10:28:21 PM
Wheaton 92, IWU 70

Wow.  What a game by the Thunder tonight winning in decisive fashion.  They came out hot for the 2nd straight game and really didn't cool off.  Turned the ball over only 13 times against the Titan pressure.  Katie McDaniels pretty much put an exclamation point on her MOP credentials by scoring a career high 32 points, 9/11 from the field, 13/15 FT, 4 rebs, 3 asst, stl).  Chantal Meacham (13 pts, 6 asst, stl)  had a great game as well and Hannah Considine (16 pts , 7rebs, 4 blks) was great on the boards and keeping Merritt in check.

Congratulations to Coach Madsen and the crew.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Wheaton gets to host the first weekend but I think it's doubtful( and I'm not sure I can take the student announcers for another game- bless their hearts).  The problem is so many strong teams in the Central.  They are likely headed to Wash U or Oshkosh, maybe even Point or to Hope.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 10:28:21 PM
Wheaton 92, IWU 70

Wow.  What a game by the Thunder tonight winning in decisive fashion.  They came out hot for the 2nd straight game and really didn't cool off.  Turned the ball over only 13 times against the Titan pressure.  Katie McDaniels pretty much put an exclamation point on her MOP credentials by scoring a career high 32 points, 9/11 from the field, 13/15 FT, 4 rebs, 3 asst, stl).  Chantal Meacham (13 pts, 6 asst, stl)  had a great game as well and Hannah Considine (16 pts , 7rebs, 4 blks) was great on the boards and keeping Merritt in check.

Congratulations to Coach Madsen and the crew.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Wheaton gets to host the first weekend but I think it's doubtful( and I'm not sure I can take the student announcers for another game- bless their hearts).  The problem is so many strong teams in the Central.  They are likely headed to Wash U or Oshkosh, maybe even Point or to Hope.

Concur on that. One or two deserving teams out the Central will be stuck traveling. Thinking UWO, Wash U, Hope will probably host. Won't be surprised if the NACC auto-qualifier (Wisconsin Lutheran) get's put into a pod with Wheaton and one of the teams listed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 11:15:24 PM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 10:28:21 PM
Wheaton 92, IWU 70

Wow.  What a game by the Thunder tonight winning in decisive fashion.  They came out hot for the 2nd straight game and really didn't cool off.  Turned the ball over only 13 times against the Titan pressure.  Katie McDaniels pretty much put an exclamation point on her MOP credentials by scoring a career high 32 points, 9/11 from the field, 13/15 FT, 4 rebs, 3 asst, stl).  Chantal Meacham (13 pts, 6 asst, stl)  had a great game as well and Hannah Considine (16 pts , 7rebs, 4 blks) was great on the boards and keeping Merritt in check.

Congratulations to Coach Madsen and the crew.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Wheaton gets to host the first weekend but I think it's doubtful( and I'm not sure I can take the student announcers for another game- bless their hearts).  The problem is so many strong teams in the Central.  They are likely headed to Wash U or Oshkosh, maybe even Point or to Hope.

Concur on that. One or two deserving teams out the Central will be stuck traveling. Thinking UWO, Wash U, Hope will probably host. Won't be surprised if the NACC auto-qualifier (Wisconsin Lutheran) get's put into a pod with Wheaton and one of the teams listed.

Yeah, I'm beginning to think Wheaton might have to go to Wash U with Greenville(SLIAC AQ) and maybe DePauw?  That would be brutal.  Who else is close to St Louis distance-wise? They're probably going to make all the Wisc teams slug it out there next weekend to advance.  I don't think Whitewater will get a Pool C, but if they do, they'll probably put 2 WIAC teams in the same pod and 3 in the same quadrant.

St Thomas, Oshkosh, River Falls all hosting probably.  So all the Wisc schools heading that way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 27, 2016, 11:48:44 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 11:15:24 PM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 10:28:21 PM
Wheaton 92, IWU 70

Wow.  What a game by the Thunder tonight winning in decisive fashion.  They came out hot for the 2nd straight game and really didn't cool off.  Turned the ball over only 13 times against the Titan pressure.  Katie McDaniels pretty much put an exclamation point on her MOP credentials by scoring a career high 32 points, 9/11 from the field, 13/15 FT, 4 rebs, 3 asst, stl).  Chantal Meacham (13 pts, 6 asst, stl)  had a great game as well and Hannah Considine (16 pts , 7rebs, 4 blks) was great on the boards and keeping Merritt in check.

Congratulations to Coach Madsen and the crew.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Wheaton gets to host the first weekend but I think it's doubtful( and I'm not sure I can take the student announcers for another game- bless their hearts).  The problem is so many strong teams in the Central.  They are likely headed to Wash U or Oshkosh, maybe even Point or to Hope.

Concur on that. One or two deserving teams out the Central will be stuck traveling. Thinking UWO, Wash U, Hope will probably host. Won't be surprised if the NACC auto-qualifier (Wisconsin Lutheran) get's put into a pod with Wheaton and one of the teams listed.

Yeah, I'm beginning to think Wheaton might have to go to Wash U with Greenville(SLIAC AQ) and maybe DePauw?  That would be brutal.  Who else is close to St Louis distance-wise? They're probably going to make all the Wisc teams slug it out there next weekend to advance.  I don't think Whitewater will get a Pool C, but if they do, they'll probably put 2 WIAC teams in the same pod and 3 in the same quadrant.

St Thomas, Oshkosh, River Falls all hosting probably.  So all the Wisc schools heading that way.

Wash U lost today vs Chicago and also has 5 losses. That could change things depending on the opponents rankings.  Not sure what they are right now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 11:54:14 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 11:15:24 PM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 10:28:21 PM
Wheaton 92, IWU 70

Wow.  What a game by the Thunder tonight winning in decisive fashion.  They came out hot for the 2nd straight game and really didn’t cool off.  Turned the ball over only 13 times against the Titan pressure.  Katie McDaniels pretty much put an exclamation point on her MOP credentials by scoring a career high 32 points, 9/11 from the field, 13/15 FT, 4 rebs, 3 asst, stl).  Chantal Meacham (13 pts, 6 asst, stl)  had a great game as well and Hannah Considine (16 pts , 7rebs, 4 blks) was great on the boards and keeping Merritt in check.

Congratulations to Coach Madsen and the crew.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Wheaton gets to host the first weekend but I think it’s doubtful( and I'm not sure I can take the student announcers for another game- bless their hearts).  The problem is so many strong teams in the Central.  They are likely headed to Wash U or Oshkosh, maybe even Point or to Hope.

Concur on that. One or two deserving teams out the Central will be stuck traveling. Thinking UWO, Wash U, Hope will probably host. Won't be surprised if the NACC auto-qualifier (Wisconsin Lutheran) get's put into a pod with Wheaton and one of the teams listed.

Yeah, I'm beginning to think Wheaton might have to go to Wash U with Greenville(SLIAC AQ) and maybe DePauw?  That would be brutal.  Who else is close to St Louis distance-wise? They're probably going to make all the Wisc teams slug it out there next weekend to advance.  I don't think Whitewater will get a Pool C, but if they do, they'll probably put 2 WIAC teams in the same pod and 3 in the same quadrant.

St Thomas, Oshkosh, River Falls all hosting probably.  So all the Wisc schools heading that way.

Depends on what happens in the Tournament games on Sunday. They could pull a team or two from the south (again depends on if they host). Doubt they get far down to UWW at the at-large consideration (would love it so Concordia Wisconsin could get to the table but that is a pipe dream).

EDIT: Then again I would chuckle if WLC and Wheaton face off again (though I fear another matchup with Hope) but as you said they may group the Wisconsin schools together and pull the MIAC champ into a pod (host possibly).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2016, 06:22:47 AM
Congrats to WC on the big win for the CCIW tournament crown and AQ.  Hope you make some noise in the Dance. 

Good year for IWU's young team, well-exceeding all expectations.  IWU will be back next year with about everyone back.  Should be a good future for Coach Smith and her team in the next two-three years.

Good season overall -- just wished for one more win, but WC too big, strong, fast -- and Titans had no answer for McDaniels.  Congrats to Coach Smith, all the coaches and all the Titans.  Good wishes to Samantha Ellsworth, the only departing Titan, graduating in May.  Good luck in all future endeavors after graduation, Samantha!  You have had an excellent and long Titan career -- thanks for all your dedication and contributions to the IWU program.

Good luck to Wheaton in the upcoming draw, the tournament games ahead.  Make CCIW proud.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2016, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 11:54:14 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 11:15:24 PM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2016, 10:28:21 PM
Wheaton 92, IWU 70

Wow.  What a game by the Thunder tonight winning in decisive fashion.  They came out hot for the 2nd straight game and really didn't cool off.  Turned the ball over only 13 times against the Titan pressure.  Katie McDaniels pretty much put an exclamation point on her MOP credentials by scoring a career high 32 points, 9/11 from the field, 13/15 FT, 4 rebs, 3 asst, stl).  Chantal Meacham (13 pts, 6 asst, stl)  had a great game as well and Hannah Considine (16 pts , 7rebs, 4 blks) was great on the boards and keeping Merritt in check.

Congratulations to Coach Madsen and the crew.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Wheaton gets to host the first weekend but I think it's doubtful( and I'm not sure I can take the student announcers for another game- bless their hearts).  The problem is so many strong teams in the Central.  They are likely headed to Wash U or Oshkosh, maybe even Point or to Hope.

Concur on that. One or two deserving teams out the Central will be stuck traveling. Thinking UWO, Wash U, Hope will probably host. Won't be surprised if the NACC auto-qualifier (Wisconsin Lutheran) get's put into a pod with Wheaton and one of the teams listed.

Yeah, I'm beginning to think Wheaton might have to go to Wash U with Greenville(SLIAC AQ) and maybe DePauw?  That would be brutal.  Who else is close to St Louis distance-wise? They're probably going to make all the Wisc teams slug it out there next weekend to advance.  I don't think Whitewater will get a Pool C, but if they do, they'll probably put 2 WIAC teams in the same pod and 3 in the same quadrant.

St Thomas, Oshkosh, River Falls all hosting probably.  So all the Wisc schools heading that way.

Depends on what happens in the Tournament games on Sunday. They could pull a team or two from the south (again depends on if they host). Doubt they get far down to UWW at the at-large consideration (would love it so Concordia Wisconsin could get to the table but that is a pipe dream).

EDIT: Then again I would chuckle if WLC and Wheaton face off again (though I fear another matchup with Hope) but as you said they may group the Wisconsin schools together and pull the MIAC champ into a pod (host possibly).


UW River Falls, UW Oshkosh, UW Stevens Point, Wisc Lutheran, St Norbert, Wisc Superior(let's not forget about them), along with St Thomas and St Mary's.  That's 2 pods to the north right there (with some brutal early matchups).  They'll probably put Loras up there and Wartburg if they make it to break up the seeds some.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2016, 04:12:18 PM
Pretty tough draw for Wheaton playing @ River Falls, and then potentially St Thomas.  A difficult road for sure, but it they continue shooting like they have, it's do-able.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2016, 04:53:56 PM
UWRF per game averages and what their opponents did vs UWRF :
           2FG/att     3FG/att    FT/att         OReb   DReb   PF       TO      Blk    Stl
UWRF  19/38.9   5.4/17.8  14.5/20.3   11.6     25.1   18.7   15.5    2.1    8.9
Opp   16.3/38.9  5.3/18     11.8/18.5   13        23.3   18.8   16.8    2.4    6.4
-
Their own 2FG% is .489, while opponents' is .418.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2016, 01:55:16 AM
Good luck to Wheaton in the tournament.  Make some noise for the CCIW.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheels81 on March 02, 2016, 12:51:56 PM
Congratulations to Katie McDaniels!
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2016/3/1/womens-basketball-katie-mcdaniels-is-named-as-a-finalist-for-the-2016-jostens-trophy.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2016, 01:34:17 PM
Quote from: wheels81 on March 02, 2016, 12:51:56 PM
Congratulations to Katie McDaniels!
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2016/3/1/womens-basketball-katie-mcdaniels-is-named-as-a-finalist-for-the-2016-jostens-trophy.aspx

This is a nice recognition for Katie McDaniels and Wheaton College.  Certainly a worthwhile candidate as I"m sure all 10 finalists are.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2016, 02:45:45 PM
More about Wheaton's first opponent, UW-RF:
They have five players who get the vast majority of playing time, especially lately : one 6-footer, three are 5'8" and one 5'6".
6' Taylor Karge : scores 14.4/g; 2FG% .496 roughly 5/10 per g; 3FG% .372 but under 2 att/g; FT .771 and 3 att/g; 5.7 rebs/g 77% of them def; 2 or 3 fouls/g; 2 or 3 TO/g; 1 block/g
5'8" Brynn Liljander : 14 pts/g; 2FG .486 roughly 3/6 per g; 3FG roughly 2/6 per g; FT .802 almost 4 att/g; 4 rebs/g virtually all def; 2 fouls 2 TOs per g; 1 stl/g
5'8" Kate Theisen : 10.8 pts/g; 2FG .557 (unusual for a 5'8" player) roughly 4/7 per g; only 3 3FG att in 26g; FT .740 approx 3/4 per g; 2 ORebs/g, 3 DRebs/g; 3.4 fouls/g; 1.7 TO/g; 1 stl/g
5'8" Richell Mehus : 10.1 pts/g (just 1, 2 and 6 recently, but had games of 20, 22, 30); 2FG .515 five att/g; 3FG roughly 1/3 per g; FT .721 three att/g; 4.4 rebs/g evenly split; a bit over 2 fouls and TOs per g; 3.3 stls/g
5'6" Katie Messman : 7.4 pts/g; 2FG .456 1/2 per g; 3FG 1.5/5 per g; FT 1/1.5 per g; 3.7 rebs/g nearly all def; 1 foul/g; 1.5 TO/g; 1.6 stl/g
They all shoot 2FGs and FTs at a good pct. Four of the five are threats from threeland. Four of them get to the FT line at a decent rate.
Messman's tendency for 3FG att matches up with her fairly low OReb amt (good def rebounder though). Liljander also shoots many threes and rarely gets ORebs, but gets a lot of 2FG att and FT att, so her low OReb quantity is unexpected (at least by me, someone who has seen none of their games). Not a criticism -- just an uncommon stat combo.
There are 6 others who have seen frequent but limited action. Taylor Augustine is the top rebounder among the subs, but also commits fouls above avg.
Wheaton consistently plays top-level defense; the five regulars who get big minutes for UW-RF all warrant attention.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 02, 2016, 05:27:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2016, 02:45:45 PM
More about Wheaton's first opponent, UW-RF:
They have five players who get the vast majority of playing time, especially lately : one 6-footer, three are 5'8" and one 5'6".
6' Taylor Karge : scores 14.4/g; 2FG% .496 roughly 5/10 per g; 3FG% .372 but under 2 att/g; FT .771 and 3 att/g; 5.7 rebs/g 77% of them def; 2 or 3 fouls/g; 2 or 3 TO/g; 1 block/g
5'8" Brynn Liljander : 14 pts/g; 2FG .486 roughly 3/6 per g; 3FG roughly 2/6 per g; FT .802 almost 4 att/g; 4 rebs/g virtually all def; 2 fouls 2 TOs per g; 1 stl/g
5'8" Kate Theisen : 10.8 pts/g; 2FG .557 (unusual for a 5'8" player) roughly 4/7 per g; only 3 3FG att in 26g; FT .740 approx 3/4 per g; 2 ORebs/g, 3 DRebs/g; 3.4 fouls/g; 1.7 TO/g; 1 stl/g
5'8" Richell Mehus : 10.1 pts/g (just 1, 2 and 6 recently, but had games of 20, 22, 30); 2FG .515 five att/g; 3FG roughly 1/3 per g; FT .721 three att/g; 4.4 rebs/g evenly split; a bit over 2 fouls and TOs per g; 3.3 stls/g
5'6" Katie Messman : 7.4 pts/g; 2FG .456 1/2 per g; 3FG 1.5/5 per g; FT 1/1.5 per g; 3.7 rebs/g nearly all def; 1 foul/g; 1.5 TO/g; 1.6 stl/g
They all shoot 2FGs and FTs at a good pct. Four of the five are threats from threeland. Four of them get to the FT line at a decent rate.
Messman's tendency for 3FG att matches up with her fairly low OReb amt (good def rebounder though). Liljander also shoots many threes and rarely gets ORebs, but gets a lot of 2FG att and FT att, so her low OReb quantity is unexpected (at least by me, someone who has seen none of their games). Not a criticism -- just an uncommon stat combo.
There are 6 others who have seen frequent but limited action. Taylor Augustine is the top rebounder among the subs, but also commits fouls above avg.
Wheaton consistently plays top-level defense; the five regulars who get big minutes for UW-RF all warrant attention.

They are physical.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2016, 06:20:27 PM
Thanks for the explanation, badgerwarhawk.
I forgot to mention that their assist leader is Mehus. She must be a versatile athlete, getting those assists, plus an impressive number of offensive rebounds (at 5'8") and all those steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2016, 06:28:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2016, 02:45:45 PM
More about Wheaton's first opponent, UW-RF:
They have five players who get the vast majority of playing time, especially lately : one 6-footer, three are 5'8" and one 5'6".
6' Taylor Karge : scores 14.4/g; 2FG% .496 roughly 5/10 per g; 3FG% .372 but under 2 att/g; FT .771 and 3 att/g; 5.7 rebs/g 77% of them def; 2 or 3 fouls/g; 2 or 3 TO/g; 1 block/g
5'8" Brynn Liljander : 14 pts/g; 2FG .486 roughly 3/6 per g; 3FG roughly 2/6 per g; FT .802 almost 4 att/g; 4 rebs/g virtually all def; 2 fouls 2 TOs per g; 1 stl/g
5'8" Kate Theisen : 10.8 pts/g; 2FG .557 (unusual for a 5'8" player) roughly 4/7 per g; only 3 3FG att in 26g; FT .740 approx 3/4 per g; 2 ORebs/g, 3 DRebs/g; 3.4 fouls/g; 1.7 TO/g; 1 stl/g
5'8" Richell Mehus : 10.1 pts/g (just 1, 2 and 6 recently, but had games of 20, 22, 30); 2FG .515 five att/g; 3FG roughly 1/3 per g; FT .721 three att/g; 4.4 rebs/g evenly split; a bit over 2 fouls and TOs per g; 3.3 stls/g
5'6" Katie Messman : 7.4 pts/g; 2FG .456 1/2 per g; 3FG 1.5/5 per g; FT 1/1.5 per g; 3.7 rebs/g nearly all def; 1 foul/g; 1.5 TO/g; 1.6 stl/g
They all shoot 2FGs and FTs at a good pct. Four of the five are threats from threeland. Four of them get to the FT line at a decent rate.
Messman's tendency for 3FG att matches up with her fairly low OReb amt (good def rebounder though). Liljander also shoots many threes and rarely gets ORebs, but gets a lot of 2FG att and FT att, so her low OReb quantity is unexpected (at least by me, someone who has seen none of their games). Not a criticism -- just an uncommon stat combo.
There are 6 others who have seen frequent but limited action. Taylor Augustine is the top rebounder among the subs, but also commits fouls above avg.
Wheaton consistently plays top-level defense; the five regulars who get big minutes for UW-RF all warrant attention.


I'm not sure there's a tougher pod this first weekend with #8 St Thomas, #13 River Falls, and #17 Wheaton.  But every draw has these inevitably difficult first round match ups.  For Wheaton, they'll be travelling 350 miles to play host RF and if they can get through that, they'll likely face a very-close-to-home UST team.

But this is what they have and they need to be ready for it.  No excuses at this time of the year and no sympathy from anyone.  Yes, it looks like the Falcons have a lot of size and are clearly offensively gifted and balanced.  And they'll have to be prepared to match or counter the physicality which badgerwarhawk says they play with.  Unfortunately, I don't believe the CCIW schedule has prepared them well for a team of this style or quality(I alluded to this after last years first round exit).  But Wheaton did play a slightly better non-con schedule so I'm hoping they can rise to the level of tourney intensity necessary.

If UWRF happens to focus on containing McDaniels(a logical strategy I think), then Hannah Considine, Chantal Meacham, and Kelly Lawson will not have the luxury of waiting long to step up their aggressiveness.  Jennifer Berg has been playing well lately and they'll likely need her to continue.  The team played about as well as could possibly be expected last weekend.  If that's a trend instead of an aberration, then a lot is possible.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2016, 04:06:35 AM
Congrats to Ms. McDaniels on Josten.  Truly a big honor. 

Good luck in the tournament to Wheaton. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2016, 04:57:37 PM
I concur with the above sentiments expressed by iwu70.
I expect the Thunder to be competitive however far they advance in the tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2016, 10:29:49 PM
Well, things didn't go as wished for Wheaton, but congrats to them for a very good season, the best of the CCIW.
"Nicely done" goes to the Thunder seniors for their fine careers - - Sarah Drury, Hannah Considine, NatalieRose Brogan (although she must have another year of eligibility?) and particularly to Ellie Zeller, an all-conference player who missed playing most of this season due to injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 04, 2016, 10:51:53 PM
UW River Falls 81
Wheaton 56

The Thunder were thoroughly outplayed and seriously out-coached tonight in River Falls, Wisconsin.  No doubt it was a tough environment to play in with a large turnout and student section for the Falcons.  Bravo to them.  UWRF shot 56% from the field and the easy explanation is  "Good! Layup by ,  Good! Layup by , Good! Layup by , " which you'll see with alarming frequency in the box score play-by-play for RF.   Part of this was terrific passing execution by the Falcons.  But much of it was simply the inability of Wheaton to guard basic screen/roll and giving up easy layups in the defensive set.  I noticed this deficiency in the game vs IWU last weekend but Wheaton's terrific shooting rendered that moot.

No such thing tonight as the Thunder could not continue their hot shooting from last weekend.  They ended up shooting 28% from the field exacerbated by desperation for the last 1/3 of the game and 6/25 from 3 for 24%. Not winning #s.  My biggest fear, keeping the bigger Falcons off the boards, was realized as Wheaton was -21 (28-49) in that department.

UW River Falls is a very good and skilled team.  All credit to them.  I'm thinking that they will go pretty deep.  I would guess that 2/3 of their shot attempts were with 5 feet of the basket but when they did take shots from the outside, they made a lot of those as well (6/13 from the arc).

The Thunder will have to ponder their 2nd straight first round exit and whether they can accept that result a year from now when McDaniels and Meacham are seniors.  The CCIW should be overall more competitive next season which might help Wheaton acquire the toughness necessary to advance deeper(if they make it).

Having said that, congratulations are definitely in order for another fine season.  And thank you to seniors Hannah Considine, Ellie Zeller, Sarah Drury and NatalieRose Brogan for their contributions to Wheaton Womens Basketball and for representing the school well with competitiveness and graciousness. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2016, 01:05:57 AM
Tough loss, WC.  Sounds WI-RF just too good, big and executing very well.  Good season for WC, conference and tournament championships.  Yes, next year will be tougher with so many underclassmen from many CCIW teams back.  I have no doubt that IWU will be better next year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 06, 2016, 11:39:20 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 04, 2016, 10:51:53 PM
UW River Falls 81
Wheaton 56

The Thunder were thoroughly outplayed and seriously out-coached tonight in River Falls, Wisconsin.  No doubt it was a tough environment to play in with a large turnout and student section for the Falcons.  Bravo to them.  UWRF shot 56% from the field and the easy explanation is  "Good! Layup by ,  Good! Layup by , Good! Layup by , " which you'll see with alarming frequency in the box score play-by-play for RF.   Part of this was terrific passing execution by the Falcons.  But much of it was simply the inability of Wheaton to guard basic screen/roll and giving up easy layups in the defensive set.  I noticed this deficiency in the game vs IWU last weekend but Wheaton's terrific shooting rendered that moot.

No such thing tonight as the Thunder could not continue their hot shooting from last weekend.  They ended up shooting 28% from the field exacerbated by desperation for the last 1/3 of the game and 6/25 from 3 for 24%. Not winning #s.  My biggest fear, keeping the bigger Falcons off the boards, was realized as Wheaton was -21 (28-49) in that department.

UW River Falls is a very good and skilled team.  All credit to them.  I'm thinking that they will go pretty deep.  I would guess that 2/3 of their shot attempts were with 5 feet of the basket but when they did take shots from the outside, they made a lot of those as well (6/13 from the arc).



The box score shows 22 successful layups and 12 missed.  So 34 of 57 shots (59.6%) were described as layups in the play by play. 

I'm always kind of curious if the reality of the situation matches our perception of it.  It sure does in this case.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2016, 09:05:05 PM
Next fall, the CCIW will feature the return of Carroll University, bringing the number of schools to nine. Women's basketball will have 16 conference games, with some occurring in December. The nonconf schedule will obviously shrink from 11 to 9 per team. On a typical game day in January and February, 8 teams should engage in conf play and the 9th will have a bye. I guess some "bye" teams may schedule a nonconf opponent, but maybe not. I certainly haven't seen a schedule.
A little info about Carroll's WBB : coached by Kris Jacobsen -- she has completed 18 seasons there, quite successful overall, close to 100 games over .500.
This past season, they went 9-14 (23 game regular season for Midwest Conf); their only game vs a CCIW team was a 109-81 loss to North Central.
They had three seniors who played huge minutes, 35-38 per game.
Of the ten freshmen on the '15-'16 roster, six played 36:00 total or less. The four freshmen who got some playing time are :
5'6" Sara Hartl : 21 games, 5.6 minutes avg
5'10" Sarah Benigni : 20g, 13 min avg; appears to be a good rebounder
5'4" Jessica Powell : 19g, 8 min avg
5'10" Brianna Hubbard : 21g, 6 min avg
None of these four scored much, but the sample numbers are small, so it's not clear what they're capable of. (Always use a preposition to end a sentence with.)
The three sophs were all prominent players :
5'8" Rachel Van Sluys : played 5g in November, scoring in the 6-10 pt range, 3 reb avg, made 12/13 FTs; I'm assuming she got injured.
5'6" Brittney Wald : 34 min/g, 10.2 pts avg, 5.3 rebs, .374 2FG, .323 3FG, .621 FT, 29 steals
5'9" Morgan Lund : 19 min/g, 6.2 pts (highs of 19, 18), decent rebounder (68 in 427 min), .440 2FG, no 3FG att, .641 FT (41/64)
The sole junior 5'7" Miranda Goen : 10 min/g
Dubious conclusions based only on stats : Wald and Lund will be relied upon for scoring, but the Pioneers will need substantial contributions from several others. The '15-'16 seniors comprised a big chunk of the offense, so there will be opportunity for others in '16-'17. Nothing at all stands out among the 2015-16 team stats for them or their opponents. OK, maybe they got to the foul line a bit above avg (19/g); opp 2FG % was .468. In recent years, their Pts For and Pts Against have been in the 60s, more or less.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2016, 03:59:17 PM
During one of Wheaton's broadcasts, it was mentioned that a sister of (current Thunder WBB player) Jennifer Berg would be arriving in the fall. Sounds like she could make a quick impact.
http://www.pekintimes.com/article/20160225/SPORTS/160229593
The most blocks all-time for Illinois girls -- hmm, we may soon see her among the CCIW leaders along with Kallenberger and Cuny.
Jill's scoring and rebounding ain't bad either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 10, 2016, 05:59:09 PM
It certainly is a distinguished basketball family. Jennifer's and Jill's older brother Michael just completed a solid career as the center on the Wheaton men's basketball team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2016, 04:28:05 AM
Thomas More to the Final Four again, made it look east over Wash U.  Seems they will go all the way again this year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2016, 12:17:00 AM
I guess I'll post this here -- not to irritate all the sensitive guys over on the men's board.  You know, they think anything non-basketball is extraneous, of no interest.  (At least I'm not talking about opera!). 

Congrats to the IWU track and field women -- and Coach Shoe -- for placing second nationally in the indoor DIII championships.  Only Baldwin Wallace better.  And, super congrats to Nia Joiner, national champion in the 60 m dash, with a new national championship record for DIII. 

Super performances by the TITAN women!

On to the outdoors!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 14, 2016, 06:19:46 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 14, 2016, 12:17:00 AM
I guess I'll post this here -- not to irritate all the sensitive guys over on the men's board.  You know, they think anything non-basketball is extraneous, of no interest.

That is so not true.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 14, 2016, 06:55:48 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 14, 2016, 12:17:00 AM
I guess I'll post this here -- not to irritate all the sensitive guys over on the men's board.  You know, they think anything non-basketball is extraneous, of no intest.er  (At least I'm not talking about opera!). 

Congrats to the IWU track and field women -- and Coach Shoe -- for placing second nationally in the indoor DIII championships.  Only Baldwin Wallace better.  And, super congrats to Nia Joiner, national champion in the 60 m dash, with a new national championship record for DIII. 

Super performances by the TITAN women!

On to the outdoors!

IWU'70

Mark, once Augie lost, it is officially the off-season for CCIW Chat - anything goes!

I'm trying to decide between a Spinoza quote or something obscure. ::)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2016, 10:43:38 PM
How about a look at Augustana WBB for next season?
They lose seniors Marissa Pezzopane (all-conf, top scorer in '14-'15 and '15-'16) and Andrea McNally (injured a lot of this year, but was a good all-around player during her career).
I think the '16-'17 discussion starts with Kaycee Kallenberger, who finished '15-'16 pretty strong : over the final 6 games, she averaged 13.3 pts, 11 rebs, 3.7 blocks, shot 58% 2FG (33/57) and 61% FT (14/23).
Another six-footer to watch could be Carly McCameron, who had 20 blocks and 67 rebs in 250 minutes, both good ratios. Her 2FG% was good, circa 45%. A little improvement on her 45% FT shooting would help round out her game.
Olivia Mayer is a reliably good guard, leading the squad with 80 assists and scoring in double figures eight times.
Augie averaged 4 made 3FGs (Jen Van Watermeulen 34/109 .312, Mikayla Fallon 14/36 .389). Victoria Allen has shot threes at .324 over two seasons, the equivalent of .486 2FG shooting. It's conceivable that Augie could increase its 3FG production in order to strain opposing defenses more.
Nine non-seniors played at least 250 minutes, so there is a decent foundation of experience to build on.
Check this list of the scoring margins in their 15 losses : 3, 6, 11, 6, 5, 7, 5, 9, 23, 3, 21, 7, 22, 13, 10. Nearly all were close games.
I'll say Augie should be able to compete for a CCIW playoff spot, particularly if a few helpful newcomers arrive.
What do you-all think?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 15, 2016, 12:24:57 AM
D3hoops.com regional awards are up.

Katie McDaniels (Wheaton) is first team and regional POY.
Morgan Harris (Carthage) and Mikaela Eppard (Elmhurst) are both second team.
Liz Rehberger (NPU) is third team.

Congratulations to them! ;D

I'm having trouble deciding whether I should be PO'ed that CCIW co-champion IWU had no players on any of the teams, or honored that they recognized what a TEAM the Titans are.  Perhaps I am just giddy with possibilities, but I am anticipating several winners next year and wondering where the Final Four is being played?  In Mia I Trust! 8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2016, 12:35:32 AM
Ypsi, stick with Spinoza..  I'll stick with opera and the next IWU Yao Ming.  I'm glad to hear Greg is still a Renaissance man.  LOL.  Just wanted to give a good shout-out to the IWU track and field women.  Many great performances all year.  Nia Joiner totally awesome.   Hope the team can go one better at the outdoor nationals. 

Yes, off season -- time for IWU softball, baseball . . .and the Cubbies in the World Series.   I haven't quite got my head around Lacrosse yet.   I'm heading for the golf course in May with Spencer -- playing all those lovely courses all around Bloomington/Normal.  My Yankees are just now coming out of assisted living to play in Spring training.

Yes, I think the future of the IWU women's basketball program is pretty bright for the next two years with McGraw and Ehresman . . . and the other newbies coming up. 

Be well, all Chatsters, and have a good summer.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 15, 2016, 12:41:41 AM
Uh-oh. Look out, world, iwu70's discovered the bold font button. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2016, 10:49:00 PM
Long ago, Greg!

Happy Off-Season.

'70

Be thankful I didn't discover too too much Spinoza. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 22, 2016, 09:52:32 PM
Pat/Dave:  Are we going to have to wait until after April 4 for the Womens D3Hoops All American team selections?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 22, 2016, 10:29:42 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 22, 2016, 09:52:32 PM
Pat/Dave:  Are we going to have to wait until after April 4 for the Womens D3Hoops All American team selections?

No... they should be released on Wednesday.

During the men's run to Atlanta in 2013... we actually featured them on Hoopsville the Thursday following the Salem weekend. While that sounds like a lovely idea this time around as well, today has been anything but smooth for the Hoopsville show (12-plus hours putting together, encoding multiple times due to failures/crashes, uploading, and processing)... so I am glad we aren't going that route this time.

Again... should be released Wednesday afternoon, I suspect.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2016, 10:53:33 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 22, 2016, 10:29:42 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 22, 2016, 09:52:32 PM
Pat/Dave:  Are we going to have to wait until after April 4 for the Womens D3Hoops All American team selections?

No... they should be released on Wednesday.

During the men's run to Atlanta in 2013... we actually featured them on Hoopsville the Thursday following the Salem weekend. While that sounds like a lovely idea this time around as well, today has been anything but smooth for the Hoopsville show (12-plus hours putting together, encoding multiple times due to failures/crashes, uploading, and processing)... so I am glad we aren't going that route this time.

Again... should be released Wednesday afternoon, I suspect.

Spoiler Alert:  Sydney Moss will be the POY again. :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 22, 2016, 11:04:40 PM
To be honest... no idea. Can see arguments for and against.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2016, 11:33:58 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 22, 2016, 11:04:40 PM
To be honest... no idea. Can see arguments for and against.

The arguments for are obvious to all.  I'm curious about the arguments against?!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 23, 2016, 12:40:44 AM
Because there are some good players and she missed a few games, has lower numbers in scoring and rebounding (though, up in assists), and puts pressure on her team when getting into foul trouble. Just being a devil's advocate in creating those.

But honestly, there are a lot of good players in the Division. I don't disagree with her selection as POY, but I think some could make some interesting arguments.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 23, 2016, 11:14:26 AM
The team has been released and Moss is POY:

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2016
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2016, 01:26:30 PM
Congratulations to 1st teamer Katie McDaniels! (she's a junior, by the way, unless she completed her undergrad studies in 3 yrs).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 23, 2016, 02:56:01 PM
You didn't hear that she gave one year of her eligibility to Sydney Moss?

Just kidding -- we had their graduation years transposed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2016, 05:28:08 PM
Ha ha. If she did donate her final year of eligibility, the other 8 CCIW teams would really admire her generosity!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 23, 2016, 10:22:47 PM
Yes.  Huge Congratulations to Katie McDaniels on her 1st team All American Selection.  This is a great accomplishment and a well deserved recognition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 24, 2016, 01:20:53 AM
Congrats to Ms. McDaniels.  A great year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 11, 2016, 05:55:07 AM
Any recruiting news out there? 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: CoachM on April 12, 2016, 08:00:35 PM
Emily Nordsiek
PG
2015 2nd Team IBCA 1A/2A All-State
Athens High School
Committed to IWU






 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 13, 2016, 09:17:49 PM
It looks to me that IWU should be as good, or better, next season as they were in '15-'16. They went 17-10 while breaking even rebounding-wise, 38 per game for them, 38 for opponents. I see no reason why their rebounding would decline; we could foresee individual Titans working on that skill.
Another thing to expect them to devote additional attention to is 3FG accuracy, wishing to improve on the .257 of this past year.
They were very good at getting to the foul line and had a nice plus 6 (roughly) turnover margin. Their overall quickness and agility should yield continued success in those areas.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 16, 2016, 11:17:23 PM
RogK, I agree.  IWU will continue to rise in the CCIW next year.  Once they get a big better at trey shooting and continue to improve with the young bigs they have, improve on rebounding and blocking out, I think they can challenge again for the CCIW crown, even make the D3 tournament in the next couple of years. We'll see what comes in newbies, in Mia's recruiting.  We sure could use some additional help in the paint, with interior defense and size.  I'm sure Mia will continue the high pace offense with Ehresman and McGraw and others and also continue the "run and jump" full court pressure on D, when called for.  That's her MO for many years now.  Everyone knows it's coming, but it still seems to work on most teams.  Only teams with excellent PGs and those who handle this kind of trapping, will overcome the "run and jump."  I hope Mia has a good full crop of freshmen, as in the next two years she loses a lot of experienced players that have been starting since their freshmen years.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 17, 2016, 08:16:27 AM
Mia Smith and the Titans have landed Sydney Shanks, a 5-9 all-state G/F from Bloomington Central Catholic.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/pantagraph-all-area-girls-basketball-team/article_f4abce62-ae10-5110-9289-90e850ad3eb2.html

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/894/2015-16-IBCA-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/893/2015-16-Associated-Press-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx

http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/girls-basketball/2015-04-03/n-g-all-state-girls-basketball-first-team-second-team


IWU has added two strong perimeter players in G/F Shanks and PG Emily Nordsiek.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 17, 2016, 08:28:05 AM
6-1 F Jill Berg (Midwest Central/Delavan), Peoria Journal Star Small School Player of the Year, will follow siblings Michael and Jennifer to Wheaton.

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20160328/SPORTS/160329377

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20151215/SPORTS/151219609?page=2

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/894/2015-16-IBCA-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/893/2015-16-Associated-Press-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 17, 2016, 11:17:49 PM
Thanks, Q, yes, it seems Mia has added some good perimeter players.  Hope they shoot the three well, as that surely needs some enhancement.  That addition for WC is "BIG" too.  Incredible stats on blocked shots.

Let's see what else comes along in the next few weeks as students all make their decisions and sign on to schools and sports programs.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 18, 2016, 06:42:36 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 17, 2016, 08:28:05 AM
6-1 F Jill Berg (Midwest Central/Delavan), Peoria Journal Star Small School Player of the Year, will follow siblings Michael and Jennifer to Wheaton.

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20160328/SPORTS/160329377

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20151215/SPORTS/151219609?page=2

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/894/2015-16-IBCA-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/893/2015-16-Associated-Press-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx



This was already posted here back in March, Bob:

Quote from: RogK on March 10, 2016, 03:59:17 PM
During one of Wheaton's broadcasts, it was mentioned that a sister of (current Thunder WBB player) Jennifer Berg would be arriving in the fall. Sounds like she could make a quick impact.
http://www.pekintimes.com/article/20160225/SPORTS/160229593
The most blocks all-time for Illinois girls -- hmm, we may soon see her among the CCIW leaders along with Kallenberger and Cuny.
Jill's scoring and rebounding ain't bad either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on April 18, 2016, 08:58:00 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 18, 2016, 06:42:36 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 17, 2016, 08:28:05 AM
6-1 F Jill Berg (Midwest Central/Delavan), Peoria Journal Star Small School Player of the Year, will follow siblings Michael and Jennifer to Wheaton.

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20160328/SPORTS/160329377

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20151215/SPORTS/151219609?page=2

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/894/2015-16-IBCA-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx

http://www.ihsa.org/IHSAState/IHSAStateArticles/tabid/768/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/893/2015-16-Associated-Press-Girls-Basketball-All-State-Teams.aspx



This was already posted here back in March, Bob:

Quote from: RogK on March 10, 2016, 03:59:17 PM
During one of Wheaton's broadcasts, it was mentioned that a sister of (current Thunder WBB player) Jennifer Berg would be arriving in the fall. Sounds like she could make a quick impact.
http://www.pekintimes.com/article/20160225/SPORTS/160229593
The most blocks all-time for Illinois girls -- hmm, we may soon see her among the CCIW leaders along with Kallenberger and Cuny.
Jill's scoring and rebounding ain't bad either.
it was announced ... But did Wheaton have a deposit?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 19, 2016, 01:48:46 AM
North Park released the names of several recruits on Monday:


Emmy Gryna  5'8  G  Wheaton, IL (Wheaton North)
Sieara Langley  5'9  F  Kokomo, IN (Kokomo)
Madalyn Murillo  6'0  C  Antioch, IL (Antioch)
Clarissa Ramos (JR)  5'10  F  Elgin, IL (St. Edwards / Elgin CC)

Ramos averaged 18.7 ppg and 8 rpg and was a first-team All-Conference selection for ECC. She ranked fifth in the eight-team Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference in scoring and was ninth in rebounding.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 19, 2016, 10:24:45 AM
I was wondering how North Park would replace the rebounding and lowpost productivity of graduating seniors Soly Roman and Nicole Kruckman. For example, in conference play, those two ranked #2 and #8 in rebounding, Roman at 8.9 and Kruckman at 6.
Sounds like Ramos should be ready to "step right in" as a veteran of college ball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 19, 2016, 05:12:10 PM
A CCIW WBB job is open :
http://gopios.com/news/2016/4/18/womens-basketball-jacobsen-steps-down-after-18-seasons.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 19, 2016, 07:40:50 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 19, 2016, 10:24:45 AM
I was wondering how North Park would replace the rebounding and lowpost productivity of graduating seniors Soly Roman and Nicole Kruckman. For example, in conference play, those two ranked #2 and #8 in rebounding, Roman at 8.9 and Kruckman at 6.
Sounds like Ramos should be ready to "step right in" as a veteran of college ball.

From her press clippings and highlight videos, Maddy Murillo looks like she'll be a pretty good CCIW post player at some point as well. Meanwhile, it's up to Shaylee Sloan, Alexus Giammarco, and Bri Lippert to up their games and be ready to step in alongside Clarissa Ramos to fill the estimable shoes of Soly Román and Nicole Kruckman in the paint. If they can do that and the team stays healthy, NPU should be in good shape next season, as the Vikings will finally have a healthy Nikki Przybyslawski augmenting their already solid backcourt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 21, 2016, 09:55:23 AM
North Central has brought in a ton of reinforcements over the last month or so.

- Jordan Bradley, guard, Lake Park. Can hit threes.
- Diamond Calicott, guard, Rich East. Don't really know a ton about her.
- Maddie McHugh, guard, Marist. Sounds like she can shoot and was part of a 4A regional champ this year.
- Hannah Vitkus, forward, St. Charles East. 5'11", can rebound fairly well from what I've gathered, probably projects as a "4."
- Jessica Dahle, guard, Harlem. At 5'9", presumably a "3", can hit threes. Made NIC-10 All-Conference First Team this past season.

For the most part, all sounds like players who fit the System, but from what I've heard I think they're pretty excited about the pieces coming in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 21, 2016, 12:25:00 PM
Thanks for posting that info, Imitzel.
Knowing nothing about these players other than what you wrote, my initial reaction is to think that the 5'11" one is the most important, assuming she can run.
With Jamie Cuny and Anita Sterling as seniors, NC has a desperate need (if they want to make the NCAA tourney) to add athletic height for future years.
Some will say that a running team needs less height, as evidenced by the Golden State Warriors. I'd reply that this generalization does not apply to a D3 WBB system team. The Knox women got nowhere running the system with short players in the last 5 seasons (they may have gotten away from full system in 2016).
Ideally, a D3 WBB system team has three tall shot blockers (NC has Cuny) to rotate in at their 5 position (the "safety" at the back of the press for when the press fails). And ideally it has three 4s (lowpost offensive rebounder and guarder of the opponent's inbound passer) and these would be 5'10" or taller, able to grab many O-rebs, score via put-backs or FTs.
Medium-height players used at the 4 and 5 positions on a system team can try really hard (do try really admirably hard) but are in a substantially uphill battle against opposing six-footers.
NC's constant pressing/trapping did not produce a great amount of TOs in 8 of the 14 CCIW games this past season (18, 19, 19, 23, 23, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 30, 31, 33, 37), necessitating even greater reliance on the "5" to stop 2-on-1s and 3-on-1s.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 21, 2016, 12:51:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 21, 2016, 12:25:00 PM
Thanks for posting that info, Imitzel.
Knowing nothing about these players other than what you wrote, my initial reaction is to think that the 5'11" one is the most important, assuming she can run.
With Jamie Cuny and Anita Sterling as seniors, NC has a desperate need (if they want to make the NCAA tourney) to add athletic height for future years.
Some will say that a running team needs less height, as evidenced by the Golden State Warriors. I'd reply that this generalization does not apply to a D3 WBB system team. The Knox women got nowhere running the system with short players in the last 5 seasons (they may have gotten away from full system in 2016).
Ideally, a D3 WBB system team has three tall shot blockers (NC has Cuny) to rotate in at their 5 position (the "safety" at the back of the press for when the press fails). And ideally it has three 4s (lowpost offensive rebounder and guarder of the opponent's inbound passer) and these would be 5'10" or taller, able to grab many O-rebs, score via put-backs or FTs.
Medium-height players used at the 4 and 5 positions on a system team can try really hard (do try really admirably hard) but are in a substantially uphill battle against opposing six-footers.
NC's constant pressing/trapping did not produce a great amount of TOs in 8 of the 14 CCIW games this past season (18, 19, 19, 23, 23, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 30, 31, 33, 37), necessitating even greater reliance on the "5" to stop 2-on-1s and 3-on-1s.

Agreed on the Vitkus pickup/height on a run and gun team philosophy. I was hoping that of the recruits, at least one was going to project in as either a 4 or a 5. It was amazing going from years 1 and 2 of the System without a real threat at the back end of the press to being spoiled the last two years by Jamie Cuny's nightly block parties. It allows the front of the defense to gamble a little more because you have a stopper.

I need to keep track this coming season how many 2-on-1's Cuny/Sterling stop on the back end. Those two are usually good for stopping at least a couple breaks every night. I wish they kept charges as an official stat, because Anita would lead the conference, if not the country. I counted 16 just in the 12 games at Merner this year.  :D

I do worry about the future at the 5 spot after this year, but there's a decent amount of depth at the 4. And maybe Vitkus can shoot a little bit and projects out to be a 5. I don't know. There's enough depth I think for this year that they'll contend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 21, 2016, 06:19:01 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on April 21, 2016, 12:51:55 PMI need to keep track this coming season how many 2-on-1's Cuny/Sterling stop on the back end. Those two are usually good for stopping at least a couple breaks every night. I wish they kept charges as an official stat, because Anita would lead the conference, if not the country. I counted 16 just in the 12 games at Merner this year.  :D

I'm not so sure that Anita Sterling took more charges than anybody else in the CCIW. Nicole Kruckman of NPU seemed to take at least one charge per game for the Vikings this past season, and most games she'd take two or three. Head coach Amanda Crockett made it a regular topic of conversation in her postgame interviews that were posted online. It was sort of Kruckman's specialty (although she also got called for a lot of blocking fouls as a result, as that's the risk you take when you focus upon drawing charges from opposing ballhandlers). Her defense is the thing that the Vikings will miss the most upon her graduation in May.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 22, 2016, 08:27:18 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 21, 2016, 06:19:01 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on April 21, 2016, 12:51:55 PMI need to keep track this coming season how many 2-on-1's Cuny/Sterling stop on the back end. Those two are usually good for stopping at least a couple breaks every night. I wish they kept charges as an official stat, because Anita would lead the conference, if not the country. I counted 16 just in the 12 games at Merner this year.  :D

I'm not so sure that Anita Sterling took more charges than anybody else in the CCIW. Nicole Kruckman of NPU seemed to take at least one charge per game for the Vikings this past season, and most games she'd take two or three. Head coach Amanda Crockett made it a regular topic of conversation in her postgame interviews that were posted online. It was sort of Kruckman's specialty (although she also got called for a lot of blocking fouls as a result, as that's the risk you take when you focus upon drawing charges from opposing ballhandlers). Her defense is the thing that the Vikings will miss the most upon her graduation in May.

Point about keeping charges as an official stat proven. These are the things we need to know. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 22, 2016, 01:36:10 PM
In a typical North Central game, two seconds can easily go by with nothing for the scorer's table to do, so we should be thinking of more ways to keep them busy!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 22, 2016, 04:59:57 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on April 22, 2016, 08:27:18 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 21, 2016, 06:19:01 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on April 21, 2016, 12:51:55 PMI need to keep track this coming season how many 2-on-1's Cuny/Sterling stop on the back end. Those two are usually good for stopping at least a couple breaks every night. I wish they kept charges as an official stat, because Anita would lead the conference, if not the country. I counted 16 just in the 12 games at Merner this year.  :D

I'm not so sure that Anita Sterling took more charges than anybody else in the CCIW. Nicole Kruckman of NPU seemed to take at least one charge per game for the Vikings this past season, and most games she'd take two or three. Head coach Amanda Crockett made it a regular topic of conversation in her postgame interviews that were posted online. It was sort of Kruckman's specialty (although she also got called for a lot of blocking fouls as a result, as that's the risk you take when you focus upon drawing charges from opposing ballhandlers). Her defense is the thing that the Vikings will miss the most upon her graduation in May.

Point about keeping charges as an official stat proven. These are the things we need to know. :D

Agreed.

Quote from: RogK on April 22, 2016, 01:36:10 PM
In a typical North Central game, two seconds can easily go by with nothing for the scorer's table to do, so we should be thinking of more ways to keep them busy!

LOL!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 24, 2016, 04:39:05 AM
Millikin has listed a partial (23 game) 2016-17 schedule here :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Note three conference games in December and the remaining 13 in Jan-Feb.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 25, 2016, 07:57:33 AM
Quote from: RogK on April 22, 2016, 01:36:10 PM
In a typical North Central game, two seconds can easily go by with nothing for the scorer's table to do, so we should be thinking of more ways to keep them busy!

As someone who has sat at the scorers' table for five years now, I wholeheartedly agree with this notion.

Quote from: RogK on April 24, 2016, 04:39:05 AM
Millikin has listed a partial (23 game) 2016-17 schedule here :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Note three conference games in December and the remaining 13 in Jan-Feb.

This is going to take some getting used to. Glad the January/February schedule is tentatively remaining the same, though that finale on a Tuesday is going to be weird.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on April 25, 2016, 11:24:42 AM
Quote from: RogK on April 22, 2016, 01:36:10 PM
In a typical North Central game, two seconds can easily go by with nothing for the scorer's table to do, so we should be thinking of more ways to keep them busy!


In a WARHAWK game that can last 3 seconds so I just day dream. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 25, 2016, 03:16:21 PM
You could also figure the square root of the sum of the uniform numbers for the players that are currently in the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoLadyReds on April 25, 2016, 09:50:06 PM
Carthage is looking ahead to next season with a great recruiting class.  According to their staff there are some real impact players committed.

Madie Kaelber - Kenosha Indian Trail HS (4th leading scorer in the state of Wisconsin this year, All-State, All-Area, 2-time conference player of the year)

https://twitter.com/Madog_Baller13/status/647493545172041728

http://www.kenoshanews.com/sports/allcounty_girls_basketball_team_unveiled_487498079.php?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=656865781


Maggie Berigan - Hersey HS (2-time All-Area selection)

https://twitter.com/MBeary13/status/714493432308359174

http://basketball.dailyherald.com/article/20160303/sports/160218556/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/arlington-heights/ct-arh-maggie-berigan-hersey-basketball-tl-0125-20160125-story.html

Autumn Kalis - New Trier HS (IBCA 3A/4A Special Mention All-State)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/sports/ct-gln-autumn-kalis-new-trier-girls-basketball-tl-0107-20160107-story.html

http://jwcdaily.com/2016/01/05/nts-kalis-is-shiny-good-at-d-c-tourney/

http://www.ibcaillinois.org/news_article/show/621359?referrer_id=760189

Also coming in are Gabby Butkute a 6'1" post player from St. Charles East that missed the season with an injury. As well as two other guards Calli Linse from Jefferson, WI and Anna Eksten from Merrilville, IN and G/F Emmily Zinkiewicz from Manito, IL

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 25, 2016, 11:06:35 PM
Sounds like a very good group, to go along with their already-established core of youthful talent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 26, 2016, 02:59:38 PM
North Central has also added 5'10" forward Maya Walls out of Wauwatosa East in Wisconsin. From what I gather, she can score in the post a little bit (she was second on her team in scoring as of late January, and looks to be a solid defender. Adds a little more forward depth, something that will be needed going forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 06, 2016, 06:31:56 PM
Three more NPU recruits:

Jessica Burke, 5'9 G, Stevenson
Elise Estelle, 5'7 G, St. Joseph
Alisha Panthier, 6'0 C, Elgin
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 06, 2016, 09:03:28 PM
Sounds like several teams are bringing in a good amount of help for '16-'17 and beyond. As a result, the league should be stronger (profound, eh?).
I thought there might even be a chance for Carroll to land Luke Walton, but he foolishly seems to be headed for the Lakers job.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: CoachM on May 09, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Http://www.sj-r.com/sports/20160508/rochester-graduate-sapetti-to-leave-u-of-i-return-to-basketball-at-illinois-wesleyan?rssfeed=true

Nice pick up for IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 10, 2016, 06:58:26 AM
North Central has confirmed a couple more:

- Meghan Sellers, F, 5'8", Grant Park. Don't have a ton of info on her.
- Frankie Pettit, F, 5'11:, Union Grove (WI). Averaged 10.7 points per game on 44 percent shooting, including 34.7 percent from three. Led her team in rebounding at 7.6 per game. Also led her team in assists and blocks this season, so she's probably getting a lot of reps at the "5".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 11, 2016, 10:43:27 AM
Got another one. NCC has announced the signing of forward Natali Dimitrova, a 6'0" forward out of Buffalo Grove. I'm guessing she projects more as a "4", but she can score in the post and, based on a quote from a teammate, went to the Anita Sterling/Sophie Newson/Nicole Kruckman School of Drawing Charges.

Quote from: RogK on May 06, 2016, 09:03:28 PM
Sounds like several teams are bringing in a good amount of help for '16-'17 and beyond. As a result, the league should be stronger (profound, eh?).

It's going to be hard to count anyone out this year I think. Even though I'd probably rank IWU and Wheaton 1-2 in some order, I think North Central has a great shot at sneaking back in there. Just need to exorcise the Wheaton demons and we're all set.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 13, 2016, 11:09:29 PM
A '16-'17 roster, freshmen not included :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?roster=138&path=wbball

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 27, 2016, 10:37:37 PM
IWU sophomore Molly McGraw won the D3 outdoor high jump championship.

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2016/5/27/womens-track-and-field-molly-mcgraw-sets-iwu-school-mark-in-winning-national-high-jump.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 31, 2016, 04:21:26 PM
Elmhurst's new schedule :
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 31, 2016, 05:00:27 PM
Congrats to Molly McGraw and all the IWU track and field women on their team national championship.  Great stuff.  Go TITANS.

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Naperick on May 31, 2016, 08:17:36 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 31, 2016, 04:21:26 PM
Elmhurst's new schedule :
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball

5 of their last 6 CCIW games on the road.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on May 31, 2016, 10:00:24 PM
Quote from: Naperick on May 31, 2016, 08:17:36 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 31, 2016, 04:21:26 PM
Elmhurst's new schedule :
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball

5 of their last 6 CCIW games on the road.

The is even worse than the NCC men's team who will have 4 of their last 5 on the road.
I know they have their supporters/defenders, and making up a schedule is not easy, but the way the basketball scheduling is done in the CCIW is one of my pet peeves about the conference. What the h e double hockey sticks is going on in the conference office?
It seems doubtful they know the definition of equitable, and much less so that they have ever heard the word.  :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 01, 2016, 07:30:40 AM
Quote from: AndOne on May 31, 2016, 10:00:24 PM
Quote from: Naperick on May 31, 2016, 08:17:36 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 31, 2016, 04:21:26 PM
Elmhurst's new schedule :
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball

5 of their last 6 CCIW games on the road.

The is even worse than the NCC men's team who will have 4 of their last 5 on the road.
I know they have their supporters/defenders, and making up a schedule is not easy, but the way the basketball scheduling is done in the CCIW is one of my pet peeves about the conference. What the h e double hockey sticks is going on in the conference office?
It seems doubtful they know the definition of equitable, and much less so that they have ever heard the word.  :(

Yeah, whoever does the schedule totally dropped the ball on Elmhurst. I know we had this discussion a while back on the men's board too, but this just boggles my mind. They don't even have balance in the two halves of conference play there; Elmhurst plays 5 of their first 8 CCIW games at home, then get the aforementioned road stint.

I don't understand why they couldn't, say, flip the home-and-home with Wheaton so they play at King Arena in December and back in Elmhurst in early February. You get an even 4-4 home-road split in both halves of conference play and it breaks up the 5-of-6 on the road to end the year, while balancing out one three game home stand with one stretch of three straight on the road. Then again, I don't have an in with the CCIW office.

I just hope no one else gets a funky imbalance like that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 14, 2016, 12:23:19 PM
Once this info is known,
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2016/6/12/womens-basketball-announces-newcomers.aspx
there should be an audible OH CRAP!! emanating from Decatur, Rock Island, Chicago, Waukesha, Naperville, Kenosha, Elmhurst and Bloomington.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 15, 2016, 12:10:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 14, 2016, 12:23:19 PM
Once this info is known,
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2016/6/12/womens-basketball-announces-newcomers.aspx
there should be an audible OH CRAP!! emanating from Decatur, Rock Island, Chicago, Waukesha, Naperville, Kenosha, Elmhurst and Bloomington.

Yeah, that's a pretty good recruiting class at a glance. Combined with what they're bringing back, Wheaton is one of the two teams that scares me the most along with Illinois Wesleyan as a Cardinal guy. Maybe Wheaton more so just because NCC hasn't beaten them since 2009.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 16, 2016, 09:05:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 14, 2016, 12:23:19 PM
Once this info is known,
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2016/6/12/womens-basketball-announces-newcomers.aspx
there should be an audible OH CRAP!! emanating from Decatur, Rock Island, Chicago, Waukesha, Naperville, Kenosha, Elmhurst and Bloomington.

We love guards and forwards of the 5'11" and 6'2" variety . . . looks like a couple real scorers and WC can't get enough Bergs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 17, 2016, 01:31:04 AM
I wonder if Wheaton will shut out some opponents for a full quarter a few times in '16-'17.
They almost did so last season, limiting Augustana to 2 in the 4th Q of a game.
They held IIT to 1, 5, 2 and 2, but IIT was a pretty sad team, so maybe we'll disregard that game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 24, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
The new Carroll head coach has been announced :
http://gopios.com/news/2016/6/23/schultz-named-womens-basketball-head-coach.aspx
Welcome to the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on June 25, 2016, 08:34:19 AM
IWU recruit Sydney Shanks is the Pantagraph Female Athlete of the Year.

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/pantagraph-female-athlete-of-the-year-central-s-shanks-a/article_c8c5cbe7-65c0-5933-bee0-4863f714ce22.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 17, 2016, 07:21:04 AM
Found out yesterday that former Elmhurst guard Devin Vaughn is returning home to be an assistant coach for Tethnie Carillo and the Blue Jays after a one year stint helping with The System at NCC. Seeing a lot of defections between the two schools the past few years...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2016, 01:57:57 PM
Some more schedules :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
http://gopios.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Less than two until practice begins.
(months)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 24, 2016, 07:12:58 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 23, 2016, 01:57:57 PM
Some more schedules :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
http://gopios.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Less than two until practice begins.

With the exception of NCC, everyone's schedule is up. I was at least able to build out North Central's conference schedule based on everyone else's. Assuming it's all final, their first four conference games are on the road, though that's three in December and then the fourth in opening week of January, but they make up for it with four straight at home towards the end of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 31, 2016, 06:58:52 AM
After about two months repeatedly checking the page (I have a problem), NCC's schedule is finally up.

http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball

No Tip Off Tournament this year, which makes me sad. Three tournaments still on the schedule: two local (at North Park and at NAIA Roosevelt University) and one in Hawaii, which makes me insanely jealous. Remaining non-conference games are the season opener at home against Piedmont, at Benedictine, and at Stevens Point.

I also misread IWU's schedule and had the home/road dates flipped, so no four game home stand in February. A pair of three game home stands and no more than two in a row away from Merner for conference play. I can live with this, even though my work load is decreasing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on September 02, 2016, 10:27:16 AM
Thanks for the heads up on NCC's schedule.

We have all the CCIW schedules (men's and women's) posted on our site. If you click on a team's page, it'll still default to 2015-16 for a little while. We want to get more teams' schedules in the system before we set the default to 2016-17. But you can look at all the schedules by following this format:

http://www.d3hoops.com/teams/North_Central_(Ill.)/men/2016-17/index
http://www.d3hoops.com/teams/North_Central_(Ill.)/women/2016-17/index
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 23, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Very happy to run into Shelby Jackson in the IWU Ames Library today -- she's going to serve as GA or Asst Coach for Mia Smith this coming year.  Guess she replaces Olivia Lett who has a new gig as an assistant coach up at the University of Chicago.  Great to see Shelby back on campus.  She's now a grad student at ISU as well. 

Looking forward to some hoops in about 8 weeks now.

Hope all the CCIW chatsters are ready for another rodeo.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 13, 2016, 11:06:38 AM
Official roster for NCC is up: http://northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball

I have a ton of new names to learn (10 freshmen, 1 junior transfer from Benedictine in Shannon Ryan) because I'm going to be yelling them a lot. From my conversations with Coach Roof, she sounds super excited about the upcoming year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 21, 2016, 10:00:03 PM
Just took a look at IWU's roster for the coming season.  For position, they list 1 center, 2 forwards, and EIGHTEEN guards! :o

Fortunately, several of the guards are as tall as the forwards, so I hope they are flexible! :)

It's been a standing joke on the men's board for years about the Titan 5-guard offense - maybe Mia has decided to do it for real! ;D

(Or is 'guard' simply the default title for younger players whose positional identity is not yet set?)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on October 21, 2016, 10:39:07 PM

The Tufts men last year had a roster with 3 centers and 12 guards.  I guess it was a badge of honor not to be a forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 23, 2016, 09:53:56 PM
When starting lineups are provided to the official scorer, is there a requirement that a position be listed for each player?
Can all five starters on a team be introduced as centers?
I guess anyone could be called a guard if she can run and dribble at the same time. Assigning a position label to a player doesn't change what she can or cannot do. Fans may expect a forward to be a better rebounder than a guard, but we know this is not a certainty.
Within a specific team, labels such as "guard" or "post" or "center' or "3" or "5" may define what a player is supposed to do, but such responsibilities vary from team to team. Perhaps in the early decades of basketball, you could tell who the forwards were by where you found them on the court. Things are not quite so rigid these days.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on October 23, 2016, 10:05:34 PM
There is no requirement that players be identified by position when lineups are provided to the official scorers.  Names and numbers are the only things that are required.  How a team chooses to have the public address announcer announce the starting lineup is up to the team.  They could announce them leaving position entirely out of the announcement if they chose to do so. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 23, 2016, 11:50:37 PM
WooHoo - I got this board at least partially revived! ;D

I wasn't 'concerned' about the positions listed on the Titan roster ("In Mia I Trust!"), it just seemed odd.  I'm guessing that my last sentence was the closest explanation - 'guard' is simply the default designation until a player has pretty clearly established a positional identity.  The strategy of Mia doesn't seem to worry too much about 'positions'.  By and large, everyone does everything! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 24, 2016, 11:18:47 AM
When I announce starting lineups, I give the position as what's listed on the roster in our program. It gets complicated if they're listed as a G/F or F/C, in which case I let height relative to other players at various positions dictate which of the two I announce them as, so it's something of an inexact science.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 21, 2016, 10:00:03 PM
Just took a look at IWU's roster for the coming season.  For position, they list 1 center, 2 forwards, and EIGHTEEN guards! :o

Fortunately, several of the guards are as tall as the forwards, so I hope they are flexible! :)

It's been a standing joke on the men's board for years about the Titan 5-guard offense - maybe Mia has decided to do it for real! ;D

(Or is 'guard' simply the default title for younger players whose positional identity is not yet set?)

Mia has gone with a 5-guard starting lineup at least once since I took over the mic at Merner. I don't think she's the only one who has, either, though I don't remember off the top of my head.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 26, 2016, 01:11:03 PM
Preseason coaches' poll is up. Wheaton picked to three-peat with 7 first place votes, Illinois Wesleyan in 2nd with the other two votes, then a little more bunched up with NCC picked third by three points ahead of Carthage, who is three ahead of Elmhurst for the last tournament spot. (Edited because I misread when I first posted.)

http://cciw.org/news/2016/10/26/WBB_1026165140.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on October 27, 2016, 12:10:08 AM
Our preseason poll was also released late tonight.

http://d3hoops.com/top25/women/2016-17/preseason

Wheaton is No. 21 and Illinois Wesleyan receiving votes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 27, 2016, 04:41:50 AM
Looking forward to the new season, some very new and different teams to watch.  I think IWU will be pretty solid with some very experienced players returning. 

Warm greetings to all Chatsters from Hong Kong. 

Luckily, I'm back to IWU Nov. 2-22 so will see a few men's games at Shirk before returning to Asia.  IWU women are on the road, so will have to watch those early games on the video streaming.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 27, 2016, 07:44:53 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on October 27, 2016, 12:10:08 AM
Our preseason poll was also released late tonight.

http://d3hoops.com/top25/women/2016-17/preseason

Wheaton is No. 21 and Illinois Wesleyan receiving votes.

No real surprise on either front. IWU and Wheaton are the two schools that scare me most this year, so their presence in both polls kind of confirms what I'd expected.

I'm also not surprised the two swept the 1-2 votes from all the coaches. I am a little surprised the gap between North Central and Carthage is as close as it is, but maybe I've been drinking too much of the red Kool-Aid this offseason.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 31, 2016, 05:18:56 PM
North Park is going to be traveling down to the Near West Side to play an exhibition against UIC in the Pavilion on Friday night. I'm looking forward to it, as I can't recall the last time that the NPU women's team played a D1 opponent, even in an exhibition. It'll also be my first-ever chance to call a game in a D1 venue.

This will be an interesting NPU team this season. I saw the Vikings beat Benedictine in a scrimmage the other day, and, while they have a long way to go in a lot of areas, there's more to this North Park team than I had thought that there would be after I had learned that Rachel Torres was going to opt out of her senior year of eligibility in order to graduate in December rather than May and that Nikki Przybyslawski would be studying abroad this year. Several of the returning Vikings have noticeably improved their games, and I like what I see from freshman guard Emmy Gryna and junior transfer forward Clarissa Ramos.

My expectations for NPU this season are modest, but if the Vikes can manage to have a couple of players consistently score in double digits to complement Liz Rehberger, and if the rebounding gets done on a forty-minutes-per-game basis (as opposed to the now-we-see-it-now-we-don't effort in that scrimmage versus BU), they can be competitive in the CCIW. But, given how much talent and experience the teams picked ahead of them have, I think that the margin for error for the Park in league play this season will be narrower than it's been over the past few campaigns.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 01, 2016, 01:46:15 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 31, 2016, 05:18:56 PM
North Park is going to be traveling down to the Near West Side to play an exhibition against UIC in the Pavilion on Friday night. I'm looking forward to it, as I can't recall the last time that the NPU women's team played a D1 opponent, even in an exhibition. It'll also be my first-ever chance to call a game in a D1 venue.

This will be an interesting NPU team this season. I saw the Vikings beat Benedictine in a scrimmage the other day, and, while they have a long way to go in a lot of areas, there's more to this North Park team than I had thought that there would be after I had learned that Rachel Torres was going to opt out of her senior year of eligibility in order to graduate in December rather than May and that Nikki Przybyslawski would be studying abroad this year. Several of the returning Vikings have noticeably improved their games, and I like what I see from freshman guard Emmy Gryna and junior transfer forward Clarissa Ramos.

My expectations for NPU this season are modest, but if the Vikes can manage to have a couple of players consistently score in double digits to complement Liz Rehberger, and if the rebounding gets done on a forty-minutes-per-game basis (as opposed to the now-we-see-it-now-we-don't effort in that scrimmage versus BU), they can be competitive in the CCIW. But, given how much talent and experience the teams picked ahead of them have, I think that the margin for error for the Park in league play this season will be narrower than it's been over the past few campaigns.

You happen to know when they're posting their full roster on the website? I think North Park is the only school I haven't seen yet with an updated one, though I appreciate the tidbits you've included here. Going to miss tripping over myself to make sure I get "Przybyslawski" right.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 01, 2016, 04:58:41 PM
Yeah, for all of the time and effort I put in to learning how to pronounce Nikki's surname, it'd be a shame if I don't get to use it for all four seasons. ;)

The NPU roster will be up some time over the next two weeks, but I have no idea when exactly it will happen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2016, 07:09:03 PM
Sitting here courtside at the UIC Pavilion scorer's table. Time to set aside football, soccer, and volleyball and get back into basketball PBP mode, so forgive me if I make an inadvertent reference to a blitz, a through pass, or a side dig.  ;) Tipoff's at 7 pm. Video is courtesy of ESPN3; I'm doing the audio. http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2016/11/3/womens-basketball-wbb-opens-season-with-exhibition-at-uic.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 04, 2016, 07:26:36 PM
Titans played an exhibition vs. Quincy College, and gave them a good game, losing by about 4-5, after leading much of the first half.  McGraw with 23, Ehresman 16, and Maddie Merritt 13.  Some poor three point shooting again, so some of the others have to pick it up from the perimeter.  Mia has a lot of experience coming back and I expect the Titans to be very good, battled-tested by conference season time, playing again a tough pre-conference schedule, with two games vs. WIAC and a game at Wash U?  Schedule and roster now all up.  Should be a good season for the Titans. 

MS
IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2016, 09:59:54 AM
When I spoke to Greg before the North Park - UIC game last evening, I forgot to ask him "Is that you I see?"
He would have replied "no," and, pointing at the host team, "that's UIC."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2016, 11:59:33 AM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.stack.imgur.com%2Fy7Z0L.jpg&hash=aeeb51a3bcc36a0e025762ce075f05bcbb423135)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2016, 12:11:56 PM
Last night turned into somewhat more of a mess than I had expected, even granted that NPU was playing a D1 team. The Vikings led for quite a bit of the first quarter, and they were up 18-16 with a minute and a half left before UIC suddenly remembered that it was a D1 program. And that was pretty much the end of it. The Flames went on a 17-0 run that went deep into the second quarter, and they never looked back. It was the first of what would turn out to be two NPU scoring droughts of almost five minutes apiece in the game. In the end, UIC won by about forty or so, as the Flames not only had five or six inches on the Vikings at every position but vastly more quickness as well -- and the size and quickness were the difference in the full-court press that the Flames used until well into the fourth quarter.

Of course, the whole point was for the Park to gain the experience of playing a team with superior personnel in a game that doesn't count, so that when the Vikings do play a game that counts (they travel to St. Mary's IN on the opening night of D3 basketball season) their opponents will look that much smaller and slower. But, aside from that, there's really no takeaway from this exhibition that I can share, other than the fact that the Vikings did a nice job of cleaning up the terrible free-throw shooting from the Benedictine scrimmage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Backer on November 08, 2016, 02:59:22 PM
Is it anticipated that CCIW will do preseason coaches videos as they have in the past?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 08, 2016, 09:15:47 PM
Quote from: Backer on November 08, 2016, 02:59:22 PM
Is it anticipated that CCIW will do preseason coaches videos as they have in the past?

I don't have inside knowledge on this, but considering they did it for football this year I'd imagine they'll do the video previews again this season. Last year they did them in the week leading up to the start of the season so I'd assume more of the same this year. Maybe tomorrow/Thursday/Friday?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2016, 05:08:22 AM
The Carroll season preview :
http://gopios.com/news/2016/11/14/carroll-womens-basketball-preview.aspx
Sounds like they know they're in for a very difficult couple of years. The article doesn't state the obvious : the previous coach (lauded as winningest in program history) left her successor very little to work with.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2016, 12:12:35 PM
As the presser mentioned, Carroll has no seniors. The team's two juniors (Brittney Wald and Morgan Lund) are established players who were solid contributors last year, albeit for a Pioneers team that finished under .500 in an inferior league. The two returning sophomores are a 5 mpg rotation contributor who put up awful numbers last season and a player who rarely saw the floor last season, while the other soph is a soccer player who didn't play hoops for Carroll last season and didn't have much of a high-school hoops career.

The other seven Carroll players are freshmen. I'm surprised that Lindsay Schultz was able to bring in such a large class, considering that she wasn't even hired until late June. Kudos to her for really getting after it on the recruiting trail under difficult circumstances. Of course, the bigger question is whether or not she was able to land any quality at such a late date. It appears that three or four of them had decent high-school careers, but I'm just not familiar enough with Wisconsin girls basketball to be able to tell if the leagues in which they played were of a quality comparable to the level typical of the Chicagoland suburban leagues that produce most CCIW players.

My guess is that you're right, Rog. It won't be pretty for the Pioneers this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 14, 2016, 12:29:08 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 08, 2016, 09:15:47 PM
Quote from: Backer on November 08, 2016, 02:59:22 PM
Is it anticipated that CCIW will do preseason coaches videos as they have in the past?

I don't have inside knowledge on this, but considering they did it for football this year I'd imagine they'll do the video previews again this season. Last year they did them in the week leading up to the start of the season so I'd assume more of the same this year. Maybe tomorrow/Thursday/Friday?

Well, I was close; the conference just posted previews for all nine schools on their Twitter feed.

Augie: https://t.co/POSqCGdqbK
Carroll: https://t.co/Hxy9U4r2No
Carthage: https://t.co/OYd2htJ47x
Elmhurst: https://t.co/AlJ7KUM9JQ
Illinois Wesleyan: https://t.co/lJpwG3CRKT
Millikin: https://t.co/iba7QnbjAg
NCC: https://t.co/C8mnvbbqt0
North Park: https://t.co/KSxjPfg7vk
Wheaton: https://t.co/KQTR4mytjz

My afternoon's booked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 14, 2016, 06:11:16 PM
Let the games begin!  Good luck to the Titans for a very successful season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2016, 06:45:24 PM
In this video, NPU SID Kevin Shepke interviewed head coach Amanda Crockett for the NPU preseason preview. (http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2016/11/13/womens-basketball-2016-17-womens-bb-team-preview.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2016, 01:52:10 PM
Interesting story about a player who got talked about quite a bit in this room. (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2016/11/thomas-more-womens-basketball-ncaa-sanctions)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2016, 02:01:29 PM
Tonight's season openers

Carthage (9-16) @ Loras (16-8)
Elmhurst (13-13) @ Franklin (19-8)
North Park (16-9) @ St. Mary's (IN) (1-24)
Rockford (3-22) @ Augustana (10-15)
Monmouth (5-18) @ Millikin (9-16)
Wheaton (22-6) @ Hope (26-2)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2016, 12:53:37 AM
North Park 84, St. Mary's (IN) 38

Liz Rehberger: 19 pts
Alicia Arnold: 18 pts
Gabby Sandoval: 11 pts
Brie Lippert: 6 rebs
Amani Davis: 4 stls, 6:1 a:to

I figured that NPU would win this one, but I wasn't expecting this big of a romp. The Vikings led by 54 at one point(!), and all 14 players on the roster got game time, with 12 of them scoring.

Congrats to Liz Rehberger on joining the Thousand Points Club tonight!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 16, 2016, 07:20:39 AM
Looked like a pretty good day overall for the CCIW teams in action, as they went 4-2 last night, including North Park's win.

Other results:
@ Loras 81, Elmhurst 77
Elmhurst 70, @ Franklin 39
@ Augie 102, Rockford 61 (those of you who had money on Augie being the first team in the conference to break the century mark this season, go collect your small fortune)
@ Millikin 82, Monmouth 60
@ Hope 99, Wheaton 97 (OT) (Including a pretty nice game-winning layup with video available over on the MIAA board)

Apparently Wheaton blew a 19 point lead in the loss, but I wouldn't read too much into it, seeing as it's hard to go into Hope and come away with a win.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2016, 12:53:37 AM
Congrats to Liz Rehberger on joining the Thousand Points Club tonight!

*hat tip*

*also praying Liz doesn't drop another 40 burger at Merner this year* :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2016, 11:16:25 AM
A review of the box scores reveals that Katie McDaniels and Morgan Harris are each averaging 38 pts per game this season. Not bad at all.
Significant variation among the FT attempts for CCIW teams last night : Elmhurst 8, Wheaton 11, Millikin 13, Carthage 19, North Park 29, Augustana 30. No correlations implied or suggested.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2016, 02:59:25 PM
Titans open up the season this Saturday, with their normal very tough pre-CCIW schedule of games.   Titans could be very very good this year.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2016, 10:12:20 AM
Carroll, down 3 at the half, fell 76-49 to St Norbert.
Brittney Wald topped the Pioneers with 14 pts, 12 rebs and 36:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 18, 2016, 11:15:23 AM
North Central opens its 2016-2017 season tonight at Merner Fieldhouse as they welcome Piedmont College. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

Video of the game will be available at nctv17.com. Radio call can be heard at WONC.org. Either way I'll be the guy yelling "THREEEEEEEEE!" a bunch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2016, 02:45:29 PM
Good luck to Coach Smith and all the Titans as they open their season this weekend.

Nice year preview and summary in today's Pgraph.  Lots of experience coming back, and perhaps better rebounding this year.  Keep will be success of "run and jump" -- as always -- and somewhat better three point shooting.  I think Molly McGraw and Rebecca Ehresman have monster years.   Key may be how well the rest of the roster plays and contributes, esp. to defense and decent three point shooting.  Titans need to overall be a better shooting team this season.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 18, 2016, 10:34:45 PM
Final from Naperville: NCC 101, Piedmont 67

Very sloppy game, was only 18-8 NCC after 1, but the Cardinals morphed into Golden State for a shift and hit five straight threes in the 2nd to blow it open.

Anita Sterling led all scorers with 15, Shannon Ryan had 12, and Michaela Reedy added 11. Jamie Cuny pulled down 10 rebounds. Carlie Shields led Piedmont with 13 points, and Brianna Barrett added 10.

Piedmont is all worn out for your Vikings tomorrow, Greg. Have fun.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2016, 11:20:17 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 18, 2016, 10:34:45 PM
Piedmont is all worn out for your Vikings tomorrow, Greg. Have fun.

Thanks for doing your bit, Cardinals. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2016, 11:29:57 PM
Saw Wheaton's 90-33 victory over Blackburn. The Thunder's veteran / returning players all looked good. And the freshmen class appears to be a very promising group, with size, running ability and a variety of talents. Coach Madsen may find it difficult to allot playing time for all of them, although he may "bring them along slowly" anyway.
By the way, the season preview on Wheaton's web site mentions that Ellie Zeller is expected to join the team in the second semester (January, I suppose). If she's back to full strength, she'll be a very helpful addition (previously achieved all-conference status).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2016, 04:43:16 PM
North Park 86
Piedmont 57

Liz Rehberger: 29 pts, 4 stls
Gabby Sandoval: 11 pts, 3 stls
Alicia Arnold: 11 pts
Clarissa Ramos: 7 rebs

The Vikings shot 10-15 (67%) from beyond the arc today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2016, 06:31:15 PM
I attended the North Park win today and was impressed by Liz's spectacular effort (and results). Many times, she was a step or two ahead of the opposition.
Fellow Vikings made nice contributions, as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 19, 2016, 06:51:18 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2016, 04:43:16 PM
North Park 86
Piedmont 57

Liz Rehberger: 29 pts, 4 stls
Gabby Sandoval: 11 pts, 3 stls
Alicia Arnold: 11 pts
Clarissa Ramos: 7 rebs

The Vikings shot 10-15 (67%) from beyond the arc today.

You're welcome, by the way.  :P

Sounds like a good win. Two straight days Piedmont essentially got shot out of the gym. Today's was just in a more traditional sense where North Park got hot. But now I'm fearing another Liz Rehberger 40 burger at Merner.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2016, 07:30:47 PM
In keeping with the actual tally of yesterday's box score, it didn't appear to me that the Cardinals exhausted Piedmont. Lions coach Jamie Purdy used 19 players against NCC, and only two of them played more than a half's worth of minutes. The Lions looked fresh today. They simply didn't have anyone who was equipped to handle Liz Rehberger's quickness and scoring versatility, and with the emergence of sophomore Alicia Arnold the Vikings now have more good shooters on the perimeter than they've had in the past. The Vikings didn't even need junior starting forward Shaylee Sloan, who didn't play today.

Another big factor in the blowout was that the Lions were an atrocious 1-20 from downtown today. Add that to their 5-28 tally from beyond the arc yesterday in the airplane hangar, and it's clear that the Lions didn't stow their shooting eyes in their baggage when they flew into Midway the other day.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 19, 2016, 10:41:47 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2016, 07:30:47 PM
Another big factor in the blowout was that the Lions were an atrocious 1-20 from downtown today. Add that to their 5-28 tally from beyond the arc yesterday in the airplane hangar, and it's clear that the Lions didn't stow their shooting eyes in their baggage when they flew into Midway the other day.

Their outside shooting was one thing that concerned me going into last night. They shot well in their win over Birmingham Southern, and I wasn't sure if it would carry over. Clearly it didn't. I just think it's crazy they allowed 28 threes the past two days.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2016, 01:22:47 PM
Uh, Imitzel, you've fallen behind on posting all the CCIW WBB scores.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2016, 05:09:59 PM
Congrats to Katie McDaniels, the conference first Player of Week for '16-'17.
A bunch of players are off to outstanding starts, including McDaniels. We've mentioned how well Liz Rehberger has done. Morgan Harris performed quite well in Carthage's noteworthy win over UW-River Falls and is scoring 24.3/g, plus avgs of 5.7 rebs, 5a and 3.3 stls. Her effective FG% (proportional credit applied for 3FGs made) is .570 and she's made 24/28 FTs.
Kaycee Kallenberger played 37 minutes over 2 g and made 9/15 2FGs, 4/5 FT, had 18 rebs and 11 blocks.
Elmhurst (3-0) is led by Mikaela Eppard, who is averaging 14.3 pts and 9 rebs, while shooting 60% FG and 7/7 FTs.
Yanni Saddler is among the leaders at 19 pts/g with an excellent .657 eFG%; also grabbed 6 rebs/g.
Rebekah Ehresman's eFG is an excellent .675 and she rang up 13.5 pts/g and 9 rebs/g.
Many others have played at a very high level.
One more to applaud : Chantal Meacham has hit 7/7 2FGs and 6/8 3FGs for 32 pts on just 15 shots, yielding a 1.067 eFG%. Her 8:1 assist/TO ratio is fairly decent, too.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 22, 2016, 07:00:45 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2016, 01:22:47 PM
Uh, Imitzel, you've fallen behind on posting all the CCIW WBB scores.

I guess I didn't realize I took on that responsibility.  :D

Busy day on tap today, with only North Park not playing. The NCC women try to make it 2-0 when they head up Chicago/Maple to take on Benedictine and make it a clean sweep up at the Rice Center with the men having won last night.

Been a pretty successful non-conference start though conference-wide. Other than 0-3 Carroll, everyone has won at least once, and Illinois Wesleyan is the only other team at .500. Everyone else is at least a game over.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 22, 2016, 09:28:46 AM
The UW-WHITEWATER WARHAWKS will be in Bloomington tonight to take on IWU.  5 PM tip off. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 22, 2016, 09:54:43 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2016, 05:09:59 PM
Congrats to Katie McDaniels, the conference first Player of Week for '16-'17.
A bunch of players are off to outstanding starts, including McDaniels. We've mentioned how well Liz Rehberger has done. Morgan Harris performed quite well in Carthage's noteworthy win over UW-River Falls and is scoring 24.3/g, plus avgs of 5.7 rebs, 5a and 3.3 stls. Her effective FG% (proportional credit applied for 3FGs made) is .570 and she's made 24/28 FTs.
Kaycee Kallenberger played 37 minutes over 2 g and made 9/15 2FGs, 4/5 FT, had 18 rebs and 11 blocks.
Elmhurst (3-0) is led by Mikaela Eppard, who is averaging 14.3 pts and 9 rebs, while shooting 60% FG and 7/7 FTs.
Yanni Saddler is among the leaders at 19 pts/g with an excellent .657 eFG%; also grabbed 6 rebs/g.
Rebekah Ehresman's eFG is an excellent .675 and she rang up 13.5 pts/g and 9 rebs/g.
Many others have played at a very high level.
One more to applaud : Chantal Meacham has hit 7/7 2FGs and 6/8 3FGs for 32 pts on just 15 shots, yielding a 1.067 eFG%. Her 8:1 assist/TO ratio is fairly decent, too.


There is a lot of talent in the league this year with rosters having lots of returning players with game experience.  I think that fact alone will make CCIW play very competitive with few nights off.  I do believe Wheaton is the team to beat.  But IWU with McGraw and Ehresman will definitely challenge.  Not that it means much, but I thought Liz Rehberger deserved some pre-season recognition on the AA roster as one can make a good case that she's right there as the best player in the league(which is no disrespect to McDaniels, EC's Eppard or anyone else). 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2016, 11:04:36 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 22, 2016, 07:00:45 AMBusy day on tap today, with only North Park not playing. The NCC women try to make it 2-0 when they head up Chicago/Maple to take on Benedictine and make it a clean sweep up at the Rice Center with the men having won last night.

Former NPU shooting guard Annie Shain is now on the coaching staff of the Bennies. She's one of several alumnae of recent Vikings teams who've gone into coaching.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 22, 2016, 07:47:44 PM
Wheaton 58, Loras 50

Kelly Lawson had an incredible game tonight going for 24 pts(8/14 FG, 4/5 3PT), 9 rebounds and the Thunder won the game.  But the positives sort of end there.  First half was pretty sloppy with bad turnovers and lackluster defense.  59% FT (only averaging 64% coming in) is not going to cut it in February/March and will end up costing them if they can't improve.

The DuHawks were doing well and keeping the game close while playing zone(which neutralizes McDaniels somewhat).  I'm not sure why they went away from that because Wheaton clearly struggled with it.  Once they went man to man in the 2nd half, Wheaton got its footing and pulled away.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 22, 2016, 08:03:47 PM
WARHAWKS (4-0): 66
IWU (1-2): 55

Neither team led by more than three points in the first quarter.  The WARHAWKS led for the first five minutes or so.  Then IWU went ahead and held the lead until the WARHAWKS scored the final four points to regain the lead 12-11.  The WARHAWKS turned the ball over ten times in the quarter but IWU shot so poorly they couldn't take advantage of it.  The second quarter was pretty much the same story.  The WARHAWKS continued to turn the ball over (8 times) and the Titans continued to miss shots (9 of 36).  With the exception of one tie WHITEWATER held a lead for the first four minutes when IWU took their only lead 20-19 of the quarter.  However the WARHAWKS outscored the Titans 5-2 after that and led 24-22 at the half.  18 first half WARHAWKS turnovers led to the Titans taking twice as many shots (36 to 18) but a 44% to 25% shooting advantage kept the score close.  The WARHAWKS started the third quarter sinking 5 or their first 7 shots and taking the largest lead 35-28 to that point.  A lead was maintained until just 11 seconds remained and IWU tied it at 44.  After that both teams committed turnovers and WHITEWATER missed a three leaving it 44-44 after three.   The early minutes of the final quarter decided the game as the WARHAWKS opened with 11-2 run in the first three and half minutes going up by 9.  That lead expanded to twelve a minute later and after that IWU could get no closer than six.

I'm not one to complain about a W but the game was ugly.  The WARHAWKS finished with a mind numbing 29 turnovers.  That and 21 offensive rebounds gave IWU 27 more shots though IWU only out scored WW 12-9 on second chances and with 19 turnovers themselves they couldn't take advantage.  Also free throws were a significant factor.  IWU shot 16 free throws (18 WW fouls) making 9 while IWU's 22 fouls led to 28 free throws and the WARHAWKS sank 23 of them. 

Gabrielle Holness led IWU with 15 points (4-9 three points).  One starter, Molly McGraw, was injured in the first half.  Possibly a sprained ankle.  IWU got good production from their bench which scored 36 points.



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 22, 2016, 09:58:42 PM
Didn't get to see any of it, but final from Lisle: NCC 97, Benedictine 89.

Cardinals hit 17 of 56 from deep. Anita Sterling led the team with 14 points, Michaela Reedy added 13, Siarra O'Neill scored 12 and Natali Dimitrova chipped in 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2016, 12:07:30 PM
At the moment, the conference web page's composite schedule is mixed up in regard to the four upcoming weekend games at North Park's Gym.
There is no Friday game.
Sat : Man U v NP at 2pm, Rose-Hulman v North Central at 4pm.
Sun : Man U v NC at 12pm, Rose-Hulman v NP at 2pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2016, 04:12:45 PM
Among Tuesday results :
Millikin made 37 FTs in an 80-66 win over Eureka.
Autumn Kalis scored 24 via just 15 FG att, as Carthage sped past Coe 87-50.
Mikaela Eppard tallied 31 pts and 13 rebs; Elmhurst has yielded these scoring amounts so far : 39 50 45 and 33. Seems to be a trend.
Augustana reached 100 again and is averaging 81 FG att and 30 FT att.
Carroll lost at U of Chicago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on November 25, 2016, 01:26:39 PM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on November 22, 2016, 08:03:47 PM
WARHAWKS (4-0): 66
IWU (1-2): 55

Neither team led by more than three points in the first quarter.  The WARHAWKS led for the first five minutes or so.  Then IWU went ahead and held the lead until the WARHAWKS scored the final four points to regain the lead 12-11.  The WARHAWKS turned the ball over ten times in the quarter but IWU shot so poorly they couldn't take advantage of it.  The second quarter was pretty much the same story.  The WARHAWKS continued to turn the ball over (8 times) and the Titans continued to miss shots (9 of 36).  With the exception of one tie WHITEWATER held a lead for the first four minutes when IWU took their only lead 20-19 of the quarter.  However the WARHAWKS outscored the Titans 5-2 after that and led 24-22 at the half.  18 first half WARHAWKS turnovers led to the Titans taking twice as many shots (36 to 18) but a 44% to 25% shooting advantage kept the score close.  The WARHAWKS started the third quarter sinking 5 or their first 7 shots and taking the largest lead 35-28 to that point.  A lead was maintained until just 11 seconds remained and IWU tied it at 44.  After that both teams committed turnovers and WHITEWATER missed a three leaving it 44-44 after three.   The early minutes of the final quarter decided the game as the WARHAWKS opened with 11-2 run in the first three and half minutes going up by 9.  That lead expanded to twelve a minute later and after that IWU could get no closer than six.

I'm not one to complain about a W but the game was ugly.  The WARHAWKS finished with a mind numbing 29 turnovers.  That and 21 offensive rebounds gave IWU 27 more shots though IWU only out scored WW 12-9 on second chances and with 19 turnovers themselves they couldn't take advantage.  Also free throws were a significant factor.  IWU shot 16 free throws (18 WW fouls) making 9 while IWU's 22 fouls led to 28 free throws and the WARHAWKS sank 23 of them. 

Gabrielle Holness led IWU with 15 points (4-9 three points).  One starter, Molly McGraw, was injured in the first half.  Possibly a sprained ankle.  IWU got good production from their bench which scored 36 points.
The Warhawks have certainly played IWU enough over the years to have been prepared for the run and jump pressing defense that does create havoc.  This is a better version than last year's IWU team but remains a work in progress. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2016, 10:17:00 PM
Elmhurst topped host team Colorado College 82-39 today and really played at a high level for the whole game, roughly 6000 elevation.
Hannah Lipman made all her shots while scoring 15 pts and Kaela Jones had 5 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2016, 05:47:58 PM
North Park 67
Manchester 58

Liz Rehberger: 31 pts, 6 rebs, 8 stls, 3 blks, 3:0 a:to
Shaylee Sloan: 16 pts, 12 rebs
Amani Davis: 9 rebs, 4:0 a:to

I dare anybody in the league to come up with a better stat line than the one Liz Rehberger posted today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Rose-Hulman 73
North Central 49

No, that score is not a typo. A very disciplined and efficient RHIT team really dismantled the System today. The Cards shot only 25% from the field and 23% from downtown, as they were outrebounded by a 60-34 margin and only had one fewer turnover than did the Engineers. Nobody from the Cardinals scored in double figures.

RHIT is going to be a tough customer for NPU tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2016, 10:41:02 PM
After seeing Rose-Hulman today, I can understand why they'd be favored to win a D3 conference. They had an effective game plan and performed it impressively. In addition to their tallest players, they have a good selection of medium-height, strong agile players.
Had NC's Jamie Cuny (injured) been able to play, the score would have been closer, but I think RHIT would still prevail, given their overall size and talent.
Rose-Hulman had an unusual distribution of shots : 75 2FG att, 2 3FG att and 5 FT att.
A prominent feature of NC's brand of "the System" is that freshmen / newcomers participate immediately. Today it was evident that there is a good amount of athleticism among them, but that they are in need of experience. Way too early to tell how many will become above-average.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2016, 05:39:57 AM
Incidentally, I hope no one interpreted my previous post as blaming NC's newcomers for the loss. Nearly all of NC's veteran players came up short, result-wise, as well. The effort was good, but...
That said, many coaches probably think it's unwarranted/dumb/foolish to give substantial playing time to your 11th best or 20th best player, and everyone in between, against a strong opponent like RHIT. This is a fair criticism of NC. If NC shows steady improvement through the season, then the on-court experience pays off. We'll see.
Elmhurst held another opponent to a very low output (42 pts) and improved to 6-0.
Augie topped Webster 82-69 and is 4-0.
Amanda Kelly missed only 2 shots while leading IWU with 19 pts in their win over Illinois College; she also had 4 assists and 3 steals.
Carroll lost to Calvin, using only 7 players in the process. One positive for the Pioneers is that they grabbed 15 o-rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:14:04 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 27, 2016, 05:39:57 AM
Incidentally, I hope no one interpreted my previous post as blaming NC's newcomers for the loss. Nearly all of NC's veteran players came up short, result-wise, as well. The effort was good, but...
That said, many coaches probably think it's unwarranted/dumb/foolish to give substantial playing time to your 11th best or 20th best player, and everyone in between, against a strong opponent like RHIT. This is a fair criticism of NC. If NC shows steady improvement through the season, then the on-court experience pays off. We'll see.
I didn't get to see any of the game, but I didn't take your post that way at all. I was shocked to see a score for North Central that low, but it's a risk of The System. When you live by the three, you die by the three, and 7-30 won't get it done against most teams.

I didn't realize Jamie was hurt and was going to miss this game, but that's a huge loss for them. Her presence when she came to North Central a couple years ago really changed the dynamic of the press. In the one game I was at so far this season she cheated up much of the time she was out there, but normally she's playing safety, and after a couple blocks on the back end teams start to shy away from layups and start taking six footers which eventually start to become ten footers. Anita Sterling can do similar things with drawing charges, but losing your best safety hurts a lot. Jamie probably wouldn't make up a 24 point difference, but suffice it to say that it would have been significantly closer had she played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:18:25 AM
Adding onto the point about playing the freshmen a lot, I pretty much agree on all fronts. Playing that style, you have to get pretty much everyone into the action just to give your starters and second unit a breather. Those freshmen though are adjusting to a style of play they haven't played before, and it's going to take a little time for everyone to get comfortable with it. They're also going to do better than 7-30 from deep most nights (and those 30 attempts are very low for North Central; it's usually at least 50). It makes me a little nervous for conference play, but this is a team that can rise to the occasion. Give them time to gel and get experience, and they'll be a tough customer in January and February.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2016, 10:11:52 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:14:04 AMJamie probably wouldn't make up a 24 point difference, but suffice it to say that it would have been significantly closer had she played.

I don't think that I'd include the adjective "significantly" in that sentence. Cuny's a good player, but RHIT features very smart and creative ballhandlers who didn't need to get to the rack to score. All day long they were banking in six- to ten-footers; I've never seen a team use the square on the backboard so effectively for lining up their shots. And they have great size as well -- a strong 6'3 player, a star 6'1 player, and very good 5'11 and 5'10 starters -- so Cuny wouldn't have simply just had her way on the boards.

Even with Cuny in uniform for NCC, that would've been a comfortable win for Rose-Hulman. As Rog said, it's easy to see why the Engineers were the unanimous #1 pick in the Heartland preseason poll.

Quote from: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:18:25 AM
Adding onto the point about playing the freshmen a lot, I pretty much agree on all fronts. Playing that style, you have to get pretty much everyone into the action just to give your starters and second unit a breather. Those freshmen though are adjusting to a style of play they haven't played before, and it's going to take a little time for everyone to get comfortable with it.

True, but as Rog also pointed out, the veteran Cardinals didn't play very well yesterday, either.

Quote from: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:18:25 AMThey're also going to do better than 7-30 from deep most nights (and those 30 attempts are very low for North Central; it's usually at least 50).

Give the Engineers credit for that. The shocking 60-34 rebounding bulge in favor of RHIT explains why NCC only got off 30 trey attempts.

Quote from: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:18:25 AMIt makes me a little nervous for conference play, but this is a team that can rise to the occasion. Give them time to gel and get experience, and they'll be a tough customer in January and February.

No doubt. One bad game isn't the end of the world, and the Cardinals are clearly going to be a dangerous team in CCIW play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 01:02:52 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2016, 10:11:52 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 09:14:04 AMJamie probably wouldn't make up a 24 point difference, but suffice it to say that it would have been significantly closer had she played.

I don't think that I'd include the adjective "significantly" in that sentence. Cuny's a good player, but RHIT features very smart and creative ballhandlers who didn't need to get to the rack to score. All day long they were banking in six- to ten-footers; I've never seen a team use the square on the backboard so effectively for lining up their shots. And they have great size as well -- a strong 6'3 player, a star 6'1 player, and very good 5'11 and 5'10 starters -- so Cuny wouldn't have simply just had her way on the boards.

Even with Cuny in uniform for NCC, that would've been a comfortable win for Rose-Hulman. As Rog said, it's easy to see why the Engineers were the unanimous #1 pick in the Heartland preseason poll.

Maybe I'm drinking too much of the Kool Aid, but I'm going off of what I noticed from Years One and Two in The System and the past two-plus. Having Jamie anchor the press changes things a lot. Even if RHIT was banking home those 6-10 footers, Jamie alters a lot of those. My "significantly" descriptor was figuring maybe another 8-10 points, maybe more, but again, I'm a homer.

Looks like no Jamie again today, which will make it tough for this game against Manchester just getting underway up at North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 27, 2016, 02:59:54 PM
Final: NCC 116, Manchester 72 (edited because North Park's stats page had a hiccup and I wasn't sure if Manchester's last basket was counted on there or not)

No Jamie Cuny, no problem. NCC takes care of business against a team it should beat, hitting 17 of 49 threes and forcing 43 turnovers. Jessica Dahle led the team with 12 points, Anita Sterling added 11 on a perfect 3-3 shooting plus 2-2 at the line, Siarra O'Neill added 10 points, and Kelly Wallner had a career high 9. Dahle also added six steals for the Cardinals. Manchester got 14 apiece from Minehart and Bolen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2016, 05:19:37 PM
Rose-Hulman 59
North Park 55

Liz Rehberger: 17 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls
Amani Davis: 4:2 a:to
Shaylee Sloan: 3 stls

North Park was up by as much as 13 in the first half and had an eight-point lead at halftime at 30-22, but RHIT is too good a team to bury. The Vikings suffered a disastrous third quarter in which their excellent defense from the first half fell apart; the Engineers more than doubled their halftime score, outdistancing the Vikings, 24-9, for the quarter. Although the Engineers were up by nine at one point in the final quarter, NPU did manage to hang tough, cutting the Rose-Hulman lead to two on a couple of occasions late in the game, but the Vikings never quite got over the hump.

Tough loss, but nobody expected the Vikings to go undefeated this year. Truth be told, I'd rather they fall a bit short in a game against a team this good than romp over a St. Mary's or an Illinois Tech in a game in which nobody in an NPU uniform is really pushed. This game will stand the Vikings in good stead later on, as RHIT is very comparable to a top-level CCIW outfit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2016, 10:51:00 PM
Can't add anything major to what Greg said. North Park is surely disappointed to drop that one. I'd say they did quite well overall, with helpful contributions of one kind or another from everyone who played.
As for the NC game, I'll supplement Imitzel's summary by saying I thought the Cardinals' point guards did very fine work pushing the pace; the shortage of assists on their stat lines is not indicative of how they played.
A couple of very tight losses elsewhere in the CCIW. Carthage used a 29-17 4th Q to tie the U of Chicago at 69. The Maroons ended up winning in OT. Madie Kaelber's 28 pts led the Lady Reds.
Washington U (St Louis) edged Illinois Wesleyan 87-86. Molly McGraw supplied 33 pts for the Titans.
Carroll made 25/50 2FGs and nabbed 16 0-rebs, but got topped by Finlandia 77-68. For Carroll, Brittney Wald scored 24 and had 4 steals. Three others scored in double figures, including Morgan Lund who also had 11 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2016, 12:15:47 AM
Carroll might be hard put to scrounge up a win this season. Finlandia looked like the best bet for a Pioneers W, especially since the two teams met twice, but the Daughters of Sibelius won 'em both, by five and by nine. Carroll's other losses have been by 27 (St. Norbert), 27 (Franklin), 45 (Chicago), and 39 (Calvin). The Pioneers have UW-Oshkosh (preseason #14, currently 3-0) and UW-Whitewater (preseason ORV, currently 6-0) left on the non-conference docket, and you know that the Pioneers are not going to be competitive in those games.

Since the Pioneers only scheduled 24 games for this season, that leaves the CCIW as the most realistic venue for a Carroll win. However, while I make no claim to have an informed opinion on the other eight CCIW teams (other than the three that I've seen live), my initial surmise is that there's a pretty big gap between Carroll and everybody else in this league. My guess, albeit on limited information, is that a Carroll win in league play would be a pretty remarkable upset.

That's a shame, because I hate to see teams go winless, especially when it's a blown-out-every-game kind of winless.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 28, 2016, 12:34:42 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2016, 12:15:47 AM
Carroll might be hard put to scrounge up a win this season.

Kinda looks that way.  Though I'll be generous and give 'em two wins somewhere or other.

I preferred the eight team CCIW (though if they HAD to expand, Carroll was probably first choice).  At least for now, they have weakened the CCIW in football and women's bball (MAYBE strengthened us is men's bball).  I checked the Carroll website but short of checking every sport individually saw no way of seeing their general quality.  Do they have any athletic strengths?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2016, 01:08:15 AM
It's hard to say. Carroll was good at most everything by MWC standards, but MWC standards are not CCIW standards. Last year Carroll was third in MWC all-sports rankings on the men's side, and first on the women's side. The year before they tied for first with Grinnell among the men and were first among the women. The year before, third and tied for second.

Oddly enough, however, the only sports in which Carroll actually won the MWC over the past three years were men's golf last year and men's soccer (tied with Lake Forest) back in 2014-15.

(BTW, this is your early Christmas ypsi, Chuck. ;))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 28, 2016, 06:59:35 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 28, 2016, 12:34:42 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2016, 12:15:47 AM
Carroll might be hard put to scrounge up a win this season.

Kinda looks that way.  Though I'll be generous and give 'em two wins somewhere or other.

I went back to look to see if this has happened before. The last team to go 0-for the CCIW was Augie back in 2006, and has happened nine times total. NCC came close back in '11-'12 and was spared that fate by beating Augie in the regular season finale. That season was... not fun.

But it just goes to show how hard it is to go 0-for the season. I'd have to think they'll steal at least one somewhere.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2016, 06:05:16 PM
Congrats to Mikaela Eppard, new CCIW Player of the Week.
Elmhurst's 5 leading scorers are Mikaela, Kaela, Kalia, Hannah and Michaela.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2016, 04:44:07 AM
Millikin cruised past MacMurray 88-53 on Monday. Yanni Saddler (5'5" soph) had 7 rebs and 26 pts. As a freshman in '15-'16, her scoring high was 8. Some of her season totals were 50 pts and 37 rebs in 230 minutes. She is clearly being relied upon much more this year and no doubt improved her game during the offseason.
Through five games, Millikin is shooting .441 on 2FGs, .405 on 3FGs and .775 at the foul line.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2016, 05:11:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2016, 04:44:07 AM
Through five games, Millikin is shooting .441 on 2FGs, .405 on 3FGs and .775 at the foul line.

I'd be more impressed by this if MU's first five opponents hadn't consisted of four SLIAC teams and a MWC team. The Big Blue's OWP is a beyond-anemic .316.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2016, 06:15:23 PM
Had Millikin lost all five games, their OWP would be a lot better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2016, 07:25:29 PM
Nope. You don't count games played against the team in question when you calculate OWP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2016, 07:40:09 PM
Oh! Then it is a more useful measure than I had (erroneously) assumed. Thanks for the info, Greg.
On a similar topic, when Strengths of Schedule are calculated at the end of the regular season (the best time to do so), are the wins and losses involving the team in question excluded from that computation?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2016, 07:49:16 PM
Yep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2016, 09:12:38 AM
Augustana prevailed over Coe last night in OT, 103-94. One stat that "jumps out" is that Augie committed only 10 turnovers in 45 fairly fast-paced minutes. Off to a 5-0 start, they have had nine different players score in double figures.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2016, 10:58:48 AM
A stern test awaits the Thunder tonight at Univ of Chicago, a 4-0 Maroon team that's been blowing people out(except for their last game at Carthage).  Chicago is similar to WC in that they are a veteran team returning most of their key players from last season.  Both teams have decent size although I think Chicago will have a slight edge.  They are rebounding at a higher clip (+6.0) than the Thunder so Devin Kyler, who is not yet a great rebounder despite her 6'2" size, will really have her hands full on the glass.  I think the guards, like Kelly Lawson, will have to stay home a bit and help in that dept. 

I think this will be a good gauge for the team as they head to CCIW play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2016, 09:38:46 PM
IWU over Rose-Hulman 66-38..  defensive pressure doing its dirt.  Titans go to 3-3 on the new season. 

McGraw 12, Merritt 10.  Lots of Titans playing, running and jumping, running in and out.  The usual. 

If this team finds a way to shoot a better percentage, they could be very very good.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2016, 11:20:12 PM
Wheaton 76
Chicago 60

This one wasn't nearly as competitive as I thought it would be.  Chicago looks to be a pretty decent team in my opinion. But Wheaton was as impressive as I've seen them.  The combination of Katie McDaniels( 22 pts, 5rebs, 8 asst) and Kelly Lawson(18 pts, 9 rebs, 6 asst) is really tough to match.  And then you have Kelly Thornton(16 pts) off the bench contributing 16 pts even with Chantal Meacham having an off shooting night.  Devin Kyler had a solid game with 8 rebounds.

The Thunder are looking pretty solid heading into conference play.  Hoping we stay injury free.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2016, 10:23:58 AM
The other final from last night : UW Stevens Point 66, Carthage 50. Madie Kaelber led the Lady Reds with 15 pts. Carthage had only 6 FT att.
Nice wins for Mia Smith and Kent Madsen and their respective players.
iwu70, I was wondering why we hadn't heard from you in a while -- maybe you were laying in intensive care in Singapore or Durban. I guess you're OK after all.
GoPerry, both of the famous Meachams (Chantal and Jon) spell the name Meacham, not Meachem.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2016, 02:46:49 PM
Conference play starts Saturday because Carroll rejoined the CCIW (and nobody left). With 9 teams, it takes 9 rounds of games to allow each team to play 8 games. The games of January 21 will complete the first half of conference play, each team having played 8 games.
During this first half, Augustana and Elmhurst will have five home games, while Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin have three. The other five teams host four games in each half of CCIW play. This irregularity may be due to certain teams' preferences for home games on Saturdays vs Wednesdays. I know not.
This post is merely informational, with no criticism intended for how the schedule was formed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2016, 03:34:48 PM
Hey Hey RogK, yes, the TITANS look to be a good edition, perhaps able to challenge WC for the Conference title.  It will be close. 

I was on the IWU campus for some months, summer and fall, but now in transit back to Hong Kong and my other home base there, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.  Now in LA with my son, who works here in the renewable energy field.  Lovely sun, warm with bright blue skies, about in the high 60s.  A real nice break from the Central IL. wintry mix.  Heading to Asia again next week, for Spring term teaching at CUHK.  So I'll be watching my TITANS -- men and women -- in the morning whilst at work, via video streaming.  Looks to be a very exciting season for IWU with two very strong, contending teams.  The men are really off to a good start.  The women just played their 500th game under the leadership of Mia Smith.  With her at the helm and run and jump working pretty well early in the season, IWU fans can always be optimistic about a good season under Coach Smith.  I think this team looks to be one contending for the CCIW crown, perhaps winning 17-19 games.  Time will tell.  (On the men's side, the team looks excellent, unselfish, with many good weapons and pieces in place early -- I'd say a 19-20 win season could happen.  We'll see.  Q's assessment of the team so far is one I subscribe to as well -- having seen the first 3 games in The Shirk, before I started moving west.).

I'll keep in touch with the season and the Board, but from afar again.  No hospital visits yet -- but I have noticed that none of us are getting any younger, especially someone called IWU70. 

Happy holidays to you, RogK, and to all the Board chatsters.   Warm greetings from sunny, warm Lalaland.   

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2016, 04:38:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2016, 02:46:49 PM
Conference play starts Saturday because Carroll rejoined the CCIW (and nobody left). With 9 teams, it takes 9 rounds of games to allow each team to play 8 games. The games of January 21 will complete the first half of conference play, each team having played 8 games.
During this first half, Augustana and Elmhurst will have five home games, while Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin have three. The other five teams host four games in each half of CCIW play. This irregularity may be due to certain teams' preferences for home games on Saturdays vs Wednesdays. I know not.
This post is merely informational, with no criticism intended for how the schedule was formed.

You got it exactly right, except for the "certain teams' preferences" part. The schedule is spread out the way it is to ensure that everybody gets the same number of Saturday home dates -- and that's a league-based decision, not an attempt to cater to individual schools.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2016, 05:05:58 PM
Thanks for clearing that up, Greg.
Incidentally, North Park will be the first team to complete 8 conf games (on Jan 18) and to reach 16 (on Feb 18); their bye dates are Jan 21 and Feb 21.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2016, 05:26:06 PM
Yep. I'm not sure that the relative placement of bye dates is that big of a deal in basketball. It is a very big deal in football, due to the injury attrition inherent in the sport. It is in baseball as well to a lesser degree, because of pitcher workloads and availability.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 01, 2016, 07:40:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2016, 10:23:58 AM
The other final from last night : UW Stevens Point 66, Carthage 50. Madie Kaelber led the Lady Reds with 15 pts. Carthage had only 6 FT att.
Nice wins for Mia Smith and Kent Madsen and their respective players.
iwu70, I was wondering why we hadn't heard from you in a while -- maybe you were laying in intensive care in Singapore or Durban. I guess you're OK after all.
GoPerry, both of the famous Meachams (Chantal and Jon) spell the name Meacham, not Meachem.

Ahh- my very very bad. Thanks for that gentle correction RogK.  Corrected.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2016, 08:50:49 PM
You're welcome, GoPerry. So, what do you foresee happening in Wheaton's game at Elmhurst on Saturday? I'll predict a 68-61 final, with either the home team or the visitors being victorious. Ha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 01, 2016, 11:36:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2016, 08:50:49 PM
You're welcome, GoPerry. So, what do you foresee happening in Wheaton's game at Elmhurst on Saturday? I'll predict a 68-61 final, with either the home team or the visitors being victorious. Ha.

I'm expecting a better performance from the Thunder ladies than last year's visit to Faganel.  It was a very blah and generally forgettable game by Wheaton as they suffered one of their 3 conference losses.  Key of course will be keeping Eppard off the offensive glass as much as possible.  CCIW road games are always lose-able and this one is no different.  But I would expect the Thunder to win.  BlueJays are 6-0 but really haven't played anyone of caliber yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2016, 01:42:00 PM
Setting aside the idea that the whole season is rigged (nyuk nyuk), it kind of looks like we could have parity (or parody) throughout much (6 teams?) of the CCIW conference play. I apologize for under-use of parentheses in that sentence.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 02, 2016, 05:59:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 02, 2016, 01:42:00 PM
Setting aside the idea that the whole season is rigged (nyuk nyuk), it kind of looks like we could have parity (or parody) throughout much (6 teams?) of the CCIW conference play. I apologize for under-use of parentheses in that sentence.

Well, I would still say(and really trying to be impartial) that Wheaton is the clear favorite and I believe the best team out of 9.  But they are a team that somewhat relies on the outside shot and if that's not going, they're vulnerable.  Also there are a lot of returning starters and underclassmen with playing experience on each team.  So I would agree there's likely more parity this year than in the past.  I'm not sure when was the last time there was an undefeated team in league play – but it won't happen this year.  I'm guessing 13-3 will be good enough for the #1 seed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2016, 06:44:19 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 02, 2016, 05:59:20 PMI'm not sure when was the last time there was an undefeated team in league play

It's happened twice:

1988: Augustana (16-0)
1998: Millikin (14-0)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2016, 07:45:28 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2016, 06:44:19 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 02, 2016, 05:59:20 PMI'm not sure when was the last time there was an undefeated team in league play

It's happened twice:

1988: Augustana (16-0)
1998: Millikin (14-0)

Which is a LOT more recently than in MBB (1973 Augie and 1970 IWU).  Parity in WBB is definitely increasing, but Darryl Nestor's "How They Fared" still shows MUCH more red (losses) on the men's Top 25 report than the women's.  I suspect that is MOSTLY a reflection of the much shorter time that girls and women have taken bball seriously than boys and men - so far there still are simply not enough truly college-level skilled women's players to go around, so full-fledged 'beat-downs' are much more common with WBB than MBB.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2016, 09:05:44 PM
No, I don't think it's that. The skill level of incoming freshmen is much better than it used to be, because more girls are picking up the sport at an early age and more of them are playing AAU ball. There's plenty of competent 17- and 18-year-old girls out there to be recruited if a coach puts in the time and effort on the trail that she or he ought to. I think it's much more a matter of institutional emphasis. There are a lot of schools that don't put much focus on women's sports, basketball included. They'll tolerate a bad coach much longer, they'll short-change the women's team's budget because they know that nobody's gonna file a Title IX complaint, they won't hire a full-time coach, they'll settle for inadequate recruiting and open-tryout signs in the dorms, etc.

It seems as though every school that has a men's basketball program busts its butt to have a good one. You don't nearly get that feeling when it comes to women's basketball programs. Hence, the disproportionate number of lopsided games and the relative lack of W-L parity.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2016, 10:12:47 PM
Yeah, that's the other main culprit.  I suspect my culprit is even more important than yours (since the gap in red on "How They Fared" is definitely declining over the years), but I'm not really sure.  After all, the CCIW didn't even sponsor women's sports until the mid 80s, and if IWU had ANY women's intercollegiate sports in my day, I was unaware of them.  So the two culprits kinda go hand-in-hand.

The good news is that Title IX IS (gradually) making a huge difference.  A greater degree of parity in WBB is arriving.

Though as D3 football indicates, total parity is never a guarantee (or even likely).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on December 02, 2016, 10:59:31 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2016, 10:12:47 PM
Yeah, that's the other main culprit.  I suspect my culprit is even more important than yours (since the gap in red on "How They Fared" is definitely declining over the years), but I'm not really sure.  After all, the CCIW didn't even sponsor women's sports until the mid 80s, and if IWU had ANY women's intercollegiate sports in my day, I was unaware of them.  So the two culprits kinda go hand-in-hand.

The good news is that Title IX IS (gradually) making a huge difference.  A greater degree of parity in WBB is arriving.

Though as D3 football indicates, total parity is never a guarantee (or even likely).
if IWU had any women in your day they would have been the swim or tennis teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2016, 11:04:24 PM
I see no reason to assign much validity to Top 25 rankings (and premature Strengths of Schedule) this early in the season. And absolutely no value should be given to preseason polls, which should be burned once actual games begin. If preseason polls are treated as pre-positioning for subsequent rankings, these anointed teams are given a head start, potentially blocking fair consideration of everyone else.
Maybe we can simply accept the season as it unfolds. Sometimes, what seems like an "upset win" early in the year turns out in retrospect not to have been an upset at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2016, 12:18:00 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2016, 10:12:47 PMThough as D3 football indicates, total parity is never a guarantee (or even likely).

Apples and oranges. Football is nothing like either men's or women's basketball in terms of relative competition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 03, 2016, 10:56:17 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 02, 2016, 11:04:24 PM
I see no reason to assign much validity to Top 25 rankings (and premature Strengths of Schedule) this early in the season. And absolutely no value should be given to preseason polls, which should be burned once actual games begin. If preseason polls are treated as pre-positioning for subsequent rankings, these anointed teams are given a head start, potentially blocking fair consideration of everyone else.
Maybe we can simply accept the season as it unfolds. Sometimes, what seems like an "upset win" early in the year turns out in retrospect not to have been an upset at all.

Yes- really agree with that.  However, it seems to me that the voters who really matter - that being the regional committees in February - put in the effort necessary to drown out the noise with the criteria.  I think that bears itself out in the Pool C projections offered by Q and several other posters(not as much on the women's board unfortunately) where the departure from actual is only 1 or 2 teams.  I have to remind myself that the polls are really just for fan interest right?

To me, it's a bigger issue in football pre-season rankings in D1.  Didn't Notre Dame begin the season ranked in the top 10?  A good pre-season ranking gives teams a better chance to get into a better(higher paying) bowl game even if you end up with 3 losses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2016, 07:55:45 PM
In a total track meet, IWU and NCC women tied at 104 after regulation.  Going to OT.  What a great game of women's CCIW roundball.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2016, 08:13:25 PM
Wow, great game.  Titans win!!! in OT, 118-113.  What a track meet.

McGraw with 37.  #3 Whipple on NCC is a fabulous player, scoring 29. 

Great win for the TITAN women, now 4-3, 1-0 on the year. 

One sad note, Gabrielle Holness was injured and did not return, likely a knee injury.  Not good.  Let's hope only a strain.

Congrats to both teams, a truly wonderful, entertaining D3 game.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 03, 2016, 08:50:24 PM
Wheaton 71
Elmhurst 53

McDaniels, 27 pts on 11/14 FG, 6 rebs, 3 asst
Lawson, 15 pts, 4 rebs
Dansdill  7 pts, 7  rebs
Kyler  8 rebs

Summerlin 12 pts
Eppard 10 pts, 5 rebs

Wheaton 51.9% FG%, + 12 rebounding advantage.  From 18-17 early in the 2nd, the Thunder went on a 17-0 run and it was never really close after that.  Devin Kyler did a great job keeping Mikaela Eppard in check.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2016, 09:15:22 PM
Augustana edged North Park in the Quad Cities, 88-85. NPU had a double-digit lead late in the third quarter but coughed it up, and then lost in heartbreaking fashion at the end; NPU led by a point going into the final minute but couldn't make the necessary plays while Augie did. Liz Rehberger had 17 , Shaylee Sloan had 12 and 7, Emmy Gryna had a dozen points as well, and Elise Estelle added 10 for the Park, which got a solid game from Amani Davis, too (9 rebounds, 5 assists). Augie was paced by Izzy Anderson's 22 points, while 6'5 Augie center Kaycee Kallenberger had a 19 and 13 double-double and Jen Van Watermeulen, who sparked the late comeback for the Rock Islanders, added 18, while Corie Rieley had 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 03, 2016, 09:21:12 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 03, 2016, 08:13:25 PM
Wow, great game.  Titans win!!! in OT, 118-113.  What a track meet.

McGraw with 37.  #3 Whipple on NCC is a fabulous player, scoring 29. 

Great win for the TITAN women, now 4-3, 1-0 on the year. 

One sad note, Gabrielle Holness was injured and did not return, likely a knee injury.  Not good.  Let's hope only a strain.

Congrats to both teams, a truly wonderful, entertaining D3 game.

IWU'70

This one hurt. NCC missed a bunch of free throws in the second half and got sloppy as the game went on.

Kudos to IWU for executing down the stretch and taking a hard fought road win. Doesn't get any easier heading to Wheaton on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2016, 11:08:51 PM
Had my first look at Elmhurst today and will fully agree with GoPerry's compliment toward Wheaton's Devin Kyler; she was outstanding doing her main task of the contest, limiting Eppard to a subpar game. The Thunder also made sure Hannah Lipman didn't get going offensively.
Besides Summerlin's nice 3FG shooting, some other 'jays that I'd give a pat on the back would include Lisa Logan and Hannah Henderson, for sustained effort.
Wheaton makes many teams appear somewhat ineffectual, so I certainly wouldn't draw any conclusions about Elmhurst.
UW Oshkosh topped Carroll 84-51.
Carthage poured in 96, defeating Millikin by 16. Bailey Gilbert's 21 pts led 5 Reds in double figures. Carthage hit 14/27 3FGs. Emily Schultz had 22 pts and 6 rebs for the Big Blue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2016, 04:46:57 AM
No one has noted this here yet, but my prediction of a 68-61 final in the Wheaton - Elmhurst game was exactly correct, except for the 68 part and the 61 part.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 05, 2016, 09:38:57 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 05, 2016, 04:46:57 AM
No one has noted this here yet, but my prediction of a 68-61 final in the Wheaton - Elmhurst game was exactly correct, except for the 68 part and the 61 part.

I did notice the prediction RogK.  I admired its boldness - matched only by its lack of specificity!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 05, 2016, 02:29:34 PM
Congratulations to Augie's Izzy Anderson on winning CCIW Player of the Week honors.

http://www.cciw.org/news/2016/12/5/WBB_1205162402.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2016, 02:37:14 PM
She earned it. She was terrific against NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2016, 12:31:20 AM
I thought the NCC PG, #3 Whipple, was also just fabulous against IWU in that 200+ point track meet at NCC earlier.  She's really mobile and moves with the ball superbly.  Very rare talent.  She scored 29.  Too bad Molly McGraw didn't get recognized this week for her 37 point outburst in that game.  Izzy must have had quite a week.  Congrats to her.

Warm greetings to all from the Far Side now, sunny and in the high 70s here in Hong Kong!  :) 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 07, 2016, 08:18:39 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 07, 2016, 12:31:20 AM
I thought the NCC PG, #3 Whipple, was also just fabulous against IWU in that 200+ point track meet at NCC earlier.  She's really mobile and moves with the ball superbly.  Very rare talent.  She scored 29.  Too bad Molly McGraw didn't get recognized this week for her 37 point outburst in that game.  Izzy must have had quite a week.  Congrats to her.

Warm greetings to all from the Far Side now, sunny and in the high 70s here in Hong Kong!  :) 

IWU70

I think Mayson's the perfect point guard for The System. She can shoot from outside a little bit, but she's also very good at dribble penetration to either kick out to an open shooter or take the ball to the rim. She can hit a lot of those tough, off-balance shots that you get from those drives. It makes sense that she didn't get the POTW honors with only that game for the week.

McGraw... hard to say. She was obviously phenomenal on Saturday, but put up just 12 points and five rebounds against Rose-Hulman (albeit in 16 minutes). Anderson shot 18-28 from the floor and had decent floor games in both. Hard to argue against that pick.

Also, if you can send about 10 degrees stateside in about five days or so... that'd be fantastic.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2016, 03:50:44 PM
Although it is very early in CCIW play, I'm guessing the four squads that lost on Saturday may be a tad agitated, hoping to avoid 0-2.
Two such teams confront each other (Millikin @ North Park). North Central goes to Wheaton.
I'm returning to Elmhurst, to see what promises to be a good matchup with Augustana.
The other game features the Wisconsin teams.
It goes without saying that all four games will
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2016, 04:05:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 07, 2016, 08:18:39 AMMcGraw... hard to say. She was obviously phenomenal on Saturday, but put up just 12 points and five rebounds against Rose-Hulman (albeit in 16 minutes). Anderson shot 18-28 from the floor and had decent floor games in both. Hard to argue against that pick.

Also, without doing extensive research on POW selections, I wouldn't be surprised if the league office grades statistical performances earned against NCC on a curve.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2016, 04:09:36 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 07, 2016, 03:50:44 PM
Although it is very early in CCIW play, I'm guessing the four squads that lost on Saturday may be a tad agitated, hoping to avoid 0-2.
Two such teams confront each other (Millikin @ North Park).

I don't know if "agitated" is the right word. "Hold serve at home and win on the road against the league's bottom half" has always been the recipe for success in the CCIW. I'm not sure who is going to be in the league's bottom half this season (Carroll seems to be the only guarantee), but for NPU the loss at Augie, while unfortunate given the nail-biter circumstances, was hardly either unexpected or a staggering blow. Augie is going to be very tough for any CCIW team to beat in Carver this season.

North Park will be fine, as long as it defends home court tonight against the Big Blue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 07, 2016, 04:57:55 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2016, 04:05:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 07, 2016, 08:18:39 AMMcGraw... hard to say. She was obviously phenomenal on Saturday, but put up just 12 points and five rebounds against Rose-Hulman (albeit in 16 minutes). Anderson shot 18-28 from the floor and had decent floor games in both. Hard to argue against that pick.

Also, without doing extensive research on POW selections, I wouldn't be surprised if the league office grades statistical performances earned against NCC on a curve.

Nor would I be surprised that SIDs try to spread the award around some with their votes since the pool of potential recipients will tend to be the same week to week.  At least I hope that's the case since it's a weekly award and a nice recognition for a deserving player even if he/she might not have had the best stat line that week. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 07, 2016, 07:26:45 PM
So I heard this afternoon that if Wheaton breaks the century mark tonight every Wheaton student in attendance gets free Oberweis. So we're adding "preventing free ice cream" to the list of motivations for tonight alongside "get back to .500 in conference" and "snap the 14 game losing streak." I won't be able to watch any of it (or the men's game) because of Lamaze class. Hopefully we can give Wheaton a fight/keep them below 100.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2016, 08:51:44 PM
Yes, I would love to send you'all some South China coast warmth.  It is the best time of the year here -- cool evenings, warm sunny days, little pollution -- what is usually called the "hiking season" in HK.  Too hot in late Spring and summer, more like DC or New Orleans then.  Our holiday break has started now, in exam period, so the campus is also quiet and calm, with that look of fear on the faces of many students facing finals. 

I surely was not complaining about McGraw not getting POW.  She'll have her turn, no doubt.  Yes, I do think the SIDs spread the award around early in the season and then it comes down to the top players on the contending teams later in the year.  Ehresman and McGraw will surely make their mark as the season progresses.

So much more basketball to be played.

Happy holidays to all CCIW chatsters and friends.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 08, 2016, 12:22:13 AM
Just noticed that Gabrielle Holness played only 4 minutes against NCC.  Was that coach's decision (she had 3 TOs in those 4 minutes) or did she get hurt?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2016, 01:08:14 AM
Injury, according to iwu70 in reply 5171.
An entertaining game in Elmhurst, as visiting Augustana came away with a 91-84 win. Several momentum swings along the way.
For Augie : Kaycee Kallenberger had 12 pts (6/6 2FG), 11 rebs , 3 blocks, a steal; Corrie Reiley 19 pts and missed just 2 shots; Olivia Mayer (8/13 2FG, 5/6 FT) had 21 pts.
Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard tallied 22 pts (8/16 2FG, 6/6 FT) and 12 rebs; four other Bluejays scored in double figures.
We recently discussed how Augie's Izzy Anderson won Player of the Week, but scoring was not required of her in this game (she helped out more in other aspects of the game). They get points from a variety of players, which makes them a bit unpredictable.
Strong effort and good energy for both teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2016, 01:22:05 AM
Way up in the northern reaches of the league, Carthage topped Carroll 82-69. Carroll's Caylee Koker scored 27 (6/9 2FG, 4/9 3FG, 3/5 FT). Carthage's Madie Kaelber scored 22. And, oh yeah, Morgan Harris had a triple-double : 19, 10 and 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: nccfac on December 08, 2016, 01:55:16 AM
Wheaton's 90 to NCC's 85 was a well fought game. Kelly McDaniels and Kelly Lawson were awesome and brought the victory to the Thunder. I thought the commentary on the video feed was excellent. One of the announcers sounded like Chris Collingsworth on the NFL. Great game, fun to watch and the Cardinals were close to within two with just over a minute to play. Can't wait to see them in Naperville.  Go Cards'!!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2016, 03:25:49 AM
Yes, Holness went down with a knee injury early in the NCC game.  She was driving in for a lay-up, got hit from behind and went down with what looked like a twisted, strained knee.   She sat on the bench, iced up, for the rest of the game.  I haven't seen or heard how serious the injury was, is.  Perhaps there will be more news on her status from the IWU camp or in the Pgraph soon.  Not sure.   She would be a great loss, should she be out longer term.  She's the first, key person off the bench, for the Titans this year.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 08, 2016, 06:40:55 AM
Quote from: nccfac on December 08, 2016, 01:55:16 AM
Wheaton's 90 to NCC's 85 was a well fought game. Kelly McDaniels and Kelly Lawson were awesome and brought the victory to the Thunder. I thought the commentary on the video feed was excellent. One of the announcers sounded like Chris Collingsworth on the NFL. Great game, fun to watch and the Cardinals were close to within two with just over a minute to play. Can't wait to see them in Naperville.  Go Cards'!!!

I also thought the announcers were tremendous.  Very "midwest" but very good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 08, 2016, 07:53:46 AM
Quote from: nccfac on December 08, 2016, 01:55:16 AM
Wheaton's 90 to NCC's 85 was a well fought game. Kelly McDaniels and Kelly Lawson were awesome and brought the victory to the Thunder. I thought the commentary on the video feed was excellent. One of the announcers sounded like Chris Collingsworth on the NFL. Great game, fun to watch and the Cardinals were close to within two with just over a minute to play. Can't wait to see them in Naperville.  Go Cards'!!!

McDaniels goes by her first name, Katie.  The other Kelly is Lawson.

*******

If playing against the system is supposed to make a team uncomfortable with the high tempo, constant pressure scheme, then watching your team play against it is equally so.  I'm grateful that the Wheaton ladies came away with the win.  But I was not impressed with their performance.  I was expecting that a veteran team with good ball handlers would be able to handle the pressure.  Several times the Thunder would get out to a 7 or 8 point lead only to let the Cards back in with sloppy play and really bad turnovers.  It was as if Coach Madsen didn't really prepare them for what was to come.  Even in a game like this, 30 turnovers is way too high (although the 67 rebounds really pads the stat sheet).  They'll need a better performance when they go to the Hangar.

On the other hand, NCC has a core of very talented players that I think would thrive in a traditional scheme.  Whipple had a poor shooting night but is a very capable ball handler.  Cuny is a tall force on defense but wasted offensively since she hardly receives any touches.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 08, 2016, 09:30:33 AM
I just finished watching the Wheaton-NCC game. This was NCC's best shot at beating Wheaton in the System era. Wheaton didn't play very well but made the plays they needed to down the stretch to win. They also got some fortunate bounces down the stretch (and you do need a little luck in games like this).

From North Central's perspective in this one, I'm disappointed. This was a winnable game, much like the Wesleyan game, and you're in an 0-2 hole early on the season, but you've lost to the top two teams in the conference by five points apiece, including one in overtime. They're right there with the top of the CCIW. Give the freshmen a little more experience and this will be a tough team to beat in January and February.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2016, 11:04:14 AM
Emily Schultz shot quite well (8/13 2FG, 9/11 FT) to reach 25 pts in Millikin's 77-66 win at North Park. She also had 5 steals. Other Big Blue 'mates who did well include Rachael Weber (21 pts) and Lauren Moses (9 rebs). Liz Rehberger led NP with 15 pts, while Shaylee Sloan contributed 11 rebs and 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2016, 04:56:20 PM
NPU was awful last night. The Vikings played zero defense. Give full credit to Millikin, though, as the Big Blue were on their game at both ends of the floor. But, really, so much of this game was just plain ol' poor play by NPU.

The Vikings need to take a good long look in the mirror and resolve to put more effort into what they're doing, especially at the defensive end of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2016, 05:45:44 PM
As we are getting deep (ha) into the season, I'll mention that the all-CCIW team has been revised to 8 on 1st team and 8 on 2nd, no 3rd team. So, one more honoree than in the previous 3x5 set-up. Sixteen players out of 9 teams is fair, in my view.
The 8 team UAA uses two 7-player all-conf teams, but also adds honorable mentions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2016, 11:29:11 AM
Tomorrow will see completion of the opening one-sixth portion of conference play, with resumption due on January 4.
Either Carthage or Augustana will emerge 3-0. Either Carroll or North Park will pick up conf win #1. IWU (1-0) will try to give Elmhurst a 0-3 record. Millikin (1-1) will try to give North Central a 0-3 record. An interesting set of games. I'll ride the glamorous #53 Pulaski CTA bus to Foster Avenue and will observe Pioneers v Vikings.
Wheaton faces UW-Oshkosh, which is averaging a 68-31 win so far. The Thunder is then off until December 29.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 09, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2016, 11:29:11 AM
Tomorrow will see completion of the opening one-sixth portion of conference play, with resumption due on January 4.
Either Carthage or Augustana will emerge 3-0. Either Carroll or North Park will pick up conf win #1. IWU (1-0) will try to give Elmhurst a 0-3 record. Millikin (1-1) will try to give North Central a 0-3 record. An interesting set of games. I'll ride the glamorous #53 Pulaski CTA bus to Foster Avenue and will observe Pioneers v Vikings.

If the Vikings lose to Carroll, they will no doubt collectively be thrown beneath the equally-glamorous #92 Foster CTA bus.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2016, 12:48:45 PM
Also in the vicinity of North Park is CTA route 82 on Kimball Ave. On the 82 bus, you can study a diverse mix of generally harmless fellow riders, including a few for whom the pharmaceutical industry is busy concocting products.
Some area CTA passengers, be they home-grown or from Greece or Peru or Uzbekistan, have no idea that the north side baseball team just won the World Series. They wouldn't know if Kris Bryant was seated across from them. And some may regard me with suspicion tomorrow, having no idea that I'm going to watch Clarissa Ramos and Meredith Polzin play hoops.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2016, 07:10:29 PM
Looks like some, if not all, CCIW WBB teams may encounter thick snow on the way home from Saturday's games. Travel safely (after the game, not during).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2016, 09:23:47 PM
The Pgraph today reports that, very sadly, Gabrielle Holness is out for the year, effectively ending her basketball career at IWU.  Ms. Holness, one of my favorites on the team, is a senior.   The knee injury she suffered early in the NCC game seems to have been serious.  Not sure about surgery, etc.  It's a big loss for the Titans as she was the first key player off the bench in the current rotation and one of the more effective three-point shooters for the TITANS.  Very sad to see this loss. 

IWU at Elmhurst Saturday afternoon -- hoping to go 2-0 in conference play, to improve to 5-3 overall. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2016, 09:55:44 PM
Sad news indeed, iwu70. I'm sure she'll be a good source of encouragement from the bench for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2016, 10:39:44 PM
GoPerry, your post regarding the Wheaton - North Central game contained an item I thought deserved further contemplation : the Thunder grabbed an abundance of rebounds, 67.
So, I checked back and found that this amount is about standard for their games vs NC in recent years :
1/25/14 - 53, 2/15/14 - 73, 1/10/15 - 67, 1/31/15 - 69, 2/28/15 (CCIW playoffs) - 53, 1/9/16 - 70, 1/30/16 - 62.
In conference play, NC opponents have averaged in the mid-50s for rebounds, so Wheaton has done very well in that category. Wheaton won all 8 of the games referred to.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 10, 2016, 08:09:58 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2016, 10:39:44 PM
GoPerry, your post regarding the Wheaton - North Central game contained an item I thought deserved further contemplation : the Thunder grabbed an abundance of rebounds, 67.
So, I checked back and found that this amount is about standard for their games vs NC in recent years :
1/25/14 - 53, 2/15/14 - 73, 1/10/15 - 67, 1/31/15 - 69, 2/28/15 (CCIW playoffs) - 53, 1/9/16 - 70, 1/30/16 - 62.
In conference play, NC opponents have averaged in the mid-50s for rebounds, so Wheaton has done very well in that category. Wheaton won all 8 of the games referred to.

Thanks RogK.  Not surprising at all.  We all know that stats have the potential to be inflated when playing NCC.  But for me, it still causes a slight wow factor when I see it on a stat sheet- things like 67 rebs or 100+shots in a game.

A big game tonight for the Thunder ladies as they take a long bus ride to Oshkosh to take on the undefeated and 10th ranked Lady Titans.   I like having these early non-con tests vs nationally ranked teams so that the team and Coach Madsen can see where they stack up nationally.  I've been somewhat critical in the past that their non-con schedule hasn't prepared them well for the post-season.  So they need games like today's and vs Hope on the road(although 1st game of the season is not ideal) for a better chance at a deeper run in March. Two 1st round exits the last 2 years which have been pretty disappointing.

Unfortunately the game got moved 2 hrs later to 5pm since UWO is hosting the football semi vs John Carroll.  This will make the travel home a little sketchy in the snow.  Otherwise, that could be a decent twin bill for a D3 sports fan: Noon D3 football semi final followed by a basketball game featuring 2 nationally ranked teams.

Travel safe everyone!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 10, 2016, 09:21:49 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 09, 2016, 09:23:47 PM
The Pgraph today reports that, very sadly, Gabrielle Holness is out for the year, effectively ending her basketball career at IWU.  Ms. Holness, one of my favorites on the team, is a senior.   The knee injury she suffered early in the NCC game seems to have been serious.  Not sure about surgery, etc.  It's a big loss for the Titans as she was the first key player off the bench in the current rotation and one of the more effective three-point shooters for the TITANS.  Very sad to see this loss.   

IWU70

That was the fear I had when I saw her go down. Bummer to see happen no matter what team you root for.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 10, 2016, 05:52:15 PM
Sad for Gabrielle and the Titans.  I send strength to her for a full and complete recovery.  She's been a big part of the program for four years. 

IWU goes down to EC 86-80.  Now 4-4, 1-1.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2016, 12:01:22 AM
North Park beat Carroll, 87-57. Alicia Arnold led the way with 21 points for the Vikings, while Hannah Rehfeldt added 17, Gabby Sandoval scored 12 (and had three steals), and Liz Rehberger chipped in 11. Amani Davis had a really nice floor game with five steals and four assists to only one turnover for NPU. Shaylee Sloan pulled down a game-leading eight boards for the Park.

Carroll is not without talent. It's just an extremely young team -- two juniors, and everybody else underclassmen -- and it's too thin a roster as well. Only eight Pioneers suited up for this game. If Lindsay Schultz can keep this group together and pick up a couple of bigs and a penetrator in the off-season, the Pioneers might be on to something.

This went according to form, so it's nothing to get too excited about. It's just a relief that NPU took care of business without any drama. Now the Vikes wi'll step out of conference play again and continue to try to work out the kinks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2016, 09:49:36 AM
Greg, I think you should've capitalized the first letter of the last word in that post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2016, 09:51:44 AM
You really got me with that one, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2016, 10:54:03 AM
Ha ha!
Augustana rolls on, with an 83-68 win over Carthage. For the Vikings : Izzy Anderson had 12 pts, 7 reb, 5a, 4 stls; Sadie Roberts in that order 13 6 3 2; Mikayla Fallon 16 pts in 19:00; Kaycee Kallenberger 12 reb in 22:00. The Lady Reds' Morgan Vukovich did really well, 20 pts 13 rebs, 8/12 2FG and 4/4 FT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2016, 11:22:23 AM
Prior to attending the game at NP, I watched (online) much of the 86-80 Elmhurst win over IWU. I was impressed by Kaela Jones's clutch FT shooting 4/4 in the final half-minute after she had hit the floor hard. She finished with 22 pts. Elmhurst committed nearly too many turnovers, including having its collective pocket picked from behind several times by the Titans, but more than made up for that by good shooting, 7/15 3FG, 23/36 2FG, 19/25 FT.
Wheaton lost 65-53 up at Oshkosh. The Thunder had only 3 o-rebs, partly a failing on their part, but more so may be a sign of why Oshkosh is so good.
Katie McDaniels had 23 pts in 38:00, 8/11 FG (incl a three), 6/6 FT.
North Central led 36-34 at halftime at Millikin and followed that with a 67-34 2nd half, to win by 35. Millikin got 20 pts from Emily Schultz and 13 rebs by Lauren Moses. NC's Jamie Cuny was very sharp, making 5/6 threes and 4/4 FT for 19 pts, adding 6 rebs. Other Cardinals "chirped in" with 84 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 11, 2016, 03:40:45 PM
UW-Oshkosh 65
Wheaton 53

This was a fairly blasé and somewhat disappointing effort on the behalf of the Thunder ladies.  McDaniels did her usual thing with 23 pts on 8/11 shooting.  But the usual solid supporting cast had very poor nights.  Kelly Lawson came into the game averaging 16 pts a game but seemed hesitant to assert herself for whatever reason, finishing with a single point.  The rebounding was pretty bad -11 including a 16-3 disadvantage on the offensive glass which contributed to Oshkosh taking 18 more shots than Wheaton 65-47.

UWO has a solid team but I was not overwhelmed.   I don't believe they are considerably better than Wheaton although they obviously were last night.  It's a team the Thunder might get a crack at again but they'll need to play at a higher level.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 12, 2016, 09:53:10 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 11, 2016, 11:22:23 AM
North Central led 36-34 at halftime at Millikin and followed that with a 67-34 2nd half, to win by 35. Millikin got 20 pts from Emily Schultz and 13 rebs by Lauren Moses. NC's Jamie Cuny was very sharp, making 5/6 threes and 4/4 FT for 19 pts, adding 6 rebs. Other Cardinals "chirped in" with 84 pts.

Went back to watch this one this morning. NCC looked good. Struggled offensively early on, but the press was on point. I think I counted three five-second calls on inbounds plays, and when you can get multiple of those, you know it's your night. It helps too when you catch fire from beyond the arc in the second half.

After falling just short against the top teams in the CCIW, this was a good win to get. They don't come back home until January 7th though, with a trip to Hawaii coming up in a week as well as a tournament in Chicago to help tune up again before CCIW play resumes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 12, 2016, 09:57:50 AM
Random side note with this game, and this is mostly just me picking nits about off-court stuff, but I wish the other PA announcers in the conference would make it easier on themselves and just say something to the effect of "a new five on the floor for the Cardinals" when a line change happens (or hell, if they want to steal my "wholesale line change" line, I'm not opposed to it). It's just so much easier than trying to catch all five of the players coming on and announce them all. To the Millikin announcer's credit, she did adjust to just last names after a while, which was smart. It's just so much quicker to do the general line change announcement, especially after a foul call.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 10:45:08 AM
North Park PA announcer Kevin Shepke typically doesn't do roll call when NCC makes a line change during an NCC @ NPU contest. Since he doubles as the live stats operator he doesn't have the time to even try to do it. As for me as the play-by-play broadcaster, I typically don't individually identify each new quintet, either, when NPU hosts NCC. I simply inform the viewers of the line change. On most occasions there just isn't enough time to visually scan the uniform numbers and come up with the new names, and the occurrence in which there usually is time to announce the new Cardinals -- an NPU timeout -- is when I'm either reading ad copy or, if it's late in the game and the score is close, I'm giving a game-situation reset, which consists of my reciting the score, time, timeouts remaining for both teams, team fouls for both teams, and the list of players with three or more personal fouls.

The actual pace of a game against North Central is not that hard for me to negotiate as a PBP announcer, because it's still not as quick and as incident-heavy as a men's game. The hard part is keeping the players straight, and even with that I'm stretching to call it "the hard part". It usually takes me a couple of minutes of calling a game before I have the numbers and names of opposing players down cold to the point where I'm no longer looking at the handout to remind myself. It takes a bit longer to do that when the Cardinals are the opponents, but that's really not a big deal. Nobody who's watching the broadcast can see me holding my clipboard with the handout on it, anyway. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 12, 2016, 11:26:45 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 10:45:08 AM
North Park PA announcer Kevin Shepke typically doesn't do roll call when NCC makes a line change during an NCC @ NPU contest. Since he doubles as the live stats operator he doesn't have the time to even try to do it. As for me as the play-by-play broadcaster, I typically don't individually identify each new quintet, either, when NPU hosts NCC. I simply inform the viewers of the line change. On most occasions there just isn't enough time to visually scan the uniform numbers and come up with the new names, and the occurrence in which there usually is time to announce the new Cardinals -- an NPU timeout -- is when I'm either reading ad copy or, if it's late in the game and the score is close, I'm giving a game-situation reset, which consists of my reciting the score, time, timeouts remaining for both teams, team fouls for both teams, and the list of players with three or more personal fouls.

The actual pace of a game against North Central is not that hard for me to negotiate as a PBP announcer, because it's still not as quick and as incident-heavy as a men's game. The hard part is keeping the players straight, and even with that I'm stretching to call it "the hard part". It usually takes me a couple of minutes of calling a game before I have the numbers and names of opposing players down cold to the point where I'm no longer looking at the handout to remind myself. It takes a bit longer to do that when the Cardinals are the opponents, but that's really not a big deal. Nobody who's watching the broadcast can see me holding my clipboard with the handout on it, anyway. ;)

Which is why I commend both of you for recognizing that it's easier to either just mention that there's a line change, or like Wheaton did this past Wednesday, just let them come out on the floor and not even acknowledge the change. We've also got a cheat sheet for at home, which helps our stat crew, but I don't know if they do the same on the road.

I acknowledge the difficulty keeping players straight. North Central has 20 players on the roster and, while many of them are familiar faces, I'm still adjusting to the newcomers a little bit. I usually need a quarter or two before I can get pretty much everyone on the visiting team down without needing to cross check my list. You use whatever you need to to do your job, clipboard or otherwise.

The struggle is real.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 12:07:03 PM
My beef with PA announcers and PBP broadcasters doesn't involve identifying players per se, whether the opposing team's style makes it difficult or not. It's pronouncing their names properly. On previous occasions Chuck and Rog and other long-time d3boards.com posters have seen me fulminate against announcers and broadcasters who botch the names of opposing players, but every season I continue to hear people behind the mic who are not doing their homework. It's not just students who mess it up, either. In fact, in most of the cases it's not students; sometimes it's even professional radio announcers who (repeatedly) screw up the names because they obviously don't know how to pronounce them properly.

I just don't get it. How hard is it to approach an assistant coach from the other team during the shootaround and ask him or her if he or she will correct you as you read off the names on that team's roster? It takes all of two minutes, and it saves you the trouble of: a) not sounding like an amateur who doesn't know what he's doing; and b) irritating listeners, whether they're in the crowd or they're listening via radio or computer.

F'rinstance, although I'm usually pretty good at guessing pronunciations, on Saturday night I was corrected on the pronunciation of two Carroll starters prior to the men's game by a CU assistant coach when I went over the Pioneers' roster with him during the shootaround. I shudder to think how I would've sounded to Carroll listeners had I gone the entire game butchering the names of those two very important players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 12, 2016, 12:22:46 PM

Especially when it's a conference game and the player is a three year starter and the announcers are still getting it wrong.  That's a minimum of five games to get the name correct.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 12:29:41 PM
Yep. This past week I heard a veteran radio commentator repeatedly mess up the name of a visiting team's senior who, although not starting, was a starter in the past and has been in the rotation ever since arriving on campus four years ago. Fortunately, his PBP partner pronounced the name properly and the commentator eventually took the hint in the second half and started following his partner's lead in terms of pronouncing that player's name.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on December 12, 2016, 01:05:17 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 12:29:41 PM
Yep. This past week I heard a veteran radio commentator repeatedly mess up the name of a visiting team's senior who, although not starting, was a starter in the past and has been in the rotation ever since arriving on campus four years ago. Fortunately, his PBP partner pronounced the name properly and the commentator eventually took the hint in the second half and started following his partner's lead in terms of pronouncing that player's name.
it would seem the SID would have a phonetic list of players to hand out before the game to press and broadcasters, or have it available on the school or conference website.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 01:18:59 PM
Phonetic lists certainly help, and you sometimes see them offered for football (although even in that sport they're the exception to the rule). But over the course of my nine seasons of broadcasting games I can count on one hand all of the phonetic lists I've seen for D3 basketball, either on the school website or on the handout, and that goes for both men and women. And I've never seen a conference provide a phonetic list.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 12, 2016, 02:38:02 PM
Congrats to Olivia Mayer, new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 12, 2016, 03:14:53 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 01:18:59 PM
Phonetic lists certainly help, and you sometimes see them offered for football (although even in that sport they're the exception to the rule). But over the course of my nine seasons of broadcasting games I can count on one hand all of the phonetic lists I've seen for D3 basketball, either on the school website or on the handout, and that goes for both men and women. And I've never seen a conference provide a phonetic list.

I've seen a handful. Most of the CCIW schools don't have any, so usually I end up watching one of their games leading up to their trip to Naperville. Worst case scenario I ask pregame. I don't want to sound like an idiot, though I have had parents come by to correct me a time or two. I apologize and fix it, but if I can do the work beforehand to avoid it I will.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 04:19:46 PM
I can and will correct when I get the chance. I won't let on which school it was (it wasn't NCC), but at halftime of a CCIW women's basketball game within the past few years in which North Park was the visiting team I went over to the table and, as unobtrusively as I could, corrected the PA guy on the pronunciation of three NPU players' names. He was grateful.

I appreciate getting help, too, as long as it's done in the right manner and spirit. This fall the NPU women's soccer team was hosting Illinois Tech, and neither the IIT official roster (in NCAA soccer, both men and women, each team has to submit a copy of their official roster to the scorekeeper) nor the handout had a #23 listed for the Scarlet Hawks. When, to my surprise, a #23 came onto the pitch for Illinois Tech at the start of the match, I was stuck with having to identify her by her number (for which I apologized to the viewers). Shortly thereafter, a Scarlet Hawks fan who was apparently listening to my call via his smartphone walked up to the open window of the press box and informed me sotto voce that the Hawk who usually wore #2 was wearing #23 that day. That was something that the IIT coach had failed to tell me when I went over pronunciations with him before the match (just as he had failed to note the change when submitting his copies of the official roster to the ref, the NPU coach, and the press box). I wish that I'd had the chance to thank the person who came up to the press box window, because, as I said, I appreciated his assistance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on December 12, 2016, 04:58:25 PM
Greg,

You were just spoiled by having such a spectacular PA guy when you were a young pup in college.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 05:30:06 PM
Joe, I'd hate to hear that you had to spent the holidays with your arm in a sling due to patting yourself on the back too vigorously.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 09:07:36 PM
North Park 88
Blackburn 52

Liz Rehberger: 21 pts, 6 stls, 4:2 a:to
Hannah Rehfeldt: 15 pts
Elise Estelle: 13 pts
Alicia Arnold: 11 pts, 3 stls
Amani Davis: 5 stls, 9:1 a:to
Shaylee Sloan: 3 stls

NPU picked up a sloppy win over a really bad Beavers squad tonight. The Vikings clanked one wide-open trey attempt after another, missing eight of their first nine from downtown as Blackburn actually led, 20-19, a minute deep into the second quarter. Then the Vikings seemed to figure out that they could jump the perimeter passing lanes at will, and went on a steal spree. NPU embarked upon a 24-0 run loaded with fast-break layups, Blackburn didn't score again until the final minute of the half, and the rout was on.

All in all, it was a nice little finals week diversion, as all of the reserves got plenty of playing time. Nobody played more than 22 minutes tonight for NPU, as twelve of the fourteen Vikings saw double-digit minutes, making it a worthwhile exercise, I suppose, in giving the youngsters lots of experience.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 12, 2016, 10:07:40 PM
My suspicion is that several of Blackburn's players may not have planned to play hoops, but answered their school's call for assistance. They are rather short in the area of height. Stole that line from Monty Python's Flying Circus, I think.
To add to their woe, two of them appeared to suffer knee injuries. A quick recovery is wished to each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 12, 2016, 11:06:24 PM
What they lack in height they more than make up for in girth, however. Blackburn actually outrebounded NPU by three, in large part because the ample frames of the Beavers displaced so much space under the basket that they effectively boxed out the Vikings without even trying very hard to do so. Of course, this was matched by a corresponding lack of quickness on the part of this zaftig Beavers squad, but their coach did a nice job of shuttling players in and out every couple of minutes to keep them from getting too winded.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2016, 12:11:24 AM
On that subject of North Park rebounding, the three best rebounders through 8 games are Shaylee Sloan at 27 per 100 minutes, along with Clarissa Ramos and Brie Lippert at about 23 per 100 min. A couple of others have higher rates, but sample sizes (minutes) are too small.
When conference play resumes, North Park will need some rebounding "by committee" to augment what the aforementioned trio will provide. Fortunately for NP,  several of their guards are above average and will help.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 13, 2016, 08:49:23 PM
North Central is up at Stevens Point tonight. They're winning the rebounding battle, which is nice, but have a ton of early turnovers and are down 22 in the final minute of the first half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 14, 2016, 07:04:22 AM
Final from last night: UWSP 95, NCC 72

Cardinals committed 26 turnovers and were down 26-7 after one quarter, but bounced back pretty well after that and, even though they lost by 23, they kept the margin around that most of the night, even pulling within 13 after three quarters. 11 points apiece for Mayson Whipple and Shannon Ryan, 10 for Selena Juarez (which I'm pretty sure is a career high).

Alarming stat which really concerns me: NCC shot 10-23 at the free throw line last night. They've had some struggles at the line all year so far (60.9 percent for the season, when in prior years they've been in the 65-68 percent range). I know free throws aren't a focus in The System, but when you get those opportunities... you kinda need to make the most of them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 14, 2016, 10:11:20 AM
Carroll: 43
WARHAWKS: 65

Carroll started the game sinking 3 three pointers and with an 11-1 run.   The WARHAWKS finished the quarter with a 13-3 run of their own and settled the game in the second quarter outscoring the Pioneers 25-9.  The lead reached a high of 26 points in the third quarter before bench players took over. 

Carroll dressed eight players for the game.  After hitting 3 of their first 4 three point attempts they made only 1 of the next 16.  Their guards really struggled with the WARHAWKS defensive pressure committing 30 turnovers which included 14 steals and surrendered 29 points.  Brittney Wald led the Pioneers with 13 points and 6 rebounds though she also committed 11 of the turnovers.  Carroll is just not good. 

The first seven WARHAWKS averaged 16 minutes of floor time and the lineup was dominated by other substitutes early in the third quarter.  By the end even our radio guy had trouble identifying players on the floor having never seen some of them before. The WARHAWKS travel to Augustana on Tuesday.  I know that they are much better so it should be interesting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2016, 03:59:24 PM
Thanks for the detailed game summary, badgerwarhawk!
Imitzel, how does NC score only 7 in that 1st quarter? Bus lag?
As you pointed out, their FT pct was not good. 60% for the season is tolerable (just barely), as it get you a decent amount of points per possession. Closer to 70% should be achievable.
NC would like to take 65 or 70 threes in each game, but most opponents guard the 3-line tightly enough to discourage that many tries. So, NC does end up attacking the basket more, yielding many FT attempts in some games. This can secondarily work to their advantage if key opposition players get in foul trouble, although a strategy of trying to induce fouling by specific opponent players is often dubious because you end up blowing possessions via offensive fouls or forced shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 14, 2016, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 14, 2016, 03:59:24 PM
Thanks for the detailed game summary, badgerwarhawk!
Imitzel, how does NC score only 7 in that 1st quarter? Bus lag?

I'm going to chalk it up to looking ahead to their trip to Hawaii next week not taking care of the ball against a Top 25 team. After that first quarter they played well, so maybe bus lag? I don't know.

Quote from: RogK on December 14, 2016, 03:59:24 PM
As you pointed out, their FT pct was not good. 60% for the season is tolerable (just barely), as it get you a decent amount of points per possession. Closer to 70% should be achievable.
NC would like to take 65 or 70 threes in each game, but most opponents guard the 3-line tightly enough to discourage that many tries. So, NC does end up attacking the basket more, yielding many FT attempts in some games. This can secondarily work to their advantage if key opposition players get in foul trouble, although a strategy of trying to induce fouling by specific opponent players is often dubious because you end up blowing possessions via offensive fouls or forced shots.

I think the attempt number is a tad high. When I first found out NCC was going to The System Caoch Roof told me they were gunning for 45 attempts a game. Average is probably in the 50-60 range, even with defensive adjustments. What helps is having point guards who can penetrate and get layups, which is why Mayson Whipple (and Bobbi Johns before her) have been so valuable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2016, 12:59:55 PM
Here's a little look at which players are frequently getting to the foul line. I decided to limit it to those who had at least 3 FT att per game played by the team. Also, I arbitrarily imposed a minimum of .15 FT att per minute.
AUG Kaycee Kallenberger .187 per min
AUG Mikayla Fallon .152
CRL Caylee Koker .164
CTG Morgan Harris .159
ELM none
IWU none
MIL Emily Schultz .217
MIL Yanni Saddler .151
NCC Diamond Calicott .287
NPU Liz Rehberger .181
WHE Katie McDaniels .197
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2016, 11:39:47 AM
Millikin's game at Wash U St Louis has been postponed to another day.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2016, 01:26:50 PM
As North Park prepares to take on Illinois Tech down at 30th and Wabash this afternoon, I decided to check out the roster of the Scarlet Hawks -- and I got a strong feeling of déjà vu. Then it struck me that some of these names were the same as the names I called when I did the play-by-play for the women's soccer match between the Scarlet Hawks and the Vikings that was played at NPU this fall. Lo and behold, seven of the twelve Scarlet Hawks who will face the Vikings on the hardwood this afternoon also faced the Vikings on the pitch two months ago today!

I'm impressed that Illinois Tech has so many student-athletes who are competing in two sports that have back-to-back seasons. But, given the specialization that is now customary among athletes, having a team that consists of that many two-sport athletes does not bode well for the Scarlet Hawks in terms of basketball. It's therefore not a surprise that they are 0-6 this season, with their last contest being a 79-19 loss at MSOE three days ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2016, 07:37:46 PM
IWU routs Chicago, 79-52 at The Shirk.

Ehresman 18
McGraw 16
Merritt 11
Shanks, the freshman, 11
Kelly 10

Run and Jump doing it's dirt, forcing 38 Chicago TOs.  Titans outscored Chicago 30-7 in the 4th Q to pull away easily.

Titans now 4-3, 1-1. 

Heading south soon after Christmas to face #4 Thomas More, the defending DIII champions, currently undefeated at 7-0, and a game in Ohio too, at Wilmington College. 

Happy holidays to all the Titans -- rest up after Finals, get ready for the rest of the CCIW season.  It's going to be tough.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2016, 07:52:44 PM
Correction:  Titans now 5-4, 1-1. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2016, 08:02:21 PM
Probably the less said about NPU's 86-33 road win over Illinois Tech, the better. But I'll say some stuff, anyway. Emmy Gryna, the freshman from Wheaton North, had her best day as a collegian, leading the Vikings with 17 points, mostly off of 5-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Shaylee Sloan, whom I think is going to have to be a key player in order for the Vikings to make any headway this season, had a nice 11 and 13 double-double and was a perfect 5-5 from the field. Amani Davis had her usual strong floor game, notching a 7:1 a:to and coming up with four steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2016, 11:04:32 PM
As one of a select few who attended the NP / IIT contest, I'll submit a few comments, per Greg's nonrequest (ha). First, North Park was very nice to IIT. Had NP decided to press them, the Vikings could have easily ran up 130 points or more. Second, Liz Rehberger could've scored 35 or 45 and picked up 8 or 10 or 12 steals, had she been turned loose; she wasn't turned loose, so this game hurt her per game stats. Not something to be too worried about, but I'm just advising our readers that her usual productivity was absent by design.
North Park committed 17 turnovers, but quite a few involved disrupted efforts to get the ball to players who normally don't see many scoring opportunities.
The trio of Vikings listed by Greg certainly played well. I'll also applaud Hannah Rehfeldt, who was left open by IIT numerous times and could've sank an additional number of threes, but she literally passed on the chance and instead fed others.
IIT has maybe two or three players who'd get part-time duty on some CCIW rosters. Their team is of below-average height and basketball skill, but I give them credit for trying. Never much fun for winless teams. As Greg mentioned earlier today, a bunch of 'em are multi-sport participants and are presumably keeping up with IIT's respected academic demands.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2016, 11:16:17 PM
That's true. And if the rules were suddenly changed prior to the opening tip and players were no longer allowed to use their hands, NPU would've been in big trouble. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2016, 11:55:45 PM
Fortunately, no such revision occurred, nor was any scoring called back due to offsides.
That was quite a 4th Q smashing of U-Chicago by IWU, 30-7... wow.
Other CCIW results :
Elmhurst was up 50-48 early in their 4th Q, but then jumped ahead of UW Platteville for a 73-61 final. Mikaela Eppard had 22 pts, 13 rebs; Hannah Lipman had 9 defensive rebs.
Augie (9-0) had minimal trouble at Central College (Pella IA) and won 81-59. Augie scored 36 from 2FGs, 21 from 3FGs and 24 from FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 19, 2016, 07:06:05 AM
The NCC women have been enjoying Hawaii for the last few days, getting some beach time in, taking in a luau, pregaming for the beach with McDonald's, but I have heard no word about the legendary 1 liter Mai Tais I encountered on Maui on my honeymoon. (Then again, they're in Honolulu, so that's probably why). But they begin the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic tonight against Chapman University at 5:00 Hawaii time (9:00 here). I can't find anything about a video feed for the game, much less a stats feed. Hopefully something will pop up between now and then.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2016, 12:33:20 PM
Took a look at Chapman's stats and noticed these items :
their opponents have had an above average quantity of FT attempts (most recent listed first) - 23 26 29 36 13 21
they have induced an above average number of turnovers - 27 25 23 32 36 18
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2016, 12:37:15 PM
Heading over to NPU to watch the Vikings take on Eureka this afternoon, Rog?

This should be much more of a contest for the Vikings than NPU has received from its last three opponents. Of course, that's not saying much.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2016, 12:43:15 PM
Yeah, I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it! Hopefully the assigned refs know it's an afternoon event.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 19, 2016, 02:12:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 19, 2016, 12:33:20 PM
Took a look at Chapman's stats and noticed these items :
their opponents have had an above average quantity of FT attempts (most recent listed first) - 23 26 29 36 13 21
they have induced an above average number of turnovers - 27 25 23 32 36 18

Given NCC's shot selection, those free throw numbers will probably be down. I'm guessing some sort of pressure defense given the high turnover numbers despite the 2-4 record. We could see a combined 60-70 turnovers tonight if both defenses come to play.

Still haven't seen any news about a video feed, which is a shame for an organization that wants to run tournaments for smaller schools. It's a great experience for the players and fans that make the trip, but for the fans at home, it would be nice to have some sort of Web stream available. I don't even see a stats link available, though discussions I had at North Central on Saturday made it sound like the tournament officials have someone lined up to do stats.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2016, 04:39:18 PM
North Park 68
Eureka 48

Liz Rehberger: 32 pts, 9 rebs
Brie Lippert: 10 pts
Shaylee Soan: 11 rebs
Amani Davis: 6 rebs, 8:0 a:to, 3 blks

NPU pulled away from a close game with a 19-8 outburst in the third quarter to win this one easily. It was good to see Liz Rehberger, who has been relatively quiet lately (for her) take charge and have one of her patented breakout performances.

NPU is now 7-3 heading into the Colorado College tourney next week that will conclude the Park's non-con slate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2016, 09:00:12 PM
Wow, the NCC women really know how to enjoy the break and have some games in the best of locations.  As a UH Manoa and East West Center alum, I surely envy their time in Hawaii, a truly special and pristine place, esp. the beaches of the North Shore.  I'll be heading there again in 2020 for sure, for another big EWC reunion and alumni conference.  Yes, I have to admit it -- almost 50 years since I flew to Hawaii from IWU and Central Illinois to begin my grad school years.  Time flies when you're having fun, heh?

Good luck to all the CCIW teams for good, final non-conference games upcoming . . . and happy holidays to all, esp. all the CCIW chatsters on this Board.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2016, 09:27:35 PM
Titans sweep the weekly POW honors.  Warm congrats to Rebekah Ehresman on her CCIW POW award.  Very deserved.  She and Molly McGraw are playing at a high level, week-in and week-out.  (Trevor Seibring has won the men's award this week). 

Keep it going Titans -- in KY. and Ohio after the holiday break. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2016, 09:58:43 PM
Elmhurst lost at Loras today, 79-72. The Bluejays scored 22 pts on 24 FT att, 24 pts on 21 3FG att and 26 pts on 33 2FG att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 02:37:11 AM
Earlier tonight, the NCC Cardinals were able to put the allure and charm of the islands out of their collective minds long enough to defeat Chapman by a score of 93-84 in Honolulu.
The Lady Birds were led in scoring by Mayson (Don't squeeze the)(Charmin) Whipple with 17. She also had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Paula (PZ) Zerante provided strong support with 15, and Natali (Agent 22) Dimitrova, and the always sterling Anita Sterling both had 10.

Tomorrow, the Cards take on Occidental at 3:00 Hawaii time before spending the following three days sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2016, 03:40:40 AM
Not much change overall in the new DIII women's poll.  WC dropping from 21 to 24, Augie getting a little love now in ORV, at 12 points.  As usual, so many teams still undefeated at this stage.  Must be playing rather weak schedules overall. 

IWU soon plays #4 Thomas More in KY.  A real test, a real challenge.  But, no Sydney Moss any more.   :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 20, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 02:37:11 AM
Earlier tonight, the NCC Cardinals were able to put the allure and charm of the islands out of their collective minds long enough to defeat Chapman by a score of 93-84 in Honolulu.
The Lady Birds were led in scoring by Mayson (Don't squeeze the)(Charmin) Whipple with 17. She also had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Paula (PZ) Zerante provided strong support with 15, and Natali (Agent 22) Dimitrova, and the always sterling Anita Sterling both had 10.

Tomorrow, the Cards take on Occidental at 3:00 Hawaii time before spending the following three days sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.  ;)

LoL, I'm old enough to get it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2016, 10:39:52 AM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs1.reutersmedia.net%2Fresources%2Fr%2F%3Fm%3D02%26amp%3Bd%3D20071119%26amp%3Bt%3D2%26amp%3Bi%3D2240080%26amp%3Bw%3D460%26amp%3Bfh%3D%26amp%3Bfw%3D%26amp%3Bll%3D%26amp%3Bpl%3D%26amp%3Bsq%3D%26amp%3Br%3D2007-11-19T230811Z_01_N19511597_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE0&hash=85c13da53230bdecedf1a1ebecd82527baa61858)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 20, 2016, 10:51:43 AM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on December 20, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 02:37:11 AM
Earlier tonight, the NCC Cardinals were able to put the allure and charm of the islands out of their collective minds long enough to defeat Chapman by a score of 93-84 in Honolulu.
The Lady Birds were led in scoring by Mayson (Don't squeeze the)(Charmin) Whipple with 17. She also had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Paula (PZ) Zerante provided strong support with 15, and Natali (Agent 22) Dimitrova, and the always sterling Anita Sterling both had 10.

Tomorrow, the Cards take on Occidental at 3:00 Hawaii time before spending the following three days sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.  ;)

LoL, I'm old enough to get it.

*too young to get it*

With regards to the game, I was way off on the free throw attempts for NCC. They ended up shooting 54 free throws. The alarming part about this is that they only made 30. On the season they are now down to 59.7% shooting at the line.

That... is not ideal. I'll take the win either way, but this team needs to improve at the line if they want to play deeper into the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2016, 12:32:12 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 20, 2016, 10:51:43 AM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on December 20, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 02:37:11 AM
Earlier tonight, the NCC Cardinals were able to put the allure and charm of the islands out of their collective minds long enough to defeat Chapman by a score of 93-84 in Honolulu.
The Lady Birds were led in scoring by Mayson (Don't squeeze the)(Charmin) Whipple with 17. She also had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Paula (PZ) Zerante provided strong support with 15, and Natali (Agent 22) Dimitrova, and the always sterling Anita Sterling both had 10.

Tomorrow, the Cards take on Occidental at 3:00 Hawaii time before spending the following three days sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.  ;)

LoL, I'm old enough to get it.

*too young to get it*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L50tuag6iRs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 12:50:25 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 20, 2016, 10:51:43 AM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on December 20, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 02:37:11 AM
Earlier tonight, the NCC Cardinals were able to put the allure and charm of the islands out of their collective minds long enough to defeat Chapman by a score of 93-84 in Honolulu.
The Lady Birds were led in scoring by Mayson (Don't squeeze the)(Charmin) Whipple with 17. She also had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Paula (PZ) Zerante provided strong support with 15, and Natali (Agent 22) Dimitrova, and the always sterling Anita Sterling both had 10.

Tomorrow, the Cards take on Occidental at 3:00 Hawaii time before spending the following three days sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.  ;)

LoL, I'm old enough to get it.

*too young to get it*


For you youngsters information....................

Mr. Whipple was all over TV commercials on all the networks, and everywhere in print ads from 1964-1985.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
I see from the box score that seven different NC players committed at least 3 turnovers, with a team total of 35. Appears that NC getting 65 rebounds was a main factor enabling victory.
That game was played at a Honolulu high school. Does the NCAA mandate a 50x94 court, or could they have used a 50x84 high school court? I guess portable baskets would allow temporary placement of a 94 ft long court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 20, 2016, 01:10:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
That game was played at a Honolulu high school. Does the NCAA mandate a 50x94 court, or could they have used a 50x84 high school court? I guess portable baskets would allow temporary placement of a 94 ft long court.

I'm admittedly not an expert, but based on my interpretation of the rule book, it's supposed to be the 94 feet.

I would have to assume then that they're playing on a 94 foot court, but the only picture I've seen of the venue (https://twitter.com/CoachRoof_NCC/status/811255083904077824) is inconclusive as to the length of the floor/status of the baskets.

Quote from: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 12:50:25 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 20, 2016, 10:51:43 AM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on December 20, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Quote from: AndOne on December 20, 2016, 02:37:11 AM
Earlier tonight, the NCC Cardinals were able to put the allure and charm of the islands out of their collective minds long enough to defeat Chapman by a score of 93-84 in Honolulu.
The Lady Birds were led in scoring by Mayson (Don't squeeze the)(Charmin) Whipple with 17. She also had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Paula (PZ) Zerante provided strong support with 15, and Natali (Agent 22) Dimitrova, and the always sterling Anita Sterling both had 10.

Tomorrow, the Cards take on Occidental at 3:00 Hawaii time before spending the following three days sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.  ;)

LoL, I'm old enough to get it.

*too young to get it*


For you youngsters information....................

Mr. Whipple was all over TV commercials on all the networks, and everywhere in print ads from 1964-1985.  :D

That explains a lot, because that's 4-25 years before my time.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2016, 01:29:44 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 20, 2016, 01:10:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
That game was played at a Honolulu high school. Does the NCAA mandate a 50x94 court, or could they have used a 50x84 high school court? I guess portable baskets would allow temporary placement of a 94 ft long court.

I'm admittedly not an expert, but based on my interpretation of the rule book, it's supposed to be the 94 feet.

It's supposed to be 94', but it's possible to play a legal game on a smaller floor ... or, at the very least, it used to be until recently. Prior to opening DeVos Fieldhouse a few years ago, Hope played all of its games at the Holland Civic Center, whose floor falls a few feet short of the required 94' length. That meant that the Dutch had to find an alternate venue when they hosted NCAA tourney games, because tourney rules explicitly require a regulation-sized court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 20, 2016, 01:41:29 PM
Hey, I'm pretty excited for Augustana's game against Whitewater tonight.

When was the last time someone said that about a women's basketball game? :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2016, 01:48:06 PM
Dunno about UWW, but for Augustana? A pretty darned long time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 20, 2016, 01:58:38 PM
I was hoping to watch it online tonight but I've got a radio gig that conflicts.  Both teams undefeated.  It should be interesting.  GO HAWKS
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2016, 09:53:55 PM
Augie's for real, winning over UWW 86-78.  10-0. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2016, 10:27:41 PM
The conference as a whole is probably glad Augie beat Whitewater, given the WIAC dominance otherwise this season. Whitewater had topped IWU and Carroll. Oshkosh beat Carroll and Wheaton. Stevens Point beat IWU, Carthage and North Central.
Carthage beat River Falls. Elmhurst beat Platteville.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2016, 10:46:06 PM
North Central ended their game with a 7-0 run to defeat Occidental 82-78. Mayson Whipple scored 4 of the 7 via FTs (she was 10/10 all told) and Shannon Ryan had a steal and a 3 sequence. NC made 19/23 FTs, so Imitzel may breathe a bit easier.
NC did better turnover-wise, committing 15 fewer than last night. Siarra O'Neil and Maya Walls had 3 steals each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2016, 11:08:40 PM
In the Augustana win, Whitewater fought back with a late 15-0 run to tie it at 74, but then Augie's Mikayla Fallon tallied a hoop plus FT. Izzy Anderson scored 7 in the final :36, helping to preserve the lead.
Augie has scored in the 80s six times, once in the 90s and in the low 100s three times.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 21, 2016, 12:26:47 AM
RogK, if you were selecting today, who would you put in the CCIW tournament as the best four teams so far?

I guess I'd say WC, Augie, IWU and NPU -- pretty much in that order.  Hard to leave EC and NCC out.

What say you?

It's going to be a great battle for the CCIW crown.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2016, 06:17:46 AM
Too early to forecast that, iwu70. ha. Ask me in March!
I would certainly include Carthage in the mix. Incidentally, they have had five different players score 20+ this season : Morgan Harris (season high 38), Madie Kaelber (28), Autumn Kalis (24), Bailey Gilbert (21), Morgan Vukovich (20).
We'll have to see how Millikin evolves.
Another question is how good Wheaton's Ellie Zeller and Jennifer Berg will be when they return from major injuries. Also regarding the Thunder, to what extent are more of their freshmen advancing toward earning playing time, not that there is a surplus laying around.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 21, 2016, 09:37:58 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2016, 11:08:40 PM
In the Augustana win, Whitewater fought back with a late 15-0 run to tie it at 74, but then Augie's Mikayla Fallon tallied a hoop plus FT. Izzy Anderson scored 7 in the final :36, helping to preserve the lead.
Augie has scored in the 80s six times, once in the 90s and in the low 100s three times.


I watched some of last night's Augie game and came away fairly impressed overall.  They have pretty strong guard play with Mayer, Fallon and really don't lose anything when they sub in Anderson and Reiley who got a lot of minutes as non-starters.  Then when you add a defensive presence like Kallenberger, you end up with a very solid team even if lacking a little experience.  I would think they'll be right in the mix once league play resumes although records are difficult to compare right now-  Augie 10-0 with some decent wins,  5-4 IWU team that has yet to play a team with a losing record.  Likewise 6-2 Wheaton(0-8 Blackburn).   I think the quality of last night's win is still TBA since the Warhawks have only 1 victory over a team with a  winning record(@ IWU) although the wins have been decisive. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 21, 2016, 11:03:37 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2016, 10:46:06 PM
North Central ended their game with a 7-0 run to defeat Occidental 82-78. Mayson Whipple scored 4 of the 7 via FTs (she was 10/10 all told) and Shannon Ryan had a steal and a 3 sequence. NC made 19/23 FTs, so Imitzel may breathe a bit easier.
NC did better turnover-wise, committing 15 fewer than last night. Siarra O'Neil and Maya Walls had 3 steals each.

Looking over Chapman's numbers and not having seen them play, I have to assume they play an in-your-face, aggressive defense, which would explain the high opponent free throw numbers and the high forced turnover numbers.

But yes, I am relieved to see a better performance at the line.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 21, 2016, 02:11:54 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 21, 2016, 11:03:37 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2016, 10:46:06 PM
North Central ended their game with a 7-0 run to defeat Occidental 82-78. Mayson Whipple scored 4 of the 7 via FTs (she was 10/10 all told) and Shannon Ryan had a steal and a 3 sequence. NC made 19/23 FTs, so Imitzel may breathe a bit easier.
NC did better turnover-wise, committing 15 fewer than last night. Siarra O'Neil and Maya Walls had 3 steals each.

Looking over Chapman's numbers and not having seen them play, I have to assume they play an in-your-face, aggressive defense, which would explain the high opponent free throw numbers and the high forced turnover numbers.

But yes, I am relieved to see a better performance at the line.

Chapman's tallest player is like 5'8" or 5'9".  They have to play physical or they have no chance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 21, 2016, 08:12:51 PM
Thanks, RogK.  Yes, Carthage and Augie are interesting cases.  Guess we'll see really how good they are when they play WC and IWU.  I think IWU really better than their 5-4 record, as they always play one of the toughest pre-CCIW schedules around.  Now #4 Thomas More.  Likely returning to conference play at 6-5 or some such.  They have the talent again to win or co-win the CCIW, though the loss of Holness a big setback.  She was a key rotational player and was one of the few who shot treys respectably.  IWU doesn't look very good stats wise, but always stay competitive with the full-on defensive pressure and the scoring of McGraw and Ehresman.  They need a third scorer and better rebounding.  Run and jump always produces a good TO margin, extra possessions.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2016, 08:42:16 PM
IWU may get increased scoring from soph Maddie Merritt, who is quite good at drawing fouls and making her FTs. In her first season, she shot 1 FT every 5 minutes (.208) and her '16-'17 rate is currently .168 per min or 1 att per 6 minutes. My guess is that she could carry a heavier load. Of course, it could be that opposing teams do what they can to deny her the ball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 22, 2016, 02:52:14 AM
Agreed on Maddie Merritt.  I think she's often the key, the difference to a good IWU win.  She's scored well in several games and does shoot FTs about the best of anyone in the starting line-up.  Hope she has the stamina to put up bigger numbers down the stretch.  More to come from freshman Shanks, too.  McGraw and Ehresman playing at a high and consistent level all season so far. Truly impressive. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 22, 2016, 09:05:20 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 21, 2016, 08:12:51 PM
Thanks, RogK.  Yes, Carthage and Augie are interesting cases.  Guess we'll see really how good they are when they play WC and IWU.  I think IWU really better than their 5-4 record, as they always play one of the toughest pre-CCIW schedules around.  Now #4 Thomas More.  Likely returning to conference play at 6-5 or some such.  They have the talent again to win or co-win the CCIW, though the loss of Holness a big setback.  She was a key rotational player and was one of the few who shot treys respectably.  IWU doesn't look very good stats wise, but always stay competitive with the full-on defensive pressure and the scoring of McGraw and Ehresman.  They need a third scorer and better rebounding.  Run and jump always produces a good TO margin, extra possessions.

IWU'70

That's why it's hard to get a good read on Illinois Wesleyan with regards to the CCIW. That tough non-conference schedule brings their record down, and I definitely still think they and Wheaton are the top two teams in the conference, with Augie certainly up there now. I still wouldn't count out North Central. While they're only 1-2 in conference, those two losses came to the aforementioned Titans and Thunder by five points apiece. Free throw woes I've gone on about aside, they might be starting to gel a little bit. It's going to be a fun couple months once conference play gets going again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2016, 01:53:33 PM
Merely assembling a tough nonconference schedule should not earn credit for any team. In fact, it is mathematically impossible for a majority of D3 schools to have a tough nonconference schedule. It doesn't seem fair, then, to instantly diminish a couple hundred D3 teams because of their "inadequate" scheduling abilities.
But, I would say it is fully fair to give some credit for all wins, and significant extra credit for wins over tough opponents. So yes, for example, give IWU due credit for nonconf wins over Luther, Illinois College, Rose-Hulman and Chicago.
Applying credit for losses gets a bit muddy. Other teams who would've liked a chance at playing Wash U or Stevens Point or Whitewater but couldn't schedule them (for whatever reason) wouldn't want to concede any credit to IWU for losing to those tough opponents.
This discussion isn't exactly the same as a discussion of Strength of Schedule, but similar. By the way, am I correct in saying that a team's Strength of Schedule forms steadily over the 25 game season? An early season game that seemed to be an "upset" may turn out to not have been one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 22, 2016, 07:12:23 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 22, 2016, 01:53:33 PM
Merely assembling a tough nonconference schedule should not earn credit for any team. In fact, it is mathematically impossible for a majority of D3 schools to have a tough nonconference schedule. It doesn't seem fair, then, to instantly diminish a couple hundred D3 teams because of their "inadequate" scheduling abilities.
But, I would say it is fully fair to give some credit for all wins, and significant extra credit for wins over tough opponents. So yes, for example, give IWU due credit for nonconf wins over Luther, Illinois College, Rose-Hulman and Chicago.
Applying credit for losses gets a bit muddy. Other teams who would've liked a chance at playing Wash U or Stevens Point or Whitewater but couldn't schedule them (for whatever reason) wouldn't want to concede any credit to IWU for losing to those tough opponents.
This discussion isn't exactly the same as a discussion of Strength of Schedule, but similar. By the way, am I correct in saying that a team's Strength of Schedule forms steadily over the 25 game season? An early season game that seemed to be an "upset" may turn out to not have been one.


RogK:  I generally agree with you.  It seems that playing a tough non-con schedule is really only advantageous as long as you win a decent amount of those tough games.  If you end up losing most of them, then it doesn't do much for you besides the nebulous 'toughening up' it might provide when you play a difficult league schedule like ours.  For instance, according to Massey, IWU has played the toughest schedule with respect to games played so far as well as their entire projected schedule.  Even if they go 1-1 next week vs Thomas More and Wilmington, 5 losses before Jan 1 puts an awful lot of pressure on the Titans for the balance of CCIW play even with their SOS.

I've been thinking the same thing regarding Wheaton whose Massey schedule is rated 2nd and 6th and they've gone 4-2(non-con).   I'm glad for the tough schedule but both losses were to teams that figure to be regionally ranked in late Feb- Hope and Oshkosh.  With just those 2 losses they're in far better shape than IWU to enable their SOS to help them should they need it.  In my opinion, I don't think anybody will emerge out of the regular schedule with less than 3 losses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 22, 2016, 10:40:38 PM
I think Mia Smith is surely of the school that a very tough pre-CCIW schedule does toughen your team, make them better for conference play, even with 3-4 losses.  Of course, this does often put the TITANS on the bubble come tournament time, as it is often difficult for them to get to 19 or 20 wins overall.  They could still win conference, say, with 3 additional losses, and still only be at 17-8 at tournament selection time.  I guess SOS figures in, but that always puts them in difficulty if not winning the AQ.  And, sometimes an additional loss in the conference tournament might put them at 17-9 or 18-9.  They are tournament ready, probably one of the toughest, best teams in the nation, but may not get a nod for the tournament. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 22, 2016, 10:47:31 PM
Mark, but considering how many years in a row they made the tourney, AND went deep (including a title), I'm bankin' on her knowing what she's doing for a goodly period of time.  If they miss the tourney for 5-6 years in a row, then I'm a skeptic. ;)

For now: IN MIA WE TRUST!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 23, 2016, 02:04:26 AM
I think Mia is on to something, for sure.  I'm just saying that it makes it very tough for them to have a stellar, almost tournament proof record by the time late February rolls round.  It is good for toughness in conference play and good to get the team fully tournament ready, should they make the dance, but we all know that 18-8 or so won't get you in most years, unless you win the AQ. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 23, 2016, 09:00:36 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 23, 2016, 02:04:26 AM
I think Mia is on to something, for sure.  I'm just saying that it makes it very tough for them to have a stellar, almost tournament proof record by the time late February rolls round.  It is good for toughness in conference play and good to get the team fully tournament ready, should they make the dance, but we all know that 18-8 or so won't get you in most years, unless you win the AQ. 

'70

Right- and this was my point.  Last year, the Pool C cutoff was 7 losses(several teams).  So, if you don't get the AQ and end up with 8 losses, you'd likely have to have a very strong SOS AND a winning % vs RR just to be on the bubble. IWU has the SOS, but the record vs RR is off to a very rough start( just projecting who will likely be RR).  9 losses and your SOS won't matter. 

By contrast, Augie's Massey SOS is #42 so not nearly as strong.  But at 10-0, and likely 11-0 after their remaining non-con game, they'll be a strong at-large candidate if they go 10-6 or better in league play(and they look at least as good as that to me).

Thus, strong schedule is important but winning with it is critical.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 23, 2016, 09:34:06 PM
GoPerry, agreed.  I'm not sure such a tough schedule is the best course for IWU.  (as you rightly compared it to Augie's current situation).   I'm pretty sure IWU will beat Augie twice.  Of course, we'll see.  Perhaps Augie is much stronger this year, though IWU has surely not fallen back.  Playing two WIAC teams and Thomas More is not exactly chopped liver.  IWU almost has to go with three or less losses in CCIW to have a record now that puts them in the conversation for a tournament bid, even with the strong SOS.  Not an easy task, esp. with a loss to EC already.  Of course, an upset of #4 Thomas More would be grand!  IWU came within one point of upsetting Wash U, but that's just a loss now.  One can see how good a team IWU is, but a loss is a loss. 

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas to all my CCIW chatsters colleagues. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 26, 2016, 11:55:42 PM
19 of the top 25 teams in the current poll are still undefeated and even some ORVs are also undefeated, like Augie.  Must surely be some very puff schedules out there or some very top heavy conferences with only a few strong teams.  Surely not the case on the men's side, right? 


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 27, 2016, 09:55:41 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 26, 2016, 11:55:42 PM
19 of the top 25 teams in the current poll are still undefeated and even some ORVs are also undefeated, like Augie.  Must surely be some very puff schedules out there or some very top heavy conferences with only a few strong teams.  Surely not the case on the men's side, right? 


IWU'70

If you compare the men's and women's 'How They Fared' posts, there is ALWAYS vastly more red (i.e. losses) on the men's.  The women have improved dramatically in recent years, but are still no where near the parity of the men.  Women's sports took off too recently to have enough 'great' athletes to go around.  (And except for the occasional Sydney Moss, the few great women's athletes are D1.)

Lots and lots of undefeated teams at this point of the season is simply the norm for women's bball.  It will sort itself out in the next two months - though 3-4 undefeated teams entering the tourney is probably normal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 27, 2016, 11:36:15 PM
The imbalance isn't because there aren't enough "great athletes to go around." Women's basketball at the D3 level isn't typically about superstars in the Sydney Moss mold, anyway (not that she has really had a peer); it tends to be more of a classic interplay of teamwork and is less individual-oriented than the men's version, which is one of the virtues of women's basketball on this level. The imbalance is because there's a much wider disparity between schools in terms of resources and interest regarding women's basketball than there is on the men's side, where just about every single one of the 420-odd institutions that offer the sport in D3 is busting its butt to put the best product possible on the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2016, 12:23:42 AM
I tend to agree with Ypsi that there really aren't enough good players to go'round in DIII women's basketball.  We've seen some really great players over the years, from Wash U, surely Olivia Lett's one year at IWU matches up well with Moss, though Moss' career overall was probably matchless.  On many teams in DIII, there just aren't that many decent players.  The stronger programs have them, but even there, it often depends on 2-3 really good players and the rest playing roles, hoping to improve over the tenure of their playing days.  Surely, many conferences have a few strong programs, and many others that often just can't really break .500. 

CCIW women looks pretty strong this year overall -- with at least six teams having a shot at the post-season CCIW tournament.  Maybe more.  I still tend to think its WC, IWU, Augie and NPU that will be there at the end to play in the tournament.  We'll see of course. 

January is coming . . . and the long run in conference play to the end of February.  A real grind.  Conditioning and experience now really playing more a part.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2016, 12:49:30 AM
You're not watching enough D3 women's basketball, then. The skill level across the board is dramatically better than it used to be, and because it's a game that is still played below the rim it's less susceptible to domination by freakish athleticism of the Sydney Moss kind. (And, for the umpteenth time, Mark, as good as Olivia Lett was, she was no Sydney Moss.) The women's game is, on average, more of a team game than the men's version of the sport at the D3 level. For example, in the CCIW men's scoring is about three points per game higher per team than it is on the women's side, but CCIW women's teams average over a full assist per game more than do their male counterparts. The reason for the greater disparity between good teams and bad teams on the women's side is, as I said, a matter of how much a school is willing and/or able to invest in building a program, because the players are out there to be found and developed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 28, 2016, 08:29:53 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2016, 12:49:30 AM
You're not watching enough D3 women's basketball, then. The skill level across the board is dramatically better than it used to be, and because it's a game that is still played below the rim it's less susceptible to domination by freakish athleticism of the Sydney Moss kind. (And, for the umpteenth time, Mark, as good as Olivia Lett was, she was no Sydney Moss.) The women's game is, on average, more of a team game than the men's version of the sport at the D3 level. For example, in the CCIW men's scoring is about three points per game higher per team than it is on the women's side, but CCIW women's teams average over a full assist per game more than do their male counterparts. The reason for the greater disparity between good teams and bad teams on the women's side is, as I said, a matter of how much a school is willing and/or able to invest in building a program, because the players are out there to be found and developed.

I went and crunched the numbers for this season, just because I was curious. The men in the CCIW are averaging 79.05 points per game, and the women are averaging 77.33. A little less of a disparity than what you had, but I'm also not sure what data you have (and I'm sure it was accurate at whatever time you checked). Of course, this also has to take into account Augie's new up-tempo offense and The System for North Central. That skews the scoring averages a little closer to what the men put up.

I think you're spot on about the difference in investment in women's basketball at different schools, though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 28, 2016, 11:14:34 AM
North Central is back in action tonight as they take part in the Roosevelt Classic in Chicago. They take on host Roosevelt University (NAIA) at 7:30, and will play either Concordia or Governors State tomorrow.

Brief scouting report says NCC has to contain Paige Gallimore (19.6 PPG on 48/31/77 shooting splits and 7.1 RPG). This is a team that forces more turnovers than it commits, but not by much. Should be a fun one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on December 28, 2016, 11:55:39 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2016, 12:49:30 AM
You're not watching enough D3 women's basketball, then. The skill level across the board is dramatically better than it used to be, and because it's a game that is still played below the rim it's less susceptible to domination by freakish athleticism of the Sydney Moss kind. (And, for the umpteenth time, Mark, as good as Olivia Lett was, she was no Sydney Moss.) The women's game is, on average, more of a team game than the men's version of the sport at the D3 level. For example, in the CCIW men's scoring is about three points per game higher per team than it is on the women's side, but CCIW women's teams average over a full assist per game more than do their male counterparts. The reason for the greater disparity between good teams and bad teams on the women's side is, as I said, a matter of how much a school is willing and/or able to invest in building a program, because the players are out there to be found and developed.
Agree with all Greg wrote and add - at the Div 1 and 2 levels, those schools are getting the really taller, athletic and stronger players through athletic scholarships.  The talent level at the high school level has yet to attain the same level as the men but we are seeing bigger, stronger more athletic women coming out of the high school level. And, that is a compliment to the women.

And, at the Div III level, just look at your school offerings of additional women's sports.  There are student athletes playing sports recently added that chose to play a sport other than basketball that likely would make a good addition to your basketball team.  Simply more choices which is why our schools added these other sports to attract students that are athletes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 28, 2016, 12:05:51 PM
The men's and women's games are surely different but I also agree that the differentiated focus and investment by certain schools are more the reason for the disparity between the top teams and the rest.  I am a Hope fan and see first hand the beautiful facility, the great coach who has been at Hope for 20 years and accumulated one of the best winning percentages in all of college basketball, and the student and community support that has led to Hope leading the nation in home attendance for many years in a row.  Hope gets mostly local/regional players with most coming from MI and a few from IL and IN, and they compete for recruiting directly with Calvin, so it's not as if they go far and wide to cherry pick the best players.  They always play at least 10 deep (this year only one player gets 25 mpg with the rest 22 mpg or less) so I really believe its about giving the players and coaches the resources to develop, retaining an excellent coach, and creating an environment and yes an expectation of success.  Fan support follows, which further builds the environment.  Kids want to play there.  It has a Christian affiliation and coach has very strong emphasis on academics (most years WBB team is in top 20 for NCAA GPA) so I believe it also attracts student athletes that are quite serious and focused.

I'm sure the formula is different among the top schools, but I would bet that one consistent theme is that WBB is resourced and considered to be one important part of the college campus and educational experience.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2016, 02:03:09 PM
North Central's starting time may be a bit earlier than 7:30 if the 5pm game lasts a normal duration.
The opener features Governor's State (3-9 so far, 2nd year of having a varsity WBB program) and Concordia Ann Arbor (10-3). Judging by stats, one of CAA's best players is 5'7" Kari Borowiak : .571 2FG, .449 3FG, .767 FT, 4.4 rebs, 2.9 stls. Also some interesting numbers for 5'4" Mia Long : 2.9 stls and 7.8 FTA per game. CAA opponents have averaged 23 TOs. CAA's tallest player (6'2") is Short. Bet she never heard a joke like that! Sorry.
The gym for Roosevelt is the Goodman Center, SE corner of Congress and Wabash, 2nd floor, roughly the same level as the adjacent elevated tracks of the CTA's Green and Orange Lines. Trains can be heard and seen from portions of the gym. Too bad they didn't place the gym in a high floor of Roosevelt's new 469 ft tall Wabash Tower.
Tomorrow afternoon's matchups are evidently determined by today's results, so it's possible that Roosevelt may play Gov State even though they are in the same NAIA conference. If North Central faces Conc Ann Arbor, it could be a tough battle, in addition to both teams being Cardinals in black and red.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2016, 02:15:02 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 28, 2016, 08:29:53 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2016, 12:49:30 AM
You're not watching enough D3 women's basketball, then. The skill level across the board is dramatically better than it used to be, and because it's a game that is still played below the rim it's less susceptible to domination by freakish athleticism of the Sydney Moss kind. (And, for the umpteenth time, Mark, as good as Olivia Lett was, she was no Sydney Moss.) The women's game is, on average, more of a team game than the men's version of the sport at the D3 level. For example, in the CCIW men's scoring is about three points per game higher per team than it is on the women's side, but CCIW women's teams average over a full assist per game more than do their male counterparts. The reason for the greater disparity between good teams and bad teams on the women's side is, as I said, a matter of how much a school is willing and/or able to invest in building a program, because the players are out there to be found and developed.

I went and crunched the numbers for this season, just because I was curious. The men in the CCIW are averaging 79.05 points per game, and the women are averaging 77.33. A little less of a disparity than what you had, but I'm also not sure what data you have (and I'm sure it was accurate at whatever time you checked). Of course, this also has to take into account Augie's new up-tempo offense and The System for North Central. That skews the scoring averages a little closer to what the men put up.

I think you're spot on about the difference in investment in women's basketball at different schools, though.

I didn't actually add them up and divide them like you did; I just used the median scores, which I knew would be within a half-point or so of the actual mean. And you're right that both Augustana and NCC play styles that artificially inflate the women's totals, making the averages of the two genders appear closer than they actually would be using more standard offenses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2016, 04:23:59 PM
Here's a list of the increases and decreases in WBB scoring offense in relation to their final avgs from '15-'16 :
AUG +24.2,  CRL -8.9,  CTG +12.8,  ELM +4.3,  IWU +8.7,  MIL +17.8, NCC -3.6,  NPU +9.2, WHE +5.9.
I expect North Central's current 91.1 avg to rise to last year's 94.7 or better, so maybe only Carroll could end up on the minus side.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2016, 10:02:13 PM
Millikin gave DePauw a good game, losing 66-62. 

IWU is clearly a better offensive team this year.  Let's hope they continue to improve, even going through their very tough schedule.  McGraw and Ehresman really playing well, at an All-CCIW level.  The others contributing will really make the difference for the Titans in the final two months of the season. 

Of course, it makes sense that the top programs where there's been good investments, coaching and facilities in women's basketball are able to attract increasingly talented women players.  Much of this, of course, mirrors earlier investments and strong programs and facilities on the men's side.  Schools had to do much of this for the women due to Title IX and the wish to compete in recruiting students generrally.  My point was not there, but at the lower end and the lower end of the bench at the less strong programs.  That's where, IMHO, there just isn't the talent in the D3 women's game.  And, I've watched lots of women's basketball over the years. 

Looking forward to IWU vs. Thomas More.  Hope we have an upset.

Happy New Year to all, from the Far Side.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 28, 2016, 11:01:37 PM
A week off after Hawaii was no problem for the Cardinals as they down Roosevelt 103-83 in Chicago. It was 47-46 NCC at the half, but the Cardinals caught fire in the third quarter to pull away. Anita Sterling went bonkers with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals. Michaela Reedy scored 17, and freshman Maya Walls put up 12. Mayson Whipple and Caroline Heimerdinger each notched 7 assists.

NCC plays for the tournament championship against Concordia-Michigan tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 28, 2016, 11:25:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 28, 2016, 11:01:37 PM
A week off after Hawaii was no problem for the Cardinals as they down Roosevelt 103-83 in Chicago. It was 47-46 NCC at the half, but the Cardinals caught fire in the third quarter to pull away. Anita Sterling went bonkers with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals. Michaela Reedy scored 17, and freshman Maya Walls put up 12. Mayson Whipple and Caroline Heimerdinger each notched 7 assists.

NCC plays for the tournament championship against Concordia-Michigan tomorrow afternoon.

I'll have to stay neutral on that game.  I'm CCIW to the bone, but CUAA is four miles from my house! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2016, 12:12:55 AM
Attended the NC game and concur with Imitzel's summary. Lots of good effort by the Cardinals and the host Lakers, although some sloppiness presented itself.
NC had 29 steals, including Sterling's 6, Diamond Calicott's 5, Maya Walls's 4 and 3 by Natali Dimitrova.
Jamie Cuny was there, but didn't "suit up" for the contest; perhaps a previous upper body injury was acting up.
I expect tomorrow's NC game to be competitive and hard-fought. Concordia Ann Arbor has a number of talented players. Those Cardinals did hang on for a 9 point win over Governor's State, but were patient to a fault in many possessions, often foregoing open looks. We'll see if they run with NC or try to slow things. CUAA's energetic point guard Mia Long was fun to watch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 29, 2016, 07:48:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 29, 2016, 12:12:55 AM
Attended the NC game and concur with Imitzel's summary. Lots of good effort by the Cardinals and the host Lakers, although some sloppiness presented itself.
NC had 29 steals, including Sterling's 6, Diamond Calicott's 5, Maya Walls's 4 and 3 by Natali Dimitrova.
Jamie Cuny was there, but didn't "suit up" for the contest; perhaps a previous upper body injury was acting up.
I expect tomorrow's NC game to be competitive and hard-fought. Concordia Ann Arbor has a number of talented players. Those Cardinals did hang on for a 9 point win over Governor's State, but were patient to a fault in many possessions, often foregoing open looks. We'll see if they run with NC or try to slow things. CUAA's energetic point guard Mia Long was fun to watch.

She only played three minutes of North Central's win over Occidental in Hawaii last week. I think she hurt her shoulder back at Benedictine (and I only know this based on the way it was wrapped in the Illinois Wesleyan game, which is the last time I saw them live), so I don't know if she reaggravated it or if this is something else entirely.

It's nice this year to have a little depth at the 5. Anita is fantastic as the first one at that spot off the bench and has done well starting in Jamie's place, but having people like Maya Walls and even Kelly Wallner, who has improved from her first two years, backing her up is an asset.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2016, 10:23:09 AM
For the 2nd straight day, the Thunder must contend with the Banana Slugs . . .

It's been almost 3 weeks since Wheaton played its last game, a road loss to Oshkosh.  Let's hope the beautiful SoCal weather doesn't prevent the Thunder ladies from coming out ready to play this afternoon.  I suspect Ellie Zeller's return to the lineup should be happening any day now – perhaps during this trip and I would also like to see Chantal Meacham find her much needed shooting stroke after a rather slow start.  Today and tomorrow's game(Whitworth) are expected wins and if successful, 2-0 will be a welcome resumption of play prior to a week of tough matchups @ Augie and @IWU to begin the new year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2016, 12:07:30 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2016, 10:02:13 PMOf course, it makes sense that the top programs where there's been good investments, coaching and facilities in women's basketball are able to attract increasingly talented women players.  Much of this, of course, mirrors earlier investments and strong programs and facilities on the men's side.

Actually, it really doesn't mirror it at all. As I said, almost all of the 420 or so men's basketball programs in D3 are designed and resourced to be competitive, at least within the context of the school and its league. That is most certainly not the case on the women's side. I could name a whole bunch of schools right off of the top of my head that have terrible women's programs that regularly lose games by 30 or 40 points and whose men's programs are never even close to being drubbed like that on a regular basis -- and, in fact, some of those schools have very good men's programs. For the most part, the women's and men's sides of D3 basketball are apples and oranges, and even when you make comparisons between the two sports -- as I did with CCIW scoring and assists averages the other day -- you have to qualify your statements with plenty of caveats. (Fortunately, I was emphasizing a difference rather than a similarity. ;))

Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2016, 10:02:13 PMSchools had to do much of this for the women due to Title IX and the wish to compete in recruiting students generrally.  My point was not there, but at the lower end and the lower end of the bench at the less strong programs.  That's where, IMHO, there just isn't the talent in the D3 women's game.

"The lower end of the bench at the less strong programs"? Seriously? Since when has the lower end of the bench mattered for anything other than practice depth and admissions/GPA/graduation quotas?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2016, 05:45:54 PM
North Park lost the opener of the Colorado College tourney to Luther, 78-72, a game that the Vikings clearly blew. They led for the entire contest up until early in the fourth quarter, with the margin getting as big as 16 but trending mostly in the 9-to-12 range. However, after a good first half of rebounding the Vikes were absolutely killed on the boards in the second half. All of those second-chance opportunities, plus the fact that the Vikes bigs allowed their Norse counterparts to set up too close to the basket, allowed a patient Luther team to climb back into it and eventually take control down the stretch in the fourth quarter. It was still only a two-point deficit with a half-minute left, but, as was the case at Augustana, NPU did not play a solid endgame.

The other problem was shot selection. Waaay too much chucking by the Vikes, who attempted a whopping 31 treys and only hit nine of them. The problem there was that they hit a few early and seemed to fall in love with the long-distance approach. As a result, they only got to the line 14 times during the game. By contrast, Luther made hay at the FT line, going 18-21.

Liz Rehberger had 27 and 8 to lead the Vikings, while Amani Davis scored 10 points. Gabby Sandoval also had eight rebounds for the Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2016, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 29, 2016, 10:23:09 AM
For the 2nd straight day, the Thunder must contend with the Banana Slugs . . .

It's been almost 3 weeks since Wheaton played its last game, a road loss to Oshkosh.  Let's hope the beautiful SoCal weather doesn't prevent the Thunder ladies from coming out ready to play this afternoon.  I suspect Ellie Zeller's return to the lineup should be happening any day now – perhaps during this trip and I would also like to see Chantal Meacham find her much needed shooting stroke after a rather slow start.  Today and tomorrow's game(Whitworth) are expected wins and if successful, 2-0 will be a welcome resumption of play prior to a week of tough matchups @ Augie and @IWU to begin the new year.

Well, I was looking forward to watching this game Wheaton vs UC Santa Cruz at the Whittier tournament.  But on principle, I'm not sure I can bring myself to paying $5 for the stretchinternet  privilege.  Is it the Whittier athletic dept that decides to charge for the webstream?  (and will they make it free if the game sells out a la Bill Wirtz)? C'mon folks.  I'm hoping livestats is complimentary.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2016, 06:26:51 PM
They're still raising money to build that Richard Nixon statue outside the Graham Athletic Center.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2016, 07:45:04 PM
Just back from seeing North Central's 99-88 (if I recall the final correctly) loss to NAIA Concordia Ann Arbor.
The only thing I really don't want to happen at a game is injury. Unfortunately Paula Zerante and Mayson Whipple suffered painful leg injuries today.
These are two of our best competitors in the CCIW. Here's wishing a quick recovery to each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2016, 07:46:28 PM
Hear, hear, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2016, 08:45:56 PM
RogK, very sorry to hear that.  I love Whipple's game. Hope both are OK, not serious injuries.

Bad day for the Titans -- both men and women -- men lose in Staten Island on a last second shot, going down to a very fine Middlebury team, 77-75.  Details on the other Board.

Women lose to #4 ranked, defending national champs, Thomas More, 77-70.  Neither team could buy a trey, with both under 20% on the day.  Both Ehresman and McGraw struggling from the arc.  Titans gave them a pretty good game, but just too much overall balance by TMC.   No Sydney Moss, but they still have a very good team.  They are now 10-0 and Titans 5-5.

One more game in Ohio tomorrow for the Titans, before returning to CCIW play vs. MU in early January.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2016, 11:15:32 PM
In that game I saw, Mayson Whipple tallied 20 in 12 min. Siarra O'Neil added 14 and Caroline Heimerdinger 13, career highs per the Cardinals' site.
Wheaton topped UC Santa Cruz 79-47, thanks in part to 23 pts by Katie McDaniels and 14 rebs by Devin Kyler. Jenn Berg and Ellie Zeller returned from injury. Zeller scored an efficient 7 pts in 14 min. Berg got in for just a minute.
Carthage topped Stevenson 71-59. Bailey Gilbert, Morgan Harris and Autumn Kalis all scored in the 13-14 pt range. A new guard appeared for the Lady Reds, Sammie Woodward. Carthage's site mentions that she earned all-state honors in Wisconsin high school last year. Sounds good.
Augie lost to Berea 95-89. Six Vikings scored in double figures, led by Kaycee Kallenberger with 16; she also had 7 blocks and 12 rebs. Augie's downfall could be attributed to Berea's effective FG pct of .586 : 31/64 including 13 threes (so 37.5/64).
IWU may have lost, but they've played well versus some difficult opponents. I'm not in favor of rewarding scheduling when it comes to ranking teams, but the experience acquired by the Titans so far should make them an even better squad going forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2016, 05:36:44 PM
Some afternoon results :
Carthage 76-45 over Allegheny. Madie Kaelber 20 pts on 12 shots, very good rebounding by Morgan Harris (12 in 21:00) and Maggie Berigan (10 in 16:00).
Millikin 84, St Mary's IN 44. The Big Blue won the 2nd Q, 24-2. Shannon Propst (6') debuted with 13 pts and 11 rebs in 11 minutes. Not sure if she's a new arrival or if she maybe was playing JV.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2016, 07:09:29 PM
Here we go for the rest of the CCIW season.  Should be a good race.

Happy New Year all, already New Year's eve in Hong Kong!  :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2016, 07:42:04 PM
Thanks, iwu70. Unto you as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2016, 07:56:12 PM
North Park topped Colorado College, 63-43, in a rather uninspired contest for third place in the Tigers' home tourney. Liz Rehberger scored 21 and had four assists and four steals (Shaylee Sloan had four steals as well), and Amani Davis had 10 points, 7 rebounds, and three steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2016, 09:30:27 PM
IWU gets a great come-from-behind, confidence boosting win over Wilmington, 83-78.  Titans down 9 with about 4 minutes to go came storming back, after having a 16 pt. first half lead. 

Ehresman 18 and 6, NO TOs
Kelly 17
McGraw 14
Schneider 9
Merritt 7 and 9 rebs

For WC:
Britanny Jefferson 21
Mackensie Campbell 21

When the TITANS shoot the ball well, they can beat some very good teams.  Today 46%, 42% from treyland, 81% FTs. 

Titans finish the tough tough non-conference portion at 6-5.  Still not sure playing this tough a schedule is really good for any chance to get into the Dance in March.  Pretty sure they have to win the AQ or lose less than 3 games in the rest of the conference season.  SOS is there, but losses are losses, as several have pointed out.  Looks like about 17-8 to me, unless they have a more dominant run in conference play.  Hard to do.  They are toughened and ready, but the conference grind and many strong opponents are there too.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2016, 10:51:09 PM
Augustana absorbed loss #2, 78-76 to the U of Dubuque. Corrie Reiley shot very well, scoring 17 on 12 FG att.
Wheaton bested Whitworth 75-53. Devin Kyler was rather good : 16 pts (8/11 FG), 11 rebs, 3 stls, 5 blocks. As if that wasn't enough, she also persuaded Coach Madsen to allow players to use their phones while seated on the bench, as well as on the court during free throws. This seems like a fair compromise.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2016, 11:41:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 30, 2016, 10:51:09 PM
Augustana absorbed loss #2, 78-76 to the U of Dubuque. Corrie Reiley shot very well, scoring 17 on 12 FG att.

That's interesting, as those two non-conference foes had met back in November. In fact, I watched it in person in the Dubuque gym, since the Dubuque men's team hosted the NPU men after the female version of the Spartans had played, and I traveled with the Vikings to broadcast it. Augie won that first meeting, 100-80, so I'm not only surprised that they played a second time, I'm also surprised at the outcome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2016, 11:28:03 AM
By the way, Greg, how much have you contributed toward the Nixon statue that you mentioned recently?
Hey Imitzel, let us know if you can how Paula Z and Mayson W are doing.
Overall the CCIW is 48-27 in nonconference play, with 4 or 5 games to go. If we disregard Carroll's rough start, the composite becomes 48-19.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 31, 2016, 12:34:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 31, 2016, 11:28:03 AM
Hey Imitzel, let us know if you can how Paula Z and Mayson W are doing.

I'll try to touch base with Coach Roof and see what I can dig up.

I feel like this is just a weird year regarding injuries all over the conference. NCC has a bunch, Wheaton had a few as I recall, IWU lost Gabby Holness for the year... I can't remember a worse year for injuries in my admittedly short time involved in CCIW hoops.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2016, 08:07:34 PM
A pair of games today :
Millikin 70, Coast Guard Academy 49; Yanni Saddler and Devin Curry scored 18 each for the Big Blue.
Elmhurst 70, Beloit 61; Mikaela Eppard recorded 15 pts plus 12 rebs, also 13 pts from Jasmin Bailey and 12 by Lisa Logan.
The remaining nonconf are Wheaton v IIT, Carthage v Olivet (Mich.) and possibly Millikin v Wash U St Lou.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2017, 01:16:41 PM
I like the eFG% (effective FG pct) stat because it adds the appropriate amount of credit for made threes. Traditional FG% doesn't reveal how many of the made shots were 2s or 3s.
To illustrate the formula, fictional player Dyspepsia Glankpfupst took 10 FG att and made two 2FGs and two 3FGs, for a total of 10 pts.
One way to figure eFG% is to take FGs made (4) and add half of 3s made (1), giving us 5, then divide by FG att (10). Her eFG pct is .500. Her FG% is .400.
Another way to look at it is : how many 2FGs would she have to make in order to score the 10 pts? The answer is 5; 5/10 yields the same .500 eFG%.
This stat doesn't tell us how many of her shot attempts were 2s or 3s, but we don't care because the scoreboard doesn't care.
eFG% doesn't include FTs made or missed, so it's not a full measure of shooting accuracy. But it is far superior to traditional FG% when any 3s are involved.
And, of course, a player who achieves a relatively high FG% or eFG% from a small number of attempts may not be able to maintain that pct if she shot a lot more often.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2017, 03:12:24 PM
Here are opponent eFG pcts so far :
AUG .439, CRL .547, CTG .434, ELM .432, IWU .484, MIL .463, NCC .449, NPU .387, WHE .398.
Carroll's number stands out; some of it may be that they don't have enough height to defend well. Also they have to be extra cautious about foul trouble.
Given the inevitable disparity among nonconference schedules, we can't draw too many conclusions. OK, back to the Hawks/Blues game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2017, 12:41:44 PM
Where we left off a few weeks ago -- the conference standings
3-0 Augustana
2-0 Wheaton
2-1 Carthage
1-1 Illinois Wesleyan
1-2 (alphabetically) Elmhurst, Millikin, North Central, North Park
0-2 Carroll
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2017, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 03, 2017, 12:41:44 PM
Where we left off a few weeks ago -- the conference standings
3-0 Augustana
2-0 Wheaton
2-1 Carthage
1-1 Illinois Wesleyan
1-2 (alphabetically) Elmhurst, Millikin, North Central, North Park
0-2 Carroll


I like Q's alternate method of tracking the conference race(hope I get it right):

Augie, Wheaton, IWU +1
Carthage, MU, NCC, Carroll 0
NPU -1
Elmhurst -2

The league re-start gets back to the race in earnest this week with some important matchups; 

Tomorrow; Augie vs WC and Carthage vs NPU
Sat:  IWU vs WC; NCC vs NPU; Carthage vs EC

I think Elmhurst and NPU need to grab a road win or 2 to get back in it.  I'd be happy if Wheaton can go 1-1.  It's likewise pretty critical for Augie, IWU and Carthage to hold serve at home.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 03, 2017, 02:47:40 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 03, 2017, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 03, 2017, 12:41:44 PM
Where we left off a few weeks ago -- the conference standings
3-0 Augustana
2-0 Wheaton
2-1 Carthage
1-1 Illinois Wesleyan
1-2 (alphabetically) Elmhurst, Millikin, North Central, North Park
0-2 Carroll


I like Q's alternate method of tracking the conference race(hope I get it right):

Augie, Wheaton, IWU +1
Carthage, MU, NCC, Carroll 0
NPU -1
Elmhurst -2

I had to go back and look because the standings confused me at first, but looking at the criteria, it all looks like it matches up.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 03, 2017, 02:24:15 PM
The league re-start gets back to the race in earnest this week with some important matchups; 

Tomorrow; Augie vs WC and Carthage vs NPU
Sat:  IWU vs WC; NCC vs NPU; Carthage vs EC

I think Elmhurst and NPU need to grab a road win or 2 to get back in it.  I'd be happy if Wheaton can go 1-1.  It's likewise pretty critical for Augie, IWU and Carthage to hold serve at home.

IWU-Millikin and NCC-Carroll are the other two games on tap tomorrow night. For NCC, the last time they went to Carroll, Jamie Cuny put up the program's first ever triple-double. Given her injury trouble this year and, even when healthy, she hasn't been quite the block part force she was the last two years, I doubt we'll have a repeat. But this is a crucial game for NCC to get back to .500 in conference ahead of that tough North Park game looming.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2017, 03:33:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 03, 2017, 02:47:40 PM
IWU-Millikin and NCC-Carroll are the other two games on tap tomorrow night. For NCC, the last time they went to Carroll, Jamie Cuny put up the program's first ever triple-double. Given her injury trouble this year and, even when healthy, she hasn't been quite the block part force she was the last two years, I doubt we'll have a repeat. But this is a crucial game for NCC to get back to .500 in conference ahead of that tough North Park game looming.

Trust me, NCC could miss several other players besides Cuny and still walk off the floor with a W against the Pioneers.

As for the "tough North Park game looming," the Vikings are having some serious struggles. They are not playing well at all at either end of the floor, and I am not sanguine about their chances heading into the meat of CCIW play. Of course, I dearly hope that they prove me wrong, but, at least for the moment, this appears to be the right time to catch NPU on the sked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2017, 05:36:38 PM
Congrats to NPU's Liz Rehberger, who followed up her tourney MVP performance in Colorado with being named CCIW Player of the Week (http://www.cciw.org/news/2017/1/3/WBB_0103173327.aspx) today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2017, 05:43:54 PM
I take it that Q's method is road wins minus home losses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 03, 2017, 07:29:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 31, 2016, 11:28:03 AM
Hey Imitzel, let us know if you can how Paula Z and Mayson W are doing.

From what I hear, Paula Zerante should be okay to go for tomorrow. Wish I had better news regarding Mayson Whipple. Sounds like she's going to be out for the foreseeable future. Tough blow. Also ran into Jamie Cuny today, she's good to go.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2017, 03:33:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 03, 2017, 02:47:40 PM
IWU-Millikin and NCC-Carroll are the other two games on tap tomorrow night. For NCC, the last time they went to Carroll, Jamie Cuny put up the program's first ever triple-double. Given her injury trouble this year and, even when healthy, she hasn't been quite the block part force she was the last two years, I doubt we'll have a repeat. But this is a crucial game for NCC to get back to .500 in conference ahead of that tough North Park game looming.

Trust me, NCC could miss several other players besides Cuny and still walk off the floor with a W against the Pioneers.

As for the "tough North Park game looming," the Vikings are having some serious struggles. They are not playing well at all at either end of the floor, and I am not sanguine about their chances heading into the meat of CCIW play. Of course, I dearly hope that they prove me wrong, but, at least for the moment, this appears to be the right time to catch NPU on the sked.

This is where losing Mayson hurts. I'm not as worried about Carroll, and this gives the depth at the point guard spot a chance to shine, but it's still not good.

Quote from: RogK on January 03, 2017, 05:43:54 PM
I take it that Q's method is road wins minus home losses.

Yeah.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2017, 09:13:43 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 03, 2017, 07:29:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 31, 2016, 11:28:03 AM
Hey Imitzel, let us know if you can how Paula Z and Mayson W are doing.

From what I hear, Paula Zerante should be okay to go for tomorrow. Wish I had better news regarding Mayson Whipple. Sounds like she's going to be out for the foreseeable future. Tough blow. Also ran into Jamie Cuny today, she's good to go.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2017, 03:33:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 03, 2017, 02:47:40 PM
IWU-Millikin and NCC-Carroll are the other two games on tap tomorrow night. For NCC, the last time they went to Carroll, Jamie Cuny put up the program's first ever triple-double. Given her injury trouble this year and, even when healthy, she hasn't been quite the block part force she was the last two years, I doubt we'll have a repeat. But this is a crucial game for NCC to get back to .500 in conference ahead of that tough North Park game looming.

Trust me, NCC could miss several other players besides Cuny and still walk off the floor with a W against the Pioneers.

As for the "tough North Park game looming," the Vikings are having some serious struggles. They are not playing well at all at either end of the floor, and I am not sanguine about their chances heading into the meat of CCIW play. Of course, I dearly hope that they prove me wrong, but, at least for the moment, this appears to be the right time to catch NPU on the sked.

This is where losing Mayson hurts. I'm not as worried about Carroll, and this gives the depth at the point guard spot a chance to shine, but it's still not good.



Losing Whipple is certainly a tough one.  She had a so-so game at Wheaton when I saw her but her court sense and overall ability was noticeable.  Let's hope she doesn't miss too much.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2017, 02:39:48 AM
Whipple was tremendous against IWU earlier.  Really fun to watch.  Hope she gets back soon. 

Yes, some big games upcoming.  Hope IWU gets the W vs. WC.  That would be big. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2017, 09:16:55 AM
While Mayson Whipple is out, I imagine that Caroline Heimerdinger (currently 11.3 min per game) and Lyndsay Brennan (9.7 min / g) can take over most or all of Whipple's minutes; from what I've seen, they have the athleticism for playing a lot at a fast pace. Likely a 3rd player will handle some of the dribbling duties, but not sure who. We'll see, eh?
Very incidentally, last night I saw North Central's Strength of Schedule improve -- attended Benedictine's 60-49 win at Dominican.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 04, 2017, 10:28:31 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 04, 2017, 09:16:55 AM
While Mayson Whipple is out, I imagine that Caroline Heimerdinger (currently 11.3 min per game) and Lyndsay Brennan (9.7 min / g) can take over most or all of Whipple's minutes; from what I've seen, they have the athleticism for playing a lot at a fast pace. Likely a 3rd player will handle some of the dribbling duties, but not sure who. We'll see, eh?
Very incidentally, last night I saw North Central's Strength of Schedule improve -- attended Benedictine's 60-49 win at Dominican.

Yes, I believe Heimerdinger will end up taking over the starting duties with (I think?) Shannon Ryan coming in on the first line change, though they'll share time with Lyndsay Brennan as well. While it'll be hard for them to replace Whipple's ability to hit off-balance scoop shots, they're all good at getting to the rim. It'll be an adjustment to be sure, but it'll also be a good opportunity to see what's available at that spot. From the limited action I've seen, all three have been pretty good this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 04, 2017, 12:10:21 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 04, 2017, 10:28:31 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 04, 2017, 09:16:55 AM
While Mayson Whipple is out, I imagine that Caroline Heimerdinger (currently 11.3 min per game) and Lyndsay Brennan (9.7 min / g) can take over most or all of Whipple's minutes; from what I've seen, they have the athleticism for playing a lot at a fast pace. Likely a 3rd player will handle some of the dribbling duties, but not sure who. We'll see, eh?
Very incidentally, last night I saw North Central's Strength of Schedule improve -- attended Benedictine's 60-49 win at Dominican.

Yes, I believe Heimerdinger will end up taking over the starting duties with (I think?) Shannon Ryan coming in on the first line change, though they'll share time with Lyndsay Brennan as well. While it'll be hard for them to replace Whipple's ability to hit off-balance scoop shots, they're all good at getting to the rim. It'll be an adjustment to be sure, but it'll also be a good opportunity to see what's available at that spot. From the limited action I've seen, all three have been pretty good this season.

And one by-product of the system is that the efficiency(or inefficiency for that matter) of any one player is somewhat muted since most are averaging less than 15mins/game.  It's sort of basketball's version of portfolio diversification.  So while there's little doubt Coach Root would love to have Mayson healthy and playing, I would thing that their style of play makes it less difficult(still difficult, just less difficult) to replace her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2017, 09:58:40 PM
Final from the Griz -- IWU over MU 81-74 in a hard-fought game.

A tremendous line for Ehresman -- 26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and NO TOs.  She's playing so so solid. 
Maddie Merritt with a break-out game, 23 and 6
Others, 8, 8, 7, and 7

Y. Saddler for MU with 23.

IWU goes to 2-1 in the CCIW, 7-5 overall.  Big game up next with WC at The Shirk.  IWU needs that one badly.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 04, 2017, 10:18:47 PM
Wheaton 80
Augustana 69

This is a nice win to pick up for the Thunder on the road in Rock Island.  It wasn't the prettiest game as Wheaton struggled from beyond the arc (3/15 for 20%).  A good number of their 22 turnovers were from just plain carelessness and not necessarily from the Augie pressure defense.   It allowed the Lady Vikes to stay within striking distance.  It is a real bonus for Wheaton to have a veteran like Ellie Zeller back in the lineup, a former 1st and 2nd team all-conference player who adds senior leadership on the floor.

For Augustana, sophomores Corrie Reiley and Izzy Anderson are both very good players and it is puzzling to me why they don't start or play starters minutes.  They were only averaging 23 and 24 mins/game coming in and I can easily see closer to 30 mins being warranted.  Perhaps coach Beinborn really favors seniors like Mayer and Fallon?  Reiley and Anderson played 28 and 29 mins tonight so maybe a change is coming.  The Vikes are a better team with those 2 sophs on the court in my opinion.

Katie McDaniels   19 pts, 3asst
Ellie Zeller  14pts, 3 rebs
Kelly Lawson, 12 pts, 5 rebs

Corrie Reiley  16 pts on 5/10 ( 3/7 from 3pt), 4 rebs
Izzy Anderson 13 pts, 4 assts, 3 stls
Kaycee Kallenberger, 13 pts, 16 rebs, 3 blks
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2017, 11:46:41 PM
The Vikings drop another one, this time on the road at Carthage, 65-50. NPU is really struggling right now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 05, 2017, 12:13:32 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2017, 11:46:41 PM
The Vikings drop another one, this time on the road at Carthage, 65-50. NPU is really struggling right now.

Maybe if they changed their nickname to Cardinals... ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2017, 12:27:28 AM
If NPU changing to the Cardinals and North Central changing to the Vikings would do the trick on Saturday when the Park travels to the airplane hangar in Naperville, I'd be all for it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2017, 03:36:37 AM
So impressed with how well and how consistently Rebekah Ehresman is playing right now.

That line vs. MU was something:

26 pts. 7 rebs, 6 assists, 2 steals and NO TOs.   I think she's overall IWU's top rebounder. 

As mentioned, a real break-out game for Maddie Merritt too -- with 23 and 6.  Shooting a high % from the charity stripe. 

Keep it rolling TITANS -- get Molly McGraw back on track. 

Let's beat WC this weekend. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 05, 2017, 08:03:57 AM
Pretty much all according to plan up in Waukesha, as the Cardinals knocked off Carroll 117-86. They were up 62-40 at the break and were able to get a lot of their end of the bench players some game experience. Paula Zerante had 22, Miranda Grizaffi buried six three's for 18, Natali Dimitrova put up 12, and Michaela Reedy and Diamond Calicott each scored 10. Jamie Cuny only played six minutes and scored two points (at the free throw line), but blocked three shots in that time frame. Given the margin, I can't blame Coach Roof, and most of the rest of the regular forwards played limited minutes (10 for Sterling, 5 for Juarez, 9 for Calicott).

I have a little more faith in the upcoming game against North Park given Greg's pessimism North Park's struggles, but the memories of Liz Rehberger going off last year are still fresh and are probably what scares me about this game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2017, 10:56:52 AM
Imitzel, you were right about Shannon Ryan taking over 1/3 of the point guard duty.
I wonder if the 120 FG attempts by NC last night set a CCIW record.
A few other stats that "caught my eye" : Carthage's Autumn Kalis was 6-for-6 at 3FGs; Wheaton's Jill Berg had 10 rebs in 14:00; Millikin's Mikayla Gilbert made 8/8 2FGs.
While looking here to see if team FG att were listed, :
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/History/WBB_Records.pdf
I noticed that Millikin's Devin Curry set the all-time league record (minimum 30 att) last season for FT% during conference play, .939 (31/33). Retroactive congratulations to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 05, 2017, 02:18:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2017, 10:56:52 AM
Imitzel, you were right about Shannon Ryan taking over 1/3 of the point guard duty.
I wonder if the 120 FG attempts by NC last night set a CCIW record.
A few other stats that "caught my eye" : Carthage's Autumn Kalis was 6-for-6 at 3FGs; Wheaton's Jill Berg had 10 rebs in 14:00; Millikin's Mikayla Gilbert made 8/8 2FGs.
While looking here to see if team FG att were listed, :
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/History/WBB_Records.pdf
I noticed that Millikin's Devin Curry set the all-time league record (minimum 30 att) last season for FT% during conference play, .939 (31/33). Retroactive congratulations to her!

If I had to guess... probably? 120 field goal attempts is the second-highest mark in program history, trailing only the 131 they put up last season against the late Principia College team, and the D-III record is 134. Not every school tracks field goal attempts as a record (read: I started alphabetically with Augie and they didn't have it, so I said screw it), and trying to find anyone putting up more than 120 shots is going to be hard.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2017, 01:57:20 PM
Question for Greg : I'm assuming you'll attend the multi-gender double header of North Park at North Central tomorrow evening. Can I count on you joining me at the 1pm Olivet Nazarene women at Roosevelt contest? The 3:40 Metra would get us to Napertown at exactly 4:37.
Or would there be a risk of brain damage if one witnessed up to 600 points within eight hours?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2017, 02:29:31 PM
Actually, my plan is to attend the Wash U @ Chicago men's game earlier in the afternoon before heading out to Naperville.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2017, 09:43:53 PM
No "must wins" this early in conference play, but the following W-L records will be set by Saturday's results :
AUG remains 3-1, CRL 1-3 or 0-4, CTG 4-1 or 3-2, ELM 2-2 or 1-3, IWU 3-1 or 2-2, MIL 2-3 or 1-4, NCC 3-2 or 2-3, NPU 2-3 or 1-4, WHE 4-0 or 3-1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2017, 12:30:13 PM
Of course, when I say there are no "must wins" at this point of the season, you know I'm not a coach.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2017, 02:31:31 PM
For the Wheaton ladies, a win tonight at IWU will create some early separation at the top of the standings.  A key to the game will be the Thunder ability to limit turnovers against the Titan pressure which has been forcing 25 turnovers/game.  Wheaton has been in a habit lately of turning the ball over in the 20+ range and they really should be better than that.  Plus, the Titans are more likely to make them pay for the mistakes they got away with at Augie and earlier games.   I don't think this is a must win game for IWU but I'm sure Coach Smith believe this is a home W they really need to have.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2017, 04:56:33 PM
Final from Van Male at Carroll U

Carroll 75
Millikin 73

Congrats to the Lady Pios who get off the schneid with their first win on a 10 foot jumper by Morgan Lund with 1.2 secs left.  A tight back and forth game all the way where neither team led by more than 3 or 4 pts practically the entire game it seemed.  Carroll's Sara Hartl led the way with 19 pts, 5-8 from three, 4 assts. Brittney Wald chipped in 18 pts, 10 rebs, 6 assts,-- Lund also with 18 including the game winner.

The Big Blue were led by Yanni Sadler and Devin Curry with 15 pts apiece – Curry with 3 clutch free throws with 15 secs left to tie the game.  Lauren Moses and Emily Schultz each had 10 pts with both adding 6 and 11 rebs respectively.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2017, 06:54:50 PM
IWU over WC 25-22 at the half.  Neither team shooting it well, so a scrappy defensive affair so far.

More to come.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2017, 07:49:00 PM
IWU over WC at The Shirk, 66-65, in a great DIII women's game.

Amanda Kelly hits the game winning trey with 25 seconds to go, for the win. 

For IWU:

McGraw 23
Merritt again a very strong game, 21
Ehresman 10 rebounds
Amanda Kelley gets the gold ring!

Titans win whilst still shooting it poorly -- 33%, 18% from three, but 80% from the FT line, making 20-25. 

For WC:
Zeller 19
Lawson 13
McDaniels held to 4 pts. and 0-12 shooting from the field.  You won't see that ever again this season. 

Titans win on TO margin, and shooting a high % from the FT line.  Of course, they almost let this one get away, leading by nine with 7 or so to go, WC coming all the back to take the lead in the last 2 minutes.  IWU getting the winner on the trey from the left corner. 

Great game, both teams very deserving.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 07, 2017, 07:58:19 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 07, 2017, 07:49:00 PM
IWU over WC at The Shirk, 66-65, in a great DIII women's game.

Amanda Kelly hits the game winning trey with 25 seconds to go, for the win. 

For IWU:

McGraw 23
Merritt again a very strong game, 21
Ehresman 10 rebounds
Amanda Kelley gets the gold ring!

Titans win whilst still shooting it poorly -- 33%, 18% from three, but 80% from the FT line, making 20-25. 

For WC:
Zeller 19
Lawson 13
McDaniels held to 4 pts. and 0-12 shooting from the field.  You won't see that ever again this season. 

Titans win on TO margin, and shooting a high % from the FT line.  Of course, they almost let this one get away, leading by nine with 7 or so to go, WC coming all the back to take the lead in the last 2 minutes.  IWU getting the winner on the trey from the left corner. 

Great game, both teams very deserving.

IWU'70

Very sad to see Rebekah Ehresman carried off the floor in the 4th Q.  I couldn't tell what happened but looked like a knee.  Hope she is OK, but fear that was a bad one.  Ehresman is the heart and soul of that IWU team and just a tremendous perimeter player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2017, 08:35:47 PM
That would be a devastating loss for the Titans.  Hope she's OK. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 07, 2017, 09:14:34 PM
NCC edged out North Park 88-87. North Central had that one point lead with 2 seconds to go, but knocked them all out of bounds with 7.8 ticks left, and Jamie Cuny sealed the win with a block after hitting what turned out to be the game winning three with just under 2 minutes left. She finished with 6 points and 5 blocks, Paula Zerante and Natali Dimitrova each scored 14, and Caroline Heimerdinger added 12. Emmy Gryna paced the Vikings with 21, Liz Rehberger was held to a modest (compared to last year) 14, Brie Lippert scored 13, and Gabby Sandoval chipped in 12.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2017, 10:53:38 PM
Pgraph reports that the injury for Ehresman is an ankle injury.

Let's hope for the best.  Really so hope the Titans don't lose another key player for the rest of the season. 

Rebekah has just been playing so superbly. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2017, 12:21:43 AM
Yeah, good wishes to Ehresman; playing outstanding and smart ball.
Speaking of injured players, after the game in Naperville, NCC's Mayson Whipple was slowly making her way across the court toward the locker room. North Park head coach Amanda Crockett, who had just endured a tough one-point loss, went out her way to go say a few pleasant things to Mayson. That was a nice example of kindheartedness and very good sportsmanship by Coach Crockett, and was clearly appreciated by Mayson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2017, 01:05:46 AM
Liz Rehberger wasn't at full strength Saturday. Early in the game, one of her knees was being tended to. Her customary quickness was affected. Not sure if this was a carry-over injury from a prior game? Best wishes to her, of course.
Hey lmitzel, nice to meet you today. Your spellcheck messed up Lippert's name in your recent post. And Gryna would be the best  spelling for Emmy.
IWU, Augie and Wheaton are now tied for 1st at 3-1, followed by Carthage and NCC at 3-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2017, 01:23:15 AM
Tough loss for the Vikings, but I'm proud of the way that they fought to stay alive and take the game down to the wire on a night when Liz Rehberger was both hampered by a sore knee and saddled with foul trouble. As I told Rog afterwards, if they were one rotation-caliber guard deeper they might've won that game; as it is, they just wore down to the point where they couldn't get to any loose balls or long rebounds. They also need to improve their endgame performances, as this is twice now on the road in the CCIW in which they've been unable to manufacture a good shot in a final-possession scenario.

Emmy Gryna really turned a corner tonight. I think that she's going to be a terrific player for the Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 08, 2017, 09:16:09 AM
Rebekah Ehresman tweeted the following to me last night...

@IWUhoopscom thank you! I'll be fine - just a bad ankle sprain!! Thankful it's nothing worse!

Hoping she's right.  I believe Mia Smith told WJBC Ehresman has X-rays today. 

Ehresman is averaging 13.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.9 apg and is shooting .447 from 3.  Above all else, she's a great leader and someone who plays with 100% effort every minute she's on the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 08, 2017, 09:57:40 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2017, 01:05:46 AM
Hey lmitzel, nice to meet you today. Your spellcheck messed up Lippert's name in your recent post. And Gryna would be the best  spelling for Emmy.
IWU, Augie and Wheaton are now tied for 1st at 3-1, followed by Carthage and NCC at 3-2.

Posting on a phone is hard.  ;) (also, fixed)

Good to meet you (and Greg) last night too! Glad we got a couple of classics in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2017, 11:12:55 AM
I didn't stay for the men's game, lmitzel. My brain was already full from the women's action and the 121-71 game I attended a few hours earlier at Roosevelt.
Prior to last night, NCC had not allowed more than 6 made threes in a game. North Park made 13. I think NCC decided to prevent layups and North Park moved the ball quite well to find 3FG opportunities, making a good pct, 36.
Michaela Kumer scored the go-ahead basket for Elmhurst as they edged Carthage 59-56. Also for the Bluejays, Mikaela Eppard made 7/13 FG and 8/10 FT for 22 pts and added 13 rebs.
Elmhurst (2-2, 10-3) has now beaten two pretty strong teams (Carthage and Illinois Wesleyan) in conf play.
As GoPerry reported, Carroll won. I doubt if they want my sympathy, but we know it's unpleasant to continuously lose, so I'll say, good for them to finally register a W.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2017, 04:04:11 PM
If a player has a five-letter first name and a last name starting with Ze, she did pretty well this past week.
Ellie Zeller played a total of 37:00, scored 33 very efficiently (.750 eFG% 13.5/18, plus 6/8 FT) and had 3 steals, an assist and 4 rebs. She's back.
Paula Zerante played a total of 33:00, scored 36 efficiently (.560 eFG% 14/25, plus 8/12 FT) and had 5 steals, 8 rebs and 8 assists.
Nice work by both.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 08, 2017, 04:49:54 PM
Congratulations to the Titans yesterday on a big home win to pull into the 3way tie for first.  Maddie Merritt really had her way in the paint and she, along with Molly McGraw, really carried the team.  The Green didn't shoot particularly well on the stat sheet, but I really thought they came out much more aggressively than Wheaton did and played that way all game.   Hats off to Amanda Kelly on the clutch game winning trey.

Offensively, WC didn't seem to get much offensive rhythm and IWU's defense probably had a lot to do with that.  Katie McDaniels never looked comfortable the whole game.  The Thunder were -6 on turnovers and -4 on the offensive glass resulting in 9 less FGAs.  Ellie Zeller continues to contribute in her 4th game back.

Wheaton finally gets to play at home again having not played at King since Dec 7.  Overall, a 1-1 week on the road vs Augie and IWU is a solid result for now with lots of CCIW ball to be played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2017, 09:36:57 PM
GoPerry, agree with all you have said, reported, about the IWU-WC game.  A great clutch shot by Kelly for the win, off a great drive and dish by McGraw.

Glad to hear from Q above that Ehresman's injury may not be season ending.  I hope that is true.  In the interim, sounds like she might miss 1-2 weeks?  We'll see.  I'd bet Mia Smith is thinking about playing Molly McGraw at the point now, and setting up all kinds of 1-on-1 isolation plays, screens for her.  Not many in the CCIW can guard her.  Or, perhaps Amanda Kelly becomes the point in Rebekah's absence.  Surely Shanks and Lehockey will get more time.  Maddie Merritt really coming into her own in the paint, playing strong and shooting the FTs at a very high percentage.  Makes IWU a much stronger team to have that offense, rebounding and scoring off of fouls, in the post. 

More big games to come, lots of the CCIW season to go.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2017, 09:28:45 AM
Carroll's Sara Hartl scored 43 pts last week via some nice shooting, with a .690 eFG% (20/29 when factoring in the threes), plus 3/4 FTs. She also contributed a steal, 6 assists and 9 rebs in 66:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2017, 10:30:59 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2017, 11:12:55 AM
As GoPerry reported, Carroll won. I doubt if they want my sympathy, but we know it's unpleasant to continuously lose, so I'll say, good for them to finally register a W.

My sentiments exactly ... especially since it didn't come at the expense of NPU. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 09, 2017, 11:14:43 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2017, 10:30:59 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2017, 11:12:55 AM
As GoPerry reported, Carroll won. I doubt if they want my sympathy, but we know it's unpleasant to continuously lose, so I'll say, good for them to finally register a W.

My sentiments exactly ... especially since it didn't come at the expense of NPU. ;)

Same re: NCC. :P

It's always nice to get that monkey off your back though. I don't want to see anyone go 0-25, and if that win gives them a little confidence going forward, possibly leading to a couple more wins, more power to them (again, as long as it doesn't come in Naperville. :P )
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2017, 03:07:47 PM
Millikin's rescheduled game at Washington U tips off in about 1/2 hour. Millikin is hard to judge so far. They did lose by only 4 at DePauw, so who knows what'll occur today in St Louis. No video. Use your imagination. Heh.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2017, 03:24:11 PM
Congrats to Maddie Merritt, our new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2017, 06:41:54 PM
Wash U 77, Millikin 58. The Big Blue made 10 of 32 2FG att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2017, 08:06:30 PM
New poll is up, and no CCIW team in the top 25.  Wheaton fell to just outside (#26, with 23 points); Augie received a single vote.  Since IWU knocked Wheaton out, I thought they might receive a stray vote or two, but 5 losses is apparently just too many, no matter how many of the teams they lost to are ranked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2017, 09:16:36 PM
If IWU continues to win 3/4 of their conference games, I think they'll get a lot of respect at the end of the regular season. Their 5 nonconference wins are looking pretty good at the moment (with half of the picture painted) : taking out the losses to IWU, the 5 nonconf teams that IWU beat have records as follows. Illinois College 8-2, Luther 8-4, Rose-Hulman 10-2, Chicago 8-3, Wilmington 8-4. We'll have to see how these opponents finish out their regular seasons and how IWU finishes its.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2017, 10:37:53 PM
Congrats to Maddie Merritt.  Very deserving this week.  She's making the over all Titan team and offensive scheme much better. 

Let hope Ehresman gets back before too too long.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 10, 2017, 07:26:42 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 09, 2017, 09:16:36 PM
If IWU continues to win 3/4 of their conference games, I think they'll get a lot of respect at the end of the regular season. Their 5 nonconference wins are looking pretty good at the moment (with half of the picture painted) : taking out the losses to IWU, the 5 nonconf teams that IWU beat have records as follows. Illinois College 8-2, Luther 8-4, Rose-Hulman 10-2, Chicago 8-3, Wilmington 8-4. We'll have to see how these opponents finish out their regular seasons and how IWU finishes its.

Rog: 

IWU already has a lot of respect across the league notwithstanding their record, present or future, but I suspect you're not really referring to that.  If the inference is to post-season play, I believe it's highly doubtful 12-4 will get them a Pool C bid because even a strong SOS won't overcome the math.  They would need to win the AQ in my opinion, which is obviously a possibility.   If they go 13-3 (10-2 the rest of the way) and 1-1 in the tourney, then they have a chance to be in the conversation.  All the teams have a lot of work to do between now and then, but that 2/21 final game @ Wheaton could be big.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2017, 10:37:14 AM
Yeah, I was thinking in terms of the national tournament.
My thinking was negligent though because I didn't consider the CCIW tournament and that IWU could hypothetically add another loss that way. Your math sounds right.
IWU has as good a chance as anyone to make the CCIW tournament, but they may not. It's still very early in conf play, now that we have 16 games instead of 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2017, 04:25:02 PM
So I was just perusing North Park's season stats and noticed that Liz Rehberger and Amani Davis have reached double figures in blocks and steals. I figured I'd find a couple of players on each team that had also achieved this combo by now.
Surprisingly (to me anyway), only seven players have reached double figures in blocks and steals : Davis, Rehberger, Devin Kyler, Anita Sterling, Lauren Moses, Kaycee Kallenberger and Carly McCameron. Another 8 or 10 players might get there in the next week or two. Beyond that clump, hardly anyone is close.
Conclusions? I dunno.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2017, 01:40:25 AM
I share GoPerry's views about IWU's record and D3 dance prospects.  When you play such a tough schedule and lose 4-5 games pre-CCIW, that means it's very hard to get near 20 wins.  Your resume come selection Sunday just isn't that strong.  That's why I continue to feel that IWU has to win the AQ, which WC and others will, of course, want to win as well.  IWU could go the rest of the way with 1-3 losses in conference play, but that would still put them only to about 17-8 for the season, then 18-9 if they don't win the AQ.  Even with a very very strong SOS, I don't think that gets you in. Their schedule is what it is, and surely contributes to how good, how tough they will be these next 6 weeks, but it is a stretch to get to the D3 dance without the AQ.  And now, of course, the Ehresman injury and other issues with key players, surely won't help.  Pgraph has Ehresman out 1-2 games, though that sounds optimistic to me.  Ankle sprains are tricky, sometimes worse than a break.  We'll see.  IWU will be short-handed and will have to find ways to win relying on seniors, some key bench players getting more minutes, and surely relying more heavily on Merritt and McGraw for the points.  Ehresman was the top rebounder, a good scorer, great with ball control and security, and surely the stick that stirs the IWU drink in so many ways.  We'll see how they can play without her vs. NPU.  I'm sure Mia will have a good plan, but her loss is very major. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 11, 2017, 09:42:55 AM
Nice article in the Naperville Sun about Jamie Cuny, as well as Mayson Whipple, who is officially out for the year. ACL tears are a [female dog].

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-basketball-north-central-notes-st-0111-20170110-story.html

Big one in Naperville tonight as Augie comes to visit. Not out of the realm of possibility for that combined score record set in a 2014 Illinois Wesleyan-North Central tilt get toppled tonight given these offenses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2017, 02:57:04 PM
No word on the condition of Liz Rehberger's knee. This is a cause of huge concern, obviously. Although the Vikings managed to keep the game close with her either sitting on the bench or at less than 100% on Saturday at NCC, I just don't see how North Park can compete without her tonight in Bloomington -- or on Saturday against Elmhurst or at any other future games, for that matter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2017, 03:50:28 PM
This evening, I'll attend the Millikin at Elmhurst contest. This will be Millikin's third game in five days. Their bus (I assume) trips were to/from Waukesha on Saturday, St Louis on Monday and today's travels.
As we are now getting deep into conference play (not early anymore!), the Big Blue really needs a win to rejoin the midsection of the league.
At 2-2, a win by Elmhurst would solidify the 'jays' position of contending for the post season.
Carthage has the bye today. Their nonconf game vs Olivet (Mich.) has been replaced by one vs IIT on Feb 4.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2017, 08:02:06 PM
It will be interesting to see how Mia Smith manages the absence of Ehresman tonight.  I would guess Amanda Kelly plays point and the McGraw handles the ball on the perimeter a lot more than usual.  Lehockey and Shanks have to come up big, playing more minutes and the ball is going into the post, to Merritt more than usual.  More scoring from Sneider?  We'll see too on defense, on how much run and jump has a new alignment of players.  Ehresman was key to that as well, often making the steals after pressure applied.  Some pine-sitters really getting their chance now to shine, to play more minutes.  McGraw has to come up big.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2017, 08:44:50 PM
IWU putting a big beat-down on NPU at The Shirk.  IWU 50 NPU 22 at the half.  McGraw with 25 first half points.  Run and jump doing its dirt big time.  Both teams without key players.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2017, 09:41:15 PM
IWU over NPU 93-54. 

McGraw 33 in a little more than one half, 15-20 from the field, 2-4 from three. 
Schneider 14

Titans shooting it better now -- 48%, 43% from 3.  Forcing a ton of TOs. 

All 18 players dressed got to play, all 18.

Ehresman smiling and icing her ankle. :)  LOL

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 11, 2017, 10:12:09 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2017, 02:57:04 PM
No word on the condition of Liz Rehberger's knee. This is a cause of huge concern, obviously. Although the Vikings managed to keep the game close with her either sitting on the bench or at less than 100% on Saturday at NCC, I just don't see how North Park can compete without her tonight in Bloomington -- or on Saturday against Elmhurst or at any other future games, for that matter.

That would explain the 93-54 final there. I announced it at the end of the NCC-Augie game, and Mark Beinborn came over to make sure he heard me right.

Speaking of NCC-Augie, the Cardinals made a bunch of mistakes and fell behind early with their shots not falling, then exploded on a 19-2 run to turn a 20 point game into a one possession tilt. Sadly the Cardinals ran out of gas and lost 86-79. I'll post individual numbers in the morning when I recover from nearly killing myself during that aforementioned 19-2 run.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2017, 12:06:54 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 11, 2017, 10:12:09 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2017, 02:57:04 PM
No word on the condition of Liz Rehberger's knee. This is a cause of huge concern, obviously. Although the Vikings managed to keep the game close with her either sitting on the bench or at less than 100% on Saturday at NCC, I just don't see how North Park can compete without her tonight in Bloomington -- or on Saturday against Elmhurst or at any other future games, for that matter.

That would explain the 93-54 final there. I announced it at the end of the NCC-Augie game, and Mark Beinborn came over to make sure he heard me right.

It wasn't just Liz Rehberger who didn't play tonight. Amani Davis, who is one of the best all-around players in the league -- she is among the top three in the league in assists and steals, among the top half-dozen in both rebounds and blocked shots (in spite of the fact that she's a PG), and she leads the league in a:to ratio by a country mile -- didn't play tonight. It's the first game that she's missed in her four-year career. I was told at halftime of the men's game tonight that Amani didn't practice yesterday, either, although my source was not sure of the details. I don't know why she was out tonight, but it's extremely worrisome. Without both Rehberger and Davis, the Vikings really aren't capable of beating anybody in this league except perhaps for Carroll, and that would be in doubt as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2017, 01:30:23 AM
After a close 1st quarter (Millikin 16, Elmhurst 14), the host Bluejays rolled to an 87-57 win. Elmhurst did just about everything as well as, or better than Millikin. The Big Blue's energy may have been dampened by having traveled a lot in recent days.
A major advantage for Elmhurst was their excellence from behind the arc : they hit 11 of 15 for 33 of their points. Kalia Summerlin led the way with 5-for-7.
Michaela Kumer was quite good overall, scoring 14 (4.5/7 eFG, 5/5 FT), along with 6 rebs, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal, plus good general defense.
Elmhurst moves into a tie for 4th with Carthage at 3-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 12, 2017, 06:57:28 AM
Now that I'm sure I survived the near comeback attempt in North Central's 86-79 loss last night, here are some stats.

Kaycee Kallenberger of Augie had a monster night with 14 points, 18 rebounds, and seven blocks, Corrie Reiley scored 16, and Carly McCameron added 10 points for the Vikings. Shannon Ryan was perfect from the field, but only went 3-6 at the line to finish with 18 points. Siarra O'Neill scored 12 points, and Anita Sterling chipped in 10.

The free throw shooting problem showed up again too last night. NCC hit just 16 of 27 at the line last night, including an abysmal 5-12 in the third quarter. The Cardinals shot 13-42 from beyond the arc, but that 31 percent clip doesn't do justice to how the shots weren't falling until that crazy 19-2 run.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2017, 09:05:02 AM
NCC's .310 3FG pct was actually their 3rd best of the season. The two higher rates were .457 vs Millikin and .347 vs Manchester.
I see that NCC shot an awful 29% on 2FGs. That and their crummy defensive rebounding seem to be bigger factors in their loss than a couple too many missed FTs.
lmitzel, did you notice anything wrong with Maya Walls? She played 1 minute.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 12, 2017, 09:32:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 12, 2017, 09:05:02 AM
NCC's .310 3FG pct was actually their 3rd best of the season. The two higher rates were .457 vs Millikin and .347 vs Manchester.
I see that NCC shot an awful 29% on 2FGs. That and their crummy defensive rebounding seem to be bigger factors in their loss than a couple too many missed FTs.
lmitzel, did you notice anything wrong with Maya Walls? She played 1 minute.

Of that 31 percent clip from deep though, most of the damage happened late. They were 7-30 from beyond the arc going into the fourth quarter, when they shot 6-12. I thought the percentage was a little misleading, to be honest.

Didn't notice anything wrong with Maya Walls, and thought that she'd played more than the one minute until I looked at the box again. I think the Cardinals wanted to go heavy with Jamie Cuny and Anita Sterling to combat Kallenberger, so maybe that had something to do with it? It doesn't explain why Kelly Wallner seemed to jump ahead of Walls on the depth chart (she played 4 minutes), though Wallner has improved her game this season a little bit. I don't know.

Definitely agree on the rebounding/2FG% things though too. Have to credit Kallenberger for wreaking havoc, but the Cardinals also took some pretty bad shots at times, and I lost count of how many times I was all but yelling about rebounding. That was part of what killed the late rally; Augie got about three or four chances counting fouls and offensive boards the possession after the Cardinals cut the lead to three.

I'm a stickler about the free throws though, and that combined with threes was what Michelle Roof was lamenting postgame. NCC made a mini run in the third quarter to cut Augie's lead to 7, but missed a bunch of free throws in that stretch that could have made it a totally different ball game. Maybe then the 19-2 run doesn't happen, but they also might not have needed the 19-2 run to try and win the game. When you miss 11 freebies and lose by seven...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2017, 06:28:03 PM
Wheaton topped Carroll 73-43 in yesterday's other matchup. Carroll committed 24 turnovers, 2nd most by a Thunder opponent this season (Blackburn 27).
Fifteen Thunder(s) played and were topped scoring-wise by Chantal Meacham (20 pts via 10/14 eFG).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2017, 01:06:28 PM
Road Wins minus Home Losses in conference play :
AUG +1 (2-1)
CRL -1 (0-1)
CTG -1 (0-1)
ELM -1 (1-2)
IWU +2 (2-0)
MIL -1 (1-2)
NCC even (2-2)
NPU -1 (0-1)
WHE +2 (2-0)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2017, 03:22:56 PM
This is a must-read for all CCIW women's basketball fans:

http://www.d3hoops.com/columns/around-the-nation/2016-17/system-here-to-stay
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2017, 09:13:11 PM
Let's hope "the system" doesn't take hold more widely.  Surely leads to wider "participation" by players, but not to a better form of the game, IMHO.  NCC surely got the bug some years back, but has it really led to them dominating the league.  Not so much. It inflates stats for all, but does it truly gain more wins for NCC?   

IWU vs. Carthage this weekend.  Always a very good game.  I think Titans likely still without Ehresman, but playing well, making the best of the other players getting extra minutes.  Lehocky, Schneider, Kelly, Shanks, all playing well, in support of the truly remarkable season McGraw is putting up.  Sure would like to have Rebekah back soon.  (Trevor Seibring too!).

Have a good weekend all -- hope the ice storm passes Central IL. by.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2017, 09:25:46 PM
Pgraph reports Ehresman will play vs. CC, with reduced minutes. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2017, 09:34:35 PM
That article does not include the experience of the Knox women. They ran the System for about 4 years, up until last season (if I remember the time frame). With a selection of very small players, the System did not produce winning basketball for Knox.
I don't follow the men's game much, but on the women's side, I think it's pretty clear that a System team needs height at the back end of the press (the "5" position on System teams) and at the "4" position to get o-rebs around the basket.
Here in Illinois, the women's System teams (NCC and ONU) seem to put at least some emphasis on standardizing 3FG shooting form, something I'm skeptical about. It involves hopping to catch a pass and landing with the feet in a good shooting stance; this enables the player to shoot really quickly, before a defender may get near. OK reasoning so far, but it often is a hurried off-target attempt. Also, some players end up hopping too late and get called for travelling.
Another topic is one Greg mentioned to me earlier this season : in a close game, NCC abandons the regular subbing pattern and uses 5 of their better players pretty much straight through the final five minutes or so. This means they are playing with teammates who weren't together on the floor up to that point. Also, how can they be expected to maintain a frenzied pace for the longer duration than what is customary?
Other than these criticisms, I pretty much like watching NCC and ONU play -- never a dull moment. Sometimes sloppy, but not dull. Athletic talent is certainly brought to the forefront for them and the opponent.
It is unclear how soon a System team may ever win a national championship -- they'd need a lot of very good players, like anyone else. I have heard an unfair dismissal of the System, which goes like this : "I won't think much of it until somebody wins a national championship with it." Nearly all teams that play conventional ball do not get anywhere near a national title, so those few who do try the System can't be expected to quickly yield a championship.
The combination of things they do may prove not to be the optimal style, but I give 'em a lot of credit for trying something different.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2017, 10:41:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 13, 2017, 09:13:11 PM
Let's hope "the system" doesn't take hold more widely.  Surely leads to wider "participation" by players, but not to a better form of the game, IMHO.  NCC surely got the bug some years back, but has it really led to them dominating the league.  Not so much. It inflates stats for all, but does it truly gain more wins for NCC?

Wow, Mark. Yes, it does. Yes, it does, indeed. Perhaps you're not familiar with the history of CCIW women's basketball, but North Central was a subpar program for a long, long time. The Cardinals had gone a dozen seasons without a winning CCIW record when Michelle Roof hired System guru and former Olivet Nazarene head coach Doug Porter as her assistant four years ago and adopted his style. Since NCC had gone an atrocious 7-35 (.167) in league play over the three years prior to her adopting the System, what did she have to lose?

In the first year that they ran the System the Cards improved five games in the standings and made the CCIW tourney. They've then gone on to make CCIW tourney appearances in three of the four years that they've run the System.

I would go so far as to say that the NCC women's program is the poster child for why to install the System in the first place.

Quote from: RogK on January 13, 2017, 09:34:35 PM
That article does not include the experience of the Knox women. They ran the System for about 4 years, up until last season (if I remember the time frame). With a selection of very small players, the System did not produce winning basketball for Knox.

It's unfair to hold the System responsible for Knox's failure. Those familiar with local D3 sports in general are aware of just how poorly the Prairie Fire are across the board in all sports. It's a highly selective academic school (even by MWC standards) that does not seem to get any support whatsoever from the school's administration for its athletics department. Any coach who takes a job at Knox in any sport is set up to fail. It's got to be an ongoing exercise in despair to try to recruit student-athletes to enroll there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 01:41:14 AM
Greg, I take your point, understand the improvement in the NCC program.  But, have they won any CCIW championships or tournaments, have they made the Dance using the system.  I don't recall that they have.  Perhaps they will continue to improve and make such a level soon, but so far, any good team with good PGs and ball handling pretty much beats the system.  Of course, it's exciting to watch and the Stats are all ballooned out etc, even for opponents.  No doubt great for everyone getting floor time, liikely good for recruiting, I suppose.    But, at the end of the day, NCC has not made a breakthrough vs. IWU, CC, or WC, as far as I know.  Thanks for the history lesson, though.  :)

Plus, I haven't seen Grinnell in Salem of late either. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2017, 02:06:19 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 01:41:14 AM
Greg, I take your point, understand the improvement in the NCC program.  But, have they won any CCIW championships or tournaments, have they made the Dance using the system.  I don't recall that they have.

Again, Mark, it's only year four. They've had to build up the program out of nothing. That doesn't happen overnight.

You asked if the System managed to "truly gain more wins for NCC." I answered your question.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 01:41:14 AMPerhaps they will continue to improve and make such a level soon, but so far, any good team with good PGs and ball handling pretty much beats the system.

That's a truism, and neither David Arseneault nor any other System defender has ever denied it. No strategy is ever going to confound an imbalance in ability over the long haul.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 01:41:14 AMOf course, it's exciting to watch and the Stats are all ballooned out etc, even for opponents.  No doubt great for everyone getting floor time, liikely good for recruiting, I suppose.    But, at the end of the day, NCC has not made a breakthrough vs. IWU, CC, or WC, as far as I know.  Thanks for the history lesson, though.  :)

Glad you learned something today, Mark. ;) Always happy to oblige.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 01:41:14 AMPlus, I haven't seen Grinnell in Salem of late either. 

... and I don't think that you ever will, but not because of the style of basketball Grinnell plays. No MWC team, regardless of institution, coach, or methodology, has ever made it to the Final Four over the course of the 43 seasons of D3 men's basketball's existence. I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for someone from that league to break through anytime soon, either. But that's men's basketball, and it's off-point to this room.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 05:55:17 AM
Greg, always happy to be your student, though I don't think you will ever see a "system" team win the CCIW and surely not a national title in women's or men's basketball.  If the system is so great, why aren't teams in the stronger conferences doing it.  Surely Grinnell doesn't have the same level of talent, doesn't play in a strong league.  I get it.  But, NCC on the women's side will not be winning the CCIW any time soon.  What will it take, 8-9 years?   Say what you will about the system and the great improvements it has made for the NCC program, but it just won't happen. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2017, 06:34:50 AM
iwu70, I appreciate that you brought up a specific criticism of the System, beyond expressing a general distaste for it. You and Greg pointed out that good point guard play /good ballhandling can and does enable opponents to beat System teams. To be be more specific : not all fullcourt defenses are identical. IWU and Augie each have implemented a lot of fullcourt defense, but more of a blend of one-on-one pressure and some trapping instead of NCC's constant trapping/double teaming the ball. The trapping is riskier because when that sort of press is broken, a 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 fast break ensues fairly often. I think NCC is willing to take this gamble because trapping can induce turnovers and it often induces the other team to shoot quickly.
So, iwu70, you don't object to fullcourt defense per se, right? Do you object to a team shooting 50 threes per game? Is 35 reasonable? I'm not picking on you, just wondering.
We may see more teams adapt certain aspects of the System without doing the whole package, if these aspects match what their personnel can do well. A team could do the trapping but not the 3FG shooting/offensive rebounding, or vice versa. System coaches did not invent either. One aspect that is not likely to catch on is the rigid adherence to a subbing schedule involving an entire large roster, such as 17 or 21 players.
GoPerry and lmitzel may want to offer comment or corrections?
Just checked : the Houston Rockets are taking 39.9 threes per game and 46.7 2FGs.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 14, 2017, 06:39:12 AM
I'm also a system skeptic but am first to admit to being not well informed on the topic. 

The only system game I've seen live is Hope's victory over NCC 2-3 years ago, by about 70.  That probably colored my opinion heavily but I was left with the impression that the system style may help when the teams (both sides) are of average talent and coaching level, but system would be a handicap when both teams have very skilled players and coaches.  This may align with IWU's observation that system teams have not yet demonstrated to be consistently at the top of their leagues and NCAA contenders.

I agree with Greg that we have little data yet and understand that my impression is based on basically one snapshot where the teams' skill level was quite different.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2017, 07:02:57 AM
Today's matchups, all starting around dusk : Carroll at Augie, Carthage at IWU, Elmhurst at North Park, Millikin at Wheaton, North Central at Syracuse.
Not sure if parity will reassert itself. It would be fun to have a lot of teams in contention during February.
Hello Roundball999. If you're willing to look to NAIA WBB, we'd find that System team Olivet Nazarene has consistently been near the top of their league and has won conference and conference tournament. Their league has some weak teams, but also some perennially strong ones like St Xavier; league member St Francis is currently #1 in NAIA D2, St X #3. The one time ONU had a bad record was when they suspended several key players (I don't know what for), maybe 7 or 9 years ago.
Alright, now I'm going back to bed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 14, 2017, 09:29:18 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 13, 2017, 09:34:35 PM
That article does not include the experience of the Knox women. They ran the System for about 4 years, up until last season (if I remember the time frame). With a selection of very small players, the System did not produce winning basketball for Knox.
I don't follow the men's game much, but on the women's side, I think it's pretty clear that a System team needs height at the back end of the press (the "5" position on System teams) and at the "4" position to get o-rebs around the basket.
Here in Illinois, the women's System teams (NCC and ONU) seem to put at least some emphasis on standardizing 3FG shooting form, something I'm skeptical about. It involves hopping to catch a pass and landing with the feet in a good shooting stance; this enables the player to shoot really quickly, before a defender may get near. OK reasoning so far, but it often is a hurried off-target attempt. Also, some players end up hopping too late and get called for travelling.
Another topic is one Greg mentioned to me earlier this season : in a close game, NCC abandons the regular subbing pattern and uses 5 of their better players pretty much straight through the final five minutes or so. This means they are playing with teammates who weren't together on the floor up to that point. Also, how can they be expected to maintain a frenzied pace for the longer duration than what is customary?
Other than these criticisms, I pretty much like watching NCC and ONU play -- never a dull moment. Sometimes sloppy, but not dull. Athletic talent is certainly brought to the forefront for them and the opponent.
It is unclear how soon a System team may ever win a national championship -- they'd need a lot of very good players, like anyone else. I have heard an unfair dismissal of the System, which goes like this : "I won't think much of it until somebody wins a national championship with it." Nearly all teams that play conventional ball do not get anywhere near a national title, so those few who do try the System can't be expected to quickly yield a championship.
The combination of things they do may prove not to be the optimal style, but I give 'em a lot of credit for trying something different.

I was trying to focus on the teams currently running the System - word count, you know, it was already a long column.  It was interesting to hear how the women's System offense has developed separately from the men.  The women use a lot more spacing and penetration - but, what didn't get in the column, is that Arsenault Jr, at Grinnell, is starting to go away from the triple screen clear out they've been famous for and moving to a more pro-style spacing offense.

That was my biggest discovery in this whole thing: just how much of the System just hasn't been discovered yet.  If even 30 teams decided to give it a try with some creativity, you could have a whole bunch of different approaches.  I think that this expansion of what's possible is certainly on the horizon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 14, 2017, 09:39:04 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 07:02:57 AM
Today's matchups, all starting around dusk : Carroll at Augie, Carthage at IWU, Elmhurst at North Park, Millikin at Wheaton, North Central at Syracuse.
Not sure if parity will reassert itself. It would be fun to have a lot of teams in contention during February.
Hello Roundball999. If you're willing to look to NAIA WBB, we'd find that System team Olivet Nazarene has consistently been near the top of their league and has won conference and conference tournament. Their league has some weak teams, but also some perennially strong ones like St Xavier; league member St Francis is currently #1 in NAIA D2, St X #3. The one time ONU had a bad record was when they suspended several key players (I don't know what for), maybe 7 or 9 years ago.
Alright, now I'm going back to bed.


Thanks.  Presumably, over time, if it is a superior way to play then we'll see more teams adopt it and rise to the top of their leagues.  This will take time as there are a lot of traditionalists out there including me:)

In terms of more rationale for my opinion, in the game I saw I was struck that Hope had 1) a lot of easy transition layups; 2) a lot of easy putbacks when they did miss because its hard to rebound defensively when your press is broken; 3) had the depth to not be worn down playing against the system; and 4) were mostly able to contest NCC's shots preventing easy looks at 3's.   

Much of this was because Hope had several mobile bigs that were able help against the full-court and help turn the press into easy layups and putbacks.  Having several mobile bigs happens in D3 mostly in the top echelon so that's why I wonder if the system can be consistently successful against the top teams.  In the same way I generally don't believe a full court press for an entire game is going to consistently have superior results, if both teams are equally skilled and well coached.  Too many holes to be exploited.  But I'm no coach or expert, just a former player and fan, and will watch with interest as this plays out over time.  I like watching it all!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2017, 11:31:37 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 05:55:17 AM
Greg, always happy to be your student, though I don't think you will ever see a "system" team win the CCIW and surely not a national title in women's or men's basketball.

1. I think it's entirely possible that the System will win a women's CCIW title, whether it's North Central or some other program that might adopt it in the future. (I think it'd be perfect for Carroll, for example, since it might alleviate some of the problems that the Pioneers have in recruiting up in WIAC Land.)

2. Men's basketball is a different sport with a different set of variables, and I'm not going to even bother commenting in this space upon the possibility of a CCIW men's program adopting the System, let alone winning the league with it.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 05:55:17 AMIf the system is so great, why aren't teams in the stronger conferences doing it.

1. I never said that the System is great. I think that it's a useful alternative in certain situations, particularly when a program has been hopelessly grinding its gears for a long time or faces inherent recruiting disadvantages. That's not the same thing at all as saying that the System is "great" (or any other superlative).

2. Teams in general aren't using it, which makes any inferences about the relative strengths of the leagues that contain System teams moot. That's been a big part of what I've been saying here and on the SLIAC men's board in response to Ryan's concluding paragraph in his column; he's already envisioning widespread results for the System when thus far it hasn't attracted more than a half-dozen takers in D3 (the level of college basketball for which it is the most ideal), and two of those takers (Redlands men and Knox women) have already gone apostate and returned to more standard versions of basketball strategy.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 05:55:17 AMSurely Grinnell doesn't have the same level of talent, doesn't play in a strong league.  I get it.  But, NCC on the women's side will not be winning the CCIW any time soon.  What will it take, 8-9 years?   Say what you will about the system and the great improvements it has made for the NCC program, but it just won't happen.

I'd ask you in return, "A conclusion that you've drawn based upon what?", but then I'd be subjecting us all to a long paean on the glories of Mia Smith and the ever-noble enterprise that is Illinois Wesleyan athletics, and so I figure that I'll just spare us all that. ::)

Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 06:34:50 AM
iwu70, I appreciate that you brought up a specific criticism of the System, beyond expressing a general distaste for it. You and Greg pointed out that good point guard play /good ballhandling can and does enable opponents to beat System teams. To be be more specific : not all fullcourt defenses are identical. IWU and Augie each have implemented a lot of fullcourt defense, but more of a blend of one-on-one pressure and some trapping instead of NCC's constant trapping/double teaming the ball. The trapping is riskier because when that sort of press is broken, a 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 fast break ensues fairly often.

It should be pointed out that IWU and Augie don't have identical full-court defenses, either. Illinois Wesleyan employs the run and jump, a standard (although not widely used) defense developed by Dean Smith at North Carolina in the '70s and often used to great effect by teams that have great athleticism and basketball smarts up and down the lineup (North Park's 1986-87 national championship men's team under Bosko Djurickovic used the run and jump). It doesn't use standardized trap locations, and it more or less takes the game out of the coach's hands by allowing the players themselves to dictate switches and traps, which means that it requires good communication and decision-making skills and is thus prone to communication breakdowns and missed timing on the part of the defense. Augustana plays a standard man press that requires less gambling but induces less surprise from the opposition. The virtue of the System that NCC runs is that, if it's done right, it can require the opposition to use as many as three different players to move the ball up the floor, and a lot of teams just don't have three players on the floor at any given time who can make great decisions and move the ball forward out of a trap.

Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 06:34:50 AM
I think NCC is willing to take this gamble because trapping can induce turnovers and it often induces the other team to shoot quickly.

Well, yeah. As Ryan's column reiterated, the System is formula-based. There are certain set numerical goals in terms of steals, offensive rebounds, shots taken, treys taken, etc., that a team is required to accomplish in a game. Inducing turnovers by press trapping speaks for itself in that regard. And forcing the other team to shoot quickly helps speed up the game and allows the System team to therefore meet all of its goals.

Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 06:34:50 AMSo, iwu70, you don't object to fullcourt defense per se, right? Do you object to a team shooting 50 threes per game? Is 35 reasonable? I'm not picking on you, just wondering.

What he objects to is the fact that people consider the System to be a sound approach to basketball in spite of the fact that the CCIW's resident System team doesn't wear green and attend school in Bloomington. ;)

Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 06:34:50 AMWe may see more teams adapt certain aspects of the System without doing the whole package, if these aspects match what their personnel can do well. A team could do the trapping but not the 3FG shooting/offensive rebounding, or vice versa.

I'd argue that the "certain aspects" is the System, because no two teams seem to run the System identically. Even David Arseneault has admitted that it should be tweaked to meet the needs of each specific program. Ryan aptly pointed out in his column that the System has to be run very differently by women's teams than it is by men's teams because female basketball players don't have the size and speed of their male counterparts, and thus an offensive methodology that is predicated so heavily upon skip passes to moving targets is impractical. Doug Porter seems to have developed a very sound adaptation of the System for women that obviously worked to great effect at Olivet Nazarene and has dramatically improved North Central's program success.

Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 06:34:50 AMSystem coaches did not invent either. One aspect that is not likely to catch on is the rigid adherence to a subbing schedule involving an entire large roster, such as 17 or 21 players.

You really need at least three active shifts if you're going to run the System, or else you wear down your own players. Again, I refer to Ryan's column. David Arseneault, Jr. tried to employ the System while he was running the Reno team in the NBA's D-League, but the smaller roster size kept him from being successful with it.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 14, 2017, 09:29:18 AMI was trying to focus on the teams currently running the System - word count, you know, it was already a long column.  It was interesting to hear how the women's System offense has developed separately from the men.  The women use a lot more spacing and penetration - but, what didn't get in the column, is that Arsenault Jr, at Grinnell, is starting to go away from the triple screen clear out they've been famous for and moving to a more pro-style spacing offense.

Yes, I watched the Grinnell @ Lake Forest game last night, and I noticed that, while the Pioneers still rely upon overloading one side of the floor, they never set more than one screen per sequence. It's a lot more kickout-based now than it used to be, which means that the men's version of the System is starting to take some pointers from the women's version.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 14, 2017, 09:29:18 AMThat was my biggest discovery in this whole thing: just how much of the System just hasn't been discovered yet.  If even 30 teams decided to give it a try with some creativity, you could have a whole bunch of different approaches.  I think that this expansion of what's possible is certainly on the horizon.

It's going to take a lot of changed minds to get the number of D3 programs (men and women combined) who employ the System up to thirty.

Quote from: Roundball999 on January 14, 2017, 09:39:04 AMIn terms of more rationale for my opinion, in the game I saw I was struck that Hope had 1) a lot of easy transition layups; 2) a lot of easy putbacks when they did miss because its hard to rebound defensively when your press is broken; 3) had the depth to not be worn down playing against the system; and 4) were mostly able to contest NCC's shots preventing easy looks at 3's.   

Much of this was because Hope had several mobile bigs that were able help against the full-court and help turn the press into easy layups and putbacks.  Having several mobile bigs happens in D3 mostly in the top echelon so that's why I wonder if the system can be consistently successful against the top teams.

It can't. That's why you were seeing a poor example of the System's capabilities. As I said yesterday, and as the System's adherents have always maintained, the System is not a cure-all. It cannot breach the imbalance if the opponent has significantly better personnel than the System team. Hope is one of the perennial powerhouses of D3 women's basketball and always has a deep roster stocked with talented ballplayers. The only team that is capable of beating Hope with the System on anything close to a regular basis is a System team that is itself well-stocked across all three shifts with really talented players. North Central is not at that point yet. Knox never had a prayer of even getting close to that point in a million years.

To get a better estimation of the System's capabilities, you'd need to see the current North Central team play, say, Albion or Adrian.

Quote from: Roundball999 on January 14, 2017, 09:39:04 AMIn the same way I generally don't believe a full court press for an entire game is going to consistently have superior results, if both teams are equally skilled and well coached.  Too many holes to be exploited.  But I'm no coach or expert, just a former player and fan, and will watch with interest as this plays out over time.  I like watching it all!

The primary virtue of the System isn't the press per se. It's the attrition involved. A System coach bets that your players will wear down and increasingly make more and more mistakes, or will be incapable of making good plays, over the course of the game as they tire, because your fifteen to seventeen players will simply exhaust them by maintaining a frenetic pace with their comparatively fresh legs. Teams that use standard press defenses don't go nearly that deep, nor do they keep attacking defensively by continuing to double-team the ballhandler in the halfcourt after the press has been broken and the fast break has been nullified. F'rinstance, although I really hate to use a men's team as an example here, undefeated and #2 Whitman on the men's side uses a 40-minute press approach similar to that of the Augustana women -- and it's a team that employs a ten-man rotation. The System's just a different kind of beast altogether.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 14, 2017, 12:16:27 PM
Greg, thanks for the thoughtful discussion.  I take your point about the talent disparity in the game I watched.   But if the primary virtue of the system is attrition as you say, then one logical conclusion might be that the system makes sense mainly when the other team is superior across the first 5-10 players and your best hope is to wear those players out.  That makes sense to me; it's an equalizer when you're at a disadvantage. 

But the main takeaway (opinion) for me is still that all else being equal (talent, depth, etc which negates the attrition issue) I think a system team would win less.  No real way to prove that I understand. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2017, 12:22:01 PM
Roundball999, if any coaches read this stuff, I think they would like you to send them "several mobile bigs." Mobile bigs are pretty darn useful.
If the opposition has several of them and your team doesn't, you're screwed regardless of how you play.
I don't think of the System as superior, but rather as an alternate (and entertaining) method.
One-on-one fullcourt defense seems a pretty safe defense, assuming the defenders keep up with the advancement of the offensive players. Kind of like forechecking in hockey, if the forwards can hurry back on defense. This is how IWU can press a lot and not get burned very often (this judgment is based on seeing them in prior seasons). Pressing has a secondary value in that it eats time off the shot clock.
Ryan Scott, thanks for the additional info. I hope somebody among those you interviewed mentioned the Knox WBB experience. Whatever advantages the System brought to Knox, it wasn't enough to produce a lot of wins or overcome their small physiques.
I'm pleased to learn from you that a lot of thought is still going into modifying the System as it could yield more interesting variations, as you pointed out. Eventually though, we may not know where System ends and something else begins. Like jazz overlapping blues.
I still think we may see "cherry-picking" come into use in basketball, not necessarily within the constraints of System ball. Think soccer without offsides rules.
As I was about to post this, other posts came in, so I apologize if my comments duplicate those already written.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 14, 2017, 12:48:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2017, 12:22:01 PM
One-on-one fullcourt defense seems a pretty safe defense, assuming the defenders keep up with the advancement of the offensive players. Kind of like forechecking in hockey, if the forwards can hurry back on defense. This is how IWU can press a lot and not get burned very often (this judgment is based on seeing them in prior seasons). Pressing has a secondary value in that it eats time off the shot clock.

Agree completely.  My previous comment about disadvantage of full court press really assumed press with trap, where by definition someone is left open or at the very least you're relying on some sort of zone approach.  I like one on one full court pressure for the reasons you mention and more.

Yeah, mobile bigs are good :).  Of course it's relative; at this level it means about 5'11" not 6'2" or more as at higher levels.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 06:46:22 PM
IWU over CC at the half 41-22.  I guess their system is working.

More on the system discussion later.  I want to watch basketball.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 07:43:38 PM
IWU 77, CC 50.  This one was never close.

McGraw 18
Nina Anderson a very nice game 16, on 4-6 from 3
Kelly 12
Merritt 10

13 players deployed, run and jump (yes, full court pressure of a sort) doing its dirt again.  It seems to be a winning system, at least.

CC led by Madie Kaelber with 16

Ehresman did play, though limited minutes, scoring 6.

Titans getting stronger and stronger, with good depth, good fitness.  They are going to be tough down the stretch.

Shall I sing the glories of the IWU program more?  Or just quote the facts? :)


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 08:29:34 PM
IWU now 10-5, 5-1 in CCIW.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2017, 08:30:25 PM
Mark, since you haven't found IWU a Yao Ming yet, maybe you could focus on the female equivalent?! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2017, 11:00:17 PM
On the women's side, Ypsi, I still like the short and fleet ones, the Titan players who can implement "run and jump," play good defense with quickness.  Even though everyone knows it's coming now, it seems to be working pretty well this year and over the past 7-8 years for Mia.  McGraw is putting up some great numbers with her quickness and athleticism and the Titans will of course be stronger when Ehresman gets back to full fitness after the ankle injury.  She's played so well, consistently.  Others are playing well, picking it up for the Titans.  Several very productive sophomores, esp. Merritt.   Nina Anderson had a great game tonight vs. CC.  Of course, many many good teams this year so there are tough games ahead, still a lot of basketball to be played.  But, 5-1 at this stage is very encouraging, esp. the win over WC.

Ypsi, I'm surprised you haven't weighed in on "the system" debate? 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: augiefan on January 14, 2017, 11:05:26 PM
I am very surprised and pleased  by Augie's success so far this season with last year's top 6 scorers graduated. However, they were fortunate to play NCC without Raridon and IWU without Seibring, and going forward thet have some real challenges as 7 of their last 10 games are on the road.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2017, 05:24:50 AM
I appreciate all the comments and perspectives on the "system" debate here.  I take many of Greg's points as valid, I just don't think NCC's adoption of the system will get them to the promised land now or any time soon.  Of course, any good coach tries to adopt offensive and defensive strategies aligned with and attuned with the talent and types of players he/she has.  When I was coaching, I surely did that.  You even do it depending on what opponent you are facing and what talent and strengths and weaknesses they have.  I believe most of the good coaches in the CCIW do that.  I personally am a big fan of full court pressure, also half-court trapping defenses, if one has the personnel to implement them effectively . . . and the fitness of your players to go flat out like that for all or most of 40 minutes.  IWU has obviously had this over some years, has not had many really effective bigs over the years, and does not have good, high-percentage three shooters, so using that kind of system on offense would not make sense.  In the past, they've had better trey shooters.  If you look at IWU's stats, it's always amazing that they are a poor team statistically in many ways, though now improving in the later part of the season.  They win by forcing many turnovers with run and jump, having more possessions and getting many points, often easy points, off TOs.  It is not rocket science.  So in a way they have their system.  This year, of course, they have athletic players and good scorers and a PG who can really take care of the ball, even under pressure, and not turn it over very much.  Ehresman is really solid this way, as are some of the other Titans.  But, the system NCC is using is just helter-skelter, even tiring their players out, even with all the frequent substitutions, and their trey shooting is actually not that great.  Of course, if you shoot tons, you'll make more.  I have no formula about how many treys a team should take.  If good at shooting them and the defense gives you good, open looks, then of course you should be shooting many -- look at the IWU men, for example.  An offense greatly based on getting open threes for many good trey shooters.   But overall, you may not come out ahead.  There are cold shooting nights.   Perhaps Greg is right that at some point, when NCC fine tunes their system and finds better personnel to implement it, they may indeed win the CCIW.  I just don't believe they will, as the top 2-3 teams will almost always have good PGs, ball-handlers, folks that can break their type of pressure and also defend their type of "system" -- even if sometimes losing to it.  I'm sure if IWU has some different personnel in future, a really high-scoring post oriented big, perhaps they will go to a different strategy, different offensive sets.  Actually, one of the reasons they are playing well now is that Maddie Merritt has in fact provided better post defense, interior scoring and rebounding than some of the smaller, more perimeter oriented teams that Mia has had in the past. Plus she is putting together the best season % of FTs ever for an IWU player.  Getting fouled and shooting a percentage like that is a huge plus for the Titans right now.   I'm sure NCC will continue to develop and refine their type of play, perhaps finding even more effective players to play in that mode.  I still think, on balance, that most of the top teams in the CCIW will be able to solve it and beat their system.  IMHO.  (Greg, I'm not singing the praises of the IWU system, just stating the facts about how successful they have been over the past 7-8 years).  Even in the Trump era, facts are still facts. 

IWU'70


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2017, 05:54:58 AM
As iwu70 pointed out earlier, Titan 5'10" sophomore Nina Anderson did really well Saturday. The efficient 16 pts were a career high; she has scored at least 6 pts in 9 games already in limited time. And she is proving to be a reliable 3FG shooter, .368 overall and very steady pct-wise game-to-game.
The game I attended, Elmhurst 70-54 over North Park, was a slow defensive-type grind. The turnovers, 20 and 22, were high for a low-possession contest.
EC clogged the lane, cutting off paths Liz Rehberger likes to take and NP clogged the lane, cutting off paths Mikaela Eppard likes to take.
Elmhurst somehow got only 2 assists.
EC's Hannah Lipman had a very nice game, scoring 19 on 6/12 FG and 7/7 FT.
Things got chippy late in the game. I don't know which side instigated more, but I did see Eppard get whacked in the face.
Elsewhere, Millikin was up 62-61 after 3, but Wheaton ruled the 4th Q and won 86-75. Ellie Zeller had a particularly efficient 15 pts. Wheaton committed only 5 TOs. MU's Cassie Somers scored 15 on just 6 FG att.
Augustana eased past Carroll 102-61. Seven Vikings scored in double figures; Kaycee Kallenberger was dominant, with 20 rebounds plus 15 pts. Carroll's Morgan Lund made 13/18 FTs. The Pioneers were poor from threeland : 2 for 18.
Again I'm awake at a goofy hour -- going back to sleep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2017, 06:41:33 AM
RogK, thanks for all the good updates.  Augie is really playing well.  Will be interesting to see how the IWU-Augie games play out. Both teams coming into their own at this point in the season.

Nina Anderson is a very nice surprise, positive addition to the Titan offense just now.  We'll need Ehresman back and fully fit.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 15, 2017, 10:14:32 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 15, 2017, 05:24:50 AM
I appreciate all the comments and perspectives on the "system" debate here.  I take many of Greg's points as valid, I just don't think NCC's adoption of the system will get them to the promised land now or any time soon.  Of course, any good coach tries to adopt offensive and defensive strategies aligned with and attuned with the talent and types of players he/she has.  When I was coaching, I surely did that.  You even do it depending on what opponent you are facing and what talent and strengths and weaknesses they have.  I believe most of the good coaches in the CCIW do that.  I personally am a big fan of full court pressure, also half-court trapping defenses, if one has the personnel to implement them effectively . . . and the fitness of your players to go flat out like that for all or most of 40 minutes.  IWU has obviously had this over some years, has not had many really effective bigs over the years, and does not have good, high-percentage three shooters, so using that kind of system on offense would not make sense.  In the past, they've had better trey shooters.  If you look at IWU's stats, it's always amazing that they are a poor team statistically in many ways, though now improving in the later part of the season.  They win by forcing many turnovers with run and jump, having more possessions and getting many points, often easy points, off TOs.  It is not rocket science.  So in a way they have their system.  This year, of course, they have athletic players and good scorers and a PG who can really take care of the ball, even under pressure, and not turn it over very much.  Ehresman is really solid this way, as are some of the other Titans.  But, the system NCC is using is just helter-skelter, even tiring their players out, even with all the frequent substitutions, and their trey shooting is actually not that great.  Of course, if you shoot tons, you'll make more.  I have no formula about how many treys a team should take.  If good at shooting them and the defense gives you good, open looks, then of course you should be shooting many -- look at the IWU men, for example.  An offense greatly based on getting open threes for many good trey shooters.   But overall, you may not come out ahead.  There are cold shooting nights.   Perhaps Greg is right that at some point, when NCC fine tunes their system and finds better personnel to implement it, they may indeed win the CCIW.  I just don't believe they will, as the top 2-3 teams will almost always have good PGs, ball-handlers, folks that can break their type of pressure and also defend their type of "system" -- even if sometimes losing to it.  I'm sure if IWU has some different personnel in future, a really high-scoring post oriented big, perhaps they will go to a different strategy, different offensive sets.  Actually, one of the reasons they are playing well now is that Maddie Merritt has in fact provided better post defense, interior scoring and rebounding than some of the smaller, more perimeter oriented teams that Mia has had in the past. Plus she is putting together the best season % of FTs ever for an IWU player.  Getting fouled and shooting a percentage like that is a huge plus for the Titans right now.   I'm sure NCC will continue to develop and refine their type of play, perhaps finding even more effective players to play in that mode.  I still think, on balance, that most of the top teams in the CCIW will be able to solve it and beat their system.  IMHO.  (Greg, I'm not singing the praises of the IWU system, just stating the facts about how successful they have been over the past 7-8 years).  Even in the Trump era, facts are still facts. 

IWU'70

I missed the very beginning of this debate in the past day or two with a lot of stuff going on, and I would have said some stuff that has already been said. So without trying to step on any toes (mainly Greg's, because he made a point or two that I would have)...

I can understand the skepticism about The System. It requires the right personnel who are experienced in how to run it effectively. What got left out of the discussion yesterday was that this team already had that one year: the 2014-15 season. We had an elite senior point guard in Bobbi Johns that knew how to run the offense, could attack the basket at will, and was a master thief on the press. We also had a key ingredient no NCC System had before or since: an elite post presence in Tess Godhardt. She was the only player to average double figures that season, and she was averaging about 18 a game. If she wasn't hitting her shots, she could still get her points at the free throw line, but she was about a 60 percent shooter that year if memory serves. Combine that with Jamie Cuny anchoring the press with nightly block parties, backed up by Anita Sterling to draw charges. You also had a good blend of "2" and "3" guards who could shoot and force turnovers on defense. Put that together and you had a 22-6 team that made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 31 years.

This year's team is still a work in progress, given all of the new faces. There are flashes of that post presence with a few players, but no one on Tess Godhardt's level. When healthy, Jamie Cuny is still doing Jamie Cuny things. Losing Mayson Whipple for the year hurt, though whether it would have helped against, say, Augustana this past Wednesday, I don't know. I'd like to think so, but given the early struggles in that game it might not have been enough.

I guess it all kind of depends on what your definition of "The Promised Land" is, 70. If we're talking "national title contention," yeah, they aren't there yet. But like Greg pointed out, NCC women's basketball in the years leading up to The System, was mediocre at best. My first full year working PA for them was the year before they went to The System, and... I'm just going to come out and say it: they were bad. I worked every home conference game and went to the game at Elmhurst. I don't know how many times I used the words "clogged toilet" to describe that offense, and the turnover numbers were atrocious that season.

But in the four full years of going to The System, the team is contending for the CCIW Tournament every year. They've made it three times, albeit with only a single tournament win to show for it. But that 2014-15 year, North Central played Wheaton about as well as they ever have since the long losing streak started back in '09. Wheaton just made a late run in the conference title game to grab the automatic bid. I agree with Greg's notion that at some point, a System team could win the CCIW. I hope North Central pulls it off in the not too distant future. But it will take the right level of talent, and possibly catching fire at the best possible moment, to pull it off.

RogK's criticism of The System is spot on, as well. The disciplined teams led by an excellent point guard who can direct traffic and break the press will have the most success against The System. That's why Wheaton hasn't lost to it, why Wesleyan has been able to play the Cardinals pretty well since going to The System, and was even to a degree why Augie won the other night (20 fast break points for the Vikings). The elite teams are going to be disciplined enough to not make too many mistakes, and they'll take advantage of their opportunities.

Going to The System has forced me to change the way I think about basketball when I watch this North Central team play. 70, you're right when you note that their three point percentage is not very good. That more than gets offset by sheer volume, as you also noted. And yes, there will be cold shooting nights; I've seen plenty of them. That's where the pressure and forcing of turnovers comes into play. By forcing so many, you end up taking more shots than your opponent, and that disparity adds up (which is why it's one of Arsenault's five goals).

I know I'm kind of rambling and jumbling my words together here a little bit, but it was a lot to catch up on. And I don't have a problem with legitimate criticism of The System, because there are arguments that can be made, and have been made here, against it. But personally, I was a fan of it when Michelle Roof told me she was going to it before the 2012-13 season, after four-plus seasons of it I remain a fan, and, as long as the right personnel are in place for it, will continue to be a proponent of it as a legitimate, fun style of basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2017, 10:47:22 AM
Sorry, Mark, but after your long paragraph I'm even more convinced that you don't really grasp the System. F'rinstance, you refer to it as being "just helter-skelter, even tiring their players out, even with all the frequent substitutions." Well, basketball tires out anyone who is playing it properly; it's all about the rate at which you get tired out that decides attrition. And the Cardinals are noticeably fresher at the end of ballgames than are their opponents. I've seen enough NCC games, including several games the Cards played against opponents other than North Park, to know that. More importantly, by calling it "helter-skelter" you indicate that you don't really know what's going on when you watch the System at work. It's anything but helter-skelter. Listen to Michelle Roof coach her team during a timeout (on one of those occasions in which she's using a timeout as something other than a mere substitution device; she does most of her correcting when the shift that needs correction is on the bench); she'll re-direct drive angles and talk about positioning planes for the shooters in relation to each other. It's as much about geometry and patterning as is any other offense, and it's about as far from "helter-skelter" as you can get. Ask her or Doug Porter to Skype you a chalk-talk sometime. I'm sure that they'd be up for it. ;)

Most importantly, I just don't think that you're really watching the System. I think that you're watching Illinois Wesleyan play against the System, which is really a different thing altogether. Even in a long paragraph ostensibly devoted to discussing the System, you spent more time talking about the Titans, who don't use the System, than about the team that actually does employ it. You're fixated on your own team to the point where you really don't seem to notice the opposition much. And that's perfectly fine. It's the way that a lot of fans, perhaps even most, follow their teams. I'm certainly not going to tell you how to watch basketball, and nobody else here has the right to do so, either. I'm just saying that I don't think you're focusing enough upon what NCC is doing, in the two times per year that you watch the Cards, to really get a handle on what the System is all about.

The System most likely won't win a CCIW title all by itself. To modify an old cliche, it's not about the X's and O's, it's about the Jennys and Flos. Talent is what wins CCIW titles, and the Cards simply have not had enough of it in the System era to compete toe-to-toe with Wheaton and IWU on a regular basis. The true test of the System won't come until the Cards have enough talent to at least be in the same vicinity, talent-wise, as the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance and the Titans, or whomever else happens to be the conventional team at the top in any given season. That's when we'll really see how effective or ineffective the System is at bridging small gaps in ability between two teams, which is really all that it purports to do in the first place.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 15, 2017, 11:07:21 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2017, 10:47:22 AM
Sorry, Mark, but after your long paragraph I'm even more convinced that you don't really grasp the System. F'rinstance, you refer to it as being "just helter-skelter, even tiring their players out, even with all the frequent substitutions." Well, basketball tires out anyone who is playing it properly; it's all about the rate at which you get tired out that decides attrition. And the Cardinals are noticeably fresher at the end of ballgames than are their opponents. I've seen enough NCC games, including several games the Cards played against opponents other than North Park, to know that. More importantly, by calling it "helter-skelter" you indicate that you don't really know what's going on when you watch the System at work. It's anything but helter-skelter. Listen to Michelle Roof coach her team during a timeout (on one of those occasions in which she's using a timeout as something other than a mere substitution device; she does most of her correcting when the shift that needs correction is on the bench); she'll re-direct drive angles and talk about positioning planes for the shooters in relation to each other. It's as much about geometry and patterning as is any other offense, and it's about as far from "helter-skelter" as you can get. Ask her or Doug Porter to Skype you a chalk-talk sometime. I'm sure that they'd be up for it. ;)

This. I don't have a full grasp on how exactly the offense of The System works, but I've seen it enough to notice some patterns emerging. There is a science to it, and while I'm not completely familiar with it because I haven't sat through enough of a practice to see them run through it a few times and get the intricacies of it, they're there. That's why one of the high points of last year's postseason banquet was GA and four year player (including 3 in The System) Maryssa Cladis doing a, judging by the laughter it invoked, perfect impression of Doug Porter explaining how the offense worked. If you don't watch it often enough, I can kind of see how you can consider it "helter-skelter", but there is a method to the madness.

And the method works. To kind of expand on Greg's last point: The bad teams are going to get blown out of the water. The teams who are relatively equal to North Central in terms of talent, and even might be a little bit better, are going to struggle and the Cardinals will win a few of those games on the merits of The System and the players making key plays at key moments. Get them against a Wheaton, Calvin, or Hope (thanks, roundball, for bringing up those repressed memories :P ), and those elite teams are going to, by and large, have their way with the Cardinals. Like Greg said, it's not a cure-all. But that combination of System and right personnel can give you something special.

IWU70 brought up that NCC hasn't really broken through against Wesleyan, but that's not entirely true: the Cardinals won four of five against them during one stretch, and just this year the Titans needed overtime to squeak out a five point win in Naperville. Yes, the Titans have turned the tide back again because Mia Smith is an excellent coach and that team is really good year in and year out, but the gap is narrower than you'd think. I'd still take the Titans on a neutral floor, but not by a ton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2017, 11:25:08 AM
North Park had a nine-point lead midway through the second quarter of yesterday afternoon's game, and the Vikings were up by four at halftime and looked to be in good shape. But they fell apart in the third quarter, as Elmhurst went on a 16-2 run to take a ten-point lead and never relinquished it. NPU certainly had its chances even after that point; with 3:30 to go in the ballgame Elmhurst led only by four. Unfortunately, NPU folded like a card table at that point, and the 'jays won going away.

NPU was very effective in going inside to Bri Lippert in the first half; even when she wasn't making her close-in shots she was drawing fouls and putting pressure on the Elmhurst defense. But the Vikings just went away from her completely in the second half; she had ten shots in the first half, and only one in the second. By contrast, Mikaela Eppard woke up from her slumber and was the dominant inside player in the second half, as she and Kaela Jones picked up where Hannah Lipman, who had kept the 'jays in the game in the first half practically all by herself, left off.

Liz Rehberger paced the Vikes with 14, while Clarissa Ramos -- who was very solid for NPU -- finished with 11 and 6. Lippert contributed 10 and 7. Lipman led all scorers with 19 and 6 for Elmhurst, while Eppard had 12 and 9 and Jones chipped in 12 and 6 for the 'jays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2017, 12:51:49 PM
NCC's multi-year goal should be to join the ranks of the "elites" and not settle for anything less.
I remember something funny from NCC's November game vs Manchester. You know how someone on the bench will yell "shooter" to remind a defender to tightly guard an opposing long-distance shooter. Well, one of the Manchester players finally yelled, "they're all shooters!"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 15, 2017, 03:05:23 PM
The saying in the NFL is: "on any given Sunday." The idea being that anyone can win a game no matter the match up because, well, things happen. The same could be true in Division III basketball. On any given night, someone will pull off an upset. And in some weeks we see multiple upsets.

What to make of it all? Tune into Sunday's edition of Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) as Dave tries to make sense of most of it with guests from around the country who can provide their insight.

Also on tap for tonight, can Amherst women run the table? What to make of William Peace men's basketball. And why one coach is highly regarded in the Chinese-American culture.

Tune in starting at 7:00 PM ET here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/jan15 - or via Facebook Live. If you can't watch the show live, you can catch up On Demand once it is off the air or download the podcast via SoundCloud or iTunes.

Guests scheduled (in order of appearance):
- G.P. Gromacki, No. 2 Amherst women's head coach
- Claude Shields, William Peace men's coach
- Carol Jue, Chapman women's coach - WBCA Center Court
- Mark Beinborn, Augustana women's coach
- Ira Thor, New Jersey City SID - Atlantic Regional Reporter

And don't forget about the Hoopsville Mailbag segment! Email questions you may have to the show at hoopsville@d3hoops.com and we will answer them tonight or on a future show.

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2017, 06:36:31 PM
The Millikin Big Blue played a very gritty game at Wheaton last night.  Even after going down by 9 in the first quarter, hot shooting and especially beyond the arc(11-17, 64%) kept them from going away and took a brief lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.  But some key baskets from Chantal Meacham and Katie McDaniels got the lead back and the Thunder extended from there.  Wheaton dominated the statistical categories across the board most notably +9 in rebounding and a big +11 on the offensive glass.  Steals, turnovers and blocks resulted in the home team having 77 shots attempts vs MU's 58 (it was not a system game). 

McDaniels led all scorers with 23 pts, 7 rebs, 4 assts.  Ellie Zeller had 15 pts off the bench in 16 mins of PT.  Kelly Lawson added 13 pts, 7rebs, while Devin Kyler had another double/double with 11 and 11.  Devin Curry paced the Big Blue with 20 pts, 5 rebs and Emily Schultz added 19.  Cassie Somers chipped in 15 and Yanni Saddler contributed 13 pts with 7 rebs.  Sr G Rachael Weber had a nice game with 8 rebs and 5 assts despite not scoring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2017, 06:39:17 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2017, 10:47:22 AM


The System most likely won't win a CCIW title all by itself. To modify an old cliche, it's not about the X's and O's, it's about the Jennys and Flos. Talent is what wins CCIW titles, and the Cards simply have not had enough of it in the System era to compete toe-to-toe with Wheaton and IWU on a regular basis. The true test of the System won't come until the Cards have enough talent to at least be in the same vicinity, talent-wise, as the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance and the Titans, or whomever else happens to be the conventional team at the top in any given season. That's when we'll really see how effective or ineffective the System is at bridging small gaps in ability between two teams, which is really all that it purports to do in the first place.

Reading the article(thanks Ryan), everyone's comments and without giving too much in depth thought to it, I'm also inclined to think that System teams will have a certain 'success ceiling' as long as its use is fairly limited.  And I agree with GS that talent is still the trump card.  I would think that the top D3 recruits, those talented enough to come into a program and play right away, will dismiss a system offense pretty quickly.  For one thing, it limits your playing time.  Second, its place outside the mainstream would make it difficult to commit to that style of play for 4 years.  Third, might there be a stigma attached to playing for a team that employs such an 'unclassic' or 'odd'(insert whatever adjective but you know what I mean) philosophy?  So I would think that attracting the type of talent (to say nothing of the #s you need) that could insure consistent success would be really difficult.  And if a team were able to attract a solid cadre of talented players that brought regular 'system' success, a few CCIW titles for instance, then wouldn't that same level of talent yield the same under a classic system? 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2017, 07:37:23 PM
GoPerry, doesn't the last sentence seem to advocate conformity for the sake of conformity? I'm not sure if that's where you were headed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2017, 08:45:47 PM
Well, you'all, the question seems to be is it the talent or the system?  Surely some combination of the two.  I say it is the talent and so far at least the talent is surely overcoming the NCC-type system.  Yes, of course I do admire the IWU system, talent and coaching.  NCC's talent is pretty good and according to Greg they are more fresh and more fit, so they should be winning.  Time will tell, as the NCC system apparently is not yet fully developed and refined after four years, with not adequate talent as yet.  So, in the next few years, we'll see.  And, we'll see how long NCC stays with it and if other programs adopt it.  I doubt it.  Greg, I've seen many NCC games, not just two a year vs. the Titans, so I do see how they run it and how the coaches teach it.  Surely, most teams playing against it experience it as "helter-skelter" -- so that was my reference.  The better teams and coaches know what NCC and the system are trying to do and have a plan to defeat it, which they have done pretty well over these past four years.  Plus, I don't think NCC currently has enough top-quality trey shooters to make it really work.  Yes, they are making tons, whilst shooting tons.  Anyway, interesting discussion.

When I coached, of course at a different age and talent level entirely!, I loved using full court pressure, esp. half court trapping defenses of various kinds.  Very effective at that level -- high school.  No three point shot here.  It's easier to teach good defensive tactics, habits, and practices than have kids develop top offensive and shooting skills, at least at that level. 

Big game at Augie for the Titans this week.  I hope they can keep it rolling.  Yes, I'm a Titan fan through and through.  Greg is right.  Surely that was such a great revelation to you all.  I'm sure I'm the only one that has his judgement and perspectives clouded by being a partisan.  LOL.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2017, 09:24:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2017, 07:37:23 PM
GoPerry, doesn't the last sentence seem to advocate conformity for the sake of conformity? I'm not sure if that's where you were headed.

Hi RogK:

No.  Not advocating for conformity.  I'm merely trying to point out that any strategic philosophy, system or classic, without sufficient talent to effectively execute it will have limited success unless the talent level is upgraded and, in the case of the system, greatly expanded down the roster.  C grade talent will only yield C grade results over an entire season or multiple seasons. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2017, 10:36:22 PM
GoPerry, you are on to something.  Or, as Dennie Bridges always used to say, "it's always best to get off the bus with the best players."  Amen to that.

Looking forward to the IWU-Augie game @Carver.  Should be a good one, surely an important one.  Hopefully, Ehresman will be back to full health and fitness. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2017, 11:04:05 AM
I bravely predict we'll see Molly McGraw or Kaycee Kallenberger as Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2017, 02:38:40 PM
And it is Molly McGraw -- congrats to her as the new Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2017, 08:28:42 PM
Warm congratulations to Molly McGraw on her Player of the Week award.  Kellenberger would have been very deserving too.  For sure. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2017, 09:14:39 PM
I noted that there has not been a single repeat winner of POW this season.  I wonder if that is unprecedented?  Also, we could probably do a contest on who WILL be the first two-time POW winner this season - I'll take a stab at a comeback win by Rebekah Ehresman (though Molly's on such a roll tight now, consecutive wins would not surprise me, and I never rule out Katie McDaniels).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2017, 11:02:50 PM
Ypsi, do you mean "unpresidented?"   LOL

My bet is on Molly McGraw to have a huge game @Augie this week and get the Titans to 6-1. 

Surely hope Rebekah Ehresman is just healthy and fit to return to the regular rotation, regular minutes, or near to her regular level of play.  Ankles are tricky.

IWU hosting the Cubbies Championship Trophy at the Shirk tomorrow.  At ISU too.  (By the way ISU men beat Wichita State and lead the Valley right now -- great season in the making for the Redbirds).

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2017, 11:26:49 PM
New poll is FINALLY up.  Wheaton is (26), Augie lost their one point, but IWU finally has one point (wonder if that is the same voter who has switched horses?)  With a national title only five years ago, the same coach, and a five game winning streak, it's about time at least ONE voter acknowledged the Titans!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2017, 12:02:49 AM
Ypsi, polls don't matter much.  IWU just needs to keep winning, keep moving toward the CCIW crown and a shot with great momentum at winning the AQ.  Don't think they get in without winning the AQ, unless they pretty much win out.  Unlikely.  Big game this week at Augie.  AC has played very well and is much improved from previous Doggie incarnations.  Should be a very good game.  I'm sure Mia will have our women ready. 

With the various role and bench players improving, IWU is strong, with depth.  Anderson, Merritt, Shanks, Kelly, and Schneider all playing well -- along with the big guns, Ehresman and McGraw.  I think Shelby Gray is back now too.  So, save for the out-for-season, injured Holness, the Titans look in good shape, with depth.  Great to see some of these younger players get lots of PT, a good omen for future Titan squads.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 17, 2017, 09:33:25 AM
Wheaton ORV and listed as #7 in Massey(way too high) is nice but it doesn't pass the 'hill of beans' test.  I'm not yet convinced how good this team actually is on the national scale.  While the first goal is to win the CCIW, league and tourney, I don't think Kent Madsen and the team will consider this season a notable success unless they can 1. make the NCAA and 2. advance past the first round which is where they've gotten stuck the last 2 years.   While they have played the 2nd strongest schedule so far according to Massey(and yes, yes, I know '70 that IWU is the strongest), they are 1-2 (loss at Hope, loss at Oshkosh, win vs Trine)against non-con opponents who would be of that national caliber.  And honestly, I'm not convinced the W over Trine is that significant despite Trine's record. 

Yes, they need to take care of business in the CCIW.  But I think they should be building towards the post-season and viewing tough games (such as last Wed at IWU) as barometers towards that.  I don't think they have a signature win yet, maybe the win @ Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 17, 2017, 11:31:39 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 17, 2017, 09:33:25 AM
And honestly, I’m not convinced the W over Trine is that significant despite Trine’s record. 

I think you can feel pretty good about the win over Trine, they're legit.  19-8 last year with two wins over Calvin and they returned all five starters this year, two 2nd team all-league players including a strong 6'2" post.  Added four transfers and have a win over Calvin already this year.  Hosting Hope tomorrow night, should either cement their top 25 credentials or drop them out.  I'm picking them for a narrow victory over Hope.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 17, 2017, 02:47:37 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on January 17, 2017, 11:31:39 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 17, 2017, 09:33:25 AM
And honestly, I'm not convinced the W over Trine is that significant despite Trine's record. 

I think you can feel pretty good about the win over Trine, they're legit.  19-8 last year with two wins over Calvin and they returned all five starters this year, two 2nd team all-league players including a strong 6'2" post.  Added four transfers and have a win over Calvin already this year.  Hosting Hope tomorrow night, should either cement their top 25 credentials or drop them out.  I'm picking them for a narrow victory over Hope.

Ok good, thanks.  I was only noticing that Trine has only played 3 games vs teams with winning records; loss to Wheaton; win vs Calvin(13-2), win vs Albion(11-4).  If they beat Hope tomorrow, I'll be that much more convinced.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2017, 08:03:51 PM
GoPerry, I know IWU's SOS is good, but I truly have no idea where it actually ranks compared to others.  I just know that Mia always loads up the pre-CCIW portion with good opponents, strong competition.   This year it led to 4 losses.  Hence, my discussion earlier about where the Titans might be on Selection Sunday.

Key game for IWU this week at Augie.  We know IWU is playing well, so this is more a test of how strong, how far the AC program has come from recent down years.  They look very good to me.  I'm just happy how well the Titans are playing all the way through the rotation, even to the 9th or 10th player.  Mia is subbing a lot, getting quite a range of players PT and having a range of options to use given what the opponent is doing, has on the floor.  It's not 15 like the NCC "system" but it still has a lot of players involved.  I guess you need to do that to implement "run and jump" a good portion of the time. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2017, 11:11:39 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 17, 2017, 08:03:51 PM
GoPerry, I know IWU's SOS is good, but I truly have no idea where it actually ranks compared to others.  I just know that Mia always loads up the pre-CCIW portion with good opponents, strong competition.   This year it led to 4 losses.  Hence, my discussion earlier about where the Titans might be on Selection Sunday.

According to D3Hoops, Illinois Wesleyan has the #1 strength of schedule in the country. (http://d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2016-17/schedule?tmpl=sos-template) It's a good sign, but it's not the end-all, be-all; I'd put regional rankings ahead of strength of schedule, and five losses to date is going to make it tough for a Pool C bid. I'm betting the CCIW only gets one team in this year.

Because I was curious, here's the rest of the CCIW:

Wheaton- 10th
Carroll- 42nd
NCC- 44th
Carthage- 81st
Augie- 113th
Millikin- 196th
Elmhurst- 223rd
North Park- 249th
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2017, 11:37:57 AM
This week's action will complete half of the 16-game conference schedule. By the end of Saturday, everyone will have played each opponent once.
As we noted earlier, some home/road imbalance will exist after 8 games. Augustana and Elmhurst will have only 3 home games in the 2nd round of conf play, while Millikin and Wesleyan have 5 conf home games to look forward to.
This evening's slate : IWU at AUG (inconsequential game, nobody cares), ELM at CRL, CTG at NCC, WHE at NPU. Millikin is idle, but is going on a circuitous 5 hour bus ride.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2017, 02:57:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 18, 2017, 11:37:57 AM
This week's action will complete half of the 16-game conference schedule. By the end of Saturday, everyone will have played each opponent once.
As we noted earlier, some home/road imbalance will exist after 8 games. Augustana and Elmhurst will have only 3 home games in the 2nd round of conf play, while Millikin and Wesleyan have 5 conf home games to look forward to.
This evening's slate : IWU at AUG (inconsequential game, nobody cares), ELM at CRL, CTG at NCC, WHE at NPU. Millikin is idle, but is going on a circuitous 5 hour bus ride.

The one in bold is a critical one for both teams; both the Lady Reds and the Cardinals are sitting at 3-3, a game out of the fourth tournament spot. NCC needs all the help it can get with those three losses coming to the top three teams in the conference (though moral victories don't count for much, the fact that those three losses have only come by a combined 17 points is somewhat reassuring).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2017, 08:28:47 PM
Imitzel, thanks for the details on SOS.  Very interesting indeed. 

Augie over IWU by one after the first quarter.  A good even game so far.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2017, 08:47:26 PM
Augie leads IWU 42-34 at the half.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2017, 08:48:38 PM
NCC struggling mightily from deep, Carthage thriving and up 45-37 at the break.

Greg, what the hell is wrong with North Park tonight? Only 2 points in the first quarter?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2017, 09:57:21 PM
Well, pretty much Augie's night, leading the Titans by 8-15 points most of the game, after the middle of the second Q.  Titans made a run in the 4th, got within 5 but couldn't get over the hump.  AC played very well, bringing pressure, surely out rebounding the Titans tonight.  No LiveStats, so I don't have much detail.  Seems IWU was in some foul trouble, but I'm not really sure. 

Final was AC 83 Titans 73.  Augie in a very good position now to contend for the CCIW crown.  Augie for real, surely so much improved over editions of recent seasons. 

Titans go to 10-6, 5-2. 

More when we have the box score.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 18, 2017, 10:42:20 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 18, 2017, 11:11:39 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 17, 2017, 08:03:51 PM
GoPerry, I know IWU's SOS is good, but I truly have no idea where it actually ranks compared to others.  I just know that Mia always loads up the pre-CCIW portion with good opponents, strong competition.   This year it led to 4 losses.  Hence, my discussion earlier about where the Titans might be on Selection Sunday.

According to D3Hoops, Illinois Wesleyan has the #1 strength of schedule in the country. (http://d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2016-17/schedule?tmpl=sos-template) It's a good sign, but it's not the end-all, be-all; I'd put regional rankings ahead of strength of schedule, and five losses to date is going to make it tough for a Pool C bid. I'm betting the CCIW only gets one team in this year.

Because I was curious, here's the rest of the CCIW:

Wheaton- 10th
Carroll- 42nd
NCC- 44th
Carthage- 81st
Augie- 113th
Millikin- 196th
Elmhurst- 223rd
North Park- 249th

Remember, the SOS is part of the criteria that determines the regional rankings. Just having the best SOS won't put a team #1 in the regional rankings just as the top team in the region may not have the best SOS. However, SOS is used to determine those rankings (along with WL%, results versus regionally ranked opponents, and other criteria).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2017, 10:57:13 PM
Here's more now, after seeing the box score:

AC 83 IWU 73

McGraw 24
Ehresman back to her normal minutes (33) with 16 and 11, 3 assists no TOs.
Merritt 13
Anderson 13

Augie had good balance with four players in double figures.

Key was a 52-45 advantage in rebounding, and the Titans not getting their normal large differential / advantage in TOs.  Augie's pressure was effective tonight.  Augie shot a better %, esp. in the second half.  Titans did have a number of players in foul trouble.

Congrats to Augie on a big win for their fast-improving program.   A redo coming at the Shirk very soon.

Titans now 10-6, 5-2, still in the race for the CCIW crown and for a CCIW tournament slot.  WC and AC in the lead now with only one loss. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 18, 2017, 11:47:27 PM
Wheaton +3
Ill Wesleyan +2
Augustana, Elmhurst +1
North Central  E
Carthage  -1

It was more important for Augie to hold serve tonight than it was for the Titans to get a road win.  Looking at the 9 games remaining and specifically the road games:

Wheaton: @Carthage, @ North Central, @ Millikin, @ Carroll
Augustana:   @ Millikin, @ILL Wes, @ Carthage, @Wheaton, @ Carroll, @ North Park
Elmhurst: @Augie, @ Wheaton, @ ILL Wes, @ North Central @ Millikin
IWU:  @ Carroll @ North Park @Carthage @ Wheaton
NCC: @ Elmhurst, @ Carthage, @North Park, @Ill Wes, @ Augie
Carthage:  @ Wheaton, @ Elmhurst , @North Park, @Millkin, @ Carroll

I would say that Wheaton and IWU have the most favorable road schedule ahead.   Elmhurst and NCC clearly have the roughest stretch remaining.  Augie no pushover either.  So even though IWU is a game out of 1st, one could argue they are really right there as the +/- standings indicate.  Gotta take care of biz at home of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2017, 12:18:05 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 18, 2017, 08:48:38 PM
Greg, what the hell is wrong with North Park tonight? Only 2 points in the first quarter?

Aside from a couple of players, tonight NPU looked like a team that's just mentally shut down and is going through the motions. That takes nothing away from a Wheaton team that is talented, deep, and executes like clockwork. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance would've won handily no matter how the Vikings played tonight, as they knew exactly how to exploit NPU's various weaknesses at either end of the floor. But the Vikings simply showed no energy tonight. As I said on the air, if a coach has to waste time imploring her or his team to rev up their energy level, then that's that much less time that they have to actually coach the game itself. I don't know what Amanda Crockett is supposed to do at this point. She may have lost her team; I've occasionally seen squads dominated by seniors tune out their coach and just ride it out to the finish line. I sure hope that that's not happening to the Park.

The good news is that the Vikes have a bye on Saturday, so they've got a full week to get their heads together.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2017, 02:04:00 AM
Saw NCC edge Carthage 87-82 in a well-played game. Carthage probably wasn't happy committing 24 TOs, but that figure wasn't outlandish.
Good effort and contributions one way or another by all who played for either team.
Two different Lady Reds had a dozen rebounds : Monica Masini who added 20 pts, Rachel Szydlowski who added 4 blocks and 14 pts. Madie Kaelber had 16 pts, 5 assists and 3 stls. Morgan Harris had 9 assists, but appears to have a troublesome knee. I was hoping to see something along the lines of her 38 point season-opening barrage, but saw a gutty effort nevertheless.
This was my first look at Carthage this season. They have quite a promising group of freshmen to go along with their established talent. A bunch of NCC's freshmen are looking good as well.
For the Cardinals, Jamie Cuny had a very productive 17 min : 16 pts, 8 rebs, 2 stls and 6 blocks. Jessica Dahle scored 14 in 13 min. Anita Sterling had 4 steals and 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2017, 02:25:14 AM
Not sure if Augie needed any confidence-building, but that win over a strong IWU team would do it.
Elmhurst thumped Carroll 90-49. Mikaela Eppard had 27 pts and 10 rebs in 21 min; she made 13/15 FG incl a three. Erika Johnson led the 'jays with 5 assists.
Brittney Wald had 17 pts and 3 steals for the Pioneers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2017, 04:12:21 AM
Augie coming right back to The Shirk very soon.  Titans will have to rebound better, find a way to defend the dribble penetration better as well.  Key game, as you don't want to fall 2 full games on the leaders' pace.  Plus, have to find a way to put some more losses on AC and WC -- and IWU has a good chance to do it with AC at the Shirk.  Augie playing with confidence for sure -- getting good interior defense from their bigs, one a very big.  IWU got more blocks, but the Augie bigs did play well.  Sure glad to see Ehresman back and back to her normal production, care with the ball.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 19, 2017, 10:15:47 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2017, 02:04:00 AM
Saw NCC edge Carthage 87-82 in a well-played game. Carthage probably wasn't happy committing 24 TOs, but that figure wasn't outlandish.
Good effort and contributions one way or another by all who played for either team.
Two different Lady Reds had a dozen rebounds : Monica Masini who added 20 pts, Rachel Szydlowski who added 4 blocks and 14 pts. Madie Kaelber had 16 pts, 5 assists and 3 stls. Morgan Harris had 9 assists, but appears to have a troublesome knee. I was hoping to see something along the lines of her 38 point season-opening barrage, but saw a gutty effort nevertheless.
This was my first look at Carthage this season. They have quite a promising group of freshmen to go along with their established talent. A bunch of NCC's freshmen are looking good as well.
For the Cardinals, Jamie Cuny had a very productive 17 min : 16 pts, 8 rebs, 2 stls and 6 blocks. Jessica Dahle scored 14 in 13 min. Anita Sterling had 4 steals and 7 rebs.

I'd forgotten about this until I was looking at some stuff yesterday, but I think Harris hurt her knee in the game at NCC last year, so I'm assuming that's what the brace was for.

I talked to Michelle Roof after the game, and she was hoping for more than the aforementioned 24 turnovers, but she seemed pretty happy with the efforts of a lot of the freshmen on this team. If they can start hitting their threes with a little more regularity, they should be good, but it was nice to see the Cardinals win on a night when the outside shots weren't falling. Diamond Calicott, Natali Dimitrova, and even Selena Juarez all had good games in the post, which is nice to see.

I'm impressed with Carthage. Kaelber was terrifying every time she launched from three (and she launched a ton), and Autumn Kalis shot pretty well too. They kept the Lady Reds in the game, though obviously the decent post scoring from Szydlowski and Masini helped a ton too. 22 fast break points for Carthage is a lot, but they took advantage of the few times North Central's 5's cheated up to help the press.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2017, 04:33:42 PM
To add to Greg's sentiments, I hope that any NPU players who are discouraged by their record (or anything else) will be able to finish the season with energy and enjoyment of the sport. If they can do so now, then years down the road they can look back at their hoops careers without any self-induced regrets.
From a program standpoint, NP surely needs to land some athletic scorers in order to compete with the likes of Wheaton's very promising '17-'18 roster, as well as the rest of the league.
Now that I have spoken authoritatively, I have to say that I have no position from which to speak authoritatively! Ha!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2017, 05:41:17 PM
Well said about this NPU team, Rog. I agree completely.

As for what the program needs, it does need athletic scorers, but it really needs much more than that. The Vikings could really use another CCIW-ready ballhandler, since Gabby Sandoval will be the only one left at season's end, and two would be even better. The Vikings could certainly do with another big as well.

All told, the roster will really need an overhaul at the end of the season. That's not to say that there aren't some good pieces to the puzzle already in place for next season (Sandoval, Clarissa Ramos, Shaylee Sloan, Alicia Arnold, Bri Lippert, and Emmy Gryna all come to mind), but right now I think that the team is about half-constructed for next season. That's a tall order to place upon the coaching staff as far as one recruiting cycle is concerned, but I'm glad to see that they're bringing in a steady stream of prospects, game by game. There were several of them in the stands last night who must've watched that debacle and thought to themselves, "Wow! I could play for this team right now!" Call that my silver-lining thought for the day. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 20, 2017, 08:53:37 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2017, 04:33:42 PM
To add to Greg's sentiments, I hope that any NPU players who are discouraged by their record (or anything else) will be able to finish the season with energy and enjoyment of the sport. If they can do so now, then years down the road they can look back at their hoops careers without any self-induced regrets.
From a program standpoint, NP surely needs to land some athletic scorers in order to compete with the likes of Wheaton's very promising '17-'18 roster, as well as the rest of the league.
Now that I have spoken authoritatively, I have to say that I have no position from which to speak authoritatively! Ha!

I also agree with this.  I am especially mindful of Liz Rehberger who is really a fine player, a legit 1st team all conference and would likely garner all american consideration on a more successful team.  Watching on Wednesday night(amidst switching between that and the Men's NCC game), it was fairly obvious that she has to take so much onto herself.  I hope she's enjoying her senior season with great teammates despite their recent lack of on court success.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2017, 09:17:05 AM
So is Jordan Myroth going to become the CCIW version (female, obviously) of Giannis Antetokounmpo? She has height, agility, point guard abilities and does a variety of things well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 20, 2017, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 20, 2017, 08:53:37 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2017, 04:33:42 PM
To add to Greg's sentiments, I hope that any NPU players who are discouraged by their record (or anything else) will be able to finish the season with energy and enjoyment of the sport. If they can do so now, then years down the road they can look back at their hoops careers without any self-induced regrets.
From a program standpoint, NP surely needs to land some athletic scorers in order to compete with the likes of Wheaton's very promising '17-'18 roster, as well as the rest of the league.
Now that I have spoken authoritatively, I have to say that I have no position from which to speak authoritatively! Ha!

I also agree with this.  I am especially mindful of Liz Rehberger who is really a fine player, a legit 1st team all conference and would likely garner all american consideration on a more successful team.  Watching on Wednesday night(amidst switching between that and the Men's NCC game), it was fairly obvious that she has to take so much onto herself.  I hope she's enjoying her senior season with great teammates despite their recent lack of on court success.

Liz has a lot of which to be proud, especially since she wasn't an overnight success. She didn't become a starter until midway through January of her freshman season, in which she averaged a modest 8.1 ppg. She didn't get to the point where she's one of the league's best players merely through her innate quickness; she became a complete and highly-skilled player through a lot of hard work. In addition to all of the awards and honors she's won along the way, she's currently at 1,297 points scored for her career; she'll finish her career in fourth place on North Park's all-time scoring list, and in a few years from now she'll no doubt find herself named to the Viking Hall of Fame.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 20, 2017, 07:09:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 20, 2017, 09:17:05 AM
So is Jordan Myroth going to become the CCIW version (female, obviously) of Giannis Antetokounmpo? She has height, agility, point guard abilities and does a variety of things well.
.

You tell me Rog, since I"m not familiar with Mr/Ms A.

I will say that it's nice to see a freshman as capable as Jordan Myroth on the roster and getting lots of PT.  She's first off the bench an a team facing some graduating seniors leaving some shoes to fill.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2017, 07:45:21 PM
He's a 22 yr old rising star on the Milwaukee Bucks; 6'11" native of Athens, who can go coast-to-coast like Ms Myroth, although he's a better dunker at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2017, 11:15:21 PM
Tomorrow's matchups : IWU at CRL, NCC at ELM, AUG at MIL, CTG at WHE. All games consequential, of course.
Surely, none of the coaches will take anything for granted, even if a game or two look like mismatches.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2017, 09:51:04 PM
IWU easily over Carroll 92-56.  Titans played all 20 suited up.  Pioneers only played, perhaps only have 7? 

Shelby Gray had a nice game, and Titans had 5-6 players in double figures.  Ehresman and McGraw only had to play 18-20 minutes each.  Titans are deep, with lots of scoring weapons.  Key thing was a 29-4 outburst in the second Q to lead by 25 at the half.  Game over. 

Great re-match vs. Augie next up, and Augie LOST to Millikin, so the standings tightening up again, with WC still in first place with only one loss.  EC beat "the system." 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2017, 11:01:50 PM
Elmhurst indeed beat North Central, 103-81, thanks in large part to a monster 41-20 2nd quarter.
Back in reply 5437, Mr Ypsi asked who might be the first repeat player of the week. Mikaela Eppard probably answered that with 39 pts, 8 rebs, 4 assists and 3 steals today, to follow her 27 pt 10 reb Wednesday.
Hannah Henderson was also extraordinary : 8 steals, 2 blocks, 7 assists, 10 pts (3/4 2FG, 4/4 FT) and 11 rebs. Wow!
Elmhurst had the best ever free throw shooting in CCIW play, 24/24. Millikin made 18/18 back in 2002.
Also for the 'jays, Kalia Summerlin scored 16 via only 8 FG att -- excellent.
Jessica Dahle led NCC with 14 pts.
Each team committed 25 TOs.
The game was extra bad for NCC because Diamond Calicott took the brunt of 2 or 3 players falling on her and hit her head very hard on the floor. Best wishes to her -- hopefully she recovers fully before playing -- absolutely no need to risk any longterm trouble. She  reportedly stayed in the building during the rest of the game, so that's a good sign. Also, teammate Natali Dimitrova went down with knee pain; she played later in the game, but is likely not at 100 pct going forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2017, 11:37:01 PM
I re-boarded Metra and caught the 2nd half of Wheaton's 65-46 win over Carthage. Katie McDaniels poured in 35 points, ten from 2FGs, fifteen from 3FGs and 10 FTs. All told, she shot .833 eFG and .909 FT pct. Rather good, I'd say. In the half I saw, Devin Kyler and Jill Berg pretty much closed off the lane defensively.
Madie Kaelber topped Carthage with a dozen points.
As iwu70 reported, a bunch of Titans did well in the win at Carroll. I see that Amanda Kelly had 16 pts and 4 steals in 20:00. Brittney Wald tallied 23 for Carroll.
In Millikin's 91-76 victory over Augie, Emily Schultz rang up 23 pts, 10 rebs and 3 steals. Devin Curry scored 22, Haley Toohill 17, Yanni Saddler 13.
For Augie, Mikayla Fallon, Corrie Reiley and Izzy Anderson all scored in the 14-16 range. Kaycee Kallenberger played only 14 minutes (not foul trouble).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2017, 11:55:06 PM
Wheaton 65
Carthage 46

Katie McDaniels 35 pts ( 10-15 FG, 5-6 3pt) , 6 rebs, 4 assts, 2 stls
Kelly Lawson 10 pts
Jill Berg, Devin Kyler 9 and 8 rebs respectively

Madie Kaelber, 12 pts
Morgan Harris, 7 pts, 10 rebs
Rachel Szydlowski, 8 rebs

It was a close game, 46-43, until the 4th quarter when Carthage went inexplicably ice cold and Wheaton outscored them 19-3.  Carthage had no answer for McDaniels who finished off a great night by scoring 11 straight pts to put the game away(after scoring 15 straight in the first half).  It was all working for her on a night where everyone else was decidedly so-so.

On the road to IIT on Wednesday before a big one with NCC next Saturday at the Hangar.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2017, 12:32:04 PM
Now that each team has played the others once, this is a good time to review CCIW-only stats :
http://www.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1617/confonly.htm
Note that a majority of the top 11 scorers are from only two teams, Carroll and Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2017, 01:20:54 PM
Here are the team offense eFG pcts for 8 conference games only. Obviously, it is not a full measure of an offense, as it does not include FTs, turnovers, o-rebs.
team  1/2 made 3s + total FGs =               /  total FG att = eFG%
AUG        26                    252          278     /     560           = .496
CRL         21                    177          198    /      460          = .430
CTG       32.5                  210         242.5  /     504            = .481
ELM       20.5                  232         252.5  /      481           = .525
IWU        25                    251          276    /     592            = .466
MIL         25                    209          234     /    495            = .473
NCC        51                    261          312    /     723            = .432
NPU         27                   196          223     /     530           = .421
WHE      25.5                 228          253.5   /     528           = .480
Wheaton has scored 507 points via FGs (2s and 3s); 507/2 yields the 253.5 figure seen in the formula.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2017, 06:25:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2017, 09:14:39 PM
I noted that there has not been a single repeat winner of POW this season.  I wonder if that is unprecedented?  Also, we could probably do a contest on who WILL be the first two-time POW winner this season - I'll take a stab at a comeback win by Rebekah Ehresman (though Molly's on such a roll tight now, consecutive wins would not surprise me, and I never rule out Katie McDaniels).

Well, the first repeat winner was just announced, and all my guesses were wrong.  It is Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard.  Congratulations to her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2017, 07:53:12 PM
Hey lmitzel, any word on Diamond Calicott?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2017, 08:21:47 PM
Awaiting the new women's poll - not expecting much.  The men's poll was a disaster for conference pride, and in the women's I'm not confident anyone but Wheaton will receive any votes.  And they may not regain the top 25 - the teams reasonably close above them either won or lost only to higher ranked teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2017, 10:55:38 PM
Here are the defense eFG pcts for conference play only. It does not fully measure a defense (no account of FTs allowed, def rebs or TOs induced).
opp of   1/2 of 3s  +  total FGs  =                    /  total FG att   =  eFG%
AUG     23.5             226                   249.5    /    573               .435
CRL     33                 281                   314       /    593               .530
CTG     26                193                   219        /    534               .410
ELM     24.5             202                   226.5    /    487                .465
IWU     28                214                   242      /      501               .483
MIL     40.5             237                   277.5    /     549               .505
NCC    21.5             279                   300.5    /     626               .480
NPU    31                210                   241       /     503               .479
WHE    25.5             174                  199.5    /     507                .393
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 23, 2017, 11:05:18 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2017, 08:21:47 PM
Awaiting the new women's poll - not expecting much.  The men's poll was a disaster for conference pride, and in the women's I'm not confident anyone but Wheaton will receive any votes.  And they may not regain the top 25 - the teams reasonably close above them either won or lost only to higher ranked teams.

Wheaton is back in the poll, barely: http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2016-17/week8
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2017, 11:10:24 PM
Women's Top 25 now out - better than I expected.  Wheaton did make it to #25; Augie got 2 points (either two #25 votes or one #24 vote - no can tell.  #23 Rochester and #24 Trine both dropped out, despite losing to higher ranked teams.  SUNY-Geneseo jumped Wheaton up to #23 - they are 17-0.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2017, 11:23:41 PM
Since Elmhurst has now made it to 14-3; mildly surprised they didn't get a stray vote or two.  I guess that horrible SoS is keeping them down.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2017, 10:45:01 AM
I suspect that Rochester and Trine got demoted a little because they lost, not in spite of it.
Was anyone besides me confused by the first half of CCIW play? North Park beat Carroll by 30, Carroll beat Millikin by 2, Millikin beat Augustana by 15, Augustana beat Illinois Wesleyan by 10 and Illinois Wesleyan beat Wheaton by 1. Therefore... (another humor attempt falls on its face)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 24, 2017, 01:04:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 24, 2017, 10:45:01 AM
I suspect that Rochester and Trine got demoted a little because they lost, not in spite of it.
Was anyone besides me confused by the first half of CCIW play? North Park beat Carroll by 30, Carroll beat Millikin by 2, Millikin beat Augustana by 15, Augustana beat Illinois Wesleyan by 10 and Illinois Wesleyan beat Wheaton by 1. Therefore... (another humor attempt falls on its face)

Basketball is a weird sport? That's how I'd finish that sentence.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2017, 03:25:51 PM
There's nothing confusing about it at all, really. Women's college basketball is a dynamic sport, not a static sport. Teams frequently get better as the season goes along, or they can decline as the season goes along. But, more to the point, Rog's entire chain hinges upon the only two outlier results out of all 36 of the CCIW's first round-robin games, the Carroll upset of Millikin and the Millikin upset of Augustana. (The former is the lone win of the season for the Pioneers, both overall and in CCIW play.) Nothing else in the chain, or, as I said, the entire first round-robin, falls into the category of being out of the ordinary.

In other words, those two outcomes are the only ones in the entire first round-robin that went beyond "mild upset" and into the "confusing" category. Two weird results out of 36 don't make it a wild and wacky season for the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2017, 04:30:57 PM
Yeah, Millikin has been the most unpredictable of the 9 teams.
Looking ahead to tomorrow : Millikin hosting North Park (as an old American proverb states, "could go either way, and probably will"), Augie at IWU (is Kallenberger at full strength?), NCC at Carthage (who's healthy on either team?), Carroll at Elmhurst, Wheaton at IIT.
Three of the games are rematches of last Wednesday's contests (AUG IWU, NCC CTG, CRL ELM).
Additional congrats to Mikaela Eppard for making the D3Hoops team of the week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2017, 07:58:23 PM
Congrats to Ms. Eppard.  Great play.  She's a tough one to defend. 

Big game for IWU at home vs. Augie.  If the Titans want to be in a position to win or tie for the regular season championship, this is the game they need.  Titans need to stop the dribble penetration, rebound the ball, and shoot a good percentage.  Should be a good one.  Here we go on the second go'round.

Go TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 25, 2017, 12:06:50 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 24, 2017, 10:45:01 AM
I suspect that Rochester and Trine got demoted a little because they lost, not in spite of it.

The point was those two teams lost to teams ranked ahead of them in the Top 25... thus by the rankings, one would expect the lower ranked teams (Rochester and Trine) to lose those games... so those losses were expected by the voters, not unexpected like an undefeated, #1 ranked team losing (if it were to happen).

So the point Ypsi was making was maybe it was surprising those teams fell from the polls when their losses were basically predicted.

I, for one, try not to punish a team that losses to a team ranked ahead of them in the polls or I have ranked higher. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I can't really figure out why Rochester and Trine dropped out. Both games were within 10 or 11 points at the end, where well contested, etc. I know if I was voting, I wouldn't have dropped them. Heck, I have moved teams up sometimes if there is other things going on around them that warrants it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2017, 01:49:11 AM
Hi Dave. I can see why someone might be charitable toward a Rochester or Trine and not want to debit them for a loss to an excellent opponent. However, this borders on rewarding some teams (but not all) for "good losses", thereby blocking advancement of other teams just below them.
I am in favor of reassessment of the entire top 25 weekly, without ceding ownership of any rank to any specific team. Hopefully, the voters do this.
Similarly, preseason rankings are based on 0 games, and should not be used as "pole positions" for the rest of the season (which seems to happen in D1 football and basketball).
Also, my view is that predictions/expectations can cloud how one views a game. Instead, I try to see each game as a new entity, with each team having a fair chance to win.
The intent of all of the above is to encourage constant fair consideration of all teams, including those unranked. You'll notice that I have not criticized any ranking; for all I know, the current top 25 is exactly correct. I just disagree with the idea of continuous ceding of any rank to any team.
Which leads me to a possibly dumb question : is the top 25 supposed to be a ranking of the best performance November-to-now or is it supposed to be a ranking of the best teams at the moment? I think it would be "November-to-now" but am not 100% sure. Thanks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 25, 2017, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2017, 01:49:11 AM
Hi Dave. I can see why someone might be charitable toward a Rochester or Trine and not want to debit them for a loss to an excellent opponent. However, this borders on rewarding some teams (but not all) for "good losses", thereby blocking advancement of other teams just below them.
I am in favor of reassessment of the entire top 25 weekly, without ceding ownership of any rank to any specific team. Hopefully, the voters do this.
Similarly, preseason rankings are based on 0 games, and should not be used as "pole positions" for the rest of the season (which seems to happen in D1 football and basketball).
Also, my view is that predictions/expectations can cloud how one views a game. Instead, I try to see each game as a new entity, with each team having a fair chance to win.
The intent of all of the above is to encourage constant fair consideration of all teams, including those unranked. You'll notice that I have not criticized any ranking; for all I know, the current top 25 is exactly correct. I just disagree with the idea of continuous ceding of any rank to any team.
Which leads me to a possibly dumb question : is the top 25 supposed to be a ranking of the best performance November-to-now or is it supposed to be a ranking of the best teams at the moment? I think it would be "November-to-now" but am not 100% sure. Thanks.

First off... as a voter on the men's side, I have a problem with the idea that because a team lost, no matter to who, that they should be demoted. If a team lost to someone I clearly predicted in my rankings they would lose, then I am being an idiot to then punish them for it. Now, if they got blown out, that is a different conversation. However, a ten point game... not necessarily pulling that trigger. I will also say a lot has to do with what is going on around that team. How are teams who I ranked near them doing, how are teams doing that I have off my poll, even teams well above them that might slip down. I actually have removed teams who have not lost, because their results, other results, and other factors caused me to make that decision. But to straight up say a loss means demotion no matter to whom is a bit harsh.

As for how the voters vote, that is up to them. We don't necessarily decree any rules. I think voters vote with a combination of how has the team done all season and how are they doing right now. That is kind of the approach I take. However, I also look at each team differently so a decision I make for A doesn't mean I use the same decision for B and so on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2017, 06:30:50 PM
Updated "road wins minus home losses" (CCIW play only) :
AUG +1
CRL -3
CTG -1
ELM +1
IWU +3
MIL -1
NCC even
NPU -3
WHE +3
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2017, 08:39:54 PM
IWU over Augie at the half, 43-39. 

Titans need this one.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2017, 08:46:27 PM
Back and forth affair up in Carthage from watching the stats page refresh. Doesn't look like Diamond Calicott is playing tonight, but I haven't gotten any word on her condition going forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2017, 11:07:13 PM
Important win for the Titans over Augie @The Shirk tonight.  Final was 83-74 Titans.

Maddie Merritt with a career night - 24
McGraw 23
Kelly 12
Ehresman 12

Hard-fought game with IWU separating just enough in the 4th Q.  Augie is such an improved team over editions of recent years.

Titans now 7-2 in league play, just one game out of first, now held by WC and EC.

Titans have Saturday night off this weekend. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2017, 11:07:51 PM
Key tonight was Titans shooting 54% from the field.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2017, 01:08:26 AM
North Park 85, Millikin 81

Liz Rehberger: 22 pts, 7 rebs, 4:2 a:to
Hannah Rehfeldt: 20 pts (6-9 trey)
Gabby Sandoval: 13 pts
Amani Davis: 12 pts, 5 rebs, 4:2 a:to, 3 blks, 4 stls
Shaylee Sloan: 6 rebs

Devin Curry: 23 pts (5-8 trey), 5 rebs
Yanni Sadler: 20 pts
Emily Schultz: 14 pts, 5 rebs
Rachael Webber: 11 pts
Lauren Moses: 16 rebs

The Vikings snapped a five-game losing streak with the win tonight downstate in the Griz. NPU charged out to an early 23-8 lead and was up by 13 at the half, and then spent the entire second half fending off one Big Blue charge after another. MU managed to tie the game no less than five times in the fourth quarter, but never pulled ahead as the Vikings were able to answer each time.

If I'm not mistaken, tonight was a career high for senior guard Hannah Rehfeldt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2017, 07:25:37 AM
Wheaton got out to an 18-0 lead and topped IIT 84-35. The Thunder rested McDaniels and Meacham, but got plenty of contributions by many players.
Carthage defeated North Central 106-95. Carthage was very smart with the ball, committing only 16 TOs vs NCC's press. NCC committed 19.
Rachel Szydlowski was outstanding for Carthage, scoring 32 (11/19 2FG, 10/14 FT), 0 TOs, 6 rebs, 4 assists. Nice work.
The Lady Reds also got 20 pts from Madie Kaelber, 18 from Bailey Gilbert, 15 by Autumn Kalis, 13 pts 11 reb and 8 assists by Morgan Harris, plus 5 blocks by Maggie Berigan. In the postgame interview, Coach Bernero complimented guard Micala Giammarino (31:00, 0 TOs) for her very helpful ballhandling efforts.
Siarra O'Neil led NCC with 18 pts. Natali Dimitrova had 13 pts and 8 rebs -- glad to see that last Saturday's knee issue did not carry over substantially, if at all.
Elmhurst got the better of Carroll 100-69. A large handful of Bluejays shot very well. Mikaela Eppard had 16 pts, Erika Johnson 15, Kaela Jones 15 (plus 4 blocks and 6 rebs).
Carroll's Brittney Wald led all with 29 pts. Morgan Lund tallied 21 while Caylee Koker led the Pioneers with 6 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2017, 01:39:30 PM
One of last night's games adjusts the Road Win - Home Loss numbers that I posted yesterday : Millikin and North Park are now -2.
A question for GoPerry (and anyone else!), how optimistic are you for the Thunder for the remainder of the CCIW season? I've had thoughts that they could "run the table" the rest of the way. But, maybe I'm overestimating their progress.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2017, 09:22:59 PM
I think only the Augie and IWU games are a remaining challenge for WC women.  Of course, the CCIW regular season title could come down to that last game of the regular season at WC.  Titans are playing well and could run the table as well.  Titans will have to win vs. EC too, which will be tough.  EC may surprise us all.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 26, 2017, 09:54:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 26, 2017, 01:39:30 PM
One of last night's games adjusts the Road Win - Home Loss numbers that I posted yesterday : Millikin and North Park are now -2.
A question for GoPerry (and anyone else!), how optimistic are you for the Thunder for the remainder of the CCIW season? I've had thoughts that they could "run the table" the rest of the way. But, maybe I'm overestimating their progress.


Running the table is certainly possible but ask me again in a week because these next 2 games @ NCC and @ Carthage are not comfortable games.  Wheaton only beat the Cards by 5 at King way back in December and they are very much worthy of respect.  A team that only slightly underperforms against the system can find itself in a real fight like last time when the Thunder committed 30 turnovers.  It was a 2 pt game with about 2 mins left as I recall.  I think Wheaton is the better team as evidenced by the records and the experience on their roster.  So Wheaton should win.  But one never knows  vs NCC.  Travelling to Kenosha is always a rough trip for any team and I think Carthage will be looking to play well given their very lackluster performance at King Arena last Saturday.  Interestingly, WC, Augie and IWU all still have to make that cold bus ride north.

Even if they do lose one of these 2, Wheaton will still be in pretty good shape with a schedule advantage with the remaining key contender games(EC, Augie, IWU) at home.    I agree with '70 that IWU could possibly win out (and probably need to do so for Pool C hopes) and that Feb 21 final game at Wheaton is looming large – will likely determine who hosts the tourney.  I don't believe Elmhurst will stay where they are given their schedule and will lose at least 2 more.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 27, 2017, 11:28:19 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 26, 2017, 09:54:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 26, 2017, 01:39:30 PM
One of last night's games adjusts the Road Win - Home Loss numbers that I posted yesterday : Millikin and North Park are now -2.
A question for GoPerry (and anyone else!), how optimistic are you for the Thunder for the remainder of the CCIW season? I've had thoughts that they could "run the table" the rest of the way. But, maybe I'm overestimating their progress.


Running the table is certainly possible but ask me again in a week because these next 2 games @ NCC and @ Carthage are not comfortable games.  Wheaton only beat the Cards by 5 at King way back in December and they are very much worthy of respect.  A team that only slightly underperforms against the system can find itself in a real fight like last time when the Thunder committed 30 turnovers.  It was a 2 pt game with about 2 mins left as I recall.  I think Wheaton is the better team as evidenced by the records and the experience on their roster.  So Wheaton should win.  But one never knows  vs NCC.  Travelling to Kenosha is always a rough trip for any team and I think Carthage will be looking to play well given their very lackluster performance at King Arena last Saturday.  Interestingly, WC, Augie and IWU all still have to make that cold bus ride north.

Even if they do lose one of these 2, Wheaton will still be in pretty good shape with a schedule advantage with the remaining key contender games(EC, Augie, IWU) at home.    I agree with '70 that IWU could possibly win out (and probably need to do so for Pool C hopes) and that Feb 21 final game at Wheaton is looming large – will likely determine who hosts the tourney.  I don't believe Elmhurst will stay where they are given their schedule and will lose at least 2 more.   

I certainly don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that Wheaton runs the table, but especially given their next two, I don't think it's likely. I bet they finish either 13-3 or 14-2, and I'm hoping one of those 2 or 3 is Saturday. The Cardinals haven't beat Wheaton since 2009, and haven't won at home since 2008 (a game I somewhat remember because it was my first radio call back in my WONC days.)

To Perry's point, the Cardinals played Wheaton as well as they ever have back in December, but Mayson Whipple isn't walking through that door. And unfortunately, neither is Diamond Calicott; who's probably looking at at least 2-3 more weeks, best case scenario. That said, I don't know that Wheaton is quite as good as they've been in years past, record notwithstanding. Of course, in their first matchup against The System, they were down Ellie Zeller and their young guns were getting their first taste of that style of play. If North Central is going to finally exorcise those demons, Saturday will be a tough opportunity, but a doable one.

I know it was against the Titans, but after their loss Wednesday anyone else think Augie might regress a little bit the second time through?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2017, 02:48:17 AM
Yes, I think Augie might regress a bit the second time through.  I think WC may as well.  Titans are getting stronger, IMHO, esp. with Shelby Gray back and Ehresman now seemingly fully healthy again, after the ankle sprain.  Maddie Merritt seems to be getting stronger and more confident. Titans have good depth, lots of folks now feeling more confidence, getting more minutes, the freshmen and sophomores more comfortable in the IWU rotation and system.  Some key seniors leading the way.  We'll see.  Key games for IWU surely EC, NCC, then the final game at WC.  One month to go, seven games.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2017, 10:55:09 PM
WC over NCC 112 - 71.  So much for "the system." 

EC marches on.  I think they are on a roll . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 28, 2017, 11:12:53 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 28, 2017, 10:55:09 PM
WC over NCC 112 - 71.  So much for "the system." 

EC marches on.  I think they are on a roll . . .

IWU'70

Wheaton's never lost to The System, and I wouldn't have been surprised about them winning today, but if you told me the Thunder would have scored the game's first 21 points and the Cardinals would take like 7 minutes to get on the scoreboard, I'd have laughed at you. But this was... not ideal. I was very angry for much of the first half before settling into acceptance that we were getting blown out and trying to make the most of plays made the rest of the way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2017, 11:36:12 PM
In the game I attended, Elmhurst was up by 25 after 3 quarters and prevailed with an 85-71 win over North Park.
Mikaela Eppard rang up 27 pts and 20 rebounds. Not bad. NP's Liz Rehberger scored a very efficient 38 and added 5 steals. Also not bad.
Elmhurst is playing with an effective amount of confidence. One worry for the 'jays is that they have just one more home game in the regular season. Things are looking good for them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2017, 11:54:28 PM
Carthage topped Augie 73-62, thanks in part to another fine game by Rachel Szydlowski -- 20 pts, 13 rebs and 4 blocks. Sadie Roberts led the Vikings with 17 pts.
Millikin upended Carroll 91-59. Devin Curry had 22 pts and 5 stls, while Emily Schultz tallied 19 and 10 rebs.
Brittney Wald did very well for what has to be an exhausted Carroll team; she had 24 pts and 9 rebs. The Pioneers have been using 7 players for a while now.
The updated CCIW standings :
WHE 8-1
ELM 8-2
IWU 7-2
AUG 6-4
CTG 5-5
NCC 4-6
MIL 3-7
NPU 2-8
CRL 1-9
Carthage is now in the thick of the race and North Central has entered "must win" territory for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2017, 01:26:47 PM
So, lmitzel, can I pick on you to reveal if there were specific things that aggravated you during the 1st half? Was it as iwu70 implied -- the NCC game plan was hopeless vs Wheaton? Was NCC's effort deficient? From the stats, I see that NCC's taller players mostly did not rebound very well. The play-by-play has at least 8 NCC TOs in the 1st Q.
Do you think the Cardinals can recover from their current 3 game slide and run off a streak of wins? After the Wednesday bye, they have North Park, Millikin, Elmhurst and Carroll. To stay in the race, they need all 4 of those games, particularly with Carthage and IWU scheduled at the end of the regular season.
oops -- make that IWU and Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2017, 03:17:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 28, 2017, 11:36:12 PM
In the game I attended, Elmhurst was up by 25 after 3 quarters and prevailed with an 85-71 win over North Park.
Mikaela Eppard rang up 27 pts and 20 rebounds. Not bad. NP's Liz Rehberger scored a very efficient 38 and added 5 steals. Also not bad.
Elmhurst is playing with an effective amount of confidence. One worry for the 'jays is that they have just one more home game in the regular season. Things are looking good for them.

Elmhurst still has to play @ Wheaton, @ IWU and this Wednesday @ Augie.  I think they will do really well to win 2 out of those 3, more likely win only 1 out of 3 and possibly go 0-3.  Granted, Augie is definitely leaking oil right now so they are ripe for the taking.

As I mentioned before and evidenced by Saturday's win, I think Kenosha is a tough trip and always a challenge to come away with a road win.  We'll see on Wednesday if Wheaton is up to the challenge.  I'm not sure the NCC game really tells us much.  I'm definitely going to have to listen to Imitzel's call and hear his anger . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 29, 2017, 05:21:24 PM
Believe it or not... there is just one more month remaining in Division III basketball's regular season. In other words, time is running out for teams looking to play in March. One month from today, most conference champions will be crowned and the conversation will be who may be in and will be out of the NCAA championship tournament.

So as the season head's for the home stretch, what programs will we be talking about in a month? Who may emerge from some tight conferences races to prove they are the best?

Sunday night on Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave hopes to turn the spotlight on a few programs others may not be paying attention to as much. Tufts' men's program is seperating themselves from the rest of the NESCAC, Elmhurst women are making the CCIW race more interesting than expected, LeTourneau men have turned their program around and now lead their ASC division, and Montclair State women have a battle on their hands in the NJAC.

Also on Sunday night, we head to the WBCA Center Court and talk to one of the up and coming women's basketball coaches. Already honored for his success at a young age, what has Alex Richay done to turn the Oglethorpe program around?

Dave will also preview the upcoming annual Hoopsville Marathon and give an update to this season's fundraising efforts.

Tune in starting at 7:00 PM ET to watch the show live here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/jan29 (or via Facebook Live). If you miss any of it, you can watch the show On Demand or listen (download) the podcast.

Don't forget to contribute to the new "Hoopsville Mailbag" segment. Email questions you may have to hoopsville@d3hoops.com. Dave will answer them tonight or on a future show.

Guests schedule (in order of appearance):
- Bob Sheldon, No. 4 Tufts men's coach
- Tethanie Carriollo, Elmhurst women's coach
- Alex Richay, Oglethorpe women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Dan Miller, LeTourneau men's coach
- Karin Harvey, No. 18 Montclair State women's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 29, 2017, 05:34:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 29, 2017, 01:26:47 PM
So, lmitzel, can I pick on you to reveal if there were specific things that aggravated you during the 1st half? Was it as iwu70 implied -- the NCC game plan was hopeless vs Wheaton? Was NCC's effort deficient? From the stats, I see that NCC's taller players mostly did not rebound very well. The play-by-play has at least 8 NCC TOs in the 1st Q.
Do you think the Cardinals can recover from their current 3 game slide and run off a streak of wins? After the Wednesday bye, they have North Park, Millikin, Elmhurst and Carroll. To stay in the race, they need all 4 of those games, particularly with Carthage and IWU scheduled at the end of the regular season.
oops -- make that IWU and Augie.

I don't think the game plan was bad. I do think the team kind of no-showed the opening quarter-plus. The officials were calling a tight game, the Cardinals never adjusted, but they also played sloppy on offense. By the second half I'd accepted that they had no-showed the game and I tried to have fun the second half as much as I could. I'm assuming the fact that they only lost the second half by 3 that Coach Roof chewed them out at halftime combined with Wheaton calling off the dogs to some degree.

I definitely think they can turn it around. The schedule is favorable the next couple weeks, to the point that 3-1 is doable as long as they play better than they did last night. That Elmhurst game is the big one, but is also the scariest. Like you said, they need that one to have hope of climbing back into the tournament picture.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 29, 2017, 05:40:28 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 29, 2017, 03:17:10 PM
I'm definitely going to have to listen to Imitzel's call and hear his anger . . .

If you listen close when it got to about 15 or 17-0, Katie McDaniels hit a wide open layup, and you can hear the exasperation when I call her name after the layup. Might even catch a face palm or two at the table if the camera was timed right.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2017, 08:43:48 PM
Good interview with Elmhurst coach Tethnie Carrillo, Dave. As was noted, she is due fairly soon to have child number 2; we all on these pages wish her the best.
She expressed high confidence that her assistants will keep things going well for the team when the time comes, as she misses a few games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2017, 09:07:02 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 29, 2017, 05:40:28 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 29, 2017, 03:17:10 PM
I'm definitely going to have to listen to Imitzel's call and hear his anger . . .

If you listen close when it got to about 15 or 17-0, Katie McDaniels hit a wide open layup, and you can hear the exasperation when I call her name after the layup. Might even catch a face palm or two at the table if the camera was timed right.

Does NCC re-broadcast their games . . a la On Demand?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2017, 09:42:08 PM
Yep. They're on YouTube.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2017, 09:50:51 PM
I think EC is playing very well, Eppard really carrying them.  IWU's re-match with them a key game for the TITANS.  Plenty of tough games remaining for everyone.  IWU has to face "the system" again too, so that's always a scary game if NCC gets hot from three, can make problems.  As you know, I'm not a fan of "the system," but you always have to worry that NCC will just snap out of their funk and have a hot night.  Injuries have really hurt them. 

CCIW championship for the regular season could come down to that last game IWU @ WC.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2017, 12:31:52 PM
Several players have earned consideration for player of the week this time. I'd include Brittney Wald, Rachel Szydlowski, Mikaela Eppard, Devin Curry and Liz Rehberger who each had a pair of productive games.
I think I'd go with Szydlowski. We'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 30, 2017, 02:23:23 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 30, 2017, 12:31:52 PM
Several players have earned consideration for player of the week this time. I'd include Brittney Wald, Rachel Szydlowski, Mikaela Eppard, Devin Curry and Liz Rehberger who each had a pair of productive games.
I think I'd go with Szydlowski. We'll see.

Appears the CCIW agrees with you. Hard to argue against it.

http://www.cciw.org/news/2017/1/30/WBB_0130172156.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2017, 05:35:24 PM
She contributed greatly to two season-saving victories for the Lady Reds. Carthage is no doubt happy to be 5-5 instead of 3-7.
The other four I listed certainly were outstanding. Which reminds me, wasn't there a joke about the farmer who was out standing in his field?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2017, 06:38:28 PM
Not that I want to spoil your prognosticating by making it too easy for you, Rog, but keep in mind that the league office is almost always going to choose the POW based upon whether or not her team won their games that week. It takes an absolutely extraordinary week for a player to win POW in spite of her team suffering a loss that week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2017, 07:07:29 PM
No spoilage detected. I guess we could also anticipate that a player who excels in two games may be favored over a player who excelled in one game (due to the bye).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2017, 01:30:53 PM
updated Road Wins - Home Losses :
+4 Wheaton
+3 Illinois Wesleyan
+1 Augustana, Elmhurst
-1 Carthage, North Central
-2 Millikin, North Park
-3 Carroll
At the end of the regular season, this equation works : (road wins - home losses) x 2 = games above or below .500
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2017, 02:22:14 PM
With six games left in her career, Liz Rehberger has an outside shot at moving into third place on the all-time North Park scoring list:


player  class  points
Rachel Pearson  1994  1784
Terry Haller  1990  1515
Barb Dunn  1990  1489
Liz Rehberger  2017  1349
Andrea Mendyk  2002  1224
Laura Mount  2007  1206
Shandrel Young  2006  1200
Gina Hornbaker  1995  1191
Becky Johnson  1983  1180
Megan Slattery  2006  1166
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on January 31, 2017, 03:38:12 PM
According to her husband, Becky Johnson was poorly coached her senior year.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2017, 03:41:41 PM
Boyfriends are never objective observers, Joe, no matter what they do for a living. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on January 31, 2017, 11:01:17 PM
This one was (is)  a bit opionated as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2017, 11:30:06 PM
Ya think? :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2017, 10:53:16 AM
Memory refreshment (of what happened in the first meetings of tonight's matchups) :
Dec 7 AUG 91, ELM 84
Dec 10 NPU 87, CRL 57
Jan 4 IWU 81, MIL 74
Jan 21 WHE 65, CTG 46
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2017, 08:38:20 PM
IWU over MU at the half, 34-30, in a rather ragged affair so far.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2017, 09:48:05 PM
IWU pressure does the trick, pulling away from MU in the second half to win, 70-58.

McGraw 18
Schneider 13
Merritt 10
Kelly 10
Ehresman 7 and 5 assists

Shooting 40%, but only 15% from three.  A pretty good defensive effort by the Titans to hold MU under 60.

MU led by Emily Schulz 17

A big shake-up in the standings tonight, as I think WC loses big.  Not sure about Augie-EC game.

Titans now 8-2 in conference play.  13-6 overall.  Six games to go.

Keep it rolling GREEN.

IWU'70


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2017, 09:58:44 PM
North Park 74
Carroll 33

Liz Rehberger: 19 pts, 4 stls
Amani Davis: 10 pts, 10 rebs
Bri Lippert: 8 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 7 rebs

Morgan Lund: 10 pts

Vikings cruised to an easy win in Waukesha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2017, 10:00:01 PM
Augie and EC going into double OT @ Carver.  Tied 75-all after the first OT.

I'm pulling for Augie in this one.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2017, 10:18:28 PM
Augie prevails 85-82 in 2OTs.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2017, 11:02:52 PM
In Carthage's 70-44 win over Wheaton, Morgan Harris had 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Madie Kaelber scored 14 pts, missing one shot; Morgan Vukovich and Autumn Kalis each scored 10.
The Lady Reds disrupted much of what Wheaton tried offensively, at least in the segments I viewed. For the Thunder, Devin Kyler did alright with 3 steals, 2 blocks, 6 rebs and 8 pts, but all four of those were team highs (or tied for).
Each team made 17 of 39 2FG att. Each team tried 10 FTs, Carthage made 9 and Wheaton 4. Carthage was excellent from three-land, making 9 of 14. Wheaton's 3FG shooting was on the chilly side, 2 for 16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 01, 2017, 11:12:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2017, 11:02:52 PM
In Carthage's 70-44 win over Wheaton, Morgan Harris had 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Madie Kaelber scored 14 pts, missing one shot; Morgan Vukovich and Autumn Kalis each scored 10.
The Lady Reds disrupted much of what Wheaton tried offensively, at least in the segments I viewed. For the Thunder, Devin Kyler did alright with 3 steals, 2 blocks, 6 rebs and 8 pts, but all four of those were team highs (or tied for).
Each team made 17 of 39 2FG att. Each team tried 10 FTs, Carthage made 9 and Wheaton 4. Carthage was excellent from three-land, making 9 of 14. Wheaton's 3FG shooting was on the chilly side, 2 for 16.

I hate being so right about the difficulty of traveling, especially mid-week, to play at Carthage.  But none of that explains a 26 point loss by the Thunder - they lost all 4 quarters.  This is a very disappointing loss.  I didn't watch the game, nor will I have time to do so soon, but I've been wondering if this Thunder team plays with enough edge, especially in these tough games.  This might be an unfortunate indicator of it.  Outrebounded by 12?  The starters were shooting poorly - so why did Ellie Zeller and Jordan Myroth only play 12 and 11 mins respectively?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2017, 11:41:52 PM
GoPerry, I assume your question relates primarily to McDaniels, Meacham and Lawson? My guess is that Coach Madsen figured those three would do more scoring as the game progressed. Carthage played a sharp game.
In Augie's 85-82 2OT win over Elmhurst, four Vikings scored in double figures : Izzy Anderson 16 (+ 6 rebs), Kaycee Kallenberger 16 (11 rebs, 5 blocks, 5 fouls), Corrie Reiley 13 (+ 4 steals), Sadie Roberts 11. Mikayla Fallon grabbed 8 rebounds.
Mikaela Eppard continues to shine : 35 pts, 11 rebs, 4 steals (and 5 fouls). Kalia Summerlin poured in a season-high 21 pts. Hannah Lipman had 13 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 12:14:31 AM
Is McDaniels hitting the wall?  Lots of minutes on that good player over her stellar career.

I don't understand WC's loss tonight either, especially by that margin.

A tough stretch run now for all the contenders. 

I like the position my TITANS are in and how they are playing, their depth, at this time in the long, exhausting season.  They have that long trip to Carthage upcoming too.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 02:54:56 AM
Eppard is eating everyone up.  Seems she's making a great case for CCIW Most Outstanding Player of the Year, esp. if EC gets anywhere close to the CCIW crown.  McGraw has a good case too.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 02, 2017, 07:27:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 02:54:56 AM
Eppard is eating everyone up.  Seems she's making a great case for CCIW Most Outstanding Player of the Year, esp. if EC gets anywhere close to the CCIW crown.  McGraw has a good case too.

IWU'70

Eppard is third in scoring in the conference, second in rebounds, and leads the CCIW in field goal percentage. Being in third place in the conference right now and just half a game out of the lead, I think she's got a better shot at it than McGraw right now (4th in scoring, but not in the top 15 in any other category, and Ehresman would probably steal some consideration if we're looking strictly at Titans).

Speaking of the Titans, based on tiebreakers Illinois Wesleyan moves into first place with Wheaton's loss, with the aforementioned game between the two on the 21st likely to serve as the regular season championship game. On the opposite end of the standings, Carroll is mathematically eliminated from the CCIW Tournament after their loss to North Park last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 02, 2017, 08:00:06 AM
Side note (and probably something that should be noted more so on the MIAA board), but congratulations to former Cardinal Emily Zgoda, now with Albion, who hit an obscene 13 of 19 threes last night and scored 44 points, both school records, in their win over Olivet. Glad she's having success back home.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2017, 11:40:49 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 02, 2017, 07:27:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 02:54:56 AM
Eppard is eating everyone up.  Seems she's making a great case for CCIW Most Outstanding Player of the Year, esp. if EC gets anywhere close to the CCIW crown.  McGraw has a good case too.

IWU'70

Eppard is third in scoring in the conference, second in rebounds, and leads the CCIW in field goal percentage. Being in third place in the conference right now and just half a game out of the lead, I think she's got a better shot at it than McGraw right now (4th in scoring, but not in the top 15 in any other category, and Ehresman would probably steal some consideration if we're looking strictly at Titans).

I was just thinking about this last night, but forgot to post it. The MOP is definitely Eppard's to lose at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2017, 03:14:18 PM
Here are the CCIW players that have scored at least 20 in a game this season. Their season scoring highs are shown. While compiling this list, I noted that several very good players were close, but did not reach my arbitrary cutoff of 20.
AUG : Corrie Reiley 20, Olivia Mayer 21, Izzy Anderson 23.
CRL : Morgan Lund 23, Sara Hartl 24, Caylee Coker 27, Brittney Wald 29.
CTG : Monica Masini 20, Morgan Vukovich 20, Bailey Gilbert 21, Autumn Kalis 24, Madie Kaelber 28, Rachel Szydlowski 32, Morgan Harris 38.
ELM : Kalia Summerlin 21, Kaela Jones 22, Mikaela Eppard 39.
IWU : Ashley Schneider 20, Maddie Merritt 24, Rebekah Ehresman 26, Molly McGraw 37.
MIL : Rachael Weber 21, Devin Curry 23, Emily Schultz 25, Yanni Saddler 26.
NCC : Paula Zerante 22, Anita Sterling 28, Mayson Whipple 29.
NPU : Hannah Rehfeldt 20, Alicia Arnold 21, Emmy Gryna 21, Liz Rehberger 38.
WHE : Chantal Meacham 20, Kelly Lawson 27, Katie McDaniels 38.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 09:12:23 PM
Agree on Eppard.  A monster season so far, carrying her team further than most of us thought.  Agree too on Ehresman getting some consideration for the Titans.  Both she and McGraw key to the Titans position so far.  Also, great improvement, contributions by sophomore Maddie Merritt, giving the Titans the post/paint presence they have not had in recent editions.  That's a strong threesome for the Titans.  All coming back next year.  Good depth and role players too, some who can also score.  Shanks will have a good CCIW career. 

We'll see how it all plays out, which Team brings home the hardware at the end of the day, evening of the 21st February, after these next six games.

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 09:24:55 PM
Actually in conference play, Eppard and McGraw are tied at the top in scoring per game.  I believe conference games only are considered for MOP and All-Conference honors.  Eppard and McGraw both first teamers, IMHO. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2017, 08:35:27 AM
I think MOP is as wide open as the race for the top of the conference.  I agree that Eppard is having a good year and if the 'Jays finish 1st or 2nd in the conference, then she'll get lots of consideration.  If they drop to 4th, I think that will hurt her chances.  Elmhurst has a tough stretch to come beginning with Saturday's game at Wheaton - a big game for both teams.  If Wheaton finishes strong and finishes in 1st, Katie McDaniels will be near the top of every ballot.  Likewise if IWU finishes 1st for McGraw or Ehresman although I believe that's a less obvious choice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 03, 2017, 11:29:52 AM
I know it's getting down towards the end, but I don't want to start putting too much stock in Most Outstanding Player voting yet, since 5-6 games can change a ton of outlooks. Maybe Eppard has a couple 3-11 games from the field; maybe one of Augie's guards turns into Emily Zgoda from the other night and drains a ton of threes to up the scoring average and lead the Vikings to the conference title. Maybe Jamie Cuny throws up six straight 15-10-8 block nights to throw the Cardinals into the tournament. (I doubt it happens, but it would be awesome. :D )

Looking at implications for tomorrow night, we're still about a week away from anyone clinching a tournament berth. IWU remains in first place with a win, Augie could sneak into a tie for third with a win and a Wheaton win over Elmhurst (I don't know what the tiebreaker scenario is off the top of my head), and on the other end, an Augie win over Millikin eliminates the Big Blue, and that combined with a Cardinal win at North Park eliminates the Vikings as well (and considering the Cardinals are pretty much in must-win territory at this point...)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2017, 12:54:02 PM
lmitzel, I'm surprised that you, of all people, would want Jamie Cuny to "throw up." Yes, we want players to "leave it all on the floor," but not that way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: matblake on February 03, 2017, 02:36:30 PM
Some cool promos for the CCIW, which according to Twitter were put together by NC17 in Naperville.  There's a long and short version.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cciw
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2017, 04:04:59 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 03, 2017, 11:29:52 AM
I know it's getting down towards the end, but I don't want to start putting too much stock in Most Outstanding Player voting yet, since 5-6 games can change a ton of outlooks. Maybe Eppard has a couple 3-11 games from the field; maybe one of Augie's guards turns into Emily Zgoda from the other night and drains a ton of threes to up the scoring average and lead the Vikings to the conference title. Maybe Jamie Cuny throws up six straight 15-10-8 block nights to throw the Cardinals into the tournament. (I doubt it happens, but it would be awesome. :D )

Looking at implications for tomorrow night, we're still about a week away from anyone clinching a tournament berth. IWU remains in first place with a win, Augie could sneak into a tie for third with a win and a Wheaton win over Elmhurst (I don't know what the tiebreaker scenario is off the top of my head), and on the other end, an Augie win over Millikin eliminates the Big Blue, and that combined with a Cardinal win at North Park eliminates the Vikings as well (and considering the Cardinals are pretty much in must-win territory at this point...)

A Wheaton win over Elmhurst tomorrow night would give the Thunder a 2-0 record vs EC and a tie-breaker edge over IWU - provided they beat IWU at King on Feb 21. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2017, 09:22:42 PM
Yes, agree, lots of basketball still to be played.  But, you have to say that Eppard is playing at an awesome level and very unlikely to dip in her overall performance any time soon.  McDaniels on the other had has had several very weak games, and that's why I asked if she had "hit the wall" in terms of so many minutes, games played over her long and exemplar career.   I don't sense that McGraw or Ehresman are getting tired at all as IWU plays a style of game with "run and jump" that leads to late-season fitness.  McGraw sometimes plays with some despondency, but when she's on, she is surely one of the most difficult offensive talents to guard in the league.  Ehresman is just rock solid, consistent and reliable.  I personally think she's the most valuable player on the Titan squad, with many many good supportive role players there too, all playing pretty well right now.  Maddie Merritt has been the important, positive surprise this season. 

WC vs. EC surely the big game this weekend.  I'll be cheering for EC as I think IWU has a better chance of beating them second time 'round at home, than beating WC at Wheaton, last game of the season on the 21st.  Just a thought.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2017, 10:10:01 PM
iwu70, I don't think McDaniels is in decline. She's had some excellent games very recently.
By the way, remember that the all-CCIW process has been revised. Sixteen players now, with 8 1st team and 8 2nd team. Newcomer still a separate award.
A potentially weird factor is that coaches can now vote for their own players, so we may get players on 1st team who should be 2nd team, and vice versa.
One of us "writers" should find out the nominating/voting specifics. Greg?
Back to iwu70, I'd say it's a lock that Ehresman and McGraw make all-CCIW. A 3rd Titan (Merritt?) is possible, but we'll have to see who excels throughout the league down the stretch. Many many players deserve serious consideration. I agree with Greg that Eppard is in the lead for MOP at the present.
I'm sure the recent incidence of parity have the Top 25 voters a little befuddled. Five CCIW teams could warrant scattered votes at the moment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 02:46:54 AM
RogK, agree with much of what you've said. New voting scheme will be interesting, with larger 1st and 2nd teams only.  Maybe Maddie Merritt wins the newcomer award?  Not sure the criteria.  Yes, depends now on who plays the best and gets their team to the finish line, to the crown or near the crown.  I could see IWU and WC tying for the regular season championship again.  But, many others still contending.  Given how CCIW teams beat up on each other -- both men and women -- I doubt many will get even scattered votes in the D3 polls, as they have too many losses already. So many ranked teams on the women's side have 0, 1 or 2 losses only.  Maybe easier schedules, easier leagues, but there you go.  I'm just hoping my Titans get close to 20 wins, get to the CCIW tournament and play well for the AQ.  A tough stretch run for all the contending teams. 

Big game up next -- EC vs. WC.  Key game for both. 

IWU gets their chance against both soon too.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2017, 10:52:13 AM
Newcomer of the Year would be restricted to those who made their CCIW debut this season, so : freshmen, transfers and the full Carroll roster.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2017, 04:06:33 PM
Carthage picked up a gentle 73-38 win over IIT today. Sixteen different Lady Reds got a rebound. Playing time was spread throughout the Carthage roster, although Morgan Harris had the afternoon off.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 07:20:10 PM
IWU over Carroll 69-36 after 3 Quarters of play.  Most of the IWU pine-sitters already in the game.  A easy night for the starters.  Carroll dressing only seven players. 

Pink Zone game, so a very nice look'n crowd, raising money for the Community Cancer Center.  Keep going philanthropic TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 07:39:31 PM
Final:  Titans over Carroll by 40, 85-45.

McGraw 21
Kelly 12
Merritt 9

Most starters sitting by early in the 3 Q.  Titans shoot 52% from the field

For Carroll:

Lund 14
Koker 11

Titans go to 9-2 in the league, now 14-6. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 07:47:15 PM
Wheaton's balanced attack with five players in double figures overcomes EC and Eppard's big night.  Final WC 78, EC 67. 

WC and IWU now tied for the league lead at 9-2.  EC drops to 8-4.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 07:55:35 PM
NPU holds on to beat "the system" and NCC, 86-78. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 04, 2017, 08:21:24 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 07:55:35 PM
NPU holds on to beat "the system" and NCC, 86-78. 

IWU70

Cardinals shot just 9-45 from three and were pretty much behind the 8 ball from the beginning, though coming back from down 17 at halftime is a decent sign. But they finished just 15-27 at the line. The lesson, as always: make your damn free throws.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2017, 10:36:04 PM
Yup, for the "system" to have a chance to work, gotta make treys, as it's all about trading 2s for 3s, but if you can't make them, you are digging a deeper and deeper hole.  Bad FT shooting never helps. 

IWU playing very well, quickly, in the "Pink Zone" game.  No starter played more than 19 minutes, some less.  All 20 players dressed got into the game, some for lengthy periods in the second half.   Always fun to play well . . .and for a good cause too.

WC and IWU now pulling away at the top of the standings.   

Five games to go.  One W at a time . . . step by step. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2017, 11:46:43 PM
I was advised that Carroll players have to be freshmen or transfers to be Newcomer of the Year.
In the Wheaton win, Maggie Dansdill had another well-rounded game : 11 pts, 5 assists, 4 rebs, 4 steals. We don't mention her much, but she'd be very welcome on any team in the league. Also, Devin Kyler had 14 pts, 13 rebs, 3 assists.
For EC, Mikaela Eppard tallied 21 and Kaela Jones added 16.
Augie improved to 8-4, topping Millikin 83-76, including 28-7 in the 2nd Q. As usual, many Vikings did well. Kaycee Kallenberger had 5 blocks and 14 rebs; Victoria Allen had 15 pts, 10 rebs, 3 stls; Izzy Anderson scored 18; Carly McCameron was quite busy in her 12:00, including 10 rebs and 4 blocks.
Devin Curry's 20 pts and Lauren Moses's 11 rebs led Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2017, 12:01:13 AM
Wheaton  78
Elmhurst 67

Katie McDaniels 16 pts, 4 rebs , 5 asts
Devin Kyler, 14 pts, 13 rebs, 3 assts
Maggie Dansdill, 11 pts, 4 rebs, 5 assts, 4 steals
Chantal Meacham 13 pts,
Ellie Zeller 12 pts

Mikaela Eppard, 21 pts, 3 rebs, 2 assts
Kaela Jones, 16 pts, 4 rebs, 2 assts

The Thunder led the entire game after getting out to a strong start.  The closest Elmhurst ever got in the 2nd half was 7.  After Weds debacle in Kenosha, they seemed determined to bounce back and they did with a very disciplined and balanced effort where their motion offense and constant cutting led to 46 pts in the paint.  Devin Kyler had a nice double/double of not quite matching Eppards points but dominating her on the glass 13 rebs to 3.   Maggie Dansdill had a very good game also.  This was an important game for Wheaton as they and IWU have put some separation between them and 3rd place teams Augie and EC.

Elmhurst has now lost their road games to contenders Augie and Wheaton with IWU still to come.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2017, 12:19:08 AM
North Park 86
North Central 78

Liz Rehberger: 17 pts, 11 rebs, 3 stls
Brie Lippert: 16 pts, 6 rebs
Amani Davis: 14 pts, 3 stls
Gabby Sandoval: 12 pts, 10 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 8 rebs

Jamie Cuny: 17 pts, 9 rebs, 3 blks
Paula Zerante: 16 pts
Anita Sterling: 10 pts, 10 rebs
Shannon Ryan: 3 stls

North Park was never headed in this game, but the Cardinals nevertheless made the Vikings earn it. NPU took advantage of cold NCC shooting early in the game by making lots of alert outlet passes up the floor to turn NCC's offensive-glass pressure into odd-man transition plays the other way, as the Vikes build up a 22-point lead just prior to the half before going into the locker room up 45-28. The second half consisted of North Central whittling down that big lead a point or two per minute, as the Cards got much more aggressive in attacking the basket. NCC actually tied the game at 71-71 on a Jamie Cuny layup with 3:18 to go, but Liz Rehberger responded with a trey -- one of only two field goals she made all afternoon, as almost all of her points came from the FT line -- 19 seconds after the Cuny layup, and the lead was back in North Park's hands for good.

NPU did a great job of not only persevering through NCC"s constant chipping away at the lead but of holding it together physically as well. The Vikings were down a ballhandling guard (Elise Estelle) from their rotation since the first time that these two teams met back just after the calendar turned, and one of my big concerns was that they'd wear down. But the opposite was true; the other field goal that Liz Rehberger made tonight was a coast-to-coast sprint with the ball with 2:08 left, as she blew right past four Cardinals en route to a made layup. Considering that she played 36 minutes tonight against the System as one of North Park's two primary ballhandlers, that was really something. It was one of two things I didn't think I'd ever see someone do to a System team that NPU did tonight, as they also forced a shot-clock violation at one point.

Brie Lippert scored a career high tonight, and Gabby Sandoval picked up her first career double-double. It was a strong effort all around from a Vikings team that, frankly, I had just about given up for dead a week or so ago. They're really showing me something here down the backstretch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2017, 12:24:11 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2017, 10:10:01 PMBy the way, remember that the all-CCIW process has been revised. Sixteen players now, with 8 1st team and 8 2nd team. Newcomer still a separate award.
A potentially weird factor is that coaches can now vote for their own players, so we may get players on 1st team who should be 2nd team, and vice versa.
One of us "writers" should find out the nominating/voting specifics. Greg?

You're right on both counts. I don't think that coaches nominate their own players, as they do on the men's side. I think that it's just open voting, first for the first team, then for the second team, although I'm not 100% sure about that.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 02, 2017, 09:24:55 PMI believe conference games only are considered for MOP and All-Conference honors.

No, that is not true.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2017, 12:25:59 AM
North Park had a strong effort in the game I attended, 86-78 over North Central. The Vikings had a whopping 62 rebounds, including 11 by Liz Rehberger, 10 by Gabby Sandoval and 9 from Shaylee Sloan. Brie Lippert was very productive with 16 pts in 19 min. A major factor in NP's success was very good ball movement and a lot of players participated in that effort, including tall non-guards like Alicia Arnold and Clarissa Ramos.
When NCC made a 2nd half run, NP Coach Crockett used a timeout to fervently implore her team to keep hustling. They did, and prevailed.
NNC got a quick 16 pts from Paula Zerante but she fouled out. Anita Sterling had 10 pts and 10 rebs. Jamie Cuny finished with 17 pts, 9 rebs, 3 blocks, 2 steals. But, as lmitzel wrote, NCC's shooting was mostly not good.
I see Greg has given us his nicely-detailed write-up, so mine can be supplementary.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2017, 01:31:38 AM
Greg, I thought on both men and women's side, only CCIW games counted or were considered for All-conference honors, and MOP awards etc.  Was this changed recently?   Pls. advise.   So, you are saying that all the pre-CCIW season games are also considered in the voting?

The way IWU is playing, utilizing their depth etc., and the big three playing well, -- I think they have a chance to win out.   Five games to go.  Tough ones for sure, esp. @CC and @ WC. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2017, 01:01:12 PM
Current Road Wins - Home Losses :
+4 WHE
+3 IWU
+1 AUG, ELM
-1 CTG, NCC, NPU
-2 MIL
-4 CRL
Remaining opportunities to improve the above numbers : CTG 4, AUG 3, ELM 3, IWU 3, NCC 2, WHE 2, CRL 1, MIL 1, NPU 1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 06, 2017, 02:02:55 PM
Molly McGraw earned POW honors for the past week, her second award of the season.

http://cciw.org/news/2017/2/6/WBB_0206175618.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2017, 02:19:04 PM
Saturday afternoon's contest in the crackerbox was a big event, as the Vikings honored former NPU guard Bethany (Conrad) Hart and attempted to raise money for her and her husband, former North Park football player Kevin Hart, as she continues her fight against a rare form of cervical cancer that has already cost them the life of their unborn daughter Hallie. The Vikings wore shootaround shirts that honored the Harts; Bethany's former NPU teammate, assistant coach Lauren (Martin) Rosengarden, organized the entire event; the North Park football team held a benefit raffle in the lobby; and North Park President David Parkyn, women's basketball coach Amanda Crockett, and football coach Mike Conway were on hand to present gifts to the Harts as part of a pregame ceremony. Bethany blogged about the event: https://beatsccc.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/north-park-for-the-win/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 06, 2017, 04:02:32 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2017, 02:19:04 PM
Saturday afternoon's contest in the crackerbox was a big event, as the Vikings honored former NPU guard Bethany (Conrad) Hart and attempted to raise money for her and her husband, former North Park football player Kevin Hart, as she continues her fight against a rare form of cervical cancer that has already cost them the life of their unborn daughter Hallie. The Vikings wore shootaround shirts that honored the Harts; Bethany's former NPU teammate, assistant coach Lauren (Martin) Rosengarden, organized the entire event; the North Park football team held a benefit raffle in the lobby; and North Park President David Parkyn, women's basketball coach Amanda Crockett, and football coach Mike Conway were on hand to present gifts to the Harts as part of a pregame ceremony. Bethany blogged about the event: https://beatsccc.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/north-park-for-the-win/

Thank you for sharing that Gregory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2017, 07:58:12 PM
Congrats to Molly McGraw on POW.  Great Job!  Keep going.  Key games upcoming.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2017, 09:00:26 PM
New poll out.  Wheaton loses all but 13 of their points and falls to (#26).  In better news for conference pride, IWU got 3 points after being totally ignored for several weeks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2017, 10:41:43 PM
Under the category of good things to build on next year : in her last 10 games, Carroll's Morgan Lund has made 61 free throws (out of 72 att, .847) and has grabbed 71 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 07, 2017, 07:13:24 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2017, 07:58:12 PM
Key games upcoming.

To that point, here's what's at stake tomorrow night regarding the tournament:

-Nobody can clinch a tournament berth quite yet. Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan are close though.
-North Park is eliminated from the CCIW Tournament with a loss to Illinois Wesleyan.
-North Central is eliminated from the CCIW Tournament with a loss to Millikin AND wins by Augustana and Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2017, 10:37:59 PM
Key games upcoming.  GO TITANS!   :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2017, 11:02:28 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 05, 2017, 01:31:38 AM
Greg, I thought on both men and women's side, only CCIW games counted or were considered for All-conference honors, and MOP awards etc.  Was this changed recently?   Pls. advise.   So, you are saying that all the pre-CCIW season games are also considered in the voting?

Men's basketball and women's basketball are two different sports, and they're treated as such by the CCIW. Every sport in the league has its own set of policies regarding awards, and men's basketball is as different from women's basketball as softball is from baseball and as football is from volleyball in that regard. While both men's basketball and women's basketball have moved to All-CCIW teams consisting of two sets of eight players apiece this season, it's not because the two sports move in lockstep; it's because the expansion to nine schools made a corresponding expansion of the All-CCIW teams from fifteen to sixteen players a sensible response independently reached by both sets of head coaches.

Men's basketball coaches use CCIW-only results in their voting. Women's basketball coaches may use all games in their voting, although I suspect that some of them may stick primarily or even entirely to CCIW-only games in their deliberations, given the variability in non-conference competition from one CCIW program to the next.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2017, 12:38:30 AM
Greg, thanks for the clarification on the voting.  Seems on the women's side things may be a bit in flux, with different coaches potentially having a different criteria in their voting.  It will be interesting to see how it plays out on both sides and whether those on this Board feel the choices are good ones.  Of course, the coaches know best.  :)

Looking forward to the Titans vs. NPU.  Should be a very competitive game now that everyone on both teams seems to be back and both squads closer to full health (save for Holness for IWU).  Very fortunate for the TITANS on the Ehresman ankle sprain earlier.

Every W important now as we head down the stretch -- last two weeks of the regular season.

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2017, 01:25:35 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2017, 12:38:30 AM
Greg, thanks for the clarification on the voting.  Seems on the women's side things may be a bit in flux, with different coaches potentially having a different criteria in their voting.

Things are always "in flux," if that's what you want to call it, because coaches always approach All-CCIW voting with different criteria in mind besides which games they're considering as applicable. That's just one variable among many.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2017, 12:38:30 AM
Looking forward to the Titans vs. NPU.  Should be a very competitive game now that everyone on both teams seems to be back

NPU is still without one of its ballhandling guards, Elise Estelle.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 08, 2017, 02:55:22 PM
First batch of regional rankings just dropped. (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2017/02/women-regional-rankings-first)

The CCIW is well represented (Wheaton 4th, IWU 5th, Elmhurst 9th). I've been skeptical about the conference getting multiple bids for much of the season so far, but if the title comes down to the Titans and Thunder, there's a pretty good chance both teams make The Dance given where they're at now. It'll depend on how much chalk rocks other conference tournaments obviously, but the loser between these two (again, assuming they finish 1-2 in some order) would come to the Pool C table pretty early.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2017, 07:57:59 PM
Glad to see that on the regional rankings.  I think WC and IWU very deserving, though their records may put them on the bubble. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2017, 09:40:50 PM
Important road win for IWU over NPU, IWU 89 NPU 61.

Kelly 19
Schneider 18
McGraw 14
Anderson 10
Merritt 10
Ehresman 8  and 3 assts, 0 TOs. 

Titans shooting 45%, 44% from 3, 81% FTs.  A good formula going forward.

For NPU:  Rehberger 16

Titans now 10-2 in CCIW play, heading down the stretch in good form, with depth and hardnose play. Four games to go. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 08, 2017, 10:02:04 PM
Wheaton 67
Augie 63

Katie McDaniels  24 pts, 5 rebs, 2 asst, blk, stl
Kelly Lawson 17 pts, 3rebs
Devin Kyler 14 pts, 8 rebs, 5 assts, 6 stls, 3blks
Chantal Meacham, 5 pts 10rebs

Kaycee Kallenberger 20 pts, 21 rebs (11 off), 4 blks
Izzy Anderson 12 pts 3 rebs 6 assts

Another solid home win for the Thunder notwithstanding the Viking's (read: Kaycee Kallenberger) dominance on the glass. Wheaton led practically the entire game and led by as much as 15 before Augie cut the lead to 48-44 after 3 quarters.  But Wheaton came out on a 13 pt run of their own to extend to 61-44 and that was pretty much it.  Augie shooting was ice cold for much of the game.  It's tough to match up to a person of such size like Kallenberger in the middle.  Saying she had a double/double doesn't feel sufficient.  But Devin Kyler did as good a job as to be expected.  Coach Madsen was taking no chances with this game as he shortened his bench quite a bit.

No harm no foul for the Vikes with Carthage also losing.  So they are still in good position to make the CCIW tournament but their NCAA post-season hopes took a hit.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2017, 11:35:52 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 89, North Park 61

Liz Rehberger: 16 pts
Gabby Sandoval: 10 pts
Amani Davis: 10 rebs, 3 stls

Amanda Kelly: 19 pts, 3:0 a:to
Ashley Schneider: 18 pts
Molly McGraw: 14 pts
Nina Anderson: 10 pts
Maddie Merritt: 10 pts
Sydney Shanks: 5 stls
Rebekah Ehresman: 4 stls

It's not so much the loss that bothers me, it's the serious lack of energy that the Vikings showed in the second half. After a reasonably fine effort in the first half in which the Vikes were only down by 42-34 at intermission (after a Titans surge had pulled away from a lead of only 29-28 with two and a half to go in the second quarter), the Vikings just made one mental mistake after another with the ball in a disastrous third quarter in which they were outscored by 21. Worse, they were consistently outrun from one end of the floor to the other. On top of that, they failed to put a body on anybody, and even though IWU only ended up winning the rebounding battle by four, the Titans garnered six more caroms off of the offensive glass than did the Vikings. Considering how hard NPU worked on Saturday against another pressing team, this effort tonight was a real letdown. Granted, the Park simply does not have the horses to compete with Wesleyan for forty minutes the way that the Vikings can (and do) with North Central, but it takes no skill to keep your head up, look up the floor, not dribble straight into traps, make smart passes, and put a body on an opponent when the shot goes up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 08, 2017, 11:45:10 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 08, 2017, 02:55:22 PM
First batch of regional rankings just dropped. (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2017/02/women-regional-rankings-first)

The CCIW is well represented (Wheaton 4th, IWU 5th, Elmhurst 9th). I've been skeptical about the conference getting multiple bids for much of the season so far, but if the title comes down to the Titans and Thunder, there's a pretty good chance both teams make The Dance given where they're at now. It'll depend on how much chalk rocks other conference tournaments obviously, but the loser between these two (again, assuming they finish 1-2 in some order) would come to the Pool C table pretty early.

IWU has to win out these last 4 games to feel safe for an at large I think. If they lose one before the CCIW tourney, then I believe they'll be teetering on the bubble.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2017, 11:52:19 PM
Yes, it would be nice for IWU to have 8 or less losses going to Selection Sunday.  19-8 might get them in given their SOS.  They've been at that place before.  Surely 20-7, as you suggest, would look a lot better.  Winning the AQ best!

Very tough games upcoming, a truly testing stretch run.  Both IWU men and women have key games at CC this weekend.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2017, 12:28:36 AM
Saw IWU in person for the first time this season and was curious to see some of their newer players. Sydney Shanks is a very interesting player, with a high upside; athletic and an alert, hard worker.
Ashley Schneider displayed scoring talent near the basket and also hit from threeland. Nina Anderson could/should be an increasingly helpful contributor.
Several of IWU's more veteran players did rather well, as evidenced by the stats Greg listed.
I will add that I was again very impressed by Rebekah Ehresman; she just does not make any mistakes. Well, maybe one and a half. And Molly McGraw was agile and energetic. Alina Lehocky has developed into one of the better rebounders in the league, currently at 30 per 100 minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2017, 12:53:06 AM
In Elmhurst's 75-58 win over Carthage, Mikaela Eppard had 20 pts, 16 rebs, 5 assists and a pair of steals. Hannah Henderson scored 11, missing only 1 shot, and had 6 rebs. Kaela Jones had 16 pts via 12 GF att, for a .667 eFG%.
Carthage was led by 23 pts from Madie Kaelber, who added 3 steals.
And, for the second consecutive Wednesday, Carthage and their opponent each went 17/39 on 2FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2017, 01:04:34 AM
North Central 89, Millikin 73. For NCC, Anita Sterling had 21 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Jamie Cuny had 16 pts, 7 rebs.
For Millikin, Emily Schultz poured in 29 pts and had 8 rebs, while Lauren Moses had 10 pts and 15 rebs. Devin Curry again did well, with 15 pts, 9 rebs, 6 assists and 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2017, 03:28:19 AM
RogK, I share your views on IWU's various players.  They have some good experienced, talented seniors -- esp. Kelly -- but also a nice array of younger players, really coming along nicely, worked into the IWU system and scheme of things.  With that group -- Shanks, Schneider, Merritt, and Anderson, the future looks bright.  Shanks does have a big upside.  The Titans have McGraw and Ehresman for another year -- so that is a very strong core in thinking about next year.  Of course, we are focusing on this year and winning the conference title again now.  But, one has to think, even with the loss of Kelly, Lehockey and a few other seniors, the Titans are going to return one of the strongest, most experienced groups in the conference next season.  Let's hope this year's team gets to Dance, but surely next year could be a very good year for the Titans women's program.

Ehresman is about as consistent, solid and error-free as it comes.  When McGraw is playing at the top of her game, surely one of the best, most athletic players in all of D3.  Let's hope both work even harder and improve further for the rest of the season and certainly for next year. 

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2017, 06:33:22 AM
Thanks for mentioning that Lehocky is a senior, iwu70. I had a general impression that she hadn't been around that long, but I lazily hadn't bothered to check the roster. Anyway, I modified my previous post to compliment her more accurately.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2017, 07:16:50 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 09, 2017, 01:04:34 AM
North Central 89, Millikin 73. For NCC, Anita Sterling had 21 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Jamie Cuny had 16 pts, 7 rebs.
For Millikin, Emily Schultz poured in 29 pts and had 8 rebs, while Lauren Moses had 10 pts and 15 rebs. Devin Curry again did well, with 15 pts, 9 rebs, 6 assists and 3 steals.

Anita was on fire in the opening quarter, hitting like five threes in a row before cooling off. GA coach Maryssa Cladis hit it on the nose at halftime: Anita is either on fire, or ice cold. There's no in between.

This was a game that was a little closer than the final score suggests. Schultz kept hitting 10 foot jumpers to keep the Big Blue in the game, but they couldn't get it down to a one possession game, and made too many mistakes against the press. North Central got a pair of five second inbounding calls (which in actually was about eight seconds because the official on the baseline was SUPER SLOW in counting) as well as a ten second call. Millikin also got whistled for a backcourt violation that was clearly not a backcourt violation; I'll have to find the video and post it here later today.

So North Central manages to stay alive in the conference race, but only by the thinnest of margins. At this point I'd be happy finishing .500 in conference, but I don't think it'll happen; not with the tough schedule to close out the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2017, 11:34:01 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 09, 2017, 07:16:50 AM
Millikin also got whistled for a backcourt violation that was clearly not a backcourt violation; I'll have to find the video and post it here later today.

Now that I've found it, fast forward to the 1:33:00 mark. (https://youtu.be/8LRiOBEhZeo?t=5591) Watching the replay, I can kind of see why it was called, but even Kevin Jackman and Eric Gruber thought it was a bad call, and they were farther away from the play than I was.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2017, 05:14:55 PM
Congrats to these players who received academic all-district honors from the college SID organization : Morgan Harris, Rebekah Ehresman, Mikaela Eppard and Katie McDaniels.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2017, 08:44:38 PM
Yes, congrats to the academic all-district honorees -- some really great players there and more importantly, great students! 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2017, 08:05:29 PM
Saturday's matchups and the results of the earlier encounters (none of which were close):
AUG at CRL (Augie won in Rock Island, 102-61)
IWU at CTG (Wesleyan won in Bloomington, 77-50)
ELM at NCC (Elmhurst won in Elmhurst, 103-81)
NPU at WHE (Wheaton won in Chicago, 85-42)
Millikin, which has completed its road schedule, has the bye.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2017, 08:51:04 PM
I'd expect all these games to go to previous form.  Road games tougher for IWU and EC.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 11, 2017, 09:17:36 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2017, 08:05:29 PM
Saturday's matchups and the results of the earlier encounters (none of which were close):
AUG at CRL (Augie won in Rock Island, 102-61)
IWU at CTG (Wesleyan won in Bloomington, 77-50)
ELM at NCC (Elmhurst won in Elmhurst, 103-81)
NPU at WHE (Wheaton won in Chicago, 85-42)
Millikin, which has completed its road schedule, has the bye.

And with this in mind, here are the clinching/elimination scenarios:
-Illinois Wesleyan clinches a tournament berth with a win.
-Wheaton clinches a tournament berth with a win OR a Carthage loss.
-Elmhurst clinches a tournament berth with a win AND a Carthage loss.
-North Central is eliminated from the CCIW Tournament with a loss AND an Augustana win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2017, 08:09:18 PM
IWU over CC easily @Tarble, 80-49.

Ehresman 16 and 6
Merritt 15, again perfect from the charity stripe
McGraw, 11, in foul trouble
Schneider, stronger and stronger, 12
Kelly 9

Titans pulling away in the 2Q, 22-9.  As usual, winning the TO battle 30-12.  Therein lies the win.

IWU shooting 41%.  Plenty of rest for the starters.  Pine-sitters enjoying most of the 4Q.

Titans now 11-2 in Conference, overall 16-6.  Always good to get a road win in the CCIW.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2017, 01:34:00 PM
A brief look at the other Saturday results :
Augie topped Carroll 72-51. Kaycee Kallenberger had 14 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blocks; Victoria Allen had 6 assists, while Jenn VanWatermeulen had 3 steals.
For the Pios, Brittney Wald had 22 pts and 6 steals, Morgan Lund scoring 11.
In the game I saw, Elmhurst defeated North Central 85-65. Mikaela Eppard defended the lane very well (as did Hannah Lipman, Erika Johnson and others) and had 22 pts, 15 rebs. Lipman had 9 rebs. Kaela Jones had another all-around fine game with 14 pts, 9 rebs, 6 assists. The Bluejays got efficient scoring help from Michaela Kumer (6/9 2FG) and Becca Gerke (5/6 2FG).
Paula Zerante did well for NCC, scoring 14 pts via 8 FG att and 4 FT att. Anita Sterling had 6 rebs and Michaela Reedy led with 4 steals.
Wheaton 90, North Park 58 : Devin Kyler had 8 pts, 12 rebs, a block and 3 steals. Chantal Meacham tallied 20 via 9 FG att for a 1.111 eFG%, not bad. Katie McDaniels scored 15. For NPU, Gabby Sandoval scored 10 on just 6 shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2017, 08:12:59 PM
Still looks like it's all coming down to that last game at WC, for the title.  IWU still has a big game at home vs. EC and then face "the system" again too.  Lots of energy always to defeat NCC, and shorter rest for the Tuesday night game @ WC.  A true test, a tough stretch run.  My Titans will really have to earn it.  And this is where their depth could really pay off.  WC has the easier road getting to that final game.

11-2, 16-6 going into the big game @ home vs. EC this Wednesday.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2017, 08:55:40 AM
That IWU-Elmhurst game is going to be a good one. Elmhurst did a great job on Saturday working their way around NCC's trapping to get some easy looks. North Central shot well early on but there seemed to be a lid on the basket in the second and third quarters. Kind of a bummer.

The CCIW Tournament field is all but set, with Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton, and Elmhurst all having punched their tickets. Augie needs Carthage to lose to North Park on Wednesday, otherwise they'll have to take matters into their own hands on Saturday against those same Vikings. That just leaves seeding to decide.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2017, 10:34:13 AM
Massey has IWU favored by about 7 pts over Elmhurst and that feels about right to me.  My sense is that Elmhurst will have the best player on the floor but without quite the depth down the roster to match the Titans overall.  I think IWU wins and it wouldn't surprise me if they did so rather easily.  They seem to be hitting on all cylinders right now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2017, 06:06:49 PM
Congrats to Mikaela Eppard, the new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2017, 07:42:49 PM
Eppard is surely tearing it up -- great job.  Congrats to her.  Third time she wins the POW. 

Yes, should be a good one -- EC vs. IWU at The Shirk.  I think a close game.  We'll see.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2017, 06:14:15 PM

For the Titans, the game tomorrow vs Elmhurst is not too terribly important with regard to the top of the league race and hosting the conf tourney.  That is still coming down to a week from tonight in Wheaton. 

It is, on the other hand, fairly critical for their Pool C prospects.  Tomorrow's regional rankings will probably have IWU ranked 5th again, maybe even moving up to 4th if UW-Whitewater(who lost) drops 2 spots or more.  To me, this is good indication that the committee is giving IWU some good love right now with a strong SOS.  The unknown is whether they can come home with 2 more losses without the AQ and 1. Stay regionally ranked with 8 losses and 2. have a chance of getting in with a 19-8, .703 W/L %.   There are already lots of 6, 7 loss teams in the week one ranking so they have that going for them.  The one thing is their record vs RR is not strong, 2-5 by my quick and dirty count, and I'm not sure if that will negate the SOS consideration. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2017, 09:24:30 PM
BTW, in this week's poll, slight improvement for the CCIW.  Wheaton rises from 13 to 18 points, (but stays #26) as UWW falls out but Marymount jumps them; IWU goes from 3 points to 5 points.  With two wins, both on the road, by a combined total of 59 points, I kinda hoped for 6 or 7! ;)

Not a ringing endorsement of the conference, but better than a sharp stick in the eye. ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 14, 2017, 10:59:27 PM
I have IWU on my ballot now if that's any consolation. I account for half of the increase in votes this week! :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2017, 02:02:50 AM
Really important for IWU and WC to continue to win, to improve their resumes for Pool C consideration.  I hope the CCIW gets at least two teams in the Dance come March.   EC has a shot too -- though I expect the Titans to win at home tomorrow.  Titans then have to face "the system" again, and travel to WC for that big regular season-ending match up with Wheaton.  A truly testing, challenging stretch run . . . and I'm sure Mia will have her team ready.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2017, 08:19:52 AM
I debated about trying to figure out all of the possible scenarios for how the conference tournament could unfold, but of the remaining 12 games, 11 of them right now have tournament consequences, and I'm not trying to sort through 2000-plus scenarios.

What was much easier was to come up with the clinching scenarios in tonight's games:
-Illinois Wesleyan clinches at least a #2 seed with a win
-Wheaton clinches at least a #2 seed with a win OR an Elmhurst loss
-Augustana clinches the final tournament berth with a Carthage loss (the Lady Reds play at North Park tonight)

Assuming I understand the tiebreaker procedures correctly, the only way Carthage can steal that last spot is to win out, have Augie lose out, and have Wheaton finish in first place. No pressure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2017, 10:23:32 AM
Well then lmitzel, I think it should be your duty to attend the one game that doesn't have tournament consequences. Can you now pledge unwaveringly to us that you will do so?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2017, 12:22:01 PM
I'd pay good money to hear lmitzel work the P.A. in Gregory Arena while he was attending a game in another town.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 15, 2017, 12:24:03 PM
gordonmann,
Long-time lurker around here, mostly because no one is ever around on the HCAC board- and you guys are always knowledgeable and the discussion here enlightening. I've also always followed CCIW sports since I grew up in the Midwest.
I AM curious as to why my alma mater, Rose-Hulman, has gotten absolutely ZERO love in the D3 Hoops poll this year, not so much as a single vote - despite having wins over three teams that have been ranked or have received votes this season - including two that are tied for their respective conference leads heading into the final week of the regular season (Chicago and Texas-Dallas).
Making this even more interesting is a glance at two teams from the MIAA either ranked or receiving votes, Trine and Calvin. Both teams have similar won-loss records (Trine one fewer loss and Calvin one more) yet are FAR down the SOS list compared to RHIT, which was inside the Top-50 until it played two weak conference opponents last week. Trine in particular has only two notable victories, both against a Calvin squad with an SOS of .473.
No doubt the ugly loss to IWU hurts - but IWU beat Chicago just as badly - both games at IWU. RHIT also boasts the #4 scoring defense in the country, and is the first team in 5 years to hold North Central's System to fewer than 50 points.
Interestingly enough, gordonmann, RHIT is ranked ahead of both Calvin and Trine in the 1st regional rankings as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 15, 2017, 12:27:23 PM
...and for what it's worth, I think IWU is probably a Top 15 team - but they'll have to get into the NCAA Tournament to prove that!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2017, 10:23:32 AM
Well then lmitzel, I think it should be your duty to attend the one game that doesn't have tournament consequences. Can you now pledge unwaveringly to us that you will do so?

Under ordinary circumstances, I would make that pledge with bells on. Unfortunately I've got a meeting with my wife tonight at our church about baptism of our little one who's due in less than a month, so go figure this is the one home game of theirs I can't make.  :'(

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2017, 12:22:01 PM
I'd pay good money to hear lmitzel work the P.A. in Gregory Arena while he was attending a game in another town.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FlUgT5YQE_M%2FT5v5NISB8MI%2FAAAAAAAACac%2FdE8jSXKaUHw%2Fs1600%2Fchallenge-considered-meme.png&hash=002e33bb44a5109190705f09b1b25dfedc225202)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2017, 01:17:03 PM
Welcome to the fray, Enginerd. In regard to RHIT, I was impressed by them when I saw their pair of wins at the North Park tournament in November.
lmitzel, good luck with your imminent family addition. Nevertheless, the meeting could be held at halftime inside Gregory Arena, no? ha ha
Here are the earlier results of tonight's CCIW matchups :
at ELM 86, IWU 80
at WHE 86, MIL 75
at CRL 86, NCC 117
at CTG 65, NPU 50

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2017, 01:28:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2017, 01:17:03 PM
lmitzel, good luck with your imminent family addition. Nevertheless, the meeting could be held at halftime inside Gregory Arena, no? ha ha

Somehow I imagine a priest explaining the purpose of a Christian witness getting interrupted by my yelling "THREEEEEEEEE!" for the 12th time of the night would result in a very dirty look, and that's the best case scenario.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2017, 02:57:24 PM
Regional rankings just dropped. Illinois Wesleyan moves up to third in the Central, Wheaton is fifth, and Augie is eighth.

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2017/02/women-regional-rankings-second
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2017, 06:43:00 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 15, 2017, 02:57:24 PM
Regional rankings just dropped. Illinois Wesleyan moves up to third in the Central, Wheaton is fifth, and Augie is eighth.

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2017/02/women-regional-rankings-second

So . . . if anyone has any good explanation why Wheaton, who was 4th last week, got leap-frogged by  both IWU and Chicago - I would very much appreciate hearing it.  If head to head suddenly became a factor in the last 6 days (but not in the first ranking?), then IWU did beat Wheaton last month.  But then the Thunder beat Chicago fairly handily on the road earlier this season so that's more than odd.   

1st ranking:
Central           
1   Washington U.        18-2   18-2
2   UW-Oshkosh        19-2   19-2
3   UW-Whitewater     18-3   18-3
4   Wheaton (Ill.)        16-4   16-4
5   Illinois Wesleyan    14-6   14-6
6   Chicago                14-6   14-6
7   Cornell                15-4   15-4
8   Concordia (Wis.)   17-2   17-4
9   Elmhurst                16-5   16-5

2nd ranking: CENTRAL           
1   Washington U.    20-2   20-2
2   UW-Oshkosh           21-2   21-2
3   Illinois Wesleyan   16-6   16-6
4   Chicago                  16-6   16-6
5   Wheaton (Ill.)           18-4   18-4
6   UW-Whitewater   19-4   19-4
7   Concordia (Wis.)   19-2   19-4
8   Augustana           16-7   16-7
9   Cornell                   17-4   17-4

Also, Elmhurst won twice and got dropped from the ranking.  Augie went 1-1 and they got in . . .

Nothing to panic about - it's only the 2nd ranking and a lot can and will change.  Each team still has to win (although it looks like even that won't help Elmhurst). But the inconsistency is a little concerning. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2017, 07:35:32 PM
Not sure if this is the explanation, but first RRs do not include vRROs (since no one is yet ranked); second week vRRO IS a criterion.

For the men's rankings, I'm sure that did have an impact, since NPU dropping out and Carthage entering meant IWU's vRRO jumped from 3-4 to 5-2.

It  might be at least some of the explanation for your question, since removing Elmhurst and adding Augie replaces 0-1 and adds 1-1 for IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2017, 08:00:56 PM
Would have thought EC ranked instead of Augie at this point in time.  Glad to see IWU higher in the rankings, getting to the selection table earlier.  Gotta keep winning . . . esp. vs. WC on the 21st.

Very good game now -- EC vs. IWU at the Shirk.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2017, 08:02:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2017, 07:35:32 PM
Not sure if this is the explanation, but first RRs do not include vRROs (since no one is yet ranked); second week vRRO IS a criterion.

For the men's rankings, I'm sure that did have an impact, since NPU dropping out and Carthage entering meant IWU's vRRO jumped from 3-4 to 5-2.

It  might be at least some of the explanation for your question, since removing Elmhurst and adding Augie replaces 0-1 and adds 1-1 for IWU.


Thanks Ypsi.  Yeah, I looked into the #s.  But IWU's vRRO is 3-4 while Wheaton's is 4-3.  The only thing I can come up with is IWU's slight edge on SOS of .607 vs Wheaton's at .588 ( and the head to head).  But no matter how I juggle it, this 2nd ranking seems very inconsistent with the 1st.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2017, 08:31:19 PM
W/ about 6 left in the first half, IWU crushing Elmhurst, 37-16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2017, 08:48:34 PM
Yes, IWU over EC at the half, by 22.  This one pretty much over.  Eppard may be, just may be the best player, but IWU surely the better team tonight.  Hard to win as a visitor at The Shirk.  Run and jump doing its dirt.  Titans getting lots of layups and many many more attempts, offensive possessions than EC.

Keep it rolling, TITANS!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2017, 08:50:30 PM
At the half, IWU 49, Elmhurst 27.  The striking difference is TOs: Elmhurst 19, IWU 7.  Thus, while Elmhurst had a better FG% (63 to 54), they made only 10 FGs to IWU's 19.

This game borders on already being over.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2017, 09:41:31 PM
Titans video streaming site out, can't see the final, but surely IWU over EC.  I'll post later.

Titans now 12-2 in CCIW, with two games to play.  17-6 overall.  Looking better and better for March dancing.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2017, 10:01:09 PM
Final at The Shirk IWU 71 EC 56 -- give credit to EC for fighting on after a horrible first half.

Weber a career high 17
McGraw 11
Schneider 11
Merritt 10, again perfect from the charity stripe.

Eppard, a massive 27, but no one else in double figures.

As usual, IWU winning the TO battle, 32-17, with points off turnovers at 37.  So many more possessions and attempts.  That's the IWU "system" or formula for winning.  Actually, a low-scoring game for IWU.  Pine-sitters playing many minutes in the second half.

Now 12-2 in CCIW play with two games to play, overall 17-6 -- looking to dance in March.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2017, 10:42:23 PM
Wheaton 68
Millikin 52

Not a pretty game by any stretch for the Thunder.  But I'm sure they'll take the win in Decatur and go quietly.  7s were wild for Katie McDaniels with 17 pts, 7 rebs, 7 assists for Wheaton. Devin Kyler had another solid performance with 10 and 10.  Chantal Meacham contributed 11 while Ellie Zeller chipped in 10 off the bench.  Glad to see Jill Berg getting some minutes as I think she'll be needed down the stretch at some point.

IWU over Elmhurst is not surprising.  I'm hoping that Wheaton can take care of Carroll on Saturday while IWU takes down NCC at home.  That will set up a good finale for all the conference marbles at King on Tuesday.  From what I can tell, I think the Titans are playing the consistently best basketball right now – winning fairly easily.  Wheaton will have to find another gear starting now and for the next 2-3 weeks, hopefully longer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2017, 11:56:01 PM
Carthage 65
North Park 54

Gabby Sandoval: 12 pts
Liz Rehberger: 11 pts
Amani Davis: 8 rebs, 5:1 a:to

Bailey Gilbert: 13 pts
Morgan Harris: 11 pts
Maggie Berigan: 10 pts, 9 rebs
Morgan Vukovich: 10 pts

The Lady Reds jumped out on NPU early, and the Vikings just never did manage to climb back within shooting distance. Down by as many as 20 on a couple of occasions in the middle of the third quarter, the Vikings got it down into single digits a few times, but never got within two possessions. Carthage just was too dominant inside, outrebounding the Vikings by seven and blocking seven NPU shots. At least the Park showed some fight in that second half, though, as their energy level was significantly better than it had been in the routs at the hands of Wheaton and Wesleyan in their last two games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2017, 01:59:56 AM
Yes, IWU winning so so easily over EC really surprised me.  I thought it would be closer, with Eppard et. al.  However, the Titans are playing very well, with intensity and great depth right now, a different player stepping up and leading the way almost every game.  Tonight it was Gabby Weber with a career high 17.  They do have lots of weapons and a very good, deep bench.  Mia Smith can easily go 11 deep and not lose much -- and that's with a very good former starter sitting on the bench with a season-ending injury.  Bright future for the IWU women's program.

But, the time is now -- take care of NCC and get to the big game at WC.  WC will easily beat Carroll.   Senior night for the Titans @Shirk vs. NCC up next.  Thanks to all the Titan seniors.  Thanks for your long and strong dedication to the IWU program.  You are appreciated.

Two games more -- then the CCIW tournament, hopefully at The Shirk, and some Dancing in March to follow.

Keep it rolling TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 16, 2017, 07:14:10 AM
Sounded like I only missed 21 threes last night as North Central beat up on Carroll 104-54. Apparently they caught fire in the fourth, hitting 7-10 from beyond the arc. They also tied a team record with 11 blocks.

Cardinals can play spoiler in their final two games at Illinois Wesleyan and at Augie. Hopefully the youth on the team can show their development from the season and put up good efforts in the final two games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2017, 12:56:15 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on February 15, 2017, 12:24:03 PM
gordonmann,
Long-time lurker around here, mostly because no one is ever around on the HCAC board- and you guys are always knowledgeable and the discussion here enlightening. I've also always followed CCIW sports since I grew up in the Midwest.
I AM curious as to why my alma mater, Rose-Hulman, has gotten absolutely ZERO love in the D3 Hoops poll this year, not so much as a single vote - despite having wins over three teams that have been ranked or have received votes this season - including two that are tied for their respective conference leads heading into the final week of the regular season (Chicago and Texas-Dallas).
Making this even more interesting is a glance at two teams from the MIAA either ranked or receiving votes, Trine and Calvin. Both teams have similar won-loss records (Trine one fewer loss and Calvin one more) yet are FAR down the SOS list compared to RHIT, which was inside the Top-50 until it played two weak conference opponents last week. Trine in particular has only two notable victories, both against a Calvin squad with an SOS of .473.
No doubt the ugly loss to IWU hurts - but IWU beat Chicago just as badly - both games at IWU. RHIT also boasts the #4 scoring defense in the country, and is the first team in 5 years to hold North Central's System to fewer than 50 points.
Interestingly enough, gordonmann, RHIT is ranked ahead of both Calvin and Trine in the 1st regional rankings as well.

Enginerd: 

Welcome to the board!

I did notice Rose Hulman in the regional rankings and their pretty nice overall record.  I will not claim any intimate knowledge surrounding the vagaries of the D3hoops polling process and voting.  Massey has RHIT at #27 overall with an SOS rank of about 77.  More mystifying to me is Trine's #11 ranking with a similar SOS to RHIT of 75.  They really haven't beaten anyone of note except Calvin ( who also has few impressive wins).  Could be that voters are using Massey a lot to help inform their ballots?  Idk,  but you probably have a case just as Ill Wesleyan has one too.

The Engineers can solve a lot of that by continuing to win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 16, 2017, 01:10:04 PM

[/quote]

Enginerd: 

Welcome to the board!

I did notice Rose Hulman in the regional rankings and their pretty nice overall record.  I will not claim any intimate knowledge surrounding the vagaries of the D3hoops polling process and voting.  Massey has RHIT at #27 overall with an SOS rank of about 77.  More mystifying to me is Trine's #11 ranking with a similar SOS to RHIT of 75.  They really haven't beaten anyone of note except Calvin ( who also has few impressive wins).  Could be that voters are using Massey a lot to help inform their ballots?  Idk,  but you probably have a case just as Ill Wesleyan has one too.

The Engineers can solve a lot of that by continuing to win.
[/quote]

I agree GoPerry...but if the D3Hoops voters ARE basing their ballots on Massey, it wouldn't make any sense anyway. As the #27 Massey team, Rose should be getting something along the lines of the 10-18 votes garnered by Ithaca, Texas-Dallas, and Wheaton, respectively. Ultimately, votes in a D3Hoops poll matter very little at the end of the season, but I AM very curious how RHIT wouldn't have at least gotten one vote! That's why I asked GordonMann, who certainly cannot claim to be unaware of Terre Haute or RHIT, since he covered the Women's Final Four here in the dim past - There might be legitimate reasons a voter would be inclined NOT to vote for a particular team...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 16, 2017, 01:47:13 PM
With two dates' worth of games left, I'm trying to work out the scenarios. First for the top overall seed:

-Regardless of what happens on Saturday, Tuesday's game between Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan will be the CCIW Regular Season Championship Game, with the winner hosting the CCIW Tournament and the loser falling to the #2 seed (Illinois Wesleyan would hold the head to head tiebreaker if they win, and Wheaton would hold the tiebreaker if they win based on sweeps of both Augustana and Elmhurst, while Illinois Wesleyan split their games with both teams).

For the #3 seed:

-Augustana clinches the #3 seed with a win at North Park on Saturday AND a win vs North Central on Tuesday.
-Augustana clinches the #3 seed with a win at North Park on Saturday OR a win vs North Central on Tuesday AND an Elmhurst loss at Millikin on Tuesday. (In both scenarios, Augie holds the tiebreaker over Elmhurst due to a regular season sweep).
-Elmhurst clinches the #3 seed with a win at Millikin on Tuesday AND losses by Augustana at North Park on Saturday AND vs North Central on Tuesday.

And for the #4 seed:

-Augustanta clinches a CCIW Tournament berth with a win at North Park on Saturday OR a win vs North Central on Tuesday OR a Carthage loss at Millikin on Saturday OR a Carthage loss at Carroll on Tuesday OR an Illinois Wesleyan win at Wheaton on Tuesday (Augustana would hold the tiebreaker over Carthage if Illinois Wesleyan wins the CCIW regular season title due to a splitting the season series; Carthage lost both games to Illinois Wesleyan).
-Carthage clinches the #4 seed with a wins at Millikin on Saturday AND at Carroll on Tuesday AND losses by Augustana at North Park on Saturday AND vs North Central on Tuesday AND a Wheaton win vs Illinois Wesleyan on Tuesday (Carthage would hold the tiebreaker over Augustana if Wheaton wins the CCIW regular season title due to splitting the season series; Augustana lost both games to Wheaton).

My head hurts now, though this at least makes more sense than last year's men's scenario going into the final day; North Park was still alive but had absolutely no control over their own destiny. Here at least pretty much every scenario involves "win and in," though Carthage needs a world of help just to get in, and Elmhurst needs help to grab the #3 seed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 16, 2017, 02:02:26 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on February 16, 2017, 01:10:04 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 16, 2017, 12:56:15 PM
Enginerd: 

Welcome to the board!

I did notice Rose Hulman in the regional rankings and their pretty nice overall record.  I will not claim any intimate knowledge surrounding the vagaries of the D3hoops polling process and voting.  Massey has RHIT at #27 overall with an SOS rank of about 77.  More mystifying to me is Trine's #11 ranking with a similar SOS to RHIT of 75.  They really haven't beaten anyone of note except Calvin ( who also has few impressive wins).  Could be that voters are using Massey a lot to help inform their ballots?  Idk,  but you probably have a case just as Ill Wesleyan has one too.

The Engineers can solve a lot of that by continuing to win.

I agree GoPerry...but if the D3Hoops voters ARE basing their ballots on Massey, it wouldn't make any sense anyway. As the #27 Massey team, Rose should be getting something along the lines of the 10-18 votes garnered by Ithaca, Texas-Dallas, and Wheaton, respectively. Ultimately, votes in a D3Hoops poll matter very little at the end of the season, but I AM very curious how RHIT wouldn't have at least gotten one vote! That's why I asked GordonMann, who certainly cannot claim to be unaware of Terre Haute or RHIT, since he covered the Women's Final Four here in the dim past - There might be legitimate reasons a voter would be inclined NOT to vote for a particular team...

With all due respect to Gordon, Dave, and the rest of the voters for D3Hoops, I tend not to put a lot of stock in the Top 25 other than for pride purposes. Though to be fair, I was in the same situation two seasons ago when I spent all of December 2014 screaming about my Cardinals either barely receiving votes or being completely off the Top 25 list despite being undefeated and possessing one of the better strengths of schedule to that point that season (https://twitter.com/northsider89/status/543069911489445888). I earned a shoutout on Hoopsville from coach Michelle Roof after the Illinois Wesleyan win to open conference play, and the team finally broke into the rankings. (https://twitter.com/northsider89/status/552459664240443392) Eventually you get some respect.  :P

As for the why RHIT isn't receiving votes, I can't say for certain. Obviously their record, strength of schedule, and Massey ratings speak for themselves as a caliber of team that should at least be getting some votes. Kind of like GoPerry said though, they keep winning and the voters may have no choice but to give them some love.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2017, 03:07:40 PM
My opinion for 1st team all-CCIW, listed alphabetically :
Rebekah Ehresman, Mikaela Eppard (MOP), Morgan Harris, Kaycee Kallenberger, Devin Kyler, Katie McDaniels, Molly McGraw, Liz Rehberger.
While a few important games remain, I think these players have already done more than enough to warrant 1st team and are not likely to undo any of it by substandard performance in the next six days.
My thoughts on 2nd team are a bit foggier, but I'd include Brittney Wald, Kaela Jones, Madie Kaelber, Amanda Kelly or Maddie Merritt, Izzy Anderson, Kelly Lawson, Emily Schultz or Devin Curry, Anita Sterling or Jamie Cuny or Paula Zerante.
I don't see North Park, North Central, Carroll and Millikin getting more than 1 each among the 16.
Kaelber would be my Newcomer of the Year (even though she refused to make any of her FG attempts in my presence last night).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2017, 03:31:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2017, 03:07:40 PM
Kaelber would be my Newcomer of the Year (even though she refused to make any of her FG attempts in my presence last night).

How rude of her!

(BTW, I generally agree with your All-CCIW picks.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2017, 04:08:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2017, 03:07:40 PM
My opinion for 1st team all-CCIW, listed alphabetically :
Rebekah Ehresman, Mikaela Eppard (MOP), Morgan Harris, Kaycee Kallenberger, Devin Kyler, Katie McDaniels, Molly McGraw, Liz Rehberger.
While a few important games remain, I think these players have already done more than enough to warrant 1st team and are not likely to undo any of it by substandard performance in the next six days.
My thoughts on 2nd team are a bit foggier, but I'd include Brittney Wald, Kaela Jones, Madie Kaelber, Amanda Kelly or Maddie Merritt, Izzy Anderson, Kelly Lawson, Emily Schultz or Devin Curry, Anita Sterling or Jamie Cuny or Paula Zerante.
I don't see North Park, North Central, Carroll and Millikin getting more than 1 each among the 16.
Kaelber would be my Newcomer of the Year (even though she refused to make any of her FG attempts in my presence last night).


I think the MOP is really between Katie McDaniels and Mikaela Eppard.  I think there's a stronger case for McDaniels as an all-around player, even acknowledging my own bias.  But there's an argument for either depending on which criteria the voter values.

I agree that McDaniels, Eppard, Rebekah Ehresman, Morgan Harris, and Liz Rehberger are locks for first team.  I think you could see some movement up/down with the others.  It's tough to say how coaches will view players like Brittany Wald, a very good player on a pretty challenged team.  Likewise for Schultz and Curry for Millikin.  Corrie Reiley could get some consideration as well as Chantal Meacham. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2017, 05:07:53 PM
McDaniels certainly is an excellent all-around player, GoPerry. A possible way to think about all-around talent is to imagine 5 Katie McDanielses playing against 5 Mikaela Eppards. But, setting aside that unlikely turn of events, I'd say that Eppard has improved defensively, can handle the ball in an OK manner, plus her forefront scoring and rebounding abilities. When she is defending in the lane, she is also helpful to teammates by advising them regarding picks and switching, etc.
Big players can win MOP with somewhat less all-around talents than some smaller players. Think ahead to Jill Berg being MOP in '18-'19 and '19-'20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2017, 05:42:28 PM
By the way, one of the best things (in my view) about Katie McDaniels has been her focus on what's next at the moment in the game. If she makes a (rare) mistake or if the person she's guarding manages to score, it seems that she spends zero time lamenting what just happened; instead, she is immediately focused on what to do next.
Actually, when she does something very good, she doesn't dwell on that either, from what I've observed. That's an admirable attitude -- just keep working hard and smart.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2017, 06:15:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2017, 05:07:53 PM
McDaniels certainly is an excellent all-around player, GoPerry. A possible way to think about all-around talent is to imagine 5 Katie McDanielses playing against 5 Mikaela Eppards.

Sorry RogK.  I'm actually not sure what that means exactly?


Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2017, 05:07:53 PM
McDaniels certainly is an excellent all-around player, GoPerry. A possible way to think about all-around talent is to imagine 5 Katie McDanielses playing against 5 Mikaela Eppards. But, setting aside that unlikely turn of events, I'd say that Eppard has improved defensively, can handle the ball in an OK manner, plus her forefront scoring and rebounding abilities. When she is defending in the lane, she is also helpful to teammates by advising them regarding picks and switching, etc.
Big players can win MOP with somewhat less all-around talents than some smaller players. Think ahead to Jill Berg being MOP in '18-'19 and '19-'20.

I'm wondering if Imitzel is considering doing the McDaniels/Eppard stat breakdown like he did on the Men's board(Francis/Robinson)?  One factor would be whether to use conference only or overall.  Conference only: each are among the leaders in 6 categories.  Overall:  McDaniels 7, Eppard 4.  Basically, Eppard has the edge in rebounding and FG%.  McDaniels has the edge in assts, steals.

Offensively and on the glass, Eppard is no doubt a force.  She may win MOP and she would be deserving.  But I'm not sure I'd agree that our conference's Most Outstanding Player can/should have less all around talent.  In fact, I would guess that's rarely the case.  Being a forward doesn't mean they can't contribute to the team in other ways such as dish out assists, steal the ball, block shots -  all important aspects of a team game besides the obvious pts/rebs. 

Another way to judge MOP, especially in close races, could be which player does a better job of making her team mates better?  That's much more subjective obviously.  Sometimes team success factors in also but I'm less favorable to that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2017, 07:37:43 PM
The 5-of-one-player vs 5 of another is just an imagination exercise wherein a player's strengths or weaknesses would be made evident as you think about who is the better all-around player. The 5 Katies would be a great ballhandling team, shoot well from distance and likely be quicker than the 5 Mikaelas. The 5 Mikaelas might have trouble bringing the ball upcourt vs 5 defensive Katies, but if they got the ball to the lane, the Mikaelas would overpower the defense and score near the hoop. The Eppards would likely get a majority of the rebounds and not allow many layups in a halfcourt situation. Maybe the Katies would double-team the Eppards in the lane and dare the other 2 or 3 Eppards to hit a longrange shot.
If you want to think of how a real-life one-on-one McDaniels vs Eppard game would go, you could. Maybe Rehberger or McGraw would be better than either McDaniels or Eppard one-on-one.
These are just ways to picture in one's mind what skills make someone a good all-around player.
I think MOP is supposed to be CCIW-play only. Although, I could understand a coach wanting to reward a player who helped the team get some big non-conference wins. There is recent precedent for a low-post scorer to win MOP : Millikin's Lindsay Ippel won it in '06-'07 and '07-'08. Oh, even more recent : Fiona McMahon two years ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 17, 2017, 02:07:39 AM
IMHO:
Wheaton has not advanced in the playoffs the past few years due to their over willingness to throw up threes with reckless abandon.
I thought they had addressed it recently with the new emphasis on the inside game they looked like a top ten team that could play with anybody. 

The Milikin game saw a return of the  5-25.  This play will get them another one and done in the playoffs.

This team should be taking only 15-18 threes per game.  A statistical curve built like a basic cost analysis curve
(based upon chances of scoring more points in a game vs number of threes taken)
would show a slight ramp up to this point with a massive drop off occurring after 20.

To include only the good open shooters take these shots.

I hope we see a return of the inside cuts, dribble perpetration and good passing so this very talented team can reach its potential which in my opinion should be the skies the limit.

PS IMHO: I not only believe McDaniels will win the POY in the CCIW but will be one of the few considered for the D3 WBB POY.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2017, 03:08:07 AM
I guess for McDaniels and winning the CCIW POY, much depends on how she plays in that last title game on the 21st vs. IWU.  She had a truly terrible game vs. the Titans in the first game at The Shirk.  Should IWU win the regular season crown, you'd think some IWU player -- Ehresman or McGraw -- would garner some interest, with perhaps this making Eppard the winner.  Overall, I think Eppard has had the most outstanding season.  But, if you want to vote for the player that most got their team to the prize, then perhaps one of the Titans should be considered.  Yes, I have green glasses, well-known to all.  I take nothing away from McDaniels or Eppard.  Both are deserving, in my opinion.  Surely first team All-conference selections, along with Ehresman and McGraw.

Should WC get to the post-season, your advice Go Thunder, is good.  I think they need overall better defense too.  IMHO.  IWU wins on defense . . . and very efficient offense once the TO occurs.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2017, 10:01:49 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 17, 2017, 02:07:39 AM
IMHO:
Wheaton has not advanced in the playoffs the past few years due to their over willingness to throw up threes with reckless abandon.
I thought they had addressed it recently with the new emphasis on the inside game they looked like a top ten team that could play with anybody. 

The Milikin game saw a return of the  5-25.  This play will get them another one and done in the playoffs.

This team should be taking only 15-18 threes per game.  A statistical curve built like a basic cost analysis curve
(based upon chances of scoring more points in a game vs number of threes taken)
would show a slight ramp up to this point with a massive drop off occurring after 20.

To include only the good open shooters take these shots.

I hope we see a return of the inside cuts, dribble perpetration and good passing so this very talented team can reach its potential which in my opinion should be the skies the limit.


Overall, they've been pretty disciplined with their 3 pt shooting this season, averaging a little less than 18 attempts/game.   In fact, in the CCIW only Carroll has fewer attempts this season.  However, they're an average 3pt shooting team at best so I would agree that going much over 20 attempts game wouldn't suit them.  And you're absolutely correct that they are at their best when they are backdoor cutting to the rim, getting easy baskets or going to the line.

In my opinion, their post-season success will really depend on their front-court play.  With Katie McDaniels, Chantal Meacham, and Kelly Lawson, their backcourt will hold their own with the best teams.  But the schools that make the post-season generally have pretty good size and front-court play.  UW River-Falls in last year's first round was a good example as was UW-Oshkosh earlier this season.  In both games Wheaton got terribly out-rebounded by double digits.  I think Devin Kyler has steadily improved with her overall aggressiveness and level of play.  She'll need some help from Jill Berg off the bench as well as the likes of Dansdill, Zeller, and Myroth on the boards.

I posted earlier this season that Coach Madsen and this team should be expecting to advance past the first round and even the first weekend.  Even if they win the CCIW tourney(not a given), a one and done performance in the NCAA, boasting a veteran team and a 1st team All American, will put a big 'meh' on the season, in my opinion.  I hope he will soon begin coaching towards that mentality for this team because I don't sense that extra gear in them right now.  The blowout loss at Carthage should never have happened for a team ready to compete with the top squads in the country.  Tuesday will be a good test if they're postseason ready.

Quote from: Go Thunder on February 17, 2017, 02:07:39 AM

PS IMHO: I not only believe McDaniels will win the POY in the CCIW but will be one of the few considered for the D3 WBB POY.

Agree that McDaniels should receive national consideration.  The young lady from Carnegie Mellon (Liz Murphy?) was having a big year last I checked a few weeks ago.  Averaging something like 25 and 13, and the team itself only had 2 or 3 losses.  At that time, I thought she was a strong candidate; probably still is right there.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2017, 07:59:38 PM
The Titans are ready for post-season play now.  They've been on a great run, playing very tough D and converting on offense quickly with a variety of weapons. Save for Holness, they are all healthy and fit and well-tested.  It should be a great match-up at WC on Tuesday, likely for all the regular season marbles.  Titans have to get past the NCC "system" at home first (senior night), but I think that is likely.  No let-up, no looking further ahead. 

I'm hoping for the CCIW tournament at The Shirk.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2017, 09:25:37 AM
Elmhurst has the bye today. Here are the prior results of today's rematches.
Wheaton 73, Carroll 43
Carthage 96, Millikin 80
Ill Wesleyan 118, North Central 113 OT
Augustana 88, North Park 85
These average out to 174 pts per game. I'll predict 140 per game average today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 18, 2017, 10:26:09 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2017, 09:25:37 AM
Elmhurst has the bye today. Here are the prior results of today's rematches.
Wheaton 73, Carroll 43
Carthage 96, Millikin 80
Ill Wesleyan 118, North Central 113 OT
Augustana 88, North Park 85
These average out to 174 pts per game. I'll predict 140 per game average today.

The first NCC-IWU game had both Mayson Whipple and Gabby Holness, so I doubt we'll see a combined 231 points tonight. It's a meaningless game anyways; the Cardinals are out, and the Titans can't make any inroads to the regular season title tonight. Same with Wheaton; it all comes down to Tuesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2017, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 18, 2017, 10:26:09 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2017, 09:25:37 AM
Elmhurst has the bye today. Here are the prior results of today's rematches.
Wheaton 73, Carroll 43
Carthage 96, Millikin 80
Ill Wesleyan 118, North Central 113 OT
Augustana 88, North Park 85
These average out to 174 pts per game. I'll predict 140 per game average today.

The first NCC-IWU game had both Mayson Whipple and Gabby Holness, so I doubt we'll see a combined 231 points tonight. It's a meaningless game anyways; the Cardinals are out, and the Titans can't make any inroads to the regular season title tonight. Same with Wheaton; it all comes down to Tuesday.

Slight correction:  It's meaningless for the conference implications.  But it's a critically needed win for IWU to stay in the Pool C que(should they need it).  They really can't afford to lose tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2017, 05:51:45 PM
Wheaton 103
Carroll 37

A lot of playing time spread around.  Meacham was the only player over 20 mins.

Congratulations to Katie McDaniels with her 304th and 305th career CCIW free throw which is a new conference record(Lindsay Ippel, Millikin).  She had 13 pts, 10 assists, 6 rebs in just 19 mins of play. 

Glad to see Kelly Thornton with a good game of 22 pts in just 14 min.  Her playing time has gone down significantly with Ellie Zeller's return which is just one of those things.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2017, 07:29:37 PM
NCC and IWU tied 62-62 entering the 4th Q.  A ragged affair, more low-scoring than what we may have expected.  The Titans need this one.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2017, 07:59:29 PM
Tough loss for the Titans.  The NCC "system" bites the IWU system tonight -- NCC winning 89-86.  Key was not the offensive system, though NCC did make a good percentage of threes tonight, but the NCC defensive pressure, giving the Titans trouble, esp. on inbounds plays.  That was the key to the game, IMHO.

Merritt 22
Ehresman 16
McGraw and Shanks 14

Both Ehresman and McGraw in foul trouble late.
Merritt and Shanks showing the strong future for the Titans.
Titans shot a poorer percentage than in recent outings. 

Tough loss on Senior Night.  But, NCC played hard and deserved the win, esp. given their defensive effort tonight.

Titans now 12-3, 17-7.  This loss surely not helpful for IWU's prospects for dancing in March. 

Still, a big game at Wheaton on Tuesday -- for the CCIW regular season championship and a season sweep of Wheaton.

WC winning very easily, as predicted, over Carroll tonight.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2017, 09:43:24 PM
Saw the Vikings edge the Vikings 69-68. Substantial effort on both sides.
This game wrapped up the careers of North Park's seniors, Liz Rehberger, Amani Davis and Hannah Rehfeldt, each of whom contributed nicely this evening; they went out in fine style, even though on the short end of the score by a point. Hannah did her customary sharpshooting from distance, sinking 3 threes and also picked up 4 assists. Amani's performance was one of her best (at least of those I saw in person) : 8/13 FG for 16 pts, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 4 assists and 5 rebs. Liz was excellent, as we've grown accustomed to : 25 pts , 3 steals, 2 blocks, fine all-around play. She really had a superb NCAA WBB career. She would have played the full 40 minutes but suffered a bad ankle twist or sprain near the end of the contest. She was getting around gingerly after the game (walked up steps), so I think she'll be OK.
Shaylee Sloan (12 pts, 11 rebs) and Gabby Sandoval also played a lot and gave the NP cause very good effort.
For the victorious Augie who made the conference tournament with the win, Kaycee Kallenberger had 18 pts and 16 rebs; Jen VanWatermeulen made 4 threes, Izzy Anderson made key late FTs. Mikayla Fallon added 11 points. Many players that I haven't singled out did good work on both squads.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2017, 10:22:32 PM
I see that Carroll's rotation was down to six players today. They must be on the tired side by now, and surely have their share of aches and pains. The fact that they've had to avoid foul trouble (pretty much above all else) has very likely had a negative impact on how they could defend and rebound. Next season, they should have depth and we may then see more of what they can become.
Millikin picked up a 67-66 win over visiting Carthage, thanks to a Lauren Moses FT with 2 seconds to go. She finished with 11 pts and 9 rebs. Yanni Saddler scored 18, while Emily Schultz added 14, plus 6 assists and 4 steals. Devin Curry scored 11, but missed a free throw for the 5th time this season, lowering her pct to .942 (81/86). Coach Kerans will have to sit her down and get to the bottom of this glaring imperfection. After all.
For the Lady Reds, Rachel Szydlowski had 16 pts, 10 rebs; Madie Kaelber scored 16; Morgan Harris led with 12 rebs and 7 assists, while Autumn Kalis added 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2017, 02:15:16 AM
Thanks to Liz Rehberger and Amani Davis for four really strong years on the NPU squad, and to Hannah Rehfeldt as well for her three years as a Viking. As Rog said, their performances this afternoon were phenomenal, albeit just not enough as NPU lost a last-minute heartbreaker to Augie for the second time this year. But all three can hold their heads up high for the way that they played today. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to call their games over the past four seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 19, 2017, 08:22:56 PM
Ran out of time today to get this out before the show started, but taking care if it now while I have the opportunity (during the show).

The time is now. Teams who want or think they should be playing in March need to get the job done now. This week all conferences, except the UAA, will dive into conference tournaments to determine who will win an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship Tournament. For those who can't win the AQ, then they have to make sure to present the best resume possible to the national committees and that means taking care of business the best they can.

Who is in and who is out? We will figure that out over the course of next week and on next week's Hoopsville Special. In the meantime on tonight's Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave McHugh talks to a few teams who are looking to position themselves to be in the conversation. We also preview many of the conference races and look at who may already be in trouble when it comes to playing basketball in March.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio starting LIVE at 7:00 PM ET. You can watch the show in the video player above or via the simulcast on Facebook Live. If you missed the show, you can catch up On Demand in the video player or listen to the podcasts located to the right (available after the show is off the air).

A reminder the Sunday edition of Hoopsville primarily covers the Northeast, Atlantic, South, and Central regions, but we will answer any questions about all of Division III throughout the show. You can also send your questions to the show and have them featured on the Hoopsville Mailbag segment. Email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com.

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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2017, 09:36:58 PM
Thanks to all the IWU seniors for all their great play, hard work and strong dedication to the IWU program over the past years.  You guys all make the TITAN sports nation proud.  All best for future endeavors, post-IWU and post-basketball careers. 

Let's go win a piece of the regular season championship up at WC this Tuesday.  Go TITANS!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2017, 12:38:41 PM
We may not have a Player of the Week today if the upcoming Tuesday action is included in the final such honor of the season. It may be revealed on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2017, 03:27:46 PM
Well, congrats to Katie McDaniels, new Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2017, 08:06:12 PM
New ranking:

http://d3hoops.com/top25/women/2016-17/week12

Wheaton 25 ORV, no other league team getting a vote.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2017, 08:43:59 PM
Close game in the title match:  at the half, Wheaton 42, IWU 39.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2017, 08:56:04 PM
Hope the Titans can finish this thing off.  They've come back from way down early.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2017, 09:48:31 PM
The stats guy seems to have gone home - frozen at 10 seconds remaining for ten minutes!  I'll assume that Wheaton won 76-67.

Wheaton led the entire game, but never by more than 12, and usually by 5-8.  Molly McGraw led all scorers with 23, Maddie Merritt had 20 and Rebekah Ehresman had 16 - 59 of the Titans' 67.  The usual 'spread the wealth' Titans came down to a three player team tonite, and they couldn't quite pull it off.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 21, 2017, 09:50:07 PM
North Central closes out the season knocking off Augustana 94-82. North Central finishes the year 14-11 overall, a decent 8-8 in conference.

Tournament seeds go Wheaton 1, IWU 2, Elmhurst 3, Augie 4.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2017, 09:52:06 PM
Yup, Ypsi, a bit of a struggle against WC tonight.   A lost opportunity to host the tournament.  Couldn't quite get back after the terrible 1Q start.

Great game by McGraw, Merritt and Ehresman -- the Titan big three -- all three coming back next year, along with those good freshmen and sophomores.

Now it's on to the CCIW tournament, sadly at WC, and hopefully the rubber match with WC for the AQ.  Titans need to win it out now.  I think they have too many losses, even with their strong SOS, to get a pool C bid with 1-1 at the tournament.  That would be 18-9 as I mentioned some days back.  Don't think that gets them in without the AQ. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2017, 09:53:11 PM
Congrats to Wheaton on winning the regular season CCIW championship. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 21, 2017, 11:23:30 PM
Wheaton 76
IWU 67

Kelly Lawson 22 pts, 4 rebs
Katie McDaniels, 19 pts, 4 rebs, 5 assts, 3 steals
Devin Kyler, 13 rebs, 3 blks

Molly McGraw 23 pts, 6 rebs
Maddie Merritt, 20 pts, 4 rebs
Rebecca Ehresman, 16 pts, 10 rebs, 4 steals

A well-deserved congratulations to the Wheaton Thunder Ladies on their CCIW title.  The Titans came on strong many times, played hard, and threw everything they could at Wheaton but the Thunder, for the most part, kept their poise against the IWU pressure.   One of Wheaton's strengths is ball handling and guard play and being able to pass over and/or dribble through the Titan press led to some easy baskets for the home team.  And in the halfcourt, Wheaton had very good ball movement to keep IWU on their toes.  But the visitors stayed right with them and the 9 pt final margin is not indicative of how close the game was.  McDaniels made a couple of really key shots at critical points of the game to keep her team ahead.  Chantal Meacham was hot from the arc early which is why Wheaton got out to the early lead.  Maggie Dansdill and Ellie Zeller also played very solidly.  Devin Kyler played great defense on Merritt and really cleaned up the boards with 13.

Like I said, Wesleyan was right in it, only down by 5 with 6 mins left in the game.  I was most impressed with Rebecca Ehresman and, in my opinion as an outside observer, I think she needs more shots on offense because she can really score.  I agree with IWU '70 that this loss takes them out of Pool C consideration and will have to win the AQ.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2017, 12:38:25 AM
My congratulations, too, to Kent Madsen and his fine Thunder team. Another remarkably energetic game for Katie McDaniels. A lot of effort and talent displayed by both teams. IWU really sought to run their offense through their three major scorers, with McGraw, Ehresman and Merritt taking 50 of the 67 FG attempts.
Elsewhere, Mandy Hozzian completed her nice career with Carthage, as the Lady Reds topped Carroll 80-62. Rachel Szydlowski had 16 pts and 9 rebs, Bailey Gilbert tallied 14, while Morgan Harris led with 12 rebs and 5 assists.
Carroll got 16 pts and 8 rebs from Morgan Lund; 11, 8 rebs, 6 assists, 3 stls from Brittney Wald. Then there's Caylee Koker who had 24 pts, 7 rebs -- she scored 27 in their earlier game vs Carthage.
Elmhurst 94, Millikin 79 : somebody named Mikaela Eppard scored 39 pts and had 20 rebounds; do we know her? Hannah Lipman added 14 pts, 9 rebs, 4 assists for the 'jays. Rachael Weber wrapped up her fine career with Millikin. Devin Curry, by the way, hit 6 of 6 FTs as she scored 21 pts. Teammate EC Thies missed just 1 FG and 1 FT on her way to a dozen pts for the Big Blue.
In that North Central win, all four fine Cardinal seniors contributed nicely. As I wrote earlier, I think NCC probably gets only 1 on all-CCIW, but Coach Roof would not go wrong with any of the seniors, Miranda Grizaffi, Paula Zerante, Anita Sterling and Jamie Cuny. Good luck to Ms Roof figuring out whom to leave off the nominations. I think all the CCIW coaches are faced with nominating fewer players than they'd like to, in order to prevent votes from being spread too thin.
Another "by the way" - the stats show Mayson Whipple playing 4 minutes. Could that be right, lmitzel? Did her surgery and recovery go so swiftly? Or was that Veronica LaVia, who also wears #3 sometimes.
Augustana had 6 players in double figures; among them Kaycee Kallenberger 16 pts, Jen VanWatermeulen 14 and 5 steals, Mikayla Fallon 12 and 10 rebs, Carly McCameron 10 and 10 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2017, 12:39:24 AM
Given WC winning the regular season crown, I would think McDaniels now wins MOP award. 

So this weekend, we have WC vs. Augie, and IWU vs. EC @ Carver -- then likely a re-match of IWU and WC for the AQ.  The rubber match of a great rivalry.  Two very good teams.  Hope the Titans can win the rubber match and the AQ.  I would think WC is set for a Pool C. 

Go TITANS -- important games still to be played.

IWU'70

P.S.  GoPerry, agree that Ehresman should probably be scoring more, but IWU has good scorers all round as McGraw and Merritt can put it in the basket, so Ehresman is more the stick that stirs the drink . . . and she does it so well, with very limited turnovers.  I guess Schneider and Shanks move into the starting line-up next year with the big three.  IWU program in good shape and with a bright future.  Perhaps next year is truly their year -- for a good long run in league and D3 tournament play. They will be a very experienced squad.  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 02:55:53 PM
I'll be cheering for a Titan over Thunder title game, not only due to my green blood but also for the conference to get two teams into the tourney.  Under that scenario, Wheaton would finish 22-5 and be a near-lock for a Pool C bid.  No other conference team has a prayer of at-large selection.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2017, 02:59:28 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2017, 12:39:24 AM
Given WC winning the regular season crown, I would think McDaniels now wins MOP award. 

For giggles... (all stats for the full season since on the women's side I don't think they make the distinction)

PPG
Eppard: 21.2 (1st)
McDaniels: 19.8 (2nd)

RPG
Eppard: 10.8 (2nd)
McDaniels: 5.0 (17th)

FG%
Eppard: .613 (1st)
McDaniels: .457 (10th)

Assists
Eppard: 2.0 (Not in top 15)
McDaniels: 4.5 (2nd)

FT%
Eppard: .784 (10th)
McDaniels: .753 (14th)

Steals:
Eppard: 1.5 (Not in top 15)
McDaniels: 2.0 (6th)

3P%
Eppard: .261 (Not in top 15)
McDaniels: .343 (Not in top 15)

Blocks
Eppard: 8 (Not in top 15)
McDaniels: 10 (Not in top 15)

A/TO
Eppard: 0.60 (Not in top 7)
McDaniels: 2.51 (2nd)

...I dunno. Eppard was a much more efficient offensive player in terms or scoring, but McDaniels had better defensive numbers, took better care of the ball, and scored almost as well. I could see her stealing the award from Eppard with that very factor being the final push she needed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 22, 2017, 05:03:24 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 02:55:53 PM
I'll be cheering for a Titan over Thunder title game, not only due to my green blood but also for the conference to get two teams into the tourney.  Under that scenario, Wheaton would finish 22-5 and be a near-lock for a Pool C bid.  No other conference team has a prayer of at-large selection.

Well, Wheaton is #4 (IWU is #5) in latest regional rankings so the Thunder seems to be in good shape.  Still, best to win it.  I recall it was 4 years ago I think when Hope was 22-5, 3 of the losses to top 5 Calvin, ranked in the top 20 yet didn't receive an at large bid.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 06:43:59 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 22, 2017, 05:03:24 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 02:55:53 PM
I'll be cheering for a Titan over Thunder title game, not only due to my green blood but also for the conference to get two teams into the tourney.  Under that scenario, Wheaton would finish 22-5 and be a near-lock for a Pool C bid.  No other conference team has a prayer of at-large selection.

Well, Wheaton is #4 (IWU is #5) in latest regional rankings so the Thunder seems to be in good shape.  Still, best to win it.  I recall it was 4 years ago I think when Hope was 22-5, 3 of the losses to top 5 Calvin, ranked in the top 20 yet didn't receive an at large bid.

I just examined the supporting stats for the ranked Central Region teams.  IWU had an SoS of .604, and that was as of Sunday!  By the time they played Wheaton, and will play Elmhurst and (hopefully) Wheaton again, their SoS will be downright stratispheric!  Add in ten games vRROs (thirteen if Elmhurst gets into the final rankings), and while their winning% is probably a deal-breaker, I'm not gonna lose hope of a bid after all.

And Wheaton, I suspect, will be much higher on other criteria than Hope was, even if the W-L records would be identical.  Wheaton's SoS was already .564 on Sunday, and will climb higher this week, and they will have far more vRROs than I assume Hope had.  I'll stick with my 'near-lock' assessment of Wheaton's Pool C chances (if we can make them need it! ;)), and I now have SOME (faint) hopes that IWU could get in (if we can't achieve the AQ).

But, yeah, it's always best to win the AQ and not have to rely on the proverbial 'smoke-filled room' (which, I assume, is no longer smoke-filled)! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 22, 2017, 06:55:54 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 06:43:59 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 22, 2017, 05:03:24 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 02:55:53 PM
I'll be cheering for a Titan over Thunder title game, not only due to my green blood but also for the conference to get two teams into the tourney.  Under that scenario, Wheaton would finish 22-5 and be a near-lock for a Pool C bid.  No other conference team has a prayer of at-large selection.

Well, Wheaton is #4 (IWU is #5) in latest regional rankings so the Thunder seems to be in good shape.  Still, best to win it.  I recall it was 4 years ago I think when Hope was 22-5, 3 of the losses to top 5 Calvin, ranked in the top 20 yet didn't receive an at large bid.

I just examined the supporting stats for the ranked Central Region teams.  IWU had an SoS of .604, and that was as of Sunday!  By the time they played Wheaton, and will play Elmhurst and (hopefully) Wheaton again, their SoS will be downright stratispheric!  Add in ten games vRROs (thirteen if Elmhurst gets into the final rankings), and while their winning% is probably a deal-breaker, I'm not gonna lose hope of a bid after all.

And Wheaton, I suspect, will be much higher on other criteria than Hope was, even if the W-L records would be identical.  Wheaton's SoS was already .564 on Sunday, and will climb higher this week, and they will have far more vRROs than I assume Hope had.  I'll stick with my 'near-lock' assessment of Wheaton's Pool C chances (if we can make them need it! ;)), and I now have SOME (faint) hopes that IWU could get in (if we can't achieve the AQ).

But, yeah, it's always best to win the AQ and not have to rely on the proverbial 'smoke-filled room' (which, I assume, is no longer smoke-filled)! ;)

Agree on all points.  Hard to think the IWU would get in with that many losses, but their schedule was so darned tough and its showing in the regional rankings.  Wheaton should be in.

I think what did in Hope that year was a couple of "bad" losses in their league to teams that weren't exactly powerhouses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2017, 08:17:43 PM
After seeing 3 regional rankings, I'm getting the impression that A. the committee is giving SOS a lot of weight, perhaps because  B. there simply aren't that many good teams with good W/L records and strong SOS in the Central to rank.  In any case, it seems to me that the Titans, even if they lose again and don't get the AQ,  are going to remain regionally ranked and maybe pretty high.  I'm not even sure they'll drop below Concordia(Wisc) who has zero vRRO but will likely get the AQ out of the NACC anyhow.  Depending how Whitewater does in the WIAC, maybe they'll be behind them.  Chicago will be among the first Pool C's to go even if they lose their last game vs WashU.  So if IWU can stay ahead of UWW in the final RR, they could be on the board relatively early at the top of the Central.  Once they get there, who knows?  I haven't examined the strength of the other regions.

Absolutely must beat Elmhurst though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2017, 09:00:02 PM
Yes, let's hope IWU keeps moving up the Board.  Win vs. EC a key, then that rubber match. Hope it happens, should be another great game.  Those two teams so even now and playing at a high level.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2017, 09:15:27 PM
Of course, we won't know who moves up or down because we'll never see the next/final ranking used to draw the field.  I appreciate the data for the first 3 rankings.  But if you're going to do that, then why not release the final one as well?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 22, 2017, 09:15:27 PM
Of course, we won't know who moves up or down because we'll never see the next/final ranking used to draw the field.  I appreciate the data for the first 3 rankings.  But if you're going to do that, then why not release the final one as well?

They do now release the final regional rankings.  Unfortunately, not until AFTER the selections have been released.

It's a step in the right direction, but I guess they still don't want second-guessing BEFORE the decisions are made.  But that 'second-guessing' can potentially uncover factual errors in the data.  Not sure why they are so scared of 'crowd-sourcing' information - the final decisions are still theirs regardless.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2017, 09:44:29 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2017, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 22, 2017, 09:15:27 PM
Of course, we won't know who moves up or down because we'll never see the next/final ranking used to draw the field.  I appreciate the data for the first 3 rankings.  But if you're going to do that, then why not release the final one as well?

They do now release the final regional rankings.  Unfortunately, not until AFTER the selections have been released.

It's a step in the right direction, but I guess they still don't want second-guessing BEFORE the decisions are made.  But that 'second-guessing' can potentially uncover factual errors in the data.  Not sure why they are so scared of 'crowd-sourcing' information - the final decisions are still theirs regardless.


I didn't realize that, thanks.  Is that new this year or last?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2017, 09:49:58 PM
It's new this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2017, 11:24:24 AM
For the 16 conference games only, here are the offense eFG% and FG% :
         eFG%    FG%
ELM  .531     .484
WHE  .501    .455
CTG  .487     .427
IWU  .465    .427
MIL   .461    .415
AUG  .456    .413
NPU   .442   .394
NCC  .435    .357
CRL   .395    .356
The innate flaw of FG% is that it treats 2FGs and 3FGs as the same thing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2017, 12:47:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2017, 11:24:24 AM
For the 16 conference games only, here are the offense eFG% and FG% :
         eFG%    FG%
ELM  .531     .484
WHE  .501    .455
CTG  .487     .427
IWU  .465    .427
MIL   .461    .415
AUG  .456    .413
NPU   .442   .394
NCC  .435    .357
CRL   .395    .356
The innate flaw of FG% is that it treats 2FGs and 3FGs as the same thing.

This is especially true with North Central. You look purely at field goal percentage and wonder how the Cardinals not only beat up on Carroll both times, but finished .500 in conference. The eFG adjustment makes that clear, and also to a degree still shows the clear imbalance in terms of threes taken by North Central, combined with the fact that they will, over the course of a season, only hit between 26 and 29 percent of them. That's why North Central makes the biggest jump by far (88 percentage points; next highest is Carthage's 60).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2017, 01:36:26 PM
The .435 eFG% is not good, which means they were above average in other aspects of the game in order to be 8-8. These "other aspects" would surely include making a lot of FTs (248 made in 16 games, tied for most), getting many o-rebs, inducing many turnovers.
I just checked : NCC's eFG% in recent seasons were .451 in 2015-16, .433 in 2014-15 and .428 in 2013-14. Only the .451 could be considered decent.
My opinion is that the goal for any WBB team should be to make 1/2 of their 2FGs and make 1/3 of their 3FGs. By doing so, you get a .500 eFG%.
This is achievable for a System WBB team, for example this year's Olivet Nazarene has a .510 eFG (and .432 FG%).
Where I've ended up in this thinking is -- NCC has not yet developed a consistently impressive offense. If they did, we'd see a scoring average at 100 or better, not 90-ish.
p.s. .435 - .357 = .078.
p.s. #2 - hey lmitzel, have you heard any early news regarding recruits headed for Naperville? You don't have to name names. Also, I think there was a freshman who sat out '16-'17 due to injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2017, 02:34:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2017, 01:36:26 PM
The .435 eFG% is not good, which means they were above average in other aspects of the game in order to be 8-8. These "other aspects" would surely include making a lot of FTs (248 made in 16 games, tied for most), getting many o-rebs, inducing many turnovers.
I just checked : NCC's eFG% in recent seasons were .451 in 2015-16, .433 in 2014-15 and .428 in 2013-14. Only the .451 could be considered decent.
My opinion is that the goal for any WBB team should be to make 1/2 of their 2FGs and make 1/3 of their 3FGs. By doing so, you get a .500 eFG%.
This is achievable for a System WBB team, for example this year's Olivet Nazarene has a .510 eFG (and .432 FG%).
Where I've ended up in this thinking is -- NCC has not yet developed a consistently impressive offense. If they did, we'd see a scoring average at 100 or better, not 90-ish.
p.s. .435 - .357 = .078.
p.s. #2 - hey lmitzel, have you heard any early news regarding recruits headed for Naperville? You don't have to name names. Also, I think there was a freshman who sat out '16-'17 due to injury.

The poor .435 eFG% is offset by the fact that they have so many more FG attempts/game, correct?  Isn't that sort of what the system is all about?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 23, 2017, 03:40:11 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 23, 2017, 02:34:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2017, 01:36:26 PM
The .435 eFG% is not good, which means they were above average in other aspects of the game in order to be 8-8. These "other aspects" would surely include making a lot of FTs (248 made in 16 games, tied for most), getting many o-rebs, inducing many turnovers.
I just checked : NCC's eFG% in recent seasons were .451 in 2015-16, .433 in 2014-15 and .428 in 2013-14. Only the .451 could be considered decent.
My opinion is that the goal for any WBB team should be to make 1/2 of their 2FGs and make 1/3 of their 3FGs. By doing so, you get a .500 eFG%.
This is achievable for a System WBB team, for example this year's Olivet Nazarene has a .510 eFG (and .432 FG%).
Where I've ended up in this thinking is -- NCC has not yet developed a consistently impressive offense. If they did, we'd see a scoring average at 100 or better, not 90-ish.
p.s. .435 - .357 = .078.
p.s. #2 - hey lmitzel, have you heard any early news regarding recruits headed for Naperville? You don't have to name names. Also, I think there was a freshman who sat out '16-'17 due to injury.

The poor .435 eFG% is offset by the fact that they have so many more FG attempts/game, correct?  Isn't that sort of what the system is all about?

Some interesting math could be done I think.  Simple look at the season box score, NCC had about 11% more shots than opponents but that translated into only 4% more points.  More than half of NCC shots were 3s, but they only hit those at 29%.  What if they used those extra attempts to work the ball for higher % shots?  But then maybe they wouldn't have so many more shots and the point differential would be less favorable.... my head always hurts thinking about the pros and cons of the system approach.  For me it always seems to come back to "if you have better players, who shoot rebound and defend better" then you probably win regardless of the style of play.  And vice versa if you don't have better players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2017, 04:39:39 PM
I agree, GoPerry. For the reason you stated, they were able to be a middle-of-the-pack team despite the below average FG shooting.
In CCIW play, they got outrebounded a bit, with opponents getting 53% of the rebounds.
They were +7 on turnovers, so that helped 'em get more FG/FT attempts than the opponent. They should have had maybe +10, because a couple of times in each of the games I saw, they would go through all the effort and get a steal, only to turn it back over two seconds later.
Looking forward, the rebounding could be somewhat better, but probably not a huge improvement.
Could they improve their turnover margin? Yeah, as some of their young players get more accustomed to the frantic pace. To make a big leap in getting steals, they may need 2 or 3 highly athletic players who could each average a steal every 5 to 7 minutes.
The other area of possible substantial improvement is in the FG shooting pcts.
I recall your recent discussion about Wheaton's quantity of 3FG attempts, where you seemed to say that there is a finite amount of good 3 point "looks" in a game. I see some truth in that, because it's very difficult for a team to regularly shoot 50 threes and still make over a third of them. Anyway, if NCC can get their eFG% up to .500, they'd have a good chance to perennially be in the top third of the league. Or at least avoid a 33-5 1st quarter at Wheaton!
Roundball999, I had to laugh at your line about your head hurting. I think many opposing coaches feel that way when preparing their team to play vs NCC.
Incidentally, if you add nearly all of NCC's FT attempts to the 2FG side of the offense, the 2 vs 3 balance goes slightly toward the 2FG side.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2017, 06:23:39 PM
In the civic interest of raising blood pressures, I offer a different look at the top MOP candidates, arbitrarily limited to McDaniels and Eppard.
These are their per-game averages in the 16 game conference season only.
                                      McDaniels             Eppard
minutes                            32.4                     32.5
blocks                                 0.3                       0.4
steals                                 1.9                        1.8
turnovers                           1.8                        4.2
rebounds                           5.2                       11.2
fouls                                   1.3                       3
assists                                4.3                        2.4
FT / att                           5.8/7.7                4.4/5.6
2FG / att                        5.3/11.6              8.8/13.6
3FG / att                        0.9/2.7                0.4/0.9
We know that much of defense does not appear in individual stats available for D3. McDaniels deserves a good share of the credit for Wheaton's league-best defense. And Eppard deserves a good share of credit for Elmhurst's above-average defense. McDaniels gets additional credit for doing much of the dribbling for the Thunder, even when she doesn't get an assist. Eppard is not asked to participate that way, but helps out setting picks numerous times in a game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2017, 09:12:03 PM
Without closely examining all the stats, I think both Molly McGraw and Rebecca Ehresman also deserve to be in the MOP discussion.  But being teammates, they would probably partially cancel each other out, so I agree that the only realistic candidates are McDaniels and Eppard (I'll predict McDaniels).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2017, 09:13:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2017, 04:39:39 PM
Or at least avoid a 33-5 1st quarter at Wheaton!

Thanks. I just repressed that memory.  :(

We've got 5 years of data to suggest a relative shooting range for the Cardinals. I'd like it to be higher, and at least eclipse 30 at some point, but we haven't gotten there yet (and Michelle Roof would attest to the poor shooting to a degree as well). For me, part of the problem as well is layups. They miss a lot of easy ones. Some of that will be helped next year with Whipple coming back, some more with development of the freshmen, but they also need to work on using the glass a little bit. Those missed layups killed.

Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2017, 01:36:26 PM
p.s. .435 - .357 = .078.
p.s. #2 - hey lmitzel, have you heard any early news regarding recruits headed for Naperville? You don't have to name names. Also, I think there was a freshman who sat out '16-'17 due to injury.

Hopefully the recruits are better than me at math at noon on a Thursday. :)

I don't know much about recruits. I've met a few and heard some names thrown around, but there haven't been any agreed on commitments as of yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2017, 09:27:01 PM
I think it will be McDaniels as well.  She has my vote (which means nothing!). 

Ehresman and McGraw have had outstanding seasons, no doubt.  Both coming back for more.  And, Maddie Merritt has proven to be the third major force in scoring, rebounding and defense in the paint that the Titans needed.  A bright future for the IWU program, esp. next season.

But, the time is now and I hope this current team, the current seniors, gets to dance in March.  I think they could go far.  We'll see.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:42:19 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2017, 06:23:39 PM
In the civic interest of raising blood pressures, I offer a different look at the top MOP candidates, arbitrarily limited to McDaniels and Eppard.
These are their per-game averages in the 16 game conference season only.
                                      McDaniels             Eppard
minutes                            32.4                     32.5
blocks                                 0.3                       0.4
steals                                 1.9                        1.8
turnovers                           1.8                        4.2
rebounds                           5.2                       11.2
fouls                                   1.3                       3
assists                                4.3                        2.4
FT / att                           5.8/7.7                4.4/5.6
2FG / att                        5.3/11.6              8.8/13.6
3FG / att                        0.9/2.7                0.4/0.9
We know that much of defense does not appear in individual stats available for D3. McDaniels deserves a good share of the credit for Wheaton's league-best defense. And Eppard deserves a good share of credit for Elmhurst's above-average defense. McDaniels gets additional credit for doing much of the dribbling for the Thunder, even when she doesn't get an assist. Eppard is not asked to participate that way, but helps out setting picks numerous times in a game.


Again, it will all depend on what the coaches value in their MOP.  They are both excellent players and both would be deserving.  One factor that could be in coaches mind if trying to cast a close vote might be "tie goes to the senior"? I don't necessarily endorse that line of thinking but if a coach thinks it's that close. . .?  That's sort of in the same category as the team success factor.

Thanks for the breakdown RogK.  If trying to assess defense, the one defensive statistic where Eppard is surprisingly lacking is blocked shots.  She only has 8 for the entire season which is really low for a primary forward.  And since there seems to be some uncertainty over whether conference only games are considered, the overall stats seems to favor McDaniels even more, which is not insignificant since Wheaton played a much tougher non-con schedule.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2017, 10:30:06 AM
Since coaches can now vote for their own players, maybe they'll each nominate and vote for 8 of their own players for 1st team. Then we'll have 72 players on 1st team. Ha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2017, 02:36:09 PM
Congrats to the all-CCIW honorees.
The new voting method may have something to do with the odd and/or silly result that Rehberger, Kallenberger and Harris were not unanimous.
They got Coach of the Year right; well deserved for Kent Madsen.
I still would have put Eppard as MOP, by the thinnest of margins.
I like Kaelber as Newcomer of the Year.
Kyler and Lawson would be switched for me, but their coach knew whom to put on 1st team.
North Central apparently didn't have any good players this season.
I might have opted for Curry over Schultz for Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 24, 2017, 03:08:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 24, 2017, 02:36:09 PM
Congrats to the all-CCIW honorees.
The new voting method may have something to do with the odd and/or silly result that Rehberger, Kallenberger and Harris were not unanimous.
They got Coach of the Year right; well deserved for Kent Madsen.
I still would have put Eppard as MOP, by the thinnest of margins.
I like Kaelber as Newcomer of the Year.
Kyler and Lawson would be switched for me, but their coach knew whom to put on 1st team.
North Central apparently didn't have any good players this season.
I might have opted for Curry over Schultz for Millikin.

My gut reaction was anger over getting snubbed. But when I stopped to think about it, I don't know who from North Central would have supplanted somebody. I wasn't expecting a First Team player, but I was shocked that we didn't get anyone.

Best option from NCC would have to have been Anita Sterling (10.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 40/37/61 shooting splits, 23 blocks and 45 steals in 25 games). But again, who do you replace? Can't knock Brittany Wald off the list, and I don't have a problem with Schultz over Curry (and I'd have put Schultz in over Sterling). Who's really left? I calmed down a little bit after that.

So all in all, no real arguments on the All-CCIW teams or other awards. I think I agree on McDaniels for MOP, but I wouldn't have had a problem with Eppard winning it either. Kaelber is a deserving Newcomer of the Year winner, and Kent Madsen is an excellent coach.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 04:20:11 PM
Congratulations to all who made the CCIW All-Conference team.  Yes- a little surprised that Liz Rehberger would not be unanimous while Kelly Lawson was.  I wasn't sure Wheaton would get a 4th recognition in Chantal Meacham but I think she is very deserving.  That's not to say Jamie Cuny or Anita Sterling were any less deserving because I thought Cuny would make it. 

There was no wrong choice for MOP between Katie McDaniels and Mikaela Eppard.  Of course, I'm happy that Ms McDaniels received the recognition and extend my congratulations. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:03:54 PM
IWU 63 Elmhurst 61 in squeaker that maybe should not have been.  IWU needs to finish lay ups as I lost track at either 6 or 8 that did not go in.  I will let someone who knows the Lady Titans better comment.
Neither team gave up and played hard the entire game.  It was a contest where if you were a neutral fan you hated to see either preamble come up short.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:16:11 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:03:54 PM
IWU 63 Elmhurst 61 in squeaker that maybe should not have been.  IWU needs to finish lay ups as I lost track at either 6 or 8 that did not go in.  I will let someone who knows the Lady Titans better comment.
Neither team gave up and played hard the entire game.  It was a contest where if you were a neutral fan you hated to see either preamble come up short.
,
IWU +9 on turnovers (20-11)  resulting in 15 more shots.....the difference right there.. Elmhurst had their chances though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.

Agree.  Maybe the Carroll coach not being quite as familiar with her?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:16:11 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:03:54 PM
IWU 63 Elmhurst 61 in squeaker that maybe should not have been.  IWU needs to finish lay ups as I lost track at either 6 or 8 that did not go in.  I will let someone who knows the Lady Titans better comment.
Neither team gave up and played hard the entire game.  It was a contest where if you were a neutral fan you hated to see either preamble come up short.
,
IWU +9 on turnovers (20-11)  resulting in 15 more shots.....the difference right there.. Elmhurst had their chances though.
right - IWU had an 18-11 points scored off turnovers that offset a plethora of other things gone not quite the way Coach Smith would have liked.
The difference maker for the Titans was freshman Sydney Shanks with a timely 17 points to lead all scorers. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 08:57:25 PM
At the half: Wheaton 54, Augie 39.  Looking like the expected Wheaton vs. IWU (act III) for the title.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:59:23 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 08:57:25 PM
At the half: Wheaton 54, Augie 39.  Looking like the expected Wheaton vs. IWU (act III) for the title.
This is entering the "no contest" category .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 09:45:18 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:59:23 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 08:57:25 PM
At the half: Wheaton 54, Augie 39.  Looking like the expected Wheaton vs. IWU (act III) for the title.
This is entering the "no contest" category .

Yeah, with under 5 to go, Wheaton is up by 27.  I'm signing off, as a thunderstorm is brewing (here as well as in Wheaton ;)) and I'm shutting down the computer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 10:33:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 09:45:18 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 24, 2017, 08:59:23 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 08:57:25 PM
At the half: Wheaton 54, Augie 39.  Looking like the expected Wheaton vs. IWU (act III) for the title.
This is entering the "no contest" category .

Yeah, with under 5 to go, Wheaton is up by 27.  I'm signing off, as a thunderstorm is brewing (here as well as in Wheaton ;)) and I'm shutting down the computer.
Truly the Sonic Atmosphere Disturbance tonight  ;)
I got caught in hail induced downpour on Ford Road with rain coming down so hard the street drains could not handle and outside lanes were flooding
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 10:56:04 PM
Wheaton 96
Augustana 66

Katie McDaniels  24 pts, 5 assts, 4 stls,
Chantal Meacham, 17 pts (5-8 from three), 4 assts, 3 stls
Maggie Dansdill, 15 pts, 5 rebs
Kelly Lawson, 14 pts

Olivia Mayer, 13 pts
Mikayla Fallon, 10 pts
Kaycee Kallenberger, 9 pts, 14 rebs (10 offensive)

Augie ran into a buzz saw tonight from the opening quarter and the Thunder never let up.  Wheaton shot 59% from the field and 44% from trey.  With her 5 assists, McDaniels becomes Wheaton's all-time leader for assists with 466 (Kerry Cole, 464).  A little odd that the CCIW doesn't keep track of career assists, steals, blocks. 

I'm hoping they didn't use all their bullets in this one because it certainly won't be this easy tomorrow vs Wesleyan.  On the other hand, I didn't think IWU played particularly well tonight so I have no doubt they'll be ready to play much better tomorrow.  It'll be a close game for sure. 

It was a nice crowd tonight at King also.  A good portion of the Men's team was there cheering on the Ladies.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2017, 11:08:46 PM
I'm back on, because the thunder has passed on east now.  Here's hoping the Thunderstorms have also been extinguished in Wheaton! ;D  The Titans will have a HUGE SoS after this week, and at least 10 vRROs, but I worry that a ninth loss might be the 'kiss of death'.  I have SOME hope that the Titans could get in as a Pool C, but without the AQ I'd really be sweating!  On the other hand, Wheaton is a lock for a Pool C - c'mon Thunder, take a dive for the sake of the conference being assured of two teams! ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2017, 12:46:46 AM
Just got home from the twin bill at Wheaton. Others have already noted how tight the first game was and how impressive the Thunder were in the second.
I'll say thanks to the eight seniors who completed their CCIW experience this evening : Augie's Olivia Mayer, Mikayla Fallon, Kaycee Kallenberger and Jen VanWatermeulen; plus, Elmhurst's Hannah Lipman, Erika Johnson, Michaela Kumer and Kalia Summerlin. Post-game tears were seen by this reporter.
I can also tell you that Elmhurst's head coach Tethnie Carrillo did have a child several days ago and things are well. She was not present at the game of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2017, 02:38:17 AM
This was the close EC vs. IWU game I expected earlier.  Glad the Titans came out on top so we have the rubber match IWU-WC for the AQ.  Should be another good one.

Yes, who would have thunk it on Shanks.  Her game of the years at an opportune moment.

Shanks 17 (she's a freshman!)
Ehresman 11
McGraw 8
Merritt 8

TOs again telling the tale as several have already mentioned.

Glad to see the three Titans receive much deserved recognition as All-Conference players, two juniors and a sophomore -- throw in Shanks and Schneider and you see what a good squad remains for next season.

Eppard had a monster game again -- 16 and 17. 

Hope the TITANS go out at grab the AQ -- not sure if they will get in otherwise, at 18-9, so 19-8 with the AQ sounds a lot more pleasant and assured.

Congrats to all the All-Conference honorees, to Coach Madsen and to Wheaton on their regular season championship.

McDaniels as MOP makes sense to me -- she had my vote earlier.

Let the rubber match begin!  GO TITANS!  Should be a real battle.  I'm just hoping the Titans come out of the blocks in a more positive way this game. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.

Agree.  Maybe the Carroll coach not being quite as familiar with her?

Liz Rehberger tore up Carroll to the tune of 19 points, five rebounds, four steals, a block, and a 3:1 a:to ratio in only 25 minutes of floor time at Van Male earlier this month. I'm sure that CU head coach Lindsay Schultz became more familiar with Liz than she wanted to be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 07:52:44 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.

Agree.  Maybe the Carroll coach not being quite as familiar with her?

Liz Rehberger tore up Carroll to the tune of 19 points, five rebounds, four steals, a block, and a 3:1 a:to ratio in only 25 minutes of floor time at Van Male earlier this month. I'm sure that CU head coach Lindsay Schultz became more familiar with Liz than she wanted to be.

I'm not curious enough to go thru 16 boxscores to see, but with Carroll going 1-15 can you really be sure there weren't at least 8 other opponents who tore them up even worse than Ms. Rehberger did?! ;)

And (of course) we have no way of knowing that Coach Schultz was the one to leave her off the first team ballot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 08:13:59 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 07:52:44 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.

Agree.  Maybe the Carroll coach not being quite as familiar with her?

Liz Rehberger tore up Carroll to the tune of 19 points, five rebounds, four steals, a block, and a 3:1 a:to ratio in only 25 minutes of floor time at Van Male earlier this month. I'm sure that CU head coach Lindsay Schultz became more familiar with Liz than she wanted to be.

I'm not curious enough to go thru 16 boxscores to see, but with Carroll going 1-15 can you really be sure there weren't at least 8 other opponents who tore them up even worse than Ms. Rehberger did?! ;)

Do you really think that coaches only base their votes on the games they see, Chuck?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 08:18:40 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 08:13:59 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 07:52:44 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.

Agree.  Maybe the Carroll coach not being quite as familiar with her?

Liz Rehberger tore up Carroll to the tune of 19 points, five rebounds, four steals, a block, and a 3:1 a:to ratio in only 25 minutes of floor time at Van Male earlier this month. I'm sure that CU head coach Lindsay Schultz became more familiar with Liz than she wanted to be.

I'm not curious enough to go thru 16 boxscores to see, but with Carroll going 1-15 can you really be sure there weren't at least 8 other opponents who tore them up even worse than Ms. Rehberger did?! ;)

Do you really think that coaches only base their votes on the games they see, Chuck?

No, but that seemed to be the implication of your post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 08:19:27 PM
At the end of Q1, Wheaton 16, IWU 15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2017, 08:35:57 PM
Titans over WC at the half 31-28.  Titans looking solid, looking strong.  Tight game back and forth so far.

GO GREEN!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 08:37:56 PM
At the half, Titans 31, Thunder 28.

Since after today's game, IWU will have the 5th highest SoS in the country, I've become more confident that even with 9 losses the Titans would still get a Pool C bid.  But I hope I will never have to find out for sure! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2017, 09:09:15 PM
Titans up 50-44 going into the 4Q.  Ehresman playing especially well.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 09:43:00 PM
DANG!!  That was OUR game!  IWU led 85% of the game, but Wheaton 'steals' it, 66-62. :o

Congratulations to the Thunder.

I guess I'll now see whether my restored confidence in IWU getting an at-large with nine losses is justified. ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 09:45:51 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 08:18:40 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 08:13:59 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 07:52:44 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2017, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2017, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
Liz Rehberger's not being a unanimous first-teamer was a disgrace. Some CCIW head coach is a real head case to have snubbed her.

Agree.  Maybe the Carroll coach not being quite as familiar with her?

Liz Rehberger tore up Carroll to the tune of 19 points, five rebounds, four steals, a block, and a 3:1 a:to ratio in only 25 minutes of floor time at Van Male earlier this month. I'm sure that CU head coach Lindsay Schultz became more familiar with Liz than she wanted to be.

I'm not curious enough to go thru 16 boxscores to see, but with Carroll going 1-15 can you really be sure there weren't at least 8 other opponents who tore them up even worse than Ms. Rehberger did?! ;)

Do you really think that coaches only base their votes on the games they see, Chuck?

No, but that seemed to be the implication of your post.

I was simply rebutting GoPerry's theory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 25, 2017, 09:47:04 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 09:43:00 PM
DANG!!  That was OUR game!  IWU led 85% of the game, but Wheaton 'steals' it, 66-62. :o

Congratulations to the Thunder.

I guess I'll now see whether my restored confidence in IWU getting an at-large with nine losses is justified. ::)
A good effort but too much Berg (sp?). We need a 3 point shooter or two!  Titans probably baubles team?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2017, 09:49:41 PM
Really great game at Wheaton -- another huge battle.  Not the outcome I was hoping for as Wheaton showed their mettle coming back in the 4 Q from 7-8 down, really the last 4 minutes, to win 66-62.  Titans outplayed WC for 36 minutes, but WC outplayed IWU for the last 4, winning the 4Q 22-12.  The Titans really got out of the offense in the last 6 minutes or so, due to some great defense by Wheaton and many blocks by Berg.  She had a great game, a freshman, with 8 blocks.

Ehresman a superb overall game, 16
Merritt 14 and 10
McGraw 12

For Wheaton

McDaniels 16
Lawson 12
Berg 10 and 8 blocks

Just shows you gotta play totally hard the entire 4 quarters.

Now at 18-9, the Titans have to wait.  I personally don't think they get in with 9 losses, but what a tremendous season, a really good team, and a very high SOS.   The normal Mia Smith scheduling way.  This loss is a tough one to take given how well the Titans played for most of the game.

Congrats to Coach Madsen and the Wheaton team on the CCIW tournament championship and the AQ.  Let's hope the Titans get in too -- as they are truly deserving.

Thanks to all the IWU seniors for their great work, dedication to the program, and representing IWU in such a class way. "Victory with Honor," and sometimes bitter defeat too.


IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 25, 2017, 09:53:30 PM
Congratulations to the Thunder on a great comeback.

IWU is a very very good team and deserves to be in the playoffs.
They are a very good team who I would not be surprised to beat some of the top ranked teams.
That was the best defensive effort I have seen against the Wheaton team.  They closely contested every shot not only inside but closely guarded the threes so good that Wheaton did not get a three until after the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2017, 09:56:31 PM
Titans out-rebounded the Thunder 50-32.  MOP Katie McDaniels shot 3-16. This should NOT have happened! >:(

But, again, congrats to Wheaton.  You were better in the clutch than we were.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2017, 12:37:18 AM
Saw the well-played and hard-fought CCIW final and hereby wish both teams a long run in the NCAA tourney. Yeah, I know IWU hasn't been guaranteed a spot.
Congrats to the Thunder for the big win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2017, 01:00:14 AM
Great game, good D by the Titans throughout. WC played an excellent final 5-6 minutes and that was the difference.

I actually thought Ehresman outplayed the MOP McDaniels tonight.  McDaniels hit the key FTs down the stretch but otherwise truly struggled vs. Ehresman's very tight, good defense.  One of the keys was the blocks by Berg, stopping the Titans on numerous possessions when IWU could have put the game away.  A small lull at 3-5 minutes to go and WC got back into the game, making the key plays in the last 2 or so minutes.

Great game.  I surely hope IWU gets in the D3 dance as I, too, think they could make some real noise in the tournament.  I wish WC good luck for their tournament run -- I hope they go far, have a good run, make us all proud with a good showing for the CCIW.

Thanks again to all the seniors on all the teams -- for their dedication and hard work and for making CCIW women's basketball such a great sport, a strong league.  We have enjoyed the season.  (Yes, surely so!  -- sorry Greg!).  :)

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 26, 2017, 09:50:01 AM
I bet at a minimum, the Titans come to the table. What I'm interested to see is the bottom of the Central rankings. Elmhurst went 1-1 this week (with a loss to IWU) while Augie went 0-2, and the Vikings were the last team in the Central. If the Blue Jays and Vikings trade places, the Titans can then add another win versus an RRO. Even with two losses this week, both were to RRO Wheaton, and if they drop, it won't be much. I bet the Titans are one of the last few in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2017, 11:23:58 AM
Wheaton has now won 8 straight and 14 of their last 15. This makes Carthage's 70-44 victory over the Thunder on Feb 1 even more noteworthy. Carthage made 9 of 14 threes in that game and put forth a tremendous defensive effort.
This tidbit for lmitzel (the rest of ya are probably tired of the topic) : I expected and found some correlation between NCC's team eFG% and Wins-Losses.
.306-.349 eFG won 0, lost 2
.350-.399 : 3-3
.400-.449 : 5-4
.450-.499 : 3-2
.500-.545 : 3-0
I don't dare look at previous seasons in case the theory falls apart under more data.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2017, 06:23:34 PM
Congratulations to the Thunder Ladies on bringing home the tournament trophy and the AQ.  The hot shooting they enjoyed on Friday certainly didn't materialize on Saturday, but they did just enough at the right time to get it done.  And yes Katie McDaniels struggled some, but to her 14 pts she added 3 rebs, 4 assts, 1 blk and 2 steals.  And Jill Berg?  I've been glad to see that she was getting a few more minutes lately in spelling Devin Kyler.  However, I will admit that I wasn't really expecting that.

Now, it's all about their seeding.  Oshkosh lost to Whitewater today(bad news for IWU) and Chicago lost to WashU.  So there's a chance Wheaton might end up ranked #2 in the region, certainly no lower than #3.  Will that be enough to get first weekend hosting consideration?  I sure hope AD Julie Davis put in the necessary paper work to try.  Even if they don't, I'm hoping they get a decent draw.

Notwithstanding last night's performance, Wheaton has been playing at a pretty high level these last 2 weeks.  McDaniels has been herself, but Chantal Meacham has been heating up from trey-land this month(top 10 in the nation) and we'll really need that to continue.  Kelly Lawson and Devin Kyler have been solid and Maggie Dansdill has continued to make all the hustle plays to help her team win.  It only gets tougher from here and they need to be prepared for the tougher task no matter who they play or where they travel.

Thanks again to a great Wheaton crowd at King, including a majority of the Men's players sitting front row at the West basket.  It was great seeing the likes of Aston Francis, Ricky Samuelson, Luke Peters, Trevor Gunter, Mark Champion going crazy at Jill Berg's layup and one with 1:30 left.

Let's Roll!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2017, 06:45:19 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2017, 09:50:01 AM
I bet at a minimum, the Titans come to the table. What I'm interested to see is the bottom of the Central rankings. Elmhurst went 1-1 this week (with a loss to IWU) while Augie went 0-2, and the Vikings were the last team in the Central. If the Blue Jays and Vikings trade places, the Titans can then add another win versus an RRO. Even with two losses this week, both were to RRO Wheaton, and if they drop, it won't be much. I bet the Titans are one of the last few in.

As mentioned, UW Whitewater beat UW Oshkosh which will make things that much tougher for the Titans.  An Oshkosh victory would've given them the AQ and probably kept Whitewater below IWU in the final regional ranking.  Now Whitewater gets the AQ and I think Oshkosh will be ranked higher than IWU in the central.  Chicago will also stay ahead so that's at least 2 Pool Cs have to go before IWU gets to the table.  Having said that, Oshkosh will go pretty quickly and Chicago will probably go soon afterwards; so I agree they'll get to the table.  But what happens then?

Without looking back, I'm pretty sure that the history of the Women's draw is that W/L's below .700 almost never get selected.  I would think it's because the depth of the Women's game is not like that of the Men yet.  Therefore, you have a lot more teams with +.750 %s and more teams at the very bottom.  This is evident by the Top 25 teams for men and women and how many losses they have.

I really hope they make it (and if they do, not in the same draw as WC).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2017, 07:32:56 PM
It's gonna be a nervous night and morning in B'town.  The men's team is also on the bubble.  IWU could very plausibly have zero, one, or two teams in the tourney.  I (obviously ;D) am hoping for two!

Although it happened just last year, it is rare over the past couple of decades for NEITHER team to make the post-season.  Let's not make it two years in a row or it could become habit-forming! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2017, 08:36:20 PM
"Nervous?"
"Yes"
"First time?"
"No, I've been nervous lots of times"
- Ted Striker, Airplane
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2017, 08:42:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2017, 08:36:20 PM
"Nervous?"
"Yes"
"First time?"
"No, I've been nervous lots of times"
- Ted Striker, Airplane

+K :D

Actually, this is the first time I can ever recall where BOTH teams were on the bubble.  Always before one (or both) were obviously in, or obviously out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2017, 05:13:12 AM
Ypsi, don't be nervous!   D3hoops has the Titans selected rather early on, and likely heading for MN. in a pod that includes Whitewater and St. Thomas.  That would be a tough pod, but I guess they are all tough at this point, and it is just fortunate to be given a bid and having a chance to play a few more games, hopefully quite a few. 

Sure hope IWU gets in.  I think they are very deserving and I'd bet some higher seeded teams don't want to see the Titans appear on their horizon. 

Doubt the men get in . . . most prognosticators now seem have them beyond the bubble. 

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 09:10:38 AM
Yes- D3Hoops projection is encouraging.  Thanks to Dave, James, BJ, Gordon and Pat for the great work. 

Let's hope the Titans make it.  As Ypsi noted, IWU has the 5th highest SOS in the country which at .620 is pretty compelling. 

http://d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2016-17/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

How can a committee ignore that once a team gets to the table?  (Among other things, it tells me that Titan nation should've been cheering for Wheaton to rack up the wins all season long!)

A subtle question regarding the projected draw(and I know it's only a projection).  I'll be curious to see if indeed Gustavus Adolphus ( .925, 2-2, .542 ) does host a pod over Wheaton (.850, 6-3, .578 ) or similar team.   I, of course, would argue that Wheaton is equally deserving.  I guess it's really a question of how does the committee weight each criteria?  Another interesting question however is how influential are the week to week D3Hoops top 25 polls?  The answer on-the-record of course is that it's not a criteria for Pool C consideration.  But does it come into seeding and hosting? 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 10:23:45 AM
By the way:  Congratulations to Millikin's Devin Curry who led the nation in free throw % this year going 87/92 for 94.6%.  Quite an accomplishment and worthy of mention.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 27, 2017, 01:45:41 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 09:10:38 AM
Yes- D3Hoops projection is encouraging.  Thanks to Dave, James, BJ, Gordon and Pat for the great work. 

Let's hope the Titans make it.  As Ypsi noted, IWU has the 5th highest SOS in the country which at .620 is pretty compelling. 

http://d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2016-17/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

How can a committee ignore that once a team gets to the table?  (Among other things, it tells me that Titan nation should've been cheering for Wheaton to rack up the wins all season long!)

A subtle question regarding the projected draw(and I know it's only a projection).  I'll be curious to see if indeed Gustavus Adolphus ( .925, 2-2, .542 ) does host a pod over Wheaton (.850, 6-3, .578 ) or similar team.   I, of course, would argue that Wheaton is equally deserving.  I guess it's really a question of how does the committee weight each criteria?  Another interesting question however is how influential are the week to week D3Hoops top 25 polls?  The answer on-the-record of course is that it's not a criteria for Pool C consideration.  But does it come into seeding and hosting?
other than coaches lurking the Top 25, I do not think the committees lay one iota to the Top 25 other than for publicity purposes.  No bearing at all for seeding and hosting which are numbers driven with the exception that hosting can be effected by odd and even years when both women and men from a school qualify, cost considerations and geography.  Cost and geography have had a little less impact in recent years; and, this year each D3 members had increased dues as approved by the presidents.  So, a little more money to,overcome cost and geography in all sports.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 27, 2017, 02:41:44 PM
Congratulations to Illinois Wesleyan, grabbing a Pool C Bid!

Tough road ahead though taking on Trine on Friday with a potential shot at host Ohio Northern on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 03:32:30 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 27, 2017, 02:41:44 PM
Congratulations to Illinois Wesleyan, grabbing a Pool C Bid!

Tough road ahead though taking on Trine on Friday with a potential shot at host Ohio Northern on Saturday.

Good for IWU.  Trine is an interesting first round matchup and there's no doubt in my mind the Titans can beat them on a neutral floor.  I've wondered a few times why Trine kept getting ranked in polls having not really played anyone.  Greeny fans will notice they've played a very weak schedule (.510, 223rd toughest) and their 2 losses are to Wheaton and Hope(SOS .521).  On the other hand, Massey has them ranked #7 overall, probably because of their margin of victory. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 04:13:16 PM
Wheaton Thunder(23-4) vs RHIT Engineers (24-3 . . . 19-8 on D3Hoops bracket is incorrect )
At Wash U(23-2) vs St Norbert (20-5)

You don't expect any easy games at this point in the season and the Wheaton ladies certainly won't get any in this tough pod - only 14 losses among the 4 teams(the Oshkosh bracket above has only 11).   A difficult first round matchup vs the RHIT Engineers who are pretty familiar with the CCIW going 2-1 this season- wins vs NPU, NCC and loss at IWU.  Both teams have a common win against Chicago also.

If they can get by RHIT, then Wash U likely awaits.  Not too surprising Wheaton ended up traveling to St Louis – better there than Oshkosh or St Thomas I think.  I hope the NCAA releases the final regional rankings like they did for the men. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 27, 2017, 05:35:06 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 03:32:30 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 27, 2017, 02:41:44 PM
Congratulations to Illinois Wesleyan, grabbing a Pool C Bid!

Tough road ahead though taking on Trine on Friday with a potential shot at host Ohio Northern on Saturday.

Good for IWU.  Trine is an interesting first round matchup and there's no doubt in my mind the Titans can beat them on a neutral floor.  I've wondered a few times why Trine kept getting ranked in polls having not really played anyone.  Greeny fans will notice they've played a very weak schedule (.510, 223rd toughest) and their 2 losses are to Wheaton and Hope(SOS .521).  On the other hand, Massey has them ranked #7 overall, probably because of their margin of victory. 

I wouldn't underestimate Trine.  Their defense is quite solid and will keep them in most games.  They lost at Wheaton by 13 early in the year but they have improved greatly since then.  Massey gives them a 63% win probability on a neutral floor vs. IWU.  That seems a bit optimistic to me though, IWU's tough noncon and overall schedule should make them more battle tested.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 06:48:34 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 27, 2017, 05:35:06 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 03:32:30 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 27, 2017, 02:41:44 PM
Congratulations to Illinois Wesleyan, grabbing a Pool C Bid!

Tough road ahead though taking on Trine on Friday with a potential shot at host Ohio Northern on Saturday.

Good for IWU.  Trine is an interesting first round matchup and there's no doubt in my mind the Titans can beat them on a neutral floor.  I've wondered a few times why Trine kept getting ranked in polls having not really played anyone.  Greeny fans will notice they've played a very weak schedule (.510, 223rd toughest) and their 2 losses are to Wheaton and Hope(SOS .521).  On the other hand, Massey has them ranked #7 overall, probably because of their margin of victory. 

I wouldn't underestimate Trine.  Their defense is quite solid and will keep them in most games.  They lost at Wheaton by 13 early in the year but they have improved greatly since then.  Massey gives them a 63% win probability on a neutral floor vs. IWU.  That seems a bit optimistic to me though, IWU's tough noncon and overall schedule should make them more battle tested.

Yes absolutely.  At this time in the season, underestimate anyone at your own peril - especially a 25-2 team.  My main point would be that IWU at 18-9 vs Trine at 25-2 is a much closer game than records suggest.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 27, 2017, 07:25:07 PM
Agreed, I'd expect a very close game.  Trine probably hasn't seen pressure like IWU will apply; I think how Trine handles that may determine the outcome.  Hope's defense is different but when Hope beat Trine, it was largely due to turning them over 26 times.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2017, 08:24:35 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the TITANS for their NCAA bid.  We were all hoping the TITANS would get in, get to dance, and so it has come to pass.  Let's really make some noise now!  A new season, all slates wiped clean -- just go out and go far!  Yes, a tough pod esp. vs. Ohio Northern, one of the undefeated teams.  Frankly, I'd rather be battle-tested like the Titans, going through the wars of the CCIW.  I'm sure Mia and the Titans will be ready.

Good luck to Wheaton in St. Louis.  Also a tough tough pod with Wash U, but all the games pretty tough from here on in.  As it should be, no easy outings. 

Good luck to the CCIW entries.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 28, 2017, 10:38:08 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2017, 04:13:16 PM
Wheaton Thunder(23-4) vs RHIT Engineers (24-3 . . . 19-8 on D3Hoops bracket is incorrect )
At Wash U(23-2) vs St Norbert (20-5)

Sorry about that. We can usually count on the NCAA getting at least one piece of info wrong on any bracket and we didn't catch this one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 28, 2017, 10:44:55 AM
I though the updated Regional Rankings were going to be published - men's are out - still nothing on the Women's side.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2017, 05:06:32 PM
Congratulations to Wheaton's Katie McDaniels and Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard on being named finalists for the 2017 Josten's Trophy.  Both were also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team, Eppard(1st team), McDaniels (2nd team).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:12:42 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on February 28, 2017, 10:44:55 AM
I though the updated Regional Rankings were going to be published - men's are out - still nothing on the Women's side.

There appears to be some kind of problem. I have been emailing back and forth with some higher-ups... I know they are looking into it, so I am trying not to harass them. They are aware.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 06:58:27 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.

Dave, I just checked the women's regional rankings page on D3Hoops.com, and it still had only thru week 3.  Is it just not posted yet?  Where can I find the data?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2017, 07:09:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 06:58:27 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.

Dave, I just checked the women's regional rankings page on D3Hoops.com, and it still had only thru week 3.  Is it just not posted yet?  Where can I find the data?

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-women/d3

No doubt the guys will get it up on D3Hoops also.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2017, 08:40:17 PM
Congrats to Ms. Eppard and Ms. McDaniels on their Jostens nominations.  That's superb.  I hope one of them takes home the honor.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2017, 08:48:39 PM
Looks like the IWU vs. Trine game in Ada, Ohio will be played at 5:30 p.m. EST, so that's 4:30 p.m. in the Central Time Zone.  Sure hope there is some video on this one, from Ohio Northern U.  I'll be getting up early in HK to watch.   

How many students does ONU have -- seems more like a D2 school to me!  I was on that campus some years ago for the summer teaching gig and it seemed like they had 10K + students at that time and that was a long, long time ago. 

The Trine-IWU match-up should be a good one.

Go TITANS!

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 28, 2017, 08:55:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2017, 08:48:39 PM
Looks like the IWU vs. Trine game in Ada, Ohio will be played at 5:30 p.m. EST, so that's 4:30 p.m. in the Central Time Zone.  Sure hope there is some video on this one, from Ohio Northern U.  I'll be getting up early in HK to watch.   

This should be it. (https://boxcast.tv/view/wbb---ncaa-1st-round---game-1---3-3-17-700790) I would assume most host sites would have some sort of video streaming anyway.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2017, 08:48:39 PM
How many students does ONU have -- seems more like a D2 school to me!  I was on that campus some years ago for the summer teaching gig and it seemed like they had 10K + students at that time and that was a long, long time ago. 

According to their website, looks like just over 3200. Well in the realm of D3. Fairly nice football facility from the one time I was there, but I've never been in their gym or anything.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2017, 09:10:15 PM
I had a friend back in the '80s who played basketball at ONU for a season. He told me that Ada had one stoplight. I wonder if it still does.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 09:50:57 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2017, 09:10:15 PM
I had a friend back in the '80s who played basketball at ONU for a season. He told me that Ada had one stoplight. I wonder if it still does.

They took it down, cuz everyone ran it anyway. ;D

J/K, never been to Ada.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2017, 12:18:00 AM
Yup, I was in Ada in summer on a teaching gig and it was a very quiet place.  Big campus, lots of space.

Ypsi, not so so far from you -- why don't your drive down to scenic Ada and cheer for our Titans!  I'm sure they can use the support, as driving from Bloomington over to Ada is a pretty good stretch.  Doubt many regulars from The Shirk will make it over there.  A little far for me too!  :)


Good luck to the TITANS this weekend.  After taking care of business with Trine, would be sweet to take down ONU.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 01, 2017, 12:38:07 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2017, 07:09:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 06:58:27 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.

Dave, I just checked the women's regional rankings page on D3Hoops.com, and it still had only thru week 3.  Is it just not posted yet?  Where can I find the data?

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-women/d3

No doubt the guys will get it up on D3Hoops also.

Have to bear with us while (a) we all recover from the weekend (NCAA updating on an "off-day" isn't helpful) and (b) we dealt with the Amazon server issues... hard to post a story when the pic won't upload. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: bballfan13 on March 01, 2017, 10:34:37 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 01, 2017, 12:38:07 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2017, 07:09:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 06:58:27 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.

Dave, I just checked the women's regional rankings page on D3Hoops.com, and it still had only thru week 3.  Is it just not posted yet?  Where can I find the data?

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-women/d3

No doubt the guys will get it up on D3Hoops also.

Have to bear with us while (a) we all recover from the weekend (NCAA updating on an "off-day" isn't helpful) and (b) we dealt with the Amazon server issues... hard to post a story when the pic won't upload. :)

Dave, any chance we get them to update all of the PDF data sheets as well?  Some are updated and others are not.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2017, 10:52:36 AM
Quote from: bballfan13 on March 01, 2017, 10:34:37 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 01, 2017, 12:38:07 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2017, 07:09:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 06:58:27 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.

Dave, I just checked the women's regional rankings page on D3Hoops.com, and it still had only thru week 3.  Is it just not posted yet?  Where can I find the data?

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-women/d3

No doubt the guys will get it up on D3Hoops also.

Have to bear with us while (a) we all recover from the weekend (NCAA updating on an "off-day" isn't helpful) and (b) we dealt with the Amazon server issues... hard to post a story when the pic won't upload. :)

Dave, any chance we get them to update all of the PDF data sheets as well?  Some are updated and others are not.


Hmm.  That's strange - because they were all updated on the NCAA website last night; as of 2/27.  Looking at the updated Great Lakes sheet, I wasn't sure how the committee could've possibly ranked Calvin ahead of Carnegie Mellon.  It's a little like the Oshkosh selection on the men's side except this time the Womens' committee went with the better W/L% over SOS.

Now I notice they're back to 2/22.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 01, 2017, 12:19:48 PM
Sent an email and within minutes they were fixed... just now... for both men and women. Not sure the issue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2017, 02:01:48 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 09:50:57 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2017, 09:10:15 PM
I had a friend back in the '80s who played basketball at ONU for a season. He told me that Ada had one stoplight. I wonder if it still does.

They took it down, cuz everyone ran it anyway. ;D

J/K, never been to Ada.

The Ohio Northern men's basketball team played NPU in the crackerbox four seasons ago, and I had a nice conversation with some of the coaches and parents of the Polar Bears after the game. I thought about asking them about Ada's stoplight situation, but I didn't have the heart to do so. I didn't want to come across as the condescending city slicker gently ribbing the hicks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: bballfan13 on March 01, 2017, 03:23:11 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 01, 2017, 12:19:48 PM
Sent an email and within minutes they were fixed... just now... for both men and women. Not sure the issue.

Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 01, 2017, 03:54:12 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2017, 07:09:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2017, 06:58:27 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
And the moment I mention that... I notice that the women's are now up.

Dave, I just checked the women's regional rankings page on D3Hoops.com, and it still had only thru week 3.  Is it just not posted yet?  Where can I find the data?

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-women/d3

No doubt the guys will get it up on D3Hoops also.

Yeah, unfortunately we didn't have anyone on staff available at that time last night to post it when it was out 24 hours late.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2017, 07:25:22 AM
A veteran and NCAA tourney experienced Thunder team will take on a good Rose Hulman squad making their first ever NCAA appearance.  RHIT has been winning with their defense keeping opponents to an ultra low average of 45.7 pts/game and a FG% of 31%.  Perhaps this might be attributed to their size as their shortest starter is 5'8" and they have 2 relatively bigs of 6'1" and 6'3".  I say "might" because they're only averaging about 5 blocked shots/game and 9.3 steals/game, both of which are the same as Wheaton.  So the Thunder will have to be ready for perhaps a physical defense with some speed and quickness on the perimeter.  I wouldn't be surprised to see RH play some zone as well.

Offensively, on the other hand, the Engineers are not a particularly high scoring team at all.  Their average of 60pts/game would place them only ahead of Carroll in the CCIW this season.  So a slightly more up-tempo game would favor Wheaton, especially if the Thunder can get out on the break and score some easy baskets.  Wheaton will have to play solid defense and just as importantly, rebound well against the RHIT size.

Wheaton's offense had been clicking pretty well since the Carthage debacle until that last IWU game when it was a little more of a struggle.  Hopefully that was an aberration and the Thunder will execute better.  It was a tough week playing IWU twice and Augie.  Now it's win or go home and the Thunder need to turn it up yet another notch.

Enginerd, feel free to chime in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 02, 2017, 11:43:29 AM
Wheaton will certainly be a very tough opponent for the Fightin' Engineers. A quick glance at the only common opponent, IWU, would suggest that RHIT might be outmatched, given IWU's 28-point thrashing of the Engineers back in December. I would, however, point out that that game was the 6th in twelve days for RHIT, and I'm told there were several girls playing with flu-like symptoms. Additionally, with the exception of RHIT's graduated point guard from 2015-16, I believe both IWU and Rose-Hulman are playing virtually the exact same lineup's as last season, where RHIT jumped all over IWU 70-45.
Wheaton is deeper from what I can tell, and looks to be a bit more dynamic offensively - but RHIT has a very tough bunch of kids who have succeeded these past two years on the basketball court despite the extraordinary demands of the academics at Rose. I think you'd have to look to the service academies to find a more demanding environment.
I think if RHIT can limit Wheaton's transition opportunities, keep them off the offensive boards, and off the foul line, we might see one of the better games of the first round.
I honestly believe that the winner of this game has a shot at taking WashU down.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2017, 12:21:44 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 02, 2017, 11:43:29 AM
Wheaton will certainly be a very tough opponent for the Fightin' Engineers. A quick glance at the only common opponent, IWU,

Illinois Wesleyan is not their only common opponent. Wheaton and RHIT have four common opponents:

Rose-Hulman 73, North Central 49
Wheaton 90, North Central 85
Wheaton 112, North Central 71

Rose-Hulman 59, North Park 55
Wheaton 85, North Park 42
Wheaton 90, North Park 58

Illinois Wesleyan 66, Rose-Hulman 38
Illinois Wesleyan 66, Wheaton 65
Wheaton 76, Illinois Wesleyan 67
Wheaton 66, Illinois Wesleyan 62

Rose-Hulman 61, Chicago 58
Wheaton 76, Chicago 60
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 02, 2017, 01:07:05 PM
Of course!
Thanks for the reminder! I suppose I was thinking about common opponents Rose had LOST to.
Rose-Hulman has had great success this year against high-powered, offensive-minded teams such as Chicago and especially Texas-Dallas, by holding them well under their ordinaryou offensive output.
...and its true, RHIT is not going to win simply by outscoring folks - but I would not go so far as to callet them a team that has to win with their defense. If you watch them closely, they do not take quick shots in transition, they kick the ball back out after an offensive rebound, instead of immediately throwing up another shot, and they probably lead the nation in possessions where the first shot is taken inside the 10-second mark on the shot clock.
I'm not quite the basketball person/mind that some others around here are, but I really think that the lack of big offensive numbers is more a reflection of the engineering mindset - discipline, caution, and the desire to wait for the best shot, as opposed to the most readily-available, instead of a lack of offensive talent...if that makes any sense to anyone...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2017, 01:27:27 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 02, 2017, 01:07:05 PM
Of course!
Thanks for the reminder! I suppose I was thinking about common opponents Rose had LOST to.
Rose-Hulman has had great success this year against high-powered, offensive-minded teams such as Chicago and especially Texas-Dallas, by holding them well under their ordinaryou offensive output.
...and its true, RHIT is not going to win simply by outscoring folks - but I would not go so far as to callet them a team that has to win with their defense. If you watch them closely, they do not take quick shots in transition, they kick the ball back out after an offensive rebound, instead of immediately throwing up another shot, and they probably lead the nation in possessions where the first shot is taken inside the 10-second mark on the shot clock.
I'm not quite the basketball person/mind that some others around here are, but I really think that the lack of big offensive numbers is more a reflection of the engineering mindset - discipline, caution, and the desire to wait for the best shot, as opposed to the most readily-available, instead of a lack of offensive talent...if that makes any sense to anyone...

One small distinction I would point out is that Wheaton's win was @ Chicago while Rose-Hulman's was a home win vs the Maroons.

Interesting thoughts on the Engineer's style, thanks.  Does RHIT run the triangle offense?   ;)

It certainly is shaping up to be a different sort of game than what Wheaton is used to.  Let's see how they'll adjust their level of patience if it's necessary. 

Speaking as objectively as a Wheaton fan can be, it does appear Wheaton has the edge on paper.  But that's about as far as I'll go.  I've not been too impressed with Wheaton's road record against the better teams especially when longer travel has been involved.  Last year's first round exit @ River Falls and this year's losses @ Hope, @ Oshkosh, @ IWU, @ Carthage.  Countering that, the win @ Augie was solid and the game in Holland took Hope to OT in a game where they led by 16 but got outscored by 19 in the 3rd quarter.  The game with Rose is a neutral floor but should they make it through to WashU- a different story.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 02, 2017, 11:43:29 AM
Wheaton will certainly be a very tough opponent for the Fightin' Engineers. A quick glance at the only common opponent, IWU, would suggest that RHIT might be outmatched, given IWU's 28-point thrashing of the Engineers back in December. I would, however, point out that that game was the 6th in twelve days for RHIT, and I'm told there were several girls playing with flu-like symptoms. Additionally, with the exception of RHIT's graduated point guard from 2015-16, I believe both IWU and Rose-Hulman are playing virtually the exact same lineup's as last season, where RHIT jumped all over IWU 70-45.
Wheaton is deeper from what I can tell, and looks to be a bit more dynamic offensively - but RHIT has a very tough bunch of kids who have succeeded these past two years on the basketball court despite the extraordinary demands of the academics at Rose. I think you'd have to look to the service academies to find a more demanding environment.
I think if RHIT can limit Wheaton's transition opportunities, keep them off the offensive boards, and off the foul line, we might see one of the better games of the first round.
I honestly believe that the winner of this game has a shot at taking WashU down.


Throwing RHIT and Wheaton in with Wash U (and not knowing anything about St Norbert), this pod should be one of the academically smarter ones anyhow!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2017, 07:15:06 PM
Here's a bleak thought for ya : 32 teams will have their seasons cease abruptly tomorrow. And half of the remaining 32 will suffer that fate one day later.
Just wanted to cheer everyone up!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 02, 2017, 07:38:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2017, 07:15:06 PM
Here's a bleak thought for ya : 32 teams will have their seasons cease abruptly tomorrow. And half of the remaining 32 will suffer that fate one day later.
Just wanted to cheer everyone up!


Or another way to look at it... 64 teams will have their seasons end tomorrow... and another 32 will have it end by Saturday night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2017, 08:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 02, 2017, 07:38:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2017, 07:15:06 PM
Here's a bleak thought for ya : 32 teams will have their seasons cease abruptly tomorrow. And half of the remaining 32 will suffer that fate one day later.
Just wanted to cheer everyone up!


Or another way to look at it... 64 teams will have their seasons end tomorrow... and another 32 will have it end by Saturday night.

Well, if you don't have a pony in the race (like me on the men's side), then it's not quite as depressing. 

I know what you mean though.  I've especially felt this way about the Wild card game in MLB.  You play all season to make the playoffs and if you're not leading the division, you're slugging it out tooth and nail all of September to secure the Wild card berth. . . to play one single game(if you lose).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 03, 2017, 06:59:17 AM
Illinois Wesleyan (18-9, 12-4) vs Trine (24-2, 15-1), 5:30pm ET/4:30 CT at Ohio Northern...

Illinois Wesleyan (18-9, 12-4)
G - Amanda Kelly, 5-6 Sr.   8.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg
G - Rebekah Ehresman, 5-7 Jr.   12.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.4 apg
G - Molly McGraw, 5-8 Jr.   17.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.7 apg
F - Sydney Shanks, 5-8 Fr.   4.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg
C - Maddie Merritt, 6-0 So.   12.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg

F - Ashley Schneider, 5-10 So.    6.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg
G - Nina Anderson, 5-6 So.   5.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg

Trine (24-2, 15-1)
G - Taylor Cole, 5-6 Sr.   3.9 ppg, 3.7 ppg, 2.7 apg
G - Katy Steers, 5-9 Fr.   5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.4 apg
G - Cassidy Williams, 5-9 So.   6.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg
G - Brandi Dawson, 5-10 So.   15.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg
F - Hayley Martin, 6-2 Jr.  15.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg

G - Ashley Elliott, 5-8 Jr.   5.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg
G - Montana Martin, 5-10 So.   6.0 ppg


Regional page - http://livestats.onu.edu/livestats/wbb/xlive.htm

Video - https://boxcast.tv/view/wbb---ncaa-1st-round---game-1---3-3-17-700790

Stats - http://livestats.onu.edu/livestats/wbb/xlive.htm
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2017, 05:53:36 PM
At the end of the first quarter, Trine leads 14-13.

On the plus side, Trine seems rather befuddled by the Titan pressure defense - 6 TOs already to 3 by the Titans.  On the negative side, the Titans seems to have no answer for Hayley Martin, who has 10 of Trine's 14 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2017, 06:15:07 PM
At the half, IWU up 29-27.  Trine now up to 10 TOs (IWU has 5).  Hayley Martin did not score in the second quarter!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2017, 06:58:46 PM
IWU up 1, 45-44, after three.  Brandi Dawson (15) has replaced Hayley Martin (13) as Trine's leading scorer.  Maddie Merritt, after a slow start, now has 12 to lead the Titans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2017, 07:29:14 PM
The Titans fall to a team called the Thunder for the third time in a week and a half, 63-56.  The final margin was the biggest lead Trine had all evening.  The Titans couldn't shoot from the field (33.3% overall, 14.3% from deep) and couldn't rebound (Trine 37, IWU 21).  Two things kept them in the game: aggressive defense (creating 21 TOs) and FT shooting (19 of 21).  Otherwise a very disappointing evening.

I don't want to take anything away from Trine - they are very good, and the first team not named Hope or Calvin to win an outright regular-season title in the MIAA in 25 years.  But I really thought on a better night we should have won.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2017, 07:34:14 PM
IWU's season comes to an end, losing to Trine 63-56.  This was a grind out, defensive affair and Trine is just the kind of team IWU has trouble with.  Even though IWU won the TO battle 21-12, they couldn't overcome a poor shooting night and being out-rebounded 37-21.  Trine has too much size and strength down low. 

Titans shoot only 33%, several key Titans with off nights.  Trine shoots 52%, with many shots close to the basket.  Trine played very good half court defense.  Titans stay in the game on the charity stripe shooting over 90% 19-21. 

Ehresman 15, a valiant effort
Merritt 12
Kelly 10

McGraw only 7, shooting 2-11, making me think she was sick, or having the flu or something.  A terrible game.

Titans could not buy a trey, 3-21.

So, in a way, amazing the game was so close all through-out even to the end, with Trine making the FTs to stretch the winning margin a bit.

Brandi Dawson 21 for Trine.  A very very good player, hard for the Titans to handle in the post.  She also handled the ball well, helping to break the Titan pressure, which had limited impact tonight.  Trine could go quite far in the tournament with that tough defense, though ONU poses a big challenge tomorrow night. 

Overall a good season for IWU, a bright future with most of the starting squad and key role players returning.  Next year should be even better. 

Titans finish 18-10.  Congrats to Coach Smith and the entire team for a great season, much enjoyed.  Special thanks to the seniors.  Good luck with all future endeavors. 

Another season of great Titan basketball in the books.  Time for baseball . . . and now the DI March Madness.

Good luck to Wheaton tonight.  I hope they go far in the tournament.  It's their year to shine. 

IWU70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2017, 07:36:31 PM
Well, Ypsi, we have the same take on that one.  Too bad to have an off shooting night in the D3 tournament.  Trine plays good D, but our team just couldn't buy a three, shooting poorly overall.  I think McGraw must have been sick or something tonight.  Ehresman with a valiant effort, but not enough against a team as tenacious as Trine was tonight.  Too bad. 

A good season overall -- and next year should be even better. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 03, 2017, 07:47:35 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2017, 07:29:14 PM
The Titans fall to a team called the Thunder for the third time in a week and a half, 63-56.  The final margin was the biggest lead Trine had all evening.  The Titans couldn't shoot from the field (33.3% overall, 14.3% from deep) and couldn't rebound (Trine 37, IWU 21).  Two things kept them in the game: aggressive defense (creating 21 TOs) and FT shooting (19 of 21).  Otherwise a very disappointing evening.

I don't want to take anything away from Trine - they are very good, and the first team not named Hope or Calvin to win an outright regular-season title in the MIAA in 25 years.  But I really thought on a better night we should have won.

That's exactly how Trine wins.  They leave you feeling that your team didn't play well and you'd probably beat them the next time.  I've become a believer that it has more to do with Trine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 03, 2017, 08:50:43 PM
Tip of the hat to the Titans for a good season. Too bad they couldn't make a run.

Congratulations to Wheaton though for finally breaking out of Round 1 with a win over RHIT tonight. Hope they can continue to represent the CCIW well the rest of the way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 03, 2017, 08:56:07 PM
Wheaton 57
Rose Hulman 54

Katie McDaniels   15 pts, 7 assts, 2 stls, blk
Kelly Lawson     12 pts, 4 rebs

Ally Bromenschenkel    19 pts, 10 rebs, 5 stls
Josie Schmidt     13 pts, 8 rebs 3 blks


Wheaton was able to dodge the bullet and squeeze out the win vs the Fighting Engineers.  RHIT is a pretty big team and the Thunder had difficulty scoring against their size.  Rose's defense was very good and disciplined.  They didn't overplay and deny aggressively very much, which denied Wheaton those back door and sharp cuts for easy baskets.   So Wheaton had to settle for more of their half-court set in the 1st half and, surprisingly, they didn't seem quite ready for that.  Several possessions of just standing around with no real scheme it seemed.   I'm sure they had but it didn't look it.

In the 2nd half, the Thunder started working the ball a little more efficiently and had better scoring success.  Wheaton got out to a 10 pt lead in the 3rd but I give a lot of credit to the Engineers who fought back from that and actually led by 4 pts midway through the 4th.  But Kelly Lawson had a key basket and McDaniels made some free throws down the stretch to get the lead back and win by 3.

Congrats to Rose Hulman on a fine season.  They gave Wheaton all they could handle- very few easy baskets out there.  Whoever Wheaton plays tomorrow, they'll have to play better to advance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2017, 09:05:21 PM
Congrats to both Thunders, Wheaton and Trine for their victories this evening.
You may be right, iwu70, that Molly McGraw could be somewhat under the weather as she seemed to have stretches of decreased energy in last week's conf tourney. Nevertheless, she is one of the CCIW's best players, often dazzlingly athletic, so I think we can anticipate an excellent senior year for her.
Speaking of senior seasons, a virtual round of applause to all of the Titan seniors, each of them having contributed nicely during their time in green and white. I'm not sure that any retain another year of eligibility. Amanda Kelly could've been all-conference this year and Brittney Reaber was very reliable during her opportunities, so IWU will need to get excellent ballhandling from others (besides Ehresman) in order to offset the departure of those two guards.
The remaining question for this evening is : does the Wheaton bunch dare sample some of this --
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis-style_pizza
I ate some once, but not during my more recent visits to St Louis.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 03, 2017, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 03, 2017, 07:36:31 PM
Well, Ypsi, we have the same take on that one.  Too bad to have an off shooting night in the D3 tournament.  Trine plays good D, but our team just couldn't buy a three, shooting poorly overall.  I think McGraw must have been sick or something tonight.  Ehresman with a valiant effort, but not enough against a team as tenacious as Trine was tonight.  Too bad. 

A good season overall -- and next year should be even better. 

IWU'70


Quote from: RogK on March 03, 2017, 09:05:21 PM
Congrats to both Thunders, Wheaton and Trine for their victories this evening.
You may be right, iwu70, that Molly McGraw could be somewhat under the weather as she seemed to have stretches of decreased energy in last week's conf tourney. Nevertheless, she is one of the CCIW's best players, often dazzlingly athletic, so I think we can anticipate an excellent senior year for her.
Speaking of senior seasons, a virtual round of applause to all of the Titan seniors, each of them having contributed nicely during their time in green and white. I'm not sure that any retain another year of eligibility. Amanda Kelly could've been all-conference this year and Brittney Reaber was very reliable during her opportunities, so IWU will need to get excellent ballhandling from others (besides Ehresman) in order to offset the departure of those two guards.
The remaining question for this evening is : does the Wheaton bunch dare sample some of this --
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis-style_pizza
I ate some once, but not during my more recent visits to St Louis.

I watched the game.  Why would you think she was under the weather?  She didn't look sick at all - she had plenty of energy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 03, 2017, 09:27:02 PM
Hard fought game and Wheaton absolutely deserved the win.
Officiating ok for the most part - most officials are not confident enough to blow their whistle on a game ending scrum under the basket - so no problem there. Would like to see film on one basket around the 2:30 mark where Bromenschenkel should have had an and-1....I think Wheaton came right down and scored when Bromenschenkel should have been shooting a foul shot to go up 3.
Wheaton has a chance to beat WashU tomorrow night...their length should bother WashU - who really likes to get their posts involved. RHIT's bigs went right by their defenders all night...so will be big challenge for all that spread-the-floor and work the bigs high-low that WashU likes to run.
After seeing WashU in person, they are not nearly as long or big as Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 03, 2017, 09:30:05 PM
After a season of being largely ignored by D3 Hoops and the WBCA on their way to wins over two teams that won a game in the NCAA Tournament today- I'd like to think Rose-Hulman earned some measure of respect tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 03, 2017, 09:36:35 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 03, 2017, 09:27:02 PM
Hard fought game and Wheaton absolutely deserved the win.
Officiating ok for the most part - most officials are not confident enough to blow their whistle on a game ending scrum under the basket - so no problem there. Would like to see film on one basket around the 2:30 mark where Bromenschenkel should have had an and-1....I think Wheaton came right down and scored when Bromenschenkel should have been shooting a foul shot to go up 3.
Wheaton has a chance to beat WashU tomorrow night...their length should bother WashU - who really likes to get their posts involved. RHIT's bigs went right by their defenders all night...so will be big challenge for all that spread-the-floor and work the bigs high-low that WashU likes to run.
After seeing WashU in person, they are not nearly as long or big as Wheaton.

I don't know . . . I just watched the 1st half of WashU and SNC . . . Vernon looks pretty pretty darn good inside.  SNC looks pretty good too.

Having said that, 6'2" Jill Berg had another good game defensively tonight. She got credited for 2 blocks but I thought she had more than that. 

Yeah, that ending scrum had the blood pumping.  RH had plenty of chances on that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 03, 2017, 09:41:35 PM
Ally Bromenschenkel absolutely got fouled...almost had her arm taken off...but like I said...only at the absolute highest levels of NCAA Division I men's officiating would you see someone blow their whistle on that play....
Wheaton deserved the win and if they can clean a few things up they could take down WashU tomorrow night...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2017, 09:42:44 PM
GoPerry, I didn't think she (McGraw) was as consistently quick or energetic compared to her customary standard. She wasn't involved in as many possessions as I'd expect.
Could be an accumulation of a season's aches/pains or maybe some kind of bug. I'm just guessing from a few hundred miles away, of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 03, 2017, 10:09:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 03, 2017, 09:42:44 PM
GoPerry, I didn't think she (McGraw) was as consistently quick or energetic compared to her customary standard. She wasn't involved in as many possessions as I'd expect.
Could be an accumulation of a season's aches/pains or maybe some kind of bug. I'm just guessing from a few hundred miles away, of course.

At the risk of bad timing so soon after the Titan loss, I will offer this with the hope that it will be viewed as objectively as I am trying to deliver it.

Consider this season stat line for this player coming into tonight's game:

   Mins/game: 26.8   FG%: 39.5%    3PT%: 26%    FT%: 76%     Rebs/game:  3.6   Asst/game: 1.66   TOs/game: 2.88

So I would simply ask:  Should this player be leading their team in scoring, leading in FG attempts, 3FG attempts  and is it hurting or helping the team by her playing such a primary role?

Neither McGraw or Ehreshman played a great game offensively tonight and I wanted them to because I wanted IWU to advance.  To me, the surprise was Ehresman but at least she did contribute some assists(5) and steals(4). 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2017, 10:15:16 PM
McGraw was slower, made silly plays on D, took bad, off-balance shots, was on the bench more than usual, perhaps because Coach Smith knew she wasn't 100% -- don't know if it was physical or mental.  I just thought she played poorly, not up to her normal level, in an important, big game.  She was 2-11 or so.  Ehresman tried valiantly to pick up the slack, Merritt and Kelly had their normal good games, and the Titans shot FTs fabulously, staying in the game that way.  Trine plays great clogging D, not letting many Titans get into the lane or make shots from close in. As a result, too many treys, and dying by the trey tonight.  3-21 or whatever it was.  Yes, Trine deserves the win tonight, really good D and enough offense, esp. from their two main scorers, who were excellent in the post, within 10 feet. 

The Titans will be back next year -- Shanks and Schneider likely starters with Ehresman, McGraw and Merritt.  That will be a very good team -- likely picked to win the CCIW next year.  Yes, Mia will have to find key role and supporting players, a good ball-handling backup for Ehresman, who likely returns to the true PG position.  I'm sure Coach Smith will again have a good recruiting class, so the future of the IWU women's program is very very bright.

Congrats to Wheaton on getting the win and moving to the second round.  Hope they can give Wash U a good battle, and move to the Sweet 16.  A tall order on Wash U's floor. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2017, 11:33:16 PM
Hardly anyone who shoots a lot is going to shoot 61% like Mikaela Eppard.
Any team in the league would be very happy to have Molly McGraw in their starting lineup. I'm sure she feels bad enough for today's result.
I was going to label you guys' excessive criticism of her as tasteless, but in the interest of engendering future conversation on these pages, I won't.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2017, 12:42:18 AM
Good luck to Wheaton on Saturday.
The Thunder has a topnotch defense and can get scoring from a variety of players, so I think they can compete with most anyone. Nothing easy on the horizon, though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2017, 01:44:51 AM
RogK, I was just stating what I saw in McGraw's performance.  No tastelessness intended at all.  Molly is one of the truly great Titans in our program, ever, and just put up the 6th highest point total in a season.  She's a national champion high jumper too, as you know.   She's terrific, but sometimes inconsistent.  That's just the situation.  I'm sure she feels bad about tonight vs. Trine, though Trine worked hard not to give her any driving lanes and IWU surely didn't get it's normal points off TOs, and the press, which often fall to Molly.  She's good on steals and pushing the ball, but Trine's D didn't allow as much of that tonight.  It was a slower, grind out kind of game with a  lot of half court time.  With Trine's size and clogging D, this was not the kind of game IWU normally excels in.  And, combine that with a poor rebounding and shooting night, well, there you go.  IWU still has work to do on rebounding, even though it was improved this year, as Merritt had a big part in that and Ehresman is a great rebounder from her position on the court.  I've always wondered why, given her athleticism and jumping ability that McGraw doesn't have better rebounding stats.  An area for improvement for all the Titans in the future.  When IWU plays their kind of game, they have a good chance.  Tonight was really not their kind of game . . .and, of course, giving Trine their due, much of that was due to good defense and a good plan against them. 

I hope Wheaton plays well vs. Wash U and gets to the Sweet 16. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 04, 2017, 08:10:40 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 03, 2017, 11:33:16 PM
Hardly anyone who shoots a lot is going to shoot 61% like Mikaela Eppard.
Any team in the league would be very happy to have Molly McGraw in their starting lineup. I'm sure she feels bad enough for today's result.
I was going to label you guys' excessive criticism of her as tasteless, but in the interest of engendering future conversation on these pages, I won't.

I'm sorry if you think it was tasteless RogK.  I was simply putting forth facts and asking a question - somewhat rhetorical but admittedly a little loaded - that I think could legitimately be asked by fans, and especially Titan fans.  In fact, one could say it's more of a coaching question than anything else because it's a strange situation.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2017, 11:18:16 AM
Glad to see that none of us were intending to kick someone while she was down. These are not professional athletes for sure.
Now, when Jay Cutler screws up... (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 04, 2017, 11:56:43 AM
Good Luck to the Wheaton Thunder Ladies tonight vs Wash U who are also a skilled and veteran team playing at home.  But I'm positive that Wheaton is equally talented and a good enough team to not just play with the Bears, but take them down as well and yes, even on their home floor.  All the pressure will be on Wash U; let the Bears feel it.  Start quickly, play loose and let our game speak for itself.  Wheaton has earned their place and they definitely belong.  Let's Roll!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2017, 10:05:44 PM
An unhappy evening for Wheaton, but they had an outstanding season, best of the CCIW.
My congratulations to their four seniors (Katie McDaniels, Chantal Meacham, Ellie Zeller and Abby Dorman) for great work and impressive accomplishments throughout their years in the Thunder unis.
I'm pretty sure Wheaton will be very strong next year, but it won't be the same flavor that we've enjoyed for several years.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2017, 10:14:59 PM
Congrats to Wheaton on a great season, 24-5.  Very hard to beat Wash U with their strength and program on their floor. 

Is it really true that one of the Wash U reserves (Homoly?) went 26 and 11?  Wow, what a line.  5 assists too.  Did she come out of nowhere? 

Congrats and good wishes to the WC seniors -- yes, some very good CCIW careers.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2017, 10:48:14 PM
Check this, iwu70 :
http://bearsports.wustl.edu/sports/wbkb/2016-17/bios/homoly_madeline_6nqx
She had much success in high school and was in Div 1 last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2017, 11:23:23 PM
Wow, and only a reserve for Wash U?  Looks like a potential national player of the year now -- only a sophomore.  Wash U knows how to find them, top academic talent too.  I bet Wash U is glad she didn't go to U Chicago.

Incredible line and performance in the game vs. Wheaton.

Again, congrats to Coach Madsen and all the WC team for a great run this year. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 05, 2017, 02:06:37 PM
2nd or 3rd year in a row WashU has gotten at least one D-1 transfer......
I'm betting these are kids WashU originally recruited out of high school but lost her to the perceived prestige of D-1.
After a year of that nonsense she wizened up and asked if they still wanted her
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on March 05, 2017, 07:38:48 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 05, 2017, 02:06:37 PM
2nd or 3rd year in a row WashU has gotten at least one D-1 transfer......
I'm betting these are kids WashU originally recruited out of high school but lost her to the perceived prestige of D-1.
After a year of that nonsense she wizened up and asked if they still wanted her
You do not find much better in any women's program regardless of division than Coach Nancy Fahey -  Five (5) National Championships, ten (10) Final Fours,  and a thirty year .845 WP% will attract talent.  This is one of those programs where the players recruit WashU as much as WashU recruits them. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2017, 07:50:33 PM
Homoly looks like a very unique talent -- yes, D1 to D3, something like Olivia Lett some years ago for IWU.  Wash U is almost always good, no matter the unique talent -- as they have talent across the board most years.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2017, 12:27:56 AM
This past Saturday I attended a WBB game at Div 1 Chicago State; they lost to U of Missouri - Kansas City and are now 0-28! Nevertheless, many of Chicago State's players would be all-conference in D3. Most of UMKC's too, and these are far from glamorous programs among D1. Yet, they have size, talent, strength and quickness that would stand out in D3. So, when a D1-caliber player does filter "down" to D3, she can make a big impact. Sorry if this is too obvious to be stated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2017, 12:50:32 AM
Wheaton 74
Wash U  83

Katie McDaniels  15 pts, 4 assts, 4 steals
Chantal Meacham  17 pts (4-8 from trey), 4 assts
Devin Kyler  15 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assts, 2 steals

Madeline Homoly, 26 pts, 11 rebs, 5 assts
Zoe Vernon , 15 pts, 6 rebs
Natalie Orr,  12 pts, 6 rebs

Finally had a chance to view the game today.  The Thunder go down in a hard fought game in St Louis.  Wash U is a very solid team and outrebounded Wheaton 43-26 and 16-9 on the offensive glass.  Can't give up 17 and 9 to a good team and expect to win.  It was great to see Chantal Meacham in her last game have a really terrific night and keep her team close.

Homoly doesn't start many games but she was 1st team All-conf in the UAA.  So what does that tell you?  Too much of her tonight with her scoring and rebounding.  Few teams will have a good matchup against an athletic 6'2" forward who can take you off the dribble or post & score with equal skill.

Congratulations on a great season Wheaton.  It's been a lot of fun for all the Wheaties watching you play this season.  To Ms McDaniels, Meacham, Zeller and Dorman, we're proud of you for your success and for representing the College well.  We wish you the best on your future endeavors for Christ and His Kingdom.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2017, 12:58:52 AM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 05, 2017, 02:06:37 PM
2nd or 3rd year in a row WashU has gotten at least one D-1 transfer......
I'm betting these are kids WashU originally recruited out of high school but lost her to the perceived prestige of D-1.
After a year of that nonsense she wizened up and asked if they still wanted her

Yes.  WashU's Zoe Vernon played 2 years at D1 Winthop and Jenn Dyniss played 2 years at D1 Holy Cross.

I'll be interested to see how far they go.  They're a very talented team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2017, 04:07:28 AM
Needless to say, great coaching at Wash U too. They could go quite far.  I didn't realize they have several D1 refugees. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2017, 03:47:18 PM
What to make of Augustana?
They started the season 10-0, followed by 7-9. Ending on a sour note, getting thumped by 30 by Wheaton, yet it was their best season in a long time.
The four seniors (Kallenberger, Fallon, VanWatermeulen, Mayer) were very important contributors, accounting for 45% of points scored, 44% of rebounds, 45% of made threes, 41% of made FTs. So, a substantial uptick in production will be needed from the returning group and any newcomers.
The returning players whose scoring average exceeded 7 are Izzy Anderson (11.7) and Corrie Reiley (11.3); those two can likely raise those numbers next season, given additional opportunity.
The others who played a lot (over 100 minutes) - Clare Kramer, Victoria Allen, Sadie Roberts, Carly McCameron and Meghan Stovall - all helped out competently, doing a variety of things well. They can't replicate Kallenberger's defensive presence, but there is a good mix of tall energetic players.
Not sure how much full-court pressing they'll do, without Kaycee back there guarding the hoop.
McCameron is highly active (rebs, blocks, steals, decent scoring) in her time on the court, but does pick up fouls every 4 or 5 minutes. Given her production, I'd let her play till she fouls out. Why not? Unused fouls cannot be saved for future games.
Stovall incidentally led the team with a .543 eFG%, so she might be among those who can carry more of the scoring load.
5'7" freshman Alexis Jones had 33 rebounds in just 96 minutes, which might indicate promise for her future.
When Augie has it going in high gear, they are a fun team to watch. When their enthusiasm wanes (as I observed in that 30 pt loss), they're a so-so team.
They should be at minimum a middle-of-the pack team next season, but it's a question whether a 10-6 CCIW record can be achieved without Kallenberger etc.
What do the rest of you think of Augie for next year?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 10, 2017, 05:44:46 PM
I think I'd have to agree on Augie. Losing Kallenberger is the biggest blow just because of what all it allows them to do defensively (and offensively too, since a 6'5" post player will require attention at all times) and they lost a bunch of good guards obviously. It all depends on recruiting too, and who knows what Mark Beinborn has up his sleeve. I don't think they're a CCIW Tournament team as constructed next year, but 8-8 or 9-7 should be doable.

Now, if they get some sort of super prospect this spring...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2017, 01:28:02 AM
IWU in a good position for next year with the big three back:  Ehresman, McGraw and Merritt, all three All-Conference quality.  Losing some key seniors,esp. Kelly, but many good players coming behind, esp. Schneider and Shanks.  I'm sure Mia Smith will again have a good recruiting year, so I'm very optimistic about the TITANS next season.  They will be a contender for the CCIW championship.

Time for baseball and softball.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2017, 01:25:23 PM
The CCIW got 40% of the 15 positions among the D3Hoops All-Region team honorees.
3rd team : Rebekah Ehresman and Kaycee Kallenberger
2nd team : Molly McGraw and Liz Rehberger
1st team : Katie McDaniels and Mikaela Eppard.
The Katie also got Central Region Player of the Year. Nicely done, all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2017, 02:17:51 PM
Congrats to Liz Rehberger on a fine capstone to her tremendous career as a Viking!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on March 13, 2017, 09:14:16 PM
Congratulations to Katie McDaniels on repeating as Central region player of the year.
Not only a very good athlete also an all American academic whose demeanor while playing portrayed the grace she professed.
You didn't see her in the refs ear after fouls just an athlete who wore a smile on her face while playing the game she loved to play!

Well done Katie McDaniels.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2017, 08:37:36 AM
Congrats to all the CCIW honorees for All-region awards.  CCIW with a very good showing.  More coming next year. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 14, 2017, 09:34:18 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 13, 2017, 01:25:23 PM
The CCIW got 40% of the 15 positions among the D3Hoops All-Region team honorees.
3rd team : Rebekah Ehresman and Kaycee Kallenberger
2nd team : Molly McGraw and Liz Rehberger
1st team : Katie McDaniels and Mikaela Eppard.
The Katie also got Central Region Player of the Year. Nicely done, all.

I add my congratulations to all honorees and to Katie McDaniels in her repeat selection as Central Region Player of the Year.  I think Katie will get strong consideration for D3Hoops Player of the Year although I suspect it will go to Lisa Murphy of Carnegie Mellon(despite CM not making the NCAA field post season).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 14, 2017, 10:01:45 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 10, 2017, 03:47:18 PM
What to make of Augustana?
They started the season 10-0, followed by 7-9. Ending on a sour note, getting thumped by 30 by Wheaton, yet it was their best season in a long time.
The four seniors (Kallenberger, Fallon, VanWatermeulen, Mayer) were very important contributors, accounting for 45% of points scored, 44% of rebounds, 45% of made threes, 41% of made FTs. So, a substantial uptick in production will be needed from the returning group and any newcomers.
The returning players whose scoring average exceeded 7 are Izzy Anderson (11.7) and Corrie Reiley (11.3); those two can likely raise those numbers next season, given additional opportunity.
The others who played a lot (over 100 minutes) - Clare Kramer, Victoria Allen, Sadie Roberts, Carly McCameron and Meghan Stovall - all helped out competently, doing a variety of things well. They can't replicate Kallenberger's defensive presence, but there is a good mix of tall energetic players.
Not sure how much full-court pressing they'll do, without Kaycee back there guarding the hoop.
McCameron is highly active (rebs, blocks, steals, decent scoring) in her time on the court, but does pick up fouls every 4 or 5 minutes. Given her production, I'd let her play till she fouls out. Why not? Unused fouls cannot be saved for future games.
Stovall incidentally led the team with a .543 eFG%, so she might be among those who can carry more of the scoring load.
5'7" freshman Alexis Jones had 33 rebounds in just 96 minutes, which might indicate promise for her future.
When Augie has it going in high gear, they are a fun team to watch. When their enthusiasm wanes (as I observed in that 30 pt loss), they're a so-so team.
They should be at minimum a middle-of-the pack team next season, but it's a question whether a 10-6 CCIW record can be achieved without Kallenberger etc.
What do the rest of you think of Augie for next year?


RogK, I actually expect Augustana to be about right where they ended up this year - slightly above the middle of the pack in the CCIW.  The lose Kallenberger, but Corrie Reiley and Izzy Anderson are very good players and form a very solid backcourt from which to build.  Every team wants size in the middle to accompany solid guard play.  But if you don't have the latter, the former matters very little, especially in the women's game.

Also, while KK was no doubt a defensive and rebounding force to be reckoned with, she slowed the team down a little when she was in and it might benefit the Vikes to have a 4 or 5 with more mobility and more offensive variety.  Kaycee got alot of her points off of put backs gathered from her sheer size advantage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2017, 01:02:16 PM
So what does 2017-18 look like for Carroll? I think their 1-23 season in 2016-17 could be summarized as arduous, with a few hints of better things to come.
They allowed 85 pts per game, which would be tolerable if they scored 85, but they averaged 55. Their team eFG% was .388 while opponents registered .544.
They committed 22 TOs per game and got outrebounded by 12.
Brittney Wald made all-conference, averaging 15.9 pts and 6.6 rebs. She shot 44% on 2FGs and 39% on 3FGs, had 3.8 FT att/g and 2 steals/g.
Morgan Lund averaged 14 pts in Jan-Feb and was a good rebounder (21 per 100 min for the season); she got to the foul line often -- 5.5 att/g. Her FG% was .360 (no 3FG involved). Surprisingly few blocks and steals for an athletic 5'9" player - I'd expect more next season.
Other players who played a lot and made valuable contributions : Meredith Polzin, Sara Hartl, Caylee Koker (10 pts, 5 rebs), Hannah Kloehn, Katie Antony.
I think it would be fair to say that the Pioneers were out-sized by nearly all opponents, but that they worked very hard in discouraging circumstances.
Coach Lindsay Schultz needs to bring in a crop of taller players. Wald and Lund will be seniors next season, Polzin and Hartl juniors. Some time back in Nov or Dec, I heard that Carroll was getting a good recruit, but I never learned anything further.
We probably don't yet know what sort of team Carroll will be when they have a full-sized roster. My guess is that an overriding issue this year was just avoiding foul trouble, with only 7 players available most games. With some good additions, Carroll could move up a few spots in the CCIW standings, but it won't be easy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2017, 11:39:49 PM
Tufts vs. Amherst for the Walnut and Bronze.  The strength of NE women's basketball, rising to the top. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2017, 07:33:15 PM
Congratulations to D3Hoops 1st team all-American Katie McDaniels and 3rd team all-American Mikaela Eppard. A lot of diligent hard work over many years brought them to this distinguished status. Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2017, 10:13:33 PM
My congrats too for the CCIW All-Americans.  Way to go.  I hope Ehresman and McGraw will join you next year. 

Congrats to Amherst on their National Title, their demolition of Tufts.  Must have been a pretty boring title game.

Season over, . . . over and out.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 22, 2017, 09:15:12 PM
Any other speculation or info regarding Carroll's immediate future?
Any lament regarding the CCIW not appearing in the final top 25?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 23, 2017, 01:25:29 AM
Congrats to Coach Fahey on her big jump from Wash U and her amazing record there to DI -- and the big challenges at the University of Illinois.  Let's hope she and the new men's head coach can bring the Illini back to prominence. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 23, 2017, 11:53:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 22, 2017, 09:15:12 PM
Any other speculation or info regarding Carroll's immediate future?
Any lament regarding the CCIW not appearing in the final top 25?

I think the CCIW hasn't been as strong at the top as it has been in past years and thus it is taking a hit in the Top 25.

That said, I also think the great teams has gotten far deeper and thus good teams has gotten deeper as well. In other words for the first time in a long time, the women's Top 25 is not as "easy" to get into as a CCIW team as it has been in the past. There are far more teams around the country that have proven themselves. Not getting out of the first weekend hurt the CCIW - though, I saw that coming from how the bracket was set-up for the CCIW this year. It just isn't a given anymore.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 23, 2017, 02:05:16 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 23, 2017, 11:53:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 22, 2017, 09:15:12 PM
Any other speculation or info regarding Carroll's immediate future?
Any lament regarding the CCIW not appearing in the final top 25?

I think the CCIW hasn't been as strong at the top as it has been in past years and thus it is taking a hit in the Top 25.

That said, I also think the great teams has gotten far deeper and thus good teams has gotten deeper as well. In other words for the first time in a long time, the women's Top 25 is not as "easy" to get into as a CCIW team as it has been in the past. There are far more teams around the country that have proven themselves. Not getting out of the first weekend hurt the CCIW - though, I saw that coming from how the bracket was set-up for the CCIW this year. It just isn't a given anymore.

I'm not sure it really matters that Wheaton didn't end up in the final top 25 poll.  I'm not one to complain much about polls because there are so many variables and it's probably unreasonable to think that voters will do too much weekly in depth analysis of SOS 1/2 way through the season.  All year I thought Wheaton's rank hovering around 20 – 25 was about right. 

Having said that, I wasn't sure why Trine got ranked 25th in week 6 ahead of WC ( after receiving 4 votes in week 5) and basically remained ahead of Wheaton the rest of the way – not just because Wheaton beat Trine early in the year, but also because I thought Trine had played a very weak schedule - 1-1 vs Hope and Calvin had played an even weaker schedule .   Wheaton had 2 road losses to top 10 teams, Hope and Oshkosh and then a road loss to IWU.  Granted, Wheaton's loss to Carthage was a bad one but Trine leapfrogging was before that happened.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 23, 2017, 02:13:03 PM
Trine I think proved themselves a bit in the tournament, don't you think? Win over IWU. Gave ONU a heck of a game. Represented themselves pretty well. I let's not pretend beating Hope and Calvin is easy. That is pretty significant, especially considering Trine beat Calvin twice this season (once in the conference title game). Their win over Hope was at Hope in the regular season finale.

From what I was watching, Trine looked better than Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on March 23, 2017, 02:38:44 PM
It's hard to give credence to a head to head win in November once you have a total body of work to evaluate. Wheaton was playing its home-opening tournament and the game was a mid-afternoon contest. Hardly a determining factor in ranking one ahead of the other five months later. Watching Trine down the stretch, they are very worthy of where they ended up in the rankings in comparison to Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 23, 2017, 10:23:21 PM
With Ehresman, McGraw, and Merritt returning to IWU, it hardly seems relevant for next year anyway.  After a few year's absence, I think the conference is Titan Nation next year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 24, 2017, 09:19:54 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 23, 2017, 02:13:03 PM
Trine I think proved themselves a bit in the tournament, don't you think? Win over IWU. Gave ONU a heck of a game. Represented themselves pretty well. I let's not pretend beating Hope and Calvin is easy. That is pretty significant, especially considering Trine beat Calvin twice this season (once in the conference title game). Their win over Hope was at Hope in the regular season finale.

From what I was watching, Trine looked better than Wheaton.

Yes Dave.  Both Thunder teams won a game in the tourney.  And like I said, I have no real problem with where Wheaton ended up in the final poll so who's ahead of them doesn't matter.  My comment had more to do with my surprise at the mid-season poll where Trine rose pretty rapidly based on , I assume, one win at home vs Calvin.  Having said that, do I expect you and the other voters to drill down analyze SOS + quality wins, quality losses in a week 6 poll?  Not at all.  I appreciate all the effort you guys do put into producing a weekly poll.     


Quote from: thunder38 on March 23, 2017, 02:38:44 PM
It's hard to give credence to a head to head win in November once you have a total body of work to evaluate. Wheaton was playing its home-opening tournament and the game was a mid-afternoon contest. Hardly a determining factor in ranking one ahead of the other five months later. Watching Trine down the stretch, they are very worthy of where they ended up in the rankings in comparison to Wheaton.

The poll to which I was referring was week 6, Jan 8.  So games in November/December were all you had to go on.  If you don't give credence to that h/h win, then do you ignore the opening game loss @ Hope in OT?  Of course not.  In any case, it's all subjective by the voters and one man's trash is another's treasure.  I'm fine with that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 24, 2017, 11:58:39 PM
Ypsi, let's wait and see how much the Titans improve by next year -- esp. the big three and better consistency from McGraw.  I have little doubt that Ehresman and Merritt will again be all-conference level players next year again.  McGraw too. So, key may be how much they all improve, and how much the key role players also improve -- Schneider and Shanks, in particular.   What kind of bench play IWU will have next year, with the departure of some key seniors -- esp. Kelly, Lehocky, others.   Titans will surely contend, likely be voted #1 or #2 in the CCIW pre-season poll, but nobody in the league will give it to them, some teams will again be very strong.  Eppard is back, right?  and NCC will again be running at everyone with their "system."  WC will no doubt be good again, even with the many graduations, esp. McDaniels.   I'm sure again a Mia Smith very tough pre-CCIW schedule, as usual.   However, I too hope next season is really a good one for the Titans -- as they have the key players, many pieces of a winning formula and tons of experience.  Always good coaching and preparation.  We'll see.  Gotta be optimistic, but let's not get carried away. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 04, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
First NCC recruit news dropped this morning, as Kaneland's Kylie Modaff has committed to North Central. She's coming off an ACL/meniscus injury and didn't play this past year, but she can shoot, and she ended up serving as an assistant coach of sorts for Kaneland this past season. At somewhere between 5'10" and 6'0" (sources are conflicting), if healthy I'd guess she pegs in as a 5, though Coach Roof moved people around a little bit this past season, so she could end up in another spot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 12, 2017, 09:47:01 PM
Chalk up another one for North Central, as Warren Township High School's Bekah Foley officially signed her Celebratory Signing Form to come play for North Central. She's 5'11" and had some success blocking shots, but was very versatile for her high school team and can play the point in a pinch. And of course... she likes to shoot threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 13, 2017, 01:17:08 AM
Bekah Foley's parents are North Park alumni. Her mom comes from a Covenant background (I've known her since she was a little kid), and Bekah has lots of other NPU alumni kin going back generations on her mom's side of the family; and James Foley, her dad, was a backup forward for the Vikings men's basketball team in the late '80s. So I'm not terribly thrilled that she's going to be wearing red and black in college instead of royal blue and gold. But it's not the first time that a potential NPU legacy has chosen another CCIW school at which to play sports -- heck, Carthage currently has both a men's basketball player and a women's soccer player whose respective fathers played basketball for the Vikings -- and it probably won't be the last time that this happens, either. Given that her older brother Kyle plays basketball for Knox, I knew that there was a pretty good chance that Bekah wouldn't end up at the Park.

At least she didn't choose Wheaton. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 13, 2017, 01:04:00 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 13, 2017, 01:17:08 AM
Bekah Foley's parents are North Park alumni. Her mom comes from a Covenant background (I've known her since she was a little kid), and Bekah has lots of other NPU alumni kin going back generations on her mom's side of the family; and James Foley, her dad, was a backup forward for the Vikings men's basketball team in the late '80s. So I'm not terribly thrilled that she's going to be wearing red and black in college instead of royal blue and gold. But it's not the first time that a potential NPU legacy has chosen another CCIW school at which to play sports -- heck, Carthage currently has both a men's basketball player and a women's soccer player whose respective fathers played basketball for the Vikings -- and it probably won't be the last time that this happens, either. Given that her older brother Kyle plays basketball for Knox, I knew that there was a pretty good chance that Bekah wouldn't end up at the Park.

At least she didn't choose Wheaton. ;)

While he's not an athlete, I've told my younger brother that if he were to go to Wheaton I'd disown him. Instead he's off to U of I in the fall and Wheaton was never on his radar. Smart kid.  :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 13, 2017, 03:09:54 PM
A friend of mine who is a fellow NPU alumnus told me that his son had asked him what he'd think if the son wanted to go to Wheaton. My friend replied, "Consider the possibility that you could come home for Thanksgiving, only to find that your mother and I had moved without telling you and without leaving a forwarding address."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 21, 2017, 02:17:38 AM
Any more recent word on recruits?  Not much news from IWU yet, that I know of.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 22, 2017, 12:13:56 PM
I haven't heard anything further on the North Central front other than the two I mentioned above. I'm sure there are more, but between NCAA rules that you can't announce recruits until deposits are in and the fact that Michelle Roof has me keep recruit news in confidence until they officiallly announce them, there may be more I'm not aware of or at liberty to say. (Though to be honest I don't know if any more yet.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 01, 2017, 10:04:54 PM
North Park announced four recruits today:


Blair Bullock  5'8  Kewanee, IL (Kewanee)
Alex Johnson  5'8  Clinton, IL (Clinton)
Dana Jump  n/a  San Andreas, CA (Calaveras)
Sinead Molloy  5'9  Chicago, IL (Trinity)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 02, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
North Park also has a new logo :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/
Is that a Nordic sword?
Will the basketball floor be repainted?
Any other questions?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 02, 2017, 01:53:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 02, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
North Park also has a new logo :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/
Is that a Nordic sword?
Will the basketball floor be repainted?
Any other questions?

That's pretty cool. I kind of liked the Viking boat from before, but this is neat. I like the four start thing on the top of the shield; gotta get those Chicago ties in!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 02, 2017, 06:54:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 02, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
North Park also has a new logo :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/
Is that a Nordic sword?
Will the basketball floor be repainted?
Any other questions?

Don't get me started, Rog. Every time that I see that new logo, I have to say the serenity prayer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on May 03, 2017, 07:32:28 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 02, 2017, 06:54:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 02, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
North Park also has a new logo :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/
Is that a Nordic sword?
Will the basketball floor be repainted?
Any other questions?

Don't get me started, Rog. Every time that I see that new logo, I have to say the serenity prayer.

It does kind of induce gagging, doesn't it.  I can't even describe why.  Objectively it seems innocuous, but there's something visceral about it's unappealingness.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on May 03, 2017, 12:58:28 PM
Reminds me of the Tennessee Titans' secondary logo.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.sportslogos.net%2Flogos%2F7%2F160%2Ffull%2F1056.png&hash=bd2aecef632875a32bbbb746fb0d0e26c93a224b)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 03, 2017, 02:12:36 PM
Man, the secondary has its own logo? Those marketing departments have nothing better to do?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 03, 2017, 02:24:04 PM
(https://i.stack.imgur.com/y7Z0L.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 03, 2017, 02:58:30 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on May 03, 2017, 07:32:28 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 02, 2017, 06:54:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 02, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
North Park also has a new logo :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/
Is that a Nordic sword?
Will the basketball floor be repainted?
Any other questions?

Don't get me started, Rog. Every time that I see that new logo, I have to say the serenity prayer.

It does kind of induce gagging, doesn't it.  I can't even describe why.  Objectively it seems innocuous, but there's something visceral about it's unappealingness.

It was designed to be a companion piece to NPU's new institutional logo (https://www.northpark.edu/stories/introducing-north-park-universitys-new-logo/). The gold pommel of the sword is supposed to be a crossover to the gold tip at the bottom of the school's new logo.

Let's put aside for a moment the fact that the designers used the wrong shade of blue. It just doesn't seem like a good idea to design something that's important and which functions as a stand-alone as though it was an adjunct to some other design that's being created at the same time. I salute the idea that a school and its athletics should have some sort of visual linkage -- for instance, Augustana's school and athletics logos are a great fit for each other -- but it seems to me that the North Park athletics department got short shrift in terms of the creative aspect of this two-logos-for-the-price-of-one approach.

My biggest objection is the fact that they're doing away with the longship logo. Think for a moment about how many schools, from middle schools on up, have "Vikings" for their nickname. Just within the D3 ranks you have North Park, Augustana, Lawrence, Berry, Salem State, and Bethany Lutheran, plus you have two other Scandinavian-American schools that have related nicknames, the Luther Norse and the St. Olaf Oles. Almost always, the logo and/or mascot involves some guy in animal skins holding a sword and wearing a horned helmet. (The hornet helmet is an historical inaccuracy, but that's a tale for another day. Augustana, to its great credit, dispensed with the horns when it redesigned its athletics logo a few years ago.) It's as predictable as sunrise, and it's pedestrian and boring. It makes "Vikings" seem just as dull and unimaginative as "Bulldogs", "Wildcats", "Tigers", "Eagles", and all of the other overused animal nicknames and mascots. Half the time, teams called the Vikings simply rip off the mustached-blond-guy-in-profile-with-horned-helmet logo of the Minnesota Vikings.

But the longship logo? It was a stroke of genius (no pun intended). Name another team called the Vikings that uses the longship as its logo. A longship is just as immediately recognizable as a guy in a horned helmet; it's one of the most readily identifiable vessels in the world. Everybody who sees one immediately thinks "Vikings". But nobody other than North Park used it as their Vikings logo. It made NPU distinctive. It made NPU look cool. And it made NPU seem like a creative place where being different from the crowd was a good thing. Plus, it lent itself to a terrific athletics department motto: "Row the ship". NPU coaches have been using #rowtheship on all of their Twitter and Facebook accounts, and it's become a phrase that more and more people associate with North Park. It's a great motto -- work hard and work together as a unit, and we'll go places. The logo and the motto also fit nicely with the fact that North Park has rowing as one of its varsity sports.

But now some short-sighted administrator in marketing has dispensed with the longship and foisted this new grafted-onto-the-school's-new-design monstrosity of a logo upon the athletics department. Supposedly the motto and hashtag will stay, but what sense does "row the ship" make when the logo is no longer a ship?

Change just for the sake of change isn't necessarily a good thing. In my opinion, NPU really shot itself in the foot with this athletics logo change. But, then again, nobody asked me for my opinion. I'm just the broadcaster. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: joehakes on May 03, 2017, 04:56:51 PM
My favorite memory of the North Park logo was when the Athletic Department letterhead had a Viking (with horned helmet, Greg) standing with his sword at his side.  The logo was in the upper left hand corner of the page.  Mike Coglianese was the quarterback on the football team at the time and was working the "security" desk in the lower bowels of the gym.  He had been assigned to write (NPU Hall of Fame) Coach Bill Anderson's signature at the bottom of a recruiting letter.  I walked by and asked him if he noticed anything odd with the letter.  He said that he didn't.  I pointed to the fact that Mr. Viking was standing on his head in the lower right hand corner which suggested that the letterhead had been put in the copier upside down.  He asked if I thought that mattered.  Given the state of the football program at the time, that was not an easy question to answer.  He had signed somewhere between 300-400 letters at that point.  They did not get sent out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 03, 2017, 07:13:30 PM
That is a great story, Joe!

That old standing-Viking logo remains Dennis Prikkel's favorite. I once described it as looking like it had been created by someone who had taken one of those "Learn To Draw" correspondence courses that used to be advertised in TV Guide and Reader's Digest. I think that the fact that I didn't like that logo made Dennis like it even more. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on May 04, 2017, 01:11:24 AM
Greg,

You mean you weren't included on the committee to come up with a new logo? With you being an alum and do heavily involved/invested in the athletic program, I would have thought it would be a slam dunk. Perhaps you need to add another 0 on the amount line on your annual contribution form. 😏

Seriously, as an opposing fan when I see the longboat logo, I immediately think of the Vikings. I mean what other choice is there? It can't be anything else. It's distinctive. Plus, it just a very cool looking logo, especially as compared to a non-descript sword.

Whoever came up with the new logo should just fall on their sword and get back in the boat!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 04, 2017, 01:20:19 AM
I don't think that there was a committee involved. I think that the logo re-branding idea came out of the top echelon of the administration (the president's cabinet), and the responsibility for its implementation belonged to the marketing department, which undoubtedly farmed it out to a design firm.

But it's nice to hear that even opposing fans considered North Park's longship logo to be cool and distinctive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on May 04, 2017, 01:51:39 AM
Unless the other conference schools that have them order new ones, perhaps the longship logo will live on in the form of the banners that hang in some of the conference gyms. NCC just ordered a new set of conference logo banners a couple years ago. In fact, they may have ordered two sets with the second hanging in the Res/Rec Center. Will be interesting to see if other teams spend the money to get new NPU sword banners or just decide they can live with the now departed longship insignia.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on May 04, 2017, 10:06:30 AM
I agree with you Greg.  The long ship logo rocks.  It's so unique that it's instantaneously identifiable. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 05, 2017, 04:15:52 PM
Three more additions for NPU:


Alexis Davis  5'6  Oswego, IL (East)
Sophia Lehocky  5'9  Vernon Hills, IL (Vernon Hills)
Makenna Powell  5'9  Harvard, IL (Harvard) / McHenry CC

Makenna Powell is a rising junior. Sophia Lehocky's older sister Alina played for Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 06, 2017, 09:35:41 AM
IWU's recruits...

* Raven Hughes, 5-10 F (Normal U High)  15.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 65% FG
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/player-of-year-u-high-s-hughes-reaches-coach-s/article_eec47f82-66f5-5988-a855-aa34960b498d.html


* Riley Brovelli, 6-2 C (LaSalle-Peru H.S.) 14.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.6 apg
http://www.newstrib.com/free/all-area-girls-basketball/article_cf38f680-0a5b-11e7-b1a0-9f3912cbc708.html


* Raegan McMurray, 5-9 G/F (New Palestine, IN)  18 ppg, 6 rpg
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/2016/12/09/senior_spotlight/


* Samantha Munroe, 5-6 PG (St. Charles East H.S.)  9.8 ppg, 5.2 apg
http://basketball.dailyherald.com/article/20170302/sports/170309736/


* Kendall Sosa, 5-10 SG (Normal Community H.S.)  9.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.9 apg
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/pantagraph-all-area-girls-basketball-team/article_220fb31a-1c35-5bd9-867e-bc972730cd0f.html


* Anna Lowis, 5-10 G/F (Sacred Heart Griffin H.S.)  10 ppg, 5 rpg
http://herald-review.com/girls-basketball-all-conference-basketball/article_17277142-07fa-5d3a-9542-038c1c7b4719.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 07, 2017, 12:24:21 AM
Looks a very good recruiting class . . . more athleticism and some good size.  Likely good back ups for some of the key IWU seniors  and starters returning.  Seems Raven Hughes a truly "significant" recruit, likely to get PT right away.  IMHO. 

Graduation today at IWU -- all best wishes to the Class of '17, especially to all the graduating Titan athletes.  Good luck with your future studies and endeavors and thanks for all your contributions to the IWU community and to IWU athletics.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: matblake on May 08, 2017, 01:37:58 PM
The new NP logo is boring.  I always thought that the longship was kind of weird with regards to perspective (the angle the ship was going took me a while to get used to) but it was definitely clear what school it belonged to and was incredibly unique.  I hope Greg's Avatar is linked to a page owned by him, otherwise that ship might sail too as the school will surely work to eliminate all references to the previous logo. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 09, 2017, 06:36:45 PM
Sad news out of Naperville, as I found out former Cardinal point guard and 2012 North Central grad Helen Muleya passed away yesterday. I don't know details other than it was very sudden. Haven't heard anything about arrangements yet either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 09, 2017, 06:58:19 PM
Sorry to hear that. Life should be long.
Thanks for informing us, lmitzel.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 09, 2017, 08:29:12 PM
I'm sorry to hear that as well. It's always a tragedy when someone that young dies.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 10, 2017, 03:19:03 AM
Very sorry to hear that news.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on May 10, 2017, 09:34:39 AM
My condolences as well.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 10, 2017, 02:48:04 PM
Zakiya Newsome, a 5'6 point guard from Glenbard North, has deposited at North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 11, 2017, 12:38:32 AM
I was wondering if Gabby Sandoval would need to play 37 minutes per game next season, but it sounds like NP is getting additional ballhandlers to help out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 11, 2017, 03:26:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 11, 2017, 12:38:32 AM
I was wondering if Gabby Sandoval would need to play 37 minutes per game next season, but it sounds like NP is getting additional ballhandlers to help out.

Two of NPU's recruits are point guards ... plus, Elise Estelle will be back after missing January and February.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 15, 2017, 01:04:43 PM
Heard some rumblings that North Central is actually looking for a new assistant coach for the women's basketball program.  Sounds like Michelle Roof is hoping to have someone in place by July but doesn't have a particular candidate in mind.

Last check on North Central's website doesn't have any openings yet, but I imagine there will be something soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 24, 2017, 08:33:02 AM
I don't know how long it's been up, but the posting is officially up for NCC's opening for an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

https://northcentralcollege.peopleadmin.com/postings/3680
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 24, 2017, 04:54:55 PM
The word "system" is nowhere to be found in that posting. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on May 24, 2017, 06:32:52 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 24, 2017, 04:54:55 PM
The word "system" is nowhere to be found in that posting. ;)

Good catch, Greg.  I see four main possibilities:

1.  It's simply an oversight.  (doubtful)

2.  They've decided to transition back to a more traditional style.  (somewhat doubtful, as they've had some success with it by historical standards)

3.  They want a way to quickly 'screen out' applicants who are so lacking in doing their homework that they don't already know that NCC runs the system.  (entirely possible)

4.  They believe they have sufficiently adapted the system to their own preferences that they don't want to look like 'Arsenault groupies'.  (I suspect some combination of #3 and #4 is the answer)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on May 25, 2017, 07:39:07 AM

When I talked to them for the story last year, they see themselves in the tradition of Bunky Harkleroad (who was the first coach to play the System with women) - while their version actually looks a lot more like what Arsenault Jr is bringing to Grinnell (with more NBA inspired spacing as opposed to the constant screens), they seem to think of it as a separate offense.  I doubt they use "System" in their own terminology very much - at least with a capital S.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 25, 2017, 12:38:17 PM
Yeah, my post was very much tongue-in-cheek ... hence, the emoji.

Truthfully, I would've been very surprised if familiarity with North Central's playing style was listed as part of the job description.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 10, 2017, 09:09:20 AM
There are always many admirable players to be found on CCIW WBB rosters. Here's a piece about one of them.
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2017/5/26/womens-basketball-eppard-named-athlete-of-the-year-scholar-athlete-of-the-year.aspx?path=wbball
Make sure to read the final paragraph.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 10, 2017, 12:15:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 10, 2017, 09:09:20 AM
There are always many admirable players to be found on CCIW WBB rosters. Here's a piece about one of them.
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2017/5/26/womens-basketball-eppard-named-athlete-of-the-year-scholar-athlete-of-the-year.aspx?path=wbball
Make sure to read the final paragraph.

I believe that final paragraph is a perfect example of "#WhyD3". Always great to praise not only the athletic side of things, but the academics and the extracurriculars outside of sports, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 26, 2017, 01:05:06 PM
One Sophia, two Hannahs, a Zeller and a Considine will join Wheaton this autumn :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2017/6/26/wbb-announces-newcomers-for-1718.aspx
Probably only five of the newcomers will amount to anything.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 27, 2017, 05:13:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 26, 2017, 01:05:06 PM
One Sophia, two Hannahs, a Zeller and a Considine will join Wheaton this autumn :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2017/6/26/wbb-announces-newcomers-for-1718.aspx
Probably only five of the newcomers will amount to anything.

Yes.  These look like solid adds, pretty good size.  Good students too.

Frazier has a pretty lengthy list of accolades.  Good that she has a D1 year under her belt for a very good team even if limited PT. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 30, 2017, 06:06:46 PM
North Central's 2017-18 schedule is up. (http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball) Actually have the full slate of 12 home games this year thanks to some home and homes coming back to Naperville (Benedictine, UWSP and Dubuque). Cardinals open the year November 17th at Wheaton's tournament. Also making a trip to Dallas the week after Christmas.

Weird schedule quirk has NCC-Elmhurst matchups on back to back Saturdays. Otherwise nothing to complain about as far as CCIW schedule.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 18, 2017, 01:16:02 AM
An Augustana roster for '17-'18 :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/roster.aspx?roster=140&path=wbball
includes freshpersons
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 18, 2017, 01:27:49 AM
Likewise for Carthage :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 27, 2017, 11:31:06 AM
Don't have a roster for NCC yet, though that's normal for late July as memory serves.

I did see that Wheaton's schedule is up (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&). The Beth Baker Classic that North Central is playing in also features Louisiana College and Lake Forest College. I'm assuming this will end up being NCC and Wheaton playing those two teams, though the order in which they play is still to be determined.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 08, 2017, 02:58:16 PM
Nice attendance numbers for the CCIW in 2016-17. According to the NCAA, the conference ranked seventh in average attendance. (http://www.cciw.org/news/2017/8/8/cciw-ranked-third-seventh-in-mens-womens-basketball-attendance-in-2016-17.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 21, 2017, 02:03:15 PM
What the? Is it just me, or is it getting darker outside?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 21, 2017, 07:24:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 18, 2017, 01:16:02 AM
An Augustana roster for '17-'18 :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/roster.aspx?roster=140&path=wbball
includes freshpersons

Maddie Murillo, a 6'0 sophomore, is listed on the Augie roster. Last year she was a freshman at North Park, and the NPU coaches had high hopes for her. However, she quit the team within the first few practices, although to the best of my knowledge there was no animosity expressed by either her or the coaches. She simply decided not to play. We'll see if her interest in playing has really been rekindled by a change of scenery, I guess.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on August 21, 2017, 08:39:23 PM
Looks like Augie has recruited another basketball player who will be well qualified to move on to their renowned medical school. Freshman woman basketball player Alexis Cassani, from St. Louis, prepped at the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. ⛹️‍♀️ 🎓 💼 💉  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on August 23, 2017, 12:00:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 21, 2017, 02:03:15 PM
What the? Is it just me, or is it getting darker outside?

Not sure where exactly you're located RogK, but if you're in the Naperville-Wheaton area it might have been the drugs.  :o  ;)

Was in Estes Park/Rocky Mt. National Park, Colorado on Eclipse Day. Think we were only about 100 miles from the total darkness area. The degree of darkness there at the height of the eclipse was listed as 96.12%. Was expecting it to look like about 5 minutes before dark normally, but it only got as dark as about the equivalent of 45 minutes before dark. And the Naperville-Wheaton area is farther away than Estes Park. How dark did it get in your mind? LOL!  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2017, 01:08:23 PM
Ha ha. You're the one who was high (elevation-wise!).
As for my location, usually I'm beside myself.
Here on the NW side of Chicago, it was mostly cloudy, so the 87% eclipse wasn't greatly noticeable. I sat outdoors next to a semi-feral cat; it dozed, waking briefly to yawn and stretch. After the eclipse, it resumed its regular schedule, which meant taking a nap.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on August 24, 2017, 07:16:05 AM
Quote from: AndOne on August 23, 2017, 12:00:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 21, 2017, 02:03:15 PM
What the? Is it just me, or is it getting darker outside?

Not sure where exactly you're located RogK, but if you're in the Naperville-Wheaton area it might have been the drugs.  :o  ;)

Was in Estes Park/Rocky Mt. National Park, Colorado on Eclipse Day. Think we were only about 100 miles from the total darkness area. The degree of darkness there at the height of the eclipse was listed as 96.12%. Was expecting it to look like about 5 minutes before dark normally, but it only got as dark as about the equivalent of 45 minutes before dark. And the Naperville-Wheaton area is farther away than Estes Park. How dark did it get in your mind? LOL!  :)

We drove to South Carolina to get the full eclipse - it got mildly dark, sort of like cloudy day dark - right up until totality, when it got really dark, really fast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 24, 2017, 08:24:12 AM
Carthage head coach Tim Bernero gets honored :
http://www.goforesters.com/general/2017-18/releases/20170717npqe9d?platform=hootsuite
Congratulations!
I guess no one will mind if he wears Carthage red and black at that event.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 24, 2017, 01:17:48 PM
Nice! Congrats to Tim! It seems like just yesterday that my North Park hoodlum friends and I were harassing Tim from the bleachers when his Foresters came to play the Vikings in the crackerbox.

It's also nice that Lake Forest has removed a bone of contention from the Bernero household by making it a two-HOF marriage, since his wife Rachel is a member of the North Park Athletic Hall of Fame.

Quote from: RogK on August 24, 2017, 08:24:12 AM
I guess no one will mind if he wears Carthage red and black at that event.

As long as he covers up the Carthage logo, no one will even know that he's being anything but a loyal Forester.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 20, 2017, 07:39:13 PM
North Central's web site now shows two new assistant coaches (temporarily listed in the 2016-17 staff) : Mark Youngs and recent student Eric Gruber.
Youngs was head coach at NAIA Davenport fairly recently and ran a fast-paced team. Subsequent to that, he coached in Ghana and was an assistant at D1 Monmouth NJ. I'd say the NAIA work has more relevance, as that game is a lot more similar to D3 than is D1 and its thick tall players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 21, 2017, 07:38:56 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 20, 2017, 07:39:13 PM
North Central's web site now shows two new assistant coaches (temporarily listed in the 2016-17 staff) : Mark Youngs and recent student Eric Gruber.
Youngs was head coach at NAIA Davenport fairly recently and ran a fast-paced team. Subsequent to that, he coached in Ghana and was an assistant at D1 Monmouth NJ. I'd say the NAIA work has more relevance, as that game is a lot more similar to D3 than is D1 and its thick tall players.

Obviously it's on the website so it's official, but I can confirm. I didn't post anything here about it because I never saw an official announcement and was kind of waiting for that.

I met Mark a few weeks ago, and I think he's excited about the new opportunity. Eric I've met kind of in passing a few times. As Rog said, he's an NCC alum (played golf), and called games both for WONC when he was an undergrad there and did color for NCTV last year. He knows his stuff.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 26, 2017, 02:32:38 PM
North Central's schedule should be finalized now. (http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball)

The Beth Baker Classic schedule was already out, and now the one for the tournament at UT-Dallas is also up: North Central will play Trinity-Texas and Kean on December 29th and 30th.

Also filled out the schedule with a 25th game at Chicago on December 18th. It will be their first matchup since 2010-11. Still no roster yet; I imagine that's coming within the next few weeks though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 05, 2017, 07:02:17 PM
IWU '17-18 roster now up.

Of course, very early and a lot of new names, new possibilities there . . . but IWU has a lot of experience coming back.  So, I'd take an early stab at the starting five and say:

1 - Ehresman
2 - McGraw
3 - Shanks
4 - Schneider
5 - Merritt

Looks like a mighty fine season to me if this group can stay healthy.  Lots of questions about the next five, the rotation etc., but this is a very experienced, battle-hardened, and talented group, ready for a superb year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 06, 2017, 02:01:18 PM
NCC's roster is up as well. (http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball)

A few new faces, some of whom I mentioned on here in the off-season, others I either never saw an official announcement on or heard about but couldn't comment on.

We've got a few players coming off knee injuries, but it sounds like everyone should be good to go. Will be great to see Mayson Whipple back on the court this year after she missed basically all of the 2017 portion of last year. I'm excited.

Also had a late addition to the coaching staff. Former football and baseball standout Steve Hlavac is on staff as the strength and conditioning coach.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 06, 2017, 07:11:14 PM
Whipple is a really fun player to watch.  Glad to hear she's back and injury free.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 06, 2017, 10:45:48 PM
Note that IWU has brought in a new assistant coach -
http://www.iwusports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=889&path=wbball
She had a substantial and far-flung playing career, followed by diverse coaching experience.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 07, 2017, 12:50:47 PM
RogK, that's very interesting.  A strong pedigree, it would appear.  Glad to see Shelby Jackson still around too.

I think this could be a very special year for the Titan women.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 13, 2017, 12:35:37 AM
Wheaton's new roster :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?roster=255&path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 13, 2017, 09:37:40 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 13, 2017, 12:35:37 AM
Wheaton's new roster :
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?roster=255&path=wbball

A lot of youth on that roster, but knowing Kent Madsen at least a few will end up being stars and Wheaton will continue to be near the top of the conference. We'll have to see if there end up being any growing pains or not.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2017, 11:29:54 AM
Three of the five Wheaton freshmen have very familiar names. Bonnie Zeller and Heidi Considine are obviously the younger sisters of recent Wheaton standouts Ellie Zeller and Hannah Considine, and Kirsten Madsen is the head coach's daughter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2017, 03:30:56 PM
Here is the new Elmhurst roster :
http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?roster=232&path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 19, 2017, 02:05:22 PM
Carroll has a flock of new players :
http://gopios.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
Among those not returning from last year's team are Morgan Lund and Caylee Koker, who accounted for 22 pts/g, 40% of the squad's average of 55. Those two accounted for 57% of the team's made FTs.
Somehow, the Pios need to get their scoring up to around 70 in order to be competitive in CCIW play. This will not be easy, especially if they keep their arms folded, as seen in all their roster photos.
(ha!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2017, 06:15:40 PM
Wow, now that is a young team = Carroll.

Looking forward to the beginning of the season now in a few weeks.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 20, 2017, 01:44:22 PM
Millikin's roster now includes freshmen :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
In 2011-12, the Big Blue went 7-7 in CCIW play. Since then : 3-11, 5-9, 5-9, 2-12, 4-12.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 20, 2017, 03:07:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 19, 2017, 02:05:22 PM
Carroll has a flock of new players :
http://gopios.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball&
Among those not returning from last year's team are Morgan Lund and Caylee Koker, who accounted for 22 pts/g, 40% of the squad's average of 55. Those two accounted for 57% of the team's made FTs.
Somehow, the Pios need to get their scoring up to around 70 in order to be competitive in CCIW play. This will not be easy, especially if they keep their arms folded, as seen in all their roster photos.
(ha!)

So we're looking at, what, 50 five second calls a game? :P

They're definitely going to need these younger players to step up a lot to fill those non-returning shoes, like you said. But there's no way they'd go 1-24 again, right?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 20, 2017, 05:52:41 PM
I think they may do better than last year's 1-23, but things could still be very challenging.
Some of their newcomers seem to be good athletes, according to the high school info listed for them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2017, 02:15:40 PM
Great to see Shelby Jackson in the Commons today, with a group of current players, prospective recruits and family members, and Coach Smith.  Shelby one of my favorite IWU players of all time in the Wesleyan program.

I think this could be a very special year for the IWU women.

Looking forward to the season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 25, 2017, 01:27:08 PM
Coaches' poll is out. (http://www.cciw.org/news/2017/10/25/illinois-wesleyan-picked-to-win-2017-18-cciw-womens-basketball-title.aspx%5B/url) Illinois Wesleyan picked to win in a split decision (5 first place votes), with Wheaton getting the other 4.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 27, 2017, 07:40:47 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 25, 2017, 01:27:08 PM
Coaches' poll is out. (http://www.cciw.org/news/2017/10/25/illinois-wesleyan-picked-to-win-2017-18-cciw-womens-basketball-title.aspx%5B/url) Illinois Wesleyan picked to win in a split decision (5 first place votes), with Wheaton getting the other 4.

At 61 (5) to 60 (4), it would probably be more realistic to say IWU and Wheaton are co-favorites. ;)

Should be a very good, entertaining race this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 27, 2017, 09:52:26 PM
It's about what I figured. I would have said "Flip a coin" for the top of the conference.

NCC just completed an exhibition against a group of alumni from the last few years and won 85-62. The alums trailed by a bunch early and managed to narrow the gap to 4 late in the third before the '17-'18 team pulled away. I got to yell "THREEEEEEEEE!" a bunch, none of the alums keeled over, and good times were had by all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2017, 01:49:30 PM
I'm sure WC will be very good, as usual.  At least Ms. McDaniels is gone!   :) 

I hear the IWU freshmen are really good, may play more of a role than we might have thought.

Lots of experience coming back too, of course.  I'll stick with my earlier assessment, guesstimation of what the starting five might look like initially. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 30, 2017, 11:41:59 AM
Augustana played D2 Lewis U :
http://www.lewisflyers.com/documents/2017/10/28//Augie10_28.pdf?id=6757
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2017, 12:41:42 PM
No Corrie Reilly and no Carly McCameron in that game. Reilly's not on the roster at all, and McCameron, while listed, doesn't have an assigned uniform number.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 30, 2017, 06:57:42 PM
Exhibition level shooting night for both teams . . . WC taking lots of treys, 5-27. ?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 31, 2017, 09:31:09 AM
Well, for what it's worth, the Titans are the preseason #25 team in the country according to D3Hoops. (http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2017-18/preseason) Wheaton is in the ORV category. Of course, North Central was in the ORV category going into the 2015-16 season despite losing three of their best players so I take this poll with a grain of salt, but considering IWU is a coin-flip favorite for the CCIW title, there's obviously something there.

Quote from: iwu70 on October 30, 2017, 06:57:42 PM
Exhibition level shooting night for both teams . . . WC taking lots of treys, 5-27. ?

Augie went to something of an up-tempo offense last year, and they took a fair share of three's last year (502, third in the league). Given no McCameron down low maybe that was part of the game plan. I wouldn't know, not having seen the exhibition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2017, 11:30:55 AM
A preseason poll is a forecast, not a ranking. A ranking should be based solely on performance in the 2017-18 season.
All teams are re-set to 0 wins and 0 losses and need to show us what they can do this season. We should think of every team as being positioned side-by-side at the starting gate. This is the only fair way to think about it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 31, 2017, 03:49:39 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 31, 2017, 09:31:09 AM
Well, for what it's worth, the Titans are the preseason #25 team in the country according to D3Hoops. (http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2017-18/preseason) Wheaton is in the ORV category. Of course, North Central was in the ORV category going into the 2015-16 season despite losing three of their best players so I take this poll with a grain of salt, but considering IWU is a coin-flip favorite for the CCIW title, there's obviously something there.

Quote from: iwu70 on October 30, 2017, 06:57:42 PM
Exhibition level shooting night for both teams . . . WC taking lots of treys, 5-27. ?

Augie went to something of an up-tempo offense last year, and they took a fair share of three's last year (502, third in the league). Given no McCameron down low maybe that was part of the game plan. I wouldn't know, not having seen the exhibition.

That doesn't explain why she doesn't have a number on the roster, though.

Quote from: RogK on October 31, 2017, 11:30:55 AM
A preseason poll is a forecast, not a ranking. A ranking should be based solely on performance in the 2017-18 season.
All teams are re-set to 0 wins and 0 losses and need to show us what they can do this season. We should think of every team as being positioned side-by-side at the starting gate. This is the only fair way to think about it.

This.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 02, 2017, 08:48:44 PM
Surprised to see that Jr Kelly Thornton's name does not appear on Wheaton's roster and apparently has decided not to play this year.  She averaged 11.6 mins, 6.1 pts/game last year.  However, her minutes declined quite a bit in the 2nd half of the season once Ellie Zeller returned from injury and Jordan Myroth acquired a larger role.  I'm not sure that had anything to do with her not coming out this year or not.

Ditto Augustana's Corrie Reiley which is an even bigger blow to the Vikes.

It should be an interesting year for Thunder fans in the wake of farewells to Chantal Meacham, Katie McDaniels and Zeller.  With Kelly Lawson, Devin Kyler and Maggie Dansdill returning starters, we will have a pretty good team again.  But the level of success could be dependent on whether we can get any impactful play from one or two of the freshmen, several of whom have impressive HS resumes as does SLU transfer Hannah Frazier.   It will be nice to have Jennifer Berg back healthy for a full season hopefully.

Agree that IWU is the team to beat I'm thinking.  We'll get a very early inkling of that barely 2 weeks into the season on Dec 6 when the Titans and Thunder have their first square off at Shirk.  These early December conference games still taking a little getting used to.  Probably both teams would rather play such a likely key game a little later I'd think since IWU will have just 7 games under their belt and the Thunder a mere 5.  But then again, why not jump right in!  Waiting until after Christmas break for CCIW play to begin was sometimes a test of patience also.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2017, 10:02:37 PM
Thornton may have decided that volleyball and softball keep her busy enough. She's an excellent hitter, judging by her 2016 .467 OBP and .596 slugging.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 02, 2017, 10:14:09 PM
She's clearly picking her sports based upon personal preference and/or schedule and not team success. Wheaton's got a really good women's basketball program, but the volleyball and softball programs at WC are really struggling at the moment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 02, 2017, 11:27:09 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 02, 2017, 10:14:09 PM
She's clearly picking her sports based upon personal preference and/or schedule and not team success. Wheaton's got a really good women's basketball program, but the volleyball and softball programs at WC are really struggling at the moment.

Perhaps she is being altruistic.  Sounds like the volleyball and softball programs have far more need for her than the basketball program! ;)  As a fan of "co-favorite" IWU in basketball, I applaud her altruism. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2017, 12:08:00 AM
the new North Park roster :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 05, 2017, 05:22:04 PM
Exhibition final:

Illinois Wesleyan 78
D2 Quincy 70

* McGraw: 18 pts, 2 reb, 2 assists
* Merritt: 17 pts, 5 reb, 2 assists
* Ehresman: 12 pts, 3 reb, 2 assists
* Shanks: 7 pts, 7 reb

http://www.sidearmstats.com/quincy/wbball/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2017, 05:30:35 PM
Great start for the TITANS, taking down DII Quincy. (exhibition)

Other starter, as predicted earlier, was Schneider.   The TITANS have a rugged and very experienced starting five.  Key may be how much the rotational and role players really step up and contribute.

Season only a dozen days away now.  The TITANS open in Chicago vs. Colorado College, then take on UC.  Typically tough Mia Smith arranged pre-CCIW schedule.   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 07, 2017, 02:16:09 PM
The CCIW got a pair of preseason All-Americans. Elmhurst's Michaela Eppard on the first team, and IWU's Molly McGraw an honorable mention.

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/preseason-2018
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2017, 05:18:42 PM
A season preview :
http://gopios.com/news/2017/11/5/carroll-womens-basketball-preview.aspx
This piece mentions how last season's small quantity of players prevented 5-on-5 play in practices. Not an issue this time around.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 14, 2017, 03:58:54 PM
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2017/11/14/2017-18-thunder-womens-basketball-season-preview.aspx


Sounds like Coach Madsen will have a skilled team but perhaps not very deep or experienced.  Likely starters will be Maggie Dansdill, Kelly Lawson, Jordan Myroth, Devin Kyler and either Jill or Jennifer Berg.  After those 6 it's all sophomores or freshmen, none of whom played much more than 50 mins last season.  Sounds like transfer Frazier will be in the rotation.  Still, just one injury could be costly.  On the other hand, lots of opportunity for several players to really step up and carve out primary roles.

Good luck Thunder.  And good luck to all teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2017, 01:30:25 PM
A healthy and fun 2017-18 season is hereby wished for all, including the refs whose good work enables the fair competition we all enjoy.
The Wheaton preview does note a bad injury to one of Mel Bremhorst's knees, so I wish her a fun time with her team anyway. The same goes to any other sidelined players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2017, 12:07:27 AM
Augustana began the season with a 95-70 win over Monmouth. Victoria Allen did OK, scoring 22 via 100% shooting. Izzy Anderson tallied 25 pts, 6 assists and 5 rebs. The other Vikings contributed nicely, of course. The team rang up 17 steals.
Elmhurst lost to UW-Whitewater, 75-64. Four 'jays scored in the 10-12 pts range.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 16, 2017, 09:57:36 AM
WARHAWKS: 75
Elmhurst: 64

Shooting 50.8% from the floor and getting double figure points from four starters the UW-WHITEWATER WARHAWKS used a 17-9 fourth quarter scoring edge to defeat Elmhurst 75-64.  The two teams exchanged the lead four times and tied twice in the initial quarter before Elmhurst finished ahead 21-20.  The second quarter started the same way with the two teams exchanging the lead before WARHAWKS senior guard Brooke Trewyn's three pointer tied the game sparking a 6-1 WARHAWKS run and a five point lead, the largest of the half.  A three pointer by the Blue Jays cut the deficit to a pair 37-35 at the half.  Trewyn led all scorers/rebounders with 20/7.  The WARHAWKS held 18-11 and 22-12 scoring advantages in points off of turnovers and in the paint respectively.  Jasim Baily's 10 points and Hannah Henderson's 5 rebounds led the Blue Jays.  The Blue Jays tied the game with the first basket of the second half but the WARHAWKS regained the lead and built it to a high of six before the Blue Jays tied it a second time 54-54 with a little over a minute and half remaining.  A fast break layup put the WARHAWKS back in the lead and a jumper at the end of the half made the score 58-55.  A 15-3 WARHAWKS run to open the final stanza pushed the lead to fifteen 73-58 and iced the victory.  Trewyn finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and a block.  It was the tenth double/double of her career.  Andrea Meinert (16), Camri Conley (16) and Becky Raeder (11) also scored in double figures.  Mikaela Eppard paced the Blue Jays with 12 points and 6 rebounds.  Lisa Logan (12), Kelly Weyhrich (11) and Baily (10) added double figure points.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2017, 02:28:08 PM
IWU opens its campaign tomorrow in Chicago, playing Colorado College at 5 p.m.

Likely starting line-up:

Ehresman
McGraw
Shanks
Scheider
Merritt

It will be interesting to see what the rotation is and which of the newbies steps up to really contribute regular minutes. 

Good luck to Coach Smith, all the staff and all the players . . . as the journey begins.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2017, 02:36:01 PM
Correction:  Schneider

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2017, 02:38:42 PM
My guess on key rotational players would be Jr. Nina Anderson and the two freshmen, Riley Brovelli and Raven Hughes. 

Time will tell as the pre-CCIW season unfolds, as Coach Smith experiments with various combinations.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2017, 10:14:44 PM
This is about as in-the-dark as I have been about the North Park women's basketball team as I have been in many years. I've been so busy lately that I was unable to watch any scrimmages or look in on a practice; I need to have a conversation with the coaches before tomorrow's opener against St. Mary's (IN) so that I have an idea what to look for in this largely new-look Vikings team.

This is something of a fresh-start season for NPU, as over half of the roster consists of newcomers. Gone is a lot of talent in terms of surefire future Viking Hall of Famer Liz Rehberger, highly-capable support player Amani Davis, and shooter Hannah Rehfeldt. But the teams that they led over the past few seasons consistently underachieved and tended to have a sense to them that there was less there than met the eye. They must have been as frustrating for Amanda Crockett to coach as they were for Vikings fans to watch. This season, on the other hand, comes with no expectations at all. I have no idea from whom the Vikings will find their points, or their rebounds, or their defense -- and I think that I'm OK with that. Just the idea of a fresh start with any positive production at all coming as a pleasant surprise seems like enough for now. As long as they're playing hard, enjoying themselves, and making some progress from one game to the next, I'll be fine with it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2017, 11:33:26 PM
Greg, I'm trying to recall if it was Harry Hoo of Get Smart who said "he who expects little is seldom disappointed."
I thought NP would look to Emmy Gryna for scoring this year, but she is absent from the roster.
Surely, the Vikings need seniors Lippert, Sloan and Ramos to be consistently assertive and have their best seasons. We know junior Gabby Sandoval will give it all she's got.
I saw the scrimmage vs Dominican and was fairly impressed by one medium-sized (5'9"?) newcomer who drove to the hoop several times. Not sure who she is on the roster, but she may be someone who'll shoot a lot of FTs.
I may get over there on Saturday; tomorrow I'll likely check out Wheaton and North Central in the tourney at Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2017, 11:52:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2017, 11:33:26 PMGreg, I'm trying to recall if it was Harry Hoo of Get Smart who said "he who expects little is seldom disappointed."
I thought NP would look to Emmy Gryna for scoring this year, but she is absent from the roster.

I don't think Gryna came back to NPU this year.

Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2017, 11:33:26 PMSurely, the Vikings need seniors Lippert, Sloan and Ramos to be consistently assertive and have their best seasons.

I think that Shaylee Sloan is the key. She's always had the talent to be an outstanding inside scorer and rebounder in the CCIW, but she, too, has been an underachiever. If her work ethic and maturity have improved, she could have a special senior season. But one never wants to assume that something like that will happen; to be honest, it usually doesn't. You usually know who and what a player is in terms of internal makeup by her or his junior season, although nobody who doesn't sit in a chair on the NPU sideline will be happier than me if Shaylee takes the bull by the horns this season and has an All-CCIW kind of year. I think that Brie Lippert and Clarissa Ramos are really more cast in the role-player mold, although I certainly wouldn't object if either or both of them proved me wrong as seniors, either.

Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2017, 11:33:26 PMWe know junior Gabby Sandoval will give it all she's got.

Yes, we do. I just hope that she doesn't wear herself out trying to do everything all by herself, as it seemed was the case too often last year for Liz Rehberger.

Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2017, 11:33:26 PMI saw the scrimmage vs Dominican and was fairly impressed by one medium-sized (5'9"?) newcomer who drove to the hoop several times. Not sure who she is on the roster, but she may be someone who'll shoot a lot of FTs.
I may get over there on Saturday; tomorrow I'll likely check out Wheaton and North Central in the tourney at Wheaton.

Alas, alackaday, you're not likely to see me on Saturday, as I'll be over at Hedstrand Field calling soccer matches, since NPU is hosting (and participating in) the D3 men's soccer sectionals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 17, 2017, 05:09:44 PM
North Central dropped its opener to Louisiana College 77-71. They were up 16-15 after one, but the bottom fell out in the second quarter and it was a 16 point deficit at halftime. The Cardinals managed to get within theee, but no closer.

I'll have to actually look at a box score, but too many easy layups, too many second chance points. Lake Forest on the docket tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2017, 10:03:22 PM
IWU opens big over Colorado College, 96-63.

McGraw 26
Merritt 16
Freshman Raven Hughes 11
Ehresman and Shanks leading in RBs.
Ehresman running the show, 1 TO  :) 

Typical IWU win -- 44 points off 32 TOs.

Could be a very good year.

Up next, University of Chicago, the tournament host, tomorrow.  Olivia Lett Assistant Coach now at UC.

Great start TITANS.  Keep it rolling.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2017, 11:53:01 PM
Solid start for NPU today, albeit against a St. Mary's (IN) team that isn't going to scare anybody. The Vikings prevailed, 76-48, aided in large part by 24 Belles turnovers that included 13 Vikings steals. Gabby Sandoval led the way with 13, while Clarissa Ramos contributed 11 and freshman Lauryn Alba Garner added 10. Shaylee Sloan was a beast on the boards, grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds.

NPU has a number of newbies that look like they have a lot of potential. The two smaller guards, Alba Garner and Zakiya Newsome, are lightning-quick, and fellow frosh guard Sinead Molloy looks like a promising player as well at both ends of the floor. Expectations should remain modest for this season, but this could be the starting point towards a hopeful future for NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2017, 04:40:18 PM
IWU off to a great start.  2-0 after taking down #22 U Chicago, 77 - 56

Ehreshman 17
Merritt 14
McGraw 10
Good contributions from the rotation, esp Hughes, 10 rebs.

IWU holding UC to 25% shooting, on great D.
23 points off 21 UC TOs.  Sound familiar?

Great first weekend.

IWU has Wi-WW up next.  A great schedule to get ready for the long CCIW run.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2017, 07:11:32 PM
Keep it rolling, TITANS.

Mov'n on up !

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2017, 01:56:18 PM
Carthage topped Bethel Univ (Minnesota) 77-68 on Friday, a game in which 55 fouls were called.
The Lady Reds' Morgan Harris had 14 pts, 12 rebs and 4 assists; Bailey Gilbert and Autumn Kalis also scored 14, while Madie Kaelber tallied 17.
Three Carthage players fouled out (along with two from Bethel).
The three Lady Reds who fouled out are good players, so I think it made sense to play them their maximum, taking the chance that they might pick up a 5th foul. Of course, if any were committing dumb foul after dumb foul, Coach Bernero would sit them sooner.
I've seen some coaches (college and high school) who essentially foul out their own good players when they reach 4 fouls, sitting them down for long stretches and losing whatever positive play they may have contributed before (potentially, maybe never) picking up a 5th foul.
That concludes my little sermon on that subject.
Of Carthage's 77 pts, 24 were FTs, 32 came from 2FGs and 21 came from 3FGs.
Carthage continued its good start on Saturday, defeating Cornell, 68-56, including a 27-4 1st quarter.
Madie Kaelber again scored 17; Bailey Gilbert added 15 (via only 9 shots) and 7 rebs. Rachel Szydlowski led with 8 rebs.
Carthage got 12 pts from FTs, 26 from 2FGs and 30 from 3FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 19, 2017, 04:57:28 PM
Wheaton had a fairly easy time winning the Beth Baker Classic with a 74-57 win over Lake Forest followed by a 89-56 victory over Louisiana College.  The Thunder were led by Kelly Lawson(17 pts) and Maggie Dansdill(16 pts, 6 rebs) on Friday and again by Dansdill (16 pts, 5 rebs, 2 stls) and newcomer Hannah Frazier(20 pts, 7rebs) on Saturday. 

It's fair to say the team was not really challenged much this weekend.  Even so, it was nice to see the new team  play after losing such notable players to graduation.  I think one difference we'll see this year is that the team will not be nearly as guard-centric and not just because Katie McDaniels and Chantal Meacham have moved on.   A backcourt of Kelly Lawson, Maggie Dansdill  and Jordan Myroth will very nicely pick up that slack.   But with the key addition of 6'2" Hannah Frazier and the return of Jennifer Berg from injury last year, they join stalwart 6'2" Devin Kyler and 6'2" Jill Berg to form a front court with size and skill that will be really difficult for teams to match. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2017, 06:56:24 PM
GoPerry, I concur with you that things look pretty good for the Thunder this season.
I saw about 37:00 of their debut (left to catch an eastbound Metra) on Friday and was impressed by Wheaton's size and game-impacting abilities across all positions. In addition to what you noted, Devin Kyler had a very good all-around game and looked comfortable playing defense away from the basket. Her athleticism and length will frequently disrupt opponents' efforts.
Without McDaniels and Meacham, they may commit a few more turnovers, but likely not a big problem.
Looking at yesterday's Wheaton stats, even when a starter has a crummy shooting day, others filled in, such as Jill Berg scoring 13 pts in 9:00 or Kristi Demski with 9 pts in 14:00.
A few comments on the first game Friday at Wheaton : I thought North Central players often looked uncertain about what to do in their loss to Louisiana College. Louisiana also had an overall skill advantage. NC has veered away from the System; I was (almost) alarmed when they declined to shoot some open 3s early in some possessions, although they did end up with 33 3FG att. They were generally patient on offense, but must be learning numerous new halfcourt plays. Defensively, they occasionally pressed, but were a little stand-offish doing it.
NC is clearly trying something new, while retaining aspects of what they've done in recent years. This transition probably requires several/many games before showing impressive results. I'm disappointed that the CCIW no longer has a System team; their games always brought out the best athleticism of both teams, sometimes very fun and entertaining, although sometimes sloppy. I'll have to again rely on NAIA Olivet Nazarene for a "System fix" and will do so Tuesday at Roosevelt Univ.
It was very good to see NC's Mayson Whipple return to action, following her major leg injury of a year ago. It may take a few more games, but hopefully she'll regain her status as one of the league's most energetic talented players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2017, 08:54:49 PM
Augie improved to 2-0 with an 80-71 win over Coe; the Vikings scored the first 11 pts of the contest and led 26-8 after 1 period. Justice Edell had 15 pts (5/8 2FG, 5/7 FT) and 3 steals.
Izzy Anderson had 14 pts, Victoria Allen had 7 rebs, Scooter Lopez had 5 steals.
Millikin split a pair of games : 83-67 over Greenville, lost 84-78 to Westminster. Devin Curry is averaging 20.5, 5 assists and 4 rebs. Emily Schultz is at 18 ppg and 4 rebs/g.
The Big Blue has a good .536 eFG% so far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2017, 09:31:12 PM
Elmhurst (1-1) sped out to a 31-9 1st Q margin and won 85-52 at MSOE. Five Bluejays scored in double figures, topped by Mikaela Eppard who had 18. Lisa Logan led with 8 rebs and 2 steals.
Carroll got thumped twice, 93-57 by Loras, 85-54 by Simpson. The Pioneers committed a total of 52 turnovers in these games. A positive note is that Katie Rossetti nabbed a total of 12 rebs and 7 steals, to go along with making 10/17 FG att.
North Park improved to 2-0 via a 63-59 final over Bluffton, which had upended Ohio Northern the night before. NP prevailed thanks in part to 14 steals, including 4 by Zakiya Newsome and 3 each by Lauryn Alba Garner and Shaylee Sloan (who also had 10 pts, 10 reb). Newsome scored 11 and Sinead Molloy scored 10. It was a good energetic effort by the whole team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2017, 10:55:05 PM
That was a solid win by NPU last night over a Bluffton squad that is coming off of two consecutive 20-win seasons and which had beaten Ohio Northern (which ran the table in the OAC last year en route to a 30-1 Elite Eight season) on Friday in the NPU Tipoff Tourney's opening round. I'm still not getting my expectations high for this season, but it's obvious that the Vikings are a better team than I thought they'd be in the wake of losing Liz Rehberger and Amani Davis. It's not just because of the newcomers, either; if the first two contests are any indication, Shaylee Sloan has really stepped up her game and threatens to be the major force inside she's always had the potential to become. If nothing else, NPU's speed and energy will make the Vikings fun to watch, no matter what happens.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 20, 2017, 06:53:36 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 19, 2017, 06:56:24 PM
A few comments on the first game Friday at Wheaton : I thought North Central players often looked uncertain about what to do in their loss to Louisiana College. Louisiana also had an overall skill advantage. NC has veered away from the System; I was (almost) alarmed when they declined to shoot some open 3s early in some possessions, although they did end up with 33 3FG att. They were generally patient on offense, but must be learning numerous new halfcourt plays. Defensively, they occasionally pressed, but were a little stand-offish doing it.
NC is clearly trying something new, while retaining aspects of what they've done in recent years. This transition probably requires several/many games before showing impressive results. I'm disappointed that the CCIW no longer has a System team; their games always brought out the best athleticism of both teams, sometimes very fun and entertaining, although sometimes sloppy. I'll have to again rely on NAIA Olivet Nazarene for a "System fix" and will do so Tuesday at Roosevelt Univ.
It was very good to see NC's Mayson Whipple return to action, following her major leg injury of a year ago. It may take a few more games, but hopefully she'll regain her status as one of the league's most energetic talented players.

Friday was the second time I'd seen Mayson in full game action since her knee injury, plus part of their charity exhibition a couple weeks ago and a little bit in practice, and given the circumstances she's looked pretty good.

It is a little weird not seeing NCC go full System like they've done; I've been a fan since we started it, though I also understood its weaknesses and limitations. One thing that changing the style up has done is allowed for your best players to play more minutes. The past five years, I think the top players have gotten between 16 and 19 minutes a game. Now the best players are playing mid-20s through two games, and the rotations have gotten a tad shorter. I think they still want the tempo pushed a little bit, but it's taking some getting used to.

Also, if they can play a full 40 minute game and not have a lapse in a quarter (2nd against Louisiana on Friday, 3rd against Lake Forest on Saturday which I didn't get to see), that would be great. They're still the type of team that they can shoot their way out of a deficit, but through two games it's been too little, too late.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2017, 04:44:23 PM
Congrats to Molly McGraw, first CCIW Player of the Week of this season!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 21, 2017, 09:45:52 AM
IWU vs. WARHAWKS tonight
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 21, 2017, 09:11:14 PM
NCC drops it's third straight, 60-56 to Colorado College. I don't remember the final total for sure, but I think the Cardinals went 6-18 from the free throw line. Enough said.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 21, 2017, 09:57:09 PM
Wheaton 78
Loras 52

It was a fairly balanced attack by the Thunder women tonight although they were led by their 2 post players in Hannah Frazier ( 18 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts) and Devin Kyler( 11 pts, 7 rebs, 8 assts, 4 blks, 3 stls).  Maggie Dansdill also chipped in 12 pts, 4 rebs.

The DuHawks were led by Hannah Stokes ( 11 pts, 4 rebs, 3 asst) and Cyerra Hutchins ( 7 pts, 8 rebs).

Solid team win. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 21, 2017, 10:38:59 PM
#25 IWU lost for the first time, 60-62 AT #20 UWW.  Previous game was a demolition AT #22 Chicago, by 21.  It won't get any easier: Saturday they are AT #10 WashU.  Did the Titans forget to schedule any home games? :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 22, 2017, 07:27:56 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 21, 2017, 10:38:59 PM
#25 IWU lost for the first time, 60-62 AT #20 UWW.  Previous game was a demolition AT #22 Chicago, by 21.  It won't get any easier: Saturday they are AT #10 WashU.  Did the Titans forget to schedule any home games? :o

Well, NCC only had one non-conference home game last year, so I know that feel.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 22, 2017, 10:29:40 AM
Titans: 60
WARHAWKS: 62

With the exception of a tie the  WARHAWKS led by no more that two possessions for all but eight seconds of the first quarter before Maddie Merritt's layup gave the Titans a 13-12 lead.   The two teams exchanged the lead four times in the first six minutes of the second quarter.  At that point a pair of free throws by Kelsey Walsburg gave the Titan's the lead 21-20 which they held, building to a high of five, before the half ended 31-27.  Merritt's 9 points led the Titans and Kendall Sosa added 6.  The WARHAWKS were led by Camri Conley's 10 points with Brooke Trewyn and Becky Diechl each had 6.  The lead once again changed hands multiple times in the first three minutes before the WARHAWKS broke a 36-36 tie with a 15-6 run over the quarter's final seven minutes and led 51-42 when it ended.  The lead reached eleven on two occasions but the Titans rallied over the last four and half minutes of the game whittling it down to 60-58 with less than a minute.  A WARHAWKS turnover and an offensive rebound gave the Titans two three point attempts but both were long and final attempt was corralled by WARHAWKS who made a pair of free throws to put the game out of reach.  Raven Hughes layup with one second remaining created the final score.

IWU:
Ehresman: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Kendall: 12 points
Merritt: 11 points, 6 rebounds

WARHAWKS
Conley: 15 points, 5 rebounds
Deichel: 11 points, 6 rebounds
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2017, 01:04:07 PM
catching up on the other Tuesday results :
Aurora vs Elmhurst postponed.
NAIA Silver Lake College topped Carroll, 61-55. Carroll's 1st half was good (28-20) but the 2nd half went 41-27 for Silver Lake. Mallory Olsazak's 18 pts led Carroll.
The Pioneers got 30 pts from 40 2FG att, 15 pts from 16 3FG att and made 10 FTs.
Augustana won every quarter in their 75-54 victory over Benedictine. Meghan Stovall had 14 pts, 11 rebs and 3 steals; Clare Kramer (does she know Bob Sacamano?) and Victoria Allen scored 13 each, while Izzy Anderson finished with 16.
Millikin had no trouble with MacMurray, winning 91-51, including a 29-6 1st Q. Devin Curry scored 19 in 17:00 and Cassie Somers tallied 14 in 18:00 on just 9 FG att. Jordan Hildebrand had 7 rebs in 14:00.
In that North Central game, Diamond Calicott grabbed 15 rebounds in 26:00.
Carthage was victorious 67-49 at Coe. Morgan Harris had 10 rebs, 7 assists and 3 steals; Rachel Szydlowski and Madie Kaelber scored 16 apiece.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2017, 12:26:51 PM
Augustana 70, Webster 64 -- Augie committed 27 TOs but won the rebounding 49-30; Clare Kramer made 8/10 2FGs and her FT for 17 pts, while Izzy Anderson had 11 pts, 11 rebs and only 1 TO.
Washington U 89, IWU 81 -- Rebekah Ehresman did very well, with 17 pts, 7 reb, 8 assists and 6 steals.
North Park 66, Illinois 52 (the College) -- NP got helpful contributions from many players.
Wartburg 67, Elmhurst 59 -- Wartburg restricted Mikaela Eppard to 10 FG att (6/10) and one FT att; this was accomplished by a lot of double-teaming, or even three defenders in the vicinity. Hannah Henderson had a good all-around game including 4 steals and 8 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2017, 03:50:30 PM
IWU just edges Rose-Hulman (in Greencastle), 60-59.  The Titans did not shoot well at all, from the field or from the line.  They opened up a 10 point lead in the second quarter, but once RHIT caught up, if either team ever led by more than two I missed it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 26, 2017, 06:46:56 PM
North Park fell short against preseason 8th-ranked Wartburg, 63-57, in the concluding game of the NPU Thanksgiving Invitational, despite holding the lead for almost twice as long as Wartburg had it. NPU was up by five at the end of the third quarter, but the bigger Knights clogged the lane down the stretch against the quicker Vikings and took away dribble penetration, forcing NPU to take outside shots that just wouldn't fall for the Vikings -- aside from a couple of treys from Alicia Arnold that gave NPU the lead back temporarily with 2:47 to go and then cut the Wartburg lead to one with 1:40 left. NPU still trailed by only a point with less than a minute to go, but the Vikings ended up fouling the Knights' star PG Katie Sommer with only five seconds left on the shot clock. She drained both FTs, and the Vikings couldn't get another point and lost what would've been a sensational upset.

Lauryn Alba Garner, who made the All-Tourney team, led the way with 15 points. Her fellow freshman guard Sinead Molloy had 11 points and four steals. The Vikings got clobbered on the boards to the tune of 49-33, but almost made up for it by inducing 16 Wartburg turnovers, 11 of them steals. Once the young guards get a little smarter about not fouling with the clock winding down (a recurring pattern today) and the Vikes in general get a little more choosy in their shot selection, they've got a chance to do much better in this league than everyone (including myself) thought that they would. I continue to be very impressed by the crop of newbies that Amanda Crockett has brought in this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.

IWU is going to need a lot better play out of McGraw this year if they want to make a serious run in her/Ehresman's last seasons. They need to work on getting more shots for other players on that roster when McGraw isn't feeling it. McGraw shooting 13-of-55 over their last four contests. Very good player when she's feeling it though and obviously her athleticism is invaluable. Ehresman has really been putting the team on her back it seems leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals. A very underrated player outside of the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2017, 08:07:58 PM
I saw quite a good contest today, as host U of Chicago got past Carthage 96-90 in 2 OT.
Both teams gave exemplary effort throughout, with much basketball skill to see. In the opening 46-46 half, the combined three-point shooting was 16/30.
Shooting cooled thereafter, but there was still great hustle and fine play. Chicago had just a little more remaining in the gas tank by the 2nd OT.
The Lady Reds' Madie Kaelber topped all with 33 pts, while teammate Morgan Harris had 16 pts, 10 rebs and 6 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.

IWU is going to need a lot better play out of McGraw this year if they want to make a serious run in her/Ehresman's last seasons. They need to work on getting more shots for other players on that roster when McGraw isn't feeling it. McGraw shooting 13-of-55 over their last four contests. Very good player when she's feeling it though and obviously her athleticism is invaluable. Ehresman has really been putting the team on her back it seems leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals. A very underrated player outside of the CCIW.

+K as a first-time 'caller'.

Agree with you, but an odd day to put that out there.  Molly was not good today (3-11) but did get 10 points; Rebekah, on the other hand, was (by her standards) absolutely terrible today: 2 for 10, 4 points.  RHIT is by no means a cupcake (47-8 over the last two seasons; ORV in the preseason poll), but no one played well enough today to win against really top-flight competition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 11:09:26 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.

IWU is going to need a lot better play out of McGraw this year if they want to make a serious run in her/Ehresman's last seasons. They need to work on getting more shots for other players on that roster when McGraw isn't feeling it. McGraw shooting 13-of-55 over their last four contests. Very good player when she's feeling it though and obviously her athleticism is invaluable. Ehresman has really been putting the team on her back it seems leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals. A very underrated player outside of the CCIW.

+K as a first-time 'caller'.

Agree with you, but an odd day to put that out there.  Molly was not good today (3-11) but did get 10 points; Rebekah, on the other hand, was (by her standards) absolutely terrible today: 2 for 10, 4 points.  RHIT is by no means a cupcake (47-8 over the last two seasons; ORV in the preseason poll), but no one played well enough today to win against really top-flight competition.

Hopefully it's just early season struggles for the two of them, both seem to be finding their shot still. On a positive note, Merritt and Schneider are playing well in the post alongside freshman Raven Hughes who has been quick to adjust to the college game. Kelsey Walsberg also a solid performer so far after not playing much last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2017, 11:16:56 PM
the other CCIW scores :
St Norbert 78, Carroll 46.
Elmhurst 88, Illinois Coll. 68 -- very nice game by Kaela Jones : 4 steals, 5 blocks, 6 assists, 8 rebs, 19 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 27, 2017, 11:31:25 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.

IWU is going to need a lot better play out of McGraw this year if they want to make a serious run in her/Ehresman's last seasons. They need to work on getting more shots for other players on that roster when McGraw isn't feeling it. McGraw shooting 13-of-55 over their last four contests. Very good player when she's feeling it though and obviously her athleticism is invaluable. Ehresman has really been putting the team on her back it seems leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals. A very underrated player outside of the CCIW.

+K as a first-time 'caller'.

Agree with you, but an odd day to put that out there.  Molly was not good today (3-11) but did get 10 points; Rebekah, on the other hand, was (by her standards) absolutely terrible today: 2 for 10, 4 points.  RHIT is by no means a cupcake (47-8 over the last two seasons; ORV in the preseason poll), but no one played well enough today to win against really top-flight competition.

I do not disagree with any of the above necessarily - but I WOULD like to point out that the out-of-character stats for the IWU players had a great deal to do with RHIT's defense. It was no accident that WashU gave up 89 to IWU and Rose just 60. RHIT's defense is just about as elite as it gets in D-III women's basketball. If you glace at last year's scoring defense stats, you will see that the only two teams that finished ahead of Rose were Tufts and Amherst - who just happened to play one another for the national championship. Rose cannot recruit the same kind of kids that the other three schools in the event rely on (with the exception of the occasional engineering kid that shows up on WashU's roster) and relies a great deal on tough, hard-nosed kids who can absorb and carry out a game plan on defense - instead of just outscoring people.
That ugly game yesterday, statistically-speaking, is no outlier. RHIT held two conference opponents last season to FOUR points in the first half - and in both instances held each team scoreless in one of the first two quarters - with one of the teams facing the very real possibility of going scoreless in the first half - something which has never happened in college basketball, as far as I know. That's really hard to do-even if you are playing a middle school team. Rose lost by three to Wheaton in the NCAA's with two starters so injured from the HCAC tournament they could barely play, had a three point lead over Eastern Illinois at halftime before running out of gas with only three weeks worth of conditioning - and lost to Hope, Depauw, and IWU by a combined 11 points - so hopefully we have not heard the last of the Fightin' Engineers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2017, 05:52:48 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Madie Kaelber.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 27, 2017, 09:25:41 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2017, 11:31:25 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.

IWU is going to need a lot better play out of McGraw this year if they want to make a serious run in her/Ehresman's last seasons. They need to work on getting more shots for other players on that roster when McGraw isn't feeling it. McGraw shooting 13-of-55 over their last four contests. Very good player when she's feeling it though and obviously her athleticism is invaluable. Ehresman has really been putting the team on her back it seems leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals. A very underrated player outside of the CCIW.

+K as a first-time 'caller'.

Agree with you, but an odd day to put that out there.  Molly was not good today (3-11) but did get 10 points; Rebekah, on the other hand, was (by her standards) absolutely terrible today: 2 for 10, 4 points.  RHIT is by no means a cupcake (47-8 over the last two seasons; ORV in the preseason poll), but no one played well enough today to win against really top-flight competition.

I do not disagree with any of the above necessarily - but I WOULD like to point out that the out-of-character stats for the IWU players had a great deal to do with RHIT's defense. It was no accident that WashU gave up 89 to IWU and Rose just 60. RHIT's defense is just about as elite as it gets in D-III women's basketball. If you glace at last year's scoring defense stats, you will see that the only two teams that finished ahead of Rose were Tufts and Amherst - who just happened to play one another for the national championship. Rose cannot recruit the same kind of kids that the other three schools in the event rely on (with the exception of the occasional engineering kid that shows up on WashU's roster) and relies a great deal on tough, hard-nosed kids who can absorb and carry out a game plan on defense - instead of just outscoring people.
That ugly game yesterday, statistically-speaking, is no outlier. RHIT held two conference opponents last season to FOUR points in the first half - and in both instances held each team scoreless in one of the first two quarters - with one of the teams facing the very real possibility of going scoreless in the first half - something which has never happened in college basketball, as far as I know. That's really hard to do-even if you are playing a middle school team. Rose lost by three to Wheaton in the NCAA's with two starters so injured from the HCAC tournament they could barely play, had a three point lead over Eastern Illinois at halftime before running out of gas with only three weeks worth of conditioning - and lost to Hope, Depauw, and IWU by a combined 11 points - so hopefully we have not heard the last of the Fightin' Engineers.

Thanks for your input, though it didn't totally square with what I saw on the stream.  I'll take your word that RHIT has a really good defense, but I also saw IWU missing wide-open 'bunnies', and committing totally unforced turnovers.  PERHAPS that was anticipation errors due to great defense, but (not having seen RHIT before) it just looked like an unexpected sloppy game to me.

BTW, alas WashU did not yield 89 points to IWU - THEY had 89 to our 81.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2017, 10:51:28 PM
Millikin improves to 3-1 via this evening's 82-73 victory over Eureka.
Devin Curry scored 24 and Yanni Saddler tallied 21.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 28, 2017, 09:35:17 AM
Wheaton comes in ranked #24 which is pretty much where they hung out all last year.  However ORV for IWU, Carthage, Park and a little surprised Augie didn't make a ballot.  It's only 2 weeks into the season, but I'm sensing that the conference is deeper and will be very competitive this year.   I'm not convinced that there's a dominant team (or even two) with a gap to the field like it has been the last couple seasons.  I think IWU still has to be considered the front runner even with 2 losses to ranked teams and all road games.  These teams plus Millikin and EC have all played strong schedules so far(NCC and Carroll are the only winless teams).  Must win at home because every road win will be well earned and I think 12-4 could host the conf tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2017, 03:01:05 PM
I'm somewhat taken aback by the early prowess of the league, because -- let's be honest here -- women's basketball has never been the CCIW's forte in terms of top-to-bottom strength as compared to some of the league's other sponsored sports. Even in seasons in which there's been a couple of nationally-regarded CCIW teams and a couple of other solid entries, the bottom of the league has tended to be really weak. But, outside of NCC (a team which I suspect will improve once the Cards adjust to the wrenching change of de-Systematizing themselves) and Carroll (which is still in rebuild mode), it does appear that there's strong depth to the league this season. That's great to see, because it not only makes the league more fun to watch and to follow as a whole, but it also means that women's basketball is holding its own in a league that prides itself on national competitiveness across the gamut of sports it sponsors.

I'm of course particularly pleased (and a bit surprised) to see North Park garner some poll votes. Granted, it's early, and nobody ought to put much stock in the Week One poll. But beating fellow ORV Bluffton (which owns a win over preseason #7 Ohio Northern) and playing Wartburg (now #4) right down to the wire apparently counted enough in the eyes of some of the pollsters for them to put NPU on their ballots. Early poll or not, this could be a real confidence-builder for the Vikings as they head into the first couple of nights of CCIW play.

I've also seen Elmhurst play twice now, and I can vouch that the Bluejays are really solid, too. Everyone knows about Mikaela Eppard, of course, but Kaela Jones and Lisa Logan are both serious weapons for the 'jays as well. They will make their presence known in the CCIW this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2017, 10:19:02 PM
Carroll topped Edgewood 70-57.
A very good game for the Pioneers' Katie Rossetti : 20 pts, 13 rebs, 3 blocks and 5 steals.
Delaney Sjong grabbed 12 rebs and Brittney Wald had 14 pts. Emily Majerus did well, with 11 pts and a pair of steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 29, 2017, 12:12:09 AM
Was both surprised and disappointed to see IWU fall out of the Top 25.  True, they lost two games, but both were either away or neutral court games to teams ranked above them (they were EXPECTED to lose, according to the poll, and both games were close); they also won an away game against Chicago (ranked above them) by 21 points!  Personally, I would have RAISED them a slot or two.  Oh, well; way to early to worry too much about rankings! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2017, 06:51:01 AM
The pre-season poll was merely a forecast based on zero games played and means nothing now.
On the morning of November 15, every team in D3 was 0-0, side-by-side at the starting gate.
No team deserved a head start in the 2017-18 rankings based on what they did last season or in the more distant past. Each team has to prove what they can do this season.
The current (Week 1) poll is the first one based on actual performance in '17-'18. As we are very early in the season, there should be volatility in the upcoming rankings as we learn more about each team. IWU and all other teams have many remaining opportunities to advance in the rankings, based on wins, not scheduling.
If we should raise a team's ranking based on losing to superior opponents, then let's give the World Series trophy to the Dodgers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 29, 2017, 08:52:48 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 27, 2017, 09:25:41 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2017, 11:31:25 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 26, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: titanalum94 on November 26, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.

IWU is going to need a lot better play out of McGraw this year if they want to make a serious run in her/Ehresman's last seasons. They need to work on getting more shots for other players on that roster when McGraw isn't feeling it. McGraw shooting 13-of-55 over their last four contests. Very good player when she's feeling it though and obviously her athleticism is invaluable. Ehresman has really been putting the team on her back it seems leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals. A very underrated player outside of the CCIW.

+K as a first-time 'caller'.

Agree with you, but an odd day to put that out there.  Molly was not good today (3-11) but did get 10 points; Rebekah, on the other hand, was (by her standards) absolutely terrible today: 2 for 10, 4 points.  RHIT is by no means a cupcake (47-8 over the last two seasons; ORV in the preseason poll), but no one played well enough today to win against really top-flight competition.

I do not disagree with any of the above necessarily - but I WOULD like to point out that the out-of-character stats for the IWU players had a great deal to do with RHIT's defense. It was no accident that WashU gave up 89 to IWU and Rose just 60. RHIT's defense is just about as elite as it gets in D-III women's basketball. If you glace at last year's scoring defense stats, you will see that the only two teams that finished ahead of Rose were Tufts and Amherst - who just happened to play one another for the national championship. Rose cannot recruit the same kind of kids that the other three schools in the event rely on (with the exception of the occasional engineering kid that shows up on WashU's roster) and relies a great deal on tough, hard-nosed kids who can absorb and carry out a game plan on defense - instead of just outscoring people.
That ugly game yesterday, statistically-speaking, is no outlier. RHIT held two conference opponents last season to FOUR points in the first half - and in both instances held each team scoreless in one of the first two quarters - with one of the teams facing the very real possibility of going scoreless in the first half - something which has never happened in college basketball, as far as I know. That's really hard to do-even if you are playing a middle school team. Rose lost by three to Wheaton in the NCAA's with two starters so injured from the HCAC tournament they could barely play, had a three point lead over Eastern Illinois at halftime before running out of gas with only three weeks worth of conditioning - and lost to Hope, Depauw, and IWU by a combined 11 points - so hopefully we have not heard the last of the Fightin' Engineers.

Thanks for your input, though it didn't totally square with what I saw on the stream.  I'll take your word that RHIT has a really good defense, but I also saw IWU missing wide-open 'bunnies', and committing totally unforced turnovers.  PERHAPS that was anticipation errors due to great defense, but (not having seen RHIT before) it just looked like an unexpected sloppy game to me.

BTW, alas WashU did not yield 89 points to IWU - THEY had 89 to our 81.

I didn't watch the game via stream-I was there and watched both of IWU's games last weekend-and living in Bloomington, I am very familiar with what they do. Rose-Hulman had a LOT to do with the final score. Ehresman is a great shooter, but really wants to score in transition and by getting it to the basket in the half-court and getting to the FT line - 18 of her 70 points have come from the FT line. She scored 8-10 points against WashU by literally dribbling down the court faster than WashU could back-pedal - and she got none of that against RHIT. She attacked the basket only to have her shot blocked (RHIT had NINE in the game) at least twice. As for McGraw (who is an utterly unique player and a lot of fun to watch), she is almost the opposite of Ehresman in that she relies almost exclusively on pull-up jumpers in transition and 2-3-dribble pull-up jumpers off cuts or away-screens-she's not looking to attack the basket quite like Ehresman. Rose chased her over the top of ball-screens and limited her looks via pull-up dribble. The one thing she counts on, using her considerable athleticism to rise up over defenders to shoot jumpers, was taken away and she even had a pull-up jumper blocked by a 5'7 RHIT player. The turnovers you say where IWU literally threw the ball away? Most of those were contested wing entry passes OR off ball-screens where the defenders took away their usual options.

You can look it up - the NCAA stats are available for anyone to access. Padding those stats by beating up on inferior conference competition you say, perhaps there's a BIT of truth in that, but I would also point out that RHIT was the first team to hold North Central's "System" to fewer than 50 points in a single game, in at least five seasons, without the benefit of being a conference team that sees them twice per year - I recall that IWU's defense gave up 113 and 86 points, respectively, to NC last year, including a loss. Both IWU and RHIT have featured virtually the same lineups the past three seasons, and RHIT held IWU to 46 points in a 70-46 beat-down two years ago-which is the only score in the history of this CCIW board that no one reported or commented on LoL...

IWU looked really tired after the 1st quarter, but still had enough left in the tank to force 31 turnovers-and deserved to escape with a win. This IWU team is not as talented as the 2010-13 teams, but they are EXTREMELY athletic and the way they play is built to make the opposing team frantic and speed them up - and I would not be shocked to see IWU use that to propel themselves to a very deep run in March...maybe even 3-4 games into the tournament...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on November 29, 2017, 09:53:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2017, 06:51:01 AM
The pre-season poll was merely a forecast based on zero games played and means nothing now.
On the morning of November 15, every team in D3 was 0-0, side-by-side at the starting gate.
No team deserved a head start in the 2017-18 rankings based on what they did last season or in the more distant past. Each team has to prove what they can do this season.
The current (Week 1) poll is the first one based on actual performance in '17-'18. As we are very early in the season, there should be volatility in the upcoming rankings as we learn more about each team. IWU and all other teams have many remaining opportunities to advance in the rankings, based on wins, not scheduling.
If we should raise a team's ranking based on losing to superior opponents, then let's give the World Series trophy to the Dodgers.

This DODGERS GUY is ok with that.    ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 29, 2017, 12:58:44 PM
Getting the rare late November recruit news, but Guerin Catholic (Indiana) guard Sydney Geis has committed to North Central (https://twitter.com/GoldenEaglesGBB/status/935487189227589632).

Doing a little bit of research and watching a five minute highlight video, seems like she's got a pretty good inside-outside game, averaging just under 12 points a game so far this year according to MaxPreps.

On the court, NCC is back in action after a week off against Benedictine tonight.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2017, 03:01:05 PM
NCC (a team which I suspect will improve once the Cards adjust to the wrenching change of de-Systematizing themselves)

That's what I'm hoping. Through three games, they've been able to stay in it and have lost those games by an average of six points, though a lot of that is falling way out of it and shooting themselves back into it late, and if they could shoot better than 52.4 percent from the free throw line they'd have at least one win. But they definitely look like they're adjusting a little bit, and hopefully they'll be good to go tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 29, 2017, 09:32:25 PM
Chicago 82
Wheaton 77

Maggie Dansdill,  20 pts, 5 rebs, 2 blks , 3 stls
Kelly Lawson, 14 pts, 4 assts, 8 to
Hannah Frazier, 13 pts 2 blks
Devin Kyler, 12 pts, 7 rebs, 3 assts, 2 blks, 5 stls

Taylor Lake, 22 pts, 7 rebs
Mia Farrell, 21 pts
Olariche Obi, 11 pts, 17 rebs

This was a very disappointing loss at home as Wheaton did everything possible to lose this game.  The Thunder went up by 14 with 3 mins left in the 1st half and were very much in control.  But very sloppy and simply careless play resulted in 6 straight turnovers to end the half.  They still had a 10 pt lead but it left them susceptible to a Chicago team that got hot in the 2nd half.  Chicago closed to within 5 pts after 3 quarters and continued with the hot hand offensively, and higher intensity defensively, to pull away.

The game did expose a weakness.  Namely, that solid floor leadership you got from McDaniels last year is noticeably absent this year.  It's fine when you are winning by double digits but as Chicago crept back into the game, Wheaton couldn't quite find that 'go to' player to control things.  I would've thought it'd be Kelly Lawson but through 4 games she's been just ok in 2 and really awful in the other 2. Injured maybe?  Doesn't look like it.  Perhaps it will be Maggie Dansdill who is a very impressive player and does a lot of things well.  Jordan Myroth, for a point guard, is still a little too free and careless with the ball for my taste – lots of turnovers.

I give credit to the Lady Maroons for showing a whole lot of grit, going down early but fighting back against a much larger Wheaton team outrebounding the Thunder by 11.  They turned up the defensive pressure a notch in the 2nd half and really flustered the Thunder.  Wheaton going 10/20 from the free throw line wasn't helpful.

At least a good wakeup before league play begins.  Thunder have yet to play a road game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 30, 2017, 08:56:32 AM
NCC dropped its fourth in a row 75-61 to Benedictine at home. It was a fairly competitive game for stretches, but the Eagles pulled away in the fourth. The effort was definitely there and they played all right, but the Eagles hit more clutch shots, rebounded better, and weren't abysmal from the free throw line (NCC was 2-7 last night, falling to 50 percent even for the year).

I still think they'll get there, but they're still trying to figure things out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2017, 11:31:51 AM
Benedictine, annual opponent of neighbor North Central, last defeated NC on 12/30/11 by 62-60.
Prior to yesterday, North Central had defeated BU 96-91, 102-98, 108-74, 104-88 and 97-89.
I attended the Chicago/Wheaton game and agree with GoPerry that the U of C's rebounding was a major factor in their win. "Ola" Obi's 17 rebs followed her 18 rebs vs Carthage on Sunday. She's strong and must have a refined technique for positioning (don't ask me to describe how she does it -- I'm one of those fans who watches the ball nearly all the time).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2017, 12:12:23 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran 73, Elmhurst 63. Elmhurst was up 35-25 at the half, but got sunk by a 27-9 3rd Q for Wisc Lutheran.
Jasmin Bailey led the 'jays with 15 pts (from 8 FG att).
Carthage improved to 4-1 by defeating UW Stevens Point 67-49. Sammie Woodward led the Lady Reds with 18 pts on 12 FG att. Autumn Kalis added 15 pts and 5 assists. Madie Kaelber did not play -- I think she hit the floor pretty hard late in Sunday's game. Hope she can return to action soon.
Carthage's Bailey Gilbert is shooting extraordinarily well this season, with a .795 eFG%. She has scored 62 pts from 39 FG att. Another way to look at the .795 eFG% is that she's averaging 7.95 pts from every 5 FG att she shoots.
By the way, recent NC assistant coach Doug Porter is now an assistant to Kent Madsen at Wheaton (Porter's alma mater). He's not shown on the web site yet, but was listed on the paper roster last night and was on the bench.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2017, 10:20:23 PM
In tonight's only CCIW action, Augie lost 82-65 to UW Whitewater. Whitewater dominated the rebounding 48-30. Augie made 29 FTs but did not shoot real well from the field : 18/44 2FG (.409) and 0/12 3FG.
Justice Edell had 6 steals and 10 pts; Sadie Roberts had 14 pts and 8 rebs, while Izzy Anderson added 16 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2017, 07:48:16 PM
IWU goes to 4-2 on the season, opening their CCIW play with a 77-68 win at The Shirk over Carthage.

Merritt 16 and 9
McGraw 12
Shanks 11
Ehresman 11

The press taking its toll on the Redpeople. 

Carthage led by Morgan Harris 18 and 11

Lots of things to improve on in this one . . . but an opening home win for the CCIW race is always welcome.  CC fought hard, just didn't have enough tonight. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2017, 07:49:59 PM
Warm holiday greetings to all the CCIW chatster, from warm sunny LaLaland.  I'm off to the Far Side soon, back to HK and CUHK teaching, after visiting my son in LA.

Look forward to following the rest of the season.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2017, 09:30:46 AM
North Park 78
North Central 59

Clarissa Ramos: 18 pts (9-9 FG)
Alicia Arnold: 10 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 13 rebs
Gabby Sandoval: 6:2 a:to

Mayson Whipple: 19 pts
Maya Walls: 6 rebs

NPU led wire to wire in this one, pulling away in the third quarter and building up a lead of 28 late in the game before Amanda Crockett took out her rotation players. The Vikings were efficient offensively, solid defensively, and really attacked the boards well, dominating the glass to the tune of 49-32. Clarissa Ramos had a remarkable game, burying all nine of her shots -- six of them midrange jumpers, three of them layups. This is the kind of game I thought she was capable of giving NPU when she transferred in last season, and it's great to see her finally hitting her stride and showing that kind of confidence in her offensive game. Shaylee Sloan continues to dominate the glass, and, although Gabby Sandoval still hasn't found her shot, her shot selection has improved, so it's really just a matter of time for her before she breaks out offensively. Meanwhile, her defense is much better than it was a year ago, and her floor game is faultless. It was also good to see freshman Sophia Lehocky have her first solid contest, as she knocked down all three of her trey attempts.

Knee brace or not, Mayson Whipple appears to be a force once again with the ball in her hands. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't appear to have a lot of help on this Cardinals team, although I do think that frosh guards Haydn Braun and Rebekah Foley are going to develop into nice players down the road. I'm a little puzzled as to why Michaela Reedy, the only other senior on the Cardinals, isn't playing more. She's a three-year rotation player who has a great stroke from the outside, but she only played seven minutes last night, and I noticed that she's only averaging nine mpg.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2017, 09:57:24 AM
Noteworthy that Madie Kaelber (20.8 pts/g) did not play at IWU -- injury may be significant. Incidentally, IWU outscored Carthage 30 to 9 at the foul line.
Elmhurst topped Carroll 66-49, thanks to Kaela Jones who had 22 pts (4/5 3FG, 5/8 2FG) and 13 rebs. Mikaela Eppard contributed 16 pts, 9 rebs.
I had my first look at Millikin, as they fell at Wheaton, 63-46.
Millikin was awful, shooting 10 for 45 on 2FGs and committing 24 turnovers. Wheaton should've won by at least 40, but their offense sputtered a lot, too.
Hannah Frazier contributed 4 blocks and 3 steals to Wheaton's effective defensive effort.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2017, 11:05:34 PM
IWU's Wednesday game vs Wheaton will be the Titans' third contest in five days (playing at 3-3 Eureka on Monday). Fatigue may not turn out to be an issue for IWU, but Wheaton is a tough opponent. Should be a good matchup, with possible late-season implications.
Carthage at North Central : Carthage will be eager to return to winning ways and NC will be eager to earn its first.
Millikin at North Park : the hosts look to continue their good start, while the Big Blue seek to recover from / erase memory of / their bleak performance at Wheaton.
Augustana at Elmhurst (I'll probably attend this one) : Augie coming off its only loss (Whitewater) and wishing to begin CCIW play in a positive manner vs the Bluejays who are a pretty good squad despite being 3-3, hoping to be 2-0 in conference play.
Carroll will go for season win #2 vs UW-Platteville.
Still very early in the season, but already many consequential games.
Did I leave out any cliches?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 04, 2017, 10:56:42 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2017, 09:30:46 AM
Knee brace or not, Mayson Whipple appears to be a force once again with the ball in her hands. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't appear to have a lot of help on this Cardinals team, although I do think that frosh guards Haydn Braun and Rebekah Foley are going to develop into nice players down the road. I'm a little puzzled as to why Michaela Reedy, the only other senior on the Cardinals, isn't playing more. She's a three-year rotation player who has a great stroke from the outside, but she only played seven minutes last night, and I noticed that she's only averaging nine mpg.

Mayson's definitely been looking more like herself lately, and Haydn's been pretty good on the year so far too; she's probably Mayson's heir apparent.

Wish I had an answer re: Michaela Reedy. I don't think she's been terrible this year, though she has a tendency to pick up some cheap fouls, and maybe that plays a role. Andrea Dickerson has slotted in in her spot some this year and she's been really good in the few games I've seen so far. Maybe a combination of the two factors? Could be something else I'm not totally aware of either. I don't know.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 04, 2017, 12:09:58 PM

Solid all around effort by Wheaton in getting the win vs Millikin.  One area of concern is the 3rd consecutive game getting outrebounded which is surprising given Wheaton's general height advantage.  A slight increase in intensity on the glass might be welcome. The Thunder will now be very challenged in playing their first road game of the season at IWU Wednesday.  I doubt Kent Madsen wished to open with 5 straight home games but somehow that's how the schedule fell.  This begins a pretty rough stretch of 7 straight games away from King Arena including ranked opponents Scranton and possibly Hope as well as an unusual NAIA opponent in Rochester College.  We will certainly see what this team is made of. 

Quote from: RogK on December 03, 2017, 11:05:34 PM
IWU's Wednesday game vs Wheaton will be the Titans' third contest in five days (playing at 3-3 Eureka on Monday). Fatigue may not turn out to be an issue for IWU, but Wheaton is a tough opponent. Should be a good matchup, with possible late-season implications.


Stealing one at the Shirk on Wednesday would be a great start.  Wheaton is certainly talented enough but would still be a pretty big ask.  Perhaps there's a little more pressure on the Titans to hold serve on home court?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 02:22:35 PM
IWU playing at Eureka College Monday evening.  Eureka averaging over 100 per game, with some serious scorers.  Should be an interesting match up.  Yes, TITANS host WC in a very important CCIW game on Wednesday @ The Shirk.  Have to hold home court.

Good start so far . . . good win over CC.  The Redpeople a very good team, never quit at all, giving the TITANS a good run for their home-court money.

Getting into the meat of the schedule very quickly.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2017, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 02:22:35 PM
Good start so far . . . good win over CC.  The Redpeople a very good team, never quit at all, giving the TITANS a good run for their home-court money.

There's no need to use an inclusive-language modification of "Red Men", Mark. Carthage's women's sports teams are called the Lady Reds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2017, 03:46:47 PM
Congrats to NPU's Clarissa Ramos upon being named CCIW POW! (http://www.cciw.org/news/2017/12/4/north-parks-ramos-named-cciw-womens-basketball-player-of-the-week.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2017, 06:20:12 PM
It is Eureka's men's team that averages over 100 so far, not the women (just under 85).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 07:45:02 PM
Thanks, RogK, for the correction.  At least I didn't call them the Redpeople.!   LOL

Guess my mind is already on the Far Side -- facing a 16 hour+ flight back -- LA to Hong Kong -- shortly.   Five movies and then I'm there.

Happy holidays to all, even the Redpeople. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 04, 2017, 08:27:03 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 07:45:02 PM

Guess my mind is already on the Far Side -- facing a 16 hour+ flight back -- LA to Hong Kong -- shortly.   Five movies and then I'm there.

'70

Go with "Dunkirk" and "Allied", but skip the Emoji movie - unless you're ready to fall asleep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 04, 2017, 09:31:19 PM
IWU 94, Eureka 67.  I doubt this will wear the Titans down much, since bench players played a LOT.  No box yet, and livestats doesn't show minutes played, but THIRTEEN Titans had stats of some sort.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 09:35:14 PM
GoPerry, I'm hoping for "Darkest Hour," perhaps "The Post" or some such. "Dunkirk" was excellent.  Saw it with my son earlier this year.  We'll see on the others.  Perhaps a Bloody Mary or two and conking out may be in order too.

IWU, an easy time of it tonight 94-67 over Eureka.  Most starters sitting much of the 4Q.  McGraw and Ehresman leading the charge, as usual too.  Many many pine-sitters getting major minutes tonight . . . and looking very promising.  I'm a big fan of Brovelli who I think will be a major contributor in future seasons, along the lines of Maddie Merritt. 

It wasn't the "Redpeople" after all tonight -- it was the "Red Devils!"  Yikes. 

Big game vs. Wheaton on Wednesday.

Farewell for now -- I'll re-emerge on the FAR Side, when jet lag wanes.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 10:09:15 PM
Here's a line for you.

Ehresman:  4-4 FG, 2-2 from 3, 3-3 FTs, 4 Assts, 6 steals, 0 TOs, in 17 minutes.

She's a tremendous player, making the IWU offense and defense go.  What did Reggie Jackson say, "the stick that stirs the drink."  ?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 04, 2017, 10:52:13 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 04, 2017, 10:09:15 PM
Here's a line for you.

Ehresman:  4-4 FG, 2-2 from 3, 3-3 FTs, 4 Assts, 6 steals, 0 TOs, in 17 minutes.

She's a tremendous player, making the IWU offense and defense go.  What did Reggie Jackson say, "the stick that stirs the drink."  ?

'70

That was "The straw that stirs the drink."  You keep your sticks outta my drink (whatever they may do on the Far Side. :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2017, 11:05:09 AM
Wheaton paid the price for its loss to Chicago, dropping out of the Top 25 and leaving it a CCIW-free zone. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance remains in the ORV category, as do Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage. Curiously, North Park is no longer receiving votes, although one of NPU's victims, Bluffton, is still receiving votes. It's a little hard to grasp why this happened, considering that NPU's sole game last week was a 19-point victory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 05, 2017, 11:21:20 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2017, 11:05:09 AM
Wheaton paid the price for its loss to Chicago, dropping out of the Top 25 and leaving it a CCIW-free zone. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance remains in the ORV category, as do Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage. Curiously, North Park is no longer receiving votes, although one of NPU's victims, Bluffton, is still receiving votes. It's a little hard to grasp why this happened, considering that NPU's sole game last week was a 19-point victory.

And that their only loss is to a top 10 team(Wartburg), a fact that is keeping a lot of 1-loss ranked teams from dropping out of, or further down, the ranking.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2017, 01:12:10 PM
Plus, I speculated last week that NPU's loss to #4 Wartburg is an important part of the Vikings' résumé, given that it was a close game in which NPU was down by a single point going into the final minute.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 05, 2017, 03:43:54 PM
Yeah, I noticed the same thing. I even double checked to make sure I didn't miss something.

Then I decided they stay on the ballot for next week anyway because someone should be voting for them. :)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2017, 09:53:36 PM
IWU goes 2-0 in conference play with an important win over WC at the Shirk, 88-81.  Great start to the CCIW season.

Ehresman, so solid as usual, 16
Merritt 15
Sosa, likely a career high, 15
Hughes, very valuable and active freshman, 12
McGraw 9

Dansdill for WC 19

Great team play tonight.  Good defensive effort and pressure.

Very happy not to see Katie McDaniels.  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 06, 2017, 11:36:47 PM
North Park 67
Millikin 61

Gabby Sandoval: 20 pts
Clarissa Ramos: 17 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls
Shaylee Sloan: 10 pts, 12 rebs, 5:2 a:to
Zakiya Newsome: 3 stls

Jordan Hildebrand: 17 pts, 11 rebs
Devin Curry: 17 pts
Cassie Somers: 15 pts
Yanni Sadler: 7:4 a:to

NPU made enough free throws down the stretch to hold off Millikin in a game that felt like it should've been sewn up much earlier than it was. The Vikings led by a dozen with 6:03 left to play after Zakiya Newsome had picked Devin Curry's pocket on a drive to the basket and then flung the ball downcourt to a streaking Gabby Sandoval for an and-one that put the Vikings up 58-46. However, that would be the last field goal that the Vikes would score all night. MU turned up the defensive intensity, while the Vikings appeared to be rushing their shots a bit. Fortunately, Sandoval took over control of the game for the Vikings, going 6-8 from the line down the stretch to ward off the Big Blue and keep them from ever getting any closer than three points. It was really good to see Gabby have a breakout game after struggling so much at the offensive end of the floor in the first five games of the season. Clarissa Ramos continued her hot hand -- she's now 16-21 from the field in CCIW play -- and Shaylee Sloan picked up her second double-double of the campaign.

The Vikings didn't look particularly sharp tonight, but they did what they had to do to hold serve at home and advance their record to 5-1, 2-0 on the season. But they're going to have to pick up the slack on Saturday, when they travel down to Hyde Park to face a much more formidable team in the Chicago Maroons than the Big Blue team that they beat tonight. The Vikings are certainly capable of beating the Maroons; I just don't want to see them become one of those play-to-the-level-of-the-competition type teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 07, 2017, 09:26:52 AM
NCC needed overtime last night, but knocked off Carthage 81-77 for their first win of the season. Maya Walls went off for 25 and 10 on 10-14 shooting, Lyndsay Brennan put up 13, and Mayson Whipple had 13 points, eight assists, and no turnovers.

The Cardinals had about a seven minute scoring drought in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and we're down 9 after three, but played really well at the end. They had a nice little celebration at mid court after the final buzzer, one that was much deserved.

Also, fun note: this class of Carthage seniors went 0-4 at Merner, which has to be a first in the history of this rivalry.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 07, 2017, 11:03:04 AM
Solid game by IWU.    Rebecca Ehresman showed why she's their best player making some terrific plays down the stretch.

Some bad Wheaton turnovers and sloppy play early in the 4th allowed IWU to extend the lead.  This team seems to have a propensity for loss of focus during parts of the game.  Sometimes they're good enough, or the opponent is not strong enough, that it doesn't hurt the Thunder.  But this is limiting their upside, even as skilled as they are.  They need a win at Elmhurst on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2017, 11:04:31 AM
I was really surprised by that final score from the airplane hangar.  I tracked the live stats as I periodically gave out-of-town scores during my call of MU @ NPU last night, and it seemed like the Lady Reds had things well in hand until I checked late and suddenly saw that NCC was winning in overtime. Since Carthage looked like one of the preseason favorites and North Central was winless, this is a pretty considerable upset.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2017, 12:31:33 PM
Saw some exciting late-game heroics in Augustana's 66-63 win at Elmhurst.
With Augie ahead 60-58 and under 2:00 left, EC's Jasmin Bailey sank her 6th three of the game. She led everyone with 22 pts, 20 of which came from just 15 FG att.
Following a few misses by both teams, Elmhurst's fine young (freshman) point guard Kelly Weyhrich made 2 free throws, putting her team up by 3.
Up stepped Augie's Izzy Anderson, who buried a 3 to tie it with :31 to go. She then got the d-reb on an Elmhurst miss and ultimately fed the ball to Clare Kramer who made a last-second three to win it for Augie. A quantity of joy erupted among the Augie team and fans.
Mikaela Eppard and Kaela Jones each had double-doubles for Elmhurst, but were not at their best turnover/shooting-wise.
Anderson led four double-digit Augie scorers with 18, while Victoria Allen had 10 pts, 10 rebs, 5 steals.
I was curious to see Augie freshman Justice Edell, who has put up some very good all-around numbers already. Her stats are not lying -- she looks pretty talented, strong and smart.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2017, 01:27:53 PM
To supplement lmitzel's report : Carthage's Autumn Kalis scored 22 pts, Rachel Szydlowski 21; Morgan Harris had 14 rebs, 8 assists.
I was not surprised to see that NC's Maya Walls did so well -- she made impressive plays here and there last season and in the one game I've seen NC this year. She is an agile six-footer (with LONG strides) improving skill-wise (including decent 3-point range), who could become one of the league's better players.
Carroll lost a close one (78-73) to UW-Platteville. The Pioneers beat the Pioneers. Who knew that would happen?
Carroll's Katie Rossetti had 11 pts, 11 rebs, 3 steals. Sara Hartl efficiently scored 18 (14 FG att).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 07, 2017, 03:37:05 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2017, 11:04:31 AM
I was really surprised by that final score from the airplane hangar.  I tracked the live stats as I periodically gave out-of-town scores during my call of MU @ NPU last night, and it seemed like the Lady Reds had things well in hand until I checked late and suddenly saw that NCC was winning in overtime. Since Carthage looked like one of the preseason favorites and North Central was winless, this is a pretty considerable upset.

I'm not going to lie: I didn't have a ton of confidence going into last night. But as the game progressed, I never felt like the Cardinals were out of it. Carthage shot well early to have control, but they never really pulled away despite Rog's mention of Szydlowski and Kalis playing well. Szydlowski was 10-19 from the floor, but she missed a fair number of looks down low and probably should have had more points.

Either way, yeah, I would definitely consider it an upset. The fact that some of the young players really stepped up was a great sign.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2017, 12:40:01 PM
A few days late, I decided to look at the stats from the Wheaton at IWU contest.
Our colleague iwu70 wrote a summary of that game, mentioning only one Wheaton player, Maggie Dansdill who had scored 19. I therefore assumed that she was Wheaton's high scorer. Not so. Hannah Frazier (9/12 FG, 7/8 FT) tallied 25. Devin Kyler's 16 rebounds warrant a mention, as well. C'mon, iwu70, we were (almost) relying on you!
By the way, in Wheaton's first five games, their sum of Blocks + Steals has been 23, 23, 19, 23 and 23. Versus IWU it was 10.
Yeah I know that a lot of good defense does not produce individually-quantified stats like blocks and steals. But the drop to 10 does seem noteworthy. IWU's offense had something to do with it, for sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2017, 02:05:43 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 08, 2017, 12:40:01 PM
A few days late, I decided to look at the stats from the Wheaton at IWU contest.
Our colleague iwu70 wrote a summary of that game, mentioning only one Wheaton player, Maggie Dansdill who had scored 19. I therefore assumed that she was Wheaton's high scorer. Not so. Hannah Frazier (9/12 FG, 7/8 FT) tallied 25. Devin Kyler's 16 rebounds warrant a mention, as well. C'mon, iwu70, we were (almost) relying on you!

We were?

I'm surprised that he even deigned to post Dansdill's scoring total. :D

GoPerry is my go-to source for post-game reports in contests that involve Wheaton. I mean no offense to Mark (iwu70), who is on d3boards.com to shill for his alma mater exclusively. A lot of other posters on d3boards.com besides Mark focus solely upon their respective favorite schools, too; there's absolutely nothing wrong with that at all, so I'm certainly not taking him to task. But, in spite of being a Wheaton fan, GoPerry will give you a balanced and even-handed look at any game that involves Wheaton. Heck, GoPerry's last post mentioned only one player in particular -- and it was a player for Wheaton's opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 08, 2017, 03:03:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 08, 2017, 12:40:01 PM
A few days late, I decided to look at the stats from the Wheaton at IWU contest.
Our colleague iwu70 wrote a summary of that game, mentioning only one Wheaton player, Maggie Dansdill who had scored 19. I therefore assumed that she was Wheaton's high scorer. Not so. Hannah Frazier (9/12 FG, 7/8 FT) tallied 25. Devin Kyler's 16 rebounds warrant a mention, as well. C'mon, iwu70, we were (almost) relying on you!
By the way, in Wheaton's first five games, their sum of Blocks + Steals has been 23, 23, 19, 23 and 23. Versus IWU it was 10.
Yeah I know that a lot of good defense does not produce individually-quantified stats like blocks and steals. But the drop to 10 does seem noteworthy. IWU's offense had something to do with it, for sure.

Yes Rog, I definitely noticed only 5 blocks, but only because Wheaton had been averaging an astounding 10 blks/game.  IWU shot 55% from the field and were 66% from 3pt.  I didn't get to watch much of the game(hence the brief game summary) so I can't comment on how exactly Wheaton's defense was lacking.  I do know that any team shooting that well stands a good chance of winning the game and that you don't win many games giving up 89 pts(unless you're a system team).

Now maybe this was a byproduct of their first road game against perhaps their toughest opponent and not quite hitting their stride?  I hope so.  But I fear it goes to something I've noticed ( and mentioned) before – that there seems to be a lower level of intensity, defensive or offensive, with this team that manifests itself in untimely turnovers or getting out-rebounded(which should almost never happen) among other things.  And the one danger of being a good shot-blocking team is the tendency to relax defensively thinking your shot blockers will bail you out.  But it doesn't always happen that way and next thing you know you're giving up layups or if they call the game tightly, sending your opponent to the line.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2017, 02:05:43 PM

But, in spite of being a Wheaton fan, GoPerry will give you a balanced and even-handed look at any game that involves Wheaton. Heck, GoPerry's last post mentioned only one player in particular -- and it was a player for Wheaton's opponent.


There is great respect for each other's strong allegiances.  Even so, I learned quite early that anything straying too far from balanced and/or even-handed will be called out on these boards quite swiftly unless you're not taken seriously in the first place.  I wouldn't want it any other way because it makes the board interesting and worth engaging.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2017, 03:56:29 PM
For those attending the North Park game at the U of Chicago tomorrow, the starting time is 1pm. I just confirmed this by phone with the host's Athletic Dept. update : all the other schedules have revised it from 2pm to 1pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2017, 05:22:12 PM
Thanks for that update, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2017, 06:38:13 PM
You're welcome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2017, 07:27:59 PM
RogK and Greg, thanks for pointing out my oversight. I surely should have mentioned Frazier's top-flight performance at IWU.  It was my oversight.  My apologies to Ms. Frazier and to you fine gentlemen.  Blame the jet lag and watching CCIW games at 7 a.m., doing summaries in a dazed state.

I'll just keep on shilling . . . as best I can.  IWU has put together a pretty good team this year. 

Looking forward to more TITAN games in coming days.  Sure glad to get a win over Wheaton.  They've been few and far between in recent years, during the Katie McDaniels era.

IWU'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2017, 07:41:48 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 08, 2017, 07:27:59 PM
RogK and Greg, thanks for pointing out my oversight. I surely should have mentioned Frazier's top-flight performance at IWU.  It was my oversight.  My apologies to Ms. Frazier and to you fine gentlemen.

I think that I'm more impressed by Kyler's 16 rebounds. A 25-point performance is a terrific game, but you see them a whole lot more often than you see a 16-board performance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
iwu70, if you're going to be throwing around insults like "fine gentlemen," we'll have to call you a viridescent academic. So there! (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 08, 2017, 09:32:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 08, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
iwu70, if you're going to be throwing around insults like "fine gentlemen," we'll have to call you a viridescent academic. So there! (ha)

Rog, you may be slightly off.  Viridescent means slightly green or greenish; iwu70 is as Green as one can get! ;D

Compared to Mark, I am merely viridescent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2017, 10:54:51 PM
Since the Titans are the first conference team to play 8 games, I'll take an admittedly early / smallish sample look at their rebounding stats.
Excluding three players who've played 10 min or less, here are rebs per 100 minutes so far :
McGraw and Walsberg 9, Munroe 10, Anderson 11, Sosa 14, Ehresman 15, Schneider 17, Shanks 18, Hughes 22, Merritt 23, Brovelli 47.
Brovelli has 15 in 32 minutes, but also 9 fouls.
Hughes is also shooting 61 pct FG (no threes) and 80 pct FT, so she's off to a good start to her college career.
Players at the lower end probably don't spend a lot of time near the basket.
IWU doesn't have anyone near the top for CCIW per-game rebounds, but they have a lot of players who are getting a decent amount. As a team, they're being outrebounded by 3.4 per game, but more than make up for that via a plus 8.5 turnover margin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2017, 11:27:26 PM
Are you kidding me, gentlemen, fine or otherwise, I bleed green!  :)

Thanks for the Titan assessment, RogK.  I think the TITANS are going to be very good this year, esp. as the freshmen are making their mark early, going to be around a long long time.  We know how good the big three are -- Ehresman, McGraw and Merritt, -- though frankly I'd like to see more rebounding, blocked shots and scoring from McGraw, perhaps more consistency too.  Titans' style of pressure D doesn't rely on rebounding as much as some more half-court teams, as the Titans get so many points off TOs, off the press, steals and their always big TO margin advantage.  A good FT shooting team.  Some of the others you mentioned are really impressive early on -- and Shanks and Schneider are playing well too.  Anderson experienced off the bench.   Of the freshmen, Hughes, Sosa and Brovelli have all-CCIW potential, IMHO.  IWU has more trey shooting skill than we originally thought.  (OK, you can say I'm a shill for my Greenies, but just watch and you'll see these three develop over the next 1-2 years).  Mia Smith needs a bigger recruiting class incoming, as the Titan roster only has 13 on it right now, so depth could be an issue in coming seasons, when the current seniors and juniors depart.  Of course, Ehresman and McGraw will be huge losses come graduation time in May.  Now is the time, this is the team, this is the year to go far. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 09, 2017, 04:42:07 PM
Wow. The Vikings must've lost their mojo somewhere on the Kennedy or the Dan Ryan today, as NPU was embarrassed by Chicago in the Ratner Center, 78-36. Chicago's length really bothered the younger and smaller Vikings guards, who had a tendency to fling the ball up willy-nilly at the backboard on their drives over outstretched Maroons arms, coming up too strong or too weak but consistently imprecise almost every time. NPU shot only 25% from the field for the game, and most of those misses were within ten feet of the basket. At the other end, the Maroons spread the floor and tossed skip passes over the top with impunity, giving them plenty of open trey looks or easy driving lanes -- and, unlike the Vikings, they consistently made their layups.

But the worst part was that Chicago just plain outhustled the Vikings all day, jumping passing lanes for repeated steals (25 turnovers by NPU today, a whopping 18 of them steals by the Maroons) and getting to every loose ball or long rebound. The Vikings looked like they were wearing ankle weights today, not a good thing when quickness is your team's specialty. NPU found itself down by 22 at the half, didn't score for the first four minutes of the third quarter, and the game just got completely out of hand. Even their free-throw shooting was awful (5-14, 36%).

No Vikings managed to score in double figures, although Brie Lippert did haul in nine rebounds and Clarissa Ramos grabbed six.

The knee-jerk reaction to this for the Vikings might be to just put the game in their back pocket and move on. That's tempting, because, let's face it, good teams have uncharacteristically bad days sometimes, and on occasion a game can completely get out of hand like that. But this game is worth focusing upon, because I think that Chicago provided a template as to how CCIW teams are going to approach the Vikings. This is still a Vikings team that is capable of having a really successful season, but they've certainly got some things to work on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2017, 05:51:09 PM
Saw the NP/Chicago game and concur with what Greg wrote. I also concur with the summary on Chicago's web site -- "With fouls being called at a minimum, UChicago's physical brand of defense wore down North Park." This was particularly evident in the first half.
Congrats to Elmhurst on their victory over Wheaton this afternoon, 71-68. Kelly Weyhrich made 4/4 last minute FTs and Jasmin Bailey had a key steal late to help the 'jays' cause. Bailey was again hot from three-land, hitting 6 of 8 on her way to a game-high 20 pts. Mikaela Eppard had 22 rebounds. For Wheaton, Devin Kyler had 11 pts, 11 rebs and Maggie Dansdill tallied 14 pts and 5 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2017, 07:46:59 PM
The Shill Report:

Well, that was thorough.  IWU over NCC 94 - 47.  It was close in the first Q, but the Titans brought down the hammer in the second, racing out to a 27-9 quarter.  It was never in doubt after that.

Merritt 16 and 5
Schneider having one of her best games, 16 and 5
McGraw 13, running the floor
Hughes 10 and 5
Shanks 7 and 5
Ehresman 4 3 steals, 2 assists 1 TO

Titans shooting 55%, with 56 points in the paint.  Titans winning the rebound count 54-30

For NCC:  No one in double figures, 20 TOs

Brennen 7
Desenberg 7
Whipple was the leading scoring starter with 3 points

The most interesting thing to me was watching the various pine-sitters, freshmen, having a full quarter of play given the blow-out.  The IWU freshmen continue to impress -- Hughes and Sosa, but WOW, look out for Sam Munroe, such foot speed, movement with the ball.  She's also going to be a good one, when her time comes.  A future Titan team -- Hughes, Brovelli, Sosa, Munroe and Shanks.

Titans go to 7-2, 3-0.

Here ends the Shill report.

IWU70


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 09, 2017, 09:51:54 PM
Wheaton 68
Elmhurst 71

Maggie Dansdill   14 pts, 3 rebs, 5 stls
Devin Kyler,           11 pts, 11 rebs,
Hannah Frazier,    11 pts, 5 rebs, 4 blks, 2 stls
Jordan Myroth     10 pts, 3 rebs, 3 asst

Jasmin Bailey      20 pts, 6/8 3pt
Hannah Henderson, 11 pts,  8 assts
Mikaela Eppard     10 pts, 22 rebs

I give a whole lot of credit to an Elmhurst team that was outsized at every position.  They actually attacked the middle with dribble drives pretty frequently which at times led to their shots getting blocked or missed shots trying to shoot over taller players.  Even so they didn't settle for outside shots as some teams would but continued to play with a lot of tenacity, determination, and good old fashioned ball movement.  They outrebounded Wheaton by 10 which can be attributable to Mikaela Eppard and overall the 'Jays played great.

For Wheaton, I thought Jordan Myroth had a really good game.  At 5'11" she's has size on just about anyone guarding her and she asserted herself with some good post ups today.  It would be good to see more of that because Maggie Dansdill needs some offensive help from the guard play.  And until Kelly Lawson eventually breaks out of her offensive struggles, it would be good to see Myroth step a little more.

Jasmin Bailey made all six of her 3pt field goals in the 3rd quarter.  Coming into this game she was shooting 43% from 3pt range, one of the tops in the league.  So it was astounding to me that the Thunder continued to leave her alone for these clean uncontested looks.  How can the coaching staff allowed her to be left alone?

Coaching error: I don't know why Coach Madsen had a freshman, who had only played 15 minutes all season, in the game instead of Jordan Myroth when Wheaton had the ball with a 1 pt lead and 40 secs left.  Obviously this is magnified because she ended up turning the ball over to Elmhurst, and then doubled the error by committing a foul which put the Jay's at the line to take the lead with the clock stopped.  Myroth(no foul trouble) was playing with confidence and in my opinion should not have been on the bench during that crucial possession.   I hesitate to say it cost them the game because I could point to a lot of things that could've been better. But at that critical point in the contest, with your team having fought back to finally get the lead and needing a good possession, having a scarcely played freshman in there was a bad and costly coaching oversight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2017, 09:58:53 PM
The W part of CCIW did well today.
Carroll won 69-65 at Millikin, thanks to a 23-9 4th Q.
Rachel Van Sluys had 15 pts, 8 rebs and 3 steals for the Pios, while Sara Hartl had 11 pts, 4 stls; Delaney Sjong helped with 10 pts, 9 rebs. Millikin got 21 pts from Devin Curry and 14 by Yanni Saddler.
Carthage topped Augustana 74-67. Madie Kaelber did kinda good in her return from injury : 11/17 FG including 4 threes and 6/8 FTs for 32 pts. Rachel Szydlowski added 13 pts, 13 rebs.
Augie made 24/31 FTs, but otherwise shot crummily : 14/46 2FGs, 5/22 3FGs.
The conference-only standings are exactly as everyone expected and will stay like this for the rest of 2017 :
3-0 IWU
2-0 NPU
2-1 ELM
1-1 AUG, CRL
1-2 CTG, NCC, WHE
0-3 MIL
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 09, 2017, 10:05:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 09, 2017, 07:46:59 PM
The Shill Report:

Well, that was thorough.  IWU over NCC 94 - 47.  It was close in the first Q, but the Titans brought down the hammer in the second, racing out to a 27-9 quarter.  It was never in doubt after that.

Merritt 16 and 5
Schneider having one of her best games, 16 and 5
McGraw 13, running the floor
Hughes 10 and 5
Shanks 7 and 5
Ehresman 4 3 steals, 2 assists 1 TO

Titans shooting 55%, with 56 points in the paint.  Titans winning the rebound count 54-30

For NCC:  No one in double figures, 20 TOs

Brennen 7
Desenberg 7
Whipple was the leading scoring starter with 3 points

The most interesting thing to me was watching the various pine-sitters, freshmen, having a full quarter of play given the blow-out.  The IWU freshmen continue to impress -- Hughes and Sosa, but WOW, look out for Sam Munroe, such foot speed, movement with the ball.  She's also going to be a good one, when her time comes.  A future Titan team -- Hughes, Brovelli, Sosa, Munroe and Shanks.

Titans go to 7-2, 3-0.

Here ends the Shill report.

IWU70

Well, you don't have to be a green Shill to know that that game was a massacre. After a few years of this rivalry really being close, it was back to the early part of the decade. Wesleyan was clearly the better team, and all I can do is tip my cap.

Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2017, 09:58:53 PM
The conference-only standings are exactly as everyone expected and will stay like this for the rest of 2017 :
3-0 IWU
2-0 NPU
2-1 ELM
1-1 AUG, CRL
1-2 CTG, NCC, WHE
0-3 MIL

I, for one, am okay with this as long as it means Wheaton gets dethroned and NCC can maybe finally steal a win in the all time series.  :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2017, 07:56:11 PM
Washington U St Louis upended Millikin today 81-64. Each team made 21 2FGs. FTs were 13-12. The difference was 9 made 3FGs by Wash U vs 3 made by MU.
Millikin freshman Jordan Hildebrand raised her season FG% to .630 by hitting 8 of 8. She led Millikin with 18 pts, while Lauren Moses had 8 rebs, 8 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 10, 2017, 09:15:19 PM
IWU went 3-0 this past week, and probably belongs back in the top 25.  The problem is that only ONE top 25 team lost any games this week, and Elmhurst ALSO beating Wheaton took some of the luster off that win. I predict that they will finish at the VERY top of ORVs this week, but maybe ...

The same is pretty much true of the Titan men, though they were buried much deeper in the ORV category.  I'd put them probably about 23 or 24, but suspect they will only rise to the equivalent of perhaps 28 or 29.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 10, 2017, 10:06:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 10, 2017, 07:56:11 PM
Washington U St Louis upended Millikin today 81-64. Each team made 21 2FGs. FTs were 13-12. The difference was 9 made 3FGs by Wash U vs 3 made by MU.
Millikin freshman Jordan Hildebrand raised her season FG% to .630 by hitting 8 of 8. She led Millikin with 18 pts, while Lauren Moses had 8 rebs, 8 pts.

Hildebrand impressed me. I think that she is going to be a very good CCIW player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 10, 2017, 10:15:17 PM
Ypsi, I'm with you on the Titan women being in the top 25.  They have also improved rapidly in recent games, playing at a very high level with a strong group of freshmen, not playing at all like freshmen.  The program is in great shape with a very positive future.  Perhaps a bigger recruiting class for more depth would be helpful for next season and beyond.  Only 13 on the roster just now, but 10 deep playing a big part in this success to date.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2017, 05:03:03 PM
Congrats to Jasmin Bailey, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 11, 2017, 05:52:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 11, 2017, 05:03:03 PM
Congrats to Jasmin Bailey, new CCIW Player of the Week!

Well deserved.  She was awesome on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2017, 06:44:55 PM
Ypsi, you were right about the TITANS rising to 26th in the new poll.  Unless some top 25 teams lose, though, it's going to be hard for the TITANS to rise further as we don't have top 25 teams on our schedule now to play.  We lost the chance losing by 2 to Whitewater and my 7? to Wash U.  Time will tell.  Just keep winning, posting up a good resume for March and the D3 dance.  I'd love to see the TITANS run the table in the CCIW this year.  They are playing very well just now . . . I think much better than in the earlier part of the season.

All best for happy holidays to all fellow TITANS, CCIW basketball fans, and board chatsters.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 11, 2017, 08:14:52 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 11, 2017, 06:44:55 PM
Ypsi, you were right about the TITANS rising to 26th in the new poll.  Unless some top 25 teams lose, though, it's going to be hard for the TITANS to rise further as we don't have top 25 teams on our schedule now to play.  We lost the chance losing by 2 to Whitewater and my 7? to Wash U.  Time will tell.  Just keep winning, posting up a good resume for March and the D3 dance.  I'd love to see the TITANS run the table in the CCIW this year.  They are playing very well just now . . . I think much better than in the earlier part of the season.

All best for happy holidays to all fellow TITANS, CCIW basketball fans, and board chatsters.

IWU'70

Yeah, I exactly nailed it for the men, too.  I predicted 28 or 29; they placed tied for 28!  I've pretty much figured out how those poll voters think! ;D

The Titans probably should run the conference table, but I expect them to stumble at least once.  Still, I expect the tourney to be in B'town.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2017, 08:50:04 PM
I'm with you Ypsi.  You must be one of those IWU shills too!  Let's hope the IWU women can continue to play as they have of late.  Great ball movement, good court speed on the break, balanced scoring, great pressure D, and very few TOs thanks to Ms. Ehresman.  A pretty good overall combination.  Love those freshmen. 

Our men have a great opportunity on Sunday vs. #11 Wash U at the Shirk.  Let's hope they take advantage of it fully!

Happy holidays to you and all the family, Chuck.

Be well, warm regards from the Far Side.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2017, 10:12:45 PM
UW Stevens Point 55 rebounds, North Central 25 rebounds. You don't need to see a final score.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 11, 2017, 10:44:19 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 11, 2017, 08:50:04 PM
I'm with you Ypsi.  You must be one of those IWU shills too!  Let's hope the IWU women can continue to play as they have of late.  Great ball movement, good court speed on the break, balanced scoring, great pressure D, and very few TOs thanks to Ms. Ehresman.  A pretty good overall combination.  Love those freshmen. 

Our men have a great opportunity on Sunday vs. #11 Wash U at the Shirk.  Let's hope they take advantage of it fully!

Happy holidays to you and all the family, Chuck.

Be well, warm regards from the Far Side.

IWU'70

I have mixed feelings re: WashU.  Haven't researched it, but my memory is that in the numerous years we've played them in the regular season then met again in the postseason, whoever lost the first game, nearly always won the second!  If so, I'd much rather win in the tourney! ;D

As to the warm regards - thanks!  We could really use them (WARM) about now.  Forecast as of yesterday - trace of snow.  As of this morning - 1-3 inches.  As of now (actual, not forecast) about four inches so far and currently coming down at about an inch an hour! :o :(

Saw the grandkids Saturday (Maisie's first birthday).  D-I-L noted that it was her first first birthday where she wasn't already pregnant again! ;D  A shame ya can't get grandkids without going thru kids first! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 12, 2017, 06:57:55 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 11, 2017, 10:12:45 PM
UW Stevens Point 55 rebounds, North Central 25 rebounds. You don't need to see a final score.

I'll throw one more stat in there: NCC was 3-27 from deep.

Last night sucked. Lauren Hernandez and I threw up bricks shot around for 15 minutes after the game in an effort to repress those memories. Or at least that was my rationale.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2017, 08:53:13 PM
NCC really in a rough patch right now.  Hard to make a transition from one system to another, esp. without the over all talent level of previous seasons.

IWU has Stevens Point up next, after finals week.  Then, off to Colorado after Christmas for two games at CC -- Colorado College -- playing Oberlin and Lewis and Clark.  Hoping for three more Ws.  10-2 would be nice going into the rest of the CCIW campaign.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 12, 2017, 10:54:10 PM
Saw Carroll cruise to an 86-39 win at IIT. IIT gave a good effort, but has probably only 6 players with much basketball experience and skill.
A lot of Carroll players contributed nicely, including Rachel Van Sluys who tallied a quick (15:00) 22 pts and 8 rebs. Brittney Wald rang up 16 pts and 10 rebs.
This year's Pioneers roster is clearly deeper, bigger and better than the '16-'17 squad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 12, 2017, 11:27:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 12, 2017, 10:54:10 PM
Saw Carroll cruise to an 86-39 win at IIT. IIT gave a good effort, but has probably only 6 players with much basketball experience and skill.
A lot of Carroll players contributed nicely, including Rachel Van Sluys who tallied a quick (15:00) 22 pts and 8 rebs. Brittney Wald rang up 16 pts and 10 rebs.
This year's Pioneers roster is clearly deeper, bigger and better than the '16-'17 squad.

It is truly sad how bad the IIT women's team is.  Since joining d3 in 2014, they are 1-75 (poor Moody Bible! :D).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 13, 2017, 07:15:26 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 12, 2017, 08:53:13 PM
NCC really in a rough patch right now.  Hard to make a transition from one system to another, esp. without the over all talent level of previous seasons.

That's probably the most frustrating thing about all of this: it shouldn't be that much of an adjustment. I was talking to former NCC player Lauren Hernandez at halftime Monday night and brought up a similar notion, and she pretty much dismissed it based on the fact that you've grown up playing basketball in a traditional sense and you don't just forget how to play basketball. The talent level on this team is too good for them to be 1-7, but they can't shoot and they have lapses that other teams are taking advantage of.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 12, 2017, 11:27:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 12, 2017, 10:54:10 PM
Saw Carroll cruise to an 86-39 win at IIT. IIT gave a good effort, but has probably only 6 players with much basketball experience and skill.
A lot of Carroll players contributed nicely, including Rachel Van Sluys who tallied a quick (15:00) 22 pts and 8 rebs. Brittney Wald rang up 16 pts and 10 rebs.
This year's Pioneers roster is clearly deeper, bigger and better than the '16-'17 squad.

It is truly sad how bad the IIT women's team is.  Since joining d3 in 2014, they are 1-75 (poor Moody Bible! :D).

I guess it could be worse...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 13, 2017, 11:00:14 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 12, 2017, 11:27:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 12, 2017, 10:54:10 PM
Saw Carroll cruise to an 86-39 win at IIT. IIT gave a good effort, but has probably only 6 players with much basketball experience and skill.
A lot of Carroll players contributed nicely, including Rachel Van Sluys who tallied a quick (15:00) 22 pts and 8 rebs. Brittney Wald rang up 16 pts and 10 rebs.
This year's Pioneers roster is clearly deeper, bigger and better than the '16-'17 squad.

It is truly sad how bad the IIT women's team is.  Since joining d3 in 2014, they are 1-75 (poor Moody Bible! :D).

At least the Illinois Tech women's basketball team now consists primarily of basketball players, rather than soccer players who were doubling up sports. There's only one Scarlet Hawk this year, Madison Davis, who plays both soccer and basketball. Not only did the past Scarlet Hawks seem to have players who were clearly better at soccer than they were at basketball, but it's awfully hard to prepare for a season when most of the team doesn't even start practicing until early November due to their fall-sport commitment.

STEM schools such as IIT have it tough when it comes to recruiting female student-athletes. Even a school such as MSOE that has a major in a female-dominated profession (nursing) has a difficult time of it, since nursing is such a demanding major that it often dissuades potential student-athletes from participating in sports. It's why I have so much respect for what Rose-Hulman's women's basketball program has been able to achieve over the past two seasons, and into this season as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 13, 2017, 12:44:32 PM
Good point on Rose-Hulman. I feel the same way about Stevens (N.J.) which is the RHIT of the East. A couple years ago we had a column about the challenges of recruiting women's players to these types of schools.

And similar to the Fightin' Engineers, the Ducks often play excruciating low scoring games. First one to 45 wins!

Maybe it's a STEM thing?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2017, 08:25:27 PM
"Maybe it's a STEM thing?"    LOL

IWU plays WI - SP this Saturday afternoon @The Shirk.  I hope for no post-exam week rust.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2017, 09:45:33 PM
Augie improved to 6-2 by defeating Dubuque 85-71.
Augie turned it over 26 times, but otherwise had good production at the offense end of the court -- 24 made FTs, 27 pts from 3FGs, 34 pts from 2FGs.
Izzy Anderson scored 23 and assisted on 7 baskets. Alexis Jones had a dozen each of points and rebounds. Meghan Stovall shot very well : 5/9 FG including 4 threes and made 3/3 FTs for 17 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 14, 2017, 03:10:00 AM
RogK, of all the teams you've seen so far this year, who do you think looks best, likely to challenge pre-season ranked #1 IWU for the league title?  NPU or AC?  . . .  or still WC?  Your views please.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2017, 11:42:21 AM
Prodded into a prediction, I'll say Wheaton wins the conference tournament, the primary factor being the dynamic 6'2" trio of Devin Kyler, Hannah Frazier and Jill Berg. I think their overall team cohesiveness will improve substantially.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 14, 2017, 09:58:03 PM
Thanks, RogK.  That's a big frontline for sure . . . tough to handle.  Perhaps the TITANS will have to counter with Merritt and Brovelli on the floor at the same time.  Our freshmen developing very fast -- the TITANS coming together very well now.  D pressure and speed kills.  I'm hoping 10-2 going into the next phase of league play in January.  A tough test vs. WI-SP on Saturday.  I expect wins in CO. later, vs. Oberlin and Lewis and Clark.

Thanks for your prediction.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2017, 07:28:59 PM
Congrats to Coach Mia Smith on her induction into the Hall of Fame.

Much deserved, a great record after 20+ years at IWU.  We are lucky to have her and her "run and jump" approach to pressure, defensive basketball. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 15, 2017, 09:19:05 PM
Wheaton over Rochester College(MI)

Devin Kyler      19 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asst      
Maggie Dansdill   15 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asst
Hannah Frazier      11 pts, 8 rebs


Overall a decent performance for Wheaton today after a busy finals week.  Glad to see the Thunder ladies get back on the winning track with a road win.  Devin Kyler had a very game and freshman Hannah Williams had a nice game off the bench.  Rochester had a couple forwards in  Allyssa Copley and Brook Fielder who matched up height-wise so Frazier and Jill Berg weren't able to simply have their way inside. 

A growing concern is the Thunder lackluster outside shooting which gets hidden in the stats.  And it's not just 3 pt shooting where Wheaton is just not good right now.

Rochester was really not that formidable an opponent.  I think the team would've really looked forward to tomorrow's game with #7 Hope who handled 1-9 Finlandia pretty easily tonight. 

But . . .

"Due to a Hope College scheduling issue, Wheaton will take on Finlandia on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (EST) in the final game of the tournament – Saturday's only game."

Not sure what that's all about?  Definitely a drag for Wheaton not getting their chance to play a ranked team since they have yet to do so this season. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2017, 09:54:51 PM
Elmhurst lost a close one at U of Chicago, 74-70.
Mikaela Eppard hauled in 19 rebounds and scored 12 pts.
Jasmin Bailey scored 21 pts on just 15 FG att, a .700 eFG%.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: jspiii on December 15, 2017, 10:08:54 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 15, 2017, 09:19:05 PM
Wheaton over Rochester College(MI)

Devin Kyler      19 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asst      
Maggie Dansdill   15 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asst
Hannah Frazier      11 pts, 8 rebs


Overall a decent performance for Wheaton today after a busy finals week.  Glad to see the Thunder ladies get back on the winning track with a road win.  Devin Kyler had a very game and freshman Hannah Williams had a nice game off the bench.  Rochester had a couple forwards in  Allyssa Copley and Brook Fielder who matched up height-wise so Frazier and Jill Berg weren't able to simply have their way inside. 

A growing concern is the Thunder lackluster outside shooting which gets hidden in the stats.  And it's not just 3 pt shooting where Wheaton is just not good right now.

Rochester was really not that formidable an opponent.  I think the team would've really looked forward to tomorrow's game with #7 Hope who handled 1-9 Finlandia pretty easily tonight. 

But . . .

"Due to a Hope College scheduling issue, Wheaton will take on Finlandia on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (EST) in the final game of the tournament – Saturday's only game."

Not sure what that's all about?  Definitely a drag for Wheaton not getting their chance to play a ranked team since they have yet to do so this season.

The only thing I could think of with the scheduling conflict. Hope men and women's teams have games in Florida on Tuesday. Someone might have messed up the travelling arrangements.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 15, 2017, 11:54:39 PM
Quote from: jspiii on December 15, 2017, 10:08:54 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 15, 2017, 09:19:05 PM
Wheaton over Rochester College(MI)

Devin Kyler      19 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asst      
Maggie Dansdill   15 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asst
Hannah Frazier      11 pts, 8 rebs


Overall a decent performance for Wheaton today after a busy finals week.  Glad to see the Thunder ladies get back on the winning track with a road win.  Devin Kyler had a very game and freshman Hannah Williams had a nice game off the bench.  Rochester had a couple forwards in  Allyssa Copley and Brook Fielder who matched up height-wise so Frazier and Jill Berg weren't able to simply have their way inside. 

A growing concern is the Thunder lackluster outside shooting which gets hidden in the stats.  And it's not just 3 pt shooting where Wheaton is just not good right now.

Rochester was really not that formidable an opponent.  I think the team would've really looked forward to tomorrow's game with #7 Hope who handled 1-9 Finlandia pretty easily tonight. 

But . . .

"Due to a Hope College scheduling issue, Wheaton will take on Finlandia on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (EST) in the final game of the tournament – Saturday's only game."

Not sure what that's all about?  Definitely a drag for Wheaton not getting their chance to play a ranked team since they have yet to do so this season.

The only thing I could think of with the scheduling conflict. Hope men and women's teams have games in Florida on Tuesday. Someone might have messed up the travelling arrangements.

If that's the reason, that strikes me as rather weak.  It's Rochester that's really getting the shaft.  Also, I guess there's no guidance as to whether a team must forfeit a game due to conflict as opposed to being allowed to cancel a game?  It's their tournament so I guess they can do what they want. Maybe Rochester's NAIA status has something to do with it?

If somehow Hope had lost tonight, then WC would've played Finlandia tomorrow anyhow.  Or if it were an event where the games are set no matter who wins. So in that sense, the Thunder have less to complain about. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 16, 2017, 07:42:51 AM
According to Hope's local newspaper:

""We had too many games scheduled for this season. It goes back to between June 15 and July 5, we had five teams drop us on our schedule that we had contracted with," Morehouse said. "We have to stay within the NCAA rules, we're only allowed to play 25 and through the chaos that was scheduling and scrambling, somehow a mistake was made. I own that and I apologize to all of our fans that are affected and players and their parents who came down to the game and unfortunate mistake impacted the other teams as well.""

Morehouse was on the D3Hoops radio show the other night and talked of same issue, five teams backing out of contracted agreements to play, which of course creates real scheduling chaos. 

Regardless, a real shame for Wheaton and the other participants.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 16, 2017, 10:53:24 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on December 16, 2017, 07:42:51 AM
According to Hope's local newspaper:

""We had too many games scheduled for this season. It goes back to between June 15 and July 5, we had five teams drop us on our schedule that we had contracted with," Morehouse said. "We have to stay within the NCAA rules, we're only allowed to play 25 and through the chaos that was scheduling and scrambling, somehow a mistake was made. I own that and I apologize to all of our fans that are affected and players and their parents who came down to the game and unfortunate mistake impacted the other teams as well.""

Morehouse was on the D3Hoops radio show the other night and talked of same issue, five teams backing out of contracted agreements to play, which of course creates real scheduling chaos. 

Regardless, a real shame for Wheaton and the other participants.

Thanks for the info Roundball.  Didn't realize this goes on much; teams backing out of scheduled games perhaps with little regard for the ripple effects.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 16, 2017, 02:49:45 PM
Wheaton over Finlandia 85-50.

Coach Madsen able to play all 14 players.  Nice long 2 week break for the Thunder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 16, 2017, 06:41:12 PM
Good one in B'town.  At the half: IWU 38, UWSP 35.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2017, 07:03:19 PM
Overtime final from NPU:

Carleton 65
North Park 57

Shaylee Sloan: 16 pts, 13 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 10 pts, 3 stls

This contest was a textbook example of why free throws are such an important part of the game of basketball. NPU shot an abysmal 9-20 (45%) from the line today, while by contrast Carleton was a sparkling 16-19 (84%) -- and in regulation the FT stats were similar, with NPU going 9-18 (50%) and Carleton 8-10 (80%). That's the game right there.

The Vikings, who dropped to 5-3, got terrific games out of Shaylee Sloan and Sinead Molloy, but they need to get more a more dependable scoring presence from their veterans at the offensive end of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 16, 2017, 07:51:18 PM
The Titans totally dominated in the second half, winning 92-69.  McGraw led all scorers with 19; Nina Anderson scored 16 in only 15 minutes off the bench.

I'll be totally shocked if they don't break into the top 25 this week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 16, 2017, 07:52:01 PM
IWU over WI-SP 92-69.

Well, we can say that the TITANS can really score the basketball -- and are playing both great pressure D with "run and jump" but also very good half-court D as well, getting into passing lanes and turning over the other team.  Very active tonight.  Should cut down on the fouls a bit. 

McGraw 19  11-11 FTs
Anderson, a great game, 16
Merritt 15 5-5 FTs
Sosa, a new threat from 3, 10
Schneider 8
Ehresman 5 and 8 assists
Many others contributing -- Hughes and Brovelli

For Point:
Lexi Roland 13
Mickey Rolad 12
Kellam Schmidt 10

SP shooting 18% from three

Titans 48% FG, 37% from the arc, and 95% FTs, 19-20

A good win vs. a tough team from WAIC.  Titans now 8-2, 3-0, with a good break now before the games in CO. at the end of the month, vs. Oberlin and Lewis and Clark -- some opposition from different regions and conferences.  Should be good, expecting two more Ws.

Keep it rolling TITANS -- this team is good, has lots of weapons.  Nice ball movement tonight.   As usual, very well coached.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 16, 2017, 07:54:10 PM
I'm with you, Ypsi, top 25 team for sure.  10-2 going into the rest of the conference schedule would be nice.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 16, 2017, 08:04:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 16, 2017, 07:54:10 PM
I'm with you, Ypsi, top 25 team for sure.  10-2 going into the rest of the conference schedule would be nice.

'70

And IF the men beat #11 WashU at the Shirk tomorrow (I think they will), BOTH sets of Titans should crack the top 25! :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 16, 2017, 09:27:12 PM
Women should be top 25.  Men have a tougher climb tomorrow.  I'm hoping for a hot afternoon from three.  Wash U is always so disciplined, tough, and well-coached.  Wish I was there to see it, greet our classmate, Mary Cross Edwards iwu70, spouse of Wash U coach, Mark Edwards.  Mary and I always cheer for the TITANS, save for this one day of the year.  :)

Happy holidays, Ypsi.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 16, 2017, 09:49:39 PM
NCC got back in the win column, 71-61 over Dubuque tonight. It was a little in doubt; North Central saw a 16 Point halftime lead get trimmed to one a few minutes into the third, but hit a few threes to get control back. Siarra O'Neill had 20 points I think, including six triples (though I never saw an MJ shrug unfortunately :( )

Tough one up next as they take on Chicago Monday night, but I feel a lot better with them taking care of business tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 17, 2017, 04:39:41 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on December 16, 2017, 07:42:51 AM
According to Hope's local newspaper:

""We had too many games scheduled for this season. It goes back to between June 15 and July 5, we had five teams drop us on our schedule that we had contracted with," Morehouse said. "We have to stay within the NCAA rules, we're only allowed to play 25 and through the chaos that was scheduling and scrambling, somehow a mistake was made. I own that and I apologize to all of our fans that are affected and players and their parents who came down to the game and unfortunate mistake impacted the other teams as well.""

Morehouse was on the D3Hoops radio Hoopsville show the other night and talked of same issue, five teams backing out of contracted agreements to play, which of course creates real scheduling chaos. 

Regardless, a real shame for Wheaton and the other participants.

Fixed that for you. LOL :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2017, 06:23:28 PM
other CCIW weekend action :
Izzy Anderson scored 28 and grabbed 7 rebs as Augie topped Linfield, 81-76. Teammate Scooter Lopez added 18 pts.
Carthage had no trouble with Knox, 77-36. Madie Kaelber and Autumn Kalis combined for 11 made threes. Morgan Harris led with 11 rebs. A total of 8 FTs were shot in the game.
Elmhurst defeated Carleton 86-59, thanks in part to a 46-21 rebounding effort. Mikaela Eppard excelled (no surprise!) -- 28 pts (12/16, 4/4 FT), 12 rebs, 4 assists. Kaela Jones added 10 pts, 10 rebs.
Yesterday, Millikin won 70-38 over Lawrence. Devin Curry had 14 pts, while Sierra Birdsell had 7 rebs. A total of only 10 FTs were taken in this game.
Today, Millikin lost 77-69 to Eastern Connecticut State. Devin Curry scored 24 and had 6 assists; Lauren Moses had 12 rebs and 9 pts.
Millikin scored 30 pts from 24 3FG att, but only 24 pts from 37 2FG att. Live by the 2, die by the 2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 17, 2017, 06:46:55 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 16, 2017, 08:04:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 16, 2017, 07:54:10 PM
I'm with you, Ypsi, top 25 team for sure.  10-2 going into the rest of the conference schedule would be nice.

'70

And IF the men beat #11 WashU at the Shirk tomorrow (I think they will), BOTH sets of Titans should crack the top 25! :)

Well, there ain't gonna be TWO Titan top 25 teams this week.  The men suffered one of their worst beat downs in years, 95-69, in a game that wasn't even that close - the Bears led at one point by 38! :o

Even for the women we'll just have to wait and see.  The only team they might jump is #25 Ithaca (who only led by 6 points in the last poll); they lost, but only by 10 to the team ranked #9.  I THINK the Lady Titans are in, but not real certain.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2017, 09:37:25 PM
Ypsi, if Wash U is illustrative of the top 25 teams, our Titans are a long long way from top 25, after that clinic, that beat-down.  Our guys played poorly, Wash U magnificently.  Their offense and ball movement a joy to watch -- save when you are on the receiving end of it. 

Women have a shot at top 25 this week, though few of the teams above them are losing.  Hoping for two more good wins in Colorado.  Men have to re-group, get that bad taste out of their mouths fast, by beating U Chicago Tuesday night.  More tough games in ATL.  The season waits for no team.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2017, 05:42:18 PM
Congrats to Izzy Anderson, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2017, 09:51:02 PM
U of Chicago 89, North Central 62 : NC commits 29 TOs.
Lyndsay Brennan did well in her 20:00 -- 4/8 FG + 2/2 FT for 10 pts, also 5 rebs, 3 assists, 2 steals, 0 TO.
George Fox 60, Augie 48.
Alexis Jones had 12 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2017, 12:24:15 AM
Titans back in the top 25 in the new poll, barely.  Hard to move up with so many teams still undefeated -- 11 in all.  Key chances to play ranked teams now few and far between.  Some gotta lose for IWU to move on up.

Titans on a nice break now -- then two games at the end of December -- vs. Oberlin and Lewis and Clark, in Colorado Springs.  Snow time.  No skiing ladies!  :)

Ypsi, you were right, they just squeaked in. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 19, 2017, 06:28:17 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 19, 2017, 12:24:15 AM
Titans back in the top 25 in the new poll, barely.  Hard to move up with so many teams still undefeated -- 11 in all.  Key chances to play ranked teams now few and far between.  Some gotta lose for IWU to move on up.

Titans on a nice break now -- then two games at the end of December -- vs. Oberlin and Lewis and Clark, in Colorado Springs.  Snow time.  No skiing ladies!  :)

Ypsi, you were right, they just squeaked in. 

'70

They'll be fine, the nearest real ski resort to Colorado Springs is a good 2.5-3 hours away.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2017, 07:44:59 PM
In the day's only CCIW action, North Park fell to Loras, 64-47. Loras's 23-7 2nd Q pretty much decided things. They really turned up their intensity in that period, showing what they were capable of.
NPU's Zakiya Newsome had 11 pts, 4 assists and 3 stls. No other Viking scored more than six points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2017, 07:47:33 PM
North Park had a rough time of it today, losing to Loras, 64-47. Zakiya Newsome was the only Viking in double figures, socring 11 while pilfering the ball three times. Gabby Sandoval had four steals for NPU, which had a devil of a time trying to solve the 2-3 trapping zone of the Duhawks. That, and finishing  -13 in the rebounding department, spelled doom for the Vikings. They also had their second poor FT performance in a row, shooting only 4-12 from the charity stripe, but that was not a factor in a game in which NPU was soundly beaten.

They have a final chance to get things figured out before conference play begins in earnest, as they travel to New England next week to play Hamilton and Wheaton (MA).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2017, 06:17:44 AM
Hoops Fan, glad to hear that.  Maybe they can take a side trip up Pike's Peak instead, right?  Or, they could tour the Air Force Academy.  Colorado College has a very beautiful campus.

Sure hoping for two more Ws for the Titans -- re-entering CCIW play at 10-2.  Good first half . . . I'd be very happy with 21-4 and a CCIW crown at the end of the day, heading into March.  :)


Happy Holidays to all CCIW chatsters -- may your New Year be filled with contentment and good health.  (FYI, the Year of the Dog is up next!  A little cultural appreciation from the Far Side).

Hong Kong '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 20, 2017, 06:32:55 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 20, 2017, 06:17:44 AM
Hoops Fan, glad to hear that.  Maybe they can take a side trip up Pike's Peak instead, right?  Or, they could tour the Air Force Academy.  Colorado College has a very beautiful campus.

Sure hoping for two more Ws for the Titans -- re-entering CCIW play at 10-2.  Good first half . . . I'd be very happy with 21-4 and a CCIW crown at the end of the day, heading into March.  :)


Happy Holidays to all CCIW chatsters -- may your New Year be filled with contentment and good health.  (FYI, the Year of the Dog is up next!  A little cultural appreciation from the Far Side).

Hong Kong '70

I don't think the Cog Railway is open in December or the Toll road either, for that matter, but they'll be able to see Pikes Peak from just about anywhere.  Downtown Colorado Springs (the two blocks of it that exist, are pretty cool) and Old Colorado City is just ten minutes away - that's a unique tourist experience.  The Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame is just up the street, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2017, 04:39:37 PM
An 18-3 third quarter propelled Carthage to a 60-53 victory over Drew this afternoon.
Carthage won the rebounding 45-28, with 9 by Bailey Gilbert and 8 each by Maggie Berrigan and Morgan Harris.
Madie Kaelber scored 16 pts and Rachel Szydlowski supplied 12.
This game was in Daytona Beach, where they are currently suffering oppressive 78 degree heat!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2017, 10:50:05 PM
Carroll (4-6, 1-1) 53, Lakeland 51 :
Katie Rossetti had 11 rebs, 8 pts, 4 stls and 5 blocks;
the Pios' top scorer was Brittney Wald with 16;
Rachel Van Sluys contributed 11 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls, 4 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2017, 09:34:14 PM
Simpson 64, Carthage 60 --
Very good shooting by Autumn Kalis, as she scored 21 pts from just 10 FG att.
Rachel Szydlowski added 16 pts for the Lady Reds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 21, 2017, 09:55:45 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn3-www.craveonline.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2Fman_file_1042659_homer-simpson-1280x1024-1.jpg&hash=5c7bf091d6d1fab8fa6505aadf582ee34154b794)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2017, 10:37:37 PM
I suspect that Simpson has secretly hired Lugash as an assistant coach.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 22, 2017, 12:39:42 AM
Some day I will get my dream match up of Hobart versus Simpson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ralph Turner on December 22, 2017, 12:43:27 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on December 22, 2017, 12:39:42 AM
Some day I will get my dream match up of Hobart versus Simpson.
Hmmm.. I don't think that the discussion of a Hobart versus Simpson matchup will occur on the Women's message boards.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 22, 2017, 12:44:15 AM
Fair point. Homer doesn't have a daughter named William Smith. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2017, 01:51:52 PM
This may interest only lmitzel; North Central had nine different starting lineups in their first nine games. The game 10 starting lineup matched that of game 9.
Something to consider during the holiday season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 22, 2017, 07:52:23 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the CCIW players, fans and chatsters.  Enjoy your figgy pudding. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 22, 2017, 08:57:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 22, 2017, 01:51:52 PM
This may interest only lmitzel; North Central had nine different starting lineups in their first nine games. The game 10 starting lineup matched that of game 9.
Something to consider during the holiday season.

I knew there had been changes, but not every game for the first nine. I remember being shocked in the home opener when Mayson Whipple wasn't starting, but she has started most games. I think the rest has just been trying to find a good combination. They played well enough against Dubuque that I'm not surprised she went with the same five against Chicago. But she's also spent most of the last few years tinkering with that initial group some... though not to the extent she has this year.

I think they're starting to find their stride a little bit, but I'm worried it could be a long two months on the women's side of CCIW play.

Quote from: iwu70 on December 22, 2017, 07:52:23 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the CCIW players, fans and chatsters.  Enjoy your figgy pudding. 

But of course, the houska and watching my nine month old play with wrapping paper the next few days takes priority. Merry Christmas all!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 23, 2017, 01:33:18 AM
Over the river and through the woods, to Colorado Springs we go . . .


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2017, 03:53:53 AM
Titans in Colorado, adjusting to the altitude.  Playing at 6,000+ feet.

Go TITANS -- we need these two wins  -- vs. Oberlin and Lewis and Clark.  10-2 going into the rest of the CCIW schedule would be good, good.  Build the resume for March.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2017, 08:24:29 AM
A telling stat line for senior Kelly Lawson:

2016-17:  29 games(all started),   FG% .458   3FG% .316   FT% .785   Reb/g 4.1   Pts/g  12.0

2017-18:  9  games( all started)   FG% .286   3FG% .286   FT% .577   Reb/g 2.7   Pts/g  8.3

This level of drop off is pretty dramatic for a twice selected All-CCIW performer and unanimous 1st team pick last season.  Not really fair to say this is the sole reason for some mediocre performances by the Thunder this season.  But competing at the top of league will be tough for Wheaton if her struggles persist.  Injury, Illness, something else?  Don't know.  Feeling pressure to lead the team and forcing things a bit?  Maybe, but not necessary since there's plenty of talent.  Thunder fans hope that the extended break will allow her to put the first 9 games behind her and start fresh today against #20 Scranton.  No video apparently.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2017, 11:32:16 AM
Elmhurst 76-57 yesterday over Aurora. The Bluejays built a comfortable lead in the 2nd Q and weathered a 12-0 Aurora run in the 3rd.
Mikaela Eppard tallied 24 pts (10/16 2FG, 4/5 FT) and 13 rebs. Among other 'jays who did well were Lisa Logan (14 pts, 5 assists), Kaela Jones (8 rebs, 2 blks, 3 stls) and Jasmin Bailey (12 pts from 7 FG att).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2017, 02:57:33 PM
Final from the Salem State Holiday Classic:

North Park 57
Hamilton 42

Alicia Arnold: 12 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 10 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls
Clarissa Ramos: 10 pts
Gabby Sandoval: 5 rebs, 4:1 a:to

After giving up the opening basket of the game, NPU went on a 15-2 run and never looked back. The Vikings extended their lead to as much as 22 points late in the third period, before the substantially bigger Continentals started making a run via dominating the glass at the offensive end that led to a number of second-chance scores. Nevertheless, Hamilton never got any closer than their 11-point halftime deficit, as the Vikings made their free throws and took advantage of a few well-timed steals to hold the Conts at bay.

Alicia Arnold, playing in her home state of Massachusetts, had a really solid day of shooting. Shaylee Sloan was particularly strong in the third quarter when the Vikings built up their big lead, while Zakiya Newsome and Lauryn Alba Garner really bothered the Conts with their quickness.

NPU got outrebounded 47-37, including 21-7 at the offensive end, but the Park's 15-20 advantage in turnovers somewhat ameliorated that. It was especially gratifying to see the Vikes do well at the FT line, a bugaboo for them as of late, as they went 12-14 to only 12-22 for the Conts. The key stat of the game, though, was the 14-60 (23%) FG shooting of the Conts, who were visibly bothered by NPU's quickness in the halfcourt and tended to rush their shots. Hamilton shot six more FG attempts than did the Vikings, but made six fewer baskets than did NPU.

This is a really solid win for the Park, especially as it comes on the heels of a three-game losing streak in which the Vikes didn't play all that well. Hamilton was not only 8-0 coming into today's game, but the Conts had won all eight of those games by double digits save one, which was a nine-point win over SUNYIT on SUNYIT's home floor. The Conts were averaging 14.8 ppg more than their opponents.

The Vikings (6-4) now await the winner of the second game between homestanding Salem State and Wheaton (MA).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 03:10:20 PM
No video feed/stats from Colorado College?  What gives?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on December 29, 2017, 03:25:43 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 03:10:20 PM
No video feed/stats from Colorado College?  What gives?

'70

Their live stats seem to be down, but there is a live feed: https://cctigers.com/watch/?Live=622&type=Live
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 04:02:50 PM
Must be blocked internationally.  I'm in Hong Kong.  Not working here.   So much for getting up in the middle of the night to watch.  And no live Stats either.  Bummer.

Well, please post the score and an update/summary when you can.  Thanks. 

Happy New Year to all the CCIW chatsters.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on December 29, 2017, 04:22:22 PM
Still no live stats, but the score is 57-42 after three quarters. Not sure who the home/visitor is however.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 05:20:32 PM
Anybody with a final score on the IWU-Oberlin game, and some detail?  No live stats or video feed working for me in HK.  :(

Thanks.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2017, 05:46:42 PM
IWU 79
Oberlin 52
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 05:57:01 PM
Thanks, GoPerry.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2017, 07:13:20 PM
Lots of issues this w/e.  No live stats for Wheaton/Scranton (or at least the provided link doesn't work).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 08:43:13 PM
Perhaps too many student workers/staff on holiday still. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2017, 09:24:31 PM
Trinity U (San Antonio) 89, North Central 56.
NCC made a total of 30 shots, including FTs, while committing 32 TOs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2017, 09:38:10 PM
Kelly Lawson had by far her best game this year albeit in a losing effort. Wheaton goes down to Scranton 67-53.  Lawson was the only Thunder player in double figures with 25 pts on 9/16 shooting, 6/11 from three.  Unfortunately, Wheaton's 2 high scorers for the season Hannah Frazier and Maggie Dansdill were held to 5 pts and 1 pt respectively.  31% shooting is not going to get it done.  -9 rebounding despite 10 boards from Devin Kyler. 

Scranton shot 60% from the field and got a balanced attack from Bridget Mann, Katie Broderick and Katie Feehery with 17 pts, 14, and 12 as well as 8 rebounds each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2017, 11:54:19 PM
In that IWU victory, Maddie Merritt was productive with 19 pts and 10 rebs in 21 min.
Rebekah Ehresman had 14 pts, 3 stls, 3 assists and 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2017, 11:57:15 PM
Here's more on the IWU game in Colorado, vs. Oberlin.

Score IWU 79 Oberlin 52, though the Box has it at 79-44.  Strange.

IWU won the 1Q 21-5, and 4Q 22-10 -- if one can believe the Box.

The usual formula, causing 26 TOs and 26 points off turnovers.  IWU 13 TOs.

Merritt 19 and 10
Ehresman 14 and 7
12 of 13 Titans on the roster scored

For Oberlin:
Alex Stipano 16
Ally Driscoll 10

Titans now 9-2.  Playing Lewis and Clark again at CC tomorrow. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2017, 04:46:51 PM
Championship final from the Salem State Holiday Classic:

North Park 58
Wheaton (MA) 49

Brie Lippert: 12 pts, 3 stls, 2 blks
Gabby Sandoval: 11 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 12 rebs, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 6:3 a:to

Terrific defensive performance by the Vikings, who kept a double-digit lead from shortly before halftime until the Lyons hit a meaningless jumper with 12 seconds left in the game. Wheaton barely shot 30% from the field for the afternoon, and the Lyons just really had a hard time getting an open look throughout. The Vikings didn't play flawlessly; they couldn't buy a trey, as they went 1-15 from downtown (although that was nullified by the fact that the Lyons shot the exact same 1-15 from long distance), and they threw away a bunch of long passes trying to elude Wheaton's halfcourt trap. But, by and large, NPU played with great energy and superior skill today against another team that came into the contest sporting a winning record.

Shaylee Sloan and Gabby Sandoval were named to the All-Tourney team, with Sloan also named MVP of the tourney.

NPU thus concludes its non-con slate and will head into Wednesday's game at Carroll with a 7-4, 2-0 record.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on December 30, 2017, 07:05:09 PM
IWU 80 Lewis and Clark 58
Titans came out firing in the 3rd quarter and never looked back.  Instead of run and jump, the Titans turned the second half into run and shoot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2017, 07:41:07 PM
lmitzel will be very pleased to learn that North Central topped Kean 83-70 and made 22/25 FTs.
Natali Dimitrova did quite well : 6/11 FG (a 3 included) and 4/5 FT for 17 pts, along with 10 rebs, 4 assists, 2 blks, 2 stls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2017, 07:52:41 PM
Millikin 85, Illinois College 67.
Devin Curry 28 pts (5/8 2FG, 6/9 3FG) excellent shooting fully overlays her six turnovers;
Emily Schultz 17 pts, 11 rebs, 3 stls;
Jordan Hildebrand 15 pts in 14:00 (5/5 2FG, 5/6 FT)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2017, 08:07:22 PM
Carthage beat Ripon 63-52 and committed only 7 turnovers in the process.
Maggie Berigan had 17 pts and 3 steals, making 8 of 11 FG att.
Morgan Harris made numerous contributions : 15 pts, 8 rebs, 4 assists, 3 stls.
Elmhurst lost to Loras, 75-71. Mikaela Eppard was outstanding again : 19 pts 10 rebs, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 2 stls, 0 TOs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2017, 08:19:51 PM
IWU 80, Lewis & Clark 58 --
Ashley Schneider 16 pts, 6 rebs
Sydney Shanks 13 pts, 7 assists, 3 stls
Rebekah Ehresman 5 steals
--
UW Oshkosh 76, Carroll 50
Sara Hartl scores 11 pts on 8 FG att
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2017, 08:50:57 PM
RogK, thanks for the summary of IWU vs. L & C.  I didn't get up to watch this time, given the issues with the CC feed.

Titans did have a good night shooting 49%.  The usual 22-11 TOs ratio, leading to lots of points off TOs.

Bench players contributing nicely. 

Merritt also 12, Anderson 10.  Do wonder why no Molly McGraw at all tonight.  Flu?  Injury?  Needed rest going into CCIW play?  Time will tell.

A wonderful Colorado trip I'm sure, going 2-0, now 10-2.  Hope the team got to sample all the local sites, food, and "other products."  If so, they can fly high into the rest of the season!   LOL   :)

New Year's Eve in HK.  Happy New Year to all.

Now to the serious business of pursuing a CCIW championship.  Many good, tougher games upcoming.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2017, 09:04:08 PM
The Pgraph article on the IWU game says McGraw has an ankle injury from the game vs. Oberlin.  No word on seriousness, how long she'll be out. 

Good time for rest, holiday cheer and preparing for Augie on Jan. 3.

Happy New Year!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 30, 2017, 09:38:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 30, 2017, 07:41:07 PM
lmitzel will be very pleased to learn that North Central topped Kean 83-70 and made 22/25 FTs.
Natali Dimitrova did quite well : 6/11 FG (a 3 included) and 4/5 FT for 17 pts, along with 10 rebs, 4 assists, 2 blks, 2 stls.

I almost did a double take when I saw their free throw line at half of the men's game. I'm glad they finally had a good game at the line, and getting their third win of the year right before getting back into CCIW play is a plus.

Last I checked in that one, Kean got called for three techs. I'll have to go back and watch to see what happened.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 30, 2017, 10:14:57 PM
Wheaton over Marywood 75-42.   Looks like everyone wearing a uniform got into the game.

Wheaton at 7-4 (1-2) needs some urgency to pocket some conference road wins beginning on Wednesday @ Carthage.  Pretty important game for both teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2017, 10:22:43 PM
Augustana trailed Central of Iowa 25-15 early in the 2nd quarter this evening. Augie subsequently outscored Central by 40, winning 92-62.
Izzy Anderson had 20 pts, 7 rebs, while Meghan Stovall tallied 18 pts and 4 assists. Teammate Clare Kramer (6/8 FG, 3/5 FT) scored 15 in 14:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2017, 10:40:04 PM
The CCIW is 46-33 (.582) in non-conference play thus far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2017, 08:57:28 PM
Well, here we go for the conference race.  My TITANS are playing very well, have a real shot at running the table.  If they keep playing like they have been, avoid injuries (we'll see on McGraw), and keep the good defensive pressure going, shooting and high percentage and getting just enough from the three-point line, I think they have a good shot at a 20+ game winning season, perhaps more.  The overall roster is shorter, but the depth and experience are there, going about 9 deep, with the new freshmen really contributing.  Gotta be optimistic for the rest of the season. Mia has them playing well, with a clear identity and strategy.  First half for me, Ehresman is the MVP of the TITANS.  Solid and consistent.  Maddie Merritt just behind. 

Already 2018 in Asia -- Happy New Year to all -- be safe, stay warm out there.  Brutal cold in the Midwest.  Sure glad I'm on the Far Side.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 31, 2017, 09:18:52 PM
Mark, I hesitate to predict 16-0.  But I wouldn't be at all surprised with 15-1 or 14-2. ;D

I wouldn't be shocked, but I'd be surprised, if the conference tourney was not in B'town.

On the other hand, the men may have to fight like crazy to even make the conference tourney.  They just don't look right somehow to me.  (On the other other hand, I thought the same thing about a couple of teams that went to Salem. ::))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2017, 09:54:27 PM
Ypsi, Happy New Year, my friend.  Hope you and all the family are well.

I think the IWU women are surely in a good position, playing well with a clear identity and depth.  Yes, 14-2 and a CCIW crown would be just fine -- then the conference tournament @ The Shirk.  We'll see.  The competition surely getting tougher now.

The men -- well, what can you say?  Inconsistent, too much talent spread too thinly, no real identity, and not enough scoring or rebounding support (save for Beasley) from the 3-5 positions . . . I, too, worry that they may not make the CCIW tournament.

Wednesday night vs. Augie a real gut check.  Augie just looked awesome vs. Wash U.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 31, 2017, 11:30:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 31, 2017, 08:57:28 PM
My TITANS are playing very well, have a real shot at running the table. 

16-0 . . . seriously?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2018, 12:12:48 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 31, 2017, 11:30:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 31, 2017, 08:57:28 PM
My TITANS are playing very well, have a real shot at running the table. 

16-0 . . . seriously?

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/WellgroomedBaggyAmericanblackvulture-size_restricted.gif)

Forget it, he's rolling.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2018, 12:23:28 AM
Time will tell.  Nobody else is 10-2 with two close losses to top 25 teams. 

Why not?

Shillosaurus Rex  :) 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 01, 2018, 08:39:54 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 01, 2018, 12:23:28 AM
Why not?

I dunno. History? Hasn't happened since 2009... though that was also with a green-clad Mia Smith team back when Christina Solari was averaging a double-double en route to POY honors while blowing the doors off of second place Wheaton twice. And even then, it's only happened two other times (Millikin in '98 and Augie in '91).

Not to say it can't happen or won't happen again, but this requires no letdowns with two more to go against a resurgent North Park team, two with a good Elmhurst team, one at Wheaton, one at Carthage, one at home against a North Central team that's won three of the last four down at the Shirk (which means absolutely nothing for this year, I just want to milk that trend for all it's worth :P )... I have a healthy respect for that team in green from Bloomington, but I'm not seeing 16-0. Get it to 10 or so, then we'll talk.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2018, 03:52:30 PM
Millikin was in action yesterday, on the short end of 61-53 vs Monmouth (IL).
Yanni Saddler led the Big Blue with 18 pts and Jordan Hildebrand added 12. No one else exceeded 6.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2018, 09:42:04 PM
Imitzel, I agree, very tough to get to 16-0.  History against it, for sure. You know me, the consistent IWU shill.  As I said earlier, I'd be very happy with 14-2 and the tournament at The Shirk.  WC is bound to be stronger later in the season, and NPU has certainly played well at times.  EC with their top All-Conference player, will always be a challenge.  But, I have a pretty good feeling about this Titan team.  Senior leadership, Ehresman handling the ball, few TOs, "run and jump", lots of consistent weapons from role players and freshmen playing like veterans.  We always like our Coach.  Merritt and Brovelli can pretty much match WC's size.   We'll see. 

Anyway, plenty of good basketball upcoming.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 02, 2018, 02:05:17 PM
Mikaela Eppard won Player of the Holiday Break Week honors (http://www.cciw.org/news/2018/1/2/elmhursts-eppard-named-cciw-womens-basketball-player-of-the-week.aspx) after averaging 21.5 and 11.5 in two games for the Blue Jays. Well deserved.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2018, 08:26:24 PM
Congrats to her -- playing at a very high level.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2018, 10:04:40 PM
IWU moves up to #23 in the new D3 poll.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2018, 09:47:14 AM
The Thunder ladies will face a big challenge tonight against Carthage at Tarble.  The Lady Reds sport a guard-oriented but very balanced attack led by Madie Kaelber which will test Wheaton's larger lineup.  In Wheaton's 4 losses they've been outrebounded by -7 on average while they're +2 on the boards in their wins.  So they need some more fight on the glass.  Morgan Harris especially is an extraordinary rebounder for a guard.  And whoever is on Bailey Gilbert can't leave her open for uncontested treys when she's shooting 47% from there.  They did this against Jasmin Bailey at Elmhurst and it really hurt them.

IWU will also be tested in Rock Island vs what I'm suspecting is an under-rated Augie team.  To win the league you need significant road wins.  Neither the Titans or Thunder has one yet so tonight is a big opportunity.  NPU and EC also need to take care of business in winnable road games.

According to Massey:

NPU 65 (82%) @ Carroll 53 (18%)
Wheaton 65 ( 45%)  @ Carthage 67 ( 55% )
Elmhurst  76 ( 80% ) @ Millikin 66 ( 20% )
Ill Wesleyan 81 ( 71%) @ Augustana 74 ( 29% )
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2018, 12:22:38 PM
Yep, GoPerry, we definitely have important matchups tonight.
Perhaps Augie's most consequential game of the season, an opportunity to position themselves in the top half of the league and secondarily give themselves some chance at reaching 1st place down the road. From IWU's perspective, a win today and a win Saturday vs Elmhurst would make the Titans 5-0 and almost guarantee that they'd host the conference tournament. IWU completes the 1st half of CCIW play vs North Park, Millikin and Carroll.
Wheaton or Carthage will be 1-3 later tonight. This fact alone should be sufficient incentive for a very hard-fought game.
At 0-3, Millikin needs a season-saving win tonight. An oh-and-four hole would be very difficult to climb out of. For Elmhurst, 3-1 would be a lot more comfortable than 2-2.
I see North Park at Carroll as 50-50, could go either way and probably will. (what?) Both of these teams have looked pretty good in some games, but a bit substandard in others.
GoPerry, I like your thoughts about assigning one defender to blanket Gilbert (and Jasmin Bailey) and not having any other defensive responsibility; "do not stray away from her."
With Carthage, though, Kaelber and Kalis are also easily capable of sinking 4-of-7 or 5-of-8 threes in any game. While Gilbert, Kalis and Kaelber may not all be on the floor at once, two of them likely are, warranting tight coverage at the arc. How that is accomplished is a question for all opposing coaches. Wheaton at least has the luxury of Frazier and/or Jill Berg swatting away layup attempts if some defenders are not helping in the lane. Kyler, of course, can play very good D near the basket or out on the perimeter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2018, 02:19:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 03, 2018, 12:22:38 PM
Yep, GoPerry, we definitely have important matchups tonight.
Perhaps Augie's most consequential game of the season, an opportunity to position themselves in the top half of the league and secondarily give themselves some chance at reaching 1st place down the road. From IWU's perspective, a win today and a win Saturday vs Elmhurst would make the Titans 5-0 and almost guarantee that they'd host the conference tournament. IWU completes the 1st half of CCIW play vs North Park, Millikin and Carroll.
Wheaton or Carthage will be 1-3 later tonight. This fact alone should be sufficient incentive for a very hard-fought game.
At 0-3, Millikin needs a season-saving win tonight. An oh-and-four hole would be very difficult to climb out of. For Elmhurst, 3-1 would be a lot more comfortable than 2-2.
I see North Park at Carroll as 50-50, could go either way and probably will. (what?) Both of these teams have looked pretty good in some games, but a bit substandard in others.
GoPerry, I like your thoughts about assigning one defender to blanket Gilbert (and Jasmin Bailey) and not having any other defensive responsibility; "do not stray away from her."
With Carthage, though, Kaelber and Kalis are also easily capable of sinking 4-of-7 or 5-of-8 threes in any game. While Gilbert, Kalis and Kaelber may not all be on the floor at once, two of them likely are, warranting tight coverage at the arc. How that is accomplished is a question for all opposing coaches. Wheaton at least has the luxury of Frazier and/or Jill Berg swatting away layup attempts if some defenders are not helping in the lane. Kyler, of course, can play very good D near the basket or out on the perimeter.

Agree on the Augie/IWU matchup tonight.  Both teams are +1 with road wins, but the Vikings win @ EC is surely more significant than the Titans @ NCC.  So  'holding serve' tonight might give them a slight leg up.

Wheaton and Carthage have won at home, lost on the road.  A Carthage loss would hurt them more I think.  While a Thunder win would get them to 2-2 having already played IWU, EC and CC on the road. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2018, 08:47:54 PM
Widespread power outage in Kenosha.  Wheaton/Carthage game re-scheduled for tomorrow at 5pm.  Not ideal for the Thunder ladies; 90 mins up and back for nothing. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 03, 2018, 08:49:34 PM
At the half, Titans putting a major beat-down on the Vikings in Rock Island, 45-18. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Ypsi, looks like a good day to be a Titan.  AC 0-11 from 3.  10 Titans have scored.  On cruise control from here.  McGraw can rest her ankle.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 03, 2018, 10:07:36 PM
Final: Titans 102, Vikings 57.  Stat of the night: Titans starters scored 38; Titans bench scored 64. :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2018, 10:22:30 PM
In Rock Island, as Ypsi has reported, IWU 102 AC 57.  After taking the first Q 23-6, this one never in doubt.  It was 45-18 at the half. 

IWU 52%, 41% from 3, 80% FTs.  AC 29%, 10% from 3, 51% FTs.  Pretty clear what went on here.

Kendall Sosa a breakout game off the bench, 20 and 6, 11-11 FTs. (you're going to hear a lot about her in future).
Anderson 16 and 4
Merritt 14 and 8, 6-6 FTs
McGraw 12 (able to rest the ankle)
Brovelli 10 and 7

12 Titans scoring

Not a single AC player in double figures.
AC led by Sadie Roberts 9 points

IWU now 11-2, 4-0.  On a roll.  Indeed, "a great day to be a Titan." 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2018, 10:27:59 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 03, 2018, 09:47:14 AM

. . . vs what I'm suspecting is an under-rated Augie team. 

I no longer suspect this.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2018, 10:41:05 PM
Still 10000 customers (was 19000 earlier) without power in the Kenosha area. Not good in single digit weather. Best wishes to our Carthage friends and their neighbors. Hopefully all are able to be warm somewhere and no one has home troubles, like frozen pipes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2018, 11:34:54 PM
Overtime final in Waukesha:

North Park 75
Carroll 70

Alicia Arnold: 23 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 10 rebs, 3 blks
Sinead Molloy: 7 rebs, 6:2 a:to
Brie Lippert: 6 rebs, 5 stls

Brittney Wald: 31 pts, 10 rebs
Rachel Van Sluys: 14 pts, 8 rebs, 6 stls
Katie Rosetti: 14 rebs
Anna Menges: 6 rebs

The Vikings overcame a big game from Carroll's Brittney Wald and the absence of PG Lauryn Alba Garner to pick up the come-from-behind road win tonight. NPU trailed the entire game until midway through the fourth quarter, and from then on in it was nip-and-tuck. Shaylee Sloan had a chance to win it in regulation for the Vikes, but she missed a pair of FTs with ten seconds left and the game tied. In OT, the Pioneers seemd to run out of gas, going 3-10 from the field and 1-6 from the line, while Alicia Arnold, who scored a career high tonight, and Sinead Molloy sparked the Vikings with eight of the team's twelve overtime points. Looks like Shaylee Sloan and Brie Lippert played solid games inside for the Vikings, as NPU won the rebound battle by eight.

NPU is now 8-4, 3-0 heading into Saturday night's showdown at Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2018, 03:22:08 AM
Hope all folks in Kenosha get there power back on soon.  Cold out there is brutal and dangerous.

Imitzel, I think if the Titans get to 12-0, past WC the second time, then we can start talking about 16-0.  Til then, I'm sure happy with the way my Greenies are playing.  A serious beat-down of Augie tonight.  I expected a closer game. Glad the starters could rest, esp. McGraw.

Kendall Sosa is going to be very good.  Titans must be surprised, surely pleased how well the freshmen are playing -- Hughes, Sosa and Brovelli.  A bright future.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 04, 2018, 07:12:56 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 04, 2018, 03:22:08 AM
Imitzel, I think if the Titans get to 12-0, past WC the second time, then we can start talking about 16-0.  Til then, I'm sure happy with the way my Greenies are playing.  A serious beat-down of Augie tonight.  I expected a closer game. Glad the starters could rest, esp. McGraw.

Solely seeing the final score shocked me into thinking that it could happen. I'm not sure whether that was more indicative about the Titans being that good or the Vikings being nowhere near as good as their record indicated. I had Augie at least in contention for a conference tournament berth, and a drubbing by the Greenies isn't a disqualifier from that, but it's still kind of astounding to see.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 04, 2018, 03:22:08 AM
Hope all folks in Kenosha get there power back on soon.  Cold out there is brutal and dangerous.

Looked like the Thunder and Lady Reds at least got some joint Knockout in (https://twitter.com/LadyRedsBBall/status/948744585160863745), which I thought was pretty cool to see. But I echo the sentiment about the power outages (though from what I can tell from their energy providers, everything's back on at this point).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 04, 2018, 08:15:16 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 04, 2018, 07:12:56 AM

I'm not sure whether that was more indicative about the Titans being that good or the Vikings being nowhere near as good as their record indicated. I had Augie at least in contention for a conference tournament berth, and a drubbing by the Greenies isn't a disqualifier from that, but it's still kind of astounding to see.


It was one of those where you're not sure you learned anything.  Augie was just plain bad and couldn't make a shot.  Sometimes shooters miss their first few, lose some confidence and avoid taking shots after that which leads to over passing and turnovers.  That was the entire Lady Vikes starting 5 it seemed.  Once everyone in Carver knew that it just wasn't happening for the Vikes (by the start of the 2nd quarter), the Titans played super loose and it was the perfect snowball.

IWU is solid, well balanced and deep - all things we already knew.  But they're playing with more confidence lately and that will make them tougher.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2018, 11:44:20 AM
Elmhurst got past Millikin 69-64. Mikaela Eppard scored 21 (8/10 2FG, 5/7 FT) and had 6 rebs, while fellow Bluejay Hannah Henderson tallied 15 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls. Lisa Logan made 4/4 FTs in the final minute.
For the Big Blue, Yanni Saddler led all with 22 pts; Emily Schultz helped via 15 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assists; Devin Curry scored 14.
Both sides shot 2FGs very well : ELM 23/37 .621, MIL 23/42 .548.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2018, 03:05:41 PM
Carroll's Sara Hartl showed her athletic versatility last night, making a three with her right shoe off.
Check 0:49:10 - 0:49:45 here
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/carroll/portal.htm?eventId=399578&streamType=video
this worked so well, I think others will want to try it!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2018, 04:44:27 PM
here's a fun story about one of Swen Nater's shoes :
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1980/11/22/bullets-roll-over-clippers/73bb6a42-40c7-4a3d-956c-36c74fe2f20c/?utm_term=.c799e5f6113e
to top it off, the opposing coach was Shue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2018, 05:28:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 04, 2018, 03:05:41 PM
Carroll's Sara Hartl showed her athletic versatility last night, making a three with her right shoe off.
Check 0:49:10 - 0:49:45 here
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/carroll/portal.htm?eventId=399578&streamType=video
this worked so well, I think others will want to try it!

That's a good cue, Rog, for me to bring up again my pet peeve: Broadcasters and P.A. announcers who don't bother to check visiting-team pronunciations before the game.

Last night Sinead Molloy was "Suh-need Mallory" throughout the entire game until overtime, when she mysteriously became "Suh-need Mally"; she never once had either her first name or her last name pronounced correctly all night. Shaylee Sloan was by turns "Shuh-lee Sloan", "Shy-lee Sloan", and even "Cheyenne Sloan" before she attained her proper pronunciation late in the contest. Sophia Lehocky started out as "the unidentified number 11" before she was miscast as "Dana Jump". Sophia changed uniform numbers from #21 to #11 (it happened back in mid-December), but that's something that anyone could learn by checking beforehand either with the scorer's table or with the opposing coaches -- but neither Dana Jump nor anybody else for NPU has worn #11 this season aside from Sophia.

Folks, it's just not that hard to check pronunciations with the opposing coaching staff or a trainer. Consistently messing up the pronunciation of opposing players' names is unprofessional.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2018, 08:15:46 PM
So agree with Greg on broadcasting etiquette re: names. 

Titans are gaining more confidence and many pine-sitters, given the blowouts, are also gaining valuable experience and varsity playing time.  These freshmen are really going to be good -- Sosa, Hughes, Munroe, Brovelli.  And, Shanks is only a sophomore.  Anderson and Schneider have another year.

Looking forward to seeing IWU vs. EC... and how the Titans try to contain Eppard.  She's playing so well right now.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 04, 2018, 08:28:49 PM
Wheaton 72
Carthage 59

Hannah Frazier         24 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blks
Maggie Dansdill      17 pts, 3 rebs
Devin Kyler         13 pts, 11 rebs, 5 stls
Jordan Myroth         11 pts, 4 rebs, 5 asst
Kelly Lawson         7   pts, 7 rebs, 5 asst   


Madie Kaelber         11 pts, 2 rebs
Morgan Harris         11 pts, 3 rebs   
Sammie Woodward      10 pts, 3 reb
Maggie Berigan         6 pts ,  8 rebs

2 days and 300 miles of bus travel was all made worth it with a very solid win for the Thunder ladies leading the Lady Reds the whole way and by as much as 17 in the 4th.  Frazier had a big game but was the beneficiary of some really good passing by Wheaton leading to some close in baskets.  Terrific to see Dansdill with a great bounce back game after going 0 for 9 against Scranton.  Myroth was more aggressive offensively while Kyler and Lawson really got to the glass as the Thunder won the board battle by +7.  Wheaton leads the country in blocks/game and they'll stay there with 8 tonight.

It's a little concerning that Wheaton got no points from the bench.  But the importance of the game was evident in Kent Madsen playing his starters more minutes.  This was the type of all-around performance that they're capable of and with some consistency and confidence, they'll be tough.

I'm sure Coach Bernero and the Lady Reds feel like they did not play their best game.  They had plenty of open looks that didn't go down.  Wheaton did a good job of not letting them back into the game.  The Thunder now get to play a home game but can't let down against NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2018, 04:48:21 AM
IWU vs. EC at The Shirk.  How to stop Ms. Eppard.  I do expect this one to be a close game, a tougher battle than recent IWU games.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2018, 04:51:19 AM
NPU vs. WC.  A good game, a good test of how good NPU will be this year.  I expect WC to win, but it could be a close game if NPU brings their best effort, their "A" game.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2018, 06:43:13 PM
How wrong I was about IWU-EC being a close game.  At the half, IWU 48 EC 18.  Titans on cruise control again.  Run and Jump doing its dirt.  EC with about 16-18 first half TOs.  Eppard hardly touching the ball.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 06, 2018, 06:50:21 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 06, 2018, 04:51:19 AM
NPU vs. WC.  A good game, a good test of how good NPU will be this year.  I expect WC to win, but it could be a close game if NPU brings their best effort, their "A" game.

IWU'70

Wheaton leads 49-25 at the half and are doing just about whatever they want on both ends of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2018, 06:53:00 PM
NPU didn't show up at all in that first half. The Vikings went seven scoreless minutes in the second quarter. They look extremely bothered by Wheaton's length and the hedging of the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance, but they also threw away several passes for unforced turnovers. Meanwhile, at the other end of the floor, the hosts are doing a good job of exploiting mismatches underneath and getting lots of easy buckets.

If NPU doesn't get it going in the first five minutes or so of the second half, this is going to turn into an epic rout the wrong way, a la the U of C game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2018, 07:40:14 PM
Wheaton 87
North Park 56

Alicia Arnold: 18 pts, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 15 pts

Hannah Frazier: 16 pts, 3 stls
Devin Kyler: 11 pts, 10 rebs

An ugly game for NPU, as the Vikings were never in it. They were badly outshot by a Wheaton team that couldn't seem to miss (53% to 28%), outrebounded by 12, and turned the ball over 19 times. They never looked ready for prime time, while Wheaton just went about its business at both ends of the floor with aplomb.

The lone bright spots were Zakiya Newsome's free-throw shooting (12-12) and the second straight big scoring game for Alicia Arnold, who is starting to come into her own here in the middle of her junior season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2018, 07:41:03 PM
Congrats to Mia Smith on her 200th CCIW win.  Titans finally playing at home, first game @The Shirk since 12/16.

IWU over EC 87-61.  Never really in doubt.  Titans on cruise control again.

Titan scoring:  15, 11, 11, 8, 8, 7, 6, 6, 4, 4, 3, 3   -- you get the picture.  Titans are deep.

Hughes 15
Schneider 11
Ehresman 11

For EC:
Eppard (well contained in the first half)  15
Bailey 14
Urso 10

Titans now 12-2, 5-0.  In the driver's seat in the conference race.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 06, 2018, 08:55:16 PM
NCC put themselves in a bad spot early this afternoon, falling behind 25-12 after one and 36-25 at half, but held Carroll to just three second half field goals and were able to take a 43-42 lead midway through the fourth. But they missed their last 11 shots and Carroll scored the game's last 10 points to take a 52-43 decision.

I'll have to go watch the tape tomorrow and see what I can make of it all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 07, 2018, 10:10:40 AM
The Titans are led by some very talented upperclassmen, but they are really getting huge contributions from two freshmen from Bloomington-Normal...

(Conference play stats through 5 games)

Maddie Merritt (Jr): 13.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg
Molly McGraw (Sr): 10.8 ppg
Rebekah Ehresman (Sr): 8.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.2 rpg
Ashley Schneider (Jr): 8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg

Kendall Sosa (Fr): 10.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.6 apg
Raven Hughes (Fr): 9.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.2 apg
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 07, 2018, 10:31:24 AM
Got to watch a bit of the NCC-Carroll game today. The Cardinals gave up way too many open looks inside early, and didn't do a good job taking care of the ball. They also didn't shoot particularly well, which doesn't help.

I know there's been complaints with Carroll's streams in the past, though yesterday the camera work was good again. Unfortunately their announcer didn't prep (or at least, not very well) beforehand and mispronounced three different Cardinals' names, the most egregious of which was Page Desenberg (who became Densenberg for some reason). I know I'm not perfect, but I at least make a point to double check on names before a game. [/rant]
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2018, 02:25:43 PM
Augie 86, Millikin 68 : five Vikings scored in double-digits, including 15 pts each by Alexis Jones and Meghan Stovall; Scooter Lopez had 12 pts, 3 stls and 6 assists. For the Big Blue, Emily Schultz had 16 pts, 5 assists, while Jordan Hildebrand scored 14.
Some interesting numbers from the other games --
IWU's Raven Hughes's 15 pts in 16:00 came from perfect shooting : 6/6 2FG and 3/3 FT.
Carroll's Katie Rossetti and Delaney Sjong combined for 30 rebounds. Rossetti had 17 pts and 6 blocks. The Pioneers scored 27 pts over the final 3 quarters and won by 9.
Diamond Calicott was a DNP (did not play) for NC, as were Kaela Jones and Becca Gerke for Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2018, 03:40:39 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 07, 2018, 10:31:24 AM
Got to watch a bit of the NCC-Carroll game today. The Cardinals gave up way too many open looks inside early, and didn't do a good job taking care of the ball. They also didn't shoot particularly well, which doesn't help.

I know there's been complaints with Carroll's streams in the past, though yesterday the camera work was good again. Unfortunately their announcer didn't prep (or at least, not very well) beforehand and mispronounced three different Cardinals' names, the most egregious of which was Page Desenberg (who became Densenberg for some reason). I know I'm not perfect, but I at least make a point to double check on names before a game. [/rant]

Yep. Been there, done that with the Carroll announcer, who shall remain nameless for reasons of midwestern politeness:

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2018, 05:28:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 04, 2018, 03:05:41 PM
Carroll's Sara Hartl showed her athletic versatility last night, making a three with her right shoe off.
Check 0:49:10 - 0:49:45 here
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/carroll/portal.htm?eventId=399578&streamType=video
this worked so well, I think others will want to try it!

That's a good cue, Rog, for me to bring up again my pet peeve: Broadcasters and P.A. announcers who don't bother to check visiting-team pronunciations before the game.

Last night Sinead Molloy was "Suh-need Mallory" throughout the entire game until overtime, when she mysteriously became "Suh-need Mally"; she never once had either her first name or her last name pronounced correctly all night. Shaylee Sloan was by turns "Shuh-lee Sloan", "Shy-lee Sloan", and even "Cheyenne Sloan" before she attained her proper pronunciation late in the contest. Sophia Lehocky started out as "the unidentified number 11" before she was miscast as "Dana Jump". Sophia changed uniform numbers from #21 to #11 (it happened back in mid-December), but that's something that anyone could learn by checking beforehand either with the scorer's table or with the opposing coaches -- but neither Dana Jump nor anybody else for NPU has worn #11 this season aside from Sophia.

Folks, it's just not that hard to check pronunciations with the opposing coaching staff or a trainer. Consistently messing up the pronunciation of opposing players' names is unprofessional.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2018, 10:26:55 PM
Q, agree with you on Hughes and Sosa.  Really key contributors to this year's good run, so far.

Mia is also getting good productive minutes from Sr. Walsberg and Fr. Munroe.  Surprising 3 point accuracy now too, from Sosa, Schneider, Anderson, and Walsberg.  Just enough. 

Anderson could be a starter many other places.  Shanks was last year's top freshman, so playing like a varsity veteran now.  She reminds me a bit of Beoletto.

This freshmen group is going to be quite a team, in future -- when you add the likely strong development of Munroe and Brovelli to the mix. 

We will surely miss the seniors -- Ehresman and McGraw, but it looks like Mia and the Titans will just re-load, not re-build.  Actually, don't think we've really seen the true talent and potential of McGraw yet this year.  I'd expect more scoring production, surely more rebounding from her.  Ehresman is just rock solid always.  Same with Merritt, such consistent scoring, high FT % (perhaps a program record over her career), and decent rebounding.

I always thought with this combination, all the experienced seniors, strong role players, that this was the year the TITANS could go far.  We'll see.  The freshmen are surely making me more optimistic.

Congrats again to Coach Smith on CCIW 200th win. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2018, 01:55:41 PM
The new CCIW Player of the Week is Hannah Frazier -- congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 08, 2018, 07:38:26 PM
IWU continues their slow-but-steady climb up the D3 poll - ORV (#28), ORV (#26), #25, #23, #21 over the last five polls.  A ten-game winning streak can do that for ya! ;D

Alas, no other CCIW team receiving any votes.  I thought Wheaton's demolition job on NPU might get them a point or two, but four losses by early January just doesn't cut it in WBB.

I eagerly await the day that CCIW WBB will merit the respect that the conference men get.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2018, 09:24:47 PM
Glad to see the IWU climb up the poll.  Just keep winning (and by big margins) and all will be well. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 10, 2018, 06:43:01 AM
2 solid performances for the Wheaton ladies last week.  They absolutely have to keep it going and not let down vs Augustana tonight.  With 2 losses already, they can't afford to lose any home games, and need to win most of the road games left, to have a chance for the conference.  Rebounding intensity has been much better lately and I hope they stay on that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2018, 07:53:50 PM
GoPerry, I think the way IWU is now playing, that game vs. WC upcoming in a few weeks is basically the key game to the CCIW title.  WC is playing much better now.  Don't see any other teams challenging IWU the way things are going now.  IWU has the big MO . . . momentum. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2018, 11:38:00 PM
Elmhurst 65
North Park 53

Shaylee Sloan: 13 pts, 11 rebs, 4 stls
Clarissa Ramos: 10 pts
Brie Lippert: 6 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 5 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 3:1 a:to

Mikayla Eppard: 29 pts, 12 rebs, 3 stls
Kelly Weyhrich: 6 rebs
Kaela Jones: 6 rebs

Above and beyond the game, I've heard a report from someone who got a text that NPU's freshman starting PG Zakiya Newsome was seriously injured tonight. I hope it isn't so. According to the box score, she only played nine minutes; she came out at the 8:36 mark of the second quarter and never went back in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2018, 01:09:41 AM
Newsome's injury is her right knee and I'd assume she'll miss several games, at least. She was attended to in the gym by trainers. Never fun to see anyone get injured; best wishes to her for a quick mend, if possible.
The game was mostly competitive, except when North Park's offense dried up late in the 2nd Q and well into the third. NP was up 29-28 and EC ended the half on a 7-0 run. EC then scored the first 16 points of the 3rd Q, attaining a 51-29 lead.
A lot of players on each team contributed very good effort. Greg cited several.
NP's Sinead Molloy's effort was particularly impressive, including those 5 steals. EC's Hannah Henderson likewise did well, with 4 steals and 5 assists
The turnover totals (21 and 22) were a bit above average, but not many were dumb turnovers, but instead could be traced to smart quick-hands defense.
A side note : Emmy Gryna (played for North Park last year) is evidently enrolled at Elmhurst with the intent to play for the 'jays in '18-'19.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 11, 2018, 05:25:45 AM
North Central bounced back from a poor shooting night up at Carroll with a 91-78 win over Millikin in Naperville. Mayson Whipple went off for a career high 36 (tying for the third highest mark in program history), and Michaela Reedy scored 19 on a perfect shooting night (6-6, including 5-5 from beyond the arc, and 2-2 at the line). Yanni Sadler paced the Big Blue with 23.

Cardinals shot something like 42 percent from beyond the arc and thanks to Millikin intentionally fouling a ton in the final minutes NCC got to pad its free throw percentages a little bit.

On a non-NCC related note I'll echo the well wishes for Zakiya Newsome and hope for a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2018, 05:39:58 AM
Always sorry to hear about injuries, esp. if serious, needing surgery.  I hope just a strain.  Sending good wishes to Ms. Newsome for a speedy and full recovery.

Hard to know at this stage in the season which teams might make the CCIW tournament.  My guess from what I've seen so far would be IWU, WC, EC and Augie.  Time will tell.  10-11 games to go, so here we go down the stretch to late February, then the D3 dance in March. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 11, 2018, 07:47:56 AM
Couldn't watch but looks like a very solid win for Wheaton.  I saw live stats early and neither team was shooting well in the first half.  But the Thunder ladies did enough to get the win.  Saw Jordan Myroth with early points and hope she continues to assert herself.  Hannah Frazier and Kelly Lawson with 10 boards each, Kyler and Dansdill with 9.  Keep it going!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2018, 10:28:24 AM
A 30-10 2nd quarter gave Carthage a 66-53 win at Carroll. The Lady Reds made 13 3FGs to account for 59% of their scoring. Sammie Woodward led the way with 7 threes; her 21 pts from 10 FG att yields a 1.050 eFG%. Autumn Kalis scored 11 on just 7 FG att.
For Carroll, Katie Rossetti tallied 15 pts, 11 rebs, 2 steals while Delaney Sjong had 11 pts and rebs. Rachel Van Sluys didn't play.
CCIW standings :
5-0 IWU
4-2 ELM WHE
3-2 NPU
2-3 AUG CRL CTG NCC
0-6 MIL
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2018, 11:21:49 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 11, 2018, 01:09:41 AM
Newsome's injury is her right knee and I'd assume she'll miss several games, at least. She was attended to in the gym by trainers. Never fun to see anyone get injured; best wishes to her for a quick mend, if possible.

The word I was given was that a torn ACL is suspected. I hope that that report was premature and exaggerated. Zakiya Newsome is one of NPU's most important players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 11, 2018, 06:01:59 PM
It is always an exciting and surprising point in the season. The midway point. We are already halfway through another thrilling Division III basketball season. The best part, we have plenty more basketball to come. The hard part, we are also closer to the season coming to a close.

On Thursday night's Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave will try and pull out his crystal ball and read the tea leaves on who can sustain their momentum, who may fall off, and which teams could make a run to the end. While we won't have all the answers, some of Dave's guests will be able to give us their insight on their own squad's chances.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch the show LIVE starting at 7pm here: http://bit.ly/2D3pOrw.

A reminder the Thursday edition of Hoopsville primarily covers the East, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and West regions, but we will answer any questions about all of Division III throughout the show. You can also send your questions to the show and have them featured on the Hoopsville Mailbag segment. Email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com.

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Matt Croci, No. 10 Wittenberg men's coach
- Jim Scheible, No. 7 Rochester women's coach
- Lori Kerans, Millikin women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Danny Young-Uhrich, No. 17 Juniata women's
- Pat McKenzie, No. 15 St. John's men's coach

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

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

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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Rofrog on January 11, 2018, 06:29:58 PM
From what I saw of Wheaton in Nashville playing my beloved Royals.They have a nice team probably one of the tallest teams I have seen Scranton play.It was pretty awesome seeing them in the middle of the court after the game holding hands.Great job to Wheatons coaching staff and players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2018, 05:02:40 PM
some stats from conference games only :
FT attempts per game
IWU 29
AUG 23
MIL NPU 21
CRL WHE 18
ELM 17
CTG 15
NCC 14
3FG % differential
+.193 IWU
+.121 CTG
+.091 NPU
+.045 MIL
-.026 NCC
-.042 ELM
-.062 AUG
-.101 CRL
-.189 WHE
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 12, 2018, 10:07:30 PM
Wheaton's 3 pt shooting this season has been pretty average which is less effective than they've been used to in past seasons.  They defended the 3 pt arc very poorly in some earlier games but have been better lately.   Mentioned Kelly Thornton in an earlier post who decided not to return for her senior junior year of playing.  She was one of the better Thunder players shooting from the arc.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 13, 2018, 12:06:45 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 12, 2018, 10:07:30 PM
Wheaton's 3 pt shooting this season has been pretty average which is less effective than they've been used to in past seasons.  They defended the 3 pt arc very poorly in some earlier games but have been better lately.   Mentioned Kelly Thornton in an earlier post who decided not to return for her senior year of playing.  She was one of the better Thunder players shooting from the arc.

Kelly is actually a junior, and also plays volleyball and softball. As one could imagine, a 3 sport athlete's life was packed, and basketball was the sport she decided to drop. Thunder definitely missing her stroke from behind the arc.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 13, 2018, 06:39:34 AM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 13, 2018, 12:06:45 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 12, 2018, 10:07:30 PM
Wheaton's 3 pt shooting this season has been pretty average which is less effective than they've been used to in past seasons.  They defended the 3 pt arc very poorly in some earlier games but have been better lately.   Mentioned Kelly Thornton in an earlier post who decided not to return for her senior junior year of playing.  She was one of the better Thunder players shooting from the arc.

Kelly is actually a junior, and also plays volleyball and softball. As one could imagine, a 3 sport athlete's life was packed, and basketball was the sport she decided to drop. Thunder definitely missing her stroke from behind the arc.

Corrected.  Thanks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 13, 2018, 10:46:36 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 13, 2018, 06:39:34 AM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 13, 2018, 12:06:45 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 12, 2018, 10:07:30 PM
Wheaton's 3 pt shooting this season has been pretty average which is less effective than they've been used to in past seasons.  They defended the 3 pt arc very poorly in some earlier games but have been better lately.   Mentioned Kelly Thornton in an earlier post who decided not to return for her senior junior year of playing.  She was one of the better Thunder players shooting from the arc.

Kelly is actually a junior, and also plays volleyball and softball. As one could imagine, a 3 sport athlete's life was packed, and basketball was the sport she decided to drop. Thunder definitely missing her stroke from behind the arc.

Corrected.  Thanks.

Sure thing! Wheaties gotta stick together 🤙🏼
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 13, 2018, 12:45:34 PM
It's Alumni Day at NCC today, so there will be some festivities prior to tonight's game with Wheaton. There's an alumni game I think at 2, and they will have an introductory ceremony at halftime.

Before the game we're also doing a little ceremony to honor former Cardinal point guard Helen Muleya who passed away last spring. The Cardinals will have special warmups for the occasion, and I think we're also presenting Helen's jersey to her parents. Going to be an emotional late afternoon/early evening.

Really, as long as Wheaton doesn't jump out to a 15-0 lead again to start the game, I think it should be fine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2018, 12:55:13 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 13, 2018, 12:06:45 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 12, 2018, 10:07:30 PM
Wheaton's 3 pt shooting this season has been pretty average which is less effective than they've been used to in past seasons.  They defended the 3 pt arc very poorly in some earlier games but have been better lately.   Mentioned Kelly Thornton in an earlier post who decided not to return for her senior year of playing.  She was one of the better Thunder players shooting from the arc.

Kelly is actually a junior, and also plays volleyball and softball. As one could imagine, a 3 sport athlete's life was packed, and basketball was the sport she decided to drop. Thunder definitely missing her stroke from behind the arc.

Softball is easily her best sport.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 13, 2018, 07:46:00 PM
In Chicago, the Titans led 17-7 after the first quarter and never looked back, beating the Vikings 83-53.  VERY balanced scoring for IWU, with six players in double digits.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2018, 07:53:04 PM
The Shill Report:

Titans rolling:   IWU 83 NPU 53  (now 6-0 in CCIW, everybody else with at least 2 losses).

Story of the game, IWU with 23 steals, NPU with 39 TOs, IWU 47 points off TOs.

For NPU:
Sloan 12
Garner 10

For IWU:
Hughes (very active, following her shots and FTs) 14
McGraw 13 and 6 steals
Merritt 12
Anderson 13 and 6
Ehresman 10 and 6 assists
Sosa 11
Schneider 8 and 6

Titans shooting 40%, 35% from 3

Run and Jump again doing its dirt, the Titans never really challenged in this one.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2018, 09:25:23 PM
Titans now 13-2, 6-0.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 13, 2018, 11:58:37 PM
Wheaton knocked off NCC 72-55 in Naperville tonight as they continue their dominance in the all time series. Hannah Frazier led all scorers with 15 for the Thunder, Maggie Dansdill added 12, Jennifer Berg had seven points and 13 rebounds, and Jordan Myroth had a great all-around game with just four points, but six rebounds, five assists, a block, and four steals. Lyndsay Brennan paced the Cardinals with 10 points and eight boards, Mayson Whipple added nine points (on 15 shots) with four assists, including her 300th apparently.

I've gotten pissed about losses to Wheaton in the past, but not this one. North Central missed a ton of layups, which I'm not thrilled about, but Wheaton missed a ton of shots in the first half, as they only lead 28-20 at the break. They figured it out after halftime though and led by as many as 26, but North Central never gave up and made a nice run against the main part of the rotation to cut the lead back to the mid-teens.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2018, 01:57:11 PM
Those 13 rebounds by Jennifer Berg were in 19:00 - hard to top that productivity.
In OT, Carthage got past Elmhurst 71-67, led by Madie Kaelber who scored 28. Bailey Gilbert added 16 and played all 45:00.
Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard had 21 pts and 14 rebs in 43:00; Kaela Jones scored 17.
Augie 89, Carroll 54
Izzy Anderson scored 22 pts from just 13 FG att and made 2/2 FTs for a sum of 24 pts in 28:00. Meghan Stovall added 14 pts and Scooter Lopez had 11 assists. Sadie Roberts grabbed 9 rebs.
For Carroll, Brittney Wald had 19 pts, 5 stls but also 6 TOs (team had 26). Again no Rachel Van Sluys, whose inside scoring they really need.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
I saw IWU for the first time this season and was impressed by their veterans and their freshmen.
When you see Rebekah Ehresman in person, you are reminded that she makes very few mistakes. Her stats do not reveal the full extent of how outstanding she is.
As noted by iwu70, Raven Hughes was very energetic. I was wondering how she was producing her very good stats and now I understand.
The Titans have an abundance of good athletes and plenty of talent/skill spread throughout the roster. This allows them to play in a positive manner, seemingly ready to play (and enjoy) a lot more than 40 minutes. They utilize their athleticism and push the pace. This is fun to watch and it works for them.
I think they could've played even faster yesterday, but they declined to shoot a lot of threes early in possessions, instead working on plays to get close-in shots. They did take 26 FTs, around their average in CCIW play so far.
Incidentally, IWU's Sydney Shanks (#2 on the team in steals and assists) was home sick. NP's injured guard Zakiya Newsome was at the game with crutches and said it wasn't certain if she'd need knee surgery or not. "Get well" goes to both of these players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 14, 2018, 08:14:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
I saw IWU for the first time this season and was impressed by their veterans and their freshmen.
When you see Rebekah Ehresman in person, you are reminded that she makes very few mistakes. Her stats do not reveal the full extent of how outstanding she is.
As noted by iwu70, Raven Hughes was very energetic. I was wondering how she was producing her very good stats and now I understand.
The Titans have an abundance of good athletes and plenty of talent/skill spread throughout the roster. This allows them to play in a positive manner, seemingly ready to play (and enjoy) a lot more than 40 minutes. They utilize their athleticism and push the pace. This is fun to watch and it works for them.
I think they could've played even faster yesterday, but they declined to shoot a lot of threes early in possessions, instead working on plays to get close-in shots. They did take 26 FTs, around their average in CCIW play so far.
Incidentally, IWU's Sydney Shanks (#2 on the team in steals and assists) was home sick. NP's injured guard Zakiya Newsome was at the game with crutches and said it wasn't certain if she'd need knee surgery or not. "Get well" goes to both of these players.

I believe I said this in an early season post, but Rebekah Ehresman is IWU's best player and I believe by a pretty wide gap.  Not as conventionally flashy from the scoring standpoint at only 10/game or so.  But she's their leader, keeps things running smoothly offensively (she's 3rd in the nation in assist/turnover ratio) and is very good on the defensive end. 

Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard might be the slight front runner for MOP, and in a sense it might be "her turn" in the eyes of coaches.  But Ehresman is every bit as deserving and should be given very strong consideration especially if the Titans continue to play well.  It's really only between those two it seems to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2018, 08:43:58 PM
GoPerry, I share your high regard for Ehresman and her key role in the IWU successes last year and this year.  She is just so solid, unselfish, and key to both the offensive and defensive schemes that IWU runs.  She gets lots of steals and has an excellent A:TO ratio.  She's just always in the right place on both ends of the floor.  I hear you on Eppard, an excellent overall performance, but see how IWU took EC apart and you can see who was really more valuable from a team - win aspect.  We'll see how it all goes the rest of the year.  IWU is winning by big margins -- and has a challenging game vs. WC upcoming.  But, looks like a good run the CCIW championship to me.  I'm still of the view that 16-0 is possible.  The freshmen have been a very huge bonus -- Hughes, Brovelli, Munroe, Sosa . . . really a great group.

I hope Shanks and Newsome recover quickly, fully.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2018, 09:05:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2018, 08:43:58 PM
GoPerry, I share your high regard for Ehresman and her key role in the IWU successes last year and this year.  She is just so solid, unselfish, and key to both the offensive and defensive schemes that IWU runs.  She gets lots of steals and has an excellent A:TO ratio.  She's just always in the right place on both ends of the floor.  I hear you on Eppard, an excellent overall performance, but see how IWU took EC apart and you can see who was really more valuable from a team - win aspect.  We'll see how it all goes the rest of the year.  IWU is winning by big margins -- and has a challenging game vs. WC upcoming.  But, looks like a good run the CCIW championship to me.  I'm still of the view that 16-0 is possible.  The freshmen have been a very huge bonus -- Hughes, Brovelli, Munroe, Sosa . . . really a great group.

I hope Shanks and Newsome recover quickly, fully.   

IWU'70

Well, of course it is possible as long as they keep a zero in the L position! ;)  I certainly wouldn't bet on it, but, having seen the first six conference games, I would no longer bet against it either.  It only takes one (badly) off night, or some ill-timed injuries, or an opposing team playing the game of their lives, for the option to end, but with 6 down, 10 to go, the chances keep rising with each win! :)

This may be an unfair comparison (and I sure hope I don't burden her with expectations), but Raven Hughes strikes me a potentially another Olivia Lett.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2018, 09:34:29 PM
At this point, I'd say Hughes's game resembles that of Christina Solari more than that of Lett. But, you did say "potentially," so we'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2018, 11:08:50 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2018, 09:34:29 PM
At this point, I'd say Hughes's game resembles that of Christina Solari more than that of Lett. But, you did say "potentially," so we'll see.

I almost said Christina Solari (to put a BIT less pressure on her!), but figured 'what the hey', let's go for potentially national POY!  At the risk of jinxing her, she DOES seem to have that potential.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on January 15, 2018, 12:48:47 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2018, 09:34:29 PM
At this point, I'd say Hughes's game resembles that of Christina Solari more than that of Lett. But, you did say "potentially," so we'll see.

Agree w/Solari over Lett for a Hughes comparison. Lett was a major threat from 3-point range. Offensively Hughes seems similar to current starter Maddie Merritt, but with more potential for defense and rebounding.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2018, 02:09:13 AM
Hughes has the length, the quickness, very agile and active, bounding all over the place.  She's surely more like Solari than Lett, as she won't have the pure shooting range that Olivia had.  Solari was one of the most amazing players, able to leverage her body position vs. the defender better than anyone in the women's game that I've seen.  If she got it on the block, it was almost automatic two points or a foul.  Remarkable.  Raven can surely develop her game, learn to slash more and use the left hand better, develop a mid-range game.  She's going to be very very good, very athletic . . . and, as I've mentioned here a few times, she's going to have a very good cast of characters around here for the next few years -- Anderson, Shanks, Sosa, Merritt, Brovelli, Munroe . . . surely others yet to be recruited.  It looks very bright for her career at IWU.  Seems Mia Smith is really finding the talent in BloNo -- from Central Catholic, U High and the Normal high schools.  Brovelli also from a well-known high school program.  Just loved watching Solari play . . . very strong legs and good balance.   On the other hand, Lett had a jump shot and an overall shooting and floor game one rarely sees in the women's game.  Hope she's enjoying her coaching career, position up at U of Chicago -- and they are having a good year up there too, recently beat Wash U, in the top 25 D3hoops rankings now.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2018, 02:26:18 AM
Schneider around for another year too. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2018, 10:36:02 AM
So, another Player of the Week award for Frazier or Eppard?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2018, 03:03:26 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier for another CCIW Player of the Week honor!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2018, 07:21:59 PM
IWU continues their slow-but-steady climb up the national poll - this week rising from 21 to 18.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2018, 10:04:21 PM
Glad to see IWU moving on up in the poll, as Ypsi has reported, to #18 this week.  Their resume looks good so far, with many key games to go.  Lost to now #14 WI-Whitewater, and to Wash U, which has dropped out of the poll, but still a very strong contender for post-season play.  IWU now has a run of games that they should win . . . leading up to the game with WC early next month.  Team play over individual play.  Tough defense and very efficient offense. 

Keep it rolling TITANS!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2018, 12:48:40 PM
In anticipation of attending tomorrow's Carthage at North Park contest, I decided to review just how well Carthage's 3-pt shooters have done, beyond just looking at season averages.
I decided that an individual making at least three 3FGs in a game is significant and that making at least 50% of her 3FG attempts is excellent (the equivalent of 75% or better at 2FGs). Quantity plus quality.
In 15 games, they have had 15 such occurrences : Autumn Kalis 5 times, Bailey Gilbert 4 times, Madie Kaelber 3 times (just missed a 4th with a 6-for-13 which is very good anyway), Sammie Woodward twice and Morgan Harris once. Not bad. This should keep North Park's defense busy, eh? Greg?
CCIW standings :
6-0 IWU
5-2 WHE
4-3 ELM (idle until Saturday)
3-3 AUG CTG NPU
2-4 CRL NCC
0-6 MIL
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2018, 02:22:18 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebrunettediaries.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F12%2F5.jpg&hash=ac270582a60829911c134c0cfdba1847c7fa4018)

Zzzzz ... zz. Umh. Wuh? Huh? Did somebody say something to me?

Sorry, Rog. I must've dozed off at some point after we changed channels to the Titans 24/7 Network.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2018, 06:41:18 PM
Ha ha! Well, you're free to interject with opinions about Augustana, North Central and Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2018, 06:51:56 PM
OK. The Carthage mascot ("Torchy") is embarrassing for fans of the Red Men and Lady Reds. There's my AC/NCC/CC opinion for the day. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2018, 07:27:08 PM
Ha!
My only possible response to that is this unrelated 16 seconds of humor :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCNPNs1pKoQ
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2018, 09:45:12 PM
6-0 IWU vs. 0-6 MU.   You don't say?

'70 -- just waking Greg up.

:) 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2018, 02:46:43 PM
Yeah, 0-6 vs 6-0 seems a mismatch. I'm not convinced that Millikin has much of a chance, certainly not if they play cautiously. Same goes for Carroll at Wheaton.
Carthage (3-3) at North Park (3-3) will give one of 'em a little better status in the standings. I'm hoping for 92-91 in favor of whichever team wins. 186 points were scored the other time I saw Carthage this season. Ear-regardless of my score preferences, this game should be seen as almost must-win by both squads.
North Central at Augie features teams that have done well at times, but also have been very ineffective for big portions of recent games. A loss for NC would put them at 2-5, facing a steep climb thereafter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 17, 2018, 09:42:10 PM
Carthage 84
North Park 59

Shaylee Sloan: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Brie Lippert: 12 pts
Sinead Molloy: 4:0 a:to

Morgan Harris: 21 pts, 11 rebs, 6:3 a:to
Rachel Sydlowski: 17 pts
Madie Kaelber: 13 pts
Sammie Woodward: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Autumn Kalis: 11 pts

Carthage shot a .517/.417/.706 split tonight and outrebounded NPU by 44-27. Morgan Harris was everywhere, and the Vikings did not match her energy or aggressiveness.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2018, 09:52:11 PM
IWU goes to 7-0 in the CCIW, 79-62 over MU, in Decatur.

For IWU:
McGraw 21
Anderson 13
Hughes 13
Merritt 11
Ehresman 7  7 Rebs. 3-1 Asst:TO

Steals, IWU 18, MU 7

For MU:
Curry 23
Hildebrand 16

Keep it rolling TITANS -- now 12 game winning streak.

14-2, 7-0.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 17, 2018, 10:31:21 PM
Wheaton 82
Carroll    36

Hannah Frazier      21 pts, 10 rebs, 5 blks
Maggie Dansdill   19 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls, 4 assts
Kelly Lawson      12 pts   
Lots of minutes/points for the rest of the roster

Carroll was led by Delaney Sjong with 14 pts, 4 rebs

Not much to say here except this one was over pretty early.  Tough night for the Lady Pioneers.  Wheaton added to their nation-leading total with 14 blocked shots.  It is rather difficult to tell how much the team is improving in their play.  But they are winning games by wide margins which is what they should be doing.  So I think they're getting more comfortable as a team now.  They should be tough going forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2018, 12:31:54 AM
I felt that Carthage looked good, and North Park did well for segments of the contest.
One thing I noticed (and that's more or less my limit) is that Carthage's guards are quite adept at keeping their dribble "alive" as they move around, exploring possibilities in a half-court situation. This prevents their offense from getting bogged down or grinding to a halt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2018, 09:53:45 AM
Bad outing for NCC out in Rock Island as they got romped by Augie 94-55. The Cardinals committed 22 turnovers and hit just 5-23 from beyond the arc. Maya Walls was the only Cardinal in double figures with 10 points. Augie was led by 27 from Izzy Anderson, Alexis Jones added 19 and 10 birds off the bench, and Scooter Lopez had 15 points and 8 assists.

Like Rog said, NCC is in a big hole at 2-5 with Elmhurst looming (twice in the next week and a half, even). But the more time has passed, the less North Central's win over Carthage back in December makes sense. Granted, Maddie Kaelber didn't play that night, but still.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2018, 01:15:42 PM
lmitzel, I think you owe us (and at least the Western Hemisphere) further explanation of your phrase "10 birds off the bench." I thank you in advance!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2018, 01:38:52 PM
Look at the Cardinals' side of last night's box score, Rog. (http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&id=4431) Exactly ten birds came off of the bench. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2018, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2018, 01:38:52 PM
Look at the Cardinals' side of last night's box score, Rog. (http://www.northcentralcardinals.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&id=4431) Exactly ten birds came off of the bench. ;)

And thus the autocorrect will live on for all eternity. :)

(Alternatively, I'm considering foreshadowing of my Alfred Hitchcock joke in The BeltTM thread as my excuse.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2018, 02:32:47 PM
St. Louis Cardinals = two birds on a bat
North Central Cardinals = ten birds off the bench
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2018, 03:44:22 PM
That "Ten Birds Off The Bench" nickname would have worked so much better in the System years and I'm now upset with myself for not having come up with that intentionally when we were still running it. :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2018, 05:28:11 PM
made another arbitrarily-delineated statistical study -- players who've played 100+ minutes with a minimum average of .15 FT attempts per minute :
AUG Izzy Anderson .151 FT att per minute
AUG Alexis (10 birds) Jones .169
AUG Justice Edell .197
CRL Rachel Van Sluys .166
CTG none
ELM none
IWU Maddie Merritt .210
IWU Molly McGraw .185
IWU Rebekah Ehresman .168
MIL Jordan Hildebrand .197
NCC Haydn Braun .187
NPU none
WHE Hannah Frazier .169
WHE Jill Berg .186
all teams have played 16 games, so the 100 minutes cutoff affects teams equally (much to their relief, I'm sure).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2018, 06:30:02 PM
While preparing the prior post, I observed that the top 7 Millikin players in minutes played have been given about 91% of Big Blue playing time (2906 of 3200). That's quite a concentration.
I think most of the remaining roster members play a decent amount of JV games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2018, 05:37:02 AM
Titans up in Wisconsin this weekend for a rare afternoon game -- going for 13 in a row.  Women play at 2 p.m., the men at 4 p.m.  A long long bus ride, coming and going. 

The IWU women just keep rolling along . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2018, 06:53:15 AM
RogK, don't you need to match your stats with the percentage of making FTs per minute, not just the attempts?  Then I think you'd see the true value of Maddie Merritt.  Just a hunch.

Have a good weekend, everyone.  Friday night already in HK -- long and busy week, much teaching.  I'm bushed, heading home.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 19, 2018, 10:01:30 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2018, 06:53:15 AM
RogK, don't you need to match your stats with the percentage of making FTs per minute, not just the attempts?  Then I think you'd see the true value of Maddie Merritt.  Just a hunch.

Have a good weekend, everyone.  Friday night already in HK -- long and busy week, much teaching.  I'm bushed, heading home.

'70

I'd say the argument that she gets to the line the best out of any regular in the CCIW speaks for itself. But out of sheer curiosity I went through the numbers. (Made free throw rates in italics)

Quote from: RogK on January 18, 2018, 05:28:11 PM
made another arbitrarily-delineated statistical study -- players who've played 100+ minutes with a minimum average of .15 FT attempts per minute :
AUG Izzy Anderson .151 FT att per minute .130 FT made per minute
AUG Alexis (10 birds) Jones .169 .107
AUG Justice Edell .197 .126
CRL Rachel Van Sluys .166 .083
CTG none
ELM none
IWU Maddie Merritt .210 .178
IWU Molly McGraw .185 .149
IWU Rebekah Ehresman .168 .115
MIL Jordan Hildebrand .197 .132
NCC Haydn Braun .187 .121
NPU none
WHE Hannah Frazier .169 .154
WHE Jill Berg .186 .121
all teams have played 16 games, so the 100 minutes cutoff affects teams equally (much to their relief, I'm sure).

Which I guess does show the value. Add in that Merritt is fifth in the conference in free throw percentage and tied for the most attempts among that group... that's pretty good. And for what it's worth, Izzy Anderson and Hannah Frazier are the only two higher on the percentage list this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2018, 11:50:42 AM
I think the FT att per minute stat tells us that these players are among the most assertive in terms of driving to the basket. Obviously, someone can get fouled not driving to the basket, but I don't think there is anyone currently in the league who frequently gets fouled in those other circumstances. (OK rogk, define "frequently") Incidentally maybe someday we'll see a player who is good at getting fouled while shooting threes?
I was also a little surprised that Mikaela Eppard and Morgan Harris didn't reach the "per minute" cutoff, because they do attempt several FTs per game; but they play big minutes.
It is also unknown if some of the players on the list could sustain the per-minute rate if playing 30 or 35 minutes per game.
lmitzel, thanks for figuring the makes-per-minute for these players. That could be a separate league-wide analysis, too. Devin Curry comes to mind : she makes .111 FTs per minute but hasn't missed enough additional attempts to reach .15 att per min.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2018, 02:08:27 PM
Posting up has a lot to do with FTs per minute, too, Rog. Bigs who can and do play with their back to the basket -- and who play on teams that regularly try to feed the post -- are going to go to the line whether or not they ever use dribble-drive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2018, 04:54:10 PM
I sit corrected.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2018, 06:08:00 PM
The CCIW non-conference schedule concludes this evening as Wheaton hosts NAIA Trinity Christian College (from south suburban Palos Heights). The Trolls are 9-11, but have won four of their last six. Their average score is 69 for and 73 against. They are averaging -12 rebounding and +5 for turnovers.
I forget if Wheaton's status within the NCAA tournament consideration would be affected by a game vs an NAIA opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2018, 08:23:13 PM
RogK, I often "sit corrected!"  +1   :) 

Interesting on the FT analysis.  Maddie Merritt, given the presence of McGraw and Ehresman, is often under-appreciated, unmentioned.  She's a very valuable part of the IWU success so far.  I think she has a very worthy successor now in Brovelli, who will take time to develop, reduce fouling etc. but will be a very good CCIW player in the next few years.  Along with Hughes and Sosa, IWU is going to be a better rebounding team in the next couple of seasons.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2018, 09:35:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2018, 06:08:00 PM
The CCIW non-conference schedule concludes this evening as Wheaton hosts NAIA Trinity Christian College (from south suburban Palos Heights). The Trolls are 9-11, but have won four of their last six. Their average score is 69 for and 73 against. They are averaging -12 rebounding and +5 for turnovers.
I forget if Wheaton's status within the NCAA tournament consideration would be affected by a game vs an NAIA opponent.

Wheaton's game against TCC will not count towards the primary criteria. It will count towards secondary criteria, if Wheaton ends up in a Selection Monday debate that the committee can't settle by use of the five primary criteria. In other words, this game probably won't matter much at all for Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2018, 10:21:32 PM
Thanks for that info, Greg.
Wheaton won 94-51 and out rebounded Trinity 62-30! Jill Berg had 12 rebs in 17:00 and Jenn Berg had 10 in 20:00.
Kelly Lawson scored 24 pts from 13 FG att, a .923 eFG%, and had 6 rebs and 5 assists.
Kristi Demski scored 18 from 13 FG att, a .692 eFG%.
Maggie Dansdill and Hannah Frazier scored 15 and 12, respectfully. Respectively, too!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2018, 10:24:43 PM
Wheaton looks stronger and stronger.  Not the toughest competition. 

Great game upcoming vs. IWU on February 7th?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 19, 2018, 10:42:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2018, 10:21:32 PM
Thanks for that info, Greg.
Wheaton won 94-51 and out rebounded Trinity 62-30! Jill Berg had 12 rebs in 17:00 and Jenn Berg had 10 in 20:00.
Kelly Lawson scored 24 pts from 13 FG att, a .923 eFG%, and had 6 rebs and 5 assists.
Kristi Demski scored 18 from 13 FG att, a .692 eFG%.
Maggie Dansdill and Hannah Frazier scored 15 and 12, respectfully. Respectively, too!

The Thunder continue winning with a not too challenging W.  There were some great highlights however with Soph Kristi Demski having a career high 18 pts.  Her 4 straight 3 ptrs in the 1st quarter really blew it open early.  Great to see Kelly Lawson with a  high scoring game tonight.  How nice would it be to see her come into the 1st All Conf form we were used to last year?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2018, 05:34:41 PM
The Shill Report:

Titans extend their winning streak to 13, with an easy win in Wisconsin, 89-46 over Carroll.

34 forced TOs leading to 41 points, and 46 points from the Titan bench, no IWU starter playing more than about 20-25 minutes. 

Titans shooting 51% from the field and 61% from behind the arc.  Cruising.

Ehresman 9 and 8 steals
Hughes 12
Anderson 12 (shooting the 3 ball very well)
Schneider 10
McGraw 9
Monroe 9
Shanks (healthy again) 8
Sosa 6

For CC:
Wald (game high) 15
Rosetti  10 RBs.

Titans move to 15-2, and complete the first round of the league at 8-0. 

Keep it rolling TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 20, 2018, 06:58:41 PM
I think I can safely say North Central opened its game with Elmhurst with its worst quarter all year, falling behind 22-2 after one (I almost had to do a double take when I actually looked at the box score) and dropped a 77-55 decision at Faganel.

Mayson Whipple led the Cardinals with 12 points, but committed 6 turnovers in the loss; Lyndsay Brennan added nine. Mikaela Eppard went off for 24 to lead the Blue Jays.

And for what it's worth, there were 11 birds off the bench for NCC.  :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2018, 07:40:14 PM
Imitzel, NCC women's basketball has fallen far.  Sad.  Maybe they should go back to the "system?" 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 20, 2018, 08:09:01 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 20, 2018, 07:40:14 PM
Imitzel, NCC women's basketball has fallen far.  Sad.  Maybe they should go back to the "system?" 

'70

It's been a rough year, but I don't think a return to The System is coming any time soon. They've had nights where they've played all right and just haven't been able to hit shots, but they've also had nights like tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2018, 09:17:47 PM
Seems to me now that the schedule really favors, is an advantage for IWU.  They have 5 home games, 3 away . . and the bye week just before the important game with Wheaton.  It's a very auspicious arrangement, IMHO.  I think they have a shot at 16-0.  Playing well, with lots of confidence and depth, not many minutes being played by the starters.  Freshmen making a huge contribution.  Run and jump doing its dirt.

'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 20, 2018, 10:31:14 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 20, 2018, 08:09:01 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 20, 2018, 07:40:14 PM
Imitzel, NCC women's basketball has fallen far.  Sad.  Maybe they should go back to the "system?" 

'70

It's been a rough year, but I don't think a return to The System is coming any time soon. They've had nights where they've played all right and just haven't been able to hit shots, but they've also had nights like tonight.
[/quoteI think I it takes as much time to implement "the system" as it does to turn the corner with traditional style of play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 20, 2018, 11:06:35 PM
Augustana 77
North Park 51

Shaylee Sloan: 9 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 4 stls
Alicia Arnold: 3 stls
Sinead Molloy: 3 stls

Clare Kramer: 14 pts, 7 rebs
Alexis Jones: 12 pts, 12 rebs
Sadie Roberts: 12 pts, 6 rebs
Victoria Allen: 7 rebs
Megan Stovall: 6 rebs
Scooter Lopez: 9"6 a:to, 5 stls

Not a single NPU player scored in double figures tonight, as Augie played the game at the breakneck pace it likes and which the Park simply isn't capable of handling. Augie also outrebounded NPU by a huge 67-41 margin.

Quote from: lmitzel on January 20, 2018, 06:58:41 PM
I think I can safely say North Central opened its game with Elmhurst with its worst quarter all year, falling behind 22-2 after one (I almost had to do a double take when I actually looked at the box score) and dropped a 77-55 decision at Faganel.

I can top that. Augie led NPU 24-2 at the outset of the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2018, 11:54:30 AM
That could've been a higher scoring game, but 48-44 over the last three quarters is very standard or blah. North Park made 11 of 51 2FGs; another 13 2FGs (say 24/51, 47%) would raise them to 77 pts. And Izzy Anderson (potential 1st teamer all-CCIW) had a crud game for Augie, holding down their output.
Would've, could've. Oh well.
Sitting courtside, I noted some of Scooter Lopez's vocal leadership (seemed a mix of instruction and encouragement), to go along with her significant impact as a ballhandler.
Early in the game, NP's Sinead Molloy took a hit to an eye defending a drive to the hoop and had to recover on the bench. I was glad to see that she was well enough to return to play.
Augie was 2/10 at the foul line, reinforcing the old adage "Make 20% of your free throws and you'll win with ease."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2018, 12:20:15 PM
A few discrepancies :
in the stats, Carroll's Mallory Olszak is shown as Olsazak; teammate Hannah Kloehn is shown as Klohen. I assume the spellings in their roster are correct.
NP's Lauryn Alba Garner has two lines in the stats on cciw.org.
It is probably very tedious to fix these, but it should be done, maybe at the end of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2018, 12:42:04 PM
Carthage 74, Millikin 51
The Lady Reds had four score in double-digits : Sammie Woodward (15), Madie Kaelber (13), Bailey Gilbert (13), Autumn Kalis (11) and they all shot efficiently.
Morgan Harris had 15 rebounds. Maggie Berigan had 9 pts, 3 blocks and a steal in 14:00.
Lauren Moses led the Big Blue with 12 pts. Jordan Hildebrand added 11 and 6 rebs in 14:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2018, 02:14:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 21, 2018, 12:20:15 PM
NP's Lauryn Alba Garner has two lines in the stats on cciw.org.
It is probably very tedious to fix these, but it should be done, maybe at the end of the season.

Lauryn's stats are that way as well on the NPU website. NPU sports information director Tyler Woolbright is aware of it. He'll eventually fix it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2018, 08:16:06 PM
Now that half of the conference schedule is complete (each team having played the others once), it is a particularly good time to look at conference-games-only stats.
A favorite stat is "effective FG pct" or eFG% (the abbreviation used on basketball-reference.com). It adjusts overall FG pct to precisely account for 3FGs. For example, if a team makes 4 of 10 FG att and one of the made shots was a three, they scored 9 pts from those 10 shots. The traditional FG% is .400 but we wouldn't know if the team scored 8 points or 12 or anywhere in between.
eFG% reflects how many 2FGs would be needed to score the 9 pts from 10 FG att, so the answer is 4 and 1/2. The eFG% is .450.
So, let's look at team defensive eFG% through 8 conference games :
AUG .424
CRL .490
CTG .413
ELM .443
IWU .418
MIL .491
NCC .488
NPU .471
WHE .382
Caveats -- this is not a complete measure of a team's defense, as it does not include FTs allowed, turnovers induced, defensive rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2018, 02:22:50 PM
team offense eFG%, 8 conference games :
AUG .438
CRL .405
CTG .473
ELM .454
IWU .534
MIL .432
NCC .398
NPU .403
WHE .482
A significant, but incomplete, measure of an offense -- does not include TOs committed, FTs made, offensive rebs. Nevertheless, far superior to FG%.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2018, 02:55:16 PM
Congrats to Alexis Jones, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 22, 2018, 07:26:18 PM
IWU continued their climb, though it slowed - from 18 to 17.  I was afraid they wouldn't rise at all, since the ONLY team above them to lose was UWW, who gave IWU one of their two losses.  Apparently enough voters did not consider a 2-point loss AT UWW to be disqualifying, and IWU was 17, UWW 18.

Still no one else receiving votes.  I would have hoped that 7 straight wins and a 13-4 record would get Wheaton at least ONE vote, but no dice. >:(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2018, 09:22:39 PM
Congrats to Ms. Jones on an excellent week, now Player of the Week.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2018, 09:24:44 PM
Ypsi, hard for the TITANS to rise much further, with so many undefeated teams above, . . . and with no further games against ranked teams . . . til the D3 tournament.  Best to just keep winning, roll up big margins, and let the starters get more rest for tougher battles to come in future.  It's sure been great experience for the Freshmen and the other pine-sitters.   Big game vs. WC on the 7th.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 22, 2018, 10:02:11 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 22, 2018, 09:24:44 PM
Ypsi, hard for the TITANS to rise much further, with so many undefeated teams above, . . . and with no further games against ranked teams . . . til the D3 tournament.  Best to just keep winning, roll up big margins, and let the starters get more rest for tougher battles to come in future.  It's sure been great experience for the Freshmen and the other pine-sitters.   Big game vs. WC on the 7th.

IWU'70

Understood.  The CCIW women's teams get no where near the respect of the men (and, to be honest, haven't yet earned it, despite national titles by Millikin and IWU), but I'll keep lobbying!

The rise in women's sports has been incredible over the last 30-40 years, but there is still not enough interest or athleticism among the women for parity in D3.  Late afternoon or early evening every Sunday "How They Fared" is posted on the Multi-region boards of both men and women.  The men typically looks downright bloody (red indicating losses); the women much less so.  The top women's teams rarely lose, and victory margins of 30-50 are not uncommon; that is much less common among the men.

It is therefore almost impossible to overcome a 2-2 start no matter who you played - fortunately, there is a tournament who (if you qualify) doesn't care what your record (or ranking) was! ;)

Make IWU 2012 Again! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2018, 02:05:15 AM
Ypsi, I think this team is overall as good as the 2012 team, playing very well together.  They don't have the dominate player like Olivia Lett or the trey shooting of Melissa Gardner, but they do have depth, overall great defense, and one of the best PGs in D3, in Ehresman.  Very balanced, with lots of weapons.  Hope Molly McGraw has a big spurt of productivity here down the stretch.  This freshmen group has really been good . . . is going to be even better, in the next 2-3 years. 

I think 15-1 likely, even 16-0, then a good high seed in the Dance, come March.  That could help a lot in getting 2 easier games starting out . . . then, who knows where they will end up, how far they go?  25-2 going in would be nice.  :) 

I'm hoping for the best.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 23, 2018, 08:04:55 AM
I know it's way too early to start talking regional rankings, but those matter a lot more than the Top 25. Your Titans will probably be pretty high in the Central in two weeks when the first set drops, barring them coming down to earth a little bit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 23, 2018, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 23, 2018, 08:04:55 AM
I know it's way too early to start talking regional rankings, but those matter a lot more than the Top 25. Your Titans will probably be pretty high in the Central in two weeks when the first set drops, barring them coming down to earth a little bit.
lkely Titans will be high in regional rankings which is important even if they wn the AQ (in terms of hosting).
  '70 and Ypsi note the Top 25 but it is much more difficult to rise in the women's than men's.  You just do not see losses on the women's side compared to the men's .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2018, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 23, 2018, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 23, 2018, 08:04:55 AM
I know it's way too early to start talking regional rankings, but those matter a lot more than the Top 25. Your Titans will probably be pretty high in the Central in two weeks when the first set drops, barring them coming down to earth a little bit.
lkely Titans will be high in regional rankings which is important even if they wn the AQ (in terms of hosting).
  '70 and Ypsi note the Top 25 but it is much more difficult to rise in the women's than men's.  You just do not see losses on the women's side compared to the men's .

I'm not sure that any men's team this year would win the national title in most past years (no truly dominant teams), yet there may be as many as 25-30 teams that if they get hot at the right time could make it to Salem.  There just isn't that quantity of talent in the women's game.  By the Elite Eight there may well still be 2-3 undefeated teams (in mid-January there are already only 2 undefeated men's teams).  Only a relative handful of women's teams (including, IMO, an under-ranked  Titan squad) have any realistic shot at the Final Four.

I dearly love women's basketball, but will love it even more when:
  a. a sufficient number of talented players bring more parity to D3, and
  b. the CCIW women start earning and getting the national respect that the CCIW men receive! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2018, 10:55:03 PM
individual eFG% from conference action only -- narrowed to those who were at .500 or better and had scored at least 32 pts from made FGs (4 such pts per game for the team's 8) :
AUG none
CRL none
CTG Madie Kaelber .639, Sammie Woodward .561
ELM Mikaela Eppard .554, Jasmin Bailey .506
IWU Raven Hughes .740, Ashley Schneider .654, Nina Anderson .617, Kendall Sosa .609, Sydney Shanks .583
MIL Jordan Hildebrand .523
NCC Maya Walls .564, Michaela Reedy .542
NPU none
WHE Jennifer Berg .638, Hannah Frazier .567, Jordan Myroth .542, Devin Kyler .508, Maggie Dansdill .505
Roughly a half-dozen others just missed the cutoffs, but I decided to retain the original arbitrary qualifications.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2018, 12:11:30 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2018, 09:48:35 PM
I dearly love women's basketball, but will love it even more when:
  a. a sufficient number of talented players bring more parity to D3, and
  b. the CCIW women start earning and getting the national respect that the CCIW men receive! ;D

Unfortunately, you won't live long enough to see either of those wishes come to fruition, Chuck.

I probably won't, either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2018, 03:21:01 AM
Ypsi, I think Greg is right on this one.  Esp. a.  Let's hope our Titans go far in the D3 dance this year, helping a bit with b. 

Looking forward to the rest of the season -- esp. the big game at WC in two weeks.  Nice to have three games at home now, including the "Pink Zone" fundraising game.  Hope there's a big turnout, open wallets for that one -- a good cause, always.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 24, 2018, 12:37:38 PM
I know this got brought up over on the men's board as well, but I wanted to post it here too. Starting next year the CCIW Tournament will expand from four to six teams (http://cciw.org/news/2018/1/23/mens-basketball-tournament-expansion-release.aspx). The plan would be to have the current Tuesday of regular season finale games be when the #3 and #4 seeds would host the #6 and #5 seeds, respectively, with the winners heading to the #1 seed's building for the usual 1-4/2-3 games on the Friday and title game Saturday.

I'm just curious to see how they'll adjust the regular season schedule to still fit the 16 conference games. Add one more December date?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2018, 12:46:09 PM
No, that won't be necessary. This month the NCAA convention voted to bump up by a week the starting date for the D3 schedule for both men's and women's basketball, from November 15 to November 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 24, 2018, 01:12:04 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2018, 12:46:09 PM
No, that won't be necessary. This month the NCAA convention voted to bump up by a week the starting date for the D3 schedule for both men's and women's basketball, from November 15 to November 8.

Yeah, but adding that week on the front end doesn't change that they're playing what will become the quarterfinal/"play-in"/whatever games on the day that is currently the last day of conference play. I don't know where they're planning to shift that day to if the plan is still to do three December dates, because there's only 14 Wednesday/Saturday's in January and February to work with.

After the fact edit: just quoting Greg's post from the men's board that should solve the issue.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2018, 01:14:35 PM
In other words, there's now an entire extra week in mid-November to schedule games, so adding a fourth CCIW date will be easy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2018, 01:18:24 PM
Yeah, I worded that improperly when I was editing my post. What I meant to say was, "No, it won't be necessary to squeeze in an extra game in November and December, because this month the NCAA convention voted to bump up by a week the starting date for the D3 schedule for both men's and women's basketball, from November 15 to November 8. That will allow the CCIW to add a fourth date in December without disrupting the schedule." Too much editing on the fly!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2018, 08:58:08 PM
IWU over NCC at the half, 56-21.  Cruising.

Samantha Monroe with a career night -- 17 first half points with 5 treys.  Another freshman.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2018, 09:39:19 PM
Titans, cruising.  Season high 108 points.  IWU 108 NCC 54

56%, 43% from 3, all 13 TITANS on the roster scoring in this one.

Munroe (career high) 21, 5 treys  (she's the heir apparent for Ehresman), great foot speed.
McGraw 17
Hughes 13
Merritt 13
Sosa 10
Anderson 9

For NCC:
Whipple 11

Titans move to 16-2, 9-0.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 24, 2018, 11:04:08 PM
Thunder with easy win over Augustana 79-57

Hannah Frazier led the way once again with 27 pts, 7 rebs, 2 stls in only 27 mins of playing time.  Maggie Dansdill finished 1 rebound short of a double/double with 18 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls.  Devin Kyler with 10 pts, 7rebs.  I thought Augie at home would be a tough one, but the Lady Thunder controlled pretty much from start to finish.   Lady Vikes have trouble overcoming the size disparity to compete with Wheaton.

Clare Kramer led the scoring for Augie with 13 pts, 5 rebs followed by Izzy Anderson (12 pts, 4 rebs).  Alexis Jones had 10 pts with 4 rebs.  Thunder were well under their blocked shots average with a mere 3.  8 game winning streak now that must continue in Decatur on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2018, 11:12:38 PM
Carthage 77
North Park 51

Clarissa Ramos: 13 pts
Brie Lippert: 12 pts, 3 stls
Sinead Molloy: 6 rebs, 3:1 a:to
Alicia Arnold: 3:1 a:to

Madie Kaelber: 19 pts, 4 stls
Sammie Woodward: 12 pts
Morgan Harris: 10 pts, 12 rebs
Rachel Sydlowski: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Bailey Gilbert: 10 rebs
Maggie Berigan: 8 rebs

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2018, 02:12:16 AM
The Titans sure can score the basketball -- 108 points tonight.  You don't see that very often in the women's game.

Keep it rolling TITANS -- no let down.  Hope everyone comes out, opens up their wallets, for the PINK Zone game at home next up, vs. NPU.  Good basketball, a very good cause.

Sure do love those IWU freshmen.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2018, 07:43:45 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 25, 2018, 02:12:16 AM
The Titans sure can score the basketball -- 108 points tonight.  You don't see that very often in the women's game.

'70

Granted it was all during the System Era, but lest we forget, these two teams hold the record for highest scoring game in CCIW history (234 points), and I'm pretty sure NCC holds the record for high score in a losing effort (113, twice to IWU). I got spoiled for a few years with Big Mac games.

Alas, last night went about as well as expected. I think NCC had 23 turnovers at halftime or something in that ballpark.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 25, 2018, 08:48:42 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2018, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 23, 2018, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 23, 2018, 08:04:55 AM
I know it's way too early to start talking regional rankings, but those matter a lot more than the Top 25. Your Titans will probably be pretty high in the Central in two weeks when the first set drops, barring them coming down to earth a little bit.
lkely Titans will be high in regional rankings which is important even if they wn the AQ (in terms of hosting).
  '70 and Ypsi note the Top 25 but it is much more difficult to rise in the women's than men's.  You just do not see losses on the women's side compared to the men's .

I'm not sure that any men's team this year would win the national title in most past years (no truly dominant teams), yet there may be as many as 25-30 teams that if they get hot at the right time could make it to Salem.  There just isn't that quantity of talent in the women's game.  By the Elite Eight there may well still be 2-3 undefeated teams (in mid-January there are already only 2 undefeated men's teams).  Only a relative handful of women's teams (including, IMO, an under-ranked  Titan squad) have any realistic shot at the Final Four.

I dearly love women's basketball, but will love it even more when:
  a. a sufficient number of talented players bring more parity to D3, and
  b. the CCIW women start earning and getting the national respect that the CCIW men receive! ;D

I'm not sure what it would take to upgrade the conference talent but it would be nice to see.   A lot of the same recruiting factors that make the men competitive (solid academics, location, good schools) exist for the women.  But if the overall pool is smaller then maybe the CCIW schools actually are getting their fair share?

Despite the strength of the McDaniel's led Wheaton teams of the last few years, I was never confident of their chances in the NCAA simply because the lack of strength in CCIW competition hardly prepared them to play much tougher teams in the post season.  They did play some tough non-con games, but those were done by Christmas.   Even this year, I wouldn't think that Mia Smith or Kent Madsen believe winning games by 25, 30 or more are great prep for games in March.  It would be a challenge to keep your team from believing they're better than they actually are ( an occasional occurrence on the forum boards I would say ).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Hoosier Titan on January 25, 2018, 09:58:34 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 25, 2018, 08:48:42 AM
Even this year, I wouldn't think that Mia Smith or Kent Madsen believe winning games by 25, 30 or more are great prep for games in March.  It would be a challenge to keep your team from believing they're better than they actually are ( an occasional occurrence on the forum boards I would say ).

You can move a Midwesterner out East, but you can't keep her from watching basketball, apparently. Still keeping up with the CCIW via the Internet.

I'm quite sure Mia Smith would like to play more games against national competition--hence the annual Wash U/Depauw/IWU/someone else early tournament, and the games against WIAC teams. It's why the Titans usually end up with more early losses compared to teams above them. This year's Titan team looks really good; it's rare to see so many first year players  so poised. I do share the concern about unrealistic expectations for the postseason, particularly with so many young players (and some posters!).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2018, 11:20:49 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 25, 2018, 08:48:42 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2018, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 23, 2018, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 23, 2018, 08:04:55 AM
I know it's way too early to start talking regional rankings, but those matter a lot more than the Top 25. Your Titans will probably be pretty high in the Central in two weeks when the first set drops, barring them coming down to earth a little bit.
lkely Titans will be high in regional rankings which is important even if they wn the AQ (in terms of hosting).
  '70 and Ypsi note the Top 25 but it is much more difficult to rise in the women's than men's.  You just do not see losses on the women's side compared to the men's .

I'm not sure that any men's team this year would win the national title in most past years (no truly dominant teams), yet there may be as many as 25-30 teams that if they get hot at the right time could make it to Salem.  There just isn't that quantity of talent in the women's game.  By the Elite Eight there may well still be 2-3 undefeated teams (in mid-January there are already only 2 undefeated men's teams).  Only a relative handful of women's teams (including, IMO, an under-ranked  Titan squad) have any realistic shot at the Final Four.

I dearly love women's basketball, but will love it even more when:
  a. a sufficient number of talented players bring more parity to D3, and
  b. the CCIW women start earning and getting the national respect that the CCIW men receive! ;D

I'm not sure what it would take to upgrade the conference talent but it would be nice to see.   A lot of the same recruiting factors that make the men competitive (solid academics, location, good schools) exist for the women.  But if the overall pool is smaller then maybe the CCIW schools actually are getting their fair share?

I think that that's the case. Adding to this is the fact that the women's game has less parity and more lopsidedness than the men's game, which, as you pointed out, is a fact that the CCIW shows in microcosm. That makes the CCIW's talent pool look even smaller, because the lion's share of the talent tends to be concentrated in two or three teams, meaning that if you're looking at the league as a whole there are plenty of times when you'll watch games between two CCIW teams that really aren't very good at all -- and that's very rarely the case in the much more balanced men's side of things.

Another factor is that I think that D3 women's basketball is more eastern-oriented on the whole, or at least nationally balanced, whereas the midwestern states seem to play the best brand of D3 men's basketball on average. It always seems like the usual suspects from the midwestern portion of D3 women's basketball go deep into the tourney -- Wash U, DePauw, UW-Whitewater, Hope for awhile, and now St. Thomas as well. The Ohio-to-Minnesota pool of solid-to-strong programs is much deeper on the men's side. Heck, the D3 women's Final Four hasn't had more than one midwestern team in it for a full student class cycle of four years now -- and in 2015 there weren't any at all (which, given bracketing in D3, is actually pretty hard to do).

Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 25, 2018, 09:58:34 AM
You can move a Midwesterner out East, but you can't keep her from watching basketball, apparently. Still keeping up with the CCIW via the Internet.

I'm quite sure Mia Smith would like to play more games against national competition--hence the annual Wash U/Depauw/IWU/someone else early tournament, and the games against WIAC teams. It's why the Titans usually end up with more early losses compared to teams above them. This year's Titan team looks really good; it's rare to see so many first year players  so poised. I do share the concern about unrealistic expectations for the postseason, particularly with so many young players (and some posters!).

Great to hear from you again, Linda!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on January 25, 2018, 11:51:15 AM
Quote from: Hoosier Titan on January 25, 2018, 09:58:34 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 25, 2018, 08:48:42 AM
Even this year, I wouldn't think that Mia Smith or Kent Madsen believe winning games by 25, 30 or more are great prep for games in March.  It would be a challenge to keep your team from believing they're better than they actually are ( an occasional occurrence on the forum boards I would say ).

You can move a Midwesterner out East, but you can't keep her from watching basketball, apparently. Still keeping up with the CCIW via the Internet.

I'm quite sure Mia Smith would like to play more games against national competition--hence the annual Wash U/Depauw/IWU/someone else early tournament, and the games against WIAC teams. It's why the Titans usually end up with more early losses compared to teams above them. This year's Titan team looks really good; it's rare to see so many first year players  so poised. I do share the concern about unrealistic expectations for the postseason, particularly with so many young players (and some posters!).



FYI - Rose-Hulman has been added as a permanent 4th school for the Midwest Classic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2018, 12:58:48 PM
Elmhurst 76, Carroll 42 --
Bluejays Kaela Jones and Georgia Garvie each scored 18 and shot very well. Mikaela Eppard played only 24 minutes and scored 14.
Delaney Sjong had 10 rebs for the Pioneers. No Pioneer scored more than 7.
Carroll's offense has managed 42, 46 and 36 in recent games, reminiscent of last season. Things looked a lot better earlier in the season, but perhaps fatigue and/or nagging injuries are taking a toll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2018, 01:28:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 25, 2018, 12:58:48 PM
Carroll's offense has managed 42, 46 and 36 in recent games, reminiscent of last season. Things looked a lot better earlier in the season, but perhaps fatigue and/or nagging injuries are taking a toll.

For what it's worth, I went to look at their strength of schedule (http://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2017-18/schedule?tmpl=sos-template) (.538, ranked 122nd in D-III). That number is 8th in the CCIW; only Millikin's is lower. While this doesn't have a breakdown of non-conference versus conference SOS, when you consider Carroll's record (2-7 in conference, 3-6 out of it), that could play a factor as well as fatigue. Their first bye was in the December portion of the CCIW schedule, and their second comes this weekend. The injury thing is possible too, as Rachel Van Sluys has only played seven games and none since their win over North Central three weeks ago, and she averaged 22.4 minutes a game in her seven played (and is also their leading scorer by average still).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2018, 01:31:10 AM
This weekend, Pink Zone game at The Shirk -- IWU hosting NPU -- with fundraising efforts, proceeds going to the local Cancer Center.  Great basketball, great cause.  I hope everyone turns out and makes a donation to the good efforts of the IWU team and for an important service and facility in the Bloomington/Normal community.  Of course, this effort is particularly close to Coach Smith's heart.

Keep going philanthropic TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2018, 10:16:43 AM
prior results of today's schedule :
Dec 2 - Wheaton 63, Millikin 46
Dec 9 - Carthage 74, Augustana 67
Jan 13 - Illinois Wesleyan 83, North Park 53
Jan 20 - Elmhurst 77, North Central 55
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2018, 06:50:33 PM
In the Pink Zone game @The Shirk @the half -- IWU 44, NPU 23.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2018, 07:43:48 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 105
North Park 53

Samantha Bloom: 13 pts

Ashley Schneider: 18 pts
Molly McGraw:  14 pts, 4:2 a:to
Raven Hughes: 14 pts
Nina Anderson: 11 pts
Sydney Shanks: 7 rebs'
Rebekah Ehresman: 6:2 a:to, 3 stls

This one went pretty much according to form. NPU just doesn't have either the experience or the firepower to hang around with the teams in the top half of the conference, and the Vikes have the look about them of a team that's been beaten down by a lot of blowout losses this month. They're playing with less and less energy over the past couple of games and really appear demoralized. Boy, I hope that they're still having fun, though ... that's what the game's supposed to be all about.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2018, 08:22:40 PM
Yes, Greg has given a good summary.  IWU just plays at a different speed altogether.

They are deep and had many other players score 7-9 points as well.  Now 11 deep in the regular rotation. The freshmen are really impressive -- Hughes, Sosa, Munroe and Brovelli.  Schneider one of her best games of the year.

Titans shooting 53%, 44% from 3, holding NPU to 36%, only 8% from three. 

Pink Zone game to raise money for the Bloomington/Normal Cancer Center . . . and, by the looks of the video feed, a pretty nice crowd tonight.  I hope they raised a pretty penny for the Center. 

Titans scoring at a clip that is very unusual for women's basketball -- must be one of the top five in the country now. 

17-2, 10-0 . . . and moving on toward the big game vs. WC on February 7th.  That will be a stiff test.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2018, 11:30:41 PM
Carthage got a big win at Augie, 80-74. Carthage is 7-3 and Augie 5-5, instead of them being tied at 6-4.
Madie Kaelber scored 11 pts in the final 2:29, finishing with 19, one less than teammate Rachel Szydlowski. Rachel also had 14 rebs and 3 assists.
For the Vikings, Scooter Lopez had 14 pts and 7 assists.
Elmhurst 61, North Central 41 -- good production from Mikaela Eppard (18 pts, 4 assists, 11 rebs), Kaela Jones (11 pts, 6 rebs, 6 assists) and Mayson Whipple (17 pts, 4 assists, 3 steals).
Wheaton 75, Millikin 53 -- ten Thunders scored, including Kristi Demski, who tallied 11 pts. For Millikin, Devin Curry scored 16, while Lauren Moses grabbed 12 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2018, 11:45:18 PM
your CCIW standings :
10-0 IWU
8-2 WHE
7-3 CTG ELM
5-5 AUG
3-7 NPU
2-7 CRL
2-8 NCC
0-9 MIL
If this were next season, a 0-9 team would still be in contention for the 6th conference playoff seed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2018, 11:50:23 PM
BIG game on Wednesday - Carthage @ Wheaton.  IF Carthage can pull what IMO would only be a mild upset, the race (for the regular season) is over - the Titans are NOT gonna lose 3 games!  (I doubt they will even lose two, which would mean you can already book conference tourney reservations for B'town. ;D)

On the men's side, the Titans are also up 2 on any competitors.  IF they win in Rock Island on Wednesday, BOTH tourneys will almost certainly be in Bloomington.  I spent some time on the CCIW site this evening, but could find nothing about the conference tourney schedules.  Anyone know if there is any overlap that could make having both tourneys at the same location problematic?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2018, 01:40:46 AM
Ypsi, if the TITANS can get by WC on the 7th, then they have a shot at 16-0.  We'll see.

Hope both tournaments in Bloomington @ The Shirk -- not sure what they would do -- perhaps women's games at 1 and 3 p.m., clear the Shirk, then men's games at 6 and 8 p.m.?   Next day, the two championship games -- perhaps one at 3 p.m., clear the building again, and one at 7 ? 

Not sure.

Sure nice to be way out front at this stage.  Lots of key games to go.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 28, 2018, 08:40:52 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2018, 11:50:23 PM
I spent some time on the CCIW site this evening, but could find nothing about the conference tourney schedules.  Anyone know if there is any overlap that could make having both tourneys at the same location problematic?

The overlap wouldn't be an issue. They'd do the women's semis on the Thursday, men's semis on the Friday, and do the title games back to back on the Saturday. I think I'd seen something about that on the CCIW site somewhere along the line, but I don't remember for sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 28, 2018, 09:29:36 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2018, 11:30:41 PM
Elmhurst 61, North Central 41 -- good production from Mikaela Eppard (18 pts, 4 assists, 11 rebs), Kaela Jones (11 pts, 6 rebs, 6 assists) and Mayson Whipple (17 pts, 4 assists, 3 steals).

North Central didn't get their doors blown off in the opening quarter, as they only trailed 21-8 after one and 31-18 at the break. It was the third quarter that doomed them as they went scoreless for over half the frame and ended up trailing by about 25, though to their credit they did manage to cut it to 12 midway through the 4th.

It's been a rough year results wise, but they're still never out of a game and they've made a lot of nice 4th quarter runs. For what it's worth I thought they did a pretty decent job on Eppard last night too, 18 and 11 aside.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 28, 2018, 10:22:54 AM
Through 10 CCIW games, IWU is out-scoring CCIW opponents 912 to 582 (91.2 to 58.2 per game).  +33 scoring margin is pretty nuts. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2018, 08:19:07 PM
Indeed, Q.  Pretty nuts and lovely to behold.  They are playing at a very high level and high speed, with great team defense and team offense.  Ehresman's scoring average goes down, and the Titans rise higher and higher.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2018, 08:21:39 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 28, 2018, 10:22:54 AM
Through 10 CCIW games, IWU is out-scoring CCIW opponents 912 to 582 (91.2 to 58.2 per game).  +33 scoring margin is pretty nuts.

And the margin is GROWING!  Last 3 games the Titans basically doubled the scores of Carroll (89-46), NCC (108-54), and NPU (105-53)! :o  That's partly because those are three of the weaker teams in the conference, but I think also because the talented freshmen are no longer newbies.  I'm feeling more and more that this team could be special (as in FF or beyond)!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2018, 10:15:58 PM
Ypsi, let's not get too too carried away just yet.  I feel this team will win the conference -- perhaps with only 0 or 1 losses.  CCIW Tournament at The Shirk.  Hopefully, finishing 22 or 23 wins, we'll see, likely a 20+ win season.  Going into the tournment with 24 or 25 wins, leading to a high seed.   D3 dance depends a lot on seeding, playing more games at home, getting through the first weekend, then be on a good roll.  Of course, the TITANS will then run into much tougher competition -- Chicago, Trine, Hope, one of the WIAC schools etc.  I'd love to see them have a great long run, esp. for Ehresman and McGraw, but I think FF may be a dream too far, even as much as I love this team and their great play, style of play to date.  They have been totally awesome, dominant the last several weeks.  Key starters are, relatively, well-rested, headed for the post-season.

Big game at WC on the 7th -- a much better test.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 28, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
Whoa Ypsi!  It is fair to state the Titans have, thus far, exceeded the expectations of more than a few folks. But FF, not ready to make that prediction as yet!

You got to win the CCIW tourney to get an AQ.  And 70 right, there are very, very good teams that will in the NCAA tourney this year - again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2018, 11:23:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 28, 2018, 10:15:58 PM
Ypsi, let's not get too too carried away just yet.  I feel this team will win the conference -- perhaps with only 0 or 1 losses.  CCIW Tournament at The Shirk.  Hopefully, finishing 22 or 23 wins, we'll see, likely a 20+ win season.  Going into the tournment with 24 or 25 wins, leading to a high seed.   D3 dance depends a lot on seeding, playing more games at home, getting through the first weekend, then be on a good roll.  Of course, the TITANS will then run into much tougher competition -- Chicago, Trine, Hope, one of the WIAC schools etc.  I'd love to see them have a great long run, esp. for Ehresman and McGraw, but I think FF may be a dream too far, even as much as I love this team and their great play, style of play to date.  They have been totally awesome, dominant the last several weeks.  Key starters are, relatively, well-rested, headed for the post-season.

Big game at WC on the 7th -- a much better test.

'70
Quote from: iwumichigander on January 28, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
Whoa Ypsi!  It is fair to state the Titans have, thus far, exceeded the expectations of more than a few folks. But FF, not ready to make that prediction as yet!

You got to win the CCIW tourney to get an AQ.  And 70 right, there are very, very good teams that will in the NCAA tourney this year - again.

Note that I did emphasize COULD be special.  I really like the way the team is trending (recognizing that recent opponents have not been cream of the crop).  I'm just not ready to place a cap on where this team COULD go this season (and this just might be the start of another magic carpet ride - I LOVE the freshmen class!)

Yeah, I may be getting carried away - but please don't rain on my parade! 8-)

I gotta do something to survive January in Michigan! ;D  Though the last three days have been glorious. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 01:08:09 AM
Ypsi, keep up your optimism and your enthusiasm.  Lots to be happy about in the development of the TITANS this year, and the very good prospects for the next 2-3 years, too, given the freshmen and other very good players returning next year.  Ehresman and McGraw are huge losses to graduation, but the Titans will re-load, not re-build.  If I were predicting for the post-season, assuming we get there, I'd say Sweet 16 level this year.  Really greatly depends on the seeding and the draw.  Tons of good teams out there -- making the tournament.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 01:14:22 AM
Ypsi, assuming the Titans make the dance, here are a few of the really good teams likely in their path -- possibly in their path in the opening few rounds of the tournament:  Wartburg, Hope, Thomas Moore, DePauw, Trine (we lost to them last year in round one), WI-Oshkosh, WI-Whitewater (we lost to them by two earlier this year), Chicago (we beat handily this year), Ohio Northern, possibly Wisconsin Lutheran.  Depends on conference championships/AQs etc. and how the pods are structured, as you well know.  I'm hoping the TITANS mostly win out, get to host the first weekend @The Shirk.  A big advantage.   If we do mostly win out, we'll have a good resume going in . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2018, 01:00:12 PM
We'll need one or more of you fellow correspondents to do brief write-ups of the next two Millikin games as well as AUG-CRL. I will likely be without internet for a week Tuesday-Tuesday as I'll be suffering in 74 degree weather in Miami and Ft Lauderdale. My hotels will not have computers for guest use (Extended Stay America -- usually decent, but no-frills), my phone is dumb, plus I don't feel like lugging a laptop on the flights. Hotels (convenient for planespotting at MIA and FLL) that I've used before have gotten too expensive.
Anyway, those three games are ones that I'd normally summarize; so, help is needed!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2018, 03:07:00 PM
Congrats to Mikaela Eppard, honored again as CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2018, 08:40:02 PM
New poll is out - IWU remains 17th (though they picked up 30 more points).  They slipped past Muhlenberg, but Chicago jumped from 21 to 16.  I've got a mild bone to pick with that, since IWU beat Chicago (AT Chicago) by 19 points.  True, that was over 2 months ago (that's why my bone-picking is only mild), but still!  Chicago IS playing really well and probably deserves their ranking, but IWU is also playing really well and should probably be ahead of UC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 08:52:55 PM
Agree with you, Ypsi.  Voters not paying attention -- as IWU handled Chicago easily in the head-to-head.  May face them again later on . . . down the road in March.

Just key to keep winning, win out if possible, esp. win vs. WC on the 7th.  Win the AQ too, get a high seed. 

Keep going TITANS -- great season in the making.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 09:50:39 PM
Congrats to Ms. Eppard, on Player of the Week.  I hope EC beats WC again!  :)


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 30, 2018, 12:50:34 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 08:52:55 PM
Agree with you, Ypsi.  Voters not paying attention -- as IWU handled Chicago easily in the head-to-head.  May face them again later on . . . down the road in March.

'70

Sorry folks - On the contrary, the voters ARE actually paying attention.  The CCIW is not strong this year and I'm trying to be nice with the terminology.  Beating teams by 50 isn't telling anyone a thing about how good they are except that they are the best team in a pretty mediocre league this year and, I suppose, playing with lots of confidence.  But from any objective point of view - that's it. 

I'm already on record with my respect for IWU this year.  They are a good team. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2018, 12:59:56 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 30, 2018, 12:50:34 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 08:52:55 PM
Agree with you, Ypsi.  Voters not paying attention -- as IWU handled Chicago easily in the head-to-head.  May face them again later on . . . down the road in March.

'70

Sorry folks - On the contrary, the voters ARE actually paying attention.  The CCIW is not strong this year and I'm trying to be nice with the terminology.  Beating teams by 50 isn't telling anyone a thing about how good they are except that they are the best team in a pretty mediocre league this year and, I suppose, playing with lots of confidence.  But from any objective point of view - that's it. 

I'm already on record with my respect for IWU this year.  They are a good team.

Aside from UC ranked ahead of IWU, I think the voters are not paying attention for a different reason.  The conference overall may well be down, but I think Wheaton is a VERY decent/good team.  Them STILL receiving ZERO votes bugs me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 30, 2018, 01:14:09 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2018, 12:59:56 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 30, 2018, 12:50:34 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 29, 2018, 08:52:55 PM
Agree with you, Ypsi.  Voters not paying attention -- as IWU handled Chicago easily in the head-to-head.  May face them again later on . . . down the road in March.

'70

Sorry folks - On the contrary, the voters ARE actually paying attention.  The CCIW is not strong this year and I'm trying to be nice with the terminology.  Beating teams by 50 isn't telling anyone a thing about how good they are except that they are the best team in a pretty mediocre league this year and, I suppose, playing with lots of confidence.  But from any objective point of view - that's it. 

I'm already on record with my respect for IWU this year.  They are a good team.

Aside from UC ranked ahead of IWU, I think the voters are not paying attention for a different reason.  The conference overall may well be down, but I think Wheaton is a VERY decent/good team.  Them STILL receiving ZERO votes bugs me.

I think 4 losses is just too many to get consideration seeing how many 1 and 2 loss teams there are.  I think the polls are fun, great conversation starters and I've been following the abundant posts on the men's board.  I'm grateful for Dave, Pat, Ryan and the rest of the voters.  But the only polls I really care about are the regional rankings.  And I think we all take for granted that the RR criteria won't be influenced by the D3Hoops polls or any other polls that might exist at any time.  At least that's what I believe which could be naive . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2018, 01:25:02 AM
GP, agree regional rankings far more important.  D3 poll will take care of itself, and have little relevance at the end of the day.  IWU just needs to keep winning and go into Selection Sunday with the best possible record and resume.  That will more likely determine their seeding and prospects to win one or more games in the D3 dance.  Of course, we are hoping for a CCIW championship and the AQ -- but I think the TITANS will be there, ready to go, come tournament time, no matter.  The lower part of the CCIW does seem rather down this year, but the top four teams are likely as good as or near as good as usual -- IWU, WC, EC and Augie.  Anything can happen in the AQ, CCIW tournament.  Lots of basketball to be played.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 30, 2018, 01:04:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 30, 2018, 01:25:02 AM
The lower part of the CCIW does seem rather down this year, but the top four teams are likely as good as or near as good as usual -- IWU, WC, EC and Augie.  Anything can happen in the AQ, CCIW tournament.  Lots of basketball to be played.

'70

Well, considering Augie is two games out of a tournament spot with Carthage currently tied with Elmhurst for third...

Yeah, the bottom of the conference is definitely down. I didn't expect Millikin to be winless in conference, I didn't expect NCC to be as bad as they've been, North Park has slowed down after a strong start, Carroll is probably about where I expected them, and so is Augie... but I definitely feel like the top of the conference is down as well. You've got a great IWU team this year (more on that in a moment), but I feel like Wheaton isn't as good as they were in years past. Prior Wheaton iterations would have blown the doors off this year's Cardinals team... and this year's Thunder didn't. They're obviously still a good team, but not quite the same caliber as prior years. Elmhurst/Carthage are good, but not great, and NCC's win over Carthage back in December just continues to look more bizarre as time goes on.

I think when the regional rankings come out, Wesleyan is going to end up no better than third in the Central. Their two losses are to teams whose records aren't as gaudy, but both have higher SOS (WashU is 5th nationally with an absurd .635, UW-Whitewater is 13th at .601). Yeah, they've got that aforementioned win over Chicago and a better SOS, which is why I'd probably put them third in the region. They've also got a good win over Rose-Hulman, plus beating Wheaton by seven at home in December... but that's really it. Beating up on a down CCIW by 30-plus every night doesn't really prepare you for postseason play all that well, and it could pose a problem when the Titans go to Wheaton soon. They haven't played a close game since that affair.

At the end of the day, talent wins; I would expect the Titans to win the AQ. And even if they don't, they should be at the table early enough that a Pool C bid would be extremely likely barring some sort of collapse. But I don't know how much farther they'll advance beyond that.

Illinois Wesleyan can clinch a CCIW Tournament berth with a win over Augie tomorrow night. Might be one of the earliest clinchers in the history of the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Millikin would be mathematically eliminated with a loss to Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 30, 2018, 01:18:59 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 30, 2018, 01:04:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 30, 2018, 01:25:02 AM
The lower part of the CCIW does seem rather down this year, but the top four teams are likely as good as or near as good as usual -- IWU, WC, EC and Augie.  Anything can happen in the AQ, CCIW tournament.  Lots of basketball to be played.

'70

Well, considering Augie is two games out of a tournament spot with Carthage currently tied with Elmhurst for third...

Yeah, the bottom of the conference is definitely down. I didn't expect Millikin to be winless in conference, I didn't expect NCC to be as bad as they've been, North Park has slowed down after a strong start, Carroll is probably about where I expected them, and so is Augie... but I definitely feel like the top of the conference is down as well. You've got a great IWU team this year (more on that in a moment), but I feel like Wheaton isn't as good as they were in years past. Prior Wheaton iterations would have blown the doors off this year's Cardinals team... and this year's Thunder didn't. They're obviously still a good team, but not quite the same caliber as prior years. Elmhurst/Carthage are good, but not great, and NCC's win over Carthage back in December just continues to look more bizarre as time goes on.

I think when the regional rankings come out, Wesleyan is going to end up no better than third in the Central. Their two losses are to teams whose records aren't as gaudy, but both have higher SOS (WashU is 5th nationally with an absurd .635, UW-Whitewater is 13th at .601). Yeah, they've got that aforementioned win over Chicago and a better SOS, which is why I'd probably put them third in the region. They've also got a good win over Rose-Hulman, plus beating Wheaton by seven at home in December... but that's really it. Beating up on a down CCIW by 30-plus every night doesn't really prepare you for postseason play all that well, and it could pose a problem when the Titans go to Wheaton soon. They haven't played a close game since that affair.

At the end of the day, talent wins; I would expect the Titans to win the AQ. And even if they don't, they should be at the table early enough that a Pool C bid would be extremely likely barring some sort of collapse. But I don't know how much farther they'll advance beyond that.

Illinois Wesleyan can clinch a CCIW Tournament berth with a win over Augie tomorrow night. Might be one of the earliest clinchers in the history of the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Millikin would be mathematically eliminated with a loss to Elmhurst.

To speak on that point, this is directly related to the graduation of a three-time All-American in Katie McDaniels. I know you probably know this and I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but losing a player of her elite caliber is going to result in some growing pains, which I figured would be the case this season. And we have definitely seen that happen. This Thunder team, according to the eye test and limited time to actually put research into the claim I'm about to make, has better post play than they've had in a few years, but they are lacking at the guard position, which is a new problem for Coach Madsen. Myroth/Dansdill/Lawson are all fine players, but they don't have the same commanding presence and "takeover" mentality that we got to see in McDaniels during her entire career. This Thunder team is very young, and I'm excited to see how their young guards develop, but right now the absence of McDaniels is the obvious cause of this apparent "decline" from the dominant force that was Wheaton Women's Basketball (in the CCIW at least) the last few years. Obviously, this team seems to be figuring things out as they have won 9 games in a row, so we'll see how the rest of the conference slate plays out. The CCIW Tourney likely won't be in King Arena, but I expect the Thunder to be a legitimate obstacle to the ladies from Bloomington winning the AQ.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 30, 2018, 01:27:50 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 30, 2018, 01:18:59 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 30, 2018, 01:04:25 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 30, 2018, 01:25:02 AM
The lower part of the CCIW does seem rather down this year, but the top four teams are likely as good as or near as good as usual -- IWU, WC, EC and Augie.  Anything can happen in the AQ, CCIW tournament.  Lots of basketball to be played.

'70

Well, considering Augie is two games out of a tournament spot with Carthage currently tied with Elmhurst for third...

Yeah, the bottom of the conference is definitely down. I didn't expect Millikin to be winless in conference, I didn't expect NCC to be as bad as they've been, North Park has slowed down after a strong start, Carroll is probably about where I expected them, and so is Augie... but I definitely feel like the top of the conference is down as well. You've got a great IWU team this year (more on that in a moment), but I feel like Wheaton isn't as good as they were in years past. Prior Wheaton iterations would have blown the doors off this year's Cardinals team... and this year's Thunder didn't. They're obviously still a good team, but not quite the same caliber as prior years. Elmhurst/Carthage are good, but not great, and NCC's win over Carthage back in December just continues to look more bizarre as time goes on.

I think when the regional rankings come out, Wesleyan is going to end up no better than third in the Central. Their two losses are to teams whose records aren't as gaudy, but both have higher SOS (WashU is 5th nationally with an absurd .635, UW-Whitewater is 13th at .601). Yeah, they've got that aforementioned win over Chicago and a better SOS, which is why I'd probably put them third in the region. They've also got a good win over Rose-Hulman, plus beating Wheaton by seven at home in December... but that's really it. Beating up on a down CCIW by 30-plus every night doesn't really prepare you for postseason play all that well, and it could pose a problem when the Titans go to Wheaton soon. They haven't played a close game since that affair.

At the end of the day, talent wins; I would expect the Titans to win the AQ. And even if they don't, they should be at the table early enough that a Pool C bid would be extremely likely barring some sort of collapse. But I don't know how much farther they'll advance beyond that.

Illinois Wesleyan can clinch a CCIW Tournament berth with a win over Augie tomorrow night. Might be one of the earliest clinchers in the history of the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Millikin would be mathematically eliminated with a loss to Elmhurst.

To speak on that point, this is directly related to the graduation of a three-time All-American in Katie McDaniels. I know you probably know this and I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but losing a player of her elite caliber is going to result in some growing pains, which I figured would be the case this season. And we have definitely seen that happen. This Thunder team, according to the eye test and limited time to actually put research into the claim I'm about to make, has better post play than they've had in a few years, but they are lacking at the guard position, which is a new problem for Coach Madsen. Myroth/Dansdill/Lawson are all fine players, but they don't have the same commanding presence and "takeover" mentality that we got to see in McDaniels during her entire career. This Thunder team is very young, and I'm excited to see how their young guards develop, but right now the absence of McDaniels is the obvious cause of this apparent "decline" from the dominant force that was Wheaton Women's Basketball (in the CCIW at least) the last few years. Obviously, this team seems to be figuring things out as they have won 9 games in a row, so we'll see how the rest of the conference slate plays out. The CCIW Tourney likely won't be in King Arena, but I expect the Thunder to be a legitimate obstacle to the ladies from Bloomington winning the AQ.

I don't take offense to that at all, because you're absolutely right. They're about where I expected them to be too given McDaniels' departure, but there was still a part of me that expected them to look a little better than they have been even with her being gone. Maybe it's just my having gotten used to NCC getting beat by significant margins in recent years (the 2017 and 2015 matchups in Naperville come to mind) that seeing a smaller margin colors my perception a little bit. And yet they gave IWU their toughest test in conference so far, which will only get magnified with a venue change and the fact that the Titans haven't played a close game since that first Wheaton matchup.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 30, 2018, 03:52:04 PM
lmitzel:

Just wanted to make sure that we were on the same page, and we are. I guess it could be encouraging that the Cards kept the last matchup closer than other recent matchups (not a jab, I promise!). I, for one, am eager for IWU to come into town to get their first competitive game in what seems like months.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2018, 09:29:47 PM
It will be good for the TITANS to have a tough game at WC, perhaps vs. EC too.  The flip side of the coin is that with so many blow-outs, the Titan starters are more well-rested, playing fewer minutes, and could be in better shape and fitness for the conference tournament and whatever run the TITANS make in the D3 tournament.  We'll see.  The teams that don't have good guard play (vs. Titan's D pressure) and the ones IWU can mostly easily defeat.  They used to have trouble with big, physical tall teams, like the WIAC teams, but now with Merritt, Hughes and Brovelli, this seems to be less of an issue.  This year, the Titans are a better rebounding and interior defensive team.

Looking forward to the test at WC on February 7th.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 30, 2018, 09:35:10 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 30, 2018, 01:14:09 AM

I think 4 losses is just too many to get consideration seeing how many 1 and 2 loss teams there are.  I think the polls are fun, great conversation starters and I've been following the abundant posts on the men's board.  I'm grateful for Dave, Pat, Ryan and the rest of the voters.  But the only polls I really care about are the regional rankings.  And I think we all take for granted that the RR criteria won't be influenced by the D3Hoops polls or any other polls that might exist at any time.  At least that's what I believe which could be naive . . .

There is nothing to be naive about... the polls don't influence the regional committees nor the national. Those committees work hard and know their stuff and don't use the polls. There are plenty of examples of that every year.

As for IWU being behind Chicago... despite one game, I understand the mentality. Chicago just beat Rochester and playing very well to do it. Sure, IWU beat Chicago, but Chicago's resume looks strong than IWU's. I get there is one head-to-head, but that isn't a be-all and end-all for voters. Many voters may consider that outcome, but they aren't necessarily going to agree that it has to dictate the poll.

While some of you may want to believe that voters are ignoring that result, I don't believe they are. I am not voting in that poll, but I know how the data and information is delivered and that result is front and center on both resumes - multiple times for Chicago at least.

People like to hang their hats on single results and on occasions they are a determining factor, but they aren't in other occasions. Both teams have two losses, Chicago has a win over WashU that IWU has as a loss. I can see why some voters felt Chicago is the better team.

FYI - not all voters have IWU behind Chicago. If they are that close, I am sure voters are split. It is difficult to see voters on the poll painted by a broad brush when looking at one comparison, in a vacuum. They are both in the Top 25 which is rather difficult to accomplish on the women's side - at least because the top tier in women's basketball is harder to crack into than on the men's, which is constantly changing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2018, 11:14:23 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 30, 2018, 01:27:50 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 30, 2018, 01:18:59 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 30, 2018, 01:04:25 PM

Well, considering Augie is two games out of a tournament spot with Carthage currently tied with Elmhurst for third...

Yeah, the bottom of the conference is definitely down. I didn't expect Millikin to be winless in conference, I didn't expect NCC to be as bad as they've been, North Park has slowed down after a strong start, Carroll is probably about where I expected them, and so is Augie... but I definitely feel like the top of the conference is down as well. You've got a great IWU team this year (more on that in a moment), but I feel like Wheaton isn't as good as they were in years past. Prior Wheaton iterations would have blown the doors off this year's Cardinals team... and this year's Thunder didn't. They're obviously still a good team, but not quite the same caliber as prior years. Elmhurst/Carthage are good, but not great, and NCC's win over Carthage back in December just continues to look more bizarre as time goes on.

I think when the regional rankings come out, Wesleyan is going to end up no better than third in the Central. Their two losses are to teams whose records aren't as gaudy, but both have higher SOS (WashU is 5th nationally with an absurd .635, UW-Whitewater is 13th at .601). Yeah, they've got that aforementioned win over Chicago and a better SOS, which is why I'd probably put them third in the region. They've also got a good win over Rose-Hulman, plus beating Wheaton by seven at home in December... but that's really it. Beating up on a down CCIW by 30-plus every night doesn't really prepare you for postseason play all that well, and it could pose a problem when the Titans go to Wheaton soon. They haven't played a close game since that affair.

At the end of the day, talent wins; I would expect the Titans to win the AQ. And even if they don't, they should be at the table early enough that a Pool C bid would be extremely likely barring some sort of collapse. But I don't know how much farther they'll advance beyond that.

Illinois Wesleyan can clinch a CCIW Tournament berth with a win over Augie tomorrow night. Might be one of the earliest clinchers in the history of the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Millikin would be mathematically eliminated with a loss to Elmhurst.

To speak on that point, this is directly related to the graduation of a three-time All-American in Katie McDaniels. I know you probably know this and I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but losing a player of her elite caliber is going to result in some growing pains, which I figured would be the case this season. And we have definitely seen that happen. This Thunder team, according to the eye test and limited time to actually put research into the claim I'm about to make, has better post play than they've had in a few years, but they are lacking at the guard position, which is a new problem for Coach Madsen. Myroth/Dansdill/Lawson are all fine players, but they don't have the same commanding presence and "takeover" mentality that we got to see in McDaniels during her entire career. This Thunder team is very young, and I'm excited to see how their young guards develop, but right now the absence of McDaniels is the obvious cause of this apparent "decline" from the dominant force that was Wheaton Women's Basketball (in the CCIW at least) the last few years. Obviously, this team seems to be figuring things out as they have won 9 games in a row, so we'll see how the rest of the conference slate plays out. The CCIW Tourney likely won't be in King Arena, but I expect the Thunder to be a legitimate obstacle to the ladies from Bloomington winning the AQ.

I don't take offense to that at all, because you're absolutely right. They're about where I expected them to be too given McDaniels' departure, but there was still a part of me that expected them to look a little better than they have been even with her being gone. Maybe it's just my having gotten used to NCC getting beat by significant margins in recent years (the 2017 and 2015 matchups in Naperville come to mind) that seeing a smaller margin colors my perception a little bit. And yet they gave IWU their toughest test in conference so far, which will only get magnified with a venue change and the fact that the Titans haven't played a close game since that first Wheaton matchup.

I'm with you guys.  As I've said in earlier posts, I didn't expect Wheaton to be as strong as last year but still thought they'd be good (with Kelly Lawson returning, a unanimous 1st team All-CCIW performer mind you) and able to challenge for the top of the conference with IWU who I considered to be the favorite.  This has born itself out from the current standings.

Hannah Frazier has been a welcome addition obviously.  Probably a lock for 1st team all CCIW, maybe unanimous.  Eppard is likely MOP but Hannah will get strong consideration especially if Wheaton finishes very strong ( yeah I know, shouldn't matter how the team does yada, yada, yada).  She's someone I didn't count on.  So in that sense, I'm with Imitzel in that I'm expecting the Thunder to be almost as good as last year, but in a different way – with stronger front court play (Frazier) but a slight drop in guard play(loss of McDaniels).   I've posted before about Lawson's surprising drop in production when I rather expected it to increase.  But then Dansdill has really stepped up and so has Myroth.  However, they are still missing that steady floor leadership in the backcourt which they enjoyed the past 4 seasons.

I fully expect the Titans to host the tourney.  Their remaining road games are all against the 3 teams right behind them in the standings @ Wheaton, @ Carthage @ Elmhurst.  Certainly not pushovers but wouldn't expect them to go any worse than 2-1 in that stretch, and win their home games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 31, 2018, 12:25:00 PM
Very important for Wheaton to avoid "trap game syndrome" tonight against Carthage. The combination of already beating Carthage in Kenosha, and Elmhurst (who surprisingly beat Wheaton earlier this season) coming to King on Saturday has all of the workings of leading to a potential *overlooking* of a solid Carthage team tonight. I hope I'm wrong and Wheaton handles business and keeps their streak alive, but anything can happen in this league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2018, 09:40:51 PM
Wheaton 54
Carthage 35

Kelly Lawson      11 pts, 6 rebs * only player from either team in double figures
Devin Kyler      11 rebs, 4 assts, 3 blks
Maggie Dansdill   8 pts, 8 rebs, 2 stls
Kristi Demski      9 pts, 3-7 3pt

Sammie Woodward   8 pts
Morgan Harris       10 rebs
Rachel Szydlowski   8 rebs
Bailey Gilbert      7 rebs

Not the prettiest game by either team but this one got out of hand for the Lady Reds pretty early.  The Thunder led 31-11 at half as Carthage went 3-27 from the field in the first 20 mins and ended the game 12-64 for 19%.  It actually could've been worse except that Wheaton was just 32% from the field. The Thunder ladies came out with lots of defensive energy that seemed to take Carthage by surprise.  Would love to see that level of D the rest of the way.  Perhaps the significant size mismatch had something to do with it as Wheaton padded their nation leading blocked shots stat with 19.  Wheaton just has too much size for a team with few players close to 6'0".  And Carthage had just a tough night where nothing really fell (if it wasn't getting blocked).

2 big home games now vs Elmhurst and IWU - their only 2 conference losses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2018, 09:52:36 PM
IWU 99 AC 70

For AC:
Jones 18
Kramer 17
Anderson 10
Allen 10

AC played the TITANS pretty well in the early going.

For IWU:
Shanks (a career night) 21
Merritt 19
McGraw 16
Ehresman 12
Hughes 10
Anderson 9

Not the prettiest game, or the best shooting night for IWU, but we'll take it.  Still winning by 29. :) 

A bye weekend, then the big game @ Wheaton.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 31, 2018, 09:58:32 PM
I had a feeling of déjà vu tonight. North Central led 55-50 over Carroll with 2:49 to play... and then the offense went silent. Emily Majerus hit a go ahead three with 40 seconds to go and the Pioneers escape Naperville with a 60-55 win after leading for all of 2:03 in this game.

Brittney Wald went off for 23 and 12 to lead the Pios, while Rachel Van Sluys returned to action with 15 and 10. Maya Walls paced the Cardinals with 10 points. Mayson Whipple did not play tonight, but I don't think it's supposed to be a long term thing.

Tonight sucked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 31, 2018, 10:03:50 PM
And per Rog's request...

Elmhurst 55, Millikin 53, which kind of threw me for a loop. The Big Blue kept it close most of the way, but a Kaela Jones steal with 5 seconds left sealed the deal for the Jays.

12 and 6 for Mikaela Eppard, 16 and 8 for Lisa Logan, Jasmin Bailey added 9 and 3 for Elmhurst. Emily Schultz led Millikin with 12 and 6, while Haley Toohill added 10 and 4 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2018, 10:39:26 PM
Titans now 18-2, 11-0 in CCIW. 

If there's any change in the overall CCIW championship dynamic, it has to come when IWU plays @Wheaton on the 7th. 

Shanks very active tonight, a career night with 21 points.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2018, 11:40:40 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 31, 2018, 09:40:51 PM
Wheaton 54
Carthage 35

Kelly Lawson      11 pts, 6 rebs * only player from either team in double figures
Devin Kyler      11 rebs, 4 assts, 3 blks
Maggie Dansdill   8 pts, 8 rebs, 2 stls
Kristi Demski      9 pts, 3-7 3pt

Sammie Woodward   8 pts
Morgan Harris       10 rebs
Rachel Szydlowski   8 rebs
Bailey Gilbert      7 rebs

Not the prettiest game by either team but this one got out of hand for the Lady Reds pretty early.  The Thunder led 31-11 at half as Carthage went 3-27 from the field in the first 20 mins and ended the game 12-64 for 19%.  It actually could've been worse except that Wheaton was just 32% from the field. The Thunder ladies came out with lots of defensive energy that seemed to take Carthage by surprise.  Would love to see that level of D the rest of the way.  Perhaps the significant size mismatch had something to do with it as Wheaton padded their nation leading blocked shots stat with 19.  Wheaton just has too much size for a team with few players close to 6'0".  And Carthage had just a tough night where nothing really fell (if it wasn't getting blocked).

2 big home games now vs Elmhurst and IWU - their only 2 conference losses.

Wheaton's Jill Berg should also be recognized for her 6 pts, 10 rebs, 8 blocked shots and a steal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 01, 2018, 10:56:26 AM
So with six rounds of conference play to go:


x-Illinois Wesleyan11-0
Wheaton9-2
Elmhurst8-3
Carthage7-4
Augustana5-6
North Park3-7
Carroll3-7
North Central2-9
e- Millikin0-10
x- Clinched a tournament berth
e- Eliminated

*North Park holds the head to head tiebreaker over Carroll
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 01, 2018, 12:59:25 PM
As Kent Madsen mentioned just now on the Hoopsville show, Wheaton will host Elmhurst on Saturday for its annual cancer awareness event. This year's game will be a unique opportunity for the Thunder to lift up a teammate. Last spring, All-American point guard Katie McDaniels was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. As was mentioned on the show, her tumor was detected early in her Wheaton career but was not correctly diagnosed until last spring. She has since had surgery to remove it and is now cancer free. Saturday's event will be raising awareness and funds for The Sarcoma Foundation of America. Wheaton's student group (Ryken's Rowdies) will be raising funds and in the wake of the news, a Wheaton donor has stepped up and will match any donations raised up to $10,000! If you're interested in contributing to this event, email Ryken's Rowdies (rykens.rowdies@my.wheaton.edu) for how you can support their effort. More information on the event is listed in Wheaton's press release below.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 01, 2018, 09:04:55 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 01, 2018, 12:59:25 PM
As Kent Madsen mentioned just now on the Hoopsville show, Wheaton will host Elmhurst on Saturday for its annual cancer awareness event. This year's game will be a unique opportunity for the Thunder to lift up a teammate. Last spring, All-American point guard Katie McDaniels was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. As was mentioned on the show, her tumor was detected early in her Wheaton career but was not correctly diagnosed until last spring. She has since had surgery to remove it and is now cancer free. Saturday's event will be raising awareness and funds for The Sarcoma Foundation of America. Wheaton's student group (Ryken's Rowdies) will be raising funds and in the wake of the news, a Wheaton donor has stepped up and will match any donations raised up to $10,000! If you're interested in contributing to this event, email Ryken's Rowdies (rykens.rowdies@my.wheaton.edu) for how you can support their effort. More information on the event is listed in Wheaton's press release below.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx)

Thanks for the heads up 38.





Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 02, 2018, 12:48:37 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 01, 2018, 09:04:55 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 01, 2018, 12:59:25 PM
As Kent Madsen mentioned just now on the Hoopsville show, Wheaton will host Elmhurst on Saturday for its annual cancer awareness event. This year's game will be a unique opportunity for the Thunder to lift up a teammate. Last spring, All-American point guard Katie McDaniels was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. As was mentioned on the show, her tumor was detected early in her Wheaton career but was not correctly diagnosed until last spring. She has since had surgery to remove it and is now cancer free. Saturday's event will be raising awareness and funds for The Sarcoma Foundation of America. Wheaton's student group (Ryken's Rowdies) will be raising funds and in the wake of the news, a Wheaton donor has stepped up and will match any donations raised up to $10,000! If you're interested in contributing to this event, email Ryken's Rowdies (rykens.rowdies@my.wheaton.edu) for how you can support their effort. More information on the event is listed in Wheaton's press release below.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx)

Thanks for the heads up 38.


Listening to Madsen on Hoopsville:  Had no idea that McDaniels only practiced twice a week senior season because of the pain. 

He also had some nice words of respect for the Titans while not overlooking Elmhurst coming up.

Let's hope for a big turnout on Saturday in support of Katie and the SFA.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 02, 2018, 03:01:20 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 02, 2018, 12:48:37 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 01, 2018, 09:04:55 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 01, 2018, 12:59:25 PM
As Kent Madsen mentioned just now on the Hoopsville show, Wheaton will host Elmhurst on Saturday for its annual cancer awareness event. This year's game will be a unique opportunity for the Thunder to lift up a teammate. Last spring, All-American point guard Katie McDaniels was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. As was mentioned on the show, her tumor was detected early in her Wheaton career but was not correctly diagnosed until last spring. She has since had surgery to remove it and is now cancer free. Saturday's event will be raising awareness and funds for The Sarcoma Foundation of America. Wheaton's student group (Ryken's Rowdies) will be raising funds and in the wake of the news, a Wheaton donor has stepped up and will match any donations raised up to $10,000! If you're interested in contributing to this event, email Ryken's Rowdies (rykens.rowdies@my.wheaton.edu) for how you can support their effort. More information on the event is listed in Wheaton's press release below.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/1/31/womens-basketball-to-host-annual-cancer-awareness-event-on-saturday-night.aspx)

Thanks for the heads up 38.


Listening to Madsen on Hoopsville:  Had no idea that McDaniels only practiced twice a week senior season because of the pain. 

He also had some nice words of respect for the Titans while not overlooking Elmhurst coming up.

Let's hope for a big turnout on Saturday in support of Katie and the SFA.

I've always had a healthy respect for Kent Madsen and the Thunder, and not just because they kicked NCC's butt year in and year out. Hearing about this... just pushes my respect to a higher level. I hope they have a ton of success in their fundraising efforts tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2018, 11:50:40 PM
Yes, great respect for Madsen and the WC women's program . . . and always great respect for Katie McDaniels.  She's was such an active and tough competitor and hearing about her illness, her challenges, makes that respect even greater.  Good luck with the special event Saturday evening.

Two good games upcoming for WC -- vs. EC, then the big one vs. IWU at home.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 03, 2018, 03:24:10 PM
For any Wheaton posters who would like to get involved with tonight's event but won't be in attendance (or I suppose anyone else for that matter), I've been told that donations are also being accepted through Venmo under the account name @rykens-rowdies and those donations will also be included in the donor match.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 03, 2018, 05:36:08 PM
To help Rog out again...

Carroll makes it two in a row with a 75-69 win at home over Augie. I watched the last five minutes and nearly saw the Pios blow a 14 point lead, but they hit enough free throws down the stretch.

Brittney Wald led Carroll with 22 points, Katie Rossetti added 14 and 9 boards, Rachel Van Sluys chipped in 13 off the bench, and Delaney Sjong scored 11. Alexis Jones paced the Vikings with 16 points and 7 boards, and Izzy Anderson and Victoria Allen each had 14 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 03, 2018, 08:01:17 PM
I'm in a much better mood tonight. NCC started a little slow and trailed by eight at one point in the second quarter but closed the half on an 11-1 run and pulled away late for a 71-61 Senior Night won.

North Central's two seniors played well; Michaela Reedy had 8 points and a team high 9 rebounds, and Mayson Whipple had 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Lyndsay Brennan had a quadruple-nickel: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 7 steals. North Park struggled, committing 27 turnovers including 3 charges. Lauryn Alba Garner led all scorers with 18, Shaylee Sloan had 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Clarissa Ramos chipped in 13 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2018, 08:02:13 PM
North Central 71
North Park 61

Lauryn Alba Garner: 18 pts
Clarissa Ramos: 13 pts, 7 rebs
Shaylee Sloan: 10 pts, 14 rebs

Maya Walls: 15 pts, 8 rebs
Mayson Whipple: 11 pts, 8 rebs, 6:2 a:to, 4 stls
Lyndsay Brennan: 10 pts, 8 rebs, 7 stls
Michaela Reedy: 9 rebs

On North Central's Senior Night, the Cardinals played with obvious inspiration and energy, while the Vikings left their energy in the locker room at halftime. NPU settled for too many iffy shots early in the possession, and as the night wore on their initial control of the boards evaporated, leading to a constant string of one-and-dones in the second half. The really frustrating thing to watch was the turnovers, which were the game's decisive stat. The Park turned it over a whopping 27 times tonight, and, although NCC is a pressing team, it wasn't really their usual press off of made shots that did in the Vikings. It was steals off of missed Cardinals shots, as, inevitably, the Vikings rebounders (two of them in particular, whom I won't bother naming) turned around and threw an outlet pass off of a defensive board without looking to see where the defenders were -- and almost inevitably either Lyndsay Brennan or Mayson Whipple was lurking nearby. It was the worst of a bunch of self-inflicted wounds by the Vikings.

That's to take nothing away from Brennan and Whipple, who were terrific tonight. And Maya Walls was outstanding  as well. But the Vikings simply didn't match either the energy or the focus of a very beatable opponent whom they had handled easily back in December. This is a sport of emotion as well as execution, and the Vikings brought a lot less of both to the table than did the Cards tonight.

Lest this sound all doom-and-gloom, I will say that Lauryn Alba Garner was really sharp tonight. She's clearly developing more confidence in using her quickness to attack the basket in spite of her lack of size. Her fellow freshman Samantha Bloom had a poor shooting night, but she certainly couldn't be accused of a lack of energy. She has a great motor, and I look forward to watching her develop as she improves her shooting. And Clarissa Ramos shot well tonight; she's certainly going to miss not playing North Central anymore, as she had two of her best games this season against NCC.

I'm sure that this eight-game losing streak is really wearing on the Vikings, but nobody's going to feel sorry for them. They need to find a way to snap out of their funk and get it together in the crackerbox on Wednesday against another beatable foe, Carroll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2018, 08:31:52 PM
WC over EC, staying two games behind the TITANS.  Big game on Wednesday -- 7th.

Key game in the road to 16-0.  :)   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2018, 09:35:06 PM
I have GOT to check out other sports more often.  I did not realize that Molly McGraw was a 3 (going on 4) time All American in the high jump, including the national title as a sophomore!  Since the women's b'ball team was idle today, she took the opportunity to finish second in the 7 team Keck Invitational indoor meet at IWU, presumably with very little recent training for the high jump specifically.  Now, THAT'S a student-athlete! :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2018, 11:30:22 PM
Wheaton over Elmhurst

Devin Kyler      16 pts, 11 rebs, 5 assts, 4 blocks, stl
Hannah Frazier      13 pts, 5 assts, 3 blks, 2 stls
Jill Berg         12 pts, 5 rebs

Mikaela Eppard      18 pts, 8 rebs
Courtney O'Donnell   11 pts
Kelly Weyhrich      9 pts, 7 assts

Elmhurst put up a good fight but the Thunder were able to avenge the earlier loss.  However, I'm not sure Kent Madsen liked everything he saw.  Wheaton had a few pretty bad defensive lapses at times ( did they forget how to guard screen-roll?).  They will have to play much better on Wednesday if they are to beat Wesleyan.  However, I thought the rebounding was pretty solid and that's a stat they need to win.

Devin Kyler had a very nice game tonight. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2018, 01:04:37 AM
Ypsi, McGraw is staking out her claim as one of the most outstanding women athletes in IWU history.  She's up to #2 in career scoring in basketball now too -- and will likely be a 4-time All-American in track and field -- when the Spring Indoor and Outdoor seasons are in the books. 

Looking forward to the big game @Wheaton this week.  WC and IWU have improved significantly in recent weeks, so this should be a really good test, likely a close, competitive game.  We'll see.  Expect "run and jump" early and often. . . sure glad Katie McDaniels is an alum.  :) 

GO TITANS!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2018, 08:01:21 PM
Will this be the week that Wheaton FINALLY gets at least one lousy point in the poll?  I'm gonna guess no, as anyone considering it may want to wait for Wednesday.  On the other hand, maybe someone will pull the trigger so that IF Wheaton upsets the Titans, they can say 'told ya so!' 8-)

IWU should move up a slot or two this week - #11 Rochester lost TWICE and now has 4 losses; #13 Oshkosh also lost a game, their third loss.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Rofrog on February 04, 2018, 08:23:53 PM
Wheaton is a very good team they deserve to at least be in the top 25.Watched them play Scranton in Nashville was impressed with there size.Very deserving team have not lost since that game either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2018, 08:48:09 PM
Not sure whether or not Wheaton should be IN the top 25, but find it appalling they can't get ANY votes.  Their four losses (none of them blowouts) are to #14 Scranton, #16 Chicago, #17 IWU, and a solid Elmhurst team featuring the likely CCIW MOP this year, Mikaela Eppard (who only scored 10 that night - WAY below her average - but had TWENTY-TWO rebounds)!  Since parity has not yet arrived in women's basketball, 4 losses is pretty much disqualifying for elite status, but those are not IMO disqualifying losses.  They may not be 'elite' but they are pretty darned good! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2018, 10:10:49 AM
Gotta get Rog's last requested game recap in before he comes back too...

Carthage 78, Millikin 60

Millikin turned the ball over 22 times and was outrebounded 41-28. Morgan Vukovich led all scorers with 17, Morgan Harris added 13 and 10, and Rachel Szydlowski added 11 points for the Lady Reds. Haley Toohill and Emily Schultz eached scored nine points for the Big Blue.

Updated CCIW standings...

x-Illinois Wesleyan11-0
x-Wheaton10-2
Carthage8-4
Elmhurst8-4
Augustana5-7
Carroll4-7
North Park3-8
e-North Central3-9
e-Millikin0-11
x- Clinched CCIW Tournament berth
e- Eliminated from CCIW Tournament contention

Other than that Illinois Wesleyan @ Wheaton matchup on Wednesday that means absolutely nothing whatsoever ;) , Elmhurst clinches a CCIW Tournament berth with a win over Augie and a North Park win over Carroll. Carthage is idle and thus can't clinch a berth (an Elmhurst win over Augie would knock the Vikings out of the CCIW Tournament picture as Augie has been swept by Carthage already; Carroll still one more with the Lady Reds yet).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2018, 03:06:18 PM
Good week for Carroll's Brittney Wald: her team went 2-0, she averaged 22.5 points in those two games, and she's the latest winner of the CCIW Player of the Week award.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2018, 08:18:59 PM
Congrats to Ms. Wald -- a very good week for her and her team.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 05, 2018, 08:39:33 PM
New poll is out - IWU jumps from 17 to 14.  And, glory be, Wheaton got not one point but SEVEN!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2018, 10:12:28 PM
Good for WC for ORV.  Titans mov'n on up -- #14.   Big game Wednesday @ Wheaton. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 06, 2018, 03:02:34 PM
Wednesday game @ Wheaton big in terms of CCIW.  A Wheaton loss could result in loss of ORV.  A win would keep IWU where they are, unless , other Top 25 teams ranked above them incur a loss.  With no disrespect to the CCIW this year not as tough as previous years in terms of rankings.
We likely will need regional rankings to get a better picture of where IWU stands.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 06, 2018, 09:18:10 PM
IWU @ WC tomorrow:  I guess it's big in that it's a game between the top two teams 2 full months after the last meeting and Wheaton doesn't want to give up a loss at home.  But the significance really doesn't go beyond that for either team.  IWU will still be in 1st afterwards and Wheaton will still be in 2nd.  Of course, a Wheaton win gives them a chance to tie for first and to host the conf tourney but only if the Titans lose another game (to Carthage or Elmhurst) and I think that unlikely.  Probably more pressure on Wesleyan to continue the streak? 

Having said all that, Wheaton must come out with defensive intensity right off the bat and get on the glass.  With as potent an offense the Titans seem to have, the Thunder need to keep any runs to a minimum.  Hopefully, defense by Frazier and Kyler can keep Merritt from having a big game- perhaps challenge her offensively also and get her in foul trouble.  We know what we'll get from Ehresman.  I'm more worried that they'll overlook someone and allow a big game from the likes of Raven Hughes, Ashley Schneider or Sydney Shanks. 

Wheaton has plenty of offensive talent to compete with any team.  Good luck and Go Thunder!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2018, 11:21:02 AM
Thanks, lmitzel, for kindly providing those game recaps. I think it would therefore be fair to call you a beneficent biped!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2018, 02:40:22 PM
Women's first regional rankings of the season are out: http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-first
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Just Bill on February 07, 2018, 02:43:02 PM
Central           
1   UW-Whitewater       18-3  18-3
2   Illinois Wesleyan   18-2  18-2
3   Chicago             18-2  18-2
4   Wisconsin Lutheran  18-2  19-2
5   Washington U.       15-5  15-5
6   UW-Eau Claire       15-6  15-6
7   UW-Oshkosh          16-3  17-3
8   Wheaton (Ill.)      15-4  17-4
9   Carthage            15-6  15-6
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 07, 2018, 02:55:51 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on February 07, 2018, 02:43:02 PM
Central           
1   UW-Whitewater       18-3  18-3
2   Illinois Wesleyan   18-2  18-2
3   Chicago             18-2  18-2
4   Wisconsin Lutheran  18-2  19-2
5   Washington U.       15-5  15-5
6   UW-Eau Claire       15-6  15-6
7   UW-Oshkosh          16-3  17-3
8   Wheaton (Ill.)      15-4  17-4
9   Carthage            15-6  15-6[/b]

Honestly, I'd expected Wesleyan to slot in at 3, but given their record I can understand 2 (I'd pegged WashU a tad higher). Figured Wheaton would end up on here. Carthage got a nice boost from an excellent SOS; I didn't expect the CCIW to get three teams on this list.

Also, if Carthage stays on there next week it gives North Central an RRO win that means absolutely nothing other than proof that basketball is weird. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
North Central will have the vRRO result next week whether Carthage stays there or not. The vRRO data that is gathered and used is from the previous week's rankings... not the current week's. Impossible to do it with the current week's since those rankings don't exist at the time the vRRO is considered.

Another note, the current rankings for vRRO are used ONLY for the final rankings of the year, but that is another topic and scenario altogether.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 04:20:29 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 07, 2018, 02:55:51 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on February 07, 2018, 02:43:02 PM
Central           
1   UW-Whitewater       18-3  18-3
2   Illinois Wesleyan   18-2  18-2
3   Chicago             18-2  18-2
4   Wisconsin Lutheran  18-2  19-2
5   Washington U.       15-5  15-5
6   UW-Eau Claire       15-6  15-6
7   UW-Oshkosh          16-3  17-3
8   Wheaton (Ill.)      15-4  17-4
9   Carthage            15-6  15-6[/b]

Honestly, I'd expected Wesleyan to slot in at 3, but given their record I can understand 2 (I'd pegged WashU a tad higher). Figured Wheaton would end up on here. Carthage got a nice boost from an excellent SOS; I didn't expect the CCIW to get three teams on this list.

Also, if Carthage stays on there next week it gives North Central an RRO win that means absolutely nothing other than proof that basketball is weird. :)

A 6 loss UW Eau Claire team is somewhat of a surprise to me - to be ranked that high?  I guess their last home win over Oshkosh scored them some points. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2018, 05:32:15 PM
There is also SOS numbers to consider.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 06:40:59 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2018, 05:32:15 PM
There is also SOS numbers to consider.

Yes.  Didn't mean to imply I was ignoring that.  But is the stronger schedule worth 3 more losses over Oshkosh(with whom they've split now) and 2 over Wheaton?  Eau Claire does have an additional RR win over St Benedict.  But they haven't gotten an ORV in the D3 Hoops poll since week 3.  And you know how much faith we have in you guys!   ;) 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2018, 09:48:16 PM
North Park 67
Carroll 65

Shaylee Sloan: 16 pts, 8 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 13 pts, 3 stls
Sinead Molloy: 5:0 a:to
Samantha Bloom: 3:1 a:to

Katie Rossetti: 17 pts, 6 rebs
Emily Majerus: 12 pts
Brittney Wald: 10 pts, 3 stls
Mallory Olszak: 4:0 a;to

Lauryn Alba Garner banked in a runner with three seconds left to win the game for NPU. Fun, exciting, back-and-forth contest to call. Really solid defense and energy all night for NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 10:49:04 PM
Wheaton 71
IWU    61

Hannah Frazier         21 pts, 4 rebs, 4 assts, 2 stls
Maggie Dansdill      12 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asst
Devin Kyler         11 pts, 10 rebs, 5 asst
Hannah Williams      14 pts off the bench
Jill Berg            6 blks

Rebekah Ehresman      24 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls
Sydney Shanks         16 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls

Terrific team victory by the Wheaton Ladies tonight and all on the defensive end.  They came out with purpose, very defensively active and really made it tough for this talented IWU squad to get anything easy keeping the Titans 24 pts below their season average and ending their winning streak.  The team defense on Maddie Merritt made her pretty ineffective offensively as the visitors shot a mere 25% from the field. 

They did a much better job tonight of getting Frazier the ball in good positions down low where Merritt really had no chance except to foul.  The Thunder, despite 20 turnovers, handled the IWU pressure pretty well for the most part.  It really helps to have senior Kelly Lawson bringing the ball up with poise and able to pass out of the press.  When Jordan Myroth got in early foul trouble, Wheaton got a huge lift from freshman Hannah Williams with 14 pts on 6-9 shooting and solid minutes from Jacqui San Jule .  A key stretch came in the 3rd with Wheaton clinging to a 7 pt lead and with almost all the starters out, the Thunder were able to extend the lead and end the 3rd with a 12 pt lead.

Important to get this home win as we're sure to see this team again.  Need the win vs a RRO also.  Still an outside chance at tie for first and hosting but out of our hands.

On another note:  Despite the loss, I'm convinced that Rebekah Ehresman is the top player in the conference.  She almost single handedly kept the Titans in the game.  If she wasn't driving and going to the line, she was getting offensive rebounds or stealing the ball.  She only had 1 assist, but that had more to do with Wheaton's team D.  I hope she gets All-American recognition because she deserves it despite not having the big offensive scoring stats.  Sydney Shanks also had a terrific game.

Big win on the mens' side too - Great day to be a Thunder fan!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2018, 11:17:53 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 10:49:04 PMOn another note:  Despite the loss, I'm convinced that Rebekah Ehresman is the top player in the conference.

I don't think Mikaela Eppard got your memo. She had 31 and 10 tonight in Elmhurst's loss at Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2018, 11:23:38 PM
Augie 93-86 over Elmhurst -- the Vikings make 32/38 FTs.
Among Vikings who did well : Alexis Jones 15 pts, 13 rebs; Victoria Allen 28 pts (13/15 FTs); Scooter Lopez 22 pts via excellent shooting - the only shots she missed were three 2FG att; Sadie Roberts 18 pts 4 rebs a block and 2 steals.
For the Bluejays, Mikaela Eppard (as Greg noted) tallied 31 pts and 10 rebs; Kaela Jones, Georgia Garvie and Lisa Logan each scored in the 12-14 range.
Hannah Henderson must've gotten injured a week ago, playing 1 minute in that game and hasn't played in the next two contests. Good luck to her; the team surely misses her energy and well-rounded skill set.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2018, 11:40:55 PM
In regard to who may be the best player in a conference, I first ask : who is the best player on the best team? I think that answer puts Ehresman in the MOP discussion. Frazier and Eppard obviously are good choices, too. Next in line is Devin Kyler, in my view.
Anyway, there is still opportunity for players to excel as the regular season race concludes during the next few weeks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 11:50:02 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2018, 11:17:53 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 10:49:04 PMOn another note:  Despite the loss, I'm convinced that Rebekah Ehresman is the top player in the conference.

I don't think Mikaela Eppard got your memo. She had 31 and 10 tonight in Elmhurst's loss at Augie.

Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2018, 11:40:55 PM
In regard to who may be the best player in a conference, I first ask : who is the best player on the best team? I think that answer puts Ehresman in the MOP discussion. Frazier and Eppard obviously are good choices, too. Next in line is Devin Kyler, in my view.
Anyway, there is still opportunity for players to excel as the regular season race concludes during the next few weeks.

Yes, - no doubt Mikaela Eppard is also a great player and not meaning to diminish her at all by my comment on Ehresman.   In fact, I still think Eppard is the front runner to win the MOP and nothing's changed my mind on that from my earlier post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2018, 12:39:33 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2018, 11:40:55 PM
In regard to who may be the best player in a conference, I first ask : who is the best player on the best team? I think that answer puts Ehresman in the MOP discussion.

That's really an MVP criterion, not an MOP criterion. On the other hand, CCIW coaches have seemed to believe that that's a distinction without a difference, as there have been multiple occasions in which they've voted as though the MOP (the best player in the league, objectively speaking) award is actually an MVP (the player with the highest realized value; i.e., the player whose presence made the most difference in the outcome of the league) award.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2018, 10:17:29 AM
Millikin, at long last, enjoys a CCIW victory, 73-70 over North Central.
Devin Curry was prominent in the successful Big Blue effort : 20 pts (.643 eFG%), 7 rebs, 3 assists, 3 blocks (!). Other Big Blue contributions -- Yanni Saddler 16 pts, Cassie Somers 12, Jordan Hildebrand 11. Ten rebounds each by Emily Schultz and Lauren Moses.
For the Cardinals, Mason Whipple had 20 pts, 4 assists, 2 stls. Maya Walls 18 pts (.750 eFG%) and 8 rebs, Lyndsay Brennan 15 pts, 3 assists.
Statistical peculiarities :
NCC has 5 FT att.
combined scoring by quarter - 1st 20, 2nd 32, 3rd 39, 4th 52.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2018, 11:04:30 AM
CCIW standings and remaining schedules :
IWU 11-1   CRL        MIL   at CTG   at ELM
WHE 11-2  at NPU   at CRL    NCC   off
CTG 8-4   at ELM   NCC       IWU     CRL
ELM 8-5   CTG     at NPU       off     IWU
AUG 6-7   at MIL   off          NPU    at NCC
CRL 4-8   at IWU   WHE       MIL    at CTG
NPU 4-8   WHE     ELM      at AUG   at MIL
NCC 3-10   off    at CTG    at WHE   AUG
MIL 1-11   AUG   at IWU   at CRL     NPU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 08, 2018, 12:36:04 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 07, 2018, 06:40:59 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2018, 05:32:15 PM
There is also SOS numbers to consider.

Yes.  Didn't mean to imply I was ignoring that.  But is the stronger schedule worth 3 more losses over Oshkosh(with whom they've split now) and 2 over Wheaton?  Eau Claire does have an additional RR win over St Benedict.  But they haven't gotten an ORV in the D3 Hoops poll since week 3.  And you know how much faith we have in you guys!   ;)

In a word... yes. SOS strength could overcome the three more losses. Also remember, the vRRO doesn't come into affect until next week.

And don't worry about the D3hoops.com poll.. the RAC and national committee aren't using it, anyway.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 08, 2018, 01:25:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2018, 10:17:29 AM
Millikin, at long last, enjoys a CCIW victory, 73-70 over North Central.
Devin Curry was prominent in the successful Big Blue effort : 20 pts (.643 eFG%), 7 rebs, 3 assists, 3 blocks (!). Other Big Blue contributions -- Yanni Saddler 16 pts, Cassie Somers 12, Jordan Hildebrand 11. Ten rebounds each by Emily Schultz and Lauren Moses.
For the Cardinals, Mason Whipple had 20 pts, 4 assists, 2 stls. Maya Walls 18 pts (.750 eFG%) and 8 rebs, Lyndsay Brennan 15 pts, 3 assists.
Statistical peculiarities :
NCC has 5 FT att.
combined scoring by quarter - 1st 20, 2nd 32, 3rd 39, 4th 52.

I mentioned last week that I didn't think Millikin would be winless in the CCIW, simultaneously fearing this exact result being how Millikin would avoid a winless CCIW campaign.

North Central made it close late after trailing by double digits, but couldn't get over the hump. I didn't get to really look into the details during the game because I was too busy trying to will a men's comeback and see when Grey Giovanine's jacket was coming off. :)

Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2018, 11:04:30 AM
CCIW standings and remaining schedules :
IWU 11-1   CRL        MIL   at CTG   at ELM
WHE 11-2  at NPU   at CRL    NCC   off
CTG 8-4   at ELM   NCC       IWU     CRL
ELM 8-5   CTG     at NPU       off     IWU
AUG 6-7   at MIL   off          NPU    at NCC
CRL 4-8   at IWU   WHE       MIL    at CTG
NPU 4-8   WHE     ELM      at AUG   at MIL
NCC 3-10   off    at CTG    at WHE   AUG
MIL 1-11   AUG   at IWU   at CRL     NPU

Wesleyan and Wheaton have both locked up CCIW Tournament berths, while NCC and Millikin are out. The Titans and Thunder can clinch top three seeds with wins this weekend and get locked into the top two if Elmhurst beats Carthage on top of that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 09, 2018, 02:06:32 PM
I'm behind on the posting because life is busy, but I was able to watch some of the Wheaton IWU game this Wednesday (I was more focused on the Men's game) and what struck me was how much IWU struggled with Wheaton's size at every position while Wheaton built their initial lead at the beginning of the game. Wheaton's front court is scary, and the guard play has seemed to catch up to the level that the front court set from almost the get-go this season. How Wheaton played last night is what I have been accustomed to from them for the last several years, and it was awesome to see them play so well. I don't think IWU will lose again, but I'd venture to say that the Wheaton team right now is a team IWU wishes they wouldn't have to compete with for the AQ. I have little doubt both Wheaton and IWU will make the big dance with one being the AQ and the other a Pool C.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2018, 10:26:18 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on February 09, 2018, 02:06:32 PM
I'm behind on the posting because life is busy, but I was able to watch some of the Wheaton IWU game this Wednesday (I was more focused on the Men's game cuz reasons) and what struck me was how much IWU struggled with Wheaton's size at every position while Wheaton built their initial lead at the beginning of the game. Wheaton's front court is scary, and the guard play has seemed to catch up to the level that the front court set from almost the get-go this season. How Wheaton played last night is what I have been accustomed to from them for the last several years, and it was awesome to see them play so well. I don't think IWU will lose again, but I'd venture to say that the Wheaton team right now is a team IWU wishes they wouldn't have to compete with for the AQ. I have little doubt both Wheaton and IWU will make the big dance with one being the AQ and the other a Pool C.

I think Wheaton is deserving of a Pool C but there's room for some doubt.  A RR of #8 behind 2 UAA and 3 WIAC schools is not encouraging and their SOS is going to be on the weaker end as will their vRRO record.  However, they should probably move up at least one spot, maybe two as long as they beat NPU since both Oshkosh and Eau Claire both lost Wednesday.  I'll feel more confident if the Thunder can leap one of the WIACs and jumping over both would be even better as they'd become essentially the 2nd Pool C in that region provided no conference tourney upsets in the WIAC or NACC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2018, 07:43:37 PM
IWU 88, Carroll 57.  Ehresman was ONE assist away from a triple-double.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2018, 08:32:03 PM
Yes, good bounce-back win for the Titans over Carroll, 87-58

Carroll:
Wald 18
Majerus 14

IWU:
Anderson, a career night, 22 on 5-6 from deep
McGraw 17
Merritt 10

Titans 47%, 40% from 3, forcing 25 TOs, winning the rebounding battle, 48-38.

As Ypsi has mentioned, Ehresman making her case.  Here's a line for you:

11 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 TO, and 3 steals -- coming up on a season record in steals.  She's making her case.

IWU now 19-3, 12-1, with three games to go in the CCIW regular season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2018, 11:04:49 PM
Wheaton 68
North Park 40

Samantha Bloom: 11 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 8 rebs, 4 stls
Lauryn Alba Garner: 6 rebs, 4 stls

Hannah Frazier: 13 pts, 8 rebs
Kelly Lawson: 11 pts, 3:1 a:to
Maggie Dansdill: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Devin Kyler: 3:0 a:to
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2018, 11:55:39 PM
Greg, the NP box score shows 8 blocks for Alicia Arnold. Is there a reason you excluded that from your summary?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2018, 09:02:07 AM
Yes, because it didn't happen. Whenever you see something in a box score that looks anomalous -- as this definitely does -- always double-check it by examining the play-by-play.

The only block that NPU registered in yesterday's game was in the third quarter when 5'4 Lauryn Alba Garner somehow blocked a layup by 6'2 Jill Berg, an incident so amusing and improbable that I went on about it for a good twenty seconds or so in last night's broadcast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2018, 09:40:22 AM
A simple correction will therefore fix the mistake.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 11, 2018, 10:50:25 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2018, 09:02:07 AM
Yes, because it didn't happen. Whenever you see something in a box score that looks anomalous -- as this definitely does -- always double-check it by examining the play-by-play.

The only block that NPU registered in yesterday's game was in the third quarter when 5'4 Lauryn Alba Garner somehow blocked a layup by 6'2 Jill Berg, an incident so amusing and improbable that I went on about it for a good twenty seconds or so in last night's broadcast.

Play of the Year candidate?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2018, 11:23:25 AM
I attended Carthage's impressive 77-72 win at Elmhurst.
Madie Kaelber was outstanding for the Lady Reds and finished with 21 pts and 3 blocks. Morgan Vukovich added 17 (6/9 2FG, 5/6 FT) and 7 rebs in 25 minutes.
Another nice multi-faceted performance by Morgan Harris. Autumn Kalis scored a dozen (incl 3/4 3FG) and had 5 rebs. Sammie Woodward led with 5 assists.
For EC, Mikaela Eppard had 22 pts, 8 rebs, 3 assists. Kaela Jones tallied 17, but 5 turnovers (at least 3 were passes into the lowpost that were too strong).  Lisa Logan also did well, with 11 pts, 7 rebs and 2 steals.
Turns out not to have been a bad day for Elmhurst anyway, as Augie lost.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2018, 11:46:48 AM
Looking at the IWU-Carroll stats :
- that really was superb shooting by Nina Anderson -- an .808 eFG%.
- the Titans did quite well restricting Katie Rossetti to 3 pts. Rossetti is one of several players that give Carroll good reason for optimism going forward. She's had numerous very good games this season, maybe putting her on the fringe of 2nd team all-CCIW consideration.
- teammate Brittney Wald (a probable 2nd teamer) almost had a triple-double, with 18 pts and 8 rebs and 11 TOs (she'd admit that 11 was a bit excessive!). Her 3 steals offset some of the TOs.
- in the Carroll game I recently saw at North Park, I liked Emily Majerus's shooting form; that was not a fluke -- vs IWU she hit 5/7 FGs including 2 threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2018, 11:55:41 AM
Wheaton has now won 13 in a row. They held North Park to 24% on two-point FGs, a further indication that the Thunder defense is getting better and better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2018, 12:27:30 PM
Millikin 82, Augie 63 -- 2nd half was 49-29!
Not sure what's wrong with Augie, but they have lost five of their last six. At 6-8 (and Elmhurst 8-6) they need to "win out" and have the Bluejays stumble to 8-8. Augie defeated EC both times this season, so that would be a tie-breaker, right? May not come to that. We'll see.
M : Devin Curry 19 pts (and 8 TOs which ultimately didn't hurt); Emily Schultz 16 pts, 10 rebs; Lauren Moses 10 pts, 15 rebs (not bad!); Yanni Saddler 15 pts; Jordan Hildebrand 9 pts 7 rebs in 17:00. Hildebrand's per-minute scoring, FG% and FT% have all been remarkably consistent from game-to-game, consistently good. Her rebounding is generally good, too. I wonder what Coach Kerans has in mind for Hildebrand playing-time-wise for next season.
A : Izzy Anderson led with 16 pts and Victoria Allen rang up 13 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 11, 2018, 06:36:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2018, 09:02:07 AM
Yes, because it didn't happen. Whenever you see something in a box score that looks anomalous -- as this definitely does -- always double-check it by examining the play-by-play.

The only block that NPU registered in yesterday's game was in the third quarter when 5'4 Lauryn Alba Garner somehow blocked a layup by 6'2 Jill Berg, an incident so amusing and improbable that I went on about it for a good twenty seconds or so in last night's broadcast.

Are the NPU broadcasts on archive somewhere?  I missed them both unfortunately.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 10:14:08 AM
With three dates to go, here are the updated CCIW standings:


x-Illinois Wesleyan12-1
x-Wheaton12-2
x-Carthage9-4
Elmhurst8-6
Augustana6-8
e-North Park4-9
e-Carroll4-9
e-North Central3-10
e-Millikin2-11
x- Clinched a CCIW Tournament berth
e- Eliminated from CCIW Tournament contention

Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2018, 12:27:30 PM
Augie defeated EC both times this season, so that would be a tie-breaker, right?

Correct. Elmhurst has to either win one of their final two or see Augie lose one of their last two to get in.

As for the top of the conference, Carthage is all but locked into the #3 seed. They got swept by Wheaton and are 0-1 against the Titans with a game on Saturday at home. They also have the head to head tiebreaker over Elmhurst, so one more win or Blue Jay loss would keep them out of the #4 seed.

Illinois Wesleyan all but needs to win out to lock up home court for the CCIW Tournament. The anarchist in me is rooting for both Wheaton and Wesleyan to lose out with Carthage winning out to create a three way tie for first, which Wheaton would win by virtue of their head to head sweep of Carthage (Wesleyan would be 1-1 in this hypothetical, putting the Thunder at 3-1 head to head, the Titans 2-2, and the Lady Reds 1-3). Even a tie between just Wheaton and Wesleyan, if Wesleyan's tying loss ends up being to Carthage, would send the conference tournament back to King Arena.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 10:41:35 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 10:14:08 AM
With three dates to go, here are the updated CCIW standings:


x-Illinois Wesleyan12-1
x-Wheaton12-2
x-Carthage9-4
Elmhurst8-6
Augustana6-8
e-North Park4-9
e-Carroll4-9
e-North Central3-10
e-Millikin2-11
x- Clinched a CCIW Tournament berth
e- Eliminated from CCIW Tournament contention

Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2018, 12:27:30 PM
Augie defeated EC both times this season, so that would be a tie-breaker, right?

Correct. Elmhurst has to either win one of their final two or see Augie lose one of their last two to get in.

As for the top of the conference, Carthage is all but locked into the #3 seed. They got swept by Wheaton and are 0-1 against the Titans with a game on Saturday at home. They also have the head to head tiebreaker over Elmhurst, so one more win or Blue Jay loss would keep them out of the #4 seed.

Illinois Wesleyan all but needs to win out to lock up home court for the CCIW Tournament. The anarchist in me is rooting for both Wheaton and Wesleyan to lose out with Carthage winning out to create a three way tie for first, which Wheaton would win by virtue of their head to head sweep of Carthage (Wesleyan would be 1-1 in this hypothetical, putting the Thunder at 3-1 head to head, the Titans 2-2, and the Lady Reds 1-3). Even a tie between just Wheaton and Wesleyan, if Wesleyan's tying loss ends up being to Carthage, would send the conference tournament back to King Arena.

And actually, even a Wesleyan loss to Elmhurst (and Wheaton winning out) would end up giving the tie breaker to Wheaton by virtue of better record in last 7 games.  Both teams would have identical home/road records ...- losses to each other and @ Elmhurst.

So ironically, if IWU does lose again, as long as it's a bad one against Millikin at home this week and then they beat Carthage and EC, they'll still host.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 10:47:43 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 10:41:35 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 10:14:08 AM
With three dates to go, here are the updated CCIW standings:


x-Illinois Wesleyan12-1
x-Wheaton12-2
x-Carthage9-4
Elmhurst8-6
Augustana6-8
e-North Park4-9
e-Carroll4-9
e-North Central3-10
e-Millikin2-11
x- Clinched a CCIW Tournament berth
e- Eliminated from CCIW Tournament contention

Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2018, 12:27:30 PM
Augie defeated EC both times this season, so that would be a tie-breaker, right?

Correct. Elmhurst has to either win one of their final two or see Augie lose one of their last two to get in.

As for the top of the conference, Carthage is all but locked into the #3 seed. They got swept by Wheaton and are 0-1 against the Titans with a game on Saturday at home. They also have the head to head tiebreaker over Elmhurst, so one more win or Blue Jay loss would keep them out of the #4 seed.

Illinois Wesleyan all but needs to win out to lock up home court for the CCIW Tournament. The anarchist in me is rooting for both Wheaton and Wesleyan to lose out with Carthage winning out to create a three way tie for first, which Wheaton would win by virtue of their head to head sweep of Carthage (Wesleyan would be 1-1 in this hypothetical, putting the Thunder at 3-1 head to head, the Titans 2-2, and the Lady Reds 1-3). Even a tie between just Wheaton and Wesleyan, if Wesleyan's tying loss ends up being to Carthage, would send the conference tournament back to King Arena.

And actually, even a Wesleyan loss to Elmhurst (and Wheaton winning out) would end up giving the tie breaker to Wheaton by virtue of better record in last 7 games.  Both teams would have identical home/road records ...- losses to each other and @ Elmhurst.

So ironically, if IWU does lose again, as long as it's a bad one against Millikin at home this week and then they beat Carthage and EC, they'll still host.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/yr7n0u3qzO9nG/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 10:49:03 AM
On a non-conference tournament note, Millikin announced this morning that Lori Kerans is retiring after this season (http://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2018/2/12/womens-basketball-kerans-to-retire-from-coaching.aspx). It's going to be really weird seeing someone else patrolling the sideline for the Big Blue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2018, 11:09:12 AM
That .670 career winning pct is pretty darn good, but Coach Kerans gets great(er) joy from helping transform girls just out of high school into young women ready to face the world beyond college.
She reiterated that sentiment in her recent interview with Dave on "Hoopsville."
She'll continue to be a very positive influence on numerous Millikin students in coming years.
Congrats on an exemplary career, Lori!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2018, 11:19:57 AM
I congratulate Lori Kerans on a highly successful coaching career, as she concludes it and starts a new chapter in her life. The mark that she's left upon CCIW women's basketball is indelible, and the mark that she's left upon Millikin athletics is patently obvious.

I'll miss seeing her when Millikin comes to town. She's one of my favorite coaches in the CCIW, regardless of sport. Always a smile for everybody, always a good word. Lori Kerans is good people.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 12:22:28 PM
I think my favorite interaction with her was my last one on Millikin's last trip to Naperville. When I went to go get pronunciations before the game, I'd expected to get the task delegated to one of her assistants. But she did it herself, introducing herself to me beforehand and making sure I had everything squared away. Couldn't have been nicer or more gracious.

I know the university is planning to hold off on a celebration of her career, but I hope they find some way to sneak an opportunity for an ovation for her in the finale (and I'd have to think they would).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2018, 12:34:50 PM
Not sure if this was previously noted here : Lori Kerans will go into the IBCA Hall of Fame, along with Mia Smith, later this year :
https://app.box.com/s/07hdw7zzo4rv79pnjwck1fqr0t2dpb6w
Kerans's former assistant, Dick Marshall, was honored there several years ago, although mainly for high school coaching, I think.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 03:14:52 PM
Wheaton's Hannah Frazier picked up her third CCIW Player of the Week award this week after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in wins over Illinois Wesleyan and North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2018, 03:50:55 PM
Congrats to Ms Frazier!
Incidentally, lmitzel, your guy among the flames in reply 6370 looks as if he's about to shout "THEATER!" in a crowded fire.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 06:46:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 03:14:52 PM
Wheaton's Hannah Frazier picked up her third CCIW Player of the Week award this week after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in wins over Illinois Wesleyan and North Park.

It's an understatement to say Hannah Frazier was an unbelievable pick up over the off season for the Thunder.  It seems that she's gotten better as the season has progressed and as her team mates adjusted to what she could do as such a strong inside presence.  Probably a Shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year I would imagine(unless that has to go to a freshman)?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2018, 07:47:05 PM
Congrats to Coach Kerans on her long and distinguished career at MU.  Many great years and great teams.

Congrats also to Ms. Frazier on POW honors.  Wheaton coming on strong down the stretch.

I'm hoping both IWU and WC make the dance. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2018, 09:13:18 PM
With the loss to Wheaton, Titans slip down to #17 in the latest poll.  WC in ORV with 20 votes. 

Titans need to take care of business and win out . . . 3 games to go.  No let down.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2018, 09:16:58 PM
New poll is up.  Wheaton's win over IWU drops the Titans from 14 to 17, but only raises Wheaton from 7 points to 20 - still well short of the top 25.  IMO, Wheaton is being seriously under-valued by the voters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2018, 09:22:25 PM
WC and IWU likely getting bids, or AQ, so WC can then really prove its worth.  IWU too.  Key is winning out, having a good placement in the regional rankings, to get to the table for early consideration/comparison.  22-3 would be grand for the TITANS.

Keep going TITANS.  No let down.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2018, 01:22:07 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 06:46:15 PM
It's an understatement to say Hannah Frazier was an unbelievable pick up over the off season for the Thunder.  It seems that she's gotten better as the season has progressed and as her team mates adjusted to what she could do as such a strong inside presence.  Probably a Shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year I would imagine(unless that has to go to a freshman)?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I know over on the men's side the award is named "Freshman of the Year," but it's "Newcomer" on the women's side. Looking at the history of the award, it's only gone to freshmen in its five years of existence. If that's the restriction, I'd probably lean Jordan Hildebrand of Millikin, though there's a few IWU ladies who will probably be in the running as well (Raven Hughes probably foremost of them).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2018, 03:13:53 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2018, 01:22:07 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 06:46:15 PM
It's an understatement to say Hannah Frazier was an unbelievable pick up over the off season for the Thunder.  It seems that she's gotten better as the season has progressed and as her team mates adjusted to what she could do as such a strong inside presence.  Probably a Shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year I would imagine(unless that has to go to a freshman)?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I know over on the men's side the award is named "Freshman of the Year," but it's "Newcomer" on the women's side. Looking at the history of the award, it's only gone to freshmen in its five years of existence. If that's the restriction, I'd probably lean Jordan Hildebrand of Millikin, though there's a few IWU ladies who will probably be in the running as well (Raven Hughes probably foremost of them).

Perhaps given our previous discussion regarding the relatively shallower level of talent on the women's side, one can't assume that a significantly contributing freshman might annually emerge.  Thus the use of "Newcomer" as an out?  If so, then I wonder if the coaches still try to recognize a freshman if they can or simply go for any CCIW first year player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheels81 on February 13, 2018, 04:18:40 PM
GS, I just want to say that you are a fine if not great dual role (color/pbp) commentator on both the women's and men's games for your Chicago Vikings.   I think you know more about Wheaton's teams than most Wheaton fans.  I guess you read the "Art of War" and picked up on "know your enemy"   ;D  Your reference to family participation was perfectly timed when the younger Zeller entered the game for Wheaton.  Good job.  The "twenty seconds" you expounded on after the block of Jill Berg's lay-up was warranted.  Don't know why "bigs" don't keep the ball up.  Didn't mind your broadcast repeating itself at least it was shot better than others I've seen with bigger budgets and replays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dee43 on February 13, 2018, 08:12:35 PM
I would certainly think both IWU and Wheaton have great chances at a bid, the AQ and the team that loses in the championship is deserving of an at-large.  The conference has been a two team race with these teams in front for the past 3 years, looking to be the same as we come down the stretch.  Would have a hard time believing either team could lose to anyone other than each other.

Dealing with MOP, it has to go to Rebekah Ehresman from IWU.  Anyone who has watched every team multiple times can clearly see she is the most dynamic player in the league.  Not sure I have seen a guard her size rebound, pass, attack, and defend the way she does.  Leads the conference in everything a PG should (Assists, Steals, A/TO Ratio). Her scoring is not as high as other top players, but if you look at IWU's season when playing against the top teams (Chicago, Whitewater, Wheaton, WashU), she has her highest scoring games, while many IWU games have been blowouts.  Eppard and Frazier are great players as well, but I don't believe they are as versatile or do as much as Ehresman.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2018, 08:34:39 PM
Quote from: wheels81 on February 13, 2018, 04:18:40 PM
GS, I just want to say that you are a fine if not great dual role (color/pbp) commentator on both the women's and men's games for your Chicago Vikings.   I think you know more about Wheaton's teams than most Wheaton fans.  I guess you read the "Art of War" and picked up on "know your enemy"   ;D  Your reference to family participation was perfectly timed when the younger Zeller entered the game for Wheaton.  Good job.  The "twenty seconds" you expounded on after the block of Jill Berg's lay-up was warranted.  Don't know why "bigs" don't keep the ball up.  Didn't mind your broadcast repeating itself at least it was shot better than others I've seen with bigger budgets and replays.

Thanks, Bully! Much appreciated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2018, 09:45:38 PM
Dee43, agree with you on Ehresman, for sure.  Esp. if the Titans win the conference, win out . . . and have the AQ or hopefully a C bid.  Ehresman is also very consistent, game in and game out.  Likely a program record in steals for a season too.

Eppard and Frazier are great players -- deserving of the award as well. 

Stay tuned.  Likely 4-5 games to go for IWU and WC.  Still chances for these players to put up more impressive performances.

Great season for WC and IWU. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2018, 09:53:42 PM
Welcome to the forum, Dee43.
I suspect the MOP vote could be distributed among those three players, with one winning possibly by plurality (4 of 9?) or there may be a tie of some kind. I can't recall whether coaches can now vote for their own players, coincident with last year's change from "3 teams of 5 players" to "2 teams of 8 players."
By the way, you may also like the productivity of Carthage point guard (definitely fits the traditional definition) Morgan Harris. Her scoring and assist averages are similar to Ehresman's. Harris's steals are nearly two fewer per game and she commits an extra TO per game. Harris outrebounds Ehresman by 5 per game.
Not that anyone asked (well, one kind fellow did, at Elmhurst last Saturday), my 1st team all-CCIW so far is (alphabetically) Ehresman Eppard Frazier Harris Kaelber Kyler Merritt. Haven't thought of #8 yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2018, 11:06:48 PM
Sadly, IWU has lost Sydney Shanks likely for the season, to a broken wrist.  It's a big loss, especially her energy and defensive skills with the press etc.  Nina Anderson will get the call, starting this week vs. Millikin.  I hope Sydney is a fast healer.  Fortunately, IWU has good depth with Sosa, Hughes, Munroe and Brovelli, backing up the starting five.

RogK, seems like a good All-Conference list to me.  Maybe your #8 should be McGraw?  Still some games for various folks to make their All-Conference case.   

Three games to go -- no let down.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2018, 11:34:32 PM
That's an unfortunate setback for Sydney -- best wishes for her to heal quickly. A substantial loss for the team for whatever duration it turns out to be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 08:25:56 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 13, 2018, 11:06:48 PM
Sadly, IWU has lost Sydney Shanks likely for the season, to a broken wrist.  It's a big loss, especially her energy and defensive skills with the press etc.  Nina Anderson will get the call, starting this week vs. Millikin.  I hope Sydney is a fast healer.  Fortunately, IWU has good depth with Sosa, Hughes, Munroe and Brovelli, backing up the starting five.

IWU'70

Wow.  That's very bad news for Sydney Shanks and the Titans.  She is not an easily replaceable presence in the lineup because she did so many things well.  2.3 asst/turnover and pretty key on the press also.

Quote from: Dee43 on February 13, 2018, 08:12:35 PM

Dealing with MOP, it has to go to Rebekah Ehresman from IWU.  Anyone who has watched every team multiple times can clearly see she is the most dynamic player in the league.  Not sure I have seen a guard her size rebound, pass, attack, and defend the way she does.  Leads the conference in everything a PG should (Assists, Steals, A/TO Ratio). Her scoring is not as high as other top players, but if you look at IWU's season when playing against the top teams (Chicago, Whitewater, Wheaton, WashU), she has her highest scoring games, while many IWU games have been blowouts.  Eppard and Frazier are great players as well, but I don't believe they are as versatile or do as much as Ehresman.

Welcome Dee43.  Regarding MOP, I still think it will probably go to Eppard.  Leading the league in both scoring and rebounding, and by pretty wide margins, doesn't happen often and that's tough for coaches to ignore.  It's especially impressive given that she's not very tall, listed at 5'11", for a forward in this league.  This is her 3rd straight season putting up these #s and leading or near-leading the league.  She was probably runner up in the MOP vote for the last two years so it might be "her turn" so to speak.  I don't think that should be a criteria but it could be a factor. 

This is not to say that Ehresman isn't deserving because I already said that she would get my vote.  But I wouldn't go so far as to say "it has to go to" either of them this year.  Admittedly, it's tough to compare a guard vs a forward for an MOP vote when they contribute in different ways statistically at least. 


Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2018, 09:53:42 PM

By the way, you may also like the productivity of Carthage point guard (definitely fits the traditional definition) Morgan Harris. Her scoring and assist averages are similar to Ehresman's. Harris's steals are nearly two fewer per game and she commits an extra TO per game. Harris outrebounds Ehresman by 5 per game.
Not that anyone asked (well, one kind fellow did, at Elmhurst last Saturday), my 1st team all-CCIW so far is (alphabetically) Ehresman Eppard Frazier Harris Kaelber Kyler Merritt. Haven't thought of #8 yet.

Having enjoyed watching Morgan Harris a few times, she has what many natural rebounders have:  A willingness to rebound(not all guards have this), good positioning and a great sense for the ball.  Averaging 10 rebs/game for a 5'5" guard is pretty amazing.

For #8, I'm thinking maybe Millikin's Devin Curry, Elmhurst's Kaela Jones, Wheaton's Maggie Dansdill, McGraw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 09:34:39 AM
Just to put up their numbers at this point to compare (even though as GoPerry said, it's hard to compare forwards and guards):


CategoryEppardEhresman
PPG18.310.4
RPG10.74.8
APG2.14.8
Steals2773
Blocks169
FG%56.740.7
3PT%23.137.1
FT%75.072.7
A-TO0.63.5
MPG31.926.8

The fact that Eppard is averaging 18 and 11 and ranks fourth in field goal percentage (with the highest volume of shots among all the leaders) is astounding. But is it more astounding than Ehresman averaging a 10-5-5 while wreaking havoc on the defensive end... and doing all of this in five fewer minutes a game? I don't know. I do know that either one of these two would be deserving of the award.

You put those two for sure on the First Team All-CCIW (presumably unanimously), and then a lot of the names that have already been thrown out to round it out. I'd probably lean McGraw for the 8th on Rog's list, with the others prominently on the Second Team. Have to add love on that level for players like Brittney Wald and maybe Izzy Anderson. I hope Mayson Whipple gets added to that list as well, but she's probably the only Cardinal I'd put up there (10th in scoring, 7th in assists, 10th in steals, 8th in A-TO ratio).

Quote from: iwu70 on February 13, 2018, 11:06:48 PM
Sadly, IWU has lost Sydney Shanks likely for the season, to a broken wrist.  It's a big loss, especially her energy and defensive skills with the press etc.  Nina Anderson will get the call, starting this week vs. Millikin.  I hope Sydney is a fast healer.  Fortunately, IWU has good depth with Sosa, Hughes, Munroe and Brovelli, backing up the starting five.

They've got the depth to help offset her loss, but that's still a big one. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dee43 on February 14, 2018, 11:05:37 AM
Thanks for the welcome and great conversation everyone!
RogK, have seen Harris play and really like her game.  Great player who is hard-nosed and gets things done.  Very deserving of all-conference.
GoPerry, I get what you are saying about it being Eppard's turn in the eyes of some.  No doubt a great player and has been for her career.
Imitzel, thanks for the numbers, it does help to show different values, but like you said, it is hard to compare guards and forwards.

I think what it boils down to for me is how much better Ehresman makes others around her.  In my mind when thinking about these types of awards, I always ask myself "Who would I want to start a team with?" and in this case, I say Ehresman, she just seems to be at a different level based off the eye test.  I know that is a totally different argument, but just my opinion and what are these boards for after all right??? 

Very sad news for IWU regarding Shanks.  A very good player and one that will be missed.  We will see who can step up.  Awards are nice, but it is the team award at the end of the season that means the most.  Still a lot of basketball to be played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2018, 12:43:37 PM
There are only three CCIW players who have at least 20 blocks and 20 steals. I thought there'd be more.
Katie Rossetti 47 blks 43 stls
Devin Kyler 45 blks 41 stls
Hannah Frazier 40 blks 28 stls
I think this statistical pairing reveals these players' combination of height and agility.
Incidentally, there may be some coaches who discourage their players from attempting to block shots, fearing team and/or individual foul trouble.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 02:35:28 PM
New regional rankings are out (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second). Illinois Wesleyan stays put at #2, Wheaton moves up to #6, Carthage falls out. UW-Whitewater is tops in the region.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 02:35:28 PM
New regional rankings are out (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second). Illinois Wesleyan stays put at #2, Wheaton moves up to #6, Carthage falls out. UW-Whitewater is tops in the region.


Just like the men's side, it was important for the ladies to get over both Oshkosh and Eau Claire.  Despite my bias, I think deservedly so.

Provided they take care of business, the Wheaton ladies should be at worst the #2 Pool C out of this region after WashU  - as long as there are no tournament upsets.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 03:55:14 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 02:35:28 PM
New regional rankings are out (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second). Illinois Wesleyan stays put at #2, Wheaton moves up to #6, Carthage falls out. UW-Whitewater is tops in the region.

Just like the men's side, it was important for the ladies to get over both Oshkosh and Eau Claire.  Despite my bias, I think deservedly so.

So for reference, Wheaton ranks 31st in the country in strength of schedule. Oshkosh is 116th, but Eau Claire is 14th. Difference is the Blugolds have seven losses to Wheaton's four. Looking at RRO results, which seem to be favored more by the women's committee compared to SOS, Wheaton is 3-3, Eau Claire is 2-4 and Oshkosh is 1-3. That probably plays a role.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Provided they take care of business, the Wheaton ladies should be at worst the #2 Pool C out of this region after WashU  - as long as there are no tournament upsets.

That's the tricky one, obviously. If someone other than Whitewater wins the WIAC it might hurt a bit, but not as much as Wisconsin Lutheran dropping into Pool C, though if they did (and depending on when) Wheaton could make a little leap. Even if the Thunder were the third team up from the Central, I like their chances at this point. Probably even if they were fourth up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 04:01:17 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 03:55:14 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 02:35:28 PM
New regional rankings are out (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second). Illinois Wesleyan stays put at #2, Wheaton moves up to #6, Carthage falls out. UW-Whitewater is tops in the region.

Just like the men's side, it was important for the ladies to get over both Oshkosh and Eau Claire.  Despite my bias, I think deservedly so.

So for reference, Wheaton ranks 31st in the country in strength of schedule. Oshkosh is 116th, but Eau Claire is 14th. Difference is the Blugolds have seven losses to Wheaton's four. Looking at RRO results, which seem to be favored more by the women's committee compared to SOS, Wheaton is 3-3, Eau Claire is 2-4 and Oshkosh is 1-3. That probably plays a role.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Provided they take care of business, the Wheaton ladies should be at worst the #2 Pool C out of this region after WashU  - as long as there are no tournament upsets.

That's the tricky one, obviously. If someone other than Whitewater wins the WIAC it might hurt a bit, but not as much as Wisconsin Lutheran dropping into Pool C, though if they did (and depending on when) Wheaton could make a little leap. Even if the Thunder were the third team up from the Central, I like their chances at this point. Probably even if they were fourth up.

The data has Wheaton at 3-3 vRRO.  But that must count 2 wins vs Carthage who was ranked last week but not this week.  Is it still once-ranked-always-ranked on the ladies side?

Also, with Wisc Lutheran SOS at .519 and 1-1 vRRO, any loss for them, regular season or NACC tourney, might drop them below Wash U and Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 04:24:03 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 04:01:17 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 03:55:14 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 02:35:28 PM
New regional rankings are out (http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second). Illinois Wesleyan stays put at #2, Wheaton moves up to #6, Carthage falls out. UW-Whitewater is tops in the region.

Just like the men's side, it was important for the ladies to get over both Oshkosh and Eau Claire.  Despite my bias, I think deservedly so.

So for reference, Wheaton ranks 31st in the country in strength of schedule. Oshkosh is 116th, but Eau Claire is 14th. Difference is the Blugolds have seven losses to Wheaton's four. Looking at RRO results, which seem to be favored more by the women's committee compared to SOS, Wheaton is 3-3, Eau Claire is 2-4 and Oshkosh is 1-3. That probably plays a role.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 03:43:57 PM
Provided they take care of business, the Wheaton ladies should be at worst the #2 Pool C out of this region after WashU  - as long as there are no tournament upsets.

That's the tricky one, obviously. If someone other than Whitewater wins the WIAC it might hurt a bit, but not as much as Wisconsin Lutheran dropping into Pool C, though if they did (and depending on when) Wheaton could make a little leap. Even if the Thunder were the third team up from the Central, I like their chances at this point. Probably even if they were fourth up.

The data has Wheaton at 3-3 vRRO.  But that must count 2 wins vs Carthage who was ranked last week but not this week.  Is it still once-ranked-always-ranked on the ladies side?

Also, with Wisc Lutheran SOS at .519 and 1-1 vRRO, any loss for them, regular season or NACC tourney, might drop them below Wash U and Wheaton.

I don't know if it's once-and-always, but I know that these records involve teams ranked in the first set of rankings. It's why North Central is 1-5 (they also beat Carthage once). I just don't know if in next week's rankings if the RRO numbers will strictly be for the Week 2 rankings or for both Weeks 1 and 2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2018, 07:47:57 PM
Glad to see IWU above Chicago in the regional rankings.

Yes, IWU has the depth, can play on well without Shanks, though she is a big loss.  Anderson has been playing extremely well off the bench, and will get the start tonight at The Shirk vs. MU.  Likely more minutes for Sosa and Hughes. 

Titans just need to keep winning, win out and let things take care of themselves -- AQ or C, it matters not. 

Good comments, views on MOP.  Several very deserving candidates.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2018, 07:49:43 PM
Shanks will be back for sure, only a sophomore now.  Still, a tough loss.  You hate to see someone go down to injury at this point in the season, with post-season likely coming up for the Titans.

I wish her fast and complete healing and recovery.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2018, 09:37:29 PM
IWU tops Millikin, 78-54.  No surprise, of course, but still a relief - one step closer to hosting the tourney (and hopefully at least one weekend of hosting the BIG tourney).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2018, 09:42:29 PM
Wheaton 62
Carroll 39

Maggie Dansdill      14 pts, 4 rebs
Hannah Frazier         12 pts, 5 rebs
Jill Berg            12 pts, 4 blks
Devin Kyler         8 rebs, 3 assts

Katie Rossetti         10 pts 5 rebs

Wheaton Ladies were a little sluggish coming out but gradually pulled away from an overmatched Carroll squad. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2018, 09:43:07 PM
Yes, as Ypsi has reported, IWU over MU at The Shirk, 78-54.

MU:
Saddler 12
Curry 9

IWU:
McGraw 18
Anderson (starting for Shanks) 16 and 6
Ehresman 12, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
Walsberg 8

Titans move to 20-3, in CCIW 13-1.  Two games to go away at Carthage and Elmhurst.  A very good test.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the team on a 20 win season.  A major achievement.   Keep going.

Nice ceremony honoring Coach Kerans before the game . . . congrats to her again on her long, distinguished career at Millikin.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2018, 10:04:27 PM
Elmhurst 60
North Park 58

Shaylee Sloan: 15 pts, 9 rebs
Brie Lippert: 10 pts
Alisha Panthier: 6 rebs

Kaela Jones: 16 pts, 4:1 a:to, 3 stls
Mikaela Eppard: 11 pts, 13 rebs, 3 stls
Julia Madrid: 12 pts
Kelly Weyhrich: 10 pts

Kelly Weyhrich banked in a runner with 1.3 seconds remaining to ruin Senior Night for the Vikings. Great, well-played game by both teams that was back and forth for the most part, although NPU did run out to a 13-point lead early in the second half that they squandered when Kaela Jones went on a great run for the 'jays. The Vikings did contain Mikaela Eppard for the most part, holding her to 3-13 shooting from the field, but NPU just didn't value the ball enough late in the game, making a crucial unforced turnover in the final half-minute to set up Weyhrich's game-winner.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 10:58:35 PM
Carthage over NCC 92-56.  The Lady Reds hit 13 of 24 threes and pulled away from a Cardinal team that scored just two points in the first six minutes of the third quarter.

I'll pull up individual stat lines in the morning. If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go back to flipping tables now. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2018, 09:37:17 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2018, 10:58:35 PM
Carthage over NCC 92-56.  The Lady Reds hit 13 of 24 threes and pulled away from a Cardinal team that scored just two points in the first six minutes of the third quarter.

I'll pull up individual stat lines in the morning. If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go back to flipping tables now. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Now that I have a chance to look at the box score...

Bailey Gilbert: 20 pts (7-7 FG, 6-6 3PT), 9 reb
Maddie Kaelber: 20 pts (8-11 FG, 4-5 3PT)
Morgan Harris: 13 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast
Sammie Woodward: 13 pts
Rachel Szydlowski: 10 pts

Maya Walls: 11 pts
Mayson Whipple: 10 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast

Really, I just look at the Gilbert/Kaelber lines and tip my cap while Gilbert does an MJ shrug.

Updated standings:

x-Illinois Wesleyan13-1
x- Wheaton13-2
x- Carthage10-4
x- Elmhurst9-6
e- Augustana6-8
e- North Park4-10
e- Carroll4-10
e- North Central3-11
e- Millikin2-12
x- Clinched CCIW Tournament berth
e- Eliminated from CCIW Tournament contention
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2018, 11:26:19 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 15, 2018, 09:37:17 AM

Now that I have a chance to look at the box score...

Bailey Gilbert: 20 pts (7-7 FG, 6-6 3PT), 9 reb
Maddie Kaelber: 20 pts (8-11 FG, 4-5 3PT)
Morgan Harris: 13 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast
Sammie Woodward: 13 pts
Rachel Szydlowski: 10 pts

Maya Walls: 11 pts
Mayson Whipple: 10 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast

Really, I just look at the Gilbert/Kaelber lines and tip my cap while Gilbert does an MJ shrug.


Pretty impressive shooting by those 2 young ladies.  They might wish they had saved a few of them for Saturday when IWU comes to Kenosha.  Or maybe they're just now hitting their stride . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2018, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 15, 2018, 11:26:19 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 15, 2018, 09:37:17 AM

Now that I have a chance to look at the box score...

Bailey Gilbert: 20 pts (7-7 FG, 6-6 3PT), 9 reb
Maddie Kaelber: 20 pts (8-11 FG, 4-5 3PT)
Morgan Harris: 13 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast
Sammie Woodward: 13 pts
Rachel Szydlowski: 10 pts

Maya Walls: 11 pts
Mayson Whipple: 10 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast

Really, I just look at the Gilbert/Kaelber lines and tip my cap while Gilbert does an MJ shrug.


Pretty impressive shooting by those 2 young ladies.  They might wish they had saved a few of them for Saturday when IWU comes to Kenosha.  Or maybe they're just now hitting their stride . . .

Typical. ;) To me, the most impressive line score of the night, above and beyond those two Lady Reds and the line scores of Kaela Jones, Rebekah Ehresman, and Mikaela Eppard, was this one:

Quote from: lmitzel on February 15, 2018, 09:37:17 AM
Morgan Harris: 13 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast

Morgan Harris is really a remarkable player. She's gotten little love in here aside from Rog's note two days ago, because the Lady Reds don't have an advocate in this room, but her ability to pull down rebounds -- she's second in the league behind Mikaela Eppard in that category in both overall (9.5 rpg) and CCIW (9.9. rpg) play, in spite of the fact that she stands only 5'5 and plays PG (she's fourth in the league in a:to) -- is astounding. (And, yeah, GoPerry, I know that you gave her a hat tip as well after Rog's comment.)

Flirting with a triple-double in only 28 minutes of action is quite a feat. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that she didn't turn the ball over even once, and, remember, we're talking about a point guard who was playing against a team that likes to press. I always put the accent upon a:to rather than simply using assists by themselves as a counting stat, because a:to gives you a better picture of what a player does with the ball in her/his hands when she/he isn't shooting it. And 13-8-9:0 looks even better than 13-8-9.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2018, 12:10:19 PM
Saw Elmhurst's two-point win at North Park. It was a close, hard-fought game. The 2nd half was generally well-played. The 1st half was like two turtles trying to climb out of a 14-foot-deep pail.
Both teams like to use a lot of the shot clock, working the ball around until a good lowpost entry pass can be achieved. Both defenses were fully aware of these preferences of the opponent. North Park very effectively packed the lane defensively and, were it not for Kaela Jones hitting three 3FGs, probably would've won the game and maybe ruined Elmhurst's season.
At some point in the 3rd Q, Elmhurst enhanced its defensive energy, including moderate full-court pressure during some NP possessions; this seemed to invigorate the Bluejays.
North Park played about as well as it can, although Ramos and Arnold are capable of better than 1-for-5 shooting.
Elmhurst was delighted to escape with a win and playoff berth, despite mediocre output by key players (again, a good amount of credit to NP's defensive plan). On the positive side : Jones was overall very good; Julia Madrid did very well at both ends of the court. Weyhrich dazzled at the end, with a late-game three plus the game-winning hoop.
NP's Lauryn Alba Garner sat during the latter portion of the game, having sustained a foot injury. Hopefully it repairs soon, to allow her to play more this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2018, 12:43:34 PM
I wasn't going to mention it, because I don't want to make excuses for a loss in which the other team did what it had to do in order to win, but losing Lauryn Alba Garner really hurt NPU in the waning minutes of the game. She kept Kelly Weyhrich in check for most of the night (although, in an interesting move, NPU head coach Amanda Crockett had Shaylee Sloan out on the perimeter guarding Weyhrich at the start of the game), and Alba Garner's speed and persistent drives made Weyhrich expend a lot of energy at the defensive end of the floor. And, without Alba Garner's driving ability, an NPU offense that typically seems tentative at even the best of times really broke down at the end of the game. Nevertheless, you have to find a way to win with the players you have available at any given moment, and the Park wasn't able to do that.

Speaking of Sloan, I think that Shaylee probably cemented a spot on the All-CCIW second team with her performance last night. At least, I hope that she did. NPU has had a disappointing January and February after a really solid start to the season, but the Vikings do deserve a player on the All-CCIW list, and Shaylee's the top candidate NPU has. She's one of the best rebounders in the league -- and, when she's engaged in the game and her teammates are working to get her the ball down in the blocks, she's one of the better low-post scorers in the league as well, in spite of her relative lack of size.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2018, 03:27:10 PM
I'll go along with Sloan as NP's top player this season, by a narrow margin over Sinead Molloy. Molloy hasn't scored much (5 pts/g) but has an otherwise very admirable game, is a relentless hard-worker. A bunch of other NP players have done well now and then, but it all hasn't added up.
Among the other non-playoff teams, these players certainly deserve (my opinion) all-CCIW consideration : AUG Alexis Jones and Izzy Anderson, CRL Katie Rossetti and Brittney Wald, MIL Devin Curry, NCC Mayson Whipple.
Among the playoff teams : CTG Kaelber Harris (several more Lady Reds have been rather good -- Bernero may have to flip a coin to decide whom to nominate beyond the previous pair), ELM Eppard K Jones, IWU Ehresman Merritt McGraw, WHE Frazier Kyler Dansdill.
Some deserving player(s) will be excluded from all-CCIW; happens each year.
We may see a 1st team talent end up on 2nd team, due to the voting method.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2018, 04:35:13 PM
Speaking of all-conference level production, what do we think of a player who shoots .478 FG%, .405 3FG%, .511 eFG%, .770 FT%, averages 11.9 pts, 4 rebs, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, all in 15.6 minutes per game?
This was Therese Pettersson, just two seasons ago. This kind of productivity would make her the best offensive player this year on Augustana, Carroll, Millikin, North Park and North Central.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2018, 04:37:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2018, 04:35:13 PM
Speaking of all-conference level production, what do we think of a player who shoots .478 FG%, .405 3FG%, .511 eFG%, .770 FT%, averages 11.9 pts, 4 rebs, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, all in 15.6 minutes per game?
This was Therese Pettersson, just two seasons ago. This kind of productivity would make her the best offensive player this year on Augustana, Carroll, Millikin, North Park and North Central.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi0.kym-cdn.com%2Fentries%2Ficons%2Foriginal%2F000%2F017%2F966%2Fjordan-crying.jpg&hash=9498329747c50ba04d76725e7dddbdd5187feb5a)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2018, 05:02:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2018, 03:27:10 PM
I'll go along with Sloan as NP's top player this season, by a narrow margin over Sinead Molloy. Molloy hasn't scored much (5 pts/g) but has an otherwise very admirable game, is a relentless hard-worker. A bunch of other NP players have done well now and then, but it all hasn't added up.

I think that if NPU had an alternative option for All-CCIW besides Shaylee, it'd be Lauryn Alba Garner. Her quickness is a major factor in NPU's favor against any opponent. i look forward to seeing her develop over the next three seasons, as I do Sinead as well.

NPU has unveiled a crop of freshman guards this year that show a lot of promise in Alba Garner, Molloy, Samantha Bloom, and the injured Zakiya Newsome. They're on the small side for CCIW guards, and their outside shooting needs to improve -- Sophia Lehocky is the shooter in the group, but she needs to develop the rest of her game -- but this is the best crop of guards that the NPU coaching staff has brought in in a long time. What they obviously need to focus upon in this recruiting cycle is bigs. Losing Shaylee Sloan, Brie Lippert, and Clarissa Ramos all at once means a awful lot of minutes that have to be replaced up front for next season's Vikings.

What I think that the team needs most of all, though, is at least one dynamic scorer. The Vikings are near or at the bottom of the league in just about every offensive category. They never really found a way to replace Liz Rehberger's production from last season, and, while a Liz Rehberger doesn't come along every day, I think it's necessary for NPU to bring in more players of that type who have an aggressive, persistent, scorer's mentality. I think that Lauryn Alba Garner has that mentality, but she's also so small that it's hard to rely upon her to carry the offensive load for NPU by herself in a league in which she gets banged around mercilessly whenever she drive to the basket, and in which she has to use a lot of high-off-the-backboard angles when she does get close to the basket.

Quote from: RogK on February 15, 2018, 04:35:13 PM
Speaking of all-conference level production, what do we think of a player who shoots .478 FG%, .405 3FG%, .511 eFG%, .770 FT%, averages 11.9 pts, 4 rebs, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, all in 15.6 minutes per game?
This was Therese Pettersson, just two seasons ago. This kind of productivity would make her the best offensive player this year on Augustana, Carroll, Millikin, North Park and North Central.

Therese Pettersson, aka "the Swede who took the wrong turn at O'Hare". ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2018, 07:36:06 PM
The Around the Region (Central) column is excellent this week (as usual, Adam!) - how could it be otherwise when it focuses on the Lady Titans?! ;D  With Ehresman and McGraw both graduating, SOME regression next year may be inevitable, but the freshman class is SO talented, I don't expect very much of a drop-off.  And I'd give even odds that at least one FF is in the offing before these frosh graduate - and, what the heck, why not start THIS season?!  (They already had a 16-game winning streak earlier this season; just another 10-game streak would give them the national title. :o 8-))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2018, 07:59:09 PM
Anyone know how Maddie Merritt is faring today? She played 4 minutes yesterday and received an elbow to her face, according to the Pantagraph article. Hopefully no lingering effects, although a bruise would be expected.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2018, 08:57:27 PM
Yes, I hope Merritt is OK.  The Titans surely don't need another starter to go down to injury, all their depth aside.  Brovelli, Hughes and Sosa filled in nicely last game. 

The Titans still have two very tough games on the schedule . . . let's hope 15-1 still in the cards.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 15, 2018, 11:23:21 PM
Since I don't know if it was completely answered... there is NO "once ranked, always ranked" in Division III -across the board. The women and men have the last two rankings count only. There are no differences in that rule in basketball and I believe across DIII.

The ONLY difference in the criteria between men and women is that the men utilize the home/away weighted measure on their SOS while the women do not. That is a criteria that is left to each individual national committee. There are four or so in DIII that use it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 16, 2018, 09:21:21 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 15, 2018, 11:23:21 PM
Since I don't know if it was completely answered... there is NO "once ranked, always ranked" in Division III -across the board. The women and men have the last two rankings count only. There are no differences in that rule in basketball and I believe across DIII.

Thanks for clarifying on that, Dave!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 16, 2018, 09:31:54 AM
By the way, looking at the standings, the bottom two seeds of the conference tournament are locked in: Carthage is #3 and Elmhurst #4. Carthage has the season sweep of Elmhurst, so a 10-6 tie favors the Lady Reds.

Up at the top, Illinois Wesleyan needs to win out or have North Central defy crazy odds and a decade of history with a win at King Arena on Saturday plus Wesleyan winning one of their final two to lock up hosting rights next weekend. Wheaton would hold tiebreakers at 13-3 (due to a sweep of Carthage while IWU would have a split in this scenario) and at 14-2 (due to the aforementioned sweep of Carthage if that's IWU's second loss or if the loss comes to Elmhurst, due to a 7-0 record in their last seven with IWU at 5-2 in that span).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2018, 07:42:07 PM
Augustana 88
North Park 63

Samantha Bloom: 14 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 14 pts, 7 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 10 pts

Victoria Allen: 18 pts, 11 rebs
Justice Edell: 18 pts
Meghan Stovall: 12 pts
Sadie Roberts: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Alexis Jones: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Claire Kramer: 7 rebs, 4:1 a:to
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2018, 07:47:01 PM
Final from Kenosha:  IWU 85, Carthage 77.  I'm now pretty confident the tourney will be in Bloomington.  I'm certainly not taking Elmhurst for granted (and sure the coaches and team won't either!), but we did win at the Shirk by 26.  THIS was the game that had me much more worried (only beat the Lady Reds by 9 in the Shirk).  It could have been easier, but Molly McGraw uncharacteristically missed three straight FTs in the final minute.  Fortunately, Carthage was then reduced to desperation fouls of Rebekah Ehresman - I suppose she must have missed one sometime, but I personally can't recall her EVER missing a clutch FT at the tail-end of a tight game!  And she didn't! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dee43 on February 17, 2018, 10:21:08 PM
Not too many surprises tonight around the league

Wheaton crushes North Central, their size way too much of a mismatch, making it nearly impossible for North Central to score.

Good game in Kenosha as IWU holds off Carthage.  Ehresman and McGraw come up big, and Merritt plays well with facemask for broken nose.  Schneider also with a good game.  For Carthage, was impressed with Kaelber and the shooting ability of Gilbert.  The Lady Reds off to a hot start at 19-6 but the press gets the Titans right back in the game.  Is the tournament location in Bloomington regardless of their game Tuesday?  I realize a loss puts them in a tie, but both teams will have then split with Elmhurst and each other.  What is the next criteria in the tiebreak?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2018, 11:15:17 PM
Quote from: Dee43 on February 17, 2018, 10:21:08 PM
Not too many surprises tonight around the league

Wheaton crushes North Central, their size way too much of a mismatch, making it nearly impossible for North Central to score.

Good game in Kenosha as IWU holds off Carthage.  Ehresman and McGraw come up big, and Merritt plays well with facemask for broken nose.  Schneider also with a good game.  For Carthage, was impressed with Kaelber and the shooting ability of Gilbert.  The Lady Reds off to a hot start at 19-6 but the press gets the Titans right back in the game.  Is the tournament location in Bloomington regardless of their game Tuesday?  I realize a loss puts them in a tie, but both teams will have then split with Elmhurst and each other.  What is the next criteria in the tiebreak?

Courtesy of an earlier post by Titan Q:

CCIW tie-breaker rules...

1. Head-to-head competition.
2. Record against team(s) above the tie beginning with the highest ranked team.
3. Record vs. team or teams in 3 rd place. If still tied, go to the next place for determination, et cetera.
4. Road record against conference schools.
5. Record in their last seven conference games.
6. The point spread of the tied teams' head-to head competition.
7. Coin toss

Thus Wheaton would win the tie-breaker.  But I don't expect IWU to lose that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2018, 11:18:29 PM
Congratulations to Mel Bremhorst, Jen Berg, Maggie Dansdill and Kelly Lawson on senior night.  Thank you for representing Wheaton well and competing at the highest level with class and grace.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2018, 01:48:16 PM
The mismatch in the Wheaton / North Central game was effort.
For example, Whipple, Dimitrova, Walls, Braun, Dawson, O'Neil and Desenberg combined for 9 rebounds in 117:00. That's full games from 3 positions and only 9 rebounds. NC missed 50 FG att, so there were rebounds to be had.
--
Some Augie players really shot well : Justice Edell scored 18 from just 8 FG att and 2 FT att. Victoria Allen tallied 18 from 10 FG att and 3 FT att, also excellent. Alexis Jones 5/5 FGs also nice.
--
Carroll 73, Millikin 67
CRL - 18 pts by Emily Majerus (2/4 3FG, 4/5 2FG, 4/4 FT), 17 by Brittney Wald, 12 from Katie Rossetti, 11 for Rachel Van Sluys; 8 rebs by Delaney Sjong.
MIL - 19 pts for Devin Curry, 15 each from Emily Schultz and Yanni Saddler.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2018, 07:39:58 PM
Wheaton, in CCIW play, shot .297 from 3-land and gave up .297 from there.
A huge difference in 2FG shooting : .505 for the Thunder and .300 by opponents.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2018, 11:37:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2018, 07:39:58 PM
Wheaton, in CCIW play, shot .297 from 3-land and gave up .297 from there.
A huge difference in 2FG shooting : .505 for the Thunder and .300 by opponents.

Even with a really good 3 pt shooter in Chantal Meacham, Wheaton has not been that great a 3 pt shooting threat as a team in the last few seasons - hovering around the low 30s %wise.  Kristi Demski has stepped in to hit a fair percentage this year off the bench.

They will potentially get some help in that regard with a certain pretty significant local recruit committed to Wheaton with a last name familiar  to CCIW football chatsters.   http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/02/06/girls-basketball-family-forged-toughness-of-wheaton-norths-hannah-swider/af4va7/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2018, 12:33:06 AM
Sounds like Swider can be a nice addition for the Thunder.
30% 3FG shooting is probably a tiny bit above average for the women's game. Last time I researched it (not this season), I think the average was 28%.
30% on threes is the equivalent of 45% on twos, both certainly tolerable.
If a team or individual makes 1/3 of their 3FGs and 1/2 of their 2FGs, I think she/they are doing quite well. Expectations for shooting pcts on the mens' side are likely somewhat higher.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 19, 2018, 11:03:39 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2018, 12:33:06 AM
Sounds like Swider can be a nice addition for the Thunder.
30% 3FG shooting is probably a tiny bit above average for the women's game. Last time I researched it (not this season), I think the average was 28%.
30% on threes is the equivalent of 45% on twos, both certainly tolerable.
If a team or individual makes 1/3 of their 3FGs and 1/2 of their 2FGs, I think she/they are doing quite well. Expectations for shooting pcts on the mens' side are likely somewhat higher.

I'd be interested to see if those numbers are still in the same ballpark. Looking at the NCAA's website, the median percentage from deep this season is 29.2 percent. I would assume the mean would be in that neighborhood as well, but the NCAA doesn't have that immediately accessible.

I've always viewed three point shooting from the lens of men's percentages in terms of expectations, but it makes North Central's shooting percentages back in the System era that much better.

2012-13: 26.6%
2013-14: 29.9%
2014-15: 27.0%
2015-16: 29.2%
2016-17: 28.9%

I mean, in a vacuum, shooting in the mid to upper 20's from deep is bad, but at the same time when you consider the volume NCC shot from deep these years, it made up for it. The fact that those percentages line up with being around the average kind of reinforces the idea that sheer volume can in fact make up for it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2018, 12:22:12 PM
Aha! The national averages are hidden under the heading "Trends" within National Rankings on ncaa.org, at the bottom of the conference totals.
--
The D3 numbers : median team .292, national mean .293; best team is .413, worst is .094; among 435 ranked teams, 39 are under 24%.
The D2 numbers : median team .311, national mean .314; best team is .406, worst is .218; among 301 ranked teams, 6 are under 24%.
The D1 numbers : median team .317, national mean .320; best team is .411, worst is .190; among 349 ranked teams, 4 are under 24%.
these are all through Feb 15 or Feb 17. updates through Feb 18 should appear soon.
The D3 men's 3FG% mean is .346, .053 higher than the D3 women.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 19, 2018, 03:44:55 PM
Rebekah Ehresman is your latest CCIW Player of the Week winner, averaging 16.5 points and 8 rebounds in a pair of Titan wins last week. Amazingly, she's the first Titan to win the award since Molly McGraw back in November. In the time between, nine different players from six different schools have won at least once.

Millikin and North Central are the only schools in the conference who didn't have a player win the award this season. NCC's last winner was Mayson Whipple back in 2016, and Millikin's was Alyssa Saklak back in 2015.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2018, 05:26:01 PM
The NCAA D3 WBB stats are updated through yesterday's action.
The composite/national WBB 2FG (not overall FG%) pct is .413. That seems not very good to me. I expected something like .430 or .440.
The 3FG% remains at .293.
Given that .293 on threes is equivalent to .439 on twos, one could broadly conclude that the average team might want to slightly increase the quantity of threes attempted, assuming a lot of things. They probably shouldn't cut back on 3FG attempts, anyway.
Reduction of 3FG attempts may cause dry skin, nausea, lightheadedness, heavyheadedness, agitation, calmness, partial fainting, more nausea, warm sweats, cold sweats, fluctuating height, carbonated urine, itchy hair, hunger, loss of appetite, sarcasm directed toward referees, turnovers, loose shoelaces, sneezing and constipation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 19, 2018, 05:57:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2018, 05:26:01 PM
Reduction of 3FG attempts may cause dry skin, nausea, lightheadedness, heavyheadedness, agitation, calmness, partial fainting, more nausea, warm sweats, cold sweats, fluctuating height, carbonated urine, itchy hair, hunger, loss of appetite, sarcasm directed toward referees, turnovers, loose shoelaces, sneezing and constipation.

Are there any medications I should stay off of while taking 3FG attempts? I'm pretty sure the high number of threes taken in my presence result in headaches and the slow destruction of my vocal cords. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2018, 06:13:38 PM
Are there any such medications to stay off of? Yes. Several!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2018, 08:38:10 PM
Warm congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a share of the CCIW crown. And congrats to Ms. Ehresman on a very well-deserved POW honor.  She's been so consistent in many statistical categories, aspects of play, so key to the overall team success of IWU this season.  I hope she wins the MOP award.  Others are very deserving too. 

Keep going TITANS -- 15-1 and hosting the tournament within reach.  Keep going.  No let down. Great win up at Carthage. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 12:39:50 AM
It's going to be tough on whichever teams reach the CCIW tournament final, contending for the AQ -- four games in 7 days -- Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Fitness could play a big part. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2018, 07:55:38 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 12:39:50 AM
It's going to be tough on whichever teams reach the CCIW tournament final, contending for the AQ -- four games in 7 days -- Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Fitness could play a big part. 

IWU'70

Wheaton's regular season is done.  They don't play tonight.  4 games in a week is a lot but I can't believe these players aren't in shape by now.

On the other hand, I don't think having the ladies play Tuesday and then Thursday-Saturday is really great.  These are students by the way.  Why not Friday games at 2 and 4 for the ladies and then 6 and 8 for the men?  If the Carthage  ladies win, will they stay over and miss a day of school? If not , that's a lot of travel for them from Wheaton or Bloomington.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2018, 11:00:37 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 20, 2018, 07:55:38 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 12:39:50 AM
It's going to be tough on whichever teams reach the CCIW tournament final, contending for the AQ -- four games in 7 days -- Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Fitness could play a big part. 

IWU'70

Wheaton's regular season is done.  They don't play tonight.  4 games in a week is a lot but I can't believe these players aren't in shape by now.

On the other hand, I don't think having the ladies play Tuesday and then Thursday-Saturday is really great.  These are students by the way.  Why not Friday games at 2 and 4 for the ladies and then 6 and 8 for the men?  If the Carthage  ladies win, will they stay over and miss a day of school? If not , that's a lot of travel for them from Wheaton or Bloomington.

I'm assuming they wanted to keep everything in the evenings, and I'm sure the missed class time argument got brought up when this contingency was created.

I would assume that yeah, the Lady Reds would stay in Bloomington if they advanced to the title game. If it were in Wheaton, I'd assume they'd go home. A 2 hour drive isn't as bad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2018, 04:18:14 PM
first time around for tonight's matchups :
NPU 67, MIL 61 : 20 pts for Gabby Sandoval
AUG 94, NCC 55 : 27 pts for Izzy Anderson
IWU 87, ELM 61 : 15 pts for Raven Hughes
CTG 66, CRL 53 : 21 pts for Sammie Woodward
Best wishes to those players whose NCAA playing careers wrap up this evening!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 08:51:45 PM
IWU over EC at the half 39-31.  15-1 looks possible.  Brovelli having a great night, off the bench, in support of Merritt.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2018, 09:36:01 PM
IWU has opened up a 25 point lead in the 4th, so it looks like the Titans will be welcoming the Thunder, the Lady Reds, and the Jays to B'town in a couple of days, with a re-rematch of Elmhurst @ IWU in the first round.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 09:57:05 PM
Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on the outright CCIW championship.  15-1, 22-3.  A great regular season.

At Elmhurst, IWU wins going away, 82-61

For EC:
Eppard being Eppard -- 13 and 13
Jones 17

For IWU:

13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 5, 3, 2, and 2 -- great team basketball.

Brovelli with a very good game at 13.

Titans to host the Tourney at the Shirk.  Looks like Augie may come back to win their men's game, tie with the Titans for the CCIW crown, so the men's tourney may be going to RI.  Augie doing what it does.  EC giving them a good fight, but looks like Augie may come back to win.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2018, 10:06:12 PM
The men's tourney will be in Rock Island instead of B'town (IWU lost at home to NCC; Augie trailed Elmhurst at home for nearly the entire game, but pulled it out at the end).

Since ONLY the women's tourney will be in B'town, does that mean Fri-Sat after all?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2018, 10:08:41 PM
Congratulations to IWU on a great season and CCIW regular season 'ship.  They are a terrific and talented team that plays well together and deserves everything they've accomplished so far. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2018, 10:28:02 PM
Unfortunately, there are no posters who carefully analyze Pool C for the women like there are several for the men.  IWU, being ranked #2 in the Central in the 2nd rankings, would seem pretty safe as a Pool C if they don't win the tourney (though I'm not really up on the national scene).  Wheaton is only #6, but would be second to the table after WashU - UNLESS UWW is upset in the WIAC tourney; that seems fairly safe for a Pool C also, but I just don't know.  Neither Carthage or Elmhurst is a viable Pool C candidate, so it is win the AQ or turn in the uniforms.  (Of course, if one of them DOES win, that pushes IWU to Pool C, and Wheaton down another slot in even reaching the table.)

My basic question boils down to: is the conference tourney a 'winner-take-all' scenario for IWU (and especially Wheaton), or is it a battle for seeding?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2018, 10:31:43 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2018, 10:06:12 PM
The men's tourney will be in Rock Island instead of B'town (IWU lost at home to NCC; Augie trailed Elmhurst at home for nearly the entire game, but pulled it out at the end).

Since ONLY the women's tourney will be in B'town, does that mean Fri-Sat after all?

Yes, the Thursday semis plan is a contingency. The women will be Friday/Saturday in Bloomington. Congratulations to the Titans on a phenomenal regular season.

NCC closed out its season with an 86-63 loss to Augie in Naperville. I'll go through the box more in the morning, but to indicate the night it was: the Cardinals hit just five of 41 threes tonight.

A year after going 14-11 and tying for fifth, the Cardinals lost 20 games. They haven't been that bad since I took a seat at the scorer's table, but from talking briefly with Michelle Roof, they've got good pieces coming in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 11:24:10 PM
Ypsi, given their strong resumes, I would think that IWU and WC are pretty much locks on Pool C, if needed.  Of course, would help both to at least go 1-1 this weekend.  I think that is likely.  I'm hoping the Titans get a chance to win the rubber match vs. WC on Saturday evening at the Shirk.  Two very strong teams, good records in the regular season.  WC still on a very long winning streak, just like the Titans' 16 game winning streak earlier. 

I think the Titans again handle EC on Friday, with WC having to work a bit harder to handle CC -- but I think we're in for the WC-IWU rubber match upcoming.   All good.

Titans played with intensity tonight -- and had great bench contributions, with such balanced scoring all 'round.  That's been their M.O. all season. Handling the WC bigs on Saturday will again be the challenge.  Home court should help.

Again, my congrats to all the Titan players and to Coach Smith and her staff on a great regular season run and CCIW outright regular season championship.

Keep it rolling, TITANS.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2018, 11:25:12 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2018, 10:28:02 PM
Unfortunately, there are no posters who carefully analyze Pool C for the women like there are several for the men.  IWU, being ranked #2 in the Central in the 2nd rankings, would seem pretty safe as a Pool C if they don't win the tourney (though I'm not really up on the national scene).  Wheaton is only #6, but would be second to the table after WashU - UNLESS UWW is upset in the WIAC tourney; that seems fairly safe for a Pool C also, but I just don't know.  Neither Carthage or Elmhurst is a viable Pool C candidate, so it is win the AQ or turn in the uniforms.  (Of course, if one of them DOES win, that pushes IWU to Pool C, and Wheaton down another slot in even reaching the table.)

My basic question boils down to: is the conference tourney a 'winner-take-all' scenario for IWU (and especially Wheaton), or is it a battle for seeding?

Looking at the #s, SOS, etc., I think IWU is a Pool C lock and Wheaton looks like a near lock also.  The one weakness in Wheaton's case is that I think they'll only be 1-3 vRRO.  But win % .824 and SOS .575 is pretty strong.

If IWU gets the AQ, I think they'll have a strong hosting case for rds 1 & 2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 11:29:02 PM
Agree with GoPerry's assessment.

For IWU to get the AQ, that would help greatly to have good favorable seeding and perhaps hosting a round or two.  Very crucial to get through the early games more easily.  Time will tell.  IMHO, WC played a bit better than the Titans in the last 7-8 games. 

When the Dance begins, everyone is 0-0.  (so seedings and pairings very important).  Hopefully, no early pods of death. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2018, 11:59:06 PM
Millikin 85
North Park 66

Alisha Panthier: 15 pts, 10 rebs
Samantha Bloom: 11 pts
Shaylee Sloan: 9 rebs

Devin Curry: 24 pts
Emily Schultz; 16 pts, 7 rebs, 4:1 a:to
Haley Toohill: 13 pts
Yanni Sadler: 11 pts, 3 stls
Sarah Bailey: 10 pts
Lauren Moses: 14 rebs

Can't say that I'm shocked by the outcome of this game, given that it took place in Decatur and was the swan song of the storied career of Lori Kerans as Millikin's head coach. Given the emotion of the night, it's no surprise that the Big Blue played their best game of the season. The lone bright spot for NPU was the double-double for Alisha Panthier; I would've never predicted that the sophomore forward would've ever had a CCIW double-double, and it's a testament to her hard work that she's come this far this quickly. It was also good to see Samantha Bloom have another nice game for the Vikings; I like the young backcourt that the Vikings will be bringing back next season.

Thanks for all of the hard work and effort put in by the three departing seniors for the Vikings: Brie Lippert, Shaylee Sloan, and Clarissa Ramos. It's been greatly appreciated. Hope to see you all suit up for next season's alumnae game!


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 21, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
So just for fun, if the new conference tournament format were in place this season, here's what we'd have going on in Bloomington, Kenosha, and Elmhurst:

(6)Carroll (5-11) @ (3)Carthage (11-5)
(5)Augustana (8-8) @ (4)Elmhurst (9-7)

Highest remaining seed vs (2)Wheaton (14-2)
Lowest remaining seed @ (1)Illinois Wesleyan (15-1)

The 4-5 matchup with Elmhurst getting home court but having lost both matchups to Augie is intriguing, but I wish I could say the same for that 3-6 matchup. I mean no disrespect to Carroll, considering they beat NCC twice and had a nice bounceback from an awful 2016-17 campaign, but the optics of a 5-11 team making the conference tournament is... not ideal.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 11:29:02 PM
Hopefully, no early pods of death. 

There are three certainties in life, my friend: [pods of] death, taxes, and North Central winning the CCIW men's cross country title. :P

Honestly, I'd have to take a look at the regional and probably national picture. You might get a good round one matchup, but I'd have to think that second game would be a doozy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2018, 12:35:11 PM
Carthage 90, Carroll 67
Bailey Gilbert (.833 eFG%) and Madie Kaelber (.708 eFG%) score 17 each; three other Lady Reds in double figures including Morgan Harris (11, 6 rebs, 7 assists).
Carthage hit 13/24 3FGs. If that sounds familiar, it is -- they did so in both games vs Carroll and last week vs NC. It was the tenth game this season in which Carthage scored 30 or more pts from three-land. Their team 3FG% is an outstanding .375 (equivalent to .563 on 2FG%).
Carroll's Brittney Wald had 3 steals and scored 31 in 28:00, reaching 1000 career pts. Congrats to her! We CCIW followers didn't see the first half of her career, as they were in the Midwest Conf.
Delaney Sjong had 13 pts, 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2018, 01:01:41 PM
AUG 86, NC 63
Alexis Jones 14 pts, 8 rebs in 19:00
Justice Edell 14 pts, 7 rebs in 23:00
Clare Kramer 10 pts 8 rebs; Scooter Lopez 4 stls, 5 assists; Sadie Roberts 4 stls and a block.
NC got 12 pts and 6 assists from Mayson Whipple. By the way, the Cardinals made 64% of their 2FG att. Since I criticized their rebounding last time, I'll note that they rebounded well in this game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2018, 01:27:08 PM
Having attended the IWU/ELM game last night, I'd say just about the entire IWU roster was impressive one way or another -- a high level of athleticism and fine effort.
One player we don't mention much here, but who contributes a lot at both ends of the floor is Ashley Schneider. Her .580 season FG% is rather good -- up there with teammate Raven Hughes and her superb .674.
Incidentally, the Titans finished the regular season with a .355 3FG pct. They've shot .495 on 2-pointers, also good. They average 22 FT att/game. This diversified offense is a lot to handle for opponents.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 21, 2018, 02:36:26 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 21, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
So just for fun, if the new conference tournament format were in place this season, here's what we'd have going on in Bloomington, Kenosha, and Elmhurst:

(6)Carroll (5-11) @ (3)Carthage (11-5)
(5)Augustana (8-8) @ (4)Elmhurst (9-7)

Highest remaining seed vs (2)Wheaton (14-2)
Lowest remaining seed @ (1)Illinois Wesleyan (15-1)

The 4-5 matchup with Elmhurst getting home court but having lost both matchups to Augie is intriguing, but I wish I could say the same for that 3-6 matchup. I mean no disrespect to Carroll, considering they beat NCC twice and had a nice bounceback from an awful 2016-17 campaign, but the optics of a 5-11 team making the conference tournament is... not ideal.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2018, 11:29:02 PM
Hopefully, no early pods of death. 

There are three certainties in life, my friend: [pods of] death, taxes, and North Central winning the CCIW men's cross country title. :P

Honestly, I'd have to take a look at the regional and probably national picture. You might get a good round one matchup, but I'd have to think that second game would be a doozy.

I think with an AQ bid, Illinois Wesleyan would be a likely first and second round host but I don't think they would like their draw. It would be a pretty easy conclusion to send Rose-Hulman to Bloomington along with the loser of Hope/Trine should they both advance to the MIAA title game. Titans could also be unlucky enough to have someone like Ohio Northern or one of the UW's sent down as well.

Chicago will host a pod and will get one of the UW schools. Whitewater hosting will be another so they have to send the third one somewhere. St. Thomas makes a lot of sense to serve as a flight pod so that's probably not going to be a UW host. Wisconsin Lutheran is an easy send to either of those two so the Titans should avoid WLC. Wheaton will be an easy send to either UWW or Chicago as well but more likely will be sent to Hope since the NCAA likes to do that with Hope and Wheaton. That does put WashU in the mix to possibly round out the IWU pod but I would think they would be more likely to be sent to DePauw, Wartburg, or Thomas More.

However, if IWU has to settle for Pool C, they're likely at the mercy of the committee and given their geography, I don't know that there's a lot of good options, even though they should get a very winnable first round draw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 21, 2018, 02:48:55 PM
Most recent regional rankings are out.

CENTRAL                        
1   Wisconsin-Whitewater   22-3   22-3               
2   Illinois Wesleyan   21-3   21-3               
3   Chicago   22-2   22-2               
4   Washington U. in St. Louis   18-6   18-6               
5   Wheaton (Illinois)   19-4   21-4               
6   Wisconsin Lutheran   21-3   22-3               
7   Wisconsin-Eau Claire   17-8   17-8               
8   Wisconsin-Oshkosh   18-5   19-5               
9   Wisconsin-La Crosse   15-9   16-9
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 21, 2018, 03:00:39 PM
The NCAA released the third set of women's basketball regional rankings with few changes from last week's version. This is the final set that we'll see before the Tournament bracket is released on Monday. Full list here: http://d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-third

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdnak1.psbin.com%2Fimg%2Fmw%3D600%2Fmh%3D600%2Fcr%3Dn%2Fd%3D0begr%2Fubzdidgxaify2q9n.jpg&hash=68b1f68498c4a6922677a000ef21ce5f57ae4bbb)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 21, 2018, 03:47:43 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2018, 01:01:41 PM
AUG 86, NC 63
Alexis Jones 14 pts, 8 rebs in 19:00
Justice Edell 14 pts, 7 rebs in 23:00
Clare Kramer 10 pts 8 rebs; Scooter Lopez 4 stls, 5 assists; Sadie Roberts 4 stls and a block.
NC got 12 pts and 6 assists from Mayson Whipple. By the way, the Cardinals made 64% of their 2FG att. Since I criticized their rebounding last time, I'll note that they rebounded well in this game.

Excuse me, I'm going to go bang my head against a wall.

They hit some nice shots in the process of being fouled last night and had a decent share of good looks inside. I don't even want to criticize their three point shooting because their looks were pretty good overall. It was just one of those nights (Whipple was 2-10 from deep, Siarra O'Neill 0-9, Michaela Reedy 0-8). If they hit even a few more of those Augie doesn't run away with this one. I thought the Cardinals still gave up too many second chance opportunities, but I'd still say the poor shooting night combined with 21 turnovers is what did them in.

Mayson's 12 point, 6 assist night gave her 946 points and 334 assists in her career. The assist mark is third most in program history. She would have been second all time and a lock for the 1000 Point Club were it not for her knee injury last year. Jamie Cuny came and asked me after the first quarter last night how many points Mayson needed to reach the mark. I told her it was sixty-some. Alas.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2018, 04:17:48 PM
No, lmitzel, don't give yourself CTE.
The CCIW coaches preseason poll turned out to be fairly accurate this time :
     prediction   actual
IWU     1             1
WHE    2             2
CTG     3             3
ELM     4             4
AUG     5             5
CRL     9             6
NPU     8             7
MIL      7            8-9
NCC     6            8-9
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2018, 05:08:34 PM
How about this for all-CCIW?
1st : M Eppard ELM, R Ehresman IWU, H Frazier WHE, D Kyler WHE, M Kaelber CTG, M Merritt IWU, M Harris CTG, A Jones AUG
2nd : M Dansdill WHE, M McGraw IWU, K Jones ELM, B Gilbert CTG, D Curry MIL, B Wald CRL, M Whipple NCC, S Sloan NPU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 21, 2018, 05:09:59 PM
These are just the teams that could end up in pods with Central teams, hosting or not.  Granted, there are still games to be played.

Great Lakes:
DePauw              24-1, SOS .531, 2-1 vRRO,
Hope                  23-1, SOS .540, 2-1 vRRO,
Thomas More      23-1, SOS .524, 3-1 vRRO,
Trine                23-2, SOS .526, 1-2 vRRO,
Rose-Hulman     21-3, SOS .524, 3-3 vRRO
Ohio Northern     21-4, SOS .499, 2-0 vRRO


Central
   UW Whitewater   22-3, SOS .580, 7-2 vRRO,
   IWU                 21-3, SOS .581, 3-3 vRRO,
   Chicago            22-2, SOS .569, 4-2 vRRO,
   Wash U            18-6, SOS .605, 3-4 vRRO,
   Wheaton           19-4, SOS .557, 1-3 vRRO,
   Wisc Lutheran    21-3, SOS .521, 1-1 vRRO,
   UW- Eau Claire   17-8, SOS .588, 3-5 vRRO
   UW- Oshkosh     18-5, SOS .528, 2-4 vRRO,
   
I don't recall from past board discussions if there are any parameters these days regarding how many hosting sites can come from any one region? For example, will they try to give 2 to each region (acknowledging the challenge of this in the west)?  It would seem to me that between Whitewater, IWU and Chicago, 2 out of those 3 have a great chance of hosting in the first round and you could make a case for all 3 as Thunder38 suggests. 

West   
   Wartburg             25-0, SOS .526, 1-0 vRRO,
   St Thomas           23-2, SOS .565, 9-1 vRRO
   St Benedict           22-3, SOS .538, 4-3 vRRO
   Gustavus Adolphus  20-5, SOS .539, 2-5 vRRO
   Bethel (MN)           18-7, SOS .553, 2-5 vRRO

In that west region, it's interesting if the national committee will end up ranking Wartburg or UST #1.  Looks like a push to me.  Even so, will they try to split up the #1 and #2 in any region? 

A Wheaton win over Carthage on Friday will boost Wheaton's so-so SOS a little as will facing IWU again for another vRRO.  I still believe they look strong to get in, despite 2 wins that aren't counting which I was a little more worried about at one point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2018, 06:51:13 PM
Having now looked over the situation a bit more, I think Wheaton is very safe for a Pool C.  The only scenario where they would probably not make it would be Carthage or Elmhurst shock us all by winning the AQ, AND UWW fail to win the WIAC AQ.  In that case, Wheaton (already behind WashU in the 'getting to the table' line from the Central) would drop to FOURTH in line - which might be too high a hurdle to overcome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2018, 09:27:07 PM
Ypsi, for Wheaton's sake, let's hope not many upsets to currently leading conference AQ contenders.

IWU has to keep up the good, intense play -- win again over EC for the third time, then take on the challenge of WC and their shot-blocking bigs for the rubber match.  A few head fakes might be in order . . . and taking it right to the bodies of those big post players. 

Should be a wonderful weekend of high-quality basketball at The Shirk.  Wish I could be there.  I'll be watching.

Hope you are well -- with soon some portents of Spring in evidence.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2018, 11:19:37 PM
GoPerry, thanks for all the data on the top teams, most of them likely headed for the D3 tournament.  IWU and WC will just have to buck up and play some of the best.  Likely only a few first and second round easier games.  Then, all good teams with 20+ wins.   The Wartburgs, Trines, Hope, Chicago, WI-WW and all the rest are out there.  Rose-Hulman played the TITANS very tough earlier, and IWU lost to WW only by a narrow margin.  We'll see in the 2nd, 3rd round games, all tough match-ups, who has really improved and who has the fitness and depth at this point in the season.  Coaching, defense and FT % often the difference between moving on or going home.  Many close games upcoming.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2018, 08:15:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2018, 05:08:34 PM
How about this for all-CCIW?
1st : M Eppard ELM, R Ehresman IWU, H Frazier WHE, D Kyler WHE, M Kaelber CTG, M Merritt IWU, M Harris CTG, A Jones AUG
2nd : M Dansdill WHE, M McGraw IWU, K Jones ELM, B Gilbert CTG, D Curry MIL, B Wald CRL, M Whipple NCC, S Sloan NPU

It's a good list RogK.  I think I'd probably go with Devin Curry for 1st team over Augie's Alexis Jones.  While deserving, I'm not sure Kyler will make 1st team with a pretty low scoring avg.

Also, I wonder to what extent do coaches begin with the underclassmen of last year's All Conf team and presume they should receive strong consideration for this season's team as their starting point?  In many cases, it would be a decent shortcut but not appropriate in others.  If this is part of the method for some coaches then McGraw might sneak onto the 1st team and Kelly Lawson might even get in also.  Both were unanimous 1st teamers last year. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2018, 09:20:28 PM
RogK, I like your All-Conference list.  May be a few changes here and there, but I think you've hit it pretty well. 

Coach of the Year Mia Smith.  MOP likely Eppard or Ehresman.  My vote for Freshman of the Year goes to Raven Hughes of IWU. 

We'll know later today.

Good basketball this weekend at The Shirk.  Hopefully, the rubber match between Wheaton and IWU Saturday evening -- and both teams getting bids for the D3 Dance.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2018, 09:52:53 PM
If it's Newcomer of the Year (not necessarily a freshman) then it's probably Hannah Frazier. If they restrict it to freshmen, Hughes would be favored. In fact, I'd have zero objection if she made 2nd team all-conf. That .674 FG% is remarkable, and she does a number of other things well, too.
Speaking of remarkable shooting, Devin Curry finished with a .922 FT pct (237/257) for her career.
14-15 : 33/36 .917
15-16 : 44/47 .936
16-17 : 87-92 .946
17-18 : 73-82 .890
We should find out if .922 set a national record. Going into this season, she held the career best within CCIW play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2018, 11:56:23 PM
That FT shooting by Devin Curry is truly amazing, off the charts. Congrats to her on an amazing career.  Maddie Merritt is on course for a Titan program record FT%, best in an IWU uniform for a career -- at something like 86% -- but nothing close to Curry's amazing record. 

I take your point on Hannah Frazier.  Raven Hughes has such a great career ahead, such an amazing upside for the TITANS -- along with the others in her freshmen group -- Munroe, Sosa and Brovelli.  A good future for all of them. Shanks will return from injury -- Schneider, Merritt, and Anderson all returning. 

Looking forward to WC-IWU on Saturday evening, if that's how it all plays out.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2018, 09:40:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2018, 09:52:53 PM
Speaking of remarkable shooting, Devin Curry finished with a .922 FT pct (237/257) for her career.
14-15 : 33/36 .917
15-16 : 44/47 .936
16-17 : 87-92 .946
17-18 : 73-82 .890
We should find out if .922 set a national record. Going into this season, she held the career best within CCIW play.

So the good news about Curry is that the D3 record for free throw percentage is 89.0 percent (http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/2018/D3.pdf). The bad news is that for their records, you have to make a minimum of 250, so she wouldn't qualify. I'd assume her CCIW record will still stand though.
Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2018, 09:20:28 PM
Coach of the Year Mia Smith.  MOP likely Eppard or Ehresman.  My vote for Freshman of the Year goes to Raven Hughes of IWU.

I'd agree Mia Smith should run away with the Coach of the Year award. 15-1 is 15-1 and the sheer dominance Wesleyan had all year, I don't think you could make an argument otherwise. Not knowing the exact definition of the Newcomer of the Year award (freshman or any first year player, but the award has only gone to freshmen so far) it's hard to pin down the winner of that award. Given precedent, I'd probably agree on Hughes.

MOP... let's pull the numbers. (In parentheses indicate conference rank)


StatEhresmanEppard
PPG10.7(14)17.8(1)
RPG5.0(15)10.8(1)
APG4.8(1)2.0(nr)
SPG3.3(1)1.2(nr)
BPG0.4(nr)0.6(13)
FG%.415(nr).549(4)
3P%.341(nr*).200(nr)
FT%.742(10).748(9)
A-TO3.56(1)0.63(nr)
*Ehresman would rank 12th, but did not qualify

I guess the question remains this: which is more "outstanding," Eppard averaging almost 18 and 11 or Ehresman averaging double figures plus five boards a game plus almost five assists per game plus outstanding defense? I know it's hard to compare guards to forwards and an 18-11 with a high FG percentage is hard to vote against, but Ehresman was more outstanding on both ends of the floor. She gets my vote but I wouldn't blame any coach who voted for Eppard.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 10:53:09 AM
Thanks for looking into the FT% record, lmitzel. There clearly has to be an arbitrary minimum quantity for makes and 250 is reasonable. If a player has four years of 25 games, 100 total, then expecting 2.5 makes per game is not excessive.
Incidentally, what the record holder did beyond what Curry did was hit 40/52.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2018, 01:10:56 PM
So this is a couple weeks old at this point, but one of the suburban arms of the Tribune had a nice article about former Cardinal player and GA Maryssa Cladis in her officiating career (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/sports/ct-sta-basketball-maryssa-cladis-st-0211-20180209-story.html).

I don't know if we'll get to see her working a CCIW game anytime soon, but it would be pretty cool.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 01:12:42 PM
Congrats to all honored today :
2018 CCIW Most Outstanding Player
Rebekah Ehresman - Illinois Wesleyan
                                                         2018 CCIW Coach of the Year
                                                          Mia Smith - Illinois Wesleyan
2018 CCIW Newcomer of the Year
Hannah Frazier - Wheaton

FIRST TEAM
Brittney Wald    Carroll
Morgan Harris    Carthage
Madie Kaelber    Carthage
Mikaela Eppard*    Elmhurst
Rebekah Ehresman*    Illinois Wesleyan
Molly McGraw    Illinois Wesleyan
Maggie Dansdill*    Wheaton
Hannah Frazier*    Wheaton
asterisk = unanimous
SECOND TEAM
Izzy Anderson    Augustana
Bailey Gilbert    Carthage
Maddie Merritt    Illinois Wesleyan
Ashley Schneider Illinois Wesleyan
Devin Curry    Millikin
Mayson Whipple North Central
Devin Kyler    Wheaton
Kelly Lawson    Wheaton
--------
One Bluejay? Also, I think if there was a draft of players, Devin Kyler would be selected no lower than 4th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2018, 01:37:34 PM
Congratulations to all those selected to the All-CCIW team. 

Mia Smith(COY) and Hannah Frazier (Newcomer) were no brainers I think.  Without knowing how the votes fell for Ehresman, in the end they got that one right to take nothing away from a deserving Mikaela Eppard.

While slightly surprised, I'm delighted that the coaches unanimously recognized Maggie Dansdill for 1st team and the huge strides she made this year as a leader for the Thunder.  Not flashy but steady and does a whole bunch of things well for the team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2018, 01:50:04 PM
I'm glad they've finally established that Newcomer does mean that the award can go to a non-freshman. It clarifies things a lot.

All in all I don't think I can complain about the All-CCIW Teams either way. The obvious choices for unanimous selection all got it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2018, 02:09:22 PM
I'm very disappointed by the All-CCIW team. North Park finished seventh, with two teams below it in the standings, and yet NPU was not represented at all on the All-CCIW team, while the two teams below it in the standings were.

Shaylee Sloan should've made the second team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 02:47:12 PM
Reminds me that North Central was 8-8 last season and had no one selected. Could've been Anita Sterling or Paula Zerante.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2018, 02:58:45 PM
I felt the same way about NCC last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2018, 03:08:13 PM
I guess I can amend my previous comment about not having any complaints. If you're going to go to the effort of putting a representative from the two teams that went 3-13 in the conference, you can include a rep from a team that finished better than both of them. I'd argue last year's snub was more egregious not out of homerism but because a team that went 1-15 got a rep but the aforementioned 8-8 Cardinals didn't. Either way, you can argue a major snub.

I know it's not a requirement to represent every team (or at least I don't think it is), but if you're going to represent eight of the nine teams in the conference, you'd better have a good reason not to include the ninth.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 03:22:47 PM
In the past, I've suggested proportioning all-conf spots based on wins in CCIW play. Somehow the collective wisdom of the coaches always saw fit to ignore that suggestion. I'm still almost bitter to this day!
How about the way the NACC did it this year -- 10 players on 1st team, 5 on 2nd team, 1 honorable mention.
I like the UAA version more -- 7 1st team, 7 2nd team, varying quantities of honorable mentions (I'm not aware of how many votes are needed).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 03:58:49 PM
If anybody gives a rat's, here is how all-CCIW proportionate to wins in CCIW play would look :
(one win earns 2/9ths of a spot)
IWU 3.33 spots
WHE 3.11
CTG 2.44
ELM 2
AUG 1.78
CRL 1.11
NPU 0.89
MIL , NCC 0.67
By this measure, Elmhurst would have the biggest gripe (-1), followed by NPU (-.89) and AUG (-.78).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2018, 04:06:47 PM
How does the voting work?  First of all, it's blind right?  And then, does each coach list 8 players for first team and 8 for their second team?  Or does each coach simply list 16 players and then  the 1-8 vote getters are first team and the 9-16 are second?  Either process probably produces a decent amount of noise for those last few spots, especially this year.  I guess my point is that my list of 16 would also be slightly different, but the process itself is bound to produce a few surprises.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 04:50:39 PM
I think the coaches nominate player(s) for 1st team. I guess that they each have 8 votes with which to pick from the 1st team nominees.  After the top 8 is decided, they vote for MOP from among those 8.
The leftovers are then considered for 2nd team, along with any new nominees.
I'd assume all votes are secret ballot.
I haven't verified this during this season.
Anyone please correct anything I got wrong!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2018, 06:25:04 PM
Warm congrats to all the All-CCIW honorees.  Of course, I'm very very happy about Ehresman.  Most deserving, IMHO.

On to the tournament.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2018, 07:09:39 PM
Entering the 4th quarter, Wheaton and Carthage are tied at 49.  Hannah Frazier has been the big gun so far - 19 points; no one else for either team has more than 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2018, 07:39:20 PM
Wheaton pulls away to win over CC, 69-54.  Frazier with 26.   Carthage played WC tough until about the last 6 minutes or so.

WC into the CCIW Tournament Championship game, as expected, on Saturday night.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2018, 07:41:28 PM
Wheaton over Carthage 69-54

Hannah Frazier      26 pts, 10 rebs, 3 assts, 3 blks
Maggie Dansdill   15 pts, 6 rebs
Kelly Lawson      12 pts, 6 rebs
Jordan Myroth      6 pts, 7 assists

Autumn Kalis      12 pts
Morgan Harris      11 pts, 8 rebs
Sammie Woodward   9 pts
Madie Kaelber, Bailey Gilbert    8 pts each

It wasn't easy and it wasn't pretty. Final score is not at all indicative of how close this game was, tied 49-49 after 3 quarters.   But WC outscored the Lady Reds 20-5 in the final quarter and did what they needed to get a win.  Credit to Carthage for giving the Thunder all they could handle but Wheaton eventually wore the Lady Reds down.  Huge game by Hannah Frazier.

A little concerning at the slow start, lackadaisical sloppiness, 19 turnovers, and at times rather soft defense by the Thunder.  At tournament time intensity has to be turned up and be present right from the start.  Every team from now on will bury you if you don't.  Wheaton got the victory so all is well.  But I'm not sure Kent Madsen had his team quite ready to play tonight.  The fact that they hadn't played since last Saturday (no game on Tuesday) might have something to do with it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2018, 08:41:21 PM
The Titans seemed determined to remove all doubt very early, jumping out to a 34-6 lead!!  And that despite newly named MOP Rebekah Ehresman having zero points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2018, 08:52:25 PM
At the half, IWU 44, Elmhurst 21.

ODDITY of the first half: neither Ehresman or Eppard has made a single FG!  But each IS still doing their #1 specialty - Ehresman leads all players in assists; Eppard leads all players in rebounds
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2018, 08:55:58 PM
Yes, IWU up 44-21 at the half, over EC.  Looks like we'll get the rubber match, IWU vs. WC, the two top CCIW teams, in the Championship Game.  Only appropriate.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2018, 09:28:13 PM
The game has not become the total rout it might have been, but Elmhurst has never threatened - now 62-44 entering the fourth.  Eppard now looking more like herself, leading the Jays in both scoring and rebounds; Ehresman still has only six points, but leads in assists and has 3 steals plus two rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2018, 09:50:28 PM
The Titan reserves showed their stuff in the fourth, pushing the lead up beyond 30; final score 96-63.

Molly McGraw apparently took exception to any doubters that she deserved first team all-CCIW: she led all scorers with 23.

So, on to the rubber match with Wheaton.  Fortunately, I'm pretty confident that BOTH teams are already in the national tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2018, 09:51:18 PM
Now we have the rubber match -- WC vs. IWU tomorrow evening for the AQ, for all the marbles.

Titans pull away from EC, winning in normal IWU fashion, with D pressure and tons of scoring -- Final:  IWU 96 EC 63

For EC:
Eppard 16 and 9  8-8 FTs
Logan 13

For IWU:
McGraw 23 and 4, 10-10 FTs
Merritt 15 and 5 6-6 FTs
Schneider 13
Brovelli 12 and 6
Walsberg 8
Anderson 8

Ehresman quiet, but always stirring the drink.

Great win.  Only thing I didn't like to see was Raven Hughes on the bench with an ice pack on one knee. 

Sure wish the Titan men could score points like the Titan women do.  Just say'in.

Should be a great, very fitting CCIW Tournament Championship game tomorrow night -- surely the best two, most deserving teams, facing off for the AQ.

Congrats to the TITANS tonight for playing their game, moving on. Now 23-3, 16-1 total in CCIW play. 

Keep it rolling TITANS.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2018, 10:12:43 PM
Congrats to Wheaton and IWU for important victories. Interesting that Wheaton had the 6'2" trio in together for much of the 4th quarter, to great effect. Coach Madsen may do that in part of Saturday's game, but probably not a majority of it.
Congrats to Carthage and Elmhurst for very good CCIW seasons and in particular to their fine group of seniors. Hopefully Carthage still has a chance at making the national tourney. The 'jays likely don't.
At the end of the 2nd webcast, you could see Mikaela Eppard seek out Rebekah Ehresman at midcourt and they had an amicable chat, which may have been complementarily complimentary regarding basketball, but also could've been on some academic subject, given how excellent they are in the classroom.
http://www.cciw.org/news/2018/2/22/three-cciw-athletes-named-to-cosida-academic-all-district-womens-basketball-team.aspx
Congrats to them and Izzy Anderson for that honor!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2018, 11:00:01 PM
RogK, I noticed that Mia Smith also had Merritt and Brovelli on the floor together for a stretch.  But, both of IWU's bigs had foul trouble tonight, though both also making important contributions to scoring and rebounding.  Brovelli is really developing fast for a freshman.  I hope the injury to Raven Hughes is not serious.  McGraw picked up her energy and intensity tonight on the offensive end, running the floor very well, the Titan outlet passes finding her.  Titans, if they win tomorrow, will do it with pressure D, winning the TO battle, and with running the floor.  They gotta keep the rebounding match-up at least close.  Should be a great game.  Frazier is a challenge. Titans' half court D has improved greatly in the latter part of the season. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2018, 11:01:35 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2018, 09:50:28 PM

So, on to the rubber match with Wheaton.  Fortunately, I'm pretty confident that BOTH teams are already in the national tourney.


Yes, I agree with you Ypsi.

Besides each team wanting to win the conference tournament title, I'm thinking that IWU is playing to lock in a 1st/2nd rd hosting opportunity.  A loss puts that in jeopardy.  On the other hand, I don't think a Wheaton win gets the Thunder into that conversation despite similar records.  It might get them a slightly higher seed if they jump Wash U in the final RR if the Bears lose @ Chicago tomorrow.  But it doesn't seem like Wheaton can jump IWU no matter what.

I think both teams should welcome this rematch and I hope it's well played, tightly contested and down to the wire.  But just as important is getting in another game vs a tournament quality team which can only increase chances of success next week.  Let's face it, winning games by 25 and 30 does zippo for your NCAA prep.  Wheaton's now won 16 games in a row.  Their last loss was before New Years to #11 Scranton.  Nice - but who cares?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 24, 2018, 09:12:44 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2018, 10:12:43 PM
Congrats to Carthage and Elmhurst for very good CCIW seasons and in particular to their fine group of seniors. Hopefully Carthage still has a chance at making the national tourney. The 'jays likely don't.

Neither team is ranked in the Central so last night was it for them. Elmhurst finishes 13-13, and that won't get you into the tournament. Carthage was better, obviously, and was ranked in the first set, but they fell out once RRO's came into play. They had a good year, to be sure, but just not quite enough to talk Big Dance.

IWU is a lock. Wheaton probably is too after making it back to the title game. Whoever loses tonight won't have to wait too nervously to hear their name called on Monday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2018, 08:16:53 PM
Raven Hughes in street clothes tonight.  :(

Go get'em TITANS.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2018, 08:34:48 PM
Tough on the Titans losing Shanks and Hughes now.  Hope they both can make it back soon.  Good thing the Titans have good depth, but those are two very big losses.

A tough defensive battle, low scoring affair at The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2018, 09:13:55 PM
Titans up by 1 going into the 4Q.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2018, 09:49:00 PM
Titans win, on Ehresman's back, 62-60.  A very close, hard fought game with two excellent, tournament quality teams. 

WC:
Lawson13
Dansdill 10
Frazier 9
Kyler 11 and 10

WC shooting it well, playing tough D, mostly in the half court

IWU: 
Ehresman 14 and 9 and 5
McGraw 11
Anderson 11

Good close game, preparing for the D3 tournament.

Titans without Hughes and Shanks, both injured.

Titans heading for March -- 24-3, 17-1 in CCIW play.  Regular Season and Tournament Champions.  Congratulations to Coach Smith and all the team.  Super.

Hope IWU gets to host round #1, perhaps #2 as well, a good seed.  Good luck to Wheaton the rest of the way.  Make some noise for the CCIW.  You are an excellent team.

Keep it rolling TITANS!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2018, 09:50:28 PM
Titans hold on for a 62-60 win.  Rebekah Ehresman reminded everyone why she was the MOP, leading all scorers with 14, and snaring 9 rebounds, dealing out 5 assists, adding one block and one steal, all while suffering only one turnover.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2018, 09:52:31 PM
Congrats to the Titans, conference champs, regular season and CCIW tourney. (At halftime) I was thinking that Nina Anderson should shoot more in the 2nd half. Nice work by the Thunder, too, although they definitely let the momentum slip away in the last few minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2018, 10:02:27 PM
Whew, nice win Titans!  Wheaton made it more than a nail biter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 24, 2018, 10:37:27 PM
Congratulations to the Titans on winning the CCIW title. Good luck to the Titans except against wheaton.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 24, 2018, 10:37:35 PM

Wheaton played a great game and should be in a good position for an at large bid.
Maggie Dansdill played some great defense on the CCIW's MOP.
The Thunder will give any team fits if they keep playing tough defense.
Good luck to the Thunder going forward and play hard and with the confidence you earned.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 24, 2018, 10:57:26 PM
Wheaton making it a nailbiter probably helps the Titans as well in terms of pushing them a little bit. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pod in Bloomington next weekend with a reasonable first round matchup, but probably a tough second one. Even so I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Titans make it to the following weekend. Hopefully Shanks/Hughes recover quickly.

Wheaton's in fantastic shape too. They'll probably be at the table fairly early and in shortly thereafter. I wouldn't be surprised to see them win at least one game either.

Hope both represent the CCIW well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 24, 2018, 11:01:51 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 24, 2018, 10:57:26 PM
Wheaton making it a nailbiter probably helps the Titans as well in terms of pushing them a little bit. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pod in Bloomington next weekend with a reasonable first round matchup, but probably a tough second one. Even so I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Titans make it to the following weekend. Hopefully Shanks/Hughes recover quickly.

Wheaton's in fantastic shape too. They'll probably be at the table fairly early and in shortly thereafter. I wouldn't be surprised to see them win at least one game either.

Hope both represent the CCIW well.
both in very good shape.  Titans will likely be competing with Whitewater and Chicago for host opportunity ?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 24, 2018, 11:18:39 PM
Quote from: iwumichigander on February 24, 2018, 11:01:51 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 24, 2018, 10:57:26 PM
Wheaton making it a nailbiter probably helps the Titans as well in terms of pushing them a little bit. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pod in Bloomington next weekend with a reasonable first round matchup, but probably a tough second one. Even so I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Titans make it to the following weekend. Hopefully Shanks/Hughes recover quickly.

Wheaton's in fantastic shape too. They'll probably be at the table fairly early and in shortly thereafter. I wouldn't be surprised to see them win at least one game either.

Hope both represent the CCIW well.
both in very good shape.  Titans will likely be competing with Whitewater and Chicago for host opportunity ?

I'd assume at least two of the three will end up hosting. Wesleyan being ahead of Chicago in the Central bodes well for them, which probably has Whitewater as the other host of the bunch.

If you asked me to put together a potential pod for the Titans, maybe Webster out of the SLIAC, Rose-Hulman, and maybe Cornell from the Midwest? Possibly a Wisconsin team? There are options. Chicago might end up having to go to DePauw or Hope maybe. There's some flexibility with travel, but I feel like these are some educated guesses. We'll have to find out on Monday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2018, 11:59:32 PM
Congrats to IWU for the win and the tourney title tonight.  Didn't get to see the game and just now checking the score.

Looks like it was another battle between 2 good teams, tight until the end.  This will be the type of game both teams can expect next week. 

Can't help but notice 21 turnovers for Wheaton and going scoreless for almost the last 3:30 minutes.  Stuck on 57 for a long time.

I still think Whitewater, IWU, and Chicago (96-90 winner over Wash U today) will host next weekend.  Those 3 have better overall resumes than any of the Great Lakes region teams as well as the West teams with the exception of UST. 

I'll be curious to see if the Tommies jump Wartburg in the West region and get to host.  Wartburg is undefeated at 27-0 but have played exactly 1 RRO to UST's 11.  I can see Wheaton getting sent to either of these places. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2018, 02:10:29 AM
Looking forward to the tournament.  I hope IWU and WC make some noise for the CCIW --get to the second weekend or beyond.

Ehresman carried the Titans tonight big time.  Sure hope Shanks and Hughes get back. 

Anyone have info on their injuries and likelihood of return?   I know Shanks broke her hand.  Hughes with a knee injury of some sort.  Both in civies tonight at the Shirk.

Need them both back for the March run . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 25, 2018, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2018, 11:59:32 PM
Those 3 have better overall resumes than any of the Great Lakes region teams as well as the West teams with the exception of UST. 


Not sure I'd agree with respect to Hope at least.  Better overall record with only 1 loss, to #6 Trine.  Two wins over Trine and also by 5 over Rose Hulman.  Chicago lost at home to RHC, IWU beat them by 1.

Other NCAA criteria for hosting includes geography, facilities, attendance history and revenue potential and a school's willingness to host. Hope has arguably the best facility in D3, has led D3 in attendance for at least the last 10 years and has a great history performing well as a host.  Honestly I'd be kind of shocked if Hope didn't host the first weekend and probably the second too if they can manage to make it through the first weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on February 25, 2018, 11:30:12 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2018, 02:10:29 AM
Looking forward to the tournament.  I hope IWU and WC make some noise for the CCIW --get to the second weekend or beyond.

Ehresman carried the Titans tonight big time.  Sure hope Shanks and Hughes get back. 

Anyone have info on their injuries and likelihood of return?   I know Shanks broke her hand.  Hughes with a knee injury of some sort.  Both in civies tonight at the Shirk.

Need them both back for the March run . . .

'70

Shanks broke her wrist in the Carroll game on 2/10. I'd imagine she won't be back for the Titans this season as the IWU website called it a season ending injury. Usually that is 6-8 weeks or more depending on how bad the break was and she was in a cast last night. No Hughes update from IWU or coach Smith though that I can find though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2018, 03:50:47 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 25, 2018, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2018, 11:59:32 PM
Those 3 have better overall resumes than any of the Great Lakes region teams as well as the West teams with the exception of UST. 


Not sure I'd agree with respect to Hope at least.  Better overall record with only 1 loss, to #6 Trine.  Two wins over Trine and also by 5 over Rose Hulman.  Chicago lost at home to RHC, IWU beat them by 1.

Other NCAA criteria for hosting includes geography, facilities, attendance history and revenue potential and a school's willingness to host. Hope has arguably the best facility in D3, has led D3 in attendance for at least the last 10 years and has a great history performing well as a host.  Honestly I'd be kind of shocked if Hope didn't host the first weekend and probably the second too if they can manage to make it through the first weekend.

Yes.  Of course Devos Fieldhouse among venues out there would be a perennial #1 seed facilitywise.  My comments had more to do with the ranking criteria.  They only have 1 loss but weaker SOS and only 4 games vRRO with 3 of those vs the same team - Trine.  That last fact is not a criteria however - just sayin'. 

In any case, you're probably right that Hope will host since they'll likely takeover #1 in the GL after DePauw was upset by 16-12 Wittenberg on Friday.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 25, 2018, 04:58:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2018, 03:50:47 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 25, 2018, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2018, 11:59:32 PM
Those 3 have better overall resumes than any of the Great Lakes region teams as well as the West teams with the exception of UST. 


Not sure I'd agree with respect to Hope at least.  Better overall record with only 1 loss, to #6 Trine.  Two wins over Trine and also by 5 over Rose Hulman.  Chicago lost at home to RHC, IWU beat them by 1.

Other NCAA criteria for hosting includes geography, facilities, attendance history and revenue potential and a school's willingness to host. Hope has arguably the best facility in D3, has led D3 in attendance for at least the last 10 years and has a great history performing well as a host.  Honestly I'd be kind of shocked if Hope didn't host the first weekend and probably the second too if they can manage to make it through the first weekend.

Yes.  Of course Devos Fieldhouse among venues out there would be a perennial #1 seed facilitywise.  My comments had more to do with the ranking criteria.  They only have 1 loss but weaker SOS and only 4 games vRRO with 3 of those vs the same team - Trine.  That last fact is not a criteria however - just sayin'. 

In any case, you're probably right that Hope will host since they'll likely takeover #1 in the GL after DePauw was upset by 16-12 Wittenberg on Friday.   

Sounds like you think those three games vs Trine are a negative; I look at it completely the opposite way.  Trine is a seriously tough team and taking 2 of 3 is a major accomplishment.  For example Trine gave Amherst as tough a game as anyone this year, including Tufts, going into the 4th tied and losing by 5.  I wouldn't want to run into them anytime early in the tournament, that's for sure.  Also, in those 4 games vRRO Hope has a better winning percentage I believe.

But it will all shake out.  I don't believe there's much difference at all separating the top 12-15 teams.  I'm happy to all the girls and teams that will get to play at least one more game!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2018, 08:27:14 PM
Thanks for the update on the Titans injury lists.  Yes, I assumed that Shanks might be out for the season.  Hope Hughes is able to recover, get back, not needing any surgery on the knee.  We'll see in the coming 1-2 weekends.

I hope the Titans get to host one or two weekends at The Shirk, too.

Good luck to the Titans and to Wheaton in the tournament.  Make some noise for the CCIW.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 07:47:11 AM
So I'm the mock yesterday, Wheaton was the 16th team off the board for Pool C. I'm by a fairly safe margin but not as early as I thought (though admittedly, my grasp on the national picture for the women isn't great).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 08:37:01 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 07:47:11 AM
So I'm the mock yesterday, Wheaton was the 16th team off the board for Pool C. I'm by a fairly safe margin but not as early as I thought (though admittedly, my grasp on the national picture for the women isn't great).

Yes.  That surprised me a little bit too.  However, with 2 wins not counting, WC has only a .800 WP (huge in the men's side, sort of average on the women's) and a pretty weak vRRO record @ 1-4.  Following the logic of who got picked before them, it mostly makes sense.  They choose Juniata pretty high as the 6th team in with credentials similar to Wheaton except for that vRRO.

In the end, we're happy as long as they get in and it looks to me like they will.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2018, 11:05:36 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 25, 2018, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2018, 11:59:32 PM
Those 3 have better overall resumes than any of the Great Lakes region teams as well as the West teams with the exception of UST. 


Not sure I'd agree with respect to Hope at least.  Better overall record with only 1 loss, to #6 Trine.  Two wins over Trine and also by 5 over Rose Hulman.  Chicago lost at home to RHC

RHIT (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 11:51:03 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 08:37:01 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 07:47:11 AM
So I'm the mock yesterday, Wheaton was the 16th team off the board for Pool C. I'm by a fairly safe margin but not as early as I thought (though admittedly, my grasp on the national picture for the women isn't great).

Yes.  That surprised me a little bit too.  However, with 2 wins not counting, WC has only a .800 WP (huge in the men's side, sort of average on the women's) and a pretty weak vRRO record @ 1-4.  Following the logic of who got picked before them, it mostly makes sense.  They choose Juniata pretty high as the 6th team in with credentials similar to Wheaton except for that vRRO.

In the end, we're happy as long as they get in and it looks to me like they will.

While I'm thinking of it too, they did give IWU hosting rights for the first weekend with a Round 1 matchup against Oberlin with DePauw and Wisconsin Lutheran playing in the other first round game at the Shirk. Wheaton is projected to head to Whitewater and take on St. Benedict, with UW-Superior playing the Warhawks in Round 1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 12:34:46 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2018, 11:05:36 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 25, 2018, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2018, 11:59:32 PM
Those 3 have better overall resumes than any of the Great Lakes region teams as well as the West teams with the exception of UST. 


Not sure I'd agree with respect to Hope at least.  Better overall record with only 1 loss, to #6 Trine.  Two wins over Trine and also by 5 over Rose Hulman.  Chicago lost at home to RHC

RHIT (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)

Got it, thanks!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:33:54 PM
Wheaton is off to Holland, Michigan, where they will take on Wash U in Round 1. Host Hope gets Cornell in its opener.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.

Speaking of the AQ,  Chicago goes undefeated in the UAA, 23-2 overall, 5 wins vRRO, their only 2 losses vRRO, and has to travel to St Thomas.  Feels a little rough to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2018, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Just watched the selection show.  I think that foursome in Bloomington is the toughest pod in the entire tourney.  And probably the closest competition for that title would be the group in Holland.  Good to see Wheaton and IWU both in the tourney, but the brackets certainly didn't do them any favors! ::)

Oh, well - ya gotta face the best sometime!  The road to the second weekend for the CCIW goes thru the MIAA!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 07:59:35 PM
Is the NCAA going to release the final RRs for the ladies like they did for the men?  I thought that they did so last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2018, 08:06:53 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 07:59:35 PM
Is the NCAA going to release the final RRs for the ladies like they did for the men?  I thought that they did so last year.

They should. We are asking.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2018, 08:23:55 PM
Congrats to WC and IWU on their bids, as expected.  Make some noise for the CCIW.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on CCIW championship, AQ, and now hosting at home.  Great job.

I agree the DePauw - Trine match-up is brutal, and no easy start for WC either vs. Wash U.  Lots of good teams, tournament-experienced teams, very superb coaches.  Just gotta survive and move on . . . two very tough pods for the CCIW.  IWU should take advantage of home-court and the big supportive crowd.  Chicago did deserve better.  Not easy tournament bracket design given all the D3 rules and factors, distance issues and regional emphasis.  Seems it's this way about every year.

Time is now, Titans, time to take advantage and make a great run. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 09:12:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.




Careful, this is the same Trine team that beat IWU by 7 in the dance last year.  They have everyone back from that team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2018, 10:31:56 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 09:12:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.




Careful, this is the same Trine team that beat IWU by 7 in the dance last year.  They have everyone back from that team.

Yeah, but that game was in OHIO ::).  Bloomington is much more friendly (at least for the Titans!)

IWU graduated some good players, but I think all have been very adequately replaced.  And they have added a freshman class that seems to have the potential to eventually be the best class ever.  Seemingly the very best of them, Raven Hughes, has missed the last couple of games to injury, but hopefully she will be back this weekend (little word on what the injury is, but no inklings of 'season-ending').

Coach Smith (and the team) NEVER take opponents for granted.  They will be ready for Marietta, and (hopefully) will then be ready for Trine or DePauw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2018, 10:32:41 PM
Should Trine get past DePauw, they will be very very tough.  A very talented team.  No easy games now.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2018, 10:34:20 PM
Trine beat Hope at Hope... don't think IWU scares them nor the environment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2018, 10:36:13 PM
Ypsi, I like home court.  Sure hope Raven Hughes gets back.  No chance for Shanks, it seems.

All good teams now -- no easy first or second rounders, it appears.  DP vs. Trine in a first round game is brutal. 

Good luck to our TITANS this weekend.  Should be fun, at home, with the big crowd and the IWU Pep Band holding forth.  A great atmosphere for the first weekend of the D3 tournament.  The Shirk a great place to host it all.  I'm sure the IWU fans and students will turn out. 

Good luck to WC too -- they have a big big challenge in Wash U.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2018, 10:43:41 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2018, 10:34:20 PM
Trine beat Hope at Hope... don't think IWU scares them nor the environment.

I wouldn't expect them to be intimidated.  But WE like being at Shirk better than being in Ohio! 8-)

And Trine also lost to Hope in Angola, and lost to Hope at Hope when it most counted.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2018, 10:54:30 PM
So... we are going to ignore Hope's loss at DeVos to Trine because one other one was a win? SMH
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2018, 11:58:59 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2018, 10:54:30 PM
So... we are going to ignore Hope's loss at DeVos to Trine because one other one was a win? SMH

By what stretch of the imagination was I ignoring their loss at DeVos?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2018, 12:24:38 AM
Let's face it, the Shirk pod is a quality pod.  No doubt.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 09:03:07 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 09:12:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.




Careful, this is the same Trine team that beat IWU by 7 in the dance last year.  They have everyone back from that team.


Thanks.  But careful about what?  Of course IWU might lose to Marietta.  Or after beating the Pioneers they might lose to DePauw or Trine.  That's why I say "should."  Just an opinion.

I feel confident that I know what IWU's capable of.  I've not seen Trine or DePauw at all but they have great records and I respect that.  Beyond that, this is what I'm looking at. 

IWU      24-3, 4-3 vRRO, .580 SOS ( SOS #s are from 2/21 )
DePauw   25-2, 2-1vRRO,  .531 SOS
Trine      24-3, 1-3vRRO,  .526 SOS

So I like IWU's chances to come out of their pod, especially playing at home.  Also, when I saw the draw, I had the same reaction as Dave on Hoopsville that a 1st rd matchup of DePauw/Trine is pretty harsh.  But now I'm not sure that either team deserved any "protection" vis a vis other teams – again, just based on the data and criteria.

I think it's equally tough to assess Wartburg, the presumed overall #2 seed, who is undefeated but with just a single vRRO game(yes, an impressive win vs Whitewater) and a .526 SOS.  Maybe somebody can give insight as to how good they are?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2018, 02:34:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 09:03:07 AM
I think it's equally tough to assess Wartburg, the presumed overall #2 seed, who is undefeated but with just a single vRRO game(yes, an impressive win vs Whitewater) and a .526 SOS.  Maybe somebody can give insight as to how good they are?

I called the Wartburg @ NPU game in the crackerbox at the beginning of the season, which the Knights won by six but which was only a one-point game going into the final minute. The Knights are good, but they're no match for Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on February 27, 2018, 02:56:16 PM
Wartburg beat WHITEWATER by nine 64-55 in their gym.  We hung tight with them to about the 7 minute mark of the fourth quarter when we trailed by a pair and they made a 9-0 run.  Eight was as close as we could get after that.  We didn't shoot well that game 32% and only 25% from beyond the arc and they beat us pretty good on the boards.  We actually out rebounded IWU when we beat them early in the season. 

I know none of this means that much but it gives me pause to think the game may be a tad more competitive than you're suggesting Greg.  Maybe not, we'll see. 

Interstingly we get paired with our old ex-conference foe, UW-Superior.  I guess they'll have to make that bus ride at least once more.

Good luck
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Just Bill on February 27, 2018, 02:58:44 PM
I think the 1-2-3 teams in the Great Lakes and the 1-2-3 teams in the Central are all outstanding. Geographically speaking it's inevitable their going to bang heads early.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2018, 04:39:36 PM
Quote from: badgerwarhawk on February 27, 2018, 02:56:16 PM
Wartburg beat WHITEWATER by nine 64-55 in their gym.  We hung tight with them to about the 7 minute mark of the fourth quarter when we trailed by a pair and they made a 9-0 run.  Eight was as close as we could get after that.  We didn't shoot well that game 32% and only 25% from beyond the arc and they beat us pretty good on the boards.  We actually out rebounded IWU when we beat them early in the season. 

I know none of this means that much but it gives me pause to think the game may be a tad more competitive than you're suggesting Greg.  Maybe not, we'll see.

Could be. The game at NPU was an early-season game, so there is that. But nine of the ten members of the Knights rotation were rotation players last season as well, so I didn't think that the Wartburg team I was seeing was in any sort of a breaking-in process with its players.

The day before the Wartburg @ NPU game I saw the Knights take on Elmhurst, and the 'jays managed to hang around for the entire game before losing by eight, although it was clear, as was the case in the NPU game, that the Knights were the more talented team. The 'jays were certainly nobody's idea of a powerhouse team this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dutchfan on February 27, 2018, 05:30:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.

Speaking of the AQ,  Chicago goes undefeated in the UAA, 23-2 overall, 5 wins vRRO, their only 2 losses vRRO, and has to travel to St Thomas.  Feels a little rough to me.

It is foolish to take Trine so lightly. I did and they beat Hope by three at Hope. Remember, Trine lost three games this season. They lost to the no. 1 team in the country by five points. They beat Hope on the road by three and Hope needed a buzzer beater to send it to over time on Saturday. You can look at stats all you want, but don't let those stats give you false confidence. I give Illinois Wesleyan a 33% chance of winning the pod. I give each Trine and DePauw a 25% chance and Marietta a 17% chance.

Let me ask this, would you feel as confident if it was Hope instead of Trine? Because they are virtually equal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 08:21:47 PM
Quote from: Dutchfan on February 27, 2018, 05:30:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.

Speaking of the AQ,  Chicago goes undefeated in the UAA, 23-2 overall, 5 wins vRRO, their only 2 losses vRRO, and has to travel to St Thomas.  Feels a little rough to me.

It is foolish to take Trine so lightly. I did and they beat Hope by three at Hope. Remember, Trine lost three games this season. They lost to the no. 1 team in the country by five points. They beat Hope on the road by three and Hope needed a buzzer beater to send it to over time on Saturday. You can look at stats all you want, but don't let those stats give you false confidence. I give Illinois Wesleyan a 33% chance of winning the pod. I give each Trine and DePauw a 25% chance and Marietta a 17% chance.

Let me ask this, would you feel as confident if it was Hope instead of Trine? Because they are virtually equal.


I'm not taking Trine lightly.  I haven't seen them, or Hope, play.  I'm expressing an opinion based on the data that IWU, playing at home, will beat Marietta and then prevail over either DePauw or Trine – same as your opinion.  I'm not suggesting either game will be easy or will be a 20 pt blowout.  Would I be surprised if IWU lost?  Of course not.

IWU      24-3, 4-3vRRO, .588 SOS
Trine      24-3, 1-3vRRO, .549
Hope      25-1, 3-1vRRO, .558

Yes, IWU and Hope look virtually equal with IWU having one more RRO win and 3 more vRRO games.  So would I favor IWU at home over Hope?  Yes.  Would I feel confident?  Only that it would be a great game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2018, 08:40:21 PM
If IWU gets past Marietta, I assume either DePauw or Trine will be very very tough.  Both great programs with lots of tournament experience, even on the road.  This pod is worthy of Sweet 16 or Elite 8 games, IMHO.  Home court should be a great help, as The Shirk is a very friendly atmosphere, lots of fun for the home team, pep band, and home crowd.  I've said all along that I thought this edition of the Titans was a Sweet 16 caliber team, so now we'll see if this comes to pass.   Would love to see Rachel Hughes back in uniform this weekend.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 09:04:52 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 27, 2018, 08:40:21 PM
If IWU gets past Marietta, I assume either DePauw or Trine will be very very tough.  Both great programs with lots of tournament experience, even on the road.  This pod is worthy of Sweet 16 or Elite 8 games, IMHO.  Home court should be a great help, as The Shirk is a very friendly atmosphere, lots of fun for the home team, pep band, and home crowd.  I've said all along that I thought this edition of the Titans was a Sweet 16 caliber team, so now we'll see if this comes to pass.   Would love to see Rachel Hughes back in uniform this weekend.

IWU'70

Rachel Hughes . . . ?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 27, 2018, 09:36:03 PM
Quote from: Dutchfan on February 27, 2018, 05:30:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.

Speaking of the AQ,  Chicago goes undefeated in the UAA, 23-2 overall, 5 wins vRRO, their only 2 losses vRRO, and has to travel to St Thomas.  Feels a little rough to me.

It is foolish to take Trine so lightly. I did and they beat Hope by three at Hope. Remember, Trine lost three games this season. They lost to the no. 1 team in the country by five points. They beat Hope on the road by three and Hope needed a buzzer beater to send it to over time on Saturday. You can look at stats all you want, but don't let those stats give you false confidence. I give Illinois Wesleyan a 33% chance of winning the pod. I give each Trine and DePauw a 25% chance and Marietta a 17% chance.

Let me ask this, would you feel as confident if it was Hope instead of Trine? Because they are virtually equal.

The DePauw-Trine game could potentially set a record for lowest First-Round score. I think if DePauw had won the NCAC Tournament, they would probably be in Whitewater and it would be RHIT vs. Trine in an NFC North-like slugfest. Either match-up would have been two Top-10 defensive teams going at it.

DePauw is a much better match-up for IWU than Trine. Trine is a LOT like Rose-Hulman, albeit a bit more athletic. DePauw is a poor match-up for Trine because they are such a good offensive team execution-wise-they probably lead all divisions in made shots under 10 seconds on the shot clock-and Trine won't be able to "out-tough" DePauw. IWU is a bad match-up for DePauw for lots of reasons, mostly their athleticism and their press.

In short, my submission is that the winner of the "other" game at IWU will determine who advances. If it's DePauw, IWU advances - if it is Trine, Trine advances.
It will be fun to watch during timeouts of the Engineers' game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 27, 2018, 09:42:28 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 09:04:52 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 27, 2018, 08:40:21 PM
If IWU gets past Marietta, I assume either DePauw or Trine will be very very tough.  Both great programs with lots of tournament experience, even on the road.  This pod is worthy of Sweet 16 or Elite 8 games, IMHO.  Home court should be a great help, as The Shirk is a very friendly atmosphere, lots of fun for the home team, pep band, and home crowd.  I've said all along that I thought this edition of the Titans was a Sweet 16 caliber team, so now we'll see if this comes to pass.   Would love to see Rachel Hughes back in uniform this weekend.

IWU'70

Rachel Hughes . . . ?

Does Raven have a sister we haven't yet heard from?!! ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 27, 2018, 09:47:19 PM
Quote from: Dutchfan on February 27, 2018, 05:30:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.

Speaking of the AQ,  Chicago goes undefeated in the UAA, 23-2 overall, 5 wins vRRO, their only 2 losses vRRO, and has to travel to St Thomas.  Feels a little rough to me.

It is foolish to take Trine so lightly. I did and they beat Hope by three at Hope. Remember, Trine lost three games this season. They lost to the no. 1 team in the country by five points. They beat Hope on the road by three and Hope needed a buzzer beater to send it to over time on Saturday. You can look at stats all you want, but don't let those stats give you false confidence. I give Illinois Wesleyan a 33% chance of winning the pod. I give each Trine and DePauw a 25% chance and Marietta a 17% chance.

Let me ask this, would you feel as confident if it was Hope instead of Trine? Because they are virtually equal.

I have seen Trine play a couple times this year and RHIT played Hope at DeVos and nearly got them. I think, if I HAD to choose a poison, I'd choose to play Trine over Hope, especially if Hope were at home. Hope has a ridiculously good set of guards and as much length (a highly undervalued asset until tournament time IMHO) as anyone in D3. Not that Trine is a cupcake, they definitely aren't - but Hope is a LOT deeper and there is very little, if any, drop-off from #1 through the last kid at the end of the bench. If either of Trine's D-I transfers get in foul trouble and have to sit, there is some drop-off. I would not want to see either of the two MIAA schools in a 1st Round game-that's for sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2018, 09:52:30 PM
Sorry, Raven Hughes.  ms
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2018, 09:55:32 PM
Ypsi, how we wish -- another Hughes sister.  Could be?   :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 10:15:13 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on February 27, 2018, 09:47:19 PM
Quote from: Dutchfan on February 27, 2018, 05:30:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 26, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
And the Shirk will host postseason basketball: Illinois Wesleyan gets Marietta for a first round draw. DePauw and Trine will play in the other first round game.

Wow, DePauw v Trine in the first round... that's #6 v # 7 nationally in the round of 64.  Just shows how screwed you can be in D3 if you don't win your AQ.

Relieved Wheaton got in.  Traveling to Holland no surprise.  Less excited about a rematch from last year in Wash U and Madeline Homoly who hung 26 and 11 on us a year ago.

As expected, Titans hosting.   DePauw/Trine is a brutal 1st rounder.   But I think IWU should be able to handle them.

Speaking of the AQ,  Chicago goes undefeated in the UAA, 23-2 overall, 5 wins vRRO, their only 2 losses vRRO, and has to travel to St Thomas.  Feels a little rough to me.

It is foolish to take Trine so lightly. I did and they beat Hope by three at Hope. Remember, Trine lost three games this season. They lost to the no. 1 team in the country by five points. They beat Hope on the road by three and Hope needed a buzzer beater to send it to over time on Saturday. You can look at stats all you want, but don't let those stats give you false confidence. I give Illinois Wesleyan a 33% chance of winning the pod. I give each Trine and DePauw a 25% chance and Marietta a 17% chance.

Let me ask this, would you feel as confident if it was Hope instead of Trine? Because they are virtually equal.

I have seen Trine play a couple times this year and RHIT played Hope at DeVos and nearly got them. I think, if I HAD to choose a poison, I'd choose to play Trine over Hope, especially if Hope were at home. Hope has a ridiculously good set of guards and as much length (a highly undervalued asset until tournament time IMHO) as anyone in D3. Not that Trine is a cupcake, they definitely aren't - but Hope is a LOT deeper and there is very little, if any, drop-off from #1 through the last kid at the end of the bench. If either of Trine's D-I transfers get in foul trouble and have to sit, there is some drop-off. I would not want to see either of the two MIAA schools in a 1st Round game-that's for sure.

Great insight Enginerd, thanks!  Especially as an RHIT follower whose team has actually played IWU, Hope, and DePauw this season.

Not an easy first rounder for you guys with the Gusties and then UWW potentially.  Good luck!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2018, 10:54:34 PM
For what it's worth:

According to Massey:     #6 IWU 90,  #33 Marietta 71 
                                    #20 DePauw 54, #21 Trine 51
     
                                     #13 Hope 65, #94 Cornell 50      
                                     #10 Wheaton 72, #23 Wash U 65
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2018, 04:07:59 AM
Interesting take by Massey.  I think I'd rather play DePauw than Trine, assuming the Titans get past the first round game with Marietta.

I hope WC wins too -- but another very tough first round game.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2018, 12:33:08 PM
I think the CCIW would like the Massey ratings to determine NCAA tourney seeding, with Carthage at 28, Elmhurst at 62 and Augustana at 64.
Congrats to Mikaela Eppard for being among ten finalists nationally :
http://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2018/2/27/womens-basketball-mikaela-eppard-named-jostens-trophy-finalist.aspx
-- (winner to be announced in a couple of weeks)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on February 28, 2018, 04:20:04 PM
Based on Mia Smith's interview with Eric Stock today (via the Illinois Wesleyan Athletics Facebook) it sounds like Raven Hughes will be a no go this weekend. They still haven't received MRI results on her knee. Coach Smith also stated that the flu is back on campus and has hit a few players on the team, much like it did earlier this season with the men's team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2018, 07:59:21 PM
Sorry to hear this about Raven Hughes.

Ypsi, I checked the roster of the U High basketball teams, sorry no younger sister of Raven -- no Rachel or other Hughes there in the waiting to join the Titans.  Likely some other good players, but no one upcoming from the Hughes family I could see!  :)  Too bad.

Good luck to the Titans this weekend -- I hope flu - free.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on March 01, 2018, 10:28:53 AM
According to The Pantagraph this morning: Hughes = Torn ACL, Ehresman is the Flu-haver.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2018, 10:52:35 AM
Quote from: titanalum94 on March 01, 2018, 10:28:53 AM
According to The Pantagraph this morning: Hughes = Torn ACL

Well that sucks. Best wishes to her on a speedy recovery.

Quote from: titanalum94 on March 01, 2018, 10:28:53 AM
Ehresman is the Flu-haver.

inb4 "Flu Game" comps :P

But seriously, hope she's okay as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2018, 12:04:50 PM
Yeah, add my best wishes to Raven Hughes. She had an outstanding debut season -- good defensive player, good rebounder, and shot 68%.
Without her and Sydney Shanks (52 steals in 513 minutes, decent scorer, good rebounder, 67:28 A/TO ratio), the Titans likely have to scale back their pressing somewhat. Merritt, Schneider and Brovelli provide very good interior defense, anyway.
It would be disappointing if IWU and Wheaton don't emerge from the first weekend, but certainly the path is not easy. For example, recall that Wheaton went 1-3 in NCAA tourney play in the Katie McDaniels timeframe.
Hoping Ehresman is well enough to play.
Good luck to the Thunder and the Titans!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2018, 12:22:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2018, 12:04:50 PM
Yeah, add my best wishes to Raven Hughes. She had an outstanding debut season -- good defensive player, good rebounder, and shot 68%.
Without her and Sydney Shanks (52 steals in 513 minutes, decent scorer, good rebounder, 67:28 A/TO ratio), the Titans likely have to scale back their pressing somewhat. Merritt, Schneider and Brovelli provide very good interior defense, anyway.
It would be disappointing if IWU and Wheaton don't emerge from the first weekend, but certainly the path is not easy. For example, recall that Wheaton went 1-3 in NCAA tourney play in the Katie McDaniels timeframe.
Hoping Ehresman is well enough to play.
Good luck to the Thunder and the Titans!

Gotta believe Ms Ehresman is on max fluids as we speak  - I hope she's ready, I think she will be.  Good thing playing at home.  WC is 0-7 all time vs Wash U.  Perfect time to turn that around.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2018, 12:27:58 PM
Good luck to the Wheaton ladies heading to Holland, MI tomorrow.  They face a tough foe in Wash U and should they prevail, another tough test the next evening vs either Hope or Cornell.

Having watched them all year, I believe that Wheaton is capable and talented enough to win 2 games there -  but not if they play scared or with hesitation.  Need to go out there and play with some fire and intensity.  And most of all, have fun.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2018, 09:55:48 PM
a quick look comparing the offenses of Wash U and Wheaton :
average points from:  FT     2FG       3FG     total/g
WASH U                  13.1    40.9     24.7     78.7
WHE                       11.2    42.2     19.4     72.9
a couple of unusual games for Wash U :
1/12/18 trailing Brandeis 63-50 after 3, Wash U commits 18 fouls in the 4th quarter and Brandeis has 33 FT att in that quarter.
2/24/18 Wash U commits 19 fouls in the 2nd half and Chicago shoots 32 FTs in that half.
I don't have an opinion either way regarding that strategy, but I have no problem with a coach trying something out of the ordinary.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2018, 07:11:27 PM
Wash U 75, Wheaton 57

The Bears pretty much in control the whole way.   If the Thunder never see Madeline Homoly ( 25 and 8) on the court again, it'll feel too soon.  Too much of her and honestly a more overall talented, UAA-seasoned, better coached Wash U squad.  If there's a better 7 loss team in the country than the Bears, I need to see it.  Hope or Cornell will have their hands full tomorrow.

Can't help but think about the difference of playing a UAA schedule, the teams and the travel.  Wash U just seemed more up to the moment than Wheaton.

Still, the Thunder ladies played hard but ran into a really good team. Congrats to them on a good season and thank you for representing Wheaton well.  It was a fun season to watch.

Good luck to IWU!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 02, 2018, 07:17:09 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 02, 2018, 07:11:27 PM
Wash U 75, Wheaton 57

The Bears pretty much in control the whole way.   If the Thunder never see Madeline Homoly ( 25 and 8) on the court again, it’ll feel too soon.  Too much of her and honestly a more overall talented, UAA-seasoned, better coached Wash U squad.  If there’s a better 7 loss team in the country than the Bears, I need to see it.  Hope or Cornell will have their hands full tomorrow.

Can’t help but think about the difference of playing a UAA schedule, the teams and the travel.  Wash U just seemed more up to the moment than Wheaton.

Still, the Thunder ladies played hard but ran into a really good team. Congrats to them on a good season and thank you for representing Wheaton well.  It was a fun season to watch.

Good luck to IWU!


Yes fine season for the Thunder even though it's probably hard to think about that just now.  Agree on your comments regarding UWash quality and UAA in general.  They just seemed to be a half step quicker across the board.

Good luck to IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on March 02, 2018, 07:26:05 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 02, 2018, 07:17:09 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 02, 2018, 07:11:27 PM
Wash U 75, Wheaton 57

The Bears pretty much in control the whole way.   If the Thunder never see Madeline Homoly ( 25 and 8) on the court again, it'll feel too soon.  Too much of her and honestly a more overall talented, UAA-seasoned, better coached Wash U squad.  If there's a better 7 loss team in the country than the Bears, I need to see it.  Hope or Cornell will have their hands full tomorrow.

Can't help but think about the difference of playing a UAA schedule, the teams and the travel.  Wash U just seemed more up to the moment than Wheaton.

Still, the Thunder ladies played hard but ran into a really good team. Congrats to them on a good season and thank you for representing Wheaton well.  It was a fun season to watch.

Good luck to IWU!


Yes fine season for the Thunder even though it's probably hard to think about that just now.  Agree on your comments regarding UWash quality and UAA in general.  They just seemed to be a half step quicker across the board.

Good luck to IWU.
Yes they were quicker but that can be coached and Wheaton coaches are not working on getting their players faster with sprint drills and running techniques.
Also the first quarter fouls had Wheaton nearly double of Wash U and it should have been the other way.  That was the first time I saw a Wheatons women players look at the refs for bad calls.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2018, 07:51:57 PM
Congrats to the Thunder for a fine season, one which seven other CCIW teams would trade theirs for.
A tip of the hat to the four seniors for persistent dedication and effort throughout their time with the team -- Dansdill, Lawson, Bremhorst and Jenn Berg (she's listed as a JR but was honored on Senior Day, right?).
I think Maggie Dansdill has played her career while having asthma (http://www.asthmaallergy.net/) or something similar, so she gets extra admiration from me for working through that and doing so well. If I've guessed wrong on that diagnosis, somebody can advise. I understand it may not be any of our business, so we could leave it at that. Regardless, nice work Maggie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2018, 08:00:26 PM
Congrats to WC on a good season.  Sorry they couldn't go further, but Wash U always always a tough out.

Trine over DePauw, so if the Titans get through, we'll have a re-match of last year's first round game vs. Trine.  Also a very tough out. 

Doesn't look like a good night for the CCIW generally.  IWU men, likely NCC men lost.  Augie up next.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2018, 08:41:48 PM
What's up, no video from IWU -- only visitors audio?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2018, 08:48:58 PM
now no audio or video -- :(

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2018, 08:53:43 PM
telepathy, iwu70, telepathy!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 02, 2018, 09:03:02 PM
Titans up 37-25 at the half.  In even better news, it appears to be Ehresman 1, flu 0 - she has 8 points!

This is the first good news for the CCIW today.  IWU men dropped a nail-biter to Wooster, despite Brady Rose going off for 31.  NCC men got crushed by UWSP.  Wheaton women got crushed by WashU.  And while still too early to panic, Augie men are getting wallopped by Greenvile, 31-15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2018, 09:54:05 PM
Survive and advance Titans.  Big game for McGraw. 

Good luck against the other Thunder tomorrow.  (Didn't get to see the earlier game)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2018, 10:00:16 PM
IWU gets to the round of 32, tough slog vs. a very quick, good Marietta team.  Titans could never pull away, after being up pretty big early in the second half.  Marietta coming back to within 4.

Marietta:
Burkhardt 22
Herd 20
Borich 12

For IWU:
McGraw big time 29
Ehresman 16
Anderson 11
Sosa, with the key FTs down the stretch, not playing like a freshman 10

Titans shooting a good percentage, hitting key treys and the key FTs.

Trine now a big obstacle to make Sweet 16.  I think the TITANS can do it.

Tough to see Shanks and Hughes in civies.

Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans on another D3 tournament win against a very talented opponent.  Great season for Marietta.  Congrats to them, too.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 02, 2018, 10:02:10 PM
IWU 83, Marietta 77.  Molly McGraw says "stuff it" to anyone who doubted she deserved first-team all-conference, leading all scorers with 29.  Rebekah Ehresman says "stuff it" to the flu, playing 36 minuts and scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and ONE turnover.

Tomorrow should be a tough one - Trine is REALLY good.  They are 25-3, with losses only to #1 (and defending champion, and 60+ winning streak) Amherst, and twice to #4 Hope (also giving Hope their only loss).  At their best, IWU can definitely win that game, but they will have to be at their very best.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2018, 10:34:17 PM
Very nice game for Molly McGraw and teammates to start the postseason. It looked like she was actually going up to dunk one time -- was it approx at 7:00 to go?
Interesting that when Mia Smith showed a lot of confidence in the freshman Sosa late in the game, Sosa lived up to it and beyond, with those FTs and a key defensive play.
A strong performance by Marietta -- congrats to them on a fine season.
IWU was not at its absolute best today. Another slow start tomorrow might hurt more.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2018, 10:42:04 PM
Agreed on the slow start.  Get behind vs. Trine and you'll likely not get back.

Great game by McGraw and all the supportive caste.  Gotta be at their best tomorrow to win over Trine, get to Sweet 16.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2018, 04:30:33 AM
Key for IWU tomorrow is defending Trine's bigs, and having strong games from Merritt, Brovelli and other post area Titan players.  We'll see if the Titans can turn them over, win the TO battle, which they didn't do vs. Marietta.  Rely on your seniors, but the role players have to come through strong as well.  Sosa and Anderson stepping up.  Walsberg playing with lots of confidence. 

Should be a great game -- a re-match of last year's first rounder when Trine won by 7. 

Go TITANS -- let's make the Sweet 16.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on March 03, 2018, 10:09:39 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 03, 2018, 04:30:33 AM
Key for IWU tomorrow is defending Trine's bigs, and having strong games from Merritt, Brovelli and other post area Titan players.  We'll see if the Titans can turn them over, win the TO battle, which they didn't do vs. Marietta.  Rely on your seniors, but the role players have to come through strong as well.  Sosa and Anderson stepping up.  Walsberg playing with lots of confidence. 

Should be a great game -- a re-match of last year's first rounder when Trine won by 7. 

Go TITANS -- let's make the Sweet 16.

'70

Will be very important for the Titan bigs to not get into foul trouble as they did last night, leading to a 22 point performance from Corrie Burkhardt of Marietta. Schneider fouled out with 5 minutes to play, Merritt and Brovelli operated most of the 4th with four fouls each. Will need to have one of their cleanest defensive performances of the year against 6-2 Hayley Martin who is as good offensively as she is defensively. Martin had 18/10 with 5 blocked shots last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2018, 01:52:54 PM
Which sport comes to mind with this distribution of scoring?
1st Q   2nd Q   3rd Q   4th Q
  2        7          3          0
19       9          26         7
Me too, but it wasn't football. That was Amherst's 61-12 victory over Becker yesterday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 03, 2018, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 03, 2018, 01:52:54 PM
Which sport comes to mind with this distribution of scoring?
1st Q   2nd Q   3rd Q   4th Q
  2        7          3          0
19       9          26         7
Me too, but it wasn't football. That was Amherst's 61-12 victory over Becker yesterday.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi0.kym-cdn.com%2Fentries%2Ficons%2Foriginal%2F000%2F004%2F029%2Fmotherofgod.jpg&hash=9f65769acc07b5ea69412dd9e3c9e1176ed41bf6)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2018, 08:42:03 PM
At the half: Trine 40, IWU 29.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2018, 08:45:08 PM
Trine D too good so far.  Titans have to pick up the pace and get them out of the half-court.  Tough to beat Trine with this kind of pace and grind.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2018, 08:46:33 PM
I'm trine to think of what the Titans could do better in the 2nd half. Guard the opposing 3-shooters more tightly. Look for a few 3 opportunities on offense. The refs seem to be rewarding anyone who drives to the hoop. Fewer jumpers? Je ne sais pas.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2018, 09:13:48 PM
IWU down 10 entering the 4Q.  Defensive breakdowns.  Trine is good, hitting a high %, better than normal from three.  Titans need to keep pressing, and, as you say, get some help from the arc.  Do or die now.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2018, 09:21:18 PM
Titans have cut the deficit to 4 w/ over 7 to go! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 03, 2018, 09:39:35 PM
Titans cut the deficit all the way to two (63-61), but then Trine pulled away.  Final is 79-70.

McGraw had 20, Ehresman and Merritt each had 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2018, 09:47:11 PM
Well, all good things come to an end.  A great season for the Titans, one game short of the Sweet 16.  Trine too good on D, their role players stepping up hugely.  Titans with several key defensive breakdowns, down the stretch, with too many easy layups by Trine, run and jump having little impact tonight.  Trine is good, could go much further in the tournament, facing undefeated Wartburg next week.  Congrats to them on Sweet 16.

Congrats to Coach Smith, all the Staff, and the TITANs on a superb season, CCIW champions, CCIW tournament champions and 1-1 in the Dance.  Finishing 25-4.

For Trine:
Freeman (the key to the game after Dawson fouled out) 21
Williams 20
Dawson 14 (fouled out with 4 minutes to go)
Martin 13

For IWU:
McGraw, playing her heart out, 20
Merritt 14
Ehresman 14
Walsberg, key to the Titans comeback, 11

Warm congrats to the seniors and all their amazing contributions to the IWU program.   Ehresman and McGraw = two of the best Titan athletes ever.  You all will be greatly missed next year. 

No Sweet 16 this year -- but a superb season all round. Much enjoyed, much appreciated.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2018, 09:57:09 PM
Congrats to IWU for an outstanding season. Exhausting effort by both squads tonight.
Trine certainly was a tough and very disciplined opponent.
A big WELL DONE in particular to the Titan seniors for their excellent careers. They set a very good example for the younger teammates to emulate in coming seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2018, 12:05:15 AM
The TITAN seniors will be greatly missed.  Some of the best careers ever, in the history of the program. 

Titans can re-load, not re-build, as the roster is filled with highly talented, now experienced returnees.  Of course, very hard to replace Ehresman and McGraw, but Titans will be very good again, always well-coached.

I'd expect next year:  Munroe, Anderson, Schneider, Shanks/Hughes and Merritt -- with Sosa and Brovelli coming off the bench strongly.  Other newbies, new recruits, attracted by the success of the program, IWU's great athletic facilities and tradition.

The future is bright.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 04, 2018, 07:34:09 AM
Congrats to IWU for a great season.  Trine played very solidly all around.  I thought Dawson and Freeman were super tough in the paint.  Dawson especially good at low block positioning and back to the basket. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2018, 12:08:00 PM
Yep, iwu70, the Titans have a very good group ready for '18-'19. Carthage and Wheaton are well-stocked too.
As for the rest (2/3rds!) of the league, they all could use an influx of 4 or 5 very good players, to build roster depth and rack up a bunch of nonconference wins.
C'mon coaches, recruiting is easy, isn't it?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2018, 07:58:42 PM
I expect IWU,WC and CC to be the top three again next year.  Let's hope the rest have good recruiting years so that the league gets stronger in the middle and toward the bottom, too. 

IWU has 8 of the top 11 players coming back, though the loss of Ehresman and McGraw very hard to replace, of course.  Walsberg had a great senior year with many important contributions to this successful season.

Key will be improvement, conditioning and lifting during the off-season.  Several of the returning Titans have clear All-Conference credentials or potential.  Merritt and Schneider All-Conference players returning -- surely Anderson and Hughes have the potential . . . and Brovelli, too, in a year or so out.  Bright future, great group, that Coach Smith let play a lot and develop quickly this year. 

I'm sure WC, CC and IWU will all be out there recruiting strong as well. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2018, 08:41:15 PM
I'm not in the least worried about the bigs next season (though, for depth, a quick recovery for Hughes, so she can make normal progress from frosh to soph rather than being a frosh all over again, would certainly be nice).  What concerns me is that we are graduating 3 of the finest guards in the league this spring, including the MOP and another first-teamer.  Hopefully the returnees and incoming frosh can have the Titans backcourt at its usual level at least by mid-season, but November and December may be kinda rough.

Of course, after viewing their graduation losses, I said the same thing every season during their amazing 66-4 run thru the CCIW from 2007-08 - 2011-12 - and they just kept improving each year 'til they won the Walnut-and-Bronze! ::)  I suppose they will just reload and move on - "In Mia We Trust"! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2018, 10:43:22 PM
Ypsi, yes, Coach Smith will put another very competitive team on the floor next season, no doubt.  They have 8 battle-tested players coming back, hopefully another stellar freshmen class coming in.  We'll see.  My own view is that they may want to make Sosa into a PG, and have Munroe and Sosa there, with plenty of good wings in Schneider and Anderson and Shanks.  Then, Hughes, Merritt and Brovelli in the paint, perhaps a Merritt-Brovelli combination on the floor at the same time, giving the Titans a much different look with size and strength in the post area, more than in past years.  Shanks and Hughes will recover, return. Perhaps less "run and jump" and more standard tough half court D and effective screen/role offense.  We'll see.  I'm sure Mia will get the most out of her talent, keep her system and program in good competitive shape.  As you say, very hard to replace two of the best players, athletes in IWU history, but surely the Titans will again contend for CCIW honors next season.  IMHO.

Time for baseball and softball . . . and getting outdoors soon.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on March 05, 2018, 12:09:21 PM
Personally I think Shanks will be the Titans ball-handler for the next two years. She was the secondary distributor until she went down with the broken hand, finished second on the team in assists despite missing eight games, and was No. 2 in the CCIW in assist/turnover.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2018, 08:57:26 PM
TitanAlum94, Yes, I take your point about Shanks.  That could happen as well.  IWU and Coach Smith will have to find the most reliable set of hands to replace Ehresman at the PG.  Perhaps it's Shanks, perhaps Munroe, or Sosa.  We'll see.  Sosa has good length, great FT shooting, so could also be another superb wing, along with Anderson and Schneider.  Look forward to seeing the next freshmen group, too, as I'm sure this year's success, the IWU facilities and tradition, will bring in some additional talent, some of whom might contribute right away.  Look at this year!  Four freshmen really playing like veterans. 

Bright future for the Titan women's program.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2018, 09:47:39 PM
Ypsi, another Shanks coming up -- junior at Central Catholic.  A very good player.  Perhaps a future TITAN?   :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 08, 2018, 10:43:42 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 08, 2018, 09:47:39 PM
Ypsi, another Shanks coming up -- junior at Central Catholic.  A very good player.  Perhaps a future TITAN?   :)

'70

Sounds good to me!

But you never can tell about siblings.  Some are happy to re-unite; some want to make their own path.

In A Dunk Only Counts Two Points, Dennie Bridges says he was totally unsure whether having Jack Sikma's older sister already a student at IWU was a plus or a minus.  Thank God, it was a plus! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2018, 04:51:05 AM
Yup, Ypsi, could be Lauren Shanks wishes to go her own way.  She made unanimous all-conference in her league as a HS junior.  Let's hope she's more like the Seibring family, the Zimmer family, or the Rose family!  :)

Sorry our Titans didn't get further this year -- thought we really had a shot at Sweet 16 or beyond.  But, Trine just too too tough.  When their top player fouled out with 4+ minutes to go, I thought we'd get over the top and pull it out.  But, their supposed role players played like total top-flight players, down the stretch, and we had some key defensive breakdowns.  Really too bad.  Great season, some great play all year by the 25-4 Titans.  Great to see the program have another 20+ win season and take home the CCIW hardware. 

Time for softball and baseball . . . and the new edition of the Yankees and the Cubbies.  Should be an interesting baseball season -- after the NBA playoffs and finals.   Looks to me like the Cavs may not make the finals this time.  Warriors -- well, they will be there at the end, yet again.

Think Spring!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 10, 2018, 09:15:21 PM
Women's Final Four:  Bowdoin, Amherst, Thomas More, and Wartburg.  Familiar programs to be sure.  Two undefeated teams going for the perfect season. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2018, 10:39:08 AM
Congrats to North Park Associate Head Women's coach Lauren Rosengarden!
https://www.cucougars.com/news/2018/3/7/lauren-rosengarden-named-as-head-coach-for-cuc-womens-basketball.aspx
Good luck to her and her team.
This career advancement will involve re-locating a few miles southwest of her current post.
I may be misinterpreting her quotes, but the gist seems to be that she wants to work closer to San Diego, but not too close.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2018, 03:10:17 PM
I wish Lauren nothing but good fortune and success. She's a wonderful person and a driven but caring coach who knows her stuff. We'll miss having her around, but she's a Viking and she'll always be one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2018, 03:34:06 PM
Millikin has a new head coach :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2018/3/12/lett-named-head-womens-basketball-coach-at-millikin.aspx
I'm trying to remember where we've seen her before. Hmmm.
Good luck Olivia and welcome back to the CCIW!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2018, 04:18:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2018, 03:34:06 PM
Millikin has a new head coach :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2018/3/12/lett-named-head-womens-basketball-coach-at-millikin.aspx
I'm trying to remember where we've seen her before. Hmmm.

Your gift for understatement remains golden, Rog. ;)

My reaction?

1) Congratulations and good luck to Coach Lett.

2) More board-related, my reaction is, "Oh, good grief." ::) After an endless parade of Illinois Wesleyan Conquers The World Forever posts over the past few weeks, now we'll have to deal with a fresh wave of them regarding the one IWU player that Mark and Chuck just could never shut up about, even long after she had hung up her uniform.

Could we at least confine the discussion of Olivia Lett to her coaching résumé or to her new affiliation with Millikin? In other words, topics regarding the hire that are, you know, relevant? Is that too much to ask, guys?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 12, 2018, 04:21:23 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2018, 03:34:06 PM
Millikin has a new head coach :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2018/3/12/lett-named-head-womens-basketball-coach-at-millikin.aspx
I'm trying to remember where we've seen her before. Hmmm.
Good luck Olivia and welcome back to the CCIW!

I vaguely remember announcing that name a fair number of times my first year behind the mic at the hangar, plus a couple times after that. That's a good hire.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on March 12, 2018, 06:33:00 PM
Ypsi, you keep saying "in MIA we trust". What do you trust? Her teams have won 1 NCAA game in 6 years. That's coming off 2 Final Four appearances. With all the talent you keep harping about, what's the problem. This year 4 all conference players. I agree, lot of talent, but not enough NCAA tourney wins. This year big letdown, and winning in the CCIW isn't that hard lately. Only 1 or 2 good teams each year lately.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2018, 07:30:48 PM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on March 12, 2018, 06:33:00 PM
Ypsi, you keep saying "in MIA we trust". What do you trust? Her teams have won 1 NCAA game in 6 years. That's coming off 2 Final Four appearances. With all the talent you keep harping about, what's the problem. This year 4 all conference players. I agree, lot of talent, but not enough NCAA tourney wins. This year big letdown, and winning in the CCIW isn't that hard lately. Only 1 or 2 good teams each year lately.

I came to that slogan after bemoaning each year for several years during their incredible 5 year run (66-4 in the conference) about the graduation losses, then having the following year be even better - it finally occurred to me that there was ONE person who wasn't graduating: the coach!  By the standards of that amazing run, they have been in a slump lately: only the second-best 6-year run in IWU WBB history! :o ;D

I DO wish they could be more successful nationally on a consistent basis.  For over a dozen years now they have been nationally competitive, but can't seem to make that final step to being consistently elite.  I'm not seeing any signs that it is a hangover from the coach's cancer (she seems as lively and driven as ever), so I'll assume it is just cyclical and evidence of how difficult is really is to break into the truly elite ranks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2018, 08:54:46 PM
I'm stick'n with Coach Smith.  A pretty good record, earlier and later.  I'll take 25-4 almost any year.  Yes, of course, we all wish for further, to Sweet 16, Elite 8 and beyond. That is always tough for everyone.  Haven't seen any other CCIW schools doing that lately either. 

Congrats to Olivia Lett.  I hope she does well, has a great career and tenure at MU.  She is replacing a legend, so very big shoes to fill.  She's originally from Pana, so she knows the territory . . . had a run with Mia and then at UC as an Assistant.  I think she's a great choice to return to the CCIW.

Perhaps Shelby Jackson will be the next one looking for a head coaching gig.

Stay tuned.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2018, 09:21:33 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2018, 04:18:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2018, 03:34:06 PM
Millikin has a new head coach :
http://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2018/3/12/lett-named-head-womens-basketball-coach-at-millikin.aspx
I'm trying to remember where we've seen her before. Hmmm.

Your gift for understatement remains golden, Rog. ;)

My reaction?

1) Congratulations and good luck to Coach Lett.

2) More board-related, my reaction is, "Oh, good grief." ::) After an endless parade of Illinois Wesleyan Conquers The World Forever posts over the past few weeks, now we'll have to deal with a fresh wave of them regarding the one IWU player that Mark and Chuck just could never shut up about, even long after she had hung up her uniform.

Could we at least confine the discussion of Olivia Lett to her coaching résumé or to her new affiliation with Millikin? In other words, topics regarding the hire that are, you know, relevant? Is that too much to ask, guys?

Greg, I take exception to this post.  You're gonna have to show me where I have excessively gushed over Olivia Lett in the last five years.  (She graduated almost six years ago, but I'll give myself a pass for the first year after IWU's first national title and the CCIW's first national POY! ;D)  I may have bragged on her once or twice a year, but "could never shut up about"? ::)

It WILL be weird to have to root against her at least twice a year (we always play Chicago, but who roots against an ASSISTANT coach?!).  I wish her well (except for occasionally!), and, if she is as good as I expect her to be, hope she will "come home" when Mia Smith retires. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2018, 10:03:26 PM
Congrats to NYU's Kaitlyn Read for receiving the Jostens Trophy. Elmhurst's Mikaela Eppard was among the finalists and I will assume that she tied for 2nd! "Well Done" to each of the finalists, certainly all admirable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on March 12, 2018, 11:09:24 PM
Congratulations to Coach Olivia Lett!!!  Nice to have her back in the CCIW. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2018, 03:15:01 AM
Well, Greg, Olivia Lett did have a pretty special year with IWU that time.  Something surely worth "gushing" over.  However, I don't remember saying all that much about Olivia either . . . but maybe you can dig up all the archives and show us how we were loyal Titan fans, singing the praises of one of the top players in the history of the program.  That would be news.  LOL.

Season over, great seasons by WC and IWU.  Wish both could have gone further in the tournament -- IWU running into a good Trine team two years in a row.  Wartburg must be awfully good to take out, take apart Trine so easily in the next round.

It should be a great Final Four, esp. if the two undefeated teams reach the Championship game.

I'm done for this go 'round.  It's off to softball, baseball and other summer travel and interests.  I'll check in from time-to-time to see the recruiting news.

Zaijian!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: badgerwarhawk on March 13, 2018, 09:46:47 AM
Admittedly my exposure to Lett was limited but she was one of the best collegiate women players that I've ever seen.  She had serious game. It was fun to watch even when it beat you.  Good luck to her in her new endeavor.

Sorry if this sounds gushing Greg.   ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2018, 11:04:40 AM
Come on, guys. You two went on about her endlessly, even after she stopped playing. And, no, I'm not going to spend the morning delving into the archives over this in order to mine quotes; I've got better things to do.

Quote from: badgerwarhawk on March 13, 2018, 09:46:47 AM
Admittedly my exposure to Lett was limited but she was one of the best collegiate women players that I've ever seen.  She had serious game. It was fun to watch even when it beat you.  Good luck to her in her new endeavor.

Sorry if this sounds gushing Greg.   ;)

It makes no difference to me, BW, as you weren't in constant Lett-lauding mode in this room in the past. Probably had something to do with you being this, rather than this. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 13, 2018, 03:47:38 PM
http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=749.4035
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2018, 04:54:17 PM
Thanks, Pat. You've allowed me to find the post that I would've used had I cared to spend all morning looking for it:

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2013, 12:16:19 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 11:52:40 PM
Actually, neither Mark or I has talked about Olivia Lett beyond what naturally fit into the discussion.

Not true, Chuck. I went back and counted. ;) Nine mentions of her in this room over the past six weeks prior to the current discussion, seven of them by the two of you -- and most of those seven mentions quite definitely shoehorned her into the post.

Tell you what: You guys stop talking about IWU's assistant coaches, I won't mention NPU's Lauren Rosengarden, Shanice Sadler, or Erin Cepa, and we'll call it even. :D

;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2018, 05:43:37 PM
Congrats to three CCIW players honored yesterday :
D3Hoops all-Central Region 1st team -- Rebekah Ehresman and Mikaela Eppard; 2nd team -- Hannah Frazier
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 13, 2018, 06:42:14 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2018, 04:54:17 PM
Thanks, Pat. You've allowed me to find the post that I would've used had I cared to spend all morning looking for it:

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2013, 12:16:19 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 11:52:40 PM
Actually, neither Mark or I has talked about Olivia Lett beyond what naturally fit into the discussion.

Not true, Chuck. I went back and counted. ;) Nine mentions of her in this room over the past six weeks prior to the current discussion, seven of them by the two of you -- and most of those seven mentions quite definitely shoehorned her into the post.

Tell you what: You guys stop talking about IWU's assistant coaches, I won't mention NPU's Lauren Rosengarden, Shanice Sadler, or Erin Cepa, and we'll call it even. :D

;)

Google found it for me in like two minutes. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2018, 10:15:21 PM
Two minutes more than I was willing to put into it. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2018, 10:57:23 PM
The combined W-L record of the four remaining NCAA tourney teams is an extraordinarily superb 120-3.
Yet, three of those teams will combine for a 1 win, 3 loss weekend.
And consider that seven of the nine CCIW teams finished their season with a loss. Only Millikin and Augustana ended things on a winning note.
Think about that for 8 seconds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2018, 12:17:58 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2018, 04:54:17 PM
Thanks, Pat. You've allowed me to find the post that I would've used had I cared to spend all morning looking for it:

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2013, 12:16:19 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2013, 11:52:40 PM
Actually, neither Mark or I has talked about Olivia Lett beyond what naturally fit into the discussion.

Not true, Chuck. I went back and counted. ;) Nine mentions of her in this room over the past six weeks prior to the current discussion, seven of them by the two of you -- and most of those seven mentions quite definitely shoehorned her into the post.

Tell you what: You guys stop talking about IWU's assistant coaches, I won't mention NPU's Lauren Rosengarden, Shanice Sadler, or Erin Cepa, and we'll call it even. :D

;)

OK, so I exceeded the 1 year limitation of the national title and POY, but was well within the hiring time-limit.  Did any of the NPU assistants have national title rings or make national POY?

I still congratulate Olivia Lett on her appointment as Millikin HC, unless that seems to much like gushing to you. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2018, 07:18:38 AM
Undefeated Amherst vs. Bowdoin, from their same league, for the national championship.  Was surprised how easily Bowdoin took apart undefeated Wartburg. 

May the best team win . . . Amherst won by 4 in a previous match up earlier in the year, on their home floor. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 17, 2018, 09:55:37 PM
Congratulations to Rebekah Ehresman (name spelled wrong) on her D3 Hoops All American Honorable Mention. 

http://d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2018


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 17, 2018, 10:22:41 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 17, 2018, 07:18:38 AM
Undefeated Amherst vs. Bowdoin, from their same league, for the national championship.  Was surprised how easily Bowdoin took apart undefeated Wartburg. 

May the best team win . . . Amherst won by 4 in a previous match up earlier in the year, on their home floor. 

IWU'70

It was a GREAT game for 27 minutes, then Amherst put it into another gear - Bowdoin didn't score a single point for the next 11 minutes!  Amherst has now won two consecutive undefeated national titles.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2018, 10:50:28 AM
Amherst's coach has to be getting some good D1 offers; nothing more for him to prove in D3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 18, 2018, 05:34:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 18, 2018, 10:50:28 AM
Amherst's coach has to be getting some good D1 offers; nothing more for him to prove in D3.

Maybe he's interested in challenging WashU's four consecutive championships or their undefeated streak.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2018, 07:26:48 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 18, 2018, 05:34:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 18, 2018, 10:50:28 AM
Amherst's coach has to be getting some good D1 offers; nothing more for him to prove in D3.

Maybe he's interested in challenging WashU's four consecutive championships or their undefeated streak.

I don't know Amherst's schedule for next season, but the D3 winning streak may be theirs by mid-January (just 15 games to go).

I know nothing about the coach's ambitions, but SOME coaches simply prefer the situation of D3.  You won't get filthy rich, but a good D3 coach will be quite comfortable financially, and (by some people's standards) far more comfortable in other ways than in D1.  There are many D3 coaches (in a variety of sports) who have spurned numerous D1 suitors over the years.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 18, 2018, 09:23:32 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 18, 2018, 07:26:48 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 18, 2018, 05:34:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 18, 2018, 10:50:28 AM
Amherst's coach has to be getting some good D1 offers; nothing more for him to prove in D3.

Maybe he's interested in challenging WashU's four consecutive championships or their undefeated streak.

I don't know Amherst's schedule for next season, but the D3 winning streak may be theirs by mid-January (just 15 games to go).

I know nothing about the coach's ambitions, but SOME coaches simply prefer the situation of D3.  You won't get filthy rich, but a good D3 coach will be quite comfortable financially, and (by some people's standards) far more comfortable in other ways than in D1.  There are many D3 coaches (in a variety of sports) who have spurned numerous D1 suitors over the years.

Gromacki was an assistant at D1 Temple earlier in his career and has had D1 offers, but so far has preferred the D3 scene at Amherst and St. Lawrence and Hamilton prior to Amherst.  I don't know for sure, but I suspect it is a family and lifestyle issue.  Amherst is an incredibly selective school in a beautiful setting and is known as a mini Ivy League school.  They have something of a pipeline from the Ivies with girls who may not quite want the basketball D1 rigors (even at non-scholarship Ivies it's 50 weeks/year of practice) but want to keep playing and have the Ivy-type academic credentials.  What's not to like?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2018, 10:25:45 PM
I'd stay at Amherst or Williams or Swarthmore or Carleton too -- great places. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2018, 04:08:18 PM
The final D3Hoops poll has IWU at 16, while Wheaton is 38th among the 41 schools that got votes. The CCIW's third best team this year, Carthage, probably is as good as a bunch of those 41 teams, but what's done is done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 20, 2018, 05:05:22 PM
Belated congratulations to Rebekah Ehresman on AA selection.  I was surprised and disappointed that she wasn't picked a team or two higher, but her true value doesn't show up well in statistics, and too many probably never saw her actually play (or only saw a tiny bit).  Personally, I would have had her AT LEAST third team, but then I admit to having green glasses!

Also surprising and disappointing to me was that Mikaela Eppard did not get named at all.  I would have had her at least HM.

And while I have no rooting interest in any of them, it astonishes me that Amherst (two consecutive seasons of undefeated ball) could only manage one player, 4th team - and that wasn't even FF MVP Emma McCarthy.  That must be one helluva balanced team to win 66 straight games with basically no stars! :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2018, 06:00:50 PM
I'd like to pick on Wheaton (and other teams) a little bit, within the context of a "rule of thumb" that I think applies when a team is trailing after 3 quarters.
Wheaton trailed Wash U 61-40 after 3 Q. My "rule of thumb" says that the team that is ahead after 3 is very likely to score at least 1 point per minute for the duration of the game. This point-per-minute scoring rate is 40 pts per game, which even the most pathetic offenses can average.
So, Wash U was probably going to reach a minimum of 71 points for the game. Therefore Wheaton likely needed to score at least 31 (a 124 pts/g rate) in the 4th quarter. This would require playing with increased urgency, shooting quite early in possessions, having four players try for o-rebs, gambling more than they did.
As I indicated initially, I think other teams in other games also tend to let time slip away, waiting until way too late in the 4th Q before turning up the intensity level.
Notice how easily I criticize any number of coaches!
Anyway, making the aforementioned "rule of thumb" scoring-deficit assessment isn't something to be done only at the end of the 3rd quarter, but probably makes the most sense around that stage of the game. Much earlier in the game, it's conceivable to make up a deficit by doing your regular thing. Very late in a close game, it's conceivable that you could shut out the opponent for a few minutes, thereby making up a moderate deficit without having to score quite so much yourself.
To re-state my idea here, you generally have to figure on the opponent scoring at least 1 point per minute for the duration of the game, so you can add that number to whatever deficit you face, telling you what you'll need to score during the remaining minutes.
Of course, doing the things that comprise "turning up the intensity" may not succeed in making up the deficit anyway, but it could give you a better chance.
Any comments on this? A useful calculation?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 20, 2018, 08:51:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 20, 2018, 06:00:50 PM
I'd like to pick on Wheaton (and other teams) a little bit, within the context of a "rule of thumb" that I think applies when a team is trailing after 3 quarters.
Wheaton trailed Wash U 61-40 after 3 Q. My "rule of thumb" says that the team that is ahead after 3 is very likely to score at least 1 point per minute for the duration of the game. This point-per-minute scoring rate is 40 pts per game, which even the most pathetic offenses can average.
So, Wash U was probably going to reach a minimum of 71 points for the game. Therefore Wheaton likely needed to score at least 31 (a 124 pts/g rate) in the 4th quarter. This would require playing with increased urgency, shooting quite early in possessions, having four players try for o-rebs, gambling more than they did.
As I indicated initially, I think other teams in other games also tend to let time slip away, waiting until way too late in the 4th Q before turning up the intensity level.
Notice how easily I criticize any number of coaches!
Anyway, making the aforementioned "rule of thumb" scoring-deficit assessment isn't something to be done only at the end of the 3rd quarter, but probably makes the most sense around that stage of the game. Much earlier in the game, it's conceivable to make up a deficit by doing your regular thing. Very late in a close game, it's conceivable that you could shut out the opponent for a few minutes, thereby making up a moderate deficit without having to score quite so much yourself.
To re-state my idea here, you generally have to figure on the opponent scoring at least 1 point per minute for the duration of the game, so you can add that number to whatever deficit you face, telling you what you'll need to score during the remaining minutes.
Of course, doing the things that comprise "turning up the intensity" may not succeed in making up the deficit anyway, but it could give you a better chance.
Any comments on this? A useful calculation?

I have no idea if your specific calculation is correct (but seems reasonable), but totally agree that way too many coaches (teams) seem to wait too long before showing any urgency.  It drives me crazy when a team is down 10-12 and dawdles up the court and shows no signs of wanting shots before the end of the shot clock until there are two minutes left.  That's too late for anything but a near-miracle!  Start that urgency 4-5 minutes earlier and you have a reasonable chance of catching up!

[It equally drives me up a wall when teams have waited too long to get 'urgent', then foul EVERY possession turning the last minute of a game that is already over into a twenty minute bore.]
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2018, 11:53:46 PM
Mr Ypsi, I agree with your reply; you made the point more concisely than I did.
And your mention of fouls reminds me of another minor criticism I have of something coaches will do : sit some of their best players for long stretches in the 1st half because they've picked up 2 fouls. The player has fouled out of the first half with 2 fouls. I can see sitting a star player for the duration of the 1st half if she has 3 fouls, but not 2.
And then in the 2nd half, why sit someone because she picked up her 3rd foul? Often, good players end up playing fewer minutes than they should, due to being "in foul trouble." The rules allow a player to keep playing with 2 fouls, 3 fouls, 4 fouls. Yet, coaches decide to impose additional restrictions on their own players, stricter than those in the rulebook : commit your 3rd foul too early in 3rd quarter and you've fouled out for the next 6 minutes; commit your 4th and you're banned from playing most of the rest of the game, as if an unused 5th foul can be carried over to the next game so she can commit 6 in that game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 21, 2018, 10:28:59 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 20, 2018, 11:53:46 PM
And your mention of fouls reminds me of another minor criticism I have of something coaches will do : sit some of their best players for long stretches in the 1st half because they've picked up 2 fouls. The player has fouled out of the first half with 2 fouls. I can see sitting a star player for the duration of the 1st half if she has 3 fouls, but not 2.
And then in the 2nd half, why sit someone because she picked up her 3rd foul? Often, good players end up playing fewer minutes than they should, due to being "in foul trouble." The rules allow a player to keep playing with 2 fouls, 3 fouls, 4 fouls. Yet, coaches decide to impose additional restrictions on their own players, stricter than those in the rulebook : commit your 3rd foul too early in 3rd quarter and you've fouled out for the next 6 minutes; commit your 4th and you're banned from playing most of the rest of the game, as if an unused 5th foul can be carried over to the next game so she can commit 6 in that game.

That was the interesting thing going back to North Central's System years. Michelle Roof kept her line changes the same regardless of foul trouble. Granted, you could get away with that with a 15-woman rotation where you're only playing 45 seconds to a minute at a time and that probably played a role. But over the five System years, players fouled out 4, 9, 12, 14, and 4 times in those years for a total of 43. Without looking up numbers across the rest of the conference in that time span, I don't know how those numbers stack up.

But it's an interesting dilemma. I remember reading something somewhere along the line that the strategy of sitting your best player just because of foul trouble isn't the best strategy. Bearing in mind foul trouble though, if you're keeping a player in with two fouls in the first half for example, how effective can they be on defense? If you value not picking up that third foul before the intermission, you can't play as aggressively on defense, and the other team will target that player on offense to try and force that third foul. Of course, by and large this shouldn't impact a foul troubled player on offense, and if your best offensive weapon is in foul trouble, you do cripple your team by sitting them due to said foul trouble (unless you have a catalyst on your bench that you can plug in in that player's spot, but even then is it an equitable swap?)

It's a risk-reward analysis, something that coaches have to do multiple times in every game. And a lot of common coaching doctrine seems to lean more towards the risk-averse side of the spectrum, which in and of itself isn't a big deal, but you get into the old football cliche of "Prevent defense only prevents you from winning" or the more general cliche "coaching not to lose instead of coaching to win." I'd be interested to see a statistical analysis of keeping your rotations the same regardless of foul trouble versus the generally accepted method of sitting players with two fouls before halftime, three in the third, four in the fourth, etc.

I did Google a couple articles relevant to the question. See here (https://theoryclass.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/foul-trouble/) and here for a more quantitative analysis (http://philipmaymin.com/papers/Maymin%20Maymin%20and%20Shen%20-%20Early%20Foul%20Trouble%20-%20IJSF%202012.pdf).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 21, 2018, 11:41:37 AM
I was thinking recently about how the System experience was for North Central -- it sure would've been better if they'd had Tess Godhardt and Jamie Cuny for 4 full seasons each. Maybe add Emily Zgoda to that list.
Setting that aside, as you note, lmitzel, a System team should be able to withstand foul-outs with minimal effect. The foul-outs that hurt a lot are those involving the best scorers, who ideally should be reminded of their foul status (3 or 4) and sternly instructed to avoid committing the 5th -- hopefully the player can modify her defensive play to that end.
I've read the first link and like it. The writer brilliantly condenses the idea : when a coach benches a star player based on alleged foul trouble, "the coach is voluntarily imposing the penalty that he is trying to avoid, namely his player being taken out of the game."
Here's another way of looking at the "foul trouble" topic -- from the perspective of the rules/refs, there is no difference between a player with 4 fouls or one with 0 fouls; both are free to keep playing.
Your 2nd link, lmitzel, looks like it's going to give me a headache! Thanks!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 21, 2018, 12:34:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 20, 2018, 11:53:46 PM
Mr Ypsi, I agree with your reply; you made the point more concisely than I did.
And your mention of fouls reminds me of another minor criticism I have of something coaches will do : sit some of their best players for long stretches in the 1st half because they've picked up 2 fouls. The player has fouled out of the first half with 2 fouls. I can see sitting a star player for the duration of the 1st half if she has 3 fouls, but not 2.
And then in the 2nd half, why sit someone because she picked up her 3rd foul? Often, good players end up playing fewer minutes than they should, due to being "in foul trouble." The rules allow a player to keep playing with 2 fouls, 3 fouls, 4 fouls. Yet, coaches decide to impose additional restrictions on their own players, stricter than those in the rulebook : commit your 3rd foul too early in 3rd quarter and you've fouled out for the next 6 minutes; commit your 4th and you're banned from playing most of the rest of the game, as if an unused 5th foul can be carried over to the next game so she can commit 6 in that game.

Calvin alumnus Matt Snyder (whose d3boards.com handle is KnightSlappy) over on the men's boards has made it a personal crusade to show coaches how wrong they are to sit down key players for long stretches of the game due to picking up an early second foul in the first half or an early third foul in the second half. Since KnightSlappy is a numbers guy, he always brings the science whenever he engages this topic. You should look up KnightSlappy via the d3boards.com member search and send him a personal message; he'll dump so much statistical data on you relating to this that it'll make your head spin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 21, 2018, 01:05:45 PM
Admittedly, I only got through a couple pages of that second article I shared before quitting. :)

The "having Tess and Jamie" question is an interesting one. Had both been four year Cardinals they would have had one extra overlap year in 2013-14, when the Cardinals went 4-10 in CCIW play, but were only two games out of the #4 seed. Tess played a few games at the end of that year (including a win down at the Shirk when such a thing seemed unthinkable), but adding her for the full year, plus a full year of Jamie is probably worth the three wins they would have needed to get in the CCIW Tournament that year. They probably would have gotten bounced by Carthage in the semis again, though maybe having both Tess and Jamie eliminates Stephanie Kuzmanic's pushoff on her game-winner when the two teams met in Naperville that year. (I'm not bitter or anything. :P )

The Emily Zgoda question is harder to think about when you factor in why she transferred to Albion, but those same factors also open up what-ifs with the 2014-15 team and how much the chemistry and bonding of that team helped propel them to the NCAA Tournament (and it's one of the reasons why that team will always have a special place in my heart). It's an interesting what-if though that probably has more bearing on the 2016-17 team with Whipple missing a majority of the year.

I think the more interesting four year what-if for North Central? Therese Pettersson. We almost certainly win more than five games this year if she's around. :(

Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 21, 2018, 12:34:32 PM
Calvin alumnus Matt Snyder (whose d3boards.com handle is KnightSlappy) over on the men's boards has made it a personal crusade to show coaches how wrong they are to sit down key players for long stretches of the game due to picking up an early second foul in the first half or an early third foul in the second half. Since KnightSlappy is a numbers guy, he always brings the science whenever he engages this topic. You should look up KnightSlappy via the d3boards.com member search and send him a personal message; he'll dump so much statistical data on you relating to this that it'll make your head spin.

I look at it like the whole going for it on fourth down in football. Coaches don't do it anywhere near as often as win probabilities or other statistics suggest they should. I think it stems from the idea mentioned in the first article that I shared where coaches get reamed for going with the perceived "risky" idea because that's how it's always been done, even though statistical analysis now suggests that the "risky" move is actually a smart one. But if a coach goes with the "risky" option and it backfires, they get reamed; going the "safe" route is effectively a CYA route.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 21, 2018, 01:37:54 PM
Thanks for the KnightSlappy recommendation Greg, but I'll avoid the head-spinning!
I went through the 2nd link that lmitzel provided and must quickly admit that I have zero comprehension of the methods in their study. They used data from four NBA seasons 06-07 through 09-10.
They define foul trouble as having 2 fouls in the 1st Q, 3 in the 2nd, 4 in the 3rd, "Q+1".
Quoting them from p 336 : "Our analysis shows that most of the time, a starter in foul trouble should be benched. If left in the game, the player may become a liability , since he is afraid of picking up another foul."
I think we'd have to allow D3 WBB coaches to know best whether certain of their players can handle playing in foul trouble, or how they play while on the verge of being pulled at their next foul.
There is also discussion of possible value of saving a good player for use in the final minutes of a close game. It was noted that this part of the game can be more densely-packed with possessions than minutes earlier in the game. I'm not sure if they addressed whether the additional possessions raise the likelihood of the player committing the 6th foul.
I'd note that points scored in the 2nd quarter are just as good as those scored at the end of the 4th Q.
Maybe someone else can better judge the info in lmitzel's 2nd link and let us know.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 22, 2018, 11:21:04 AM
Recruiting news out of the land of our green-clad friends: Morton's Caylie Jones has committed to Illinois Wesleyan. She's 5'8" and according to her recruiting profile can play either forward position. That same recruiting site lists her as averaging 15 and 10 per game, with 55 percent shooting from the floor and a 75 percent clip at the stripe. (I can't attest to the accuracy of these numbers, but it's the only batch I could find at a quick glance).

She knows how to win too, being part of a team that won three straight state titles before getting bounced in their sectional title game this year and she finished her high school career with a record of 131-10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 23, 2018, 09:26:19 PM
Also another "commit" for the TITAN Class of 2022 -- Kaia Bowen of St. Thomas More HS.  It's going to be another strong freshmen class coming into the Titan program, working with Coach Smith and her staff.

Welcome to the Titan Nation, Kaia and Caylie!



GO TITANS -- more good years to come.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 25, 2018, 08:34:01 PM
In D3 WBB, St. Thomas More is an awfully promising name for a recruit to be coming from! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 28, 2018, 03:49:48 AM
Titans voted #16 in the final D3 National Poll.

Congratulations to Amherst on a dominating, unblemished season, undefeated national champions. 

On to more good seasons for the TITAN program.  Thanks again to all the seniors.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 28, 2018, 10:04:47 PM
Another IWU recruit for the Titan Class of 2022:

Catie Eck, 5' 11" SG from Sacred Heart Griffin, Springfield.

Welcome to the Titan nation, Catie!


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 28, 2018, 11:26:20 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 28, 2018, 10:04:47 PM
Another IWU recruit for the Titan Class of 2022:

Catie Eck, 5' 11" SG from Sacred Heart Griffin, Springfield.

Welcome to the Titan nation, Catie!


IWU'70

May Catie be good enough that I don't call her Katie (or Katy, or whatever) for a few years! ;D

[I'm not sure I was consistently correct on Rebekah Ehresman until she was a senior!]

[And to this day I have to seriously think is it Korey Coon or Corey Koon! :-[]
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 30, 2018, 03:33:02 AM
Ypsi, I'm sure Greg will correct us, mock us for not being able to spell names of our TITANS' players correctly.  Just wait til he's our age.

I always have trouble with Korey Coon or Corey Koon.  Which is it anyway?  :)

And forget about spelling Keelan Amelionovich?    I'm sure it's not right.

Anyway, some great players all.  At least I finally have Alex O'Neill right -- for the next two years on the men's side.   LOL. 

Let's hope Ron Rose has a good recruiting year too -- esp. some new, rebounding bigs to replace Beasley and Tyler Burdine.   

Brady Rose is easy to spell!

Happy Spring, happy Easter!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 03, 2018, 11:11:41 PM
Rebekah Ehresman taking over as the Graduate Assistant on the staff of Mia Smith for next year, replacing Shelby Jackson.  Thank you Shelby for all your good work with the Titans!   We'll miss you. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 03, 2018, 11:36:27 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 03, 2018, 11:11:41 PM
Rebekah Ehresman taking over as the Graduate Assistant on the staff of Mia Smith for next year, replacing Shelby Jackson.  Thank you Shelby for all your good work with the Titans!   We'll miss you. 

'70

That's GREAT news!  Rebekah was the heart and soul of the team, even if her stats were not eye-popping.  With her mentoring the young Titans, the future looks even brighter!

[Graduate Assistant implies the person is a graduate student.  Since IWU has no grad school, is she on loan from ISU, or is 'graduate assistant' just a euphemism for 'grossly underpaid recent graduate who is an assistant coach'? ::)]
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 04, 2018, 11:28:34 PM
Ypsi, I don't know for sure, but assume Rebekah is indeed in grad school at ISU or elsewhere.  Shelby Jackson was, and I assume Shelby's now moving on to more grad school or some other coaching or sports management job.  Stay tuned.  I'm sure news will be revealed in time.

It is very good news about Ehresman, as IWU will have to find a new PG to run the show next season -- likely Munroe, perhaps Shanks or Sosa.  Not sure.  In any case, having Ehresman there to provide the instruction is just grand!   Should be another good season -- as you always say, "in Mia we trust."  Even with Ehresman and McGraw's departure, the TITANS have a lot of talent coming back, already some good freshmen recruits announced. 

Hope you are well -- time for summer, outdoors, softball and baseball -- and soon golf and road trips.  And lawn work, too . . .

Be well, all best to all the chatsters for a happy summer break. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on April 04, 2018, 11:42:21 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 04, 2018, 11:28:34 PM
Ypsi, I don't know for sure, but assume Rebekah is indeed in grad school at ISU or elsewhere.  Shelby Jackson was, and I assume Shelby's now moving on to more grad school or some other coaching or sports management job.  Stay tuned.  I'm sure news will be revealed in time.

It is very good news about Ehresman, as IWU will have to find a new PG to run the show next season -- likely Munroe, perhaps Shanks or Sosa.  Not sure.  In any case, having Ehresman there to provide the instruction is just grand!   Should be another good season -- as you always say, "in Mia we trust."  Even with Ehresman and McGraw's departure, the TITANS have a lot of talent coming back, already some good freshmen recruits announced. 

Hope you are well -- time for summer, outdoors, softball and baseball -- and soon golf and road trips.  And lawn work, too . . .

Be well, all best to all the chatsters for a happy summer break. 

IWU'70

Certainly it is TIME for it, but Ma Nature is not co-operating!  The Tigers home game was SNOWED out today! >:(  I am SO done with winter. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 06, 2018, 02:59:32 AM
Have faith, Ypsi, Spring just around the corner . . . maybe after a few more Nor'easters!   LOL.

Warm, sunny and in the high 70s here in Hongkiland.  Rugby Sevens weekend.  You can see why I come here each "spring term."  Away from Central IL. snow and sleet. 

Hope to see you at IWU this summer or fall -- Homecoming is October 5-7.  Be there!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 06, 2018, 01:58:19 PM
To break up the heavy amount of green in recent posts on the board... ( :P )

The CCIW is naming its awards for Coach of the Year and Most Outstanding Player starting next season (http://cciw.org/news/2018/4/5/cciw-renames-womens-basketball-awards-after-former-coaches-beth-baker-and-lori-kerans.aspx). The COY award will be named after former Wheaton coach Beth Baker, while the MOP award will be named after the recently retired Lori Kerans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 06, 2018, 02:35:20 PM
I applaud the decision. Those are well-deserved honors to be given to the two head coaches who, along with Augustana's Diane "Schuie" Schumacher in the early years, really set the standard for this league in its first two decades of sponsoring this sport. Between them, Beth Baker and Lori Kerans won or shared 15 of the first 21 CCIW women's basketball titles.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 08, 2018, 01:59:15 AM
I applaud the decision as well.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 08, 2018, 10:32:23 AM
Speaking of the recently-retired Diane Schumacher, I always thought that it was weird that she was a nationally-recognized star in softball circles -- she was a gold-medal-winning player for Team USA in the World Games and two Pan-Am Games, and she's a member of both the International Softball Hall of Fame and the ASA Hall of Fame -- and yet she had far more success coaching women's basketball for Augustana than she did in coaching the Augie softball team. Her Augie hoops teams won five of the first seven CCIW titles awarded in that sport and went to the D3 tourney five times, but she won only one CCIW title in nine seasons as Augie's softball coach after the league began sponsoring that sport, and she had an overall losing record and was only one game above .500 in CCIW play over the course of her 15 years as Augie's softball coach.

Regardless, she is one of the most illustrious coaches in CCIW history in terms of overall national impact in a particular sport. It just doesn't happen to be the sport in which she found the most success as a coach in the CCIW ranks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 27, 2018, 04:49:47 AM
Any recruiting news -- as students begin to make the final college choices?   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 27, 2018, 12:05:08 PM
North Park has four recruits thus far. Three of them are guards: Jackie Rapp (5'7) from Sycamore and Alana Santos (5'8) from Walther Christian will be freshmen, and Angelina Villasin (5'3) from Prospect by way of Harper College will be a junior. Villasin looks interesting; she averaged 19.6 and 19.5 ppg in her two years at Harper, and she's a shooter, which NPU seriously needs; she won the state's Class 4A Queen of the Hill contest as a senior at Prospect.

The fourth recruit is a post player, Josie Summerville (6'1) from Adairsville, GA, who will also be an incoming freshman. Her Hudl video indicates that she's got good back-to-the-basket skills and can run the floor. NPU is going to need more than one new big, though, considering what the program is losing to graduation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 29, 2018, 08:01:37 PM
Do we know who approved the Watered-Down CCIW Tournament? WBB coaches? Athletic Directors?
With six of nine schools making the 2018-19 tourney, standards have certainly been lowered. And only the saddest inept team(s) will not be in contention down to the final week or so of the regular season. Not much difference in finishing 3rd 4th 5th or 6th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 29, 2018, 10:42:11 PM
I see now that Rebekah Ehresman, like Molly McGraw, has turned to track and field, throwing the javelin.  As mentioned earlier, Rebekah will be replacing Shelby Jackson as the TA/Assistant Coach for the Titans next year -- likely tutoring whomever steps into the key PG role for IWU next season -- could be Munroe, Shanks, Sosa . . . stay tuned. 

With the May 1st deadlines upcoming for admissions, I'd expect from many CCIW schools quite a bit more recruitment news in the next few weeks.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: titanalum94 on April 29, 2018, 11:40:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 29, 2018, 08:01:37 PM
Do we know who approved the Watered-Down CCIW Tournament? WBB coaches? Athletic Directors?
With six of nine schools making the 2018-19 tourney, standards have certainly been lowered. And only the saddest inept team(s) will not be in contention down to the final week or so of the regular season. Not much difference in finishing 3rd 4th 5th or 6th.

Pretty sure it was coach approved, those 5 and 6 seeds want a chance at an AQ too. It's fairly in line with what other conferences are doing though. The WIAC, MIAC, IIAC all have 6 team tournaments and the OAC has an 8 team tourney for a 10 team league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on April 29, 2018, 11:53:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 29, 2018, 08:01:37 PM
Do we know who approved the Watered-Down CCIW Tournament? WBB coaches? Athletic Directors?
With six of nine schools making the 2018-19 tourney, standards have certainly been lowered. And only the saddest inept team(s) will not be in contention down to the final week or so of the regular season. Not much difference in finishing 3rd 4th 5th or 6th.

Whether proposed by coaches, ADs, or even team mascots, I believe such a change can only ultimately be implemented after approval by the Presidents of the conference member institutions.

It seems such was the case when the teams went to men's-women's doubleheaders on Saturdays during the conference portion of the season. If I remember correctly, the member Presidents approved the plan after it was put together by the ADs in response to the Presidents' request for a plan to cut down on athletic department costs. If approval had been up to the coaches alone, it would never have seen the light of day. The power to make such changes rests in the hands of those at the top.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 30, 2018, 10:11:39 AM
Thanks for the replies!
Another way of looking at it :
in regular season conference play, 72 games will be played to eliminate 3 teams from the AQ. Then 5 teams will get eliminated in 5 games.
iwu70, maybe you should tell Rebekah that if her javelin team wins the opening coin toss, they should not elect to receive! (sorry -- old joke)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on April 30, 2018, 11:24:31 AM
This is a change in pace from current discussion, but I was looking at the new schedule for Wheaton next season and they open up against Thomas More at home. You could imagine my surprise seeing this as Thomas More is one of the premier programs in the country and I would not have expected a home matchup with them right away. It will for sure be an early measuring stick for this young Thunder team and I'll be interested to go out and see just how good the Top tier of D3 women's basketball really is.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 30, 2018, 11:53:55 AM
While accessing Wheaton's schedule, I got distracted by this :
https://app.box.com/s/otz3inyxd43jmme82uio229ci4s2jjx0
Congrats to Mia Smith and Kent Madsen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 30, 2018, 11:11:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 29, 2018, 08:01:37 PM
Do we know who approved the Watered-Down CCIW Tournament? WBB coaches? Athletic Directors?

The coaches wanted it, but the nine CCIW presidents had to sign off on it. Keep in mind that this means more time spent off campus by student-athletes (i.e., potentially more missed class time), however miniscule that amount of off-campus time actually is in terms of the broad sweep of the season, so the nine athletic departments couldn't institute the new tourney setup unilaterally. This is an academics-based decision; thus, it's made on the presidential level.

Quote from: AndOne on April 29, 2018, 11:53:17 PM
Whether proposed by coaches, ADs, or even team mascots, I believe such a change can only ultimately be implemented after approval by the Presidents of the conference member institutions.

The presidents were in on the study level of the proposal, so this wasn't just a rubber stamp on their part.

Quote from: AndOne on April 29, 2018, 11:53:17 PMIt seems such was the case when the teams went to men's-women's doubleheaders on Saturdays during the conference portion of the season. If I remember correctly, the member Presidents approved the plan after it was put together by the ADs in response to the Presidents' request for a plan to cut down on athletic department costs. If approval had been up to the coaches alone, it would never have seen the light of day. The power to make such changes rests in the hands of those at the top.

This is true, but I'm pretty sure that in this case it was a matter of academics (time spent away from campus) rather than finances, given that adding two more basketball games to the overall CCIW schedule isn't really a budget-buster.

Quote from: RogK on April 29, 2018, 08:01:37 PMWith six of nine schools making the 2018-19 tourney, standards have certainly been lowered. And only the saddest inept team(s) will not be in contention down to the final week or so of the regular season. Not much difference in finishing 3rd 4th 5th or 6th.

As titanalum94 said, a six-team tourney is in keeping with what neighboring D3 leagues do. And part of the reasoning behind adding those two extra teams is that it enhances playing opportunities, which: a) is in line with D3's credo that sports on this level is all about the student-athlete experience; and b) is a recruiting boost.

Quote from: iwu70 on April 29, 2018, 10:42:11 PMAs mentioned earlier, Rebekah will be replacing Shelby Jackson as the TA/Assistant Coach for the Titans next year

GA, not TA. A teaching assistant is a graduate student who works on the academics side in aiding faculty with classroom and/or research work. A graduate assistant is a graduate student who works on the athletics side in aiding coaches or athletics administrators.

Quote from: duckfan41 on April 30, 2018, 11:24:31 AM
This is a change in pace from current discussion, but I was looking at the new schedule for Wheaton next season and they open up against Thomas More at home. You could imagine my surprise seeing this as Thomas More is one of the premier programs in the country and I would not have expected a home matchup with them right away. It will for sure be an early measuring stick for this young Thunder team and I'll be interested to go out and see just how good the Top tier of D3 women's basketball really is.

Thomas More is moving to the NAIA (http://www.tmcsaints.com/general/2017-18/releases/20180417pd5yyb). It will be an NAIA school for sure in 2019-20, and it may yet opt to move to the NAIA for this coming school year and play as an independent in that organization. So it may not be a "top tier of D3 women's basketball" team after all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 01, 2018, 01:22:52 AM
Yes, Greg, thanks for the clarification -- I think she is indeed the GA, her stellar academic career notwithstanding. 

Thanks for all the background on the new tournament set-up.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 01, 2018, 10:48:51 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 30, 2018, 11:11:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 29, 2018, 08:01:37 PMWith six of nine schools making the 2018-19 tourney, standards have certainly been lowered. And only the saddest inept team(s) will not be in contention down to the final week or so of the regular season. Not much difference in finishing 3rd 4th 5th or 6th.

As titanalum94 said, a six-team tourney is in keeping with what neighboring D3 leagues do. And part of the reasoning behind adding those two extra teams is that it enhances playing opportunities, which: a) is in line with D3's credo that sports on this level is all about the student-athlete experience; and b) is a recruiting boost.

As a refresher, if the 6 team format were in place this past year, here's what the field would have looked like:

Quote from: lmitzel on February 21, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
(6)Carroll (5-11) @ (3)Carthage (11-5)
(5)Augustana (8-8) @ (4)Elmhurst (9-7)

Highest remaining seed vs (2)Wheaton (14-2)
Lowest remaining seed @ (1)Illinois Wesleyan (15-1)

The year before would have been:

(6)Carthage (8-8) @ (3)Elmhurst (11-5)
(5)North Central (8-8) @ (4)Augustana (10-6)

Highest remaining seed vs (2)Illinois Wesleyan (12-4)
Lowest remaining seed @ (1)Wheaton (14-2)

The odds of your 6 seed being 8-8 probably isn't great, but you're also probably not going to see a 5-11 team a ton; probably something more in between the two.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 01, 2018, 02:54:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 30, 2018, 11:11:00 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on April 30, 2018, 11:24:31 AM
This is a change in pace from current discussion, but I was looking at the new schedule for Wheaton next season and they open up against Thomas More at home. You could imagine my surprise seeing this as Thomas More is one of the premier programs in the country and I would not have expected a home matchup with them right away. It will for sure be an early measuring stick for this young Thunder team and I'll be interested to go out and see just how good the Top tier of D3 women's basketball really is.

Thomas More is moving to the NAIA (http://www.tmcsaints.com/general/2017-18/releases/20180417pd5yyb). It will be an NAIA school for sure in 2019-20, and it may yet opt to move to the NAIA for this coming school year and play as an independent in that organization. So it may not be a "top tier of D3 women's basketball" team after all.

No... they aren't moving to NAIA next academic season. They are moving forward as an independent in DIII for 2018-19. They have been making schedules across all sports accordingly. They are also making a last ditch attempt (from what I can tell reading through many comments and reports) to stay in DIII after the upcoming year, but they need a dance partner. They are approved to enter the NAIA for 2019-20 if they cannot find a way to stay in DIII.

But again - they are not leaving sooner than summer of 2019.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 01, 2018, 03:21:00 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 01, 2018, 02:54:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 30, 2018, 11:11:00 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on April 30, 2018, 11:24:31 AM
This is a change in pace from current discussion, but I was looking at the new schedule for Wheaton next season and they open up against Thomas More at home. You could imagine my surprise seeing this as Thomas More is one of the premier programs in the country and I would not have expected a home matchup with them right away. It will for sure be an early measuring stick for this young Thunder team and I'll be interested to go out and see just how good the Top tier of D3 women's basketball really is.

Thomas More is moving to the NAIA (http://www.tmcsaints.com/general/2017-18/releases/20180417pd5yyb). It will be an NAIA school for sure in 2019-20, and it may yet opt to move to the NAIA for this coming school year and play as an independent in that organization. So it may not be a "top tier of D3 women's basketball" team after all.

No... they aren't moving to NAIA next academic season. They are moving forward as an independent in DIII for 2018-19. They have been making schedules across all sports accordingly. They are also making a last ditch attempt (from what I can tell reading through many comments and reports) to stay in DIII after the upcoming year, but they need a dance partner. They are approved to enter the NAIA for 2019-20 if they cannot find a way to stay in DIII.

But again - they are not leaving sooner than summer of 2019.

Yes, I see now that Thomas More updated its statement two weeks ago:

http://www.tmcsaints.com/general/2017-18/releases/20180417pd5yyb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 01, 2018, 05:50:02 PM
Not sure what needed to be updated. I am also working on knowledge I have had for six-plus months, so I can sometimes not be sure what is public and what is not public.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 01, 2018, 08:52:22 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 01, 2018, 05:50:02 PM
Not sure what needed to be updated. I am also working on knowledge I have had for six-plus months, so I can sometimes not be sure what is public and what is not public.

You remember -- the first version of that release was unclear. The second paragraph wasn't added until after the first version of the story had already made the rounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 01, 2018, 10:18:45 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 01, 2018, 08:52:22 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 01, 2018, 05:50:02 PM
Not sure what needed to be updated. I am also working on knowledge I have had for six-plus months, so I can sometimes not be sure what is public and what is not public.

You remember -- the first version of that release was unclear. The second paragraph wasn't added until after the first version of the story had already made the rounds.

I highlighted the part I thought was also important.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 01, 2018, 10:51:01 PM
Point of clarification: Greg, are you able to read Dave's mind? :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 01, 2018, 11:48:14 PM
I plead the Fifth on that. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 02, 2018, 12:24:01 AM
Fourth IWU recruit:   Ms. Brooke Lansford, Blue Valley West HS in Kansas. 

Welcome to the TITAN nation, Brooke!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on May 02, 2018, 12:04:14 PM
My only point being, Pat, that some of what I thought may have been known already... may not have been. It wasn't to say others should have known... it was to say I may have thought it already to be known. SMH
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 08, 2018, 03:50:59 PM
Jayla Johnson, a 5'8 multi-position player from Wheaton-Warrenville South, has joined the North Park class of '22:

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/01/09/girls-basketball-size-aside-jayla-johnson-stands-out-for-wheaton-warrenville-south/a4y7g5j/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 10, 2018, 09:44:08 AM
Last night I got to attend North Central's postseason banquet and see off the last remnants of the team that made the NCAA Tournament three years ago.

The main highlights:
-Maya Walls was Defensive MVP
-Mayson Whipple was Offensive MVP
-Freshman Bekah Foley was the inaugural recipient of the Helen Muleya Memorial All Smiles Award
-Mayson Whipple received the Liz Pearlman Perseverance Award
-I think Michaela Reedy got the Cardinal Spirit Award or something like that (I was distracted by my 1 year old's elite escapability)

And as far as next year I hear rumblings that North Central's incoming recruiting class is supposed to be fantastic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 13, 2018, 10:43:45 PM
Congrats to Annie Shain, promoted from graduate assistant coach in '17-'18 to assistant head coach for North Park. I hear Stan Van Gundy was really the top choice, but he wanted a pre-paid Ventra card in lieu of salary and NP wouldn't go for that.
Also congrats to Mary Karsten Surridge, set to become North Park's President in mid-August; she served as assistant women's basketball coach for several seasons early in the 21st century. Presumably, this means there'll be a quadrupling of the Athletic budget. Greg?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 14, 2018, 07:46:57 PM
NPU will no doubt quadruple its athletic budget moments after Mary Surridge hangs up the phone after having called you, Rog. ;)

Technically, she is not "set to become North Park's president in mid-August" yet; she still has to be approved by the vote of the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park's parent denomination, which will be held in late June in Minneapolis. I don't think that there's any question that that'll happen, though, since I haven't heard anything but positive responses to Mary's nomination from my numerous Covenant contacts across the country. Indeed, the fact that she's already Covenant (NPU's recently-retired president, David Parkyn, came in from another denomination and had to join a Covenant church before formally assuming the position of president, and church/school relations deteriorated on his watch) is one reason why she'll be readily embraced up in Minneapolis next month. Personally, I think that she's as sound a choice for NPU president as the Board of Trustees could've hoped to find at this juncture in the institutional life of the school. I am optimistic about the school's future with her at the top of the organizational chart, completely aside from the fact that she'll undoubtedly be a pro-athletics president.

I didn't mention Annie Shain's promotion because NPU hadn't sent out a press release making it official (and it still has yet to do so), even though she's listed as the assistant head coach on the online roster and has been functioning in that role since Lauren Rosengarden took over the Concordia (IL) program in March. But, yeah, I most certainly congratulate her on the promotion, whether or not it's yet been made official.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 14, 2018, 09:20:50 PM
I learned of it here :
http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2018/5/3/shain-steps-up-as-womens-basketball-assistant-head-coach.aspx
although I was ten days late!
A pair of corporate jets and several qualified pilots would make recruiting trips easier. That wouldn't be asking too much, would it? Well, maybe.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 15, 2018, 12:04:54 PM
Well, I guess that I missed that press release. The late run that the NPU baseball team made to get into the CCIW tournament must've scrolled the releases to the point that I missed the announcement about Annie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 17, 2018, 02:46:20 PM
So I just got a bombshell dropped on me: Michelle Roof is leaving North Central, I believe effective end of next week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 17, 2018, 04:56:01 PM
Wow. Any details you can share as to why, Lucas? And, given the late date, does this mean that Mark Youngs will take over next year as interim head coach, or will NCC go through the hiring process right now and install a new head coach over the summer?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 17, 2018, 05:54:11 PM
I'm not completely surprised, as this past season could not have been much fun for her. Good luck to her at her next stop! I'm very glad she implemented a version of "the System" for several seasons (through 16-17), as those games were always packed with action (most of it good, some a bit sloppy); the athleticism of all players was fully tested. The alertness of those keeping score or broadcasting or refereeing was fully tested, too!
I'd think NCC has time to find a new coaching staff. One would hope/assume that those good recruits lmitzel recently alluded to would stick with their NCC plans, unlike D1 players in this situation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 18, 2018, 10:35:17 AM
Not knowing how much I'm at liberty to share I don't want to delve into too deep of detail, but I can say it was her call. She told the team earlier this week, and before bringing it up to me she said she wasn't sure if I'd heard or not, so I guess it's out there to some degree. I didn't see it coming, not after how excited she seemed about the incoming recruits.

I do know that they're going to be undertaking a nationwide search for a new coach. Michelle was hired in June of 2010, so it's not like there isn't precedent here for a summer hire.

Quote from: RogK on May 17, 2018, 05:54:11 PM
The alertness of those keeping score or broadcasting or refereeing was fully tested, too!

And this is why the phrase "Wholesale line change for the Cardinals" became part of my lexicon for five years. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 18, 2018, 05:31:25 PM
Doug Porter is returning to the NAIA, following a season with Wheaton (and five at NCC) :
http://www.judsoneagles.com/article/3783.php
Good luck to him at his new gig!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 21, 2018, 11:31:09 AM
the '18-'19 Carthage schedule is here :
http://athletics.carthage.edu/schedule.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on May 22, 2018, 03:42:24 PM
We have a really good field of teams for the D3hoops.com Classic. Glad the Lady Reds are part of it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 31, 2018, 04:57:25 PM
Might as well throw this on here: North Central has officially posted the opening for the head women's basketball coach to succeed Michelle Roof (https://northcentralcollege.peopleadmin.com/postings/5040).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 12, 2018, 10:28:06 AM
North Central's schedule for 2018-19 is out (http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball).

Much like the 2016-17 campaign the Cardinals are only playing nine home games, with the opener coming on Saturday, November 10th against Knox. They're playing in two tournaments, one Thanksgiving weekend at Wilmington College in Ohio and at Wartburg College's Holiday Tournament the week after Christmas. Other non-con's include the trip up Maple to play Benedictine, road swings of home-and-homes with UW-Stevens Point and Dubuque, and a trip to St. Mary's (IN).

I continue to be bummed about the lack of home non-conference games, but I think some home dates are planned for the following year to help balance it out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 13, 2018, 11:29:34 AM
The Judson (NAIA) site no longer shows the Doug Porter announcement, so that deal may be off. Something to do with the Singapore meeting, I think.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 13, 2018, 11:58:51 AM
Quote from: RogK on June 13, 2018, 11:29:34 AM
The Judson (NAIA) site no longer shows the Doug Porter announcement, so that deal may be off. Something to do with the Singapore meeting, I think.

Looks like Doug will return to Wheaton for the 2018-19 campaign (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/coaches.aspx?rc=857), Singapore-related or not. :P

I'd gotten a little excited that he might have been a candidate for the NCC job for a minute to relive the glory System days, but alas, it was not meant to be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 19, 2018, 09:26:14 AM
Looks promising.  I suspect that Swider will be getting some time immediately.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2018/6/18/the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-newcomers-for-the-2018-19-season.aspx

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on June 23, 2018, 06:15:18 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on May 17, 2018, 02:46:20 PM
So I just got a bombshell dropped on me: Michelle Roof is leaving North Central, I believe effective end of next week.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 17, 2018, 04:56:01 PM
Wow. Any details you can share as to why, Lucas? And, given the late date, does this mean that Mark Youngs will take over next year as interim head coach, or will NCC go through the hiring process right now and install a new head coach over the summer?
Quote from: lmitzel on May 18, 2018, 10:35:17 AM
Not knowing how much I'm at liberty to share I don't want to delve into too deep of detail, but I can say it was her call. She told the team earlier this week, and before bringing it up to me she said she wasn't sure if I'd heard or not, so I guess it's out there to some degree. I didn't see it coming, not after how excited she seemed about the incoming recruits.

I do know that they're going to be undertaking a nationwide search for a new coach. Michelle was hired in June of 2010, so it's not like there isn't precedent here for a summer hire.

Mark Youngs will undoubtedly not be taking over any position at North Central. 😯
Youngs has become an assistant women's coach at D1 Austin Peay.
Accordingly, NCC is currently looking for both a new head coach, and top assistant. 🏀 🏀
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on June 24, 2018, 10:28:40 PM
Olivia Lett joined us for this month's Around the Nation podcast to talk about her time playing professionally in Spain, the transition to head coach at Millikin and her approach to recruiting. You can listen to our conversation here:

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/06/atn-lett-toomey
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 10, 2018, 10:34:54 AM
If any CCIW WBB teams must engage in some stupid team-bonding activities, stay out of caves.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 16, 2018, 02:29:53 PM
North Central's head coaching vacancy is filled: Maggie McCloskey-Bax is leaving Carthage College to take over the Cardinals' program (http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2018/7/16/mccloskey-bax-named-11th-womens-basketball-coach.aspx).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 16, 2018, 03:43:00 PM
North Park added another 5'8 multi-position player, as Lauren Lee from Glenbard North is enrolling at NPU.

http://basketball.dailyherald.com/article/20161117/sports/161118954/

She'll be reunited with her former Panthers teammate Zakiya Newsome as a Viking.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 16, 2018, 11:34:03 PM
Congrats to Maggie McCloskey-Bax! Her time serving with Coach Bernero should enable her to "hit the ground running."
My guess is that no one from the 2017-18 Cardinals roster has a guaranteed spot for '18-'19. Hardly any of the potential returnees were consistently productive. Lyndsay Brennan may be the most reliable returning player. Who else comes to mind, lmitzel?
Many players have potential for some improvement. Interesting newcomers are expected, as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 17, 2018, 10:16:52 AM
Quote from: RogK on July 16, 2018, 11:34:03 PM
Congrats to Maggie McCloskey-Bax! Her time serving with Coach Bernero should enable her to "hit the ground running."
My guess is that no one from the 2017-18 Cardinals roster has a guaranteed spot for '18-'19. Hardly any of the potential returnees were consistently productive. Lyndsay Brennan may be the most reliable returning player. Who else comes to mind, lmitzel?
Many players have potential for some improvement. Interesting newcomers are expected, as well.

Last year was a bummer but it was a very young team. I'd think that the freshmen and sophomores are only going to get better. I'd agree that Lyndsay Brennan might be the best returning player, though I'd put Maya Walls and Siarra O'Neill right there too along with Natali Dimitrova if you're just looking at upperclassmen. Haydn Braun will probably get more run at the point with Mayson Whipple graduated, Bekah Foley should be healthy after missing a chunk of last year, and they get 2017 recruit Kylie Modaff back from her knee injury that kept her out all last year.

And take this for what it's worth, but before she left Michelle Roof told me she thought this recruiting class was the best one she had. Whether her departure changed anything or not I don't know, but there's a lot of talent coming in. And this will be a young team again: I think there will only be two seniors on this year's roster barring something weird happening.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 20, 2018, 11:38:46 AM
On IWU, of course, we're still very far out, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Titans ranked #1 in pre-season CCIW again, given what they have coming back.  We are in the post-Ehresman, McGraw era now, and those are two all-time greats at IWU, lost to graduation, but the TITANS have such talent and experience coming back -- perhaps some good new faces too.  But, seems the experienced returning Titans will take up most, if not all of the minutes, with pine-sitters, freshmen waiting their turn.

These eight will constitute the Titan rotation in the coming season, likely -- Merritt/Brovelli, Hughes, Shanks, Anderson, Schneider, Sosa and potential PG Munroe.   I'm very positive about the upcoming season.  Any one or two of these experienced players could have a big, break out season in 18-19.  My bet is on Hughes and Anderson.  We'll see.  Merritt and Brovelli will anchor the paint. 

First, football.

IWU70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on July 21, 2018, 04:17:52 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on July 17, 2018, 10:16:52 AM
Quote from: RogK on July 16, 2018, 11:34:03 PM
Congrats to Maggie McCloskey-Bax! Her time serving with Coach Bernero should enable her to "hit the ground running."
My guess is that no one from the 2017-18 Cardinals roster has a guaranteed spot for '18-'19. Hardly any of the potential returnees were consistently productive. Lyndsay Brennan may be the most reliable returning player. Who else comes to mind, lmitzel?
Many players have potential for some improvement. Interesting newcomers are expected, as well.

Last year was a bummer but it was a very young team. I'd think that the freshmen and sophomores are only going to get better. I'd agree that Lyndsay Brennan might be the best returning player, though I'd put Maya Walls and Siarra O'Neill right there too along with Natali Dimitrova if you're just looking at upperclassmen. Haydn Braun will probably get more run at the point with Mayson Whipple graduated, Bekah Foley should be healthy after missing a chunk of last year, and they get 2017 recruit Kylie Modaff back from her knee injury that kept her out all last year.

And take this for what it's worth, but before she left Michelle Roof told me she thought this recruiting class was the best one she had. Whether her departure changed anything or not I don't know, but there's a lot of talent coming in. And this will be a young team again: I think there will only be two seniors on this year's roster barring something weird happening.

Hopefully the new coach will be able to convince all of the recruits to follow through on their decisions to attend NCC. Another task that needs to be addressed is the hiring of a top, and possibly a 2nd, assistant coach in order to fully ignite the 2019-2020 recruiting efforts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 23, 2018, 09:56:42 AM
Quote from: AndOne on July 21, 2018, 04:17:52 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on July 17, 2018, 10:16:52 AM
Quote from: RogK on July 16, 2018, 11:34:03 PM
Congrats to Maggie McCloskey-Bax! Her time serving with Coach Bernero should enable her to "hit the ground running."
My guess is that no one from the 2017-18 Cardinals roster has a guaranteed spot for '18-'19. Hardly any of the potential returnees were consistently productive. Lyndsay Brennan may be the most reliable returning player. Who else comes to mind, lmitzel?
Many players have potential for some improvement. Interesting newcomers are expected, as well.

Last year was a bummer but it was a very young team. I'd think that the freshmen and sophomores are only going to get better. I'd agree that Lyndsay Brennan might be the best returning player, though I'd put Maya Walls and Siarra O'Neill right there too along with Natali Dimitrova if you're just looking at upperclassmen. Haydn Braun will probably get more run at the point with Mayson Whipple graduated, Bekah Foley should be healthy after missing a chunk of last year, and they get 2017 recruit Kylie Modaff back from her knee injury that kept her out all last year.

And take this for what it's worth, but before she left Michelle Roof told me she thought this recruiting class was the best one she had. Whether her departure changed anything or not I don't know, but there's a lot of talent coming in. And this will be a young team again: I think there will only be two seniors on this year's roster barring something weird happening.

Hopefully the new coach will be able to convince all of the recruits to follow through on their decisions to attend NCC. Another task that needs to be addressed is the hiring of a top, and possibly a 2nd, assistant coach in order to fully ignite the 2019-2020 recruiting efforts.

That hiring process looks to be underway, since the opening is up on North Central's website (https://northcentralcollege.peopleadmin.com/postings/5200). And they've only had two assistants (one a GA) for the past two seasons, though an extra voice on the bench can't hurt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 24, 2018, 03:00:20 PM
 Article from the Naperville Sun on the hiring of Maggie McCloskey-Bax (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/sports/ct-nvs-spt-womens-basketball-north-central-maggie-mccloskey-bax-st-0722-story.html#nt=oft13a-1gp1). Also touches a bit on the departure of Michelle Roof, who is off in law enforcement now (which I knew but didn't feel it was my place to say when I first heard she was leaving).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 24, 2018, 04:52:31 PM
The article contains an error. Bob Bonn wasn't recently hired as Carthage's AD; he recently retired from being Carthage's AD.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 24, 2018, 05:02:56 PM
Thanks for providing that link, lmitzel.
Had no idea Michelle Roof would opt for a career away from athletics.
It will be interesting to see how Millikin and North Central develop with new head coaches.
Off the side (or top) of my head, I'd expect Carthage, IWU and Wheaton to do well next season. The rest of the league is a little more iffy. Hopefully, we don't have any teams that will stink and be painful to watch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 25, 2018, 04:47:11 PM
Agree with RogK, assume WC, IWU and CC will be the strongest of the lot next season, though perhaps others will surprise.  Should be interesting to see how Olivia Lett does down in Decatur.  IWU has a lot of offensive talent coming back, but needs a reliable and good PG to stir the mix.  Maybe Munroe, maybe Sosa, maybe Shanks -- not sure.  Hard to replace the ever-reliable and consistent Rebekah Ehresman.  I expect great improvements, upside from Hughes and Brovelli.  It will be interesting to see what Mia Smith puts together with the obvious strength and talent she has coming back. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on July 26, 2018, 01:05:55 PM
It will be interesting to see what IWU looks like this season. The team I saw in November REALLY benefited FROM Ehresman's and McGraw's athleticism in their press - Ehresman alone would be a huge loss but losing the kind of combined athleticism those two brought will be impossible to replace unless IWU has gotten some D-I transfers...because that's what they had in those two...a couple low Division I-caliber athletes playing Division III basketball . Offensively, those two had a singular (for their team) ability to go by their defender off the dribble and rise up over everyone and make mid-range jump shots - especially late in the shot clock. McGraw in particular might be one of the better off-the-dribble mid-range shooters I've EVER seen, male or female.
I am by no means giving up on IWU - I hope they do well and they are extremely well-coached and do have some talented Sophomores whom gained valuable minutes last season - but Wheaton is the team to beat in the CCIW - by far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 26, 2018, 04:02:14 PM
Enginerd, I surely agree with your assessment of the skills and value of Ehresman and McGraw to the IWU program.  They will be very difficult to replace.  Don't think IWU has any newbies of that talent level coming in.  But, they do have strong returnees and depth.  No doubt WC will again be very strong, and perhaps CC too.  Time will tell.  My thought is that Hughes and Sosa actually have potential to match Ehresman and McGraw longer term.  Of course, we'll have to see what summer work they put in, what improvements are coming.  I have no doubt that Anderson and Schneider will again be top-flight CCIW players. And IWU has a two time all CCIW player in Merritt, with Brovelli coming in just behind, with size and rebounding that IWU always needs, given the "run and jump" and fast break style that Mia Smith favors.  Of course, it will all have to come together and will need a kind of PG that can be TO-averse and stir the overall offense.  I think IWU has a good possibility there in Munroe, with great foot speed and ball-handling abilities.  Of course, very hard to replace Ehresman's rock solid dependability, though she's now on the coaching staff, tutoring the several upcoming potential PGs.  Shanks is battled tested, coming back from injury, and key to the "run and jump" pressure that IWU loves to bring.  We'll see.  I'm pretty confident IWU will again contend for the CCIW crown and for post-season games.

What's your assessment of WC at this point?

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 27, 2018, 12:33:08 PM
iwu70, remember that Raven Hughes had the major knee injury late in the season, so we should not expect her to regain her agility and quickness until maybe February of 2019.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 27, 2018, 12:37:42 PM
Yes, RogK, we'll see how fast she comes back.  Shanks was out with injury too.  But, should be OK as the season is still 3+ months away.  Lots of miles on Anderson and Merritt's legs and feet too, so I'm sure all these players need off-season time for rest and recouping, as well as some off-season lifting and workouts.  Hughes is such a hard-worker, so I expect her to be full-strength early on.  Ehresman and McGraw were remarkably durable, consistent during their long careers at IWU. 

What does WC look like coming into the season?

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 27, 2018, 12:56:45 PM
On a scale of 1 to 10, they should be pretty good!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on July 27, 2018, 02:43:41 PM
Stacked.
Wheaton should be a Top-10 team nationally by the end of the season - maybe higher.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on July 27, 2018, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on July 27, 2018, 02:43:41 PM
Stacked.
Wheaton should be a Top-10 team nationally by the end of the season - maybe higher.

Thunder fans should probably feel pretty good about starters Hannah Frazier, Devin Kyler, Jordan Myroth all returning as well as Jill Berg and Hannah Williams off the bench.  Frazier the only unanimous All CCIW returning player.  I'm expecting new recruit Hannah Swider and possibly Annika Simonson to see time  also - 2 solid guards that can fill in for Dansdill/Lawson loss.

I don't think they'll be Top-10 or 15 material unless one of the recruits really emerges as a 4 yr All-Con player.  Tough to judge from HS stats, as  promising as they are.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 31, 2018, 11:17:02 AM
WC sounds very well-stocked with talent and experience.  Here's to more great IWU-WC games upcoming.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 31, 2018, 12:46:14 PM
Kayla Patterson, a 5'6 guard from Schaumburg HS, is the newest addition to the NPU class of '22.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 06, 2018, 03:07:34 PM
Good luck to the Titans for their trip to Costa Rica.  They won the first game vs. the national team there.  A good season upcoming . . . I'm sure.

Enjoy it all -- global and basketball TITANS.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on August 08, 2018, 01:51:41 PM
Quote from: AndOne on July 21, 2018, 04:17:52 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on July 17, 2018, 10:16:52 AM
Quote from: RogK on July 16, 2018, 11:34:03 PM
Congrats to Maggie McCloskey-Bax! Her time serving with Coach Bernero should enable her to "hit the ground running."
My guess is that no one from the 2017-18 Cardinals roster has a guaranteed spot for '18-'19. Hardly any of the potential returnees were consistently productive. Lyndsay Brennan may be the most reliable returning player. Who else comes to mind, lmitzel?
Many players have potential for some improvement. Interesting newcomers are expected, as well.

Last year was a bummer but it was a very young team. I'd think that the freshmen and sophomores are only going to get better. I'd agree that Lyndsay Brennan might be the best returning player, though I'd put Maya Walls and Siarra O'Neill right there too along with Natali Dimitrova if you're just looking at upperclassmen. Haydn Braun will probably get more run at the point with Mayson Whipple graduated, Bekah Foley should be healthy after missing a chunk of last year, and they get 2017 recruit Kylie Modaff back from her knee injury that kept her out all last year.

And take this for what it's worth, but before she left Michelle Roof told me she thought this recruiting class was the best one she had. Whether her departure changed anything or not I don't know, but there's a lot of talent coming in. And this will be a young team again: I think there will only be two seniors on this year's roster barring something weird happening.

Hopefully the new coach will be able to convince all of the recruits to follow through on their decisions to attend NCC. Another task that needs to be addressed is the hiring of a top, and possibly a 2nd, assistant coach in order to fully ignite the 2019-2020 recruiting efforts.

No telling how good any of them will ultimately be, but I've learned that the task highlighted above in red, has been accomplished.  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 13, 2018, 12:05:43 AM
Here's a statistical measure of last season -- team points per own TOs :
IWU 6.0 (2434/407) and .862 win pct
CTG 5.3 (1862/351) and .692 win pct
WHE 5.0 (2024/402) and .786 win pct
AUG 4.5 (1883/420) and .600 win pct
ELM 3.7 (1793/480) and .500 win pct
MIL 3.5 (1697/485) and .320 win pct
NPU 3.1 (1468/476) and .360 win pct
NCC 3.1 (1497/489) and .200 win pct
CRL 2.8 (1452/528) and .320 win pct
There was a pretty strong correlation between PTS/TO and win pct. Yes, of course win pcts include unequal quality of non-conf opponents. I don't dare check any previous seasons or other conferences, in case the correlation falls apart (probably not).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 16, 2018, 11:56:15 PM
lmitzel, given Naperville's proximity to Aurora, are there times when you can see the Naperville borealis?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 17, 2018, 01:10:38 PM
Rog, one can hope that all of the Alices in Naperville will no longer be bored once basketball season comes around.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 17, 2018, 02:49:33 PM
I didn't get your reference initially, but a search explained it.
My knowledge of literature is startlingly below average. Maybe that's why I was considered for a Halfbright Scholarship!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on August 17, 2018, 03:01:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 16, 2018, 11:56:15 PM
lmitzel, given Naperville's proximity to Aurora, are there times when you can see the Naperville borealis?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 17, 2018, 01:10:38 PM
Rog, one can hope that all of the Alices in Naperville will no longer be bored once basketball season comes around.

Quote from: RogK on August 17, 2018, 02:49:33 PM
I didn't get your reference initially, but a search explained it.
My knowledge of literature is startlingly below average. Maybe that's why I was considered for a Halfbright Scholarship!

Go ask Alice when she's 10 feet tall. 🤯
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 17, 2018, 03:38:59 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 16, 2018, 11:56:15 PM
lmitzel, given Naperville's proximity to Aurora, are there times when you can see the Naperville borealis?

Harder to from my new house compared to my old ones; I moved a little further from the border. Ultimately I got spoiled by spending the first 24 and a half years of my life in Aurora. And that is a sentence I never thought I would hear myself say.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 17, 2018, 01:10:38 PM
Rog, one can hope that all of the Alices in Naperville will no longer be bored once basketball season comes around.
Quote from: RogK on August 17, 2018, 02:49:33 PM
I didn't get your reference initially, but a search explained it.
My knowledge of literature is startlingly below average. Maybe that's why I was considered for a Halfbright Scholarship!

This is the part where I take a potshot at my own private school education even though you'd think something like Alice in Wonderland would have been a part of it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 22, 2018, 05:53:12 PM
So I may have to make a trek into the city on November 3rd: North Central will play an exhibition game against Loyola that day (//http://).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 22, 2018, 11:33:52 PM
From what I've seen, local D1 teams are usually nice to the visiting D3 team and do not continuously exploit individual size and talent mismatches. When the D1 team wins by 35 or 45, you can be assured that they chose not to win by 60.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2018, 03:47:56 PM
Carthage has hired a new assistant coach :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2018/8/21/womens-basketball-lady-reds-name-kasey-kleiner-assistant-coach.aspx
Congrats to her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on August 24, 2018, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 22, 2018, 11:33:52 PM
From what I've seen, local D1 teams are usually nice to the visiting D3 team and do not continuously exploit individual size and talent mismatches. When the D1 team wins by 35 or 45, you can be assured that they chose not to win by 60.

Rose-Hulman defeated Eastern Illinois by 10 two years ago - RHIT was up 3 at halftime this past season before the disparity in conditioning and time spent together as a team took it's toll. I think the final back in November was 73-58. RHIT had about 2 1/2 weeks as a team and EIU had been going much longer if you count the allowed # of practice hours in the Fall. WashU has defeated SIU-Edwardsville in scrimmage/exhibition games in the past as well. Trine (IWU fans surely remember them) smoked IP-Ft. Wayne by 20 two years ago.

Very little difference from the standpoint of talent and competitiveness when you start talking about the bottom 50-75 Division I programs and the elite-level D-III programs (which I would not QUITE put Trine, IWU, or even RHIT in at this moment - thinking more WashU, Amherst, and Hope-who have several Division I-caliber players on their roster and WILL win a national title in the next three years). The Tufts and Amherst teams of the last 5 years or so - are teams that no Low-Mid-Major Division I coach who likes their job should ever consider scheduling.

It's no coincidence that the year-in-and-year-out elite-level D-III women's teams are populated by Division II and Division I level talent. Many Low-D-I programs are at schools with poor job placement rates and iffy academics (at least compared to the WashU's, Chicago's, Amhert's, and even RHIT's of the world). For a high-academic kid from an educated family that understands the value in one of these degrees AND can afford it-it's really not that difficult a decision-combined with the fact that basketball won't have to be your job as it will be at a big school.

Since I've been watching D-III basketball, to me there are basically four types of schools that can recruit the kind of talent necessary to win - great coaching is assumed at all:
#1 - Schools that get lucky and have a core group of local kids that want to stay close to home and the school, while well coached and always a threat, really only have National Championship-caliber teams every so often - if not only once or twice ever (Wilmington as an example).
#2 - Schools that have elite-level academics with unparalleled cache and elite job and graduate school placement (WashU, Amherst et al). Having a hook like Wheaton with it's combination of faith and religion would probably fit in this category as well.
#3 - Schools that are above-average academically, and certainly among the best liberal arts colleges in their state - and offer outstanding facilities and/or financial aid that allows them to get the athletes they want.
#4 - State schools - enough said.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 24, 2018, 08:02:52 PM
That really varies from sport to sport. Not every sport operates under the constraints of the formula for success you outlined.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on August 25, 2018, 07:46:30 AM
Agreed - I specifically mentioned basketball. Men's basketball to a slightly lesser degree...
I believe that there have been many more Men's Division III teams whom have defeated Division I teams in regular season games.

I watch less D-III football, but it would appear to me that the primary hook is:
1-A tradition of winning combined with a state/regional culture of high-school football importance-and lot's of relatively talented athletes who want to play college football. Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas. This doesn't explain Linfield LoL.
2-Financial aid - Football is a numbers game and you need 20-30 QUALITY (I know most have many more) Freshman each year to stay ahead of the curve. The school has to be committed to (relatively) outstanding financial aid.
3-Elite academics - same reasons as basketball. As an example RHIT has elevated it's program without the benefit of either of the above two - but they CAN recruit heavily out of state due to academic reputation. Same with WashU, Chicago, MIT...etc...Mt. Union is able to do the same with their winning tradition.
4-State schools
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on August 28, 2018, 04:34:55 PM
I can't say I agree with all of your findings. You may feel where you are located that those work, but I don't think they work in all places. Students have a lot of reasons to pick a program and you mention a lot of them... but I also don't think state schools affect things nearly as much as you think. I think it is a bit over blown as I can name you a lot more state programs (departments) that are not that successful than the ones who are successful.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 01, 2018, 06:01:45 PM
info on Augustana's newcomers :
http://www.athletics.augustana.edu/news/2018/8/31/womens-basketball-beinborn-unveils-2018-recruiting-class.aspx
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 03, 2018, 10:01:33 PM
A new assistant coach has signed on at North Central :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2366&path=wbball
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 04, 2018, 09:39:43 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on August 28, 2018, 04:34:55 PM
I can't say I agree with all of your findings. You may feel where you are located that those work, but I don't think they work in all places. Students have a lot of reasons to pick a program and you mention a lot of them... but I also don't think state schools affect things nearly as much as you think. I think it is a bit over blown as I can name you a lot more state programs (departments) that are not that successful than the ones who are successful.

I was specifically discussing SUCCESSFUL programs and the keys to such. Most SUCCESSFUL state schools (athletically-speaking) are starting from a point cost-wise that a private college cannot touch even AFTER financial aid. An in-state school where you can go for a fraction of the cost - that still feels somewhat like a regional state university - is going to be an attractive option for most. State schools have a huge built-in advantage in Division III - but I absolutely agree with you that that advantage alone does not guarantee success. You still have to coach and recruit. Location and academics play their part as well.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 04, 2018, 01:57:14 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on September 04, 2018, 09:39:43 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on August 28, 2018, 04:34:55 PM
I can't say I agree with all of your findings. You may feel where you are located that those work, but I don't think they work in all places. Students have a lot of reasons to pick a program and you mention a lot of them... but I also don't think state schools affect things nearly as much as you think. I think it is a bit over blown as I can name you a lot more state programs (departments) that are not that successful than the ones who are successful.

I was specifically discussing SUCCESSFUL programs and the keys to such. Most SUCCESSFUL state schools (athletically-speaking) are starting from a point cost-wise that a private college cannot touch even AFTER financial aid. An in-state school where you can go for a fraction of the cost - that still feels somewhat like a regional state university - is going to be an attractive option for most. State schools have a huge built-in advantage in Division III - but I absolutely agree with you that that advantage alone does not guarantee success. You still have to coach and recruit. Location and academics play their part as well.

I am not one who agrees with the premise that state schools have a built in advantage. The numbers don't show that what so ever. People get blinded by maybe championships in certain sports, but even that doesn't tell people the truth.

In any general academic year, state schools win 20% or less of the Division III team championships (I haven't done an audit of the last season). There are 20% or less state schools in Division III. Furthermore, of those they tend to win and get the most headlines for ... private schools tend to win at a more impressive clip. Football, men's basketball, and men's lacrosse are great examples. People complain about state schools dominating those sports while ignoring the success of the Mount Unions, NESCACs, St Thomas type schools that win these championships just as (if not more) often as the state schools.

The argument is that state schools start at a lower tuition ... sure. That actually isn't an argument. However, I don't know a single administrator I've talked to at either state or private schools that doesn't admit (in private) that by the time the privates are done discounting, adding in grants and academic scholarships and aid, and other incentives, the numbers are far closer than one would like to believe. What people tend to forget is that state schools CANNOT adjust their tuition. Their number is their number. One of the things I have heard Frostburg plans to do as it transitions to DII is offer out-of-state tuition the in-state tuition rate and basically write off the difference as a scholarship (remember, if you are not in the state the state school is located, your tuition is FAR higher - closer to privates than many realize).

I will never say that privates and publics don't have differences in tuition, but they are FAR closer than people want to realize. A great example is York College of Pennsylvania. Many confuse this as being a state school because of it's low tuition rates. The reason for the low rates is because they are designed to give the actual tuition instead of the inflated version that is going to get knocked down eventually anyway. While a private school may say they are $50,000, in reality a vast majority if not close to 90% (or more from what I have read and am told) NEVER play even close to that amount. YCP basically just knocks a vast majority of the difference off right away and starts from basically where students would be anyway. They are a private school with a different concept. People just confuse the sticker price as being the reality when in actuality it isn't true.

In other words, the "fraction of the costs" thing isn't as close a number as many realize.

If state schools had as much advantage and success as so many believe in DIII, they would be not only dominating nearly all the championships, but they would also be dominating across their departments. However, I don't know many state schools who have programs across the board who are competing for national championships. In fact, the only conference I can think of that is like that is the ... NESCAC. There may be others, but the NESCAC is the only conference I am always dealing with when talking about and prepping for other championships. Yes, Whitewater was the first to win football, men's basketball, and baseball in the same academic year ... but it has only happened once and many a private has had their chance at that opportunity as well.

I know many a student-athlete that ended up at a private school over a state school. I know many a student who also ended up at a state over a private. I can understand some circumstances where it feels like privates lose out, but I have seen it where publics have lost out as well. I just do not see it in the results, the numbers, or in reality that state schools have some unreal advantage .. including the fact that many state schools have their athletic department budgets far tighter than privates. That isn't across the board ... I know a few state schools whose budgets are through the roof ... but I also know some privates that are low and high. Each institution, and state, is different and not all public school is equal, either. In the state of Maryland alone, Univ. of Maryland is completely different than Towson which is completely different than Salisbury which is completely different than St. Mary's. The state schools in Maryland that are DIII (Salisbury, St. Mary's, Frostburg) are all different in their own way(s).

I just am not a firm believer that the "state schools have an unfair or major advantage over private schools in DIII" is actually true in the grand scheme of things. I don't see it and when you dive into things, it isn't a big a difference as many would like to argue. Remember, I went to a private school ... one that competed against a few publics in the conference ... and left because of the perceived "disadvantages."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 05, 2018, 07:08:19 AM

It's about money.  A state school might beat out private schools that can't compete in financial aid, but it's not the public nature of the school that makes the difference, it's the cost of attendance.  State schools get supplemented with tax dollars, but private schools are supplemented with endowments.  If you've got the money to make school cheaper for kids, you can recruit more and get more.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 05, 2018, 10:45:04 AM
Governments (tax $) provide roads (and some public transit) that lead to public and private universities. Just throwing that in, not contradicting anyone.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 05, 2018, 12:06:51 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 05, 2018, 07:08:19 AM

It's about money.  A state school might beat out private schools that can't compete in financial aid, but it's not the public nature of the school that makes the difference, it's the cost of attendance.  State schools get supplemented with tax dollars, but private schools are supplemented with endowments.  If you've got the money to make school cheaper for kids, you can recruit more and get more.

Not entirely true... private schools get federal and state money supplemented as well. It is an interesting twist that actually allows FOIA requests to sometimes go through ... because it is still tax money at stake. My alma mater has also urged alumni in the past to talk to political types about making sure state and federal money continued to be available for schools because of how that would impact the schools if taken away.

And again, I contend that the actual cost of attending schools is closer than people think. Privates like to inflate their numbers for a lot of reasons (good and bad) especially for the prestige and name recognition (you are going to pay more to attend Harvard because ... it's Harvard). Yes, the professors may be more expensive at a private school, but that isn't always the case. However, that can make a private slightly more expensive. York is slightly more expensive than it's state school comparatives, but not a ton of money more. Once privates finish discounting and slashing the ticket price ... the costs are closer than one realizes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on September 05, 2018, 04:03:40 PM
QuoteYork is slightly more expensive than it's state school comparatives, but not a ton of money more. Once privates finish discounting and slashing the ticket price ... the costs are closer than one realizes.

York College (Pa.) lists a total cost of attendance at $34,500 for the year. Tuition and fees are $20,100.

https://www.ycp.edu/about-us/offices-and-departments/business-office/tuition-and-fees/

The two closest state schools are Millersville and Shippensburg.

Millersville lists a total cost of attendance at $24,118 for in-state students. Tuition and fees are $10,312. If you want to take a heavier course load, you pay more. Shippensburg lists a total cost of attendance at $24,506 for in-state students. Tuition and fees are $12,718. If you want to take a heavier course load, you pay more.

https://www.millersville.edu/osa/tuition-fees/
https://www.ship.edu/Student_Accounts/Tuition_and_Fees/

The closest state school in Division III is Penn State-Harrisburg if you're in PA and Frostburg State if you're in Maryland.

PSU-Harrisburg charges around $15,000 a year for tuition, though it's more if you major in science. They don't have a lot of on campus housing so we only get tuition for comparison. Frostburg State lists a total cost of attendance at $18,750. Tuition and fees are $9,172.

So for total costs you get: York ($34,500)....Shippensburg ($24,506)...Millersville ($24,118)...Frostburg ($18,750).

And for tuition/fees only you get: York ($20,100)...PSU-Harrisburg ($15,000)...Shippensburg ($12,718)...Millersville ($10,312)...Frostburg ($9,172).

All of those cost differences are substantial, especially if you multiply them by four for a full undergraduate education. I would consider that to be a significant recruiting advantage if you're targeting a student who wants to play in D3 (Frostburg/PSU-Harrisburg) or one who is on the fence about playing or has Division II potential (Shippensburg/Millersville).

I think Ryan's point is generally right.

QuoteA state school might beat out private schools that can't compete in financial aid, but it's not the public nature of the school that makes the difference, it's the cost of attendance.

Private schools with large endowments or generous financial aid programs can choose to use them to reduce the cost of their attendance, like the NESCAC schools do. But private schools without those resources don't have that option. So they are at a cost disadvantage to state schools.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 06, 2018, 07:50:53 AM

You do have to add in average aid packages, Gordon - those aren't usually figured into cost of attendance numbers.  Some private schools can make things very competitive in that way; others can't.  Some states have more aid available for students than others.  There are lots of variables, but, at least to me, it very much comes down to money more than the type of school.  At some point, choosing a small private school over a larger public might be a deciding factor - that is a real and important difference - I'm just not sure it's common enough to be a major indicator across the division.  Academics can certainly factor in, but that's not always a public/private dichotomy either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 06, 2018, 12:42:50 PM
I was also reminded today of something I said earlier ... if the students are out of state, they aren't getting these in-state tuition numbers. Look at the Salisbury women's lacrosse roster ... it is shockingly filled with out of state students. They are paying probably close to $30k a year (depending on any academic aid allowed; I can't speak to that) to go to Salisbury. That is as much if not more than they could probably pay at a private school. That's where the program (or maybe academics) is why they are there versus the state school having some financial advantage no one can touch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on September 06, 2018, 05:31:27 PM
QuoteYou do have to add in average aid packages, Gordon - those aren't usually figured into cost of attendance numbers.

I wasn't ignoring the aid, but rather using the example Dave cited. He notes York as being a place where there's lower tuition to offset lower aid packages. By that line of reasoning, this is a place where average aid is less relevant.

QuoteA great example is York College of Pennsylvania. Many confuse this as being a state school because of it's low tuition rates. The reason for the low rates is because they are designed to give the actual tuition instead of the inflated version that is going to get knocked down eventually anyway.

You can add financial aid packages to the state schools I cited in my example if you want. That just makes the difference already cited below even larger.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 06, 2018, 05:57:07 PM
I'm always told by many at state schools that there may be some aid packages, but they are minimal at best.

I do wonder if there is a difference in the aid given to in-state versus out of state.

How much state schools can give in aid is always something I struggle to grasp. I get told different things by a lot of different people. It very likely is similar to the privates where each school is different, but the privates at least is something I understand. The state-side is one that I get conflicting info on from many.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WUPHF on September 07, 2018, 12:27:46 AM
I had a feeling I was missing out on a financial aid discussion somewhere on the boards.

In my experience, the state schools vary drastically from state to state and institution to institution.

My alma mater has a sticker price of $8,XXX but just about everyone qualifies for a $2,000 scholarship and many qualify for a $4,XXX that is applied based entirely on formula of GPA and college boards.

Students will a low estimated family contribution will universally get need based aid at the privates, but there are publics that offer need based grants as well.

I think it would be incredibly interesting to build a graph that charts perceived affordability along with estimated family contribution.  I would need to do the research, but I believe there is a range of EFC that would favor the publics.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 06, 2018, 12:42:50 PM
I was also reminded today of something I said earlier ... if the students are out of state, they aren't getting these in-state tuition numbers. Look at the Salisbury women's lacrosse roster ... it is shockingly filled with out of state students. They are paying probably close to $30k a year (depending on any academic aid allowed; I can't speak to that) to go to Salisbury. That is as much if not more than they could probably pay at a private school. That's where the program (or maybe academics) is why they are there versus the state school having some financial advantage no one can touch.

I was told recently by the family of a prospective student-athlete in our town that Illinois kids (or at least those whom live in counties close to the border) receive in-state tuition at UW-Whitewater (unsure about the other UW schools)- or at least that is what they were told during the recruiting process. Many states do this. This is difficult to overcome when a private college is recruiting the same student-athlete and it's going to cost $30,000 AFTER financial aid - and the same kid's total bill is $15,000 at UWW even BEFORE the financial aid process plays out. Additionally, the financial aid department at a state school has no need to scrutinize the FAFSA when awarding financial aid as a private school would - it's already subsidized and about as cheap as it can get even without the Federal stuff like a Pell Grant or the loans...

nothing illegal or untoward by UWW, it's the same for everyone and many, many state schools in almost every state have a similar arrangement - but that doesn't mean it isn't a big advantage when you start recruiting athletes. More power to 'em...

I would also be interested in how much success on the national stage that the UW schools have had when compared to the private colleges in the state. I'd be surprised if there were not a huge disparity.

Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WUPHF on September 07, 2018, 02:54:52 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Additionally, the financial aid department at a state school has no need to scrutinize the FAFSA when awarding financial aid as a private school would - it's already subsidized and about as cheap as it can get even without the Federal stuff like a Pell Grant or the loans...

For 99% of colleges and universities, the FAFSA is evaluated in the same manner as determined by the code of federal regulations.

Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.

I think you might be surprised to the extent to which the elite private institutions are not giving out enormous financial aid packages to athletes
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 03:37:56 PM
Quote from: WUPHF on September 07, 2018, 02:54:52 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Additionally, the financial aid department at a state school has no need to scrutinize the FAFSA when awarding financial aid as a private school would - it's already subsidized and about as cheap as it can get even without the Federal stuff like a Pell Grant or the loans...

For 99% of colleges and universities, the FAFSA is evaluated in the same manner as determined by the code of federal regulations.



Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.

I think you might be surprised to the extent to which the elite private institutions are not giving out enormous financial aid packages to athletes

I am well aware of the fact that there are a great many highly-regarded, "Elite" D-III schools that give financial aid that is not commensurate with the size of their endowment. If families are beating down your doors and will pay, why spend the money?

So - most public school financial aid departments are weighing test scores, GPA, class rank, and Eagle scout status, to make a Merit Award determination for in state students? I was under the impression that a "Merit" award, while certainly a "thing" at certain public schools, was to a far greater extent a private college phenomenon. Furthermore - Are you stating that private college financial aid departments do not scrutinize FAFSA information when deciding how much Merit money to give-and to whom? A genuine question on my part - I had always assumed it was so...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WUPHF on September 07, 2018, 03:54:23 PM

Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 03:37:56 PM
So - most public school financial aid departments are weighing test scores, GPA, class rank, and Eagle scout status, to make a Merit Award determination for in state students? I was under the impression that a "Merit" award, while certainly a "thing" at certain public schools, was to a far greater extent a private college phenomenon. Furthermore - Are you stating that private college financial aid departments do not scrutinize FAFSA information when deciding how much Merit money to give-and to whom? A genuine question on my part - I had always assumed it was so...

Pardon the overly simplistic explanation: here is how the vast majority of schools do financial aid for the vast majority of their students...

[Looks at grid]

GPA + ACT = scholarship

Then, the vast majority of schools use the Estimated Family Contribution from the FAFSA, and apply a simple formula of Cost of Attendance - Merit Scholarship (and external scholarships if applicable) - EFC = Unmet Need.

Then, they apply the Pell Grant, supplemental grans, need-based State Aid, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loan, Work-Study and assuming eligibility and then apply institutional need based aid if necessary.

This is why I mentioned in a previous post that I would like perceived and real affordability graphs created for public and private institutions.  My theory is that the coach at Carroll is better off targeting high need students while the coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater has a sweet-spot in those families who are just outside of Pell range.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 08:07:19 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 06, 2018, 12:42:50 PM
I was also reminded today of something I said earlier ... if the students are out of state, they aren't getting these in-state tuition numbers. Look at the Salisbury women's lacrosse roster ... it is shockingly filled with out of state students. They are paying probably close to $30k a year (depending on any academic aid allowed; I can't speak to that) to go to Salisbury. That is as much if not more than they could probably pay at a private school. That's where the program (or maybe academics) is why they are there versus the state school having some financial advantage no one can touch.

I was told recently by the family of a prospective student-athlete in our town that Illinois kids (or at least those whom live in counties close to the border) receive in-state tuition at UW-Whitewater (unsure about the other UW schools)- or at least that is what they were told during the recruiting process. Many states do this. This is difficult to overcome when a private college is recruiting the same student-athlete and it's going to cost $30,000 AFTER financial aid - and the same kid's total bill is $15,000 at UWW even BEFORE the financial aid process plays out. Additionally, the financial aid department at a state school has no need to scrutinize the FAFSA when awarding financial aid as a private school would - it's already subsidized and about as cheap as it can get even without the Federal stuff like a Pell Grant or the loans...

nothing illegal or untoward by UWW, it's the same for everyone and many, many state schools in almost every state have a similar arrangement - but that doesn't mean it isn't a big advantage when you start recruiting athletes. More power to 'em...

I would also be interested in how much success on the national stage that the UW schools have had when compared to the private colleges in the state. I'd be surprised if there were not a huge disparity.

Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.

No ... I don't think "many" states give out in-state tuition to neighboring states. For example, I know for a fact that Maryland, Pennsylvania, and others do NOT. I have been talking to friends with "kids" heading to colleges and the other state's tuition for state schools did NOT make it better. They rather stay in-state. I bring up my Frostburg example as well. They plan, as part of their DII scholarships, to offer in-state tuition to out-of-state student-athletes - but again, that is for them only and they are spinning it as part of a scholarship. West Virginia schools, from what I'm told, do the same. They wouldn't be doing that if they already offered in-state tuition to neighboring state residents.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 09:09:20 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 08:07:19 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 06, 2018, 12:42:50 PM
I was also reminded today of something I said earlier ... if the students are out of state, they aren't getting these in-state tuition numbers. Look at the Salisbury women's lacrosse roster ... it is shockingly filled with out of state students. They are paying probably close to $30k a year (depending on any academic aid allowed; I can't speak to that) to go to Salisbury. That is as much if not more than they could probably pay at a private school. That's where the program (or maybe academics) is why they are there versus the state school having some financial advantage no one can touch.

I was told recently by the family of a prospective student-athlete in our town that Illinois kids (or at least those whom live in counties close to the border) receive in-state tuition at UW-Whitewater (unsure about the other UW schools)- or at least that is what they were told during the recruiting process. Many states do this. This is difficult to overcome when a private college is recruiting the same student-athlete and it's going to cost $30,000 AFTER financial aid - and the same kid's total bill is $15,000 at UWW even BEFORE the financial aid process plays out. Additionally, the financial aid department at a state school has no need to scrutinize the FAFSA when awarding financial aid as a private school would - it's already subsidized and about as cheap as it can get even without the Federal stuff like a Pell Grant or the loans...

nothing illegal or untoward by UWW, it's the same for everyone and many, many state schools in almost every state have a similar arrangement - but that doesn't mean it isn't a big advantage when you start recruiting athletes. More power to 'em...

I would also be interested in how much success on the national stage that the UW schools have had when compared to the private colleges in the state. I'd be surprised if there were not a huge disparity.

Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.

No ... I don't think "many" states give out in-state tuition to neighboring states. For example, I know for a fact that Maryland, Pennsylvania, and others do NOT. I have been talking to friends with "kids" heading to colleges and the other state's tuition for state schools did NOT make it better. They rather stay in-state. I bring up my Frostburg example as well. They plan, as part of their DII scholarships, to offer in-state tuition to out-of-state student-athletes - but again, that is for them only and they are spinning it as part of a scholarship. West Virginia schools, from what I'm told, do the same. They wouldn't be doing that if they already offered in-state tuition to neighboring state residents.

Umm...found this in 30 seconds online. Maryland and West Virginia are specifically mentioned.

"Four regional compacts help students from nearly every state catch a break when it comes to paying for college across state lines. Qualifying students from 13 southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) can apply for in-state tuition at participating out-of-state colleges through the Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market. And residents of six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) who enroll in an eligible program pay in-state tuition at 82 public colleges and universities in the area's Regional Student Program. For both of these regional programs, students must pursue a major that isn't offered in their home state to qualify for the tuition discounts"

...and this...Wisconsin apparently absolutely belongs to a pact with Minnesota...and the more focused one with counties in N. illinois...

"In addition to the regional agreements, some states have their own smaller reciprocity programs or offer flexibility when it comes to determining who qualifies for in-state tuition. Some of the arrangements apply to students from anywhere within a neighboring state; others extend only to students living in specific counties of the neighboring state or close to the state line. For example, Colorado and New Mexico have an agreement that allows qualifying students from either state to get in-state pricing in both states – a better deal than the regional Western Undergraduate Exchange program. Students from Minnesota and Wisconsin have a similar arrangement, allowing residents of either state to pay in-state rates at the other state's public institutions. And students from Washington, D.C., can receive up to $10,000 each year toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at any eligible public, four-year college in the U.S."

Oh, and...

"The Midwest Student Exchange program lets students from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin receive tuition discounts at more than 100 participating colleges and universities. Public colleges in the program agree to charge eligible students no more than 150% of the school's in-state tuition, and participating private colleges cut 10% off the cost of tuition for students from the region. Students typically save between $500 and $5,000 per year. The Western Undergraduate Exchange program offers eligible students from 15 states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) 150% of the in-state tuition rate at participating public colleges across the region"

I count 37 different states plus the District of Columbia that have some means of granting some measure of in-state tuition to residents of other states. By even the most narrow definition I think this number would qualify as "Many" When I originally wrote this most recent post, I was only specifically aware of a handful of state schools/border areas and peripherally aware of many more - now it is apparent there are many more I was unaware of.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 10:08:45 PM
Notice that while it mentions Maryland, Pennsylvania is not listed. West Virginia and Delaware are mentioned, but I am not sure more than that. What people in the know tell me may be what this is in reference to for West Virginia ... but an individual in Maryland who would know this stuff talked about how he can't get transfers or students from out of state unless they are willing to pay $30k+ a year (without aid) when in-state is getting just north of $10k.

Just sharing what those who know far better than I are telling me. I understand what you found, but that doesn't seem to explain everything.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 10:24:21 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 10:08:45 PM
Notice that while it mentions Maryland, Pennsylvania is not listed. West Virginia and Delaware are mentioned, but I am not sure more than that. What people in the know tell me may be what this is in reference to for West Virginia ... but an individual in Maryland who would know this stuff talked about how he can't get transfers or students from out of state unless they are willing to pay $30k+ a year (without aid) when in-state is getting just north of $10k.

Just sharing what those who know far better than I are telling me. I understand what you found, but that doesn't seem to explain everything.

Dave, I believe if we look hard enough, there are many, many instances of state schools close to the border that extend in-state tuition to students that live in counties from neighboring states that are close to the border. Particularly true in an area such as Hilton Head/Bluffton, SC and Savannah, GA. Armstrong State and Savannah State extend in-state tuition (which my daughter-in-law takes advantage of) to Beaufort County residents - and USC Beaufort extends the same courtesy to 2-3 adjoining counties in GA - I believe this practice is especially prevalent in areas where a state border exists-but the communities share a great deal in common such a lifestyle...etc...

UWW is undoubtedly an example of this - and although I'm certain nobody making those decisions had athletics in mind - they benefit mightily from it. They have always had a huge advantage over private schools in WI to begin with, and now they can beat the hell out of D-III's in the Chicago area and all of N, Illinois.
- Almost 45% of UWW's football roster are actually ILLINOIS residents.
- 11 of 34 baseball players at UWW are from ILLINOIS
- 8 of 23 women's basketball players

As for your example, it is doubtful the coach you spoke with in Maryland is even aware of that program - I took a second look and it only applies to students who cannot find their major in-state. He could stay at his school for 100 years and might never have a single transfer under that condition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 11:06:58 PM
That last part makes sense ...

And Frostburg State offering in-state tuition as part of the DII scholarship makes sense.

The key also in DIII ... why would anyone consider going to a school if their major (or something they are interested in) isn't at said school?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:17:17 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 11:06:58 PM
That last part makes sense ...

And Frostburg State offering in-state tuition as part of the DII scholarship makes sense.

The key also in DIII ... why would anyone consider going to a school if their major (or something they are interested in) isn't at said school?

I believe many public low and mid-major Division I's have a certain number of in-state tuition waivers that can be extended to out-of state "walk-on's".
These are especially important in non-revenue men's sports such as baseball and golf that are only allowed a certain number of scholarships. Most folks don't realize that even at the Power-5 baseball/golf programs, you have to be a phenom to have a full-ride.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 07, 2018, 11:27:55 PM
The only sports in the entire NCAA that you will get a full-ride guarunteed are basketball and football at the D1 level. It is part of the rule they have to give full rides. Otherwise, all other sports can divide up their scholarships however they want, however if they give out a full ride to someone, they probably eliminate giving any money from anywhere from three to six others.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 08, 2018, 12:10:56 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 09:09:20 PM
...and this...Wisconsin apparently absolutely belongs to a pact with Minnesota...and the more focused one with counties in N. illinois...

This. What Enginerd cites here is a very big deal for D3 schools in this part of the country, Dave. Not only does UWW have the opportunity to dip into Chicagoland -- which has half again more residents than the entire state of Wisconsin has -- for recruiting while offering in-state tuition rates to Chicagolanders, but I'm pretty sure that UWO now offers the same thing. And, as Enginerd documented, it is reflected in their rosters. The same thing holds true on the lesser-populated western side of America's Dairyland, where schools such as UW-LaCrosse, UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-River Falls would normally be at a competitive disadvantage with UWW, UWO, and UWSP because they're farther away from the state's main population centers. But the reciprocity agreement between Wisconsin and Minnesota allows the western schools to recruit the Twin Cities metro area -- and that's a very big deal, because metro Minneapolis-St. Paul has over three and a half million people in it, and the metro area is so close to the border that two western Wisconsin counties, one of which includes River Falls, are considered to be part of it. Menominee, the town in which UW-Stout is located, is one county east of the metro Twin Cities region. Eau Claire is a little over an hour's drive from downtown St. Paul.

Again, this is a very big deal out here, Dave. D3 people in the upper midwest talk about these reciprocity agreements a lot, and I'm sure that they're cited on the recruiting trail by coaches and used by student-athletes.

Also, to back up Gordon's point, North Park is a WYSIWYG private school in the same sort of way as York (PA), and I can say that without a doubt that it's dramatically more expensive than a state school. A year's tuition at NPU is $25,740, and with room & board it's $34,200. Like I said, it's WYSIWYG, so you can't expect a ton of financial aid from the school to cut into that amount, especially since what aid there is tends to go to high-need students. Right next door, just a couple of blocks west on Foster Avenue, is Northeastern Illinois University, a state school of WIAC proportions (i.e., about 7,700 undergrads). NEIU's tuition is $11,320 per year. Room and board is expensive there, since it's a commuter school with limited housing availability, but even with r&b added in the cost is still $22,744, or about two-thirds of what it costs to go to NPU down the street.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 08, 2018, 12:51:44 PM
IWU to play two exhibition games pre-season against DI foes.  They will play Eastern IL and then SIU-Edwardsville (where coach Mia Smith was a student and basketball and softball star).  Should be good opportunities to toughen up and prepare for the long slog of the CCIW season.  I expect this Titan team to be very good, even as Ehresman and McGraw have exited the program by way of graduation.  Looking forward to how this team develops and continues the fine tradition of women's roundball at IWU.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WUPHF on September 08, 2018, 03:12:26 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 08, 2018, 12:10:56 PM
North Park is a WYSIWIG private school in the same sort of way as York (PA), and I can say that without a doubt that it's dramatically more expensive than a state school. A year's tuition at NPU is $25,740, and with room & board it's $34,200. Like I said, it's WYSIWIG, so you can't expect a ton of financial aid from the school to cut into that amount, especially since what aid there is tends to go to high-need students. Right next door, just a couple of blocks west on Foster Avenue, is Northeastern Illinois University, a state school of WIAC proportions (i.e., about 7,700 undergrads). NEIU's tuition is $11,320 per year. Room and board is expensive there, since it's a commuter school with limited housing availability, but even with r&b added in the cost is still $22,744, or about two-thirds of what it costs to go to NPU down the street.

I knew people at North Park when they changed their tuition and financial aid structures.  I'll believe if you say it has changed, but at the time, the vast majority of students were on scholarship and big scholarships at that.  Tuition was slashed and scholarships were slashed accordingly.  But, the overall financial aid philosophy did not change that much.

North Park admissions refers to a $10,000 scholarship offered to two students with a 25 ACT and 3.0 GPA and a 23 ACT and 3.25 GPA.  I have to think that $10,000 scholarship is close to the average award.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 10, 2018, 11:17:13 AM
I think it's just a bit suspicious that no one mentions the D3 conferences that are part of the 20,000 leagues under the sea.
Or am I all wet about that?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 10, 2018, 01:46:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 10, 2018, 11:17:13 AM
I think it's just a bit suspicious that no one mentions the D3 conferences that are part of the 20,000 leagues under the sea.
Or am I all wet about that?

Wow - that just went straight over my head!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 10, 2018, 04:34:08 PM
Quote from: WUPHF on September 07, 2018, 02:54:52 PM

Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.

I think you might be surprised to the extent to which the elite private institutions are not giving out enormous financial aid packages to athletes

$ What's enormous to one school might be a pittance to another.  ;)

$ An interesting point to the question of finding dollars to offer to prospective incoming athlete-students is whether a school allows donations to be earmarmarked for a specific sport. Some schools allow this while others require all donations go to a general fund which allows the school to allocate dollars wherever they want. Let's say a very successful alum who was a swimmer wants to donate a fairly substantial amount to his or her alma mater's swimming program. However, that school might be very well known for it's football or basketball program (the so called major sports), and may consider a  return on an investment in a football or basketball player would provide the school with more visibility than a swimmer might. If that particular school was one that required all donated money go into a general fund, they could effectively include at least some of the money meant for the swimming program in an aid package offered instead to a prospective football or basketball player rather than to a swimmer. They could also use that money for a totally non athletic purpose such as funding an endowed teaching chair or paying down debt incurred in the construction of a new science building. Of course, there is the risk that this could alienate the alum/booster who might withhold or limit future donations. Other schools (I suspect the majority) will allow donations be directed to a specific program, either athletic or not. At most of those type schools I suspect the major sports get most of the donated money. But this arrangement guarantees that if money is intended for a "minor" program, that sport would indeed get the benefit of the total donated amount.
I would guess that there are benefits to both types of policies. Is the school me that has never been known as an athletic powerhouse, and never will be? If so, one star football or basketball player probably isn't going to make much of a difference, so that is more likely to be an institution requiring all monies go into a general fund. But if a school is known for football, basketball, or soccer, softball, or whatever, they probably want to keep the monetary pipeline supplying those sports with funds open. As such, they will likely allow specified donations.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 10, 2018, 10:41:44 PM
Quote from: AndOne on September 10, 2018, 04:34:08 PM
Quote from: WUPHF on September 07, 2018, 02:54:52 PM

Quote from: Enginerd on September 07, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Really no difference from the example within D-III of highly-regarded private colleges with successful athletic departments and gigantic endowments whom can afford to give athletes enormous aid packages (relatively-speaking) when compared to smaller liberal arts colleges that are struggling to keep the doors open. Some can and some cannot.

I think you might be surprised to the extent to which the elite private institutions are not giving out enormous financial aid packages to athletes



$ What's enormous to one school might be a pittance to another.  ;)

$ An interesting point to the question of finding dollars to offer to prospective incoming athlete-students is whether a school allows donations to be earmarmarked for a specific sport. Some schools allow this while others require all donations go to a general fund which allows the school to allocate dollars wherever they want. Let's say a very successful alum who was a swimmer wants to donate a fairly substantial amount to his or her alma mater's swimming program. However, that school might be very well known for it's football or basketball program (the so called major sports), and may consider a  return on an investment in a football or basketball player would provide the school with more visibility than a swimmer might. If that particular school was one that required all donated money go into a general fund, they could effectively include at least some of the money meant for the swimming program in an aid package offered instead to a prospective football or basketball player rather than to a swimmer. They could also use that money for a totally non athletic purpose such as funding an endowed teaching chair or paying down debt incurred in the construction of a new science building. Of course, there is the risk that this could alienate the alum/booster who might withhold or limit future donations. Other schools (I suspect the majority) will allow donations be directed to a specific program, either athletic or not. At most of those type schools I suspect the major sports get most of the donated money. But this arrangement guarantees that if money is intended for a "minor" program, that sport would indeed get the benefit of the total donated amount.
I would guess that there are benefits to both types of policies. Is the school me that has never been known as an athletic powerhouse, and never will be? If so, one star football or basketball player probably isn't going to make much of a difference, so that is more likely to be an institution requiring all monies go into a general fund. But if a school is known for football, basketball, or soccer, softball, or whatever, they probably want to keep the monetary pipeline supplying those sports with funds open. As such, they will likely allow specified donations.

I'm no D-III rules expert (but then again, no one at the NCAA is either, apparently). I think that, other than your example of the hypothetical alum's donation being dumped into a general fund for financial aid or to pay down debt for a science building, everything else is a blatant violation of D-III rules. If any school is out there using donated funds to target athletes-or targeting athletes in any way via financial aid - I REALLY hope they get caught.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 10, 2018, 11:30:51 PM
Enginerd, the CCIW did have a recent multi-year case of inappropriate use of scholarships :
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/elmhurst-lacked-institutional-control
A number of sports had to vacate wins, including WBB. No coaches were responsible for scholarship misuse, but they or other athletic dept personnel may not have been as vigilant as they should have been.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 10, 2018, 11:50:30 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 10, 2018, 11:30:51 PM
Enginerd, the CCIW did have a recent multi-year case of inappropriate use of scholarships :
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/elmhurst-lacked-institutional-control
A number of sports had to vacate wins, including WBB. No coaches were responsible for scholarship misuse, but they or other athletic dept personnel may not have been as vigilant as they should have been.

RogK - the elephant in the room (for D-III) is financial aid. The announcement does not specify exactly how the NCAA learned of the issue at Elmhurst - but it wouldn't be very difficult for any school that decided it wanted to step-up it's game, so to speak, and specifically target athletes that are chosen in each sport. I have to believe that the 4% threshold rule for aid can be mathematically "masked" by giving whatever is desired to an athlete identified by a coaching staff - by doing the same for 1-3 non-athletes. Every institution is different - but it would be awfully easy to violate the spirit, if technically not the letter, of the D-III financial aid rules if an institution had the endowment and was so inclined. Looking at some of the things that have come up over the years in D-III, it would appear that the NCAA really doesn't want to have to focus resources on D-III, and are not out there actually looking for wrongdoing, but once something pops up, to their credit, it is treated as seriously as though the offending school belonged to D-I.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 11, 2018, 01:43:23 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 10, 2018, 11:30:51 PM
Enginerd, the CCIW did have a recent multi-year case of inappropriate use of scholarships :
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/elmhurst-lacked-institutional-control
A number of sports had to vacate wins, including WBB. No coaches were responsible for scholarship misuse, but they or other athletic dept personnel may not have been as vigilant as they should have been.

As I remember the sequence of events associated with this saga, rather than athletic dept personnel, I believe the chief transgressor was a female director of financial aid that made athletic participation on certain teams a requirement to receive scholarship money that had been earmarked for the general student body, not just athletes. I could be off a bit in my recollection of the facts, but I think that was the gist of it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 11, 2018, 06:34:27 AM
AndOne, you don't need to rely on memory, as I provided a link to the ncaa documents.
Nowhere did I say anyone in Athletics was "the chief transgressor."
I assume, however, that subsequent to the ncaa investigation, the Elmhurst Athletic dept improved something policy-wise to help prevent recurrence of those violations. I have no idea what specific changes were made, but presumably their Athletics dept is now proactive in ways it wasn't in 2014.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 11, 2018, 08:55:41 AM
Not just the Athletic Dept, but the Financial Aid office even more so.
I have known the EC AD, Paul Krohn informally for a while now, and have spoken to him quite a few times over the last several years. He has always struck me as a good guy, and someone who wouldn't intentionally bend the rules or stand for any member of his staff doing so. Again, the impression being that the problem originated in Financial Aid. However, it's a good bet that Athletics is more vigilant nowadays with regard to the manner in which, and to whom aid packages are offered.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 11, 2018, 11:05:59 AM
Paul Krohn is a good guy who is universally respected throughout the CCIW. But whether or not the Elmhurst athletics staff are good people, or are vigilant, is really beside the point. I think that you guys are assuming a degree of athletic department oversight of student-athlete financial aid that really doesn't exist.

At North Park, when a coach is conversing with a prospect and his/her parents and the parents raise the subject of financial aid, the response from the coach is practically scripted: "I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to talk about financial aid. We have a strict policy about that." The coach then refers them to the appropriate admissions officer whose job it is to handle those questions. I can't say this for certain, but I'd be surprised if other D3 schools don't have a similar hands-off policy when it comes to athletics department personnel dealing with financial-aid issues. Breaking down the wall between the athletics department and the financial aid department can lead to nothing but trouble insofar as how the athletics staff deals with student-athletes and their parents.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 11, 2018, 12:07:29 PM
Excerpt from the NCAA report pp 5-6 :
"Finally, Elmhurst did not meet its obligation to control the administration of its athletics program when it failed to have in place monitoring mechanisms to detect the types of violations that
occurred in this case. The director of athletics acknowledged that he relied solely on the director of financial aid to ensure that her office performed its responsibilities pursuant to NCAA rules.
Until informed otherwise, the director of athletics assumed there were no problems with the financial aid process. Elmhurst's failure to have in place checks and balances to ensure that the
financial aid packaging process was operating in accordance with NCAA legislation also demonstrated a lack of control over the athletics program."
To me, this sounds like the NCAA wants Athletic departments to review athletes' financial aid (as another set of eyes, with no authority) so that irregularities could be detected. This seems to be the sole criticism of Mr Krohn, AndOne; no one suggests he bent any rules.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 11, 2018, 06:09:20 PM
That reads very much like an ex post facto review process, not like a scenario in which the coach or AD is cognizant up-front of the amount of aid that a prospect can be offered. Of course coaches are aware of the financial-aid situation of their prospects, because the prospects (or their parents) tell them that as a part of the recruiting process ("Right now we're leaning towards School X, because they're offering us Y amount of aid."). What I'm saying is that coaches and ADs aren't allowed to encroach upon that turf as part of the recruiting process. The review process is another matter entirely.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 17, 2018, 04:49:00 PM
IWU's roster now up.

Lots of good experience coming back.  It will be interesting to see if any of the earlier pine-sitters or any of the freshmen break into Mia's playing time set-up.

My sense of the possibilities right now are:

PG -- Sam Munroe
2 -- Sosa
3 -- Anderson and Shanks
4 -- Raven Hughes
5 -- Merritt -- Brovelli

That's a very solid, talented group.  With all the others, we'll see how it all plays out . . . what Mia puts together for the '18-19 season.  Need some depth, esp. if "run and jump" continues.   I have confidence.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 18, 2018, 01:03:13 PM
Carthage returns a core of very good players and has a bunch of newcomers :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/roster.aspx?roster=271&path=wbball
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 18, 2018, 02:54:49 PM
Morgan Harris will be hard to replace for the Lady Reds, because she did so many different things for them and did them all well, but, yeah, that's a good core that Carthage is returning.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 19, 2018, 12:50:12 PM
North Central's new roster has 11 returning players and 7 freshmen. Glad to see that their best per-minute rebounder is back. That's Diamond Calicott, one of the more fun CCIW players to watch play, with lots of effort and enthusiasm. *
https://northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
-
* the roster has now been modified, sans Calicott -- see later posts
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 19, 2018, 02:20:20 PM
What an un-NCC-like recruiting class. Typically, a North Central roster in any sport is like a directory of suburban Chicagoland, particularly the western and southwestern suburbs. This septet of plebes for the 2018-19 Cardinals features only two Illinoisians out of the seven, and only one of the two is from Chicagoland.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 02:59:39 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 19, 2018, 02:20:20 PM
What an un-NCC-like recruiting class. Typically, a North Central roster in any sport is like a directory of suburban Chicagoland, particularly the western and southwestern suburbs. This septet of plebes for the 2018-19 Cardinals features only two Illinoisians out of the seven, and only one of the two is from Chicagoland.

It's only a matter of time before the NCC recruiting begins with Spanning the globe.........🏀 😏

One of the first, if not the actual first, acts of the new NCC Coach was to call all of the recruits to confirm and cement their commitments.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 19, 2018, 03:30:04 PM
Quote from: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 02:59:39 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 19, 2018, 02:20:20 PM
What an un-NCC-like recruiting class. Typically, a North Central roster in any sport is like a directory of suburban Chicagoland, particularly the western and southwestern suburbs. This septet of plebes for the 2018-19 Cardinals features only two Illinoisians out of the seven, and only one of the two is from Chicagoland.

It's only a matter of time before the NCC recruiting begins with Spanning the globe.........🏀 😏

Yeah, and when that happens you can listen to some Wheatie come at you with, "Well, you're just copying Wheaton by bringing in players from all over the country." I had that happen to me once; some Wheaton fan pointed out with pride that their student body comes from all over the country. When I pointed out that North Park's does, too, that was the retort that I received: "Well, you're just copying Wheaton." I had to explain to her that North Park has been drawing students from all over the country since 1891 as a result of its affiliation with the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 19, 2018, 05:50:02 PM
So, the North Central roster has been modified, now listing 7 returning players and 8 freshmen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 07:04:26 PM
Ya, but Allison Pearson still isn't from Iowa.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 07:31:58 PM
So 7 possible NCC returnees won't be doing so.
By far, the biggest loss is Maya Walls who started 24 of 25 games, and who led the team in rebounds while finishing second in scoring.

Congrats to new coach Maggie McCloskey-Bax for being able to persuade the 8 newbies to stick with their previous commitments and enroll at NCC. After finishing 5-20 (3-13) last season, opportunity abounds in Naperville. 🏀
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 19, 2018, 11:25:11 PM
Quote from: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 07:04:26 PM
Ya, but Allison Pearson still isn't from Iowa.  :D

No, but she's got a serious CCIW pedigree. Her father and grandfather both played basketball for North Park. Her dad is former NPU assistant coach and current CCIW men's basketball referee Jeff Pearson; her grandfather is retired NPU biology professor and former Vikings captain Pete Pearson. Her mom is an Elmhurst grad.

That makes two members of the NCC women's basketball team and one member of the Carthage women's basketball team whose dads played hoops for North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 19, 2018, 11:48:24 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 19, 2018, 11:25:11 PM
Quote from: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 07:04:26 PM
Ya, but Allison Pearson still isn't from Iowa.  :D

No, but she's got a serious CCIW pedigree. Her father and grandfather both played basketball for North Park. Her dad is former NPU assistant coach and current CCIW men's basketball referee Jeff Pearson; her grandfather is retired NPU biology professor and former Vikings captain Pete Pearson. Her mom is an Elmhurst grad.

That makes two members of the NCC women's basketball team and one member of the Carthage women's basketball team whose dads played hoops for North Park.
[/b]

Well that sorta explains Carthage (her dad presumably played for Bosko, though I don't know how much if at all he has to do with the women's team), but how did two 'defect' to NCC? :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 12:11:58 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on September 19, 2018, 11:48:24 PM
Well that sorta explains Carthage (her dad presumably played for Bosko, though I don't know how much if at all he has to do with the women's team), but how did two 'defect' to NCC? :D

John Prochaska, the father of Kendall Prochaska (the Lady Red in question), was really a baseball player at North Park for Bosko. "Pro" moonlighted as a basketball player one season when Bosko needed another tall player to fill out the JV team. I think that Tim Bernero was Bosko's assistant basketball coach at North Park when Pro suited up. Another one of Bosko's former North Park basketball players, Scott Stenmark (who is North Park's CFO), has a daughter named Taylor who starts for the Lady Reds soccer team.

I can't put my finger on why so many daughters of former NPU men's basketball players are going to other CCIW schools. It's a mystery. Perhaps they all just like the color red.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 20, 2018, 01:28:29 AM
In the instances of the two young ladies 👩🏻 👩🏻 whose fathers attended NPU, their choices of NCC are obvious reflections of the fact that they possess a higher degree of intelligence 🧠 🧠 than do their respective male parental units. 😉 😉
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:10:24 AM
... says the guy who went somewhere other than a CCIW school for his college education. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on September 20, 2018, 11:44:03 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:10:24 AM
... says the guy who went somewhere other than a CCIW school for his college education. ;)

Hey, he just wanted to be out on the plains, man ...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:51:44 AM
Who doesn't?

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmediad.publicbroadcasting.net%2Fp%2Fhppr%2Ffiles%2F201212%2Fdust%2520storms%2520tumbleweeds.jpg&hash=59b3dd03083150ff1d9d2a1a1c45184758ba7fe1)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 20, 2018, 12:16:56 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 20, 2018, 11:44:03 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:10:24 AM
... says the guy who went somewhere other than a CCIW school for his college education. ;)

Hey, he just wanted to be out on the plains, man ...
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:10:24 AM
... says the guy who went somewhere other than a CCIW school for his college education. ;)

Even though, coming out of Glenbard West, I was highly coveted by all the CCIW schools save the one in North DuPage  ;), I was a kid who felt the need to broaden my horizons and escape the environment he grew up in. That plus I didn't want my mom asking if I was coming home every weekend! The CCIW schools were just to close to home. Alas, I was enticed by The Pleasure Capital of the Plains, and journeyed off to Lincoln and NWU some 525 miles from home.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 20, 2018, 04:16:16 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:51:44 AM
Who doesn't?

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmediad.publicbroadcasting.net%2Fp%2Fhppr%2Ffiles%2F201212%2Fdust%2520storms%2520tumbleweeds.jpg&hash=59b3dd03083150ff1d9d2a1a1c45184758ba7fe1)

"O" Street in Lincoln. 😊
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 21, 2018, 12:54:43 PM
In my earlier post about IWU, I forgot entirely about A. Schneider as one of the top returning Titans.  My bad.   So an update:

PG -- Munroe -- perhaps backed up by Fr. Catie Eck or Fr. Caylie Jones -- both with strong HS careers, resumes.
2 -  Sosa
3 -  Anderson/Shanks
4 -  Schneider and Hughes
5 -  Merritt / Brovelli

We'll see about the others, and the other two freshpeople.  I wouldn't be surprised at points for Merritt and Brovelli to be on the floor together, other times when Mia goes speed and pressure and neither of them are on the floor.  Key likely still is how IWU finds a reliable and consistent PG to replace Ehresman. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on September 21, 2018, 10:52:14 PM
Quote from: AndOne on September 20, 2018, 04:16:16 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 20, 2018, 11:51:44 AM
Who doesn't?

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmediad.publicbroadcasting.net%2Fp%2Fhppr%2Ffiles%2F201212%2Fdust%2520storms%2520tumbleweeds.jpg&hash=59b3dd03083150ff1d9d2a1a1c45184758ba7fe1)

"O" Street in Lincoln. 😊
looks a lot like the "L" "I" "N" and "C" streets 😃😄
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 22, 2018, 10:23:21 PM
Ya, but O Street is Lincoln's Main Street, and the hub of downtown activity. 😏
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 25, 2018, 10:29:33 AM
Quote from: AndOne on September 19, 2018, 07:31:58 PM
So 7 possible NCC returnees won't be doing so.
By far, the biggest loss is Maya Walls who started 24 of 25 games, and who led the team in rebounds while finishing second in scoring.

Congrats to new coach Maggie McCloskey-Bax for being able to persuade the 8 newbies to stick with their previous commitments and enroll at NCC. After finishing 5-20 (3-13) last season, opportunity abounds in Naperville. 🏀

I don't know if there was an error initially or what happened on the site, but Maya Walls is back on the roster now. I was surprised she originally wasn't, since I saw her in a photo with teammates at the Huddle the athletic department throws at the beginning of the year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on September 25, 2018, 06:11:24 PM
A very welcome "addition" to the Cardinals roster.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 27, 2018, 01:22:23 PM
the new North Park roster is up :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
ten newcomers and five returning
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 28, 2018, 12:06:46 PM
No Elmhurst roster yet. Tethnie Carrillo has had 6 or 7 consecutive years enjoying the development and performance of excellent low-post scorers Mikaela Eppard and Fiona McMahon.  I'm not sure there is a similarly reliable post scorer this season. It will be interesting to see how Elmhurst's offense evolves this year. I don't expect them to rely a lot on 3FG shooting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 02, 2018, 04:05:56 PM
Here is the '18-'19 Augustana roster :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/roster.aspx?roster=168&path=wbball
Lots of depth, including many seniors and juniors. Not that any should be guaranteed X number of minutes of playing time. I'm all in favor of using freshman if they're good.
With their depth, Augie need not worry about foul trouble, so I'd think they could play a style that yields a high quantity of possessions for them and the opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 04, 2018, 01:42:44 PM
IWU roster up too.  A very experienced returning group.  Some interesting newbies -- four in all.  I expect a very competitive year, with the Titans again contending for the CCIW championship.  In Mia we trust. 

Key will be finding the proper roles, the proper mix -- with 8-9 very experienced returnees.  I'd expect a big big year from Raven Hughes.  And, better interior D, paint scoring from Merritt and Brovelli.  Probably some needed 3 point shooting output from somewhere . . . and Munroe perhaps coming into her own as the PG, replacing Ehresman.  We'll see.  There are others who may be tried in that role too.  Shanks and Hughes returning from injury. 

Looking forward to another very interesting year of women's hoops at IWU and in the CCIW.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 05, 2018, 05:47:16 PM
To refresh your memory, iwu70, your Titans have at least three players on this year's team who can shoot 3FGs very well. Last season, Munroe hit 24/63 for .381 (equivalent of .571 2FG%), Sosa made 23/59 for .390 (equivalent of .585 2FG%), while Anderson sank 54/138 for .391 (equivalent of .587 2FG%).
There could be additional long-range shooters among the newcomers.
I wish all D3 teams had 6 or 7 or 8 good (33% or better) three point shooters. Defenses have it way too easy as things are now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 08, 2018, 11:31:28 AM
RogK, thanks for the reminder.  Yes, those returnees are pretty good beyond the arc and I'm sure we'll have some pop from the perimeter this year.  Perhaps others from the newbies as well.  Just didn't feel that any of those three were really 3 pt. specialists as we've had in the past on several very successful Titan teams.  I met several of the freshmen recently, and they are very impressive, motivated and being brought in . . along quickly, by the veterans.  Perhaps several will see PT as "run and jump" can be personnel intensive.  And, they get varsity experience early and often.  It will be interesting to see how Hughes and Shanks come back from injuries.   Looking forward to the new energy, the new mix, and the creation of a new team dynamic in the post-Ehresman, post-McGraw era at Shirk and beyond.  As I've mentioned, I'm very optimistic given all this experienced talent returning.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 09, 2018, 05:37:20 AM
I'm not quite sure what "3 pt. specialist" would mean, but I decided to dig a little and found that Nina Anderson's (single-season) 54 made threes rank tied for 11th in IWU history.
https://static.iwusports.com/custompages/WBB/CAREER-W/HTML/HISTSEAS.HTM#S03-point_field_goals
Slightly under 2 per game for her, while others (Heydorn in particular) have averaged 3 makes per game. I guess it also matters which players, if any, have a "green light" to shoot threes whenever they see a good opportunity. We as fans never know exactly what instruction players have received.
Are there 2 pt specialists? Are there 0 point specialists?
Outside the context of IWU and D3, there was maybe one player per NBA team who was considered a 3 pt specialist in the early years of the NBA three point shot. If I recall correctly, many teams didn't want anyone to shoot a 3 unless the team was down by 3 in the last minute of a game. Check 1980 to 1987 on this list :
https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_yearly.html
Mike Bratz's 57 led the league one year for an 82 game season!
Then it slowly dawned on the NBA coaches that, "hey, you know what, we can use those 3 points earlier in the game, maybe at 8:19 of the 2nd quarter." It was then OK for guards to shoot threes whenever. Nowadays, of course, we have tall players who can shoot threes and drive to the hoop. Kevin Durant for example is basically impossible to guard because of that combination of height and varied scoring ability.
It's 4:36 a.m. here; going back to sleep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 09, 2018, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 09, 2018, 05:37:20 AM
I'm not quite sure what "3 pt. specialist" would mean

Um... basically everyone who played for North Central between 2012-13 and 2016-17?  :D

But in all seriousness, you'd probably have to look at attempts. The conference ranks the top 15 in percentage every year (https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1718/confldrs.htm), and of the leaders, the person with the fewest attempts was Augie's Izzy Anderson with 69 last year. Nine of the 15 on the list hoisted at least 100, so you're looking at four a game. I think four a game is probably a good benchmark to consider, but you'd also have to look at total shot attempts as well. To go back to the Nina Anderson example, she took 138 threes out of 204 total shot attempts. I'd consider just shy of 70 percent of your shots coming from behind the arc a three point specialist, though for some players to just consider them three point specialists may be a disservice to the remainder of their game.

Quote from: RogK on October 09, 2018, 05:37:20 AM
Are there 2 pt specialists? Are there 0 point specialists?

So... post players and defensive specialists? :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 09, 2018, 04:57:43 PM
RogK, thanks again for some fun research, digging into it a bit on "3 pts. specialists."  Seems Anderson is the closest things we have on the current roster . . . and a few others are early in their careers and have time to be considered.  In that category, seems Sosa and Munroe will keep moving up the list.  I guess I didn't think of Anderson so much in the realm of the top ten 3 pt. shooters in the IWU program recent history, esp. folks like Heydorn (281 treys), esp. Melissa Gardner (235) and Traci Butler (171).  Those athletes/shooters surely came to mind.  Anderson does have a chance, if she makes 50+ this season, to likely get into the top ten career trey makers.  She's at 98 now. 

On two pt. specialists, surely post players there now, like Merritt, Raven Hughes etc. often playing with their backs to the basket, drawing fouls, finishing strong.  Given how the Titans play, many 2 pt. FGs come off turnovers, off the press and are often layups.  IWU always seems to have some slashing kinds of players too -- who like to drive and finish.  Schneider and Anderson do that, as did McGraw, perhaps the best, most athletic at that in recent years.  Others come to mind. 

I would bet that Mia will want to develop a number of other three point shooters to enhance the overall half-court offense.  With Anderson, Munroe and Sosa, the Titans would seem to have ample three-point shooting capacity for this coming year.  Mia has several in the freshmen, who shot the trey well in their long and productive high school careers -- though we all know that CCIW play and competition is much much tougher than most high school programs, leagues.  We'll see how they are integrated into the very experienced IWU squad.  Recent experience with Shanks, Sosa, Hughes and others, would again make one rather optimistic.

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 10, 2018, 07:48:38 PM
The best 2 pt. specialist, rebounder and back-to-the-basket player I ever saw at IWU was Christina Solari.  Truly amazing skills of using her body, strength and guile to score around the basket.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 10, 2018, 08:46:59 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 10, 2018, 07:48:38 PM
The best 2 pt. specialist, rebounder and back-to-the-basket player I ever saw at IWU was Christina Solari.  Truly amazing skills of using her body, strength and guile to score around the basket.

'70

When Christina was a senior, Hope's Carrie Snikkers was a junior and national POY.  Calvin's Carissa Verkaik was national rookie of the year (and national POY 2 years later).  Both were also centers.  I was always very disappointed that she never got to go head-to-head against either of them, especially Carrie - THAT would have been a battle!  (Just because it would be senior vs. freshman, even giving up 3-4 inches I suspect she could have dominated Carissa - THAT year!)

Alas, until you perfect that time machine, we'll never know. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 10, 2018, 09:09:31 PM
Yeah, iwu70, Christina was a very agile and talented player, always a fine example of athleticism. Without starting a whole "don't forget so-and-so" discussion, I remember another agile talented tall player from that general time frame, Elmhurst's Aja Terrier. She was pretty darn good. And of course Millikin's Lindsay Ippel was probably the CCIW's best lowpost scorer and also rebounded well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 11, 2018, 12:36:15 PM
Ippel was very very good.  Remember her well.

I'm ready for the season to begin.  I'll get to see a few games @The Shirk before flying back to Asia.  I'll follow along, thanks to all of you on Chat, and the good streaming video now, from the other side of the world.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 12, 2018, 11:54:44 PM
Wheaton returns a dozen players from last season, joined by five freshmen :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 13, 2018, 01:42:37 PM
Some real good talent there for WC, and some size for a DIII roster.  Should be a very good year for WC too.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 13, 2018, 02:17:23 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 09, 2018, 10:47:49 AM

Quote from: RogK on October 09, 2018, 05:37:20 AM
Are there 2 pt specialists? Are there 0 point specialists?

So... post players and defensive specialists? :P

A "2 point specialist" might possibly be defined as;

1. A tough low post/inside scorer who once she/he receives the ball down low, combines strength, a quick first step, and an understanding of the concept of leverage to be virtually unstoppable within a few feet of the basket.

2. A player who is a master of a dying art in almost every level of basketball, that of being a superior mid-range jump shooter. With the huge increase over recent years in the emphasis on marksmanship from beyond the arc, the player who can consistently make 8-13 feet or so shots is an invaluable resource.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 13, 2018, 09:30:44 PM
AndOne, your last point fits the situation when a defense finds it necessary to tightly guard the three-line and also still prevent layups. The holes in such defenses would be the long-2FG area.
As you say, a superior mid-range shooter is helpful. By "superior", do we mean something like 45% or better in the women's game? A tad higher for guys?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 14, 2018, 01:53:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 13, 2018, 09:30:44 PM
AndOne, your last point fits the situation when a defense finds it necessary to tightly guard the three-line and also still prevent layups. The holes in such defenses would be the long-2FG area.
As you say, a superior mid-range shooter is helpful. By "superior", do we mean something like 45% or better in the women's game? A tad higher for guys?

If you're shooting other than layups or 2-3 foot shots, yes, I think the percentages you mention above would be considered "superior." However, I doubt a guys coach would be unhappy with a 45% shooter.
I am not well versed on women's shooing percentages, but I would think anything consistently over 40% would be very solid production.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 15, 2018, 05:38:31 PM
Dear AO and RogK, speaking of "2 pt specialists," the Titans seem to have some:

Merritt 3 years -- .453 % career.  FTs .841 %
Schneider 3 years -- .489 % career
Brovelli 1 year -- much upside upcoming -- .500%
Raven Hughes -- even more upside coming -- .670 %

I see many of the Titan players around campus and the conditioning work is very evident.

Titans could be strong in the paint with the right positioning and entry passing.

Practices begun now.  Titans have an exhibition at SIU Edwardsville (where coach Smith played with distinction), then open the season at home against University of Chicago, November 11th.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 15, 2018, 09:38:11 PM
Brovelli, who did not attempt a three, did shoot .500 on 2FGs.
Hughes was 76/114 at 2FGs for .667. She was excellent at three(s) -- 1/1 for 1.000. She could have a dropoff (not Yuri Andropov) in her pcts and still be very good.
Schneider over her career is at .528 for 2FGs (158/299) and .125 on 3FGs (4/32).
Merritt's career 2FG is .470 (285/607), along with .250 on threes (12/48).
Whenever 3FGs are involved, the overall TRADITIONAL FG% doesn't tell the real story.
I particularly like the basketball-reference website for NBA/ABA stats because it separates 2FGs and 3FGs, so you don't have to subtract 3FG data from overall FG data. Yet, at halftime of NBA broadcasts, announcers still insist on telling us "Sacramento hit .480 of their field goal attempts and 33% of their threes." Those numbers don't explain much, unless you know the actual quantity of 2FG attempts and 3FG attempts.
My opinion is this : 2FGs and 3FGs are substantially different entities and stats should list them separately. Dump the traditional combined FG%; it tells us much less than do separate 2FG and 3FG numbers.
The only accurate measure of combined 2FG and 3FG shooting is "effective FG%" (made 2FGs + 1.5 made 3FGs / total FG att).
Made or missed free throws are not accounted for in any of these stats.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 16, 2018, 02:07:31 AM
Again, remember, my original post dealt specifically with mid-range shooting. While all baskets inside the arc count for 2 points, I was distinguishing between layups and other shots within a few feet of the basket—those shots you would expect to be converted at a high percentage and usually are, and shots from about 8-13 feet which typically result in being converted at a lower percentage than the close in shots, but more often than long range bombs.
The problem is seemingly everyone except true low post players has fallen in love with the 3 pointer, and that shot has become increasingly popular in today's game—at the expense of the mid range two point shot—despite the low 3 point percentage we often see in box scores. Thats why a player who excels in the dying art of the mid-range jumper can be a very effective weapon.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 16, 2018, 11:34:57 AM
The midrange jumper is an effective weapon, as long as people are clear on what a midrange jumper truly is (i.e., the 8'-13' distance Mark mentioned). I've heard people call a sixteen-footer a "midrange jumper" plenty of times, and some deluded thinkers will call anything just inside the arc a "midrange jumper", as if "midrange" means "anything between a layup and a trey".

It's an effective weapon in the right hands, but it's especially effective as a pull-up shot. The reason why is because players nowadays are so used to drivers either going all the way to the rim or dumping off to the open teammate underneath the basket once they drive in close and help defense comes over that they don't tend to give a thought to the possibility that the driver might suddenly stop, rise, and shoot. As a result, the pull-up tends to earn the shooter a lot more space nowadays than it used to back in the day, making it ideal for smaller players who are quick enough and adept enough at ballhandling to drive but lack the size and strength to finish effectively at the basket in traffic.

The master of the pull-up jumper in recent years in the CCIW was Juwan Henry of North Park over on the men's side. At 5'10, 165 he scored over 2,000 points in his career, and a lot of that 2K came on pull-ups.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 16, 2018, 12:08:06 PM
Well-stated, Greg. And I think we all agree with AndOne's regret that a lot of players aren't good enough shooters in that 8-13 ft range.
Just to visualize a broader 2FG vs 3FG comparison, here's a quick list of 2FG pcts and the 3FG pcts that would score the same amount of points.
    2FG%  =  3FG%
     39            26
     42            28
     45            30
     48            32
     51            34
     54            36
     57            38
     60            40
Of course, other things to consider : going for a mid-range or close-range 2FG can yield more FT attempts, but also results in more turnovers; maybe missed 3FGs produce more chance for offensive rebounds? That may vary from team to team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 16, 2018, 12:48:01 PM
It's all a matter of tradeoffs. Teams that shoot a lot of trey attempts can garner a lot more offensive rebounds off of their own missed treys, because they're not disadvantaged out on the floor by boxouts, but at the same time it leaves them more vulnerable to opposition runouts and easy fast-break layups if they accent working hard at grabbing long caroms out on the floor at the expense of perimeter containment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 16, 2018, 02:05:31 PM
I think IWU's Rose and Bonnett are pretty good pull-up, mid-ranger offensive players.  Rose likes the trey, but he slashes and drives and has all kinds of moves, shots with both hands, when he's headed inside the arc.  Bonnett is strong to the rim, but also pretty good at the 8-13 ft. range shot.

Agree about Juwan.  He was briliant, amazing, esp. for this size in the area of the paint dwelling giants.

Season within a few weeks now.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 16, 2018, 03:08:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 16, 2018, 12:48:01 PM
It's all a matter of tradeoffs. Teams that shoot a lot of trey attempts can garner a lot more offensive rebounds off of their own missed treys, because they're not disadvantaged out on the floor by boxouts, but at the same time it leaves them more vulnerable to opposition runouts and easy fast-break layups if they accent working hard at grabbing long caroms out on the floor at the expense of perimeter containment.

I'll swear under oath that during the recent years when the NCC women played "the system," fully half of all the points scored by their combined opponents came on basically uncontested layups. Opponents would rebound a missed NCC three and fire a immediate outlet to a teammate who would throw a long pass ahead, usually to someone who had taken off from the weak side and who was now standing alone under the basket.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 16, 2018, 08:07:24 PM
AndOne, maybe these box scores can alleviate your bitterness :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1617/17wb0218.htm
or
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1415/wbb2715.htm
I know iwu70 would be happy to review them. (ha)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 16, 2018, 08:57:15 PM
Rog,

What is it you perceive I'm bitter about?
The whole point of both my initial and subsequent posts was to point out that the mid-range shot has basically become a lost art in the sport of basketball. That's all. Period.
What I've said here recently was not meant as either praise or criticism of any specific player or team, and bitterness is not an emotion that played any role in either what I've meant to convey or how I have gone about doing so.  ;)

A large percentage of teams, both male and female, have taken significantly more shots from distance in recent years. Because layups and very short shots are still a big part of most teams arsenals nowadays, three point attempts have largely replaced the mid-range attempts. With the drop in shots from mid-range, there has been a rather natural correlation with a drop in success rate from that distance. If you're not practicing taking 8-13 foot shots, it logically follows that you're not likely to be very proficient in something you don't practice. So, if have a good mid-range game, you have something defenses usually aren't going to be very well prepared to defend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 17, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Selective history, RogK, selective history.  LOL

Is your point that these were the games when the now abandoned "system" was at its pinnacle?

Looking forward to this year's TITAN squad, the Mia Smith system.

Should be a fun season.  Guess WC has to be the favorite?  Pre-season CCIW poll out soon, no doubt.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2018, 09:55:57 PM
Yeah, iwu70, pinnacle or somewhere in that vicinity.
As for this coming season, I hope all nine CCIW teams will be good. They all start at 0-0 anyway.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 17, 2018, 09:59:57 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 17, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Selective history, RogK, selective history.  LOL

Is your point that these were the games when the now abandoned "system" was at its pinnacle?

Looking forward to this year's TITAN squad, the Mia Smith system.

Should be a fun season.  Guess WC has to be the favorite?  Pre-season CCIW poll out soon, no doubt.

IWU'70

Nope. The system made it a point to avoid taking mid-range shots. Again, my point was solely to emphasize the fact that the mid-range jumper is a dying art in the sport of basketball. Fewer and fewer shots are being attempted from mid-range, and often times those taking them are not terribly proficient at it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2018, 10:32:41 PM
So, do you regret that the offense portion of "the system" has apparently gained traction throughout basketball?
I think that basketball is still adjusting to the 3 pointer, so what we see now is not necessarily how it will be in coming years.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 18, 2018, 11:06:56 AM
So depends on the talent you have and how you run your half-court offense.  NCC ran the system, but at times didn't really have all that many really good trey shooters.  In the past, IWU has basically had a couple of key offensive players who could shoot the trey well, and the scheme basically left those shots to these high % shooters. 

IWU's system is really pressure defense that creates offense.  In most games, most circumstances, "Run and Jump" will continue until it doesn't work.  It usually does. 

Again, in my humble and ill-informed opinion, key for IWU this year is in some large part, finding a good replacement for the incredible consistency and reliability of Ehresman at PG.  I think it will happen, but could take some period of adjustment, some of the Titan returnees, experienced players, finding their way in new positions, new roles.

IWU70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2018, 11:27:25 AM
Despite Sydney Shanks being listed as a forward on the IWU roster, I think she's a pretty good dribbler and passer. So she and Munroe may be comfortably relied on, along with a freshman guard or two.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 16, 2018, 08:07:24 PM
AndOne, maybe these box scores can alleviate your bitterness :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1617/17wb0218.htm
or
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1415/wbb2715.htm
I know iwu70 would be happy to review them. (ha)

Good times. :)

Quote from: iwu70 on October 18, 2018, 11:06:56 AM
So depends on the talent you have and how you run your half-court offense.  NCC ran the system, but at times didn't really have all that many really good trey shooters.

Looking back on it, I don't know how much of that was the lack of "really good trey shooters" versus just sheer volume and law of averages. The percentages speak for themselves by and large, seeing as solely in conference games since I started announcing, NCC has the second-worst three point percentage, so maybe I'm killing my own argument:












School3P%
Augie28.78%
Carroll27.33%
Carthage36.55%
Elmhurst31.32%
IWU31.93%
Millikin30.73%
NCC28.29%
NPU31.07%
Wheaton33.41%

Quote from: AndOne on October 17, 2018, 09:59:57 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 17, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Is your point that these were the games when the now abandoned "system" was at its pinnacle?

Nope. The system made it a point to avoid taking mid-range shots. Again, my point was solely to emphasize the fact that the mid-range jumper is a dying art in the sport of basketball. Fewer and fewer shots are being attempted from mid-range, and often times those taking them are not terribly proficient at it.

I look at it from a sense of efficiency. The three gets you more points than the two, so it makes sense to incorporate it as a significant portion of your offense, especially from the corner where the distance to the basket is shortest. As for twos, layups are in theory a high percentage shot, so they're extremely efficient as well. The midrange in the sense we discuss it, at least in a vacuum, isn't as "efficient," although if you have someone for whom that's their go-to shot that they can hit at, say, a 40-50 percent clip, the efficiency comes into play there too. Maybe the day will come where we start to cycle back to more of a midrange game, but I don't know that it's coming any time soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 18, 2018, 02:27:25 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 16, 2018, 08:07:24 PM
AndOne, maybe these box scores can alleviate your bitterness :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1617/17wb0218.htm
or
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1415/wbb2715.htm
I know iwu70 would be happy to review them. (ha)

Good times. :)

Quote from: iwu70 on October 18, 2018, 11:06:56 AM
So depends on the talent you have and how you run your half-court offense.  NCC ran the system, but at times didn't really have all that many really good trey shooters.

Looking back on it, I don't know how much of that was the lack of "really good trey shooters" versus just sheer volume and law of averages. The percentages speak for themselves by and large, seeing as solely in conference games since I started announcing, NCC has the second-worst three point percentage, so maybe I'm killing my own argument:












School3P%
Augie28.78%
Carroll27.33%
Carthage36.55%
Elmhurst31.32%
IWU31.93%
Millikin30.73%
NCC28.29%
NPU31.07%
Wheaton33.41%

I think that one of the things that held back NCC's trey percentage was the speed at which the Cardinals played. Innumerable times they chucked up the first open shot available without getting their feet set, and I (and, I think, most observers who know something about the Arseneault System) wrote that off as an artifact of the System's goals-based methodology (x number of trey attempts per game, x number of possessions per game, etc.) rather than as poor technique or inadequate coaching by Michelle Roof and her staff. I didn't necessarily assume that a Cardinals shooter who went 1-8 from beyond the arc wasn't a good shooter. I wrote off her clankitude as an outcome caused by the fact that she was a rushed shooter, and that rushing her shot wasn't entirely her choice.

Quote from: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: AndOne on October 17, 2018, 09:59:57 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 17, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Is your point that these were the games when the now abandoned "system" was at its pinnacle?

Nope. The system made it a point to avoid taking mid-range shots. Again, my point was solely to emphasize the fact that the mid-range jumper is a dying art in the sport of basketball. Fewer and fewer shots are being attempted from mid-range, and often times those taking them are not terribly proficient at it.

I look at it from a sense of efficiency. The three gets you more points than the two, so it makes sense to incorporate it as a significant portion of your offense, especially from the corner where the distance to the basket is shortest. As for twos, layups are in theory a high percentage shot, so they're extremely efficient as well. The midrange in the sense we discuss it, at least in a vacuum, isn't as "efficient," although if you have someone for whom that's their go-to shot that they can hit at, say, a 40-50 percent clip, the efficiency comes into play there too. Maybe the day will come where we start to cycle back to more of a midrange game, but I don't know that it's coming any time soon.

It won't come back until players start practicing that shot again at the frequency with which they practice treys and layups (and, alas, dunks if you're talking about the men's game). And, right now, there's little to no incentive from coaches to make players practice it.

Thanks, Lucas, for keeping this conversation going. Normally, I'd be loath to talk about a playing style that is now obsolete in terms of CCIW practitioners, but anything is better than having to read yet another iteration of the interminable conversation between iwu70 and Rog regarding Illinois Wesleyan. I'm all for any recognition that this is a nine-team league rather than a one-team league, ever if we're talking about an aspect that no longer exists regarding one of those eight other teams. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 18, 2018, 03:23:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 17, 2018, 10:32:41 PM
So, do you regret that the offense portion of "the system" has apparently gained traction throughout basketball?
I think that basketball is still adjusting to the 3 pointer[\b], so what we see now is not necessarily how it will be in coming years.

Perhaps womens basketball is still adjusting to the 3 pointer, particularly at the D3 level. On the women's side, I've really only had more than a smidgen of experience with just one team so my perspective isn't the best. However, I sense the adjustment is well underway.
On the guys side, I think the adjustment is pretty well complete. The 3 pointer has revolutionized the men's game. Multitudes of players have fallen in love with the 3 point shot. Even at the D3 level, you often see teams with three guys with proficiency from downtown. The best teams often have an upper echelon 3 point shooter and a couple more that are way above average. Heck, even the better high school teams usually have a very good distance shooter and another pretty good one. Ever see kids practicing 10 foot shots? Ha, they're throwing them up from closer to half court than to the free throw line! Going back to our mid-range discussion, this is the major factor in the demise of the mid-range shot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 18, 2018, 03:39:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 18, 2018, 02:27:25 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 16, 2018, 08:07:24 PM
AndOne, maybe these box scores can alleviate your bitterness :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1617/17wb0218.htm
or
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1415/wbb2715.htm
I know iwu70 would be happy to review them. (ha)

Good times. :)

Quote from: iwu70 on October 18, 2018, 11:06:56 AM
So depends on the talent you have and how you run your half-court offense.  NCC ran the system, but at times didn't really have all that many really good trey shooters.

Looking back on it, I don't know how much of that was the lack of "really good trey shooters" versus just sheer volume and law of averages. The percentages speak for themselves by and large, seeing as solely in conference games since I started announcing, NCC has the second-worst three point percentage, so maybe I'm killing my own argument:












School3P%
Augie28.78%
Carroll27.33%
Carthage36.55%
Elmhurst31.32%
IWU31.93%
Millikin30.73%
NCC28.29%
NPU31.07%
Wheaton33.41%

I think that one of the things that held back NCC's trey percentage was the speed at which the Cardinals played. Innumerable times they chucked up the first open shot available without getting their feet set, and I (and, I think, most observers who know something about the Arseneault System) wrote that off as an artifact of the System's goals-based methodology (x number of trey attempts per game, x number of possessions per game, etc.) rather than as poor technique or inadequate coaching by Michelle Roof and her staff. I didn't necessarily assume that a Cardinals shooter who went 1-8 from beyond the arc wasn't a good shooter. I wrote off her clankitude as an outcome caused by the fact that she was a rushed shooter, and that rushing her shot wasn't entirely her choice.

Quote from: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: AndOne on October 17, 2018, 09:59:57 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 17, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Is your point that these were the games when the now abandoned "system" was at its pinnacle?

Nope. The system made it a point to avoid taking mid-range shots. Again, my point was solely to emphasize the fact that the mid-range jumper is a dying art in the sport of basketball. Fewer and fewer shots are being attempted from mid-range, and often times those taking them are not terribly proficient at it.

I look at it from a sense of efficiency. The three gets you more points than the two, so it makes sense to incorporate it as a significant portion of your offense, especially from the corner where the distance to the basket is shortest. As for twos, layups are in theory a high percentage shot, so they're extremely efficient as well. The midrange in the sense we discuss it, at least in a vacuum, isn't as "efficient," although if you have someone for whom that's their go-to shot that they can hit at, say, a 40-50 percent clip, the efficiency comes into play there too. Maybe the day will come where we start to cycle back to more of a midrange game, but I don't know that it's coming any time soon.

It won't come back until players start practicing that shot again at the frequency with which they practice treys and layups (and, alas, dunks if you're talking about the men's game). And, right now, there's little to no incentive from coaches to make players practice it.

Thanks, Lucas, for keeping this conversation going. Normally, I'd be loath to talk about a playing style that is now obsolete in terms of CCIW practitioners, but anything is better than having to read yet another iteration of the interminable conversation between iwu70 and Rog regarding Illinois Wesleyan. I'm all for any recognition that this is a nine-team league rather than a one-team league, ever if we're talking about an aspect that no longer exists regarding one of those eight other teams. ;)

With regard to the above, MHO is that both '70 and Sager make good points.
1. In only one of the "system" years did NCC really have several good 3 point shooters.
2. Often times, if you looked away for more than 2-3 seconds after the Cardinals got the ball over half court, you would miss a 3 point attempt. Usually only one pass and then what amounted to a quick throw at the basket as opposed to a good shot. No receiving the pass in good shooting position. No squaring up to the basket. No stepping into the shot. Too often only what amounted to a wild heave. 🙏🏽 👎
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 18, 2018, 04:23:36 PM
RogK, yes, I've thought Shanks might be in the mix too, though I'm not convinced.  Munroe has such great foot speed and decent trey shooting, so I think she's the likely candidate.  Perhaps Sosa will have a try too.  Several of the newbies did play PG in HS so we'll see if they get into the mix right away, as Raven Hughes did last year, and I believe Shanks too as a freshman.  Some of these young TITANS actually have tons of experience already.  Merritt and Anderson really the senior elders in this group.  It will be interesting to see how it all comes together.  Mia does a pretty good job of integrating the new talent early on so they develop for future seasons as key seniors graduate and move on.  As you know Ehresman still around as the Assistant or Graduate student on the staff.  Shelby Jackson has moved on, now living in Colorado and truly enjoy the mountain life, working for the professional soccer team there. 

I'm very optimistic about this new group, even as the greatly talented McGraw and Ehresman have moved on.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2018, 09:13:37 PM
Just checked this :
in '17-'18, the median D3 WBB team 3FG % was .292 (happened to be Trine).
for MBB D3 it was .345.
iwu70, do you think we should discuss the Ettner sisters' careers at length? I'm kidding!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 19, 2018, 10:01:09 AM
Quote from: AndOne on October 18, 2018, 03:39:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 18, 2018, 02:27:25 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 16, 2018, 08:07:24 PM
AndOne, maybe these box scores can alleviate your bitterness :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1617/17wb0218.htm
or
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1415/wbb2715.htm
I know iwu70 would be happy to review them. (ha)

Good times. :)

Quote from: iwu70 on October 18, 2018, 11:06:56 AM
So depends on the talent you have and how you run your half-court offense.  NCC ran the system, but at times didn't really have all that many really good trey shooters.

Looking back on it, I don't know how much of that was the lack of "really good trey shooters" versus just sheer volume and law of averages. The percentages speak for themselves by and large, seeing as solely in conference games since I started announcing, NCC has the second-worst three point percentage, so maybe I'm killing my own argument:












School3P%
Augie28.78%
Carroll27.33%
Carthage36.55%
Elmhurst31.32%
IWU31.93%
Millikin30.73%
NCC28.29%
NPU31.07%
Wheaton33.41%

I think that one of the things that held back NCC's trey percentage was the speed at which the Cardinals played. Innumerable times they chucked up the first open shot available without getting their feet set, and I (and, I think, most observers who know something about the Arseneault System) wrote that off as an artifact of the System's goals-based methodology (x number of trey attempts per game, x number of possessions per game, etc.) rather than as poor technique or inadequate coaching by Michelle Roof and her staff. I didn't necessarily assume that a Cardinals shooter who went 1-8 from beyond the arc wasn't a good shooter. I wrote off her clankitude as an outcome caused by the fact that she was a rushed shooter, and that rushing her shot wasn't entirely her choice.

Quote from: lmitzel on October 18, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
Quote from: AndOne on October 17, 2018, 09:59:57 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 17, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Is your point that these were the games when the now abandoned "system" was at its pinnacle?

Nope. The system made it a point to avoid taking mid-range shots. Again, my point was solely to emphasize the fact that the mid-range jumper is a dying art in the sport of basketball. Fewer and fewer shots are being attempted from mid-range, and often times those taking them are not terribly proficient at it.

I look at it from a sense of efficiency. The three gets you more points than the two, so it makes sense to incorporate it as a significant portion of your offense, especially from the corner where the distance to the basket is shortest. As for twos, layups are in theory a high percentage shot, so they're extremely efficient as well. The midrange in the sense we discuss it, at least in a vacuum, isn't as "efficient," although if you have someone for whom that's their go-to shot that they can hit at, say, a 40-50 percent clip, the efficiency comes into play there too. Maybe the day will come where we start to cycle back to more of a midrange game, but I don't know that it's coming any time soon.

It won't come back until players start practicing that shot again at the frequency with which they practice treys and layups (and, alas, dunks if you're talking about the men's game). And, right now, there's little to no incentive from coaches to make players practice it.

Thanks, Lucas, for keeping this conversation going. Normally, I'd be loath to talk about a playing style that is now obsolete in terms of CCIW practitioners, but anything is better than having to read yet another iteration of the interminable conversation between iwu70 and Rog regarding Illinois Wesleyan. I'm all for any recognition that this is a nine-team league rather than a one-team league, ever if we're talking about an aspect that no longer exists regarding one of those eight other teams. ;)

With regard to the above, MHO is that both '70 and Sager make good points.
1. In only one of the "system" years did NCC really have several good 3 point shooters.
2. Often times, if you looked away for more than 2-3 seconds after the Cardinals got the ball over half court, you would miss a 3 point attempt. Usually only one pass and then what amounted to a quick throw at the basket as opposed to a good shot. No receiving the pass in good shooting position. No squaring up to the basket. No stepping into the shot. Too often only what amounted to a wild heave. 🙏🏽 👎

I think the most ironic thing about NCC's system years is that arguably their worst shooting year was the year they went to the NCAA Tournament. Again, looking at just conference games (asterisked years are pre- or post-System):










Season3P%
2011-12*32.42%*
2012-1325.84%
2013-1431.60%
2014-1526.26%
2015-1631.29%
2016-1729.26%
2017-18*23.21%*

It's also kind of interesting to look at the two non-System years and see the disparity in shooting percentage even though both years North Central wasn't very good. Of course, the pre-System year was more of a conventional offense, versus last year they still used some offensive tenets of The System even though they officially went away from it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2018, 11:27:01 AM
RogK, I'll leave the Ettner sisters to you.  :)   

Interesting situation for the TITANS, as any number of key players in this returning group could have a break-out CCIW year.  Out of the shadow of McGraw and Ehresman.   Luckily, too, we have the ever solid, consistent Maddie Merritt there in the middle. 

Have a good weekend all -- some big CCIW football games this weekend.  I'm heading for St. Louis tomorrow and the key Wash U game.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 19, 2018, 04:50:40 PM
lmitzel, your comment on the '14-'15 NCC team led me to look at their full-season stats. I know the numbers you cited were conference play only.
For the full season :
they had 10 players average better than 5 pts/g
they were -6 in rebs/g, but +9 in turnover margin
they had 11.5 more FG att/g than opponents, along with 2.3 more FT att.
Jamie Cuny and Tess Godhardt started all 28 games. Cuny averaged 41 rebs per 100 min, blocked 91 shots and led with 35% 3FG accuracy. Godhardt played with ferocity, averaging around 18 pts in 19:00, 63% 2-point FG shooter, 78% FTs, led with 69 steals.
Maryssa Cladis and Bobbi Johns each shot a lot of FTs per min. Many others did well, of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 22, 2018, 01:48:39 PM
Titans come in at #12 in the pre-season D3hoops poll.  Wheaton at #27 basically, in the high levels of the ORV category.  Of course, two-time defending Champions Amherst at #1 again.

IWU opens the season on November 11th vs. #7 University of Chicago at The Shirk.  Great way to start off the season with a big time top 15 match-up. 

Should be a great season.  Looking forward . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 22, 2018, 01:56:46 PM
To be the best, play the best.  IWU early schedule:

#7 U Chicago
#13 DePauw
#21 UW Whitewater
likely #18 Wash U
Two games later #27 WC

UW Stevens Point and some others. . . 

Perhaps Mia got a bit carried away this year.   :)

And, two pre-season exhibitions too, against Eastern IL. and SIU Edwardville. 

I think the TITANS "will be ready" for CCIW play.

With "run and jump," fitness will be the key.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 22, 2018, 09:06:37 PM
iwu70, we'll know about strength of schedule at the end of the season, not at the beginning.
A pre-season poll is a forecast, nothing else.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 22, 2018, 10:47:59 PM
RogK, yes, a forecast, an estimation to some degree, but surely based on some knowledge of what these teams have coming back, what they did last season, and what good coaching and well-established programs they have.  Of course, some will rise, some will fall, but I bet most of these programs will be in the top 25 by the end of the season, even as they take some losses from one another before conference play.

Pre-season article about the Titans in today's Pgraph, with Coach Smith suggesting that if she was starting today she'd start:  Merritt, Schneider, Shanks, Anderson and Munroe.  (pretty much what I suggested, save for Hughes).  First off the bench in the likely rotation:  Brovelli, Hughes and Sosa.   We'll see if any of the freshmen rise to PT in due course.  Fourteen on the roster.

Coach Smith also suggesting that she felt Wheaton the strongest to compete with IWU for the Conference title.  I expect IWU and WC to be 1-2 in the coaches poll coming out soon.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on October 23, 2018, 07:11:44 AM
IWU at #12 seems like an enormous stretch in the preseason.  The Titans lost two 1st Team players, including the league MOP. Ehresman made the team go last year...and McGraw was the most talented player on the team.

The Titans have a lot of talent and certainly could end up being a great team, but I was shocked when I saw this ranking.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 23, 2018, 10:55:01 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on October 23, 2018, 07:11:44 AM
IWU at #12 seems like an enormous stretch in the preseason.  The Titans lost two 1st Team players, including the league MOP. Ehresman made the team go last year...and McGraw was the most talented player on the team.

The Titans have a lot of talent and certainly could end up being a great team, but I was shocked when I saw this ranking.

Agree here.  But besides Amherst I've not studied how strong or weak are teams #2-#11.  So maybe IWU does belong there relative to other teams and on paper.  Despite a team's overall talent, I think it's incredibly difficult to replace someone like Ehresman who did so much and played big minutes in the consequential games.  (See WC last year; i.e. McDaniels)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on October 23, 2018, 11:29:50 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on October 23, 2018, 10:55:01 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on October 23, 2018, 07:11:44 AM
IWU at #12 seems like an enormous stretch in the preseason.  The Titans lost two 1st Team players, including the league MOP. Ehresman made the team go last year...and McGraw was the most talented player on the team.

The Titans have a lot of talent and certainly could end up being a great team, but I was shocked when I saw this ranking.

Agree here.  But besides Amherst I've not studied how strong or weak are teams #2-#11.  So maybe IWU does belong there relative to other teams and on paper.  Despite a team's overall talent, I think it's incredibly difficult to replace someone like Ehresman who did so much and played big minutes in the consequential games.  (See WC last year; i.e. McDaniels)

A lot of teams lost a lot of talent from last season.  I don't envy the women's voters.  It's the opposite on the men's side as so many teams bring back so many players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on October 23, 2018, 11:46:42 AM
I had IWU 12th on my ballot as did 7 other voters. The Titans appeared on all 25 ballots and the median position was 12th.

In women's basketball, it's much easier to vote for programs and trust that they will reload  because they often do. Amherst lost two starters, including the Tournament MOP, returns about half of its scoring and rebounding and was still picked no lower than fifth on any ballot. Same goes for Bowdoin and Tufts who lost many starters and were slotted ahead of the Titans. There's a lot less churn at the top than there is on the men's side.

Also the Titans look pretty good in terms of the statistical comparison when you line them up against other Top 25 worthy teams.

* 3 starters back and 8 players who played more than 10 minutes
* 65% of team scoring returns and 76% of rebounding returns

Teams that returned a higher percentage in scoring and rebounding are either in front of IWU (Chicago, George Fox, St. Thomas) or come from conferences where the best teams aren't competitive nationally (GNAC, Centennial, SAA).

I do expect IWU to lose some games out of the gate because of their tough non-conference schedule, but the ranking tells you in part that voters trust that the best team in the CCIW will be one of the best 15 teams in the Country and IWU looks like the best bet to hold that distinction.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 23, 2018, 11:49:40 AM
I can understand the doubts about IWU's #12 ranking, though I was not shocked, as Q put it.  Yes, two All-CCIW players gone to graduation, but still two 2nd team All-CCIW players there (Merritt and Schnieder), and other strong, experienced rising seniors, especially Anderson.   Shanks likely to be key in "run and jump" steals.   Several very experienced and talented sophomores in Sosa and Hughes.  A strong back up in the paint in Brovelli.  It seems to me it will come down to how fast Munroe develops as the PG and I think she has the foot speed and talent, ball-handling abilities to do it.  And, how much a few of the freshmen work into meaningful PT off the bench at key times, especially with the defensive pressure schemes the Titans often apply.   I'm more confident about #12 than perhaps the rest of you'all here.  I was surprised that Wheaton, given all what they have coming back, didn't make the top 25. 

Yes, the first run of games will be tough -- Titans could go 8-3 or 4-7, time will tell.  The season is set up as usual, with very very tough schedule going in, prepping for the long CCIW race.  Save for WC, I don't see the TITANS losing many games in CCIW play.  Should be interesting.  Coaching and game management have always been key and there IWU has a strong advantage over many programs, IMHO.

Major pieces in the Pgraph front sports pages today, outlining the season -- for both the IWU men and women.   Everyone anticipating a positive and exciting season ahead.

Finishing football first.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 23, 2018, 12:40:26 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on October 23, 2018, 11:46:42 AM
I had IWU 12th on my ballot as did 7 other voters. The Titans appeared on all 25 ballots and the median position was 12th.

In women's basketball, it's much easier to vote for programs and trust that they will reload  because they often do. Amherst lost two starters, including the Tournament MOP, returns about half of its scoring and rebounding and was still picked no lower than fifth on any ballot. Same goes for Bowdoin and Tufts who lost many starters and were slotted ahead of the Titans. There's a lot less churn at the top than there is on the men's side.

Also the Titans look pretty good in terms of the statistical comparison when you line them up against other Top 25 worthy teams.

* 3 starters back and 8 players who played more than 10 minutes
* 65% of team scoring returns and 76% of rebounding returns

Teams that returned a higher percentage in scoring and rebounding are either in front of IWU (Chicago, George Fox, St. Thomas) or come from conferences where the best teams aren't competitive nationally (GNAC, Centennial, SAA).

I do expect IWU to lose some games out of the gate because of their tough non-conference schedule, but the ranking tells you in part that voters trust that the best team in the CCIW will be one of the best 15 teams in the Country and IWU looks like the best bet to hold that distinction.


Thanks for the insights into the voting Gordan.  Looks like a pretty solid evaluation method to me.  Titans #12 sounds right then.

Now, do you or Ryan think they'll run the table in the CCIW?  :P ::)  (NOT expecting an answer)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 23, 2018, 01:25:19 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on October 23, 2018, 12:40:26 PM
Thanks for the insights into the voting Gordan.  Looks like a pretty solid evaluation method to me.  Titans #12 sounds right then.

Now, do you or Ryan think they'll run the table in the CCIW?  :P ::)  (NOT expecting an answer)

You know darned well you're going to get one ... and it won't be from Ryan or Gordon. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 23, 2018, 05:12:46 PM
Well, to satisfy Greg's surmising, I'll just remind that the TITANS last year were 17-1 vs. CCIW opponents.  I think that's the closest we've had to "running the table" in some years, but I'm sure others will remind if I'm wrong.  Of course, you'd expect Ypsi and myself to be in the camp that hoped for 18-0, however difficult or unlikely we all knew that would be. 

Gordan, thanks for your explanation of your voting strategy and philosophy.  Seems #12 for IWU is not so shocking.  Time will tell, of course.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 23, 2018, 05:48:04 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 23, 2018, 05:12:46 PM
Well, to satisfy Greg's surmising, I'll just remind that the TITANS last year were 17-1 vs. CCIW opponents.  I think that's the closest we've had to "running the table" in some years, but I'm sure others will remind if I'm wrong.  Of course, you'd expect Ypsi and myself to be in the camp that hoped for 18-0, however difficult or unlikely we all knew that would be. 

Gordan, thanks for your explanation of your voting strategy and philosophy.  Seems #12 for IWU is not so shocking.  Time will tell, of course.

IWU'70

Yeah, I would never PREDICT that any team will run the table in the CCIW, but geez, we haven't done it since 2009!  A decade is plenty long enough to wait for deja vu! :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 23, 2018, 09:47:25 PM
Hey Ypsi, how 'ya doing?   Hope all goes well in Michiganland.

Nice fall here on campus, with football and a great volleyball run.  Looking forward to the IWU basketball editions -- men and women -- though I'll enjoy most of the season again from the Far Side.  Back to Hong Kong by early December, so only seeing a few early games at The Shirk before decamping for Asia and CUHK yet again. 

Looks a very promising season for both teams.  Augie (men) and Wheaton (women) seemingly the biggest challenges.  Plenty plenty of great basketball upcoming.

Hope you and all the family are well.  Remember, our 50th reunion in two years!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 23, 2018, 10:46:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 23, 2018, 09:47:25 PM
Hey Ypsi, how 'ya doing?   Hope all goes well in Michiganland.

Nice fall here on campus, with football and a great volleyball run.  Looking forward to the IWU basketball editions -- men and women -- though I'll enjoy most of the season again from the Far Side.  Back to Hong Kong by early December, so only seeing a few early games at The Shirk before decamping for Asia and CUHK yet again. 

Looks a very promising season for both teams.  Augie (men) and Wheaton (women) seemingly the biggest challenges.  Plenty plenty of great basketball upcoming.

Hope you and all the family are well.  Remember, our 50th reunion in two years!

'70

Fourth grandchild (second grandson) due probably on Friday.  (DIL going in early that morning to have labor induced.)  Then I can finally call him by name (son and DIL insist they haven't decided, but I think they're just being coy).

Second son doing well (the one I used to joke I had a defense attorney on speed dial - he matured! :)) and finishes his masters in biology in the spring.  He's been pretty close to marriage twice, but both girls got 'cold feet' (one very understandably: her dad cheated, they got divorced, they remarried, her dad cheated again, they divorced again, I fully understand her 'commitment issues'; don't know the backstory on the second one). 

So, four grandkids from one son, no near-term prospects from the other.  In this overpopulated world, four grandkids is probably enough anyway, so I ain't complaining!

Been cooler than normal in MI, but mostly typical.

My health is not what it once was, but I'll certainly be at #50 if I can! ;)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2018, 04:45:24 AM
Elmhurst has a vast new roster :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?roster=255&path=wbball
Opposing coaches could be busy for a while, researching the many newcomers from distant states.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Yes, that's some EC roster.  Hope they have a JV schedule lined up for them this year.   IWU only has 14 on their roster at present.

Ypsi Gramps, congrats on the grand kids!  Way to go.  Hope your health holds up and you can make our 50th.  I'm sure it will be a grand reunion and party in October, 2020.  I'm working on my health now too, generally quite OK, but one does notice the slowdown, the stiffness, when one hits 70!  My son, now 33, and running his own company in the renewable energy sphere in LA, is a nutritional Nazi, so has me on the keto diet now.  I'm in the no sugar, no carbs phase for some months, trying to knock off part of the broad base on which I've been working.  I could come down 20-30 and it would be of great help to the heart and joints, especially my poor many-miles feet.  Looking to get to 195 if possible.   My son, not married as yet, so no grand kids on the immediate horizon.  He's so busy with work that he seems to have little time for a serious relationship.  A driven, high-achieving person.  Time will tell.

Looking forward to the IWU basketball editions upcoming.  Several good football games to go, then we all go inside.

When the snow flies, I fly back to Hong Kong  . . . as usual.

Best to all the chatsters for the new season.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on October 24, 2018, 12:10:10 PM
Preseason Conference Poll is out:
1. Wheaton (8)
2. IWU (1)
3. Carthage
4. Augustana
5. Elmhurst
6. Carroll
7. North Central
8. Millikin
9. North Park

IWU deserves preseason Top 25 after last year, but to have Wheaton essentially be the unanimous preseason favorite to take the Conference Crown is interesting!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 24, 2018, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 24, 2018, 04:45:24 AM
Elmhurst has a vast new roster :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?roster=255&path=wbball
Opposing coaches could be busy for a while, researching the many newcomers from distant states.

Wow, that is an interesting roster for Elmhurst. Not that the Bluejays have ever been as Chicagoland-centric in their various sports rosters as North Central has, but that's the most far-ranging and varied roster of any Elmhurst sports team that I've ever seen. It even puts the 'jays football program, which has had its fair share of warm-weather players at the skill positions over the past decade or so, to shame.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 24, 2018, 12:34:18 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on October 24, 2018, 12:10:10 PM
Preseason Conference Poll is out:
1. Wheaton (8)
2. IWU (1)
3. Carthage
4. Augustana
5. Elmhurst
6. Carroll
7. North Central
8. Millikin
9. North Park

IWU deserves preseason Top 25 after last year, but to have Wheaton essentially be the unanimous preseason favorite to take the Conference Crown is interesting!

I'm guessing they're going with the aforementioned logic of "Ehresman and McGraw are gone from Wesleyan, that takes them down a notch" in their votes. I think what interests me more is that Carthage was just a point back of IWU before things drop a bit to the next tier.

All in all... I don't think I can really disagree with much here. I would have figured Elmhurst might be a little closer to that pack at the bottom. I really think the top of the conference is the top of the conference, but pretty much anyone can make the conference tournament.

Quote from: RogK on October 24, 2018, 04:45:24 AM
Elmhurst has a vast new roster :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?roster=255&path=wbball
Opposing coaches could be busy for a while, researching the many newcomers from distant states.

Holy Moses.[/thombrennaman]
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 24, 2018, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on October 24, 2018, 12:34:18 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on October 24, 2018, 12:10:10 PM
Preseason Conference Poll is out:
1. Wheaton (8)
2. IWU (1)
3. Carthage
4. Augustana
5. Elmhurst
6. Carroll
7. North Central
8. Millikin
9. North Park

IWU deserves preseason Top 25 after last year, but to have Wheaton essentially be the unanimous preseason favorite to take the Conference Crown is interesting!

I'm guessing they're going with the aforementioned logic of "Ehresman and McGraw are gone from Wesleyan, that takes them down a notch" in their votes. I think what interests me more is that Carthage was just a point back of IWU before things drop a bit to the next tier.

All in all... I don't think I can really disagree with much here. I would have figured Elmhurst might be a little closer to that pack at the bottom. I really think the top of the conference is the top of the conference, but pretty much anyone can make the conference tournament.


IWU and WC were pretty close last year.  Losing Ehreshman/McGraw is probably a little more significant than Dansdill/Lawson so in that sense maybe slight edge to the Thunder with a Hannah Frazier/Devin Kyler led team.  I am a little surprised that every coach besides Kent Madsen came to that same conclusion.    Coaches also giving Carthage well deserved respect with all starters returning except Morgan Harris.  Lady Reds will be no pushover this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 25, 2018, 06:42:06 PM
I think the Millikin roster has been updated :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 25, 2018, 06:45:54 PM
Olivia Lett's first year as Head Coach at MU.  Should be interesting.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on October 25, 2018, 08:24:02 PM
Wheaton's Hannah Frazier tabbed as a Preseason All-American by D3Hoops. Honorable Mention, sure, but an All-American nonetheless and I would not be surprised if she is even more dominant this season than she was last season. She leads a very talented, tall, and athletic Wheaton squad that looks to make some noise this year. Should be fun!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on October 27, 2018, 09:27:08 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on October 23, 2018, 11:46:42 AM
I had IWU 12th on my ballot as did 7 other voters. The Titans appeared on all 25 ballots and the median position was 12th.

In women's basketball, it's much easier to vote for programs and trust that they will reload  because they often do. Amherst lost two starters, including the Tournament MOP, returns about half of its scoring and rebounding and was still picked no lower than fifth on any ballot. Same goes for Bowdoin and Tufts who lost many starters and were slotted ahead of the Titans. There's a lot less churn at the top than there is on the men's side.

Also the Titans look pretty good in terms of the statistical comparison when you line them up against other Top 25 worthy teams.

* 3 starters back and 8 players who played more than 10 minutes
* 65% of team scoring returns and 76% of rebounding returns

Teams that returned a higher percentage in scoring and rebounding are either in front of IWU (Chicago, George Fox, St. Thomas) or come from conferences where the best teams aren't competitive nationally (GNAC, Centennial, SAA).

I do expect IWU to lose some games out of the gate because of their tough non-conference schedule, but the ranking tells you in part that voters trust that the best team in the CCIW will be one of the best 15 teams in the Country and IWU looks like the best bet to hold that distinction.

Thanks, Gordon.  It's always hard to sort out the preseason poll and your thinking makes sense.

I do think the CCIW coaches got it right in tabbing Wheaton as the favorite this year.  I just think IWU's losses in Ehresman and McGraw were the type where the Titans are kind of starting from a fresh slate this year, looking for a completely new identity.  So on the surface, it seems like #12 is too high in that kind of situation...but I have no grasp of the broader picture of the women's Top 25.

To be clear, I think IWU is loaded with talent.  The Titans have recruited very well the last two seasons and have freshmen and sophomores ready to step in and be good this year.  And certainly a lot of talent returning from the varsity mix last season.  Plus a proven coach who almost always has her team in contention.

I hope you end up being right about #12!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2018, 01:32:13 PM
Q, agree with you that the new Titan group will have a rather different identity from that lead by McGraw and Ehresman.  Munroe at the PG will be very different, quicker with some amazing energy.  Just hope she can rise to the duties, limit the TOs like Ehresman did so well, and feed the strong post and wing players IWU has in good numbers.  It will be interesting to see who the break-out players from this returning group are -- in the new year.  My money is on Anderson, Schneider or Hughes.  Merritt and Brovelli will anchor the paint very well, IMHO.  They are quite a team, quite a unit, with obvious esprit de corp around campus and off-season fitness work very evident. 

Looking forward to the men's Green/White scrimmage later today at The Shirk.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 28, 2018, 02:10:46 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 25, 2018, 06:42:06 PM
I think the Millikin roster has been updated :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball

I've heard good things about two of MU's freshmen, Amaya Coleman from OPRF and Kelle Knopp from Plainfield North.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2018, 12:06:22 AM
meaning they are studious, cosmopolitan and polite?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2018, 04:33:05 PM
the new Carroll roster :
https://gopios.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 29, 2018, 08:52:24 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 23, 2018, 10:46:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on October 23, 2018, 09:47:25 PM
Hey Ypsi, how 'ya doing?   Hope all goes well in Michiganland.

Nice fall here on campus, with football and a great volleyball run.  Looking forward to the IWU basketball editions -- men and women -- though I'll enjoy most of the season again from the Far Side.  Back to Hong Kong by early December, so only seeing a few early games at The Shirk before decamping for Asia and CUHK yet again. 

Looks a very promising season for both teams.  Augie (men) and Wheaton (women) seemingly the biggest challenges.  Plenty plenty of great basketball upcoming.

Hope you and all the family are well.  Remember, our 50th reunion in two years!

'70

Fourth grandchild (second grandson) due probably on Friday.  (DIL going in early that morning to have labor induced.)  Then I can finally call him by name (son and DIL insist they haven't decided, but I think they're just being coy).

Second son doing well (the one I used to joke I had a defense attorney on speed dial - he matured! :)) and finishes his masters in biology in the spring.  He's been pretty close to marriage twice, but both girls got 'cold feet' (one very understandably: her dad cheated, they got divorced, they remarried, her dad cheated again, they divorced again, I fully understand her 'commitment issues'; don't know the backstory on the second one). 

So, four grandkids from one son, no near-term prospects from the other.  In this overpopulated world, four grandkids is probably enough anyway, so I ain't complaining!

Been cooler than normal in MI, but mostly typical.

My health is not what it once was, but I'll certainly be at #50 if I can! ;)

An update, in case anyone cares. ;)

Oliver Thomas Bonney (currently called most of the time, Ollie) was shy about coming on Friday, but entered the world 8 minutes after midnight Saturday morning.  He is, of course, perfect.  (Later on, grandkids may vary on their ratings, but grandBABIES are all, by definition, perfect! ;D)

I'm delighted that I have met all four of my grandkids before they were 24 hours old!  And have only alienated one of them:  I gently teased Emmy about something (don't even recall what) trying to get her to laugh; she had a melt-down and has so far never forgiven me.  Hopefully I can win her back over.  Since she is 3, I think I have time on my side. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 29, 2018, 10:50:56 PM
Ypsi, congrats on the new wee grandson one!   Don't scare wee Ollie off!

Getting ready for some good TITAN roundball. 

Grand key football match up Saturday -- NCC @IWU for all the marbles.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 01:38:17 AM
Congrats, Chuck!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 30, 2018, 03:56:06 PM
Jennifer Berg is listed on the Wheaton Roster.  Although she was injured and didn't play her academic junior year, I had presumed she had graduated and would not return.  Apparently she's returning as a 5th yr senior which will further shore up the Thunder front court with veteran leadership.  This creates a deeper 4 forward rotation( Devin Kyler, Hannah Frazier, Jen&Jill Berg) which should reduce the frequency of a 3 guard line up.   Jordan Myroth is the only returning guard with deep minutes so a little less pressure on the back court is welcome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 04:16:18 PM
That's interesting, because you don't see a lot of fifth-year-senior student-athletes at Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 30, 2018, 04:32:52 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 04:16:18 PM
That's interesting, because you don't see a lot of fifth-year-senior student-athletes at Wheaton.

Or just as likely enrolled in the Grad School for her 4th year eligibility. (K-Ray, Panner, others)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on October 30, 2018, 05:04:59 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on October 30, 2018, 04:32:52 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 04:16:18 PM
That's interesting, because you don't see a lot of fifth-year-senior student-athletes at Wheaton.

Or just as likely enrolled in the Grad School for her 4th year eligibility. (K-Ray, Panner, others)

Not related to basketball, but Johnny Peltz and Nick Johnson we're both 5th year seniors on the baseball team last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 05:09:20 PM
Well, yeah, that also falls under the rubric of "fifth-year senior", if you're referring to a senior in terms of athletic eligibility rather than undergraduate class status. I actually thought of Raymond and Panner, because I can't think of any other examples of Wheaton grad student-athletes off of the top of my head; Wheaton's graduate programs, which are more or less confined to the fields of psychology and religious studies, don't seem to draw lots of athletes (at least as far as I know). North Park, which has graduate programs in the fields of business and education as well as religious studies, seems to be much more conducive to the sorts of things that more student-athletes often want to pursue as careers. NPU's had so many grad students wear Vikings uniforms over the past couple of decades that I don't even bother trying to keep track of them all anymore.

Of course, NPU's graduate curricula wasn't planned with that in mind; it's just a happy coincidence as far as NPU athletics is concerned.

The other aspect, which relates to people who are actually contemplating a fifth year as an undergraduate, is that, as one Wheaton coach candidly told me, the school is so "flippin' expensive" (his words) that it's hard to entice a student to spread out her or his undergrad work over five years of schooling.

Quote from: duckfan41 on October 30, 2018, 05:04:59 PM
Not related to basketball, but Johnny Peltz and Nick Johnson we're both 5th year seniors on the baseball team last year.

Were they grad students or fifth-year undergraduates?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on October 30, 2018, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 05:09:20 PM
Well, yeah, that also falls under the rubric of "fifth-year senior", if you're referring to a senior in terms of athletic eligibility rather than undergraduate class status. I actually thought of Raymond and Panner, because I can't think of any other examples of Wheaton grad student-athletes off of the top of my head; Wheaton's graduate programs, which are more or less confined to the fields of psychology and religious studies, don't seem to draw lots of athletes (at least as far as I know). North Park, which has graduate programs in the fields of business and education as well as religious studies, seems to be much more conducive to the sorts of things that more student-athletes often want to pursue as careers. NPU's had so many grad students wear Vikings uniforms over the past couple of decades that I don't even bother trying to keep track of them all anymore.

Of course, NPU's graduate curricula wasn't planned with that in mind; it's just a happy coincidence as far as NPU athletics is concerned.

The other aspect, which relates to people who are actually contemplating a fifth year as an undergraduate, is that, as one Wheaton coach candidly told me, the school is so "flippin' expensive" (his words) that it's hard to entice a student to spread out her or his undergrad work over five years of schooling.

Quote from: duckfan41 on October 30, 2018, 05:04:59 PM
Not related to basketball, but Johnny Peltz and Nick Johnson we're both 5th year seniors on the baseball team last year.

Were they grad students or fifth-year undergraduates?
To my knowledge, they were fifth-year undergraduates due to injury for Johnson, and Peltz didn't play his junior season due to commitments to the football program.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 31, 2018, 09:13:47 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 05:09:20 PM
Well, yeah, that also falls under the rubric of "fifth-year senior", if you're referring to a senior in terms of athletic eligibility rather than undergraduate class status. I actually thought of Raymond and Panner, because I can't think of any other examples of Wheaton grad student-athletes off of the top of my head; Wheaton's graduate programs, which are more or less confined to the fields of psychology and religious studies, don't seem to draw lots of athletes (at least as far as I know). North Park, which has graduate programs in the fields of business and education as well as religious studies, seems to be much more conducive to the sorts of things that more student-athletes often want to pursue as careers. NPU's had so many grad students wear Vikings uniforms over the past couple of decades that I don't even bother trying to keep track of them all anymore.

Of course, NPU's graduate curricula wasn't planned with that in mind; it's just a happy coincidence as far as NPU athletics is concerned.

The other aspect, which relates to people who are actually contemplating a fifth year as an undergraduate, is that, as one Wheaton coach candidly told me, the school is so "flippin' expensive" (his words) that it's hard to entice a student to spread out her or his undergrad work over five years of schooling.

Quote from: duckfan41 on October 30, 2018, 05:04:59 PM
Not related to basketball, but Johnny Peltz and Nick Johnson we're both 5th year seniors on the baseball team last year.

Were they grad students or fifth-year undergraduates?


I'm guessing that they took grad classes since most undergrads do graduate in 4 years.  But that begs your question Greg of the expense associated with returning for a 5th year of athletic eligibility.  Especially true of basketball which covers 2 semesters.

I would guess that there's a minimum required course load to participate in a sport (NCAA requirement I would presume).  Do you need to be a full time student or can you take a single graduate class and play? 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 31, 2018, 03:57:45 PM
Getting closer now to the opening of the season.  IWU women play two exhibitions this coming week. First at Eastern Illinois in Charleston, then down at SIU Edwardsville.  Tune-ups for the regular and CCIW seasons.  Opening day now not far away -- November 11th vs. #7 University of Chicago at The Shirk.  A great opportunity to make an early impression against a top 10 foe. 

Looking forward to seeing this new post-McGraw, post Ehresman edition of the TITANS.  In Mia we trust.

Here we go . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 31, 2018, 04:21:50 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on October 31, 2018, 09:13:47 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2018, 05:09:20 PM
Well, yeah, that also falls under the rubric of "fifth-year senior", if you're referring to a senior in terms of athletic eligibility rather than undergraduate class status. I actually thought of Raymond and Panner, because I can't think of any other examples of Wheaton grad student-athletes off of the top of my head; Wheaton's graduate programs, which are more or less confined to the fields of psychology and religious studies, don't seem to draw lots of athletes (at least as far as I know). North Park, which has graduate programs in the fields of business and education as well as religious studies, seems to be much more conducive to the sorts of things that more student-athletes often want to pursue as careers. NPU's had so many grad students wear Vikings uniforms over the past couple of decades that I don't even bother trying to keep track of them all anymore.

Of course, NPU's graduate curricula wasn't planned with that in mind; it's just a happy coincidence as far as NPU athletics is concerned.

The other aspect, which relates to people who are actually contemplating a fifth year as an undergraduate, is that, as one Wheaton coach candidly told me, the school is so "flippin' expensive" (his words) that it's hard to entice a student to spread out her or his undergrad work over five years of schooling.

Quote from: duckfan41 on October 30, 2018, 05:04:59 PM
Not related to basketball, but Johnny Peltz and Nick Johnson we're both 5th year seniors on the baseball team last year.

Were they grad students or fifth-year undergraduates?


I'm guessing that they took grad classes since most undergrads do graduate in 4 years.  But that begs your question Greg of the expense associated with returning for a 5th year of athletic eligibility.  Especially true of basketball which covers 2 semesters.

I would guess that there's a minimum required course load to participate in a sport (NCAA requirement I would presume).  Do you need to be a full time student or can you take a single graduate class and play?

I'm not clear on that. There was an infamous case a few years ago of a star athlete in D1 who only took one class after graduating mid-year and was able to retain his eligibility, but that's D1. D3 rules in a lot of aspects of eligibility are different.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 31, 2018, 08:19:15 PM
The Leinart rule is available to anyone, actually. If you only need one or two classes to graduate, that's all you need to take your final semester and still be eligible.

In the case described, your student-athlete would not be finishing up a graduate-level degree, so I don't think that this would work.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on October 31, 2018, 11:41:20 PM
I know this confuses some, but this "eligibility" question is also why student-athletes are usually (I do mean "usually") listed on rosters based on their eligibility year, not their academic year.

I was introduced to that during college when, as a junior in school, I was listed as a sophomore on the roster - I had missed the season in between. While it can confused people, ultimately it is very helpful. There are times when SAs are listed correctly as seniors and then an injury year is given back to them and they return (had that happen when trying to work on preseason All-America teams), but ultimately that listing of eligibility is very helpful.

Though, there are times it produces a quirk. One of Amherst WBB's best players, Hannah Fox, was listed as a sophomore last season. She has graduated from the school after four years of college (at two schools). That one makes me chuckle.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2018, 05:47:50 PM
IWU at EIU at Charleston tonight -- an exhibition.  6 p.m.   Next week another exhibition@ SIU Edwardsville, alma mater of Coach Smith.  That one is on Nov. 7th, at 7 p.m.

Some stern tests to prepare for the regular season, opening vs. #7 University of Chicago on the 11th @The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 01, 2018, 06:15:53 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 01, 2018, 05:47:50 PM
IWU at EIU at Charleston tonight -- an exhibition.  6 p.m.   Next week another exhibition@ SIU Edwardsville, alma mater of Coach Smith.  That one is on Nov. 7th, at 7 p.m.

Some stern tests to prepare for the regular season, opening vs. #7 University of Chicago on the 11th @The Shirk.

'70

I'm drawing a blank (and the Millikin coaches' bio didn't include the info) - was it SIU-Edwardsville that Olivia Lett transferred in from?  If so, that connection could help explain the transfer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2018, 09:47:47 PM
Ypsi, SIU-E is where Coach Smith played and starred.  I think Lett transferred from SIU Carbondale, but I could be wrong.

IWU @D1 EIU tonight -- exhibition:  EIU 86 IWU 82

Starting:  Munroe, Shanks, Schneider, Merritt and Anderson.

Sosa 18
Hughes 15
Anderson 15
Schneider 12
Shanks 11

For EIU:

Grace Lenox 22

Seems IWU playing lots of folks, and, as would be expected not shooting a good % from 3 to start out.  But FG % at 46%.  FTs 18-22. 

EIU basically played only five, with only one other player playing more than 10 minutes.  Heavy minutes on the starters.

Seems IWU gave them a real good game.

Up next SIU-E on the 5th.  A good full test of exhibitions. 

I think Coach Smith is going to have trouble keeping Hughes and/or Sosa out of the starting line-up.   Riches of talent in the rotation.   IMHO.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 01, 2018, 10:53:35 PM
iwu70, you were right about Raven Hughes recovering quickly. Her presence is a big positive for the Titans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 02, 2018, 10:35:09 AM
RogK, yes, Raven Hughes has tremendous upside for the Titans -- and only a sophomore.  Glad to see her back from injury.  Same with Shanks.  Also, great game by Kendall Sosa, also year two.  Both sophomores are going to push the more established, experienced seniors, and may push them out of the starting line-up.  We'll see.  IWU programs have always had a kind of "wait your turn" ethos, but this may change with the talent and scoring abilities of these two.  I'm sure Coach Smith is now experimenting with and exploring various options and mixes -- depending on the opponent, the defensive set, and who happens to be "hot", playing well at the time.  Several other TITANS had good games last night vs. a DI opponent.  We'll need more down the road from Merritt and Brovelli to anchor the paint area.  But, the wings are going to be really good, and Raven Hughes will play well close to, with her back to the basket.  Very quick, very accurate, shooting a very  high percentage in her career, so far, at IWU.  The three point shooting will come.  Not great last night.  Anyway, a good start and things to be improved on, sorted out, as Coach Smith commented in the Pgraph today. 

SIU-E a homecoming for Coach Smith -- another fun, good lesson-filled exhibition on the 5th.  Opening day vs. #7 U of Chicago, coming up very soon now.

I'm looking forward to the season and another great CCIW race -- esp. with WC and CC.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 03, 2018, 04:05:47 PM
Final from Gentile Arena today: Loyola 73, NCC 49. I haven't had a chance to look over the box score yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2018, 10:55:02 AM
Saw the NCC preseason game at Loyola. NCC held a small early lead thanks to hitting several 1st Q threes. After that, things were what could be expected when D3 faces D1. Loyola weirdly put almost zero effort into offensive rebounding, so I wouldn't get too excited about NCC's defensive rebounding numbers (28 out of 36 possible).
Not many conclusions should be drawn from a D3 v D1 game, when you suspect the D1 team is not out to destroy the D3 team (not to mention one coached by an alumnus of that D1 school).
I did learn that Diamond Calicott stopped playing for the reason of concussion avoidance, a wise choice. She was there, assisting the coaching staff and yelling at players who screwed up. Just kidding about that last part!
NCC has some promising newcomers, but we need to see several games vs D3 opponents before making any guesses about how good the team may be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 04, 2018, 08:45:33 PM
The women's coaches basketball association pre-season poll has U of Chicago 8th and IWU 10th.  Should be a great match-up for an opening game of the season, at The Shirk on November 11th.

D3hoops poll had the Titans at #12.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on November 05, 2018, 11:05:11 AM
It's officially game week!

Wheaton hosts #5 Thomas More (30-2 and lost to Amherst in the Final Four last season) in King Arena at 7 on Friday. It is Family Weekend for Wheaton College this weekend, so hopefully that'll help draw fans to both this game (which is a huge game to start off the season with) and the men's game against Ripon on Saturday.

Best of luck to all CCIW squads!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 05, 2018, 12:45:58 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2018, 10:55:02 AM
Saw the NCC preseason game at Loyola. NCC held a small early lead thanks to hitting several 1st Q threes. After that, things were what could be expected when D3 faces D1. Loyola weirdly put almost zero effort into offensive rebounding, so I wouldn't get too excited about NCC's defensive rebounding numbers (28 out of 36 possible).
Not many conclusions should be drawn from a D3 v D1 game, when you suspect the D1 team is not out to destroy the D3 team (not to mention one coached by an alumnus of that D1 school).
I did learn that Diamond Calicott stopped playing for the reason of concussion avoidance, a wise choice. She was there, assisting the coaching staff and yelling at players who screwed up. Just kidding about that last part!
NCC has some promising newcomers, but we need to see several games vs D3 opponents before making any guesses about how good the team may be.

Between this and finally looking at the box score, I think I'm okay with the result. I wasn't expecting a heroic upset, but to have a lead late in the first quarter and to make the final look reasonable, I'll take it. Even given the context, to be within four on the boards overall and to keep your turnovers under 20 (I feel like that's my arbitrary cutoff number for turnovers) is good. They shot all right even keeping in mind they were ice cold in the second and third quarters, and did well at the free throw line, an Achilles heel all last year.

I'm hoping solid games from some of the freshmen (Howard and Pearson in particular) are good omens of things to come. I was a little alarmed to see that Lyndsay Brennan only played 14 minutes and took just one shot, but I'm hoping that was a coach's decision and not an injury thing.

All in all, I'm pretty optimistic going into the year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2018, 03:33:29 PM
Wow, that's a great opening game for WC -- against #5 Thomas More.  Hope WC shows their mettle, knocks them off.  Playing a very tough non-conference schedule always good when the long-CCIW row of games starts later. 

IWU playing their second exhibition game tonight -- vs. SIU-E, the alma mater of Coach Smith.  Hoping for a good outing, an instructive and useful exhibition against another DI program. 

Good luck to all the CCIW programs, players and coaches this season.  Let's hope for a good season for all, few injuries and little off-court or unsporting drama.

Here we go!   Let the games begin.  :) 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2018, 10:08:36 PM
In the final exhibition game before the regular season starts, SIU-E 81 IWU 71.

IWU gave them a great game, trailing by 3 with about 4 minutes to go.  Didn't handle the last stretch so well, with a number of key TOs.  But, overall, a very good match-up, very competitive D1 vs. D3 game.

Titans shooting 40% and 45% from 3.  Lots of substitutions, all the pine-sitters getting their minutes too.  A deeper rotation for this game.

Sosa 16
Merritt 16 9-9 FTs
Shanks 10
Schneider 10
Eck 10

For SIU-E

Too much Alston 26
Bauman 15

I'm sure some good lessons in preparation for the D3 opener next Sunday vs. #7/8 U of Chicago.

Here we go, the regular season is upon us.  Let the games that count begin!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on November 07, 2018, 11:22:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 01, 2018, 09:47:47 PM
Ypsi, SIU-E is where Coach Smith played and starred.  I think Lett transferred from SIU Carbondale, but I could be wrong.

IWU @D1 EIU tonight -- exhibition:  EIU 86 IWU 82

Starting:  Munroe, Shanks, Schneider, Merritt and Anderson.

Sosa 18
Hughes 15
Anderson 15
Schneider 12
Shanks 11

For EIU:

Grace Lenox 22

Seems IWU playing lots of folks, and, as would be expected not shooting a good % from 3 to start out.  But FG % at 46%.  FTs 18-22. 

EIU basically played only five, with only one other player playing more than 10 minutes.  Heavy minutes on the starters.

Seems IWU gave them a real good game.

Up next SIU-E on the 5th.  A good full test of exhibitions. 

I think Coach Smith is going to have trouble keeping Hughes and/or Sosa out of the starting line-up.   Riches of talent in the rotation.   IMHO.

IWU'70
Lett did transfer to IWU from SIU-Carbondale
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 08, 2018, 10:32:41 PM
The 2018-19 Wheaton squad is a very solid team with plenty of talent.  The critical question will be how we or who will replace the 20+ pts/game of scoring lost from Dansdill and Lawson graduating.  Besides Hannah Frazier and Devin Kyler, I'm not sure who the next natural scorer is.  I've been hoping/waiting for Jordan Myroth to step up the offensive part of her game after pretty much deferring her first two seasons.  Beyond that there's some question marks that will need answers as the season progresses.  It's not uncommon for one or two freshmen to see the floor for  Wheaton.  It would be nice to get some contribution there.  The Thunder were very good defensively last year and I would expect more of the same.

A very stern test waits for the Thunder tomorrow in welcoming NAIA bound and perennial powerhouse Thomas More, (D3 Hoops #5 Pre-season) and their  1st team All - American Sr guard Madison Temple to King Arena.  Sometimes the "does it all" description gets thrown around figuratively, but not in this case.  At 6'0" Ms Temple led the team in scoring [ 17.9/g ], rebounding [ 7.0/g ], assists [ 5.3/g ], a:to [ 2.7 ], 3pt % [ 62/136, 45.6% ], ft% [ 87.6% ],  is the fastest shoe-lacer-upper and beats everybody at Jeopardy.  I'm wondering if Coach Madsen might go with 6'2" Kyler guarding Temple a few minutes.  Kyler not only has the size but also the mobility that might contain Temple some.  I'm sure the rest of the Saints will be a handful also.

I really like a tough non-con schedule, especially for the women even though leading off with such a difficult opponent can be a blessing or a curse.  It's potentially a significant win to start which might give lots of tailwind to your season.  On the other hand a loss, even against a Top 5 nationally ranked team, still means you're starting out 0-1 and nobody likes that.  I'm reminded of this a couple seasons ago when WC lost an OT game at #1 Hope in the opener.  Win or lose, it will be a good measuring stick for the Thunder to play a team of this caliber that has lost a total of 6 games in the last 6 seasons( not counting their vacated '14-'15 season) with multiple Final Fours and championships.  The Thunder should expect to win and be ready to play from the get go.  Sure they might have to work out some first game kinks but do it quickly because the first game counts the same as the 20th.

Good luck to all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 09, 2018, 10:02:42 PM
Opening Day Games:

Thomas More over Wheaton 71-49

Benedictine over Augie 71-66

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 09, 2018, 10:23:44 PM
Thomas More  74
Wheaton  46 . . .  misleading score because it wasn't even that close

Really poor performance by the Thunder.  Wheaton was totally unprepared to play any decently competitive team much less a squad like Thomas More.   Have to start with coaching.  Errors and faults too numerous to delineate.  Lack of scoring a big problem, no hustle, way too many 3s ( and not making them), first free throw not until 3 mins left in 3rd quarter?  Really?  Lackluster defense to say the least.

Thomas More is good and Temple is the real deal – phenomenal finisher.  But Wheaton made the Saints look like the Auerbach Celtics.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 10, 2018, 12:20:19 AM
After peeking my head in the gym during a few practices this fall, I finally got my first full-view look at North Park tonight, as the Vikings hosted Edgewood in a five-quarter scrimmage. This is very much a new-look North Park team that is almost completely dominated by freshmen and sophomores. The duo that makes these Vikings go consists of fleet-footed sophomores Lauryn Alba Garner and Zakiya Newsome -- the latter fully healed from the knee injury that shortened her freshman season -- but I think that the player to watch for the Vikings is their versatile 5'7 frosh forward from Wheaton-Warrenville South, Jayla Johnson. I suspect that she is going to lead the team in scoring this season. The 6'0 freshman center from Georgia, Josie Summerville, brings much-needed size to what will either be the smallest team in the league this season or close to it; she grabbed 12 rebounds tonight, and, although she's raw with the ball in her hands, I think that she will eventually round into an effective low-post scorer. Kayla Patterson, a 5'6 freshman from Schaumburg, is the best shooter on a team that doesn't appear to have much in that department. Another guard to watch is 5'7 Jackie Rapp from DeKalb HS, who could develop into a good CCIW player somewhere down the road, although she'll probably be a bit overmatched right now. And the juco transfer, diminutive guard Angelina Villasin, will help right away on a team that is definitely missing quite a bit in terms of experience.

The most improved returnee is Alisha Panthier, who, quite honestly, I never thought would develop into much of a player. She started at center tonight, and, while she's not All-CCIW material, she's no longer a liability on the floor. The Vikings will need good minutes out of her, as, again, size is at a premium on this team. The Vikings will press a lot, I suspect, taking advantage of their best asset, which is their perimeter defense -- between the quickness of Alba Garner, Villasin, and Newsome, and the ballhawking abilities of Sinead Molloy, the Vikings should be able to force plenty of turnovers in the backcourt and in the open floor.

My expectations are realistic. NPU is very young, and the team is probably a shooter or two and another big away from being complete. The Vikings will take their lumps in the CCIW this season. But it feels like a promising new beginning for a program that's really been stuck in neutral for a few seasons now and really needed a personnel makeover. I think that this team will be much better in February than it is right now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 10, 2018, 12:54:01 AM
Saw the Wheaton opener, which I expect will turn out to be their worst game of the season. They were "out-quicked," if I can use a term like that.
Thomas More looked especially impressive in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. When they were doing their best, they passed the ball very well. When Wheaton devoted more defensive effort to preventing drives to the hoop, Thomas More swung the ball around quickly and sank several threes.
As GoPerry noted, Thomas More's Madison Temple is really good, a 6-footer with guard skills, strength and agility, a modern positionless player who can do a big variety of things quite well. A lot of other good athletes, tall and medium, on that team, too.
It may take Wheaton a few more games to get things working smoothly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 10, 2018, 12:57:09 AM
Madison Temple is in the conversation for national player of the year this season. That's the level she is on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 10, 2018, 08:15:20 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 10, 2018, 12:57:09 AM
Madison Temple is in the conversation for national player of the year this season. That's the level she is on.

Really good ball handler, passer, point-guard vision, good outside shooter.  Drives the lane well and finishes and/or draws the foul.

I was a little frustrated that Wheaton defenders didn't force her left b/c she was killing them driving right, the side she seemed to favor.  I wouldn't be surprised if she is equally adept left but we never found out.  That plus the Thunder awareness of her to give helping defense (absolute necessity) was pretty lacking.

In any case, agree with Dave.  Talent seldom seen at this level but pretty obvious.

As RogK noted, Saints are good and a better team.  But they aren't 30 pts better - or at least I don't think they are. I guess we'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 10, 2018, 11:30:00 AM
In their 71-66 loss to Benedictine, Augie shot poorly.
Their 3FG shooting was a bit below acceptable, as they scored 15 pts from 19 shots.
Their 2FG shooting was not good : 32 pts from 50 shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 10, 2018, 03:24:58 PM
Thanks for all the updates, details.

IWU opens tomorrow, Sunday, against #7 U of Chicago @The Shirk.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 10, 2018, 08:57:35 PM
Good opener in Naperville as NCC beat Knox 62-54. Knox led by a few for much of the way, but the Cardinals took over in the 4th. Alanna Newsome led the was with 17 and 3 steals, Tyonne Howard has 8 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, and Allison Pearson added 8 points.

This team is going to be so much fun to watch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2018, 12:11:07 PM
Elmhurst topped Aurora 67-56. Becca Gerke scored 13 in 15:00, while Kelly Weyhrich had 5 assists and 9 rebs. The 'jays were whistled for 30 fouls. I'll be interested to see some of their newcomers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2018, 12:21:51 PM
Carroll lost a close one in downtown Milwaukee, MSOE winning 58-56. (that's a really good halftime score -- sorry)
Theresa Wichser led Carroll with a highly efficient 21 pts (6/9 3FG, 3/3 FT).
Katie Rossetti had 9 pts, 7 rebs. Kayla Stefka had 3 blocks and 2 steals, maybe an early indication that she's a pretty good athlete.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2018, 12:29:38 PM
Millikin lost 70-64 at Central of Iowa, but got an outstanding debut by Aubrey Staton : 26 pts, 9 rebs, 3 blocks, 2 steals. Yanni Saddler added 14 pts for the Big Blue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2018, 07:38:46 PM
IWU goes down by one point to UChicago, in a very exciting game.  The Titans had the game won up 3 with about 40 seconds to play, but missed 4 FTs in that last little bit, to let the Maroons back in.  Titans had trouble getting into their offense in the first half, with very tight, good D by Chicago.  Likewise, UC handled the TITAN pressure pretty well, though the Titans did climb back into this game several times.  I'm convinced that as Munroe and Shanks develop as PGs, the Titans will improve greatly.  Seems to me very hard for Mia to keep Raven Hughes and Kendall Sosa out of the starting line-up, likely then with Shanks as the PG, as others suggested earlier.  Give credit to the Maroons for sticking with it and pulling out this win.  Two very good teams, with early season mistakes and rust.  I'll have to see the box to see which team won the TO and rebounding battles.  But, you won't win many close games if you miss FTs, in the final minute or so.  Tough loss, but perhaps these two teams meet again in March. 

Shanks had an excellent game, I think 21 points.  Titans surely need more rebounding from Merritt and Brovelli. 

On to the next very tough game vs. Wartburg, up in Iowa.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2018, 07:50:28 PM
Very strange thing at the beginning of the IWU game -- and "administrative technical," as the Titans didn't turn in their starting line-up "on time."  So Chicago shot 2 FTs to start the game, even before the tip off, making one.  IWU loses by 1 -- so Coach Smith must be kicking herself!   Have never ever seen that before -- an "administrative technical."  ?   

Titans basically shot themselves in the foot in this one -- missing those 4 FTs in the last 30-40 seconds of the game. 

I usually don't complain about the zebras, but this game was poorly officiated, IMHO. 

It won't get any easier for the Titans in the next few games.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2018, 08:55:17 PM
Simpson 100, Millikin 65.
Jordan Hildebrand tallied 15 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists for Millikin. The Big Blue committed 27 turnovers.
iwu70, there is a known deadline for submitting starting lineups, so it wasn't "strange." I forget if it's 30 minutes before tipoff; something like that. The rule probably is a courtesy for the scorer's table and also prevents last-minute gamesmanship silliness. The violations are rare (I've seen it once in person) and occur because someone forgets to submit the lineup or assumed someone else on staff was going to take care of it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 11, 2018, 09:36:59 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 11, 2018, 07:50:28 PM
Very strange thing at the beginning of the IWU game -- and "administrative technical," as the Titans didn't turn in their starting line-up "on time."  So Chicago shot 2 FTs to start the game, even before the tip off, making one.  IWU loses by 1 -- so Coach Smith must be kicking herself!   Have never ever seen that before -- an "administrative technical."  ?   

IWU'70

I had this just last year on the men's side when Millikin didn't get theirs in before their game at NCC. Granted I thought it was just a single free throw for an administrative tech, but not knowing what the violation was I could be wrong.

Quote from: RogK on November 11, 2018, 08:55:17 PM
iwu70, there is a known deadline for submitting starting lineups, so it wasn't "strange." I forget if it's 30 minutes before tipoff; something like that. The rule probably is a courtesy for the scorer's table and also prevents last-minute gamesmanship silliness. The violations are rare (I've seen it once in person) and occur because someone forgets to submit the lineup or assumed someone else on staff was going to take care of it.

It's 10 minutes before, so there's usually plenty of time. And in the aforementioned Millikin-NCC game, we asked their coach at like the 16 minute mark, and he said he'd get it to us, which he did... with like 6 minutes till tip.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 11, 2018, 09:41:56 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 11, 2018, 08:55:17 PM
iwu70, there is a known deadline for submitting starting lineups, so it wasn't "strange." I forget if it's 30 minutes before tipoff; something like that.

It's at 10:00 on the pregame clock, not 30:00.

Quote from: RogK on November 11, 2018, 08:55:17 PMThe rule probably is a courtesy for the scorer's table and also prevents last-minute gamesmanship silliness. The violations are rare (I've seen it once in person) and occur because someone forgets to submit the lineup or assumed someone else on staff was going to take care of it.

Exactly. This is why there is typically an assistant coach to whom the head coach specifically assigns the task of checking the book and presenting the starters to the scorer's table before the 10:00 deadline every game. At NPU it's always the full-time assistant coach that handles it for the women's team (currently Annie Shain), while for the men's team (NCAA men's basketball has an identical ten-minute rule) the responsibility is carried out by the GA (currently Justin Halloran). At schools that lack a full-time assistant coach or GA, the head coach will typically take on the task herself/himself. Perhaps Mia Smith has had some changeover on her staff, leading to miscommunication or to a simple mental lapse on the part of the new assistant.

Regarding the infraction itself, it's Rule 10.2.b.1, which is as follows:

Quoteb. A team shall comply with lineup and roster requirements as follows:
1. Before the 10-minute mark is reached on the game clock that is
counting down the time before the start of the game, each team shall
supply the scorers with names and uniform numbers of team members
who may participate, and those of the five starting players.

And it's not that strange. I've seen administrative technicals called three times in the years that I've been following CCIW basketball, twice in the crackerbox and once at Faganel. Each of them involved a CCIW team playing a non-conference opponent. There have been other times that an admin tech could've been called on account of the ten-minute rule, but the officials have given some leeway, typically with the acquiescence of the other coach. For example, I remember that once a player got blood on her uniform during warmups and had to change into another jersey after her original number had already been booked and after the 10:00 pregame mark.

In the CCIW the coaches of the various teams generally bend over backwards for their conference associates if there's a mixup or an honest mistake prior to a game, a logical course of action since the two schools have to have a functional working relationship between their athletic departments in numerous sports. Souring the relationship does nobody any good. The most notorious example that I can recall of a home team accommodating a visiting team's screwup was when Illinois Wesleyan's men's basketball team showed up at the crackerbox five and a half years ago without their uniforms, due to a rather bizarre and short-sighted policy of keeping all of the unis in one bag (which was inadvertently left behind in Bloomington) instead of the typical practice of having each player carry his own uni in his own bag. Not only did Tom Slyder not insist upon any punitive action being taken against IWU, he even offered to let the Titans borrow NPU's road uniforms in order to get the game played in a timely fashion, an offer that was turned down with, again, no sanctions being taken against the Titans. (The unis eventually arrived from Bloomington via the parents of a Titans player, and the game started 80 minutes late.)

In JV games this rule is constantly flouted. Nobody seems to care, since JV games tend to have a laissez-faire, nobody-really-cares attitude about them. The refs don't press the issue at the 10:00 mark (a number of times I've sat at the table -- I'm North Park's official scorer for JV contests -- and wondered if the refs were even in the building yet when the clock hit 10:00), and the other team's coach doesn't press the issue. The only person in the gym who really seems to think that it's an inconvenience and a hassle is the person who has to scramble to get the info into the book at the last minute, the official scorer. >:(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on November 11, 2018, 09:48:52 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 11, 2018, 07:50:28 PM
Very strange thing at the beginning of the IWU game -- and "administrative technical," as the Titans didn't turn in their starting line-up "on time."  So Chicago shot 2 FTs to start the game, even before the tip off, making one.  IWU loses by 1 -- so Coach Smith must be kicking herself!   Have never ever seen that before -- an "administrative technical."  ?   

Titans basically shot themselves in the foot in this one -- missing those 4 FTs in the last 30-40 seconds of the game. 

I usually don't complain about the zebras, but this game was poorly officiated, IMHO. 

It won't get any easier for the Titans in the next few games.

IWU'70
Administrative technical occurs when something wrong or change made with score book after the ten minute mark prior to start of game.  Usually it occurs when a player left off the lineup or a wrong number entered on the lineup given to the official score table.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 11, 2018, 10:01:51 PM
Yep, that's a more common scenario. I've seen that particular permutation of the admin tech perhaps four or five times over the years.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 11, 2018, 10:12:04 PM
I see administrative techs for scorebook stuff quite a few times early in seasons - rarer as the season goes on. Usually, there is a stern conversation in the coach's office at some point soon after (since an assistant is responsible) and it never happens again that season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2018, 05:56:00 AM
IWU attempted only 9 3FGs in that game. Given that they have so many good lowpost scorers, I wonder if that is going to be the norm for them this season. Chicago was without star Olariche Obi (12.5 pts, 2.8 steals, 11.2 reb averages last season), which no doubt influenced IWU's game plan. It could also be the case that Chicago guarded the 3-line very well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 12, 2018, 06:51:23 AM
I thought Obi was out of eligibility but she is indeed a Senior...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2018, 12:39:54 PM
Thanks for all the background.  I had never seen an "administrative technical."  Given the one point loss, I'm sure some stern conversation took place within Mia Smith's staff. 

It was a great game.  I was surprised how little the Titans used "run and jump" in this game, perhaps indicating that Coach Smith doesn't think she has the personnel to do it well, or that UC was better at ball handling.  UC did guard well, and also guarded well the three point line.  The first half they defended very well, with the Titans figuring it out to some degree in the second half, esp. after Sydney Shanks took over most of the PG duties. 

Titans have tons of talent -- but just need to figure it all out, put it together, and do better at "finishing games."  Rebounding could be an issue.

More of the tough pre-conference schedule upcoming.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 12, 2018, 01:00:37 PM
I'll point out, administrative techs can happen for a host of reasons. Dunking in pre-game used to be one of them. Illegal uniforms (when enforced) is another. Other... administrative things :)

Not having the starters in the book at the ten minute mark, not having the right number of players in the book (sometimes picked up in pregame), and a player entering the game who isn't in the book or has the wrong number (outside of a known change due to blood) are the most common, though. The last two usually happen during a game. Always weird and awkward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 12, 2018, 03:26:32 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 12, 2018, 01:00:37 PM
I'll point out, administrative techs can happen for a host of reasons. Dunking in pre-game used to be one of them. Illegal uniforms (when enforced) is another. Other... administrative things :)

Not having the starters in the book at the ten minute mark, not having the right number of players in the book (sometimes picked up in pregame), and a player entering the game who isn't in the book or has the wrong number (outside of a known change due to blood) are the most common, though. The last two usually happen during a game. Always weird and awkward.

I'd forgotten at first, but we did have one of the latter two some time back in a season opener. The roster we had didn't match what jerseys we were wearing, and we actually discovered a few mistakes over the course of the game. But it was only the first one that notched an administrative tech, and the future mistakes we discovered didn't net a second one. Also if I remember correctly if we hadn't caught it until at least ten minutes into the game, there wouldn't have been an administrative tech. Fun times.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 12, 2018, 04:11:00 PM
I didn't realize the conference was going to start these already, but North Central's Alanna Newsome won the season's first CCIW Player of the Week award coming off her 17 point, 3 rebound, 3 steal, 4 assist night in the win over Knox.

Not a bad way to start your collegiate career. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2018, 11:56:12 PM
Carthage eased past Ripon, starting the season with a 78-57 win. 78-47 after falling behind 10-0.
Autumn Kalis tallied an efficient 17 pts, Madie Kaelber had 13 pts and 3 steals, Rachel Szydlowski scored 10, Sammie Woodward had 6 assists.
Alexis Jones had a nice game (6 2FGs in 10 FG att, 4/5 FTs, 6 rebs) but Augie lost at DePauw 68-58. The Vikings also got 10 pts from Scooter Lopez.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2018, 10:41:23 AM
Good luck to the TITANS as they travel today to Iowa for a good challenge vs. Wartburg, then a second game tomorrow vs. Cornell of Iowa. 

Bring home two Ws, Titans!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 16, 2018, 06:29:33 PM
Wheaton 76
Macalester 62

After a mediocre performance against Thomas More, Devin Kyler  (22 pts, 9 rebs, 3 blks, 3 stls) came back with a really terrific game tonight.  The team needed it to pull out the win vs a scrappy Macalester squad.  Hannah Frazier ( 16 pts 8 rebs, 3 blks) was good when her team mates were able to get her the ball.

The Thunder took an astonishing 34 3-pointers and I'm not sure why.  They only made 9 for 26%.  The Scots only took 14 and they actually made them(9/14, 64%).  Wheaton will not win this year shooting that many 3s because that takes shots away from Frazier and Kyler.  Wheaton also had a significant size advantage inside on the Scots but only took 9 free throws to Macalester's 17.  A win is a win and it's early.  But lots of questions after the first 2 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2018, 09:56:59 PM
IWU over Wartburg at the half 32-22.  Titans have gotten Wartburg into their pace, putting on the speed and pressure, after a very slow start.

Riley Brovelli having a great game so far.  Titans going with Merritt and Brovelli on the floor at the same time.

Raven Hughes got the start tonight, with Sydney Shanks at the PG.

More to come.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2018, 10:59:32 PM
I think the final 68-52 IWU over #15 Wartburg.

No stats or box yet.  All I can say is the IWU pressure gave Wartburg lots of trouble tonight.

Brovelli, Shanks and Sosa had good games.

Will post details later.

Good win for the TITANS, over a ranked team, going to 1-1 on the season.

More later.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2018, 11:05:47 PM
Wittenberg 71
North Park 52

Jayla Johnson: 15 pts, 6 rebs, 5 stls

The Vikings looked very, very young tonight, as the senior-laden Tigers began pulling away late in the third quarter of what had been a seesaw battle. It was November basketball at its worst, as the two teams combined for 53 turnovers -- and its not as though either team applied much in the way of backcourt pressure, either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2018, 09:06:58 AM
Elmhurst got past Defiance 53-40. Kellee Clay did well, scoring 11 and assisting on 4 other hoops.
The two teams combined for 30% FT shooting. Generally, their respective defenses were more productive than their offenses. It didn't help that traveling was called 833 times.
Carroll topped Cornell 71-45. The victors got 15 pts each from Theresa Wichser and Alyssa Cruz (also had 12 assists).
Close losses for Carthage (72-71 to UW just-slightly-Superior) and Millikin (93-86 in OT to Greenville).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2018, 10:48:20 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 17, 2018, 09:06:58 AM
Close losses for Carthage (72-71 to UW just-slightly-Superior)

:D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2018, 11:28:56 AM
As mentioned, IWU over #15 Wartburg 68-52 in Iowa.

Shanks, opening at PG,  17
Sosa off the bench 13
Merritt 12
Hughes starting 11
Brovelli, probably her best game as a Titan, 4-5 FGs, 9 pts. 7 rebounds in 24 minutes  (Merritt and Brovelli on the floor some at the same time, to counter Wartburg's size)

For Wartburg:

Amanda Brainerd 14
Payton Draper 10

Key to this game was unrelenting defensive pressure by the Titans, causing TOs, and a big swing in the 2Q. 

Good to get in the winning column and turn things now in a strong direction, the Titans' bench depth showing its worth.  Coach Mia using three of the freshmen in the rotation as well.

Game today 2 p.m. vs. host Cornell.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 17, 2018, 03:50:55 PM
A laugher at Cornell, as Titans are up 45-21 at the half.  12 Titans have already seen the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2018, 04:00:37 PM
North Park 51
Defiance 48

Lauryn Alba Garner: 14 pts, 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 10 pts, 7 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 6 rebs
Angelina Villasin: 3 stls

NPU gutted out a tough, come-from-behind win, erasing an early 18-6 deficit and using three Alba Garner free throws in the game's final minute to seal the deal. The Vikings again had a beastly time of it trying to put the ball in the basket -- they missed their first six trey attempts of the game, which put them at 0-20 for the season before Mattie Zander finally sunk one from range, and the Vikes only shot 32% from the field as a team for the game. But the smallish Vikings proved pesky as a cloud of gnats, forcing turnover after Defiance turnover; the Yellowjackets coughed it up 28 times, and 19 of those were NPU steals.

Defiance is no world-beater, so this is not the most impressive win in the world. But for a team this young -- NPU has no seniors, and of the three juniors on the roster two are new transfers (the lone third-year junior wasn't in uniform today) -- pulling out a tight win in a game in which they had to erase a double-digit deficit feels like a significant step forward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2018, 04:02:01 PM
Tough sledding for Millikin in the first season of the post-Kerans era, as the Big Blue dropped one at home today, 68-51, to Westminster (MO). Millikin is now 0-4 on the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2018, 05:11:43 PM
IWU over Cornell of Iowa, 66-52

The Maddie Merritt Show:

Merritt 6-10 FGs, 8-8 FTs, 6 boards, 20 points
All others:  9, 7, 7, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 2
You get the picture.

Again, some good stretches of defensive pressure.

Not a beautiful win against not a strong team, but two Ws in Iowa is just what the doctor ordered, esp. the win against then #15 Wartburg.

Titans now 2-1, heading into Tuesday night's game at home vs. UW Whitewater.  A very tough pre-CCIW schedule.

Need some home cook'n.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2018, 12:54:50 PM
Nine steals for Sydney Shanks in that game.
Carthage got 16 steals (4 each by Kaelber and Kalis) in their 82-40 win over Marian. It was 35-9 at the half.
Maggie Berigan helped with 10 pts, 10 rebs.
The Lady Reds shot very well : 53% at 2FGs, 42% at 3FGs, 80% at FTs.
Augustana 68, Central 54 -- Alexis Jones made 8/9 2FGs, 3/4 FT, 5 assists, 3 stls, 6 rebs. Mia Lambert scored 14 pts from 8 FG att, an .875 eFG%.
I saw Wittenberg top Elmhurst 65-45. Wittenberg looks pretty good, with size and talent. They didn't allow many (any?) easy shots near the basket. EC's Lisa Logan scored 10 and put outstanding effort into rebounding, grabbing 12, not bad for a 5'7" player.
Carroll was thumped 96-49 by Wartburg. Katie Rossetti had 12 pts and 5 rebs.
Wheaton defeated Hanover 81-72. Jill Berg did very well : 12 rebs, 5 assists, 9 pts, 4 blocks, 2 steals. Hannah Frazier had 17 pts, 6 blocks, 5 rebs. Hannah Williams scored 16 from 12 FG att.
The Thunder shot quite well (mostly), making 61% of their 2FG att, 39% behind the arc, but missed 12 of 22 FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2018, 01:30:28 PM
Thanks for all the updates, RogK. 

I'll be attending the IWU vs. UW WW game Tuesday at The Shirk, then heading out, for Thanksgiving in Minnesota, to LA to see my son, and back to Hong Kong.  I'll have to follow all the action from the Far Side.  Breakfast time basketball.   :)

Good luck to the CCIW teams this season.  Happy, blessed  Thanksgiving to all.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2018, 02:10:37 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2018, 12:54:50 PM
Carthage got 16 steals (4 each by Kaelber and Kalis) in their 82-40 win over Marian. It was 35-9 at the half.

I take it that Carthage had the 35 and Marian had the 9. Otherwise, you'd have quite a news story.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Ha! Yeah, I should have specified which team was ahead.
If it was 8:25 pm, that would've also been 35 to 9.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 19, 2018, 11:02:10 AM
My favorite "Small Sample Size!" number of the year so far is attached. I'm just going to enjoy this for as long as I can, because it's probably not going to last. :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2018, 03:01:06 PM
Depauw over Trine in a match-up of highly ranked programs.  Titans play DP soon.  Then perhaps Wash U.  No nights off.

IWU has UW WW tomorrow night at The Shirk.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2018, 05:46:23 PM
Congrats to Devin Kyler, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2018, 12:07:06 PM
Great game at The Shirk tonight -- IWU hosting UW Whitewater.

Game time is an unusual 6 p.m.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2018, 01:17:37 PM
Big night tonight for North Park, as Vikings alumna and former NPU assistant coach Lauren Rosengarden makes her return to the crackerbox after leaving NPU to take the helm of the Concordia (IL) program. Her leading scorer for the Cougars, Sam Bloom, was a Viking last season.

It'll make for an interesting mix of emotions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 20, 2018, 08:16:23 PM
Benedictine 69, NCC 67 in Lisle.

This one hurts. The Cardinals led by double digits in the first half, but the eagles trimmed it to 3 by halftime, and led for a good chunk of the second half. But the left the door open for North Central late, missing 7 of 10 free throws in the final quarter. Alanna Newsome paced the Cardinals with 14 but missed 15 and 16 on what would have been a game-tying open layup in the final second.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 20, 2018, 10:56:54 PM
Wheaton got a nice win at Loras tonight, 67-59. 

Hannah Williams with 18 pts played another solid game.  She is displaying more offensive capabilities in her sophomore season and showing an ability to finish plays driving the lane.  Equally impressive was Jordan Myroth who noticeably looked to provide more offense by driving the lane.  As a 5'11" point guard she has a height advantage on most of her defenders that she has yet to really exploit with any regularity offensively, either by driving or posting up.  She did both tonight.  It worked well and I'd love to see more of it.

Hannah Frazier had 12 pts, all on 3 pt shots.  For some reason, the Thunder are not able, or not trying, to get her the ball in the post where she has the greatest advantage.  I'm not sure why Kent Madsen doesn't get her more paint opportunities.  It's somewhat frustrating.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2018, 11:09:13 PM
North Park 75
Concordia (IL) 52

Sophia Lehocky: 11 pts, 3:0 a:to
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts, 3:1 a:to
Angelina Villasin: 11 pts
Josie Summerville: 9 rebs
Jackie Rapp: 5:0 a:to
Sinead Molloy: 4 stls
Jayla Johnson: 3 stls

Amanda Crockett took it easy on her former assistant tonight, as none of the Vikings played more than 23 minutes and only two of them played as much as a half. The minutes were spread out so much that, of the fourteen Vikings who dressed tonight, twelve played double-digit minutes. Thirteen of them scored.

The Vikings scored the first six points of the game and never looked back. NPU was up by as much as 33 in the third quarter. The press absolutely broke the back of the Cougars, who turned it over 27 times -- with 16 of those turnovers being steals. The Vikings are averaging 15.7 steals per game, and their opponents are averaging 27 turnovers per game. But the most heartening thing about tonight was what the Vikes did when they had the ball in their hands, as they dished out 24 assists to only 14 turnovers.

The lone bright spot for Lauren Rosengarden's Cougars was former Viking Sam Bloom, who scored 14 points.

Get well soon to NPU assistant coach Annie Shain, who is in the hospital with appendicitis.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2018, 11:10:59 PM
Rog will no doubt break down the highlights, but Augie nipped Coe in Cedar Rapids, UWW knocked off Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, and Carthage traveled around the lake and whomped Calvin in Grand Rapids by 23 or so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2018, 01:53:04 AM
That Augie game had a wild ending. Augie was up by 16 with four minutes to go and proceeded to blow it. Coe erupted in a 22-5 run (3, layup, 3, layup, 3, layup, layup, 3 and then 2 FTs with :04 remaining, giving Coe a 70-69 lead.
Then Izzy Anderson managed to get fouled 2 seconds later and sank both shots for a win. Probably her best game of the young season, making 6 2FGs in 12 FG att and 6/7 FTs, plus 5 assists.
Alexis Jones again did well, with 11 rebs and hitting 7 2FGs from 10 FG att and a FT. Clare Kramer provided 14 pts, 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2018, 02:03:30 AM
My best wishes, too, to Annie Shain for her appendix removal.
In IWU's 78-73 loss to Wisconsin Whitewater, Maddie Merritt scored 26 (9/17, 8/10 FT) and seized 6 rebs. Ashley Schneider also was productive, with 16 pts, 3 assists, 5 rebs.
IWU induced only 12 UWW turnovers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2018, 02:17:47 AM
Carthage 72-49 at Calvin : nice game from Madie Kaelber, who scored 21 on 17 shots, adding 4 steals. Maggie Berigan had a very productive 15:00 -- 6/9 2FGs, 6/6 FTs, along with 3 rebs and 4 blocks.
Autumn Kalis had 9 assists.
The Lady Reds really got things going with a 23-5 3rd Q and achieved a 41-16 2nd half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2018, 09:25:58 PM
Carroll loses to Trinity International (NAIA), 66-57.
Carroll did well from 3-land, .385 (equal to .577 for 2FGs).
But they struggled shooting nearer the basket : 35% on 2FGs and 42% at the FT line.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2018, 06:35:09 PM
Elmhurst lost 64-54 to Chapman U today, in the City of Orange, Calif.
Temperatures in the 60s took their toll on the Bluejays, who fell behind 17-2 in the 1st quarter.
Mia Riese was the only Bluejay to score in double figures for the game, making 5 of 6 2FG attempts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 24, 2018, 06:54:17 PM
Berea  67
North Park 60

Jayla Johnson: 16 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls
Lauryn Alba Garner: 16 pts, 3:1 a:to

The Vikings whittled down a big Mountaineers lead to two in the final couple of minutes, but couldn't get over the hump. The game was decided at the FT line, where NPU shot a terrible 10-21 (48%), while by contrast the Mountaineers were a sparkling 26-33 (79%).

Tomorrow NPU faces a tough 3-1 Albion team in the consolation game of the NPU Thanksgiving Invite.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 24, 2018, 08:48:43 PM
North Central blew a 15 point 4th quarter lead and lost to Wilmington 74-70, making it back to back road heartbreaking losses. Lyndsay Brennan paced the Cardinals with 12, and Hannah Vitkus and Maya Walls each added 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2018, 09:29:10 PM
Alexis Jones excelled for Augustana, pouring in 28 pts (11 2FGs in 15 FG att, 6/8 FT), adding 6 steals and 6 rebs, as the Vikings topped Webster 63-59.
Izzy Anderson added 16 pts.
Carroll 53, Ripon 44 : Alyssa Cruz tallied 13 and Celina Schwantes contributed 11 pts, 7 rebs. Hmm... 53-44, I wonder why they didn't play the 2nd half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2018, 09:45:49 PM
Five Titans scored in double figures as IWU defeated DePauw 80-60. Riley Brovelli did particularly well, not missing a shot, 5/5 2FGs, 4/4 FT, 4 assists, 10 rebs. Kendall Sosa scored a very efficient 12, while IWU also got 14 each from Nina Anderson and Maddie Merritt, plus 10 from Sydney Shanks.
Elmhurst won 72-71 in OT at Redlands. Kellee Clay scored 19 (via .643 eFG%). Becca Gerke had 7 rebs, 3 steals and 14 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 24, 2018, 11:08:18 PM
Tomorrow, IWU will take on their fifth top 25 team in the first six games! :o  Coach Smith has never been shy about taking on the best, but this may be ridiculous! 

Of the four top 25 opponents so far, they have lost to two at home by a combined six points, and beaten two on neutral courts by a combined 36 points.  I'm eager to see what the voters are going to say about such results.  I could easily envision going up, going down, or staying about the same. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2018, 12:24:33 AM
Cornell will not be playing at Carthage on Sunday, avoiding potential travel difficulties. Heavy snow is expected along their Iowa-Wisconsin route. The composite schedule on cciw.org has been updated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2018, 04:50:16 PM
IWU pulled away in Q2, and leads #18 WashU by 18 (47-29) at the half.  Two of yesterday's stars, Nina Anderson and Riley Brovelli, have yet to score a point - amazing depth for the Titans means they can always find new stars! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 25, 2018, 05:06:57 PM
Albion 79
North Park 51

Jayla Johnson: 11 pts
Josie Summerville: 6 rebs

Albion jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first five minutes, and never looked back. Their press and sideline traps led to a lot of bad decision-making by the Vikes, which, considering how common it is to see presses now in the CCIW, is something that they definitely have to clean up. Still, turnovers were just about even today; instead, it was a huge rebounding disparity (NPU was -14 on the glass) and a big gap in shooting efficiency that led to the easy win for the Britons.

The other thing that the Vikings need to improve is their shooting, especially from the free-throw line. They followed up yesterday's 10-21 performance at the charity stripe with a 13-28 effort today. That will cost them dearly in closer ballgames.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2018, 06:27:45 PM
Final from Terre Haute:  IWU 81, WashU 63.  Maddie Merritt and Sydney Shanks were the big guns: Maddie had 29 points in only 27 minutes; Sydney added 17 and nine assists.  Raven Hughes, Ashley Schneider, and Samantha Munroe added 10, 10, and 9, respectively.  Riley Brovelli scored 3 and Nina Anderson never scored, but that is the beauty of this team's depth - someone is gonna come through when needed! ;D

While it is obviously of no ultimate importance whatsoever, I can't wait to see what the poll voters do with the Titans.  This makes their record 4-2.  Two losses already is almost disqualifying for the women (MUCH less overall balance and competitiveness than the men).  On the other hand, their two losses are both to preseason top 25 teams by a total of six points.  Three of their wins are over preseason top 25 teams by a combined 54 points. I can easily make a case for going up, going down, or standing still! ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 25, 2018, 06:45:42 PM
IWU is a lot better, and deeper than I expected. While it has flown a bit under the radar, the development of Brovelli to be able to come off the bench and play well has been a big deal. The ultimate "system" program (and I mean that as a compliment), IWU will be the kind of team that could beat literally anyone, anywhere, on any given night. I had a chance to see them play yesterday, and I thought Wash U's length might give them trouble today - since beyond, Merrit, Brovelli, and Schneider they are basically a bunch of guards - but they sped Wash U up, turned them over, goaded them into quick shots,  and then pounded them inside. Definitely a team to watch come March...


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 25, 2018, 10:01:25 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2018, 06:27:45 PM
Final from Terre Haute:  IWU 81, WashU 63.  Maddie Merritt and Sydney Shanks were the big guns: Maddie had 29 points in only 27 minutes; Sydney added 17 and nine assists.  Raven Hughes, Ashley Schneider, and Samantha Munroe added 10, 10, and 9, respectively.  Riley Brovelli scored 3 and Nina Anderson never scored, but that is the beauty of this team's depth - someone is gonna come through when needed! ;D

While it is obviously of no ultimate importance whatsoever, I can't wait to see what the poll voters do with the Titans.  This makes their record 4-2.  Two losses already is almost disqualifying for the women (MUCH less overall balance and competitiveness than the men).  On the other hand, their two losses are both to preseason top 25 teams by a total of six points.  Three of their wins are over preseason top 25 teams by a combined 54 points. I can easily make a case for going up, going down, or standing still! ::)

It will depend if voters have actually seen the Titans play vs just going off their record.  They are much more impressive actually watching them than their record suggests.  Two close losses to 2 good teams, but both at home.  The wins over WashU and DePauw ( the Tigers did NOT have a good w/e) aren't looking quite that strong right now.  My guess is they stay in the top 25 but fall a few?  I don't see how they go up.

Seems to me that IWU ladies are coming into good form.  They looked very good today. 

So far I'm lukewarm on Wheaton.  I'll be very interested in how they perform @ Chicago on Wednesday, win or lose.  This next stretch @ NPU, vs Carthage, vs UW Oshkosh will be challenging.

The WC/IWU men meet up at the Shirk next week yet the women don't play until Jan 2.  Any insight as to why the conference schedules like that?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2018, 10:20:04 PM
The case for going up is that I can't believe that ANY team has already played FIVE teams from the preseason top 25, and gone 3-2 against them (winning by 16, 18, and 20 points [while losing by 1 and 5]).

Nonetheless, I think you're probably right, but if they fall below about 16 I'm gonna be steamed! :o

One of the voters in the men's poll posts his ballot so you can vent; I don't think any of the women's voters do that.  A rare case of men being superior to women! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 25, 2018, 10:43:10 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2018, 10:20:04 PM
The case for going up is that I can't believe that ANY team has already played FIVE teams from the preseason top 25, and gone 3-2 against them (winning by 16, 18, and 20 points [while losing by 1 and 5]).

Nonetheless, I think you're probably right, but if they fall below about 16 I'm gonna be steamed! :o

One of the voters in the men's poll posts his ballot so you can vent; I don't think any of the women's voters do that.  A rare case of men being superior to women! ;D

Totally agree on the schedule Ypsi.  In fact, Massey has only Luther IA as having played a tougher schedule than the Titans thus far (@ Whitewater, @ Point, vs Gustavus).  4-2 is really not a bad result at all.  Even 3-3 probably would've been fine albeit less room for error in conference play.  But given the conference depth these days (or lack thereof), it's not too risky to schedule aggressively for the non-con portion.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2018, 10:46:46 PM
An impressive 30 pt, 10 reb game by Yanni Saddler led Millikin to an 82-79 victory over Illinois College.
Saddler made 10/10 FTs in the last 3 minutes and also hit a 2 pointer in that timeframe.
The Big Blue also got 11 pts from Briana Anthony, 12 pts from Aubrey Margo, 12 pts 9 rebs from Jordan Hildebrand and 15 pts, 8 rebs, 3 steals from Aubrey Staton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2018, 10:59:35 PM
North Central fell 57-40 to Centre.
NCC got 12 pts from Tyonne Howard and 11 from Natali Dimitrova.
The Cardinals made 7 of 31 2FG att and 1 of 21 3FG att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 26, 2018, 10:13:16 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 25, 2018, 10:59:35 PM
North Central fell 57-40 to Centre.
NCC got 12 pts from Tyonne Howard and 11 from Natali Dimitrova.
The Cardinals made 7 of 31 2FG att and 1 of 21 3FG att.

Excuse me while I go jump into a snowbank in my backyard.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2018, 12:47:40 PM
lmitzel, one stat that's good early on for North Central is they're committing only 10 turnovers per game (9 10 10 11 so far). This must be a priority for the new coach.
It could be that they haven't faced a trapping/pressing team yet? Not sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 26, 2018, 02:43:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 26, 2018, 12:47:40 PM
lmitzel, one stat that's good early on for North Central is they're committing only 10 turnovers per game (9 10 10 11 so far). This must be a priority for the new coach.
It could be that they haven't faced a trapping/pressing team yet? Not sure.

Knox (the opponent in their opener) pressed off of inbounds plays, but I think that's about it (though I didn't really watch much of their games in Ohio this weekend). The fact that they've taken good care of the ball, especially with young point guards, thrills me. I'm just hoping they can start to close out games a little better. I'm frustrated by a poor shooting performance in this last one, but that's an aberration considering how hot they were the day before. These things tend to even out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 26, 2018, 07:04:18 PM
the new CCIW Player of the Week is Maddie Merritt -- congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 26, 2018, 07:54:41 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 25, 2018, 10:43:10 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 25, 2018, 10:20:04 PM
The case for going up is that I can't believe that ANY team has already played FIVE teams from the preseason top 25, and gone 3-2 against them (winning by 16, 18, and 20 points [while losing by 1 and 5]).

Nonetheless, I think you're probably right, but if they fall below about 16 I'm gonna be steamed! :o

One of the voters in the men's poll posts his ballot so you can vent; I don't think any of the women's voters do that.  A rare case of men being superior to women! ;D

Totally agree on the schedule Ypsi.  In fact, Massey has only Luther IA as having played a tougher schedule than the Titans thus far (@ Whitewater, @ Point, vs Gustavus).  4-2 is really not a bad result at all.  Even 3-3 probably would've been fine albeit less room for error in conference play.  But given the conference depth these days (or lack thereof), it's not too risky to schedule aggressively for the non-con portion.


IWU #16.  Seems about right.  Wheaton ORV but getting fewer votes.  Surprised DePauw stayed in the top 25.  Emory and Henry pretty big jump.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
If folks are interested, I can try to post the highlights of my ballot on here. I'm okay sharing that, I just don't want to presume it will interest people and I won't be able to give it the full breakdown Dave does.

* I'm one of the two people who voted St. Thomas first. I watched their game against George Fox (whom I have No. 6) and was really impressed by the way the Tommies rallied to win on the road. Spaulding and Renikoff are a really good one-two punch. And that win was the best of any team, in my opinion, through the first couple weeks of the season. George Fox looked really good, despite the loss.

* I liked what I saw from Illinois Wesleyan when I watched them against DePauw. Good length, good athleticism. It's a similar roster build and approach to George Fox. This is the type of team that can go deep in the tournament. And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to. IWU played a toss up game with Chicago (No. 4 on my ballot) and the Titans overwhelmed DePauw (No. 15 on my ballot) and beat Wash U (top 15 last week on my ballot) convincingly.  So I ended up bumping IWU up from No. 12 to No. 10.

* Wheaton received 21 votes and I account for a third of them. I have them No. 19 on my ballot, which admittedly feels too high. But I was high on them to enter the season because they (along with IWU) are expected to contend for the CCIW crown and the top team in the CCIW is usually a Top 20 team. I like their balance between front court and back court players. I don't like their propensity to under perform in the NCAA tournament and against high quality non-conference opponents. They got crushed by Thomas More in the first game, but that doesn't tell me something I didn't already know -- Thomas More is 2nd on my ballot and they are going to obliterate a lot of good teams.

Anyway, hopefully that's interesting. Feel free to tell me where you disagree or ask about other teams' position on my ballot if you care.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 27, 2018, 03:35:42 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to.

Hmm.  I'll have to give that one some more thought Gordon.  Good wins seem to mean alot to the voters and I think they should.  I would also say that losses vs higher ranked or similarly ranked teams shouldn't hurt too badly either.  But I'm less sure why bad losses don't seem to affect voters as much?  Amherst's home loss to Eastern Connecticut was a bad one.  Shouldn't a ranked team like Depauw be able to beat RHIT - even after getting handled by 20 vs IWU? 

Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM

* Wheaton received 21 votes and I account for a third of them. I have them No. 19 on my ballot, which admittedly feels too high. But I was high on them to enter the season because they (along with IWU) are expected to contend for the CCIW crown and the top team in the CCIW is usually a Top 20 team. I like their balance between front court and back court players.

I have no problem with them not being ranked.  Win @ Loras is all they've done to be noticeable to voters so far.  2-0 this week @Chicago and @NPU will change that.

Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
Wheaton . . . I don't like their propensity to under perform in the NCAA tournament and against high quality non-conference opponents.
Nailed that one . . .

Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
Anyway, hopefully that's interesting. Feel free to tell me where you disagree or ask about other teams' position on my ballot if you care.

I'm wondering where you had Emory/Henry?  5-0 including a win vs Marymount (dropped from rankings).  Other than that . . .  #15 means some probably had them as high as #12 or so?  I don't know their team whatsoever but I thought that looked like a big jump.

In any case, thanks for voting on the poll, posting your comments, and putting it out there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2018, 03:37:08 PM
GordonMann, thanks for your explanation.  I'm with you on almost all of it. 

I think IWU can go 20-5 this year, and likely win or share the CCIW crown.  We'll see  Still some issues with PG play, at times lack of rebounding, but they have the speed, shooting, defense and pace to play with almost anyone.  I'm sure run and jump pressure will improve in the next series of games   I'd be very happy if they enter January conference play with only 2-3 losses.  Still some tough games to go before the CCIW run gets started in earnest.  WC and CC likely the most important challengers. 

Ypsi, you got your wish on the Titans staying well-ranked even after losing twice.  I think they stay in the poll most of the year now. 

Congrats to Maddie Merritt -- a really great run of games and increased scoring for her.  Line her up with the others -- esp. Shanks and Sosa -- and the Titans can score the ball.  If a big guarding Merritt doesn't follow her out away from the basket, she's very capable of hitting 15-20 footers.  And we know her amazing FT shooting percentage.  She's really playing like a senior, like a leader of this team now.

Keep it rolling TITANS!

Off to the Far Side now . . . back to the land of ping pong, badminton, and Rugby Sevens!   I'll be watching the CCIW  . . . when I get up early enough.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 03:52:16 PM
I tend to allow more leeway for losses in basketball than football (I used to vote in that poll too). There are more games, more variables in terms of where games are played and when, etc.  If the Amherst of D3football lost to the Eastern Connecticut of D3football (so maybe Marietta beating Mount Union?), I would be a lot less forgiving.

As for Emory and Henry, I agree the Wasps are too high. I have them No. 20 on my ballot after not having them in the preseason. I view Emory and Henry as being very close to Randolph-Macon based on their results last year and the very minimal data points this year (results against Marymount). It looks odd to have one team 243 votes separated from the other, though there really isn't much to go on at this point so every data point has magnified importance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 27, 2018, 04:28:04 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
If folks are interested, I can try to post the highlights of my ballot on here. I'm okay sharing that, I just don't want to presume it will interest people and I won't be able to give it the full breakdown Dave does.

* I'm one of the two people who voted St. Thomas first. I watched their game against George Fox (whom I have No. 6) and was really impressed by the way the Tommies rallied to win on the road. Spaulding and Renikoff are a really good one-two punch. And that win was the best of any team, in my opinion, through the first couple weeks of the season. George Fox looked really good, despite the loss.

* I liked what I saw from Illinois Wesleyan when I watched them against DePauw. Good length, good athleticism. It's a similar roster build and approach to George Fox. This is the type of team that can go deep in the tournament. And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to. IWU played a toss up game with Chicago (No. 4 on my ballot) and the Titans overwhelmed DePauw (No. 15 on my ballot) and beat Wash U (top 15 last week on my ballot) convincingly.  So I ended up bumping IWU up from No. 12 to No. 10.

* Wheaton received 21 votes and I account for a third of them. I have them No. 19 on my ballot, which admittedly feels too high. But I was high on them to enter the season because they (along with IWU) are expected to contend for the CCIW crown and the top team in the CCIW is usually a Top 20 team. I like their balance between front court and back court players. I don't like their propensity to under perform in the NCAA tournament and against high quality non-conference opponents. They got crushed by Thomas More in the first game, but that doesn't tell me something I didn't already know -- Thomas More is 2nd on my ballot and they are going to obliterate a lot of good teams.

Anyway, hopefully that's interesting. Feel free to tell me where you disagree or ask about other teams' position on my ballot if you care.

I at least would be very interested in seeing your ballot each week.  And, while most of the voters disagreed (and fulfilled my prediction that IWU would fall to around 16th), I'm glad to see that at least one voter agreed with me that a good case could be made for IWU actually rising in the poll. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 27, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 27, 2018, 03:35:42 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to.

Hmm.  I'll have to give that one some more thought Gordon.  Good wins seem to mean alot to the voters and I think they should.  I would also say that losses vs higher ranked or similarly ranked teams shouldn't hurt too badly either.  But I'm less sure why bad losses don't seem to affect voters as much?  Amherst's home loss to Eastern Connecticut was a bad one.  Shouldn't a ranked team like Depauw be able to beat RHIT - even after getting handled by 20 vs IWU? 

Geez GoPerry - have you paid ANY attention to Midwest women's basketball outside the CCIW the past several years? RHIT entered the past two NCAA tournaments without their starting PG whom had been lost in the conf. championship game BOTH years. Two straight 24-4 campaigns, including a ROAD win at undefeated UAA Champion Chicago last season. A one-point loss to Illinois Wesleyan and a five-point loss on the road at DePauw were their only non-conference blemishes. RHIT has been absolutely decimated by injuries early on this season and might not have everyone back until after Christmas, if at all. The 2-3 record isn't very impressive, but their non-conference schedule will wind up putting them in the SOS top 6-8 before conference play starts. Check it out yourself. Two straight wins over Chicago, a win on a neutral court vs UT-Dallas, and they finished the 2017-18 season ranked #4 in the final regional rankings (ahead of Trine).  RHIT even spanked IWU by 30 a couple years ago-which remains the only CCIW non-conference game never reported or discussed on this board in the past 5 years or so, that I can tell...

I don't know...SHOULD DePauw just spank poor little old RHIT?

I would think a win over DePauw might be seen as a huge step for a team that has battled a lot of adversity, as opposed to a humiliating defeat for DePauw - and if you want to split hairs and point out that the game was played on RHIT's court, I would counter that DePauw managed to win at then-#9 Trine, but not "lowly" RHIT. I know it's hard to understand how a school that can only recruit engineering majors can compete with the rest of D-III (see MIT as well), but there is far more there than meets the eye, if you care to look. I don't know what kind of season RHIT will have, especially with all the injuries, but they deserve a bit more credit than that...

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 11:15:59 PM
I had RHIT on my ballot for the preseason. I wasn't aware of all those injuries but it helps explain why they weren't competitive against Wash U.

Here's my ballot for this week.

1 St. Thomas (Minn.)
2 Thomas More
3 Bowdoin
4 Chicago
5 Hope   
6 George Fox   
7 Amherst   
8 Scranton   
9 Tufts
10 Ill. Wesleyan   
11 East Tex. Baptist
12 Wis.-Whitewater
13 Trine
14 Chris. Newport
15 DePauw
16 Rochester Inst.   
17 Messiah   
18 Saint Joseph's (Me.)   
19 Wheaton (Ill.)
20 Emory & Henry   
21 Austin   
22 Texas-Dallas   
23 Geneseo
24 DeSales
25 Baldwin Wallace   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2018, 11:59:55 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
RHIT even spanked IWU by 30 a couple years ago-which remains the only CCIW non-conference game never reported or discussed on this board in the past 5 years or so, that I can tell...

Heh!

Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2018, 11:07:35 PMI know it's hard to understand how a school that can only recruit engineering majors can compete with the rest of D-III (see MIT as well), but there is far more there than meets the eye, if you care to look. I don't know what kind of season RHIT will have, especially with all the injuries, but they deserve a bit more credit than that...

I've gotta respect that kind of passionate STEM-school comradeship.

Note to GoPerry: Don't take any digs at IIT's or MSOE's women's basketball teams, if you know what's good for you. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 28, 2018, 08:07:29 AM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 27, 2018, 03:35:42 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to.

Hmm.  I'll have to give that one some more thought Gordon.  Good wins seem to mean alot to the voters and I think they should.  I would also say that losses vs higher ranked or similarly ranked teams shouldn't hurt too badly either.  But I'm less sure why bad losses don't seem to affect voters as much?  Amherst's home loss to Eastern Connecticut was a bad one.  Shouldn't a ranked team like Depauw be able to beat RHIT - even after getting handled by 20 vs IWU? 

Geez GoPerry - have you paid ANY attention to Midwest women's basketball outside the CCIW the past several years? RHIT entered the past two NCAA tournaments without their starting PG whom had been lost in the conf. championship game BOTH years. Two straight 24-4 campaigns, including a ROAD win at undefeated UAA Champion Chicago last season. A one-point loss to Illinois Wesleyan and a five-point loss on the road at DePauw were their only non-conference blemishes. RHIT has been absolutely decimated by injuries early on this season and might not have everyone back until after Christmas, if at all. The 2-3 record isn't very impressive, but their non-conference schedule will wind up putting them in the SOS top 6-8 before conference play starts. Check it out yourself. Two straight wins over Chicago, a win on a neutral court vs UT-Dallas, and they finished the 2017-18 season ranked #4 in the final regional rankings (ahead of Trine).  RHIT even spanked IWU by 30 a couple years ago-which remains the only CCIW non-conference game never reported or discussed on this board in the past 5 years or so, that I can tell...

I don't know...SHOULD DePauw just spank poor little old RHIT?

I would think a win over DePauw might be seen as a huge step for a team that has battled a lot of adversity, as opposed to a humiliating defeat for DePauw - and if you want to split hairs and point out that the game was played on RHIT's court, I would counter that DePauw managed to win at then-#9 Trine, but not "lowly" RHIT. I know it's hard to understand how a school that can only recruit engineering majors can compete with the rest of D-III (see MIT as well), but there is far more there than meets the eye, if you care to look. I don't know what kind of season RHIT will have, especially with all the injuries, but they deserve a bit more credit than that...

Enginerd:

Wow!  Ok- I'll apologize if my comment insulted you and the team that I know you support so well.  However, I believe you are reading way too much into that single reference.  I am a little more familiar with RHIT and their strong defensive capabilities, over the last couple years from Wheaton having played them and being in the same NCAA pod etc.  But having said that, my comment had nothing to do with what any program has done last season or any past season and it certainly was NOT about trying to dis the Engineers in the least.  It was more about how a current team today, ranked in the top 25 of a subjective poll, imho should be expected to beat an unranked team that had just lost by 25 (to a team that was no longer ranked).  The fact that RHIT was playing with injuries(I didn't know) and had key players out makes my point even more.   It was a question pertaining to voters viewing current results on the floor more empirically and fact-based in their voting.  You could have substituted Depauw with any top 25 team name and RHIT with Wheaton or any unranked team and my question/point was precisely the same.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2018, 11:59:55 PM

Note to GoPerry: Don't take any digs at IIT's or MSOE's women's basketball teams, if you know what's good for you. ;)

Way ahead of you on that one now!  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 28, 2018, 12:40:34 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 28, 2018, 08:07:29 AM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 27, 2018, 03:35:42 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to.

Hmm.  I'll have to give that one some more thought Gordon.  Good wins seem to mean alot to the voters and I think they should.  I would also say that losses vs higher ranked or similarly ranked teams shouldn't hurt too badly either.  But I'm less sure why bad losses don't seem to affect voters as much?  Amherst's home loss to Eastern Connecticut was a bad one.  Shouldn't a ranked team like Depauw be able to beat RHIT - even after getting handled by 20 vs IWU? 

Geez GoPerry - have you paid ANY attention to Midwest women's basketball outside the CCIW the past several years? RHIT entered the past two NCAA tournaments without their starting PG whom had been lost in the conf. championship game BOTH years. Two straight 24-4 campaigns, including a ROAD win at undefeated UAA Champion Chicago last season. A one-point loss to Illinois Wesleyan and a five-point loss on the road at DePauw were their only non-conference blemishes. RHIT has been absolutely decimated by injuries early on this season and might not have everyone back until after Christmas, if at all. The 2-3 record isn't very impressive, but their non-conference schedule will wind up putting them in the SOS top 6-8 before conference play starts. Check it out yourself. Two straight wins over Chicago, a win on a neutral court vs UT-Dallas, and they finished the 2017-18 season ranked #4 in the final regional rankings (ahead of Trine).  RHIT even spanked IWU by 30 a couple years ago-which remains the only CCIW non-conference game never reported or discussed on this board in the past 5 years or so, that I can tell...

I don't know...SHOULD DePauw just spank poor little old RHIT?

I would think a win over DePauw might be seen as a huge step for a team that has battled a lot of adversity, as opposed to a humiliating defeat for DePauw - and if you want to split hairs and point out that the game was played on RHIT's court, I would counter that DePauw managed to win at then-#9 Trine, but not "lowly" RHIT. I know it's hard to understand how a school that can only recruit engineering majors can compete with the rest of D-III (see MIT as well), but there is far more there than meets the eye, if you care to look. I don't know what kind of season RHIT will have, especially with all the injuries, but they deserve a bit more credit than that...

Enginerd:

Wow!  Ok- I'll apologize if my comment insulted you and the team that I know you support so well.  However, I believe you are reading way too much into that single reference.  I am a little more familiar with RHIT and their strong defensive capabilities, over the last couple years from Wheaton having played them and being in the same NCAA pod etc.  But having said that, my comment had nothing to do with what any program has done last season or any past season and it certainly was NOT about trying to dis the Engineers in the least.  It was more about how a current team today, ranked in the top 25 of a subjective poll, imho should be expected to beat an unranked team that had just lost by 25 (to a team that was no longer ranked).  The fact that RHIT was playing with injuries(I didn't know) and had key players out makes my point even more.   It was a question pertaining to voters viewing current results on the floor more empirically and fact-based in their voting.  You could have substituted Depauw with any top 25 team name and RHIT with Wheaton or any unranked team and my question/point was precisely the same.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2018, 11:59:55 PM

Note to GoPerry: Don't take any digs at IIT's or MSOE's women's basketball teams, if you know what's good for you. ;)

Way ahead of you on that one now!  :D

LoL - no need to apologize. The whole ranking thing has been a bit frustrating as a fan. For instance, despite a (at that time) sparkling SOS, and a 12-3 record, with the three losses to Hope (at Hope, where a post player threw-in a 3 with 20 seconds left), IWU, and DePauw, AND a win on the road at Chicago, RHIT didn't even get so much as a single vote in the D3Hoops poll until mid-January last season. Meanwhile, Baldwin-Wallace cracks the Top-25 THIS year with a 4-0 record against mediocre competition. It's as though voters were just waiting for ANY reason to vote for an OAC school...

Folks just aren't aware what an achievement it is to be COMPETITIVE, let alone actually win games against schools like IWU, DePauw, Chicago, UT-Dallas...etc - for STEM schools like MSOE, RHIT, and MIT. MIT might actually be the best of the STEM schools this season, and are more than capable of making some noise in March.

Rochester IT (the OTHER Rochester) has had a nice little run recently, and I'm sure it bugs people to no end to lose to the nerds at CalTech, whom finally have a coach and have bothered to actually recruit anyone...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2018, 04:52:14 PM
Carroll topped Lakeland 72-57.
Among the Pios who did well :
Kayla Stefka 14 pts 11 reb
Katie Rossetti 10 pts, 12 reb, 2 blocks, 2 steals
Theresa Wichser 17 pts (1/1 2FG, 5/10 3FG)
Delaney Sjong 11 pts, 5 reb in 14:00
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 28, 2018, 09:18:33 PM
Wheaton 69, Chicago 72

By all rights, the Thunder should never have been so close late in the game.  After 3 quarters they were down 13 pts having committed 23 turnovers and the Maroons weren't playing well or else it would've been more.  But then Wheaton played their absolute best quarter so far this season and came back to actually tie the game.  I give them a lot of credit to not give up and fight back even though they fell short.  The Thunder need to play the rest of the season more like those last 10 minutes - with some urgency and defensive intensity.   

Jenn Berg had 17 pts with 6 boards.  8s were wild for sister Jill 8 pts, 8 rebs, 8 blks.  Hannah Frazier 12 and 4, Devin Kyler 10 and 7. Jordan Myroth came close to the quadruple double, 16 pts, 9 rebs, 8 assts, 11 turnovers.  She missed a bunch of close layups but made up for it by staying aggressive and getting to the free throw line.  Hope she stays that way and cuts down the tos.  She was very good in the 4th q.

Taylor Lake had 20 to lead the Maroons.  Olariche Obi contributed 13pts and 8 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 28, 2018, 11:08:30 PM
North Park 76
Aurora 48

Jayla Johnson: 14 pts, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts, 3 stls
Sinead Molloy: 6 rebs
Angelina Villasin: 3;1 a:to, 3 stls

This was what I call a "doughnut game" -- two solid parts separated by a hole in the middle. The Vikings were picking pockets, jumping passing lanes, and getting easy fast-break points like nobody's business throughout the first quarter, en route to a 27-5 bulge in the first minute of the second quarter. Then the end of the NPU bench came in, the Vikings bogged down at the offensive end of the floor, and the Spartans caught fire. They whittled the NPU lead down to eight at the half, and scored a bucket in the first thirty seconds of the third quarter to close within six at 35-29. That lit a fire underneath the Vikings, though, as NPU proceeded to go on a 15-2 run over a five-minute stretch of the third period that put the game away.

The most exciting aspect of the game was seeing two separate Zakiya Newsome drives to the basket in which she burst past two defenders, got to the rim, and finished. Knee brace or not, she's clearly back all the way from the torn ACL that cut her freshman season short last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2018, 10:36:52 AM
37 points by Izzy Anderson in Augie's 75-67 loss to UW-Whitewater. Alexis Jones helped the Vikings' cause with 15 pts and 5 reb.
Getting back to Izzy, she made 10/11 FTs, very good. She scored 27 via 21 FG att, for a very good .643 eFG%. Also added 5 reb and 3 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2018, 10:53:02 AM
Washington U 70, Millikin 61.
For the Grande Bleue, Aubrey Magro scored 16 on 10 FG att. Yanni Saddler scored 23 via 4 FTs and .413 eFG shooting. Jordan Hildebrand had 5 steals and 8 rebs.
It could be encouraging that Millikin won quarters 1 3 and 4 by a composite 51-43, but being on the short end of the 27-10 2nd quarter could be discouraging.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2018, 05:55:54 PM
Wheaton blocked 19 shots in their recent game, but even without those, they'd lead D3 WBB.
They have 62 for the season; 2nd place (three teams tied) has 40.
Their per game lead is of the same ratio, 12.4 to 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2018, 06:18:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 30, 2018, 05:55:54 PM
Wheaton blocked 19 shots in their recent game, but even without those, they'd lead D3 WBB.
They have 62 for the season; 2nd place (three teams tied) has 40.
Their per game lead is of the same ratio, 12.4 to 8.

I've been tracking this too RogK.  Wheaton forwards have lots of height and length.  The fact that WC keeps getting outrebounded, sometimes by wide margins and especially on the offensive glass, is an ongoing frustration.  Blocks and rebounds don't necessarily have to go hand in hand I understand.  But you'd think there be a little better correlation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2018, 07:42:20 PM
The CCIW as a whole isn't rebounding well. Only two of the nine teams have plus reboundimg margins (Carroll is +3, Carthage is +1), and they're hardly dominant in that category. That correlates to the fact that only three CCIW teams have plus scoring margins (Carthage is +21.3, Illinois Wesleyan is +10.3, and Wheaton is +1.2; North Park breaks even, as the Vikings and their opponents have scored the same number of points this season). The league as a whole sits at only .500 after playing 48 non-conference games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2018, 09:13:16 PM
In looking through all the stats so far for the CCIW teams, Carthage seems to be playing at the highest level.  They are tops or near tops in many categories.  The opening game Saturday with IWU should be a good test to see where these two squads are at this stage of the season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2018, 10:25:46 PM
Team stats mean little at this point, Mark, because the nine teams have played wildly varying schedules in terms of opponent strength.

It's really only worth looking at the league as a whole with regard to team stats (aside from free-throw stats, of course), since the competition balances out over the 48 games played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 30, 2018, 10:59:16 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 28, 2018, 12:40:34 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 28, 2018, 08:07:29 AM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 27, 2018, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 27, 2018, 03:35:42 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on November 27, 2018, 10:48:28 AM
And, at this point in the season, I'm more interested in whom you beat than you whom you lose to.

Hmm.  I'll have to give that one some more thought Gordon.  Good wins seem to mean alot to the voters and I think they should.  I would also say that losses vs higher ranked or similarly ranked teams shouldn't hurt too badly either.  But I'm less sure why bad losses don't seem to affect voters as much?  Amherst's home loss to Eastern Connecticut was a bad one.  Shouldn't a ranked team like Depauw be able to beat RHIT - even after getting handled by 20 vs IWU? 

Geez GoPerry - have you paid ANY attention to Midwest women's basketball outside the CCIW the past several years? RHIT entered the past two NCAA tournaments without their starting PG whom had been lost in the conf. championship game BOTH years. Two straight 24-4 campaigns, including a ROAD win at undefeated UAA Champion Chicago last season. A one-point loss to Illinois Wesleyan and a five-point loss on the road at DePauw were their only non-conference blemishes. RHIT has been absolutely decimated by injuries early on this season and might not have everyone back until after Christmas, if at all. The 2-3 record isn't very impressive, but their non-conference schedule will wind up putting them in the SOS top 6-8 before conference play starts. Check it out yourself. Two straight wins over Chicago, a win on a neutral court vs UT-Dallas, and they finished the 2017-18 season ranked #4 in the final regional rankings (ahead of Trine).  RHIT even spanked IWU by 30 a couple years ago-which remains the only CCIW non-conference game never reported or discussed on this board in the past 5 years or so, that I can tell...

I don't know...SHOULD DePauw just spank poor little old RHIT?

I would think a win over DePauw might be seen as a huge step for a team that has battled a lot of adversity, as opposed to a humiliating defeat for DePauw - and if you want to split hairs and point out that the game was played on RHIT's court, I would counter that DePauw managed to win at then-#9 Trine, but not "lowly" RHIT. I know it's hard to understand how a school that can only recruit engineering majors can compete with the rest of D-III (see MIT as well), but there is far more there than meets the eye, if you care to look. I don't know what kind of season RHIT will have, especially with all the injuries, but they deserve a bit more credit than that...

Enginerd:

Wow!  Ok- I'll apologize if my comment insulted you and the team that I know you support so well.  However, I believe you are reading way too much into that single reference.  I am a little more familiar with RHIT and their strong defensive capabilities, over the last couple years from Wheaton having played them and being in the same NCAA pod etc.  But having said that, my comment had nothing to do with what any program has done last season or any past season and it certainly was NOT about trying to dis the Engineers in the least.  It was more about how a current team today, ranked in the top 25 of a subjective poll, imho should be expected to beat an unranked team that had just lost by 25 (to a team that was no longer ranked).  The fact that RHIT was playing with injuries(I didn't know) and had key players out makes my point even more.   It was a question pertaining to voters viewing current results on the floor more empirically and fact-based in their voting.  You could have substituted Depauw with any top 25 team name and RHIT with Wheaton or any unranked team and my question/point was precisely the same.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2018, 11:59:55 PM

Note to GoPerry: Don't take any digs at IIT's or MSOE's women's basketball teams, if you know what's good for you. ;)

Way ahead of you on that one now!  :D

LoL - no need to apologize. The whole ranking thing has been a bit frustrating as a fan. For instance, despite a (at that time) sparkling SOS, and a 12-3 record, with the three losses to Hope (at Hope, where a post player threw-in a 3 with 20 seconds left), IWU, and DePauw, AND a win on the road at Chicago, RHIT didn't even get so much as a single vote in the D3Hoops poll until mid-January last season. Meanwhile, Baldwin-Wallace cracks the Top-25 THIS year with a 4-0 record against mediocre competition. It's as though voters were just waiting for ANY reason to vote for an OAC school...

Folks just aren't aware what an achievement it is to be COMPETITIVE, let alone actually win games against schools like IWU, DePauw, Chicago, UT-Dallas...etc - for STEM schools like MSOE, RHIT, and MIT. MIT might actually be the best of the STEM schools this season, and are more than capable of making some noise in March.

Rochester IT (the OTHER Rochester) has had a nice little run recently, and I'm sure it bugs people to no end to lose to the nerds at CalTech, whom finally have a coach and have bothered to actually recruit anyone...

I saw this when you first posted it, but delayed a response to try to find the article I remembered.  Never did find it, but here goes anyway, off (fallible) memory.

Caltech (at least on the men's side) has TRIED to recruit.  A few years ago they sought ardently for a certain recruit, but couldn't get him thru admissions.  Instead he became a star at his "safety school" - MIT!  Only at Caltech could MIT be regarded as a "safety school"! :o ;D  (I'm not sure the problems at Caltech are the coaches not recruiting!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2018, 11:38:39 PM
Greg, generally agree with you on the stats, though it does give some indication of the relative quality of the teams so far.  I realize there are widely varying schedules and quality of opponents, though I think CC and IWU have played somewhat similar schedules.  We'll see when the teams start matching up head to head.  I expect a close game tomorrow CC vs. IWU.  And, looks like IWU, CC, and WC are the top three teams competing for the league title this year.  IWU has improved quite a bit over their six tough games to date.  I saw several games at Shirk before departing for Asia and have looked at the other games more recently.  Still some key contributors not quite on track as yet -- Schneider and Anderson.  Less help from Munroe than I expected, and perhaps more quality minutes from Brovelli than expected.  Maddie Merritt is really playing well, like a senior leader.  Seems Shanks is well-settled in now as the PG.  In coming games, I expect really great things from Sosa, as I feel she really is a starter-quality player already, even with less overall experience.  Any given night, someone new can step up.   Coach Smith has thrown a few of the freshmen into the fray already, to see what they are made of.  Helps with overall depth.

Happy holidays to all the chatsters.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2018, 06:37:51 PM
Titans over Carthage at the half 42-30.  Sosa on fire.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2018, 07:40:33 PM
IWU over Carthage at The Shirk, 85 - 71

The Kendall Sosa show:   27 pts., 8-10 FG, 5-7 from trey, 6 RBs.  (a sophomore).   Love her game.
Shanks with 16

More later, when I see the entire box score.  IWU seems to cut off Live Stats as soon as the game ends. 

A hard-fought game, but the Titans really showing their depth and high-quality offense tonight.

Good to start the CCIW campaign with a good win over one of the contenders.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 01, 2018, 07:54:45 PM
Mark, can you confirm or refute that that was Sosa's career high?  Good timing, since the season's top scorer (Maddie Merritt) got in early foul trouble and ended with only 7 points - depth is a wonderful attribute! ;D

Nina Anderson is having a very rough season so far.  The player I personally am somewhat disappointed in is Raven Hughes.  She's not doing poorly (6 points and 8 rebounds tonight), but I really thought she would be a break-out star this season.  Ah, well, it is still early in both the season and in her career (she's a sophomore), and perhaps she's doing great things I'm not noticing but Coach Smith is - she's second on the team in minutes played!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
A more full report:

IWU 85 CC 71

For IWU:
Sosa 27 on 8-10, 5-7 3s, 5-6 FTs, 6 RBs, 2 Assts.  -- Yes, a career high for her.  Quite a line.
Shanks 17 and 9 RBs.
Schneider 11 and 7 Assts.
Brovelli 8 and 10 RBs
Hughes 6 and 8 RBs

Merritt and Schneider fouling out

It's pick your poison with the TITANS, on any given night.  Merritt was well-defended tonight

For Carthage:
M. Kaelber 19
B. Gilbert 15
S. Woodward 11
M. Berigan 11

CC didn't quite shoot the percentage from 3 that they needed.

IWU winning the rebounding battle 47-31, a key to the game.

Ypsi, you are right, seems Anderson and Hughes have not really hit their stride as yet.  Munroe now in the PG back-up role.   I think Hughes may still be a bit slow, tentative with the knee.  Hughes starting now, as Shanks took up the starting PG spot.  Hughes not moving as smoothly or quickly as last year.  But, good contributions, esp. on rebounding.  Time will tell.  Anderson a real streak shooter, so I'm sure she'll light it up one of these days.  The TITANS have lots of weapons.

I'm most impressed so far with steadier PG play by Shanks, the quality minutes from Brovelli, and, of course, the overall smooth and quick offensive game from Sosa.  She could be a real star in this league going forward.  The IWU sophomores are already very experienced players -- Hughes, Sosa and Brovelli. 

A good start, good win to begin the CCIW run.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 01, 2018, 09:17:06 PM
Well, at about 5:45 this evening I was upset having watched probably the worst half of basketball I've ever seen (my dad said the same, for what it's worth) as Millikin led 37-20, but had been up by as many as 22. Then the second half started, North's Central came out swinging, and I got to yell things. The Cardinals managed to get within one but no further as the Big Blue topped NCC 73-69.

Alanna Newsome led all scorers with 24 (on 9-22 shooting), Lyndsay Brennan added 13, and Tyonne Howard continues to wreak havoc: 12 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals (albeit with 8 turnovers). Aubrey Staton paced Millikin with 17, Jordan Hildebrand added 15 before fouling out, and Yanni Sadler had maybe the craziest stat line I've ever seen: 12 points (6-18 shooting, with a couple clutch baskets late to seal the deal), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals... and 14 turnovers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2018, 11:39:48 AM
Saw Wheaton trounce North Park 81-32.
The Thunder's height advantage at all positions had maximum effect.
Hannah Frazier excelled, making 3/5 3FGs, 10/14 2FGs and 2/2 FTs for 31 pts. She also had 11 rebs, 3 assists and 0 turnovers.
Another tall Wheaton person, Devin Kyler, had 11 rebs, 3 blocks, a steal and scored 8 pts from 4 shots.
Jill Berg made good use of her 14:00 : 8 pts, 6 rebs, 4 blocks, a steal.
Many other Thunder players (Hannah Williams, Kristi Demski et al) made substantial contributions as well.
Jayla Johnson led NP in scoring but had only 7, far less than what we are now accustomed to see. She had 3 of NP's 12 steals.
Wheaton blocked 13 shots and induced North Park into flinging up errant shots in the lane that appeared done to avoid getting blocked. Someone who hadn't seen the game might wonder if Wheaton blocked a bunch of NP's free throws too.
The Vikings should put up a better effort in the rematch at Wheaton, but probably can't beat this year's Thunder squad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2018, 12:33:30 PM
AUG 69, Carroll 56
for the Vikings, Alexis Jones scored 18, grabbed 11 rebs, had 3 assists, 0 TOs, while Izzy Anderson helped with 13 pts, 9 rebs. Sadie Roberts had 7 rebs in 13:00.
for the Pioneers, Sierra Grubor tallied 16 pts and 4 steals; Alyssa Cruz had 6 steals and 15 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2018, 12:59:20 PM
UChi 73, Elmhurst 54
the Maroons made 27/34 FTs.
Marissa Urso scored 18 in 22:00 for the Bluejays.
Aftershocks from the Alaska earthquake jostled the baskets numerous times when either team shot a three. (Chicago missed 15 of 17 and Elmhurst missed 23 of 26)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2018, 06:10:24 PM
RogK, some earthquake on those threes.   :)

Mia Smith has all kinds of options given the depth of this year's TITAN squad, just depending on who's playing well, what the match-ups are.  To get such production off the bench from Sosa and Brovelli is a real plus. 

Seems to me that some new starting line-ups may be considered, given outputs and performances to date.   She could try Brovelli and Merritt on the floor together, Sosa and Schneider on the wings, Shanks at PG.  Would be good against bigger line-ups like, say, Wheaton.

It's going to be an interesting CCIW run . . . glad to get the win over CC to start out.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2018, 04:08:32 PM
Congrats to Izzy Anderson, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2018, 07:42:09 PM
At the half in Wisconsin, IWU 39 Point 31.

Congrats to Izzy Anderson on her Player of the Week Award.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2018, 07:50:39 PM
IWU up to #13 in the second week D3 poll.  Wheaton in the ORVs category. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 03, 2018, 08:15:45 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 03, 2018, 07:50:39 PM
IWU up to #13 in the second week D3 poll.  Wheaton in the ORVs category. 

'70

Happy to see it - I thought they'd only rise to 15 or 14.

Disappointed that Wheaton LOST another 5 points.  Losing by only three AT UChi (who received 2 first place votes), then annihilating NPU by almost 50, should have been a plus, not a negative, for an ORV team. :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2018, 08:49:32 PM
In a very hard-fought game, IWU over Point, 77-72.

Point came back in the second half to lead by 6, then the TITANS mounted a comeback in the last 3 minutes or so.  Nina Anderson making the big play with a traditional three point play with about 30 seconds to go.  No live Stats, so don't know the details.  I think Shanks had a big game. 

More later. 

Titans now 6-2, 1-0.

A really good win over a very good Point team, really two very evenly matched teams, Point fighting all the way to the end.

A long, but happy ride home for the TITANS. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2018, 09:39:45 PM
Box score up now:

IWU 77, UW Stevens Point 72

Shanks 22  1 TO
Merritt 19 and 9
Hughes 10 and 8
A bit loose and ragged at points, esp. early minutes of the second half when Point came back from 8 down, to lead by 6.
Titans continue to shoot the trey poorly, 3-16 18%, but 22-26 FTs.

For Point:

Bailee Collins, leading all scorers, 26
Brooke Geier 14
Carly Cerrate 10

A good win, very close, hard-fought game. 

Happy ride home.  More CCIW games up this week, then the West Coast trip, after exams and Christmas, to Whittier College here in LA.  IWU Men out this way too, to play at Pacific Lutheran College -- Point and Whitman, I believe.  Very tough games.

Farewell for now -- I'm out over the Pacific in a few hours.  Back to my beloved Hong Kong.

Happy holidays all.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 03, 2018, 10:36:27 PM
Here's my ballot for this week

1 St. Thomas (Minn.)
2 Thomas More   
3 Bowdoin   
4 Hope
5 Chicago
6 George Fox   
7 Amherst
8 Scranton
9 Tufts   
10 Ill. Wesleyan   
11 Wis.-Whitewater
12 Messiah
13 DePauw
14 Trine   
15 Mary Hardin-Baylor   
16 East Tex. Baptist   
17 Rochester Inst.   
18 Wheaton (Ill.)   
19 Saint Joseph's (Me.)
20 Chris. Newport   
21 Geneseo
22 Baldwin Wallace   
23 Austin   
24 Texas-Dallas   
25 Mass.-Dartmouth

Illinois Wesleyan didn't move, nor did the rest of my Top 10. That'll change next week since Thomas More rolled over Chicago. The Maroons outscored the Saints 27-9 from three at home and still lost by double digits. Thomas More looks like the best team in the country right now and Temple the best player.

I'm not too different from the Top 25 overall. I have Rochester Tech, Austin and Mass-Dartmouth instead of Wartburg, Gettysburg and Wartburg. The two 'burgs are just outside my Top 25. I usually have a list of 5 teams that I review each week to see if they have a better resume than the others.

It's a little weird that Austin dropped out of the poll and didn't take Texas-Dallas with them. Other teams (Randolph-Macon and Marymount) seem to be appropriately linked.

Mass-Dartmouth doesn't really have much of a resume, but I'm just playing a hunch here that they'll give Bowdoin a good game. That conference looks pretty good this year, including East Conn which beat Amherst.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 03, 2018, 10:48:09 PM
Thanks for posting this, Gordon. :)

Wow - so now you are fully one half of Wheaton's points!  I can't believe they were penalized for losing AT Chicago by 3 (UC got 2 #1 votes), then beating NPU by 49.  I think some of your fellow voters get pretty damn lazy near the bottom of the ballot and look ONLY at W-L, not context.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on December 03, 2018, 10:52:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 16, 2018, 09:56:59 PM
IWU over Wartburg at the half 32-22.  Titans have gotten Wartburg into their pace, putting on the speed and pressure, after a very slow start.

Riley Brovelli having a great game so far.  Titans going with Merritt and Brovelli on the floor at the same time.

Raven Hughes got the start tonight, with Sydney Shanks at the PG.

More to come.

IWU'70

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 04, 2018, 10:49:59 PM
Quote from: AndOne on December 03, 2018, 10:52:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 16, 2018, 09:56:59 PM
IWU over Wartburg at the half 32-22.  Titans have gotten Wartburg into their pace, putting on the speed and pressure, after a very slow start.

Riley Brovelli having a great game so far.  Titans going with Merritt and Brovelli on the floor at the same time.

Raven Hughes got the start tonight, with Sydney Shanks at the PG.

More to come.

IWU'70

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."  :D

??? 

Mark did follow up with two additional posts about that game.  Raven Hughes is certainly not about to say 'nevermore'.  I have NO clue about the point of dredging up a quote from more than two weeks ago.  Just in a silly mood? ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2018, 01:01:41 PM
A new commissioner for the CCIW effective on Canada Day 2019 :
https://cciw.org/news/2018/12/4/general-cciw-selects-maureen-a-harty-to-serve-as-executive-director-beginning-in-2019-20.aspx

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 05, 2018, 08:48:04 PM
At the half in Elmhurst:  IWU 38, Elmhurst 31.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2018, 09:45:54 PM
Great all 'around team play by the Titans tonight

IWU 81 EC 61

Sosa 18 and 5
Merritt 17 and 4
Hughes 11 and 6
Shanks 11 and 4
Schneider 10
Anderson 8 and 4

Can't really beat that.

IWU now 7-2, 2-0.

Keep it rolling TITANS.

IWU '70

Warm greetings to all from the Far Side -- 68, cloudy, misty and humid, in Hong Kong today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 05, 2018, 09:47:06 PM
IWU won all four quarters, but the 3rd was where they broke it open - final over Elmhurst is 81-61.

Sosa led with 18, Merritt had 17, Hughes, Shanks, and Schneider had 11,11,and 10, respectively.  Hughes was perfect from the field (including from 3) and the line.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 05, 2018, 10:42:31 PM
Wheaton 80, Carthage 67

Hannah Frazier    29 pts, 9 rebs, 5 assts
Hannah Williams  13 pts
Jenn Berg     11 pts, 12 rebs
Jordan Myroth  11 pts, 6 rebs, 6 assts

Autumn Kalis   20 pts, 5 rebs, 7/13, 4-7 3FG
Sammie Woodward    17 pts, 6/13, 4-6 3FG
Bailey Gilbert, 8 pts, 4 rebs
Madie Kaelber, 7 pts 4 rebs 5 asst
Haley Ahr, 9 pts, 5 rebs

Game was closer than the score.  Wheaton scored the first 15 pts of the game when the Lady Reds just couldn't get anything to go.  The Thunder were up 16 at halftime. But in the 3Q, mean reversion took over and Carthage couldn't miss.  They continued to chip away and pulled within 55-50 going into the fourth.  Lady Reds tied it at 61-61 but then Wheaton got a little more aggressive, getting into the paint, and going to the free throw line to pull away.

Frazier with another huge game as her team mates got her touches on every possession down the stretch. And she delivered big.  She is very difficult to guard because she can go back to the basket or step out for a mid-range jumper or 3ptr. 

I give Carthage a ton of credit for coming all the way back the way they did.  They are a very good team and have played both league leaders with close games on the road.  They will be a very tough out at Tarble for both the Thunder and IWU.  Both Kalis and Woodward are deadly from the arc and are able to get themselves open to take them. 

Wheaton has to learn to defend better.  They are leading the country in blocked shots but only had 6 tonight.  But so many blocked shots kind of erases poor fundamental defense.  Same with rebounding.  Their height gives them an advantage where they don't have to work as hard on the boards.  But a good rebounding team will feast on them if they don't correct it.  Still a win and an important one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2018, 11:25:50 PM
Just got mentioned on a Chicago newscast that a bus carrying Normal West girls basketball players was involved in an accident --- hoping all are well.
--
Peoria Journal Star web site reports an adult fatality.
-- additional update :
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20181205/two-adults-dead-in-normal-west-school-bus-crash-near-downs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2018, 11:29:39 PM
North Park 79
Millikin 66

Jayla Johnson: 31 pts (13-17 FG), 6 blks, 3 stls
Angelina Villasin: 13 pts, 6:3 a:to, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 7:1 a:to
Jackie Rapp: 6 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 3 stls

Yanni Saddler: 18 pts, 4 stls
Aubrey Staton: 14 pts, 6 rebs
Brianna Anthony: 14 pts
Faith Smith: 7 rebs

NPU freshman forward Jayla Johnson obviously had a tremendous game tonight, but she had a lot of help, as Angelina Villasin and Zakiya Newsome did a terrific job of penetrating and drawing off potential help defense before giving Johnson the ball down low and letting her do her thing -- which she did with aplomb. She made plenty of easy layups, but quite a few where she was stretching to get full extension or under moves where she went high off the glass.

It was a game that had some big runs, with the Vikings jumping out to a quick 9-0 lead in the opening minutes via their press, and then Millikin counter-punching with a 13-3 run of its own to take the lead late in the first quarter. But the second quarter was a seesaw affair, ending with MU prevailing on a late rush to take a 36-33 lead into the locker room. The Big Blue consolidated that lead in the third quarter, building it up to as many as nine at 52-43 with 4:44 to go in the stanza, as Yanni Sadler took over the game. But then she started to run out of gas, NPU started looking in to Johnson more, and Angelina Villasin got to the rim and finished a few times, and the Vikings retook the lead with a 13-2 run that closed out the quarter. Once the final stanza got underway, the Vikings put the pedal to the metal and the Big Blue faded.

It was a solid win for NPU, in which the Vikings got the bad taste of Saturday's debacle out of their mouths. They now carry some momentum into their extended road string, as they won't see the cinderblock confines of the crackerbox again until the new year.

It was really weird seeing Millikin with no Lori Kerans on the sideline tonight. That takes some getting used to.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 05, 2018, 11:47:49 PM
North Central bounced back from its tough loss to Millikin on Saturday and knocked off Augie in Rock Island 69-58. Tyonne Howard had a nice game, going 8-14 from the field and 5-9 at the line for 21 points to go with four boards and five assists, Hannah Vitkus put up 10 points and 11 boards, while Alanna Newsome added 15 points and Lyndsay Brennan 14. Alexis Jones had 17 and 9 to pace the Vikings, with Izzy Anderson adding 12 and 8.

The big stat that sticks out to me: Augie was 2-15 from beyond the arc. I'd like to see North Central do a little better at the line (13-22, 59.1%), but it was nice to see them control much of this game and put it away. Hopefully this is the start of Maggie McCloskey-Bax's prediction on Saturday of "We're young; we'll get there" start to come to fruition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2018, 12:04:06 AM
Carroll lost to UW Platteville, 73-66. Carroll got 15 pts from Kayla Stefka (.700 eFG%), 11 pts from Alyssa Cruz, 9 pts 10 rebs from Katie Rossetti.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 07, 2018, 11:58:27 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on December 03, 2018, 10:36:27 PM
Here's my ballot for this week

1 St. Thomas (Minn.)
2 Thomas More   
3 Bowdoin   
4 Hope
5 Chicago
6 George Fox   
7 Amherst
8 Scranton
9 Tufts   
10 Ill. Wesleyan   
11 Wis.-Whitewater
12 Messiah
13 DePauw
14 Trine   
15 Mary Hardin-Baylor   
16 East Tex. Baptist   
17 Rochester Inst.   
18 Wheaton (Ill.)   
19 Saint Joseph's (Me.)
20 Chris. Newport   
21 Geneseo
22 Baldwin Wallace   
23 Austin   
24 Texas-Dallas   
25 Mass.-Dartmouth

Illinois Wesleyan didn't move, nor did the rest of my Top 10. That'll change next week since Thomas More rolled over Chicago. The Maroons outscored the Saints 27-9 from three at home and still lost by double digits. Thomas More looks like the best team in the country right now and Temple the best player.

I'm not too different from the Top 25 overall. I have Rochester Tech, Austin and Mass-Dartmouth instead of Wartburg, Gettysburg and Wartburg. The two 'burgs are just outside my Top 25. I usually have a list of 5 teams that I review each week to see if they have a better resume than the others.

It's a little weird that Austin dropped out of the poll and didn't take Texas-Dallas with them. Other teams (Randolph-Macon and Marymount) seem to be appropriately linked.

Mass-Dartmouth doesn't really have much of a resume, but I'm just playing a hunch here that they'll give Bowdoin a good game. That conference looks pretty good this year, including East Conn which beat Amherst.

You were right about Mass-Dartmouth, Gordon.  Played Bowdoin tough.  Does that say anything about Bowdoin who has yet to play anybody except MD?

I like your top 10.  Considering who TMore has played, and defeated – some handily, I would hope some voters might start moving them up even higher.  You're already at #2 but could some voters actually have them as low as #6, #7?  Are you considering flipping them with UST?  Haven't seen the Tommies play so no comment on them.

Wartburg probably moving up.

Wheaton hosting Oshkosh (#25 D3Hoops, no mention in GM ballot) tomorrow – should be a good one.  Hope the Thunder can honor your (lone) confidence.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 07, 2018, 12:15:25 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 07, 2018, 11:58:27 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on December 03, 2018, 10:36:27 PM
Here's my ballot for this week

1 St. Thomas (Minn.)
2 Thomas More   
3 Bowdoin   
4 Hope
5 Chicago
6 George Fox   
7 Amherst
8 Scranton
9 Tufts   
10 Ill. Wesleyan   
11 Wis.-Whitewater
12 Messiah
13 DePauw
14 Trine   
15 Mary Hardin-Baylor   
16 East Tex. Baptist   
17 Rochester Inst.   
18 Wheaton (Ill.)   
19 Saint Joseph's (Me.)
20 Chris. Newport   
21 Geneseo
22 Baldwin Wallace   
23 Austin   
24 Texas-Dallas   
25 Mass.-Dartmouth

Illinois Wesleyan didn't move, nor did the rest of my Top 10. That'll change next week since Thomas More rolled over Chicago. The Maroons outscored the Saints 27-9 from three at home and still lost by double digits. Thomas More looks like the best team in the country right now and Temple the best player.

I'm not too different from the Top 25 overall. I have Rochester Tech, Austin and Mass-Dartmouth instead of Wartburg, Gettysburg and Wartburg. The two 'burgs are just outside my Top 25. I usually have a list of 5 teams that I review each week to see if they have a better resume than the others.

It's a little weird that Austin dropped out of the poll and didn't take Texas-Dallas with them. Other teams (Randolph-Macon and Marymount) seem to be appropriately linked.

Mass-Dartmouth doesn't really have much of a resume, but I'm just playing a hunch here that they'll give Bowdoin a good game. That conference looks pretty good this year, including East Conn which beat Amherst.

You were right about Mass-Dartmouth, Gordon.  Played Bowdoin tough.  Does that say anything about Bowdoin who has yet to play anybody except MD?

I like your top 10.  Considering who TMore has played, and defeated – some handily, I would hope some voters might start moving them up even higher.  You’re already at #2 but could some voters actually have them as low as #6, #7?  Are you considering flipping them with UST?  Haven’t seen the Tommies play so no comment on them.

Wartburg probably moving up.

Wheaton hosting Oshkosh (#25 D3Hoops, no mention in GM ballot) tomorrow – should be a good one.  Hope the Thunder can honor your (lone) confidence.


Barring upsets, Thomas More likely playing Hope in the final of Hope's Post Exam Jam tournament next weekend.  #22 Baldwin-Wallace also in the field.  Should be a great barometer for ranked teams AND a great game to watch!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2018, 04:49:03 PM
Carrll edged visiting Millikin, 70-67, in Van Male for its first CCIW win. Alyssa Cruz led a quartet of Pioneers in double figures with 14 points, while Celina Schwantes pulled down ten boards. The Big Blue likewise had four double-figure scorers, led by Aubrey Staton's 22, while Faith Smith led all rebounders with 15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 08, 2018, 06:50:07 PM
In the first quarter it looked like a total blowout in Rock Island, as the Titans led 24-10.  But the Vikings handily won the 2nd Q, and trail only 40-34 at the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 08, 2018, 07:53:07 PM
Titans won the 3rd by 2; Vikings won the 4th by 1.  Final from Rock Island, Titans 83, Vikings 76.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2018, 08:28:16 PM
Overtime final from the airplane hangar:

North Park 83
North Central 82

Lauryn Alba Garner: 17 pts, 4 stls
Matti Zander: 14 pts, 8 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 13 pts, 8 rebs, 4 stls
Kayla Patterson: 10 pts

Natali Dimitrova: 26 pts, 10 rebs
Tyonne Howard: 17 pts, 6 rebs, 7:6 a:to
Alanna Newsome: 11 pts
Lyndsay Brennan: 9 rebs

NPU gutted out a nail-biter win tonight when NCC's Tyonne Howard front-rimmed a lunging trey attempt at the buzzer, following a split pair of free throws by North Park freshman guard Kayla Patterson. Honestly, it never should've gone to overtime in the first place, as the Vikings, who led for over three-quarters of the game, once again were horrific at the free throw line -- although their 60% performance (24-40) actually topped the 55% that they were shooting from the charity stripe coming in. North Central, on the other hand, was very solid from the line (29-37, 78%), and that, coupled with an outstanding performance by center Natali Dimitrova, kept the persistent Cards close in a contest in which the Vikings were never able to pull away, despite leading by as many as nine in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings bigs were no-shows tonight, as Jayla Johnson fouled out in overtime without really impacting the game at all, but NPU got a very strong performance off of the bench from freshman forward Matti Zander -- easily her best game yet -- to help make up for it. The two stars of the night, though, were sophomore guards Lauryn Alba Garner, who made one tough shot after another driving to the hole, and Sinead Molloy, who did a little bit of everything for the Vikes in the winning effort.

It wasn't pretty, but any road win in this league is a good one. The Vikings will take it ... although they know as they get back on the bus that, as has been the case for the past couple of weeks, Amanda Crockett is going to make them shoot free throws in practice until their arms fall off.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2018, 08:29:55 PM
Looks like another good Titan win in Rock Island.  I wasn't able to see it all, too early for me down the hill here in HK on a Sunday morning after a wild party, Peking duck and all the night before late.

Here's some stats from the Box:

IWU 83 AC 76.  As Ypsi has reported, a very strong start for the TITANS, then pretty much back and forth:

For IWU: 

Monster game for Maddie Merritt 28 and 5
Anderson, getting on track now 15
Career high for freshman Brooke Lansford, a PG of the future, 13
Raven Hughs 11 and 9

For AC:
Izzy Anderson 21
A. Jones 16
J. Edell 10

Titans go to 8-2, 3-0 in CCIW.  Starting to put together a very fine resume.

Exams now, a week off for academics.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2018, 11:56:10 PM
I viewed segments of the four evening webcasts involving CCIW WBB.
When (1st Q) I tuned in to the Elmhurst at Carthage contest, they had stopped play due to a serious injury to Elmhurst's Sophia Lathe, assuming the broadcaster identified her correctly. Both teams were sent to their locker rooms. I think they said she was taken by EMTs, but that's the extent of what I heard. Maybe there was a later update, but I didn't watch much of that game. Best wishes to her from all of us on D3boards.
Carthage 92, Elmhurst 62. For the Lady Reds, Madie Kaelber scored 22 and Autumn Kalis had 20. Courtney O'Donnell had 13 pts, 5 rebs for the Bluejays.
UW Oshkosh 57, Wheaton 48. The Thunder's Jennifer Berg had 9 pts, 6 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 09, 2018, 12:08:23 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2018, 08:28:16 PM
Overtime final from the airplane hangar:

North Park 83
North Central 82

Lauryn Alba Garner: 17 pts, 4 stls
Matti Zander: 14 pts, 8 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 13 pts, 8 rebs, 4 stls
Kayla Patterson: 10 pts

Natali Dimitrova: 26 pts, 10 rebs
Tyonne Howard: 17 pts, 6 rebs, 7:6 a:to
Alanna Newsome: 11 pts
Lyndsay Brennan: 9 rebs

NPU gutted out a nail-biter win tonight when NCC's Tyonne Howard front-rimmed a lunging trey attempt at the buzzer, following a split pair of free throws by North Park freshman guard Kayla Patterson. Honestly, it never should've gone to overtime in the first place, as the Vikings, who led for over three-quarters of the game, once again were horrific at the free throw line -- although their 60% performance (24-40) actually topped the 55% that they were shooting from the charity stripe coming in. North Central, on the other hand, was very solid from the line (29-37, 78%), and that, coupled with an outstanding performance by center Natali Dimitrova, kept the persistent Cards close in a contest in which the Vikings were never able to pull away, despite leading by as many as nine in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings bigs were no-shows tonight, as Jayla Johnson fouled out in overtime without really impacting the game at all, but NPU got a very strong performance off of the bench from freshman forward Matti Zander -- easily her best game yet -- to help make up for it. The two stars of the night, though, were sophomore guards Lauryn Alba Garner, who made one tough shot after another driving to the hole, and Sinead Molloy, who did a little bit of everything for the Vikes in the winning effort.

It wasn't pretty, but any road win in this league is a good one. The Vikings will take it ... although they know as they get back on the bus that, as has been the case for the past couple of weeks, Amanda Crockett is going to make them shoot free throws in practice until their arms fall off.

I was really impressed by how well Alba Garner played in this one. I don't want to say that she put it away at the end of the third quarter, but her six points in the final minute of that frame really seemed to swing the momentum. But she (and to be fair, her teammates didn't help) left the door open for the Cardinals.

It's a shame someone had to lose this one, but these two teams have been pretty evenly matched over the last couple of years. I tip my cap and hope the Cardinals can bounce back again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 09, 2018, 12:51:37 AM
Wheaton falls to the UW Oshkosh Titans, 57-48 and utterly failing to validate Gordon's confidence in the team.   The Lady Thunder are a decent team – not sure about a good team.   Suspect defense, plain bad rebounding, lacking fundamentals, and they really have trouble scoring except for Hannah Frazier.  Their size with Frazier, Devin Kyler and Jenn Berg on the floor makes them pretty slow defensively.

This team does not beat IWU at home or on the road.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2018, 01:04:52 AM
GoPerry, does seem WC is pretty inconsistent so far.  Surprising.

IWU going from strength to strength, with several players now coming into their own, the season roughly a third gone.  When they get it all moving together, could be a really good team.  Esp. when Anderson and Schneider are playing better -- perhaps more from Sam Munroe too.  Nice game by freshman Brooke Lansford tonight at Augie.  Maddie Merritt having a pretty special year so far, esp. at the charity stripe.  Raven Hughes doing a good job on the boards, with put-backs, which has been a Titan weakness.

Kendall Sosa not playing tonight, attending the funeral of her Grandmother.  My condolences to Kendall and all her family. 

Exam week now.  Carroll coming to The Shirk next weekend.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2018, 04:32:39 PM
Congrats to Maddie Merritt for her 2nd CCIW Player of the Week honors of the season!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 10, 2018, 06:06:23 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 10, 2018, 04:32:39 PM
Congrats to Maddie Merritt for her 2nd CCIW Player of the Week honors of the season!

Well deserved.  Merritt is really playing well this season.  Has noticeably stepped up her game and way more aggressive on offense.  Really going after rebounds more intentionally than I can recall in the past.  A big key to IWU success so far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 10, 2018, 08:31:52 PM
Congrats to Maddie Merritt, yet again. . . yes, upping her game this season, playing with the confidence of the seasoned senior.  She has range and can now step out and hit 15-20 footers when her defender doesn't come out with her.  Her FT record is well-established, now the most FTs made in the history of the IWU program, and an incredible percentage, topping the record held earlier by Rebekah Ehresman over 108 games. 

Titans at 8-2, 3-0 better than I expected given the number of ranked teams, tough opponents they have played.  Some more good chances soon out in CA. too.  Then, the big game with WC in early January, to see where we really stand on the conference race.  Given all the weapons this team has, the needed depth, the good coaching, it has a chance to be something special.  Not winning in the normal way with "run and jump" and a big TO and points-off-TOs advantage as in the past, but playing very good D overall and pretty effective in the half-court offense.  The contributions of the bench -- esp. Brovelli and Sosa -- playing a huge role in the success of this Titan edition so far.  More stable and solid now that Shanks has settled in as the starting PG.  Munroe and Lansford giving very good back-up at PG so far. 

Happy holidays to all the chatsters!  Good luck to all TITANS for exams and papers this week.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2018, 09:17:25 PM
Carthage topped Cornell today, 66-40.
Sammie Woodward did well, scoring 18 pts from 13 FG att (.692 eFG%) and had 3 assists, 2 steals and 9 rebs.
Rachel Szydlowski provided 16 pts, 5 rebs and 3 blocks, while Bailey Gilbert had 15 pts and 5 rebs.
The Lady Reds committed just 6 turnovers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 12, 2018, 03:32:48 PM
North Central dropped another tough one up at UWSP last night, 70-67. The Cardinals had a lead early in this one but had some offensive struggles for stretches to let the Pointers back in. But North Central had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but Allison Pearson's shot missed.

Alanna Newsome led the Cardinals with 23 points, Maya Walls added 13, and Page Desenberg chipped in 12. North Central hit 13 of 27 threes in this one, but went just 6-11 at the free throw line while the Pointers made 15 of their 20 free throws.

It's another tough loss, but I'm encouraged by the fact that this young team refuses to quit. Of North Central's six losses, five have come by four points or less. I know it's cliche, but maybe this team needs to learn how to win/close out games. Even so, it's an encouraging step considering last year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2018, 12:10:53 AM
Carroll 79, Silver Lake (NAIA D2 independent) 65 -- haven't found stats for this game.
Augustana 61, Dubuque 54. Augie's Izzy Anderson scores 18.
Wheaton 79, Trinity Christian (NAIA D2) 53 -- was 35-35 at the half, so 42-18 in the 2nd half! Another big game for Hannah Frazier : 26 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blocks and a steal. Hannah Williams added 16 pts.
Thursday afternoon update : still no box score to be found, but the write-up on Carroll's site shows that Sierra Grubor led the Pios with 23 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 14, 2018, 11:53:23 PM
Titans back on the floor, post-exams, hosting Carroll at The Shirk, Saturday night.  Hope there's no lay-off rust.

Sunny Southern California beckons.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2018, 09:48:33 AM
I see that four players have been removed from the Carole Pie-in-ears roster : Delaney Sjong, Mallory Olszak, Sara Hartl and Maycie Wiernik. I haven't heard anything about who decided this.
Incidentally, loyal readers will recall that Olszak's name was messed up in the stats last season; on cciw.org she is still shown as Olsazak in the final stats. This year, she was listed as Olzask for 6 games and was correctly shown as Olszak for 1 game. This repeated misfeasance/malfeasance by SID Micheal Shilust and/or coach Linsey Snultz is not exactly admirable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2018, 10:27:07 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 15, 2018, 09:48:33 AM
I see that four players have been removed from the Carole Pie-in-ears roster : Delaney Sjong, Mallory Olszak, Sara Hartl and Maycie Wiernik. I haven't heard anything about who decided this.

They did. It was mentioned in the last Carroll home broadcast that a large number of potential Pioneers returnees had elected not to play this season, although I'm not sure what their individual statuses are with regard to whether or not they're still Carroll students.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2018, 10:32:44 AM
The four players I listed played this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2018, 11:07:31 AM
That's on the Carroll broadcasters, then. They said that the quartet in question had elected not to play, not that they had stopped playing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2018, 11:30:09 AM
Thanks for that clarification. The fact that they did a new team photo of the current 12 player roster suggests that the separation was not the friendliest.
Augustana is probably now onboard a bus on the way to Decatur for the 2pm game. Then either later today or tomorrow, a (six hour?) ride to Memphis for a Sunday 7pm contest. I guess they could go part way this evening and part tomorrow. At any rate, lots of bus riding to be enjoyed over the next few days. I wonder how many of this generation of players look out the window as they ride a bus. Most of them probably sleep or stare at their phones. Maybe not all, one can hope.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2018, 11:41:31 AM
I've been on plenty of buses with North Park teams over the past decade, as I used to broadcast a lot of NPU football road games, and a few NPU men's basketball and women's basketball road games as well. The number of student-athletes that I can recall as looking out a window comes comes to exactly zero. A few of them talk (especially when they first get on the bus), lots of 'em sleep (especially if it's a long ride), some of them study, and when they would show movies on the football buses some of the players would watch them.

But the most common activity -- and it's not even close, really -- is looking at one's phone. If you were to ask anyone who's been on a bus with college students in recent years, whether it's for a sports road trip or a choir tour or for any other sort of off-campus activity, you'd hear the same thing. Since the members of the younger generation spend the better part of their lives staring at their phones, why should it be any different when they're stuck on a long bus ride?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 15, 2018, 11:56:08 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2018, 11:41:31 AM
I've been on plenty of buses with North Park teams over the past decade, as I used to broadcast a lot of NPU football road games, and a few NPU men's basketball and women's basketball road games as well. The number of student-athletes that I can recall as looking out a window comes comes to exactly zero. A few of them talk (especially when they first get on the bus), lots of 'em sleep (especially if it's a long ride), some of them study, and when they would show movies on the football buses some of the players would watch them.

But the most common activity -- and it's not even close, really -- is looking at one's phone. If you were to ask anyone who's been on a bus with college students in recent years, whether it's for a sports road trip or a choir tour or for any other sort of off-campus activity, you'd hear the same thing. Since the members of the younger generation spend the better part of their lives staring at their phones, why should it be any different when they're stuck on a long bus ride?

Agreed, though in my experience sleep time is close to phone time depending on length of trip.

Though it's different than when I was younger, I try not to assume that looking at the phone is necessarily a bad thing.  No one just looks at a phone, its a means to something else.  Often its texting (communicating with someone - not a bad thing); can be reading a novel, blog newspaper or textbook; often its watching a movie or looking through online song catalogs.  I definitely don't like it when it's done too often in a group social setting like a dinner out, but for a long bus ride seems perfectly OK to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2018, 06:39:55 PM
Titans over Carroll at the half, 52-29.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2018, 06:50:23 PM
Augie 75, Millikin 72.
AUG : Alexis Jones 20 pts, 9 rebs, 4 steals; Izzy Anderson 22 pts, 7 rebs, 4 steals; Mia Lambert scored 13 via 8 FG att; Scooter Lopez picked up 5 assists and 3 stls.
MIL : Aubrey Staton 27 pts, 10 rebs; Yanni Saddler 19 pts, 4 assists; Jordan Hildebrand 7 pts, 9 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2018, 07:05:23 PM
Elmhurst 68, North Park 60 :
51 fouls in this game and 70 FT att (EC made 28/37 and NP made 22/33).
Elmhurst had 6 players score 8 or more, topped by Lisa Logan's 11. She also had 4 rebs and 3 stls.
The visiting Vikings were led in scoring by Jayla Johnson with 16 and Lauryn Alba Garner with 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 15, 2018, 07:35:59 PM
Final from B'town:  IWU 86, Carroll 77.

Game was fairly close early on, as the Titans could not buy a 3-pointer (missed I believe their first five attempts.  Once they started connecting (6 for 7 in one stretch), they broke the game wide open, leading by as much as 26 early in the third.  Carroll refused to fold, and cut seriously into the lead against the bench, but the game was never in doubt after the middle of the second quarter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2018, 07:38:33 PM
IWU over CC 86-77, in one that was never really in doubt.  The Titans leading at one point by 26.

Lots of time for the Titan pine-sitters tonight, with several full line-changes, giving the Titan fives of the future some good PT.

For IWU:
Anderson (playing much better now) 18
Hughes, tough on the boards, 17
Sosa 13
Merritt 10 and 11
Shanks 9

Titans shooting 45% from the field.

For CC:  -- a very young team with a very bright future.

Wichser 24 on 8 treys, a deadly long-range bomber
Stefka 17
Grubor 14

Titans go to 9-2, 4-0.

Next up, some sunny Southern California days . . . and games, after the holiday break.

Good game tonight, no post-exams' rust.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2018, 07:39:51 PM
Happy holidays Ypsi.  Hope you and all the family are well!  :)

Greetings from the Far Side.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 15, 2018, 07:47:46 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 15, 2018, 07:39:51 PM
Happy holidays Ypsi.  Hope you and all the family are well!  :)

Greetings from the Far Side.

'70

Everyone doing well here.  Grandkids are getting pretty excited about Christmas (except, I suppose, for Oliver - but then he is not yet two months old!)  Son #2 is working hard on his masters' thesis - should graduate sometime late next spring (not bad for a guy about whom I used to joke that I had a defense attorney on speed-dial - maturation is wonderful to behold!)

Hope all is well in HK! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2018, 03:07:47 AM
Wheaton 78, North Central 54 :
28 players participated in the game, including 15 for Wheaton.
Wheaton got 22 pts from Hannah Frazier, 12 pts from Hannah Williams (from just 6 FG att), 9 rebs and 6 assists by Jordan Myroth and 9 rebs, 3 steals by Jill Berg.
Rebekah Foley's 10 pts (in 7:00) led North Central.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2018, 07:49:47 PM
afternoon result from Kenosha : U of Chicago over Carthage 68-59; Maroons vs Reds.
the Lady Reds got 19 pts from Bailey Gilbert, 15 from Autumn Kalis, 4 blocks, 2 steals, 5 rebs from Maggie Berigan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2018, 11:42:18 PM
Augustana 73, Rhodes 66 :
7/10 2FG, 0/1 3FG, 14/16 FT = a very efficient 28 pts for Izzy Anderson
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2018, 03:23:44 AM
Titans at 9-2, 4-0 in a good place.  Have two games out west, playing at Whittier College near LA.  A little Southern California sunshine, just what the doctor ordered, escaping the Midwestern cold and snow.  Maybe a little time on Venice Beach!  Big game when back home vs. Wheaton on January 2nd, to set the tone for the rest of the CCIW race.  Titans really playing well, came out of this stretch of very tough opponents better than expected.  Lots of great basketball coming up in January and February.  Anderson and Hughes now playing better, Shanks settled in at PG.  Maddie Merritt having an all-conference season so far as an experienced senior.  Strong bench play, especially from Sosa and Brovelli. 

Happy holidays to the Titans, Titan fans, and all the chatsters here on the Board.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2018, 06:51:52 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Hannah Frazier!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2018, 09:04:41 PM
Congrats to Ms. Frazier.  She's playing exceptionally well.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2018, 09:25:49 PM
Elmhurst won at Coe today, 73-66. The Blue Jays' 28 pt 4th quarter was pivotal.
Elmhurst had 15 steals, including 4 by Lauren Goff and 6 by Kellee Clay (who also scored 12 pts).
They got 14 pts from Courtney O'Donnell and 13 from Kelly Weyhrich. Lisa Logan grabbed 8 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 18, 2018, 09:28:21 PM
Titans still at #14 in the latest week 4 D3hoops poll.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 18, 2018, 09:43:13 PM
North Central got back in the win column tonight, picking up a 72-57 victory at Dubuque. Looked a little sloppy, with the teams combining for 33 turnovers, but the Cardinals outrebounded the Spartans and won most of the hustle scoring stats (fast break, 2nd chance, things like that). Lyndsay Brennan led the way with 17 points and 11 boards, Natali Dimitrova added 9 and 13, Alanna Newsome scored 10, and Tyonne Howard had a pretty good floor game with 5 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and just 3 turnovers. Tamya Vaultonburg and Kia Dwight paced the Spartans with 9 points apiece.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2018, 11:19:15 PM
Millikin 88-79 over Eureka. All ten starters scored in double figures.
For Millikin : 10 pts and 8 assists by Aubrey Magro, 11 pts and 5 rebs by Jordan Hildebrand, 12 pts 5 steals and 6 rebs by Briana Anthony, 21 pts 7 rebs and 3 steals by Aubrey Staton.
Then we come to Yanni Saddler; all she did was pour in 29 pts, adding 5 rebs, 3 assists, 4 steals and a lone turnover. Not bad, eh? Eh.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2018, 05:03:58 PM
NPU fell to St. Mary's (IN) over in Notre Dame, IN by a score of 57-53. Jayla Johnson led the way for the Vikings with 20 points, while Sinead Molloy contributed 13. Lauryn Alba Garner led NPU with eight rebounds, while Molloy and Angelina Villasin had three steals apiece.

The Vikings were the beneficiaries of 29 turnovers by the Belles while only turning the ball over 17 times themselves, and they were at least competitive on the boards (SMC had a 38-32 advantage, but the Park got the upper hand on the offensive glass to the tune of 13-10). It was poor shooting that once again did in NPU, as the Vikes shot a .371/.222/..556 line. The Vikings had a chance to tie the game while down two with eight seconds left, but Johnson missed both FTs.

NPU is now 5-6, and will travel to Georgia the weekend after next to take on Agnes Scott and Oglethorpe on back-to-back afternoons in Atlanta.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2018, 11:21:58 PM
Millikin 78, MSOE 61 --
the Big Blue had a team eFG% of .578, rather good.
Yanni Saddler scored 23; Aubrey Staton had 19 pts and 7 rebs; Faith Smith also had 7 rebs; Jordan Hildebrand did a lot : 18 pts, 3 steals, 6 rebs, 5 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2018, 10:50:49 AM
Halftime adjustments seem to have impacted the St Norbert - Carroll game. After 20 minutes of play, St Norbert was up 33-16. The remainder of the game was vastly different, a 50-26 domination by Carroll, yielding a 66-59 win for the Pioneers.
Carroll shot threes very well (11/28) but had difficulty with twos (10/30).
Theresa Wichser made 6 of 16 3FGs for a .563 eFG%.
Kayla Stefka helped with 10 pts, 7 rebs. Alyssa Cruz had 10 assists. Celina Schwantes had 9 rebs. Sierra Grubor had 4 steals and a block.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2018, 11:04:11 AM
Carthage had a 58 pt 2nd half and won 87-76 at Wisconsin - Stevens Point.
Five Lady Reds tallied ten or more : Autumn Kalis 20, Sammie Woodward 18, Bailey Gilbert 17, Maggie Berigan 12, Rachel Szydlowski 10.
Madie Kaelber had 4 steals and a block.
Carthage shot very well from all 3 distances -- 21/30 2FG, 9/25 3FG, 18/20 FT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 21, 2018, 12:24:31 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on December 03, 2018, 10:36:27 PM
Thomas More looks like the best team in the country right now and Temple the best player.


Prescient.  I can't imagine many collect this accolade 2 weeks in a row. Very impressive.  We're not quite halfway throught the season, but I wonder who are the other early form candidates for POY?

http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2019/div3players181218.html


And I'm not posting this because of the men's winner . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2018, 03:38:43 PM
I'm much too lazy to research dozens of leagues or hundreds of teams to see which other players are doing extremely well this season. Likely there are quite a few. I did see Temple in the Wheaton game and was impressed. For a 6-footer, she dribbles very well and must devote a lot of time practicing footwork and dribbling. At some point in her past (high school?), she must have decided not to be typecast based on height and instead develop a complete set of basketball talents. She does have an outstanding shooting touch near the basket, but also is over 40% on threes. A good (excellent?) passer and good rebounder, also grabs over 3 steals per game. Scores 8 pts every 10 minutes. Oh, an 89% foul shooter too!
GoPerry, you did use the term "early" which is appropriate. A lot of opportunity for many many players to earn consideration for POY.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2018, 07:40:53 PM
Cardinals 72, Cardinals 57.
North Central had three players score 11 : Allison Pearson, Natali Dimitrova (also had 7 rebs) and Alanna Newsome.
St Mary's of Minnesota won the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 27, 2018, 08:16:59 PM
in Las Vegas : Ohio Northern 66, Carthage 57.
for Carthage, quite a game for Maggie Berigan : 9/11 2FGs, 4/5 FTs for 22 pts, adding 4 rebs, 4 blocks and 2 steals.
Rachel Szydlowski helped out with 10 pts, 5 rebs.
the Lady Reds will do some sightseeing Friday and then face Gettysburg on Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on December 28, 2018, 12:43:52 PM
Wheaton leads Wilmington 34-31 at the half at Bluffton University. Only live stats available for the game which is annoying, but will have to do.

Demski the high scorer right now for Wheaton with 9 points on 3-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Jen Berg and Hannah Frazier next with 8 a piece, Jordan Myroth doing her best to stuff the stat sheet with 4 points, 3 boards, and 3 assists.

Keep it up ladies!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 28, 2018, 01:51:52 PM
Hard to tell from just the stat line, but it looks like a pretty solid win for the Thunder today, 70-57 over Wilmington (6-4).  Good contributions from several players: Jen Berg 16 pts, 7 rebs; Hannah Frazier 15 pts, 4 rebs; Kristi Demski 12 pts, Jordan Myroth, 8 pts, 6 rebs, 6 assts. 

Another win tomorrow against either Bluffton (3-6) or Waynesburg (3-7) would be welcome heading back to conference play next week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on December 28, 2018, 01:53:39 PM
Thunder 70, Wilmington 57 is your final from Bluffton College.

Jennifer Berg- 16 points and 7 rebounds
Hannah Frazier- 15 points 4 rebounds and 4 blocks
Jordan Myroth- 8 points 6 rebounds 6 assists and 4 blocks
Devin Kyler- 9 points 8 rebounds
Kristi Demski- 12 points on 4-6 shooting beyond the arc

Solid win for the Thunder. I was never able to figure out if there was a broadcast of any kind so I can't touch on how the pace of play looked, but the Thunder won every quarter except the 1st (the 4th also was tied 18-18).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2018, 04:14:09 PM
North Park 62, Agnes Scott 45

Matti Zander: 16 pts
Jayla Johnson: 16 pts
Josie Summerville: 19 rebs, 3 blks
Jacki Rapp: 7 rebs, 3 stls
Sinead Molloy: 4:2 a:to

This was a tough game to watch, as NPU put on a less-than-sparkling performance against a winless and intermittently competent Agnes Scott team down in Decatur, GA. The Christmas layoff might've had something to do with that, but the more pertinent explanation was likely the absence of Lauryn Alba Garner and Angelina Villasin, neither of whom were in uniform or even on the bench. (They're both still on the roster.) Without them, the Vikings lost both a sizeable portion of their ballhandling ability and their perimeter and dribble-penetration punch on offense. The first quarter was especially brutal, as NPU didn't score until there was only 4:09 left in the period; fortunately, the Scotties were just as inept, as the score was 1-0 when Jayla Johnson finally made two free throws at the 4:09 mark to put the Vikings on the scoreboard and in the lead.

From there, however, the Vikings did manage to forge an adequate offense. With no Alba Garner and no Villasin, it made sense to work the ball into the post as often as possible, and Johnson and Matti Zander were more than up to the task. While Josie Summerville, no doubt playing in front of friends and family down there in the Peach State, had trouble scoring the basketball, her rebounding was a key factor in North Park's ability to slowly pull out in front and stay there, which the Vikings did from the end of the first quarter onward. And Sinead Molloy did a little bit of everything for the Vikings in an attempt to fill in for the absence of Alba Garner and Villasin.

It will be a very different story tomorrow afternoon in Atlanta, as Oglethorpe is infinitely more skilled than Agnes Scott. The Vikings are going to have to seriously step up their game tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 06:43:20 PM
Boo Whittier College -- paywall for D3 women's hoops video -- in CA.  Bad form.

I won't pay, sorry.

Go TITANS.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 06:46:05 PM
and no Live Stats either . . . only for the Whittier game later.  Double bad form.  Not exactly "classic."

'70   :( 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2018, 06:54:15 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 06:43:20 PM
Boo Whittier College -- paywall for D3 women's hoops video -- in CA.  Bad form.

I won't pay, sorry.

Way to go, Mark! Stick it to The Man! :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 07:27:36 PM
Greg, glad NPU doesn't have a pay wall . . .  IWU either.

Came down the hill at 6 a.m. to watch my Titans, so there you go.  Early morning HK frustration!   :(

Maybe I'll watch the men vs, Whitman later . . . we'll see how Cal Lutheran does!  :)

Happy New Year Greg, to you and all the CCIW Board chatsters.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on December 28, 2018, 07:31:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 06:43:20 PM
Boo Whittier College -- paywall for D3 women's hoops video -- in CA.  Bad form.

I won't pay, sorry.

Go TITANS.

'70

Learned that the hard way last season or the one before...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2018, 07:36:16 PM
Well, since it's Richard Nixon's alma mater, even if you were to watch the game via Whittier's livestream there would be an eighteen-and-a-half-minute gap somewhere in the transmission.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 07:47:27 PM
Indeed so, Greg.  Well done, well done. :)   Maybe Mueller should investigate further . . .

I'm sure the IWU score will be out soon.

On to Cal Lutheran . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 08:09:52 PM
Game completed in Whittier now, Box posted by IWU:

IWU over Kings of PA.  IWU76  Kings 65

IWU trailed for 3Qs, then turned on the jets in the 4Q, outscoring Kings 24-8.

For IWU:
Merritt 24 and 10
Hughes 16 and 6
Anderson 12

For Kings:
Steeber 17
Yori 15
Prociak 12

Titans won the rebounding battle decisively, 47-25, but lost the TOs and steals battle to Kings. 

Nice to have win #10 before the New Year.  IWU now 10-2, 4-0, with a game tomorrow vs. the host, Whittier College.  I'll watch for the 18 1/2 minute lapse in the video -- likely when the Titans are going on a 24-8 run!   :)   LOL

Keep it rolling TITANS . . . and enjoy the California sunshine.  I recommend Nepali, Thai or Vietnamese food.  Stay off the burgers!  :)

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2018, 08:14:05 PM
Sydney Shanks also had 7 pts., 5 assists, and 12!! RBs.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2018, 10:29:03 PM
Bouvier Simpson 92, Elmhurst 57.
Simpson shot very well : team .623 eFG%.
Lisa Logan led Elmhurst with 13 pts, adding 3 assists and 2 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2018, 03:53:10 PM
Not only are Lauryn Alba Garner and Angelina Villasin MIA again today, but Matti Zander apparently isn't dressed for the Vikings, either.

Despite missing a considerable amount of the firepower available on the roster, NPU is nevertheless hanging tough against a very good Stormy Petrels team, as Oglethorpe leads NPU at the half, 30-26.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2018, 04:41:27 PM
Oglethorpe 50
North Park 47

Kayla Patterson: 12 pts
Josie Summerville: 13 rebs, 5 asts
Jayla Johnson: 7 rebs

The Vikings had the ball with the shot clock turned off at the end of the game, but Sophia Lehocky's trey attempt with seven seconds rimmed out. The Stormy Petrels grabbed the rebound, and that was the ballgame.

I don't believe in moral victories, but, if I did, this one would be right up there. Missing three of their top players, the Vikings hung in right up to the final buzzer against a team that's sitting just outside the Top 25 (Oglethorpe is atop the Others Receiving Votes category).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2018, 08:45:23 PM
IWU trails Whittier at the half 23-25, in a low-scoring, seemingly defensive affair.  Both teams shooting a poor percentage.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2018, 09:48:32 PM
IWU 56 Whittier 48

Titans come back after being down, scratch out a ragged affair, both teams shooting it poorly.

IWU: 
Schneider (perhaps a career high) 18 and 10
Merritt 15 and 10
Shanks, after stuggling, 11

IWU shoots 34%, 16% from three

For WC:
Cubel 10
White 9

WC shoots 26%, 21 % from 3

Nice to get the two wins in the West, come back for the big game with Wheaton on the 2nd January.  IWU now 11-2, 4-0, putting together a good resume.  Nice to come through the tough pre-CCIW 2018 series of games against top opponents with a 11-2 record.  Now the rest of the CCIW race.

Keep it rolling TITANS.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2018, 11:03:46 PM
Nice to see the Thunder ladies come out of Ohio with 2 wins. Big night for Hannah Frazier with 36 points on 13-16 shooting, perfect 4-4 from trey and 6-6 from the FT line.  She added 6 rebs, 3 stls, 3 blks.  Winning is always good but I'm not sure how great a prep it was for Wednesday in Bloomington.  They'll need this from Frazier and a lot more from the others to stay with Wesleyan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2018, 12:11:14 AM
Wow, that's quite a line from Hannah Frazier.  Good wins for WC.

IWU got two wins out West, but didn't look all that good, shooting their poorest percentage of the year, vs. Whittier.   Grinding out the games, coming from behind to win in both cases.  Coach Smith getting her 400th win. 

Yes, Wednesday at The Shirk should be a good one.  Looking forward . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2018, 10:29:13 AM
Augustana over Monmouth 79-61. The Vikings shot well : 24/49 2FG and 6/10 3FG.
Clare Kramer scored 18 via 12 FG att. Izzy Anderson tallied 16 pts and 7 assists.
-
North Central fell behind 18-2 and 37-11, losing to #24 Wartburg 87-57. NC's Alanna Newsome scored 15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2018, 10:42:48 AM
Loras 73, Elmhurst 65 :
EC made 11/20 threes, but only 8/28 2FGs. Courtney O'Donnell made 7 of those 2FGs and 5/6 FTs for 19 pts (plus 6 rebs).
Kellee Clay added 13 pts, 4 rebs, 4 assists. Kelly Weyhrich and Lauren Goff had 4 steals each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2018, 10:55:53 AM
Carthage topped #18 Gettysburg 68-62 :
Bailey Gilbert had 15 pts, 12 rebs, 5 assists.
Madie Kaelber scored 16.
Rachel Szydlowski got 18 pts and 11 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2018, 08:27:37 PM
Millikin 81, Monmouth 70.
Among the Big Blue who did well,
Jordan Hildebrand : 9/14 2FG & 8/8 FT for 26 pts, along with 5 rebs and 4 steals;
Yanni Saddler scored 17, Briana Anthony 15, Aubrey Staton 13.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2018, 08:55:01 PM
RogK, thanks for all the updates.  Back to the CCIW race now.

Big game up next Wheaton at The Shirk, vs. IWU.  Both unblemished in CCIW play so far.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2018, 09:41:17 PM
You're welcome, wanderer/explorer of Hong Kong.
One more from today :
Washington U St Louis 78, North Central 66.
Pretty nice game by NC's Alanna Newsome -- 27 pts and 5 rebs. The (not St Louis) Cardinals also got 14 pts 7 rebs from Allison Pearson, 6 rebs 6 assists and 2 steals by Lyndsay Brennan.
Hannah Vitkus grabbed 7 rebs in just 14:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2018, 12:33:07 PM
Halfway through the regular season, the CCIW stats reveal some interesting items :
Alexis Jones leads in rebounding and steals;
Freshmen top the assists list : Alyssa Cruz and Tyonne Howard;
Wheaton has 4 of the top 5 shot blockers;
Carthage has 3 of the top 5 in 3s made per game, behind leader Theresa Wichser of Carroll;
Hannah Frazier leads in scoring and 3FG %;
Millikin has 4 of the top 7 in minutes/game;
Maddie Merritt is #1 in FT % and is near the top in overall FG%, scoring and rebounding;
Aubrey Staton is the only player with at least 30 made FTs, 2FGs and 3FGs (44, 38, 31);
Izzy Anderson has made 76 FTs, 20 more than anyone else
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 31, 2018, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 31, 2018, 12:33:07 PM
Halfway through the regular season, the CCIW stats reveal some interesting items :
Alexis Jones leads in rebounding and steals;
Freshmen top the assists list : Alyssa Cruz and Tyonne Howard;
Wheaton has 4 of the top 5 shot blockers;
Carthage has 3 of the top 5 in 3s made per game, behind leader Theresa Wichser of Carroll;
Hannah Frazier leads in scoring and 3FG %;
Millikin has 4 of the top 7 in minutes/game;
Maddie Merritt is #1 in FT % and is near the top in overall FG%, scoring and rebounding;
Aubrey Staton is the only player with at least 30 made FTs, 2FGs and 3FGs (44, 38, 31);
Izzy Anderson has made 76 FTs, 20 more than anyone else

Yes, those are interesting.  So what's it all mean Rog?? :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2018, 02:27:05 PM
It means : of all the CCIW games I've seen, this season's have been the most recent.
Also, wherever you go, there you are.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2018, 05:04:49 PM
Would I be correct in deducing, then, that the games you saw last season are the next-most-recent ones that you've seen, Rog?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2018, 05:47:35 PM
Uhh, maybe you got an easier question?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2018, 09:47:19 PM
Thanks, again, RogK.  I appreciate your stats, your mid-season review of performances.  Lots of good players there in the first half. 

I concluded from your run-down that the most likely MOP awardees will be Hannah Frazier or Maddie Merritt.  Perhaps depends on which team wins the CCIW crown.

Big game on the 2nd @The Shirk.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2019, 11:19:39 AM
reminder of the conference standings :
4-0 IWU
3-0 WHE
2-2 AUG NPU
1-2 CRL CTG ELM
1-3 MIL NCC
It seems a bit unusual for all teams to have a league win this early, but that's good in my opinion.
Carthage's two most difficult assignments are out of the way already, at IWU and at Wheaton, so I look for them to move upward in the standings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2019, 12:17:17 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, extending her time as Player of the Week. This honor was given Monday, covering the two weeks since her December 17 Player of the Week.
Incidentally, the writeup has a mistake, saying Frazier's 36 point game was a high by CCIW players this season. Izzy Anderson scored 37 vs Whitewater.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 02, 2019, 01:53:29 PM
Tonight at IWU, a great performance by Frazier alone won't be enough to secure a win.  The Thunder will need at least one other player, likely two, to step up and take leadership in driving the team to a W.  This is a veteran team that will need to play like it – intensity on defense and no panicking from the Titan full court pressure leading to easy baskets. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2019, 07:51:54 PM
Should be a great game IWU vs. WC.  Two very different type of teams  -- yes, Frazier will get hers, but limit the others.  Seems in a may it is size  vs. speed.  Half court vs. full court pressure.  Should be interesting . . .

I think the key for IWU is play superb D, don't turn it over much, and get scoring from a wide range of sources, as in recent games.  Double pumping, avoiding many blocks will be key.  Run Wheaton off their feet.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 02, 2019, 09:33:37 PM
Huge win by the Thunder tonight.  Great effort to get this one on the road. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2019, 09:39:19 PM
Great game at the Shirk, coming down to the last 30 seconds of so.  Devin Kyler hits the key trey with about 25 seconds to go, with the game tied at 52-52.  A defensive breakdown for the Titans on that play. 

Final WC 56 IWU 54 -- in a game in the style and pace more beneficial to Wheaton, IMHO.  WC handled the IWU pressure pretty well.

Wheaton:
Frazier 16
Myroth 14
Kyler 9 and the key trey

For IWU:
Merritt 22 and 8
Sosa 12
Brovelli with 10 RBs.
Not enough support from the rest of the cast tonight, Titans shooting only 37%.

WC gets a big road win in the Conference race, now 4-0

Titans 11-3, 4-1.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 02, 2019, 09:42:42 PM
Final in B'town:  Wheaton 56, IWU 54.  I watched nearly all of the game (the men's game at NPU was a total blow-out).  IMO, IWU is still the better team, but the Thunder were definitely better tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2019, 09:46:33 PM
Carthage 76
North Park 39

No Viking scored in double figures.
Josie Summerville: 8 rebs
Jayla Johnson: 6 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 4 stls

Sammie Woodward: 19 pts
Rachel Sydlowski: 15 pts, 11 rebs, 3 blks
Maddie Kaelber: 11 pts
Autumn Kalis: 11 pts
Bailey Golbert: 4:2 a:to
Taylor Jozefowitz: 3:1 a:to

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 03, 2019, 08:21:24 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 02, 2019, 09:33:37 PM
Huge win by the Thunder tonight.  Great effort to get this one on the road.

Defensive intensity was the difference for Wheaton – a noticeable uptick from other games this season and held IWU 20 pts below their season average.  Challenging passes, fronting with more pressure, fighting for rebounds - ready to play from the opening tip.  They twice faced offensive droughts in the 2nd and 4th quarter but good D kept them in the game.  Jordan Myroth was a difference maker in the first half, using her height advantage posting up and asking for the ball.  Devin Kyler plays a veteran game 9 pts, adds 9 rebs, 4 assts, 2 stls, 2 blks and hits the game winning trey.  An impressive road win by the Thunder in a critical game.

For IWU, I though Maddie Merritt played really well.  I'm not sure what it is, but she has really stepped up her game this year.  She's very tough to stop in the post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 03, 2019, 10:14:23 AM
Another tough home loss in conference for North Central last night as Carroll came in and knocked them off 72-65 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score might suggest. Carroll picked up six of its 12 offensive rebounds in the final quarter, dominating the glass on the whole and scoring 42 of their points in the paint. Sierra Grubor had a big game off the bench with 20 points, and Alyssa Cruz had a nice floor game with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Natali Dimitrova paced the Cardinals with 16 points and six boards, Allison Pearson added 15 points off the bench (including a couple nice coast to coast layups), and Alanna Newsome chipped in 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2019, 12:20:26 PM
I attended Augustana's 70-64 hard-fought win at Elmhurst. Augie's Alexis Jones was excellent, but first I'm glad to report that Elmhurst freshman player Sophia Lathe was there and is doing better, recovering from the major thud to her head that occurred back on Dec 8. She said she might be allowed to resume basketball in a few weeks.
A lot to say regarding the game, foremost is that Alexis Jones had 4 assists and 8 rebs. Oh, she also made 8/8 2FGs, 2/2 3FGs and 4/4 FTs; 26 pts on perfect shooting. There were also a couple of times when the ball got deflected away from a teammate and she quickly went over to get it, saving those possessions. All in all, a superb game for Alexis.
The second best player in the game was Elmhurst's Lauren Goff, whose superb defense limited Izzy Anderson to 10 pts; Goff also scored 11 pts from just 6 FG att.
Elmhurst's Marissa Urso played with great energy too, speedy dribbling, 4 steals, 3 assists, 4 rebs, 12 pts.
The 'jays got 13 pts and 7 rebs from Lisa Logan, who got clunked in the head while getting up from a scramble; hoping there's no lingering effect from that. Courtney O'Donnell helped Elmhurst's cause with 13 pts, 6 rebs.
Augie's Carly McCameron blocked 5 shots in her 10 1st half minutes, but wasn't used much in the 2nd half.
Izzy Anderson provided 7 rebs, 3 assists and 4 steals. Sadie Roberts had 8 rebs.
Augie got nice sparks off the bench from Jeni Crain (10 pts in 12:00) and Justice Edell (7 pts in 11:00).
I was reminded again that Augie's Scooter Lopez is fun to watch; she plays with enthusiasm, darts around with ease and has good awareness of the game. Her late game pair of free throws and steal were quite useful (for Augie, not Elmhurst).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheels81 on January 04, 2019, 03:49:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 02, 2019, 12:17:17 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, extending her time as Player of the Week. This honor was given Monday, covering the two weeks since her December 17 Player of the Week.
Incidentally, the writeup has a mistake, saying Frazier's 36 point game was a high by CCIW players this season. Izzy Anderson scored 37 vs Whitewater.

Ok lets revise it to high for CCIW player in winning effort.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2019, 10:43:15 PM
Just thought of checking this : turnovers by IWU opponents.
In order by game -- 19 28 30 12 19 15 15 13 18 22 18 15 18 14.
These seem low compared to quantities induced by recent Titan teams. One reason could be that IWU is a taller bunch this season, maybe not as quick as more guard-oriented teams of the past. I'd also guess that the Titans are consuming more time (on average) in their offensive possessions this season. With noticeably fewer total possessions in their games, there would be fewer opponent turnovers.
What other factors am I not thinking of? Foul avoidance?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2019, 01:49:24 AM
RogK, I don't think this year's TITANS have the personnel to really make "run and jump" as effective as before, inducing all the TOs of the past, and always having a huge TO/steal advantage.  That has not been the case with this group.  I don't think they trap as well as before and don't have that key person in the middle of the press who anticipates the bad pass coming out after the trap.  Anderson and Shanks to some degree effective in this, but nothing like Ehresman or McGraw or others in the past.  I think Coach Smith knows this and hasn't been using full court pressure as much.  TITANS have been pretty good this year in the half court offense (esp. Sosa and Merritt) and pretty good pushing the ball, once rebounded.  But, they are not getting as many easy baskets from the pressure as before -- also perhaps facing a slew of very good teams so far, most of which have good ball handling and ball handlers.  WC did a pretty good job of handling the IWU pressure the other night, staying close, as I mentioned.  I guess you play, you design your style of play given who suits up, who gets off the bus with you, right?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2019, 08:06:44 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 04, 2019, 10:43:15 PM
Just thought of checking this : turnovers by IWU opponents.
In order by game -- 19 28 30 12 19 15 15 13 18 22 18 15 18 14.
These seem low compared to quantities induced by recent Titan teams. One reason could be that IWU is a taller bunch this season, maybe not as quick as more guard-oriented teams of the past. I'd also guess that the Titans are consuming more time (on average) in their offensive possessions this season. With noticeably fewer total possessions in their games, there would be fewer opponent turnovers.
What other factors am I not thinking of? Foul avoidance?

It seemed like IWU employed full court pressure a lot less than normal on Wednesday.  I don't know if this was just against Wheaton or if Smith has used it less this season because of personnel or whatever reason.  Even when they did, only a few times did they go the full trapping scheme.  However, Wheaton had little trouble against the pressure either dribbling out of it or passing over the top.  So that might've had something to do with it.  Also Wheaton is a pretty big team and handle the ball well, even some of the forwards like 6'2" Kyler.

I think your point on the lineup is probably right.  IWU core lineup is classic 2 guard, 3 forward and not so much 3 guard as in past years.

I think very highly of Sydney Shanks and her ability to score but had a tough night.  Trying to guard Jordan Myroth and giving up 2-3 inches in height, a lot in the women's game, might've put her off offensively.  As it became obvious that Myroth was asserting herself, it might've been better to put Anderson on her.  Just speculating.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2019, 01:59:00 PM
We should mention that Wheaton entered the game averaging 70.4, so IWU held them 14 points below that.
No game for me today (family event). Since I noted a few posts ago that I enjoy Scooter Lopez's efforts, I'll need Greg to tell us which Augie WBB players he enjoys watching. Probably not many, if any!
I actually enjoy the talent and energy of several Augie players, including stars Alexis Jones and Izzy Anderson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2019, 07:45:56 PM
Augustana 77
North Park 65

Jayla Johnson: 16 pts, 10 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 16 pts, 4 stls, 5:2 a:to
Matti Zander: 3 stls

Sadie Roberts: 14 pts
Clare Kramer: 13 pts
Scooter Lopez: 10 pts
Alexis Jones: 13 rebs
Carly McCameron: 3 blks

Augie started off the game with a 12-0 run, and that proved to be the difference, as the Rock Islanders made NPU play catch-up all night. NPU got to within five a couple of times in the second half, but couldn't close the deal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2019, 08:12:15 PM
Wheaton 62, Carroll 52

It was a win for the Thunder but the performance was a far cry from the team that played in Bloomington.  Bad defense stresses every other aspect of your game and the pretty awful, lazy really, 1st half defense by the Thunder led to them trailing after the first 2 quarters, 28-26.  But Wheaton turned up the defense in the 3rd and pulled away.  Probably some hangover from Wednesday night.  Another solid game by Hannah Frazier with 20 pts, 10 rebs, 4 blks.  Devin Kyler 18 pts, 5 rebs, 6 asst, 3 blks, 2 stls.  Another good one by Myroth with 10 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asst, 2 blks, 2 stls.  The lady Pios were led by Sierra Grubor with 10 pts and Theresa Wichsers 9 pts.

Take the win and move on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 05, 2019, 09:34:29 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 05, 2019, 08:12:15 PM
Wheaton 62, Carroll 52

It was a win for the Thunder but the performance was a far cry from the team that played in Bloomington. Bad defense stresses every other aspect of your game and the pretty awful, lazy really, 1st half defense by the Thunder led to them trailing after the first 2 quarters, 28-26.  But Wheaton turned up the defense in the 3rd and pulled away.  Probably some hangover from Wednesday night.  Another solid game by Hannah Frazier with 20 pts, 10 rebs, 4 blks.  Devin Kyler 18 pts, 5 rebs, 6 asst, 3 blks, 2 stls.  Another good one by Myroth with 10 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asst, 2 blks, 2 stls.  The lady Pios were led by Sierra Grubor with 10 pts and Theresa Wichsers 9 pts.

Take the win and move on.

To me, that is a real shame.  We coulda both been happy: us being in first place; you (not knowing the alternative reality ;)) with a 40-50 point win over Carroll! ;D

C'est la vie. 8-)

I'm just gonna hope for no more stumbles and render payback up at King.  (IF the Titans are as good as I think they are.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2019, 10:18:02 PM
GoPerry, WC did play superb D against IWU, using their length.  Not as many blocks as usual, but still pretty good D.  IWU doesn't have the personnel to press as much, as effectively as in the past -- when Ehresman and McGraw were part of "run and jump."  Don't know about the fatigue levels of players either, after the long road trip to California, two pretty demanding games on the West Coast, surely some tourism and fun and games out there . . . could have played a part, especially for Shanks.  Key was that Merritt and Sosa didn't get their normal support from others on offense.  Schneider and Shanks were a combine 0-16 . . . only 3 points combined, so that was a big part of the tepid offense IWU had in the game, far below their normal level of scoring.  They did push the ball well, score off of some up-tempo, but not the normal TO and steals advantages of past IWU teams.  We'll see how both Coaches try to play it when they meet again at WC in a few weeks.  I definitely thought the tempo and style of the game at The Shirk favored Wheaton.  That game will likly be a key game for the CCIW regular season crown.  Don't think it is likely that IWU or WC will lose many more games in conference play.  Still a long slog of games -- six more weeks.  Glad IWU has the bye week this week, can regroup, rest and get ready for the home stretch of the final 11 conference games.

I see WC won again tonight.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2019, 10:47:14 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 05, 2019, 10:18:02 PM
GoPerry, WC did play superb D against IWU, using their length.  Not as many blocks as usual, but still pretty good D.  IWU doesn't have the personnel to press as much, as effectively as in the past -- when Ehresman and McGraw were part of "run and jump."  Don't know about the fatigue levels of players either, after the long road trip to California, two pretty demanding games on the West Coast, surely some tourism and fun and games out there . . . could have played a part, especially for Shanks.  Key was that Merritt and Sosa didn't get their normal support from others on offense.  Schneider and Shanks were a combine 0-16 . . . only 3 points combined, so that was a big part of the tepid offense IWU had in the game, far below their normal level of scoring.  They did push the ball well, score off of some up-tempo, but not the normal TO and steals advantages of past IWU teams.  We'll see how both Coaches try to play it when they meet again at WC in a few weeks.  I definitely thought the tempo and style of the game at The Shirk favored Wheaton.  That game will likly be a key game for the CCIW regular season crown.  Don't think it is likely that IWU or WC will lose many more games in conference play.  Still a long slog of games -- six more weeks.  Glad IWU has the bye week this week, can regroup, rest and get ready for the home stretch of the final 11 conference games.

I see WC won again tonight.

'70

I noticed this on the IWU website recap of the game:

"Illinois Wesleyan, whose 54 points is a season low, shot 37.9 percent from the field (22 of 58) as starters Ashley Schneider (0 for 9) and Sydney Shanks (0 for 7) failed to make a field goal. "

Calling out Schneider and Shanks for sub par performances struck me as unusually harsh for an SID story about his own team - maybe some of his own frustration.  You usually see facts/stats of contributing performances, but almost never negatives like that about individual players.

Wheaton:  The Thunder are susceptible to a road loss - @ Carthage or maybe @ Augie because they're still inconsistent.  Good defense is not yet part of their DNA night in and night out as tonight showed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2019, 04:28:39 AM
GP, not sure if it was good WC D or subpar night for Shanks and Schneider, for whatever reason, that made the difference.  But, 0-16 was striking, contributing significantly to an off night for the normally higher-scoring Titans, usually 78+ points/game.  I always say, get to 78 and usually win the game. Often same for the IWU men. (unless a team like Whitman that scores 105 and you score 103!).   It's uncanny how many times you score at that level and you basically win, outscore the other team.  Win by offense, not defense.  Seems both IWU teams this year are not as strong defensively as in the past editions.  Anyway, a tough close loss for the female Titans, perhaps motivating for the rest of the CCIW schedule, and most especially for the rematch at Wheaton in a few weeks.  I'm sure that will be a good, hard-fought and close game, too, hopefully a higher-scoring affair, played more at the Titans' type of pace and speed.

It would be grand if WC took a loss at Carthage or Augustana, tightening up the CCIW race further!  :)


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2019, 09:58:52 AM
Elmhurst 75-59 over North Central --
EC : 5 rebs and a very efficient 15 pts (.786 eFG%, .800 FT%) by Kellee Clay; Lisa Logan 13 pts, 4 rebs; Elena Cabrera 6 rebs.
NC : Alanna Newsome 20 pts; Natali Dimitrova 15 and 6 rebs; Lyndsay Brennan 11 rebs and 5 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2019, 10:13:05 AM
Carthage 68, Millikin 63 :
CTG -
Haley Ahr 5/7 2FG + 4/6 FT = 14 pts, also 6 rebs; Bailey Gilbert 8 pts, 8 rebs, 5 assists; Maggie Berigan 9 pts, 9 rebs;
Madie Kaelber 14 pts, Sammie Woodward 12 pts.
MIL -
a pair each got 17 pts and 6 rebs : Jordan Hildebrand and Aubrey Staton;
Briana Anthony tallied 14 pts, 4 assists, 4 rebs, 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 06, 2019, 12:29:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 06, 2019, 09:58:52 AM
Elmhurst 75-59 over North Central --
EC : 5 rebs and a very efficient 15 pts (.786 eFG%, .800 FT%) by Kellee Clay; Lisa Logan 13 pts, 4 rebs; Elena Cabrera 6 rebs.
NC : Alanna Newsome 20 pts; Natali Dimitrova 15 and 6 rebs; Lyndsay Brennan 11 rebs and 5 assists.

The two or three big stats for me: Elmhurst was an efficient 7-15 from three, including 4-7 in the first half to help build a 19 point halftime lead. North Central, by comparison, went just 2-20. They're not going to shoot that poorly again, but it wasn't a good night. What's worse though is the Cardinals' 11-28 line at the stripe. In a game they lost by 16 but had made a single digit game with a few minutes left... you do the math.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on January 06, 2019, 09:01:03 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 05, 2019, 10:47:14 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 05, 2019, 10:18:02 PM
GoPerry, WC did play superb D against IWU, using their length.  Not as many blocks as usual, but still pretty good D.  IWU doesn't have the personnel to press as much, as effectively as in the past -- when Ehresman and McGraw were part of "run and jump."  Don't know about the fatigue levels of players either, after the long road trip to California, two pretty demanding games on the West Coast, surely some tourism and fun and games out there . . . could have played a part, especially for Shanks.  Key was that Merritt and Sosa didn't get their normal support from others on offense.  Schneider and Shanks were a combine 0-16 . . . only 3 points combined, so that was a big part of the tepid offense IWU had in the game, far below their normal level of scoring.  They did push the ball well, score off of some up-tempo, but not the normal TO and steals advantages of past IWU teams.  We'll see how both Coaches try to play it when they meet again at WC in a few weeks.  I definitely thought the tempo and style of the game at The Shirk favored Wheaton.  That game will likly be a key game for the CCIW regular season crown.  Don't think it is likely that IWU or WC will lose many more games in conference play.  Still a long slog of games -- six more weeks.  Glad IWU has the bye week this week, can regroup, rest and get ready for the home stretch of the final 11 conference games.

I see WC won again tonight.

'70

I noticed this on the IWU website recap of the game:

"Illinois Wesleyan, whose 54 points is a season low, shot 37.9 percent from the field (22 of 58) as starters Ashley Schneider (0 for 9) and Sydney Shanks (0 for 7) failed to make a field goal. "

Calling out Schneider and Shanks for sub par performances struck me as unusually harsh for an SID story about his own team - maybe some of his own frustration.  You usually see facts/stats of contributing performances, but almost never negatives like that about individual players.

Wheaton:  The Thunder are susceptible to a road loss - @ Carthage or maybe @ Augie because they're still inconsistent.  Good defense is not yet part of their DNA night in and night out as tonight showed.
i have no problem with the IWU description.  It is a fact based explanation of the low score total points and why they lost. SID's are reporters first not team cheerleaders.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 06, 2019, 09:02:59 PM
Various SIDs will differ on what's the right tack to take there, but we always appreciate someone who is doing what is in that IWU release.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2019, 01:18:16 AM
IWU's sports information people -- Stew and his staff, interns too, are some of the best, most experienced around.  We very much appreciate their work, even when there are some hard truths.

I'm sure the Titans concerned will bounce back and have great games ahead.  No doubt in my mind.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 07, 2019, 06:12:32 PM
Alexis Jones of Augustana with a very impressive week picks up Playwr of the Week honors. Miss Jones averaged a double-double with 17.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game with one of her games seeing her shoot a perfect 10-10 from the field!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2019, 08:00:10 PM
New poll is up.  The IWU/Wheaton game (plus other results over the last three weeks) had quite an effect: IWU falls from 14 to 18; Wheaton jumps from 3 points to #24!

Alas, no one else in the conference gets enough national respect for much rise in their positions until the re-match.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2019, 08:34:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2019, 08:00:10 PM
New poll is up.  The IWU/Wheaton game (plus other results over the last three weeks) had quite an effect: IWU falls from 14 to 18; Wheaton jumps from 3 points to #24!

Alas, no one else in the conference gets enough national respect for much rise in their positions until the re-match.

Nobody else has less than 5 losses except the two.  Plus, according the Massey, IWU and Wheaton have played the 3rd and 5th, respectively, most difficult schedules so far this season.  So I think they both merit recognition.  #4 UST has the most difficult schedule followed by #2 Thomas More who is blistering soon-to-no-longer-be undefeated #7 UMHB by 20 right now.  Not sure what TM has to do to get ranked #1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 07, 2019, 10:39:13 PM
Here's my ballot for your bemusement.

1 Thomas More
2 Bowdoin
3 Mary Hardin-Baylor
4 Amherst
5 Scranton   
6 St. Thomas (Minn.)
7 Trine
8 Hope
9 George Fox   
10 East Tex. Baptist
11 Wis.-Oshkosh
12 Ill. Wesleyan
13 Tufts
14 Wartburg
15 DePauw
16 Messiah
17 Wheaton (Ill.)
18 Saint Joseph's (Me.)
19 DeSales
20 Chicago
21 Wis.-Eau Claire
22 Geneseo
23 Gettysburg
24 Transylvania
25 Whitman

Once or twice a year I'll blow up my ballot and start all over. I did that this week because of all the relevant results over the holidays and the distance we're getting from games that occurred during the first week. For example, I don't think Messiah loses to York (Pa.) if they play again.

I was really looking forward to the Thomas More/Mary Hardin-Baylor matchup. I've watched the Cru a couple times and am impressed by their depth and athleticism. And then TMU took a 32-9 lead after one quarter.

Madison Temple is the best player in Division III women's basketball right now, but Emily Schultz looks like the difference between whether the Saints are beatable (like they were on Saturday when Schultz struggled with foul trouble) or not (like tonight). Tonight's results notwithstanding, I think UMHB would match up favorably with Scranton, Tufts  and St. Thomas .

We're at the point in the season where the results aren't clean and linear anymore. So Transylvania is pretty far behind the Trine team they beat and Eau Claire is behind Wartburg, despite the head-to-head result.

For now I'm putting more weight on IWU's dominant results against DePauw and Wartburg than I am on the one-point loss to a Chicago team that's scuffling now and the two-point loss to Wheaton. And if I think that much of IWU, then it follows that Wheaton shouldn't be too far behind them. I don't know what to make of Chicago, but they have two bad showings in a row and I weighed that more heavily than the wins over IWU and Wheaton.

I'm wary of elevating teams that lack a high quality win this far into the season. St. Joseph's (Maine) has a nice, balanced team and Kelsi McNamara is another player who's in the national POY conversation. But I wish the Monks had a more useful point of comparison. Is the best team in the GNAC really better than the best team in the CCIW, WIAC or NWC?

I'm also wary of teams that haven't played anyone period. It's not Geneseo's fault that they haven't played since December 8. But I've dropped them from No. 19 to No. 22 as other teams have accumulated quality wins.

I had trouble picking a 25th team. Ultimately I went with Whitman, even though the Blues resume is hard to decipher, hedging my bets that they will play George Fox close enough to merit entering the Top 25.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2019, 10:46:24 PM
FINAL:  TM 73, UMHB 55.  If that doesn't take them to #1, then nothing but a Bowdoin loss will.  Thomas More's season is already almost over (they are now 22-0), since they don't have any real conference and had to front-load their schedule before potential opponents got into conference play. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2019, 11:06:58 PM
I think the rankings for IWU and WC are reasonable, fair at this point.  Hopefully both make the dance in March.  Still a lot of basketball to be played.  Just keep winning, game by game, and all will be well come CCIW and national tournament time.  Gordanmann, thanks for sharing your ballot and your thinking -- esp. about Chicago.  TM looks unstoppable to me.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 09, 2019, 08:48:00 PM
Halftime in Chicago, but the game is essentially over:  IWU 51, NPU 23.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2019, 08:54:56 PM
Ypsi, agreed.  We can watch the men's game.  Titans shouldn't have let NCC back in toward the end of the half.  :( 

Women are dominant tonight -- sure glad Sydney Shanks was not seriously injured, re-entered the game.  Looked like a shoulder or elbow stinger. 

Take one game at a time, build the resume for the post-season.  Hope WC goes down in an upset tonight vs. MU.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2019, 10:04:15 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 93
North Park 60

Josie Summerville: 14 pts, 13 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 11 pts
Jayla Johnson: 8 rebs

Nina Anderson: 19 pts, 4 stls
Maddie Merritt: 18 pts, 6 rebs
Sydney Shanks: 15 pts, 6 rebs, 6:3 a:to, 3 stls
Raven Hughes: 10 pts, 7 rebs

Weird game. It was a six-point contest midway through the second quarter when IWU suddenly started jumping passing lanes in the halfcourt, picked up a few trapping steals in the press, and got white-hot from long range. NPU just fell apart as IWU ran off a 29-5 streak to build a 31-point lead in the final minute of the half, and it looked like it was going to be an epic runaway.

But North Park came out in the third quarter with something like an 18-1 run, IIRC, and, to everyone's shock, it was a game, as the Vikes got the deficit down to 12. But that's as close as they got. NPU simply couldn't sustain that kind of shooting, as IWU packed it in tight in the halfcourt and dared the Vikes to hit jumpers rather than drive to the hole. At the other end of the floor, IWU found itself again, and soon the Titans started building the lead back up. In the fourth quarter the Vikings simply ran out of gas and the Titans turned it back into a laugher.

NPU outrebounded the Titans, 46-41, as freshmen Josie Summerville and Jayla Johnson completely controlled the glass, but the turnovers (as is usually the case when NPU plays IWU) were ugly -- 30 for NPU, only 15 for the Titans.

If Amanda Crockett can somehow figure out what the Vikings were doing right during that stretch in the first six or seven minutes of the third quarter and then coax it out of her young team on a regular basis, NPU could really have something going in the second round-robin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 09, 2019, 10:49:11 PM
Wheaton escapes with a 76-75 win at home over Millikin. This game was ugly. A 3 point heave at the buzzer from Millikin accounted for the final score.

Hannah Williams: 21 points and 3 rebounds
Hannah Frazier: 15 points and 10 rebounds
Jordan Myroth: 13 points 6 rebounds and 9 assists
Jennifer Berg: 11 points and 12 rebounds
Devin Kyler: 8 points and 4 rebounds.

Big Blue:
Aubrey Staton: 25 points and 6 rebounds
Yanni Saddler: 15 points and 5 rebounds
Jordan Hillibrand: 11 points and 10 rebounds

Millikin won every quarter tonight except for the 3rd, where Wheaton managed to gain enough breathing room to hold on for the win. Millikin deserves to win this game tonight. They had more energy than Wheaton all night (save the 3Q), and outrebounded the much taller Thunder team for much of the game.

Wheaton shot an abysmal 15-28 from the free throw line, while Millikin shot 12-14. Millikin shot 37.8% from the field while Wheaton posted a 51.9% clip from the field; however, both squads made 28 shot attempts. I can't seem to find the blocks numbers in the box score, but Wheaton's length inside played into a plethora of blocks for Wheaton, and diverted many Big Blue layup attempts. Wheaton ended up winning the rebounding battle 43-38, which is way to narrow of a margin considering the size advantage Wheaton had across the board tonight. Happy to come out with a win, but the Thunder need to play much better than they did tonight the rest of the way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 09, 2019, 11:03:55 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 09, 2019, 10:49:11 PM
Wheaton escapes with a 76-75 win at home over Millikin. This game was ugly. A 3 point heave at the buzzer from Millikin accounted for the final score.

Hannah Williams: 21 points and 3 rebounds
Hannah Frazier: 15 points and 10 rebounds
Jordan Myroth: 13 points 6 rebounds and 9 assists
Jennifer Berg: 11 points and 12 rebounds
Devin Kyler: 8 points and 4 rebounds.

Big Blue:
Aubrey Staton: 25 points and 6 rebounds
Yanni Saddler: 15 points and 5 rebounds
Jordan Hillibrand: 11 points and 10 rebounds

Millikin won every quarter tonight except for the 3rd, where Wheaton managed to gain enough breathing room to hold on for the win. Millikin deserves to win this game tonight. They had more energy than Wheaton all night (save the 3Q), and outrebounded the much taller Thunder team for much of the game.

Wheaton shot an abysmal 15-28 from the free throw line, while Millikin shot 12-14. Millikin shot 37.8% from the field while Wheaton posted a 51.9% clip from the field; however, both squads made 28 shot attempts. I can't seem to find the blocks numbers in the box score, but Wheaton's length inside played into a plethora of blocks for Wheaton, and diverted many Big Blue layup attempts. Wheaton ended up winning the rebounding battle 43-38, which is way to narrow of a margin considering the size advantage Wheaton had across the board tonight. Happy to come out with a win, but the Thunder need to play much better than they did tonight the rest of the way.

I didn't see it, but it looks like another fairly lackadaisical performance for Wheaton (12-3, 6-0).  The Big Blue (5-10, 1-5) had 20 more shot attempts than the Thunder, likely due to 19 turnovers (-5) by Wheaton and – 5 on the offensive glass.  Wheaton should be winning these games going away, clearing the bench.

At least good to see Hannah Williams come up with a nice game.  I sense she's been struggling a little the last few games.  The other Hannah, Frazier, finished 2 blks short of the triple double with 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 09, 2019, 11:06:12 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 09, 2019, 11:03:55 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 09, 2019, 10:49:11 PM
Wheaton escapes with a 76-75 win at home over Millikin. This game was ugly. A 3 point heave at the buzzer from Millikin accounted for the final score.

Hannah Williams: 21 points and 3 rebounds
Hannah Frazier: 15 points and 10 rebounds
Jordan Myroth: 13 points 6 rebounds and 9 assists
Jennifer Berg: 11 points and 12 rebounds
Devin Kyler: 8 points and 4 rebounds.

Big Blue:
Aubrey Staton: 25 points and 6 rebounds
Yanni Saddler: 15 points and 5 rebounds
Jordan Hillibrand: 11 points and 10 rebounds

Millikin won every quarter tonight except for the 3rd, where Wheaton managed to gain enough breathing room to hold on for the win. Millikin deserves to win this game tonight. They had more energy than Wheaton all night (save the 3Q), and outrebounded the much taller Thunder team for much of the game.

Wheaton shot an abysmal 15-28 from the free throw line, while Millikin shot 12-14. Millikin shot 37.8% from the field while Wheaton posted a 51.9% clip from the field; however, both squads made 28 shot attempts. I can't seem to find the blocks numbers in the box score, but Wheaton's length inside played into a plethora of blocks for Wheaton, and diverted many Big Blue layup attempts. Wheaton ended up winning the rebounding battle 43-38, which is way to narrow of a margin considering the size advantage Wheaton had across the board tonight. Happy to come out with a win, but the Thunder need to play much better than they did tonight the rest of the way.

I didn't see it, but it looks like another fairly lackadaisical performance for Wheaton (12-3, 6-0).  The Big Blue (5-10, 1-5) had 20 more shot attempts than the Thunder, likely due to 19 turnovers (-5) by Wheaton and – 5 on the offensive glass.  Wheaton should be winning these games going away, clearing the bench.

At least good to see Hannah Williams come up with a nice game.  I sense she's been struggling a little the last few games.  The other Hannah, Frazier, finished 2 blks short of the triple double with 8.

Hannah hit a huge 3 with about 1 min to play that gave Wheaton the cushion they needed to hold on for the win. I don't think I've ever seen Wheaton miss more free throws as a team than they did tonight, if they make half of the ones they missed, the final seconds would have been much less stressful.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2019, 12:57:08 AM
Wheaton escapes vs. MU.  Olivia Lett trying to get her team to believe. 

IWU running hot and cold, then pulling away.  Sure glad Shanks was not injured seriously. 

One game at a time . . . and another crack at Wheaton upcoming.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2019, 01:01:31 AM
Titans now 12-3, 5-1.

Keep it rolling, Titans.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 10, 2019, 09:59:46 AM
Carthage came to Naperville last night and left with a win for the first time since Stephanie Kuzmanic pushed off on her game winner in 2014 with a 67-57 victory over the Cardinals. Carthage has struggled to shoot in Merner in years past, but went 8-21 from deep in this one, paced by 22 points from Madie Kaelber and a 16-10-5 night from Bailey Gilbert. The Cardinals did do a pretty good job defending the paint, limiting Rachel Szydlowski and Maggie Berigan to just 17 points on 7-17 shooting. But the offense went ice cold again, with Haydn Braun the only player in double figures for the Cardinals with 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2019, 07:12:47 PM
Elmhurst over Carroll, 77-70 --
ELM :
Marissa Urso 15 pts (.875 eFG%), 3 stls, 5 rebs
Kelly Weyhrich 13 pts (.813 eFG%)
Lisa Logan 8 rebs, 5 assists
CRL :
Kayla Stefka 22 pts (.955 eFG%), 6 rebs
Katie Rossetti 21 pts from 8/12 FG, 5/6 FT
Celina Schwantes 7 rebs, 3 stls
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2019, 02:34:43 PM
conference standings :
6-0 Wheaton
5-1 Illinois Wesleyan
4-2 Augustana , Carthage
3-3 Elmhurst
2-4 Carroll
2-5 North Park
1-5 Millikin
1-6 North Central
remember that the CCIW playoffs will now consist of the top six
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2019, 08:54:00 PM
If MU can push WC and only go down by 1 point, they must be pretty good, better than their 1-5 CCIW record indicates.  I have a lot of respect for Coach Lett.  The TITANS playing there better pay attention, take care of business.

Build the resume, take the games one at a time, leading up to the next match-up with Wheaton.

Yes, top six teams in the CCIW tournament this year, the new format.  EC. Carroll and NPU likely battling it out for those last two spots.  I think WC, IWU, Augie and Carthage will be in.  Ten games to go . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 11, 2019, 10:47:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 11, 2019, 08:54:00 PM
If MU can push WC and only go down by 1 point, they must be pretty good, better than their 1-5 CCIW record indicates.  I have a lot of respect for Coach Lett.  The TITANS playing there better pay attention, take care of business.

Build the resume, take the games one at a time, leading up to the next match-up with Wheaton.

Yes, top six teams in the CCIW tournament this year, the new format.  EC. Carroll and NPU likely battling it out for those last two spots.  I think WC, IWU, Augie and Carthage will be in.  Ten games to go . . .

IWU'70

In a prior post, I think I made mention of Wheaton's size being a matchup advantage on offense but a handicap on defense.  MU is a smaller team and thus a speedier team overall.  No one will mistake this Thunder squad for being particularly fast and most glaringly on the defensive end. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 12, 2019, 10:30:18 AM
IWU/Millikin women's game bumped back two hours due to weather - now at 4:00pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2019, 06:18:53 PM
North Park's game at Carroll was bumped ahead three hours because of the weather. The result:

North Park 70
Carroll 69

Josie Summerville: 18 pts, 13 rebs, 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 17 pts, 8 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 12 pts, 6 rebs

Sierra Grubor: 30 pts
Alyssa Cruz: 21 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls
Katie Rossetti: 8 rebs, 4 blks
Kayla Stefka: 6 rebs

NPU dodged a bullet to come away with this afternoon's win up at Van Male. The Vikings used 11-0 and 9-0 runs in the fourth quarter to build up a late nine-point lead at 70-61 with under three minutes to go. Alyssa Cruz and Sierra Grubor alternated scores to bring the Pioneers back to within a point with 29 seconds to go, while over that interval NPU went 0-5 from the field (including four missed layups) and 0-2 from the line. That last 28 seconds, though exciting, wasn't exactly dazzling basketball, as the two teams traded turnovers, NPU missed another pair of free throws, and Katie Rossetti of Carroll missed a layup just before the buzzer.

The Vikings once again shot poorly -- their shooting line was .424/.182/.522 -- but they dominated the boards, 40-35 (including nine more offensive caroms than the Pios had), and won the turnover battle by four, which meant that NPU shot 15 more FG attempts and the same number of FT attempts as Carroll. That proved to be just enough of an offensive advantage to get the job done.

It wasn't pretty, but it's a win -- a road win, no less -- and the Vikings will take it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2019, 08:44:28 PM
Titans had a good outing in Decatur, winning 82-64 over Olivia Lett's Big Blue.  Never trailing.

Merritt putting together one heckava season:  21 and 12
Shanks 16
Sam Munroe, likely a career night for her, 17 on 7-11 and 3-4 from treyland
Someone new stepping up each game.

For MU:
Saddler 19
Hildebrand 19
Anthony 11

Titans now 13-3, 6-1.

Keep it rolling, Green!  One game at a time. . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2019, 10:48:07 PM
Carthage cruised to a 19 pt win at Augie, 73-54.
The Lady Reds hit 12 of 20 threes and also scored a lot at the foul line, 25 of 35. Among those who did well were Autumn Kalis (21 pts, 6 reb), Madie Kaelber (17 pts, 5 reb) and Bailey Gilbert (12 pts, 8 reb).
Augie was poor at all three phases of shooting : 19% 3FG, 38% 2FG, 50% FTs. Mia Lambert did well, scoring 11 from 7 FG att. Alexis Jones led with 7 rebs, while Scooter Lopez had 5 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 12, 2019, 11:36:14 PM
Wheaton takes care of business 75-60 over Elmhurst at King.

Hannah Williams  18 pts, 5 rebs
Jordan Myroth  13 pts, 13 rebs, 3 asst(1to), 2 blks and a steal
Kristi Demski 13 pts
Devin Kyler, 10 pts, 6 rebs

EC was led by Courtney O'Donnell with 16 pts and Lisa Logan's 10 pts, 13 rebs.

A second straight really good game out of Hannah Williams is a welcome site.  And Jordan Myroth asserting herself more is really paying dividends for the team.  Just keep putting up the Ws.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 14, 2019, 07:35:03 AM
This is a very big recruit for Millikin and head coach Olivia Lett...

https://twitter.com/bailey_coffman1/status/1084583879925813248

Coffman is a great player from Bloomington Central Catholic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 14, 2019, 08:46:28 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 14, 2019, 07:35:03 AM
This is a very big recruit for Millikin and head coach Olivia Lett...

https://twitter.com/bailey_coffman1/status/1084583879925813248

Coffman is a great player from Bloomington Central Catholic.

Interesting. Wondering if any news on teammate Lauren S?  IWU inside track I assume - so now we know Titans won't get both.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2019, 11:48:26 AM
During the webcast of the Elmhurst-Wheaton game, they said Jenn Berg was on crutches, having been injured in that contest. Hopefully, she can return to action in this, her senior season. Sister Jill was said to be returning soon; she must've been injured in the win at IWU January 2. Good luck to the Berg sisters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 14, 2019, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2019, 11:48:26 AM
During the webcast of the Elmhurst-Wheaton game, they said Jenn Berg was on crutches, having been injured in that contest. Hopefully, she can return to action in this, her senior season. Sister Jill was said to be returning soon; she must've been injured in the win at IWU January 2. Good luck to the Berg sisters.

Jenn went down with a no contact knee injury early in about the third quarter against Elmhurst. I hope it's nothing serious but it didn't look good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2019, 04:38:53 PM
Thanks for that report, duckfan41.
-
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Madie Kaelber!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2019, 10:56:05 PM
New poll is up.  IWU jumps from 18 to 14 (which shocked me; I thought they'd only make it to 17 or maybe 16); Wheaton rises from 24 to 22.

I was confident that IWU would pass Wartburg; was fairly confident they might pass ETBU; but they also passed SUNY Geneseo and George Fox.  That 2012 title might still be paying dividends with the voters!

Interesting at the top of the poll:  Bowdoin and Thomas More are tied at 612 points, but they list it as 1. Bowdoin  2. Thomas More.  I guess 13 vs. 12 first place votes must be the criterion.  IMO TM is CLEARLY the best team in D3.  Bowdoin is undefeated, but most of their opponents have been tomato cans (they did decisively beat Tufts); Thomas More has been destroying very good teams; by my count at least 7 teams better than Bowdoin's second best win.  In the regular season, TM can rise to the top only if Bowdoin loses, as their season is essentially over:  not being in a 'real' conference, they had to front-load their schedule before potential opponents got into conference play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2019, 11:51:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2019, 10:56:05 PMI was confident that IWU would pass Wartburg; was fairly confident they might pass ETBU; but they also passed SUNY Geneseo and George Fox.  That 2012 title might still be paying dividends with the voters!

::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2019, 12:31:03 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2019, 11:51:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2019, 10:56:05 PMI was confident that IWU would pass Wartburg; was fairly confident they might pass ETBU; but they also passed SUNY Geneseo and George Fox.  That 2012 title might still be paying dividends with the voters!

::)

Greg, have you got a better explanation for them rising 4 spots when I thought they would only rise 1 or 2?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2019, 03:51:24 AM
For WC and IWU, just keep winning, building the resume for Selection Sunday. 

Nine games plus the CCIW tournament to go . . . the home stretch. 

Ypsi, just nice to see the Titans rise up the rankings again.  WC getting some just and due recognition. 

Battle the fatigue, battle the snow -- get the games in.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2019, 10:30:45 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2019, 12:31:03 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2019, 11:51:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2019, 10:56:05 PMI was confident that IWU would pass Wartburg; was fairly confident they might pass ETBU; but they also passed SUNY Geneseo and George Fox.  That 2012 title might still be paying dividends with the voters!

::)

Greg, have you got a better explanation for them rising 4 spots when I thought they would only rise 1 or 2?

Any explanation -- up to and including bribery, a computer virus affecting the ballots, or a selective outbreak of some mysterious plague whose symptoms include an affinity for anything associated with the color green -- is better than the one you offered in your thinly-veiled attempt to drop some more love on an IWU team from seven years ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2019, 09:06:47 PM
But, Greg, Ypsi and I still love that team from seven years ago!  :) 

Anyway, for this season, for these teams, looking forward to the next WC-IWU match-up in a few weeks.  Fitness and injuries may play a part.  Titans need to press the pace, get more from their defensive pressure next time.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2019, 11:33:36 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2019, 10:30:45 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2019, 12:31:03 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2019, 11:51:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 14, 2019, 10:56:05 PMI was confident that IWU would pass Wartburg; was fairly confident they might pass ETBU; but they also passed SUNY Geneseo and George Fox.  That 2012 title might still be paying dividends with the voters!

::)

Greg, have you got a better explanation for them rising 4 spots when I thought they would only rise 1 or 2?

Any explanation -- up to and including bribery, a computer virus affecting the ballots, or a selective outbreak of some mysterious plague whose symptoms include an affinity for anything associated with the color green -- is better than the one you offered in your thinly-veiled attempt to drop some more love on an IWU team from seven years ago.

Greg, that was NOT a "thinly-veiled attempt" to boast about the title.  Other than their tough schedule early in the season (some of which teams don't look so tough anymore), reputation was the only viable explanation I could come up with for their unexpected jump.  That would explain Geneseo, though not necessarily George Fox.  I have absolutely no doubt that program reputation factors into voting (especially if there has been no change in coaching).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 16, 2019, 12:14:44 AM
QuoteGreg, have you got a better explanation for them rising 4 spots when I thought they would only rise 1 or 2?

The four teams they passed all lost games -- Wartburg lost to Loras, Geneseo to New Paltz, ETBU to Texas-Dallas and George Fox to Whitman. Losing a game to a good team usually costs you a 3-5 spots in the poll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2019, 10:58:49 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 15, 2019, 11:33:36 PMGreg, that was NOT a "thinly-veiled attempt" to boast about the title.  Other than their tough schedule early in the season (some of which teams don't look so tough anymore), reputation was the only viable explanation I could come up with for their unexpected jump.  That would explain Geneseo, though not necessarily George Fox.  I have absolutely no doubt that program reputation factors into voting (especially if there has been no change in coaching).

Sure, I can buy into the idea that reputation may affect voting -- recent reputation. (I think that the issue of reputation is more evident for IWU on the men's side this season than on the women's side; the fact that the male Titans are still on anybody's ballots at all at this point is a head-scratcher. No other team that is on a men's Top 25 ballot has five losses, and IWU lacks a signature win, having gone 0-5 against other teams that are receiving votes.) But it's simply absurd to think that a championship from seven years ago could affect anything at this point, Chuck. Mia Smith's teams have been very good by CCIW standards (which are not high in this particular sport) in recent years, reaching the tourney in each of the last two seasons. But they didn't get out of the first weekend either time; in fact, no CCIW team has gotten out of the first weekend of the tourney since Carthage fell in the Sweet Sixteen five seasons ago. The Titans did finish #16 in the final poll last season, which is probably the residual respect that is at work here -- if, indeed, any respect at all factors into it. And I have my doubts about that, given what Gordon says here:

Quote from: gordonmann on January 16, 2019, 12:14:44 AM
QuoteGreg, have you got a better explanation for them rising 4 spots when I thought they would only rise 1 or 2?

The four teams they passed all lost games -- Wartburg lost to Loras, Geneseo to New Paltz, ETBU to Texas-Dallas and George Fox to Whitman. Losing a game to a good team usually costs you a 3-5 spots in the poll.

That's as sound an explanation as anybody needs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2019, 05:57:12 PM
On a whim, I checked for season highs in scoring that are 20 or higher :
AUG : Izzy Anderson 37, Alexis Jones 28
CRL : Sierra Grubor 30, Theresa Wichser 24, Kayla Stefka 22, Katie Rossetti 21, Alyssa Cruz 21
CTG : Maggie Berigan 22, Madie Kaelber 22, Autumn Kalis 21
ELM none yet
IWU : Maddie Merritt 29, Kendall Sosa 27, Sydney Shanks 22
MIL : Yanni Saddler 30, Aubrey Staton 27, Jordan Hildebrand 26
NCC : Alanna Newsome 27, Natali Dimitrova 26, Tyonne Howard 21
NPU : Jayla Johnson 31
WHE : Hannah Frazier 36, Devin Kyler 22, Hannah Williams 21
Obviously there are many fine players not in this category.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2019, 09:19:08 PM
The Cardinals jumped out to a 26-13 lead over the Titans.  IWU has been 42-15 since then.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2019, 09:47:06 PM
Cardinals came storming back in the 4th, but Titans hang on, 82-77.  Biggest reason: Maddie Merritt was 15-16 from the line! :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2019, 09:54:02 PM
Yes, very hard-fought game.  NC's young players are really good.  They have a bright future, esp. Newsome.

IWU over NCC at The Shirk:  82-77, after leading by 13 or so in the 3Q.

For IWU:
Merritt 19 and 6, 15-16 FTs
Hughes, pounding the paint:  16 and 7
Munroe, playing much much better now:  16
Sosa 12

Titans go to 14-3, 7-1.

Keep it rolling TITANS.  More home cook'n. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2019, 09:55:48 PM
For NCC:
Newsome 22
Howard 19
Walls 13
Dimitrova 10

This young squad has a very bright future.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2019, 10:08:49 PM
Augie beats WC 56-51 -- Titans tied for the lead now in the CCIW!   :)

Big big game up at Wheaton!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 17, 2019, 07:50:16 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 16, 2019, 09:47:06 PM
Cardinals came storming back in the 4th, but Titans hang on, 82-77.  Biggest reason: Maddie Merritt was 15-16 from the line! :o

We checked into this game shortly before halftime in Naperville and went a little nuts. Seeing an NCC team go into Bloomington, lead at halftime, and not fold after Wesleyan went on the expected run to only lose by five? I know the Cardinals are 3-14 and 1-7, but I'm as thrilled after a loss as one could expect.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 16, 2019, 09:55:48 PM
For NCC:
Newsome 22
Howard 19
Walls 13
Dimitrova 10

This young squad has a very bright future.

IWU'70

I think that's the great part: this year's team has just one senior, and Siarra O''Neill hasn't really played at all (injury or something I think).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 17, 2019, 09:02:18 AM
Augustana/Wheaton: [For game score, see somebody's prior celebratory post]

This Wheaton squad has never been consistent or good enough to win every road game in conference.  It was just a matter of which one(s) they'd struggle.  Looks like neither team played that great offensively.  I didn't see the game, but the box score stat that sticks out to me is +15 (50-35) rebounding advantage for the Lady Vikes, and a +10 (16-6) on the offensive glass.  Much of this is attributed to Augie guard Alexis Jones, who at 5'7" happens to be leading the league in rebounding.  She had 7 offensive boards and 15 overall.  Given their size, Wheaton is a rather poor rebounding team anyhow.  But Idk, maybe the coaching staff could've emphasized a box out on #2 in white?

Also pretty mystifying is the high # of threes this Thunder team continues to put up (7-27 this game, 25%) when they are average at best from the arc, 31%.  Combine that with their offensive height advantage in the front court and oh well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2019, 10:03:53 AM
GoPerry, I watched the last several minutes (and a few tidbits of earlier action) of the AUG/WHE game and thought both teams were weirdly timid on offense, refusing to attack the basket.
That said, Wheaton scored 21 pts from 27 3FG att and 20 pts from 26 2FG att. So, they were similarly ineffective at either distance. Not sure how much the refs were rewarding drives to the basket in terms of foul calls.
Augie has a good mix of size and talent among its roster, so I'm not surprised when they get a nice win. That said, 56-51 is a really good halftime score!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 17, 2019, 10:28:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 17, 2019, 10:03:53 AM
GoPerry, I watched the last several minutes (and a few tidbits of earlier action) of the AUG/WHE game and thought both teams were weirdly timid on offense, refusing to attack the basket.
That said, Wheaton scored 21 pts from 27 3FG att and 20 pts from 26 2FG att. So, they were similarly ineffective at either distance. Not sure how much the refs were rewarding drives to the basket in terms of foul calls.
Augie has a good mix of size and talent among its roster, so I'm not surprised when they get a nice win. That said, 56-51 is a really good halftime score!

Thanks Rog.  The box confirms your impression of general ineptitude for both teams offensively.  Perhaps the most positive thing was that I escaped watching it.  Getting outrebounded like that would've put me in the red on the frustration quotient.

I've seen Augie a couple times and I agree.  I love Jones' aggressiveness and I've always respected Izzy Anderson. 

As I inferred, Wheaton losing @ Augie is not a shock at all.  The way in which they did is disappointing to say the least.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2019, 10:41:48 AM
Carthage 71, Carroll 60 --
Bailey Gilbert tallied 22 (.714 eFG%) and 3 steals; Madie Kaelber added 16 pts; Autumn Kalis helped with 11 pts and 4 assists; several Lady Reds grabbed a bunch of rebounds, led by Maggie Berigan, 11 in 18:00.
Carroll received 21 pts from Sierra Grubor, while Katie Rossetti nabbed 11 rebs and 3 stls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2019, 11:03:48 AM
Elmhurst edged Millikin 92-85 :
Six Bluejays scored in double figures, including a career high 28 by Marissa Urso; Kellee Clay scored 15 and Lauren Goff scored 12 (on 5 FG att = 1.200 eFG%).
Kelly Weyhrich led the squad with 8 assists and 5 rebs.
Elmhurst shot a sizzling .700 eFG% as a team, 77 points from 55 FG att.
Millikin got 26 pts by Yanni Saddler and 24 by Aubrey Staton (plus 2 blocks, 3 steals). Jordan Hildebrand's contributions included 14 pts, 5 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2019, 11:18:21 AM
So, halfway through conference play, the standings are :
7-1 IWU WHE
6-2 CTG
5-3 AUG
4-4 ELM
3-5 NPU
2-6 CRL
1-7 MIL NCC
Each team has played the others once. But there is imbalance in home/road. Only Carthage, IWU and North Park have played 4 home 4 road. Augie, North Central and Wheaton have only 3 home games in the 2nd half. Carroll, Elmhurst and Millikin are home 5 more times.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2019, 12:08:48 AM
Thanks, RogK.  A great conference race shaping up.  I'd think those top 6 teams might well be the ones to make the new 6-team CCIW tournament field. 

Titans playing well, grinding it out.  Great to see Sam Munroe playing better, putting up some good scoring games.  I always thought she'd play a big part in this edition of the Titans.  Lansford has a bright future there too, in coming years.  Nice to have the senior leadership and experience down the stretch -- with Anderson, Schneider and Merritt.  If the Titans win the conference, a good case for Maddie Merritt to be MOP this season.  IMHO.

Lots of good young players in the league now.  I was most impressed with the NCC newbies.  They can really play, surely a better team in future and likely better than their record indicates this year to date.  That was not an easy win for IWU at home against NCC, at 1-6. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2019, 03:35:07 PM
https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2019/1/18/mens-basketball-winter-weather-forces-millikin-athletics-schedule-changes.aspx
Carthage at Millikin will be on Sunday at 4 (p.m.) and men's at 6pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2019, 06:04:20 PM
North Central 77, Carroll 64 :
Maya Walls did well, with 15 pts, 12 rebs, 3 assists; Lyndsay Brennan had 10 pts, 9 rebs, 4 assists;
Mitrese Smith had a productive 20 minutes, with 11 pts and 11 rebs.
For the Pioneers, Sierra Grubor scored 17 and Katie Rossetti contributed 12 pts, 6 rebs, 2 blocks, 2 steals.
Carroll made 19 of 51 2FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2019, 06:17:42 PM
First Q is in the books in B'town: IWU 24, Augie 18.  Sydney Shanks already has 12 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2019, 06:36:39 PM
IWU upon Augie at the half, 48-30.  A run and gun, up and down affair, Augie trying to speed the Titans up.  Good luck with that!   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2019, 06:44:40 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 19, 2019, 06:36:39 PM
IWU upon Augie at the half, 48-30.  A run and gun, up and down affair, Augie trying to speed the Titans up.  Good luck with that!   

'70

Yeah, I would say Augie has a spectacularly poor game plan - the faster the game goes, the farther they fall behind!  The few times they've slowed it down, they've held their own.

The Titans have so far really put the clamps on Izzy Anderson - she has seven so far (Shanks has 17, Merritt has 12).

The Titans have out-rebounded the Vikings, 23-8!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2019, 07:06:08 PM
Sydney Shanks night at The Shirk.  21 and counting . . .   Titan's pine-sitters will get their minutes in this one.

On to the men's game.  Hope IWU can take down #2 Augie tonight. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2019, 07:39:58 PM
Shanks finishes with 25, Merritt had 14, Hughes 11, and Brovelli 10.  Subs certainly got their minutes after the Titans were up 80-49, but did NOT give an encouraging performance: Augie finished the game on a 16-1 run to make the final score a semi-respectable 81-65.

Aside from Shanks' huge game (she only averages about 12 ppg; 25 is a new career high), the big news was Izzy Anderson (either her or the defense on her) - she played 35 minutes but scored only seven points (none in the second half).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2019, 07:44:53 PM
Final from King:

Wheaton 62
North Park 57

The Vikings had a chance to tie the game with the shot clock turned off, but they turned it over.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2019, 07:50:14 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2019, 07:44:53 PM
Final from King:

Wheaton 62
North Park 57

The Vikings had a chance to tie the game with the shot clock turned off, but they turned it over.

An unfortunate missed opportunity for the east Vikings, as they led early 18-0!! :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2019, 07:59:07 PM
WC 62, NPU 57

Jayla Johnson: 22 pts, 8 rebs
Josie Summerville: 7 rebs
Angelina Villasin: 3:1 a:to
Sinead Molloy: 3 stls

Hannah Frazier: 28 pts, 16 rebs, 6 blks
Jordan Myroth: 7 rebs

I would've been quite happy tonight if women's basketball games were only ten minutes long. NPU did something quite remarkable to start this game; the Vikings erupted to an 18-0 advantage, as Wheaton didn't score until there was only 2:16 left on the clock in the first quarter. They were beating the homestanders to the basket with regularity, ballhawked well and covered up underneath with help on defense; and, most promisingly, they hit free throws for a change (the Vikings actually made their first 11 free throw attempts in this game).

That wasn't likely to last, though, and it didn't -- Wheaton wore down the NPU lead until the Vikings were only up by three at the half. The Park did lead for almost the entire third quarter, but in the end there was too much Hannah Frazier for the Vikings to contend with, as she looked like a shoo-in All-American tonight. Still, the Vikings did not let Wheaton pull away. Down by seven with 1:16 to go, they got the game down to a single possession and had the ball with the shot clock turned off when, as I said, they coughed up the ball and were forced to foul, essentially ending the game.

The big problem for the Vikings tonight, along with their inability to stop Frazier from doing anything she wanted, was their inability to knock down jumpers. More than anything else, the fact that this team doesn't shoot well is what is holding it back. Almost all of the NPU points came on layups and on close-in shots by Jayla Johnson from the low post or by good work at the charity stripe, where the Vikes shot a season-best 83% (19-23). NPU only shot 28% from the field and 17% from downtown; Wheaton, by contrast, was 39% and 44%. (I should point out that getting 17 shots blocked didn't help the North Park cause, either, but I applaud the Vikings' aggressiveness in going right at the vastly taller and longer Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance.)

Bad shooting or not, if the Vikes can play with this high a collective motor every night and can hit their free throws, they're going to earn their way into the CCIW tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2019, 01:40:33 AM
Sure wish NPU had pulled off the upset vs. Wheaton.

Shanks playing with such energy, defensively, with steals, applying pressure and hitting the mid-range jump shots, getting into the lane often.  If the TITANS win the regular season CCIW crown, I think there is a good argument for Shanks as Conference MOP too, along with Merritt.  She's the key to the IWU offense, plays hard on both ends, scoring more now. 

Glad to see Munroe have several high-quality games in a row now.  Hughes just keeps pounding away, rebounding and scoring in a very consistent and high percentage way down low.  Very key part of the TITANS half court offense.   

More home cook'n, then the big game with WC.

Titans now 15-3, 8-1.

Keep it rolling TITANS.  Nice job on the "Not So Pink Game," raising money for the B/N Area Cancer Center!   Keep going philanthropic Titans.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 20, 2019, 05:43:34 PM
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2019, 07:14:19 PM
Millikin got folded, spindled and mutilated by Carthage, 73-43.
Autumn Kalis played very well for the victors, scoring 18, along with 4 assists and 7 rebs. Bailey Gilbert showed versatility, recording 13 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals.
Sammie Woodward also helped with 13 pts and 5 rebs.
Carthage outrebounded Millikin 46-33.
Millikin got 15 pts by Yanni Saddler, while Aubrey Magro had 4 steals.
Saddler made 6 FGs and the rest of the team combined for 7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2019, 09:22:58 AM
Injured, Jenn Berg missed her 2nd game on Saturday and it's no surprise that her absence has affected the team as you don't easily replace a senior leader starter contributing 8 pts and 6 rebs.  It doesn't help that sister Jill is also unavailable due to injury. 

Replacing her 26 mins/gm has meant time for little used underclassmen in Sophmore Kirsten Madsen and Freshmen Hannah Swider, Taylor Sanders and Emily Nerem.  But the starter minutes have dramatically increased as Frazier, Myroth, Williams and Kyler are putting in up to 38,39 minutes these last 2 games.  That is obviously not sustainable in late January and into February.  You might be able to get away with it playing the bottom of the league but not against the better teams.  One thing for sure: opponents won't bother feeling sorry for the Thunder.

With tough trips to Carroll and Carthage and then back for IWU next week, Kent Madsen needs to figure something out and right quick.  Players like Swider, Madsen, Jacquie San Jule need to seize the opportunity to grab the extra PT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 21, 2019, 10:12:29 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 20, 2019, 07:14:19 PM
Millikin got folded, spindled and mutilated by Carthage, 73-43.
Autumn Kalis played very well for the victors, scoring 18, along with 4 assists and 7 rebs. Bailey Gilbert showed versatility, recording 13 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals.
Sammie Woodward also helped with 13 pts and 5 rebs.
Carthage outrebounded Millikin 46-33.
Millikin got 15 pts by Yanni Saddler, while Aubrey Magro had 4 steals.
Saddler made 6 FGs and the rest of the team combined for 7.

This included Saddler joining the 1000 Point Club. (I think becoming the 23rd member in Millikin's history?)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2019, 12:29:20 PM
lmitzel, I noticed your spelling of Sadler vs my use of Saddler.
cciw.org has the single d here :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1819/millikin.htm
However, the Millikin web site shows Saddler, which I'm sure we should trust as accurate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 21, 2019, 12:51:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 21, 2019, 12:29:20 PM
lmitzel, I noticed your spelling of Sadler vs my use of Saddler.
cciw.org has the single d here :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1819/millikin.htm
However, the Millikin web site shows Saddler, which I'm sure we should trust as accurate.

Yeah, yours is correct because I didn't look close when I posted. Edited now. Thanks!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2019, 01:44:21 PM
You're very welcome.
I just checked for her on ncaa.org, where presumably the most official and permanent records reside.
season                spelling in roster       spelling in team stats
2018-19              Saddler                    Saddler
2017-18              Saddler                    Sadler
2016-17              Saddler                    Sadler
2015-16              Saddler                    Sadler
Happily, when you click on the Sadler within team stats, it directs you to her career numbers, where Saddler is correctly spelled. So, someone along the way did reconcile the discrepancy.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=12280&stats_player_seq=1739438
--




Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2019, 06:15:20 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 21, 2019, 09:22:58 AM
Injured, Jenn Berg missed her 2nd game on Saturday and it's no surprise that her absence has affected the team as you don't easily replace a senior leader starter contributing 8 pts and 6 rebs.  It doesn't help that sister Jill is also unavailable due to injury.

They weren't the only players who were missing on Saturday. NPU's Lauryn Alba Garner, who is the second-leading scorer and best outside shooter for the Vikings, was not in uniform at King Arena this weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2019, 06:21:12 PM
A minor oddity of the expanded CCIW conference playoffs, hardly worth mentioning : seeds 1, 3 and 4 will host games, but #2 doesn't. Now for something completely different.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2019, 06:55:18 PM
It being Monday : we have a new CCIW Player of the Week -- congrats to Bailey Gilbert! She also scored her 1000th career point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 22, 2019, 01:21:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 21, 2019, 06:21:12 PM
A minor oddity of the expanded CCIW conference playoffs, hardly worth mentioning : seeds 1, 3 and 4 will host games, but #2 doesn't. Now for something completely different.

#2 wasn't hosting in the old format, either? ;)

I get what you are saying ... the advantage for the 2-seed is a little bit of rest and not getting beat up in a game that their eventual opponent will have experienced.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 22, 2019, 10:48:56 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 22, 2019, 01:21:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 21, 2019, 06:21:12 PM
A minor oddity of the expanded CCIW conference playoffs, hardly worth mentioning : seeds 1, 3 and 4 will host games, but #2 doesn't. Now for something completely different.

#2 wasn't hosting in the old format, either? ;)

I get what you are saying ... the advantage for the 2-seed is a little bit of rest and not getting beat up in a game that their eventual opponent will have experienced.

I've been thinking about this lately too, wondering if there's more benefit to being the 3 seed as opposed to the 2 seed. The 3 seed gets an extra game to, assuming chalk plays out, get an extra boost to win percentage and, depending on the year, a possible slight boost to SOS as well. It probably really would only benefit a team in the lower half of the regional rankings, and even then, probably not a lot. Counterbalance that with the what-if of a bubble team seeded #3 losing at home in the quarterfinal thus probably getting eliminated from the tournament picture... and I'd be inclined to say that it probably isn't worth it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2019, 11:20:07 AM
I didn't really have a point to make, beyond the format producing a set of home games that bypass the 2 seed. I concur with you guys' comments.
I think it should be : 9 at 1, 8 at 2, 7 at 3, 6 at 4. Seed 5 is excluded, but plays a game at Simon Fraser Univ, the D3 school in Burnaby BC, with a few extra days in Vancouver thrown in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 22, 2019, 12:39:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 22, 2019, 11:20:07 AM
I didn't really have a point to make, beyond the format producing a set of home games that bypass the 2 seed. I concur with you guys' comments.
I think it should be : 9 at 1, 8 at 2, 7 at 3, 6 at 4. Seed 5 is excluded, but plays a game at Simon Fraser Univ, the D3 school in Burnaby BC, with a few extra days in Vancouver thrown in.

Should we send them to DC to play the Nationals for some reason as well? :P

I know you weren't necessarily trying to make a point about the seeding and the byes, but it made a good transition to the what-if game I was playing out in my head.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2019, 12:55:56 PM
Ha! Yes, to DC -- that's a pragmatic option, too!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2019, 02:51:23 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 22, 2019, 10:48:56 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 22, 2019, 01:21:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 21, 2019, 06:21:12 PM
A minor oddity of the expanded CCIW conference playoffs, hardly worth mentioning : seeds 1, 3 and 4 will host games, but #2 doesn't. Now for something completely different.

#2 wasn't hosting in the old format, either? ;)

I get what you are saying ... the advantage for the 2-seed is a little bit of rest and not getting beat up in a game that their eventual opponent will have experienced.

I've been thinking about this lately too, wondering if there's more benefit to being the 3 seed as opposed to the 2 seed. The 3 seed gets an extra game to, assuming chalk plays out, get an extra boost to win percentage and, depending on the year, a possible slight boost to SOS as well.

Far more often than not it'll be a SOS hit rather than a SOS boost. The CCIW simply does not have the kind of depth in women's basketball that produces even mediocre records in the lower third of the standings. Only twice in this decade has the CCIW's sixth-place team finished with a winning overall record.

Quote from: lmitzel on January 22, 2019, 10:48:56 AMIt probably really would only benefit a team in the lower half of the regional rankings, and even then, probably not a lot. Counterbalance that with the what-if of a bubble team seeded #3 losing at home in the quarterfinal thus probably getting eliminated from the tournament picture... and I'd be inclined to say that it probably isn't worth it.

i think that, in many cases, a #2 coach would simply be relieved that her or his team has the extra time to rest up before beginning postseason play.

Quote from: RogK on January 22, 2019, 11:20:07 AM
I didn't really have a point to make, beyond the format producing a set of home games that bypass the 2 seed. I concur with you guys' comments.
I think it should be : 9 at 1, 8 at 2, 7 at 3, 6 at 4. Seed 5 is excluded, but plays a game at Simon Fraser Univ, the D3 school in Burnaby BC, with a few extra days in Vancouver thrown in.

It would make for a nice, scenic trip ...  but, unfortunately, Simon Fraser is D2, not D3.

(Simon Fraser's sports teams are known as the Clan. Their mascot is a cartoon Scottish Terrier named McFogg the Dog.)

(https://bcbestplaceonearth.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/mcfog20the20dog.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2019, 04:04:52 PM
Darn it, I thought with the exchange rate, D2 US would be D3 Canadian. Anyway, thanks for that correction, Greg.
I wandered that campus back in September 2017.
While I was there, no one told me to stop thinking they were in D3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2019, 08:54:33 PM
D2 or D3, Simon Fraser a great place, lovely campus.  And UBC too. 

Looking forward to the WC-IWU re-match in about a week now.  Titans have some time off to prepare and WC gets to keep playing, with some tough away opponents in the meantime.

TITANS did a great job on the Pink Zone game, raising more than $3,200 and counting for the Bloomington/Normal area Cancer Center.  Way to go philanthropic Titans.  Another successful year of this meaningful event. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2019, 11:29:51 PM
Yep, iwu70, UBC is in a nice setting as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2019, 08:43:16 PM
IWU over NPU at the half 38-25.  Sam Munroe night at The Shirk. 

Looks good so far -- plenty of TOs from the "run and jump" tonight.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 23, 2019, 09:36:25 PM
Final: IWU 97, NPU 52.  Sam Munroe lead the way with 27 pts (career high?), Sydney Shanks had 16, and Raven Hughes (scoreless at halftime) finished with 15.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2019, 09:40:56 PM
Top offensive output of the year for the Titans tonight, scoring a 97-52 win over NPU.

Yes, career high for Munroe 27
Shanks 16
Hughes 15
Brovelli 8 and 9

Good overall team effort, esp. the pressure defense causing tons of TOs, probably 30 or so.  Pine-sitters getting their minutes again.

For NPU:
Johnson 12

Titans on a roll.  Good three game home stand, home cook'n. 

Next up, the re-match with Wheaton in a week's time, basically for the CCIW regular season crown.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 23, 2019, 10:36:14 PM
North Central has its first multi-game winning streak following a 58-49 victory over Augustana tonight. Ugly game all around. North Central turned the ball over 24 times, a number which would normally have told me they would have gotten blown out. But Augie shot an abysmal 1-21 from beyond the arc, not hitting a three until late in the 4th. An 8-17 night at the line doesn't help matters either.

Natali Dimitrova was the only Cardinal in double figures with 16, Page Desenberg added 8, including a couple clutch threes to open up a lead in the third, Maya Walls scores 9, and Alanna Newsome added 8. Augie got 17 from Izzy Anderson and 15 from Alexis Jones, whole Scooter Lopez had a fun line: no points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 steals.

With a season sweep over Augie serving as a potentially interesting tiebreaker, I'd watch out for the Cardinals sneaking into the conference tournament this year. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but still.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2019, 12:07:14 AM
Wheaton 76-59 over Carroll :
(it was 30-30 at halftime)
49-24 rebound advantage for the Thunder;
Hannah Frazier 26 pts, 14 rebs; Hannah Williams 25 pts, 5 assists; Jill Berg returned from injury, grabbing 9 rebs in 10:00; Devin Kyler shot 0-6 but was otherwise very good : 9 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks.
for Carroll, Alyssa Cruz had 12 pts, 6 assists, 3 stls; another 12 pts from Sierra Grubor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2019, 12:36:33 AM
I saw Carthage top Elmhurst, 67-59.
Among the Lady Reds who did well was Autumn Kalis, who scored 22 (.611 eFG%), had 5 rebs, did a lot of speedy bringing the ball upcourt. Carthage has a number of multitalented guards who handle the ball well. Bailey Gilbert also was noteworthy, adding 10 rebs, 8 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals.
Lisa Logan (Elmhurst) led all scorers with 25 (including .808 eFG%) and led her team with 9 rebs. Marissa Urso had 12 pts and 4 steals. Sophia Lathe returned from injury with a couple of minutes and picked up a sharp assist, which drew a roar of approval from her teammates. Her minutes may remain limited in the near future, but she no doubt enjoyed getting back on the court.
updated conference standings :
9-1 IWU WHE
8-2 CTG
5-5 AUG
4-5 ELM
3-7 NCC NPU
2-8 CRL
1-8 MIL
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2019, 01:06:03 AM
IWU goes to 16-3, 9-1. 

A bye weekend, then the big game up at WC, January 30th.  (Come on Carthage, put another loss on Wheaton! :) ).

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 24, 2019, 08:12:31 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 24, 2019, 12:07:14 AM
Wheaton 76-59 over Carroll :
(it was 30-30 at halftime)

Yeah, there was some contention about that. Wheaton's Twitter account said it was 31-30 Thunder at the half, prompting a reply from Carroll's correcting them to 30-30 with a  ;) involved. But compounding the issue was checking the live stats on Carroll's website and seeing 30-28 Pioneers. That made my halftime scoreboard update fun. Anytime you get to use the phrase "I don't know what's going on," while maybe not the most professional thing, it's kind of amusing.

But eventually they (and I) got it sorted out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 24, 2019, 08:42:22 AM
Glad to see Jill Berg getting back on the floor with 7 offensive rebounds, 9 overall.  Hannah Williams had another pretty big game, her 3rd in the last 5 starts.  Last night, 25 pts, 4 rebs, 8/14, 3-4 3pt, 6/6 FT , 5 assts with only 2 tos is a nice line.  The Thunder could definitely use another consistent scorer in the mid double digits.

Hannah Frazier yet another pretty big night.  At this point in the season making a solid case for MOP (yes, I know there are other candidates, more games to play, etc etc). 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 24, 2019, 11:35:54 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 24, 2019, 12:36:33 AM
updated conference standings :
9-1 IWU WHE
8-2 CTG
5-5 AUG
4-5 ELM
3-7 NCC NPU
2-8 CRL
1-8 MIL

Touching a little more on this, officially Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton haven't clinched CCIW Tournament berths yet, but because North Central and North Park play on Saturday, they will both lock up their berths regardless of what happens on Saturday. Carthage can clinch a berth with a win as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2019, 03:29:59 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 24, 2019, 08:42:22 AMHannah Frazier yet another pretty big night.  At this point in the season making a solid case for MOP (yes, I know there are other candidates, more games to play, etc etc).

She's the best player I've seen all year. She's leading the league in scoring and in blocked shots, she's second in rebounding, and she's on every CCIW leaderboard except steals and a:to ratio. Barring some sort of unexpected absence or a total collapse of her game, she deserves to be named MOP.

Quote from: lmitzel on January 24, 2019, 11:35:54 AM
Touching a little more on this, officially Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton haven't clinched CCIW Tournament berths yet, but because North Central and North Park play on Saturday, they will both lock up their berths regardless of what happens on Saturday. Carthage can clinch a berth with a win as well.

The NCC @ NPU contest on Saturday is absolutely huge for both teams in terms of the playoff race.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 26, 2019, 05:52:42 PM
Wheaton @ Carthage.  Massey has it as a mathematical tossup, 50%-50%.  Sounds about right to me.

A big one if Wheaton can pull out this road W.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 26, 2019, 07:44:25 PM
Wheaton 61, Carthage 51

Not always pretty offensively but I thought Wheaton played really good defense.  They delivered really good pressure on the ball and kept the Lady Reds offense in check.  The good D puts alot less stress on your offense if it's not quite clicking.

Hannah Williams (20 pts) had another really good game.  Hannah Frazier with 15 pts, 13 rebs.  Kirsten Madsen a solid game with 9 pts in 22 mins.

Maddie Beriigan led Carthage with 15 pts.  Maddie Kaelber was surprisingly held scoreless.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2019, 07:51:03 PM
North Central 67
North Park 53

Jayla Johnson: 16 pts
Angelina Villasin: 10 pts
Josie Summerville: 14 rebs

Alanna Newsome: 16 pts
Tyonne Howard: 11 pts
Lyndsay Brennan: 7 rebs, 5:0 a:to
Mitrese Smith: 6 rebs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2019, 09:47:56 PM
WC holds court at Carthage, so it comes down to the IWU at WC game next up.

Titans will have to get the pace up, going in their favor, playing their style of game.  And, get something out of the defensive pressure.  Would be nice to see all the various elements of the Titan attack working well at once, in the same game.  Last time, several key players had off-nights, shot it poorly, and that led to the loss by 2 points at the Shirk.

Go TITANS!  Big game time!


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 26, 2019, 11:12:42 PM
A lot of upheaval in the standings tonight.












TeamRecord
x-Wheaton10-1
x-IWU9-1
Carthage8-3
Augie5-6
Elmhurst4-6
NCC4-7
NPU3-8
Carroll3-8
Millikin2-8

The x's denote what I'd mentioned in the past couple days: Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan have both clinched berths in the conference tournament. Wheaton will also guarantee that worst-case scenario, they'd host a quarterfinal if it came to that, while Illinois Wesleyan can guarantee the same if they steal a win at King Arena.

Also, don't look now, but North Central can move into 5th in the conference with a win at Millikin on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2019, 12:01:40 PM
Carroll 72, Augustana 64 ... 3rd consecutive defeat for AUG.
Very assertive/productive game for CRL's Alyssa Cruz : 20 pts, 10 rebs, 8 assists, 8 TO, 3 steals; the Pios also got 14 pts, 10 rebs, 4 blocks by Katie Rossetti and 14 pts 6 rebs from Kayla Stefka. Carroll won by a fairly comfortable margin despite missing 18 of 36 FTs.
AUG got 24 pts from Izzy Anderson and 15 pts 9 rebs by Alexis Jones.
-
Millikin 79, Elmhurst 72 :
for MIL : Briana Anthony 11 pts 4 assists, Aubrey Staton 12 pts 9 rebs, Jordan Hildebrand 16 pts 10 rebs, plus a huge 30 pts 4 steals by Yanni Saddler.
ELM was led by Kellee Clay's 19 pts (.708 eFG%).
-
I saw the NC win at NP. Injuries are a very unfortunate aspect of sports. NC's Natali Dimitrova took a hard fall and appeared to have a hurt shoulder (maybe), but returned late in the game with a finger wrapped. I don't recall if she began the game with that wrap. (How's that for fact-filled reporting?) Anyway, hopefully no lingering effects for her.
Best wishes also to NP's Zakiya Newsome who appeared to suffer re-injury of a knee. Hopefully she'll recover fast. She's a diligent competitor who also remembers to have fun playing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2019, 03:47:07 PM
It scared the heck out of me when NPU's Zakiya Newsome went down and was pointing at her recently-healed right knee. I don't want to speculate, but our production director thought that she came down on the point of the knee, making it likely that she banged her kneecap rather than damaged her repaired ACL (or tore another one). I hope he's right, and I hope that the injury was either momentary or minor. It's not just that NPU needs her, it would also be really unfair if her career was hampered further by knee trouble.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on January 28, 2019, 03:25:30 PM
All men's and women's games in the CCIW scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed because of the bitter cold that will sweep through the Midwest.

https://twitter.com/cciw_athletics/status/1089978429884137472?s=21

The much anticipated rematch between Wheaton and IWU will have to wait until another day.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2019, 03:30:06 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on January 28, 2019, 03:25:30 PM
All men's and women's games in the CCIW scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed because of the bitter cold that will sweep through the Midwest.

https://twitter.com/cciw_athletics/status/1089978429884137472?s=21

The much anticipated rematch between Wheaton and IWU will have to wait until another day.

Three of the games -- EC @ AC, IWU @ WC, and MU @ NCC -- are postponed for 24 hours and will tip off on Thursday night at 7 pm. The rescheduled date of the CU @ NPU game remains TBD, because North Park is hosting a men's volleyball match on Thursday night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 28, 2019, 04:39:48 PM
Congratulations to Millikin's Yanni Saddler for her well deserved recognition as CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2019, 09:10:26 PM
Congrats to Ms. Saddler.  Really a good player.

Guess we wait an extra day for the IWU vs. WC re-match.

Stay safe, stay warm, stay indoors, everyone.

'70 -- basking in sunny high 70s, here in Hong Kong!  :)   "Hong Kong winter!"

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 28, 2019, 10:34:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 28, 2019, 09:10:26 PM
Congrats to Ms. Saddler.  Really a good player.

Guess we wait an extra day for the IWU vs. WC re-match.

Stay safe, stay warm, stay indoors, everyone.

'70 -- basking in sunny high 70s, here in Hong Kong!  :)   "Hong Kong winter!"

Mark, you really do have a sadistic streak! :o

Yesterday, I went out and stocked up on the three most important items: coffee, beer, and whiskey!  Plenty of food in the pantry and freezer.  We're good 'til March, if necessary, though I sure hope it doesn't come to that! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2019, 11:13:31 PM
The Carroll @ North Park game has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4:30 pm. This will allow NPU to get in the men's volleyball match as well immediately afterwards, and it won't leave either the Vikings or the Pioneers hanging in terms of having less prep time for Saturday's games than the other CCIW teams will have.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2019, 11:55:09 PM
Sorry Ypsi, you just gotta hunker down and get through it.  Your choice living there in Polar Vortex territory.  :o

Games pushed back a day to avoid the worst of it.  Sounds like you are preparing for the nuclear winter . . .

Titans stay at #13 in this week's poll.

Should be a real good one, eventually, up at Wheaton, for the CCIW regular season crown.  I hope the Titans can push the pace and get something out of the defensive pressure. WC handled it well last time and several of our players had sub-par games.  Let's hope the Titans play more to recent form. 

I'm sure the big thaw will eventually come . . .  have faith.  "Spring" training on the horizon now . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2019, 07:52:51 PM

"Due to extreme cold, Wheaton College is canceling classes that begin after 5:00 p.m. tonight (1.29.19) until 1:15 p.m. on 1.31.19."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2019, 09:28:47 PM
I think IWU closed down for Wednesday as well . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 30, 2019, 01:52:05 PM
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Tune in starting at 12:00 p.m. ET as we talk to guests from around the country about nothing but #d3hoops.

It is all about celebrating the season, student-athletes, coaches, and an exciting season.

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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2019, 08:16:02 AM
Keys for Wheaton tonight will once again be defensive intensity.  They have to be ready for a highly motivated green team(Shanks and Schneider won't be kept off the score sheet again) and get off to a good start themselves.  Hannah Williams was a non-event offensively at Shirk but has been playing well lately.  She, Myroth and Kyler need to bring it.

Winner will most certainly host the CCIW tourney. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2019, 11:06:27 AM
Decisions are being made on a sport-by-sport, school-by-school basis at the moment, aside from the two basketball sports. North Park and Aquinas have canceled their men's volleyball match scheduled for this evening, which I think is sensible; Aquinas is located in Grand Rapids, and lengthy travel should be discouraged in this weather whenever possible. Given that it's not only non-conference but an NCAA/NAIA crossover, there's no real urgency to play the match. (I'm a bit disappointed in the cancellation, since Aquinas is 9-0 and ranked in the top ten in NAIA, but it's not as though I'm howling in anger over this match not being played.) There's one CCIW wrestling meet taking place today; it's MSOE @ Concordia (WI), which is downtown Milwaukee to the Milwuakee suburbs and thus hardly a long trip. I don't know if any scheduled CCIW wrestling meets got moved around this week, since that's a sport I don't follow. I do know enough about CCIW swimming & diving to know that it's almost entirely a weekend sport on both the men's side and the women's side.

Nevertheless, the Carroll @ NPU women's basketball game remains scheduled for 4:30 this afternoon. It hasn't been moved back to the later hour subsequent to the volleyball cancallation because, I'm guessing, Carroll has already booked its charter for an early afternoon departure time from Waukesha. I'm somewhat surprised that Elmhurst and Augustana moved up their women's game from 7 pm to 5:30 this afternoon, for similar reasons. The other two women's games, and all four men's games, in the CCIW will tip off as originally re-scheduled at 7 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2019, 12:37:31 PM
NPU canceled classes again today, but the basketball game is still on for this afternoon. That may be a blessing in disguise; people might come over to watch the game just because nothing else is happening on campus today. Then again, the cold might scare people from walking from one side of the campus to the other!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2019, 07:31:16 PM
Carroll 79
North Park 63

Sinead Molloy: 14 pts, 5:1 a:to
Jayla Johnson: 14 pts
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts

Katie Rossetti: 19 pts, 3:1 a:to
Alyssa Cruz: 18 pts
Suierra Grubor: 16 pts
Celina Schwantes: 6 rebs
Kayla Stefka: 3:0 a:to
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2019, 08:39:39 PM
In the big game at WC -- IWU leads at the half 32-28. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2019, 08:40:49 PM
At the half, IWU 32, Wheaton 28.  The winner of this game will probably host the conference tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2019, 08:50:58 PM
Glad to see that NP's Zakiya Newsome played today, so her knee apparently wasn't substantially injured the other day. I may have attended today's game, but am in Fort Lauderdale and Tri-Rail doesn't go to Foster and Kedzie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2019, 08:54:42 PM
As I speculated on NPU's broadcast on Saturday, Zakiya landed on the point of her kneecap. It was really more of a scary moment for her than anything else.

It was good to see NPU's Alisha Panthier on the sideline today. She's been going through some very serious health problems that were potentially life-threatening over the past month, and it has resulted in the end of her career, but she's back in class at NPU now after medical treatment and should graduate on time this spring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2019, 09:45:36 PM
Thanks for that info Greg. Wow. Best of luck to Alisha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2019, 09:51:44 PM
Titans had a very poor 3Q, second half, WC the better team against the TITANS this year, winning 58-52, again in a game and pace favoring Wheaton's style of play.  Good D by WC, with the Titans again having a very poor shooting night, as cold as outdoors, only 26% and 20% from 3.  Can't win games shooting it like that.  Titans looked stagnant and slow during the second half, not their usual speed and pace.  WC with some good blocks as usual.

WC:
Frazier 18 (solidifying her MOP prospects)
Berg 11

IWU:
Hughes 12
Sosa 10
Lansford, a good first half, 9

Unless WC lets up, takes another loss, looks like they will win the CCIW regular season race.  A real lost opportunity for the TITANS.

Still more basketball to be played. 

Congrats to Wheaton on their big win at home tonight.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 31, 2019, 09:54:22 PM
Since Wheaton swept IWU, they would have to lose TWICE to not host the conference tourney.  I just don't see it happening.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2019, 09:57:17 PM
Ypsi, agreed.  I'm surprised you are not frozen solid!   A real missed opportunity for our TITANS tonight.  Very poor 3Q! -- don't understand that let down.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2019, 10:56:52 PM
Wheaton over IWU  58-52

It would've been bitter making the cold and snowy trip to King only to see a Wheaton loss.  But the Thunder ladies came through with the big W.  Nice game by Hannah Frazier, 18 and 9.  Jordan Myroth was not effective offensively but did everything else well with 13 rebs and 8 asst (6 tos) while tasked with handling the IWU pressure. 9 pts, 10 rebs for Devin Kyler but her greatest value was in helping beat the IWU press with her good ball handling skill.  Jill Berg made great use of her 12 mins of PT with 11 pts, 6 rebs.  I'm also liking Kirsten Madsen in the rotation.  She plays with a lot of poise and looks comfortable out there.

Raven Hughes 12 pts, 5 rebs was the only effective player for the green team.  In fact, I was relieved they didn't go to her every possession because she scored on everyone. 

The Thunder need to keep winning and finish these last few games off. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 01, 2019, 10:30:38 AM
North Central dropped a tough one last night, 81-67 at Millikin. Lyndsay Brennan and Page Desenberg each scored 17 to pace the Cardinals on a night where they were out both Tyonne Howard and Alanna Newsome (not sure what happened there). Jordan Hildebrand and Aubrey Staton each scored 20, with Yanni Saddler adding 14 and Briana Anthony chipping in 13.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2019, 11:19:46 AM
AUG 77 ELM 55
for the Vikings, Scooter Lopez had 17 pts (.772 eFG%), 4 assists, 3 steals, 9 rebs; Alexis Jones had 12 pts, 8 assists, 9 rebs, 3 steals.
Marissa Urso led the Bluejays' scoring with 19 (.679 eFG%).
current CCIW standings :
11-1 WHE
9-2 IWU
8-3 CTG
6-6 AUG
4-7 ELM
4-8 CRL NCC
3-8 MIL
3-9 NPU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 02, 2019, 04:55:36 PM
At Faganel:

Wheaton 83  Elmhurst 61

Hannah Frazier     28 pts, 5 assts, 6 blks, 2 stls
Hannah Williams  18 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asst
Devin Kyler,         8 pts, 13 rebs

Elena Cabrera     13 pts, 3 reb
Kelley Clay         11 pts

Not let down from Thursday but a dominating road performance.  Just keep winning ladies.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2019, 06:43:07 PM
IWU over Carthage at the half 39-32. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2019, 07:11:40 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 02, 2019, 04:55:36 PM
At Faganel:

Wheaton 83  Elmhurst 61

Hannah Frazier     28 pts, 5 assts, 6 blks, 2 stls
Hannah Williams  18 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asst
Devin Kyler,         8 pts, 13 rebs

Elena Cabrera     13 pts, 3 reb
Kelley Clay         11 pts

Not let down from Thursday but a dominating road performance.  Just keep winning ladies.

Looks like it's close to being a given now that Frazier is going to be the MOP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2019, 07:39:35 PM
Final from Carver:

North Park 59
Augustana 47

NPU keeps its playoff hopes alive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2019, 07:48:05 PM
IWU goes to 17-4, 10-2, with a 85-73 win over Carthage at Tarble. 

Titans shoot a more normal percentage tonight -- 45% and 41 from 3.  Carthage never gave up after being down 70-47 at one point, the Titans putting on a 21-4 3rd quarter run to basically put the game away.

For IWU:
Sosa 14
Munroe 14
Merritt 13 and 7
Schneider and Shanks with better games, still missing lots of easy shots.  Long season fatigue?  Strange.

For CC:
Gilbert -- game high 26 and 6
Kaelber 13
Kalis 13

Four games to go, then a new season, at CCIW tournament and likely D3 at-large bid.

Keep it rolling TITANS -- so much basketball still to be played.   Good game tonight against the 3rd place Reds.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2019, 08:08:05 PM
NPU 59, AC 47

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 8 rebs
Jacki Rapp: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 10 pts
Sinead Molloy: 6 rebs, 5:2 a:to
Josie Summerville: 6 rebs

Izzy Anderson: 11 pts
Lauren Hall: 10 pts, 9 rebs
Alexis Jones: 8 rebs
Mia Lambert: 6 rebs

With their backs against the wall this afternoon, the Vikings came out and grabbed a must-win contest on the road with defensive grit, timely shooting, and an unwillingness to cave whenever adversity struck. Similar to the game at Wheaton, NPU came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders and caught Augie unawares, running up a quick 9-0 lead. As was the case at Wheaton, that didn't last; Augie came back with a 13-2 run of its own to take the lead. But this time the Park didn't falter after taking a punch. Behind some really inspired halfcourt defense and a concerted effort to get Jayla Johnson a touch on every possession, the Vikings built the lead back up to 29-19 shortly before halftime, before going into the locker room up by six.

Again Augie made a run, this time a 10-1 skein that put the hosts back in front at 33-32 with 1:52 to go in the third quarter. But, again, their lead was brief. Jacki Rapp had what must be the best fifty seconds of her athletic career, hitting a layup, a trey, a pair of free throws, and a buzzer-beating trey from halfcourt, all in that last :50, to propel NPU back into the lead at 42-35, and the visitors would never trail again. Augie did cut the lead to six at 53-47 on a Lauren Hall three-point play with 4:04 to go, but the NPU defense again stiffened, and Augie did not score another point for the rest of the game.

North Park held Augie to only .274 from the field (17-62) and only .176 from long range (3-17), as the Park did a great job of doubling the post and recovering, ruining shooting angles, and forcing Augie players to take shots in which they weren't confident. It was all the more impressive in that Augie thoroughly dominated the glass, 48-37, including 17-8 on the offensive end. Augie did a lot of work to maintain possessions, and just couldn't come up with results most of the time. The key at the offensive end for Amanda Crockett's team was a patient willingness to work the ball into the low post, where Jayla Johnson went 9-12 from the field. NPU's been great about doing that in first halves, but Jayla's teammates have tended to forget that she was on the floor in the second halves of games. This afternoon, they didn't. Zakiya Newsome did a great job of running the offense and was her usual warrior self, while Sinead Molloy, as is typical, did a little bit of everything for the Vikings. And that electric fifty seconds at the end of the third quarter got Jacki Rapp her first-ever double-digit scoring game as a collegian.

The Vikings now get a bye on Wednesday, and have a week to prepare for the Lady Reds at the crackerbox next Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2019, 09:09:08 PM
For IWU:

Also,
Schneider had 11
Lansford 10

IWU bench contributed 45 points.  Amazing.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2019, 10:18:15 AM
Millikin 71-59 over Carroll :
M - Jordan Hildebrand 14 pts 11 rebs, Yanni Saddler 21 pts 6 assists, Aubrey Staton 15 pts, Jazmin Brown 4 steals
C - Sierra Grubor 21 pts 7 rebs, Kayla Stefka 18 pts 7 rebs, Celina Schwantes 11 rebs, Katie Rossetti 12 pts, Alyssa Cruz 8 assists
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2019, 02:42:04 PM
It's quite a race for the last 2 CCIW tourney spots.

Elmhurst(4-8) :       vs Carroll, @ IWU, @ North Park, vs North Central
Millikin( 4-8)  :       @IWU, @ Augie, vs Wheaton, vs North Park
North Central(4-8): @Carthage, vs Wheaton, vs IWU, @ Elmhurst
Carroll(4-9 ) :        @ Elmhurst, vs Carthage, vs IWU
North Park (4-9):    vs Carthage, vs Elmhurst, @ Millikin

Schedule-wise, I'd say Millikin and NCC have the toughest road.  Both still have games remaining vs Wheaton and IWU.  North Park I think has the most favorable schedule except they're already 1 down in the loss column.  Carroll is the same but with tougher games remaining.  Elmhurst seems to have the least difficult path.

Tie-breaker scenarios galore but I haven't looked at all those combos.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2019, 09:35:58 PM
Wishing all the CCIW Chatsters a most happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Pig, flying in tomorrow. 

Kung Hei Fat Choi!  . . . from the Far Side.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2019, 11:57:54 PM
thanks iwu70
-
for those of you who think you've seen some weird stats, check this :
https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2018-19/boxscores/20190203_kxg9.xml?view=boxscore
The winning team was charged with 0 fouls, which was 2 fewer than the opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2019, 03:00:23 AM
Wild, and the reserves that scored 32 and 25 and went 15-18 from three!   Must be something in the water at Berea!   Or, it's just the fact that students there pay no tuition, work for their education and normally leave with little or no debt.  A truly unique box score and a truly unique institution. 

(Our President / Vice-Chancellor here at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. Rocky TUAN, is a proud Berea graduate.  One of the key figures in Yale-China Association history, Dr. Francis Hutchins, was the long-time President of Berea.  Yes, I have to admit I'm still getting used to our University President with the name "Rocky"  -- LOL).

Alums at Berea all swear by the unique model of education and funding.   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2019, 03:18:04 AM
RogK, perhaps the refs didn't show up and the ladies got to call fouls themselves!   :)   Quite a score, and quite a performance by the Berea "reserves."

One has to wonder why certain games are played. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 04, 2019, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2019, 11:57:54 PM
thanks iwu70
-
for those of you who think you've seen some weird stats, check this :
https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2018-19/boxscores/20190203_kxg9.xml?view=boxscore
The winning team was charged with 0 fouls, which was 2 fewer than the opponent.
Quote from: iwu70 on February 04, 2019, 03:18:04 AM
RogK, perhaps the refs didn't show up and the ladies got to call fouls themselves!   :)   Quite a score, and quite a performance by the Berea "reserves."

One has to wonder why certain games are played. 

'70

Wow. And I thought mine was untouchable. A few years back when North Central was still doing its Tip Off Tournament, we had to fill the men's field with a tiny Bible college from Arkansas called College of Faith. They apparently drove all through the night to get to Naperville for a 2:30 tipoff on a Friday... and had to go up against then #6 or so Hope, and proceeded to lose 118-20. The difference there was, at least Hope put in the end of its bench. Unless Berea had a ton of injuries, to only go eight deep (with a 12-woman roster) is kind of disgraceful.

That said... I'd love to work a game with only two fouls called over the course of it. We'd be done in a hair over an hour.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2019, 11:28:36 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2019, 11:57:54 PM-
for those of you who think you've seen some weird stats, check this :
https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2018-19/boxscores/20190203_kxg9.xml?view=boxscore
The winning team was charged with 0 fouls, which was 2 fewer than the opponent.

The officials clearly wanted to get the game over with. Basketball games have a lot more than two fouls in them, even by accident.

Unfortunately, this sort of rout is still not a rare enough occurrence in college women's basketball. Competitive imbalances still remain significantly higher among women's teams than they do among men, leading to these kinds of lopsided scores. Wesleyan (GA) basketball is not held back by highly restrictive admissions standards or by a STEM academic profile that doesn't draw a lot of female applicants -- in fact, it's a women-only liberal arts college -- so I'm forced to conclude that the school apparently puts little or no stock in the need for athletic recruiting. Wesleyan's soccer and softball programs are pretty dismal, too, so it wouldn't surprise me if the coaches at Wesleyan are all part-timers who devote little or no time to recruiting. The athletic director, for example, is also the head softball coach. The members of the basketball team are obviously unskilled walk-ons who came out for the team for the exercise, travel, and cameraderie involved. It's a wonder that there's still so many of them; considering the beatdowns that they're handed every game (this loss to Berea is by no means the worst loss that the Wolves have suffered this season; f'rinstance, they lost to Huntingdon by a score of 142-23), it's amazing that there hasn't been players quitting left and right.

Add to Wesleyan's institutionally inherent ineptitude the fact that Berea (17-4) is pretty good (I know this because I've seen the Mountaineeers play twice at the crackerbox this season, including a 67-60 win over NPU), and the impossibility of avoiding scoring in basketball in a lopsided game such as this -- at least in football you can run a line dive on every play from scrimmage, and in soccer you can just play keepaway with the ball without ever shooting -- and this is the inevitable result.

Quote from: lmitzel on February 04, 2019, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2019, 11:57:54 PM
thanks iwu70
-
for those of you who think you've seen some weird stats, check this :
https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2018-19/boxscores/20190203_kxg9.xml?view=boxscore
The winning team was charged with 0 fouls, which was 2 fewer than the opponent.
Quote from: iwu70 on February 04, 2019, 03:18:04 AM
RogK, perhaps the refs didn't show up and the ladies got to call fouls themselves!   :)   Quite a score, and quite a performance by the Berea "reserves."

One has to wonder why certain games are played. 

'70

Wow. And I thought mine was untouchable. A few years back when North Central was still doing its Tip Off Tournament, we had to fill the men's field with a tiny Bible college from Arkansas called College of Faith. They apparently drove all through the night to get to Naperville for a 2:30 tipoff on a Friday... and had to go up against then #6 or so Hope, and proceeded to lose 118-20. The difference there was, at least Hope put in the end of its bench. Unless Berea had a ton of injuries, to only go eight deep (with a 12-woman roster) is kind of disgraceful.

I doubt that Berea had twelve women present and suited. The Mountaineers only had ten players when they were at the crackerbox this season for the NPU Thanksgiving Invite. Macon, GA is a six-and-a-half-hour drive from Berea, and, since all Berea students are on what's tantamount to a mandatory work-study program, it's doubtful that all dozen Mountaineers were able to make that long trip.

As for wondering why the game was played, it was a league game. Both Berea and Wesleyan (GA) are members of the USA South Athletic Conference.

Quote from: lmitzel on February 04, 2019, 10:31:14 AM
That said... I'd love to work a game with only two fouls called over the course of it. We'd be done in a hair over an hour.

This game would be a nightmare to call as a broadcaster. I'd rather call a Greenville vs. Grinnell men's game than a 122-17 "contest".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2019, 02:10:52 PM
I wonder if those coaches and refs convened pre-game and decided that since it was going to be a mismatch, both sides would play in a gentle manner, and would the refs please not call any fouls. As Greg notes, some fouls will occur by accident (maybe at least a dozen in a normal game). This one had over 90 rebounds, so one would think there'd be some collisions, etc.
Hopefully the players of Wesleyan are finding enjoyment in various aspects of being NCAA basketball players, despite wins evading them so far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2019, 06:59:30 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, earning another CCIW Player of the Week honor!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2019, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2019, 06:59:30 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, earning another CCIW Player of the Week honor!

Not much suspense for the CCIW MOP awards this year, and both to Wheaton: Hannah Frazier and Aston Francis.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2019, 08:53:43 PM
Congrats to Ms. Frazier.  She and her team had a great week.

The home stretch, keep winning, build the resume for the post-season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 04, 2019, 10:28:38 PM
Speaking of Hannah Frazier...

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2018-19/week9
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 04, 2019, 11:14:51 PM
Thanks for the heads-up Gordon.  Wheaton Thunder ladies sneak back into the top 25 at #24.   Appreciate the recognition.  IWU drops to #18.

Bowdoin still #1 over #2 Thomas More despite the latter's more difficult, albeit odd, schedule.  I'm wondering if the geographic breakdown of the voters leans east (and maybe northeast)?

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2019, 11:27:17 PM
Well, Gordon linked to the top 25, but I'll summarize anyway: IWU drops from 13 to 18; Wheaton rises from (27) to 24 (an entry into the top 25 that was long overdue, IMO).

I was all set to counter anyone who thought Wheaton should be ahead of IWU due to the sweep, by pointing to SoS.  IWU IS ahead of Wheaton in SoS, but not by nearly as much as I would have expected (IWU #17, .581; Wheaton #29, .572).  Having examined the schedules of both in great detail, I think this points to the flaws of the NCAA SoS: IWU's non-con schedule is MUCH tougher than Wheaton's.  I'm sympathetic to Wheaton fans' arguments that Wheaton should be ranked higher than IWU, but based on the TOTAL schedule's evidence, I can't buy it.

The same situation exists at the very top of the poll.  Bowdoin is #1, Thomas More is #2.  TMC DOES have an SoS advantage (#4, .615, vs. #7, .600), but a closer look at their schedules indicates a much greater differential - TMC played a MUCH tougher schedule (ALL on the road!).  IMO TMC is clearly the #1 team in D3.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2019, 12:30:11 AM
Glad to see WC in the top 25.  Well-deserved.  Now, both IWU and WC need to keep winning, polish their resumes for March.  I think one will likely win the CCIW tournament, the other getting an at-large bid.  Would be nice to see the TITANS finish the regular season at 21-4.  Perhaps we'll see a third IWU-WC game in the CCIW tournament.

WC has their re-match now with Augie . . . perhaps another loss?  I think not this time. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2019, 07:32:13 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2019, 11:27:17 PM
Well, Gordon linked to the top 25, but I'll summarize anyway: IWU drops from 13 to 18; Wheaton rises from (27) to 24 (an entry into the top 25 that was long overdue, IMO).

I was all set to counter anyone who thought Wheaton should be ahead of IWU due to the sweep, by pointing to SoS.  IWU IS ahead of Wheaton in SoS, but not by nearly as much as I would have expected (IWU #17, .581; Wheaton #29, .572).  Having examined the schedules of both in great detail, I think this points to the flaws of the NCAA SoS: IWU's non-con schedule is MUCH tougher than Wheaton's.  I'm sympathetic to Wheaton fans' arguments that Wheaton should be ranked higher than IWU, but based on the TOTAL schedule's evidence, I can't buy it.

The same situation exists at the very top of the poll.  Bowdoin is #1, Thomas More is #2.  TMC DOES have an SoS advantage (#4, .615, vs. #7, .600), but a closer look at their schedules indicates a much greater differential - TMC played a MUCH tougher schedule (ALL on the road!).  IMO TMC is clearly the #1 team in D3.

Ypsi: You've explained a solution that's searching for a problem because nobody's made an argument here that Wheaton should have been ranked higher than IWU.  With the previous week ranked #13 and ORV(27th) nothing I've observed of the poll this year suggests the voters would've moved either team up or down enough to flip.

With regard to SOS, I think your examination of the schedules "in great detail" need some slightly less green colored glasses in saying the IWU's non-con schedule is MUCH tougher.  If you look at their ranked non-con opponents:
IWU: 
           Vs Chicago (16-4) #17 D3Hoops rank
            Wartburg (18-3) #15 (neutral)
            DePauw    (18-4) #20 (neutral)
            Wash U  (15-5) ORV (neutral)
   
Wheaton:
            Vs Thomas More(24-0) #2
                @ Loras( 18-4) ORV
              @ Chicago (16-4) #17
              Vs Oshkosh (18-2) #11

Massey has IWU's schedule #6 and Wheaton's #7 – not really MUCH harder.  Including games remaining, Wheaton has a tougher total schedule which might imply their non-schedule is actually more difficult to Massey.  So making a ranking argument based on SOS ( and actually ignoring head to head, really?) is thinner than snakeskin and really just not there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 06, 2019, 02:41:51 PM
First women's regional rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-first
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2019, 03:00:03 PM
Wheaton is third, Illinois Wesleyan is fourth, and Carthage is ninth.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 06, 2019, 06:29:07 PM
Both Wheaton and IWU in pretty good shape.  Just need to take care of business, keep winning and stay ahead of WashU.  (The Bears and Chicago close out the season against each other).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2019, 08:36:58 PM
At the half in B'town:  IWU 41, Millikin 27.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2019, 09:37:38 PM
A 'no contest' at IWU: IWU 80, Millikin 54.  FIVE Titans in double digits.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2019, 09:55:49 PM
A good solid win for the TITANS tonight at The Shirk over MU 80-54.  IWU winning the TO battle 24-15 and the rebounding battle 38-26.  Much of the IWU scoring in close tonight, in the paint, esp. Merritt and Hughes.

IWU:
Merritt 20
Sosa 14
Hughes 13
Shanks 11

For MU:
Staton 15
Anthony 16
Saddler 9

IWU shoots 55%. 

Keep winning, keep building the resume for the last regional rankings.  I'm hoping for another IWU-WC game for the CCIW Tournament Championship and the AQ.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2019, 10:03:07 PM
Also for IWU:
Sam Munroe 10

IWU moves to 18-4, 11-2.

WC beat Augie badly tonight so they maintain their spot on top the regular season league race standings. 

IWU Senior Night next up vs. EC on Saturday @The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2019, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2019, 09:55:49 PM
A good solid win for the TITANS tonight at The Shirk over MU 80-54.  IWU winning the TO battle 24-15 and the rebounding battle 38-26.  Much of the IWU scoring in close tonight, in the paint, esp. Merritt and Hughes.

IWU:
Merritt 20
Sosa 14
Hughes 13
Shanks 11

For MU:
Staton 15
Anthony 16
Saddler 9

IWU shoots 55%. 

Keep winning, keep building the resume for the last regional rankings.  I'm hoping for another IWU-WC game for the CCIW Tournament Championship and the AQ.

'70

It would take a fairly major upset for that scenario NOT to happen.  And I think both are fairly safe for making the post-season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 06, 2019, 10:20:50 PM
Fun random stat: Maggie McCloskey-Bax is undefeated at Tarble Arena in games involving North Central as the Cardinals topped the Lady Reds 60-58. Once again without Tyonne Howard (concussion from what I understand) and Alanna Newsome (knee- out for the year), they needed Lyndsay Brennan for all 40 minutes, and she responded with 11 points, while Allison Pearson led the team with 14, including the game winning free throws with two seconds left. Carthage got 21 from Sammie Woodward, 12 from Autumn Kalis, and 10 from Madie Kaelber.

This is NCC's first win at Carthage since 2006. I had probably just begun my PA career at Aurora Christian as a junior in high school when that happened.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2019, 10:31:49 AM
Thanks for the injury info, lmitzel. Best wishes to Tyonne and Alanna for a return to top health. Both have done very well in their debut college seasons.
-
Wheaton 61, Augustana 39; Aug had 2 pts in the 1st Q.
The Thunder got 20 pts 10 rebs 4 blocks from ultra-reliable Hannah Frazier, 2 steals 3 assists 4 blocks 9 rebs from Devin Kyler, 10 pts 3 assists by Jordan Myroth. Kirsten Madsen provided a nice boost to the scoring, tallying 9 in 16:00.
The Vikings received 15 pts from Izzy Anderson and 11, 7 reb by Alexis Jones.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2019, 11:25:24 AM
I saw Elmhurst's 71-62 win over Carroll, offsetting a 31 point outburst by Carroll's Sierra Grubor.
Elena Cabrera led EC with 16 pts (.700 eFG%) and 3 steals. Kween Jean (pronounced John, I think; maybe there's a hint of the French way to say Jean) helped via 12 pts 7 rebs. Marissa Urso added 13 pts. Lauren Goff and Kelly Weyhrich made key plays to preserve the win. Lisa Logan does not appear to be at 100% health-wise lately, but she was still able to contribute to the Jays' successful effort.
The Pioneers' Sierra Grubor tallied 21 of her 31 pts from 18 FG att (.583 eFG%) and made 10 of 12 FTs. Sierra Mist only 2 of 12 FTs.
Kayla Stefka scored 11. Celina Schwantes led all with 10 rebs.
I was interested to see Carroll's promising group of freshmen. Grubor is quite a versatile scorer, one you could easily imagine being the conference's leading scorer soon, depending on how much Coach Schultz relies on her for points.
Stefka seems to have a variety of helpful talents. Alyssa Cruz wasn't at her best Wednesday (turnovers : several passes were too clever!), but she has done quite well in many games; seems to have the abilities you'd want in a primary ball-handler. Theresa Wichser provides much-needed 3FG range (.385 accuracy - very good) but she must be currently injured. Schwantes is a good rebounder and helps in other aspects, as does Amanda Hooks. There is some good height in this group, along with agility. Others haven't played much, so I couldn't say much about them.
This is a rather good bunch of freshmen, although you can't assume any particular player on any team will continually improve. They have to work on it. Add in talented sophomores Katie Rossetti and Emily Majerus, it looks like Carroll could be pretty decent in upcoming seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 07, 2019, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2019, 11:25:24 AM
Kween Jean (pronounced John, I think; maybe there's a hint of the French way to say Jean)

From what I was told when Elmhurst came to Naperville, yeah, it's kind of the French way.

Here's the updated conference standings.












SchoolRecord
z-Wheaton13-1
z-IWU11-2
x-Carthage8-5
Augustana6-8
Elmhurst5-8
NCC5-8
North Park4-9
Millikin4-9
Carroll4-10

Wheaton just needs a win or Illinois Wesleyan loss to clinch the #1 seed in the CCIW Tournament, but both have locked up the bye. Carthage is the only other team to lock up a tournament berth, and really, looking things over it's pretty much a full six team race for those last three spots. NCC's win over Carthage is a huge tiebreaker advantage over everyone except Millikin and potentially Elmhurst (since they play again in Faganel on the 16th).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2019, 11:59:59 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2019, 11:25:24 AM
I saw Elmhurst's 71-62 win over Carroll, offsetting a 31 point outburst by Carroll's Sierra Grubor.
Elena Cabrera led EC with 16 pts (.700 eFG%) and 3 steals. Kween Jean (pronounced John, I think; maybe there's a hint of the French way to say Jean) helped via 12 pts 7 rebs. Marissa Urso added 13 pts. Lauren Goff and Kelly Weyhrich made key plays to preserve the win. Lisa Logan does not appear to be at 100% health-wise lately, but she was still able to contribute to the Jays' successful effort.
The Pioneers' Sierra Grubor tallied 21 of her 31 pts from 18 FG att (.583 eFG%) and made 10 of 12 FTs. Sierra Mist only 2 of 12 FTs.
Kayla Stefka scored 11. Celina Schwantes led all with 10 rebs.
I was interested to see Carroll's promising group of freshmen. Grubor is quite a versatile scorer, one you could easily imagine being the conference's leading scorer soon, depending on how much Coach Schultz relies on her for points.
Stefka seems to have a variety of helpful talents. Alyssa Cruz wasn't at her best Wednesday (turnovers : several passes were too clever!), but she has done quite well in many games; seems to have the abilities you'd want in a primary ball-handler. Theresa Wichser provides much-needed 3FG range (.385 accuracy - very good) but she must be currently injured. Schwantes is a good rebounder and helps in other aspects, as does Amanda Hooks. There is some good height in this group, along with agility. Others haven't played much, so I couldn't say much about them.
This is a rather good bunch of freshmen, although you can't assume any particular player on any team will continually improve. They have to work on it. Add in talented sophomores Katie Rossetti and Emily Majerus, it looks like Carroll could be pretty decent in upcoming seasons.

The untold story of this season in the CCIW (because nobody who follows Carroll posts here) is how good the Carroll underclassmen are. The entire team consists of freshmen and sophomores, and, as Rog says, there's a lot of potential there. Sure, that's not reflected in the team's won-lost record, but, aside from their loss to Wheaton two weeks ago, the Pioneers have been in every single game that they've played since the beginning of December. If Lindsay Schultz can keep her team together, and maybe add another piece or two, the Pioneers could break through and contend for the CCIW title within the next couple of seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2019, 05:28:52 AM
Greg and RogK, agree with you fully about Carroll.  I was most impressed with them when they played IWU.  Lots of talent and future potential.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2019, 09:29:09 PM
Congrats and good wishes to the four IWU Seniors on Senior Night at The Shirk.  Thank you for all your contributions to the IWU community and to the women's basketball program.  IWU fans have enjoyed watching you all play these past years.  Good luck with all future endeavors following graduation. 

Keep going -- more good and important basketball to be played this season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2019, 06:24:24 PM
Titans over EC 25-15 after 1 Q.  A good Senior night vibe.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2019, 06:44:44 PM
Titans up 49-31 at the half.  I've seen no reason to believe the game isn't already over.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2019, 06:50:02 PM
Great to see all the basketball alums back tonight for Senior Night -- lots of love and loyalty for the program. 

The Titan offense in full flower and flow tonight -- 49 in the first half.  It's an up-and-down kind of game, lots of fouls, but high octane basketball on both sides.  Go for 100 TITANS.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2019, 07:42:32 PM
Domination on Senior Night @The Shirk:   IWU over EC 83-62

All the seniors playing well:

Merritt 20
Anderson 14
Schneider 6 and 9

Shanks 19
Hughes 6 and 8
Brovelli 7 and 13

For EC:
Logan 11
Urso 11
Wyhrich 10

Titans keep it rolling, move to 19-4, 12-2.

Offense in the first half, scoring 49, was a thing of beauty with speed and ball movement.  Perhaps the best they've played offensively all year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 09, 2019, 07:46:31 PM
Titans 83, Blue Jays 62 - final.  Merritt had 20, Shanks 19, Anderson 14.  Mildly disappointed in Coach Smith - the game was never in doubt, yet she couldn't find more than 5 minutes for the 4th senior, Emily Farris on Senior Night?  She obviously doesn't have the talent of the other three seniors, but she probably worked just as hard and cared just as much.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2019, 08:08:30 PM
Carthage 63
North Park 51

Jayla Johnson: 11 pts, 9 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts
Sinead Molloy: 10 pts, 3:1 a:to
Josie Summerville: 11 rebs

Bailey Gilbert: 15 pts, 7 rebs
Maggie Berigan: 13 pts, 8 rebs
Autumn Kalis: 12 pts, 3:1 a:to
Haley Ahr: 10 rebs
Sammie Woodward: 3:0 a:to

NPU led most of the way, by as many as 10 in the first half and eight in the second, but the Vikings faltered in the fourth quarter and the Lady Reds found their footing, outsocring NPU 26-7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2019, 08:24:52 PM
Thunder squeak by the Lady Cardinals, 68-59 in 2OT in Naperville.

A road win is always well earned especially at a tough place to play like Gregory.  Thunder were a little slow of step it seemed all night and trailed 36-25 at half time but clawed their way back. They almost exclusively went through Hannah Frazier down the stretch in OTs and she delivered some huge baskets finishing with a near triple-double of 23 pts, 12 rebs, 8 asst, 2 blks, 3 stls, 1to.  The development of Jordan Myroth as a leader on this team continued as she was also very active in the OTs with 18 pts, 11 rebs, 6 asst.

Lots of credit to NCC as they gave Wheaton all they could handle with some very scrappy play.  Lyndsay Brennan had an excellent game with 15 pts, 12 rebs, while Natalia Dimitrova scored 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2019, 08:51:49 PM
Wow, 2 OTs, WC and NCC, though WC escapes. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2019, 10:35:35 PM
Augie defeated Millikin 62-53.
Alexis Jones scored 22 (7 2FG / 10 FG att, 8/8 FTs) and grabbed 9 rebs. Lauren Hall had 10 rebs and 3 assists. Scooter Lopez scored a dozen.
Jordan Hildebrand dominated the Millikin effort, hitting 12 of 16 2FG att and 4/4 FTs for 28 pts, adding 10 rebs, 7 turnovers (offsetting a fraction of her otherwise excellent work) and 3 steals. Definitely a substantial net positive for her.
The rest of the Big Blue combined for 7/44 FG shooting. Come to think of it, neither team shot very well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2019, 10:40:46 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 09, 2019, 08:24:52 PM
Thunder squeak by the Lady Cardinals, 68-59 in 2OT in Naperville.

A road win is always well earned especially at a tough place to play like Gregory.  Thunder were a little slow of step it seemed all night and trailed 36-25 at half time but clawed their way back. They almost exclusively went through Hannah Frazier down the stretch in OTs and she delivered some huge baskets finishing with a near triple-double of 23 pts, 12 rebs, 8 asst, 2 blks, 3 stls, 1to.  The development of Jordan Myroth as a leader on this team continued as she was also very active in the OTs with 18 pts, 11 rebs, 6 asst.

Lots of credit to NCC as they gave Wheaton all they could handle with some very scrappy play.  Lyndsay Brennan had an excellent game with 15 pts, 12 rebs, while Natalia Dimitrova scored 10 pts.

I have to tip my cap. Wheaton played like crap in the first half and the Cardinals shot well in the first half, but went ice cold in the second. Scoring only four points in the third quarter isn't going to get it done.

That said... and I hate to be that guy... but North Central was whistled for 21 fouls tonight. Wheaton? Seven. In 50 minutes of basketball. I'll let you make whatever inferences you want to on that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 10, 2019, 12:36:29 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 09, 2019, 10:40:46 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 09, 2019, 08:24:52 PM
Thunder squeak by the Lady Cardinals, 68-59 in 2OT in Naperville.

A road win is always well earned especially at a tough place to play like Gregory.  Thunder were a little slow of step it seemed all night and trailed 36-25 at half time but clawed their way back. They almost exclusively went through Hannah Frazier down the stretch in OTs and she delivered some huge baskets finishing with a near triple-double of 23 pts, 12 rebs, 8 asst, 2 blks, 3 stls, 1to.  The development of Jordan Myroth as a leader on this team continued as she was also very active in the OTs with 18 pts, 11 rebs, 6 asst.

Lots of credit to NCC as they gave Wheaton all they could handle with some very scrappy play.  Lyndsay Brennan had an excellent game with 15 pts, 12 rebs, while Natalia Dimitrova scored 10 pts.

I have to tip my cap. Wheaton played like crap in the first half and the Cardinals shot well in the first half, but went ice cold in the second. Scoring only four points in the third quarter isn't going to get it done.

That said... and I hate to be that guy... but North Central was whistled for 21 fouls tonight. Wheaton? Seven. In 50 minutes of basketball. I'll let you make whatever inferences you want to on that one.

I'll certainly agree with the foul discrepancy but style of play also plays a role in this. Wheaton pounded the ball into the post the entire second half and overtime and were aggressive with the dribble drive. North Central seemed to shy away from the post game and relied on the three and midrange jumper game. North Central was white hot in the first half with the help of some defensive indifference from the Thunder. I haven't seen Wheaton struggle to find their match-ups as many times as they did in the first half.

Wheaton was as bad as we've seen all year in the first half and a 16-0 Cardinal run in the second quarter drove that point home. But despite the struggles, Wheaton continuously played through Frazier in the second half and paid dividends. Jordan Myroth was terrific despite the three wide open lay-ups she missed in the second half.

I don't know what Kent Madsen told his team at halftime but they played with a renewed defensive purpose in the second half and did a great job not folding to the pressure down the stretch. Congrats to Coach Madsen and his staff on clinching his fourth CCIW title. They've done a heck of a coaching job this year dealing with some offensive inefficiencies and then the loss of Jennifer Berg in the middle of the year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 10, 2019, 03:40:17 PM
Quote from: thunder38 on February 10, 2019, 12:36:29 PM

Jordan Myroth was terrific despite the three wide open lay-ups she missed in the second half.


I've already mentioned how Myroth has really developed as an all around player this year.  She's upped her game in leadership, scoring, rebounding and all around play making.  Her size and ball handling allows her to get to the front of the rim pretty easily.  However, I wish she were a better finisher as she sometimes tends to miss some close in layups or rush her shot.  I doubt she'll have time to work on that in the off-season, but any improvement in that area can make her into an even greater threat next season.  She deserves 1st team All CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 11, 2019, 03:58:30 PM
Hannah Frazier earns Player of the Week honors after another dominant week!

https://cciw.org/news/2019/2/11/wheatons-frazier-wins-second-straight-cciw-womens-basketball-player-of-the-week-honor.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2019, 04:01:41 PM
It's pretty obvious that she's a mortal lock for MOP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 11, 2019, 04:12:16 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2019, 04:01:41 PM
It's pretty obvious that she's a mortal lock for MOP.

Which brings up something I’ve been wondering... when was the last time (if ever) a school swept the Women’s and Men’s MOP awards? You would know much better than I would.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2019, 07:21:24 PM
1988 -- Mike Barach and Janice Swanson, North Park
1990 -- Robert Brown and Sandy Eberhardt, North Central
1993 -- Kirk Anderson and Keesha Brooks, Augustana
1999 -- Rob Hamann and Kerry Cole, Wheaton
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 11, 2019, 07:38:49 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2019, 07:21:24 PM
1988 -- Mike Barach and Janice Swanson, North Park
1990 -- Robert Brown and Sandy Eberhardt, North Central
1993 -- Kirk Anderson and Keesha Brooks, Augustana
1999 -- Rob Hamann and Kerry Cole, Wheaton

Thanks! My brother texted me with the years after he saw my post 😂
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2019, 08:34:34 PM
Last season's Newcomer of the Year was a sophomore, Hannah Frazier. (whatever happened to her? is she still playing?) ha!
I think this season's award should go to one (or more) of these freshmen :
Alanna Newsome, Aubrey Staton, Jayla Johnson, Sierra Grubor.
Let's see how the remaining handful of games go.
Other newcomers have substantially contributed to their teams' causes, of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 11, 2019, 10:13:00 PM
Week 10 women's poll STILL not up - the men's was posted over ten hours ago!  I think Pat needs to light a fire under some of the women's poll voters' butts! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 11, 2019, 11:10:21 PM
Not a lot of movement in the new poll, especially among the top ten.  IWU up one place to #17, Wheaton up a few to #21.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 11, 2019, 11:51:42 PM
QuoteWeek 10 women's poll STILL not up - the men's was posted over ten hours ago!  I think Pat needs to light a fire under some of the women's poll voters' butts!

No, the voters all got their ballots in well in advance of the deadline. I was just tardy posting it.

Sorry about that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2019, 12:05:08 AM
Well, Gordon, shame, shame!

Since IWU had two blow-out wins, while Wheaton had one blow-out win plus a double-OT win, I'm gonna guess that some voters belatedly realized that Wheaton had the sweep over IWU, and belatedly rewarded them with a 3 slot rise over IWU's 1 slot rise.

Regardless of the CCIW tourney, here's hoping BOTH IWU and Wheaton make the dance (and that if someone else gets hot and wins the tourney, they all three make the dance!).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 12, 2019, 06:56:13 AM
Gordon and I have significantly different job schedules.

One thing we've learned over the last four or five years is that managing the polls on Monday really takes more than one person. It was one of the key reasons I had to take my sabbatical and it was a huge burden for Gordon in the two seasons I was out.

Short of us both taking Mondays off of work, this is the best we can do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2019, 06:59:35 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 12, 2019, 06:56:13 AM
Gordon and I have significantly different job schedules.

One thing we've learned over the last four or five years is that managing the polls on Monday really takes more than one person. It was one of the key reasons I had to take my sabbatical and it was a huge burden for Gordon in the two seasons I was out.

Short of us both taking Mondays off of work, this is the best we can do.

Yeah, so . . .?   ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2019, 07:25:24 AM
I would think both IWU and Wheaton are in the mortal lock category for Pool C consideration.  Both Chicago and WashU lost.  So the Central RR tomorrow will probably be #1-UW-Oshkosh, #2-Wheaton, and #3-IWU in that order - maybe Chicago staying #3.  Looking down the road a bit and provided both continue winning, a Wesleyan/Wheaton CCIW final will not just be for the conference title but possible first round hosting could be at stake.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 12, 2019, 09:19:26 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 12, 2019, 06:59:35 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 12, 2019, 06:56:13 AM
Gordon and I have significantly different job schedules.

One thing we've learned over the last four or five years is that managing the polls on Monday really takes more than one person. It was one of the key reasons I had to take my sabbatical and it was a huge burden for Gordon in the two seasons I was out.

Short of us both taking Mondays off of work, this is the best we can do.

Yeah, so . . .?   ;)

I tried it for three years and it didn't make the website any more revenue, so I went back to work. Sorry.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2019, 10:48:16 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 11, 2019, 08:34:34 PM
Last season's Newcomer of the Year was a sophomore, Hannah Frazier. (whatever happened to her? is she still playing?) ha!
I think this season's award should go to one (or more) of these freshmen :
Alanna Newsome, Aubrey Staton, Jayla Johnson, Sierra Grubor.
Let's see how the remaining handful of games go.
Other newcomers have substantially contributed to their teams' causes, of course.

I think Newcomer is a dead heat between MU's Aubrey Staton and NPU's Jayla Johnson at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2019, 10:59:19 AM
I don't know. Sierra Grubor has really come on like gangbusters here at the end of the season. She averaged almost 23 ppg in the three consecutive road games that CU just played.

Sierra didn't Mist many shots in those contests.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2019, 11:53:28 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2019, 10:59:19 AM
I don't know. Sierra Grubor has really come on like gangbusters here at the end of the season. She averaged almost 23 ppg in the three consecutive road games that CU just played.

Sierra didn't Mist many shots in those contests.

And she's now 2nd leading scorer in the conference behind Frazier.  That's a big consideration for sure.  On the other hand, Staton and Johnson are amongst the leading scorers, but also displaying a few more all around game qualities - rebounds, steals, blocks.   I do have Grubor as 2nd team All-conf.  Just my opinion.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2019, 01:18:24 PM
GoPerry, have you settled on all 16 all-CCIW positions? Waiting to see how this week goes?
Last season's 16 was rather top-heavy, 11 being from 3 teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2019, 02:20:29 PM
Well, I've had this penciled for a few days, but wasn't going to post until after Wheaton's last game tomorrow.  But since you asked – still sort of a work in progress.

Here is my first shot:

First:
Frazier (MOP) Wheaton
Maddie Merritt , IWU
Sydney Shanks, IWU
Alexis Jones, Augustana
Devin Kyler, Wheaton
Jordan Myroth, Wheaton
Bailey Gilbert, Carthage
Yanni Sadler, Millikin

Second:
Aubrey Staton(Newcomer), Millikin
Jordan Hildebrand, Millikin
Izzy Anderson, Augustana
Madie Kaelber, Carthage
Autumn Kaelis, Carthage
Sierra Grubor, Carroll
Alyssa Cruz, Carroll
Jayla Johnson, NPU
Lyndsay  Brennan, NCC
Lisa Logan, Elmhurst
Raven Hughes, IWU

I feel very confident about Frazier, Merritt, Shanks and Jones as 1st team.  I feel pretty good that either Kyler or Myroth will be 1st team as well - possibly both - but I'm not sure Wheaton deserves three first teamers.  The other will fall to second. The only question about Gilbert and Saddler is that they have team mates that are equally deserving to be 1st team, so they might interchange.

Second team has eleven names for eight spots.  So not sure who is left off.  Plus, I might be totally overlooking somebody also.

Millikin is interesting in that Saddler, Staton and Hildebrand all fill up the stat sheet.  Makes me wonder why the team hasn't experienced as much success.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2019, 03:11:30 PM
Millikin games have been pretty free-flowing, so several opponents have "filled up" the stats as well. We'll see what Coach Lett emphasizes in coming seasons, but we could say that this year, she's done a good job getting her players in position to succeed at the offensive end. I prefer to see an 85-75 game over 55-45, so I'm not complaining. Recruiting is the main determinant; stay tuned.
I think your list is reasonable, GoPerry. Other possibles could be Hannah Williams, Kendall Sosa, Alanna Newsome. I'm 100% on Gilbert and Kalis from Carthage. I had a nice chat with Coach Bernero after Saturday's game, but he neglected to reveal his list of all-conf nominees. I'd say several Lady Reds have earned consideration. Our conversation was probably 80-90% not about D3. Subjects included Thai iced tea.
Elmhurst is another team that has gotten big games from various players, but perhaps not enough through the whole season. Coach Carrillo has done well getting productivity from a bunch of players who weren't prominent (or even present) last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 12, 2019, 03:50:55 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2019, 10:59:19 AM
I don't know. Sierra Grubor has really come on like gangbusters here at the end of the season. She averaged almost 23 ppg in the three consecutive road games that CU just played.

Sierra didn't Mist many shots in those contests.

Okay it's borderline criminal that this pun hasn't been acknowledged yet... nicely done
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2019, 12:49:23 AM
As much as I love Kendall Sosa's game and indeed her prospects for the future, I think Raven Hughes deserves the All-Conference nod more, if you are going for a third Titan, beyond Merritt and Shanks.  Raven's rebounding, consistent scoring and incredible shooting percentage merit the nod, IMHO.  Sosa will be All-conference in coming years, quite likely.  Both still sophomores. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 09:39:52 AM
Elmhurst @ NPU tonight is a very significant game for a CCIW tournament berth.  An Elmhurst win likely clinches a berth for the LadyJays presuming NCC loses to IWU.  A Park victory keeps the Vikes very much in the running and maybe even a leg up – their win at Augie could be the tie-breaker.  At the very least, their fate will remain in their hands.  Going to six teams has kept more games significant later in February, at least this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 11:00:07 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 09:39:52 AM
Elmhurst @ NPU tonight is a very significant game for a CCIW tournament berth.  An Elmhurst win likely clinches a berth for the LadyJays presuming NCC loses to IWU.  A Park victory keeps the Vikes very much in the running and maybe even a leg up – their win at Augie could be the tie-breaker.  At the very least, their fate will remain in their hands.  Going to six teams has kept more games significant later in February, at least this season.

Yeah, every game is significant tonight (especially that ELM-NPU game), but not every team has something to play for in terms of the conference race.

Here's a quick update on the standings:












SchoolRecord
*-Wheaton14-1
z-IWU12-2
y-Carthage9-5
x-Augustana7-8
Elmhurst5-9
NCC5-9
North Park4-10
Millikin4-10
Carroll4-10

Bearing in mind thus far that Wheaton locked up the #1 seed, Wesleyan is locked into #2, and Carthage clinched #3. Augie's in for sure, but the question of seeding is still relevant. Your clinching scenarios tonight:

If tonight goes full chalk, North Central would still have a one game lead on the remaining three teams for the sixth and final spot. In that scenario, North Central would clinch the final spot with a win at Elmhurst or a North Park win over Millikin; North Central has the tiebreaker over Carroll (either the split with Carthage or the Augie sweep, depending on records) and North Park (split with Carthage), but Millikin has the tiebreaker over NCC due to the season sweep.

I'm rooting for the chaos scenario for obvious reasons: NCC upsets the team in green tonight and beats Elmhurst on Saturday, while Carthage dispatches Augie on Saturday, giving North Central the #4 seed and a home game on Tuesday. I know it's unlikely, but North Central came within a ridiculous foul disparity poor shooting third quarter on Saturday of finally knocking off Wheaton, and even then the Thunder needed double overtime. LET ME HAVE MY HOPES AND DREAMS.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2019, 11:35:58 AM
lmitzel, are you also going to yearn?
Tonight's matchups first time around :
12/15 North Park loses at Elmhurst 68-60; 70 FT attempts in that game.
1/9 Millikin loses at Wheaton 76-75; highest opponent score against the Thunder.
1/16 Carroll loses at Carthage 71-60.
1/16 North Central loses at Illinois Wesleyan 82-77; NCC scores 8 in the 3rd Q and 36 in the 4th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 11:43:28 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERsI3twlu34
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2019, 12:00:20 PM
Yeah, I was hoping lmitzel had seen that scene. Thanks, Greg.
Thanks to lmitzel for figuring the tournament possibilities.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 12:15:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2019, 11:35:58 AM
lmitzel, are you also going to yearn?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 11:43:28 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERsI3twlu34

I, uh... sure?

(I don't remember having seen that scene prior to today, but I'm an uncultured swine who didn't watch a ton of Seinfeld, so...)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2019, 12:33:14 PM
Uh oh, I guess that makes me a cultured swine. Ha! I resemble that remark!
So, the all-CCIW awards are based on games played before this coming Sunday, presumably not to be influenced by performance in the conference tourney. That would seem to narrow the time frame for voting. Yes?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 12:46:07 PM
Yes.

(Coaches used to have the better part of a week to do it. Now they have two days.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 01:25:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 12, 2019, 03:11:30 PM
Millikin games have been pretty free-flowing, so several opponents have "filled up" the stats as well. We'll see what Coach Lett emphasizes in coming seasons, but we could say that this year, she's done a good job getting her players in position to succeed at the offensive end. I prefer to see an 85-75 game over 55-45, so I'm not complaining. Recruiting is the main determinant; stay tuned.
I think your list is reasonable, GoPerry. Other possibles could be Hannah Williams, Kendall Sosa, Alanna Newsome. I'm 100% on Gilbert and Kalis from Carthage. I had a nice chat with Coach Bernero after Saturday's game, but he neglected to reveal his list of all-conf nominees. I'd say several Lady Reds have earned consideration. Our conversation was probably 80-90% not about D3. Subjects included Thai iced tea.
Elmhurst is another team that has gotten big games from various players, but perhaps not enough through the whole season. Coach Carrillo has done well getting productivity from a bunch of players who weren't prominent (or even present) last season.

I can see Williams and Sosa getting strong consideration for their scoring.  Williams especially has had some big games of late.  Ashley Schneider was a second teamer last year so she'll definitely get a look again.  I guess it depends on whether the coaches will grant half the spots to Wheaton and Wesleyan like they did last year (4 each).  A strong case can certainly be made to do so as the separation between those two teams with Carthage and the rest of the league is just as stark as last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 13, 2019, 02:56:16 PM
Regional Rankings Week 2 released: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-second
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 04:01:36 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 13, 2019, 02:56:16 PM
Regional Rankings Week 2 released: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-second

A little curious.  Since the last ranking:

Chicago goes 1-1 and moves from #2 to #1 in the ranking
Oshkosh 2-1, drops from #2 to #1
Wheaton 2-0, stays put #3
Whitewater 3-0 jumps from #8 to #4
IWU 2-0 drops from #4 to #5

Not at all what I was expecting.  I guess the head to head means Wheaton can't possibly be ranked ahead of Chicago or Oshkosh?

The vRRo #s don't make sense to me either unless they're also counting teams ranked last week.



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: thunder38 on February 13, 2019, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 04:01:36 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 13, 2019, 02:56:16 PM
Regional Rankings Week 2 released: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-second

A little curious.  Since the last ranking:

Chicago goes 1-1 and moves from #2 to #1 in the ranking
Oshkosh 2-1, drops from #2 to #1
Wheaton 2-0, stays put #3
Whitewater 3-0 jumps from #8 to #4
IWU 2-0 drops from #4 to #5

Not at all what I was expecting.  I guess the head to head means Wheaton can't possibly be ranked ahead of Chicago or Oshkosh?

The vRRo #s don't make sense to me either unless they're also counting teams ranked last week.

This would be the first week they could factor vRRO into the equation so that could explain some of the movement.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 13, 2019, 04:24:25 PM
They only count the results against the previously ranked teams. They cannot count the current rankings ... when they are trying to compile the current rankings. It would start a never-ending cycle of updating vRRO, re-ranking, updating vRRO, re-ranking, etc.

The vRRO data is based on the previous week's rankings. Week 1 didn't have that data set at all since there were no rankings to base it on. This week is based on Week 1. Week 3 will be based on Week 2. The final RAC assisted rankings will be based on Week 3. The National Committee produces an absolute final rankings based on Week 3 and Week 4 - per se. Little harder to explain, but basically Week 3's rankings aren't dropped off because of the re-ranking and re-totaling thing at the very end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 13, 2019, 07:00:36 PM
Wheaton and Millikin will have to wait until tomorrow.

“ThunderWBball: WBB: Due to travel issues, tonight's women's basketball game at Millikin has been postponed to tomorrow night (2/14) at 7 pm.”
*edit below*
https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2019/2/13/womens-basketball-millikin-womens-game-postponed.aspx

Wheaton’s team bus broke down and they were unable to find another bus that would get them to Decatur in a reasonable proximity to game time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2019, 08:37:10 PM
IWU and NCC tied at the half 31-31.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 08:40:44 PM
NCC is really coming on!  They took Wheaton to double OT last game; tonite they are tied with IWU at 31 at the half.  With their youth (only one senior on the whole roster), they may be scary good very soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 08:54:36 PM
Now that's more like it - in the first 87 seconds of the third quarter, Titans score 6 unanswered points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 09:11:49 PM
I've seen this movie before, but sometimes reruns are fun!  IWU blows open the game in the third quarter - now up 55-39!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2019, 09:42:18 PM
Yes, the 3Q 24-8 run, the key:

IWU over NCC:  78-68.  NCC with a bright future, many young players.

IWU:
Merritt, a monster game, 26 and 12
Schneider playing well, 18
Shanks 14

For NCC:
Pearson 22
Howard 10

A good win, now a 20 win season.  Congrats to the Titans and the Coaching Staff.  One more regular season game to go, up in Cheeseheadland.  Get everything clicking for the CCIW tournament and the post-season.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 09:43:13 PM
Those damn third quarters for North Central. A late comeback bid fell short and the Titans will leave Naperville with a 78-68 victory. Maddie Merritt led the Titans with 26 and 12, Ashley schneider scores 18, and Sydney shanks chipped in 14. Allison Pearson paced the Cardinals with 22, Page Desenberg put in 15, and Tyonne Howard chipped in 10.

Alas, my pipe dream of announcing one more game this year is gone. :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 09:55:45 PM
Final in Naperville, IWU 78, NCC 68.  If you take away the third quarter, NCC was at least arguably the better team, and out-scored IWU 60-54.  Fortunately, the third quarter DOES count! ;D

With only one senior on the entire roster, I would say the future is very bright in Naperville.

Imitzel, I listened to almost the entire broadcast (since the men's game against NPU was over almost before it started), and you (or your broadcast partner) commented several times about disastrous third quarters.  Care to elaborate?  IWU almost always seems to win the third quarter.  Perhaps your coach needs to send a spy to find out Mia Smith's halftime routine! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 10:07:03 PM
North Park 62
Elmhurst 58

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 6 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 10 pts
Sinead Molloy: 10 pts
Josie Summerville: 20 rebs

Kelly Weyhrich: 17 pts
Becca Gerke: 8 rebs
Lisa Logan: 7 rebs
Lauren Goff: 3 stls

It was not pretty enough to paste into a scrapbook by any means, but the Vikings gutted out a must-win whose result is as beautiful as one could ask. It went back and forth all night, with neither team able to muster a lead bigger than five points (both EC and NPU had five-point bulges in the fourth quarter), but the Vikings proved particularly scrappy in hanging on with great defense after Jayla Johnson was whistled for her fourth foul early in the final stanza.

After a Jacki Rapp layup gave NPU a 60-56 lead with 44 seconds left, EC's Kelly Weyhrich responded with a layup at the other end seven seconds later to cut the NPU lead back to two. The Vikings were going to take the shot clock all the way down, so the 'jays fouled twice in order to get NPU into the bonus. The second foul sent Zakiya Newsome, NPU's most reliable FT shooter, to the line with 24 seconds or so to go, but Newsome (77% at the stripe this season) somehow missed both free throws. Enter Jayla Johnson, four fouls and all, who came across the lane and grabbed the offensive rebound, the biggest rebound that anybody has pulled down in the crackerbox in ages. Newsome was fouled again, and, given a chance at redemption, this time she made them both -- and then she stole the ball from Weyhrich (who had a fantastic second half for EC) at the other end of the floor to seal the win.

Newsome and Johnson had the heroics tonight, but the Vikings don't win without Josie Summerville's monster night on the glass. Her 20 caroms tonight is a season high for the Vikes and, therefore, a personal high for the freshman from Adairsville, GA, and it's tied for the sixth-best rebounding game in NPU women's basketball history.

With Carroll and North Central both losing tonight, NPU finds itself in a three-way tie for fifth with EC and NCC. I haven't sorted through all of the tiebreaker scenarios yet, but at first blush it appears to me that the Vikings will head to Decatur on Saturday very much in control of their own destiny.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:12:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 10:07:03 PM
With Carroll and North Central both losing tonight, NPU finds itself in a three-way tie for fifth with EC and NCC. I haven't sorted through all of the tiebreaker scenarios yet, but at first blush it appears to me that the Vikings will head to Decatur on Saturday very much in control of their own destiny.

I haven't done it all yet either, and tomorrow's Wheaton-Millikin matchup will clear some things up. But as I understand it, Elmhurst-NCC is a play-in game, and North Park should be win and in as well.

Side note: caught the end of this game. Good call, Greg!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:19:20 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 09:55:45 PM
Imitzel, I listened to almost the entire broadcast (since the men's game against NPU was over almost before it started), and you (or your broadcast partner) commented several times about disastrous third quarters.  Care to elaborate?  IWU almost always seems to win the third quarter.  Perhaps your coach needs to send a spy to find out Mia Smith's halftime routine! ;D

Full disclosure: not me. I'm the PA guy, so you mainly just hear me yelling in the background because yelling things (mainly #THREEEEEEEEE) is fun :)

But to answer your question, North Central's worst quarter this season is the third, where they have a -79 point differential. This has been most starkly felt in both losses to IWU (tonight: just 8 points) and this past Saturday against Wheaton (4 points against a Thunder team they were in command against).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2019, 11:05:21 PM
Home from the close game at North Park and checking the details of Carthage's 65-59 decision over Carroll.
Autumn Kalis scored 17 via 10 FG att, yielding an .850 eFG%; she added 6 rebs, 6 assists, 2 steals.
Maggie Berigan was productive : 5 blocks, 9 rebs, 12 pts; Rachel Szydlowski had 14 pts, 6 rebs.
Carroll got 11 pts 11 rebs by Celina Schwantes, 20 pts by Sierra Grubor, while Amanda Hooks made 2/2 2FGs and 3/5 3FGs for 13 pts.
Carthage now has a .667 winning pct in CCIW play and in nonconference action.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 11:24:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:12:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 10:07:03 PM
With Carroll and North Central both losing tonight, NPU finds itself in a three-way tie for fifth with EC and NCC. I haven't sorted through all of the tiebreaker scenarios yet, but at first blush it appears to me that the Vikings will head to Decatur on Saturday very much in control of their own destiny.

I haven't done it all yet either, and tomorrow's Wheaton-Millikin matchup will clear some things up. But as I understand it, Elmhurst-NCC is a play-in game, and North Park should be win and in as well.

Side note: caught the end of this game. Good call, Greg!

Yeah - big win for Park over Elmhurst.  If WC beats MU tomorrow, then I think NPU also gets the #6 if NCC beats Elmhurst (2 pm tip off) since I think they have the tie breaker over the Jays.  Elmhurst hasn't beaten Wheaton, IWU, Carthage or Augie while the Vikes have the W over Augie.  At least I think . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 11:37:07 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:19:20 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 13, 2019, 09:55:45 PM
Imitzel, I listened to almost the entire broadcast (since the men's game against NPU was over almost before it started), and you (or your broadcast partner) commented several times about disastrous third quarters.  Care to elaborate?  IWU almost always seems to win the third quarter.  Perhaps your coach needs to send a spy to find out Mia Smith's halftime routine! ;D

Full disclosure: not me. I'm the PA guy, so you mainly just hear me yelling in the background because yelling things (mainly #THREEEEEEEEE) is fun :)

But to answer your question, North Central's worst quarter this season is the third, where they have a -79 point differential. This has been most starkly felt in both losses to IWU (tonight: just 8 points) and this past Saturday against Wheaton (4 points against a Thunder team they were in command against).

Yeah, I've seen your "PA announcer" on your intro so many times, but I just forgot and assumed you were one of the broadcasters. :-[  I heard you many a time in the background of the broadcast - it DID sound like you were having fun!

IF you can keep the team together, and IF they progress in the usual way towards upperclassmen, you've got a title contender on your hands in a couple of years.  Except for the third quarter, they scared the **** out of me! :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 11:38:26 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:12:42 PM
Side note: caught the end of this game. Good call, Greg!

Thanks, Lucas!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2019, 12:21:19 AM
Tons of good young players in the CCIW this year.  Hope they stick around and develop further, making for some new contenders for the CCIW crown in future.  It's been pretty much IWU and Wheaton, with a touch of Carthage thrown in during recent years. 

Looking forward hopefully to a third IWU-WC game for the CCIW tournament championship.  Both pretty much assured a national tournament bid at this point, with 20+ wins.

Congrats to both WC and IWU players, coaches, on outstanding seasons so far.  Keep going.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 01:01:02 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 11:24:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:12:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 10:07:03 PM
With Carroll and North Central both losing tonight, NPU finds itself in a three-way tie for fifth with EC and NCC. I haven't sorted through all of the tiebreaker scenarios yet, but at first blush it appears to me that the Vikings will head to Decatur on Saturday very much in control of their own destiny.

I haven't done it all yet either, and tomorrow's Wheaton-Millikin matchup will clear some things up. But as I understand it, Elmhurst-NCC is a play-in game, and North Park should be win and in as well.

Side note: caught the end of this game. Good call, Greg!

Yeah - big win for Park over Elmhurst.  If WC beats MU tomorrow, then I think NPU also gets the #6 if NCC beats Elmhurst (2 pm tip off) since I think they have the tie breaker over the Jays.  Elmhurst hasn't beaten Wheaton, IWU, Carthage or Augie while the Vikes have the W over Augie.  At least I think . . .

Here's how it all breaks down:

Assuming a Wheaton win in Decatur tomorrow night (admittedly a little risky of an assumption, since WC only beat the Big Blue by a point in Wheaton back on January 9), then, coming into Saturday, there are three teams tied for fifth and two tied for eighth:


Elmhurst   5-10
North Central   5-10
North Park   5-10
Carroll   4-11
Millikin   4-11

Three of the four games on Saturday involve these five teams:

Illinois Wesleyan @ Carroll, 2 pm
North Central @ Elmhurst, 2 pm
North Park @ Millikin, 5 pm

As we currently stand:

* Elmhurst and North Central obviously cannot end the season tied, as the winner of Saturday's NCC @ EC game will finish at 6-10 while the loser finishes at 5-11. The winner gets one of the two remaining tourney bids.

* If North Park beats Millikin on Saturday, the Vikings will claim the other remaining bid. North Central owns the tiebreaker over North Park (the two teams split, but NCC split with #3 Carthage, which swept NPU), so Saturday wins by NCC and NPU will result in the Cardinals getting the #5 seed and the Vikings getting the #6 seed. North Park owns the tiebreaker over Elmhurst (the two teams split, but NPU split with #4 Augustana, which swept EC), so Saturday wins by EC and NPU will result in the Vikings getting the #5 seed and the Bluejays getting the #6 seed.

* If North Park loses, then there's at least a three-way tie for sixth (possibly four-way, if Carroll pulls off a home upset over Illinois Wesleyan). EC, MU, and NPU would all have split with each other, which would bring the ladder tiebreaker into play. Both Elmhurst and Millikin were swept by #4 Augustana, which split with North Park, so NPU would get in as the sixth seed. If, however, the other DuPage County songbird team devolving into that sixth-place tie is North Central, then Millikin wins the three-way tiebreaker by virtue of having swept NCC and split with NPU, while NCC and NPU split. In other words, within the tie the Big Blue would be 3-1, the Vikings would be 2-2, and the Cardinals would be 1-3.

* In the event of an unlikely four-way tie for sixth place at 5-11 aplece between Carroll, Elmhurst, Millikin, and North Park, Elmhurst swept Carroll, while all of the other series between the four teams resulted in splits. Therefore, Elmhurst would get in as the sixth seed. If it's Carroll, Millikin, North Central, and North Park all tied at 5-11, there's splits all around. Thus, it goes to the ladder, and North Central gets the sixth seed by virtue of the split with Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 14, 2019, 01:17:58 AM
I have a headache.  I think I will just let it play out to a conclusion.  Taking two ibuprofen and going to bed :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 01:22:33 AM
LOL!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2019, 07:05:25 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 01:01:02 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 11:24:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:12:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 10:07:03 PM
With Carroll and North Central both losing tonight, NPU finds itself in a three-way tie for fifth with EC and NCC. I haven't sorted through all of the tiebreaker scenarios yet, but at first blush it appears to me that the Vikings will head to Decatur on Saturday very much in control of their own destiny.

I haven't done it all yet either, and tomorrow's Wheaton-Millikin matchup will clear some things up. But as I understand it, Elmhurst-NCC is a play-in game, and North Park should be win and in as well.

Side note: caught the end of this game. Good call, Greg!

Yeah - big win for Park over Elmhurst.  If WC beats MU tomorrow, then I think NPU also gets the #6 if NCC beats Elmhurst (2 pm tip off) since I think they have the tie breaker over the Jays.  Elmhurst hasn't beaten Wheaton, IWU, Carthage or Augie while the Vikes have the W over Augie.  At least I think . . .

Here's how it all breaks down:

Assuming a Wheaton win in Decatur tomorrow night (admittedly a little risky of an assumption, since WC only beat the Big Blue by a point in Wheaton back on January 9), then, coming into Saturday, there are three teams tied for fifth and two tied for eighth:


Elmhurst   5-10
North Central   5-10
North Park   5-10
Carroll   4-11
Millikin   4-11

Three of the four games on Saturday involve these five teams:

Illinois Wesleyan @ Carroll, 2 pm
North Central @ Elmhurst, 2 pm
North Park @ Millikin, 5 pm

As we currently stand:

* Elmhurst and North Central obviously cannot end the season tied, as the winner of Saturday's NCC @ EC game will finish at 6-10 while the loser finishes at 5-11. The winner gets one of the two remaining tourney bids.

* If North Park beats Millikin on Saturday, the Vikings will claim the other remaining bid. North Central owns the tiebreaker over North Park (the two teams split, but NCC split with #3 Carthage, which swept NPU), so Saturday wins by NCC and NPU will result in the Cardinals getting the #5 seed and the Vikings getting the #6 seed. North Park owns the tiebreaker over Elmhurst (the two teams split, but NPU split with #4 Augustana, which swept EC), so Saturday wins by EC and NPU will result in the Vikings getting the #5 seed and the Bluejays getting the #6 seed.

* If North Park loses, then there's at least a three-way tie for sixth (possibly four-way, if Carroll pulls off a home upset over Illinois Wesleyan). EC, MU, and NPU would all have split with each other, which would bring the ladder tiebreaker into play. Both Elmhurst and Millikin were swept by #4 Augustana, which split with North Park, so NPU would get in as the sixth seed. If, however, the other DuPage County songbird team devolving into that sixth-place tie is North Central, then Millikin wins the three-way tiebreaker by virtue of having swept NCC and split with NPU, while NCC and NPU split. In other words, within the tie the Big Blue would be 3-1, the Vikings would be 2-2, and the Cardinals would be 1-3.

* In the event of an unlikely four-way tie for sixth place at 5-11 aplece between Carroll, Elmhurst, Millikin, and North Park, Elmhurst swept Carroll, while all of the other series between the four teams resulted in splits. Therefore, Elmhurst would get in as the sixth seed. If it's Carroll, Millikin, North Central, and North Park all tied at 5-11, there's splits all around. Thus, it goes to the ladder, and North Central gets the sixth seed by virtue of the split with Carthage.

Nicely done Greg.  Since Elmhurst/NCC tip is 2 pm, NPU and Millikin will likely know the stakes well before their start at 5 pm.  An EC win will mean a true play in game. 

This is pretty fun I think - lots of teams still playing games that matter going into the last weekend (easy for a WC fan to say I suppose).  I'm not sure that Commish Chris Martin et al really envisioned this but it's worked well for both the men and women.  Good luck to all these teams. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2019, 07:54:35 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 01:01:02 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 13, 2019, 11:24:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2019, 10:12:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2019, 10:07:03 PM
With Carroll and North Central both losing tonight, NPU finds itself in a three-way tie for fifth with EC and NCC. I haven't sorted through all of the tiebreaker scenarios yet, but at first blush it appears to me that the Vikings will head to Decatur on Saturday very much in control of their own destiny.

I haven't done it all yet either, and tomorrow's Wheaton-Millikin matchup will clear some things up. But as I understand it, Elmhurst-NCC is a play-in game, and North Park should be win and in as well.

Side note: caught the end of this game. Good call, Greg!

Yeah - big win for Park over Elmhurst.  If WC beats MU tomorrow, then I think NPU also gets the #6 if NCC beats Elmhurst (2 pm tip off) since I think they have the tie breaker over the Jays.  Elmhurst hasn't beaten Wheaton, IWU, Carthage or Augie while the Vikes have the W over Augie.  At least I think . . .

Here's how it all breaks down:

Assuming a Wheaton win in Decatur tomorrow night (admittedly a little risky of an assumption, since WC only beat the Big Blue by a point in Wheaton back on January 9), then, coming into Saturday, there are three teams tied for fifth and two tied for eighth:


Elmhurst   5-10
North Central   5-10
North Park   5-10
Carroll   4-11
Millikin   4-11

Three of the four games on Saturday involve these five teams:

Illinois Wesleyan @ Carroll, 2 pm
North Central @ Elmhurst, 2 pm
North Park @ Millikin, 5 pm

As we currently stand:

* Elmhurst and North Central obviously cannot end the season tied, as the winner of Saturday's NCC @ EC game will finish at 6-10 while the loser finishes at 5-11. The winner gets one of the two remaining tourney bids.

* If North Park beats Millikin on Saturday, the Vikings will claim the other remaining bid. North Central owns the tiebreaker over North Park (the two teams split, but NCC split with #3 Carthage, which swept NPU), so Saturday wins by NCC and NPU will result in the Cardinals getting the #5 seed and the Vikings getting the #6 seed. North Park owns the tiebreaker over Elmhurst (the two teams split, but NPU split with #4 Augustana, which swept EC), so Saturday wins by EC and NPU will result in the Vikings getting the #5 seed and the Bluejays getting the #6 seed.

* If North Park loses, then there's at least a three-way tie for sixth (possibly four-way, if Carroll pulls off a home upset over Illinois Wesleyan). EC, MU, and NPU would all have split with each other, which would bring the ladder tiebreaker into play. Both Elmhurst and Millikin were swept by #4 Augustana, which split with North Park, so NPU would get in as the sixth seed. If, however, the other DuPage County songbird team devolving into that sixth-place tie is North Central, then Millikin wins the three-way tiebreaker by virtue of having swept NCC and split with NPU, while NCC and NPU split. In other words, within the tie the Big Blue would be 3-1, the Vikings would be 2-2, and the Cardinals would be 1-3.

* In the event of an unlikely four-way tie for sixth place at 5-11 aplece between Carroll, Elmhurst, Millikin, and North Park, Elmhurst swept Carroll, while all of the other series between the four teams resulted in splits. Therefore, Elmhurst would get in as the sixth seed. If it's Carroll, Millikin, North Central, and North Park all tied at 5-11, there's splits all around. Thus, it goes to the ladder, and North Central gets the sixth seed by virtue of the split with Carthage.

Hate to throw a monkey wrench into this, but since Millikin swept NCC we might need to re-evaluate the four way tie involving NCC. We'll have to rerun the numbers, but that might be a Millikin tiebreaker edge.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 10:50:39 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2019, 07:54:35 AM
Hate to throw a monkey wrench into this, but since Millikin swept NCC we might need to re-evaluate the four way tie involving NCC. We'll have to rerun the numbers, but that might be a Millikin tiebreaker edge.

You're right, Lucas. Thanks for catching that. Let me re-work it a bit, while adding one important point to it:

Assuming a Wheaton win in Decatur tonight (admittedly a little risky of an assumption, since WC only beat the Big Blue by a point in Wheaton back on January 9), then, coming into Saturday, there are three teams tied for fifth and two tied for eighth:


Elmhurst   5-10
North Central   5-10
North Park   5-10
Carroll   4-11
Millikin   4-11

Three of the four games on Saturday involve these five teams:

Illinois Wesleyan @ Carroll, 2 pm
North Central @ Elmhurst, 2 pm
North Park @ Millikin, 5 pm

As we currently stand:

* Elmhurst and North Central obviously cannot end the season tied, as the winner of Saturday's NCC @ EC game will finish at 6-10 while the loser finishes at 5-11. The winner gets one of the two remaining tourney bids.

* If North Park beats Millikin on Saturday, the Vikings will claim the other remaining bid. North Central owns the tiebreaker over North Park (the two teams split, but NCC split with #3 Carthage, which swept NPU), so Saturday wins by NCC and NPU will result in the Cardinals getting the #5 seed and the Vikings getting the #6 seed. North Park owns the tiebreaker over Elmhurst (the two teams split, but NPU split with #4 Augustana, which swept EC), so Saturday wins by EC and NPU will result in the Vikings getting the #5 seed and the Bluejays getting the #6 seed.

* If North Park loses, then there's at least a three-way tie for sixth (possibly four-way, if Carroll pulls off a home upset over Illinois Wesleyan). EC, MU, and NPU would all have split with each other, which would bring the ladder tiebreaker into play. Both Elmhurst and Millikin were swept by #4 Augustana, which split with North Park, so NPU would get in as the sixth seed. If, however, the other DuPage County songbird team devolving into that sixth-place tie is North Central, then Millikin wins the three-way tiebreaker by virtue of having swept NCC and split with NPU, while NCC and NPU split. In other words, within the tie the Big Blue would be 3-1, the Vikings would be 2-2, and the Cardinals would be 1-3.

* In the event of an unlikely four-way tie for sixth place at 5-11 aplece between Carroll, Elmhurst, Millikin, and North Park, Elmhurst swept Carroll, while all of the other series between the four teams resulted in splits. Therefore, Elmhurst would get in as the sixth seed. If it's Carroll, Millikin, North Central, and North Park all tied at 5-11, there's splits all around except for Millikin's sweep of NCC. Thus, the Big Blue would get in as the sixth seed in the eventuality of this particular four-way tie for sixth place.

* Carroll is the only team eliminated at this point, as there is no combination that would allow the Pioneers access to that sixth seed.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 10:59:33 AM
While it looks complicated enough to make iwumichigander reach for the Advil, it's pretty easy for a North Park fan to know how to approach the next three days:

1) Rooting for Wheaton is an occasional necessity for NPU fans, and this is one of those times. Unappetizing as it is to cheer on Wheaton in anything, NPU really needs to keep Millikin from: a) joining what's currently a three-way tie for fifth that includes the Vikings; and b) creating the best trump card of all if things get down to the ladder tiebreaker, which would be a victory over the top team in the CCIW. It's not an absolute necessity, but North Park could dearly use a Wheaton win tonight down in the Griz.

2) Root for the Vikings to win down in the Griz on Saturday afternoon, of course; and

3) Root for Elmhurst to beat North Central, or, in the case of a Vikings loss, hope that North Central had beaten Elmhurst earlier that day. In other words, the best outcome for NPU is to have the 'jays mirror the performance of the Vikings on Saturday, because NPU holds the tiebreaker over EC but loses the tiebreaker to NCC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2019, 11:07:18 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 10:59:33 AM
While it looks complicated enough to make iwumichigander reach for the Advil, it's pretty easy for a North Park fan to know how to approach the next three days:

1) Rooting for Wheaton is an occasional necessity for NPU fans, and this is one of those times. Unappetizing as it is to cheer on Wheaton in anything, NPU really needs to keep Millikin from: a) joining what's currently a three-way tie for fifth that includes the Vikings; and b) creating the best trump card of all if things get down to the ladder tiebreaker, which would be a victory over the top team in the CCIW. It's not an absolute necessity, but North Park could dearly use a Wheaton win tonight down in the Griz.

2) Root for the Vikings to win down in the Griz on Saturday afternoon, of course; and

3) Root for Elmhurst to beat North Central, or, in the case of a Vikings loss, hope that North Central had beaten Elmhurst earlier that day. In other words, the best outcome for NPU is to have the 'jays mirror the performance of the Vikings on Saturday, because NPU holds the tiebreaker over EC but loses the tiebreaker to NCC.

Similar scenario for North Central: obviously pull for the win because if you win, you're in, and then root heavily against Millikin, except for the Cardinals it's for both their remaining games.

Not super complicated in the grand scheme of things even if tiebreaker math is like the Temporal Prime Directive.
(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/d8/b1/cd/d8b1cd4c6aa077c7a46f398fac344813.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2019, 11:11:53 AM
Item 3 in Greg's list sounds like some sort of bi-polar vortex.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 14, 2019, 11:53:35 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2019, 11:11:53 AM
Item 3 in Greg's list sounds like some sort of bi-polar vortex.

It kind of is.

To put it in simpler terms based on how I understand it, assuming Wheaton beats Millikin tonight (as has been said, not necessarily a given): Elmhurst, North Central, and North Park are all in win or go home mode. Millikin is the only team not in control of its own destiny as they need the Elmhurst win over North Central as well as a victory over North Park to punch their ticket.

Now, if Millikin wins tonight, this becomes easier: both Elmhurst-NCC and NPU-Millikin become your play-in games. Seedings would be:

NCC has the tiebreaker over North Park due to the split with Carthage, but Millikin has the head to head tiebreaker over NCC. Elmhurst loses tiebreakers to both North Park (who split with Augie; Augie swept Elmhurst) and Millikin (hypothetical split with Wheaton; Wheaton swept Elmhurst).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 12:33:49 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2019, 11:07:18 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2019, 10:59:33 AM
While it looks complicated enough to make iwumichigander reach for the Advil, it's pretty easy for a North Park fan to know how to approach the next three days:

1) Rooting for Wheaton is an occasional necessity for NPU fans, and this is one of those times. Unappetizing as it is to cheer on Wheaton in anything, NPU really needs to keep Millikin from: a) joining what's currently a three-way tie for fifth that includes the Vikings; and b) creating the best trump card of all if things get down to the ladder tiebreaker, which would be a victory over the top team in the CCIW. It's not an absolute necessity, but North Park could dearly use a Wheaton win tonight down in the Griz.

2) Root for the Vikings to win down in the Griz on Saturday afternoon, of course; and

3) Root for Elmhurst to beat North Central, or, in the case of a Vikings loss, hope that North Central had beaten Elmhurst earlier that day. In other words, the best outcome for NPU is to have the 'jays mirror the performance of the Vikings on Saturday, because NPU holds the tiebreaker over EC but loses the tiebreaker to NCC.

Similar scenario for North Central: obviously pull for the win because if you win, you're in, and then root heavily against Millikin, except for the Cardinals it's for both their remaining games.

Not super complicated in the grand scheme of things even if tiebreaker math is like the Temporal Prime Directive.
(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/d8/b1/cd/d8b1cd4c6aa077c7a46f398fac344813.jpg)

Does this make you and I Dulmer and Lucsley from the UFP's Department of Temporal Investigations?

(https://ewedit.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/000269364hr.jpg?w=768)

Quote from: lmitzel on February 14, 2019, 11:53:35 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2019, 11:11:53 AM
Item 3 in Greg's list sounds like some sort of bi-polar vortex.

It kind of is.

To put it in simpler terms based on how I understand it, assuming Wheaton beats Millikin tonight (as has been said, not necessarily a given): Elmhurst, North Central, and North Park are all in win or go home mode. Millikin is the only team not in control of its own destiny as they need the Elmhurst win over North Central as well as a victory over North Park to punch their ticket.

Now, if Millikin wins tonight, this becomes easier: both Elmhurst-NCC and NPU-Millikin become your play-in games. Seedings would be:

  • 5. NCC; 6. NPU
  • 5. Millikin; 6. NCC
  • 5. NPU; 6. Elmhurst
  • 5. Millikin; 6. Elmhurst

NCC has the tiebreaker over North Park due to the split with Carthage, but Millikin has the head to head tiebreaker over NCC. Elmhurst loses tiebreakers to both North Park (who split with Augie; Augie swept Elmhurst) and Millikin (hypothetical split with Wheaton; Wheaton swept Elmhurst).

Don't mind Rog. He's not a fan of the six-team tourney. I understand his reasons, but, if you have to have a postseason tourney at all (which is a different argument altogether), six teams is better than four. The chances are better that more teams are playing for something right up to the end of the season -- as six of the nine teams will be, since Wheaton and IWU have postseason seeding aspirations that will be affected by these games -- and Pool C candidates from your league are more apt to minimize damage to their winning percentage, since now they might come to the table on Selection Day having added a 2-1 conference tournament performance to their overall record rather than a mere 1-1 or 0-1. (That's not the case this year for the CCIW, since the Wheaton/IWU loser in what will quite likely be the CCIW tourney championship game will get a Pool C berth regardless and neither Carthage nor Augustana are viable Pool C candidates, but you'd be surprised at how often this matters.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 14, 2019, 09:40:17 PM
Wheaton over Millikin, 83-56

While it wasn't the prettiest game by either team (Wheaton with a very sloppy 19 turnovers, 6 by Hannah Williams alone),  the Thunder will take the road win and go quietly back to Wheaton.  Hannah Frazier led all scorers with 22 pts.  Jordan Myroth had 10 with 8 rebs, 8 assts.  Williams, Devin Kyler and Kristen Madsen with 11 pts each.

The Big Blue were led by Briana Anthony and Aubrey Staton who each had 13 pts.  Yanni Sadler with 10 pts and Jordan Hildebrand with7 pts, 6 boards.  Officiating was pretty bad for Coach Lett all night.

Wheaton finishes the regular season 21-4 / 15-1 and has a week long layoff until next Friday at King Arena where they will host the winner of who-the-heck-knows vs your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2019, 11:43:23 PM
Congrats to Kent Madsen and his Thunder team for their outstanding regular season, one that certainly should result in unanimous* CCIW Coach of the Year honors for Madsen.
Conference play consists of 72 wins, of which Wheaton got 15. With 16 all-CCIW spots to honor players, the proportional "share" could allot one for every 4.5 team wins.
By this formula, Wheaton would be due 3 and 1/3 players on all-conf. The Thunder should be a lock for 3 and no one should gripe too much if they get 4.
I'm hoping all 9 teams get at least one player on all-CCIW.
* 8-1 assuming he can't/wouldn't vote for himself.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2019, 01:06:10 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2019, 11:43:23 PM
I'm hoping all 9 teams get at least one player on all-CCIW.

Me, too. Every team in the league has won at least four games, and four wins ought to buy you a spot on the All-CCIW team for your best player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2019, 12:28:13 AM
Titans with one more game up at Carroll.  Likely they will finish 21-4 for regular season too -- a great year. Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans.  20+ wins always good.

Seems Merritt and Shanks likely on All-CCIW.  Personally, I hope Raven Hughes also gets honored, second team. 

WC and IWU get some rest, a week for prep for the CCIW tournament as the lower seeds fight it out for the trip to Carver and the last four.  If WC and IWU get to the tournament championship game for the AQ, let's hope the Titans can finally solve how to beat Wheaton this year.  Third time's the charm? 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 05:03:06 PM
Elmhurst nips North Central, 61-59, in a ragged but hugely exciting game. With the 'jays up by two with under nine seconds remaining, Lauren Goff stole an NCC inbounds bass at halfcourt, was fouled, and made two FTs with :07 left to give the 'jays what looked like an insurmountable four-point lead. But Page Desenberg was fouled while shooting from beyond the arc -- a huge defensive no-no in that situation -- with a second left on the clock. She made the first two FTs, deliberately missed the third, and the ball was knocked out of bounds by Elmhurst with two-tenths of a second remaining. Unable to catch and shoot in that situation, the Cardinals had to tip the ball in off of the inbound pass, and the tip fell short.

EC put itself into the nailbiting predicament not only by committing that final dangerous foul but by missing five out of six FT attempts in the final 32 seconds prior to Goff's two makes. The keys to the game, I thought, were Becca Gerke's ten points off of the bench in the second half after not even getting into the game in the first half (taking advantage in part of NCC being shorthanded inside after Natali Dimitrova hurt her ankle in the first half), as well as the quick hands of Kelly Weyhrich, who had three steals in the final four minutes of the game (including a huge one in the final minute that helped EC assemble that four-point lead) and a big tie-up of Lyndsay Brennan after the NCC forward had put herself in position to tally an easy putback near the end of the game.

Elmhurst clinches a tourney berth, although we don't know which seed the 'jays will have yet. That's all up to the NPU @ MU game scheduled to tip off in the Griz in an hour.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 05:08:49 PM
The other game looked like it was on its way to becoming a humongous blowout, but Carroll came all the way back from a 29-point deficit to Illinois Wesleyan to cut the lead to a dozen with a minute left before the miracle dried up at Van Male. Illinois Wesleyan won, 63-48.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 05:11:56 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 05:03:06 PM
Elmhurst nips North Central, 61-59, in a ragged but hugely exciting game. With the 'jays up by two with under nine seconds remaining, Lauren Goff stole an NCC inbounds bass at halfcourt, was fouled, and made two FTs with :07 left to give the 'jays what looked like an insurmountable four-point lead. But Page Desenberg was fouled while shooting from beyond the arc -- a huge defensive no-no in that situation -- with a second left on the clock. She made the first two FTs, deliberately missed the third, and the ball was knocked out of bounds by Elmhurst with two-tenths of a second remaining. Unable to catch and shoot in that situation, the Cardinals had to tip the ball in off of the inbound pass, and the tip fell short.

EC put itself into the nailbiting predicament not only by committing that final dangerous foul but by missing five out of six FT attempts in the final 32 seconds prior to Goff's two makes. The keys to the game, I thought, were Becca Gerke's ten points off of the bench in the second half after not even getting into the game in the first half (taking advantage in part of NCC being shorthanded inside after Natali Dimitrova hurt her ankle in the first half), as well as the quick hands of Kelly Weyhrich, who had three steals in the final four minutes of the game (including a huge one in the final minute that helped EC assemble that four-point lead) and a big tie-up of Lyndsay Brennan after the NCC forward had put herself in position to tally an easy putback near the end of the game.

Elmhurst clinches a tourney berth, although we don't know which seed the 'jays will have yet. That's all up to the NPU @ MU game scheduled to tip off in the Griz in an hour.

Yeah - what a game and an exciting finish.  Congratulations to the Lady 'Jays.  All credit to NCC who was down by as much as 9 in the 4th Q but hung in and fought back (yes, the EC missed FTs certainly helped) and had a bunch of chances to tie or take the lead late but couldn't get it done.  Lyndsay Brennan had a 16 pt 11 reb performance but couldn't convert a game tying layup with 20 secs remaining.  Unfortunately, the Cardinals season ends at 5-11, 7-18. 

I'm not sure it will matter but it's probably been a while since Millikin or North Park has played a game of this much consequence?  Winner moves on, loser goes home.  Will be a fun game to watch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 05:22:55 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 05:11:56 PMI'm not sure it will matter but it's probably been a while since Millikin or North Park has played a game of this much consequence?

Dunno about the Big Blue, but NPU was in an identical win-or-clean-out-your-lockers season finale three seasons ago at home against North Central. Unfortunately, NCC prevailed in that one, 105-100, ending the NPU season.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 05:11:56 PMWinner moves on, loser goes home.  Will be a fun game to watch.

Right now I sense that it'll be more nerve-wracking than fun on my end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2019, 05:41:57 PM
In the first Carroll - IWU matchup, the Pios' Theresa Wichser made 8 threes, a level of productivity that Carroll obviously would've enjoyed today. She and Alyssa Cruz ended the season injured (I assume), hopefully no longterm issues. The Pios went with 7 players today.
Celina Schwantes shot 4/4 FGs while the rest of the squad made a bleak 12 of 54, including only three 3FGs.
Ball movement / passing is something Carroll has room to improve upon.
I also viewed a chunk of that Elmhurst win. North Central blew several possessions due to careless ballhandling.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 05:54:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 05:22:55 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 05:11:56 PMI'm not sure it will matter but it's probably been a while since Millikin or North Park has played a game of this much consequence?

Dunno about the Big Blue, but NPU was in an identical win-or-clean-out-your-lockers season finale three seasons ago at home against North Central. Unfortunately, NCC prevailed in that one, 105-100, ending the NPU season.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 05:11:56 PMWinner moves on, loser goes home.  Will be a fun game to watch.

Right now I sense that it'll be more nerve-wracking than fun on my end.

I'm sure NPU wouldn't have minded an NCC victory to secure their spot, win or lose, as the #6.  But the opportunity now is for NPU to get in as #5 which is a big difference this year( playing @ Augie vs playing @ Carthage).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 06:39:52 PM
NPU leads at the half in the Griz, 44-33. Jayla Johnson and Sinead Molloy have ten apiece for the Park, while Jordan Hildebrand paces the Big Blue with ten.

The Vikes are dominating the boards, 23-14. Keep it up, ladies!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 06:41:55 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 06:39:52 PM
NPU leads at the half in the Griz, 44-33. Jayla Johnson and Sinead Molloy have ten apiece for the Park, while Jordan Hildebrand paces the Big Blue with ten.

The Vikes are dominating the boards, 23-14. Keep it up, ladies!

The Big Blue are actually playing pretty well but the Lady Vikes came out with purpose and played an excellent half.  Hitting lots of outside shots and getting contributions across the lineup.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 07:40:29 PM
North Park 77
Millikin 66

NPU claims the fifth seed of the tourney. Congrats, Vikes!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2019, 07:54:26 PM
NPU 77, MU 66

Jayla Johnson: 19 pts, 12 rebs, 5 stls
Lauryn Alba Garner: 15 pts
Sinead Molloy: 13 pts, 6 rebs, 5:2 a:to
Josie Summerville: 10 pts, 10 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 10 pts, 3:1 a:to

Yanni Saddler: 26 pts
Jordan Hildebrand: 15 pts, 6 rebs
Briana Anthony: 12 pts, 5:1 a:to
Faith Smith: 6 rebs

Aside from a brief 2-2 tie a minute into the ballgame, the Vikings led from wire to wire. Their 46-32 dominance on the boards, including 14-4 on the offensive glass, was really the story in this game. The fourth quarter was a bit difficult to watch, as NPU's chronic inability to make free throws kept Millikin hanging around at a distance, but other than that the Vikings really played a game that was beyond reproach. It's been a very, very long time since I've seen the NPU women put five players in double figures in a ballgame. Excellent games all around, but the money player was Jayla Johnson. She was snakebit at the FT line, but other than that she staked a strong claim for the CCIW's Newcomer of the Year award.

Yanni Saddler certainly went down fighting, as she closed out her fine career with a big game today for MU. She was about the only player who kept MU in it in the fourth quarter after Jordan Hildebrand was charged with her fourth foul.

NPU will head to Rock Island on Tuesday to face Augustana, which beat Carthage today, 61-55, in Tarble Arena. NPU beat Augie by a dozen in the Quad Cities two Saturdays ago, so this is not an insurmountable hill to climb as far as #5 @ #4 games go.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2019, 08:24:43 PM
Congratulations to North Park.  They played a very impressive game I thought.  Even when Millikin started to close a little of the gap, the Vikes would make a big shot and extend back out.  I haven't watched them enough this year to know if this was one of their better games.  But if they play like this on Tuesday, they will be a very tough out in Rock Island.

Congratulations to MU's Yanni Sadler on the conclusion of her basketball career at Millikin. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2019, 08:51:50 PM
Solid win for the Titans, four players in double figures.  Usually winning big in the 3Q, though tonight it was the first Q -- Titans led 39-15 at the half.  Great first half defense. 

Regular season in the books at 21-4. Congrats to Coach Smith, all the other coaches and training staff, and all the players, especially the seniors.  Congrats on a great regular season record!.  Much more basketball to be played.  Let's go get the AQ.

Congrats to the other teams making the CCIW tournament. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2019, 12:40:10 AM
Tuesday, Carver P.E. Center & Tarble Arena
#5 North Park @ #4 Augustana, 7 pm
#6 Elmhusrt @ #3 Carthage, 7 pm

Friday, King Arena
highest remaining seed vs. #2 Illinois Wesleyan, 5 pm
lowest remaining seed @ #1 Wheaton, 7 pm

Saturday, King Arena
Championship game, 7 pm
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2019, 04:41:46 AM
Augustana 61, Carthage 55;
Alexis Jones led AUG with 23 pts (highly efficient .909 eFG%). She won* the overall CCIW rebounding crown and tied Hannah Frazier in conference play.
Scooter Lopez added 11 pts for the Vikings.
Autumn Kalis topped CTG with 15 pts, while Woodward, Kaelber and Gilbert were each in the 10-11 range.
Carthage's starting five combined for 0 FT att.
Augustana committed 18 turnovers in a slow-paced game, but offset that by winning the rebounding 35-27.
* oops, not quite yet, as postseason play is included in the overall stat category
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2019, 05:10:10 PM
As we await the All-CCIW selections, the one thing I'm sure of and that has hit me even more in watching games this past week is that the league is stocked with underclassmen.  Probably 2/3 of the  All Conf team will be juniors or younger.  The loss of some players ( Kyler for Wheaton, Merritt for IWU, Sadler – Millikin, Gilbert – Carthage) will be hard to replace.  But in all those cases, a solid corpus of the team is still relatively intact.  Augie loses the most in graduation.  NCC, NPU, and Carroll are bringing back everybody.

We're still talking about this season, but next season is already shaping up to be pretty interesting and perhaps a deeper level of competitiveness that we've all been hoping for.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2019, 05:15:15 PM
Just to remind us that the coaches still know more than the average poster:

2018 CCIW Preseason Women's Basketball Poll

Rank Institution   Points (1st Pl. Votes)

1    Wheaton    64 (8)
2    Illinois Wesleyan 54 (1)
3    Carthage    53
4    Augustana 42
5    Elmhurst    37
6    Carroll    22
7    NCC      21
8    Millikin    17
9    North Park  14

Mostly got it right.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2019, 05:33:05 PM
most of us would not go so far as to call them all "rank institutions," but you're entitled to feel that way.
(heh!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2019, 07:10:20 PM
GoPerry, I like what you said about the younger portion of the league. Lots of impressive freshmen for sure. Hopefully they all stick around for a full four years, improving along the way.
In other ways, this has not been a good season for the league. I offer the 44-37 nonconference record as evidence. Lots of ugly struggle-in-the-mud in-conference games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2019, 08:45:44 PM
Share the view about a lot of good underclassmen, hoping they stick around and improve.

IWU has only one rising senior (Shanks) and that very strong cohort of current sophomores -- Brovelli, Sosa, Hughes, and Munroe.  Eck and Lansford will be very good, in time, as current freshmen.  A strong core coming back, even with the three starting seniors -- Anderson, Schneider and Merritt -- departing by way of graduation.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2019, 09:12:47 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 17, 2019, 05:15:15 PM
Just to remind us that the coaches still know more than the average poster:

2018 CCIW Preseason Women's Basketball Poll

Rank Institution   Points (1st Pl. Votes)

1    Wheaton    64 (8)
2    Illinois Wesleyan 54 (1)
3    Carthage    53
4    Augustana 42
5    Elmhurst    37
6    Carroll    22
7    NCC      21
8    Millikin    17
9    North Park  14

Mostly got it right.

Picking NPU four spots too low sticks out like a sore thumb, though.

Quote from: RogK on February 17, 2019, 07:10:20 PM
GoPerry, I like what you said about the younger portion of the league. Lots of impressive freshmen for sure. Hopefully they all stick around for a full four years, improving along the way.
In other ways, this has not been a good season for the league. I offer the 44-37 nonconference record as evidence. Lots of ugly struggle-in-the-mud in-conference games.

Those two observations are directly linked to each other.

This is how the league has done thus far in non-con play, as compared to the previous ten seasons:


2018-19   44-37 (.543)
2017-18   48-36 (.571)
2016-17   53-30 (.639)
2015-16   51-38 (.573)
2014-15   64-26 (.711)
2013-14   54-32 (.628)
2012-13   58-32 (.644)
2011-12   69-29 (.704)
2010-11   55-38 (.591)
2009-10   56-38 (.596)
2008-09   50-40 (.556)

The CCIW is down, as even an extended postseason run by Wheaton and/or Illinois Wesleyan won't make a huge dent in the final non-con record. And you can't blame the addition of Carroll for the league's woes this time; the Pioneers went 5-4 in non-con play this season (i.e., slightly above league average) after posting 0-8 and 3-6 non-con records in their first two seasons back in the CCIW.

The fact that this season there's such a comparatively thin senior class in the CCIW undoubtedly has a lot to do with the league's poor record outside of the circuit. But the general four-year trend is troubling.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2019, 09:33:27 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2019, 09:12:47 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 17, 2019, 05:15:15 PM
Just to remind us that the coaches still know more than the average poster:

2018 CCIW Preseason Women's Basketball Poll

Rank Institution   Points (1st Pl. Votes)

1    Wheaton    64 (8)
2    Illinois Wesleyan 54 (1)
3    Carthage    53
4    Augustana 42
5    Elmhurst    37
6    Carroll    22
7    NCC      21
8    Millikin    17
9    North Park  14

Mostly got it right.

Picking NPU four spots too low sticks out like a sore thumb, though.

Quote from: RogK on February 17, 2019, 07:10:20 PM
GoPerry, I like what you said about the younger portion of the league. Lots of impressive freshmen for sure. Hopefully they all stick around for a full four years, improving along the way.
In other ways, this has not been a good season for the league. I offer the 44-37 nonconference record as evidence. Lots of ugly struggle-in-the-mud in-conference games.

Those two observations are distinctly linked to each other.

This is how the league has done thus far in non-con play, as compared to the previous ten seasons:


2018-19   44-37 (.543)
2017-18   48-36 (.571)
2016-17   53-30 (.639)
2015-16   51-38 (.573)
2014-15   64-26 (.711)
2013-14   54-32 (.628)
2012-13   58-32 (.644)
2011-12   69-29 (.704)
2010-11   55-38 (.591)
2009-10   56-38 (.596)
2008-09   50-40 (.556)

The CCIW is down, as even an extended postseason run by Wheaton and/or Illinois Wesleyan won't make a huge dent in the final non-con record. And you can't blame the addition of Carroll for the league's woes this time; the Pioneers went 5-4 in non-con play this season (i.e., slightly above league average) after posting 0-8 and 3-6 non-con records in their first two seasons back in the CCIW.

The fact that this season there's such a comparatively thin senior class in the CCIW undoubtedly has a lot to do with the league's poor record outside of the circuit. But the general four-year trend is troubling.

Interesting - thanks GS.  It would be nice to understand why that stark dropoff.

I've mentioned before how the current strength, or lack thereof, of the league has not been good preparation for Wheaton as they enter the NCAA tourney.  Mostly first round exits except for 2 years ago when they did win one game.  I believe the team's performance has been pretty disappointing in that regard given the level of talent the Thunder have had.




Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2019, 10:28:17 PM
Settle down, everyone.  After IWU beats Wheaton in the national title game, the CCIW will be .593 - about average (but with a title and second place finish)!

(My imagination is such a nicer place than reality! ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2019, 10:37:49 PM
Fantasy, Ypsi, fantasy.  I'll be happy if IWU and/or WC win two games each in the national tournament this year.  Not a very good record by either in the recent seasons -- esp. when IWU runs into Trine.  Two good regular season teams.  Let's hope they can go further, be more this year  . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2019, 01:08:07 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2019, 10:28:17 PM
Settle down, everyone.  After IWU beats Wheaton in the national title game, the CCIW will be .593 - about average (but with a title and second place finish)!

(My imagination is such a nicer place than reality! ;D)

Sometimes, Chuck, I think that your imagination involves a guy with a pith helmet, a machete, and a team of native porters hacking his way through jungle to a place that no man has ever seen before. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2019, 12:49:02 PM
OK Greg, who is conf player of the week, Josie Summerville and her 30 rebounds, or Jayla Johnson?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on February 18, 2019, 03:51:56 PM
Congrats to North Park freshman forward Jayla Johnson on her selection as the CCIW Player of the Week.

https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2019/2/18/womens-basketball-johnson-earns-final-2018-19-cciw-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2019/2/18/womens-basketball-johnson-earns-final-2018-19-cciw-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx)

Johnson posted 35 points, 18 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 assists in two games against Millikin and Elmhurst to lead the Vikings to their first appearance in the CCIW Tourney since '06.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2019, 06:34:23 PM
Congrats, Jayla!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2019, 06:45:12 PM
Quote from: npbaseball40 on February 18, 2019, 03:51:56 PM
Congrats to North Park freshman forward Jayla Johnson on her selection as the CCIW Player of the Week.

https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2019/2/18/womens-basketball-johnson-earns-final-2018-19-cciw-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2019/2/18/womens-basketball-johnson-earns-final-2018-19-cciw-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx)

Johnson posted 35 points, 18 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 assists in two games against Millikin and Elmhurst to lead the Vikings to their first appearance in the CCIW Tourney since '06.

Well deserved recognition for a fine player!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 18, 2019, 08:46:36 PM
Very limited movement this week (again), but here's the latest Top 25.

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2018-19/week11

IWU and Wheaton remain in the same spots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2019, 11:21:07 AM
2019 All-CCIW honorees:

https://cciw.org/sports/2019/2/18/WBB_0218194652.aspx

Congratulations to all these young ladies.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on February 19, 2019, 11:33:39 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2019, 11:21:07 AM
2019 All-CCIW honorees:

https://cciw.org/sports/2019/2/18/WBB_0218194652.aspx

Congratulations to all these young ladies.

FWIW, this is the first time NPU women's hoops has had someone honored as the Newcomer of the Year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2019, 12:10:38 PM
Quote from: npbaseball40 on February 19, 2019, 11:33:39 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2019, 11:21:07 AM
2019 All-CCIW honorees:

https://cciw.org/sports/2019/2/18/WBB_0218194652.aspx

Congratulations to all these young ladies.

FWIW, this is the first time NPU women's hoops has had someone honored as the Newcomer of the Year.

And quite an accomplishment to receive All - CCIW as a freshman.  Not just Jayla Johnson but also Sierra Grubor( Carroll).

5 seniors, 10 underclassman.  It would've been nice to see NCC's Lyndsay Brennan or Alana Newsome somewhere.  Also, nobody from Elmhurst?   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 01:22:04 PM
Congrats again to Jayla on her well-deserved honors!

This is actually a pretty radical departure from past All-CCIW teams. As GoPerry noted, both Elmhurst and North Central got shut out of the All-CCIW team. While there have been many occasions in which one team got left out, this is the first time I can ever remember two teams being left out. One of the reasons why the All-CCIW team was expanded from 15 to 16 players in various sports was to make sure that teams were able to be represented in a league that had just reverted from eight schools back to nine.

Equally surprising is the teams that got left out. Elmhurst made the CCIW tourney, finishing right smack dab in the middle of the pack in a fifth-place tie with NPU (although the 'jays are seeded sixth). North Central was just a game bahind. Conversely, the two teams that finished in a last-place tie, Millikin and Carroll, are both represented. In fact, Millikin got two players on the team. I'm pretty sure that a last-place team having two All-CCIW players is unprecedented as well.

To sum up, it appears that the coaches have gone with a completely different philosophy than is the norm for All-CCIW teams. They appear to have picked this team solely upon individual merit, with no concern whatsoever for how the teams on which they played fared. It makes me wonder if this is a one-year aberration, or if this is going to be the prevailing philosophy in CCIW women's basketball from now on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2019, 05:02:39 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 01:22:04 PM
Congrats again to Jayla on her well-deserved honors!

This is actually a pretty radical departure from past All-CCIW teams. As GoPerry noted, both Elmhurst and North Central got shut out of the All-CCIW team. While there have been many occasions in which one team got left out, this is the first time I can ever remember two teams being left out. One of the reasons why the All-CCIW team was expanded from 15 to 16 players in various sports was to make sure that teams were able to be represented in a league that had just reverted from eight schools back to nine.

Equally surprising is the teams that got left out. Elmhurst made the CCIW tourney, finishing right smack dab in the middle of the pack in a fifth-place tie with NPU (although the 'jays are seeded sixth). North Central was just a game bahind. Conversely, the two teams that finished in a last-place tie, Millikin and Carroll, are both represented. In fact, Millikin got two players on the team. I'm pretty sure that a last-place team having two All-CCIW players is unprecedented as well.

To sum up, it appears that the coaches have gone with a completely different philosophy than is the norm for All-CCIW teams. They appear to have picked this team solely upon individual merit, with no concern whatsoever for how the teams on which they played fared. It makes me wonder if this is a one-year aberration, or if this is going to be the prevailing philosophy in CCIW women's basketball from now on.

I suppose a "merit only" standard would help explain a few of the surprises.  Personally, I don't think Wheaton merited a 4th spot even though it's not uncommon for the top teams to get that many.  Hannah Williams is a very good player and I'm glad she wears orange.  She's shown potential to put up some large scoring #s but doesn't quite stand out in other areas. When I consider Millikin getting 2 spots, I'd be hard pressed to replace Jordan Hildebrand quite frankly which I somewhat inferred when I made my pre-lim picks last week.  Aubrey Staton didn't make it at all but her performance on the court matches her impressive stats.  But a third MU player?  No way.

Also, Lady Red Madie Kaelber has proven herself a fine player but her scoring was way off this year for whatever reason and I was wondering if she'd even be selected after a '18 first team and '17 second.  I wouldn't be surprised if coaches likely begin with last year's underclassmen selections and then go through a "prove you don't belong again" type of calculus.  I saw evidence of that last year.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2019, 06:11:07 PM
Here's an all-CCIW formula that would likely produce better results than the current method.

(A) at least 5 conference wins guarantee 1 player among the 16 spots.

(B) at least 9 conference wins guarantee 2 players among the 16.

(C) at least 14 conference wins guarantee 3 players among the 16.

(D) These "guaranteed" players, named by their coach, are automatically nominated for 1st team, along with 1 each (named by their coach) from team(s) that won fewer than 5 conference games.

(E) At this point, 1st team is voted on, 8 votes by each of the 9 coaches. The MOP would then be elected from among the eight 1st teamers.

(F) The "guaranteed" players who do not make 1st team automatically make 2nd team.*  Players nominated by sub-5-win teams are not among the "guaranteed" group.

(G) There will be a few unfilled 2nd team spots open, with any quantity of nominations allowed by the 9 coaches. Each coach then has as many votes as there are empty spots on 2nd team; this step would probably work best by prohibiting coaches from voting for their own players.

This formula is roughly based on the fact that 4.5 wins are 1/16th of the 72 wins that occur in conference play. I say "roughly" because 4.5 is rounded up to 5 and 13.5 is rounded up to 14.
I don't include anything regarding election of Newcomer of the year.
* I'm pretty sure this would always be less than 8. If anyone can think of a standings scenario that messes up step F, do advise.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 07:55:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2019, 06:11:07 PM
Here's an all-CCIW formula that would likely produce better results than the current method. [snip]

"Better" is in the eye of the beholder. Some people believe that a merit-based system that is completely divorced from the influence of the standings is best.

The opposite argument is raging on the CCIW men's basketball board right now, where some of us are not happy with the fact that the league's second-best forward, who averaged 21.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and 3.4 apg in CCIW play, was excluded from the first team -- and the only possibly reason why is because his team finished in eighth place with a 3-13 record.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 19, 2019, 08:19:17 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 07:55:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2019, 06:11:07 PM
Here's an all-CCIW formula that would likely produce better results than the current method. [snip]

"Better" is in the eye of the beholder. Some people believe that a merit-based system that is completely divorced from the influence of the standings is best.

The opposite argument is raging on the CCIW men's basketball board right now, where some of us are not happy with the fact that the league's second-best forward, who averaged 21.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and 3.4 apg in CCIW play, was excluded from the first team -- and the only possibly reason why is because his team finished in eighth place with a 3-13 record.

Yeah, as much as I'm intrigued by Rog's proposal, especially with the bias of "4-12 Millikin got 2 All-CCIW nods while 5-11 NCC got shut out," I don't think it holds water. Can you really say Lyndsay Brennan (averaged an 8-6-2 on 48/40/60 splits) deserves a nod over Jordan Hildebrand (13-8, finished 2nd in the conference in FG% and top 15 in FT%)? Even with red-tinted glasses... I can't make a legitimate case.

All-CCIW is an individual accolade. I kind of get the allure of the better teams having more representation, since in theory they'll have more of the top players, but you shouldn't rob a deserving player because they were stuck on a team that struggled.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
NPU is up on Augie at the half in Rock Island, 27-17. Augie is shooting less than 21% from the field. NPU is led by Josie Summerville with with eight points, while Lauryn Alba Garner and Jayla Johnson each have seven. Augie is led by Alexis Jones with five.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 08:41:48 PM
Carthage leads Elmhurst at the half, 32-31, in Kenosha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2019, 09:12:33 PM
Congrats to all the CCIW All-Conference honorees.  I was especially pleased to see Raven Hughes selected.

Seems a pretty reasonable slate, all told.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 09:39:11 PM
North Park 63
Augustana 47
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 09:39:37 PM
Carthage 61
Elmhurst 53
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2019, 09:52:18 PM
Congrats to Carthage and North Park on joining the last four in the CCIW tournament at Wheaton.  '

Come on NPU -- knock off Wheaton!  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 10:01:20 PM
NPU 63, AC 47

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 10 rebs
Josie Summerville: 12 pts, 6 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 7 rebs

Izzy Anderson: 12 pts
Scooter Lopez: 11 pts
Alexis Jones: 11 rebs

The Park played a tremendous game at both ends of the floor tonight. Augie only led at 2-0. NPU steadily built up to a 20-point lead at 41-21 at the 3:55 mark of the third quarter on a pair of Jacki Rapp free throws before the hosts made their only serious run of the game at the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth quarters. Sparked by Scooter Lopez and some hot trey shooting -- Lopez hit two from downtown in the midst of some loose-ball confusion -- Augie narrowed the NPU lead down to six at 45-39 on an Izzy Anderson triple with nine minutes to go. But at that point Amanda Crockett called a thirty-second timeout, and whatever she told her troops was clearly the right message. NPU stormed back with a quick 6-0 run over the next two and a half minutes, all on inside shots, and Augie went down meekly from there on in.

Augie had a lot of nice interior looks early on in the first quarter that wouldn't go down, and I think that they let their frustration get the better of them from that point forward. They seemed to force a lot of shots that went too hard at the backboard or the rim. North Park also clamped down nicely on defense -- Sinead Molloy in particular did a fantastic job containing Augie star Alexis Jones all night, holding her to five points (nine under her CCIW average) on 1-10 shooting. At the offensive end, Jayla Johnson was money with the midrange jumper all night, and the Vikes got good stretches from Josie Summerville down in the blocks and Lauryn Alba Garner playing inside-outside. Zakiya Newsome and Jacki Rapp filled in a lot of spots on the stat sheet as well.

This very young North Park team is peaking at the right time. Regardless of what happens on Friday at King -- and I think that we all understand just how steep a hill the Vikes will face -- this is a February surge that this program can build upon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2019, 11:00:56 PM
So ends the very weird Augustana season.
Mid-December through mid-January saw them win 7 of 8, including the only victory by a CCIW team over Wheaton.
Over their final 8 games, they scored under 50 in four of them. What the?
Sadie Roberts, Izzy Anderson, Scooter Lopez and Clare Kramer have completed their careers; maybe also seniors Carly McCameron and Hannah Durbin -- they could have another year of eligibility?
Alexis Jones already does a lot for Augie. Several others will need to contribute a lot more, if these Vikings are to retain mid-league status in '19-'20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2019, 11:17:42 PM
Congrats to NPU and Carthage for advancing.  NPU over Augie perhaps a mild upset, but not really much of one, even if that.  Wheaton will have to be ready for a fired up Viking squad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2019, 11:21:23 PM
Four Lady Reds scored in double figures in their 8 pt win over Elmhurst :
11 each from Maggie Berigan and Rachel Szydlowski, 13 each from Autumn Kalis and Bailey Gilbert.
Amanda Larson grabbed 12 rebounds.
Lisa Logan was the only Bluejay in double figures, scoring 14. Kelly Weyhrich had 8 rebounds.
Elmhurst scored 21 pts via 27 3FG att, 22 pts via 37 2FG att.
Carthage wasn't particularly good from the field either, but good enough.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on February 19, 2019, 11:37:32 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 19, 2019, 08:19:17 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 07:55:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2019, 06:11:07 PM
Here's an all-CCIW formula that would likely produce better results than the current method. [snip]

"Better" is in the eye of the beholder. Some people believe that a merit-based system that is completely divorced from the influence of the standings is best.

The opposite argument is raging on the CCIW men's basketball board right now, where some of us are not happy with the fact that the league's second-best forward, who averaged 21.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and 3.4 apg in CCIW play, was excluded from the first team -- and the only possibly reason why is because his team finished in eighth place with a 3-13 record.

Yeah, as much as I'm intrigued by Rog's proposal, especially with the bias of "4-12 Millikin got 2 All-CCIW nods while 5-11 NCC got shut out," I don't think it holds water. Can you really say Lyndsay Brennan (averaged an 8-6-2 on 48/40/60 splits) deserves a nod over Jordan Hildebrand (13-8, finished 2nd in the conference in FG% and top 15 in FT%)? Even with red-tinted glasses... I can't make a legitimate case.

All-CCIW is an individual accolade. I kind of get the allure of the better teams having more representation, since in theory they'll have more of the top players, but you shouldn't rob a deserving player because they were stuck on a team that struggled.

One could also argue that players who are on lower-finishing teams do not have the advantage of playing their own team.

In other words, if a team has a poor scoring defense, they do not get the advantage of two league games against that poor defense... as they are a member of that team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2019, 11:39:50 PM
That's a good point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2019, 12:06:58 AM
Yeah, I really like the trend (IF it is a trend) to individual vs. team accomplishment.  Not even great players can lift a team to success if they have TOTALLY (or probably even mostly) incompetent teammates.  Team success should be only a tie-breaker on otherwise equal resumes (with the exception of eyeball assessments of players that contribute greatly to successful teams in ways that don't show up on the stat sheets).  The all-conference teams are honoring PLAYERS, not teams.

While I think RogK is one of our best posters (and sometimes keeps this board from disappearing!), I think his post six hours ago would be a huge step in the wrong direction.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2019, 12:31:29 AM
If npbaseball40's point is a good one, we should also say : of course Wheaton ended up in 1st place -- they had the easiest schedule : they're the only team who didn't have to play against Wheaton.
My formula does not preclude a last place team from getting a player or two on all-conf. It does prevent a fairly decent team from being snubbed. A fairly decent team necessarily has a good player or two, counting offense and defense.
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Ypsi.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on February 20, 2019, 12:51:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2019, 12:31:29 AM
If npbaseball40's point is a good one, we should also say : of course Wheaton ended up in 1st place -- they had the easiest schedule : they're the only team who didn't have to play against Wheaton.
My formula does not preclude a last place team from getting a player or two on all-conf. It does prevent a fairly decent team from being snubbed. A fairly decent team necessarily has a good player or two, counting offense and defense.
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Ypsi.

Here's something fun in line with this discussion:

In 2009, Elmhurst College baseball finished dead last in the league race, but sophomore infielder Zach Hofer finished as the co-player of the year. His .431 CCIW batting average was 11 points higher than the second place finisher, but he did not lead the league in any other category.

I know this is a hoops board, but I was curious to see how other sports have voted over the years.

Anyone have other examples of this type of situation where a team finishes at or near the bottom and gets the player of the year honor? Specifically: in hoops?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2019, 08:12:21 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2019, 12:31:29 AM
If npbaseball40's point is a good one, we should also say : of course Wheaton ended up in 1st place -- they had the easiest schedule : they're the only team who didn't have to play against Wheaton.


Good one RogK!  I think Hannah Frazier would have a lot of trouble guarding . . . Hannah Frazier.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2019, 11:02:02 AM
Quote from: npbaseball40 on February 20, 2019, 12:51:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2019, 12:31:29 AM
If npbaseball40's point is a good one, we should also say : of course Wheaton ended up in 1st place -- they had the easiest schedule : they're the only team who didn't have to play against Wheaton.
My formula does not preclude a last place team from getting a player or two on all-conf. It does prevent a fairly decent team from being snubbed. A fairly decent team necessarily has a good player or two, counting offense and defense.
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Ypsi.

Here's something fun in line with this discussion:

In 2009, Elmhurst College baseball finished dead last in the league race, but sophomore infielder Zach Hofer finished as the co-player of the year. His .431 CCIW batting average was 11 points higher than the second place finisher, but he did not lead the league in any other category.

I know this is a hoops board, but I was curious to see how other sports have voted over the years.

Anyone have other examples of this type of situation where a team finishes at or near the bottom and gets the player of the year honor? Specifically: in hoops?

The classic example hereabouts doesn't involve hoops; it involves the Cubs. In 1987 Andre Dawson hit 47 homers and drove in 139 RBI for the North Siders, leading the NL in both categories as well as total bases and ending the season with a slash line of .287/.328/.568. He won the NL MVP that season, in spite of the fact that the Cubs finished sixth -- dead last -- in the NL East, 18 1/2 games out of first.

In CCIW women's basketball, the coaches have always hewed faithfully to the idea that the Most Outstanding Player award has to be given to a player from one of the top four teams in the league. In fact, only once has it been given to a player whose team had a losing record in CCIW play; in 2001 it was won by North Central's Amanda Orsburn, in a season in which NCC tied with North Park for third with a 6-8 record.

Over on the men's side, there have only been two occasions in which the MOP was won by a player whose team finished lower than fourth. Alonzo Alexander of North Central was named MOP in 1992 despite the fact that the Cardinals finished fifth with an 8-8 CCIW record, and in 1986 Steve Albinger of Carroll won the MOP while playing on a Pioneers team that finished a lowly 4-12 and tied for seventh place. Since the CCIW has been handing out the MOP award in men's basketball since 1968, that's a pretty long track record of demanding team success in order to reward individual accomplishment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2019, 11:21:58 AM
npbaseball40, the player who immediately came to mind upon seeing your question was another baseball player : 1972 Steve Carlton / Philadelphia --- now that I look it up, he was Cy Young, but was 5th in MVP voting.
Thanks to Greg for his comprehensive answer.
If we are still talking about my proposed all-conf formula, it does allow last place teams, even an 0-16 team, to nominate for 1st team / MOP.
Millikin did get 2 players on all-CCIW and a 3rd, Aubrey Staton had a fine freshman season. I particularly like the prospects of a tall player like her who can shoot threes.
Millikin's defense was not good, however.
They allowed opponents to shoot .515 on 2FGs, so a lot of that has to be owned by the players who played the most. So, yes, Saddler, Hildebrand and Staton all had good offense numbers (maybe turnover-prone), but unless we know that one of them specifically is a great defender, the team's losses are probably attributable to below-average defense by most everyone who played a lot.
oops, make that .516
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2019, 01:17:42 PM
Interesting profile of Hannah Frazier - particularly her description of the D1 vs D3 experience.  Not news to any of us but still interesting to hear first hand.  From latest issue of student newspaper.

http://www.wheatonrecord.com/articles/athlete-spotlight-hannah-frazier/

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2019, 01:41:00 PM
Nice sentiments in that piece, GoPerry. There have to be many D1 players that would be happier playing in D3.
-
All five CCIW teams whose seasons are done have reason for optimism for next season. All should certainly contend for positions in the 6 team conf tourney.
Assuming the potential returning players do return, there shouldn't be any very poor teams next season. We didn't have any crummy teams this season, although many were flawed one way or another.
Here's hoping that an even larger crop of good newcomers arrive in next fall, raising the talent level across the league, maybe bringing the next nonconference win pct up well over 60.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2019, 02:54:57 PM
Linking to this for when it gets updated, but at least on the NCAA site third regional rankings are out (https://d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-third). Wheaton stays at 3, IWU jumps a spot to #4.

Should mean whoever loses Saturday (assuming both make the title game) will likely get to the table either right at the beginning or shortly thereafter, so both should be in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2019, 03:04:13 PM
The new NCAA Division III women's basketball regional rankings are posted: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-third
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2019, 03:36:12 PM
Interesting that UW Oshkosh flips back to #1 and Chicago down to #2 which is how it was in the first RR.  But in any case, even if Chicago loses @ WashU on Saturday and Wheaton beats IWU, it looks to me that the Titans and Maroons will still finish 1-2 in the final central ranking and will host the first round. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2019, 06:12:50 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 20, 2019, 03:36:12 PM
Interesting that UW Oshkosh flips back to #1 and Chicago down to #2 which is how it was in the first RR.  But in any case, even if Chicago loses @ WashU on Saturday and Wheaton beats IWU, it looks to me that the Titans and Maroons will still finish 1-2 in the final central ranking and will host the first round.

It took me a few to realize you were talking Oshkosh, not IWU! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2019, 06:34:52 PM
Certainly I think both Wheaton and IWU are 'locks' for the NCAAs if they both make it to Saturday, and are pretty solid even if one or both fall in the semis.  Where it might get dicey would be if another team gets hot and wins the AQ, AND there are more 'bid thieves' around the country than usual.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2019, 07:08:33 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2019, 11:02:02 AM
Quote from: npbaseball40 on February 20, 2019, 12:51:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2019, 12:31:29 AM
If npbaseball40's point is a good one, we should also say : of course Wheaton ended up in 1st place -- they had the easiest schedule : they're the only team who didn't have to play against Wheaton.
My formula does not preclude a last place team from getting a player or two on all-conf. It does prevent a fairly decent team from being snubbed. A fairly decent team necessarily has a good player or two, counting offense and defense.
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Ypsi.

Here's something fun in line with this discussion:

In 2009, Elmhurst College baseball finished dead last in the league race, but sophomore infielder Zach Hofer finished as the co-player of the year. His .431 CCIW batting average was 11 points higher than the second place finisher, but he did not lead the league in any other category.

I know this is a hoops board, but I was curious to see how other sports have voted over the years.

Anyone have other examples of this type of situation where a team finishes at or near the bottom and gets the player of the year honor? Specifically: in hoops?

The classic example hereabouts doesn't involve hoops; it involves the Cubs. In 1987 Andre Dawson hit 47 homers and drove in 139 RBI for the North Siders, leading the NL in both categories as well as total bases and ending the season with a slash line of .287/.328/.568. He won the NL MVP that season, in spite of the fact that the Cubs finished sixth -- dead last -- in the NL East, 18 1/2 games out of first.


I remember it being said that without Dawson that year, the Cubs would have finished in the American Association. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2019, 08:55:15 PM
One young Cub pitcher that year had a 5.61 ERA over 155 2/3 innings, a fellow named Greg Maddux. This was before he began using telepathy to instruct home plate umps to widen the strike zone while he was on the mound.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2019, 09:22:49 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2019, 07:08:33 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2019, 11:02:02 AM
Quote from: npbaseball40 on February 20, 2019, 12:51:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2019, 12:31:29 AM
If npbaseball40's point is a good one, we should also say : of course Wheaton ended up in 1st place -- they had the easiest schedule : they're the only team who didn't have to play against Wheaton.
My formula does not preclude a last place team from getting a player or two on all-conf. It does prevent a fairly decent team from being snubbed. A fairly decent team necessarily has a good player or two, counting offense and defense.
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Ypsi.

Here's something fun in line with this discussion:

In 2009, Elmhurst College baseball finished dead last in the league race, but sophomore infielder Zach Hofer finished as the co-player of the year. His .431 CCIW batting average was 11 points higher than the second place finisher, but he did not lead the league in any other category.

I know this is a hoops board, but I was curious to see how other sports have voted over the years.

Anyone have other examples of this type of situation where a team finishes at or near the bottom and gets the player of the year honor? Specifically: in hoops?

The classic example hereabouts doesn't involve hoops; it involves the Cubs. In 1987 Andre Dawson hit 47 homers and drove in 139 RBI for the North Siders, leading the NL in both categories as well as total bases and ending the season with a slash line of .287/.328/.568. He won the NL MVP that season, in spite of the fact that the Cubs finished sixth -- dead last -- in the NL East, 18 1/2 games out of first.


I remember it being said that without Dawson that year, the Cubs would have finished in the American Association. :)

At least a couple of writers suggested Double A (NOT meaning American Association, which is Triple A).  Aside from Dawson, they were BAD.  (And with the current state of the Tigers, I can identify and commiserate. :(  Spring training reports are that Miguel Cabrera is the healthiest he's been in years; I would LOVE it if Miggy could pull a Dawson! ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2019, 10:04:32 PM
Totally down for Miguel Cabrera hitting 47 homers for a last-place team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 20, 2019, 11:17:56 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2019, 10:04:32 PM
Totally down for Miguel Cabrera hitting 47 homers for a last-place team.

Miggy has never hit 47, even in his triple crown year, but I'm UP for it! ;D  While I have no delusions of Detroit challenging for the post-season (and Detroit sportswriters are warning that they will probably be WORSE than last year), I don't foresee last place.  The central (with the likely exception of Cleveland) is a total flaming pile of garbage!  I see anywhere from 2 to 5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2019, 11:22:33 PM
I would appreciate not talking about that particular season for the Cubs ... thank you. (And thank you, Mr. Dawson.)

Though ... no knocking Maddux. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2019, 11:40:44 PM
The 1987 season sucked, but as right-field bleacher bums who were out there for most of the homers that he hit at Wrigley that summer, my college friends and I had a glorious time salaaming the Hawk every time that he jogged out to RF after putting yet another one over the brick and ivy the previous half-inning.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2019, 11:59:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2019, 11:40:44 PM
The 1987 season sucked, but as right-field bleacher bums who were out there for most of the homers that he hit at Wrigley that summer, my college friends and I had a glorious time salaaming the Hawk every time that he jogged out to RF after putting yet another one over the brick and ivy the previous half-inning.

BTW - I blame my parents. We lived less than a mile from Wrigley ... before moving to Down East Maine in December/January of '86/'87.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 12:34:06 AM
At least you have the excuse of being born into it. I showed up with a bunch of other North Park newbies for a freshman orientation outing to Wrigley Field, took one look at the inside of the park as I came out of the bleacher runway and into the sunshine, and thought to myself, with mouth agape, "So ... this is where I am going to spend every summer for the rest of my life."

Taken in, just like a tourist suckered into a shell game by a con artist on the Red Line.

All worth it for this, though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Z4mamvBHg
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 21, 2019, 12:48:12 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 12:34:06 AM
At least you have the excuse of being born into it. I showed up with a bunch of other North Park newbies for a freshman orientation outing to Wrigley Field, took one look at the inside of the park as I came out of the bleacher runway and into the sunshine, and thought to myself, with mouth agape, "So ... this is where I am going to spend every summer for the rest of my life."

Taken in, just like a tourist suckered into a shell game by a con artist on the Red Line.

I think I can top that by proxy. My parents are both originally from North Dakota (so my dad grew up a Twins fan), and both moved to suburban Chicago in 1984... conveniently when they made that playoff push. Since interleague play wasn't a thing yet, my dad at least was fine pulling for the Cubs because there wouldn't be a conflict of interest (he's said on more than one occasion he didn't think either would ever make the World Series, much less in the same year). But in the summer of '87 he and my mom went to either the Saturday or Sunday game every weekend the Cubs were home and sat in those same bleachers as you, Greg. Makes me wonder if you ever would have crossed paths.

Needless to say, I got suckered in too, so I do have the born into it excuse, just with a little relocation before the fact.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2019, 10:04:23 AM
You deranged Cub fans may enjoy this shot I took from the bleachers in 2015 :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148978073@N04/35940536780/in/album-72157680111303920/
the end of this game :
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201508240.shtml
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 21, 2019, 10:13:19 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2019, 10:04:23 AM
You deranged Cub fans may enjoy this shot I took from the bleachers in 2015 :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148978073@N04/35940536780/in/album-72157680111303920/
the end of this game :
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201508240.shtml
-

Lost in the fold there was a Hector Rondon blown save lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 10:37:12 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2019, 10:04:23 AM
You deranged Cub fans may enjoy this shot I took from the bleachers in 2015 :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148978073@N04/35940536780/in/album-72157680111303920/
the end of this game :
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201508240.shtml
-

Nice shot, Rog! A Bryant walk-off HR!

Quote from: duckfan41 on February 21, 2019, 10:13:19 AMLost in the fold there was a Hector Rondon blown save lol

No, Lester gave up the lone Indians run on Santana's RBI single, and then Rondon came in to face the next batter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 21, 2019, 10:47:43 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 10:37:12 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2019, 10:04:23 AM
You deranged Cub fans may enjoy this shot I took from the bleachers in 2015 :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148978073@N04/35940536780/in/album-72157680111303920/
the end of this game :
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201508240.shtml
-

Nice shot, Rog! A Bryant walk-off HR!

Quote from: duckfan41 on February 21, 2019, 10:13:19 AMLost in the fold there was a Hector Rondon blown save lol

No, Lester gave up the lone Indians run on Santana's RBI single, and then Rondon came in to face the next batter.

Just jumped to the conclusion seeing that Rondon ended up being the winning pitcher. My bad!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2019, 11:21:01 AM
Incidentally, I've been in Wrigley exactly once since that game, for a tour in 2017.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 21, 2019, 02:03:54 PM
My best experience ... Game 3 of the 2003 NLDS. Called in some favors that a lot of people in the TV sports world owed me .. and didn't know until I picked up the tickets, but I was ten rows behind home plate to watch Mark Prior deal against the Atlanta Braves. I was a couple rows behind Brian Urlacher and a few in front of my idol Ryne Sandberg.

It was my first game ever under the lights (we moved before they went up).

I also had tickets lined up for Games 3, 4, & 5 at Wrigley ... for that year's World Series. Four seats.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on February 21, 2019, 02:15:46 PM
I feel like I need to apologize for starting a wildfire of a baseball discussion on a women's hoops' board... but I just can't bring myself to do it ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 02:23:45 PM
LOL!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2019, 08:35:33 PM
You are lucky Greg didn't attack you and mock you for posting baseball items on a basketball board.  I guess it's alright on the women's Board, heh?  Or if he's doing it!  But not on big boys board!   LOL

Hypocrisy reins.

Dare I post something about men's basketball here . . . -- Go TITANS, beat Augie!

Have a great weekend, everyone.  Already TGIF in Hong Kong!

'70 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 09:20:55 PM
I don't know why I'm even bothering to respond to your diatribe, Mark, but the direction of the baseball conversation has been pretty obvious. There was an invitation to cite within CCIW basketball history an example of an MOP being won by a last-place team. I responded to the question in extensive detail, on both the men's side and the women's side, with regard to how the MOP has been distributed over the years. That was germane, and very much in keeping with both the question and with the subject matter of this room.

The Cubs illustration was simply the best example I could find of a last-place team having a player who won an MVP or MOP award. Hypocritical? Hardly. It not only illustrated the point, it didn't involve drawing another CCIW sport that has its own board into this board. I didn't cite examples from CCIW baseball (that was npbaseball40 who brought up Zach Hofer of Elmhurst winning the 2009 CCIW POY award, not I), nor did I cite examples from CCIW softball, CCIW men's or women's soccer, CCIW football, CCIW wrestling, etc., either. I used major-league baseball. A grand total of six different posters besides me have kept the major-league baseball discussion going ... and that includes your IWU classmate as well as this site's proprietor, who actually revived the discussion after it had gone dormant with his quip about the '87 Cubs without Dawson finishing in the American Association. And that's hardly unusual, either; you've been around CCIW Chat long enough to know that we've had dozens of discussions about major-league baseball there over the years (typically, but not always, during the off-season). Again, that's not a case of a CCIW sport being brought into a different CCIW sport's discussion board.

I'm sorry that you felt put-upon enough to lash out like that, but your attempt to play "gotcha!" falls wide of the mark.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 21, 2019, 09:51:56 PM
Dare I post about CCIW Women's basketball by congratulating Augustana's Izzy Anderson (3.77 GPA, major in Biology/Psychology), Wheaton's Hannah Frazier(3.72, Math) and Carthage's Sammie Woodward (4.00 Exercise and Sport Science) for their selections to the First Team Academic All District team.

https://academicallamerica.com/documents/2019/2/21//Acad_BasketballW_2018_19.pdf?id=2971
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2019, 09:55:21 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 21, 2019, 08:35:33 PM
You are lucky Greg didn't attack you and mock you for posting baseball items on a basketball board.  I guess it's alright on the women's Board, heh?  Or if he's doing it!  But not on big boys board!   LOL

Hypocrisy reins.

Dare I post something about men's basketball here . . . -- Go TITANS, beat Augie!

Have a great weekend, everyone.  Already TGIF in Hong Kong!

'70

Mark, I'm surprised Greg let you off the hook for this.  Most IWU grads know the difference between 'reins' and 'reigns'! :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 10:04:44 PM
Truthfully, I'm trying to ease off of Mark a bit, Chuck. I didn't want to rub his face in it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 21, 2019, 10:19:30 PM
Greg, good for you.  When some alien attacks my classmate, I have to back him up.  But since I voted for him every time he ran for a student office Lo these many years ago, I earned the right to mock him whenever he screws up! ::) ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on February 22, 2019, 01:07:24 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2019, 09:20:55 PM
There was an invitation to cite within CCIW basketball history an example of an MOP being won by a last-place team. I didn't cite examples from CCIW baseball (that was npbaseball40 who brought up Zach Hofer of Elmhurst winning the 2009 CCIW POY award, not I)

Guilty, on all accounts.

Back to hoops: No matter the result for tomorrow night's game, I'm looking forward to NPU competing with Wheaton. The Vikings were blown out of the water by the Thunder, 32-81, at home, but bounced back on the road to lose by just 5 points a month and a half later. NPU was also up 18-0 in the first quarter before scoring just 5 points in all of the second quarter.

Wheaton posted 9 threes in the first matchup and 10 threes in the second. With the obvious height advantage going to the Thunder, if the Vikings can continue to defend well in the paint and carry that pressure to beyond the arc, they may have a chance.

It's been fun to watch NPU get some wind behind their sails to make this run and I'm hoping they pull off the upset tomorrow night.

Greg, what's your synopsis?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 01:30:26 AM
The Vikings have got to find a way to slow down Hannah Frazier. Easier said than done, of course, since she's the best player in the league. But she's been able to do her thing with impunity both times that the Park has played Wheaton, in part because NPU's bigs are all freshmen and are still learning how to defend without fouling. It's one thing if Matti Zander or Josie Summerville fouls Frazier; it's another thing entirely if Jayla Johnson, who is especially foul-prone, fouls Frazier, because Jayla is far and away NPU's best scorer and Amanda Crockett badly needs her on the floor.

The Vikings rang up that big early lead at Wheaton a few weeks ago by being aggressive on the dribble, running the floor, and playing fearlessly even when they made mistakes. They should have no trouble getting some of that mojo back, because: a) they're playing with tremendous confidence right now; and b) they're playing with house money, since two weeks ago nobody expected them to be in the conference semis and right now nobody expects them to be able to beat the #21 team in the nation. But they've got to keep that confident attitude even when things go wrong and Wheaton makes runs (which Wheaton most certainly will). NPU withstood Augie's run at the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth the other night, but Wheaton is decidedly a step or two up from Augie.

The other thing that the Vikings are going to have to do is mix it up and hit enough jump shots to make Wheaton play them honestly on the perimeter. Otherwise, Wheaton will just clog the lane to prevent Newsome, Molloy, and Alba Garner from driving and will use all of those long arms of theirs to lose Johnson and Summerville in a forest of limbs. NPU is the worst team in the league in terms of shooting treys, but the Vikes have shown glimpses in recent games of getting better from the outside. They're going to need some of that tomorrow night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2019, 08:19:28 AM
Jenn Berg's last game before getting injured was 1/12 vs Elmhurst.  The Thunder lost their next game @ Augie and they were likely still acclimating to a new rotation when playing their next game vs NPU.  That was the first game where Kirsten Madsen significantly soaked up those lost minutes (Jill Berg also injured then)  from 2-3 mins/game to probably 20-25 mins since then.  Madsen has fit in well, helped in running the floor, and giving Wheaton an additional outside shooting threat.  But it also means that the lineup is not at all deep, 7 players really, and that could bite them sooner or later.

Wheaton can't take a confident Viking team lightly and need to come out ready to play.  Otherwise, an NPU squad playing with little to lose will be dangerous – (their youth might benefit them in that situation).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2019, 11:43:26 AM
Indeed. In fact, Jenn Berg is the last non-Hannah to lead Wheaton in scoring.
Today's opener at 5pm promises to be a fun watch. The previous two encounters were action-filled : IWU 85 Carthage 71; IWU 85 Carthage 73. I'd like to see today's matchup go double overtime, with the losing team scoring 99+. Just personal preference, no wagering involved. Speaking of that, I wonder if/how D3 will be affected by legal sports gambling that is coming to many states.
Looking at the CCIW tournament program,
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Tournament_Programs/WBBProgram19.pdf
I see that Wheaton's 12 blocks vs IWU two years ago is a tourney high. That mark might be in jeopardy today. (notice I bravely don't say by whom!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2019, 12:42:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2019, 11:43:26 AM
I wonder if/how D3 will be affected by legal sports gambling that is coming to many states.

As soon as it's legalized in Illinois I'm going to start handicapping the Grey Giovanine Jacket Watch. :P

Too bad North Central still doesn't play The System. I'd love to see how they'd set lines and over/unders on those games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 12:48:09 PM
Massey has Wheaton beating North Park, 68-49, with WC having a 95% win probability.

In the early game, Massey has Illinois Wesleyan beating Carthage, 74-65, with IWU having a 77% win probability.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2019, 06:18:18 PM
End of Q1:  Titans 17, Carthage 7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2019, 06:39:40 PM
End of first half:  IWU 34, Carthage 16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2019, 07:38:30 PM
Final:  IWU 78, Carthage 59.  Merritt had 19; five players with between 9 and 13.  For Carthage, Kalis had 13, Gilbert had 11.

IWU started out 27-7, and the game was never even remotely close.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 08:30:50 PM
After one quarter, WC 15, NPU 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 08:50:17 PM
Wheaton leads NPU at the half, 32-19. Hannah Frazier leads the way for Wheaton with 13 points, while Zakiya Newsome has nine for the Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 09:23:26 PM
After three quarters, WC 52, NPU 35.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 09:52:05 PM
Wheaton 68
North Park 56

Jayla Johnson: 15 pts
Zakiya Newsome: 12 pts, 4:2 a:to
Lauryn Alba Garner: 10 pts
Josie Summerville: 6 rebs

Hannah Frazier: 26 pts, 9 rebs, 5:2 a:to, 5 bllks
Hannah Williams: 15 pts
Devin Kyler: 12 rebs, 5 stls

Hannah Frazier showed again why she's the league's best player by far, as she did everything for the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance except put the salt on the popcorn at the concession stand. Wheaton got a nice secondary-scoring effort from Hannah Williams as well. But WC really won it at the defensive end, as their reach played havoc with NPU's interior passing lanes. Aside from Jayla Johnson, the Vikes just don't have someone who can knock down jumpers consistently, which tends to make them one-dimensional on offense against a team that doesn't have to extend its defense out and can just pack it in and prevent dribble penetration.

NPU got a very nice effort tonight from Zakiya Newsome, who as usual left everything that she had on the floor. Johnson had some nice stretches as well, and Lauryn Alba Garner came on late for some offense to at least keep NPU from fading. But Wheaton was never really threatened in the second half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2019, 10:04:33 PM
Well, here we are, as expected.  IWU and WC reign.  (There you go, Ypsi, hope I got it right this time!  :)  ).     The game we all expected, for the AQ.

IWU dominant, never really threatened after an awesome defensive performance in the first half.  IWU reins in CC . . . raining in some treys during the game. . . esp. Sam Munroe.

Merritt 19 and 6
Sosa 13
Schneider an excellent game, 12 and 6
Shanks 10
Hughes 9, on a perfect line

Gilbert 11
Szydlowski 10 ?

The Titans forcing CC into 24 TOs.

Against WC, the Titans have to find a way to get the tempo up and play at a pace more suitable to their offense.  Playing static half-court most of the time vs. WC will not do it.  IMHO. 

IWU now 22-4, a good resume.  Why not the AQ too?

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 10:15:23 PM
NPU's final record of 11-16 is a little deceptive, considering how the Vikings finished the year. It wasn't just that the Vikes were losing a lot going into February, they were also losing by a lot. But something clicked in Rock Island in their upset on Groundhog Day over Augie, and from that point on they were tough customers, winning four of their last six -- including a second win at Carver over Augie, this one the very first CCIW tourney win in program history.

It was a very young team -- only one junior and no seniors in the rotation after Alisha Panthier was lost for the year -- and young teams usually improve in fits and starts. But the Vikes seem to take a giant leap forward with that one big win, and that is exciting. It implies that they finished with something that they can build upon next season, because a big part of their late-season success was the fact that they didn't play "young" so much anymore. Amanda Crockett still doesn't have a roster that's going to win the league -- the Vikings really need a couple of outside shooters, if they aren't able to develop them internally from the current roster, and they could use a fourth big as well -- but there's an awful lot of promise to this team. I like the outlook for NPU for 2019-20; the program really feels as though it's on an upward trajectory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2019, 10:31:38 PM
I wish d3 women's basketball had a fantastic 50 or a knightslappy - I just don't know the national terrain like I do for the men.  My sense is that both Wheaton and IWU are absolute locks for the tourney, with tomorrow's game being a battle for a home pod vs. being a #2 seed in someone else's pod, but I just don'r know.  Anyone else have thoughts on that?

And, of course, it is also another test of Greg's 'favorite' cliche - that it is difficult to beat a team three times in one season! ;D  Wheaton won the first two, but IWU is a GOOD team, so Greg is vindicated if the Titans win (since the opponent is Wheaton, I assume he will hold his nose and root for the Titans). ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2019, 10:39:02 PM
I don't really see any point in rooting for either team, Chuck. There's no tournament ramifications attached to the outcome; both WC and IWU are dancing, regardless of what happens tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2019, 11:38:48 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2019, 10:31:38 PM
I wish d3 women's basketball had a fantastic 50 or a knightslappy - I just don't know the national terrain like I do for the men.  My sense is that both Wheaton and IWU are absolute locks for the tourney, with tomorrow's game being a battle for a home pod vs. being a #2 seed in someone else's pod, but I just don'r know.  Anyone else have thoughts on that?


Central RR:

#1 UW-Oshkosh  23-3;  vs UW Whitewater, .88 WP%, .568 SOS, vRRO 6-3,  Win over Wheaton
#2 Univ Chicago  19-5, @ Wash U tomorrow, .800 WP%, .593 SOS, vRRo 5-3.  Wins over Wheaton and IWU
#3  Wheaton, 22-4  .850 WP%, .556 SOS, vRRO 3-3.   2-0 over IWU
#4  IWU,   22-4  .850 WP% , .551 SOS, vRRo 3-4

If Oshkosh loses Sunday to Whitewater, I don't see them dropping any further than #2.  If Chicago loses tomorrow, I think it still likely they remain #2 ahead of both Wheaton and IWU based on SOS and head to head.  Wheaton could possibly get to #2 with a win over IWU and loss by Chicago.  I think whichever teams are #1 and #2 will host – fairly typical.

Hopefully the winner of WC and IWU might get a favorable seeding or bracket.  I really don't want to play Wash U and Madeline Homoly for a 3rd year in a row.  Wash U already has the AQ I believe having won the UAA reg season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2019, 12:01:21 PM
Having attended the twin bill last evening, I think both Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan are playing quite well, peaking at an opportune time of the season.
By the way, when Carthage coach Bernero took his three seniors ( Rachel Szydlowski, Micala Giammarino, Bailey Gilbert ) out of the game with 25 seconds to go, the IWU bench joined in the nice ovation that was given. Carthage wouldn't have seen that, so I mention it here.
Incidentally, sometimes we also see opposing players applaud at pre-game Senior Day ceremonies. I like that sportsmanship, too. Even if a few minutes later they may exchange elbows to the ribs!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 08:20:26 PM
IWU and Wheaton tied at 20 at end of Q1.  Helluva game so far!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 08:39:49 PM
After a back and forth first half, Wheaton on top 37-34 in King Arena. This game is crazy and only going to get better!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 08:40:33 PM
At the half, Wheaton 37, IWU 34.  IWU made a shot a split second after the buzzer or it would be even closer!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 09:17:35 PM
After 3Q, Wheaton 54, IWU 51.  WHAT A GAME!!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: UWPSUPERFAN77 on February 23, 2019, 09:43:44 PM
Who Won? Thank You!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 09:48:53 PM
Titans win!!  69-68!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2019, 09:54:24 PM
Crazy stat: this is only the second time a #2 seed has won the CCIW Tournament (Wheaton in 2004); every other year the #1 seed has pulled it off.

Congrats to Illinois Wesleyan, and good luck to them (and presumably Wheaton) in the NCAA Tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2019, 09:55:40 PM
Bravo TITANS, great win.  IWU over WC 69-68.

Two great teams trading punches.  Both very worthy CCIW tournament champions.  For sure.

Difference the Titans defensive effort in the 2nd half, especially the 4th Q.   I knew if the score was closer to 70 than 50s, IWU would have a chance.

For IWU:
Merritt 15
Sosa, perhaps the difference tonight, 12
Schneider 16
Shanks and Hughes making key contributions.
Lansford quality minutes

For WC:
Frazier, no doubt the CCIW MOP, 25
Williams 12
Demski 12

Great game,  IWU goes to 23-4, and the AQ.  Why not?

WC will surely get a bid as well, most deserved.

Congrats to the Titans, Coach Smith and all the Staff on the CCIW Tournament Championship.

Great basketball by both teams.  Congrats to Wheaton for their outstanding season to date.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 23, 2019, 10:04:23 PM
Illinois Wesleyan coach had a strategy to smash and bump into the Wheaton players.  That's not basketball. 
If you watch good women's basketball it doesn't look like the SPASZZ FEST this game was.

You don't see University of Connecticut women's players purposely smashing into players as a strategy.
This did not look like an athletic event.

Someone needs to get the Wheaton football players under control as they were riding the one bad ref that looked like FREDO from the godfather.  He was not calling an even game like the other refs were.  Look at his facial expression and body language on this guy he is one wound up person.
Illinois Wesleyan won this spazz fest.

Anyone who thinks that was a great game is nuts.  Championship teams do not play like that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 10:10:46 PM
WOW, just WOW!  Talk about sour grapes!! ::)

Wheaton was called for MORE fouls than IWU, and that was NOT due to poor officiating.  You need to get a new prescription for your orange lenses.

And it WAS a great game. 8-)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 23, 2019, 10:15:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 10:10:46 PM
WOW, just WOW!  Talk about sour grapes!! ::)

Wheaton was called for MORE fouls than IWU, and that was NOT due to poor officiating.  You need to get a new prescription for your orange lenses.

And it WAS a great game. 8-)
Your crazy.
Tell me about these great athletic plays please.
A clip for sports center?????????????????????????
It was a spazz fest.  A football game maybe but athletic basketball.
No sir your nuts!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2019, 10:30:53 PM
Hannah Frazier is the best player in the league, but someone has to ask: What was going through her head in the final few seconds? Her team was down by three, she had the ball in the lane, and she ... chose to drive to the basket and hit a meaningless deuce rather than kick it out to a teammate for a last-chance attempt at a trey that would've sent the game into overtime if it went in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2019, 10:39:25 PM
I'm assuming panic? Yeah, you should know the situation, and from watching the end there, it looked to me at least like she knew she goofed.

If I had any skill at Photoshop I'd be tempted to turn it into the D3 women's basketball version of the JR Smith meme, but I also don't want to be mean-spirited about anything after a tough loss.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2019, 11:03:46 PM
Credit where it's due – Congratulations to the Titans for taking the tournament title at King tonight.  There's no question in my mind that they absolutely did not want to lose to the Thunder for a third time and they played like it.  The IWU coaches came with a game plan(Wheaton coaches, not so much) and executed it well.  They put a lot of pressure on Hannah Frazier and despite her 25 pts, very few came easily.  They took the ball out of her hands in the late minutes with defensive intensity and double teaming any time she received the ball in her comfort zone down low.

IWU's full court pressure gave Wheaton fits tonight, forcing 20 turnovers.  This resulted in IWU getting 56 shot attempts to Wheaton's 47 and 29 free throws with only 16 for Wheaton.  Can't overcome those #s. It was surprising that the Thunder seemed totally unprepared for the press as if they've not seen it before?  It caused numerous losses of composure all game.  It didn't help that Jordan Myroth had early foul trouble.

Hot 3 pt shooting in the first half helped spot Wheaton a first half lead.  Third quarter was pretty even but I thought IWU very much outplayed Wheaton in the 4th quarter.  Only uncharacteristically poor free throw shooting by IWU kept them from extending until Maddie Merritt and Raven Hughes made a couple key baskets.  The last 2 aforementioned turnovers by Wheaton in the last 2 minutes doomed them.

For IWU, I thought Ashley Schneider totally bounced back from her 2 previous very poor performances and played an outstanding game with 16 pts to lead her team.  She got left off the All Con team this year but played like a first teamer tonight.  Freshman Brooke Lansford gave her team a lift with 2 critical treys and some outstanding play.  Slick dish to Hughes.

A win tonight with Chicago's earlier loss might've meant a hosting opportunity for Wheaton.  Too bad.  The only possible upside is if the Thunder coaches and players realize that when playing teams of this caliber, like they undoubtedly will in their next game wherever it is, they need to play with a higher level of intensity.  Otherwise, yet another first round exit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2019, 11:08:23 PM
Go Thunder, get over it.  Both teams good teams and that was a great game.  Very typical Titan defense, scrappy and intense.  It was one of the ways IWU could beat WC, as just playing half court with the taller Thunder, esp. Frazier down low against Merritt or others, was not going to cut it.  Frazier still got 25.  I always said IWU had to push the pace, get something out of their defensive pressure and get the score in the high 60s or 70s. They won the TO and steals battle tonight, and shot a more usual percentage than in the two previous encounters.  That's why they won.  Great defensive pressure in the 4Q though they almost gave it away with several bad, stupid TOs in the last 2-3 minutes when WC brought their own pressure, when IWU were up 6.  And, IWU's FT percentage will not cut it going forward in similarly close games vs. quality opponents.  Either team could have won tonight, basically down to one possession, one shot.  I like both teams' chances in the tournament to perhaps win 1-2 games, after that, I'm not sure either team can go further.  For the sake of the league, I hope both are able to go further this year.  Both are battle-tested, but the level of competition goes way up after round one. 

Frazier is a great player.  I'm sure she'll have more incredible games in future.

Tonight, it's the TITANS' night.  And a happy ride home on the bus with the AQ in hand.  Congrats again to Coach Smith, all the staff and trainers, and to all the Titan players. Well-done, well-done!

(by the way, the worst "smash and bump" of the night was the tackle, leveling of Lansford by Williams in the last minute or so.  I'm surprised Lansford got back up and was able to make one of two FTs.  Hope she's OK.).

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2019, 11:08:43 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2019, 10:30:53 PM
Hannah Frazier is the best player in the league, but someone has to ask: What was going through her head in the final few seconds? Her team was down by three, she had the ball in the lane, and she ... chose to drive to the basket and hit a meaningless deuce rather than kick it out to a teammate for a last-chance attempt at a trey that would've sent the game into overtime if it went in.

Lack of situational awareness which was demonstrated several times tonight.  Walking the ball up the court when you're down by 4 with just over a minute left?  Dribbling and passing the ball not realizing there's only seconds left in the third quarter? 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:09:31 PM
Story tonight was turnovers for Wheaton in the second half. Wheaton had very little trouble in the first half against the full court pressure, but let it get to them consistently after the half time buzzer. I'm less inclined to pin everything on the officials because they were pretty brutal going both ways. Two of the refs on the court tonight had no business being within a 10 mile radius of King Arena, but so is life. Bad officiating is part of the game sometimes and unfortunately it reared it's ugly head tonight.

Regarding the final possession, that was a classic case of a brain fart leading to forgetting what the score was. 9 times out of 10, Frazier sees Hannah Swider standing on the perimeter wide open for a 3 that had potential to tie the game, but this was the one time it didn't happen. Wheaton looked a little lost out there in the 4th quarter and turned it over way too much to win this basketball game.

Fortunately, Wheaton is almost certainly a lock for Pool C, just a bummer that this loss most likely takes them out of consideration for hosting the first weekend. The Thunder just need to regroup and amp up for the tournament. This is a very tall, experienced, and athletic basketball team and I have a feeling they'll make some serious noise here in a couple weeks.

Hats off to IWU for playing a solid game and taking home the AQ for the CCIW. Something about that third game when you've already beaten a team twice.... (hey Greg, 😉). Time for the dancing to begin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 23, 2019, 11:12:54 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 23, 2019, 10:04:23 PM
Illinois Wesleyan coach had a strategy to smash and bump into the Wheaton players.  That's not basketball. 
If you watch good women's basketball it doesn't look like the SPASZZ FEST this game was.

You don't see University of Connecticut women's players purposely smashing into players as a strategy.
This did not look like an athletic event.

Someone needs to get the Wheaton football players under control as they were riding the one bad ref that looked like FREDO from the godfather.  He was not calling an even game like the other refs were.  Look at his facial expression and body language on this guy he is one wound up person.
Illinois Wesleyan won this spazz fest.

Anyone who thinks that was a great game is nuts.  Championship teams do not play like that.
You can do better than this.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2019, 11:18:03 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 23, 2019, 10:04:23 PM
Illinois Wesleyan coach had a strategy to smash and bump into the Wheaton players.  That's not basketball. 
If you watch good women's basketball it doesn't look like the SPASZZ FEST this game was.

You don't see University of Connecticut women's players purposely smashing into players as a strategy.
This did not look like an athletic event.

Someone needs to get the Wheaton football players under control as they were riding the one bad ref that looked like FREDO from the godfather.  He was not calling an even game like the other refs were.  Look at his facial expression and body language on this guy he is one wound up person.
Illinois Wesleyan won this spazz fest.

Anyone who thinks that was a great game is nuts.  Championship teams do not play like that.

Disagree with this post in its entirety. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:19:36 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 23, 2019, 11:18:03 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 23, 2019, 10:04:23 PM
Illinois Wesleyan coach had a strategy to smash and bump into the Wheaton players.  That's not basketball. 
If you watch good women's basketball it doesn't look like the SPASZZ FEST this game was.

You don't see University of Connecticut women's players purposely smashing into players as a strategy.
This did not look like an athletic event.

Someone needs to get the Wheaton football players under control as they were riding the one bad ref that looked like FREDO from the godfather.  He was not calling an even game like the other refs were.  Look at his facial expression and body language on this guy he is one wound up person.
Illinois Wesleyan won this spazz fest.

Anyone who thinks that was a great game is nuts.  Championship teams do not play like that.

Disagree with this post in its entirety.

Yep
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:21:07 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 10:10:46 PM
WOW, just WOW!  Talk about sour grapes!! ::)

Wheaton was called for MORE fouls than IWU, and that was NOT due to poor officiating.  You need to get a new prescription for your orange lenses.

And it WAS a great game. 8-)

I mean to be fair, the fact that Wheaton was whistled for more fouls given the style of play that took place tonight would more or less help him to prove his point even though I couldn't disagree with him more.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2019, 11:33:06 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:21:07 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 23, 2019, 10:10:46 PM
WOW, just WOW!  Talk about sour grapes!! ::)

Wheaton was called for MORE fouls than IWU, and that was NOT due to poor officiating.  You need to get a new prescription for your orange lenses.

And it WAS a great game. 8-)

I mean to be fair, the fact that Wheaton was whistled for more fouls given the style of play that took place tonight would more or less help him to prove his point even though I couldn't disagree with him more.

I thought there were several legitimate blocked shots by Wheaton tonight that got whistled.  Not why they lost.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:35:56 PM
Perry-

100% agree, but turnovers were the back breaker tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2019, 11:39:06 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 23, 2019, 11:12:54 PM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 23, 2019, 10:04:23 PM
Illinois Wesleyan coach had a strategy to smash and bump into the Wheaton players.  That's not basketball. 
If you watch good women's basketball it doesn't look like the SPASZZ FEST this game was.

You don't see University of Connecticut women's players purposely smashing into players as a strategy.
This did not look like an athletic event.

Someone needs to get the Wheaton football players under control as they were riding the one bad ref that looked like FREDO from the godfather.  He was not calling an even game like the other refs were.  Look at his facial expression and body language on this guy he is one wound up person.
Illinois Wesleyan won this spazz fest.

Anyone who thinks that was a great game is nuts.  Championship teams do not play like that.
You can do better than this.

No, he can't. More's the pity.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2019, 11:43:32 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:35:56 PM
Perry-

100% agree, but turnovers were the back breaker tonight.

No question Duck.  I would only slightly disagree with you in that I didn't think we handled the pressure that well in the first half either.  The Thunder first 3 possessions were all turnovers off the press and I believe that can put a team on its heels for the rest of the night.  After that, Wheaton was content/relieved to just break the press and get into the front court as opposed to exploiting it for easy baskets.  I can only think of once when that happened tonight whereas in the previous games, the Thunder got lots of layups such that IWU had to back off the press.  Tonight, they pressed all 40 minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2019, 11:50:32 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:09:31 PMSomething about that third game when you've already beaten a team twice.... (hey Greg, 😉).

I'm fine with the cliché when it includes the word "good" between the words "a" and "team". In that case, it's not inaccurate at all; it's merely an obvious truism. (After all, it's hard to beat a good team once, let alone three times.)

Otherwise, it's nonsense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 25, 2019, 11:38:46 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2019, 11:50:32 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on February 23, 2019, 11:09:31 PMSomething about that third game when you've already beaten a team twice.... (hey Greg, 😉).

I'm fine with the cliché when it includes the word "good" between the words "a" and "team". In that case, it's not inaccurate at all; it's merely an obvious truism. (After all, it's hard to beat a good team once, let alone three times.)

Otherwise, it's nonsense.

Just poking some fun already knowing how you feel. Generally,I agree
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 25, 2019, 03:01:18 PM
Women's bracket now out: https://d3hoops.com/playoffs/women/2019/womens-bracket-announced (learned my lesson!)

Seems like IWU got the short end of the stick being placed in a pod with St. Thomas and Wisconsin Lutheran both boasting only one loss. Wheaton will be shipped off to Wartburg and face #10 Hope on day one.

Both IWU and Wheaton are certainly battle tested, now to see how well both can prepare for Win or Go Home time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran is good, particularly its All-American forward Jen Dowden. But they weren't regionally ranked so that's a relatively nice draw for IWU.

Could be worse. The Titans could've had Trine's draw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 03:25:39 PM
Wheaton to play Hope.  Yes, it's a pretty tough first rounder but not really surprising given the abundance of top teams in the middle part of the country.  At least it's not being played in Holland but instead at Wartburg.  Both teams will have a very long bus ride.

As far as IWU is concerned, don't know enough about Wisc Lutheran.  But even if the Titans get past them, running into St Thomas next is certainly a tough draw. 

I thought putting Trine in with Thomas More in the same pod was particularly brutal.  And Wash U getting the second hosting site out of the Central was really surprising.

Seeing the final RRs, for both the men and women, will be interesting.  I'm presuming the NCAA will release them as they have in the past.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 06:13:38 PM
Question:  Will Thomas More get to #1 in the poll?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2019, 06:43:30 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 06:13:38 PM
Question:  Will Thomas More get to #1 in the poll?

I would certainly hope so.  I've thought they belonged at #1 for a couple of months now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran is good, particularly its All-American forward Jen Dowden. But they weren't regionally ranked so that's a relatively nice draw for IWU.

Wheaton senior Jennifer Berg begs to differ with you, Gordon. (https://wheaton_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/wbb_archivedstats/2015/wwhe28.htm)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: JFRAZ5 on February 25, 2019, 08:26:27 PM
That link is a box score from four years ago??
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 09:06:04 PM
Yep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 09:10:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran is good, particularly its All-American forward Jen Dowden. But they weren't regionally ranked so that's a relatively nice draw for IWU.

Wheaton senior Jennifer Berg begs to differ with you, Gordon. (https://wheaton_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/wbb_archivedstats/2015/wwhe28.htm)

Ohh, that's like scratching off an old scab.  Every time I hear Wisc Lutheran around this time of year, that game comes to mind.  A particularly grueling first round exit for that Thunder team when they hosted at King.  I'm pretty sure WL got beat the next night too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2019, 09:12:27 PM
Greg, Gordon said 'relatively nice' - and I concur.  Wisc. Lu IS 26-1, but it certainly could have been worse (and WILL be if we make it to Saturday!) :P  And we don't have to face top ten Hope on opening night, like Wheaton does.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 09:15:50 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 09:10:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran is good, particularly its All-American forward Jen Dowden. But they weren't regionally ranked so that's a relatively nice draw for IWU.

Wheaton senior Jennifer Berg begs to differ with you, Gordon. (https://wheaton_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/wbb_archivedstats/2015/wwhe28.htm)

Ohh, that's like scratching off an old scab.  Every time I hear Wisc Lutheran around this time of year, that game comes to mind.  A particularly grueling first round exit for that Thunder team when they hosted at King.  I'm pretty sure WL got beat the next night too.

Yes, the Warrions got blasted by Hope, 72-47.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2019, 09:12:27 PM
Greg, Gordon said 'relatively nice' - and I concur.  Wisc. Lu IS 26-1, but it certainly could have been worse (and WILL be if we make it to Saturday!) :P  And we don't have to face top ten Hope on opening night, like Wheaton does.

I posted that more or less tongue-in-cheek. Something that happened five years ago is not a valid predictor of a game that will be played this weekend ... although it's an effective cautionary tale about not taking a first-round opponent from a weaker league too lightly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 25, 2019, 09:27:47 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 09:10:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran is good, particularly its All-American forward Jen Dowden. But they weren't regionally ranked so that's a relatively nice draw for IWU.

Yeah, I was there for that round.  Hope won easily the next night.  Wheaton had a very nice team that year unfortunately they just didn't play well that night.  I remember expecting a tough battle for Hope vs Wheaton on their floor but it didn't come to pass. 

Wheaton senior Jennifer Berg begs to differ with you, Gordon. (https://wheaton_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/wbb_archivedstats/2015/wwhe28.htm)

Ohh, that's like scratching off an old scab.  Every time I hear Wisc Lutheran around this time of year, that game comes to mind.  A particularly grueling first round exit for that Thunder team when they hosted at King.  I'm pretty sure WL got beat the next night too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 09:42:20 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 09:15:50 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 09:10:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran is good, particularly its All-American forward Jen Dowden. But they weren't regionally ranked so that's a relatively nice draw for IWU.

Wheaton senior Jennifer Berg begs to differ with you, Gordon. (https://wheaton_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/wbb_archivedstats/2015/wwhe28.htm)

Ohh, that's like scratching off an old scab.  Every time I hear Wisc Lutheran around this time of year, that game comes to mind.  A particularly grueling first round exit for that Thunder team when they hosted at King.  I'm pretty sure WL got beat the next night too.

Yes, the Warrions got blasted by Hope, 72-47.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2019, 09:12:27 PM
Greg, Gordon said 'relatively nice' - and I concur.  Wisc. Lu IS 26-1, but it certainly could have been worse (and WILL be if we make it to Saturday!) :P  And we don't have to face top ten Hope on opening night, like Wheaton does.

I posted that more or less tongue-in-cheek. Something that happened five years ago is not a valid predictor of a game that will be played this weekend ... although it's an effective cautionary tale about not taking a first-round opponent from a weaker league too lightly.

Yes, coming back to me now.  Not only were we hosting, but looking forward to playing Hope on Saturday, a team we'd already beaten that season in Holland no less. 

Point well taken:  Can't take any 20+ win team lightly no matter who they've played.  If you're off your game and don't perform your best, you'll go home.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2019, 09:53:15 PM
Actually, if history was a valid predictor, the CCIW's two reps would be very glad to have been put into a different section than the league's perennial postseason nemesis, Wash U. The Bears are 14-3 all-time in the D3 women's basketball tourney against CCIW foes (1-1 vs. Augie, 5-0 vs. IWU, 3-2 vs. Millikin, 1-0 vs. NPU, and 4-0 vs. Wheaton).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 10:59:06 PM
Yeah, I did remember that win for WLC. I watched the end of that game on Thundercast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2019, 11:22:09 PM
I hope I'm being too pessimistic, but I foresee the CCIW going 1-2 this post-season.  Wheaton losing to Hope on Friday; IWU beating WI Lu on Friday but losing to UST on Saturday.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong, and both are still alive NEXT weekend. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on February 25, 2019, 11:37:51 PM
If I remember WLC was #6 in the regional rankings before the end of the conference tournament (Somehow Benedictine, who handed WLC their only loss this season got #9 in the same region) (I also have not seen the last set of rankings post brackets). Dowden became the all time leading scorer in school history Saturday in the tournament final against CUW.

I still remember that WLC-Wheaton game. Was intense down to the end. I still remember the WLC-IWU game from a few years back in the second round. WLC made a big run to tie the game in the second half only to see IWU pull away late.

As for this matchup, I don't really know. WLC could walk away from this with a win but like last year against Chicago, they could come out flat and get in a hole that they can't dig out of.

Their OOC games at the start, looked challenging but three (Calvin, FDU-Florham, and St. Mary's (IN)) finished under .500 overall so that did not help their case in the rankings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 11:45:14 PM
You're right. My bad on Wisconsin Lutheran's regional ranking.

And, GoPerry, the answer to your earlier question is, "Yes, Thomas More is No. 1 now."

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2018-19/week12
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2019, 11:45:58 PM
Ypsi, I think you have very realistic expectations for this weekend  -- @1-2.  Let's hope better, but that's about my view as well.  Would love to see either IWU or WC win two games this weekend, get to Sweet Sixteen.

We'll see if the tough IWU schedule earlier produces the kind of "battle-tested" Titans we hope for this time of year. 

Very tough first round game for Wheaton.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2019, 11:56:04 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2019, 11:22:09 PM
I hope I'm being too pessimistic, but I foresee the CCIW going 1-2 this post-season.  Wheaton losing to Hope on Friday; IWU beating WI Lu on Friday but losing to UST on Saturday.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong, and both are still alive NEXT weekend. ;D

Ypsi - I'm not optimistic that you're being too pessimistic.

Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2019, 11:45:14 PM

And, GoPerry, the answer to your earlier question is, "Yes, Thomas More is No. 1 now."

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2018-19/week12

Hey! Finally got it right.  Undefeated and the toughest schedule but still not unanimous and Bowdoin still getting a vote . . .  maybe some TMU resentment out there for leaving DIII? "You don't get my vote if you're leaving the NCAA"??
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 27, 2019, 01:58:21 PM
I think the "don't get my vote" thing is not even in voter's minds.

Plus, most understand Thomas More isn't really leaving because they want to ... they have no other choice or stay independent. Those who want to be bitter are probably Thomas More.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2019, 06:24:09 PM

One thing about the final RR in the Central:  there was a heck of a lot of movement up and down that, in my opinion, one wouldn't have suspected.  Even if one thought Wash U would beat Chicago, would we predict them to jump from #5 up to #2 and then host?  And who would've thought that UW-Whitewater would go from #7 to #4 by going 1-1 on the week?  Meanwhile, IWU goes 2-0 and UWW goes over them.  It's almost as if not a lot of thought went into the week 3 ranking.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2019, 01:41:49 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2019, 06:24:09 PM

One thing about the final RR in the Central:  there was a heck of a lot of movement up and down that, in my opinion, one wouldn't have suspected.  Even if one thought Wash U would beat Chicago, would we predict them to jump from #5 up to #2 and then host?  And who would've thought that UW-Whitewater would go from #7 to #4 by going 1-1 on the week?  Meanwhile, IWU goes 2-0 and UWW goes over them.  It's almost as if not a lot of thought went into the week 3 ranking.

Talking to a few people ... the choice the committee(s) had was either bury Chicago or move WashU up ... but they have to consider all the other teams involved as well. It is never a Team A or Team B conversation. It is a Team A, B, C, maybe D, possible E, etc. conversation.

And a lot of data is always changing. vRRO changed twice between Week 3 and the end. SOS numbers go up and down. Etc., etc. One week's results do NOT dictate how the rankings will be adjusted. They start from scratch each week and see how a team rates on the criteria. 1-1 is pretty far down the list of things the committee is looking at. UWW had a .600 SOS and was at least 6-6 vRRO in the end. With a .667 WL% - that is a hard resume to keep buried.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 08:22:54 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2019, 01:41:49 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 27, 2019, 06:24:09 PM

One thing about the final RR in the Central:  there was a heck of a lot of movement up and down that, in my opinion, one wouldn't have suspected.  Even if one thought Wash U would beat Chicago, would we predict them to jump from #5 up to #2 and then host?  And who would've thought that UW-Whitewater would go from #7 to #4 by going 1-1 on the week?  Meanwhile, IWU goes 2-0 and UWW goes over them.  It's almost as if not a lot of thought went into the week 3 ranking.

Talking to a few people ... the choice the committee(s) had was either bury Chicago or move WashU up ... but they have to consider all the other teams involved as well. It is never a Team A or Team B conversation. It is a Team A, B, C, maybe D, possible E, etc. conversation.

And a lot of data is always changing. vRRO changed twice between Week 3 and the end. SOS numbers go up and down. Etc., etc. One week's results do NOT dictate how the rankings will be adjusted. They start from scratch each week and see how a team rates on the criteria. 1-1 is pretty far down the list of things the committee is looking at. UWW had a .600 SOS and was at least 6-6 vRRO in the end. With a .667 WL% - that is a hard resume to keep buried.

Week 3:                                                               Final:
UWO          22-3, 6-3 vRRo,  .568                                       UWO   24-3, 5-3, .574
Chicago    19-5,  5-3, .593                                              Wash U  19-6  4-5   .600
Wheaton    20-4,  3-3,  .556                                           Chicago  19-6  5-4  .598
Ill Wesleyan 21-4,  3-4, .551                                     Whitewater  18-9   5-5  .609
Wash U       18-6,  3-5,  .590                                     Ill Wesleyan, 23-4   4-4  .563
Wisc Luth     24-1,        .495                                         Wheaton  21-5*   3-4   .563  * s/b 22-5
Whitewater   17-8,  5-5, .595

Yes, understood and I have no problem with the final ranking.  But it appears to me the RAC's week 3 evaluation and ranking method wasn't consistent with their final one.  UWW's SOS was .595 in week 3, the highest in the region and stayed that way .609 in the final.  Same with Wash U and Chicago SOS (Wash U already had a h2h win over Chic).  And as you suggested, there are a lot of h2h results among these teams so that might've given them trouble. My point is that data really didn't change that much from week 3 to final but WashU and UWW made very big jumps.  For instance, I can't understand how they can have UWW below IWU in week 3, but above them in the final.  Contrast this with the other regions where the movement was merely tweaks up/down.

Also, the final data had Wheaton's record at 21-5 (.808) when it should have been 22-5 (.815).  I doubt this mattered in the end but is it conceivable that the RAC might've been evaluating a Pool C team with a poorer record than actual?  None of us were on the calls, but this all gives the outside impression that the process could use some tightening.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 28, 2019, 10:08:04 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 08:22:54 AM
Also, the final data had Wheaton's record at 21-5 (.808) when it should have been 22-5 (.815).  I doubt this mattered in the end but is it conceivable that the RAC might've been evaluating a Pool C team with a poorer record than actual?  None of us were on the calls, but this all gives the outside impression that the process could use some tightening.

I'm assuming the discrepancy here was the game against Trinity Christian College. Since they're not NCAA, that game doesn't count towards the primary criteria, hence the one fewer win on the resume. It would have counted as part of secondary criteria though, if I remember right.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 10:33:13 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 28, 2019, 10:08:04 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 08:22:54 AM
Also, the final data had Wheaton's record at 21-5 (.808) when it should have been 22-5 (.815).  I doubt this mattered in the end but is it conceivable that the RAC might've been evaluating a Pool C team with a poorer record than actual?  None of us were on the calls, but this all gives the outside impression that the process could use some tightening.

I'm assuming the discrepancy here was the game against Trinity Christian College. Since they're not NCAA, that game doesn't count towards the primary criteria, hence the one fewer win on the resume. It would have counted as part of secondary criteria though, if I remember right.

Ahh, yes. Thanks Imitzel.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 10:35:12 AM
Wheaton has quite a stern matchup in playing this young but very skilled Hope team starting 4 sophomores and senior, Frankie Buchanan. Thunder height advantage won't be as dramatic as they're used to.  The Flying Dutch have good team speed and play much more up tempo on offense than the Thunder.  One key will be rebounding which is not a Wheaton strength.  Hope is aggressive especially on the offensive glass where at least one or two players will charge the offensive boards. Wheaton can't stand around watching a shot go up or their opponent will slip under and get a put back.  Another critical element will be the Thunder being able to match Hope's defensive intensity.  They've done so on a few occasions this year, but not consistently.

I think slowing the game down will work to Wheaton's advantage.  A fast paced game could mean getting run out of the gym- Hope averaging 77 pts/game, Wheaton 68.  I'd like to see Coach Madsen use some creativity, perhaps throw in some zone defense here and there just to break the flow some.  Hannah Frazier vs Buchanan will be a good matchup; ditto Devin Kyler – 6'3" Olivia Voskuil.  Jordan Myroth's last 2 games have been fairly mediocre but the Thunder will need her to stay aggressive, use her size and try to finish drives better.

Wheaton has a good chance here but will have to deliver a complete game, start fast, not play scared despite Hope's higher ranking.  Go Thunder!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2019, 11:59:33 AM
Ya don't want to hold Hope under 60 pts; they are 2-0 when scoring in the 50s!
here are Hope's scoring outputs so far :
50 56 ... (2-0 W-L record)
61 61 63 64 65 65 69 ... (4-3)
72 73 73 74 75 78 79 ... (6-1)
80 83 84 85 86 88 ... (6-0)
92 93 93 96 ... (4-0)
109 ... (1-0)
They are 17-0 when reaching 73 pts. Nevertheless, it's possible that Wheaton will win 79-74.
They average 77 (76.6) but finished in the 70s in only 7 of 27 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2019, 12:31:15 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 28, 2019, 10:08:04 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 08:22:54 AM
Also, the final data had Wheaton's record at 21-5 (.808) when it should have been 22-5 (.815).  I doubt this mattered in the end but is it conceivable that the RAC might've been evaluating a Pool C team with a poorer record than actual?  None of us were on the calls, but this all gives the outside impression that the process could use some tightening.

I'm assuming the discrepancy here was the game against Trinity Christian College. Since they're not NCAA, that game doesn't count towards the primary criteria, hence the one fewer win on the resume. It would have counted as part of secondary criteria though, if I remember right.

Correct. It is not considered part of the primary criteria because the game is against a non-DIII member. It would pop up in the secondary criteria to bolster their WL% (something I think most committees don't worry about unless there is some massive difference suddenly between teams) and with comparable games with other teams. Considering the chances of a non-DIII opponent being played by multiple DIII teams in consideration is pretty low ... this game basically isn't really considered ever. It is essentially a waste of a game when it comes to criteria.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2019, 12:34:46 PM
Massey sez:

Illinois Wesleyan
First round: 70.30
Second round: 9.51
Sectional semis: 3.35
Sectional finals: 1.43
National semis: 0.44
National championship: 0.07

Wheaton
First round: 34.08
Second round: 11.76
Sectional semis: 4.40
Sectional finals: 0.76
National semis: 0.19
National championship: 0.02

Illinois Wesleyan 68, Wisconsin Lutheran 61
Hope 64, Wheaton 59
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2019, 02:47:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 28, 2019, 11:59:33 AM
Ya don't want to hold Hope under 60 pts; they are 2-0 when scoring in the 50s!
here are Hope's scoring outputs so far :
50 56 ... (2-0 W-L record)
61 61 63 64 65 65 69 ... (4-3)
72 73 73 74 75 78 79 ... (6-1)
80 83 84 85 86 88 ... (6-0)
92 93 93 96 ... (4-0)
109 ... (1-0)
They are 17-0 when reaching 73 pts. Nevertheless, it's possible that Wheaton will win 79-74.
They average 77 (76.6) but finished in the 70s in only 7 of 27 games.

Good data RogK.  Keeping Hope under 70 will be difficult which is why some creative thinking, different looks might be required I think.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2019, 09:08:26 PM
Good luck to the TITANS and Wheaton this weekend.  Bring home some Ws for the CCIW.

IWU'70

P.S.  Anyone have a good take on Wisconsin Lutheran?  26-1 isn't chopped liver.  St. Thomas another matter, right . . . .?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2019, 10:41:33 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2019, 09:08:26 PM
Good luck to the TITANS and Wheaton this weekend.  Bring home some Ws for the CCIW.

IWU'70

P.S.  Anyone have a good take on Wisconsin Lutheran?  26-1 isn't chopped liver.  St. Thomas another matter, right . . . .?

I've never watched them play, but just studied their website a bit. 

Their only player in double-digits is 6'0" senior Jen Dowden, at 16.2.  They don't seem to be much of a 3-pt threat - only three players over 0.7 per game (Dowden is one of the deep threats).  Their overall height looks very comparable to the Titans.

I'm certainly not taking them for granted (I've seen enough upsets to not even take Finlandia for granted! :o), but despite their 26-1 record, I think IWU is a HEAVY favorite.

Against UST, we would be a HEAVY underdog.  Especially ON their court.  But I ain't throwing in the towel just yet!  (Especially after attending the 2012 men's 2nd round game AT #1 ranked Hope where we won in double OT! ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2019, 10:49:22 PM
Looking at their stats, one notices that the same 5 have started all 27 games and are the top 5 in minutes. Four are seniors, with one junior.
Substantial height among those starters : 6'1"  6'  5'11"  5'10"  5'4".
Of the 8 players who play the most, 7 shoot threes in the decent-to-very good range : .273 up to .427.
The team outrebounds opponents by 7.2 /game and they enjoy a 5.4 turnover advantage.
They restrict opponents to .365 on 2FGs and .242 on threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2019, 11:05:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 28, 2019, 10:49:22 PM
Looking at their stats, one notices that the same 5 have started all 27 games and are the top 5 in minutes. Four are seniors, with one junior.
Substantial height among those starters : 6'1"  6'  5'11"  5'10"  5'4".
Of the 8 players who play the most, 7 shoot threes in the decent-to-very good range : .273 up to .427.
The team outrebounds opponents by 7.2 /game and they enjoy a 5.4 turnover advantage.
They restrict opponents to .365 on 2FGs and .242 on threes.

But you've gotta take into account the (lack of) quality of their opponents.  The women's CCIW is (alas) not a power conference like the men, but it is WAY, WAY better than the NACC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 12:15:39 AM
Thanks for the statistical portrait and impressions of Wisconsin Lutheran. 

Go TITANS!  Time for lock-down D and avid "run and jump."

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2019, 05:09:25 AM
Regardless of whichever team might be expected to win, the game will start tied 0-0.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2019, 10:51:29 AM
There you go, Rog, climbing out on a limb again with one of your insane predictions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2019, 10:53:45 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2019, 10:51:29 AM
There you go, Rog, climbing out on a limb again with one of your insane predictions.

Rog hates making predictions, especially about the future. . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 01, 2019, 11:09:30 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2019, 05:09:25 AM
Regardless of whichever team might be expected to win, the game will start tied 0-0.

Presuming nobody is wearing the wrong uniform compared to the scorebook and we don't start out with a technical and a free throw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2019, 11:19:13 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 01, 2019, 11:09:30 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2019, 05:09:25 AM
Regardless of whichever team might be expected to win, the game will start tied 0-0.

Presuming nobody is wearing the wrong uniform compared to the scorebook and we don't start out with a technical and a free throw.

This can't be understated; I worked a men's game last year where North Central literally led for the entire 40 minutes because the opposing head coach didn't get starters in on time!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2019, 04:35:00 PM
I'm more likely to make an inane prediction.
lmitzel, I think you mean it can't be overstated. Yes?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2019, 06:17:56 PM
Yeah, grammar is hard. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 06:52:30 PM
IWU and WI-Lutheran 16 all end of 1Q.  So far a pace favorable to WI-Lutheran.


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 01, 2019, 06:53:28 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran 16
Illinois Wesleyan 16

End 1st

Warriors led the entire quarter but the Titans tie it up late.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2019, 07:03:02 PM
Half-way thru Q2:  Titans scored a total of two points in the first 5 minutes of each Q. :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 01, 2019, 07:09:27 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran 29
Illinois Wesleyan 25

Half

Some Stats

FG%

WLC: 12/28 (.429)
IWU: 9/25 (.360)

3-Pt %

WLC: 3/8 (.375)
IWU: 1/9 (.111)

FT%

WLC: 2/3 (.667)
IWU: 6/7 (.857)

Kelly Tamburg leads WLC with 9. Raven Hughes leads IWU with 9.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2019, 07:10:48 PM
At the half: Warriors 29, Titans 25.  Neither team will be any problem for the Tommies if they play tomorrow like today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 07:11:44 PM
Yes, 29-25 Wi Lutheran at the half.  Titans pressure having some impact, but IWU shooting it very poorly so far.  Pace is favorable to WI-Lutheran.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2019, 07:12:51 PM
Wheaton 27, Hope 21

Neither team playing great. 

Wheaton getting crushed on offensive boards, but Thunder got a big lift from Jill Berg.  Big second half coming.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 01, 2019, 07:18:18 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 01, 2019, 07:12:51 PM
Wheaton 27, Hope 21

Neither team playing great. 

Some pretty ugly shooting out there.  Wheaton was awful in the first quarter but pulled it up to 42% at least.  Hope shooting 21% for the half, that sure doesn't get it done.  Maybe some first game jitters on both sides but some good D as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2019, 07:24:02 PM
Just noticed something bizarre: IWU's two first-team all-CCIW players (Maddie Merritt and Sydney Shanks) have combined for TWO points in the 1st half.!  Surely that can't continue for much longer!  (If it does, we're hurtin' for certain.)

Raven Hughes leads with 9; Nina Anderson and Kendall Sosa each have 6.  Raven Hughes also leads all players with 5 RBs.  No one on either team has more than two fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2019, 07:27:10 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 01, 2019, 07:18:18 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 01, 2019, 07:12:51 PM
Wheaton 27, Hope 21

Neither team playing great. 

Some pretty ugly shooting out there.  Wheaton was awful in the first quarter but pulled it up to 42% at least.  Hope shooting 21% for the half, that sure doesn't get it done.  Maybe some first game jitters on both sides but some good D as well.

Yeah, Hope missing some wide open shots.  That won't last, the Dutch will shoot better in the second.  Wheaton doing a good job clogging the middle, blocking shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 01, 2019, 07:44:09 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran 35
Illinois Wesleyan 30

End 3rd
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2019, 07:44:32 PM
Q3 was an exercise in offensive futility: Warriors 6, Titans 5!  (For anyone who doesn't want to do the math, for the game Warriors 35, Titans 30).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 07:45:36 PM
A nightmare of poor offense by the Titans, only 30 pts. after three quarters.  It's now or never.  Down 5 with 1 Q to play.

Yes, some good defense, but very poor shooting and execution by IWU so far.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 01, 2019, 07:47:34 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 07:45:36 PM
A nightmare of poor offense by the Titans, only 30 pts. after three quarters.  It's now or never.  Down 5 with 1 Q to play.

Yes, some good defense, but very poor shooting and execution by IWU so far.

'70

WLC shooting 34.9% while IWU is only shooting 30.8% (1/14 from 3!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 01, 2019, 08:09:29 PM
ORV Wisconsin Lutheran 48
#17 Illinois Wesleyan 40

Final

Warriors advance to the round of 32.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2019, 08:10:52 PM
Hope 67
Wheaton 55

Wisconsin Lutheran 48
Illinois Wesleyan 40

Once again the CCIW bows out on opening night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2019, 08:11:10 PM
Warriors 48, Titans 40.  FINAL.

Titans went 1 for 19 from deep - story of the game.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 08:15:52 PM
Sad sad, nothing falling for the TITANS.  Nothing. Never seen such a poor offensive night.  30% shooting, 5% from trey, 1-19.  Just a nightmare.  Both teams playing tough D, ragged overall on both sides.  IWU with uncharacteristic TOs as well.

Congrats to WI-Lutheran, they played good D, just enough offense, to get the win. 

That will leave a very sour taste for the TITANS, for those coming back, to recover from that next season.  Sorry to have the Seniors go out on that kind of night.

Congrats to the TITANS for a great season, CCIW Tournament Champions, AQ for the tournament, but just not our night tonight.  Thanks to the Seniors for all their great contributions to the program over the years.  Good luck in all future endeavors, post-basketball, post-IWU.

Titans finish the season at 23-5.  With those coming back, I think the future of the program is bright.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 01, 2019, 08:16:07 PM
The teams combined for 60 turnovers. Yikes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2019, 08:21:28 PM
Congrats to Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan for their very good seasons.
Looks like Wisconsin Lutheran forgot to be ashamed of their home conference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on March 01, 2019, 08:23:51 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 01, 2019, 08:16:07 PM
The teams combined for 60 turnovers. Yikes.

I figured that WLC has times where they are prone to committing a bunch of TO during the game but the Warriors D which has been on of their strengths throughout the season virtually shut down IWU for the entire game. Hats off to IWU regardless.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2019, 08:24:05 PM
Well, Ypsi, you were too optimistic. CCIW finishes 0-2 on the night.  Titans just had one of those nights when pretty much everything wasn't working.  Merritt and Shanks couldn't get into any kind of offensive flow.  Only player on IWU who played well was Raven Hughes.  Give credit to WI-Lutheran for the D, the slowing of the pace, the handling of the pressure reasonably well.  Just enough offense from their side to win.  IWU couldn't buy a basket at times -- 5 points in Quarter?   Come 'on!

Well, with those coming back, I think IWU has a good prospect for next year.  Hard to replace the Seniors always, but there are those in that sophomore group ready to step up -- Sosa and Brovelli to start, surely Munroe and Lansford playing more.  Should be OK for the next cycle.  Shanks back wanting redemption at PG.  Perhaps some exciting newbies. 

Sad to go out on that kind of sour performance.  If you going to get beat, best to go out on your best performance, but that was far from how the TITANS can play. 

There's always next year . . .

Spring, golf and baseball . . . up soon.  Titans baseball already 2-0 in February?   Titan softball will be very good, again.  One game short of the national title last year. 

Spring here already, in the "Hong Kong winter."  The azaleas are blooming on campus, having been fooled two weeks early by our very warm, historically warm "winter." 

All best from Hongkers.

'70

P.S.  I hope I spelled everything OK?   :) 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2019, 08:24:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2019, 08:21:28 PM
Congrats to Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan for their very good seasons.
Looks like Wisconsin Lutheran forgot to be ashamed of their home conference.

Considering that this is the second time in five years that WLC has knocked a ranked CCIW team out of the tourney in the opening round, perhaps we should list the Warriors up there with Wash U as notorious CCIW killers in women's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2019, 08:35:45 PM
I tuned into the WLC vs. IWU game for five or six brief looks, especially since the game was stuck on 32-30 for so long that I wanted to see if there was a power outage in the gym up in St. Paul. And every time that I tuned in, a Titan was taking a jumper without setting her feet. That's the payoff of great defense: Even when the other team gets off a shot, they're rushing it and hurting their own chances. Big props to the Warriors for playing absolute lockdown D.

Checked in on the Wheaton vs. Hope a few times, too. WC seemed to degenerate into an "As Hannah Frazier goes, Wheaton goes" kind of team down the stretch this season ... and tonight she didn't have a great game and nobody else really picked it up for her. Even from my brief glimpses, it appeared to me that Hope was clearly the better team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2019, 08:38:16 PM
Hope 67 Wheaton 55

After a very sketchy first half for both teams, Wheaton led 27-21.  But it was all Hope after that as you knew Hope wasn't going to continue shooting that poorly. They also turned up the aggressive D and the Thunder couldn't respond.  It didn't help that Devin Kyler picked up fouls #2-4 in the first 3 mins of the third quarter. She then had to go to the bench forcing Jill Berg to play big minutes and forcing Wheaton to play zone.  Hope has a deeper bench and got good contribution up and down the lineup.

Yet another frustrating game to watch.  To be sure, the Flying Dutch are a more talented team and better coached.  They deserved the win.  Wheaton  played their hearts out and gave great effort.  Congrats to seniors Devin Kyler and Jen Berg for their great careers. 

Wheaton has Myroth, Williams, Berg and certain All-American Frazier returning.  But this team lacks basic fundamentals that the coaches are failing to teach.  I don't know if I can watch another season of bad passing and poor team defense when they can be so much more.  If Wheaton's only competitive ambition is to compete in the league then fine.  But they'll continue to be uncompetitive against the better non-con teams during the season and in the NCAA and that should not be acceptable with this program.

Note:  Thank you to Wartburg Athletics for a great video feed, and excellent pbp and color announcing for two visiting teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2019, 10:24:58 PM
IWU and WI Lu both played GREAT defense (most of the time), but both teams also had a shocking number of unforced turnovers.  UST must be licking their chops.

The (record-breaking?) poor shooting by the Titans was partly due to the Warrior defense, but even more it was just crappy shooting.  Sydney Shanks partially redeemed herself by getting 6 of the Titans' 10 4th quarter points, but it was too little - too late after starting the game 0-8.  I vote that she owes us a CCIW MOP next season to atone! ;D

Prediction for tomorrow: UST by 25+ over WI Lu.

A heart-breaking finish to a distinguished career by Maddie Merritt - FOUR points (though she was swarmed by up to four defenders every time she touched the ball down low).  Looking ahead to next year, I think the key is how well Brovelli can replace Merritt (Riley was pretty much invisible tonight - only 5 minutes and 3 TOs to 1 RB and 0 points).  I'm pretty confident that some combination of Sosa, Munroe, and Lansford will adequately replace Anderson and Schneider.  And I'm pretty confident that Mia Smith has players in the wings to re-stock the bench.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2019, 12:07:07 AM
Agree with you Ypsi about Riley Brovelli.  That will be key next year, as you can expect more of the same, solid play out of Raven Hughes.  I hope she diversifies her offensive game a bit and keeps up her great D and rebounding.  She had a great year.  Key also how much Sosa becomes a bigger and more consistent scorer.  Shanks will surely want to redeem herself after this one.  Lansford and Munroe scoring more, as we know they can.

One of those days, pretty much everything going badly.  I give credit to WI-Lutheran and their D, jumping screens to prevent good trey looks and surely bottling up the post and Merritt.  Neither team playing all that well.  So so many TOs on both sides.

23-5 a great season, but a very sad note to end on.  Congrats to IWU and WC for good seasons, many good memories of high-quality CCIW basketball.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2019, 04:57:42 PM
the overall CCIW stats are complete :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1819/CONFLDRS.HTM
verify that it updates through March 2
individual leaders :
Pts/g - Hannah Frazier 20.0
Rebs/g - Alexis Jones 8.2
Assists/g - Alyssa Cruz 5.7
Steals/g - Sydney Shanks 2.4
Blocks/g - Hannah Frazier 3.2
Off Rebs/g - Josie Summerville 2.9
Def Rebs/g - Devin Kyler 6.6
3FG made/g - Theresa Wichser 2.7
Assists/TO ratio - Bailey Gilbert 1.75
overall FG% - Raven Hughes .619
3FG% - Hannah Frazier .467
FT% - Maddie Merritt .875
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2019, 07:11:52 PM
I've figured the "effective FG%" leaders from the full season stats. Decided to limit it to players who scored at least 100 pts* via field goals. Yes, some teams played more games than others.
For those who don't remember, effective FG% adds the appropriate credit for made threes to traditional overall FG pct.
One way to show the formula is : Pts scored from FGs / (FG att x 2)
Example : player A makes 5 two-point shots in 10 total FG att; 10 pts scored from 10 FG att = .500 eFG% (also .500 FG%)
Example : player B makes 2 twos and 2 threes in 10 total FG att; 10 pts scored from 10 FG att = .500 eFG% (.400 FG%)
Here are the players whose eFG% was at least .400
AUG : Mia Lambert .530, Alexis Jones .511, Scooter Lopez .483, Izzy Anderson .442
CRL : Theresa Wichser .571, Katie Rossetti .522, Kayla Stefka .480, Sierra Grubor .430
CTG : Autumn Kalis .549, Sammie Woodward .492, Rachel Szydlowski .489, Bailey Gilbert .469, Maggie Berigan .467, Madie Kaelber .441
ELM : Lauren Goff .536, Marissa Urso .450, Courtney O'Donnell .450, Kellee Clay .447, Kween Jean .414
IWU : Raven Hughes .628, Samantha Munroe .593, Riley Brovelli .548, Maddie Merritt .545, Kendall Sosa .535, Sydney Shanks .445, Ashley Schneider .440
MIL : Jordan Hildebrand .592, Aubrey Staton .492, Yanni Saddler .460
NCC : Lyndsay Brennan .529, Page Desenberg .529, Maya Walls .475, Alanna Newsome .435, Natali Dimitrova .422
NPU : Jayla Johnson .535, Josie Summerville .429
WHE : Hannah Frazier .550, Kristi Demski .524, Hannah Williams .465, Jordan Myroth .443, Devin Kyler .443
* honorable mention goes to Wheaton's Jenn Berg who scored 99 pts via 84 FG att, for a .589 eFG%.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2019, 01:59:36 AM
Thanks, RogK, some great stats and perspectives.

Amazing number that Raven Hughes put up.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2019, 05:36:09 AM
You're welcome, iwu70.
Raven definitely has a great shooting touch.
I imagine that you also find optimism for '19-'20 in the .593 mark achieved rather quietly by Ms Munroe.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2019, 03:23:22 AM
RogK, yes, I'm optimistic overall about the returning TITANS.  Sam Munroe had her ups and downs, started at PG, then demoted when Sydney Shanks took up the starting PG duties, but then came on later and played very very well in the last 8-10 games of the season.  She will surely be a big part of the TITANS rotation next season.  Maybe Mia Smith tries something new with Lansford at PG, and Shanks at the 2 or even three, with Sosa at the 2.  Hughes and Brovelli likely playing in the paint.  Just hope Brovelli comes on to match to some good degree the play of All-Conference Merritt and that Hughes diversifies her offensive game a bit, to match her superb defense, rebounding and high shooting percentage.  Brovelli can't match Merritt's FT% shooting as yet, but if she can give 10 and 6 on a consistent basis, getting more PT, then I think IWU has a winning combination next year.  She'll have to stay out of foul trouble.  Sosa, Shanks, Munroe and Lansford will all be expected to score more.  Quite a reasonable prospect.  No word yet on Mia's recruiting class.  I'm sure the Titans again will contend for the CCIW crown, tournament and the AQ next year.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 08, 2019, 10:03:19 AM
A nice post-season accolade for Maddie Merritt, named to WBCA All Star team to play in Salem next weekend.  Congrats to her.

https://wbca.org/about/press-releases/beyond-sports-wbca-announce-18-division-iii-women%E2%80%99s-basketball-all-stars-fans
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 08, 2019, 08:38:25 PM
My congrats, too, to Maddie Merritt for earning that honor. Have a fun weekend! Hopefully not too much of it waiting at airports.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2019, 11:02:11 PM
Add my congrats to Maddie Merritt. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2019, 12:55:28 AM
Me, too!  Seems strange she would get an invite but not Hannah Frazier - I'm guessing that Kent Madsen may not be a WBCA member?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2019, 01:28:38 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2019, 12:55:28 AM
Me, too!  Seems strange she would get an invite but not Hannah Frazier - I'm guessing that Kent Madsen may not be a WBCA member?

I'm not sure about the reasoning with this case, but I do know the WBCA was asking all nominees if they would be willing to play in the game if chosen. Some may very well have turned that down for their own reasons (has happened on the men's side a few times).

In another situation I am aware of, the player decided she couldn't take any more time away from her studies (in her case, as a student-teacher), so the school didn't nominate her.

Yes, not being a member of the WBCA will be a factor as well. I don't know Madsen's membership off the top of my head. However, that isn't always the reason.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on March 09, 2019, 01:42:18 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2019, 01:28:38 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2019, 12:55:28 AM
Me, too!  Seems strange she would get an invite but not Hannah Frazier - I'm guessing that Kent Madsen may not be a WBCA member?

I'm not sure about the reasoning with this case, but I do know the WBCA was asking all nominees if they would be willing to play in the game if chosen. Some may very well have turned that down for their own reasons (has happened on the men's side a few times).

In another situation I am aware of, the player decided she couldn't take any more time away from her studies (in her case, as a student-teacher), so the school didn't nominate her.

Yes, not being a member of the WBCA will be a factor as well. I don't know Madsen's membership off the top of my head. However, that isn't always the reason.

A different possibility for her omission is that the all-star game is for seniors and Hannah Frazier is a junior. Just a thought 😊
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2019, 10:02:33 AM
Duh!!  I thought she was a senior. :-[
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2019, 10:47:09 AM
All-Star games are only open to seniors who have no remaining eligibility.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2019, 11:31:55 AM
what does legibility have to do with anything
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 09, 2019, 12:52:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 09, 2019, 11:31:55 AM
what does legibility have to do with anything

Penmanship is important.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2019, 01:23:27 PM
While not long enough to be considered a ship, there is a Penmanboat :
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:3555163/mmsi:316030416/imo:0/vessel:G_M__PENMA
So there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 09, 2019, 08:56:51 PM
If there was any doubt about Thomas More's Madison Temple being POY, and I really don't think there was, her unbelievable performance tonight, 36 pts, 9 rebs, 7 asst, 3 stls just reinforces how dominant she can be.  She basically took over the game down the stretch against a good Wash U team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2019, 09:07:46 PM
I guess we pretty much got the Final Four many of us expected, save for Tufts.  Scranton really the only little surprise. 

Thomas More, Bowdoin and St. Thomas into the FINAL FOUR next weekend.

Temple is awesome, dominant.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 09, 2019, 09:12:48 PM
Yeah, not much suspense on national POY for either women or men.  Unless one of the men was truly dominant during the Sidney Moss era, I don't recall BOTH POYs being so obvious before.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2019, 11:15:26 PM
To answer the question - a player can't be able to play anymore because the flights, hotel rooms, and meals (some, most, not sure) are taken care of. Plus there are gift bags and such.

A player who has eligibility remaining cannot receive those items and still be eligible to play in future seasons. That is why the All-Star Games are senior-only (i.e. no playing time left).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 10, 2019, 04:20:17 AM
Final Four Semis:

St. Thomas vs. Bowdoin

Thomas More vs. Scranton

Should be grand -- TM likely to the final against either of those other top 5 teams.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2019, 06:26:55 PM
Congrats to D3Hoops Central Region Player of the Year, Wheaton's Hannah Frazier! Also made 1st team, naturellement.
Congrats also to IWU's Maddie Merritt, who made 3rd team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 11, 2019, 10:15:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2019, 06:26:55 PM
Congrats to D3Hoops Central Region Player of the Year, Wheaton's Hannah Frazier! Also made 1st team, naturellement.
Congrats also to IWU's Maddie Merritt, who made 3rd team.

That really surprised me, since until early February I thought Maddie was the front-runner for CCIW MOP.  I thought sure she would make at least 2nd team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 11, 2019, 11:18:40 PM
I did too. That wasn't where the votes fell for some reason.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 12, 2019, 02:37:18 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2019, 06:26:55 PM
Congrats to D3Hoops Central Region Player of the Year, Wheaton's Hannah Frazier! Also made 1st team, naturellement.
Congrats also to IWU's Maddie Merritt, who made 3rd team.

Congrats to Hannah Frazier.  That is a very nice accolade to receive.  With some of the big game #s she put up, it's well deserved recognition.  I've always thought WashU's Madeline Homoly was very impressive. 

Maddie Merritt does seem low.  But since this is voted by SID's, one never really knows how much time they can devote to really studying their votes, as overworked as they are.  Much different than coaches vote it would seem to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 12, 2019, 10:36:38 AM
There isn't even a coaches' all-region team for women's basketball, so we'll never know.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2019, 09:32:12 PM
Bowdoin vs. Thomas More for the title tomorrow.  Scranton and St. Thomas go out in the semis.

Congrats to Maddie Merritt of IWU for playing in the All-Star game. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 16, 2019, 09:22:31 PM
Looks like Thomas More wraps up the perfect season.  Too bad Polar Bears.

There's always next year for all the teams, save one.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 16, 2019, 09:46:57 PM
How weird is it that the national champs won't be able to defend their title, because they're leaving the NCAA altogether?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2019, 10:48:06 AM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, the only non-senior 1st team All-American D3Hoops :
https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2019
Nice for Wheaton to have her (presumably) returning for another season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 18, 2019, 09:03:37 AM
Congratulations to Hannah Frazier on her 1st Team All American selection by the D3hoops staff.  The way she dominated play this season made her a very strong candidate for AA consideration.  And given so many excellent players in the women's game across the country, Frazier's selection on the 1st team is a heady distinction indeed.  Such recognition goes further than statistics, but her junior campaign final #s are: 

20.0 pts/game(16th in the country), 49.8 FG%, 46.7 3FG%, 7.4 reb/g, 3.0 asst/g, 1.60 a/to; 3.20 blks/g(2nd in country), 83.2 FT%(50th)

She and Jordan Myroth take over the primary leadership responsibilities next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2019, 01:50:35 PM
GoPerry, do you have any early opinion on Hannah Swider? As a 5'10" guard, she's an interesting prospect for increased prominence for the Thunder.
Over her nine most recent appearances, she made 4 of 8 3FGs and 4/5 2FGs. Granted that's a small sample, but it is trending in a good direction.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 18, 2019, 08:50:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 18, 2019, 01:50:35 PM
GoPerry, do you have any early opinion on Hannah Swider? As a 5'10" guard, she's an interesting prospect for increased prominence for the Thunder.
Over her nine most recent appearances, she made 4 of 8 3FGs and 4/5 2FGs. Granted that's a small sample, but it is trending in a good direction.

Thanks Rog.

Prior to the season, I had thought that of all the freshmen, Hannah Swider would see minutes right away.  She has a scorer's mentality, is not afraid to shoot and is certainly capable enough.  However her playing time was pretty underwhelming even though she did log minutes(sometimes only 1or 2) in 20 or so games.  In fact, she played more in the non-con portion of the schedule and her quality of minutes really diminished as the season went along - never really part of the regular rotation.  One obvious issue is that she's third in the depth chart at the 2-guard behind Hannah Williams and Kristi Demski, both of whom have similar games to Swider.  That won't change next year as Wheaton doesn't graduate any guards.  To see the floor she might need to distinguish herself in Coach Madsen's mind – perhaps defensively since Williams/Demski are not great defenders. If she were a better ball handler she could possibly spell Jordan Myroth.  But that role seems to have gone to Kirsten Madsen who was a very positive development for the squad this year.  With the loss of Devin Kyler and Jen Berg, someone needs to pick up the rebounding slack also.

Most freshmen need a year or so to acclimate to the enhanced skill and speed of the college game.  Only the very elite can come in and play impactful minutes on a nationally competitive team.  I thought Swider definitely showed promise but at this point, is a "TBD" in the impact category.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 19, 2019, 08:04:46 AM
In the fwiw category:

Final poll has  IWU #22 (above #24 Wisc Luth), WC #25. 

TMU unanimous #1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 19, 2019, 01:42:10 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 16, 2019, 09:46:57 PM
How weird is it that the national champs won't be able to defend their title, because they're leaving the NCAA altogether?

Weird, yes ... but it is what it is. Sadly, the school was shunned by it's regional brethren (for reasons that could be argued to the cows come home) and decided it was better to leave.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 19, 2019, 02:19:17 PM
I guess that I must've missed it when you've discussed Thomas More's status on Hoopsville. Why did TMU leave the PAC, and why wasn't it able to join the HCAC, OAC, or SLIAC, or any other D3 league for that matter?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 19, 2019, 02:25:35 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 19, 2019, 02:19:17 PM
I guess that I must've missed it when you've discussed Thomas More's status on Hoopsville. Why did TMU leave the PAC, and why wasn't it able to join the HCAC, OAC, or SLIAC, or any other D3 league for that matter?

You can probably read between the lines as to why they left the PAC. Ignore what the local paper has written and consider: they were "allowed" to leave within a year of the decision and under "mutual agreement."

And too many of the other conferences (HCAC, MIAA, OAC, etc.) had members who were not interested in having Thomas More as part of the conference. Reasons why run the gamut - some similar to why those don't want to be in the same conference at Christopher Newport, or misconstrue what York (Pa.) is as a program, etc., etc., etc.

We have discussed TMU's status a few times in the last 18 months on the show. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 19, 2019, 02:26:44 PM
Over in football world, we had advocated for Wilmington returning to the HCAC and Thomas More taking Wilmington's place in the OAC, but that is a little more complicated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 19, 2019, 02:28:30 PM
Heck, I advocated behind the scenes they join the CAC - granted a long distance - and make something work for all parties. That didn't get very far as many could probably imagine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 19, 2019, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 17, 2019, 10:48:06 AM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, the only non-senior 1st team All-American D3Hoops :
https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2019
Nice for Wheaton to have her (presumably) returning for another season.

National POY is based on the current season's performance, as opposed to career achievement, but I can't help thinking that being the only non-senior on first team is at least a psychological boost to her chances for next year's POY.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 19, 2019, 04:48:46 PM
If nothing else, I like her chances to be Preseason All-American.  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 20, 2019, 11:39:46 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 19, 2019, 02:25:35 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 19, 2019, 02:19:17 PM
I guess that I must've missed it when you've discussed Thomas More's status on Hoopsville. Why did TMU leave the PAC, and why wasn't it able to join the HCAC, OAC, or SLIAC, or any other D3 league for that matter?

You can probably read between the lines as to why they left the PAC. Ignore what the local paper has written and consider: they were "allowed" to leave within a year of the decision and under "mutual agreement."

And too many of the other conferences (HCAC, MIAA, OAC, etc.) had members who were not interested in having Thomas More as part of the conference. Reasons why run the gamut - some similar to why those don't want to be in the same conference at Christopher Newport, or misconstrue what York (Pa.) is as a program, etc., etc., etc.

We have discussed TMU's status a few times in the last 18 months on the show. :)


This is a catastrophe for Thomas More - Their motivating desire was to raise their institutional profile by having success in athletics a la Butler. The relative prestige of Division III, with it's huge number of elite liberal arts colleges, allowed Thomas More to shine a little bit - sharing the stage, so to speak, with the Tufts, Williams, and Amhersts of the world (not to mention regularly thrashing Wash U in the regionals). There are others presently attempting this as well.

Going from sharing a stage with Amherst and Bowdoin to sharing a stage with Taylor (IN) and Corcordia (Nebraska), is a far worse punishment long-term than having to give up a single national title.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 20, 2019, 01:56:37 PM
Sadly, some administrators took that idea of being held in prestige too far. I'll leave it at that, but TMU didn't do anything to help themselves ... and I am NOT talking about the student-athletes and what they did in competition. They weren't part of decisions behind the scenes that I personally feel put TMU in this situation.

And no, I will not discuss specifics.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 24, 2019, 04:34:08 AM
Anyone have any interesting news about recruits for the next cycle?   Is there another Shanks in our future?

Haven't heard much.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on April 01, 2019, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 24, 2019, 04:34:08 AM
Anyone have any interesting news about recruits for the next cycle?   Is there another Shanks in our future?

Haven't heard much.

IWU'70

I am not ordinarily in a position to hear much in the way of recruiting info - but did hear, from an unimpeachable source, that a REALLY good post player from Chicago, that was, at least early on, one of IWU's top 2019 targets, and would have softened the blow of losing Merrit considerably-and was VERY similar in terms of size/build, ultimately chose a high(er)-academic school out East. She would have been a very good CCIW player pretty quickly - and certainly will be a great player where she is headed. Otherwise I am not aware of any other recruiting info at IWU.
Seems like a talented post player and perhaps an above-average perimeter shooter or two, are what would have been on Coach Smith's wish list for 2019. Other than that, not sure how much they really need.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 01, 2019, 11:13:42 AM
Really? From Chicago? I can't remember the last time that Illinois Wesleyan recruited a Chicago-based women's basketball player. Heck, while Bob will correct me if I'm wrong, the only men's basketball player from Chicago that I can recall playing for the Titans in this decade was the Coleman kid from St. Pat's who stopped playing after his sophomore season -- and a lot more men's basketball players come out of the city than women's basketball players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on April 02, 2019, 09:49:19 AM
Quote from: Enginerd on April 01, 2019, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 24, 2019, 04:34:08 AM
Anyone have any interesting news about recruits for the next cycle?   Is there another Shanks in our future?

Haven't heard much.

IWU'70

I am not ordinarily in a position to hear much in the way of recruiting info - but did hear, from an unimpeachable source, that a REALLY good post player from Chicago, that was, at least early on, one of IWU's top 2019 targets, and would have softened the blow of losing Merrit considerably-and was VERY similar in terms of size/build, ultimately chose a high(er)-academic school out East. She would have been a very good CCIW player pretty quickly - and certainly will be a great player where she is headed. Otherwise I am not aware of any other recruiting info at IWU.
Seems like a talented post player and perhaps an above-average perimeter shooter or two, are what would have been on Coach Smith's wish list for 2019. Other than that, not sure how much they really need.

D3?  If so, which?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 24, 2019, 11:25:00 PM
Sure is quiet on the recruitment front . . . any news to be shared in here? 

Congrats to all the CCIW seniors -- all best for future endeavors, after graduation.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 28, 2019, 09:22:27 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 24, 2019, 11:25:00 PM
Sure is quiet on the recruitment front . . . any news to be shared in here? 


IWU'70

A few names I have seen come across Twitter...

* Kelly Carlson, 5-9 PF (Lyons Township HS)

* Emily Collins, 5-7 PG (Hersey HS) - https://basketball.dailyherald.com/sports/20190228/the-northwest-all-area-girls-basketball-team

* Katelyn Heller, 5-8 PG/SG (Glenbard West HS) - https://basketball.dailyherald.com/sports/20190228/the-dupage-county-all-area-girls-basketball-team

* Hannah Smith, 6-2 C (Lincoln-Way East HS) - https://www.hudl.com/profile/10523031/Hannah-Smith

Lauren Shanks, a 5-6 G from Bloomington Central Catholic (16.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 5.4 spg, 55 3-pointers; 3A 2nd team all-state IBCA) committed to IWU for soccer.  I have only seen her mentioned as a soccer recruit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 30, 2019, 03:55:58 AM
Thanks, Q. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 07, 2019, 10:11:48 AM
Here are the Millikin recruit names I have seen on Twitter...

* Katie Abell, 6-2 C (Jacksonville Routt HS)

* Bailey Coffman, 6-0 F (Bloomington Central Catholic HS)

* Miranda Fox, 5-5 G (Effingham HS)

* Chelsea McCullum, 5-8 G (Oswego HS)

* Sarah Ness, 5-9 G (Sandwich HS)

* Abby Ratsch, 6-0 F (Springfield HS)

* Taylor Sagle, 5-10 F (Taylorville HS)

* Natalie Snyder, 5-9 G (Taylorville HS)


I highlighted the two I've heard the most about - seems like the two headliners maybe.  Unfortunately for my Titans, Olivia Lett won a big recruiting battle with IWU for Bailey Coffman - I have heard she has potential to be a CCIW star in time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 07, 2019, 02:27:22 PM
Esther Miller, a 5'8 forward from downstate Sullivan, has inked a celebratory signing form to play for North Park.

https://jg-tc.com/sports/eight-seniors-highlight-jg-tc-s-th-all-area-girls/article_4fc169c3-8dbb-5d5b-8579-92f5513123f9.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on May 07, 2019, 03:51:39 PM
I know nobody probably cares about their recruits here on the CCIW board, but the HCAC board is dead - and RHIT will probably play Ilinois Wesleyan this season at the Midwest Challenge. Looks like the typical national class, with a couple Chicago-area kids some of you guys might recognize. First Indiana recruit for the Engineers in a year or two.

Got these off Twitter:

McKenna Kallianis - 5'9 G - Marist High School - Chicago
Nosawaru (Nosa) Igiehon - 6'0 F - Wheeling High School - Wheeling, Illinois
Kahlan Jester - 5'10 G - Irondale High School - New Brighton, Minnesota
Jordan Barlow - 6'0 F - Haven High School - Haven, Kansas
Rose Burnham - 5'11 F - Freedom High School - South Riding, Virgina
Desirae Webster - 5'7 G - Hillgrove High School - Powder Springs, Georgia
Avery Lewman - 5'10 F - Delta High School - Muncie, Indiana
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on May 07, 2019, 06:11:29 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on May 07, 2019, 03:51:39 PM
I know nobody probably cares about their recruits here on the CCIW board, but the HCAC board is dead - and RHIT will probably play Ilinois Wesleyan this season at the Midwest Challenge. Looks like the typical national class, with a couple Chicago-area kids some of you guys might recognize. First Indiana recruit for the Engineers in a year or two.

Got these off Twitter:

McKenna Kallianis - 5'9 G - Marist High School - Chicago
Nosawaru (Nosa) Igiehon - 6'0 F - Wheeling High School - Wheeling, Illinois
Kahlan Jester - 5'10 G - Irondale High School - New Brighton, Minnesota
Jordan Barlow - 6'0 F - Haven High School - Haven, Kansas
Rose Burnham - 5'11 F - Freedom High School - South Riding, Virgina
Desirae Webster - 5'7 G - Hillgrove High School - Powder Springs, Georgia
Avery Lewman - 5'10 F - Delta High School - Muncie, Indiana

Was it a tweet about RHIT in particular or a link where other schools' recruits could be found? I'm always interested in where recruits are going, although geographically, I'm primarily interested from Ohio eastward.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on May 08, 2019, 08:50:57 AM
https://twitter.com/RoseHulmanWBB

I've just checked it periodically over the past couple months - they aren't terribly active but have some posts that are pretty different from what you'd expect...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 08, 2019, 02:52:19 PM
Congratulations to Carroll freshman Sierra Grubor for pulling off what is becoming an increasingly rare achievement by being named to two All-CCIW teams in unrelated ball sports in the same school year. She was named to the All-CCIW second team in women's basketball this winter as a guard, and today she was named to the All-CCIW second team in softball as an outfielder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 14, 2019, 08:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 07, 2019, 02:27:22 PM
Esther Miller, a 5'8 forward from downstate Sullivan, has inked a celebratory signing form to play for North Park.

https://jg-tc.com/sports/eight-seniors-highlight-jg-tc-s-th-all-area-girls/article_4fc169c3-8dbb-5d5b-8579-92f5513123f9.html

NPU has announced three more players that intend to be Vikings next season. Two will be frosh:

Kaija Davis, 5'7, Lakeland, FL (Victory Christian)
Kendra Jackson, 5'7, Byron, IL (H.S.)

... and the third is a juco transfer, 5'10 rising junior Elizabeth Stengel from Oakton. Originally from Willows Academy in Des Plaines, she spent her freshman season playing JV for Hope. She then transferred back home to Oakton, and averaged 14 ppg and a whopping 14.9 rpg for the Owls. She was second in the entire nation in rebounding, and was named to the NJCAA All-Region first team for Region 4. The Vikings could certainly use another rebounder to complement Josie Summerville and Jayla Johnson, and it looks as though they might've found one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 17, 2019, 10:46:32 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 28, 2019, 09:22:27 AM

A few names I have seen come across Twitter...

* Kelly Carlson, 5-9 PF (Lyons Township HS)

* Emily Collins, 5-7 PG (Hersey HS) - https://basketball.dailyherald.com/sports/20190228/the-northwest-all-area-girls-basketball-team

* Katelyn Heller, 5-8 PG/SG (Glenbard West HS) - https://basketball.dailyherald.com/sports/20190228/the-dupage-county-all-area-girls-basketball-team

* Hannah Smith, 6-2 C (Lincoln-Way East HS) - https://www.hudl.com/profile/10523031/Hannah-Smith

Lauren Shanks, a 5-6 G from Bloomington Central Catholic (16.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 5.4 spg, 55 3-pointers; 3A 2nd team all-state IBCA) committed to IWU for soccer.  I have only seen her mentioned as a soccer recruit.

https://twitter.com/IWUWomensBball/status/1129387160417648641

A name I did not have.

* Claire Retherford, 5-10 F/C (GCMS HS)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 18, 2019, 08:50:33 AM
https://twitter.com/IWUWomensBball/status/1129728960051515394

* Megan Moody, 5-9 G (GCMS HS)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 18, 2019, 01:56:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 14, 2019, 08:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 07, 2019, 02:27:22 PM
Esther Miller, a 5'8 forward from downstate Sullivan, has inked a celebratory signing form to play for North Park.

https://jg-tc.com/sports/eight-seniors-highlight-jg-tc-s-th-all-area-girls/article_4fc169c3-8dbb-5d5b-8579-92f5513123f9.html

NPU has announced three more players that intend to be Vikings next season. Two will be frosh:

Kaija Davis, 5'7, Lakeland, FL (Victory Christian)
Kendra Jackson, 5'7, Byron, IL (H.S.)

... and the third is a juco transfer, 5'10 rising junior Elizabeth Stengel from Oakton. Originally from Willows Academy in Des Plaines, she spent her freshman season playing JV for Hope. She then transferred back home to Oakton, and averaged 14 ppg and a whopping 14.9 rpg for the Owls. She was second in the entire nation in rebounding, and was named to the NJCAA All-Region first team for Region 4. The Vikings could certainly use another rebounder to complement Josie Summerville and Jayla Johnson, and it looks as though they might've found one.

Esther Miller finished tenth in the state in the 400 meter dash at the IHSA championship meet yesterday. Sounds like the incoming frosh forward for the Vikings has some wheels.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 03, 2019, 10:45:56 AM
So far I've only been able to find one (well, technically two) recruitment announcement(s) for North Central, and this one is a few weeks old.

https://twitter.com/PHSKnightsGBB/status/1126217511635124224


Yeah, twins, but with two different games from what I've been able to gather. Stephanie is a righty drive-and-dish type, while Jessica is a lefty and more of an outside shooter.

I look forward to mixing them up at least once this season. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2019, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on June 03, 2019, 10:45:56 AM
I look forward to mixing them up at least once this season. :P

In that case, the all-important question is: Fraternal or identical?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on June 03, 2019, 12:10:23 PM
 So, these are prospects from Prospect High in Mount Prospect? Nickname - the prospectors?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2019, 12:51:02 PM
That would be amusing. Alas, Prospect High's rather pedestrian nickname is the Knights.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 03, 2019, 04:03:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2019, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on June 03, 2019, 10:45:56 AM
I look forward to mixing them up at least once this season. :P

In that case, the all-important question is: Fraternal or identical?

As I understand it, identical. I tried to read up a little to find out a little more and saw a story about them trading places one day in like 7th grade to mess with their teachers (https://prospectornow.com/?p=19714). Supposedly, one of them has a scar on their chin or something and that's the easiest way to tell them apart.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2019, 12:51:02 PM
That would be amusing. Alas, Prospect High's rather pedestrian nickname is the Knights.

A golden opportunity missed. Alas...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 04, 2019, 10:34:01 AM
A little more digging uncovered another NCC recruit.

https://twitter.com/natstavropoulos/status/1121100240596152321

Natalie Stavropolous- 5'7" G, Orland Park (Carl Sandburg)

Natalie was an Class 3A/4A All State Honorable Mention in 2018, but suffered an ACL and meniscus tear in December and missed most of the season.

Her high school teammate, 5'9" forward Destiny Antione, will play for Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on June 04, 2019, 03:47:27 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 18, 2019, 01:56:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 14, 2019, 08:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 07, 2019, 02:27:22 PM
Esther Miller, a 5'8 forward from downstate Sullivan, has inked a celebratory signing form to play for North Park.

https://jg-tc.com/sports/eight-seniors-highlight-jg-tc-s-th-all-area-girls/article_4fc169c3-8dbb-5d5b-8579-92f5513123f9.html

NPU has announced three more players that intend to be Vikings next season. Two will be frosh:

Kaija Davis, 5'7, Lakeland, FL (Victory Christian)
Kendra Jackson, 5'7, Byron, IL (H.S.)

... and the third is a juco transfer, 5'10 rising junior Elizabeth Stengel from Oakton. Originally from Willows Academy in Des Plaines, she spent her freshman season playing JV for Hope. She then transferred back home to Oakton, and averaged 14 ppg and a whopping 14.9 rpg for the Owls. She was second in the entire nation in rebounding, and was named to the NJCAA All-Region first team for Region 4. The Vikings could certainly use another rebounder to complement Josie Summerville and Jayla Johnson, and it looks as though they might've found one.

Esther Miller finished tenth in the state in the 400 meter dash at the IHSA championship meet yesterday. Sounds like the incoming frosh forward for the Vikings has some wheels.

Hopefully her mind will keep up with her flying feet 🏃🏻‍♀️, and she'll remember to dribble as she drives to the basket!  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on June 04, 2019, 03:51:33 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on June 03, 2019, 10:45:56 AM
So far I've only been able to find one (well, technically two) recruitment announcement(s) for North Central, and this one is a few weeks old.

https://twitter.com/PHSKnightsGBB/status/1126217511635124224


  • Jessica Kowalczyk, 5'6" G, Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
  • Stephanie Kowalczyk, 5'6" G, Mt. Prospect (Prospect)

Yeah, twins, but with two different games from what I've been able to gather. Stephanie is a righty drive-and-dish type, while Jessica is a lefty and more of an outside shooter.

I look forward to mixing them up at least once this season. :P

Lucas,

I spoke with Maggie, and to avoid any possible confusion on your part, she promised to issue the young ladies different jersey numbers!  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 04, 2019, 05:10:29 PM
Quote from: AndOne on June 04, 2019, 03:51:33 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on June 03, 2019, 10:45:56 AM
So far I've only been able to find one (well, technically two) recruitment announcement(s) for North Central, and this one is a few weeks old.

https://twitter.com/PHSKnightsGBB/status/1126217511635124224


  • Jessica Kowalczyk, 5'6" G, Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
  • Stephanie Kowalczyk, 5'6" G, Mt. Prospect (Prospect)

Yeah, twins, but with two different games from what I've been able to gather. Stephanie is a righty drive-and-dish type, while Jessica is a lefty and more of an outside shooter.

I look forward to mixing them up at least once this season. :P

Lucas,

I spoke with Maggie, and to avoid any possible confusion on your part, she promised to issue the young ladies different jersey numbers!  ;D

Yeah, that'll work until they pull that seventh grade stunt and swap jerseys just to screw with me. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 04, 2019, 05:35:43 PM
Quote from: AndOne on June 04, 2019, 03:47:27 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 18, 2019, 01:56:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 14, 2019, 08:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 07, 2019, 02:27:22 PM
Esther Miller, a 5'8 forward from downstate Sullivan, has inked a celebratory signing form to play for North Park.

https://jg-tc.com/sports/eight-seniors-highlight-jg-tc-s-th-all-area-girls/article_4fc169c3-8dbb-5d5b-8579-92f5513123f9.html

NPU has announced three more players that intend to be Vikings next season. Two will be frosh:

Kaija Davis, 5'7, Lakeland, FL (Victory Christian)
Kendra Jackson, 5'7, Byron, IL (H.S.)

... and the third is a juco transfer, 5'10 rising junior Elizabeth Stengel from Oakton. Originally from Willows Academy in Des Plaines, she spent her freshman season playing JV for Hope. She then transferred back home to Oakton, and averaged 14 ppg and a whopping 14.9 rpg for the Owls. She was second in the entire nation in rebounding, and was named to the NJCAA All-Region first team for Region 4. The Vikings could certainly use another rebounder to complement Josie Summerville and Jayla Johnson, and it looks as though they might've found one.

Esther Miller finished tenth in the state in the 400 meter dash at the IHSA championship meet yesterday. Sounds like the incoming frosh forward for the Vikings has some wheels.

Hopefully her mind will keep up with her flying feet 🏃🏻‍♀️, and she'll remember to dribble as she drives to the basket!  :D

She was on the IHSA 2A All-State team for basketball, so I'm guessing that this is not a problem for her. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on June 12, 2019, 07:51:28 PM
Just read that 6'2" Ellie Cassel of Southern Lehigh in eastern PA will attend Wheaton.  Multi sport standout, 1000 point scorer who teamed with a PA 5A state POY and Georgetown recruit as 4-year starters to win 4 consecutive league and district championships.

Not too many players from that area playing D3 hoops in the central region.  As a Hope fan though I recall this was the same school that a few years back produced Hope 6'1" guard and defensive standout Hannah Doell.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 12, 2019, 10:05:36 PM
Emily Czuhajewski, a 5'6 sophomore guard from Taft via Roosevelt University, is transferring to NPU. Last season as a freshman she got into 22 games and played about 8 mpg for the Lakers, averaging about three points per game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 13, 2019, 12:15:35 PM
Wait a minute, those of us who remember how to pronounce Przybyslawski now have to learn Czuhajewski?
Hopefully Emily will be as good as Nikki.
I see that Roosevelt needs a new coach. Also in that Chicago area NAIA league, St Xavier WBB will now be coached by long time Whitney Young coach Corry Irvin (449-77 at that h.s.).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 13, 2019, 12:53:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 13, 2019, 12:15:35 PM
Wait a minute, those of us who remember how to pronounce Przybyslawski now have to learn Czuhajewski?

I'd like to think that pronouncing Nikki's surname on the air for three years will give me a leg up -- or, as they say in Poland, daj mi przewagę -- on learning how to pronounce Emily's.

Quote from: RogK on June 13, 2019, 12:15:35 PMHopefully Emily will be as good as Nikki.

Yep.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 14, 2019, 01:37:06 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 13, 2019, 12:53:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 13, 2019, 12:15:35 PM
Wait a minute, those of us who remember how to pronounce Przybyslawski now have to learn Czuhajewski?

I'd like to think that pronouncing Nikki's surname on the air for three years will give me a leg up -- or, as they say in Poland, daj mi przewagę -- on learning how to pronounce Emily's.

Yeah... I'ma have to brush up on my Polish. Or watch a couple North Park games before they come to Naperville so I don't sound like an idiot.

Or my usual fallback option... slide into Greg's PM's a couple days before they come to Naperville. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on June 15, 2019, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on June 12, 2019, 07:51:28 PM
Just read that 6'2" Ellie Cassel of Southern Lehigh in eastern PA will attend Wheaton.  Multi sport standout, 1000 point scorer who teamed with a PA 5A state POY and Georgetown recruit as 4-year starters to win 4 consecutive league and district championships.

Not too many players from that area playing D3 hoops in the central region.  As a Hope fan though I recall this was the same school that a few years back produced Hope 6'1" guard and defensive standout Hannah Doell.

I'm familiar with the school but have missed seeing Cassell play, in particular. Is she a 2019 grad?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on June 15, 2019, 04:53:05 PM
Quote from: ronk on June 15, 2019, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on June 12, 2019, 07:51:28 PM
Just read that 6'2" Ellie Cassel of Southern Lehigh in eastern PA will attend Wheaton.  Multi sport standout, 1000 point scorer who teamed with a PA 5A state POY and Georgetown recruit as 4-year starters to win 4 consecutive league and district championships.

Not too many players from that area playing D3 hoops in the central region.  As a Hope fan though I recall this was the same school that a few years back produced Hope 6'1" guard and defensive standout Hannah Doell.

I'm familiar with the school but have missed seeing Cassell play, in particular. Is she a 2019 grad?

Yes 2019 grad.  Didn't hear much about her, apparently she was a little overshadowed by teammate Olivia Snyder, the state 5A player of the year, 2000 pt scorer and Georgetown bound, one of the best to come out of that area in years.  I read that Cassel won the award for the region's top scholar/athlete, sounds like very accomplished young woman heading to the Thunder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on June 15, 2019, 05:05:53 PM
 Yes, I'd seen Olivia Snyder a few years ago but dropped interest later when it became evident she'd be choosing D1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 25, 2019, 06:10:29 PM
The NCC women's schedule for 2019-20 is up (https://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball).

After only playing 9 home games last year, the Cardinals get a dozen dates at Merner, with non-conference tilts against Dubuque (11/16 for the home opener), UWSP (11/23... happy 30th birthday to me), Benedictine (11/26), and Chicago (12/18). The Cardinals open the regular season on November 9th at Knox to complete the home-and-home started last year. Their long trip is a California swing before New Years to take on Caltech and Whittier.

That season-ending road "trip" of @ Carroll, @ IWU, and @ Wheaton though... yeesh.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on July 02, 2019, 08:38:57 PM
Four incoming Freshman for the Thunder Ladies:

Ellie Cassell:  6'1"F,  Coopersburg, PA/Southern Lehigh HS
Zoe Nordling: 5'9" G, San Diego, CA/Christian Unified HS
Amelia Sniffin: 6'3" F , Carlisle, PA/The Hill School
Annie Tate:  5'9" F, Elburn, IL/St Chas North


https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2019/7/2/the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2019-20-season.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on July 06, 2019, 08:33:42 AM
Article on IWU's recruiting class...

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/women/smith-high-on-iwu-women-s-recruiting-class/article_df8bf21f-9edd-5a3a-96d7-3e2f35352959.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR1uC8NiYHRGx3NNNPTxUm8fEwRMvph5VoAhtjnOpIOGAcylpzLHQpx1hmU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on July 06, 2019, 09:31:21 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on July 02, 2019, 08:38:57 PM
Four incoming Freshman for the Thunder Ladies:

Ellie Cassell:  6'1"F,  Coopersburg, PA/Southern Lehigh HS
Zoe Nordling: 5'9" G, San Diego, CA/Christian Unified HS
Amelia Sniffin: 6'3" F , Carlisle, PA/The Hill School
Annie Tate:  5'9" F, Elburn, IL/St Chas North


https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2019/7/2/the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2019-20-season.aspx

I've seen Amelia play last summer; she has potential.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on July 06, 2019, 04:31:04 PM
The most interesting part of the IWU recruiting class article (above) is that Lauren Shanks (Fr) is not completely out of the picture for basketball (she's an IWU soccer recruit). She had great stats her senior year. Not impressive size (5'4) but impressive hustle.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 01, 2019, 10:51:45 AM
Augustana's '19-'20 schedule finds them in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2019/7/8/womens-basketball-vikings-look-for-fourth-straight-winning-season-in-2019-20.aspx
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 03, 2019, 10:06:40 PM
Elmhurst has a new Athletic Director :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/staff.aspx?staff=265
As a native of Canada, at a minimum, she's probably fairly nice and fairly smart. We'll see if she says "out" or "oat."
North Park doesn't have a new Athletic Director, but something similar :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/staff.aspx?staff=7
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on August 04, 2019, 12:03:53 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 03, 2019, 10:06:40 PM
Elmhurst has a new Athletic Director :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/staff.aspx?staff=265
As a native of Canada, at a minimum, she's probably fairly nice and fairly smart. We'll see if she says "out" or "oat."
North Park doesn't have a new Athletic Director, but something similar :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/staff.aspx?staff=7
-
The KEY question (which the press release did not address) is:  is he still ALSO the head soccer coach?  And if not, is Wheaton back to being the undisputed lord and master of CCIW soccer?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 04, 2019, 09:23:06 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 03, 2019, 10:06:40 PM
Elmhurst has a new Athletic Director :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/staff.aspx?staff=265
As a native of Canada, at a minimum, she's probably fairly nice and fairly smart. We'll see if she says "out" or "oat."

It's more like "oot", actually.

Quote from: RogK on August 03, 2019, 10:06:40 PM
North Park doesn't have a new Athletic Director, but something similar :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/staff.aspx?staff=7
-

John Born is sort of athletic-director-plus. He was previously the head men's soccer coach as well as a professor in NPU's School of Business, where he was the guiding force behind the creation of the sports management major. He was reluctant to give that up (and rightly so, since it's the most successful major NPU has added in decades in terms of the number of students in that major), so the NPU administration redesigned the AD job to allow him to continue teaching a course or two each semester and heading up the sports management major within the School of Business while still running the athletic department.

I haven't asked him about it yet, but my deduction is that more of the athletic department's administrative tasks will be handled by the assistant ADs than was the case under Jack Surridge, who had no other responsibilities other than his AD tasks once he gave up his role as head women's basketball coach and hired Amanda Crockett at the start of this decade.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on August 04, 2019, 12:03:53 AM
The KEY question (which the press release did not address) is:  is he still ALSO the head soccer coach?  And if not, is Wheaton back to being the undisputed lord and master of CCIW soccer?

You should've kept reading, Chuck, because the day after John Born was promoted to assistant VP for athletics and sports marketing, his right-hand man, associate head coach Kris Grahn, was named as his successor. The NPU men's soccer program isn't going to miss a beat with Kris now running things; he played a very active role in every aspect of the program under John Born, including recruiting.

https://cciw.org/index.aspx?path=msoc

The Vikings are going to be outstanding on the soccer pitch this season. They return five All-CCIW players, including an All-American who was also the CCIW POY (the only player in league history to ever lead the CCIW simultaneously in goals and assists), plus a former D1 starter is transferring back to NPU after having left the school in order to accept a scholie and play for the University of San Diego. Expectations are sky-high for the Vikings this fall.

Wheaton isn't even the second-best program in CCIW men's soccer at this point. Carthage clearly is.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 11, 2019, 08:37:43 PM
North Central's new roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?roster=1372&path=wbball
I'm disappointed that Tyonne Howard isn't on the list; she is a talented and energetic player, fun to watch. Maybe she transferred to somewhere closer to home in Louisville KY.
The '19-'20 North Central team should be pretty decent, in contention for a CCIW playoff spot. I know nil about their newcomers. lmitzel? thanks!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 12, 2019, 08:15:49 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 11, 2019, 08:37:43 PM
North Central's new roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?roster=1372&path=wbball
I'm disappointed that Tyonne Howard isn't on the list; she is a talented and energetic player, fun to watch. Maybe she transferred to somewhere closer to home in Louisville KY.
The '19-'20 North Central team should be pretty decent, in contention for a CCIW playoff spot. I know nil about their newcomers. lmitzel? thanks!

...yeah, I missed the Tyonne Howard departure when I looked at this the other day. I'm pretty sure distance was something of an issue last year, but I also know she dealt with some injuries towards the end of the season too. Not sure what happened, but either way it's a bummer to lose her. She was fun to watch.

I definitely think this team can contend for a top six spot, but I don't know much about the newcomers other than noting the Kowalczyk twins a few months back. I still have to wander up the street to Merner at some point between now and the season opener.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 12, 2019, 02:17:23 PM
Millikin's roster now features a bunch of newcomers :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/roster.aspx?path=wbball
the Big Blue have only three upperclassmen, but if several freshmen are immediately helpful, they should contend for the CCIW playoffs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 12, 2019, 02:34:14 PM
Illinois Wesleyan's new roster (no Raven Hughes, much to the delight of the coaches for the other eight CCIW teams) :
https://www.iwusports.com/roster.aspx?roster=241&path=wbball
Despite losing a number of outstanding players, the Titans will easily make the CCIW playoffs, assuming good health etc of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on September 12, 2019, 02:48:13 PM
Hi Rog

My daughter is a freshman at Rose. they have 8 freshman and only 4 returning players. I know they are playing
Ill. Wesleyan at the st.louis tournament. Have you ever gone to the tourney just curious if the facilities are nice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on September 12, 2019, 02:49:55 PM
to be honest from where im from i never have heard of Washington U
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 12, 2019, 05:36:27 PM
Jester1390, I haven't been to Wash U's gym. I'm sure it would be satisfactory. More generally, I've found that even rather humble gyms can be pleasant sites for viewing a game.
Probably the most architecturally noteworthy D3 venue I've seen games at is Ratner Center, the basketball gym at the University of Chicago.
Since you are beginning D3 fandom, my advice is to take wide-angle interior and exterior photos of each gym you visit. You could assemble a pretty good collection by the time your daughter completes her four years.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 12, 2019, 09:40:01 PM
That's a really good idea, actually.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on September 13, 2019, 12:48:10 AM
appreciate it. I am real familiar with the MIAC i have several players as a youth coach playing there.  Hamline will be the upstart team this year, They have a senior who played for the usa team this fall
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on September 13, 2019, 12:49:58 AM
also cool about Chicago rose is playing there as well it will be cool to see the place.  if you ever get a chance see the sanford arena in south dakota. My daughter played there once their main gym is like a 1940s gym and floor but modern all around it
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on September 22, 2019, 11:31:53 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on September 12, 2019, 02:49:55 PM
to be honest from where im from i never have heard of Washington U
Nice facility seats 3,000. Well maintained
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 12, 2019, 02:12:50 PM
Shared this over on the men's board too, but I'm already on recruit watch for 2038. NCC might be an early favorite to land Madolyn Sophie Mitzel, born Thursday evening at 8:27 pm at 20.5 inches and 7 pounds, 14.5 ounces. Presumably projects as a 4, maybe a stretch 5 assuming she doesn't inherit her father's jumper. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on October 12, 2019, 10:12:45 PM
 I've reached the age where I'm year-to-year doing player evaluations(my grandsons r in the 2020 class), but, just in case, I'll add her to my 2038 list. How's her dribbling?   ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 12, 2019, 10:39:22 PM
Quote from: ronk on October 12, 2019, 10:12:45 PM
I've reached the age where I'm year-to-year doing player evaluations(my grandsons r in the 2020 class), but, just in case, I'll add her to my 2038 list. How's her dribbling?   ::)

As I recall, at this age she probably dribbles just fine! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on October 14, 2019, 04:03:55 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 12, 2019, 10:39:22 PM
Quote from: ronk on October 12, 2019, 10:12:45 PM
I've reached the age where I'm year-to-year doing player evaluations(my grandsons r in the 2020 class), but, just in case, I'll add her to my 2038 list. How's her dribbling?   ::)

As I recall, at this age she probably dribbles just fine! ;)

Prior to mastering the dribble-drive, she is currently working on the dribble-drool! 🤤
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 15, 2019, 01:23:22 AM
North Park's new roster :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 15, 2019, 01:45:35 AM
Yes, it's been up since Friday ... I just neglected to post it. Thanks, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 15, 2019, 12:11:15 PM
Augustana and Carthage have revealed their '19-'20 rosters --
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Over their final 8 games last season, Augie averaged 55.8, a number which will lock up last place if done for a full season. Four of their top five scorers of '18-'19 have graduated.
All-around star Alexis Jones returns, but will surely be the focal point of opposing defenses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 15, 2019, 12:25:37 PM
Looks like we have another head coach's daughter in the league, as Macy Beinborn is going to play for her dad at Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 17, 2019, 01:21:04 PM
the new Wheaton roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2019-20
.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 17, 2019, 01:31:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 17, 2019, 01:21:04 PM
the new Wheaton roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2019-20
.

Gee, only two six-footers in their freshman class this time around? ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2019, 08:07:11 PM
Raven Hughes a big big loss for this year's TITANS.  They will have to find rebounding and toughness down low in the paint.  Brovelli will provide some, but no way replace Raven.  Could be that Sydney Shanks gets converted to a forward!  :)   Time will tell.  Some good talent coming back. 

Looking forward to the season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 20, 2019, 04:49:27 PM
If I were guessing on the IWU line up this year, I'd say:

Brovelli - 5
Sosa - 3
Shanks - 3
Lansford - 2
Sam Munroe - PG

Probably Katie Eck figures in the rotation.  Perhaps Lowis and Bowen too.   Not sure about the freshmen, though one likely to back up Brovelli.

We'll see.  The new edition coming soon.  Raven Hughes difficult to replace -- losing scoring, rebounding and toughness.

Looking forward to the new season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 23, 2019, 11:04:04 AM
Carroll's new roster :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2019-2020
missing are the two top Pioneer rebounders of last season, junior Katie Rossetti (6.4 reb/g) and sophomore Celina Schwantes (6.2 reb/g). Each also had a pretty nice shooting touch near the basket; 2FG% were .535 for Rossetti and .505 for Schwantes. If you want to review Carroll's '18-'19 player stats, go to https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1819/CARROLL.HTM
for some reason, the individual player stats on the gopios site are based on 24 games, not 25.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 23, 2019, 11:14:20 AM
Wow. Those are two big unexpected losses. The Pios still have their four leading scorers back from last season, including top guns Grubor and Cruz, but Rossetti and Schwantes did the necessary grunt work and opened up the outside for the scorers.

I thought that the Pios might be able to make a run at finishing in the top half of the league this season, but I might have to rethink that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 25, 2019, 11:39:35 AM
The Carthage roster now looks complete, with uniform numbers assigned to the six freshmen.
Elmhurst's new list is here :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
Twenty-three players listed, including seven who played at least 246 minutes last season.
The '18-'19 jays were a good 3FG shooting team at .331, the equivalent of .497 for 2FG shooting. Their 2FG% was .385, the equivalent of .385 for 2FG shooting. (nyuk nyuk)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2019, 10:27:52 PM
I guess it's about time for my annual reminder that pre-season rankings are based on zero games played in the relevant season. Pre-season rankings should never be accepted as starting positions for any teams.
"We were #3 in the pre-season poll and haven't lost in November, so we deserve to be #3."
Once games begin, pre-season polls should be flushed down the basketball toilet. Teams should be judged solely on what they accomplish in the 2019-20 season, with no credit or blame carried over from previous seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2019, 04:21:03 PM
the CCIW coaches' conference standings forecast should come out soon; (no, it's not a ranking like national polls)
I'd expect Wheaton, Carthage and IWU to be at the top of the league, but as for the rest, who knows.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 30, 2019, 12:14:17 PM
the coaches' forecast :
Wheaton
IWU
Carthage
Greg's North Park Vikings
Augustana
North Central
Elmhurst
Millikin
Carroll
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2019, 12:24:31 PM
I might've flipped Carroll and Millikin at the bottom, but otherwise this is pretty much how I would've picked 'em.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2019, 12:32:09 PM
Here's the league's story on the coaches poll:

https://cciw.org/news/2019/10/30/wheaton-predicted-to-win-2019-20-cciw-womens-basketball-title.aspx

This is the first time that I've seen someone other than CCIW SID Mike Krizman write a presser for the league's website. I note proudly that the intern who wrote it is none other than Ellie Manderfeld, the senior centerfielder for the NPU softball team. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 30, 2019, 02:53:17 PM
Yeah, I can't really nitpick at all about the poll. I had figured it would be Wheaton-IWU 1-2 in some order, with Carthage at 3... then a dropoff but with everyone all kind of clustered together. To have seven points separating spots 4-7 on the list, and have number eight just four points back of that spot shows how even the middle of the pack should be.

Last year 6-10 was good enough to make the conference tournament; I think the year before if the format were what it is now 5-11 was the benchmark. I'd expect something similar this year. Should be fun.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 01, 2019, 11:43:41 AM
Another season soon upon us.  Looking forward to it as well.

Watched the TITANS scrimmage against Knox last Wednesday.  IWU tied or won all the quarters played.  Great speed and pace of the game, with excellent trey shooting by IWU -- Sosa, Munroe and Lansford are all key threats there. 

As expected, starters were:

Brovelli, Shanks, Sosa, Lansford and Munroe.   Good experience in that group.  Brovelli much improved, lighter on her feet, good running of the floor, 5-6 blocks.  She could lead the league in blocked shots.  Shanks moved more to the forward position.  Titans still working on offensive sets and on "run and jump" but surely they will play with great speed and with defensive pressure, as is Mia Smith's signature style.  They are not a particularly deep team.  Not very big . . . but good skills.   Rotational players involved, again as expected, are Eck, Bowen and Lowis, off the bench.  I'm sure it will take some time to put it all together.  And, again, a pretty tough, mostly road games, early schedule.  No nights off.  Not at home much the first month!

Most surprising and pleasing of all is freshman Katelyn Heller.  She is strong, ready to play at this level.  I was very impressed with her, for sure. 

Seems #2 or #3 in CCIW is about right in CCIW at this stage.  Wheaton still the favorite.  But, this could all come together pretty well.  Key is keeping everyone of the top 5-6 healthy.  Raven Hughes surely a big piece missing, greatly missed.

The Titans open @University of Chicago, I believe.  No easy nights there.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 04, 2019, 11:45:43 AM
Returning a first team All-Am from last season(and a sure pre-season pick) plus four of five starters, #14 feels about right to me as a pre-season slot for the Thunder ladies.  Without surveying 25-30 other teams, I believe Wheaton should consider themselves among the top 10-15 in the country and hopefully play like it.  Saturday opener vs UT-Dallas will be a great first test.  It looks like the rest of their non-con schedule is pretty strong and includes several teams that should end up with winning records.

No doubt there are very high expectations for the Thunder this year.  Hannah Frazier does a bunch of things well on both ends and I'm not sure there's anyone else in the conference who can check her.  Hannah Williams and Kristi Demske are veteran players with offensive skills who help/need to take some of the scoring load from Frazier.     

A key player to Wheaton's success will be all con guard Jordan Myroth.  She averaged about 8 pts/g last season but I'd like to see a little more assertiveness and get somewhere around 11-12/g .  At 5'11" she presents real match-up problems.  She's not been afraid to post up smaller defenders and she should continue doing so to get even better at it.  She's already a very good defender, rebounder (6.5/g) and ball handler.

I'm not sure Jill Berg will slot right into a starter role or continue off the bench – I'd probably favor the latter.  Kirsten Madsen showed lots of grit with quality minutes last year also.  I'll be interested to see if Hannah Swider can step up to significant minutes.  Typically one or two first years get some floor time early in the season - maybe 6'1" Ellie Cassel or local product 5'10" Annie Tate but just speculating.

"Expectations" is relative.  Winning the league, outright and tournament(AQ), is the first goal for any team.  But this year's Thunder squad should not be content with that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2019, 01:33:02 PM
Every year I keep waiting for North Park to get over the hump and make some first-division noise, and it never seems to happen. But this season the Vikings might be ready to make that leap. The CCIW's head coaches seem to think so, since they picked NPU fourth. Of course, that by itself doesn't amount to a hill of beans. But the way that NPU finished the season last year with a flourish, including winning a rout in the CCIW tourney opener at higher-seeded Augustana, combined with the fact that the only player lost from last season's rotation is backup big Matti Zander -- who should be easily replaced by getting a now-healthy Alisha Panthier back, plus a genuine glass-eater in Oakton transfer Elizabeth Stangel, who last season ranked fifth among all three divisions of the NJCAA with 14.9 rpg -- leads me to think that there is genuine room for optimism for the Vikings regardless of the opinion of the coaches.

Most likely the fortunes of the Vikings will rest upon Jayla Johnson. Her terrific freshman season, in which she averaged 14.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg (and well over two steals per game, too) and was named the CCIW Newcomer of the Year, only scratched the surface of her potential. As the team around her improves, she'll have less cause to have to force the issue when the halfcourt offense bogs down (which last season happened all the time). She's a gifted athlete and the most versatile and technically sound big that Amanda Crockett has ever brought into the program, and with the addition of Panthier and Stengel and the progression of Josie Summerville I think that Johnson can go out on the floor even more and beat opposing PFs off the dribble.

NPU's other virtue is the plethora of small, quick guards on the roster. The Vikings can push the ball up the floor, pick pockets, and jump passing lanes with the best of them. (Finishing at the basket is another matter, though; if blown layups was an NCAA statistic, North Park would've been nationally ranked in D3 in that category.) Having so many of them allows Amanda Crockett to keep them fresh and make the pressure that they put upon the other team relentless. The problem is that their speed gets wasted when the halfcourt offense gets too static.

Among other players, I think that it's important for Josie Summerville and Sinead Molloy to take the next step. Summerville can rebound like nobody's business, and she's great at positioning herself under the basket. But she really needs to improve her shooting touch down low. Molloy is a great glue player who is a nasty defender and a good distributor. If she can improve her outside shooting, she's got a shot at having a breakout junior season.

North Park proved it could stop other teams from scoring last season; the problem is that, at under 60 ppg, the Vikings did a terrible job of putting the ball in the basket at the other end of the floor. They need to significantly improve their outside shooting -- aside from the departed Zander, Sophia Lehocky was the only Viking to shoot north of 30% from downtown -- and curtail the parade of missed layups. If they can upgrade the offensive production from last year, they could really be fun to watch this season -- and, remarkably, this is a team that may not peak for another year yet, as Panthier and Angelina Villasin are the only seniors on the roster.

I'm really looking forward to calling games for this particular Vikings team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2019, 02:04:34 PM
Not to cast any aspersions on your jet-set lifestyle, Rog, but if you're around and available this coming Friday night, the Vikings will be playing a scrimmage at 6 pm in the NPU gym. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 04, 2019, 04:31:03 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier on pre-season First Team All-American, according to D3hoops.  I don't think IWU has anyone who can really guard her.  Perhaps Shanks this year.  Raven Hughes would have been the option, but not now.

IWU small and fast, with only one 6'+ post player in Brovelli.  Defensive pressure and trey shooting will have to do it for this year's edition of the Titans. 

Wheaton looks really set, with a very experienced line-up, for a great year. 

Carthage and NPU looking to break into the top two or top four?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2019, 05:56:50 PM
Well, Greg, I shouldn't boast excessively, but I have lately been to both Bensenville and Countryside IL.
Who might serve as the opponent at NP on Friday?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2019, 06:45:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2019, 05:56:50 PM
Well, Greg, I shouldn't boast excessively, but I have lately been to both Bensenville and Countryside IL.
Who might serve as the opponent at NP on Friday?

I'm not sure who NPU is playing.

Quote from: iwu70 on November 04, 2019, 04:31:03 PM
Carthage and NPU looking to break into the top two or top four?

Carthage doesn't need to break into the top four. The Lady Reds have finished third in each of the last two seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 04, 2019, 09:09:17 PM
Did I miss (or forget) an announcement at some point, or does no one know why Raven Hughes (who would be a junior) is no longer on the Titan roster?  I think she would likely be a first-team All-CCIW player if she were here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 04, 2019, 09:42:48 PM
It looks like she is still a student at school. her last basketball post was in may.   She might have decided that she just didnt want to invest the time anymore. Some players no matter their talent  the love of playing becomes less important . Rhit was recruiting a pg who was getting D1 offers  but she  decided to go to Louisville and stop playing basketball.

Or she hopefully isnt but she could have injured herself and is out for the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2019, 02:33:27 PM
Raven is still on campus, still a student at IWU.  She just decided not to play this year, with other academic and internship priorities.  Yes, a lot of investment of time to be a CCIW athlete.  I hope she returns to the TITANS roster next season. She will surely be missed this year.

TITANS playing another exhibition up at Governor's State, south of Chicago, on Saturday -- 1 p.m.

If the top 6-7 Titans on the roster stay healthy, this team could be pretty good.

Let the games begin!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2019, 11:03:51 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2019, 05:56:50 PM
Well, Greg, I shouldn't boast excessively, but I have lately been to both Bensenville and Countryside IL.
Who might serve as the opponent at NP on Friday?

NPU's scrimmage opponent tonight is Dominican, if you're still interested.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2019, 04:33:47 PM
thanks for the update, Greg
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2019, 10:59:22 PM
Millikin got the CCIW off to a good start, defeating Greenville 81-74 at Westminster College, Fulton MO.
Jordan Hildebrand's 25 pts led four MU double-figure scorers. She made 9/12 2FG and 7/10 FT, adding 6 rebs and 3 steals. Bailey Coffman helped the Big Blue cause with 11 rebs, 5 assists and 16 pts.
Augustana almost upset Benedictine, but fell 74-69 in Rock Island.
Augie committed 32 fouls.
Lauren Hall topped the Vikings with 17 pts and 12 rebs; Justice Edell scored 16 and Alexis Jones tallied 15 in (an exhausting?) 37 minutes, but shot poorly (.280 eFG%).
Most of the rest of the league gets involved with games tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on November 09, 2019, 04:17:43 PM
Titans knocked off a scrappy Govenors State today, 78-71. Got behind in the 3rd, but rallied in the 4th behind tenacious D by Kaia Bowen and some insane shooting by Kendall Sosa. Titans, talented by not deep. Very limited rotation, with Brovelli getting very little rest.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 09, 2019, 08:26:23 PM
As Ultimate as indicated, IWU over Governors State today south of Chicago, 78-71.  Like the men, get to 78 almost always win the game.  Glad I drove up for the game. 

For IWU:

Sosa 29  11-12 FTs
Shanks 19, very steady play
Brovelli, doing what is so needed, 11 and 11
Bowen 8
Monroe, some key treys, 7

Lansford and Monroe played well at PG.  Bowen had a great game on D, hustle plays, diving for loose balls, and scoring.  She's a varsity player now, making good contributions.  Sosa was just marvelous, taking it to the basket, floaters and mid-range jumpers, 2 treys.  11-12 from the charity stripe.  29 a career high.  Shanks, the rock of ages, calming her team after a horrible 30-6 3Q.  Titans fighting back, showing poise and great defensive pressure to bring it home down the stretch.  Fourth Q went 33-19 in favor of the TITANS. 

For GSU:

S. Breeze 20
H. Thomas 14

GSU played marvelously in the 3Q, but ran out of gas a bit down the stretch.

Yes, TITANS will need more from several other rotational players, esp. Heller.  Katie Eck in a boot.  :( 

More great games to come.  Sosa in for a big big year.  Up next U of Chicago @Chicago.

A good start.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 09, 2019, 08:29:27 PM
For the second straight year, North Central opens the campaign with a win over Knox; this one 77-67 in Galesburg. Lyndsay Brennan led the way with 23 and 9, Allison Pearson scored 20 (including a 5-10 day from deep), and Alanna Newsome chipped in 13. Jarrelyn McCall paced the Prairie Fire with an 18 and 10 performance. The Cardinals won the rebound battle 49-38, and free throws might have played a role: NCC went 24-36, while Knox hit just 16-31.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2019, 11:32:20 AM
IWU travels to pre-season #18 University of Chicago tomorrow -- Tuesday, at 7 p.m.

Should be a good early test of how strong this IWU squad really is.  They have very good talent, perimeter shooting, usual defensive pressure as is the IWU M.O. over the years, but not a very deep team.  Bench rotational players have to step up fast, make their mark.  Brovelli will have to stay out of foul trouble.

Looking forward to seeing how it goes . . .

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2019, 11:39:22 AM
Carroll was edged 58-55 by UW LaCrosse. Sierra Grubor led the Pioneers with 15 pts in 24:00. Carroll may have something in 6'1" freshman Elizabeth Behrndt, who tallied 8 pts, 5 rebs, 0 TOs, 3 blks, 2 assists in 22:00. She may also have the most consecutive consonants in league history.
Speaking of names, Carroll now has Brooke Foster. Which brings to mind this guy :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdPcjIrSvcs
Incidentally, Governors State is NAIA.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2019, 12:08:48 PM
Carthage was edged 71-68 by Calvin. Lady Reds scoring leaders were Sammie Woodward (23) and Autumn Kalis (16 in 21:00).
Calvin scored a majority (36) of their points off 21 3FG att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 11, 2019, 12:30:48 PM
PS #14 Wheaton over PS #12 UT-Dallas 66-62.  Hannah Frazier with 26 pts, 7 rebs.

The Comets are a very talented team with AA's Raenett Hughes ( 26 pts, 14 rebs) and distributor Victoria Pena ( 10 pts, 6 asst).  But the large height advantage of the Thunder put them off their offensive rhythm for the first 30 mins and by then it was too late to come back.

A win is a win but Wheaton's performance was so-so.  20 turnovers resulting in only 41 shot attempts.  Understandable for the first game against a ranked opponent so it's too early to panic.  Some things to work on still of course.  Two issues of particular concern are:

     A. Wheaton was killed on the boards by a much shorter team.  UT-Dallas outrebounded them 45-33 and a whopping 24-5 on the offensive
          glass.  Sometimes a smaller and quicker team can compete with a taller team on the boards.  But several Wheaton players (won't
          name names . . . yet) displayed zero interest in fundamental box outs.   

      B. Kent Madsen's postgame comments that he thought Wheaton did a good job ("extremely well") on the boards.  I can't imagine anyone watching that came coming off with that impression but instead the opposite view. 

Unfortunately, veteran Hannah Williams was out with injury.  She was on the bench in street clothes, no crutches or anything so hopefully she's back soon.  Need her offense.  Kristen Madsen looks very comfortable out there running things.  Hannah Swider played solidly as did soph Taylor Sanders in limited floor time ( 8 mins).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2019, 02:13:10 PM
GoPerry, you weren't encouraged by Jill Berg's 15 defensive rebounds and 6 blocks?
I attended that game as well as UT-Dallas's Sunday matchup at the U of Chicago. I think Wheaton and UChicago can each be pleased to have defeated a very good Dallas team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2019, 02:48:52 PM
Millikin picked up its 2nd victory, upending Westminster 68-52. Jordan Hildebrand had 4 steals, 9 rebs and 19 pts (8/13 2FG, 3/4 FT). Abby Ratsch had 11 pts, 11 rebs, 4 assists, 3 blocks.
Augustana 59-58 over Luther : Justice Edell had 15 pts, 7 rebs, while Alexis Jones had 3 steals, 6 rebs and 14 pts.
Besides the Wheaton game on Saturday, I also attended the Loras 94-59 win at Elmhurst. Loras has a lot of agile players around 5'10", a surplus really. Elmhurst put forth nice effort, despite the margin.
The Jays were without Kelly Weyhrich, Elena Cabrera, Courtney O'Donnell and Kween Jean. My guess is that even with those starters/regulars, Elmhurst wouldn't have beaten Loras at least that day. Loras looked rather good.
Elmhurst got 15 pts by Marissa Urso and 12 pts 7 rebs from Becca Gerke.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 11, 2019, 03:25:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 11, 2019, 02:13:10 PM
GoPerry, you weren't encouraged by Jill Berg's 15 defensive rebounds and 6 blocks?
I attended that game as well as UT-Dallas's Sunday matchup at the U of Chicago. I think Wheaton and UChicago can each be pleased to have defeated a very good Dallas team.

Hi Rog:

Like I said, a win is a win and don't apologize for it.

Jill Berg did have a very solid game.  Her 6 blks and Frazier's 4 goes to my earlier comment on Wheaton's height advantage really throwing UT-D off.  The Thunder might very well once again lead the country in blocked shots like they did last year – a possible double edged sword in my opinion.   

On the other hand, the fact that she had 15 out of the teams 33 rebs, while getting severely outrebounded as a team, says a lot about what the others did or didn't do in that regard.  And the 24-5 offensive board disadvantage needs to be owned by everyone on the floor no matter how many an individual got (7 different Comets had at least one).  You were at the game.  As a knowledgeable but neutral observer did you notice all the offensive boards for UT-D? 

The Thunder have some challenging games coming that they should and really need to win.  Lakeland, probably Wisc Luth this weekend in the Beth Baker championship game, UofC.  I just hope Wheaton doesn't actually think they did a good job rebounding on Saturday because if a -12/-19 is good then I'd hate to see bad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2019, 04:06:03 PM
Yes, I did see those rebounds, although a Metra delay caused me to miss the first 3+ minutes during which the Thunder scored the first 10 points.
I understand your wish for Wheaton to (urgently) maximize their efforts this season, given the fact that this is the senior season for starters Frazier, Myroth, Berg and Demski.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2019, 02:25:26 PM
The conference web site has a new arrangement for basketball stats this season.
Unfortunately it does not include player stats by team, as available previously. I guess we'll need to find teams individually on ncaa.org (the official stats anyway) or look at school web pages.
Also somewhat peculiar are rankings within individual leaders, for example :
https://cciw.org/stats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2019
under Leaders, FG/3FG/FT, one finds Hannah Frazier listed 6th in the FT leaders, with 13/13, behind players who've made only 3 of 3 and 4 of 4. Frazier should be ranked 1st with 13/13, followed by Hall with 10/10, then Ahr with 6/6. Hall seems to be placed 1st because she's played in more games than the others.
Then I'm thinking the players who are at 100% and played 1 game are listed alphabetically by team.
That theory doesn't hold when one looks at the 3FG% leaders, where an IWU player is ranked ahead of an Elmhurst player, when each is 3 for 6.
Does this mean that these leaders stats are assembled "by hand" or is the program deficient?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2019, 03:02:41 PM
Rog, the conference is using a new statistical software this season called Genius. It has a few bugs that need to be worked out in various sports.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2019, 06:55:55 PM
Good luck to the TITANS vs. #18 U of Chicago tonight, up in the windy -- and cold -- city.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2019, 10:00:04 PM
IWU took down #18 U of Chicago tonight at Ratner.  A very promising win. . .

IWU:

Sosa 35  13-19 FG, 5-8 trey, 4-4 FT.  Another great game for Kendall.
Shanks 19
Brovelli, 14 and 11 (doing what is necessary)
Lansford 10

UC:

Steffens 22
Hynes 154
Burt 12

Titans shooting 51%, 42% from three. 

This team is not deep, starters playing lots of minutes, but they seem to be clicking well early.

Congrats to the TITANS on beating a top 25 team early, always a strong program.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2019, 12:34:24 AM
Yes, quite an outstanding scoring performance by Sosa in that 89-82 win. I was almost equally impressed by Shanks, who did a lot of positive energetic things for the Titans.
And Brovelli, Lansford and Munroe all made significant contributions toward upending a good UChicago team. Not many minutes for IWU's bench, but some help was provided from them too.
North Central fell to St Mary's Indiana, 69-63. NC was outrebounded 46-24.
NC got 17 pts from Alanna Newsome (.542 eFG%) and 11 from Page Desenberg (made 3/4 threes).
Congrats to first CCIW Player of the Week of the season, Hannah Frazier, whose Wheaton team defeated Lakeland 59-38 on Tuesday.
Frazier contributed significantly again : 0 TOs, 2 blks, 4 stls, 3 assists, 7 rebs, 12 pts.
Hannah Swider scored 13 pts from 8 FG att for an .813 eFG%.
Kristi Demski topped the Thunder scoring, hitting 5 of 7 3FGs = 15 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 13, 2019, 07:44:27 AM
Wheaton over Lakeland 59-38

The Thunder were completely lost for the first 12-15 mins against the Muskies' 2-3 zone which they stayed with the whole game.  But once they acclimated and started hitting some of their shots they pretty much cruised from there.  WC will probably face a lot of zone D's so they need to get comfortable with some better inside/out schemes to break it.  They also took advantage by attacking the offensive glass, picking up lots of 2nd chances.  Lakeland's 6'3" Megan Will is a handful to guard in the block but the overall talent level belonged to Wheaton.

A clear positive was the play of Hannah Swider ( 13 pts, 3 rebs) who is first off the bench.  She brings a welcome offensive minded presence onto the floor especially with Hannah Williams out.  This is the first game, inc last season, where she seemed comfortable on the floor and in the flow of the offense.  It would be a great boost to see her take this next step consistently this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 13, 2019, 08:17:18 AM
IWU/Chicago

I watched some of this game and found myself wondering where Kendall Sosa was last year.  She won't average 32 pts/g but she's showing an offensive skill and confidence not in evidence last season ( 9pts/g, 17 mins) .  Maybe already there last year and now responding to necessity?  I still consider Sydney Shanks the best guard in the league.  But pairing her and Sosa is a pretty formidable pair.  The three guard lineup with Munroe will give teams problems as will the four guard lineup with Lansford.  Their challenge might come against teams with slightly more size (lots of teams) but can still match their speed (much fewer).

39 mins for Shanks and Brovelli, 37 for Sosa will probably hold for these tough non-con games upcoming.  They seemed to use less full court pressure last night and that might be to preserve some energy.  Less necessary for heavy minutes once CCIW play starts. 

It was a little bit of a track meet with the Maroons last night.  Lots of shots, lots of offense which plays to the Titans strength.  They look just as good as last year's team – just different.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2019, 03:24:48 PM
GoPerry, I agree with you about Shanks.  Very experienced, steady and poised.  A true Senior Captain.  On this rather small line-up, Shanks has to play the 4.  Sosa always had the offensive skills, abilities, but on previous teams she was not called on to be the key scorer, esp. when the Titans had the very athletic Molly McGuire and Ehresman at PG.   Shanks more last year.  A different mix.  Now, Shanks and Sosa will have to carry the scoring load.  So far, so good.  If Brovelli can consistently do 10 and 10, this team will be very good offensively.  I'm hoping Munroe will find her shot more soon, too.  Lansford a very good three point shooter, so the perimeter scoring can really be there, when the treys are falling, like 5-8 from Sosa vs. UC.  Titans are not deep and clearly need to develop 3-4 rotational players to play consistently solid 8-10 minutes in relief of the top five core.  May be Eck, when back from injury, surely Kaia Bowen to play a part, especially on defense and rebounding, and one or two of the freshmen.  I'm positive about Katelyn Heller.  Not clear yet who can really back up Brovelli.  Raven Hughes a huge missing piece.  Titans will likely go small and quick quite a bit this year.  Against really big teams, with strong rebounding, the Titans could really struggle.  Quickness kills, and the treys fall, then this team could go far.  Very encouraging first two outings.  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2019, 06:51:56 PM
Molly McGraw was a very good player; not sure about Molly McGuire!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 13, 2019, 08:41:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 13, 2019, 06:51:56 PM
Molly McGraw was a very good player; not sure about Molly McGuire!

. .  Classic!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on November 13, 2019, 11:01:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 13, 2019, 06:51:56 PM
Molly McGraw was a very good player; not sure about Molly McGuire!

Molly McGuire was a very strong player in the Pennsylvania anthracite region.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2019, 12:53:08 AM
Must've been miner league basketball, not college.
Wednesday's only CCIW action : Aurora 80, Elmhurst 63. Halftime 45-22 Aurora.
Still shorthanded, Elmhurst saw the return of Courtney O'Donnell, who led them with 18 pts (6/8 2FG, 6/10 FT) plus 6 rebs. Becca Gerke had 11 pts, 11 rebs, 4 steals.
The game featured 53 fouls and 50 turnovers.
Elmhurst shot a bleak .347 eFG%, while Aurora's was .622.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 14, 2019, 08:23:48 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 14, 2019, 12:53:08 AM
Must've been miner league basketball, not college.


You're on a roll RogK!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2019, 01:02:02 PM
The unanswered (and heretofore unasked) question is if iwu70 deliberately misspelled McGraw in order to mess with our minds. One can only speculate at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2019, 02:44:27 PM
Oh, I don't think that any speculation is necessary at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 14, 2019, 06:19:43 PM
Quote from: ronk on November 13, 2019, 11:01:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 13, 2019, 06:51:56 PM
Molly McGraw was a very good player; not sure about Molly McGuire!

Molly McGuire was a very strong player in the Pennsylvania anthracite region.  ;)

That is hilarious! Was her coach Jack Kehoe?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on November 14, 2019, 07:18:47 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 14, 2019, 06:19:43 PM
Quote from: ronk on November 13, 2019, 11:01:19 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 13, 2019, 06:51:56 PM
Molly McGraw was a very good player; not sure about Molly McGuire!

Molly McGuire was a very strong player in the Pennsylvania anthracite region.  ;)

That is hilarious! Was her coach Jack Kehoe?

Yes, but they lost in the finals to Pinkerton U.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2019, 10:24:09 PM
Carthage evened up at 1-1 with a 71-64 win over Fontbonne.
Madie Kaelber surpassed 1000 career points, leading the Reds with 19 off of 13 FG att (.731 eFG%).
Haley Ahr had 11 pts, 3 assists, 12 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2019, 12:18:04 PM
Interesting that the NFL has the Bears/Rams game at night on Sunday, to avoid going up against Greg's afternoon broadcast of the NPU Tip-Off Tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2019, 02:46:37 PM
I'm not broadcasting the NPU Tip-Off Tourney, Rog. Much as I'd love to under normal circumstances, it's being pre-empted. NPU is hosting a pod in the D3 men's soccer tourney this weekend, and the Saturday and Sunday times for those soccer matches in the stadium happen to coincide with the basketball games in the gym two blocks away. Naturally, the D3 tourney matches take precedence, so I'll be broadcasting Vikings men's soccer instead of Vikings women's basketball. I'll have to hear about the NPU Tip-Off Tourney secondhand, just like everybody else who isn't sitting in the gym will.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: wheels81 on November 15, 2019, 04:39:44 PM
Greg, I know you are a good broadcaster, so I hope you get as frustrated as I do when there are no announcers and the cameras refuse to show the score board during time outs especially when there is no on screen display.    The announcer just started announcing the game and spoke for about 5 minutes before giving the score.  He just said Wheaton was leading by 14 when he started.
Live stats were not working.  just had to air my frustration.
:)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2019, 04:49:02 PM
Yes, the no-announcers thing is annoying -- at least let a student give it a go. If he or she is terrible, viewers always have the option of muting the sound. But there's no excuse for not focusing the camera on the scoreboard during TOs and halftime if your feed does not include a score graphic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 15, 2019, 05:47:51 PM
Quote from: wheels81 on November 15, 2019, 04:39:44 PM
Greg, I know you are a good broadcaster, so I hope you get as frustrated as I do when there are no announcers and the cameras refuse to show the score board during time outs especially when there is no on screen display.    The announcer just started announcing the game and spoke for about 5 minutes before giving the score.  He just said Wheaton was leading by 14 when he started.
Live stats were not working.  just had to air my frustration.
:)

Yeah wheels I hear you.  Normally not as big an issue if live stats is working (and updating).  But neither was going for the first half of the LF/Wheaton game.

In their defense, Wheaton is also hosting the D3 Womans NCAA Soccer first round concurrently.  And they were providing pbp announcing for that game, Wooster vs Case Western going at the same time, that went to 2OTs and then pks( the Scots advance 4-3).  Wheaton played the earlier match.  They also provided live stats for that also.

I think Julie Davis, Brett Marhanka and Rusty Lindsey would be the first to say they should be able to handle all that.  But its definitely a busy day for them.  Also hosting the Lee Pfund Mens tonight.

By the way, Alma over Wisc Lutheran in the first game, 69-63, was a bit if a surprise.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2019, 06:20:36 PM
Wheaton held Lake Forest to 26 pts for the first three quarters and won with ease, 73-50.
The Thunder scored 30 pts from 30 3FG att.
Hannah Frazier had 17 pts, 9 rebs, 4 stls; Jill "Hannah" Berg had 5 blocks and 10 rebs, while Hannah Swider scored a quick 14 in 19:00. Hannah Williams played 20 minutes in her return from injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2019, 06:24:09 PM
UW Oshkosh topped Augie 65-46. A 4 pt 2nd quarter more or less sank Augie.
Alexis Jones had 9 rebs and 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 15, 2019, 08:14:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 15, 2019, 06:20:36 PM
Wheaton held Lake Forest to 26 pts for the first three quarters and won with ease, 73-50.
The Thunder scored 30 pts from 30 3FG att.
Hannah Frazier had 17 pts, 9 rebs, 4 stls; Jill "Hannah" Berg had 5 blocks and 10 rebs, while Hannah Swider scored a quick 14 in 19:00. Hannah Williams played 20 minutes in her return from injury.

LOL!  Seems like everyone else on the Thunder is named Hannah, why should she be left out?! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2019, 08:43:10 PM
Illinois Wesleyan today used a 32-6 2nd quarter to propel them to an 84-75 win over UW Stout.
Kendall Sosa continued her outstanding scoring, tallying 25 via overall very good shooting.
The Titans got 20 pts, 5 assists and 3 steals from Sydney Shanks.
Riley Brovelli had 18 pts, 11 rebs, 4 assists. Not bad.
Samantha Monroe had 16 pts and 7 assists.
The IWU bench saw only 27 minutes of action.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 15, 2019, 11:09:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 15, 2019, 08:43:10 PM
Illinois Wesleyan today used a 32-6 2nd quarter to propel them to an 84-75 win over UW Stout.
Kendall Sosa continued her outstanding scoring, tallying 25 via overall very good shooting.
The Titans got 20 pts, 5 assists and 3 steals from Sydney Shanks.
Riley Brovelli had 18 pts, 11 rebs, 4 assists. Not bad.
Samantha Monroe had 16 pts and 7 assists.
The IWU bench saw only 27 minutes of action.

The downside is that Stout outscored them 69-52 the other three quarters. :P

A good season cannot be achieved on one-quarter bursts! :o ;)

Oh, well.  I'll stop being Debby Downer - a win is a win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 15, 2019, 11:53:25 PM
Wheaton 73  Lake Forest 50

Hannah Frazier  17 pts, 9 rebs, 2 blocks, 4 stls
Hannah Swider  14 pts, 4-8 3FG
Kirsten Madsen  11 pts
Jill Berg            7 pts, 10 rebs, 5 blks

Adia Maund   13 pts 4 reb

This was pretty dominating performance for the Thunder tonight.  Hannah Williams returned to the lineup for the first time this season and it was good to have her out there. Another solid game by Swider who is making good so far on elevating her play to deserve regular rotation minutes.  Taylor Sanders is giving some quality minutes also.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 16, 2019, 06:02:05 PM
Wheaton over Alma 72-61

Hannah Frazier  25 pts, 11 rebs, 2 blocks  (Tourney MVP)
Hannah Swider  14 pts, 3-5 3FG  (All Tourney)
Jill Berg            10 rebs, 7 blks
Jordan Myroth    8 pts, 6 reb, 4 asst

Stasha Warchock  17 pts 6 rebs
Hannah Thelen   13 pts, 4 reb (All Tourney)
Emily Long          11 pts, 10 rebs

This was a pretty tight game for 3 quarters as the Fighting Scots shot the ball very well and played pretty solid defense.  After 3 quarters Alma led by 1 but then the Hannahs of Frazier and Swider took over the 4th quarter scoring with 11 and 9 respectively.  This contributed to a 25-13 tally in the final 10 mins for Wheaton to put it out of reach.

Alma looked pretty decent to me and should hold their own in a competitive MIAA.  This was not an easy game at all for Wheaton but they're games that Wheaton needs to keep winning.  Chicago on Wednesday night is another one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2019, 08:11:56 PM
North Park 72
Beloit 40

The Vikings ran out to a 23-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, and from then on it was basically a matter of Amanda Crockett meting out playing time to everybody. No Viking was on the floor for more than 16 minutes. All 17 NPU players who dressed got into the game, with 14 of them seeing double-digit minutes and 13 of them scoring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2019, 09:43:18 PM
IWU won their second game up in Wisconsin too -- now 4-0.  More balanced scoring this time, with Shanks leading the way.  Four starters in double figures.  Great pressure defense again.

Great start to the season.  I'll leave the details to others.  I'm a bit pre-occupied for events, developments in Hong Kong just now.  Pardon the distraction.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2019, 09:53:31 PM
If you're going there this winter, stay safe, Mark.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2019, 05:04:49 PM
Thanks, Greg.  Yes, returning in a few days.  My campus was until recently under police siege.  Things seem to have eased, calmed a bit now.  Enjoy the season.  As usual, I'll be following along, with great interest, from afar.

'70  -- again to the Far Side. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2019, 09:04:04 PM
North Park 72
Coe 47

Jayla Johnson: 12 pts, 6 rebs
Angelina Villasin: 12 pts
Emily Czujahewski: 10 pts

Vikings cruise to another easy win as they take the NPU Tip-Off Invite title and improve to 2-0.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2019, 09:14:56 PM
additional notes from the CCIW weekend :
Dubuque 80, NCC 75: Alanna Newsome 22 pts; Allison Pearson 18 pts (3/4 2FG, 2/6 3FG, 6/7 FT), 5 steals, 8 TO, 6 assists = a net positive.
Lawrence 79-72 over Carroll : Sierra Grubor 21 pts in 25:00.
IWU 60-44 over Calvin : Kendall Sosa 14 pts, 13 rebs, 4 stls; Sydney Shanks 16 pts, 6 assists, 4 stls.
Cornell College 58-47 over Carthage : Autumn Kalis 21 pts via 18 FG att; everyone else shot poorly except Amanda Larson (2/3 FG, 4/6 FT).
Washington U StL 75, Augie 64 : Gabriela Loiz (15 pts from good shooting - 6/10 FG 3/3 FT); Mia Lambert 15pts; Alexis Jones 17 pts, 8 rebs, 5 stls.
Millikin 68, MSOE 51 : Abby Ratsch 15 rebs, 5 assists; Jordan Hildebrand 20 pts, 7 rebs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2019, 09:29:18 PM
Saw the NP tourney in which NP had no trouble with Beloit yesterday and today topped Coe as Greg explained. I was impressed by the substantial vigor with which North Park has started the season. They're getting positive contributions from practically the whole roster.
Coe played very well Saturday to defeat Spalding, but couldn't accomplish a lot vs NP.
Beloit played better today, but Spalding did enough to win.
Best wishes to Coe senior Marci Wolters who suffered what looked like a bad knee injury, definitely painful. Hopefully she can return to action later this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2019, 10:00:19 PM
Wish I was there, Rog, but NPU's soccer team won on Saturday, so I had to call today's soccer match and miss the women's basketball team again.

And now, as it turns out, not only is NPU's soccer team in the Sweet Sixteen, but they're hosting one of the four sectionals -- and, because Calvin is one of the four teams in the NPU sectional and the Knights won't play on Sundays, the sectional will be held Friday/Saturday -- and the NPU Thanksgiving Tournament is next Friday/Saturday as well. So I'll have to miss calling the women's hoops games for the second weekend in a row. (I'm sure that they understand.)

Sooner or later, I will be in the gym to call NPU women's basketball. I promise. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2019, 12:14:46 AM
recent assistant coach at Wheaton and North Central, Doug Porter has a new head coaching gig back in the NAIA :
https://www.bupilots.com/sport/womens-basketball/2019-20/coach
this Bethel is in Mishawaka Indiana
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2019, 05:15:07 PM
Congrats to new CCIW Player of the Week : Kendall Sosa !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2019, 08:50:40 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa!  What a great start to the season for her.  Keep going.  IWU on a good run so far.

Lots of interesting action by CCIW teams so far, too.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2019, 11:11:49 PM
iwu70, your Titans looked very good in the game I saw at the U of Chicago. Most of the time, they had four players (including Lansford) on the floor who are adept dribblers. Add to them a good passer in Brovelli, and the Titans move the ball very effectively.
I think you predicted that Lansford would be a helpful part of this year's team. From what I saw, she fits the role well.
By the way, I just noticed here
https://cciw.org/stats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2019
that within team stats, you can click on a school name to get to the player stats for that team. ... looking again, I note the absence of Turnovers for the players
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2019, 12:05:34 PM
Yes, RogK, the starting five for IWU are pretty solid, and Sam Munroe has great speed and ball-handling abilities.  Hope she finds her shot from three and then the TITANS will be truly dangerous overall.  Tough part will be rebounding, if Brovelli gets into foul trouble and not much bench depth.  Several of the others need to develop and contribute, esp. Bowen, Eck (now injured) and a few of the freshmen.  It's come together faster than I thought it would, early on.  A great start -- Shanks and Sosa really playing well, Brovelli averaging a double double.  Good stuff so far.  I see they are now ranked #18 by one current poll. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on November 20, 2019, 07:26:16 PM
Wheaton video link goes to youtube but there is no video there.
Livestream says it has the game but it loops for 5 minutes with Hannah Williams first three pointer which I watched 3 times in a row.????????????????

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten minutes later link goes to livestream but is now off the air.
Now its on but halftime.
Thanks
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 20, 2019, 09:34:23 PM
Chicago 73 
Wheaton 64

Hannah Williams   17 pts, 4 rebs
Jordan Myroth      8 pts, 10 rebs, 7 asst
Madsen, Demski, Zeller   8 pts each

Taylor Lake      17 pts, 9 rebs
Grace Hynes      15 pts, 9 rebs
Mia Farrell      13 pts, 7 rebs, 6 asst
Miranda Burt      13 pts,

Very disappointing home performance for a veteran team.  I was afraid that the Thunder would look at the Maroons 1-2 record(both losses to undefeated teams) and ease their mental preparedness for a tough opponent.  Even just a little bit of this was going to be to their detriment.  Chicago held Hannah Frazier to just 6 pts on 10 shots. 

Wheaton with very little defensive intensity and typical weak rebounding -9 (42-33, 15-7 offensive) when facing a quality team.

Little used junior Bonnie Zeller provided a 4th quarter spark.  I'd like to see more of her and Swider, less Demski.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 21, 2019, 10:00:14 AM
North Central got back in the win column last night with a 62-43 win over Concordia-Wisconsin (edited because I'm an idiot :P ). The Cardinals went on about a seven minute 17-0 run bridging the first and second quarters to take control and never looked back. Alanna Newsome led the way with 15, while Maya Walls and Haydn Braun both had super-efficient 14 point nights (Maya went 6-7 from the floor, including 2-3 from deep; Haydn went 4-7, including 4-5 from beyond the arc).

Emily Hafemann paced the Falcons with nine points, while Kaitlyn Foster added eight, but it was an awful night offensively for Concordia. They shot 3-24 in the first half and finished the game with 25/8/50 shooting splits.

The 43 points the Cardinals allowed are the fewest they've given up since 2011. [Insert quip about The System here]

Side note: I'm pretty excited about what freshman Natalie Stavropoulos brings to the table. She's still pretty raw (four turnovers last night), but has good athleticism and can get to the basket. She might develop into a pretty good piece for the Cardinals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2019, 10:50:12 AM
uh-oh... Concordia-Who?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2019, 12:45:17 PM
After 1 quarter, Carroll led St Norbert 23-22. Carroll took the 2nd Q 23-1. They could've stopped scoring at that point, as St Norbert finished with 45, Carroll with 82.
Among the Pios who did well :
Theresa Wichser 5/7 3FG, 18 pts in 18:00
Sierra Grubor 6 rebs, 4 assists, 13 pts in 20:00
Katie Evans 5 rebs, 10 pts via 5 FG att and 2 FT att
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2019, 12:55:00 PM
Elmhurst committed 29 turnovers but escaped with a 56-52 win at St Mary's Indiana.
Courtney O'Donnell had 2 steals, 3 blocks, 10 pts and 13 rebs. Anna Hill scored 12 pts from 12 FG att (.500 eFG%). Zori Miller scored an efficient 11 (2/4 2FG, 2/2 3FG, 1/2 FT).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2019, 01:22:45 PM
UW Whitewater 75-50 over Augustana. The Vikings left room for improvement in their shooting : 11/33 2FG, 6/28 3FG, 10/18 FT.
Mia Lambert tallied 13 pts to lead Augie.
Carthage topped Lake Forest 75-59.
Madie Kaelber led with 24 pts, 22 of them from only 13 FG att (.846 eFG%); Haley Ahr had 12 pts 6 rebs in 21:00.
Sammie Woodward helped with 13 pts, 6 assists, while Maggie Berigan (one r, although my danged keyboard wants to give her two) had 11 pts and 5 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 21, 2019, 04:57:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2019, 10:50:12 AM
uh-oh... Concordia-Who?

Fixed because I'm a moron. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2019, 05:24:33 PM
I think distracted might be more like it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2019, 05:23:43 AM
Millikin 82-43 over Beloit.
Bailey Coffman topped the scoring with 16. Abby Ratsch had 13 pts, 10 rebs, 4 steals. Aubrey Staton helped with 5 steals and 10 pts.
Millikin had 24 offensive rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2019, 10:16:10 PM
North Park 53
Buena Vista 46

Jayla Johnson: 18 pts
Josie Summerville: 11 rebs
Jackie Rapp: 3:0 a:to, 3 blks
Sinead Molloy: 3:1 a:to


After a truly awful second quarter in which the Vikings were outscored 20-7 and found themselves trailing by ten at the half, NPU came roaring back, holding the Beavers to only 14 points in the entire second half. The Vikings were still a little too sloppy with the ball, which held their own score down, but they got their lead up to double digits late and were not seriously threatened down the stretch. NPU will face Olivet tomorrow in the conclusion of the North Park Thanksgiving Invitational.

In the earlier contest at NPU, Elmhurst likewise came from behind to win, as Kween Jean hit a layup with two seconds left that allowed the Bluejays to nip Olivet, 55-54. Courtney O'Donnell led the way for the 'jays with 15 points and six boards, while Anna Hill contributed a dozen points and Jean collected 11 rebounds. Marissa Urso was a scratch -- she hasn't played since the season opener -- while Kelly Weyhrich and Elena Cabrera have yet to see the floor this season for the 'jays, leading me to suspect that Elmhurst is dealing with a rash of injuries early on this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2019, 11:10:15 PM
Thanks for the summaries, Greg.
If I remember accurately, it was mostly Jackie Rapp who did fine defensive work limiting BV's Destiny Einerwold to two 2nd half pts. She had scored 13 in 14 first half minutes.
Both games were 32-22 at halftime, which gives us all something to consider (not for long!).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 23, 2019, 07:24:44 PM
North Park 64
Olivet 47

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 6 rebs
Angelina Villasin: 13 pts
Alisha Panthier: 7 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 3:0 a:to

Another clear-the-bench game for NPU, as Amanda Crockett got 16 players in, 12 for double-digit minutes, against a thoroughly outclassed Comets squad in a game that NPU led by 29 halfway through the third quarter. Still some stuff to clean up -- 23 turnovers is too many against a team that isn't very good at all, and the Vikings continue to shoot poorly from the FT line -- but at this point the 4-0 Vikings are looking impressive enough that I'd like to see what they can do against a solid opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2019, 12:15:01 PM
more of Saturday's results :
Elmhurst 70-60 over Buena Vista.
Jocelyn Jacob 20 pts (.607 eFG%), 4 assists; Kween Jean 13 pts, 8 rebs, 5 blocks; Lauren Goff 13 pts, 6 assists; Becca Gerke 10 pts, 9 rebs.
North Central 60, UW Stevens Point 59.
Lyndsay Brennan 13 pts, 6 rebs, 5 assists, 3 stls, 3 blocks; Maya Walls 12 pts, 9 rebs, 3 blocks, 4 assists.
Augustana 75-56 over Dubuque.
Alexis Jones 21 pts (9 2FG / 14 FG att, 3/5 FT), 5 stls, 9 rebs; Gabriela Loiz 13 pts; Maddy Murillo productive in 13:00, 7 pts, 4 rebs, a steal, 3 blocks. Maddy is one of several Vikings subdivided into two people in the Augie team stats on cciw dot org.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2019, 12:35:52 PM
on the losing side :
Ripon 57-54 over Carthage.
Autumn Kalis 24 pts, 6 rebs; Maggie Berigan 10 rebs, 4 blks in 24:00.
UW Whitewater 67-55 over IWU.
Kendall Sosa 17 pts, 6 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2019, 06:21:42 PM
Millikin is up to 5-0 after today's 88-68 win over Eureka.
Millikin had 16 steals and a 20 rebound advantage. Their top rebounders were : Bailey Coffman 10, Aubrey Staton 8, Abby Ratsch 8.
Five of the Big Blue scored in double figures : Jordan Hildebrand 15, Ratsch 14, Staton 11, Miranda Fox 11, Coffman 10. Others did well, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 25, 2019, 02:13:54 AM
Is Millikin perhaps the surprise team of the year in the CCIW?   We all knew that Coach Lett would be doing good things there after a few cycles.  Perhaps this is their year?

I think Wheaton still the favorite.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 25, 2019, 11:42:26 AM
Much as I know that you're salivating to mention Olivia Lett's alma mater in every other post about Millikin, Mark ;), the fact of the matter is that the Big Blue haven't done anything worthy of notice yet, much less made themselves worthy of pronouncement as "the surprise team of the year in the CCIW" or speculation that "perhaps this is their year." Like NPU, the other remaining undefeated team in the CCIW, Millikin has yet to face a challenging opponent. Thus far, the Big Blue have easily dispatched Greenville (1-3), Westminster (MO) (1-3), MSOE (1-2), and Beloit (0-3) -- all teams that any decent CCIW squad should be able to whip in their sleep.

MU's fifth victim, Eureka, would appear at first blush to be in a different category. The Red Devils are 3-1 and are coming off of back-to-back 20-8 and 18-8 seasons. But those three Eureka wins were also over really weak teams (Rockford, Knox, and St. Mary of the Woods), and, 18-8 record or not, last season Eureka lost by nine points on its own floor to a Millikin team that impressed nobody.

The long and short of it is this: MU always plays a weak non-conference schedule. Always. It's true in just about every sport. Logistics is a big reason why; Decatur is so far downstate that it's practical for Big Blue teams to play lots of SLIAC opponents (e.g., Greenville, Westminster (MO), and Eureka), which has a tendency to fatten up Millikin W-L records. A good rule of thumb in the CCIW is: Never give Millikin the benefit of the doubt until the Big Blue start playing CCIW opponents.

Now, having said that, it's very plausible that Millikin is getting better. Lett retained the best underclassman from the Kerans era, All-CCIW second-teamer Jordan Hildebrand, had a productive first recruiting cycle that brought in two legit starters in Aubrey Staton and Jazmin Brown, and now it appears that she's added some useful size in freshmen Abby Ratsch and Bailey Coffman, another rotation guard in Miranda Fox, and a juco-transfer PG in Aubrey Magro. But let's not pronounce judgment upon the Big Blue until they actually play somebody. You don't see me getting all fired up and saying stuff like "perhaps this is their year" for a North Park team that hasn't faced a worthy opponent yet, and I see no reason to regard Millikin any differently.

Tell you what, Mark: Millikin hosts Wheaton on Pearl Harbor Day, which is less than two weeks away. How about if we wait until after that game to assess the Big Blue?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2019, 12:04:54 PM
I'd also say it's too early to make any conclusions about Lett and Millikin.
I do like how Lett has three freshmen playing 20-21 minutes per game so far, meshing well with five veteran teammates in the regular rotation.
I don't like the phrase "their year." (tough luck, RogK, live with it)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 25, 2019, 02:39:15 PM
I'll kind of echo Greg and Rog on here. Obviously I haven't seen Millikin play any games yet, but I figured coming off of last year that they'd have something to build off of. They looked all right when they came to Naperville almost a year ago, building a huge lead and just barely hanging on to open CCIW play with a win. They bring back some good pieces from that squad and, on paper, can contend for a CCIW Tournament spot.

But, as the cliche goes, basketball is not played on paper. I've always noticed the same things for Millikin in terms of their non-conference schedule, saw them with an unbeaten record so far this year, but wasn't sure who exactly they'd played yet. Seeing the list Greg posted doesn't surprise me. It's not a knock on Lett or her Big Blue squad; it's the reality of Division III hoops being to some degree regional in nature and that based on budgets and what have you that their ability to play many teams outside that SLIAC sphere is somewhat limited. It'll be interesting to see what they can do even beyond that Wheaton game; getting Illinois Wesleyan to open up the 2020 portion of the slate will be a good barometer too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2019, 05:40:08 PM
Congrats to Jayla Johnson, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 25, 2019, 06:03:56 PM
(https://media.tenor.co/images/eda65eadf312e50e52406da4f51a2906/raw)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 26, 2019, 12:17:00 AM
Thanks, guys, for all the details, assessments on Lett and MU.  I'm sure you know much more about this than I do.  Yes, we'll see in time if MU is improving and making a move up the ladder to the higher tier of CCIW women's roundball.  I wish them well, and always wish Olivia Lett well, in her efforts for the Millikin team. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 26, 2019, 12:31:51 AM
IWU at #21 in the week-one women's D3hoops poll. 

Some good games upcoming, esp. if they get to play Wash U or DePauw. 

CCIW schedule about to begin.  Should be a great race . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 26, 2019, 11:22:36 PM
Wheaton 66 Dominican 54

Hannah Williams     13 pts
Jill Berg      11 pts, 12 rebs, 6 blks
Bonnie Zeller      11 pts , 5-5, 1-1 3pt
Hannah Frazier      8 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls
Jordan Myroth      10 rebs, 7 asst

Tamiya Ray       20 pts, 10 rebs

The Thunder Ladies never trailed in this one, leading by as many as 19 pts in the third quarter.  The Stars really had a tough time matching Wheaton's size as their tallest player maxes out at 6'1" but all others are 5'9" and down from there.  Nice game from Jill Berg who showed a little more scoring aggressiveness.  Having a healthy Hannah Williams gives the team another solid scoring option. Bonnie Zeller is a perfect 8-8, 3-3 3pt from the field in her last two games.  Hannah Frazier has been struggling from the field of late.  Alot of the misses tonight were bunnies from close in that she'd normally convert.

Wheaton heads out west this weekend to play two games at UC-Santa Cruz before returning to start the CCIW season.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  If you're traveling, be safe. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 27, 2019, 09:56:14 AM
I'm taking a step back from announcing for the NCC women this year with an almost seven week old at home, but with a doubleheader last night I got to Merner for the final couple minutes of NCC's 70-56 loss to Benedictine. It was a two point Eagle lead at halftime (eerily, both games had the same halftime score), and the Eagles got hot in the second half (shot 53% after managing just a 19% clip in the first) while the Cardinals did not (shot pretty consistently for the night, only 32%, with a 3-23 night from deep).

North Central didn't really have an answer for Allison Michalski (20-7 on 8/21 shooting) or Alex Fanning (18-10 on 5/9 shooting). Allison Pearson paced the Cardinals with 16 points, Lyndsay Brennan added nine, and Natali Dimitrova came off the bench in her first action in two weeks with a 1/7 shooting line. Talking to people between games it sounded like she didn't really look like herself, but I saw her in a boot a couple weeks ago, so I'm sure she's still recovering to some degree.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2019, 11:01:57 AM
Given how reliably outstanding Hannah Frazier has been, one has to figure that she is bothered by some sort of nagging injury.
Last night, I attended UChicago's comfortable win over RHIT (who has some very promising freshmen).
Two thorough wipeouts in the CCIW :
Carroll 99 Holy Family (Wisc. / NAIA) 38. Fifteen Pios scored in this one, including Kayla Stefka (19 in 13:00), Katie Evans (14 in 14:00), Megan Madsen (12 in 14:00). Carroll took 73% of the rebounds.
UW Whitewater 111-51 over Elmhurst. 14-0 to begin the contest. 81-30 after 3. Yikes.
Courtney O'Donnell scored 20 in the 4th Q to prevent the margin from worsening.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2019, 11:18:06 AM
Carthage 73-47 over UW Stevens Point. Flawless shooting by Madie Kaelber who tallied 18 (incl 5 threes). Sammie Woodward (.714 eFG%) had 21 pts, 4 assists, 5 rebs. Kelsey Coshun had a productive 22 min, with 13 pts (5/9 2FG, 3/3 FT) and 5 rebs.
Augustana 65-52 over Monmouth :
Gabriela Loiz had 14 pts and 5 rebs, while Mia Lambert and Jeni Crain each scored 11. Lauren Hall led Augie's rebounding with 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2019, 11:39:49 AM
Well, Millikin is no longer 5-0.
The Big Blue defeated Webster, 78-56.
Briana Anthony made nearly all of her shots scoring 23 in 22:00 -- 5/5 2FG, 3/4 3FG, 4/5 FT.
Bailey Coffman had 19 pts, 10 rebs. Jordan Hildebrand helped with 11 pts and 5 steals.
Somehow cciw.org WBB stats include the Millikin men's loss to Alma. (update - this has been fixed)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2019, 03:45:53 PM
North Park 71
St. Mary's (IN) 59

Emily Czuhajewski: 15 pts (5-7 trey)
Zakiya Newsome: 10 pts, 4:0 a:to
Sinead Molloy: 4:1 a:to, 5 stls
Angelina Villasin: 3:1 a:to

The Vikings picked up Jayla Johnson on an afternoon in which she wasn't sharp, as they ballhawked their way to 15 steals against a Belles team that had no answer for NPU's quickness. The Vikings will head into CCIW play with a 5-0 record, although it must be said again that they really haven't had to face a challenging opponent yet.

Emily Czuhajewski is some kind of shooter. She's now 13-23 (.565) from beyond the arc.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 27, 2019, 10:31:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 27, 2019, 11:01:57 AM
Given how reliably outstanding Hannah Frazier has been, one has to figure that she is bothered by some sort of nagging injury.
Last night, I attended UChicago's comfortable win over RHIT (who has some very promising freshmen).
Two thorough wipeouts in the CCIW :
Carroll 99 Holy Family (Wisc. / NAIA) 38. Fifteen Pios scored in this one, including Kayla Stefka (19 in 13:00), Katie Evans (14 in 14:00), Megan Madsen (12 in 14:00). Carroll took 73% of the rebounds.
UW Whitewater 111-51 over Elmhurst. 14-0 to begin the contest. 81-30 after 3. Yikes.
Courtney O'Donnell scored 20 in the 4th Q to prevent the margin from worsening.

RogK - RHIT has taken a couple beatings out of the gate this season, but injuries and multiple transfers (lost two outstanding freshmen last season and one this season before the season even began) due to the rigors of the school's academics, have left them with only eight players this season. I've heard a lot of great things about this freshmen class, with even more on the way next year apparently - but would like to know what you think after having seen them play in person? I watched online, and the Engineers really showed some flashes and looked as though they played Chicago tough, and, with the exception of the disastrous 2nd quarter where Chicago made five-six 3-pointers, basically played the Maroons even. They will have to REALLY put things together to avoid an 0-4 start and, since I've been hearing about this class for a long time, I was curious what an outside observer thinks...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2019, 11:58:03 PM
Enginerd, I think you described it well with the "really showed some flashes" phrase.
Post player Nosa Igiehon is extremely agile for a 6-footer. She picked up some quick fouls, but she'll learn how to avoid them. The other tall players all looked useful, none of 'em clumsy. Our new writer Jester1390 was there and assured me that his 6-foot daughter will start hitting her threes; I think tall 3FG-shooters can be quite valuable. Her assist was an excellent crosscourt zip pass.
Guard Desirae Webster made some mistakes handling the ball, but could become a nice quick point guard.
Another medium-sized guard Nola Wilson scored from distance and closer in, giving me the impression she can do much more of that type of production.
Having such a small group of players, RHIT probably has to restrict its defensive aggressiveness this season to avoid getting too many players in foul trouble. They may want to avoid high-possession fast-paced games for the same reason.
UChicago could've won by a bigger margin, but used their bench quite a bit. At the same time, RHIT didn't look nervous at all, despite their youth. RHIT chose to clog the lane defensively, which gave Chicago numerous good looks from 3-land and they converted a good pct of them.
What RHIT probably has to worry most about is wear and tear and injury. Hopefully no player plays hurt to "be a good teammate" risking more long-lasting injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 28, 2019, 12:26:09 AM
Rog it was very nice to meet you at the game. I agree with your assessment except for Chicago did go to the bench about 4 minutes into 4th and the lead was 24.  Rose then proceeded to get. The lead down to 12 and missed a 3 to make it a 9 pt game with 2:50 to go   The. Chicago put the starters back In and like a really good team stepped on the throats  my daughter said that was the fastest game she has ever played in

I was talking to the girls after and told them
It was a credit to them that they forced Chicago to have to put the starters back in. Also Chicago has class players and class fans.  In berea the student section was calling our players names that you shouldn't say to women or anyone for that matter

The girls are bonding and the chemistry is developing. I would rather see them get their asses handed to them against really good teams to show them where they need to get to. Then play a bunch of creampuffs to get easy Victories and not develop  Hopefully they won't end up being the creampuffs for everyone after watching the last game I don't think that will be the case

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2019, 11:01:46 PM
Likewise, Jester1390 ... enjoy your travels to the various gyms!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 29, 2019, 07:15:10 PM
Wheaton edges UC Santa Cruz  73-70

Hannah Frazier      38 pts, 13 rebs, 3 stls
Jill Berg               9 rebs, 5 blks
Jordan Myroth      9 pts,  4 rebs, 7 asst, 2 blks

Kaylee Murphy      16 pts, 18 rebs
CJ Catina              11 pts
Ashley Kowack      20 pts

Looks like it was all Hannah Frazier on the offensive end of things.  Little contribution from anyone else.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2019, 07:42:14 PM
Lol because 16 points and 18 rebounds isn't a help at all that woman needs to step it up more
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 29, 2019, 07:47:46 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2019, 07:42:14 PM
Lol because 16 points and 18 rebounds isn't a help at all that woman needs to step it up more

??

Murphy, Catina and Kowack are UC Santa Cruz  players . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2019, 08:08:07 PM
My bad I stand corrected
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2019, 08:47:45 PM
Seems Hannah Frazier recovered from her supposed injury pretty fast!  :) 

Happy Thanksgiving to all the CCIW chatsters.  And, holiday greetings upcoming from the Far Side, from Hong Kong.

I'm back to CUHK (Hong Kong) now, our campus recovering quickly from the police siege and recent violent confrontations here and on several other HK campuses.  Let's hope the current lull, calm in protests at least in part caused by the stunning local elections outcome, will give us a positive political pathway to a more peaceful solution to Hong Kong's crisis.

Looking forward to the TITANS in St. Louis this weekend.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2019, 08:57:41 PM
Dam IWU has almost more coaches then RHIT has players
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2019, 09:32:06 PM
Is that "Dam IWU" or "Dam, IWU..."?
Over here on the CCIW pages, we don't easily forgive punctuation errors!
Misspellings can be overlooked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2019, 09:44:45 PM
My daughter is the smart one I'm just ex military we don't have time to worry about grammar
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2019, 09:45:47 PM
Rog.  Tranny just blew 15 pt lad and lost to maryville on their home court by 7
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2019, 10:41:05 PM
Is that good or bad? I see Maryville was 4-1 going into that game. The CCIW is the only conference I follow closely (and only WBB).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2019, 08:32:42 PM
Ripon 63-48 over Carroll :
Katie Evans 10 pts, Alyssa Cruz 5 assists.
Augie 80, Webster 56 :
Alexis Jones 19 pts (.727 eFG%), 13 rebs, 5 stls, 4 assists = not bad at all. Gabriela Loiz 14 pts, 6 stls. Lauren Hall 9 rebs; Jeni Crain 13 pts; Mia Lambert 3/4 3FG.
IWU 68-34 over Rose-Hulman :
Kendall Sosa 19 pts (1.056 eFG%, 19 pts from 9 FG att) hopefully her early 4th Q foot injury was minor. Samantha Munroe 17 pts, 3 assists. Brooke Lansford 11 pts. Sydney Shanks 7 assists, 5 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 30, 2019, 08:44:47 PM
I hope Kendall Sosa is ok she collided with a RHIT player in 4th quarter and had to be helped off and parents saw her leave on crutches. She is some kind of shooter hope it's not a season injury
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2019, 09:55:10 PM
Birmingham Southern   67  Wheaton 64

Hannah Frazier      28 pts, 6 reb,
Kristi Demski      11 pts
Hannah Williams   10 pts

Derienne Black      23 pts,
Emilee Olsen      14 pts, 11 rebs
Misa Fujii              13 pts, 7 rebs

Wheaton ladies go down 67-64 to a very good Birmingham Southern squad in Santa Cruz, Ca.  The Thunder were done in by a very poor shooting 2nd Q where they only scored 9 pts and trailed by 13 at half.  However they fought back to take the lead in the third and it was tight all the way through the 4th.  But they couldn't get over the hump.  Wheaton was also badly out rebounded 45-35.

I wasn't sure what to make of the BS Panther's 5-1 record since their wins had come against mostly weak teams.  But they are a very good team and will win lots of games in the SAA. They have two really fine players in Soph 5'8" Derienne Black and Sr 6'2" Emilee Olsen.  Black especially is naturally gifted offensively and if the Panthers do well this year, she should probably get some All American consideration.  Olsen played AA Frazier as well as any player in the CCIW despite her 28 pts in the losing effort.

This was a very good test for Wheaton in the sense it was another close game. Going into league play I'm beginning to suspect they are searching for a second consistent scorer besides Frazier.  Nobody quite stepping up yet.  They should be fine in the CCIW.   But right now they are not quite playing at a level to do much more in my opinion.  Not quite looking like a top 25 team really.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2019, 10:13:09 PM
Sure hope Kendall Sosa is OK.  Not a serious injury.  She's become the key, top scorer for IWU.

TITANS play DePauw next -- a tough match up, esp. if without Sosa.

Good, rather easy win over Rose.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 01, 2019, 04:38:32 PM
Rog

Good news sosa is dressed and warming up
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2019, 05:25:37 PM
thanks for the update, Jester1390 ... always prefer good health for all involved
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 01, 2019, 07:04:59 PM
#11 DePauw just edges #21 IWU 69-67 in a very tight game throughout the final 20.

This would've been a really nice win against a likely RR opponent if the Titans could've pulled it off.  Huge game by DePauw's All Am Sydney Kopp with 35 and 7 and the game winning layup with 2 secs left.  The Tigers really had difficulty with the press which is particularly effective if a team is not used to seeing it and not sufficiently prepared/practiced to break it.

Titan's Riley Brovelli (16 pts, 10 rebs) is really playing well and benefits a lot by the Titans frequent high screen/roll execution which they run very well.  Shanks, Lansford, Munroe ( 13, 13, 9)all capable of getting hot and scoring.  Kendall Sosa ( 7 pts) was not offensively active, probably somewhat encumbered by the ankle injury.  A very strange technical foul on IWU up by 2 with less than a minute left was costly.  Jay Murray said it was on Mia Smith but I couldn't tell.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2019, 07:28:09 PM
Illinois College defeated Millikin 78-73. The Lady Blues defeated the Big Blue.
For Millikin : Aubrey Staton 19 pts, 5 rebs, 3 stls; Abby Ratsch 14 pts, 7 rebs, 4 assists, 3 stls; Briana Anthony 13 pts, 6 rebs.
I watched segments of the webcast and thought Millikin looked two-thirds half asleep in the 1st quarter. That's 1/3 asleep.
If I saw things correctly, Aubrey Magro endured a leg injury, so best wishes to her for a quick recovery.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2019, 07:46:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2019, 07:28:09 PM
I watched segments of the webcast and thought Millikin looked two-thirds half asleep in the 1st quarter. That's 1/3 asleep.

(https://i.imgflip.com/1888fy.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2019, 07:52:21 PM
Tough loss for the TITANS, against highly-ranked DePauw.   Agreed on Brovelli, much improved from previous seasons.  Titans getting some good bench support now from Bowen and Eck.  Too much Sydney Kopp for sure. -- 9 treys.  Well, IWU always plays a very tough schedule, making them rough and ready for the long CCIW run . . . so here we go.  5-2 at this stage is not bad.  Sure wish it was 6-1. 

Wish Kendall Sosa more recovery, full recovery in the next few days.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 01, 2019, 09:03:15 PM
Rog

The coach can't get a technical at end of game and inexcusable she didn't use the final timeout with 3 seconds left after the made basket
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2019, 12:36:00 AM
that's GoPerry's topic, not mine  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on December 02, 2019, 01:33:09 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2019, 07:46:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2019, 07:28:09 PM
I watched segments of the webcast and thought Millikin looked two-thirds half asleep in the 1st quarter. That's 1/3 asleep.

(https://i.imgflip.com/1888fy.jpg)

I like it.    :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on December 02, 2019, 01:33:23 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2019, 07:46:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 01, 2019, 07:28:09 PM
I watched segments of the webcast and thought Millikin looked two-thirds half asleep in the 1st quarter. That's 1/3 asleep.

(https://i.imgflip.com/1888fy.jpg)

I like it.    :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 02, 2019, 09:02:48 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier for her 2nd CCIW Player of the Week honor!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 02, 2019, 10:32:39 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 01, 2019, 07:04:59 PM
A very strange technical foul on IWU up by 2 with less than a minute left was costly.  Jay Murray said it was on Mia Smith but I couldn't tell.

The T on Mia Smith...

https://twitter.com/IWUhoopscom/status/1201342617067364352?s=20

The officials made a bad mistake by not looking at the bench for a timeout call -- Mia called timeout almost immediately after the ball went through the basket.  She should have been given the timeout but no one was looking.

Mia made a bad mistake by getting out on the floor to complain about it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2019, 11:37:37 PM
Is there anyone at the scorers' table who has the authority to recognize a time-out?  If so, that would have been her out - ignore the refs (who were ignoring her >:() and get the TO from the table.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2019, 11:40:47 PM
Women's poll has finally come out.  Wheaton and IWU are both still in it, but dropped a bit - Wheaton fell from 16 to 21, IWU from 21 to 23.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2019, 11:50:52 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 02, 2019, 10:32:39 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 01, 2019, 07:04:59 PM
A very strange technical foul on IWU up by 2 with less than a minute left was costly.  Jay Murray said it was on Mia Smith but I couldn't tell.

The T on Mia Smith...

https://twitter.com/IWUhoopscom/status/1201342617067364352?s=20

The officials made a bad mistake by not looking at the bench for a timeout call -- Mia called timeout almost immediately after the ball went through the basket.  She should have been given the timeout but no one was looking.

Sorry, Bob, but I don't buy it. There are three officials calling the game, not one. The official at center court was negligent for not looking back while retreating upcourt after a made basket, but all Mia had to do was turn around and make her timeout call to the trailing official, who had been stationed on the baseline and was now walking directly towards her.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 02, 2019, 11:37:37 PM
Is there anyone at the scorers' table who has the authority to recognize a time-out?

No.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2019, 11:50:52 PM
Sorry, Bob, but I don't buy it. There are three officials calling the game, not one. The official at center court was negligent for not looking back while retreating upcourt after a made basket, but all Mia had to do was turn around and make her timeout call to the trailing official, who had been stationed on the baseline and was now walking directly towards her.

I'm not really sure what is not to buy.

Had any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.  Isn't it a responsibility of one of the officials in a crew to be checking for timeouts during a dead ball situation (immediately after a basket)...especially in the final minute of a tight game?  Are coaches supposed to know exactly which of the 3 officials to seek out and find for a timeout call at every moment of the game?

She called a timeout in plenty of time to have it granted, and it was clearly visible to anyone in the gym who would have been looking at the IWU bench.  But none of the 3 officials was paying any attention to it.  That has to be a mistake on the part of the crew.

I don't think Mia was right to get on the floor, but the officials made a mistake here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on December 03, 2019, 08:56:27 AM
What is it with officials ignoring Coach Smith's timeout calls?
Remember the Mount Union game? LoL

I think the officials overreacted in slapping her with a T. In a non-conference game of that magnitude, the officials need to bring their A-Game, particularly that late in a close game, and they dropped the ball by not paying attention to the bench, then made things worse by T'ing up the coach who was rightly upset by their lack of attentiveness. She was out on the floor because she was being ignored at a crucial moment in the game,trying to stop the clock and talk to her team, as is her right to do in that moment. Coach Smith certainly gets animated on the sideline, but a huge percentage of coaches would have reacted exactly the same if not worse. On the other hand, Mr. Sager is quite correct - she seems to have fixated only on the center official, and it looks as though the trailing official was watching the ball, and not the bench.

I'm sure the officials' assigner has sent the video out to everyone under his purview, and this incident will be a topic of discussion among officials for a good long while - as an opportunity to learn from a fast-paced, stressful situation.

Huge dilemma for the officials. Should there have been some nuance in the decision? Should there have been a conference and a stern bench-warning to avoid the crew inserting themselves into the game? This seems reasonable, or does the crew enforce the rules strictly, regardless of why the coach is out on the floor?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2019, 03:45:15 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2019, 11:50:52 PM
Sorry, Bob, but I don't buy it. There are three officials calling the game, not one. The official at center court was negligent for not looking back while retreating upcourt after a made basket, but all Mia had to do was turn around and make her timeout call to the trailing official, who had been stationed on the baseline and was now walking directly towards her.

I'm not really sure what is not to buy.

Had any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.  Isn't it a responsibility of one of the officials in a crew to be checking for timeouts during a dead ball situation (immediately after a basket)...especially in the final minute of a tight game?  Are coaches supposed to know exactly which of the 3 officials to seek out and find for a timeout call at every moment of the game?

She called a timeout in plenty of time to have it granted, and it was clearly visible to anyone in the gym who would have been looking at the IWU bench.  But none of the 3 officials was paying any attention to it.  That has to be a mistake on the part of the crew.

I don't think Mia was right to get on the floor, but the officials made a mistake here.

I disagree. One official made a mistake, and Mia could've easily gotten around that mistake and received her timeout by engaging the trailing ref.

I think that Enginerd hit it on the head -- she fixated on the upcourt official, to her own detriment. And it is true that the trailing official on the baseline was watching the ball during the inbound, which is his job. However, these two conclusions that you drew:

Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AMHad any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.

... are contradicted by the clip you posted.

When you look at the play again at timestamp 00:01, Mia has started calling and signaling timeout to a ref who has obviously turned around and started heading away from her. But, meanwhile, the trailing ref is looking right at her. He will continue to look at Mia all the way to 00:03, when he swings his head back to check the inbound before swiveling back to look up the floor. But -- and this is the key point -- he's looking at Mia's back, because she's signaling at the upcourt official. He has no way of knowing that she's calling a timeout, because he can't see her signal (or, presumably, hear her) while her back is turned to him. Had he been able to see her signal, he obviously would've granted the timeout.

Mia is well aware of the fact that there are three officials who can invoke a timeout, not one. The first (and only) official whose attention she tried to draw made a mistake by turning his back as he ran up the floor. But she knew full well that there were two other officials, and that there's always one official on the baseline in a halfcourt scenario. All she had to do was turn around and signal to that ref. Even if she had waited to do so until 00:03, as soon as that ref turned his head forward again he would've seen her (which happened at 00:05). After all, the path he is going to travel up the floor will take him past the IWU bench, and in fact by going out onto the floor Mia inadvertently placed herself directly in his path (inadvertently, because she never turned around to try to get that ref's attention).

As far as your first question is concerned, I don't know if officials are specifically instructed to look at the two benches in a dead-ball situation, and if so if all three are to look or if one in particular, given positioning on the floor, has that assignment. Somebody who is familiar with NCAA basketball official training would know. (I'm interested enough by the question that I may actually ask one of the officials tomorrow night in the crackerbox.) But, as I said, one of the officials was looking at her, which makes the point moot in this case. As to your second question, the answer is "yes" in the sense that any of the officials could've granted that timeout. And Mia Smith knows that, which is my whole point. If you're yelling and signaling "Timeout!" at the back of the upcourt ref, who is clearly neither seeing you nor hearing you and who becomes less likely to either see or hear you with each step away from you he takes, the logical response is to turn and engage the ref who at worst will be swinging his head in your direction immediately after making sure that the ball is not inbounded illegally after the made basket, and who will be coming right at you momentarily.

Officials always place themselves in the same spots on the floor during a halfcourt play. That, too, is something that Mia Smith knows. It makes it easy to always know where to look for one in a halfcourt scenario.

One of the most commonplace sights in a basketball game is a head coach signaling and shouting for a timeout in crunch time while pivoting back and forth between refs, to ensure that she/he gains the attention of at least one of them. I have no idea why Mia didn't do that on Sunday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:26:39 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2019, 03:45:15 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2019, 11:50:52 PM
Sorry, Bob, but I don't buy it. There are three officials calling the game, not one. The official at center court was negligent for not looking back while retreating upcourt after a made basket, but all Mia had to do was turn around and make her timeout call to the trailing official, who had been stationed on the baseline and was now walking directly towards her.

I'm not really sure what is not to buy.

Had any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.  Isn't it a responsibility of one of the officials in a crew to be checking for timeouts during a dead ball situation (immediately after a basket)...especially in the final minute of a tight game?  Are coaches supposed to know exactly which of the 3 officials to seek out and find for a timeout call at every moment of the game?

She called a timeout in plenty of time to have it granted, and it was clearly visible to anyone in the gym who would have been looking at the IWU bench.  But none of the 3 officials was paying any attention to it.  That has to be a mistake on the part of the crew.

I don't think Mia was right to get on the floor, but the officials made a mistake here.

I disagree. One official made a mistake, and Mia could've easily gotten around that mistake and received her timeout by engaging the trailing ref.

I think that Enginerd hit it on the head -- she fixated on the upcourt official, to her own detriment. And it is true that the trailing official on the baseline was watching the ball during the inbound, which is his job. However, these two conclusions that you drew:

Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AMHad any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.

... are contradicted by the clip you posted.

When you look at the play again at timestamp 00:01, Mia has started calling and signaling timeout to a ref who has obviously turned around and started heading away from her. But, meanwhile, the trailing ref is looking right at her. He will continue to look at Mia all the way to 00:03, when he swings his head back to check the inbound before swiveling back to look up the floor. But -- and this is the key point -- he's looking at Mia's back, because she's signaling at the upcourt official. He has no way of knowing that she's calling a timeout, because he can't see her signal (or, presumably, hear her) while her back is turned to him. Had he been able to see her signal, he obviously would've granted the timeout.

Mia is well aware of the fact that there are three officials who can invoke a timeout, not one. The first (and only) official whose attention she tried to draw made a mistake by turning his back as he ran up the floor. But she knew full well that there were two other officials, and that there's always one official on the baseline in a halfcourt scenario. All she had to do was turn around and signal to that ref. Even if she had waited to do so until 00:03, as soon as that ref turned his head forward again he would've seen her (which happened at 00:05). After all, the path he is going to travel up the floor will take him past the IWU bench, and in fact by going out onto the floor Mia inadvertently placed herself directly in his path (inadvertently, because she never turned around to try to get that ref's attention).

As far as your first question is concerned, I don't know if officials are specifically instructed to look at the two benches in a dead-ball situation, and if so if all three are to look or if one in particular, given positioning on the floor, has that assignment. Somebody who is familiar with NCAA basketball official training would know. (I'm interested enough by the question that I may actually ask one of the officials tomorrow night in the crackerbox.) But, as I said, one of the officials was looking at her, which makes the point moot in this case. As to your second question, the answer is "yes" in the sense that any of the officials could've granted that timeout. And Mia Smith knows that, which is my whole point. If you're yelling and signaling "Timeout!" at the back of the upcourt ref, who is clearly neither seeing you nor hearing you and who becomes less likely to either see or hear you with each step away from you he takes, the logical response is to turn and engage the ref who at worst will be swinging his head in your direction immediately after making sure that the ball is not inbounded illegally after the made basket, and who will be coming right at you momentarily.

Officials always place themselves in the same spots on the floor during a halfcourt play. That, too, is something that Mia Smith knows. It makes it easy to always know where to look for one in a halfcourt scenario.

One of the most commonplace sights in a basketball game is a head coach signaling and shouting for a timeout in crunch time while pivoting back and forth between refs, to ensure that she/he gains the attention of at least one of them. I have no idea why Mia didn't do that on Sunday.

I've heard from 3 current Division III officials and 4 current head coaches in the last 48 hours (none of which have any tie to IWU) who have all basically said that the officiating crew blew this -- that the official Mia Smith was directing the timeout to had responsibility in that situation for monitoring the benches for timeout calls.  All said Smith did everything right.  As one current Top 25 MBB head coach said, "You have about 2 seconds to make that timeout call and you are clearly instructed to go to the official heading up the floor on the near side."  (There is not time to try one official, get shutout, and then move to the next.)

So on the timeout part of this I'm gonna go with what I have heard from people in the know.

Once they blew the timeout part of it, clearly she was way out on the floor.  Whether they should have T'd her up or acknowledged the mistake and handled it another way is open for debate.  One official said, "Regardless, you have to call the technical."  Another said, "Once I realized we missed a clear timeout I would have got everyone together and made sure we awarded the timeout." 

I am not disputing the T part of this thing.  I'm just saying they blew the part that led to the T.

I understand you see it differently so we can agree to disagree.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2019, 02:59:41 AM
The key thing to me about the IWU-DP game is not all this debate, discussion about the refs and Mia's T, but how well the TITANS played against then #11, now #10 DP.  Took them to the wire, without this snafu, could have likely won the game etc.  Just shows to me how good the TITANS are this year in what we thought might be a rebuilding year.  We all knew how good Shanks is, but needed to find out about Brovelli and Sosa . . . and the others taking up new and starting roles.  And, now we know too we have some help in the rotation off the bench making good contributions -- Bowen, Heller and Eck.  If they all can stay healthy, this rotation of 8 or so is pretty darn good.  I'm hoping they stay this competitive and healthy and really give Wheaton a run for their money for the CCIW crown.  Sosa, Shanks and Brovelli really off to a good start . . .and I expect more from Munroe and Lansford too . . . when back at Shirk.  Munroe can be a very streaky shooter, get going.  It's a strong, well-balanced starting five.   

Sorry about this incident -- refs and the T etc. but the bigger picture to me are the positives out of the close loss, very competitive game with DP. 

CCIW season starts . . . IWU at NC, and then the TITANS can FINALLY play a home game.  What a long run of away games to start the season. 

Good luck TITANS -- keep it going in this very positive direction. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 04, 2019, 02:22:25 PM
Opening night:  My sense is that Wheaton and IWU are pretty close at the top like previous seasons and will challenge each other for the league.  The Thunder have the size advantage while the Green have better speed and slightly more balanced and consistent scoring.  Neither team goes particularly deep.  Carthage is better than their 3-3 record. They were just really bad vs Ripon in a winnable game for them.  But I don't think they will quite challenge for the 1-2 spots.  I haven't seen NPU, Millikin or Carroll play but will take for granted that the Vikes are in the 3-4 conversation.  After those top 4, I think there's a drop off to Augie, EC, NCC. We'll see Millikin in Decatur on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2019, 08:49:43 PM
IWU clobbering NCC -- 52-22 at the half.  Balanced scoring, tons of TOs off the pressure.  Good bench support from Eck, Heller and Bowen.  An evening for the pine-sitters to get some minutes.  Sosa back in action, without injury, it appears.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 04, 2019, 09:16:48 PM
It's getting worse for NCC - after 3, IWU up 75-31, AND (adding injury to insult) Alana Newsome was just carried off the court with what appears to be a left knee injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2019, 09:39:59 PM
A great start to the CCIW run, IWU over NCC 94 - 49.

For IWU:

Heller (she's going to be all-conference one day, IMHO) -- 14
Shanks 13
Lansford 11
Sosa 11
Eck 11
Brovelli 9
Bowen 9

For NCC:

M. Walls 8

A great overall team effort, balanced scoring and great pressure defense.

Keep it rolling, TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2019, 09:57:05 PM
No box score to examine yet, but NPU won a wild one up in Waukesha tonight, 62-54. The Vikings had a 17-4 lead at the end of the first quarter -- and then went beyond cold, scoring a grand total of zero points in the second stanza while the Pios ran off 27 to take a 31-17 lead at the half, The Vikings then proceeded to come back late, outscoring Carroll 28-7 in the final quarter to pick up the road win.

As I said, no box score tonight yet, but I'm told that Jayla Johnson went off big time at Van Male Gym, as NPU remains undefeated in 2019-20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 04, 2019, 10:01:40 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2019, 09:57:05 PM
No box score to examine yet, but NPU won a wild one up in Waukesha tonight, 62-54. The Vikings had a 17-4 lead at the end of the first quarter -- and then went beyond cold, scoring a grand total of zero points in the second stanza while the Pios ran off 27 to take a 31-17 lead at the half, The Vikings then proceeded to come back late, outscoring Carroll 28-7 in the final quarter to pick up the road win.

As I said, no box score tonight yet, but I'm told that Jayla Johnson went off big time at Van Male Gym, as NPU remains undefeated in 2019-20.

WOW!  Scoring flat-out zero for an entire quarter, yet winning the game, has got to be nearly unprecedented. :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 04, 2019, 10:46:28 PM
Wheaton 84 Augie 80

The Thunder ladies were up by 22 with about 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and almost lost the game.  The Vikings started shooting threes and making them (11/14 in second half, 78%) and Wheaton just let them do it.

Alexis Jones had 25 pts to lead all scorers and her 10 rebounds was also tops.  Hannah Frazier with 17.  14 each for Kirsten Madsen and Hannah Williams.  Jordan Myroth had a very good game of 7 pts, 9 rebs, 7 asst and 4 blks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2019, 11:42:30 PM
North Park 62
Carroll 54

Jayla Johnson: 25 pts, 10 rebs, 8 stls, 3 blks
Emily Czuhajewski: 11 pts (3-5 trey)
Alisha Panthier: 6 rebs

Alyssa Cruz: 11 pts
Sierra Grubor: 11 pts

Looks like the reporting that I was given was slightly off -- but only slightly. And it also looks like the person relaying stats to me understated Jayla Johnson's performance. She came within two steals of attaining what must be the most difficult triple-double of all to achieve: points-rebounds-steals. I've never heard of a basketball player attaining that particular trifecta.

Check out this linescore, Chuck:


NPU  17    0  17  28  62
CU  11  20  16    7  54

The Vikings didn't lead 17-4 at the end of the first quarter, but their second-quarter abyss wasn't much of an exaggeration. The Vikings went 0-16 from the field, on a night in which they otherwise shot 21-42 (50%) to finish at a poor-but-not-horrible 36% for the night. The bigger problem was turnovers; NPU regressed in the ball-protection area, committing an egregious 24 cough-ups. The good news is that Carroll turned it over 28 times, 13 of 'em courtesy of North Park steals.

The Pioneers led by as many as 15 (47-32) in the final half-minute of the third quarter, before a Johnson layup with five seconds left ended the stanza at 47-34. But the Vikings were (apparently) magnificent in the fourth, going 9-13 from the field while it was Carroll's turn to sit in the freezer at the other end of the floor. Emily Czuhajewski scored eight of her 11 points in the fourth, and it looks like Jayla kicked it into high gear as well. She even made her first career trey in that quarter.

Any road win in the CCIW is a good one, but this was particularly impressive inasmuch as NPU seems to have overcome not only a big deficit but a monster of a hole in the middle of their game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2019, 11:50:24 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:26:39 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2019, 03:45:15 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2019, 11:50:52 PM
Sorry, Bob, but I don't buy it. There are three officials calling the game, not one. The official at center court was negligent for not looking back while retreating upcourt after a made basket, but all Mia had to do was turn around and make her timeout call to the trailing official, who had been stationed on the baseline and was now walking directly towards her.

I'm not really sure what is not to buy.

Had any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.  Isn't it a responsibility of one of the officials in a crew to be checking for timeouts during a dead ball situation (immediately after a basket)...especially in the final minute of a tight game?  Are coaches supposed to know exactly which of the 3 officials to seek out and find for a timeout call at every moment of the game?

She called a timeout in plenty of time to have it granted, and it was clearly visible to anyone in the gym who would have been looking at the IWU bench.  But none of the 3 officials was paying any attention to it.  That has to be a mistake on the part of the crew.

I don't think Mia was right to get on the floor, but the officials made a mistake here.

I disagree. One official made a mistake, and Mia could've easily gotten around that mistake and received her timeout by engaging the trailing ref.

I think that Enginerd hit it on the head -- she fixated on the upcourt official, to her own detriment. And it is true that the trailing official on the baseline was watching the ball during the inbound, which is his job. However, these two conclusions that you drew:

Quote from: Titan Q on December 03, 2019, 07:40:04 AMHad any of the 3 officials been looking to the bench they would have seen her calling the T.O.  Literally none of the 3 is looking to the bench.

... are contradicted by the clip you posted.

When you look at the play again at timestamp 00:01, Mia has started calling and signaling timeout to a ref who has obviously turned around and started heading away from her. But, meanwhile, the trailing ref is looking right at her. He will continue to look at Mia all the way to 00:03, when he swings his head back to check the inbound before swiveling back to look up the floor. But -- and this is the key point -- he's looking at Mia's back, because she's signaling at the upcourt official. He has no way of knowing that she's calling a timeout, because he can't see her signal (or, presumably, hear her) while her back is turned to him. Had he been able to see her signal, he obviously would've granted the timeout.

Mia is well aware of the fact that there are three officials who can invoke a timeout, not one. The first (and only) official whose attention she tried to draw made a mistake by turning his back as he ran up the floor. But she knew full well that there were two other officials, and that there's always one official on the baseline in a halfcourt scenario. All she had to do was turn around and signal to that ref. Even if she had waited to do so until 00:03, as soon as that ref turned his head forward again he would've seen her (which happened at 00:05). After all, the path he is going to travel up the floor will take him past the IWU bench, and in fact by going out onto the floor Mia inadvertently placed herself directly in his path (inadvertently, because she never turned around to try to get that ref's attention).

As far as your first question is concerned, I don't know if officials are specifically instructed to look at the two benches in a dead-ball situation, and if so if all three are to look or if one in particular, given positioning on the floor, has that assignment. Somebody who is familiar with NCAA basketball official training would know. (I'm interested enough by the question that I may actually ask one of the officials tomorrow night in the crackerbox.) But, as I said, one of the officials was looking at her, which makes the point moot in this case. As to your second question, the answer is "yes" in the sense that any of the officials could've granted that timeout. And Mia Smith knows that, which is my whole point. If you're yelling and signaling "Timeout!" at the back of the upcourt ref, who is clearly neither seeing you nor hearing you and who becomes less likely to either see or hear you with each step away from you he takes, the logical response is to turn and engage the ref who at worst will be swinging his head in your direction immediately after making sure that the ball is not inbounded illegally after the made basket, and who will be coming right at you momentarily.

Officials always place themselves in the same spots on the floor during a halfcourt play. That, too, is something that Mia Smith knows. It makes it easy to always know where to look for one in a halfcourt scenario.

One of the most commonplace sights in a basketball game is a head coach signaling and shouting for a timeout in crunch time while pivoting back and forth between refs, to ensure that she/he gains the attention of at least one of them. I have no idea why Mia didn't do that on Sunday.

I've heard from 3 current Division III officials and 4 current head coaches in the last 48 hours (none of which have any tie to IWU) who have all basically said that the officiating crew blew this -- that the official Mia Smith was directing the timeout to had responsibility in that situation for monitoring the benches for timeout calls.  All said Smith did everything right.  As one current Top 25 MBB head coach said, "You have about 2 seconds to make that timeout call and you are clearly instructed to go to the official heading up the floor on the near side."  (There is not time to try one official, get shutout, and then move to the next.)

So on the timeout part of this I'm gonna go with what I have heard from people in the know.

Once they blew the timeout part of it, clearly she was way out on the floor.  Whether they should have T'd her up or acknowledged the mistake and handled it another way is open for debate.  One official said, "Regardless, you have to call the technical."  Another said, "Once I realized we missed a clear timeout I would have got everyone together and made sure we awarded the timeout." 

I am not disputing the T part of this thing.  I'm just saying they blew the part that led to the T.

I understand you see it differently so we can agree to disagree.

Interesting. I talked to three veteran CCIW officials tonight in the crackerbox, and they all told me the opposite -- that no one official has bench-monitoring responsibility at any point during a game, and that Mia Smith should've turned and signaled the timeout to the trailing official as soon as it became apparent to her that the center-court ref wasn't going to respond to her. They also said that, given the game situation, the officiating crew would've almost certainly reset the clock once they understood that her intent was to call a timeout at the dead ball. As one of them said, "It's all about knowing what coaches typically intend to do in late-game situations, and giving them the leeway to do it as far as timeouts are concerned."

(All three of them were also aghast that the officiating crew of the IWU/DPU game let the technical foul stand.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2019, 12:20:58 AM
GoPerry, are you sure the 3 pt lines weren't moved in a few feet? That's some amazing productivity from distance by both teams. Augie scored 42 pts from 22 three attempts and Wheaton got 45 pts from 30 3FG att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2019, 12:44:35 AM
I attended Carthage's 66-49 win at Elmhurst. The Lady Reds sped to a 21-5 1st Q advantage and cruised thereafter.
Autumn Kalis was seasonally excellent, scoring 22 pts from just 13 FG att, adding 8 rebs, 3 assists. Also prominent for Carthage were Maggie Berigan and Kelsey Coshun, each of whom had 10 pts and 7 rebs.
Elmhurst got a dozen points each from Becca Gerke and Lily Greifenstein (her collegiate debut and it was a good one). Sophia Lathe played well in her season debut. The rest of the Bluejays didn't shoot well, some credit to Carthage's defensive efforts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2019, 01:28:24 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 05, 2019, 12:44:35 AMElmhurst got a dozen points each from Becca Gerke and Lily Greifenstein (her collegiate debut and it was a good one). Sophia Lathe played well in her season debut.

(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/f9/fd/3f/f9fd3fb866b763829747f16b98596f33--no-mans-sky-comedy.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 05, 2019, 08:02:33 AM
RogK:  Kristi Demski began the game with 3 straight treys and then Frazier hit another which sped them to a quick 12-0 lead after about 3 or 4 mins.  They continued to pretty much dominate offensively until that 4th Q.  Wheaton had a little trouble with the Vikes full court press, went a little chilly offensively and tried to cruise in defensively by letting Augie shoot from the arc.  Credit them for making a blistering 11-14 to bring them all the way back.

The Thunder are actually a decent 3 pt shooting team.  But I'm not sure taking 30 att/game is their best recipe going forward.

Quote from: RogK on December 05, 2019, 12:44:35 AM
I attended Carthage's 66-49 win at Elmhurst. The Lady Reds sped to a 21-5 1st Q advantage and cruised thereafter.
Autumn Kalis was seasonally excellent, scoring 22 pts from just 13 FG att, adding 8 rebs, 3 assists.

Kalis is a player that does everything well including defend and rebound.  Fills up the box score and just very impressive as a team leader.  Along with Sammie Woodward and Madie Kaelber they make an excellent backcourt.  It's the Lady Reds frontcourt that isn't quite impactful enough to allow them to compete with WC and IWU over the season.  IMHO.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2019, 04:45:35 PM
UChicago topped Elmhurst 80-50 in an early afternoon contest.
Elmhurst got 12 pts 8 rebs from Kween Jean, while Becca Gerke's 11 rebs and 3 assists led those categories for the 'jays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 07, 2019, 05:11:39 PM
Final from Decatur:

Millikin 66
Wheaton 63 (OT)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 07, 2019, 05:12:26 PM
Wheaton  63
Millikin    66  (OT)

Hannah Williams   17 pts, 5 reb
Hannah Frazier      13 pts, 6 rebs
Kristen Madsen      10 pts, 6 rebs

Jordan Hildebrand   18 pts, 10 rebs
Abby Ratsch      10 pts, 15 rebs
Bailey Coffman      12 pts, 6 rebs

Congratulations to the Big Blue on a big W at home.  Neither team played great and WC was lucky to even get to OT.  But in the end Millikin outplayed/outcoached Wheaton in pretty much all aspects.  They deserved the victory. 

MU is much better than the 8-17 team of last year.  Jordan Hildebrand is the same very tough inside player and dominated the play in the paint.  But the Big Blue are getting very good contributions from some underclassman such as freshman Bailey Coffman, Abby Ratsch, Miranda Fox.  This afternoon they looked legit to compete for a CCIW tourney spot at least.

Very poor game by the Thunder. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2019, 07:47:35 PM
North Park 68
North Central 58

Jayla Johnson: 18 pts, 9 rebs
Angelina Villasin: 11 pts

Allison Person: 11 pts
Lyndsay Brennan: 10 pts
Maya Walls: 7 rebs

NPU had a 14-point lead at the half, and it looked like the Vikings were going to cruise to an easy victory. But NCC went into a 2-3 zone and stuck with it, and the Vikings couldn't make the Cardinals pay by knocking down open trey attempts. But the NPU defense was solid enough to keep the Cards from getting any closer than four points, and the hosts finally pulled out of striking distance at the FT line down the stretch.

NPU is now 7-0, 2-0, while NCC falls to 3-5, 0-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2019, 07:48:23 PM
Looks like our question as to whether or not Millikin is for real has been definitively answered tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2019, 07:54:46 PM
MU for real.

IWU over CC 62-61, with Sydney Shanks hitting the game-winning jump shot with 9 seconds left.  Kalis almost unstoppable.

More soon.  Great game, much - needed home win for the TITANS.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2019, 08:43:56 PM
IWU 62 CC 61

Sosa 16
Shanks, a monster game, 15 and 12
Lansford 12
Brovelli, key to it all, 11 and 10

FT % 46% -- gotta improve this.

For CC:
Kalis 27
Woodward 11

An important home win.  TITANS now 7-2, 2-0.

UW Stevens Point on Monday.  No rest.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2019, 11:16:17 PM
looking at the play-by-play data, we see that Kalis and Sosa each "carried the load" impressively for their teams : Kalis scored 15 in the 4th Q and Sosa tallied 14 over the final 6:05; not bad
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2019, 11:25:45 PM
Having attended the NC-NP matchup, I won't add much to what Greg wrote. NP performed well defensively, for example limiting Walls and Dimitrova to 9 pts in a combined 66 minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2019, 11:53:59 PM
Augie got past Carroll, 84-74. Continuing the theme from their 36 pt 4th Q vs Wheaton, Augie again relied successfully on 3pt shooting, making 13 of 26. Carroll similarly made 12 of 25.
Some of the players who did well :
AUG - Alexis Jones 11 pts, 13 rebs, 4 assists, 3 stls; Justice Edell 17 pts (.938 eFG%); Mia Lambert 14 pts, 6 assists; Jeni Crain 11 pts from 11 FGA; Lauren Hall 9 pts, 7 rebs.
CRL - Theresa Wichser 18 pts (.692 eFG%); Kate Christian 12 pts, 3 assists, 3 stls in 15:00.
Do we dare show conference-only standings this early? Yes, we dare :
2-0 IWU NPU
1-0 MIL
1-1 AUG CTG WHE
0-1 ELM
0-2 CRL NCC
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on December 08, 2019, 07:53:47 AM
The Titans dominated the first 7 minutes against Carthage; it looked like it was going to be a complete blow out. But Carthage kept its composure and battled their way back into the game. At one point, I thing they were up by 5 or 7. Sosa put on a shooting clinic in the last three minutes to save the Titans, including one of the most crazy, off-balance shots I've ever seen in b.b.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2019, 09:16:57 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 07, 2019, 11:25:45 PM
Having attended the NC-NP matchup, I won't add much to what Greg wrote. NP performed well defensively, for example limiting Walls and Dimitrova to 9 pts in a combined 66 minutes.

To be fair, I thought that there were stretches when Maya Walls did a good job of guarding Jayla Johnson when NCC was in man. And since NPU is increasingly looking to Johnson to get the job done for them, that really slowed down the Vikings. But the Cardinals spent the entire second half in the 2-3, which made matters moot as far as the defensive performance of Maya Walls was concerned. I wish that NPU had worked harder to find ways to use Johnson against that zone. Nevertheless, Amanda Crockett did identify one player for NPU, Angelina Villasin, who is creative enough to make things happen in the high post against the zone, even if she does lack the kind of size that you usually look for in a high-post zonebreaker.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 08, 2019, 09:34:49 AM
The IWU/Carthage finish was pretty crazy.

IWU controlled the game until late in the 3rd Q.  IWU was stuck on 43 points from 2:44 in the 3rd to (43-37, up 6) to 6:05 in the 4th (43-50, down 7) -- 13-0 Carthage run over 9 minutes.

IWU trailed 56-47 w/ 4:33 to play in the game. The Titans outscored Carthage 15-5 the rest of the way. Kendall Sosa had 10 of the 15 and Sydney Shanks had the winner.  Video of winning shot - https://twitter.com/iwusports/status/1203488961131417600?s=20.

Certainly a big win for the Titans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 08, 2019, 09:26:01 PM
Kendall Sosa is money . . . and truly some of the wildest, off-balanced shots I've seen in roundball, too.  I only smile and say "there she goes again." . . .   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2019, 03:30:04 PM
Congrats to Jordan Hildebrand for CCIW Player of the Week. She did well in Millikin's win over Wheaton.
Autumn Kalis excelled in a pair of games, so she gets mention here too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2019, 03:54:15 PM
Incidentally, one of Millikin's possible achievements this season may be that, by the end of the season, we may not think their December defeat of Wheaton was an upset.
We'll see how it all goes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 09, 2019, 04:53:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 09, 2019, 03:30:04 PM
Congrats to Jordan Hildebrand for CCIW Player of the Week. She did well in Millikin's win over Wheaton.
Autumn Kalis excelled in a pair of games, so she gets mention here too.

I'm very disappointed that Jayla Johnson of NPU didn't get the nod for POW. That's not to take anything away from Jordan Hildebrand's performance on Saturday, as she had a double-double in that big upset win for Millikin over nationally-ranked Wheaton. But she only played in one game last week. And, yes, Autumn Kalis had a fine week as well with a 22 and 8 against Elmhurst followed by a 27 and 7 against Illinois Wesleyan. But her team went 1-1 last week, and a loss is almost always the death knell to any hopes a player might have for winning the POW.

Meanwhile, all that Jayla Johnson did was come close to what would've been the craziest and most impressive triple-double combo I've ever heard of with 25 and 10, plus 8 steals, in a road win against Carroll and followed it up with an 18 and 9 in NPU's win over North Central.

Frankly, big upset or not, I think that you have to post outrageous numbers to claim POW if you're only playing one game in a week in which all eight of the other teams in the league are playing two. Hildebrand had a terrific game, but 18 and 10 isn't in outrageous-numbers territory. Yes, I'm biased, but I think that they muffed this one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2019, 07:49:52 PM
Good points, Greg.  Agree with you on the POW selection misfire.  Kalis had a great week too. 

MU looks pretty real to me now . . . I'm sure it's only because of Olivia Lett's coaching, right?   OK -- LOL.  :)

Looking forward to MU vs. IWU and WC vs. IWU to see where we all are in the women's race.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2019, 08:35:23 PM
IWU over WI-Point 73-61.  Titans leading most of the way.

IWU:
Brovelli with a monster game, 21 and 15
Sosa 13
Lansford 12
Monroe 9
10 pts. off the bench from Eck and Bowen

For Point:
Baehman 22
Collins 11

Titans now 8-2, 2-0.  Augie up next in Rock Island on December 15th.  I think finals first.

Keep it rolling TITANS . . . a great season in the making.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 09, 2019, 09:04:31 PM
New poll is out.  IWU edges up from 23 to 22.  Wheaton falls out, retaining only 12 points.  Mildly surprised that Millikin (now 7-1 and the reason Wheaton dropped out) received zero votes.  They're dissin' Olivia Lett! :o :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2019, 09:59:50 PM
Chuck, I think MU still has a ways to go to prove itself, prove it is for real, Olivia Lett notwithstanding.  We'll see as they face more CCIW top-tier games. 

Brovelli greatly improved this year.  If she can keep this up, average a double double, 10 and 10 or better, the Titans are going to be a very good team.  They have all the excellent perimeter shooters and good slashers in Shanks, Sosa, Lansford and Munroe, so this team could be really good.  Eck and Bowen making contributions now.  Heller too, in time.   Some great challenges upcoming in the normally tough schedule.  Good game vs. Point.  I'm looking forward to the games vs. MU, WC, NPU and Mary Hardin . . .  all good tests.

Happy holidays to you, Ypsi, and all the other CCIW chatsters.   All best for the New Year from the Far Side. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 09, 2019, 11:42:54 PM
Notwithstanding Saturday's win I would stop short of saying Millikin is worth any top 25 votes.  Neither team distinguished themselves much – the score at end of regulation was 54-54.  The Big Blue ended up 24-65(36.9%), 3-16 from three(18.8%) and 15-19 (78.9%) from the free throw line and 19 turnovers.  Those sorts of #s and 54 pts won't win you too many games. 

Still, having seen them play, I stand by my comment that they are better than last years team that only won 4 league games.  They've already matched their 7 win total from last year.  Plus, they are a very young squad playing lots of freshman minutes.  So I don't think they'll be among the top two or three teams by the end of February but they won't be dead last like before either.  As I said in my post, I think they're legit to make it into the CCIW tournament which would be solid progress indeed.   

It's not uncommon for a new coach coming to a struggling program to recruit and play a few more sophomores and freshmen in the first few seasons hoping to build up to an experienced winning team in years 3 and 4 with lots of returning experienced players.  I'm not saying that's what Olivia Lett has in mind but it might work out that way since she only has one senior on the roster, G Briana Anthony.

If anything Millikin will be an interesting story to follow this season along with the still improving and young North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2019, 12:08:29 PM
Katie McDaniels played 34.5 min/g as a freshman in '13-'14, leading a 19-7 team. And freshman Chantal Meacham averaged 24.2 min that year. Freshman minutes can be very positive for a team.
If Coach Lett brings in another good bunch of newcomers next fall, things will look quite good for Millikin.
In regard to whether they deserve any top 25 votes yet this season, a few more wins will help their case. I have no idea how teams currently getting scattered votes rate vs Millikin. The top 25 should measure what has been accomplished in 2019-20.
Carroll heads to UW-Whitewater today. The Pios are 2-5, but have "been in" most or all of their losses. Their biggest losing margin was only 15, at Ripon. Carroll will need top production from everyone tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 10, 2019, 01:44:59 PM
Not that it means anything at this early point in the season, but this is where the CCIW teams rank on Massey:


teamoverall rank  SoS
Illinois Wesleyan    17      6
Wheaton    53    58
North Park    66  242
Millikin    80  212
Augustana    87    23
Carthage    95    69
North Central  183    84
Carroll  202    54
Elmhurst  204    79

(For the sake of perspective, there are 443 teams listed by Massey for D3 this season.)

Granted, Massey's database lacks the sort of connectivity here in mid-December that gives anything more than rudimentary accuracy. Nevertheless, you can see why I've been so cautious about making pronouncements regarding both NPU and Millikin thus far this season. Of course, NPU is going to find out where it stands in very short order; within the next three weeks the Vikings are going to play Wheaton (#53), Hope (#1), and Loras (#12).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2019, 02:03:29 PM
At least all 9 CCIW teams are well within the top half of D3.
Greg, do you know if "their own games" are excluded from the SoS computations? For example, North Park is 7-0; are those 7 losses by opponents excluded from NPU's SoS?
NP's SoS shouldn't be diminished by games NPU won.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2019, 02:10:42 PM
Oh, a more basic question : are those SoS numbers based on their entire 25 game schedule, or just games already played? I'd assume the latter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 10, 2019, 04:03:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 10, 2019, 02:03:29 PM
At least all 9 CCIW teams are well within the top half of D3.
Greg, do you know if "their own games" are excluded from the SoS computations? For example, North Park is 7-0; are those 7 losses by opponents excluded from NPU's SoS?
NP's SoS shouldn't be diminished by games NPU won.

Yes, they are excluded. That's standard operating procedure for online ratings services in constructing a SoS database.

Quote from: RogK on December 10, 2019, 02:10:42 PM
Oh, a more basic question : are those SoS numbers based on their entire 25 game schedule, or just games already played? I'd assume the latter.

They're just based upon games already played. Otherwise, NPU's and Millikin's respective SoSes wouldn't be nearly as low as they are, given that all 14 of NPU's remaining CCIW games and all 15 of Millikin's will be against teams rated higher than where the SoSes of the two teams currently sit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2019, 04:21:59 PM
thanks, Greg
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2019, 08:54:06 PM
A tip of the hat to Autumn Kalis, honored as part of the D3Hoops Team of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2019, 10:15:16 PM
UW Whitewater 68-55 over Carroll :
24 minutes in, Carroll trailed by 1 (32-31), but Whitewater then took over, outscoring the Pios 36-24 in the last 16 minutes of the game.
Sierra Grubor topped Carroll scorers with 13. Megan Madsen had 4 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on December 11, 2019, 12:06:49 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 09, 2019, 09:04:31 PM
New poll is out.  IWU edges up from 23 to 22.  Wheaton falls out, retaining only 12 points.  Mildly surprised that Millikin (now 7-1 and the reason Wheaton dropped out) received zero votes.  They're dissin' Olivia Lett! :o :(

In 2017-18, Rose-Hulman wound up 24-4 and had early-season wins over Texas-Dallas and a Chicago team (at Chicago) that ran the table in the UAA, finishing 14-0 - and RHIT eventually wound up finishing 4th in the final Great Lakes Regional Rankings. They didn't get so much as a vote in the D3 Hoops poll until mid-January and, to my knowledge, never received a single vote in the WBCA poll, but Transylvania, whom RHIT defeated THREE times that season, received multiple votes, multiple times. That RHIT team also beat Division I Eastern Illinois by 15 in a scrimmage game AT EIU, which no one would have known or cared about anyway - but my point is that Ms. Lett has a ways to go before she knows what true disrespect in the polls is. Two years prior, Marietta, through some happenstance of mass hysteria, started receiving votes after a 4-0 start, despite having no pedigree or previous success to sway voters, on their way to a 12-13 season, but they ARE an OAC school - it seems as though some conferences get monumental deference from voters, and I wonder how many voters just "mail it in".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2019, 04:01:00 AM
IWU has a great opportunity to move up in the polls, when playing Mary Hardin later this month.  They are ranked #6.  The game in Texas, on December 28th.  First Augie in Rock Island next weekend, then the post-Christmas trip down south for the one game. 

8-2, 2-0 a good start on the long season.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2019, 11:49:34 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 11, 2019, 04:01:00 AMwhen playing Mary Hardin later this month.

Mary Hardin-Baylor, otherwise known as UMHB.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 11, 2019, 01:17:21 PM
I think voters are likely treating Millikin as "wait and see."

Take a look at who've the Big Blue have beaten. Aside from Wheaton, there's not another team in the Top 50 on their schedule until Illinois Wesleyan. The next best team Millikin has played is Illinois College who beat them.

Overall: 7-1 - Conference: 1-0
11/8   at Greenville •   Final   W, 81-74   BX RC
11/9   at Westminster (Mo.) •   Final   W, 68-52   BX RC PH
11/16   at MSOE •   Final   W, 68-51   BX
11/21   at Beloit •   Final   W, 82-43   BX
11/24   vs. Eureka •   Final   W, 88-68   BX RC
11/26   vs. Webster •   Final   W, 78-56   BX RC
12/1   at Illinois College •   Final   L, 78-73   BX
12/7   vs. Wheaton (Ill.) * •   Final - OT   W, 66-63   BX

I like Lett a lot as a player and a coach (she was a great interview a couple summers ago) and I think this program is on the upswing. But 7-1 with that schedule doesn't merit Top 25 in the country.

It's hard for me to process what's happened to Wheaton. Frazier is a special player but losses to Birmingham Southern and Millikin are tough to understand, unless Millikin is really good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2019, 09:01:05 PM
Wheaton eased past Cornell (Iowa) this evening, 72-45. Wheaton got 2/3 of their scoring from three-land, taking what the opposing defense gave them.
Hannahs and non-Hannahs contributed nicely.
H Frazier had 17 pts, 8 rebs; H Williams scored 12; H Swider had 9 pts in 12:00.
Kirsten Madsen had 4 steals and 13 pts; Kristi Demski scored a dozen; Jordan Myroth had 7 rebounds and 7 assists (maybe I have that backwards).
The Thunder defense was an effective group effort.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2019, 03:02:58 AM
RogK, maybe we should rename the Thunder the "Hannahs and the non-Hannahs."  (maybe I have that backwards too!).  Plenty of quality players there . . .

Can't wait for the IWU-WC game in January.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 12, 2019, 11:06:14 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on December 11, 2019, 01:17:21 PM


It's hard for me to process what's happened to Wheaton. Frazier is a special player but losses to Birmingham Southern and Millikin are tough to understand, unless Millikin is really good.

Fwiw Gordon:

Frazier is indeed a special player who can play inside or outside which makes her very tough to guard.  But this season she's the only inside player Wheaton has on the offensive side which means they are heavily dependent on outside shooting.  Last year's Devin Kyler(6'2" F, 31.7 mins/g) and Jenn Berg (5'11" F, 24.8/g) minutes have been replaced by guards Kirsten Madsen, Hannah Swider, Bonnie Zeller all primarily outside shooters.

Having said that, the Thunder are a very good 3 pt shooting team at a 38% clip and are shooting more of them.  But it also means they can be very one-dimensional as in Chicago and Birm-S losses (a mere 8 and 10  ft attempts resp) or if those shots aren't falling (Millikin loss, 32%FG, 29% three).  Last night, win @ Cornell, their first 8 shots were treys, took 37 total and averaging 29 in their last 4 games - too many in my opinion.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2019, 11:54:19 AM
Congrats to Kent Madsen on reaching 200 coaching wins (200-58), although my opinion is that he reached 200 earlier than Wednesday. If I recall correctly, he served as head coach during a Beth Baker medical absence, but technically the games went on Baker's record.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2019, 04:44:14 PM
Carroll 62
Millikin 59

The Pioneers led the entire way down in Decatur, but the game was nevertheless not without drama. After trailing by as many as 18 late in the first quarter and by 14 at the half, the Big Blue chipped away at the Carroll lead until they finally had it down to one possession at the same time that they had the ball. But that didn't come until the final half-minute. The Big Blue got a steal off of a midcourt trap, missed a trey attempt, called timeout with three seconds left, and worked a play to put the ball in Aubrey Staton's hands in the near corner -- but Megan Madsen ripped the ball out of Staton's hands to end the game.

Theresa Wickser led the way for the Pios with 18, all of it on treys (6-12), while Sierra Grubor contributed 10 and 7. Alyssa Cruz had 8 boards and 9 assists (although five turnovers as well). The Big Blue were led by Jordan Hildebrand's 14 points, while Abby Ratsch had six steals to go with an 11 and 11 double-double, and Bailey Coffman contributed 10 and 7. Staton and Miranda Fox had four steals apiece as well for Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2019, 04:49:39 PM
North Central 70
Elmhurst 46

This was something of a surprise -- not that North Central won, but that it was such a complete and utter blowout. The visiting Cards walked into Faganel Hall and just embarrassed the 'jays on their home floor. NCC led from wire to wire, and at one point in the fourth quarter were up by 33 points. Haydn Braun had 16 and Rebekah Foley had a breakout game with 15 off the bench for the Cards, with Natali Dimitrova contributing 10 and 7. Sixteen players saw the floor for North Central. Elmhurst was led by Kween Jean's 13 and 10 double-double.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2019, 05:47:30 PM
Saw parts of the webcasts of those two games. I must say the Millikin broadcast was well done; doesn't hurt to have Lori Kerans providing concise on-point color commentary.
Elmhurst -- stop showing replays during live action.
As for the games, a nice win for Carroll. Both teams made a lot of mistakes, but the Pios were alert enough to recognize when Millikin was repeatedly trying to get the ball to Hildebrand late in the game, and also covered Staton when it was clear she'd try threes at the end.
On the other hand, Coach Lett could not convince any of her players to stay glued to Wichser, even after she made several threes.
Elmhurst got some injured players back (Urso, Cabrera) but was without O'Donnell. O'Donnell would've helped the 'jays' shooting, most likely. Elmhurst missed 15 free throws. They made 1/12 threes. Shot 30% on 2FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2019, 07:41:43 PM
That is one big monkey that the Vikings finally got off of their back! Congrats, NPU!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 14, 2019, 07:54:21 PM
NPU 71, Wheaton 58

Congrats to the Vikes on this huge road win.  Wheaton in real trouble...They are having all kinds of difficulty scoring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2019, 08:12:10 PM
North Park 71
Wheaton 58

Emily Czuhajewski: 21 pts (6-9 trey)
Zakiya Newsome: 14 pts, 3 stls
Lauren Lee: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Jayla Johnson: 9 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 3:0 a:to

Hannah Williams: 17 pts, 4:2 a:to
Hannah Frazier: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Kirsten Madsen: 10 pts
Jordan Myroth: 9 rebs

It actually hasn't been as long as I thought since NPU beat Wheaton -- it was this game at the crackerbox back in 2014-15 (https://nparku_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbasketball14-15/1-14wbb.htm) -- but it feels as though it's been forever. But I think that the two programs reached a tipping point tonight, not just in that the quickness of the Vikings has finally counterbalanced and then surpassed the size of Wheaton in terms of dictating the game, but that the youth of NPU has now reached the maturity level in which the Vikings can take a punch without flinching. One of the big keys to the game came in the second quarter, when NPU was stuck on 18 points for half the quarter and watched Wheaton ride a 12-0 run to pull out in front at 24-18. In years past, the Vikings would've simply folded their tents at that point. Instead, they sharpened up what had been very sloppy ball control, spaced the floor better, looked to use the skip pass to make things happen on offense, and righted the ship. They outscored Wheaton over the rest of the quarter by a 13-4 margin to take a three-point lead into the locker room at half, and they never trailed again. Then they really ratcheted up the D in the second half, holding Wheaton to 32% shooting from the field over the course of the game.

The other big key came in the endgame, in which the Vikings pulled away by executing much better than a WC team that looked a little worn out and frustrated. It was only a 57-55 NPU lead with 3:44 left, but an Emily Czuhajewski triple -- she was a monster tonight from beyond the arc -- set the Vikings off on a 14-3 run that allowed them to close it out going away.

Jayla Johnson vs. Hannah Frazier down low was worth the price of admission all by itself. It seemed like both of the superstar forwards canceled each other out by playing great defense against each other. The differences, I thought, were the way that unheralded Lauren Lee stepped up and gave NPU great minutes at forward off the bench (this was the best game that she's ever played in a Vikings uniform), the outside shooting of Czuhajewski, and the all-around play at both ends by Zakiya Newsome, who as always showed that she is 5'4" of old shoe leather. She is the toughest player in the CCIW, bar none.

Historic win by NPU to finally beat one of the premier programs not only in the CCIW but in the Central Region, as the Vikings (8-0, 3-0) clearly showed today at King Arena that they are for real.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2019, 08:35:50 PM
Noteworthy (perhaps?) that 90% of NPU's playing time went to players 5'9" and smaller. Usually I think that height helps in basketball, but we learn : not always.
I'm not sure that Wheaton is in trouble, but they may tinker with things. Please, nobody ask me what they should tinker with, as I have no idea! (ha!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2019, 08:56:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 14, 2019, 08:35:50 PM
Noteworthy (perhaps?) that 90% of NPU's playing time went to players 5'9" and smaller. Usually I think that height helps in basketball, but we learn : not always.

Speed kills, Rog. Speed kills. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2019, 11:26:27 AM
OK, but their speed is not as deceptive as it appears to be. (sorry, that's an old one)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2019, 03:54:40 PM
Augustana 86
Illinois Wesleyan 80

Don't look now, but NPU is all alone in first place. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 15, 2019, 03:59:52 PM
Rather a surprise in RI this afternoon, as the west Vikings (5-5, 1-1 going in to the game) defeat the Lady Titans (8-2, 2-0) by an 86-80 score.  Kendall Sosa and company almost pulled off a stunning comeback - down 84-69 with under 2 minutes to go, they ran out of time after cutting the deficit to 84-80. :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 15, 2019, 04:00:23 PM
Augie beats IWU at Carver, 86-80

Alexis Jones was everywhere and unstoppable in the second half finishing with 24 pts, 14 rebs, 6 stls.  Justice Edell and Lauran Hall contributed 16 and 14 pts respectively, Hall adding 10 rebs.  IWU's Kendall Sosa (29 pts)  was hot early in the game but cooled off in the second half as Augie extended the lead to as much as 15 pts. 

Going into January it'll be the North Park Lady Vikings @ 3-0 and everyone else looking up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 15, 2019, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 15, 2019, 04:00:23 PM
Augie beats IWU at Carver, 86-80

Alexis Jones was everywhere and unstoppable in the second half finishing with 24 pts, 14 rebs, 6 stls.  Justice Edell and Lauran Hall contributed 16 and 14 pts respectively, Hall adding 10 rebs.  IWU's Kendall Sosa (29 pts)  was hot early in the game but cooled off in the second half as Augie extended the lead to as much as 15 pts. 

Going into January it'll be the North Park Lady Vikings @ 3-0 and everyone else looking up.

Sosa was also hot late (alas, too late) in the game - in the not-quite-comeback, she had 10 of IWU's 11 points!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 15, 2019, 04:17:08 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on December 15, 2019, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 15, 2019, 04:00:23 PM
Augie beats IWU at Carver, 86-80

Alexis Jones was everywhere and unstoppable in the second half finishing with 24 pts, 14 rebs, 6 stls.  Justice Edell and Lauran Hall contributed 16 and 14 pts respectively, Hall adding 10 rebs.  IWU's Kendall Sosa (29 pts)  was hot early in the game but cooled off in the second half as Augie extended the lead to as much as 15 pts. 

Going into January it'll be the North Park Lady Vikings @ 3-0 and everyone else looking up.

Sosa was also hot late (alas, too late) in the game - in the not-quite-comeback, she had 10 of IWU's 11 points!

Yes agreed Ypsi.  I was referring to a few shots that were falling in the first that didn't go in the third and fourth quarter when the game was tight.

I'd also mention that playing Riley Brovelli 39 minutes has got to take it's toll.  I've noticed she's putting up 38+ in any game that's not a blowout.  Perhaps Smith has no alternative but still.  She missed 4 straight FTs with about 5 mins left which can sometimes be fatigue related.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2019, 05:32:00 PM
#20 Chicago 82
Carthage 74

Great efforts in the losing cause by Autumn Kalis (32 pts) and Sammie Woodward (24 pts).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2019, 07:23:05 PM
Agreed, lots of minutes for the IWU starters . . and poor FT shooting, did the Titans in up in RI.  Augie played very well.

Congrats to NPU on their big win over WC.  A new order at the top of CCIW women's basketball? 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 15, 2019, 08:40:06 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 15, 2019, 07:23:05 PM
Congrats to NPU on their big win over WC.  A new order at the top of CCIW women's basketball?

Same thing I said when you speculated in this vein regarding Millikin's hot start: It's too soon to tell.

But I like the way that this is trending.

NPU certainly has its work cut out for it between now and New Year's Day. On Wednesday the Vikings will be down in Florida taking on #4 Hope (9-0). Then, after dealing with Finlandia on Thursday, the Vikings will open a post-Christmas tourney at Loras by tangling with the host Duhawks (7-1), who are currently #24 in the d3hoops.com poll, before facing either #17 UW-Platteville (6-2) or Lawrence (4-2) the next day.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2019, 09:27:45 PM
Saw the UChicago / Carthage game. As Greg described it, outstanding games for Autumn Kalis and Sammie Woodward. I thought most everyone on both teams played at a rather good level or better. For Carthage that included Amanda Larson, Haley Ahr and others. The Lady Reds were without talented guard Madie Kaelber, who spent the afternoon at Powell's Used Books on 57th St.
Just kidding! She was present, but unfortunately has a leg injury, using crutches to get around. Here's hoping she can return to action later this (her senior) season.
A lot of UChicago's talent was evident, too. Starters did very well and four players came off the bench and casually sank some threes to help the Maroons' cause.
While the offenses of both teams looked good, it wasn't the result of bad defense. There was consistent effort on "D" and even some moderately hard fouls and feistiness. I can't say I saw any dirty fouls, nor would any be expected from these coaches' teams.
Two years ago the Carthage at Chicago game was 96-90 (I forget who won --- it was a great game anyway). Today's matchup was not quite as dazzling as 96-90, but featured admirable talent on both teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 16, 2019, 12:13:12 PM
Finally able to watch Saturday night's game and I thought North Park played a great game.  They played aggressively not tentatively and were not at all intimidated by the moment.  They had an answer every time the Thunder came at them and deserved the win.  Having Jordan Myroth, Wheaton's best defender, guard Jayla Johnson was a good move by Coach Madsen which kept her in check for most of the game.  Johnson and mostly Josie Summerville played Hannah Frazier very well.  It didn't help that Frazier got into some foul trouble which I think affected her offensively.  Emily Czuhajewski was a dagger from three.  When Wheaton tried to mix things up defensively by going zone a few times, she really made them pay.  If the Thunder weren't aware she was shooting nearly 50% from the arc then that was a costly oversight.

Despite the loss I liked that Wheaton tried to play closer to the basket offensively.  Way more cuts to the hoop and passers actually looking to feed it down there instead of passing on the outside and settling for treys. They weren't able to finish all of them well but I think that will improve which will serve them come the new year.  At 8-4(1-2) I doubt anybody is writing them off.  But they'll have to string a few together come first week of January.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2019, 12:55:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 16, 2019, 12:13:12 PMDespite the loss I liked that Wheaton tried to play closer to the basket offensively.  Way more cuts to the hoop and passers actually looking to feed it down there instead of passing on the outside and settling for treys. They weren't able to finish all of them well but I think that will improve which will serve them come the new year.

Well, Wheaton hasn't done too badly for itself by shooting a lot of trey attempts. WC is at .380 for the season from downtown, trailing only NPU's .392, and in conference play Wheaton's .406 trails only Augie's .533 and is ahead of NPU's .388. (Granted, three games apiece makes for a small sample size.)

But "live by the three, die by the three" is a dicey basketball philosophy upon which to hang your hat, especially when having all that size -- and a dynamic all-over-the-court scorer in 6'2 Hannah Frazier -- means that you don't have to employ it. However, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance are actually increasing their percentage of shots taken from behind the arc since moving to CCIW play. Wheaton's shot a whopping 284 trey attempts this season, which is by far the most in the league; the second-most trey attempts have come from Augie, which has shot 19% fewer of them than Wheaton. In conference play (i.e., the most recent games), Wheaton has shot 69 times from behind the arc, still the most in the league but not that much more than Augie's and IWU's 64.  But Wheaton's percentage of trey attempts among all FG attempts has increased from 34% to 39% in CCIW play.

North Park is accelerating its trey rate as well, but for a different reason. NPU has attempted only 120 treys this season, lowest in the league by far (Elmhurst is next-lowest at 161). But the Vikings have attempted a middle-of-the-pack 49 trey shots in CCIW play, increasing their percentage of trey attempts among all FG attempts from under 27% to almost 30%. That's in part because they're doing a better job of spacing and using the whole floor, but it's mostly because in Emily Czuhajewski they have found their first bona-fide threat from downtown since Hannah Rehfeldt graduated in 2017. Her presence on the perimeter is going to help get open shots for her teammates from downtown as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2019, 01:07:03 PM
I'm dusting off my crystal ball and trying to see if I can guess who gets named CCIW POW.

Autumn Kalis and Riley Brovelli both had good weeks, but each of their respective teams lost, and that's typically the kiss of death as far as POW goes. Only three teams emerged unscathed in last week's play -- Augustana, North Central, and North Park -- and I think that we can disregard NCC, since the Cardinals played a weak opponent and Maggie McCloskey-Bax emptied her bench in the rout and therefore prevented any of her players from putting up gaudy numbers. Augie and NPU, by contrast, came up with impressive victories over the league's two recent standard-bearers. And the most impressive performance between those two teams was that of Augie's Alexis Jones (in spite of her nine turnovers) over NPU's Emily Czuhajewski, so I'm betting that Jones wins POW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 16, 2019, 03:23:36 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2019, 12:55:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 16, 2019, 12:13:12 PMDespite the loss I liked that Wheaton tried to play closer to the basket offensively.  Way more cuts to the hoop and passers actually looking to feed it down there instead of passing on the outside and settling for treys. They weren't able to finish all of them well but I think that will improve which will serve them come the new year.

Well, Wheaton hasn't done too badly for itself by shooting a lot of trey attempts. WC is at .380 for the season from downtown, trailing only NPU's .392, and in conference play Wheaton's .406 trails only Augie's .533 and is ahead of NPU's .388. (Granted, three games apiece makes for a small sample size.)

But "live by the three, die by the three" is a dicey basketball philosophy upon which to hang your hat, especially when having all that size -- and a dynamic all-over-the-court scorer in 6'2 Hannah Frazier -- means that you don't have to employ it. However, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance are actually increasing their percentage of shots taken from behind the arc since moving to CCIW play. Wheaton's shot a whopping 284 trey attempts this season, which is by far the most in the league; the second-most trey attempts have come from Augie, which has shot 19% fewer of them than Wheaton. In conference play (i.e., the most recent games), Wheaton has shot 69 times from behind the arc, still the most in the league but not that much more than Augie's and IWU's 64.  But Wheaton's percentage of trey attempts among all FG attempts has increased from 34% to 39% in CCIW play.

North Park is accelerating its trey rate as well, but for a different reason. NPU has attempted only 120 treys this season, lowest in the league by far (Elmhurst is next-lowest at 161). But the Vikings have attempted a middle-of-the-pack 49 trey shots in CCIW play, increasing their percentage of trey attempts among all FG attempts from under 27% to almost 30%. That's in part because they're doing a better job of spacing and using the whole floor, but it's mostly because in Emily Czuhajewski they have found their first bona-fide threat from downtown since Hannah Rehfeldt graduated in 2017. Her presence on the perimeter is going to help get open shots for her teammates from downtown as well.

Yes - the Thunder are shooting way more three's this year (37 atts @ Cornell, 30 two other times) and yes at a better % this year(earlier post).  I have no problem making this a weapon.  But it can be too one-dimensional and if those outsides shots aren't falling then you have to score posting up, driving, getting to the line.  This would be especially true vs a quicker/faster and perhaps smaller team that can defend the perimeter much better.  Fyi, Cornell played a zone for a lot of the game.

By now every team should know not to leave WC Kristi Demske to shoot threes.  The same should be true of Park's Czuhajewski.  Allowing her 9 attempts, several wide open looks, makes me suspect that WC just wasn't aware.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2019, 04:09:58 PM
Congrats to Alexis Jones, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2019, 04:36:38 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brainlesstales.com%2Fimages%2F2011%2FDec%2Fnailed-it.jpg&hash=b0049075660d5e2dd2bae4a83d31ff2903c7f1ca)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2019, 02:17:09 AM
The new poll is out. Wesleyan drops out of the Top 25, and is in the ORV category with 15 points. North Park appears for the first time in ORV with 8 points. It's the first time in seven seasons that NPU has received votes in the poll. Nobody else from the CCIW got any votes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 10:32:43 AM
North Park has definitely earned those votes.
Thought of something for Wheaton : when Jill Berg is defending, she stays near the basket, no wandering. A few years ago when Augie had 6'5" Kallenberger, I could not understand when she left the lane defensively. Stay near the hoop, blocks shots, discourage layup attempts.
GoPerry -- agree?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 17, 2019, 12:30:37 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2019, 10:32:43 AM
North Park has definitely earned those votes.
Thought of something for Wheaton : when Jill Berg is defending, she stays near the basket, no wandering. A few years ago when Augie had 6'5" Kallenberger, I could not understand when she left the lane defensively. Stay near the hoop, blocks shots, discourage layup attempts.
GoPerry -- agree?

I would agree for the most part RogK although I wouldn't say that Jill just camps down low defensively.  It's not always the case that she's guarding someone of similar size or even 6'0" +.  She's often guarding a taller forward and there are plenty of those whose primary weapon is the 12-15 footer.  So she really has no choice but to go out and deny that.  Naturally, she's quick to help on any drives to the hoop like she did on one Zakiya Newsome drive Saturday.  I think her blocked shots are actually down this year tbh.  Same for the team probably.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 01:09:40 PM
Wait a minute, you don't agree at all. What I'm saying is that she should be a 1 person zone. She's not guarding anyone specifically. She is not responsible for following a specific player all over the floor. She does end up guarding anyone that drives to the basket. If someone gets an open 15 footer, so be it. Very few can make more than 35 or 40% of those.
And there's probably a teammate in that vicinity.
Meanwhile she discourages layups, blocks many, and should do so until she fouls out, if she happens to. Unused 5th fouls have no value at the end of a game. She is also in position for a load of defensive rebounds, which she has done in some games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 17, 2019, 01:34:22 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2019, 01:09:40 PM
Wait a minute, you don't agree at all. What I'm saying is that she should be a 1 person zone. She's not guarding anyone specifically. She is not responsible for following a specific player all over the floor. She does end up guarding anyone that drives to the basket. If someone gets an open 15 footer, so be it. Very few can make more than 35 or 40% of those.
And there's probably a teammate in that vicinity.
Meanwhile she discourages layups, blocks many, and should do so until she fouls out, if she happens to. Unused 5th fouls have no value at the end of a game. She is also in position for a load of defensive rebounds, which she has done in some games.

What you describe makes sense in principal to some degree.  Granted, she should rarely defend beyond the free throw line but stay close to the basket for the reasons you stated.  Practically though I think it'd be tough to let an opponent roam pressure free all the time.  This would be especially difficult if the opponent were a ball screener.  She would need to step out and deny the easy path around the screen which is critical in defending screen/roll schemes.  One example anyway. 

In any case, I'm all for whatever works at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2019, 01:55:06 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 17, 2019, 01:34:22 PMWhat you describe makes sense in principal to some degree.  Granted, she should rarely defend beyond the free throw line but stay close to the basket for the reasons you stated.  Practically though I think it'd be tough to let an opponent roam pressure free all the time.  This would be especially difficult if the opponent were a ball screener.  She would need to step out and deny the easy path around the screen which is critical in defending screen/roll schemes.  One example anyway.

This. Ball screens are becoming increasingly more important on this level of women's basketball. It used to be that for the most part D3 women's basketball players simply lacked that aspect of the game in their toolkit when they came to college -- but now the teaching at the junior high and high school level is so comprehensive for girls, and so many of them have spent a half-dozen or so years in organized ball, that every single one of them is expected to know how to set and hold proper screens of all types when she shows up on campus. And that expansion of the offensive abilities of their players means that more coaches are employing screen-roll offenses or just simple ol' high screens to spring drivers to the basket or flare screens to free up a shooter to receive a skip pass.

Nowadays, if you chain a slow big to the stanchion on defense so that she can't move out past six or seven feet from the basket, you're running the risk that the big she's guarding is going to go up top and free up a shooter or spring a driver.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 02:06:00 PM
Where is the driver going to drive? Right at Berg, who is going to swat the ball away.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 17, 2019, 02:09:30 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2019, 01:55:06 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 17, 2019, 01:34:22 PMWhat you describe makes sense in principal to some degree.  Granted, she should rarely defend beyond the free throw line but stay close to the basket for the reasons you stated.  Practically though I think it'd be tough to let an opponent roam pressure free all the time.  This would be especially difficult if the opponent were a ball screener.  She would need to step out and deny the easy path around the screen which is critical in defending screen/roll schemes.  One example anyway.

This. Ball screens are becoming increasingly more important on this level of women's basketball. It used to be that for the most part D3 women's basketball players simply lacked that aspect of the game in their toolkit when they came to college -- but now the teaching at the junior high and high school level is so comprehensive for girls, and so many of them have spent a half-dozen or so years in organized ball, that every single one of them is expected to know how to set and hold proper screens of all types when she shows up on campus. And that expansion of the offensive abilities of their players means that more coaches are employing screen-roll offenses or just simple ol' high screens to spring drivers to the basket or flare screens to free up a shooter to receive a skip pass.

Nowadays, if you chain a slow big to the stanchion on defense so that she can't move out past six or seven feet from the basket, you're running the risk that the big she's guarding is going to go up top and free up a shooter or spring a driver.

Yes - what Greg said  . . . but much better than I - thoroughly and descriptively.

One of the lost screen/roll skills is the dribblers ability to deliver the ball to the screen-roller A. around his/her own opponent guarding them and B. in a position where the roller can receive the pass easily and get to the basket hopefully for a layup.  I've noticed that Shanks, Munroe, Lankford and Sosa do that well for IWU where Brovelli can finish the play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 02:12:13 PM
Berg is still under the basket, defending the layup attempt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 02:20:19 PM
I can personally guarantee this scheme will work. And if it doesn't, I can un-guarantee it!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2019, 02:49:36 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2019, 02:12:13 PM
Berg is still under the basket, defending the layup attempt.

... except that a driver is harder to defend when she has an unobstructed path to the charge circle. Almost all blocks occur either when a driver is funnelled into a rim protector by other defenders, or on a baseline drive (because the driver has such a limited path to the rim). A quick driver coming in against a slow big who is back there by her lonesome protecting the rim has multiple options, including pulling up for a bunny.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 03:47:36 PM
current team FG shooting (offense) numbers extracted from ncaa.org :
            3FG                       2FG                      total FG                         eFG%
AUG  76/231 .329       191/448 .426         267/679 .393            305/679 .449
CRL   76/202 .376       138/317 .435         214/519 .412            252/519 .486
CTG  70/200 .350       146/343 .426          216/543 .398           251/543 .462
ELM   42/161 .261       136/347 .392         178/508 .350            199/508 .392
IWU   80/225 .356       217/472 .460         297/697 .426           337/697 .484
MIL    46/185 .249       206/427 .482         252/612 .412           275/612 .449
NCC   55/173 .318       139/347 .401        194/520 .373           221.5/520 .426
NPU  47/120 .392        147/330 .445         194/450 .431          217.5/450 .483
WHE  108/284 .380     165/425 .388         273/709 .385           327/709 .461
even though I think traditional (total) FG% is poop, I include it so one can see how the additional point scored via a 3FG is reflected in eFG%.
of course these stats are vs. a variety of opponents, and FTs and turnovers are not included, so they are not a full measure of team offenses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 05:05:27 PM
sorry for the delay in noticing this : Alexis Jones and Riley Brovelli each got D3 Hoops Team of the Week honors. Congrats to each!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 17, 2019, 05:17:24 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 17, 2019, 05:05:27 PM
sorry for the delay in noticing this : Alexis Jones and Riley Brovelli each got D3 Hoops Team of the Week honors. Congrats to each!


I thought you were slipping there for a minute.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 05:51:26 PM
I'm told I haven't been the same since the lobotomy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 07:05:10 PM
Elmhurst topped Coe today, 61-53.
Kween Jean shot well, tallying 18 (6/12 2FG, 6/8 FT) and added 6 rebs.
The Bluejays scored 30 pts from three-land, including a trio of treys each by Marissa Urso and Sophia Lathe.
From the segments I saw of the webcast, Elmhurst played some good pesky defense for much (majority?) of the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2019, 08:54:47 PM
Adding my congratulations to Riley and Alexis on their weekly honors.

Sorry about the lobotomy, Rog.  We'll take that into account for your future posts. . . . :)


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 09:10:48 PM
what lobotomy?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 17, 2019, 10:16:59 PM
Better a bottle in front o' me than a frontal lobotomy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2019, 11:14:50 PM
Fernwood Tonight!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 18, 2019, 03:50:43 AM
Ypsi, let's hope we have any mental capacity left by the time of our 50th reunion, next October!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2019, 11:06:56 AM
GoPerry, did you check the team FG numbers I posted yesterday? I think Wheaton's somewhat poor 2FG % (.388) confirms your unease with their diminished production near the basket.
Do you think the sample size is large enough to cause concern, or is it the case that if a couple more shots per game had fallen, the stat would look OK?
I generally think 50% is rather good for 2FGs, but no CCIW team is there so far this season. Millikin is at .482.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 18, 2019, 12:36:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 18, 2019, 11:06:56 AM
GoPerry, did you check the team FG numbers I posted yesterday? I think Wheaton's somewhat poor 2FG % (.388) confirms your unease with their diminished production near the basket.
Do you think the sample size is large enough to cause concern, or is it the case that if a couple more shots per game had fallen, the stat would look OK?
I generally think 50% is rather good for 2FGs, but no CCIW team is there so far this season. Millikin is at .482.

Yes I did look it over yesterday Rog.  Thanks for posting it.  And yes, WC's #s were confirming to me in that their 2fg% is only barely better than their 3fg% while the other 8 teams in the league on average look to be shooting 10% better from 2FG than trey.  Some of that could normally be explained by shooting a very high 3FG% which we've already noted Wheaton is.  38% from the arc is very good.  38% from 20.5 ft and in is most certainly not.   

So I guess one could argue if shooting the same % then they are doing the right thing in launching more threes (higher eFG%).  But their offensive output of 68 ppg is almost identical to last year.  So they are taking more lower % shots (threes) and making more but getting no benefit from doing so.  So I think the solution lies elsewhere.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2019, 07:17:35 PM
Fourth-ranked Hope beat NPU, 62-45. Jayla Johnson led the Vikings with 12, while Alisha Panthier paced the Park with 6 boards.

I'm a little disappointed by the final, because even though I figured that the Dutch would win I thought that if the Vikings could finish relatively close they might be able to hang on to a vote or two in the next poll. Oh well, at least this will be a good lesson for them as to what it takes to get to the next level.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 18, 2019, 08:00:00 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2019, 07:17:35 PM
Fourth-ranked Hope beat NPU, 62-45. Jayla Johnson led the Vikings with 12, while Alisha Panthier paced the Park with 6 boards.

I'm a little disappointed by the final, because even though I figured that the Dutch would win I thought that if the Vikings could finish relatively close they might be able to hang on to a vote or two in the next poll. Oh well, at least this will be a good lesson for them as to what it takes to get to the next level.

If it's any comfort, I don't think getting mashed by Hope is gonna lose NPU ALL their points (and maybe not even any).

In women's hoops, Hope is right up there with NESCAC and Scranton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2019, 10:07:05 PM
Saw the 80-52 UChicago win at North Central. I'm even more impressed by UChicago's depth. When a player or two are OK but not at their absolute best, several other Maroons step in and carry the load. NC really had to play at the apex of its abilities to get past the Maroons; mostly they didn't.
Lyndsay Brennan had a nice game for NC, with 15 pts, 6 rebs. Page Desenberg scored 17.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2019, 01:26:48 PM
Looking at the Hope - NP stats :
a total of 41 turnovers, 39 fouls and 41 made FGs -- yechh
0 3FG att in 20:00 for Emily C; what's the deal there, Greg, does she not shoot threes in warm weather? I've never heard of such a thing!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2019, 02:12:40 PM
I can't tell you anything about the NPU vs. Hope game other than what you see in the box score, Rog, because there was no video. It was broadcast on an Orlando radio station, but I was so tied up at work that I only got to hear the last thirty seconds of the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2019, 07:38:45 PM
North Park defeated Finlandia in Florida, 70-55.
Ten Vikings scored, led by Jayla Johnson -- 20 pts, 5 rebs, 3 steals.
Josie Summerville helped the cause with 11 pts and 12 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2019, 08:35:25 PM
It's good to see Josie finally get on track, as she had struggled somewhat thus far this season. Finlandia's not a particularly big team, so it was a good opportunity for her to be a boss in the paint.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2019, 12:34:27 AM
Millikin 73, Earlham 47.
Kinda sloppy : 25 TOs and 27 TOs.
Jordan Hildebrand contributed 17 pts, 9 rebs, 4 stls. Aubrey Staton had 11 pts, 3 stls, 3 blocks.
Other Big Blue double digit scorers were Briana Anthony 13 and Bailey Coffman 11. Others helped of course.
Millikin (8-2, 1-1) completes the nonconference portion of its schedule Saturday vs Simpson (6-3).
Simpson has scored 84 84 101 96 84 61 80 85 and 95. Can we invite them into the CCIW for the rest of the season?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 21, 2019, 12:48:28 AM
It's a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago to Indianola, IA.

No, thank you, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2019, 10:26:15 PM
Millikin got off to a vigorous start today, leading 28-13 after 1 Q. But, Simpson won the 2nd through 4th, edging the Big Blue 76-69.
Millikin did a good job (from what i saw on the webcast) defensively contesting much of Simpson's ball movement.
MU also won the rebounding, thanks to Abby Ratsch, who grabbed 13, also registering 4 steals and 14 pts.
Jordan Hildebrand had 18 pts (60% 2FG shooting) 5 assists and 8 rebs, while Aubrey Staton had 15 pts and 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 23, 2019, 12:20:00 PM
For her second CCIW Player of the Week award this season, congrats to Jayla Johnson!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2019, 08:13:11 PM
Big opportunity tonight for the TITANS in TX. vs. #5 Mary Hardin-Baylor.   Go TITANS! 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2019, 09:23:45 PM
At the half in TX., TITANS down 23-29.  Playing like crap. Can't make a shot.  Lucky to be within 6.  You won't see this everyday, Titans only scoring 23 for the entire half. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on December 28, 2019, 10:29:59 PM
Titans lost on free throws.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2019, 10:33:30 PM
Well, a lost opportunity, very disappointing game by the Titans in TX.

MHB 67 IWU 55 -- much closer than the final score indicates, but the Titans played very poorly. 

MHB:
McCoy -- a very good player, 19
Holt 11
Jones 10

IWU:
Shanks, an excellent game, 21 and 11
Brovelli 7 and 20, but just 1-9 FTs. 
Lansford 9
Munroe 8
Heller 8

Sosa couldn't buy a basket, 2 going 1-13

Sad.  Very ugly for the Titans, only 19% from three, and 31% on FTs, -- clearly, you are not going to win many games shooting it like that.  Missing point blank lay-ups, the ball bonding out often of a stiff rim . . . just ugly.   7-22 on FTs.   Just not our night in the shooting category.  Actually, lucky to stay close, play #5 tough, until the last 2-3 minutes when the Cru went on a run. 

Brovelli's 20 rebounds must be some kind of record.  But, she's gotta do better on FTs.  Have to wonder if it was holiday rust, some flu? or just a new gym.  Not sure.  Titans only had 23 points at the half.  Surely didn't look like MHB played all that great defence.  Just IWU played poorly.  Sad.  Again, a lost opportunity.  That was a stinker. 

Titans now 8-4 -- returning to CCIW play in early January.  No easy games there either.  We'll be seeing how much NPU and MU have improved. 

Happy New Year to all . . . here comes the Rat Year!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2019, 10:34:05 PM
Ultimate, so so true.  Sad.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2019, 11:36:23 PM
Happy New Year to you iwu70, along with your fellow Hong Kongers.
UMHB does have a good amount of skill spread among its players, enough to win a game that wasn't close to being dazzling on either side.
Your post reminded me that I hadn't listened to Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" recently enough. Several great instrumental segments in that tune.
I don't think he did a "Year of the Rat" song.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on December 29, 2019, 01:02:03 AM
Maybe this as your Year of the Ratt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u8teXR8VE4) song?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2019, 01:04:05 AM
Thanks RogK, and Happy New Year to you and yours too.

MHB surely a strong team, esp. McCoy, though neither team really played all that well in this match-up.  Perhaps post-Christmas rust and lagging feet, stuffed bodies.  Not sure.  Shanks played very well.  Titans just shot it very poorly.  Rather uncharacteristic, esp. for Sosa.  Brovelli gets a nice rebounding record of 20, but missed many FTs, along with others too.  Dismal. 

Rat Year up next . . . so please keep the "Cat Year" away . . . my year, the Rat Year, my son's too.  That makes him 24 and me 48 . . . LOL.  Well, 48 and holding for several decades.

Here comes all the tough CCIW games.  We'll soon find out more about NPU and MU . . . and if WC can bounce back a bit after their slow start.  IWU should just forget about the game in TX and get back to the friendly rims and confines of The Shirk, as soon as possible.

Happy New Year to all CCIW chatsters, near and far,

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2019, 08:15:07 PM
Loras 97
North Park 67

Lauren Lee: 12 pts
Jayla Johnson: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Josie Summerville: 10 pts, 9 rebs

NPU got another taste of the next level tonight. It did not work out well for the Vikings. The North Park vs. Hope game had no video, so I didn't get a look at the Dutch, but I can't imagine that they're much better, if better at all, than the Duhawks are. NPU couldn't get untracked all night, and the game got away from the Vikes altogether early in the second half.

Loras may only be ranked #23, but it's the best team that I've seen all year -- significantly better than Chicago, which is ranked three spots higher. The Vikings won't see a team this good in the CCIW, that's for sure. The Duhawks run the best press that I've seen in a long time, and it made mincemeat out of the Vikings, who turned the ball over a whopping 35 times tonight. Even when the Vikings broke the press they had a tendency to throw the ball over the heads of their teammates down the floor, a sure sign that they were not doing a good job of keeping their heads up against the press, which in turn indicated just how much the Duhawks were messing them up. The Loras combination of size and skill at the guard spots is really impressive, and everybody in the Duhawks' rotation finishes really well at the basket. By contrast, as has been typical of NPU when the Vikings are forced to play faster than they like, they missed a lot of shots on the run whenever they got close to the rim.

This would be a really discouraging result for the Park, but the silver lining is that the Vikes get to play a Lawrence team tomorrow that, by comparison to what NPU saw today, will look like it's playing in hip waders. Everything will seem to be moving more at NPU's preferred speed. It will be a good and necessary opportunity for the Vikes to wash the bad taste of this game out of their mouths.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 29, 2019, 08:23:47 PM
Before today's games Massey had Loras at #11, one slot ahead of Amherst.  Massey's statistical approach would also suggest Loras is a very strong team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2019, 08:38:58 PM
Other scores:

Elmhurst 73, Beloit 42
Carroll 71, Adrian 57
North Central 67, Caltech 58
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2019, 09:42:56 PM
Carthage came away with an impressive 58-51 win over Nazareth, which had come into the game sporting a 6-2 record, down in Nashville. The game was tied at 40-40 going into the final quarter when the Lady Reds turned on the afterburners and outscored the Golden Flyers, 18-0, over the first eight minutes of the quarter. Nazareth did score the game's final eleven points in those last two minutes, but the game was clearly over by the time that they finally cracked their goose egg for the quarter. Maggie Berigan led the way with 16 and 12, Autumn Kalis had 15 and a nice 5:0 floor game, and Sammie Woodward added 13.

The Lady Reds have a quick turnaround before they play Adrian at 1 pm tomorrow down in the Music City.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 29, 2019, 09:47:05 PM
Gregory. Don't you think this tournament as far as it's run is crap.  No programs or even sheet rosters. No concessions and my daughters high school gym is better. Slick floor players falling
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2019, 09:51:18 PM
I wouldn't know. I was back here in Chicago, listening to John Weiser call the game on the radio.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 29, 2019, 09:59:55 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on December 29, 2019, 09:47:05 PM
Gregory. Don't you think this tournament as far as it's run is crap.  No programs or even sheet rosters. No concessions and my daughters high school gym is better. Slick floor players falling

Destination tournaments over the holidays are usually pretty bare-bones.  That's why we encourage teams to sign up for the D3hoops.com Classic in Las Vegas!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 29, 2019, 10:03:07 PM
Are they broadcasting all the games or does your team bring its radio person with. One of the things that sucked is there no internet video so no one at home can watch
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 29, 2019, 10:10:45 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on December 29, 2019, 10:03:07 PM
Are they broadcasting all the games or does your team bring its radio person with. One of the things that sucked is there no internet video so no one at home can watch

D3hoops.com does all the broadcasting for the D3hoops.com Classic.  Pat, Dave, and Gordon (among others) are on the call and we provide a tournament program (complete with tourney records and team info).  It's all contained at the casino - so there's food and lodging on site and teams don't ever have to leave the building if they don't want to do so.

I haven't been in person, but it's always a fun watch, because you see matchups you just wouldn't get anywhere else.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2019, 04:35:55 PM
from yesterday's Carroll 71-57 win over Adrian :
Kayla Stefka 5/5 2FG, 11 pts, 7 rebs in 17:00;
Kate Christian 11 pts and 5 rebs in 15:00. Emily Majerus had 7 assists and was among 4 Pios that had 2 or 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2019, 04:52:51 PM
North Central 67-58 over Caltech :
efficient 19 pts by Natali Dimitrova (6/11 2FG, 1/1 3FG, 4/5 FT) and she added 2 blocks and 8 rebs.
Page Desenberg missed only 3 shots as she tallied ten in 15:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2019, 04:58:42 PM
North Park 77
Lawrence 63

Lauren Lee: 19 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls
Sinead Molloy: 13 pts
Zakiya Newsome: 12 pts
Jayla Johnson: 10 pts

NPU used 9-0 and 7-0 runs in the fourth quarter to gain separation and finally pull away in what had been a contest that kept seesawing between a tie and a one-possession NPU lead. The first run in particular was sparked by a torrid four minutes from Sinead Molloy in which she scored 11 points. Lauren Lee had career highs in points, rebounds, and steals today; the sophomore out of Glenbard North is really starting to come into her own. I especially like how the Park never lost its composure after starting the game down 10-0, after turning the ball over three times and blowing a layup on its first four possessions. In fact, NPU even built up a six-point lead in the second quarter before LU came back to make it only a one-point margin in favor of NPU at halftime. Despite North Park's inability to build a cushion until the two big runs in the fourth quarter, and in spite of the frequent ties before that, the Park never trailed in the second half.

Loras reneged upon its promise to webstream the game, so I had to follow it on live stats. >:(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2019, 05:03:01 PM
Other scores:

Carthage 41, Adrian 32
Carroll 58, Hamilton 54
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2019, 05:05:30 PM
Another Sunday game -- Elmhurst has their veteran players back from injury and topped Beloit 73-42.
Marissa Urso was among the Bluejays who did well; she had 15 pts and 6 rebs. Lauren Goff had 4 rebs, 5 steals and 11 pts, while Kween Jean tallied 11 pts and 5 rebs. A bunch of their teammates helped in a variety of ways.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2019, 05:19:12 PM
Monday results for the W portion of the CCIW :
Carroll 58, Hamilton 54 --
Sierra Grubor had 15 pts, 9 rebs.
Carthage 41, Adrian 32 (that's a decent halftime score) :
Kelsey Coshun did a lot for the Lady Reds : 17 rebs, 3 blocks, 4 steals. Sammie Woodward scored 14. Maggie Berigan helped with 2 steals, 2 blocks, 8 rebs, 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2019, 09:52:14 PM
Whittier 67, North Central 47
Augustana 84, Coe 78
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2019, 12:03:58 AM
Augustana scored in the 80s for the 5th straight consecutive game in a row. (a good opportunity to use that line)
They got 21 pts and 3 steals by Alexis Jones. Lauren Hall hit 7 of 8 2FGs and added 5 rebs. Mia Lambert made 4 of 5 threes. Jeni Crain had 4 steals.
Both teams shot very well from the field, so there weren't a lot of rebounds to be had; in fact Augie got only 20 but won anyway.
Justice Edell got injured while being fouled on a 3FG attempt, then was seen (on the webcast) later using crutches. Good luck to her for a quick recovery.
The North Central game saw Haydn Braun score 16, thanks to her .577 eFG%. Maya Walls helped with 7 rebs and 5 assists.
NC coach McCloskey-Bax couldn't have been much amused by the 20 point loss, even if it was to a Whittier opponent! (a good opportunity to use that line)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2019, 02:03:01 PM
NPU took a hit to its record from playing Hope and Loras after the end of the semester, but at least it's helped get the strength of schedule of the Vikings up to a somewhat respectable level. Here's the latest Massey ratings for CCIW teams, along with their Massey SoS numbers:


team    MR  MSoS
Illinois Wesleyan    28      6
North Park    40    70
Augustana    55    13
Wheaton    57    49
Carthage    82    54
Millikin    93  159
Carroll  112    26
North Central  172    82
Elmhurst  189  103
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2020, 08:19:59 PM
I guess we'll see in the next few days if NPU and MU have risen into the top tier of CCIW basketball.  Then, some great games between IWU and WC.  Olivia Lett surely knows how IWU plays.  And, we'll see if the TITANS can handle NPU's speed.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2020, 11:01:53 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 03, 2020, 08:19:59 PM
I guess we'll see in the next few days if NPU and MU have risen into the top tier of CCIW basketball.

It's a long conference season, Mark. It's going to take sixteen games to sort it out ... not "the next few days", whatever that means.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 04, 2020, 04:55:00 PM
Great game, IWU and MU. Titans down two starters, and Big Blue down one. Several lead changes, but IWU ends up on top.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 04, 2020, 05:03:37 PM
Kendall Sosa rebounded nicely from what was probably her worst game as a Titan (1-13 from the field, 2 points) in the loss to UMHB.  Today she scored 26 points in a 86-81 win over Millikin.  The Titan starters (2 of whom do not normally start, replacing the injured regular starters) scored 84 of their 86 points!  Brooke Lansford added 20, and Catie Eck had 18, depite being knocked around by the Big Blue - geez is she skinny!  I suspect the announcers were exaggerating for effect, but they speculated that she may not weigh 100 pounds! :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2020, 06:40:07 PM
Strange game with key players missing.  IWU bench -- esp. Eck and Lowis -- rose the the occasion.

IWU 86  MU 81

Sosa 26, a strong rebound
Lansford, 20
Eck 18
Brovelli, another double double, 10 and 10, having a great, consistent season.
Lowis, the unsung MVP of this one, 10 and 14

MU:
Staton 24
Snyder 14
Coffman13
Anthony 10

Eck and Bowen both pretty thin, need to put on some pounds, some muscle for the next two seasons.  Both good players, always ready to go. 

MU much improved, on the rise. 

What's the situation with Shanks and Munroe?   Those are two serious losses for the TITANS, which are not terribly deep to begin with.  Eck and Lowis surely came through today.  Kudos to them.

IWU now 9-4, 3-1. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 06:59:24 PM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 04, 2020, 04:55:00 PM
Great game, IWU and MU. Titans down two starters, and Big Blue down one.

Aubrey Magro hasn't played for Millikin since the December 1 game against Illinois College.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2020, 07:08:14 PM
Riley Brovelli playing at a great, consistent level.  All-conference level, IMHO. 

Her line today vs. MU:  10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 blocks, 4 steals, 1 TO. 

Let's hope Shanks and Munroe are back soon.  Some flu about it seems.  Munroe injured in the game in TX. -- likely back Wednesday. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 07:09:49 PM
Marissa Urso made a layup with two seconds left to give Elmhurst a 56-55 win on the road at Carroll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 07:24:30 PM
Wheaton beat North Central, 52-40. Was the Little Brass Bell in the house this afternoon at the airplane hangar? That final score is more like a football score than a basketball score.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 07:40:02 PM
Augie and Carthage going to OT in Tarble Arena.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 07:57:26 PM
Augie and Carthage heading to a second OT. Autumn Kalis of the Lady Reds, who had sent the game into the first overtime by laying in a buzzer-beater, had a right-baseline trey attempt swirl around the rim and drop out with four seconds left.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 08:16:27 PM
Carthage survives at home with a 90-84 double-OT win over Augustana. It was an impressive victory, given that Maggie Berigan left with an ankle injury in the third quarter and never returned. Some great individual performances in this one: Sammie Woodward had 31 points and an impressive 9:2 a:to ratio, and Autumn Kalis had 27 and 7 for the Lady Reds. Amanda Larson, who hit a huge trey late in the second extra stanza, finished with 11 and a fine 4:1 a:to along with 3 steals. Meanwhile, Augie featured Gabriela Loiz's 32 and 7 and Lauren Hall's 15 and 9, while Alexis Jones fouled out late in second overtime with 13 points and 19 (?!) rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 04, 2020, 08:31:01 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 04, 2020, 07:08:14 PM
Riley Brovelli playing at a great, consistent level.  All-conference level, IMHO. 

Her line today vs. MU:  10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 blocks, 4 steals, 1 TO. 

Let's hope Shanks and Munroe are back soon.  Some flu about it seems.  Munroe injured in the game in TX. -- likely back Wednesday. 

'70

My understanding is Bowan was sick tonight too, but toughed it out and played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2020, 08:45:43 PM
          W - L       road wins minus home losses
NPU     3 - 0       + 2
IWU     3 - 1       + 1
CTG     2 - 1       + 1
AUG     2 - 2        0
WHE    2 - 2        0
ELM     1 - 2        - 1
MIL     1 - 2        - 1
CRL     1 - 3        - 1
NCC    1 - 3        - 1
Bowen was sick or Bowan (sic) was sick.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2020, 10:01:53 PM
In that Elmhurst win, Courtney O'Donnell had 19 pts 14 rebs, while Kween Jean added 14 pts 10 rebs.
Some clever coaching by EC's Tethnie Carrillo in the final half-minute. Sophia Lathe was subbed in for Lauren Goff and Lathe quickly hit a three, cutting the deficit from 4 to 1. Then Lathe was replaced by Goff, who got a steal in the waning seconds, followed in short order by Urso's game winning layup. Has to be satisfying for a coach when strategic choices directly yield a win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2020, 03:26:34 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2020, 07:24:30 PM
Wheaton beat North Central, 52-40. Was the Little Brass Bell in the house this afternoon at the airplane hangar? That final score is more like a football score than a basketball score.

This was an un-pretty game by both teams for the most part.  NCC (12/48 25% FG) perhaps could be forgiven since their two leading scores Alanna Newsome and Lyndsay Brennan did not play.  Wheaton's (20/55, 36%) ) excuse might be not having played for 3 weeks and they really looked it.  Hannah Frazier(19 pts, 9 rebs) struggled early but was terrific down the stretch in the 4th quarter when the game was tied and outcome in question.

Second straight game and third in last four where the Thunder have really struggled to score.  The coaches need to find something or a player other than Frazier needs to step up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2020, 03:08:05 AM
GoPerry, are teams playing WC doubling Frazier ?   Given the struggles with scoring, seems a logical strategy. 

Looking forward to the IWU-WC games and hoping Shanks and Munroe are back.  IWU not that deep, need all hands on deck.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 06, 2020, 09:15:50 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 06, 2020, 03:08:05 AM
GoPerry, are teams playing WC doubling Frazier ?   Given the struggles with scoring, seems a logical strategy. 

Looking forward to the IWU-WC games and hoping Shanks and Munroe are back.  IWU not that deep, need all hands on deck.

'70

I haven't really noticed double teams on Frazier much.  For one thing she has a very good inside and outside game which is tough to double.  Plus you risk her kicking out to a Madsen or Demski for a three where WC has been most proficient this season.

I don't think you see as much double teaming in the Women's game in general.  But that's just my impression.

North Park is obviously in the early cat bird seat.  Ok, very early.  But I'm beginning to wonder about Augustana if they keep putting up 80+ pts/g like their last 6 games.  In that stretch they lost 2 close ones @ Wheaton, @ Carthage.  Also 2 losses to ranked teams in Wash U and UWWhitewater.  On the other hand they're dead last in the league defensively giving up 70+. 

Park and Augie, along with the normal candidates of IWU, WC, Carthage . . .  this is shaping up to be a very interesting race on the Women's side starting on Wednesday with NPU heading to Bloomington.  Getting two road wins @ Wheaton and @ IWU would obviously be huge for those Lady Vikes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2020, 12:11:44 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2020, 09:15:50 AMI haven't really noticed double teams on Frazier much.  For one thing she has a very good inside and outside game which is tough to double.  Plus you risk her kicking out to a Madsen or Demski for a three where WC has been most proficient this season.

I don't think you see as much double teaming in the Women's game in general.  But that's just my impression.

I definitely agree with that. You do see guards drop down and double the low post, but in terms of having two defenders chase a single player around the entire floor, not so much. Halfcourt and sideline traps are another matter, of course.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2020, 09:15:50 AMNorth Park is obviously in the early cat bird seat.  Ok, very early.

Recordwise, yes. But the Vikings still have to prove themselves, I think. The win at Wheaton got everybody's attention, but NPU is still at the point where the Vikings need to demonstrate that that win at King Arena wasn't just a fluke or the result of a down year for Wheaton. The losses to Hope and Loras, which will make NPU a better team in the long run, showed that the Vikings haven't really reached the next level yet. Thing is, the potential for them to reach it is there. Now they have to go out and achieve it.

I'd like to see North Park establish a reliable second scoring option. Everybody knows that Jayla Johnson can go out and put points on the board. The problem is, she's drawing extra defenders like a magnet draws iron filings every time that she touches the ball inside the FT line extended, because opposing coaches don't think that the Vikings can hurt them with anybody else. Emily Czuhajewski is capable of becoming that reliable alternative; she scored well over a thousand points and was a two-time All-State selection at Taft. But right now she's just a spot-up shooter. Her fellow sophomore Lauren Lee is starting to come on, with 31 points in her last two games, but it's too soon to tell if she's evolved into that second option yet. And, although they're all capable of scoring, Zakiya Newsome, Sinead Molloy, and Lauryn Alba Garner are really more facilitators than scorers.

The Vikings go to IWU on Wednesday, and then after a trip to Faganel to take on an Elmhurst team that they can't overlook they'll finish up the first round-robin with Millikin, Augustana, and Carthage. I think that by the end of that game with the Lady Reds up at Tarble on the 22nd we'll have a good read on just how serious the Vikings are about contending for the CCIW title and a D3 tourney berth this season.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2020, 09:15:50 AMBut I'm beginning to wonder about Augustana if they keep putting up 80+ pts/g like their last 6 games.  In that stretch they lost 2 close ones @ Wheaton, @ Carthage.  Also 2 losses to ranked teams in Wash U and UWWhitewater.  On the other hand they're dead last in the league defensively giving up 70+. 

My take is that Mark Beinborn is using the rather static halfcourt nature of the CCIW to his advantage by coaching his players to step on the gas and play uptempo, reasoning that by getting used to that pace they'll make fewer mistakes than their opponents at that speed, and they'll be more likely to wear down those opponents. Statistically, at least, it's borne fruit; Augie has the third-best turnover margin and the second-best a:to ratio in CCIW play. An uptempo pace is going to give up points as well as gain them, so I doubt that Beinborn is concerned much with scoring defense numbers; the question is whether or not Augie is wearing down first-division opponents enough to make up for any gaps in talent level.

Thus far, I'd say that the results are mixed. Augie did come back from an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit at Wheaton to get within three in the final minute, and a week later against Wesleyan the Rock Islanders pushed a four-point lead early in the fourth up to 15 points with less than two minutes left before a flurry of sloppy ballhandling by a team that thought it had the game in its back pocket, combined with a refusal to quit on the part of the Titans, allowed IWU to get the lead down to two possessions -- a rather anomalous ending, I'd say, that probably won't be repeated, because Beinborn won't allow his players to mentally check out like that again. On the other hand, two days ago Augie took on a Carthage team that lost Maggie Berigan in the third quarter to an ankle injury and fellow starter Kelsey Coshun to fouls with 2:33 to go in regulation -- and the Lady Reds not only outlasted Augie by winning in two overtimes, they actually looked a lot less wobbly-legged than did Augie in the second overtime. As is the case with NPU, I think that we're in wait-and-see mode with Augustana as far as the success of its uptempo style is concerned.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2020, 09:15:50 AMPark and Augie, along with the normal candidates of IWU, WC, Carthage . . .  this is shaping up to be a very interesting race on the Women's side starting on Wednesday with NPU heading to Bloomington.  Getting two road wins @ Wheaton and @ IWU would obviously be huge for those Lady Vikes.

Amen to that. As to the larger issue, this league will only get better if it gets deeper. The more battle-tested the teams at the top are by the end of the season, the more likely they are to make annual deep runs in March.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2020, 05:03:34 PM
Congrats to Sammie Woodward, first CCIW Player of the Week in the new decade!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 06, 2020, 11:13:55 PM
New women's poll is finally up (don't know why it is always 6-8 hours later than the men's), and the CCIW got dissed big-time.  The grand total of support was 4 points for NPU. :(

Though in all honesty, that is probably about right.  Not sure I could put anyone in the top 25 at the moment - IWU and Wheaton have 4 losses (and Millikin) (everyone else except NPU has more than that) and NPU has little past history of success and their only impressive win is Wheaton, and they were eviscerated by Loras.  I retained slight hope that IWU might retain a point or two, but losing them all didn't surprise me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2020, 11:20:21 PM
That's not good for the league, but, on the other hand, considering the final spread of the Loras game it's four more points than I thought NPU would get.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 06, 2020, 11:27:42 PM
Yeah, the conference getting completely shut out would have been disappointing, but not that surprising.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2020, 11:51:19 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 06, 2020, 11:13:55 PM
New women's poll is finally up (don't know why it is always 6-8 hours later than the men's)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-C-IbkuNWs

;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 07, 2020, 10:54:35 AM
QuoteNew women's poll is finally up (don't know why it is always 6-8 hours later than the men's), and the CCIW got dissed big-time

I can answer that since I run the poll. It's not a very exciting answer, but here it is.

The women's voting closes at 6 pm ET because I work a full-time job outside of D3hoops.com. I can't do the poll administration during the regular work day. I also occasionally travel for work and may not have reliable internet access. That was the case yesterday.

Sometimes voters don't meet the deadline so I have to chase them down (not the case yesterday). That adds time to the ballot release. I have about a 90-minute window before I have to put work aside (including D3 stuff) and be a dad to two small children. Once we get through dinner, hide-and-seek, "yes, you really have to go bed," and bedtime stories, I can pick up the D3 poll again, which is around 10 pm (they are night owls).

The poll then usually gets posted around 11 pm, which is much later than I'd like. That's just the way my schedule runs right now.

On the dearth of CCIW votes, I thought about voting for a CCIW team but couldn't find one whose resume warranted it right now. I was afraid the conference would get shut out entirely for the reasons you noted.

I think the inability to get out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in recent years is also weighing the conference down. The CCIW teams often lose to highly ranked teams (Hope 2019, Trine 2018, Wash U 2018), though not always (Wisconsin Lutheran 2019). The IWU title is a while ago now. The conference needs another March run to elevate its profile.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2020, 12:53:08 PM
Thanks for the explanation, Gordon. Frankly, I think that you're doing yeoman work in just getting it out on Monday at all.

Chuck may think that the CCIW is being dissed this week, but I don't. I agree with you; I don't think that the league has really earned a spot in the poll at this point. And the league's inability to get out of the first weekend of the tournament really is the elephant in the room. As I said yesterday, in order for the league to get better it needs to get deeper in terms of the number of quality teams it has. I think that in part the failure of CCIW teams to advance to the second weekend in recent D3 tournaments has to do with the CCIW's lack of overall strength, because leagues that have solid depth tend to give their eventual post-season representatives the iron-sharpens-iron mettle that they need to succeed in March.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 07, 2020, 02:59:16 PM

I, frankly, don't understand when Gordon sleeps.  I think he's got access to a couple extra hours in the day I'm completely unaware of.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2020, 03:34:10 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 07, 2020, 10:54:35 AM

On the dearth of CCIW votes, I thought about voting for a CCIW team but couldn't find one whose resume warranted it right now. I was afraid the conference would get shut out entirely for the reasons you noted.

I think the inability to get out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in recent years is also weighing the conference down. The CCIW teams often lose to highly ranked teams (Hope 2019, Trine 2018, Wash U 2018), though not always (Wisconsin Lutheran 2019). The IWU title is a while ago now. The conference needs another March run to elevate its profile.

Gordon, we thank your for your service!

Honestly, I'm not sure what respect for a certain conference has much to do with the top 25 poll.  Perhaps there's a subliminal factor I guess.  But it would seem on the women's side that it's more team specific.  For instance, it seems pollsters will keep a 3 loss Amherst, Wash U, Hope team on their ballot longer than a 3 loss Wheaton or Loras  ( all teams strictly just examples). 

I agree that there aren't any CCIW teams deserving of special recognition right now.  NPU has the best record but only one notable win @ Wheaton that's looking less notable.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2020, 12:53:08 PM

Chuck may think that the CCIW is being dissed this week, but I don't. I agree with you; I don't think that the league has really earned a spot in the poll at this point. And the league's inability to get out of the first weekend of the tournament really is the elephant in the room. As I said yesterday, in order for the league to get better it needs to get deeper in terms of the number of quality teams it has. I think that in part the failure of CCIW teams to advance to the second weekend in recent D3 tournaments has to do with the CCIW's lack of overall strength, because leagues that have solid depth tend to give their eventual post-season representatives the iron-sharpens-iron mettle that they need to succeed in March.

I've probably complained too much about the lack of strength in the CCIW.  Wheaton has had some solid teams that I thought should have gotten out of the first weekend.  I thought this year's team should also but that's looking weak right now.  But the top heavy competitiveness of the last few seasons (WC, IWU, maybe Carthage then everyone else)   A. does little to prepare playoff teams for NCAA competition and B. the weaker SOS means a more difficult draw and our teams having to play @ Hope, @ WashU, @ UST, etc.

As a coach, you want to schedule tough non-con opponents.  But more than 2 non-con losses plus another one or two in the league will keep you 4-6 in the Central RR and probably riding a bus and maybe playing the host in the first round.

Last, it just gets a little boring without some different teams competing.  So I'm enjoying the league play so far this season.  More league games that matter is just overall more enjoyable whether the team wearing Orange wins or not (ok fine - unless it's the green team winning . . .). 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2020, 03:45:47 PM
Hey, I've got nothing against the green team winning! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2020, 07:44:39 PM
Late last year (Dec 31) Greg listed the Massey ratings, which had 7 of the 9 CCIW teams in the top 1/4th of D3. That's not too awful.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2020, 08:42:59 PM
Here's where they are at the moment in Massey:


team    MR  MSoS
Illinois Wesleyan    28      8
North Park    39    75
Wheaton    51    46
Augustana    58    11
Carthage    70    48
Millikin    91  108
Carroll  125    36
Elmhurst  164    94
North Central  167    66

Massey rates the CCIW 8th out of the division's 49 leagues, with the third-best strength of schedule.

It's clearly a decent league; everybody's in the top half of the division, with seven of the league's nine teams in the top third of D3, and six of them in the top quarter. But nobody's among the Top 25, which means that Massey bears out the d3hoops.com poll.

The league still has plenty of room for improvement.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 07, 2020, 09:34:03 PM
And all NINE in the top quarter of SoS (which so far is mainly a product of the non-con schedules - no one can charge the CCIW with ducking tough opponents!)

IF IWU holds home court against the East Vikings, and IF Munroe and Shanks return soon, the Titans should return to the top 25 in short order.  (Which reminds me, does anyone here have any scoop on Munroe and Shanks?)

I have little doubt that Olivia Lett will have the Big Blue competing for the CCIW title within a year or two.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 07, 2020, 11:23:55 PM
QuoteHonestly, I'm not sure what respect for a certain conference has much to do with the top 25 poll.  Perhaps there's a subliminal factor I guess.  But it would seem on the women's side that it's more team specific.  For instance, it seems pollsters will keep a 3 loss Amherst, Wash U, Hope team on their ballot longer than a 3 loss Wheaton or Loras  ( all teams strictly just examples).

Fair point. Division III women's basketball is definitely more about the sustained excellence of individual programs than conferences. Scranton, Thomas More, Wartburg, DePauw -- there are lots of examples where one team's success does not carry over to the conference as a whole.

Maybe I'm projecting onto other voters too much how I vote. I generally try to make sure that my ballot has the best team from at least four conferences -- NESCAC, WIAC, UAA and NWC. The last decade of NCAA Tournament results (https://www.d3hoops.com/guidebook/2019/women/2010-19_WBB_NCAA_Results_by_Conference.pdf) bear out that three of those conferences routinely have teams with deep tournament runs, which I think speaks to Greg's "iron-sharpens-iron" factor.

The WIAC may not fit that mold anymore. The WIAC has had teams reach the second weekend of the Tournament more recently than the CCIW, but they haven't had an Elite 8 team since 2014.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2020, 01:02:20 AM
Ypsi, the radio commentary the other day said Munroe was injured taking a charge in TX. and would likely be back for the game vs. NPU.  I have no word on Shanks.  Some flu about, as Bowen was sick, but did suit up, played a few minutes vs. MU earlier. Katie Eck and Anna Lowis may get more minutes, given their outstanding play vs. MU.  Titans could get back into top 25, with a good run of CCIW wins.  They have played a very tough schedule and have good win over Chicago, came very close vs. ranked DePauw.  We'll see if they gain strength down the stretch now, or have trouble due to injuries and lack of overall depth.  I'm hopeful, but it could go either way, IMHO.

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2020, 08:23:38 PM
Munroe back in the line-up tonight vs. NPU.  Shanks on the bench in civilian clothes, still out.  More minutes for Lowis and Eck.

IWU over NPU 15-10 after 1Q.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 08, 2020, 08:43:39 PM
At the half, Titans 31, Vikings 21. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 08, 2020, 09:41:03 PM
Titans extended the lead to 15 after 3, then the rout was on: final IWU 82, NPU 51.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2020, 09:44:42 PM
Convincing, even without Shanks:

IWU 82 NPU 51

Sosa 26
Brovelli 17 and 7, 5 steals
Munroe, finding her shot, 13 and 5
Eck 7
Lansford 7
Heller 7
Anna Lowis with 8 steals

For NPU:
J. Johnson 16 and 8
Summervile 14 and 6

Titans move to 10-4, 4-1 in CCIW play, moving to 1st place.

Keep going Green, one game at a time . . . good defence, overall team effort tonight. 

Let's hope Sydney Shanks OK, back soon.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 09, 2020, 02:25:36 AM
Well if it wasn't for the love I have for my child I would have been perfect on my picks   Just a side note. Earlham 33 3 pt shots RHIT 7 shots.   The girls are told not to shoot 3s unless shot clock is low. One reason they have so many turnovers is there required to work shot clock so they end up trying to make 7 passes every possession and it's not a strength.

I'm not taking the players off the hook they make ridiculous turnovers and to be straight up they should be embarrassed. These for the most part are girls who all had multiple options  some with free rides and they just look like they don't have a clue.  The announcer even tonight said you k ow there not a bad basketball team if you take away the turnovers.    Well guess what that's a part of basketball. 31 turnovers and they pressed the whole game but what makes the stat even more ridicule they only turned the ball over twice on the press 29 turnovers in the half court

Maybe the high altitude of mount Saint can get their damn eyes open
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 09, 2020, 02:26:46 AM
Lol I'm so mad posted on wrong board
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2020, 03:04:26 AM
Don't worry Jester . . . stuff happens.  Sounds like an IWU pressing game . . .

Glad to see the TITANS come through vs. NPU.  We'll need Shanks back later, esp. vs. WC.  A week off now . . . hope she recovers by EC game in a week's time.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2020, 11:20:45 AM
Millikin 74, North Central 53 --
MU got helpful contributions from many players, including :
Aubrey Staton 17 pts (.654 eFG%) 11 rebs; Jordan Hildebrand 11 pts 11 rebs; Bailey Coffman 13 pts, 4 assists.
Page Desenberg shot very well for NC, hitting 3/4 threes, 2/3 twos and both FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2020, 11:39:03 AM
Carthage 74, Carroll 57 in a game that had a total of 8 FT attempts.
CTG : Autumn Kalis 25 pts (.694 eFG%) 4 assists; Kelsey Coshun 15 pts (7/7 2FG) 7 rebs; Amanda Larson 12 pts (.688 eFG%) 5 assists, 5 rebs; Sammie Woodward 13 pts, 5 rebs, 5 assists; Destiny Antoine had 5 rebs, 3 stls.
CRL : Kayla Stefka 14 pts (.542 eFG%) 6 rebs; Alyssa Cruz 12 pts (.667 eFG%) 5 assists.
only 11 turnovers by each team
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2020, 11:53:47 AM
Augie edged Elmhurst 63-58 --
AUG : Alexis Jones 18 pts 10 rebs; Mia Lambert 14 pts (.583 eFG%); Daina Riser had 9 FT att in 18:00 (compare to 8 in 400 collective minutes in the CTG/CRL game).
ELM : Kelly Weyhrich 14 pts (.542 eFG%) 4 assists; Kween Jean 12 pts 11 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2020, 12:11:41 PM
since all four home teams won, no change to the "road win - home loss" numbers;
updated standings
4-1 IWU
3-1 CTG NPU
3-2 AUG
2-2 MIL WHE
1-3 ELM
1-4 CRL NCC
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 09, 2020, 01:06:31 PM
I'm glad I went to the women's game tonight vs watching the men online. Sounds like the guys got a thrashing.

Titans have a pretty good record against NPU, but the Vikings came in with a strong 10-2 record, with one quality win over Coe. NPU plays well together, and they're especially good at drawing the defender and dumping off to the free girl in the paint. They were still in the game in the 3rd quarter.

Sosa is back on her game, and Monroe rotated in without missing a beat. Titans played to a size advantage and got a lot of points under the basket. Eck (5-11), who made her bones as a three shooter in high school, showed some nice moves down low, again, shooting over a smaller defender.

Titan defense stiffened in the 4th quarter, and they ran away with it. Freshman Katelyn Heller put in a quality 15 minutes. Given her point total, I bet she'll be more prominent in the rotation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2020, 02:05:19 PM
Don't know what happened to the post that I sent immediately after last night's game. Suffice it to say that it wasn't long -- just a recap of the individual totals and a statement of the obvious, which is that the Vikings absolutely laid an egg in the second half. They are clearly not where they need to be in order to contend, and the win at Wheaton is starting to look either like an anomaly or more a sign of Wheaton falling off than of NPU rising up.

The Vikings have a lot of work to do to start earning back some respect. Two blowout losses within the last two weeks is unacceptable for a team that has any aspirations beyond the regular season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2020, 01:58:21 AM
Any word on Shanks out there. . . what the issue is and when she might be back??  Nice to have a week off now for rest, recouping.  Then, Elmhurst.  Titans taking care of business with some rotational players really getting valuable minutes and experience -- Eck, Lowis, Heller and Bowen.  With Lansford, a bright future for the Titans.  But, Shanks is almost indispensable down the stretch . . . her senior campaign.  IWU's only senior.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 10, 2020, 12:23:32 PM
NCC/Carroll is getting moved up to 2pm tomorrow due to the weather.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2020, 12:59:04 PM
Thanks, lmitzel.
the Augie at Millikin game has been moved to Sunday afternoon.
We've missed your analysis here, lmitzel. Your apparent choice to abandon NCC WBB in favor of time spent with family is egregious and preposterous. What the?  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2020, 01:02:33 PM
NPU @ Elmhurst is likewise scheduled for 2 pm tomorrow.

Carthage @ Wheaton is still scheduled for 5 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 10, 2020, 01:20:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 10, 2020, 12:59:04 PM
Thanks, lmitzel.
the Augie at Millikin game has been moved to Sunday afternoon.
We've missed your analysis here, lmitzel. Your apparent choice to abandon NCC WBB in favor of time spent with family is egregious and preposterous. What the?  ;D

Oh trust me, I got yelled at a month and a half ago by the women's team after the first one I missed. Then I showed them a picture of my daughter and got the green light. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 11, 2020, 01:56:20 PM
And Carthage-Wheaton is now postponed, makeup date/time TBD.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2020, 03:29:52 PM
Carthage @ Wheaton has been rescheduled for Monday at 3:30 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2020, 04:54:58 PM
North Park 80
Elmhurst 75

Jayla Johnson: 22 pts, 10 rebs
Emily Czujahewski: 11 pts (3-6 trey)
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts
Lauryn Alba Garner: 10 pts
Angelina Villasin: 10 pts

Kween Jean: 26 pts, 10 rebs
Kelly Weyhrich: 17 pts, 5:1 a:to
Elena Cabrera: 7 rebs

The Vikings pulled out a tough one in Elmhurst. NPU led most of the way, and had double-digit leads at five different points in the second half, including an 11-point bulge with just over two and a half minutes remaining, but the dogged Bluejays wouldn't go away. Rebounding kept the 'jays in it, as they outworked the Vikings in that category, 34-26, including 12-6 on the offensive glass. But Jayla Johnson bossed the game in the second half, coming up with 18 and 6 in the third and fourth quarters combined, and Lauryn Alba Garner, Angelina Villasin, and Zakiya Newsome all did a great job of forcing the issue with effective dribble penetration.

EC is definitely a different team with a healthy Kelly Weyhrich on the floor. She is a real difference-maker in this league. And Kween Jean looks more mobile and more composed with the ball in her hands inside than she was last season; she really took it to Johnson and Josie Summerville today. I could see the 'jays coming back and fighting their way into one of the last couple of playoff spots if Weyhrich and Jean continue to play this well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2020, 05:01:53 PM
Despite trailing most of the game, North Central came from behind at home to defeat Carroll, 62-60, in the airplane hangar, as Sierra Grubor missed a jumper at the buzzer that would've sent the game into overtime. Page Desenberg had 16 and 6 for the Cards, as she was joined in double figures by Stephanie Kowalczyk with 14 and Rebekah Foley and Jessica Kowalczyk with a dozen apiece. Natali Dimitrova did a nice job on the glass with 8 boards. The Pios were topped by Katie Evans with 15, while Grubor had 13 and Alyssa Cruz and Kate Christian each had 10. Elizabeth Behrndt led Carroll in rebounding with 7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2020, 07:06:56 PM
I attended the NP - Elmhurst game and concur with Greg's summary.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2020, 05:12:25 PM
Milikin survived a late Augustana run to triumph, 75-71, in the Griz. Augie had shaved a 12-point Big Blue lead with three and a half minutes to go down to a bucket when Gabriela Loiz missed what would've been an overtime-producing shot with a second left. Bailey Coffman had 14 and 8 for MU, and was joined in double figures by Jordan Hildebrand and Aubrey Staton with 13 apiece, while Abby Ratsch had 10 and 9 and Jazmin Brown had a nice 5:1 floor game. Macy Beinborn paced Augie with 19, including 5-10 from long range, while Alexis Jones had her usual double-double (16 and 11 this time), and Loiz and Lauren Hall scored a dozen apiece. Mia Lambert posted a 3:0 a:to ratio.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2020, 07:15:31 PM
Wheaton eked out a 54-52 win over Carthage in a nip-and-tuck battle at King Arena this afternoon. The last seventeen and a half minutes were played with the two teams within two possessions of each other. Hannah Frazier carried the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance with 24 points, and Kristi Demski added four steals. Carthage, likewise, had one player who was the focal point for the offense, as Autumn Kalis scored 19. Amanda Larson (10 rebounds) was the only player for either team to grab more than five boards.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 13, 2020, 08:39:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2020, 07:15:31 PM
Wheaton eked out a 54-52 win over Carthage in a nip-and-tuck battle at King Arena this afternoon. The last seventeen and a half minutes were played with the two teams within two possessions of each other. Hannah Frazier carried the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance with 24 points, and Kristi Demski added four steals. Carthage, likewise, had one player who was the focal point for the offense, as Autumn Kalis scored 19. Amanda Larson (10 rebounds) was the only player for either team to grab more than five boards.

Notable that the Lady Reds were missing Sammie Woodward today.  Also, Madie Kaelber hasn't played since mid-Dec.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2020, 09:06:30 PM
I attended the Carthage-Wheaton game and heard that Sammie Woodward is sick and may or may not miss another game. Carthage's efforts were surely diminished by her absence, along with that of Kaelber and Ahr.
I thought Amanda Larson had a fine all-around game and Autumn Kalis was her customary rather excellent self, although she did make enough mistakes to count on one hand.
Hannah Swider was a good boost off the bench for Wheaton.
Both teams were methodical for much of the game on offense, perhaps because (it seemed) each defense knew what the opponent wanted to do on offense.
Congrats to new CCIW Player of the Week, Kendall Sosa, earning her 2nd such honor this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2020, 09:31:14 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 13, 2020, 08:39:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 13, 2020, 07:15:31 PM
Wheaton eked out a 54-52 win over Carthage in a nip-and-tuck battle at King Arena this afternoon. The last seventeen and a half minutes were played with the two teams within two possessions of each other. Hannah Frazier carried the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance with 24 points, and Kristi Demski added four steals. Carthage, likewise, had one player who was the focal point for the offense, as Autumn Kalis scored 19. Amanda Larson (10 rebounds) was the only player for either team to grab more than five boards.

Notable that the Lady Reds were missing Sammie Woodward today.  Also, Madie Kaelber hasn't played since mid-Dec.

Kaelber is out for the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2020, 10:01:21 PM
Warm congrats to Kendall Sosa for her weekly CCIW honor.  She's leading the league in scoring, FT % and putting together a very fine, 1st Team All-CCIW season.  Depending on how the conference race plays out, she's certainly an early candidate for MOP.   Just IMHO. 

IWU will need Shanks back.  Lowis, Heller, Eck and Bowen doing a good job off the bench, so far.  Hope they continue to improve and step up.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 13, 2020, 10:32:47 PM
New poll is now up.  The CCIW narrowly averted a total shut-out (anyone know if that has ever happened?   I can't recall it, but am only curious, not fixated enough to check every poll since they started!)  NPU is out; IWU tallied 2 points (more probably a single #24 vote than two #25 votes). 

While there is no way of knowing, my gut hunch would be that IWU, NPU, and Wheaton are all in the 26-35 range for many voters, so there may be hope for a better conference showing in later polls - though we will no doubt continue to cannibalize each other! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 13, 2020, 11:34:56 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 13, 2020, 10:32:47 PM
New poll is now up.  The CCIW narrowly averted a total shut-out (anyone know if that has ever happened?   I can't recall it, but am only curious, not fixated enough to check every poll since they started!)  NPU is out; IWU tallied 2 points (more probably a single #24 vote than two #25 votes). 

While there is no way of knowing, my gut hunch would be that IWU, NPU, and Wheaton are all in the 26-35 range for many voters, so there may be hope for a better conference showing in later polls - though we will no doubt continue to cannibalize each other! :P

We have a historical record of our Top 25s ... it might have the answer to help you figure out that answer without having to check every poll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 14, 2020, 12:01:50 AM
Yeah, the archive doesn't show which team "also receive votes," so it would be really time-consuming to figure out if the CCIW had been totally shut out.

I have Illinois Wesleyan No. 24. I know they've been inconsistent but, at this point in the season, my personal preference is to reward teams who've shown me they can compete with and beat ranked teams over those who still haven't played them and have gaudier winning percentage. The Titans' win over Chicago and close losses to UW-Whitewater and DePauw (both in my Top 10) weigh more positively for me than, say, Gettysburg or Eastern Connecticut.

If I had a 26th and 27th spot on my ballot, those are probably the next two teams.

I have Texas-Dallas on my ballot for the same reason.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2020, 02:45:52 AM
gordonmann, your thinking on IWU is exactly mine, as well.  They have played top-10 teams closely, and have the good win over Chicago earlier.  Their only bad loss so far is to Augie, and perhaps they will even that one later in the CCIW season.  We'll see.  Even though they have four losses, my view is that they are a top 25 team and should be getting more support.  Of course, many tough games in CCIW play yet to go, so they could slip back, but I think they have a good chance of winning most of the remaining games.  Having Shanks back will be key, as I have said several times.  They are not very deep, have a very good starting five, but their 3-4 bench players have come through . . . when Munroe and Shanks were out.  Munroe now back.  Eck and Lowis have played well, beyond my expectations.  I'm big on Heller longer term, when she gets more experience.

Now the home stretch of the CCIW race, basically six weeks to go.  Lots of key games.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 14, 2020, 02:18:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 13, 2020, 09:06:30 PM
I attended the Carthage-Wheaton game and heard that Sammie Woodward is sick and may or may not miss another game. Carthage's efforts were surely diminished by her absence, along with that of Kaelber and Ahr.
I thought Amanda Larson had a fine all-around game and Autumn Kalis was her customary rather excellent self, although she did make enough mistakes to count on one hand.
Hannah Swider was a good boost off the bench for Wheaton.
Both teams were methodical for much of the game on offense, perhaps because (it seemed) each defense knew what the opponent wanted to do on offense.


It was a win but against a road team missing two out of their top 3 scorers.  The two positives were 1. Hannah Frazier performance in the 4th and 2. the team defense was pretty good and the defensive awareness was there most of the game.  Jordan Myroth is Wheaton's best defender and 3rd leading rebounder with nearly 7/game.  She has to be on the floor for these reasons and her leadership.  But I think regaining some confidence in her offense could really turn things for her team.  Besides Frazier, she's the only other capable of some dribble penetration but is very reluctant to finish the layup and try to draw the foul.  She's more inclined to make the skip to an outside shooter and is passing up too many chances to make her opponent work hard by challenging the basket.

Once again it might be the long Christmas layoff and then another 9 day gap to yesterday's game.  It's tough to stay sharp at that pace.  But Wheaton can't continue playing at this level scoring less than 60 and expect to win consistently.  I have no doubt they have enough talent to turn this thing around especially when Kent Madsen arguably has the best player on the floor every time out.  Need to unlock it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2020, 05:39:42 PM
GoPerry, if I were drafting a team off CCIW rosters, my second choice from Wheaton (after Frazier) would be Hannah Williams. I see her as capable of scoring near the basket (including getting fouled) and she hits threes nicely too. I don't know why she isn't scoring more this season. She's reached 17 pts three times in 12 games, plus games of 14, 13 12. But she's been at 10 or less in 6 games.
Having a look at Wheaton's stats here
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/778/stats/15002
we see that Hannah Frazier has only 20 turnovers in 448:00, which is superb (even if she had 0 assists), considering she's the #1 option in the Thunder offense.
Some of the WBB stats on cciw.org are still screwed up, so ncaa.org is the place to look.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2020, 05:55:35 PM
Madie Kaelber finishes with a very nice .509 career eFG%. She made .351 of her 3FGs and .490 of her 2FGs. Her .842 FT rate is kinda good, too.
At 5'7", she's maybe most proud of her 30 blocked shots. Or maybe fouling out twice. Coulda fouled out more if she had put her mind to it! (ha)
She tallied 1,075 pts in 83 games for a career 13/g avg.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2020, 08:59:36 PM
Kaelber is still eligible to return next year under D3's medical hardship rules. Do we know for certain that her career is over?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 14, 2020, 11:26:45 PM
QuoteOnce again it might be the long Christmas layoff and then another 9 day gap to yesterday's game.  It's tough to stay sharp at that pace.

Say, I know of a holiday tournament in Las Vegas that could help fix that scheduling issue. The Wheaton men gave it a shot one year. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2020, 05:46:25 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 14, 2020, 11:26:45 PM
QuoteOnce again it might be the long Christmas layoff and then another 9 day gap to yesterday's game.  It's tough to stay sharp at that pace.

Say, I know of a holiday tournament in Las Vegas that could help fix that scheduling issue. The Wheaton men gave it a shot one year. :)

Really?  If only the organizers would promote it more . . .! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2020, 06:41:30 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 14, 2020, 05:39:42 PM
GoPerry, if I were drafting a team off CCIW rosters, my second choice from Wheaton (after Frazier) would be Hannah Williams. I see her as capable of scoring near the basket (including getting fouled) and she hits threes nicely too. I don't know why she isn't scoring more this season. She's reached 17 pts three times in 12 games, plus games of 14, 13 12. But she's been at 10 or less in 6 games.
Having a look at Wheaton's stats here
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/778/stats/15002
we see that Hannah Frazier has only 20 turnovers in 448:00, which is superb (even if she had 0 assists), considering she's the #1 option in the Thunder offense.
Some of the WBB stats on cciw.org are still screwed up, so ncaa.org is the place to look.

RogK:  Frazier, Williams and Myroth are all averaging fewer pts/g than last season, Williams just barely.  Wouldn't one think it should be the opposite for returning players having lost Devin Kyler(7.5/g) and Jen Berg (7.3/g) to graduation?

I agree that Williams does bring some scoring but I think her natural game is still from the outside.  You are correct that she has at times shown ability to drive as well as receive passes cutting to the lane and finishing which, as I posted before, the Thunder need more of from somebody.  In any case, 5 players on the perimeter passing to each other is happening a little too frequently.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2020, 06:47:29 AM
The news on Kaelber and the most recent regarding IWU's Grant Wolfe on the men's board is a reminder of how critical it is for a team to avoid major injury to key players(Shanks).  Everyone can make pre-season predictions and create certain expectations for team success by looking at the rosters.  But the teams that end up having deep runs and special seasons are typically the ones that were able to stay healthy and avoid lots of missed games from the rotation.  It's really a key ingredient as much as anything else – just frustratingly random and sometimes not even known by fans.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:30:31 AM
I can't remember if I heard Kaelber would not return for a 5th season. We'll find out when Carthage has a season review on their website I suppose.
Updated standings with "road wins minus home losses" :
NPU 4-1  +3
IWU 4-1  +1
CTG 3-2  +1
WHE 3-2  0
MIL 3-2  -1
AUG 3-3  0
NCC 2-4  -1
ELM 1-4  -2
CRL 1-5  -2
Augie has the bye tonight. I'll be at MIL@NPU, which should be a very good contest (?? wins 94-91 in double OT)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2020, 03:10:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:30:31 AM
I can't remember if I heard Kaelber would not return for a 5th season. We'll find out when Carthage has a season review on their website I suppose.
Updated standings with "road wins minus home losses" :
NPU 4-1  +3
IWU 4-1  +1
CTG 3-2  +1
WHE 3-2  0
MIL 3-2  -1
AUG 3-3  0
NCC 2-4  -1
ELM 1-4  -2
CRL 1-5  -2
Augie has the bye tonight. I'll be at MIL@NPU, which should be a very good contest (?? wins 94-91 in double OT)

It's very unkind of you to wish a double-overtime barnburner on the poor broadcaster's voice, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2020, 04:13:07 PM
Would you go for a 2-1 final and 78 shot clock violations?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2020, 04:23:14 PM
We're not trying to put the broadcaster to sleep, either, Rog. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2020, 08:47:54 PM
IWU over EC at the half 27-23.  No Shanks.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2020, 09:35:37 PM
IWU pulls away strongly in the second half, winning @EC 71-46.

For IWU:
Sosa 19
Eck 16
Lansford 10
Brovelli 10 and 8
Lowis 11 rebounds

For EC:
Goff 12
Greifenstein 10

No Shanks, no Bowen.  Need the full roster going forward, hopefully by the WC game. 

We have to admit that Eck really has a nice offensive game . . . some great moves and good scoring off the bench.  Lowis continuing to play well, pounding the boards, giving much needed support to Brovelli in that category.

11-4, 5-1.  Keep it rolling TITANS.  One game at a time. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2020, 09:56:23 PM
North Park 61
Millikin 53

Emily Czuhajewski: 18 pts (5-9 trey)
Zakiya Newsome: 14 pts (8-8 FT)
Jayla Johnson: 12 pts, 12 rebs
Alisha Panthier: 8 rebs

Briana Anthony: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Aubrey Staton: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Abby Ratsch: 8 rebs
Jordan Hildebrand: 8 rebs

It wasn't a particularly well-played game tonight by either team -- neither squad shot well, and it was a turnover festival, with a lot of the TOs being unforced -- but it was definitely a spirited and high-energy affair. In the end, Emily Czuhajewski's shooting from outside, both against zone and against man, was the big difference, along with Jayla Johnson's steady work at both ends of the floor (she really blanketed Jordan Hildebrand defensively) and late free-throw shooting by Zakiya Newsome. Alisha Panthier was sort of an unsung heroine tonight (sort of, because here I am singing her praises) as she came up with a lot of boards and stops in the low post on a night in which the Vikings were without the services of Josie Summerville (sprained ankle).

Millikin is young and talented. The Big Blue are only going to get better as this season goes on.

So NPU and IWU keep pace with each other at the top of the standings at 5-1 apiece, while upset losers Wheaton and Carthage join Millikin and idle Augie in a 3-3 logjam for third place.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:25:35 PM
North Central scored 42 pts from 3-land as they upended Carthage, 68-57.
The Cardinals got 19 pts (.944 eFG%!) and 7 rebs by Allison Pearson. Maya Walls made all three of her 3FG attempts on her way to 13 pts, adding 8 rebs. IxChel Leeuwenburgh grabbed 8 rebs in just 12:00.
Carthage was led by Amanda Larson's 14 pts, 6 rebs, 5 assists and 4 steals. Kelsey Coshun shot efficiently, getting 13 pts from 5/7 2FG and 3/3 FT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2020, 11:51:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 15, 2020, 08:47:54 PM
IWU over EC at the half 27-23.  No Shanks.

Mono is a tricky illness, and it's difficult to put a timetable on recovering from it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:54:31 PM
Carroll topped Wheaton 73-64.
Among those who did well for the Pioneers :
Sierra Grubor 20 pts, 6 rebs, made 12/15 FTs; Kate Christian 12 pts, 8 rebs; Brooke Foster 12 pts in 17:00 by making 4/5 3FGs (1.200 eFG%).
Kayla Stefka had an efficient 11 pts in 19:00; her 2FG shooting is an outstanding .705 for the season (43/61).
For the Thunder :
Hannah Williams 16 pts (.667 eFG%) 6 assists, 6 rebs; Kirsten Madsen 14 pts (.700 eFG%); also 13 pts from Hannah Frazier and 12 from Hannah Swider; Jill Berg had 7 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blocks, 3 steals.
Carroll won the rebounding 41-29. Carroll made 22 free throws, compared to 8 by Wheaton.
The win allows the Pioneers to remain in the vicinity of a conference playoff spot; had they fallen to 1-6, things would've been discouraging.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2020, 12:08:01 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:54:31 PM
Carroll topped Wheaton 73-64.
Among those who did well for the Pioneers :
Sierra Grubor 20 pts, 6 rebs, made 12/15 FTs; Kate Christian 12 pts, 8 rebs; Brooke Foster 12 pts in 17:00 by making 4/5 3FGs (1.200 eFG%).
Kayla Stefka had an efficient 11 pts in 19:00; her 2FG shooting is an outstanding .705 for the season (43/61).
For the Thunder :
Hannah Williams 16 pts (.667 eFG%) 6 assists, 6 rebs; Kirsten Madsen 14 pts (.700 eFG%); also 13 pts from Hannah Frazier and 12 from Hannah Swider; Jill Berg had 7 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blocks, 3 steals.
Carroll won the rebounding 41-29. Carroll made 22 free throws, compared to 8 by Wheaton.
The win allows the Pioneers to remain in the vicinity of a conference playoff spot; had they fallen to 1-6, things would've been discouraging.

The eye-popping statistic in this game was the 31 points that Carroll scored in the fourth quarter. Thirty-one points? That's usually about a half's worth against Wheaton.

The other thing that stuck out to me is that Jordan Myroth didn't attempt a single shot the entire game. Not from the field, and not from the free-throw line. She did have a nice 4:1 floor game and blocked three shots, but I've gotta think that Kent Madsen is expecting Myroth to contribute more than that in 28 minutes on the floor (she had a ho-hum four rebounds as well).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2020, 12:38:48 AM
Thanks for noting that 31 total, Greg. I neglected to look at the quarter-by-quarter numbers.
In the IWU game, Elmhurst scored 14 pts from 40 2FG attempts and 27 pts from 21 3FG attempts. Since we sometimes hear the clever quip "live by the 3, die by the 3", I'll add "live by the 2, die by the 2."
I don't have much to add to your (Greg's) write-up of the MIL-NPU game. I'll agree with the "young and talented" assessment of Millikin, but I don't quite agree with the idea that they will only get better this season. I saw a major defensive failure, as they completely refused to respect Emily Czuhajewski who came into the game shooting 45% at 3FGs. Millikin defenders couldn't wait to stray away from her and Emily definitely got the last laugh(s).
I think we can expect Millikin to be better next season, assuming Coach Lett has additional talent on the way, especially some guards who are confident 3FG shooters.
North Park, despite some errors, executed a game plan well, utilizing their quickness and defensive swarming effectively.
** addendum : it occurs to me that Millikin also allowed Carroll's Theresa Wichser to sink 6/12 threes in the Pios' December 14 win at Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 16, 2020, 01:58:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:54:31 PM
Carroll topped Wheaton 73-64.
Among those who did well for the Pioneers :
Sierra Grubor 20 pts, 6 rebs, made 12/15 FTs; Kate Christian 12 pts, 8 rebs; Brooke Foster 12 pts in 17:00 by making 4/5 3FGs (1.200 eFG%).
Kayla Stefka had an efficient 11 pts in 19:00; her 2FG shooting is an outstanding .705 for the season (43/61).
For the Thunder :
Hannah Williams 16 pts (.667 eFG%) 6 assists, 6 rebs; Kirsten Madsen 14 pts (.700 eFG%); also 13 pts from Hannah Frazier and 12 from Hannah Swider; Jill Berg had 7 pts, 8 rebs, 3 blocks, 3 steals.
Carroll won the rebounding 41-29. Carroll made 22 free throws, compared to 8 by Wheaton.
The win allows the Pioneers to remain in the vicinity of a conference playoff spot; had they fallen to 1-6, things would've been discouraging.

The only positive is that I wasn't able to watch the game or follow on live stats.  10 free throw attempts all game?  -12 boards, -8 offensive?  31 pts allowed in the fourth? 

The headline on Wheaton's website says the Thunder ran out of gas. . . that's just an excuse and a bad one.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2020, 12:08:01 AM

The other thing that stuck out to me is that Jordan Myroth didn't attempt a single shot the entire game. Not from the field, and not from the free-throw line. She did have a nice 4:1 floor game and blocked three shots, but I've gotta think that Kent Madsen is expecting Myroth to contribute more than that in 28 minutes on the floor (she had a ho-hum four rebounds as well).

. . . confidence
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2020, 02:25:46 AM
Agree, Greg, on mono.  I had it once and was basically down, out of work for 6 weeks.  Hope Shanks returns sooner.  Luckily, when I had it I happened to be sick, away from my job then in NYC, during the Watergate Hearings, leading to the impeachment and resignation of Richard Nixon, so I quickly become an expert on all things Watergate . . . summer of '74, if I recall it correctly.

I'm surprised at Wheaton's play so far.  3-3 at this point is not where I expected them to be in the conference race. 

Bowen will be back soon . . . just a stomach bug, apparently.  Titans playing well, making do with a jiggered line-up.  Others have to step up.  Eck and Lowis doing a good job so far. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2020, 10:07:50 AM
Last season, Carroll played 25 games, including one against NAIA Trinity International. Carroll player stats included that game, as evidenced here :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1819/CARROLL.HTM
Note that three players appeared in 25 games, so stats from the game vs an NAIA opponent were counted.
This season, Illinois Wesleyan played NAIA Governors State and stats from that game are included here :
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/300/stats/15002
Look under Team Statistics and you'll see that (for example) Kendall Sosa has scored 288 pts in 15 games for a 19.2 average.
Next look here :
https://cciw.org/stats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2019
under Leaders, Sosa is shown playing only 14 games and scoring 259. So, her game of 29 pts vs the NAIA opponent are excluded. The same exclusion is obvious for Brovelli and Lansford who also have played in all 15 games, but appear with only 14 in the cciw org stats.
Is this exclusion of stats vs NAIA opponents a CCIW policy change effective with the 2019-20 season?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2020, 11:13:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 16, 2020, 12:38:48 AMI don't have much to add to your (Greg's) write-up of the MIL-NPU game. I'll agree with the "young and talented" assessment of Millikin, but I don't quite agree with the idea that they will only get better this season. I saw a major defensive failure, as they completely refused to respect Emily Czuhajewski who came into the game shooting 45% at 3FGs. Millikin defenders couldn't wait to stray away from her and Emily definitely got the last laugh(s).

Some of that is Olivia Lett's fault for playing so much zone. The Vikings missed a bunch of shots against the zone, but that was more due to their own ineptitude at hitting open shots last night than anything; they got good shots against it all night, none better, of course, than the ones that Emily took. But a lot of it just comes down to inexperience on the part of Millikin's backcourt. Against man defense NPU's backcourt did a ton of penetrating, leading all of the MU guards to cheat back a little and give the Vikings plenty of space to find Czuhajewski on the wing. And the more experienced Jazmin Brown and Briana Anthony were assigned to NPU's quicker guards, leaving freshmen Miranda Fox and Natalie Snyder to handle Emily Czuhajewski.

I think that they will do a much better job of defending Czuhajewski in Decatur, and the Vikings will need to be ready to deal with that.

Quote from: RogK on January 16, 2020, 10:07:50 AM
Last season, Carroll played 25 games, including one against NAIA Trinity International. Carroll player stats included that game, as evidenced here :
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/1819/CARROLL.HTM
Note that three players appeared in 25 games, so stats from the game vs an NAIA opponent were counted.
This season, Illinois Wesleyan played NAIA Governors State and stats from that game are included here :
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/300/stats/15002
Look under Team Statistics and you'll see that (for example) Kendall Sosa has scored 288 pts in 15 games for a 19.2 average.
Next look here :
https://cciw.org/stats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2019
under Leaders, Sosa is shown playing only 14 games and scoring 259. So, her game of 29 pts vs the NAIA opponent are excluded. The same exclusion is obvious for Brovelli and Lansford who also have played in all 15 games, but appear with only 14 in the cciw org stats.
Is this exclusion of stats vs NAIA opponents a CCIW policy change effective with the 2019-20 season?

No, it isn't. The game counts as an official game, so it obviously needs to be entered into the CCIW stats page. I wouldn't blame Mike Krizman for it; knowing Governors State, it's likely that GSU submitted the stats late. SIDs consistently find themselves having to play catch-up because of late (or nonexistent) game-stats submissions or software snags. For example, NPU's Lauryn Alba Garner has two different stat lines on North Park's Sidearm interactive stats page, because of a software glitch in the Olivet @ NPU box score. Her stat totals are correct on the HTML stats page for the Vikings, but, unfortunately, the Sidearm interactive stats page is the official one (and the one used by the CCIW and the NCAA). It'll probably take the NPU sports information office until the end of the season to correct it, because it's not as easy to correct it as it sounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2020, 01:43:31 PM
updated Road Wins - Home Losses
+ 3 NPU
+ 2 IWU
+ 1 CTG
0    AUG CRL
- 1 MIL WHE NCC
- 3 ELM
Carroll has already played 5 of its 8 conference road games, while Carthage and North Park have done 4 of theirs.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 16, 2020, 05:38:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2020, 11:25:35 PM
North Central scored 42 pts from 3-land as they upended Carthage, 68-57.
The Cardinals got 19 pts (.944 eFG%!) and 7 rebs by Allison Pearson. Maya Walls made all three of her 3FG attempts on her way to 13 pts, adding 8 rebs. IxChel Leeuwenburgh grabbed 8 rebs in just 12:00.
Carthage was led by Amanda Larson's 14 pts, 6 rebs, 5 assists and 4 steals. Kelsey Coshun shot efficiently, getting 13 pts from 5/7 2FG and 3/3 FT.

I went back to watch this game today, and while the hot shooting from three was the big story, the Cardinals played really good defense too. Sammie Woodward and Autumn Kalis, who are averaging 14.8 and 17.9 points a game, respectively, logged a combined 16 points on 5-30 shooting last night. The Lady Reds missed a bunch of looks both down low, though the 5-20 line from beyond the arc didn't help.

I feel like North Central has had some of its best shooting nights against Carthage. The Lady Reds played zone for a little over half the game, and clearly the Cardinals took advantage while they had it, but they hit some open looks too when Carthage went man later in the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 16, 2020, 07:32:47 PM
Rog I dont know how you feel but i think too many people when a scorer has a bad game automatically go to well she had a terrible night what was she doing she just wasnt there when in effect sometimes a player just takes that person away.

As a parent of a lock down defender who has struggled to find her offensive game. Si am biased here but i was in high school and I am maybe even more so in college.  The lack of attention for defensive players.  Now dont get me wrong scoring is important  but i have seen in high school and in college  A lot of players that might score lets say 12 in the game but their defense and turnovers to a fast break will lead to 20 points for the woman they are guarding. So they are actually a minus 8 for the game. Now there are other factors  if they have assists that lead to points helps them on the plus. On the minus did they get beat so another player fouled and sent them to the foul line to score. I have seen a few plus minus systems that some schools use to figure out the overall impact of a player.  There is a savant  here in Minnesota that has a system his website is kjasr.com he has a interesting system on how a player impacts a game for high school here in Minnesota for you basketball junkies you might want to check it out here is a sample is page is hard to navigate. When i do a number its easier in man to man you just keep tract of the heads up between the 2. if the player scores because the player had to leave to help that basket gos against the teammate she had to help. I dont use zone points against any players to many variables but it does let you know which section and player is letting the most points in.  Turnover fast break points go against player who turned the ball  over.  If you were to do plus minus this way you might be surprised some of the players that you look at score sheet and you would say hmm double figures she must be kicking ass and in actuality she might be hurting the team

Dont get me wrong my kid has had games where she has scored 25 plus and its fricking exhilarating but i can tell you its just as equally great when like last night I happened to be sitting next to the grandpa and dad of one of the other teams leading scorers that my daughter guarded the whole time that player was on the floor  and had 0 points she was upset and crying to them that she was so frustrated she couldnt do anything against her she was to damn tall to get a 3 off.  That as a dad and i know for the kid is just as satisfying.  Now of course lol as her dad I want both. 

One last question I know my daughter wont be all freshman team her offensive stats just wont be there and with Nosa having double double all the time she will be Rose-hulmans rep.  But do conferences have all defensive teams Im guessing not but thought i would ask.

Here is a sample from a recent Minnesota high school game.


TRENCH PLAYER: Callin Hake with 21 points, 110.5 pp100, and a 36 score in the 31 Club. Keep in mind Hake only played 17 minutes of the game. Prorated Hake would have scored 44.51 points and had a 69 in the 31 Club.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2020, 08:31:28 PM
Jester1390, here is what the HCAC postseason honors were last season :
http://www.heartlandconf.org/sports/wbkb/2018-19/releases/20190226hyjo0j
There is Defensive Player of the Year. Word is probably getting around that league that your daughter may be earning consideration for this award in '19-'20. By the time a league's coaches have seen opponents twice, they should have a good idea about which players impact the game via defense.
In recent years, we on the CCIW pages have discussed how to measure team offense and defense; I think the consensus is to judge teams based on how many points they score or allow per possession. There is debate about defining a possession, namely if an offensive rebound continues a single possession or does it start a new one.
Judging from a box score, it's hard to say which individuals were best defensively. Some numbers like defensive rebs, steals and blocks are obvious, but much defense isn't. If you're at a game, you can observe great individual defense, but even then it's hard to take note of every contribution.
Your post reminds me that we also don't measure blocking out by one player that enables a teammate to grab a rebound. Coaches and players know who helps out in that manner, but the stats don't show it.
I also try to keep in mind the value of players who do much of the dribbling to get the ball upcourt against pressure. She may not get an assist, but certainly has significantly helped her team score points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 16, 2020, 09:11:00 PM
I've been saying for years that the CCIW should have a defensive player of the year award, and that goes for both women's basketball and men's basketball. After all, CCIW men's soccer, women's soccer, football, men's lacrosse, and women's lacrosse all split their POY awards into an OPOY and a DPOY. Why not give recognition to a defensive player of the year, even if that award isn't considered on par with the MOP?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2020, 12:18:11 AM
Would love to see a DPOY named each year -- men's and women's side.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 17, 2020, 02:07:44 AM
Lol dont know why a post on defense would bring me a negative mark but its ok  i have broad shoulders i can carry burden. Much like Rose get your licks in now as i grow and get wiser  after my freshman year posting i will be a nightmare
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2020, 04:19:05 AM
Jester, don't worry.  I've been in negative territory for years.  Some folks just don't appreciate a snide or charming remark . . . LOL.  I'm sure Ypsi can feel your pain as well.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 17, 2020, 05:39:21 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 17, 2020, 12:18:11 AM
Would love to see a DPOY named each year -- men's and women's side.

'70

We have it in the MIAA and I think it's very important.  We all can name those young women who don't score much but totally dominate a game with their disruptive defense.  They sometimes don't make the all league teams but surely deserve some recognition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2020, 10:59:55 AM
The solution is to award only the 2nd Best Defensive Player of the Year.
That way, any players who might have felt snubbed could assume they were regarded as the best defensive player.
You're welcome!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 17, 2020, 03:14:14 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 17, 2020, 02:07:44 AM
Lol dont know why a post on defense would bring me a negative mark but its ok  i have broad shoulders i can carry burden. Much like Rose get your licks in now as i grow and get wiser  after my freshman year posting i will be a nightmare

Hold on ... on the HCAC boards you thought the negative hit to your smite/applaud was because of you shortening Transylvania and eliminating the 's.' Now you are on these boards thinking that your smite is because you talked about defense?

Seriously ... I hope you read what I wrote about how smiting works in the HCAC boards. You have no idea who or why you were smited. Let it go and move on. If your life on these boards is revolving around smites and applauds ... you aren't going to enjoy your time here. People smite and applaud for all kinds of odd reasons. It has gotten to the point I think many of us long-term posters don't have a clue what our numbers look like and I, for one, could care less.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2020, 07:15:12 PM
North Central picked a good Saturday to be idle. Thick snow descending here in Chicago and a good chunk of northern Illinois and much of Wisconsin.
I imagine there'll be no problem for the Elmhurst at Wheaton game, but the other 3 CCIW WBB games might be in question, based on the longer bus routes : Decatur IL to Kenosha, Bloomington IL to Waukesha and Rock Island to Chicago.
We'll see if any delays occur.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 17, 2020, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 17, 2020, 07:15:12 PM
North Central picked a good Saturday to be idle. Thick snow descending here in Chicago and a good chunk of northern Illinois and much of Wisconsin.
I imagine there'll be no problem for the Elmhurst at Wheaton game, but the other 3 CCIW WBB games might be in question, based on the longer bus routes : Decatur IL to Kenosha, Bloomington IL to Waukesha and Rock Island to Chicago.
We'll see if any delays occur.

Both the Titan men and women are scheduled to play at Carroll tomorrow, so I'm sure they would be reluctant to bail out.  On the other hand, neither school has a problem with playing on Sundays, if the weather looks less threatening then.  I haven't seen anything on the IWU website yet about plans; I'm guessing Q would be more up-to-date than I.

It figures that the worst weather of the season so far would come when the longest trips are scheduled! ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2020, 12:26:21 AM
Those of us who staff NPU basketball games are on text alert this weekend. Thus far, the bus company Augustana uses has told the Augie coaches that it still considers the forecasted conditions tomorrow to be driveable. Should that change sometime tomorrow, the AC @ NPU doubleheader will be moved to 5 pm and 7 pm Sunday. As of now, though, it appears that we're going to have basketball in the crackerbox tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2020, 03:12:11 PM
The game is underway in Waukesha, so they made it!  And great news: Sydney Shanks is back and has already scored!  IWU is dominating early on - up 16-8 about 7 minutes in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2020, 03:49:05 PM
Not looking good for the home team in Waukesha - IWU up 50-32 at the half.  Kendall Sosa may be looking at her third POW (and second consecutive) - she has TWENTY points at the half!  The returns of Sam Munroe (2nd game back?) and Sydney Shanks (debut) have been excellent - Sam has 13, Sydney has 6.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2020, 06:05:34 PM
As usual, Coach Smith did NOT rub an opponent's nose in it.  Final score, IWU 83, Carroll 69 (it could have been MUCH worse).

The only one who could stop Kendall Sosa today was Coach Smith - she finished with 31 points (could have been more).  Is she now the MOP favorite?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2020, 08:04:08 PM
North Park 78
Augustana 70

Jayla Johnson: 26 pts, 8 rebs, 5 stls
Emily Czuhajewski: 17 pts (5-7 trey)
Sinead Molloy: 12 pts, 6 rebs, 8:1 a:to, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts

Mia Lambert: 15 pts (5-6 trey)
Gabriela Loiz: 15 pts
Lauren Hall: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Jeni Crain: 10 pts
Alexis Jones, 14 rebs, 6:3 a:to

Terrific come-from-behind win today by NPU,as the Vikings came back from multiple 11-point deficits in the first half and managed to hang tough against an Augie team that attempted to run them off the floor. It was nip-and-tuck most of the way through the second half, but NPU used treys by Emily Czuhajewski and Zakiya Newsome in the last two minutes to extend what had been a one-point lead out to a comfortable cushion. Even though the Vikings gave up 70 in this one, they played great defense and really bulldogged an Augie team that looked more and more frustrated as the evening went on. Sinead Molloy, who played a tremendous all-around game tonight for NPU, was particularly sharp on defense, holding Alexis Jones to half of her scoring average on the season on 2-10 shooting from the field. And what more needs to be said about Jayla Johnson? Not only did she score points by the fistful despite being double- and triple-teamed in the post all night, she also came up with five steals at the other end of the floor.

Jones couldn't score tonight, but she was an unstoppable force on the boards. She was instrumental in a huge 38-27 rebounding disparity in favor of Augie, but that was largely canceled out by AC's 28 turnovers (15 of them via NPU steals).

Solid win tonight over a good Augie squad in front of a good, vociferous NPU student section.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2020, 08:38:57 PM
Good road win for IWU -- 83-69 over Carroll.

For IWU:

Sosa 31
Munroe 16
Lansford 10
Brovelli 8 and 12
Lowis 9 rebounds

Shanks back, playing 20 minutes, 7
Bowen back from the flu, 7

Titans making 12 treys.

CC:
Cruz 13
Evans 11
Grubor 10

Titans now 12-4, 6-1.  The big game at home vs. WC up next.   

Keep it rolling TITANS.  Nice win in the cold bleak tundra of Wisconsin.  Now back to the friendly confines of The Shirk, vs. WC.

Glad to see Shanks and Bowen back . . . step by step.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 18, 2020, 09:23:06 PM
Wheaton 71. Elmhurst 48

We won't get too excited over a home victory over 6-9, 1-5 Elmhurst squad.  But more so after the Wed loss to a 1-5, 5-9 squad.

Kent Madsen made a good move to shuffle the starting lineup with Jacqui San Jule and Hannah Swider replacing Jordan Myroth and Kristi Demske.  If it was sending a message or desperation it worked with the Thunder coming out with decidedly more energy.  They went out to an early double digit lead and didn't let the Bluejays hang around.

Hannah Williams led the way with 14 pts.  Hannah Frazier added 12 pts, 9 rebs.  Jill Berg with 8 and 8.

The Lady Jay's were led by Kelly Weyrich 12 pts.  Courtney O Donnell and Kween Jean both had 9 and 6.

Whatever they had tonight they'll need it and more at the Shirk on Wed.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 18, 2020, 09:39:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2020, 11:51:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 15, 2020, 08:47:54 PM
IWU over EC at the half 27-23.  No Shanks.

Mono is a tricky illness, and it's difficult to put a timetable on recovering from it.

Just three days later, Shanks played 20 minutes at Carroll.  OTOH, she only had 7 points, so she may not be FULLY recovered.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 18, 2020, 10:07:33 PM
Ypsi, Shanks likely being re-introduced slowly -- only 20 minutes.  The TITANS are in pretty good shape with bench play these days, with Eck, Lowis, Bowen and Heller playing some quality minutes.  Same with Munroe's return and Bowen back from a flu bug.  I'm sure Coach Smith is doing some serious juggling with the minutes. 

Sosa on fire with six treys, Brovelli and Lowis anchoring the paint, Lansford her steady and reliable self.  Titans have a good combination, a good run going.  Big game now at home vs. WC and then NPU.  If the Titans can win these next two, they will be in the driver's seat for the conference crown. 

Good to get out of Wisconsin with the two Ws, -- men's and women's. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2020, 11:37:44 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 18, 2020, 09:23:06 PM
Whatever they had tonight they'll need it and more at the Shirk on Wed.

I will now post the two most difficult words for me to post:

Go Wheaton!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2020, 12:00:20 AM
Millikin 66, Carthage 59 (40 in the first half) :
MIL -- Abby Ratsch 16 pts, 12 reb, 3 stls (this intriguing player got even more so, hitting 3 of 7 3FGs); Jordan Hildebrand 17 pts, 8 reb; Bailey Coffman 15 pts.
CTG -- Kelsey Coshun 14 pts, 9 reb; Autumn Kalis 17 pts; Amanda Larson 10 reb.
Having attended the AUG @ NP game, my supplement to Greg's report includes compliments to NP's Zakiya Newsome who played yet another smart game. Teammate Jacki Rapp is turning into a pretty relentless defender.
It was my first in-person look at Augie; I think they have something very promising in freshman Gabriela Loiz; she "plays taller" than her listed 5'8" and can put the ball in the hoop from near and far. While not a finished product, she should be a key ingredient for the western Vikings.
In this evening's game, North Park was superior stamina-wise. Augie's energy seemed to fluctuate, occasionally dazzling, not so much at other times (of course credit NP's resistance).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2020, 12:21:48 AM
And that was my key concern for tonight, aside from where NPU would make up for the continued absence of the injured Josie Summerville. (Answer: They didn't, but it ultimately didn't matter.) Augie likes to play at a much faster pace than does NPU, and I was worried both that the the accelerated pace would produce sloppiness on the part of NPU and that the Park would run out of steam. As it turned out, the host Vikings were far better at ball protection, even at the faster pace, than was Augie, and, as you said, it was the Rock Islanders whose gas tank ran empty down the stretch rather than the team in white.

Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2020, 12:00:20 AMZakiya Newsome who played yet another smart game.

Yes, and her solid play was even more impressive when you consider what a beating she took. She must've been run over by bigger players about three or four times tonight, and it seemed as though every time that I turned around she was hitting the floor again. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Zakiya Newsome is the toughest player in the CCIW, bar none.

Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2020, 12:00:20 AM
Teammate Jacki Rapp is turning into a pretty relentless defender.

Yes, she is. She's not flashy, and she's not the steals machine that Jayla Johnson and Sinead Molloy are, but she gets the job done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2020, 02:30:46 AM
Greg, I know how how hard it is for your to utter those words.   :)

Two key games upcoming for the TITANS -- WC and another with NPU.  Titans on a roll.

Let's hope Shanks and Bowen are back to full strength after a few more days rest.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 19, 2020, 06:52:14 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2020, 11:37:44 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 18, 2020, 09:23:06 PM
Whatever they had tonight they'll need it and more at the Shirk on Wed.

I will now post the two most difficult words for me to post:

Go Wheaton!

Support gladly received, accepted and appreciated!!  (There has to be an orange sweatshirt somewhere in that closet . . .?)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2020, 09:09:06 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 19, 2020, 06:52:14 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2020, 11:37:44 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 18, 2020, 09:23:06 PM
Whatever they had tonight they'll need it and more at the Shirk on Wed.

I will now post the two most difficult words for me to post:

Go Wheaton!

Support gladly received, accepted and appreciated!!  (There has to be an orange sweatshirt somewhere in that closet . . .?)

I'm calling the Carthage @ NPU men's game, so I have to don a Vikings polo on Wednesday, as usual. But under my winter coat I might wear my orange-and-gray hoodie from the high-school team that two of my nephews play for. That's about as close as I come to owning anything orange. It's not exactly my favorite color. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2020, 11:46:00 AM
as of eight minutes ago :
        W-L    (Road Wins - Home Losses)
IWU  6-1             +3
NPU  6-1             +3
MIL   4-3              0
WHE  4-3             -1
AUG  3-4              0
CTG   3-4              0
NCC  3-4             -1
CRL   2-6             -1
ELM  1-6             -3
Wheaton has played only 2 road conference games = few opportunities to do well in the Road Wins category.
At the end of the conference regular season, a team's conference win-loss differential will be double their "Road Wins - Home Losses" figure. Or, if you like, double their "Home Wins - Road Losses."
Wednesday's games will complete the first half of the conference season. Five teams will have done 4 home, 4 road.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2020, 11:06:50 PM
Last Monday's Player of the Week considerations did not include the Monday night rescheduled Carthage-Wheaton game in which Hannah Frazier scored 24. While Frazier had three good productive games, she probably rates 3rd for the week, with either Jayla Johnson or Kendall Sosa taking the honor.
In reply #8077, Mr. Ypsi wonders if Sosa leads in the MOP race. Too early to lobby for that, or for debate here, I think.
Also, we recall that IWU beat NC by 45 in December.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 19, 2020, 11:24:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2020, 11:06:50 PM
Last Monday's Player of the Week considerations did not include the Monday night rescheduled Carthage-Wheaton game in which Hannah Frazier scored 24. While Frazier had three good productive games, she probably rates 3rd for the week, with either Jayla Johnson or Kendall Sosa taking the honor.
In reply #8077, Mr. Ypsi wonders if Sosa leads in the MOP race. Too early to lobby for that, or for debate here, I think.
Also, we recall that IWU beat NC by 45 in December.

If we can do pre-season predictions, it is NEVER too early to lobby or debate awards! ;D

It is, of course, too early to be dogmatic about such things! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2020, 02:52:26 AM
Agree with Ypsi.  One can't be certain or dogmatic about it at this point.  I'd think Hannah Frazier and Jayla Johnson currently MOP candidates too, depending on how the CCIW championship race works out.  In a way, it's a team honor too, though we say it's the MOP.  If I were voting today, I'd vote for Sosa . . .  but still so much basketball to be played. 

IWU vs. WC should be a good one.  We'll see both of these candidates. I happen to think the key for IWU is how Brovelli and Lowis (and perhaps Shanks) play, in facing off against WC's size and strength in the paint.  So the rebounding battle will be key.  IWU likely wins on the perimeter, with their speed and perimeter shooting, etc., but the control of the paint and the boards will be a big factor in this game, hence the role Brovelli and Lowis may play.  Both have played very well in recent weeks.  This is a key game for WC to come back from 4-3. 

IWU has NPU and their quickness following . . . so a study in different styles of play, different key match-ups.  The heart of the season and the conference race now.

Happy Year of the Rat to all! Kung Hei Fat Choi!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2020, 05:09:29 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa for her 3rd CCIW Player of the Week award!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2020, 07:57:00 PM
My warm congrats to Kendall Sosa as well.  Keep it rolling, esp. in the next two games.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 20, 2020, 11:00:00 PM
Latest Top 25 posted:

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2019-20/week7

At least one other person is now voting with me for Illinois Wesleyan. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 20, 2020, 11:11:04 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 20, 2020, 11:00:00 PM
Latest Top 25 posted:

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2019-20/week7

At least one other person is now voting with me for Illinois Wesleyan. :)

Since IWU jumped all the way from 2 points to 14, I suspect that more than one fellow voter has seen the light! ;D

They won two road games, but the opponents were not exactly world-beaters.  I was only expecting that they would gain 4-5 points. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2020, 08:25:06 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 20, 2020, 11:00:00 PM
Latest Top 25 posted:

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2019-20/week7

At least one other person is now voting with me for Illinois Wesleyan. :)

Did you move them up from #24 Gordon?  And did you drop Chicago down(assuming you were voting for them prior)?

Just curious, not questioning.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 21, 2020, 05:24:54 PM
Yeah, I moved IWU from 24 to 22.

As odd as it sounds, I moved Chicago up from 18 to 13. All the other teams around them on my ballot had worst losses in my estimation (Austin losing to Southwestern, George Fox falling apart in the fourth at home against Whitman). Plus I don't ding UAA teams too much for losing the second game of their weekend road doubleheaders, unless they get blown out by an inferior team.

But it was mostly the type of thing where I had 10 teams I really liked for the Top 10, no one I liked for 11-15, and another 15 I liked for slots 16-25.

But the system won't let me turn in a ballot with 11-15 blank so I had to move teams up. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2020, 06:29:05 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 21, 2020, 05:24:54 PM
Yeah, I moved IWU from 24 to 22.

As odd as it sounds, I moved Chicago up from 18 to 13. All the other teams around them on my ballot had worst losses in my estimation (Austin losing to Southwestern, George Fox falling apart in the fourth at home against Whitman). Plus I don't ding UAA teams too much for losing the second game of their weekend road doubleheaders, unless they get blown out by an inferior team.

But it was mostly the type of thing where I had 10 teams I really liked for the Top 10, no one I liked for 11-15, and another 15 I liked for slots 16-25.

But the system won't let me turn in a ballot with 11-15 blank so I had to move teams up. :)

I would venture to say that few teams ever get moved up by 5 spots in any poll when they go 1-1 on a weekend and losing to a 7-6 team albeit on the road.

However, I applaud your honesty about it! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 21, 2020, 08:09:21 PM
I think it happens a couple times a year on my ballot.

Good thing I'm not the only voter. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2020, 09:12:46 PM
But since you were the first to "Remember the Titans", you are (for now, at least ;)) my favorite voter! ;D

If you put IWU #22, that is 4 of their 14 points.  I seriously doubt one voter suddenly went from off the ballot to #16 (10 points), so clearly you have more than one fellow IWU supporter.  My speculation would be there are now 5 of you (my experience compiling the Posters' Poll was the most common number of voters to yield 10 points was 4).

Obviously I have no way of knowing, but I'd expect that many (most?) voters have Wheaton and NPU clearly on their 'watch-lists' - those are IWU's next two opponents.  IF the Titans can sweep those games, I would definitely expect them to be IN the top 25 (I suspect that beating Wheaton alone will probably not do it, but ought to get them awfully close).

And IF Kendall Sosa clearly out-performs Hannah Frazier (Wheaton) and Jayla Johnson (NPU), I will 'dogmatically' state that Kendall is the front-runner for MOP! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 22, 2020, 09:53:53 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2020, 09:12:46 PM
But since you were the first to "Remember the Titans", you are (for now, at least ;)) my favorite voter! ;D

If you put IWU #22, that is 4 of their 14 points.  I seriously doubt one voter suddenly went from off the ballot to #16 (10 points), so clearly you have more than one fellow IWU supporter.  My speculation would be there are now 5 of you (my experience compiling the Posters' Poll was the most common number of voters to yield 10 points was 4).

Obviously I have no way of knowing, but I'd expect that many (most?) voters have Wheaton and NPU clearly on their 'watch-lists' - those are IWU's next two opponents.  IF the Titans can sweep those games, I would definitely expect them to be IN the top 25 (I suspect that beating Wheaton alone will probably not do it, but ought to get them awfully close).

And IF Kendall Sosa clearly out-performs Hannah Frazier (Wheaton) and Jayla Johnson (NPU), I will 'dogmatically' state that Kendall is the front-runner for MOP! ;D

I would look for Jordan Myroth to guard Sosa alot tonight.  But I expect Sosa to have a good game and for IWU to be more than ready.  Much more important for both teams to get the win.

With 5 losses, Wheaton is already "bubbling" at best for a post season at-large.  The Titans with 4 are a little better and with better SOS.  On the other hand, the central region is somewhat weaker this year with Wash U (8-6) and Wisc Luth (10-4) not as competitive this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2020, 08:36:41 PM
IWU up over WC at the half 26-21.  Defensive and half court affair so far.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2020, 09:35:25 PM
In a pace and style of game that seemed to favor WC, and the last few possessions' shot management handled poorly by the TITANS,

WC 62 IWU 59

IWU goes to 12-5, 6-2.  WC climbs back.

IWU:
Sosa 23
Brovelli 8 and 6
Shanks 6 and 10

Not enough out of the others on this occasion . . .

For WC:
Madsen 15
Williams 10
Frazier 13

Lost opportunity for the TITANS, failing to defend home court.  :(

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2020, 09:42:23 PM
North Park 66
Carthage 59

Jayla Johnson: 23 pts, 9 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 11 pts, 4:0 a:to
Sinead Molloy: 4:1 a:to

Sammie Woodward: 23 pts
Autumn Kalis: 12 pts, 6 rebs
Kelsey Coshun: 10 pts
Amanda Larson: 4:0 a:to

At the clubhouse turn, the Vikings are all alone in first place.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2020, 10:08:24 PM
GoPerry, I wore my nephews' orange-and-gray hoodie to the crackerbox tonight, so I claim partial credit for the Wheaton win. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2020, 10:10:16 PM
The road teams went 4-0 tonight. Elmhurst 64-53 winners at Millikin :
The Bluejays got a nice 19 pt output from Kween Jean, who made 7/11 2FGs and 5/7 FTs, adding 7 rebs. Teammate Becca Gerke (5/8 2FGs, 4/4 FT) put in a quick 14 pts in 18:00, with 6 rebs. Marissa Urso had 4 assists, 3 steals and shot well at the foul line (7 of 10).
I didn't watch a whole lot of this one, but Millikin looked somewhat disjointed. They got 10 pts each from Bailey Coffman and Jordan Hildebrand (who topped all players with 9 rebs). Millikin was called for 26 fouls, quite a bit for a moderately-paced game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2020, 10:36:25 PM
North Central topped Augie 70-63.
Some good numbers for NCC : Allison Pearson 21 pts (.792 eFG% and 2/2 FT); Rebekah Foley 12 pts (.556 eFG%); Stephanie Kowalczyk scored 10 pts via only 3 FG att and 2 FT att -- yep, she didn't miss from anywhere. And her sister Jessica made her only shot, a three. Lyndsay Brennan did well too, with 10 pts, 8 rebs. Natali Dimitrova played 36 minutes in the winning effort, which tells us her coach was happy with her work.
Augie got 20 pts (.667 eFG%), 8 rebs and 4 steals from Alexis Jones. Her 5th steal came with a second to go as Elmhurst was holding the ball to end the game and Alexis frustratedly took the ball from the Elmhurst player.
Mia Lambert had 14 pts (.600 eFG%), while Lauren Hall was the top rebounder in the game with 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 22, 2020, 10:51:37 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2020, 10:08:24 PM
GoPerry, I wore my nephews' orange-and-gray hoodie to the crackerbox tonight, so I claim partial credit for the Wheaton win. ;)

Greg- I knew I felt some extra positivity coming from somewhere!  Question answered and credit granted - it obviously was the difference in a tight game where the little things matter.    :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2020, 11:01:11 PM
Half through conference play and each team has played the others once.
W-L
7-1   NPU
6-2   IWU
5-3   WHE
4-4   NCC MIL
3-5   AUG CTG
2-6   CRL ELM
and since so many of our listeners have written postcards to the station asking for RW-HL :
Road Wins minus Home Losses
+4  NPU
+2  IWU
0   WHE NCC
-1   MIL AUG CTG CRL
-2   ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2020, 11:32:43 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 22, 2020, 10:51:37 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2020, 10:08:24 PM
GoPerry, I wore my nephews' orange-and-gray hoodie to the crackerbox tonight, so I claim partial credit for the Wheaton win. ;)

Greg- I knew I felt some extra positivity coming from somewhere!  Question answered and credit granted - it obviously was the difference in a tight game where the little things matter.    :)

After I got off of the air following the men's game, I pulled up the final minute of the Vikings @ Lady Reds webcast while keeping my eye on the WC @ IWU game as well. With the NPU win at Tarble already in the books, as time expired at the Shirk Center I yelled out, "Way to go, Wheaton!" from my broadcast perch. Everybody who was still in the gym turned around and looked at me like I'd caught a sudden case of Tourette's.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 23, 2020, 12:38:54 AM
This was a gutty 62-59 road win for the Thunder over IWU.  Every time the home team looked like they were about to deliver the knockout blow, a resilient Wheaton, trailing by as much as 11, refused to go down, fought and made some key baskets to stay in it.  The Titans are probably used to having teams fold in those situations and maybe got a little frustrated.

With the exception of a few lapses, the Wheaton team defense was outstanding.  Kendall Sosa picked up 23 pts but very few of those were easy.  Jacqui San Jule and Jordan Myroth really made it tough on her in the halfcourt game.  Also the Titan press was ineffective as Wheaton handled it with relative ease and made IWU pay especially in the second half.

In the end, Hannah Frazier(14 pts, 7 rebs) made the critical plays in the last two minutes with 5 pts and a steal to get her team the win.  Kirsten Madsen led the team with 15 pts.  Once again noticeably more aggressive play on the offensive end.  Maybe this will put some wind in their sails for the next 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 23, 2020, 11:23:29 AM
I did this over on the men's board as well, but since I know Rog likes the advanced metrics, here's everyone's Pythagorean win percentage (https://captaincalculator.com/sports/basketball/pythagorean-win-percentage-calculator/) through the first round of conference play:


I think the most jarring one to me is 4-4 NCC being two games up on its Pythagorean win percentage, but if you factor out the drubbing at the hands of Illinois Wesleyan, they're a just-over-.500 team. That win I think is also why the Titans are so high on this list, while North Park's numbers are similar to NCC's in that if you remove the 31 point loss to the team in green, five single digit wins plus a 10 and 13 point victory help explain it.

Obviously, such a small sample size can really skew the results of this. I'll be interested to see how it looks after conference play is complete.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2020, 12:19:44 PM
Thanks for figuring those Pythagoreans, lmitzel. I agree that a big margin in one game affects the formula a lot when the sample is only eight games.
However, I'm not necessarily a fan of advanced metrics. If I don't know what a particular formula ignores or what it gives value to, I don't pay attention to it.
The link you provided for Pythagorean does explain the calculation. The choice of which exponent to use seems arbitrary. Maybe they settled on 13.91 by working backwards, seeing which exponent produced the most accurate results.
I don't consider effective FG% to be an advanced metric. It's rather basic, using only "points scored from FGs" and "FG attempts".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 23, 2020, 12:58:51 PM
Hide your eyes RogK.

At the midway point, I think it's Kendall Sosa and Jayla Johnson as neck and neck front runners for MOP with Hannah Frazier just a sliver below.  It will probably be a little dependent on how their team fares the rest of the way.  I really think Alexis Jones might actually be the most deserving of all those three but Augie's lack of team success will likely leave her out of serious consideration.

(You can look again, RogK).  While I expected better overall results from Carthage this season, there's no doubt that NPU's win in Kenosha is another impressive one.  The downtown Lady Vikes have already played @WC, @ IWU, @ Carthage with remaining road games @ NCC @Augie @MU.  IWU still has road games @ Wheaton, @Carthage and @NPU.  Wheaton still has @Augie, @Carthage, @ NPU.  I don't think there's any question the schedule favors the Park and being up a game in the standings - a neutral observer would say it's theirs to lose.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2020, 01:36:19 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 23, 2020, 12:58:51 PM
Hide your eyes RogK.

At the midway point, I think it's Kendall Sosa and Jayla Johnson as neck and neck front runners for MOP with Hannah Frazier just a sliver below.  It will probably be a little dependent on how their team fares the rest of the way.  I really think Alexis Jones might actually be the most deserving of all those three but Augie's lack of team success will likely leave her out of serious consideration.

I agree. If we're talking about versatility, then Alexis Jones may be the best all-around player in the league. The only thing she can't do well on the court is shoot the trey. A week or two ago I would've put Autumn Kalis in this conversation as well, especially because, like Jones, she's a senior. But she's really gone cold; in Carthage's last three games against North Central, Millikin, and North Park she's only shot 13-47 (.277) from the field. I don't know if she's trying to do too much for a Lady Reds team that is struggling, or if the defense against her has been the difference, but she's fading along with her team.

I'd like to find out which Viking had the primary responsibility of guarding her last night; Kalis was 4-14 in terms of field goals. We were speculating about it at the scorer's table last night (since I only saw the last minute of the game at Tarble, and it was mostly scramble ball). My guess is Sinead Molloy, although Jacki Rapp is a possibility as well.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 23, 2020, 12:58:51 PM(You can look again, RogK).  While I expected better overall results from Carthage this season, there's no doubt that NPU's win in Kenosha is another impressive one.  The downtown Lady Vikes have already played @WC, @ IWU, @ Carthage with remaining road games @ NCC @Augie @MU.  IWU still has road games @ Wheaton, @Carthage and @NPU.  Wheaton still has @Augie, @Carthage, @ NPU.  I don't think there's any question the schedule favors the Park and being up a game in the standings - a neutral observer would say it's theirs to lose.

As a not-so-neutral observer, I'm not used to this kind of talk about the Vikings. I find that it makes me nervous.

(https://www.hobsonassoc.com/Customer-Content/www/CMS/files/Nervous_businessman.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2020, 02:03:09 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYALKcapKN0
I was going to suggest that MOP discussion begin at 5:08pm central next week Thursday Jan 30.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2020, 02:34:18 PM
(https://media.tenor.com/images/2bb1b19bc13f4756dc602fef50c2e9eb/tenor.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 23, 2020, 04:00:27 PM
I gotta hand it to Wheaton for playing a great game. It's headed for a repeat of previous years: Titans and Thunder in the CCIW tourney final.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2020, 09:11:03 PM
Agree with Ultimate . . . seems headed that way to me, too.  Though, it's clear that NPU is in the top tier now, this season, and could upend the normal WC-IWU end-of-season, CCIW tournament battle for the AQ.  MU also improved. 

WC played well vs. IWU, no doubt, but I think too in this one the Titans were not well-prepared, well-coached at the end, those last few possessions really showed some miscues, some poor execution or something.  They came up really short on several possessions in the last minute or so.  These close games, always come down to just a few key plays.   Likely two more chances for the Titans at WC and in the tournament. 

I'm still voting for Sosa, for MOP, as of now.  Tough tough D on her and she still gets 23, above her average. 

Agree with some of the earlier comments about Alexis Jones and Kalis.  Really thought Kalis was in the conversation too, earlier. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2020, 09:40:29 PM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 23, 2020, 04:00:27 PM
I gotta hand it to Wheaton for playing a great game. It's headed for a repeat of previous years: Titans and Thunder in the CCIW tourney final.

Fine, doubt the Vikings all you like.

Not that I've ever been in their locker room, but I'm sure that their bulletin board has plenty of space. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2020, 09:51:22 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 23, 2020, 09:11:03 PMWC played well vs. IWU, no doubt, but I think too in this one the Titans were not well-prepared, well-coached at the end, those last few possessions really showed some miscues, some poor execution or something.

I watched the WC @ IWU game on demand last night as prep for next Wednesday. What I saw was: a) bad ball protection by the Titans in the final minute that had nothing to do with Mia Smith -- a pass to a non-existent teammate that sailed out of bounds, and an aimless drive underneath the basket right into two defenders that led to a second straight turnover; and b) good ball movement and timely offensive opportunism by Wheaton, which won the game every bit as much as Illinois Wesleyan lost it.

In her postgame interview, Mia tore her players a new one. She didn't pull any punches. She really hit them hard for their mental lapses. So ... you blame Mia, Mia blames her players, and the rest of us will enjoy all of that trouble in paradise. :D

Quote from: iwu70 on January 23, 2020, 09:11:03 PMI'm still voting for Sosa, for MOP, as of now.  Tough tough D on her and she still gets 23, above her average.

I'm going to have to fire off an angry e-mail to the new CCIW commish about her apparent decision to allow you to vote for the women's basketball MOP. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 23, 2020, 11:31:07 PM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 23, 2020, 04:00:27 PM
I gotta hand it to Wheaton for playing a great game. It's headed for a repeat of previous years: Titans and Thunder in the CCIW tourney final.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2020, 09:51:22 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 23, 2020, 09:11:03 PMWC played well vs. IWU, no doubt, but I think too in this one the Titans were not well-prepared, well-coached at the end, those last few possessions really showed some miscues, some poor execution or something.

b) good ball movement and timely offensive opportunism by Wheaton, which won the game every bit as much as Illinois Wesleyan lost it.

In her postgame interview, Mia tore her players a new one. She didn't pull any punches. She really hit them hard for their mental lapses. So ... you blame Mia, Mia blames her players, and the rest of us will enjoy all of that trouble in paradise. :D


Yeah, I saw the Smith interview also.  And sorry, but you guys have it all wrong.  IWU just played bad and weren't smart.  The loss had nothing to do with the Titan opponent playing good defense, making key baskets, breaking the press, taking care of the ball etc . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2020, 02:46:51 AM
I said very clearly that "WC played well."   

Didn't see the Coach Mia interview.  She's usually pretty frank and blunt with players.  I agree on the mistakes on those last few possessions . . . and that's what I said in my first post after the game, if you check back.  The Titans didn't get the best looks or opportunities, had poor execution the last 3-4 times down the floor, in crunch time, when the game was on the line. 

Likely two more opportunities vs. WC to get it right, to get it better.   I have faith.

Greg, I think if the CCIW Commish gets a MOP ballot from Hong Kong, she might have a question or two!  :)   LOL  Just hope the other "voters" take my advice and give their support to Sosa.  Of course, more basketball to be played so the race for MOP still has a number of very viable and possible candidates.  (Same on the men's side, too, right?). 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2020, 11:51:05 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 24, 2020, 02:46:51 AMDidn't see the Coach Mia interview.  She's usually pretty frank and blunt with players.  I agree on the mistakes on those last few possessions . . . and that's what I said in my first post after the game, if you check back.  The Titans didn't get the best looks or opportunities, had poor execution the last 3-4 times down the floor, in crunch time, when the game was on the line.

I simply pointed out that you threw Mia Smith under the bus:

Quote from: iwu70 on January 23, 2020, 09:11:03 PMI think too in this one the Titans were not well-prepared, well-coached at the end,

... which, IMO, she didn't deserve. I didn't see anything wrong with her X's and O's or her substitutions. Her players were the ones who made the mistakes on the floor.

Enough. I'm done talking about a team that isn't even playing this weekend.

This is where Massey currently has the CCIW's teams:


team    MR  SoS
Illinois Wesleyan    25      7
North Park    28    58
Wheaton    46    51
Augustana    92    15
Millikin    97    85
Carthage  104    50
North Central  124    55
Carroll  132    26
Elmhurst  152    59

And this is what Ken's computer forecasts for tomorrow, with the home team in bold:

Augustana 71, Carroll 69 (AC 52%, CU 48%)
Wheaton 61, Carthage 59 (WC 54%, CC 46%)
North Park 69, Elmhurst 55 (NPU 88%, EC 12%)
Millikin 66, North Central 62 (MU 61%, NCC 39%)

Massey anticipates three very close games tomorrow, with the road teams eking out victories in each of them, plus a relatively easy win for NPU in the crackerbox. That troubles me a bit, as I think that Elmhurst is a more dangerous team now with a healthy Kelly Weyhrich than it had been earlier in the year without her. Yes, the 'jays looked dreadful against Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan, but in their last game they led wire-to-wire in the Griz against Millikin and won by double digits. NPU is still an obvious favorite, but I'm not taking that 14-point margin to the bank.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 24, 2020, 12:17:09 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2020, 11:51:05 AM

Massey anticipates three very close games tomorrow, with the road teams eking out victories in each of them, plus a relatively easy win for NPU in the crackerbox. That troubles me a bit, as I think that Elmhurst is a more dangerous team now with a healthy Kelly Weyhrich than it had been earlier in the year without her. Yes, the 'jays looked dreadful against Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan, but in their last game they led wire-to-wire in the Griz against Millikin and won by double digits. NPU is still an obvious favorite, but I'm not taking that 14-point margin to the bank.


Yes.  ECs Kween Jean also brings a solid inside presence against the likes of Jayla Johnson, Hannah Frazier, etc.  I don't think you game plan for her, but she's someone who is capable of doing some scoring, rebounding, causing fouls etc.  She definitely warrants attention defensively if not just for her 6'3" size.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2020, 12:19:23 PM
Definitely agree with you on that, GP. I think that Kween Jean is one of the most improved players in the league this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2020, 01:16:04 PM
A minor correlation so far for Elmhurst in regard to winning and three point accuracy.
In their 7 wins, their 3FG shooting was .291 (41/141); in losses, .261 (48/184).
They've had only 4 good (my definition = .333 or better) 3FG shooting games. The best such game, 9-for-21, was in a loss. So, there you have it! A very helpful post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 04:51:13 PM
North Park 57
Elmhurst 38

Josie Summerville: 12 pts
Jayla Johnson: 10 pts, 10 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 4:1 a:to, 3 stls

Kween Jean: 10 rebs
Courtney O'Donnell: 6 rebs
Becca Gerke: 6 rebs

Vikings win with a minimum of fuss, expanding their CCIW lead to a game and a half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 04:51:55 PM
Augustana 69
Carroll 56
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2020, 05:53:33 PM
Augie got a great game by Alexis Jones : 25 pts, 16 rebs, 6 assists. She made 6 2FGs in 11 FG att, adding 13/15 free throws.
teammate Macy Beinborn scored 17 via .708 eFG%.
Among Carroll's contributions were --
Sierra Grubor 15 pts, 6 rebs, 3 blocks;
Theresa Wichser 12 pts (.600 eFG%);
Alyssa Cruz had 5 assists and 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2020, 06:16:17 PM
Greg, I think the players on both NPU and ELM would disagree with the "minimum of fuss" phrase. North Park definitely earned the win, but things were pretty rough during significant stretches of the game. I'll bet both coaches were relieved that the game ended without a fight breaking out and injuries or suspensions resulting.
It was easily the most negligent officiating I've seen in memory, at least ten years. There were easily 50-55 fouls committed in that game; 25 were called. If we want violent basketball, keep that crew together.
A fabulous (and casual) three to end the first half* by Sinead Molloy. She must've felt like one the Golden State Warriors' splash brothers of a few years ago.
Josie Summerville got several lay-ins by beating her defender down the court. I also thought Lauryn Alba Garner did well, making some difficult shots and she had three steals in 17:00.
Elmhurst made so many mistakes (frequent bad passes), they more or less earned the loss, even though they should've shot many more FTs than the 8 they did.
-
* wrong! end of the 3rd Q
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 08:18:43 PM
As I told you afterwards, Rog, we disagree about the quality of reffing in that game.

That trey that Sinead Molloy hit at the end of the third quarter (not the half) was the only one that NPU made all night. If you had told me before the game that the Vikings would only make one trey all day, I would've figured that they'd be in a lot of trouble. As it was, their second-half margin was so comfortable that they were able to shrug off the 1-12 shooting from beyond the arc.

It was a thing of beauty to see Josie Summerville running the fast break. Heck, once she even took the ball down the floor herself and got the layup. She's clearly recovered nicely from her ankle injury. I thought that the Vikings got a nice spark off the bench from Angelina Villasin as well.

I expected to see more out of Elmhurst. I understand the principle of inside-out basketball, but the 'jays seemed determined to play inside-and-let-it-stay-there basketball. The ball would get dumped down low to Kween Jean or Becce Gerke or Courtney O'Donnell, and if they didn't have an opening and kicked it back out, the 'jays guards would refuse to shoot. They were very tentative; on one possession I counted three open shots from the perimeter that the 'jays guards refused to take. They just didn't seem to have any confidence at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 08:20:18 PM
Wheaton 68
Carthage 57

Millikin 74
North Central 73

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 25, 2020, 09:02:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 08:20:18 PM
Wheaton 68
Carthage 57


No Autumn Kaelis for some reason..  Injury I would guess?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2020, 10:24:43 PM
Thanks, Greg, for the correction regarding when Sinead made that 3FG.
GoPerry, I saw some of the webcast of Wheaton/Carthage and Kalis was indeed in civilian apparel toward the end of the bench, injured. It sounded unclear how long she'd be sidelined. Carthage didn't need anything else to go wrong, considering their current tailspin.
Sammie Woodward had a nice 28 pt game for them, 7/8 FTs and a .700 eFG%. Kelsey Coshun helped with 14 pts, 6 rebs, 2 stls.
Hannahs scored in double figures for Wheaton :
Frazier 25 pts, 5 rebs, 1 TO, 3 blocks
Williams 13 pts, 5 assists
Swider 10
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 10:35:27 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 25, 2020, 09:02:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2020, 08:20:18 PM
Wheaton 68
Carthage 57


No Autumn Kaelis for some reason..  Injury I would guess?

It's been Napoleon's retreat from Moscow for Tim Bernero & Co. this season. First they lose Kaelber for the year. Then they lose Ahr for the year. Berigan gets hurt at the beginning of the month and had both her minutes and her effectiveness reduced ever since. And now Kalis is out for who knows how long.

Good thing Tim's scalp has gone bare; otherwise, he'd be pulling his hair out in clumps this winter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2020, 10:44:14 PM
Jordan Hildebrand did rather well in Millikin's win, with 26 pts (9/12 2FG, 8/13 FT), 2 stls, 6 rebs.
Abby Ratsch (12 pts, 7 rebs) made the game-winning hoop for the Big Blue.
Briana Anthony led all players with 8 rebs.
NCC's Allison Pearson had another sharp game, 21 pts (.533 eFG%) and a trio of assists; she made a last-minute shot to put the Cardinals up by 1.
Haydn Braun had a remarkable 2nd half, scoring 19 without missing a shot (5/5 2FG, 3/3 3FG = 1.188 eFG%). She did not attempt a shot in 3 1st half minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2020, 10:54:04 PM
it's probably late enough in the season to drop the road wins / home losses list.
Updated conf standings
8-1 NPU
6-2 IWU
6-3 WHE
5-4 MIL
4-5 AUG NCC
3-6 CTG
2-7 CRL ELM
40 of the 72 reg season conf games are complete
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2020, 04:59:15 AM
Greg, I guess we can start to say more conclusively that NPU and MU have risen into the top tier of CCIW women's basketball.  At least it looks reasonably evident from the standings posted by Mssr. RogerK.  Looks to me that NPU stays up there for sure and perhaps MU does too.  We'll see.  At the end of race, I still have the view that it will be WC and IWU still standing for the AQ tournament game.  A great first half for NPU. 

Now comes the home stretch and who can string some wins together, have the best conditioning and the fewest injuries in the slog and grind of the final 6-7 weeks of the season. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2020, 06:56:04 PM
Attended UChicago's afternoon OT victory over Brandeis.
The death of Kobe Bryant (and the other victims) became known among the crowd (mostly via their phones) at the Ratner Center during the first half.
Not sure how many of the players were aware of the news, but I thought the excellent effort by both teams served as a good tribute to a great player of this sport.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2020, 10:17:49 PM
RIP Kobe.  Truly sad. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2020, 03:04:31 PM
on to a much more pleasant topic ...
congrats to new CCIW Player of the Week, Hannah Frazier, getting her 3rd honor this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 27, 2020, 03:38:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 26, 2020, 04:59:15 AM
Greg, I guess we can start to say more conclusively that NPU and MU have risen into the top tier of CCIW women's basketball.  At least it looks reasonably evident from the standings posted by Mssr. RogerK. 
IWU'70

NPU yes.  Millikin, a little premature to claim that I would say.  Good home win vs WC, bad home loss vs EC. Of course the Big Blue are not the pushover this year that has marked their recent seasons and Wheaton needs to remember that on Wed at King.

Speaking of NPU, they can gain a stranglehold on 1st place with a good performance on the road Wed at Shirk.  No doubt their stiffest test yet.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2020, 04:15:52 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 27, 2020, 03:38:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 26, 2020, 04:59:15 AM
Greg, I guess we can start to say more conclusively that NPU and MU have risen into the top tier of CCIW women's basketball.  At least it looks reasonably evident from the standings posted by Mssr. RogerK. 
IWU'70

NPU yes.  Millikin, a little premature to claim that I would say.  Good home win vs WC, bad home loss vs EC. Of course the Big Blue are not the pushover this year that has marked their recent seasons and Wheaton needs to remember that on Wed at King.

Speaking of NPU, they can gain a stranglehold on 1st place with a good performance on the road Wed at Shirk.  No doubt their stiffest test yet.

The game Wednesday is in Chicago.  But IWU won by 31 in the Shirk - surely home court is not THAT big a factor! :o  (If home court really IS that big a factor, we may as well just skip the February trip to Wheaton. :()

(NOT that I am taking a win on Wednesday for granted.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2020, 04:44:22 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 27, 2020, 03:38:58 PMNo doubt their stiffest test yet.

Disagree. Hope is 16-0 and ranked #3. Loras is 16-2 (and would be undefeated if the Duhawks weren't for some strange reason allergic to 9-7 Luther) and ranked #8. Don't get me wrong; Wesleyan is a very good team. But those two December non-conference games were much stiffer tests for NPU in terms of opponent strength than Wednesday will be.

Wednesday is less about the stiffness, more about the stakes.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2020, 04:15:52 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 27, 2020, 03:38:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 26, 2020, 04:59:15 AM
Greg, I guess we can start to say more conclusively that NPU and MU have risen into the top tier of CCIW women's basketball.  At least it looks reasonably evident from the standings posted by Mssr. RogerK. 
IWU'70

NPU yes.  Millikin, a little premature to claim that I would say.  Good home win vs WC, bad home loss vs EC. Of course the Big Blue are not the pushover this year that has marked their recent seasons and Wheaton needs to remember that on Wed at King.

Speaking of NPU, they can gain a stranglehold on 1st place with a good performance on the road Wed at Shirk.  No doubt their stiffest test yet.

The game Wednesday is in Chicago.  But IWU won by 31 in the Shirk - surely home court is not THAT big a factor! :o

Noted about home court. But, since you're citing the margin of that game from three weeks ago, it needs to be added that IWU also:

* lost by 6 to Augustana, whom NPU beat by 8; and
* lost by 3 to Wheaton, whom NPU beat by 13.

The point being that one bad night in conference play does not define a team. North Park isn't 31 points worse than Illinois Wesleyan any more than Wheaton is 9 points worse than Carroll. Having said that, however, I'm perfectly fine with the idea that NPU will be the underdog in the crackerbox on Wednesday night. (Massey agrees with that assessment, as Ken's computer sets the Titans as a four-point favorite.) The Vikings have only beaten three teams this season that currently have winning records -- Coe, Wheaton, and Millikin -- and of the four games that they've played against teams that have winning percentages over .700, three of them resulted in very poor performances by the Vikings. Granted, Hope and Loras are two of the best teams in D3; but still, the evidence is clear that NPU needs to prove itself all over again versus a strong team. That whipping of Wheaton at King was five and a half weeks ago. It's put-up-or-shut-up time for the Vikings again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2020, 08:41:59 PM
All nine CCIW teams are tied as "Teams Not Receiving Votes" in this week's D3hoops poll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Baldini on January 27, 2020, 08:59:30 PM
Is it safe to say that the CCIW is probably a one bid league this season?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2020, 09:46:30 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2020, 08:41:59 PM
All nine CCIW teams are tied as "Teams Not Receiving Votes" in this week's D3hoops poll.

Disappointing.  I thought IWU would retain at least a point or two, and that Wheaton might get one or two.  Hopefully the winner of IWU @ NPU will pull AT LEAST one vote!

For IWU to fall completely off the map by losing (even at home) by three points to Wheaton is showing TOTAL disrespect not only to IWU but even more to Wheaton - hey voters, the Thunder AIN'T chopped liver!

Quote from: Baldini on January 27, 2020, 08:59:30 PM
Is it safe to say that the CCIW is probably a one bid league this season?

Well, probably - but not necessarily.  I know that IWU has a very high SoS (and assume that Wheaton and NPU are not THAT far behind - can't find the SoS numbers).  Barring a complete meltdown, all should have decent W% and SoS, and should probably be at least 'bubble teams'.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2020, 10:59:14 PM
One of the Wheaton Hannahs made D3hoops's national WBB team of the week. More congrats to Ms Frazier!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 27, 2020, 11:06:06 PM
Your SOS numbers, though understand there could be some slight miscalculations. I have found a few non-regional marks the last few weeks (though, I then lose track of them to fix): https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2020, 11:24:47 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 27, 2020, 11:06:06 PM
Your SOS numbers, though understand there could be some slight miscalculations. I have found a few non-regional marks the last few weeks (though, I then lose track of them to fix): https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Thanks, Dave.

So IWU c. 11, Wheaton c.66, NPU farther down than I expected, but c. 205.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2020, 11:56:45 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 27, 2020, 11:06:06 PM
Your SOS numbers, though understand there could be some slight miscalculations. I have found a few non-regional marks the last few weeks (though, I then lose track of them to fix): https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

The d3hoops.com pollsters don't have to be wedded to the NCAA's numbers. They're free agents as far as filling out their ballots are concerned, and thus they're welcome to use whatever resources they have at hand to aid them in their ballotmaking -- and some of those resources (up to and including eye test and/or outside opinions, for example) don't necessarily agree with the NCAA SoS. Here, for example is how the NCAA's SoS calculations compare to Massey's:


teamoverall W-LCCIW W-L  NCAA SoS  Massey SoS
North Park  15-3  8-1    205    66
Illinois Wesleyan  12-5  6-2      11      8
Wheaton  13-5  6-3      66    50
Millikin  12-6  5-4    212    88
Augustana    9-9  4-5      26    16
North Central    8-10  4-5      92    56
Carthage    8-10  3-6      61    51
Elmhurst    7-11  2-7      94    61
Carroll    6-11  2-7      51    26

There's some dramatic SoS disparity there involving two of the top four teams in the league.

Quote from: Baldini on January 27, 2020, 08:59:30 PM
Is it safe to say that the CCIW is probably a one bid league this season?

Nope, not at this point. Still too much ball to be played. Let's wait until the first Central Region ranking comes out a week from Wednesday before we start making any declarations of that sort.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 28, 2020, 01:05:17 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2020, 11:24:47 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 27, 2020, 11:06:06 PM
Your SOS numbers, though understand there could be some slight miscalculations. I have found a few non-regional marks the last few weeks (though, I then lose track of them to fix): https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Thanks, Dave.

So IWU c. 11, Wheaton c.66, NPU farther down than I expected, but c. 205.

Ignore the "ranking" as it only is there to be there ... the SOS number is the more important aspect. There are a lot of schools that won't be in the ranking or at-large selections who are mixed in there because they have very strong schedules. So the number listed along side (11 for IWU, 66 for Wheaton, etc.) is not only a misnomer, but could cause confusion.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 28, 2020, 01:06:59 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2020, 11:56:45 PM
Nope, not at this point. Still too much ball to be played. Let's wait until the first Central Region ranking comes out a week from Wednesday before we start making any declarations of that sort.

Nope... two weeks away, still. February 12 is the first regional rankings. It is later this year because it is a quirky calendar - see the shortest time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is part of that.

Final games of the regular season are played on March 1 this year ... we just back up 3 1/2 weeks from there for rankings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2020, 01:24:31 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 28, 2020, 01:06:59 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2020, 11:56:45 PM
Nope, not at this point. Still too much ball to be played. Let's wait until the first Central Region ranking comes out a week from Wednesday before we start making any declarations of that sort.

Nope... two weeks away, still. February 12 is the first regional rankings. It is later this year because it is a quirky calendar - see the shortest time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is part of that.

Ah, OK. I was basing it off of last year's ranking calendar, which had the first ranking on February 6. Thanks for the 411.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 28, 2020, 02:05:52 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 27, 2020, 04:15:52 PM

The game Wednesday is in Chicago.

I stand corrected.  Thanks.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2020, 04:44:22 PM

Disagree. Hope is 16-0 and ranked #3. Loras is 16-2 (and would be undefeated if the Duhawks weren't for some strange reason allergic to 9-7 Luther) and ranked #8. Don't get me wrong; Wesleyan is a very good team. But those two December non-conference games were much stiffer tests for NPU in terms of opponent strength than Wednesday will be.

Wednesday is less about the stiffness, more about the stakes.


Yes - wasn't referring solely to the opponent.  I meant combo of opponent, the gravity (playing the 2nd pl team) and the possible ramifications ( 2 game lead in the CCIW) of the game.  As you said, what's at stake.  The fact that it's a home game, not on the road like I originally thought, might make it even more pressured in some ways.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 28, 2020, 09:09:25 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 27, 2020, 11:06:06 PM
Your SOS numbers, though understand there could be some slight miscalculations. I have found a few non-regional marks the last few weeks (though, I then lose track of them to fix): https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Hi, Dave -- I've fully audited these games over the past several days. When I find ones marked incorrectly, I just go ahead and fix them. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Baldini on January 28, 2020, 11:13:26 AM
After compiling a rough draft of Central Region rankings, I can see that I was a bit hasty in thinking that the CCIW was probably a one bid league. In pool C the 2nd ranked CCIW is more than likely going to get to the table fairly quickly. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2020, 01:02:47 PM
Yes, I was thinking that Wash U's highly uncharacteristic season of mediocrity is working in the favor of the CCIW, as is the fact that UWW and UWL really seem to be the only WIAC teams in good shape for a potential Pool C.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 28, 2020, 06:13:58 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 28, 2020, 09:09:25 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 27, 2020, 11:06:06 PM
Your SOS numbers, though understand there could be some slight miscalculations. I have found a few non-regional marks the last few weeks (though, I then lose track of them to fix): https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Hi, Dave -- I've fully audited these games over the past several days. When I find ones marked incorrectly, I just go ahead and fix them. :)

Thanks ... I discover them when doing the show so it tends to stick in my head for 30 seconds before I have to focus on something else haha.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 28, 2020, 06:15:12 PM
Quote from: Baldini on January 28, 2020, 11:13:26 AM
After compiling a rough draft of Central Region rankings, I can see that I was a bit hasty in thinking that the CCIW was probably a one bid league. In pool C the 2nd ranked CCIW is more than likely going to get to the table fairly quickly.

Keep in mind ... one can get to the table, but not get off of it.

I am not making any predictions as I haven't had time to dive in deep (to numbers that will change drastically in the next few weeks), but we have had teams "at the table" for all 20 rounds of at-large selections and not make the tournament. Not unheard of.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 29, 2020, 01:02:50 PM
Rog

Massey has 4 Minnesota teams in the top 20.  How many schools do you think the tournament will take from the MIAC.  With 4 of top 20 interested to know what you and others think of strength of that conference compared to the ones you root for
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2020, 02:29:21 PM
I have no idea regarding this year's MIAC, but hopefully someone else can answer that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 29, 2020, 02:53:09 PM
Not knowing what any of their SOS numbers are (I don't see it on D3Hoops for the women anymore), it's hard to pinpoint exactly. If I look purely at the standings and records of those top four MIAC teams... I'd hazard a guess of two, maybe three depending on how regional rankings break.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: PauldingLightUP on January 29, 2020, 02:59:41 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 29, 2020, 02:53:09 PM
Not knowing what any of their SOS numbers are (I don't see it on D3Hoops for the women anymore), it's hard to pinpoint exactly. If I look purely at the standings and records of those top four MIAC teams... I'd hazard a guess of two, maybe three depending on how regional rankings break.

The d3hoops.com data is linked here:

https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 29, 2020, 03:01:41 PM
Here's the link to our SOS calculation.

Pat has been slogging through an audit of the schedules to make sure games are appropriately labeled in or out of region.

https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Note: Paulding wins!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 29, 2020, 03:35:05 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 29, 2020, 03:01:41 PM
Here's the link to our SOS calculation.

Pat has been slogging through an audit of the schedules to make sure games are appropriately labeled in or out of region.

https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Note: Paulding wins!

Yeah, I didn't see the link where I had seen it before, that's what threw me off. Thank you both!

So, armed with this I'd probably still say the same. Bethel and St. Thomas have... meh SOS as I understand it (in the low .530's), with Augsburg at .525 and Gustavus Adolphus at .511, neither of which is particularly good. Obviously, still a lot of games to go, so that can change, but I'd probably still stand by my earlier guess of two, maybe[/i[ three MIAC teams in if you're lucky.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2020, 04:43:14 PM
40 conference games so far; average score is 70.6 to 59.8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 29, 2020, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 29, 2020, 03:35:05 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 29, 2020, 03:01:41 PM
Here's the link to our SOS calculation.

Pat has been slogging through an audit of the schedules to make sure games are appropriately labeled in or out of region.

https://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2019-20/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Note: Paulding wins!

Yeah, I didn't see the link where I had seen it before, that's what threw me off. Thank you both!

So, armed with this I'd probably still say the same. Bethel and St. Thomas have... meh SOS as I understand it (in the low .530's), with Augsburg at .525 and Gustavus Adolphus at .511, neither of which is particularly good. Obviously, still a lot of games to go, so that can change, but I'd probably still stand by my earlier guess of two, maybe[/i[ three MIAC teams in if you're lucky.

We pull it down during the season until we know the math is accurate. Too many things can go ary including regional marks changed by those who don't know the regional rules (I guess). I am sure the guys will reinsert sometime soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2020, 05:40:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 29, 2020, 04:43:14 PM
40 conference games so far; average score is 70.6 to 59.8.

. . and on average, which teams won . . .?  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2020, 05:46:03 PM
Big games for the men and ladies tonight:

Women:  Ill Wes @ N Park; Millikin @ Wheaton
Men:  North Cent @ Ill Wesl;  Elmhurst @ Augie

With all 7 pm starts which to watch?  Need a big screen monitor .  . .   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
At the half in Chicago, NPU leads IWU, 43-31.  It seems strange to say that the first place team, at home no less, leading the second place team would be an upset, but since the Titans won their first meeting by 31 points, I would call it at least a mild upset if things don't change.

Jayla Johnson already has 17 points.  Kendall Sosa scored ZERO in Q1, but now has nine.

Gregory Sager is, as usual, excellent on the PBP.  A bit of a homer, but that is to be expected, and not to the degree that even my green blood is at all offended!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2020, 09:48:24 PM
North Park 77
Illinois Wesleyan 64

Driver's seat, baby!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2020, 09:52:08 PM
Apparently home court is worth at least 44 points this season!  In B'town, IWU won by 31.  In Chicago, NPU won by 13. :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2020, 09:56:04 PM
Congrats to NPU for the big win over the Titans tonight, first in 15 years.   And, definitely in the driver's seat now, as Greg says.

NPU:
Jayla Johnson, making her case for MOP, 23
Czuhajewski 14
Newsome 13
Summerville 10 rebounds

IWU:
Sosa 19
Shanks 12
Brovelli 10, but in foul trouble
Lansford 10
Lowis 10 rebounds

NPU playing tough, leading throughout.  IWU a poor shooting night 30% from the field, only 50% from the FT line.  That was the downfall, IMHO.  Couldn't climb back without making some shots, esp. FTs. 

All credit to NPU for their big win tonight.  They are in great position now for the regular season championship.

Good call, Greg, I enjoyed your expert and correct commentary, all evening.   

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2020, 09:58:26 PM
Gutty win by the Lady Vikes tonight.  Every time IWU tried to make a comeback, NPU would make a key basket or play.

Jayla Johnson with 23 pts before fouling out on a weird offensive foul (deadball I think?).  But it was a big team effort and team win. 

Kind of a strange game stat-wise.  The Titans had 21 more shot attempts than the Vikes (70 vs 49) partially because of being +13 on the offensive glass, 18-5.  But the home team shot 55% from the field 27/49 while the visitors really struggled shooting 30%, 21/70.  Park also out-rebounded the Titans overall 46-42. 

Sosa led IWU with 19 pts.

If there was any doubt before about NPU, there shouldn't be now.  Nice weeknight crowd in the 'Box too it looked to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2020, 10:05:06 PM
NPU 77, IWU 64

Jayla Johnson: 23 pts
Emily Czuhajewski: 14 pts (4-8 trey)
Zakiya Newsome: 13 pts
Josie Summerville: 10 rebs
Jacki Rapp: 7 rebs

Kendall Sosa: 19 pts
Sydney Shanks: 14 pts, 4 stls
Riley Brovelli: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Brooke Lansford: 10 pts
Anna Lowis: 10 rebs

In front of a raucous crowd in the crackerbox, an energized Vikings team tied up the high-powered Titans offense in knots tonight. IWU shot only 30% from the field, and, although Kendall Sosa carried her team in the fourth quarter and kept the Titans within remote hailing distance, she shot only 6-18 from the field to get her 19 points. Sinead Molloy, who didn't do much on the stat sheet but who was a vital presence in this game, did a great job at the defensive end, as did Jacki Rapp. Zakiya Newsome was her usual hard-nosed self, and Lauryn Alba Garner had the crowd oohing and aahing with the way that she dribbled through Titans backcourt traps. Jayla Johnson was the key to the first half, in which she scored 17 of her 23 points.

The Titans got a nice defensive and rebounding effort from Anna Lowis off the bench tonight, but she just does not provide the offensive presence that Riley Brovelli does, and Brovelli was limited to only 22 minutes because of foul trouble.

NPU now has a two-game lead over second-place Wheaton, with the win at King Arena last month securely in Amanda Crockett's back pocket. IWU drops to third, a half-game in the win column behind Wheaton.

Great night at the ol' crackerbox!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2020, 10:31:43 PM
Wheaton 74, Millikin 61

Good comeback win for Wheaton to keep the momentum.  The Lady Thunder came out ice cold in the first half tonight going  10/36 (27.7%) from the field and 2/12 from three.  Meanwhile the Big Blue shot out of the gate with really good energy and led by as much as 7 and went into halftime up 31-26.  But Wheaton entered the 3rd with guns blazing outscoring MU 26-10 in the third and then cruised to the victory from there.

Hannah Frazier was herself with 21 pts, 7 rebs, 5 blks before fouling out.  But the 1st team All CCIW player Jordan Myroth showed up tonight and was the spark off the bench for her team.  She finished with 8 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asst(1 to) and was all over the floor playing great defense.  It might have been her best game yet this season. 

Freshman Abby Ratsch had her best game of the season for Millikin - 22 pts, 10 rebs, 2 blks, 3 stls.  Aubrey Staton with 11 was the only other in double figures.

Wheaton's won 4 in a row now and is getting a bit of a head of steam.  With NPU's win, the Thunder have to keep winning.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 29, 2020, 11:56:13 PM
No Top 25 votes, but how about the headline for our Wednesday night coverage instead?

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/01/wrapup-women-0129
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 12:04:11 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
At the half in Chicago, NPU leads IWU, 43-31.  It seems strange to say that the first place team, at home no less, leading the second place team would be an upset, but since the Titans won their first meeting by 31 points, I would call it at least a mild upset if things don't change.

I agree. As I said here the other day, Massey had the Titans as a four-point favorite tonight. There's more than enough data at this point in the season for Massey predictions to be on solid ground as far as his predictive algorithm is concerned.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2020, 08:53:08 PMGregory Sager is, as usual, excellent on the PBP.  A bit of a homer, but that is to be expected, and not to the degree that even my green blood is at all offended!

Quote from: iwu70 on January 29, 2020, 09:56:04 PM
Good call, Greg, I enjoyed your expert and correct commentary, all evening. 

Thank you, gentlemen. I strive to be what I call a "fair homer" in my calls. In terms of content, I aim to be as scrupulously honest and accurate as possible. For instance, tonight it looked from my angle that Emily Czuhajewski got away with a hack on an Amy Lowis layup attempt, and I went on for a good five or six seconds about how I thought that the refs blew that non-call. If NPU as individuals or a team makes a mistake or plays poorly, I'm going to mention it. Conversely, if the opponent makes good plays as an individual or team, I'm going to point that out as well.

In terms of tone ... well, I am "the Voice of the Vikings," after all, and I make no apology for my enthusiasm when things go right for the Park. If the NPU athletic department had wanted someone to call games right down the middle in terms of being non-partisan, then they wouldn't have asked me, of all people, to sit behind the mic. ;)

Quote from: gordonmann on January 29, 2020, 11:56:13 PM
No Top 25 votes, but how about the headline for our Wednesday night coverage instead?

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/01/wrapup-women-0129

Front page! Nice!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 12:14:05 AM
One last thing I'll say about the Vikings earning the season split tonight, and that's that a bad night is a bad night. It's not necessarily a definitive statement, especially if it comes early in the conference season. As I said before, NPU wasn't 31 points worse than IWU any more than Wheaton is 9 points worse than Carroll. The Vikings had a very poor outing on January 8 at Shirk, and the Titans had a great one. It didn't set anything in stone as far as the outcome of tonight's game was concerned. And if these two teams should meet again at the end of February ... who knows?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 01:11:48 AM
Carroll smacked Carthage around but good tonight at Van Male, 91-55. If you had told me before the season started that at some point this season the Pioneers would beat the Lady Reds by 36 points, I would've told you that you were insane. Due to all of his team's injuries, Tim Bernero is just forced to give away too many minutes to players who most likely really aren't ready for CCIW play yet.

Augustana cruised to an easy 75-56 road win in Elmhurst over the reeling Bluejays in the other game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 01:22:52 AM
in the Augie win :
Lauren Hall 18 pts including 5/7 from 3-land; Alexis Jones 11 pts, 10 rebs, 5 assists; Mia Lambert scored 13 from 8 FG att.
Elmhurst got 15 pts from Becca Gerke and 11 from Courtney O'Donnell; each had 5 rebs too
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 01:34:23 AM
Yeah Carthage was on the receiving end of a 3-point barrage this time. Carroll made 16 (48 pts) from 31 3FG attempts. Eight Pios sank a 3.
Scoring included : Theresa Wichser 17, Alyssa Cruz 14, Katie Evans 13, Kate Christian 12, Sierra Grubor 10.
for the Lady Reds : Kelsey Coshun 4/5 2FG, 4/5 FT = 12 pts, also 5 rebs; Sammie Woodward 13 pts, Amanda Larson 11 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 02:11:36 AM
I was at the Millikin-Wheaton rematch and was impressed by Hannah Frazier's nearly flawless performance, including superb defense vs Jordan Hildebrand. Most of the time, Frazier allowed her virtually no room in which to manoeuvre and also had 5 blocks and induced other turnovers. This is not meant to be criticism of Hildebrand's efforts, but rather more applause for Hannah. We know how quickly Jordan can pile up points.
Speaking of quick scoring, Hannah Swider tallied 13 in just 15:00. Jill Berg was very productive in her 17:00, with 12 pts, 9 rebs, 2 blocks. Myroth, by the way, could've made 3 or 4 more layups against shorter MU guards, but opted to dish off to open teammates.
Millikin needs to work on passing, as they continue to blow several possessions via dubious passes. Their defense isn't a finished product.
I continue to feel that Millikin's immediate future looks very promising, assuming the individuals continue to refine their games. That's not even counting additional help that may arrive next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 30, 2020, 08:17:46 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 30, 2020, 02:11:36 AM
I was at the Millikin-Wheaton rematch and was impressed by Hannah Frazier's nearly flawless performance, including superb defense vs Jordan Hildebrand. Most of the time, Frazier allowed her virtually no room in which to manoeuvre and also had 5 blocks and induced other turnovers. This is not meant to be criticism of Hildebrand's efforts, but rather more applause for Hannah. We know how quickly Jordan can pile up points.
Speaking of quick scoring, Hannah Swider tallied 13 in just 15:00. Jill Berg was very productive in her 17:00, with 12 pts, 9 rebs, 2 blocks. Myroth, by the way, could've made 3 or 4 more layups against shorter MU guards, but opted to dish off to open teammates.


In referencing Jordan Myroth earlier, I forgot to mention the terrific game contributed by Jill Berg.  Both of them have been noticeably more aggressive on the offensive end and have contributed to Wheaton's better scoring output.  Neither one is a particularly natural scorer or shooter like the Hannahs are.  But even if Myroth misses a layup or Berg doesn't convert a post up, their height advantage forces the defense to contend with that difficult matchup which gives more room for Frazier and the others.

Quote from: RogK on January 30, 2020, 02:11:36 AM

Millikin needs to work on passing, as they continue to blow several possessions via dubious passes. Their defense isn't a finished product.
I continue to feel that Millikin's immediate future looks very promising, assuming the individuals continue to refine their games. That's not even counting additional help that may arrive next season.


Agree Rog.  Millikin has put together a nice season so far.  They, like NPU, Illinois Wesleyan, North Central, Carroll, Elmhurst are returning almost everybody whereas Wheaton, Augustana and Carthage will get hurt by graduation.  Carthage really gets hit with Kalis, Woodward, Kaelber, Berrigan which makes this injury filled season so disappointing for the Lady Reds who are now questionable to even make the conference tournament.

Still a lot to play for with a tight race this season.  But next season will be even more so. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 30, 2020, 11:03:57 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2020, 09:52:08 PM
Apparently home court is worth at least 44 points this season!  In B'town, IWU won by 31.  In Chicago, NPU won by 13. :o

Would this be 22?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 11:22:43 AM
GoPerry, your question in #8171 has me stumped, but I promise to work on it for almost as long as it takes! ha
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 06:06:48 PM
standings going into Saturday's contests (Carthage idle) :
9-1 NPU
7-3 WHE
6-3 IWU
5-5 AUG MIL
4-5 NCC
3-7 CRL CTG
2-8 ELM
44 of 72 games complete
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 07:29:01 PM
in the 44 conference games :
average winning score 71.4
average losing score 59.7
median winning score 70-71
median losing score 58
most common winning score 62 (five occurences)
most common losing score 59 (four occurences)
These numbers may be interesting to one person in Uzbekistan or Tajikistan or Mikitastan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2020, 09:07:47 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 30, 2020, 11:03:57 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 29, 2020, 09:52:08 PM
Apparently home court is worth at least 44 points this season!  In B'town, IWU won by 31.  In Chicago, NPU won by 13. :o

Would this be 22?

D'oh!  Yes, but 44 seems more impressive! ::)

After a decade+ of retirement, my stat skills have deteriorated drastically. :(  If I get into any serious statistical debates, I'd better REALLY concentrate! ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 09:09:42 PM
I hope you'll note and give me due credit for not being the one to point it out, Chuck. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2020, 09:14:28 PM
So IWU would win by 9 at a neutral site.
Pat has a lot of nerve making us think this much.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2020, 09:19:28 PM
In the race for MOP, we seem to be right back where we were a week ago - a three-way race among Kendall Sosa, Hannah Frazier, and Jayla Johnson.  Although the award is supposedly an individual award, my impression (I haven't tracked this specifically) is that team success is also a definite factor in voting, and the winner is more often than not the best player on the conference-winning team.  If that is correct, the front-runner currently would have to be Jayla Johnson, but I think it is still quite a wide-open race.

Does anyone recall whether the MOP voting is before or after the conference tourney?  (I seem to recall that the winner is announced at the tourney, in which case voting must precede it, but I'm not sure.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2020, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 09:09:42 PM
I hope you'll note and give me due credit for not being the one to point it out, Chuck. ;)

I will if you can give PROOF that you noted my error! ;D

Quote from: RogK on January 30, 2020, 09:14:28 PM

So IWU would win by 9 at a neutral site.
Pat has a lot of nerve making us think this much.

Pat IS a known sadist in that regard. :o

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 10:46:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 30, 2020, 09:19:28 PM
Does anyone recall whether the MOP voting is before or after the conference tourney?  (I seem to recall that the winner is announced at the tourney, in which case voting must precede it, but I'm not sure.)

Last year the All-CCIW team (including the MOP) was announced on the Tuesday that the CCIW tourney began. The press release came out in the morning, the games were played that night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Peter Nicholson on January 31, 2020, 12:45:09 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2020, 10:46:41 PM

Last year the All-CCIW team (including the MOP) was announced on the Tuesday that the CCIW tourney began. The press release came out in the morning, the games were played that night.

It should be the same this year - the CCIW Women's Basketball Sports Guide (July 2019 version) states that "Coaches will conduct their all-conference voting via conference call on the Monday of the week of the conference tournament at 10 a.m."  Then, "The 'Lori Kerans Most Outstanding Player' is selected from the eight-member first team immediately after the first team voting has been completed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2020, 01:08:17 AM
Thanks, Peter!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2020, 11:43:28 AM
Did we decide whether a player's accomplishments in non-conference games are included in all-conference / MOP contemplation?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Peter Nicholson on February 01, 2020, 12:33:36 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 31, 2020, 11:43:28 AM
Did we decide whether a player's accomplishments in non-conference games are included in all-conference / MOP contemplation?

Since the all-conference players are selected from a list of nominees submitted by the coaches, and there are no published nominating "guidelines" that I'm aware of, perhaps we need to ask the coaches themselves how much weight they give to accomplishments in the non-conference portion of the schedule.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 10:28:25 AM
By the way, welcome to these pages, Peter.
There are likely variations among the coaches' approaches to this issue.
The formula I proposed a year ago disregarded non-conference play. The gist of it was that a team is automatically granted one all-CCIW spot if it won 5-8 conference games, two if it won 9-13, three if it won 14-16. That came from 72 total conference wins / 16 all-CCIW spots = 4.5; there would be leftover open spots to vote on. That formula, although nearly brilliant, was summarily rejected by our fellow writers.
Of course, as I note, it completely ignored non-conference play. Non-conference play matters for making the NCAA tournament, so it should matter in any evaluation of the players involved in that endeavor.
In a few weeks, debates here about who deserves all-CCIW can include quoting conference-only stats or full-season stats. We won't agree to use just one or the other.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 10:54:57 AM
One reason North Park is doing so well is the wide distribution of scoring ability on their roster.
Eight Vikings have scored in double figures (season high is shown) : Jayla J (26), Emily C (21), Lauren L (19), Zakiya N (14), Josie S (14), Sinead M (13), Angelina V (13), Lauryn A G (10).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2020, 11:34:00 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2020, 10:28:25 AM
By the way, welcome to these pages, Peter.
There are likely variations among the coaches' approaches to this issue.
The formula I proposed a year ago disregarded non-conference play. The gist of it was that a team is automatically granted one all-CCIW spot if it won 5-8 conference games, two if it won 9-13, three if it won 14-16. That came from 72 total conference wins / 16 all-CCIW spots = 4.5; there would be leftover open spots to vote on. That formula, although nearly brilliant, was summarily rejected by our fellow writers.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a3/84/6a/a3846aa4f2dab6bcf853c9312525ea68.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 11:40:35 AM
such a lack of disrespect !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2020, 03:47:08 PM
Somewhat surprisingly, the Pioneers led the Titans, 16-15, after 1Q.  The the earth resumed its normal rotation, and the Titans opened up a big lead by taking Q2, 23-9.  For those refusing to do the math, at the half it's IWU 38, Carroll 25.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2020, 04:10:35 PM
Hannah Frazier looks like she doesn't want to give up her MOP status. She has 20 after three quarters at Faganel.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 01, 2020, 04:35:11 PM
Final in Bloomington:  IWU 73, Carroll 57.  Carroll refused to give up (and played the Titans almost dead even in the 2nd half), but they could never cut the deficit to single digits all half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2020, 04:37:18 PM
Wow, Wheaton really dodged a bullet today. Elmhurst came roaring back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 54-54 with 3:54 to go. Wheaton then pulled back out to a seven-point lead, but the 'jays wouldn't go away. After two clutch treys brought them back to within one at 61-60, the 'jays had an opportunity to go ahead in the final half-minute. But they couldn't work a good open look, thanks to some solid D by Wheaton, and Marissa Urso's trey attempt from the right corner was too strong. Hannah Swider rebounded for WC and hit a pair of throws, but the 'jays had one more shot left. Sophia Lathe attempted a fadeaway trey from the left elbow that would've forced overtime, but it rimmed out, and the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance escaped Faganel with a nail-biting win.

Live stats had Hannah Frazier finishing with 25 for Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 06:58:00 PM
Looking at the stats of IWU's 73-57 win over Carroll :
the Titan starting five of Lansford, Shanks, Munroe, Brovelli, Sosa all scored in double figures, up to 13. Sosa had 3 steals, 5 assists. Brovelli had 3 blocks, 4 assists, 9 rebs. Catie Eck had 3 blocks and 2 steals.
Carroll got 10 pts, 5 assists, 2 stls from Emily Majerus. Elizabeth Behrndt grabbed 12 rebs and 4 steals. Looks like Alyssa Cruz was out injured; hopefully she can play again soon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2020, 07:49:56 PM
North Central 63
North Park 59
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:05:35 PM
some stats from the 63-60 Thunder edging of the Bluejays :
Hannah Frazier 25 pts; Hannah Williams 6 assists; Kirsten Madsen 12 pts; Jill Berg 7 pts 8 rebs in 14:00.
For ELM, 13 pts each by Becca Gerke and Courtney O'Donnell; 3 steals each by Gerke, Marissa Urso and Kelly Weyhrich.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2020, 08:05:50 PM
NCC 63, NPU 59

Jayla Johnson: 25 pts, 10 rebs, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 10 pts
Jacki Rapp: 4:1 a:to
Angelina Villasin: 3:1 a:to

Natali Dimitrovich: 17 pts
Maya Walls: 11 pts, 8 rebs
Rebekah Foley: 10 pts, 6 rebs, 3 blks

One of the things that a team has to do to be champions is to show up every night ready to play their A game. None of the current Vikings have ever been in this position all alone atop the standings before, and this was their lesson for today. Since NPU didn't bring it this afternoon, the Vikings ended up learning the lesson the hard way against a stubborn North Central team in the airplane hangar. I was worried that there would be a hangover from Wednesday's big win, especially because NCC had had a bye on Wednesday and thus had a full week to prepare for the Vikings, and it did look like the Vikings were groping for the hair of the dog that bit them at the offensive end. They began the game by shooting everything short, and ended it by blowing lots of layups. In between they never managed to get going offensively, although Jayla Johnson did find her stroke and ended up having a really solid outing. The Cardinals played tough defense, but there were still plenty of open looks for the Vikings -- and they just wouldn't go down.

At the defensive end there was too much playing defense with the hands, not enough with the feet by NPU. Natali Dimitrova and Maya Walls gave the Vikings headaches inside, inducing lots of fouls on Vikings bigs and getting a whole bunch of and-one opportunities. Overall, NCC played like a team that knows it doesn't have a playoff spot secured and is willing to do whatever it takes in order to claim one. NPU played like a team that looked like it didn't know how to play with a lead, either game-wise or standings-wise.

I'm hoping that the Vikings got their wake-up call today. They're going to need one, because the fact of the matter is, first place or not, they do not have really much of a gap in talent at all between them and everybody else. That gap is thin, at best, and arguably doesn't even exist, at worst. The Vikings need to work efficiently and effectively every time that they take the floor in order to win, and they did not do that today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:20:57 PM
I watched some of the NP-NC webcast, but more of the Millikin at Augie game. Greg, did NP test NC's ballhandling with some fullcourt defense at all? I was expecting that, but didn't see it.
I did notice that we had a correspondent on the scene, who may tell us what that was when a fan got to midcourt to presumably complain about something. I think Illinois has a state law specifically protecting refs. It was extremely unwise of that person (she?) to advance onto the court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:46:44 PM
Augie's Mia Lambert hit a late-4th-quarter 3 to tie things, but Millikin won the OT, taking the contest 66-60.
Millikin got 16 pts (.615 eFG%) 7 rebs, 6 assists from Abby Ratsch. Jordan Hildebrand had 13 pts, 9 rebs. Other Big Blue players helped in a variety of ways.
Lauren Hall had 18 rebs for Augie. Alexis Jones seized 15 boards, to go along with her 13 pts and 3 steals.
Mia Lambert finished with 11 pts.
Jeni Crain had a nice or sharp game (maybe both!) scoring 18 via .643 eFG% and had 6 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:55:41 PM
with 2/3 of conference play done :
9-2 NPU
8-3 WHE
7-3 IWU
6-5 MIL
5-5 NCC -- I thought they were more or less kaput earlier in the season
5-6 AUG
3-7 CTG
3-8 CRL
2-9 ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2020, 09:03:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:20:57 PM
I watched some of the NP-NC webcast, but more of the Millikin at Augie game. Greg, did NP test NC's ballhandling with some fullcourt defense at all? I was expecting that, but didn't see it.

NPU did go to the press in the first half in order to change things up and get an energy burst after a slow start, but the Vikings didn't stay with it. The Cardinals did a good job of breaking it, so it didn't really affect anything. NPU did catch and surpass NCC at the end of the half, but the Vikings did that with halfcourt play.

Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:20:57 PM
I did notice that we had a correspondent on the scene, who may tell us what that was when a fan got to midcourt to presumably complain about something. I think Illinois has a state law specifically protecting refs. It was extremely stupid of that person (she?) to advance onto the court.

It was truly bizarre. I've never seen anything like that before. Incidentally, that gray-haired woman who went out onto the floor and yelled at the ref? Never seen her before.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 01, 2020, 09:22:30 PM
   
As Greg said earlier, Wheaton squeaks by Elmhurst 63-60.

Slow / cold start and slow finish for the Thunder.  But they were able to pull it out vs a great Elmhurst effort.  Hannah Frazier carried the team on her back with 25 pts, 5 rebs.  Kirsten Madsen added 12 while Jill Berg led with 8 rebs adding 7 pts.  Hannah Swider had zero points but scored the last 7 pts of the game for  her team, a three and 4 straight free throws to secure the win.

The BlueJays really hung tough and refused to die.  They had a chance to tie and send the game to OT with 7 secs left but couldn't convert.

The NPU loss gives both Wheaton and IWU some hope and the schedule is really getting interesting.  For the Thunder, a critical stretch of 3 games upcoming @ Augie, @ NPU.  And then after a bye, a home date vs IWU.  For the Titans and Vikings, playing @ Millikin is no pushover.  Ditto for NPU finishing out the regular season @ Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 01, 2020, 10:21:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:20:57 PM
I did notice that we had a correspondent on the scene, who may tell us what that was when a fan got to midcourt to presumably complain about something. I think Illinois has a state law specifically protecting refs. It was extremely stupid of that person (she?) to advance onto the court.

It was truly bizarre. I've never seen anything like that before. Incidentally, that gray-haired woman who went out onto the floor and yelled at the ref? Never seen her before.
[/quote]

I'll echo that it's probably the most bizarre thing I've ever seen. I managed to get in shortly before she walked onto the floor when a timeout was called, and I saw Clark Teuscher get right on top of that. She wasn't ejected as far as I could tell, but from what I overheard I guess she said she was on her way out. I did see later NCC campus safety officers talking to her (meaning she really wasn't truly "on her way out.") But beyond that, I don't know exactly what happened.

But between listening to the game on WONC on my drive over, to talking with my dad who got there just before halftime and one or two other people, sounds like both sides were less than pleased with the crew in stripes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2020, 10:26:08 PM
Good win for IWU tonight with all starters in double figures . . . the pink zone game raising money for the local cancer center.

The race tightens . . . 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Peter Nicholson on February 02, 2020, 01:37:59 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 01, 2020, 08:20:57 PM
I watched some of the NP-NC webcast, but more of the Millikin at Augie game. Greg, did NP test NC's ballhandling with some fullcourt defense at all? I was expecting that, but didn't see it.
I did notice that we had a correspondent on the scene, who may tell us what that was when a fan got to midcourt to presumably complain about something. I think Illinois has a state law specifically protecting refs. It was extremely stupid of that person (she?) to advance onto the court.

I was at the NP-NCC game.  The fan in question is one of the parents of North Park's Josie Summerville, visiting from Adairsville, GA.  She was vocally displeased with the officials for most of the game before entering the court to complain in person, as it were.  I thought Rhonda Mont, the official directly concerned, showed great restraint in neither asking that Mary Summerville be ejected from the arena, nor assessing North Park an Administrative Technical Foul (2 FT, resume play at point of interruption).  As Lucas has posted, NCC Police were summoned and had a chat with Mary subsequently.  She was still in the building after the game and was allowed(?) to visit with her daughter, albeit with the Police watching.  I don't know what happened after that.

The officials otherwise had a busy night, calling 43 fouls (28 on NP; 15 on NCC) and administering 51 free throws (35 by NCC).  In fact, NP won the game from the field by 5 points and it was the free throw disparity that provided the winning margin for NCC, though the Cardinals shot only 57% from the line.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2020, 05:17:39 AM
Thinking about all-conference :

I think we'd all concur that Jayla Johnson, Hannah Frazier, Kendall Sosa and Alexis Jones are complete "locks" for 1st team.

Autumn Kalis and Sammie Woodward are all-conf, at least one on 1st team.

Sydney Shanks and Riley Brovelli are very likely for all-CCIW.

Not sure Elmhurst gets an 1st teamer, but for 2nd maybe Kelly Weyhrich (one of my faves to watch in the entire CCIW). Kween Jean is in a slump, but has excelled several times. Many Bluejays have had fine games, but not always.

Zakiya Newsome is probably my next selection from NP.

Allison Pearson has come on strong and is NC's most likely honoree.

I'm not sure who's next in line from Wheaton and North Park; so many have done well here and there.

Also not sure about Carroll. Others from Augie? Let's see who excels down the stretch run.

Jordan Hildebrand and Abby Ratsch are very appropriate choices from Millikin, I think.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2020, 04:32:59 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 02, 2020, 05:17:39 AM
I'm not sure who's next in line from Wheaton and North Park; so many have done well here and there.

I'm not sure that NPU gets a third player on besides Johnson and Newsome. But if the unofficial quota system demands a third Viking besides Jayla and Zakiya, I suppose that Emily Czuhajewski would get the nod for a spot on the second team. She's still a work in progress in terms of her overall game, but there's no denying that her shooting from beyond the arc has been a difference-maker in several games for NPU this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2020, 07:45:40 PM
I like your thinking, Greg. Any team would be better with an E Czuhajewski, or four of her!
I abbreviate her first name because it's just too difficult to spell.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2020, 11:00:55 AM
I'm favoring Jayla Johnson by a slim margin over Hannah Frazier for Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2020, 12:17:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2020, 11:00:55 AM
I'm favoring Jayla Johnson by a slim margin over Hannah Frazier for Player of the Week.

JJ nudges out HF on stats:  24 ppg vs 22 ppg, 7 reb/g vs 6 reb/g... asst, stls, blks, to's kind of wash.  Wheaton's 2-0 week vs NPU 1-1 might tip it to HF.
 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2020, 04:30:26 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 03, 2020, 12:17:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 03, 2020, 11:00:55 AM
I'm favoring Jayla Johnson by a slim margin over Hannah Frazier for Player of the Week.

JJ nudges out HF on stats:  24 ppg vs 22 ppg, 7 reb/g vs 6 reb/g... asst, stls, blks, to's kind of wash.  Wheaton's 2-0 week vs NPU 1-1 might tip it to HF.


I was about to echo your response by saying that Frazier would probably edge out Johnson due to the fact that NPU lost last week -- usually a killer to a player's POW hopes -- and WC swept its pair of games.

Then I clicked on the CCIW site and saw this:

https://cciw.org/news/2020/2/3/untitled-story.aspx

Shows what I know. :D Congrats to Jayla Johnson!

(I suspect that Jayla might've edged out Hannah F. for POW because of the magnitude of last Wednesday's NPU win over Illinois Wesleyan in the crackerbox. Or maybe it's a make-up call for Week Five, when Johnson clearly deserved the award but it was given instead to Jordan Hildebrand, in spite of the fact that Millikin only played one game that week and NPU played two.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2020, 05:08:03 PM
POW awards are as close as we can come to reading the tea leaves in terms of MOP. Hannah Frazier, Jayla Johnson, and Kendall Sosa have now won it three times each, with Jordan Hildebrand, Alexis Jones, and Sammie Woodward each winning it once.

I don't see any clear front-runner between Frazier, Johnson, and Sosa. I think that the fact that Frazier is a senior works in her favor, while Johnson's sophomore status works against her. But the final standings could be a determining factor as well, and at the moment the standings favor Johnson.

I think that we'll have to wait and see if any of the three of them climbs to a higher level or falls back over the final three weeks, because right now I don't think that it can be sorted out as to whether Frazier, Johnson, or Sosa is likely to win the award.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2020, 05:41:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2020, 05:08:03 PM
POW awards are as close as we can come to reading the tea leaves in terms of MOP. Hannah Frazier, Jayla Johnson, and Kendall Sosa have now won it three times each, with Jordan Hildebrand, Alexis Jones, and Sammie Woodward each winning it once.

I don't see any clear front-runner between Frazier, Johnson, and Sosa. I think that the fact that Frazier is a senior works in her favor, while Johnson's sophomore status works against her. But the final standings could be a determining factor as well, and at the moment the standings favor Johnson.

I think that we'll have to wait and see if any of the three of them climbs to a higher level or falls back over the final three weeks, because right now I don't think that it can be sorted out as to whether Frazier, Johnson, or Sosa is likely to win the award.

Totally agree with that assessment - although I would say that Kendall Sosa is probably a close third.  (Hold on '70, Ypsi!)  Sosa is leading or among the leaders in the scoring categories and maybe that's all that's needed.  But Frazier and Johnson also rank highly offensively but are also among the leaders in rebounding and some of the defensive and other stats.  It really might come down to whoever wins the league which favors Johnson > Frazier > Sosa  . . . as things stand right now.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2020, 09:28:49 PM
Thanks for all the assessment, views on MOP.  I'm willing to wait for the final 5-7 games to see who rises to the top for MOP.  All three players mentioned very outstanding this season, deserving of the award.  Of course, I'm hoping Kendall Sosa has several huge games in upcoming weeks, esp. if the TITANS get to the AQ game in the CCIW tourney.  It's been a fun season . . . with MU and NPU now clearly coming up strongly.  WC and IWU maintaining their strong standing and programs.  IWU has the edge going forward as only losing Shanks.  Some great young players in the league now.  Of course, IWU will be glad to see Frazier exit via graduation!  :)   

All best from an empty, closed and on-edge campus and city.  My beloved CUHK campus now a kind of quasi-quarantine zone, self-imposed, hoping to avoid a "community outbreak" of the coronavirus.  We are closed, doing all teaching and advising at distance, online, until at least March 2nd.  Hong Kong in a bizarre and surreal time . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 03, 2020, 09:41:08 PM
New poll is up, and conference shutout again.  After beating IWU on Wednesday, I thought NPU would get a few votes - then they immediately lost to NCC.  National recognition is sacrificed when a conference goes and gets some parity! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2020, 09:57:32 PM
iwu70, best wishes to you and everyone on that side of the Pacific. Hopefully, the relevant scientists can solve the coronavirus peril. And, hopefully, governments will implement wise policies.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2020, 11:29:05 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 03, 2020, 09:28:49 PMIt's been a fun season . . . with MU and NPU now clearly coming up strongly.  WC and IWU maintaining their strong standing and programs.  IWU has the edge going forward as only losing Shanks.

"IWU has the edge?" If you're only comparing IWU and Wheaton head-to-head, perhaps. Wheaton not only loses Frazier, it loses Myroth, Demski, Berg, and San Jule as well from the rotation. Kent Madsen is going to be plugging in several players in 2020-21 who have little or no experience. But, as you said, NPU and Millikin are "clearly coming up strongly." The Big Blue don't appear to be quite ready to be included in the top tier yet, but the Vikings clearly are already there.

And Millikin and North Park will lose less than Illinois Wesleyan will, let alone Wheaton. The Big Blue will have to do without Briana Anthony next season, who is one of the seven MU players who see the lion's share of playing time. She's a decent player, but she's hardly irreplaceable. NPU doesn't lose much in terms of players who see a lot of the court, either, as reserves Alisha Panthier and Angelina Villasin, who average less than 24 minutes per game between the two of them, are the only seniors on the roster. And, like Anthony, they're not the big statistical producers that Sydney Shanks is. They combine for 7.6 ppg and 5 rpg; Anthony provides 7.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Millikin. Shanks averages 12.6 ppg and 6.1 rpg and plays nearly 33 mpg, as she's been on the court more than anyone in the league this season aside from Woodward and Kalis from Carthage and Jones from Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2020, 02:56:34 AM
Thanks, RogK, much appreciated. We are on edge here, hoping for no community outbreak of this "devil virus" into the dense Hong Kong community. 

IWU does lose Shanks, and that is significant for sure, but all the other players are back, esp. that current strong junior class of Sosa, Brovelli, Munro, Lowis etc.  Some others will need to step up to replace Shanks' scoring, rebounding and consistency.  Very likely Lansford.  Hopefully some good new recruits.  I think Heller likely joins the starters.  Seems the next year or two might be NPU vs. IWU as the top of the league competition.  I expect MU to improve further.

'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 04, 2020, 08:44:29 AM
Wheaton, Carthage, and to some extent Augustana get hit very hard by graduation.  All the other teams bring back practically everyone and lose nobody that is "All-American irreplaceable" quality.

As I've said in earlier posts, I think this season is more fun and interesting from a Conference race standpoint.  I obviously have my team allegiances but I appreciate the enhanced competitiveness.  Unlike previous seasons, the deeper parity means there are few easy road games between, say, the top 6 teams.  A Wheaton team traveling to Rock Island tomorrow to play Augustana is not a foregone conclusion any less than 1st pl NPU playing @ 5th pl NCC was on Saturday.  If NPU finishes atop by winning @ Millikin and @ Augustana to close it out, they will be deserved hosts for the conf tourney - provided they take care of business up to then.

Even so, with alot of young teams, next season might be even better.  (But let's finish up this one first.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2020, 10:12:37 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 04, 2020, 02:56:34 AMSeems the next year or two might be NPU vs. IWU as the top of the league competition.

Never underestimate Wheaton, Mark. Even though Kent Madsen will have to replace a lot of minutes and a lot of production, there is a long and proven track record there between him and Beth Baker that supports the thesis that he will have the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance right back in the title hunt next season. This league has sponsored women's basketball for 34 years now, and in all but two of them (2007-08 and 2009-10) Wheaton has finished in the top four of the league, and more often than not it's been in the top two. That is an amazing legacy that is not approached by any other program in the CCIW. Plus, Wheaton's won four of the last five CCIW titles, which means that the roster has completely turned over during that span. In other words, the old cliché, "They don't rebuild, they reload," is more than apt to describe Wheaton women's basketball.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 04, 2020, 08:44:29 AM
Wheaton, Carthage, and to some extent Augustana get hit very hard by graduation.  All the other teams bring back practically everyone and lose nobody that is "All-American irreplaceable" quality.

As I've said in earlier posts, I think this season is more fun and interesting from a Conference race standpoint.  I obviously have my team allegiances but I appreciate the enhanced competitiveness.  Unlike previous seasons, the deeper parity means there are few easy road games between, say, the top 6 teams.  A Wheaton team traveling to Rock Island tomorrow to play Augustana is not a foregone conclusion any less than 1st pl NPU playing @ 5th pl NCC was on Saturday.  If NPU finishes atop by winning @ Millikin and @ Augustana to close it out, they will be deserved hosts for the conf tourney - provided they take care of business up to then.

Even so, with alot of young teams, next season might be even better.  (But let's finish up this one first.)

Well said, GP. I agree on all points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2020, 12:22:06 PM
Among Wednesday's games is the rematch of this atypical contest from Dec 4 :
                   1     2     3     4       F
North Park   17    0    17    28     62
Carroll         11   20   16     7      54
- - -
NPU's 45 pt 2nd half included 34 pts from three Vikes : Jayla Johnson (19 in 20:00), Emily Czuhajewski (8 in 18:00) and Josie Summerville (7 in 13:00).
A question for tomorrow, is North Park dominant to the point that their play will determine the outcome, regardless of Carroll's efforts?
Maybe a more direct issue is, does Carroll have anyone who can stick to Jayla J defensively? Or perhaps a double-team of Jayla, allowing Summerville additional lowpost scoring opportunities?
Czuhajewski and Carroll's Theresa Wichser are in the elite level of 3FG shooters, requiring constant defensive attention (while they're in the game, anyway).
Of course, other players from either team can be prominent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2020, 12:51:10 PM
the other pre-match scores were :
NCC 68, CTG 57 (Coach McCloskey-Bax again tries to bite the hand that used to feed her; for you non-CCIW readers, she was assistant coach at Carthage for several years)
WHE 84, AUG 80 (Augie gets 36 in 4th Q)
IWU 71, ELM 46 (44-23 IWU 2nd half)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2020, 11:23:02 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2020, 12:51:10 PM
the other pre-match scores were :
NCC 68, CTG 57 (Coach McCloskey-Bax again tries to bite the hand that used to feed her; for you non-CCIW readers, she was assistant coach at Carthage for several years)

She's 2-1 against her former team so far, which is pretty good considering the caliber of program Carthage is. My favorite stat: she's undefeated in games involving North Central at Tarble Arena going into tonight's matchup (NCC's win in Kenosha last year was their first since something like 2006 if memory serves).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2020, 01:18:30 PM
Massey sez:

Wheaton 68, @ Augustana 66 (WC 53%, AC 47%)
@ North Park 69, Carroll 59 (NPU 80%, CU 20%)
@ Illinois Wesleyan 75, Elmhurst 57 (IWU 95%, EC 5%)
@ Carthage 65, North Central 59 (CC 66%, NCC 34%)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2020, 04:57:21 PM
Massey sez:

Wheaton 68, @ Augustana 66 (WC 53%, AC 47%)

The Thunder ladies will have to come out aggressive, ready to play and start much faster than their last couple outings vs Millikin and @Elmhurst.  Over reliance on Hannah Frazier won't work meaning someone else must step up and score.  Wheaton has to win tonight for Saturday's game to really matter. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2020, 05:45:03 PM
In that original Augie - Wheaton game, both teams were superb from 3 pt distance.
The Thunder were 15/30 and the Vikings hit 14/22.
The Massey formula doesn't expect that to happen again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 05, 2020, 07:09:25 PM
Per the Titan athletic website:

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's basketball team's game against Elmhurst College originally scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday night, Feb. 5, has been moved to Thursday, Feb. 6, due to travel issues. Tipoff is tentatively slated for 5 p.m. inside the Shirk Center upon confirmation of officials.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2020, 09:31:15 PM
Carthage 70, NCC 45

I flipped the game on to see the Lady Reds called timeout down 7-0 just over two minutes in, but they quickly flipped the script, with the stretch an extended 19-0 spanning the first two quarters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2020, 10:03:31 PM
North Park 70
Carroll 65

Jayla Johnson: 24 pts, 12 rebs, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 10 pts, 6 stls
Angelina Villasin: 4:2 a:to

Sierra Grubor: 15 pts
Kayla Stefka: 12 pts
Alyssa Cruz: 3 stls

It looked more like a November game than a February game in the crackerbox tonight, as NPU turned over the ball 25 times and Carroll coughed it up 26 times. Some of it was good defense by both teams, but a lot of it was unforced errors; the Vikings in particular had a problem with overthrowing their passes. But it all came out in the wash, as the Vikings left an ugly first half of shooting behind them and erased a ten-point halftime deficit, thanks to some timely treys from Zakiya Newsome and Emily Czuhajewski and another statement performance from Jayla Johnson.

There's no column in the standings for style points, so all that matters is that NPU toughed it out and finished with the W.

Now comes Saturday and another colossal showdown, this time against a wounded and dangerous Wheaton team that is in dire need of a win after losing in the QC tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2020, 10:38:07 PM
That was my first in-person Carroll game of the season; it reinforced the view that there are no crummy teams in the CCIW this season.
North Park turned up the intensity in the 3rd Q and sped ahead of the Pios. As Greg noted, kind of sloppy play by both teams.
Carroll has a good amount of talent spread among its young roster, giving them reason for optimism in coming seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2020, 10:49:32 PM
in the Carthage drubbing of North Central :
CTG - Sammie Woodward (.792 eFG%) 21 pts, 6 rebs, 7 assists;
Nansy Velev 10 pts, 3 steals
NCC - Allison Pearson 11 pts; Natali Dimitrova 7 pts from just 3 shots (so why didn't she shoot 30 times?)
---
Was it iwu70 who assured us that IWU would not defeat Elmhurst on Wednesday?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2020, 11:01:43 PM
Augustana 79 Wheaton 66 :
AUG -- Mia Lambert led all scorers with 22; also nice work by Alexis Jones (15 pts 14 rebs) and Lauren Hall (13 pts 11 rebs). Macy Beinborn scored 10.
WHE -- Kirsten Madsen 13 pts, 7 rebs, 3 assists; 13 pts by Hannah Williams and 12 by Hannah Frazier.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2020, 11:12:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 05, 2020, 11:01:43 PM
Augustana 79 Wheaton 66 :
AUG -- Mia Lambert led all scorers with 22; also nice work by Alexis Jones (15 pts 14 rebs) and Lauren Hall (13 pts 11 rebs). Macy Beinborn scored 10.
WHE -- Kirsten Madsen 13 pts, 7 rebs, 3 assists; 13 pts by Hannah Williams and 12 by Hannah Frazier.

Credit to Augustana for going out and getting the W.  50-50 after 3 quarters and the Vikes proceed to shoot 9/12 from the field including 3 triples.  Meanwhile the Thunder go 4/18 in the quarter.  Familiar issues with lack of scoring.

Wheaton really missed the rebounding and defense of Jordan Myroth who was in civies - injury I guess.  That left Hannah Williams trying to guard Alexis Jones and when that wasn't going well, Hannah Frazier.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 06, 2020, 11:18:01 AM
The Titan athletic website has updated the rescheduled time. Tip off between IWU and Elmhurst is now set at 6:00 tonight (Thursday).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2020, 07:41:38 PM
IWU 37 EC 25, at the half.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 06, 2020, 08:43:39 PM
Final is IWU 85, Elmhurst 67.  Catie Eck had 23 pts in only 19 minutes, including 11 for 11 from the line.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2020, 08:43:58 PM
IWU keeps pace, wins at home over EC, 85-67.  In the lead all the way . . .

IWU:
Eck (a great offensive evening), 23,  11-11 FTs
Sosa 16
Lansford 9
Shanks 8
Brovelli 8 rebs.

EC:
O'Donnell 21
Miller 9
Urso 8 and 6

Important re-match now at home, vs. Augie, on Saturday.  Short rest.  Gotta have all these home games.

Eck really developing into a very effective offensive threat.

The IWU freshmen pine-sitters, getting some nice minutes tonight.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2020, 09:43:05 PM
Yes, quite a game by Eck, missing only two shots total on her way to 23 pts; also got 4 steals.
Three blocks, three steals for Brovelli, while Elmhurst's Weyhrich nabbed 5 steals.
The revised conference standings :
10-2 NPU
8-3 IWU
8-4 WHE
6-5 MIL
6-6 AUG
5-6 NCC
4-7 CTG
3-9 CRL
2-10 ELM
five rounds to go
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2020, 11:04:17 PM
Should Catie Eck keep playing like this, stay strong and healthy, she has a good chance to move into the starting line-up next season, when Shanks departs via graduation.  I earlier thought Heller, but may have to change my mind.  Heller, Bowen and Lowis off the bench next year, still a pretty strong rotation.  Brovelli, Sosa, Lansford and Munroe all return. 

Shanks has been such a steady, productive player throughout.  Senior night for her on Saturday, vs. Augie.  She will be greatly missed.  Such a hard-worker, so fit and strong . . . and handling a nursing major on top of it all.  I'm so impressed, so admire her contribution to IWU women's basketball.  Thank you Sydney.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 07, 2020, 08:56:29 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2020, 11:04:17 PM
Should Catie Eck keep playing like this, stay strong and healthy, she has a good chance to move into the starting line-up next season, when Shanks departs via graduation.

IWU'70

Yeah. Catie Eck has shown the ability to drive to the hoop this year (and shoot over the defender when she's in the paint). In last night's game, she drove in, and the defender set up to take a charge. But Catie just slightly adjusted her step and, well, she's so thin she just slid past the defender, barely brushing her. And she still has her bread-and-butter 3 point shot.

The unusual thing about last night's game was Coach Smith. She's conservative, and she has a practice of not bringing in the beach warmers unless she's ahead by 25 with only 2 minutes left. But last night, she rotated some beach warmers in the first half. I almost fell out of my seat (but the Shirk Center has those new fancy chair seats with arm rests, so I was saved). And then she got the whole beach involved early in the 2nd half. Maybe she's seeing their potential in practice, or maybe she's getting push back from parents...I donno. But as a spectator, it's a lot more fun to see the whole bench get quality playing time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: duckfan41 on February 07, 2020, 01:22:01 PM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 07, 2020, 08:56:29 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2020, 11:04:17 PM
Should Catie Eck keep playing like this, stay strong and healthy, she has a good chance to move into the starting line-up next season, when Shanks departs via graduation.

IWU'70

Yeah. Catie Eck has shown the ability to drive to the hoop this year (and shoot over the defender when she's in the paint). In last night's game, she drove in, and the defender set up to take a charge. But Catie just slightly adjusted her step and, well, she's so thin she just slid past the defender, barely brushing her. And she still has her bread-and-butter 3 point shot.

The unusual thing about last night's game was Coach Smith. She's conservative, and she has a practice of not bringing in the beach warmers unless she's ahead by 25 with only 2 minutes left. But last night, she rotated some beach warmers in the first half. I almost fell out of my seat (but the Shirk Center has those new fancy chair seats with arm rests, so I was saved). And then she got the whole beach involved early in the 2nd half. Maybe she's seeing their potential in practice, or maybe she's getting push back from parents...I donno. But as a spectator, it's a lot more fun to see the whole bench get quality playing time.

Sorry if this is blunt, but I don't think Mia Smith, or any college coach for any sport cares at all what the parents think about playing time or anything else regarding game decisions/strategy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2020, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: duckfan41 on February 07, 2020, 01:22:01 PM
Sorry if this is blunt, but I don't think Mia Smith, or any college coach for any sport cares at all what the parents think about playing time or anything else regarding game decisions/strategy.

This.

If you're letting parents influence your rotation and/or your tactics, you are not going to be a head coach for very long.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 07, 2020, 04:12:41 PM
I think you're right about the parents issue, but I know for sure that some college coaches are very concerned about distributing playing time (not at any reasonable risk of a game, to be sure) as liberally as possible.  Limits injury risk to the best players, builds the bench and maximizes morale.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2020, 08:05:09 PM
Plus, it's a long long season, tough on starters, esp. if they are playing major minutes like IWU's starting five do.  Great if they can rest, play fewer minutes before some big games upcoming -- i.e. Augie on Saturday, then MU and WC.  Key games for the regular season conference race.    Plus, great to see some players develop and come on as key contributors. Heller, Eck, Bown and Lowis, have all done this.   I don't think Mia Smith makes decisions based on parents' opinions or pressure, but she sure wants to develop some of these freshmen and sophomores for next year.  Heller, Bowen, and Eck are all keys to the future of the IWU program.  Luckily, IWU only loses Shanks to graduation, so the core of this year's very successful team returns, even 8-9 deep, and that doesn't take into account any outstanding newbies that may join IWU as freshmen soon.  We don't really know what some of the deeper pine-sitters can contribute as yet either.   I don't know how far this team will go this year, but they sure have the talent and the pieces to go even further next year, IMHO. 

Sydney Shanks has been outstanding -- athletically, academically, and in terms of leadership.  Congratulations to her on her fine IWU career.  She will be missed.  Syd, good luck with all future endeavors after graduation.  You have done it right, "victory with honor."  Thank you.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2020, 10:49:36 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 07, 2020, 04:12:41 PM
I think you're right about the parents issue, but I know for sure that some college coaches are very concerned about distributing playing time (not at any reasonable risk of a game, to be sure) as liberally as possible.  Limits injury risk to the best players, builds the bench and maximizes morale.

Well, of course. There are plenty of different ideas in coaching circles about how to distribute playing time. But the point that duckfan and I are making is that none of them have anything to do with coaches allowing themselves to be coerced into distributing them a certain way.

Getting back to tomorrow's games ... I don't suppose that the Wheaton folks are going to disclose ahead of time whether or not Jordan Myroth will be in uniform at NPU, will you? ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 08, 2020, 11:19:16 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2020, 10:49:36 PM

Getting back to tomorrow's games ... I don't suppose that the Wheaton folks are going to disclose ahead of time whether or not Jordan Myroth will be in uniform at NPU, will you? ;)

This I have no insider knowledge I'm afraid.  But I hope for Jordan's sake and for the team that she's healthy and can go.

'70, Ypsi, and Ultimate . . . feel free to wear your orange tonight . . . don't be ashamed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 11:53:41 AM
Wheaton is 13-0 when opponents score under 66. Otherwise, Wheaton is 2-6.
Oddly, they are 15-0 when scoring more than the opponent. (har har)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 04:18:05 PM
Carroll topped Marian 70-30 today in Fond du Lac WI.
Not that Carroll played a flawless game : they committed 25 TOs. Marian committed 35.
Carroll got 3 steals each by Kate Christian, Katie Evans and Alyssa Cruz.
Subbing by both teams was profuse, resulting in only one player scoring in double figures, Carroll's Kayla Stefka with 13 pts in 15:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2020, 05:08:42 PM
Jordan Myroth is a scratch again. She's wearing a boot. No idea how long she's going to be out, but she's out today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 08, 2020, 06:39:55 PM
Halftime in B'town - Titans up 44-26.  They won the first Q, 16-13, then blew their doors off with a 28-13 2Q.

Sosa already has 15 points - she just might be heading for her 4th POW. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2020, 08:01:02 PM
Wheaton 58
North Park 54

Josie Summerville: 10 pts, 10 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 3:1 a:to
Emily Czuhajewski: 3:1 a:to

Hannah Frazier: 24 pts, 11 rebs, 3 blks
Kirsten Madsen: 14 pts

On a day when both teams were ice-cold on offense, NPU was ice-coldier. Unfortunately, the Vikings couldn't turn to Jayla Johnson to bail them out the way she usually does; she had an awful day, shooting 2-9 from the field before fouling out after only 16 minutes on the floor. That was the difference in the game; Wheaton got what it needed from its superstar forward, which I suppose is the difference between relying upon a senior to carry your water in a huge game and relying upon a sophomore. Oh, well, Jayla will have plenty of days that she owns in the future. The Vikings never quit and had their usual terrific work rate, but the offensive juice just wasn't there for them down the stretch.

Wheaton didn't miss Jordan Myroth one bit, as little-used Zoe Nordling took her role and her minutes and played terrific basketball. There's one Wheaton player who hasn't seen much time this year who should be a pretty big deal for the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance next season.

Lead's down to a half-game over Wesleyan now, but NPU can't dwell upon that. It's time for this young Vikings team to shrug off this loss and focus on the task at hand, which is Carthage in the crackerbox on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 08:57:34 PM
not much to add to Greg's report ... Wheaton controlled the tempo for a majority of the game ... NP's Lauren Lee sure was a calm FT shooter ... Wheaton paid better attention to Emily C than when she poured in 21 in the NP win at Wheaton.
If these teams face each other in the CCIW tourney, or the NCAA tourney, who knows what to expect?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2020, 10:08:41 PM
I won't expect NPU to have to play 24 minutes with Jayla Johnson cooling her heels on the bench, that's for sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 10:30:52 PM
After what had to be a nauseating 17-16 1st half, Carthage upended Millikin in Decatur, 58-49.
The Lady Reds enjoyed the return (from injury) of Autumn Kalis, who scored 21 and added 4 steals. Maggie Berigan had 4 blocks and 10 pts. Sammie Woodward scored 17.
Millikin couldn't accomplish a whole lot, although Miranda Fox did alright with 10 pts, 7 rebs, 3 assists, 2 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 10:41:48 PM
Elmhurst returned to the win column with a 65-56 decision at North Central.
The 'jays got 18 pts, 11 rebs by Courtney O'Donnell, 10 pts 10 rebs by Becca Gerke, 11 pts from Marissa Urso, 7 assists 9 pts (1 missed shot) by Kelly Weyhrich.
The Cardinals got 19 pts 4 assists from Allison Pearson, while Maya Walls scored 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 08, 2020, 10:56:17 PM
Coach Smith back to normal tonight. Despite domination early on, bench warmers don't get in until 1:36 left in the game. Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining. I'm not sure if I really care. It was just SO unusual for her to rotate the bench early in the Elmhurst game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 11:02:51 PM
IWU 83, AUG 57 :
A bunch of Titans registered notable stats -- Brooke Lansford 15 pts (.833 eFG%) 3 stls, Kendall Sosa 15 pts, Samantha Munroe 14 pts 5 assists, Riley Brovelli 11 pts 8 rebs 5 assists, Sydney Shanks 4 stls 7 rebs
For Augie, Alexis Jones 13 pts 10 rebs 4 assists 3 stls, Gabriela Loiz 12 pts (.667 eFG%) 5 rebs, Mia Lambert 11 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2020, 11:19:45 PM
with 56 of 72 conference games done :
10-3 NPU
9-3 IWU
9-4 WHE
6-6 MIL
6-7 AUG
5-7 CTG NCC
3-9 CRL
3-10 ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 08, 2020, 11:58:11 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2020, 08:01:02 PM

Wheaton didn't miss Jordan Myroth one bit, as little-used Zoe Nordling took her role and her minutes and played terrific basketball. There's one Wheaton player who hasn't seen much time this year who should be a pretty big deal for the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance next season.

Lead's down to a half-game over Wesleyan now, but NPU can't dwell upon that. It's time for this young Vikings team to shrug off this loss and focus on the task at hand, which is Carthage in the crackerbox on Wednesday.

Nobody will mistake that game for anything high efficiency as both teams really struggled on the offensive end. 

Tough to say if Myroth was missed or not.  But I was really glad to see Nordling get more minutes(23 min) than she got at Augie(9 ).  She definitely brought some energy and was not afraid to shoot and score.  She did a good job managing the offense and taking care of the ball.  I'm glad to see Madsen trying somebody else because some of the seniors just aren't delivering enough offensively or defensively.  For the same reason I'd like to see more of Bonnie Zeller and Taylor Sanders.

It's probably not best to have to wait a whole week for the next game vs IWU.  Wheaton really needs to win that one to get the season sweep and the tie-breaker with NPU.  With Carthage having both Sammie Woodward and Autumn Kalis back, the Vikes next game is certainly less of a given home win.  The Lady Reds are also fighting for a CCIW tournament spot.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2020, 09:09:25 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 08, 2020, 06:39:55 PM
Sosa already has 15 points - she just might be heading for her 4th POW. ;)

Nope. Don't see that happening. I'm pretty sure that it'll be Hannah Frazier winning her fourth POW when Mike Krizman announces it tomorrow. Even though Wheaton split this week, Jayla Johnson set the relevant precedent by winning the award last week despite NPU only going 1-1 -- and that's because she came up big and led her team to victory in the league's biggest game of the week, the IWU @ NPU game. Same dealio with Hannah Frazier this time around; her 24 and 11 at NPU yesterday was easily the signature performance of the week in the circuit's biggest game of the week.

I'll go one step further and say that Frazier is now the player to beat for MOP. Nevertheless, there's plenty of ball left to be played over the final two weeks that can change that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2020, 09:36:06 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2020, 08:57:34 PMWheaton paid better attention to Emily C than when she poured in 21 in the NP win at Wheaton.

That's true of everybody, though. The entire league has done better against her of late, as they've all seen her, watched the film, and have figured out how to defend her. Emily went 24-49 (.490) in her first seven CCIW games, and she's gone 7-25 (.280) in her last six. Not only is that a reduction of over twenty percent in her accuracy, it means that she's only shooting about half as many attempts despite playing roughly the same amount of minutes. She's having to take deeper trey attempts because they're the only open shots she has, and her shooting percentage is suffering for it. Every opponent in the league is putting somebody right up in her grill every moment that NPU has the ball, and they never leave her to play help or to double up on somebody else.

Basketball is a game of adjustments, especially for first-year players, and Emily needs to adjust. NPU doesn't run the kind of offense that sets screens for perimeter shooters, only ball screens for drivers; the sets are based upon spacing and ball movement, and the problem with the hot-and-cold Vikings offense is that they don't circulate and reverse the ball as quickly as they ought to in order to get Emily some space. Nor do Vikings drivers look to kick out, which would be another way to get Emily some good looks. So Emily's on her own in terms of finding a way to get herself open shots. Some of that means taking advantage of all that face-guarding by driving to the basket, which she is starting to do more (she did it several times yesterday against Wheaton, f'rinstance). That comes with confidence; she's been tentative about exercising other aspects of her game until now, and it's good to see her starting to break out of that. Another thing that she needs to do is to take some initiative in clearing space for herself. She has a slow release; learning how to speed up her shot without sacrificing accuracy is key. She should also learn a stepback move or a shotfake-and-sidestep move. Toby Marek from the men's team could teach her the former; he's developed a stepback trey move this season that is a thing of beauty (it was prominently on display in yesterday's men's game against Wheaton).

But her teammates need to do their part to help her out as well by moving the ball more quickly around the perimeter and by looking to kick out to her when they drive. Emily Czuhajewski is too good an offensive weapon to let go to waste, especially on a team that often bogs down on offense when Jayla Johnson is off the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2020, 02:41:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2020, 10:30:52 PM
After what had to be a nauseating 17-16 1st half

Nausea is in the gullet of the beholder. ;) I'm sure that Tim Bernero wasn't nauseated to be in the lead at halftime at the Griz.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 08, 2020, 11:58:11 PMWith Carthage having both Sammie Woodward and Autumn Kalis back, the Vikes next game is certainly less of a given home win.  The Lady Reds are also fighting for a CCIW tournament spot.

I'm very impressed with what Carthage has done in the past week, because I really had written off the Lady Reds. After they were crushed by Carroll by 36 points for their sixth straight loss, it appeared that the Lady Reds were simply too depleted by injury to do anything other than stagger to the finish line at the end of the season. But this week Tim and his ladies regrouped, smashed North Central by 25, and then took down Millikin by nine in Decatur. That's a good week's work in this league for any team, let alone a team that has struggled as mightily as Carthage has. And, remember, Carthage didn't have Autumn Kalis back yet when the Lady Reds administered that beatdown of NCC at Tarble. Trust me, NPU is going to take Wednesday's game with the utmost seriousness.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2020, 03:59:59 PM
From the play-by-play, I count 23 turnovers in that 17-16 1st half.
A 33:23 pts/TO ratio would at least cause discerning fans to wash their eyes during intermission.
Maybe none actually spat up. Hopefully no one "left it all on the floor" in that manner.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2020, 04:13:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 09, 2020, 03:59:59 PM
From the play-by-play, I count 23 turnovers in that 17-16 1st half.

What's that old Al Davis quote? "Just win, baby!"

Winning on the road in this league against a good team is hard enough without demanding that style points go with it. ;)

Quote from: RogK on February 09, 2020, 03:59:59 PMA 33:23 pts/TO ratio would at least cause discerning fans to wash their eyes during intermission.
Maybe none actually spat up. Hopefully no one "left it all on the floor" in that manner.  ;D

LOL!

I'm not saying that I'd want to watch a game that sloppy, myself. It's just that I don't think that Tim Bernero was reaching for the ipecac when he walked off the court at the Griz with the halftime lead against a Millikin team that we've all come to acknowledge is pretty darned good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2020, 04:27:33 PM
IPECAC ?
Ain't that the Impractical Polysyllabic Educational Collegiate Athletic Conference ?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2020, 05:08:45 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relatably.com%2Fm%2Fimg%2Fnice-memes%2Fa606e91ba83f223e86a72ec71de81ef89595f7e0e0c50c31d919eefa672f0072.jpg&hash=1572f6b2c90679238a35e807d47a2cbc660a176e)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2020, 05:15:14 PM
Incidentally, GoPerry sits at 999 posts and all-conference status.
Is all-region recognition expected with #1000?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2020, 08:55:55 PM
With Carroll's Saturday win, the composite CCIW record in non-conference games is settled at 51-30 (.630).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on February 10, 2020, 02:01:40 AM
Hey Rog

Well  the senior and the Seven Freshman almost did it. They had Transy tied with 6 minutes to go and let it get away on the road.  They got killed on the boards for the first time this season.  I cant remember when we met at the Chicago game if they pressed Rose. I do know you wouldn't recognize them now from then. Transy pressed the whole game and they pretty much handed it. I think they had 14 turns  but most were in the post or just dumb traveling.  Had not post to in awhile and thought i would say Hi. Did your star player end up being hurt.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2020, 10:07:22 AM
Hi Jester1390,
UChicago did not press RHIT back in November.
Occasionally I read the posts on the HCAC WBB board. Hoping your daughter doesn't retain any lingering leg/hip issues.
I'm not sure whom you refer to as "your star player." I'm not specifically a fan of any particular team, but if you're thinking UChicago, it looks like all their regulars played at Rochester yesterday.
Only a few weeks left in the season for most teams nationally. Remember to thank the seniors for playing, regardless of any of the W-L records.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2020, 10:35:09 AM
Your Nobel Prize must've confused him into thinking that you're a Chicago fan, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2020, 10:50:39 AM
I had forgotten all about that Nobel Prize (for being able to open a refrigerator door, I think).
Thanks for the reminder! Unfortunately, I traded the medal for a Topps 1968 Ray Oyler card.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2020, 10:54:57 AM
I didn't realize that you had such a soft spot for sub-Mendoza Line shortstops, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2020, 11:11:25 AM
Just perused an article about him. A heart attack got the poor guy at age 42.
For our young readers, here is the Mendoza that Greg alludes to :
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mendoma01.shtml
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on February 10, 2020, 12:38:33 PM
i was thinking shanks 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2020, 12:50:59 PM
Oh, that's Illinois Wesleyan.

The people you're looking for are Mr. Ypsi, iwu70, and Ultimate Titan Fan, not RogK.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2020, 04:42:00 PM
Sydney S missed three games in early January :
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=15002&org_id=300&stats_player_seq=1858848
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2020, 04:45:47 PM
Congrats to Catie Eck, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2020, 09:31:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2020, 04:42:00 PM
Sydney S missed three games in early January :
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=15002&org_id=300&stats_player_seq=1858848
--

Thanks, Rog.  I was going to respond to Jester, but couldn't recall the details on Sydney's outage.

Quote from: RogK on February 10, 2020, 04:45:47 PM
Congrats to Catie Eck, new CCIW Player of the Week!

Congratulations to Catie, for breaking the near triopoly of Kendall, Jayla, and Hannah (9 of the 12 POW's until Catie).

New poll is up - again no votes for anyone in the CCIW. :(  Possibly if someone runs the table right thru the conference tourney, we'll get a few votes before the postseason, but I'm starting to think it will take someone making it to the second weekend to actually break into the top 25 (or even get any votes).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2020, 10:06:14 PM
My congratulations to Catie Eck, portents of things to come in future years.  She had a very good week and can be a great help to the TITANS down the stretch here now.   The long long grind of a season coming to and end . . . let's hope 2 CCIW teams get bids this year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 11, 2020, 03:09:55 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 10, 2020, 10:06:14 PM
. . . let's hope 2 CCIW teams get bids this year.

IWU'70

I'll be very curious how many CCIW teams get regionally ranked tomorrow.  Could be just one - certainly no more than two.

I'm thinking that IWU gets ranked but NPU and Wheaton fall below.

IWU has strong SOS.  NPU better overall record but weaker SOS.  Wheaton SOS is fair - questionable whether it's enough.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 11:48:21 AM
Massey sez:

Augustana 71, @ North Central 65 (AC 66%, NCC 34%)
Carroll 64, @ Elmhurst 60 (CU 62%, EC 38%)
@ North Park 64, Carthage 57 (NPU 72%, CC 28%)
@ Illinois Wesleyan 74, Millikin 66 (IWU 73%, MU 27%)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 12, 2020, 11:48:42 AM
Titan v. Millikin tip off moved up to 6 pm. Bad weather expected throughout Illinois starting around noon today (2/12/20)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
Women's first Regional Rankings released.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-first
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2020, 03:35:14 PM
NCAA Central region rankings :
(1) UW Whitewater, (2) UW LaCrosse, (3) Benedictine, (4) UChicago, (5) Wheaton, (6) Ill Wesleyan, (7) Wisc Lutheran, (8) Edgewood, (9) UW Eau Claire.
On the NCAA site, its says (as of now) "Through Games FEB. 10, 2019."
But the W-L records are those of 2019-20.
There are 71 teams listed, more than could fit in the tournament brackets.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 04:14:53 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
Women's first Regional Rankings released.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-first

I steeled myself to prepare for this, but it's nevertheless disappointing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 04:24:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 04:14:53 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
Women's first Regional Rankings released.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-first

I steeled myself to prepare for this, but it's nevertheless disappointing.

Just the first week ... after next week's rankings are published, they will basically mean nothing. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2020, 07:26:54 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
Women's first Regional Rankings released.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-first

Pleasantly surprised for sure.  Wheaton h2h vs IWU was obviously determinant.  But as Dave said, it's only the first ranking.  Need to keep winning.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 04:14:53 PM

I steeled myself to prepare for this, but it's nevertheless disappointing.


#7         Wisconsin Lu  15-5; .750 / .527
(#10?)   North Park      17.5; .773 / .516

Looks pretty close to me except WiscLu has a lofty home win over DePauw (GL#2), their only loss.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2020, 07:46:23 PM
Halftime in Decatur:  Millikin 35, IWU 31.  Main difference is Titans are shooting 36%, Big Blue 52%.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 08:44:31 PM
Millikin 75
Illinois Wesleyan 71

Much rejoicing in Chicago and Wheaton!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2020, 08:51:46 PM
Tough loss for the TITANS in Decatur.  I think it was 75-71 MU.

IWU:

Sosa 30
Lansford 16
Shanks 10

Some foul troubles for the TITANS, esp. Brovelli and Lowis

For MU:

Ratsch 14
Hildebrand 13
Staton 11
Fox 10 and 7

Great win for MU, proving how much they have risen and improved into the top tier of CCIW play.  Congrats to coach Lett and her team for this big win over IWU.  Long time coming . . .

Should be some great games in the CCIW tournament for the AQ.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2020, 09:02:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 12, 2020, 08:51:46 PM
Tough loss for the TITANS in Decatur.  I think it was 75-71 MU.

IWU:

Sosa 30
Lansford 16
Shanks 10

Some foul troubles for the TITANS, esp. Brovelli and Lowis

For MU:

Ratsch 14
Hildebrand 13
Staton 11
Fox 10 and 7

Great win for MU, proving how much they have risen and improved into the top tier of CCIW play.  Congrats to coach Lett and her team for this big win over IWU.  Long time coming . . .

Should be some great games in the CCIW tournament for the AQ.

IWU'70

Millikin made all kinds of great plays down in the last 2 mins to get the win.  Pretty impressive.  Plus a big student turnout to support the Big Blue.

Very surprised at that last play with 11 sec, IWU with the ball down 2 trying to tie.  Sosa was never even in the play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 12, 2020, 09:03:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 08:44:31 PM
Millikin 73
Illinois Wesleyan 71

Much rejoicing in Chicago and Wheaton!

Actually, 75-71.  Kendall Sosa had 30, Brooke Lansford 16, Sydney Shanks 10, Riley Brovelli 7, but little help from anyone else.  Reigning POW Catie Eck played only 6 minutes and got 2 pts; Anna Lowis fouled out after only 11 minutes and no pts.  Millikin, on the other hand, had SEVEN players with 7 or more pts. 

Something I had NEVER seen before (or at least had never noticed) - Olivia Lett coached the game in spike heels! :o  Is that something she has trademarked (like Grey Giovanine's sport-coat toss), or was this a one-time (for whatever reason) thing?  For someone not at all unfamiliar with usual court footwear, it seemed weird!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 09:40:21 PM
Carthage 62
North Park 53

Well, that one-game lead was fun while it lasted ... which was about an hour or so. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 09:47:54 PM
CC 62, NPU 53

Jayla Johnson: 23 pts, 3 stls
Josie Summerville: 7 rebs

Sammie Woodward: 19 pts
Autumn Kalis: 16 pts
Maggie Berigan: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Kelsey Coshun: 6 rebs
Amanda Larson: 3 stls

Carthage just plain outplayed NPU tonight. Neither team shot well until the fourth quarter, but the Lady Reds played tighter D than the Vikings in the second half. In the first half it was easy-peasy to play D against NPU ... crowd the lane to cut off drivers and post-entry passes, and then get set to grab a long rebound as the Park inevitably missed a trey attempt. (The Vikings were 4-22 from beyond the arc on the evening.) Once again, NPU got caught in the trap of not having an effective second option on offense, as Jayla Johnson was the only Viking who scored more than seven points.

NPU has now lost three of its last four. The Vikings are staggering to the finish line. It's a minor miracle that they're still in first place at this point. Fortunately, that bye on Saturday will be coming at the right time. The problem is, by the end of Saturday night, the Vikings will no longer be all alone in first place, as they'll be tied with the IWU @ WC winner.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2020, 09:50:22 PM
NCC 56  Augustana 54

Allison Pearson with 17 pts, 6 rebs while Haydn Braun added 15 pts.  Lauren Hall led the Vikes with 15 pts, 10 rebs.  Alexis Jones had a rough shooting night 3/14 for 10 pts but grabbed 14 rebs.

This was a game the Cardinals absolutely had to win to stay in contention for a CCIW tourney bid keeping pace with Carthage and going just ahead of Augie in the loss column.  Even so they have a tough remaining schedule @Carroll, @ IWU, @Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2020, 09:59:36 PM
Now the big one:  IWU @ Wheaton Saturday.

So much basketball still to be played.  :)

MU played very well at home vs. IWU tonight.  I agree that last play, with 11 secs to go, last shot by Shanks, probably not the best set-up.  Sosa had a great game with 30, though Syd has made game winning shots before.   The foul trouble by Brovelli and Lowis played a big part in this loss. 

On to Wheaton . . . 


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 11:33:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 12, 2020, 08:51:46 PMGreat win for MU, proving how much they have risen and improved into the top tier of CCIW play.

You keep elevating Millikin into the top tier, Mark, but you're not looking at the standings:


North Park10-4
Wheaton  9-4
Illinois Wesleyan  9-4
Millikin  7-6

Sorry, but being two games out of second and 2 1/2 out of first isn't "top tier."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2020, 11:35:48 PM
Saw the Carthage - North Park game. Lady Reds coach Bernero has to be happy that Maggie Berigan is returning to a nicely productive level of play, with no evident effect of earlier injury.
And Kalis and Woodward are playing like, well ... Kalis and Woodward.
North Park is a little off-balance lately, but nothing alarming, I'd say. Might have to tweak something or other.
Elmhurst needed overtime to prevail over Carroll 87-78.
The victors got 16 pts each from Courtney O'Donnell, Kween Jean and Sophia Lathe.
Marissa Urso tallied 13, Lauren Goff grabbed 9 rebs and Kelly Weyhrich had 7 assists.
Among the Pioneers who did well :
Brooke Foster 21 pts (.594 eFG%) 7 rebs, Katie Evans 17 pts (.850 eFG%), Elizabeth Behrndt 7 rebs, 3 blocks 2 steals. Alyssa Cruz had 13 pts, 8 rebs , 7 assists (although 6 TOs) and a pair of steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2020, 11:43:30 PM
the rest of the ladder (to use an Australian rules Football League term) :
6-7 CTG NCC
6-8 AUG
4-10 ELM
3-10 CRL
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2020, 12:21:24 AM
Well, Greg, they surely have improved over recent years.  Should they finish in the top four in the league, I'd consider them top tier.  We'll see.  They played well against IWU tonight, getting their win.  NPU staggering at this point.  I need not quibble over words, but MU are a lot better than previously.  Enuff said.

Big game at WC now. . .  hope the IWU bigs/rebounders can stay out of foul trouble on Saturday.  Sosa still in the mix for MOP, IMHO. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2020, 09:54:50 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2020, 11:33:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 12, 2020, 08:51:46 PMGreat win for MU, proving how much they have risen and improved into the top tier of CCIW play.

You keep elevating Millikin into the top tier, Mark, but you're not looking at the standings:


North Park10-4
Wheaton  9-4
Illinois Wesleyan  9-4
Millikin  7-6

Sorry, but being two games out of second and 2 1/2 out of first isn't "top tier."

. .  in fact, MU is not even guaranteed to make the conference tournament . . .  a game up with 3 to play, but not yet assured
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2020, 10:29:29 AM
Choosing a rooting interest between Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan isn't typically difficult, but it's nevertheless an unpleasant task under any circumstances. This time, though, I can at least swing my sympathies in the direction of NPU's biggest rivalry by rooting against Wheaton. (It's much, much easier to think of it as "rooting against Wheaton," a concept as natural as breathing for me, than "rooting for Illinois Wesleyan," four words that turn my stomach.) In CCIW women's basketball, it's like trying to figure out which neighborhood bully you're more likely to be able to reason with. However, once in, all in ... heck, I might even wear something green on Saturday, although I'll probably confine myself to wearing it between 5 and 7 pm. ;)

The fact of the matter is that, among the three teams in the top tier, all three season series will be splits if the Titans prevail on Saturday. Furthermore, NPU would own the ladder tiebreaker over IWU (at least until Wednesday), since the Vikings are 1-0 to date against fourth-place Millikin, while IWU has split its season series against the Big Blue. So there's two incentives to hope for a Titans win at King Arena on Saturday afternoon.

If Wheaton wins, the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance not only move into a tie for first with North Park, they'll have the most ironclad of ladder tiebreakers possible at this point by having gone 2-0 against Wesleyan versus NPU's 1-1 against the Greenies. What makes it so (relatively) ironclad is that the only way it defaults is if IWU falls all the way into the fourth seed (or worse) over the course of the next ten days while Millikin advances to the third seed, and that's extremely unlikely to happen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2020, 09:29:16 PM
Thanks for all the options, scenarios, Greg.  I hope you will post a picture here of you wearing green. That would be something!  I know how hard it is for you . . .

Yes, MU still has some work to do to get into the top four.  I think they will do it.  Let the games be played.  You know how it is, Ypsi and I have our opinions, no matter.  :)

A good, fun conference regular season race.  NPU having a great season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2020, 11:47:18 AM
reviewing what happened when Saturday's matchups played in January :
Wheaton won at IWU 62-59. WHE Kirsten Madsen 15, Hannah Frazier 14; IWU Kendall Sosa 23.
-
North Central, at home, topped Carroll 62-60. Eight players (4 on each team) score in double figures, 10-16.
-
Elmhurst won at Millikin 64-53. 19 pts by Kween Jean, 14 by Becca Gerke.
-
double OT thriller in Kenosha : Carthage 90 Augie 84. AUG Gabriela Loiz 32 pts, Alexis Jones 19 rebs; CTG Sammie Woodward 31, Autumn Kalis 27. That's NBA-style productivity.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2020, 12:06:30 PM
Four teams have completed the home or road portion of their conference play.
North Park was 6-2 at home.
North Central was 4-4 at home.
Augustana was 2-6 on the road.
Carroll was 2-6 on the road.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2020, 11:50:18 PM
Massey sez:

@ Augustana 67, Carthage 64 (AC 58%, AC 42%)
@ Carroll 66, North Central 60 (CU 67%, NCC 33%)
Millikin 67, @ Elmhurst 61 (MU 66%, EC 34%)
Illinois Wesleyan 69, @ Wheaton 66 (IWU 56%, WC 44%)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2020, 03:47:16 AM
I'll be very pleased if Massey is correct on all accounts.  :)


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 03:43:34 PM
Carroll is missing Sierra Grubor to the flu for the second straight game, but it doesn't seem to be slowing down the Pios. They lead North Central at the half by seven up at Van Male.

Elmhurst, on the other hand, is missing Kween Jean today, and it shows. At the half at Faganel, they're trailing badly to Millikin by 16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 04:36:52 PM
Millikin cruises to an easy 82-62 win at Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 04:44:28 PM
Carroll and NCC are going to overtime, tied 55-55 up in Waukesha. The Pioneers, who had never trailed and who blew a 40-27 lead that they held late in the third quarter, had the ball with 18 seconds left and the shot clock turned off, fresh out of a timeout ... and they never got a shot off. They simply froze.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2020, 04:45:53 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 04:36:52 PM
Millikin cruises to an easy 82-62 win at Elmhurst.

Just wondering . . . did they look like an upper, medium upper, medium or medium lower tier team doing so . . .? :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 05:03:16 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 15, 2020, 04:45:53 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 04:36:52 PM
Millikin cruises to an easy 82-62 win at Elmhurst.

Just wondering . . . did they look like an upper, medium upper, medium or medium lower tier team doing so . . .? :P

LOL!

(I'd say upper middle southern left tier.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 05:18:17 PM
North Central completes the comeback with a 67-61 overtime win at Van Male. Allison Pearson, who carried the Cardinals on her back during the fourth-quarter comeback with her persistent drives to the basket, hit a trey in the opening half-minute of overtime to give NCC its first lead of the entire game, and the Cards never looked back. She finished with 23 points, and, proving that she is her father's daughter, went a perfect 11-11 from the line.

Kayla Stefka, who had a good game that could've been a great game if she had emulated Pearson by hitting her FTs, had 15 in the losing cause. She only played 27 minutes, in spite of the fact that she wasn't in foul trouble, which was a little puzzling in light of the fact that she's the best weapon the Pioneers have with Grubor out. That, and the fact that Brooke Foster languished forgotten on the bench after scoring eight points in only 15 minutes of play (she went out at 8:39 of the fourth quarter after committing her third foul, and didn't get back in until the waning moments of overtime) led to Carroll broadcaster Bill Schmidt totally going off on CU head coach Lindsay Schultz as time wound down. I don't think that I've ever heard a home broadcaster lambaste his own team's coach that way before. Schmidt also gave it but good to the officials -- and he was right to do so, as they had a bad afternoon (although their badness was distributed roughly equally between the two teams; Schmidt rightly pointed out that if anybody got the shorter end of the officiating stick, it was the Cardinals).

With their losses this afternoon, Elmhurst and Carroll are officially eliminated from tourney contention. Now it's seven teams playing for six spots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2020, 06:19:01 PM
Way to go my "upper middle southern left tier" team MU.  I bet Coach Lett is happy, no matter what you call them.   :) 

Go TITANS, tough game at WC.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2020, 06:44:24 PM
WC over IWU at the half -- 35-31.

Brovelli injured in the early part of the 1Q, seemingly out for the game.  Tough loss given WC's size.

Catie Eck playing well.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 06:49:06 PM
The Titans have no answer for Hannah Williams. She is killing them deep from the corners and off of the dribble. And Kent Madsen got really nice bench minutes out of Jill Berg.

In spite of all that, Wesleyan would be tied or in the lead at recess -- or at least within a point or two -- if the Titans weren't butchering it at the line. Their .462 performance (6-13) won't get it done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 06:56:51 PM
Augie leads Carthage at the half at Carver, 30-29.

You can make the argument that this is the biggest game of the day in the CCIW, not IWU @ WC, because this might be do-or-die time for these two teams. The loser is going to find itself in a huge hole in the three-way battle for the last two tourney spots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 07:05:20 PM
Brovelli is back in the game, halfway thru the third quarter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2020, 07:17:22 PM
Glad to see Brovelli back, but little mobility.  Agree with you on the FTs, a real weakness by some TITANS.

After 3Q, WC up ten, 55-45.   Titans look tired.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 07:39:32 PM
Augustana 64
Carthage 53

Lauren Hall really big-timed it tonight with 26 points (9-12 FG, 8-9 trey) and 8 rebounds in a must-win for Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 07:41:21 PM
Wheaton beats Illinois Wesleyan, 80-72 on Where Have You Been All Season, Jill Berg? Senior Night.

The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance is now knotted atop the standings with NPU and has the inside track to the #1 seed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2020, 07:50:45 PM
Yes, Berg the big difference tonight, WC the better team on the night.

IWU:
Sosa 20
Munroe 20
Shanks 10
Eck 9, sadly fouling out with 6:30 to go
Brovelli with less than 5 minutes.

WC:
Hannah Williams 18
Berg 14 and 9, hard to stop in the paint, Titans had no answer for her close to the basket.
Hannah Frazier, 12
Swider 11

Brovelli lost to injuring almost the entire game.  I hope not serious.  Eck fouling out also hurt.  Titans not shooting it well, esp. FTs.  WC shooting it well, esp. down the stretch, in 4Q.  The TITANS looked a bit tired tonight.  Perhaps the week off really helped WC in this game, this scheduling, and of course playing at home.  Titans tired after the MU loss too, not playing all that well tonight.  A long season. 

Well, perhaps there will be another WC-IWU game, like last year.

Wheaton the better team tonight.  Congrats to all their seniors on Senior Night.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 07:55:32 PM
Illinois Wesleyan definitely missed Brovelli tonight, although I think Wheaton ultimately wins even if Brovelli had been available. It just would've been closer. The Titans missed too many FT and trey attempts (until Sam Munroe got hot at the end), and Wheaton was simply too good at passing over the top of the press and the halfcourt traps. And, even though Lowis did a pretty good job containing Hannah Frazier for the most part, there was waaaaay too much Hannah Williams tonight if you're a fan of the Greenies -- 18 points and an 8:1 floor game for the Lesser Hannah. Yowch!

Brovelli turned her ankle in the first quarter, and then sat until she came back in midway through the third. Can't do that; if you're gonna gut out a turned ankle, you have to keep playing on it, because if you sit it'll swell up on you. By the time she came back in over a half-hour later, as Mark said, she had no mobility. In the fourth quarter her shoe was off and on one close-up shot of the Titans bench you could see her ankle had swelled. I think that that one's on Mia Smith.

Titans also have to be kicking themselves over Catie Eck's play. She has a lot of ability and plays with a lot of energy, but she's too out of control for her own good and her own team's good. She was making a big difference on defense, but got herself into foul trouble and then made a dumb mistake in the backcourt going after a loose ball that she had no prayer of getting to foul out of a game where her team really needed her.

Hate to say it, but I gotta tip my hat to Wheaton. There's a reason why the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance keeps winning this league every year. They've definitely come up huge in the big games over the past two weeks, which is what you'd expect with a senior-laden squad that knows how to win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 15, 2020, 08:01:20 PM
Another thing that really hurt the Titans tonite was Langford having probably her worst game ever as a Titan.  She finished 0-10 from the field (and zero total pts), and only 2 rebounds, in 23 minutes. :(

Without Brovelli, and with Eck fouling out rather early, Berg went crazy late in the game.  Berg and Williams were an unstoppable duo - it felt like nearly the whole Wheaton offense in Q4 was Berg feeding Williams or vice versa.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2020, 09:28:35 PM
Hannah Williams   18 pts, 8 asst, 2 stls
Jill Berg            14 pts, 9 rebs
Hannah Frazier      12 pts, 9 rebs
Hannah Swider       11 pts, 4 rebs

Kendall Sosa          20 pts
Sam Munroe        20 pts 6 rebs
Sydney Shanks       10 pts, 5 rebs

Wheaton needed a really good effort tonight and they really delivered. This was one of the best and most complete games the Thunder ladies have played this year.  As they extended the lead out, they made some critical plays and baskets that kept the Titans from really getting back into it.

This was a team that played with lots of confidence on the offensive end.  There was no hint of that tentativeness that had characterized some of their earlier losses.  Also, they played a very solid defensive game against a pretty powerful IWU offense.  They got really good minutes once again from freshman Zoe Nordling who continues to play with good poise.  And I think having Jordan Myroth back was a big factor for her defense, ball handling, scoring and leadership.

As already mentioned, Jill Berg played with lots of confidence and was a difference maker tonight.  No question Titans missed Brovelli as they were -9 on rebounds.

A really good win but need to continue.  Wheaton now in control of their own destiny and have a chance to build some steam going into the last week.



Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 07:55:32 PM
..... and Wheaton was simply too good at passing over the top of the press and the halfcourt traps.

Like at Shirk last month, Wheaton really had little problem with the press.  I know pressure defense is a primary IWU weapon for Mia Smith.  But I was surprised the Titans stayed with it.  A few times the Titans made some baskets to start building some momentum but would give up an easy basket off the press which had to be deflating.  Between Myroth, Williams, Demski, Swider, they're pretty solid ball handlers especially when they're prepared for the traps etc.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2020, 09:35:08 PM
attended the Millikin / Elmhurst contest --
Elmhurst was without 2 (K Jean & C O'Donnell) of their 3 "bigs" and had their hands full trying to guard Millikin's tall players.
Millikin's Bailey Coffman excelled, pouring in 23 pts in 19:00, making 7/10 FGs (.850 eFG%), 6/7 FTs , also grabbing 10 rebs and dishing 5 assists. She seemed to be enjoying things against shorter defenders.
EC's sole regular "big," Becca Gerke was honored along with Lauren Goff for Senior Day. Under the category of sportsmanship, Millikin applauded nicely during the presentations.
EC seemed to deal with the height difference by clogging the lane and allowing/encouraging MU to shoot threes. MU made 9 of 18 (Coffman 3/3, Jazmin Brown 2/2), but also declined to shoot several open chances.
MU's Jordan Hildebrand did well, 7/9 2FGs, 1/2 FT for 15 pts, adding 3 assists. Aubrey Staton tallied an efficient 8 pts, adding 2 blocks, 2 steals.
Miranda Fox was relied on for 33:00, taking care of much ballhandling and other purposes.
Abby Ratsch's 20:00 were productive : 5 rebs, 3 stls, 6 assists, 8 pts.
Elmhurst got 15 pts from Sophia Lathe (.650 eFG%). Gerke helped with 13 pts (6/10 2FG), 6 rebs, 3 assists. Becca Christlieb had 3 steals in 19:00 and made 3 of 4 2FGs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2020, 09:44:34 PM
amended standings :
10-4 NPU WHE
9-5 IWU
8-6 MIL
7-7 NCC
7-8 AUG
6-8 CTG
4-11 ELM
3-11 CRL
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 10:26:26 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 07:39:32 PM
Augustana 64
Carthage 53

Lauren Hall really big-timed it tonight with 26 points (9-12 FG, 8-9 trey) and 8 rebounds in a must-win for Augie.

Incidentally, Hall's eight treys set a new Augustana record.

Alexis Jones only scored seven points, but that nevertheless put her into Augie's Thousand Points Club.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2020, 11:00:14 PM
This is what's left for the seven teams battling for tourney spots:


*Wheaton  10-4  @ Carroll  vs. North Central
*North Park  10-4  @ Millikin  @ Augustana
*Illinois Wesleyan    9-5  vs. North Centrall  @ Carthage
*Millikin    8-6  vs. North Park  @ Carroll
North Central    7-7  @ Illinois Wesleyan  @ Wheaton
Augustana    7-8  -- bye --  vs. North Park
Carthage    6-8  vs. Elmhurst  vs. Illinois Wesleyanl

* Clinched tournament berth
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2020, 02:10:59 AM
Looks to me now that WC, as predicted, to win the regular season, host the CCIW tournament.

For IWU to really be a strong team, esp. next year, when many of their key players will be seniors, they really have to shoot FTs better.  This has been a weakness all year -- save pretty much for Shanks and Sosa. 

Brovelli being injured and out, a big problem vs. Wheaton.  Still don't understand why Mia didn't sub Eck in when Brovelli had to depart, not Lowis -- to shoot the FTs.  Odd.  Was Eck already in the game?

WC had a solid all-round performance, many contributors.  Berg a big difference down the stretch. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2020, 01:59:13 PM
some to be considered for Player of the Week :
Allison Pearson, Lauren Hall, Kendall Sosa, Sammie Woodward; each did well in 2 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2020, 02:10:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2020, 01:59:13 PM
some to be considered for Player of the Week :
Allison Pearson, Lauren Hall, Kendall Sosa, Sammie Woodward; each did well in 2 games.

Allison Pearson would be deserving for a 2-0 team and also has been putting up some pretty good #s over the last 8 games.  Averaging about 18 pts/g.   Lauren Hall put up better overall #s however although her team went 1-1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2020, 02:21:18 PM
Allison Pearson really deserves it. North Central was in must-win territory this past week, and she was the statistically dominant player in both Cardinals victories. I watched the NCC @ CU game yesterday, and the Cardinals don't win that game without Allison doing all the heavy lifting at the offensive end during their fourth-quarter comeback from a double-digit deficit, and then spurring them on to victory in OT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Peter Nicholson on February 17, 2020, 01:05:26 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 16, 2020, 02:10:59 AM
Brovelli being injured and out, a big problem vs. Wheaton.  Still don't understand why Mia didn't sub Eck in when Brovelli had to depart, not Lowis -- to shoot the FTs.  Odd.  Was Eck already in the game?

No.  All starters were still in when Brovelli was fouled, went down and left the game at 5:42 1st.  Eck entered the game at 5:09 1st replacing Kendall Sosa.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2020, 10:47:35 AM
Incidentally, it occurred to me to look at Millikin's 2-0 week.
Abby Ratsch played basically half of each game. Her two-game sums :
min    2FG     3FG       FT     pts   reb   blocks    steals   PF     assists     TO
41     7/12     2/5      2/4     22     11      1           3       5         8          6
That's a significant, mostly positive, impact on those games. The rebounding, though, lowered her season REB/MIN from .360 to .353 (still darned good).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2020, 03:38:28 PM
Congrats to Lauren Hall, new CCIW Player of the Week !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2020, 04:42:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 17, 2020, 03:38:28 PM
Congrats to Lauren Hall, new CCIW Player of the Week !

So I guess we can confirm that the week's team results have zero bearing on the SID's choice(as a group at least) . ..
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2020, 05:55:57 PM
In the past they've been closely tied to wins and losses. However, that seems to be less true this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2020, 10:20:11 PM
Quote from: Peter Nicholson on February 17, 2020, 01:05:26 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 16, 2020, 02:10:59 AM
Brovelli being injured and out, a big problem vs. Wheaton.  Still don't understand why Mia didn't sub Eck in when Brovelli had to depart, not Lowis -- to shoot the FTs.  Odd.  Was Eck already in the game?

No.  All starters were still in when Brovelli was fouled, went down and left the game at 5:42 1st.  Eck entered the game at 5:09 1st replacing Kendall Sosa.

A very belated response to this.  I too was shocked that Lowis rather than Eck went in to shoot the FTs - Eck is shooting over 90% from the line (best on the team), while Lowis shoots worse than Shaq (currently 26%).  Even IF Lowis went in for defense or rebounding (haven't checked to see if she is actually better than Eck in these areas), put in Eck for the FTs then sub in Lowis ASAP.  Since Lowis missed both (while Eck was odds on to make them both), that could have been quite important - with the final margin, it probably wasn't, but still seemed an uncharacteristic 'brain-fart' for Coach Smith.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2020, 10:29:36 PM
New poll is out.  I'm surprised to the point of mild shock that Wheaton is still not receiving a single vote.  I realize that the CCIW is cannibalizing their own (especially with 3+ top teams, rather than 1 or at most 2 being dominant), but getting ZERO votes is to me an unconscionable dissing of the conference. :o

(And while I don't have nearly the visceral repugnance to lauding Wheaton that Gregory does, I must now go at least go wash my fingers! ;D)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2020, 10:53:54 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2020, 10:29:36 PM
New poll is out.  I'm surprised to the point of mild shock that Wheaton is still not receiving a single vote.  I realize that the CCIW is cannibalizing their own (especially with 3+ top teams, rather than 1 or at most 2 being dominant), but getting ZERO votes is to me an unconscionable dissing of the conference. :o

(And while I don't have nearly the visceral repugnance to lauding Wheaton that Gregory does, I must now go at least go wash my fingers! ;D)

Save yourself the hand sanitizer Ypsi.  Wheaton's only significant win vs ranked team was vs UT-Dallas, at King, the first game of the season.  Counter that with some really bad losses (at home vs Carroll?  really?) and they don't deserve any votes.

Massey has them at #37, just behind #36 Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2020, 12:50:48 AM
Sadly, no CCIW team seems worthy of a top 25 vote.  IWU also had some close losses, could have been ranked, but a few losses that are not understandable.   Did beat ranked U of Chicago, almost beat highly ranked DePauw.  What could have been?

Could be a one bid year for post-season -- just the AQ.

I hope the Brovelli injury isn't serious.  Next year, a number of Titans have to shoot FTs better.  Eck or Heller likely into the starting line-up.  A lot of good talent coming back . . .

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2020, 12:52:30 AM
Ypsi, I'm dreaming of the return of Raven Hughes . . .   :)   Raven and Riley Brovelli on the block would make the TITANS a lot better. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 18, 2020, 10:39:58 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2020, 10:29:36 PM
New poll is out.  I'm surprised to the point of mild shock that Wheaton is still not receiving a single vote.  I realize that the CCIW is cannibalizing their own (especially with 3+ top teams, rather than 1 or at most 2 being dominant), but getting ZERO votes is to me an unconscionable dissing of the conference. :o

(And while I don't have nearly the visceral repugnance to lauding Wheaton that Gregory does, I must now go at least go wash my fingers! ;D)

As a voter in this poll, I'm comfortable in my conscience. I reviewed Wheaton and North Park's resumes and could not make a case for them being clearly better than anyone on my ballot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2020, 12:20:53 PM
Wednesday will feature the rematch of these previous results :
DEC 4 --- CTG 66 ELM 49,  IWU 94 NCC 49
JAN 15 -- NPU 61 MIL 53,  CRL 73 WHE 64
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2020, 12:21:55 PM
I, for one, don't have an issue with the poll, Pat. If I had a ballot, I wouldn't put Wheaton or North Park on it, either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2020, 12:27:46 PM
Massey sez:

@ Carthage 66, Elmhurst 55 (CC 83%, EC 17%)
Wheaton 68, @ Carroll 61 (WC 69%, CU 31%)
@ Illinois Wesleyan 74, North Central 61 (IWU 89%, NCC 11%)
@ Millikin 65, North Park 64 (MU 51%, NPU 49%)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2020, 04:34:03 PM
(way too much time on my hands)

There's quite a struggle going for the two remaining spots in the CCIW tourney between North Central ( 7-7) Augustana(7-8) and Carthage (6-8).  By my very shaky analysis(75% confidence):

Remaining games:
North Cent:  @ IWU, @ Wheaton
Augustana:    bye Wednesday, vs North Park
Carthage:      vs Elmhurst, vs IWU

North Central has a very tough week.  However, I believe they have the three way tie-breaker over the other two : 2-0 vs Augie, 1-1 vs Carthage.  Augie and Carthage split.  So the Cards can clinch a berth with just one more win.

If a two way tie:
NCC is 0-1 so far vs WC and IWU, 1-1 vs NPU.
Augie is 1-1 vs WC and IWU, 0-1 vs NPU. 
Carthage is 0-2 vs WC, 1-1 vs NPU, 0-1 vs IWU.

So Augie clinches a spot with a win Saturday and 8-8 finish.

NPU and Wheaton clinch first rd bye with one more win. 
A Wheaton win and NPU loss would clinch reg season title for Wheaton and conference hosting.
IWU and Millikin clinch first rd home game with one more win.  IWU can still finish outright first (host) or second w first rd bye but must win both remaining games. They lose all tie-breakers with WC and NPU.

In fact, the top 4 spots are still up for grabs.  In a possible four-way tie with WC, NPU, IWU and MU all @ 10-6, I think Millikin would host by virtue of 1-1 vs WC and NPU and 2-0 vs NCC and Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 19, 2020, 03:06:11 PM
The second week Regional Rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-second
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 05:53:36 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 19, 2020, 03:06:11 PM
The second week Regional Rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-second

Wheaton #3,  Ill Wesleyan and North Park # 7 and #8  behind LaCrosse, Benedictine and Wisc Lu.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2020, 08:36:58 PM
@Shirk @halftime, IWU 43, NCC 29.  Shanks and Sosa with 14 each.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 09:18:46 PM
I'm just wondering if the Millikin AD or SID are aware that the online webcast time and score are annoyingly constantly out of sync with the videocast time and score?  They're both shown side by side- One show 50-52 while the other shows 52-54?  I've noticed it other games too. 

However, watching Jordan Hildebrand and Jayla Johnson battling each other down in the blocks is worth the price of admission.  Really going at it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 19, 2020, 09:33:12 PM
Final in B'town: IWU 90, NCC 63.  The Titans started off 16-4.  The Cards cut it to single digits a few times in the first half, but this game was never in doubt.  Sydney Shanks had 25, Kendall Sosa 22.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2020, 09:38:26 PM
Yes, IWU going out on a winning note for their final home game at The Shirk, this regular season.

IWU:
Shanks with a career night, likely her last game at The Shirk:  25 with 9 steals. A great way to go out.
Sosa 22, getting closer to the CCIW scoring title.
Munroe 10
Brovelli 8 and 6
Eck 8
Lowis 8

For NCC:
Braun 23
Dimitrova 13
Pearson 11

Gotta keep winning, still hope for the #2 seed in the tournament.  Would make a big difference.

Congrats to Sydney Shanks on her wonderful, consistent career at IWU.  IWU's only senior, will be greatly missed next year. 

IWU at 16-8, 10-5.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 09:47:50 PM
Wheaton 71 Carroll 54

Hannah Frazier      18 pts, 6 rebs, 5 asst, 4 blks
Hannah Williams    18 pts, 6 asst
Kristi Demski          9 pts, 3-5 three

Alyssa Cruz            10 pts, 6 rebs
Kayla Stefka           14 pts, 3 rebs

After a terrible 2nd quarter where the Thunder scored only 6 pts, the Lady Pios held a 30-27 lead.  But Wheaton came out hot in the 3rd, outscored Carroll 29-8 and cruised to a 71-54 victory.  You don't like seeing any 10 minute lay downs like that.  But the Thunder righted the ship with lots of defensive intensity in the second half.

This coupled with the NPU loss means Wheaton clinches at least a regular season tie for first and will host the conference tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2020, 09:51:03 PM
wow ... 9 steals by Shanks ... outstanding
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 19, 2020, 09:52:24 PM
And mercifully, Anna Lowis only shot one FT - she bricked it, of course. :(  I just don't understand how a player can be 4 for 5 from the field, yet be a TWENTY-FIVE % FT shooter.  How long until conference opponents start adopting 'Hack-a-Shaq' as the defense against her?  I really like her game otherwise, but I'd prescribe a minimum of 100 FTs per day every day of the off-season!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2020, 10:18:24 PM
Millikin 82
North Park 68

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 8 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 16 pts
Lauryn Alba Garner: 3:0 a:to

Aubrey Staton: 14 pts
Abbie Ratsch: 11 pts
Briana Anthony: 11 pts, 4:2 a:to
Jordan Hildebrand: 11 pts, 3stls
Bailey Coffman: 11 pts
Kelle Knopp: 10 pts

The Vikings had an 18-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and a nine-point lead at the half -- and then just collapsed.

Glad I was calling the men's game, 'cause that second half in Decatur tonight would've been just too painful for me to watch.

Still a whole lot to play for, so the Vikings ladies can't afford to lose heart, but the dream of NPU winning its first CCIW title in 32 years probably died tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:42:32 PM
Carthage loses at home to Elmhurst 75-73.  EC's Sophia Lathe has been finishing strong for the BlueJays  and came away with 24 pts to lead Elmhurst.  Carthage got 16 pts from Maggie Berigan and 15 from Sammie Woodward.  Lady Reds miss a chance to get into a tie for the 6th spot but still remain a game out with one to play.

With North Central and Carthage both losing tonight, I think Augustana has clinched a spot as either the 5th or 6th seed depending on Sat results.

On Saturday, an NCC win @ Wheaton will clinch their spot as either 5 or 6 seed.  A Carthage win vs Ill Wesleyan and a NCC loss @ Wheaton means both will finish 7-9 having gone 0-2 vs WC and 1-1 vs NPU.  So Carthage will get the tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record vs IWU or Millikin(depending who finishes 3rd/4th) and NCC's 0-2 record vs both. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2020, 10:18:24 PM
Millikin 82
North Park 68

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 8 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 16 pts
Lauryn Alba Garner: 3:0 a:to

Aubrey Staton: 14 pts
Abbie Ratsch: 11 pts
Briana Anthony: 11 pts, 4:2 a:to
Jordan Hildebrand: 11 pts, 3stls
Bailey Coffman: 11 pts
Kelle Knopp: 10 pts

The Vikings had an 18-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and a nine-point lead at the half -- and then just collapsed.

Glad I was calling the men's game, 'cause that second half in Decatur tonight would've been just too painful for me to watch.

Still a whole lot of play for, so the Vikings ladies can't afford to lose heart, but the dream of NPU winning its first CCIW title in 32 years probably died tonight.

This was quite the game.  I can't help thinking that these two teams will be battling with IWU next two years for the title. 

Jayla Johnson is really a skilled scorer in the paint.  And when paired with Newsome driving and dishing and other Lady Vikes, they are a tough team to stop.

Millikin with a full season under the belts of freshmen Bailey Coffman, Abby Ratsch and Miranda Fox along with Aubrey Staton and Jordan Hildebrand - the Big Blue will have as strong and balanced a lineup as any team.  They have loads of talent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2020, 11:34:35 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:57:42 PM
This was quite the game.  I can't help thinking that these two teams will be battling with IWU next two years for the title. 

Jayla Johnson is really a skilled scorer in the paint.  And when paired with Newsome driving and dishing and other Lady Vikes, they are a tough team to stop.

True ... but NPU absolutely has to get another scorer. Jayla's been asked to carry too much of the load on offense. She's averaging 16.5 ppg, and Emily Czuhajewski, the second-leading scorer, is averaging barely half that at 8.5 ppg. Zakiya Newsome is a great player in her own right who brings a lot to the table in several different phases of the game, but she's not a natural bucket-filler. When the Vikings have to lean on her for points, she tends to force things too much. She's at her best when she can simply score here or there within the natural flow of the game while doing all of the other things she does.

By hook or by crook, Amanda and Annie have to bring in another player for next year who can fill it up. Two more scorers would be even better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 19, 2020, 11:45:22 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2020, 10:18:24 PM
Millikin 82
North Park 68

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 8 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 16 pts
Lauryn Alba Garner: 3:0 a:to

Aubrey Staton: 14 pts
Abbie Ratsch: 11 pts
Briana Anthony: 11 pts, 4:2 a:to
Jordan Hildebrand: 11 pts, 3stls
Bailey Coffman: 11 pts
Kelle Knopp: 10 pts

The Vikings had an 18-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and a nine-point lead at the half -- and then just collapsed.

Glad I was calling the men's game, 'cause that second half in Decatur tonight would've been just too painful for me to watch.

Still a whole lot of play for, so the Vikings ladies can't afford to lose heart, but the dream of NPU winning its first CCIW title in 32 years probably died tonight.

This was quite the game.  I can't help thinking that these two teams will be battling with IWU next two years for the title. 

Jayla Johnson is really a skilled scorer in the paint.  And when paired with Newsome driving and dishing and other Lady Vikes, they are a tough team to stop.

Millikin with a full season under the belts of freshmen Bailey Coffman, Abby Ratsch and Miranda Fox along with Aubrey Staton and Jordan Hildebrand - the Big Blue will have as strong and balanced a lineup as any team.  They have loads of talent.

Not to mention Coach Olivia Lett becoming a veteran.  IF NPU can recruit one or more scorers to support Jayla Johnson, they will definitely be in the mix.  Otherwise my ridiculously early forecast for 2020-2021 is 1. IWU 2. Millikin 3. NPU.  (And I NEVER totally discount Wheaton - they graduate practically the whole team, but generally reload, not rebuild.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2020, 12:01:08 AM
Elmhurst completed its rather injury-plagued season on a positive note, winning 3 of the last 4, ending 5-11 in conference play. They were 5-4 in nonconference action.
That was a sharp game by Sophia Lathe, making 4/4 2FG, 4/8 3FG and 4/5 FT. The 20 of her 24 pts that came via 12 FG att add up to an .833 eFG%. Kween Jean also shot well, making 4/5 2FGs and 5/6 FTs in 22:00.
I think Elmhurst earns 1 all-CCIW spot, but am not certain whom Coach Carrillo will nominate. Courtney O'Donnell and Kween Jean ended with similar scoring (10.4 , 11.1) and reb averages (6.1 , 6.6). Neither made a three, so eFG% is not involved. The FG% were .506 for O'Donnell and .431 for Jean. Jean was more turnover-prone, but may have been the better defender (maybe, I don't have a strong opinion there).
As I've stated before, I'd additionally consider Kelly Weyhrich, whose energy I admire, plus she's a talented ball distributor and dribbler. Only 33 turnovers in 508:00. Greg has observed that she missed their first ten games due to injury. Her 27 steals in 15 games was a pretty good ratio.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 20, 2020, 09:53:44 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 19, 2020, 09:52:24 PM
And mercifully, Anna Lowis only shot one FT - she bricked it, of course. :(  I just don't understand how a player can be 4 for 5 from the field, yet be a TWENTY-FIVE % FT shooter.  How long until conference opponents start adopting 'Hack-a-Shaq' as the defense against her?  I really like her game otherwise, but I'd prescribe a minimum of 100 FTs per day every day of the off-season!

Do you mean Riley? Because this exact comment can be applied to her too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2020, 11:04:40 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:42:32 PM
With North Central and Carthage both losing tonight, I think Augustana has clinched a spot as either the 5th or 6th seed depending on Sat results.

On Saturday, an NCC win @ Wheaton will clinch their spot as either 5 or 6 seed.  A Carthage win vs Ill Wesleyan and a NCC loss @ Wheaton means both will finish 7-9 having gone 0-2 vs WC and 1-1 vs NPU.  So Carthage will get the tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record vs IWU or Millikin(depending who finishes 3rd/4th) and NCC's 0-2 record vs both.

No, Augie and NCC are tied at 7-8, and the Cardinals have the tiebreaker due to a head-to-head sweep. In a three-way tie at 7-9, NCC and Carthage would get in due to head-to-head (NCC 3-1, Carthage 2-2, Augie 1-3), though I don't know if they'd rebreak the tie between NCC and Carthage for seeding (which I'm pretty sure as mentioned above would go to the Lady Reds). Based on this if I read it right, NCC gets the 5 seed with a win at Wheaton (something that's long overdue), and can make the tournament as the 6 seed if either Augie or Carthage lose. If both lose, NCC still gets the 5 seed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 20, 2020, 01:34:33 PM
Unrelated, Riley Brovelli's sister sang the national anthem at last night's game. She sounded great.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 20, 2020, 03:30:19 PM
 Junior Kendall Sosa has been named to the College Sports Information Directors of American Academic All-District First Team. Advances to All-American ballot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2020, 04:14:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 09:18:46 PM
I'm just wondering if the Millikin AD or SID are aware that the online webcast time and score are annoyingly constantly out of sync with the videocast time and score?  They're both shown side by side- One show 50-52 while the other shows 52-54?  I've noticed it other games too. 

Are we talking about the live stats? Indeed, those are often going to be ahead of the video because there is an inherent lag in streaming video. It's a much larger file being pushed to you, while the live stats are run by a very small amount of data being pushed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2020, 04:25:17 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2020, 04:14:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 09:18:46 PM
I'm just wondering if the Millikin AD or SID are aware that the online webcast time and score are annoyingly constantly out of sync with the videocast time and score?  They're both shown side by side- One show 50-52 while the other shows 52-54?  I've noticed it other games too. 

Are we talking about the live stats? Indeed, those are often going to be ahead of the video because there is an inherent lag in streaming video. It's a much larger file being pushed to you, while the live stats are run by a very small amount of data being pushed.

If this is Stretch for video and live stream (I can't remember off the top of my head), I always stop the video right away. I have also told Stretch in the past to stop the auto-play on the live stats link because ... well, I clicked live stats for a reason. They did it ... for a time. Seems they went back to the old ways at some point.

If this is SideArm, then there isn't much way to avoid this unless you bring the video full. As Pat mentioned, the data package for live stats is tiny compared to the data package for video. At best, a live stream will be about 30 seconds delayed. Live stats can be nearly instant in it's updates.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2020, 08:29:58 PM
Congratulations to Kendall Sosa on her regional honour.  She's had an outstanding year, athletically and academically. 

Keep going Kendall.  :) 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2020, 10:25:46 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 20, 2020, 11:04:40 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:42:32 PM
With North Central and Carthage both losing tonight, I think Augustana has clinched a spot as either the 5th or 6th seed depending on Sat results.

On Saturday, an NCC win @ Wheaton will clinch their spot as either 5 or 6 seed.  A Carthage win vs Ill Wesleyan and a NCC loss @ Wheaton means both will finish 7-9 having gone 0-2 vs WC and 1-1 vs NPU.  So Carthage will get the tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record vs IWU or Millikin(depending who finishes 3rd/4th) and NCC's 0-2 record vs both.

No, Augie and NCC are tied at 7-8, and the Cardinals have the tiebreaker due to a head-to-head sweep. In a three-way tie at 7-9, NCC and Carthage would get in due to head-to-head (NCC 3-1, Carthage 2-2, Augie 1-3), though I don't know if they'd rebreak the tie between NCC and Carthage for seeding (which I'm pretty sure as mentioned above would go to the Lady Reds). Based on this if I read it right, NCC gets the 5 seed with a win at Wheaton (something that's long overdue), and can make the tournament as the 6 seed if either Augie or Carthage lose. If both lose, NCC still gets the 5 seed.

Yes, right!  With all the combos, I overlooked the obvious first criteria, h2h.  Thanks Im!

Incidentally . . . https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Tiebreakers/WBB.Tiebreakers.pdf

9 different scenarios to cover
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2020, 10:35:40 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2020, 04:25:17 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2020, 04:14:17 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 09:18:46 PM
I'm just wondering if the Millikin AD or SID are aware that the online webcast time and score are annoyingly constantly out of sync with the videocast time and score?  They're both shown side by side- One show 50-52 while the other shows 52-54?  I've noticed it other games too. 

Are we talking about the live stats? Indeed, those are often going to be ahead of the video because there is an inherent lag in streaming video. It's a much larger file being pushed to you, while the live stats are run by a very small amount of data being pushed.

If this is Stretch for video and live stream (I can't remember off the top of my head), I always stop the video right away. I have also told Stretch in the past to stop the auto-play on the live stats link because ... well, I clicked live stats for a reason. They did it ... for a time. Seems they went back to the old ways at some point.

If this is SideArm, then there isn't much way to avoid this unless you bring the video full. As Pat mentioned, the data package for live stats is tiny compared to the data package for video. At best, a live stream will be about 30 seconds delayed. Live stats can be nearly instant in it's updates.

It's actually similar to some broadcasts thru stretch internet when the live stats is also being updated next to the streaming window which is ahead of the score/time on the broadcast itself.  On the Millikin site, the two different score and time displays are literally one on top of the other where you can't miss it.  So a little annoying and something i would think a production team would eliminate if they knew about it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2020, 11:08:31 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 20, 2020, 10:25:46 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 20, 2020, 11:04:40 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:42:32 PM
With North Central and Carthage both losing tonight, I think Augustana has clinched a spot as either the 5th or 6th seed depending on Sat results.

On Saturday, an NCC win @ Wheaton will clinch their spot as either 5 or 6 seed.  A Carthage win vs Ill Wesleyan and a NCC loss @ Wheaton means both will finish 7-9 having gone 0-2 vs WC and 1-1 vs NPU.  So Carthage will get the tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record vs IWU or Millikin(depending who finishes 3rd/4th) and NCC's 0-2 record vs both.

No, Augie and NCC are tied at 7-8, and the Cardinals have the tiebreaker due to a head-to-head sweep. In a three-way tie at 7-9, NCC and Carthage would get in due to head-to-head (NCC 3-1, Carthage 2-2, Augie 1-3), though I don't know if they'd rebreak the tie between NCC and Carthage for seeding (which I'm pretty sure as mentioned above would go to the Lady Reds). Based on this if I read it right, NCC gets the 5 seed with a win at Wheaton (something that's long overdue), and can make the tournament as the 6 seed if either Augie or Carthage lose. If both lose, NCC still gets the 5 seed.

Yes, right!  With all the combos, I overlooked the obvious first criteria, h2h.  Thanks Im!

Incidentally . . . https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Tiebreakers/WBB.Tiebreakers.pdf

9 different scenarios to cover

I spent a little time this afternoon trying to make sense of all the clinching scenarios for Saturday. My head started to hurt after a while.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2020, 12:19:54 AM
I have at long last concluded, yet again, that MU is in the top tier of CCIW women's basketball.  :)   I hope others agree with me.  And, likely even better, stronger next season.  IWU and MU will likely have the most talent coming back next season . .  sure would like to see Raven Hughes back on the IWU roster next year.   

Looking forward to the CCIW tournament and hope that after Saturday evening, IWU has the #2 seed.  Is that possible?

Should be a very competitive set of games for the AQ.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2020, 10:03:44 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 21, 2020, 12:19:54 AM
I have at long last concluded, yet again, that MU is in the top tier of CCIW women's basketball.  :)   I hope others agree with me.  And, likely even better, stronger next season.  IWU and MU will likely have the most talent coming back next season

I don't agree with that. While I think that defensive-minded NPU needs additional scoring help in order to get the inside track on winning next season's title, the Vikings have provided more than enough evidence that they are a team that can and will compete at the top of the league in 2020-21. Remember, North Park only loses two players to graduation, both of whom are reserves: Alisha Panthier, who averages 1.8 ppg while playing 11.6 mpg, and Angelina Villasin, who averages 4.9 ppg while playing 10.7 mpg.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 21, 2020, 11:57:58 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 20, 2020, 11:08:31 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 20, 2020, 10:25:46 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 20, 2020, 11:04:40 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 19, 2020, 10:42:32 PM
With North Central and Carthage both losing tonight, I think Augustana has clinched a spot as either the 5th or 6th seed depending on Sat results.

On Saturday, an NCC win @ Wheaton will clinch their spot as either 5 or 6 seed.  A Carthage win vs Ill Wesleyan and a NCC loss @ Wheaton means both will finish 7-9 having gone 0-2 vs WC and 1-1 vs NPU.  So Carthage will get the tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record vs IWU or Millikin(depending who finishes 3rd/4th) and NCC's 0-2 record vs both.

No, Augie and NCC are tied at 7-8, and the Cardinals have the tiebreaker due to a head-to-head sweep. In a three-way tie at 7-9, NCC and Carthage would get in due to head-to-head (NCC 3-1, Carthage 2-2, Augie 1-3), though I don't know if they'd rebreak the tie between NCC and Carthage for seeding (which I'm pretty sure as mentioned above would go to the Lady Reds). Based on this if I read it right, NCC gets the 5 seed with a win at Wheaton (something that's long overdue), and can make the tournament as the 6 seed if either Augie or Carthage lose. If both lose, NCC still gets the 5 seed.

Yes, right!  With all the combos, I overlooked the obvious first criteria, h2h.  Thanks Im!

Incidentally . . . https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Tiebreakers/WBB.Tiebreakers.pdf

9 different scenarios to cover

I spent a little time this afternoon trying to make sense of all the clinching scenarios for Saturday. My head started to hurt after a while.

Okay, with the CCIW releasing all the tiebreaker scenarios, I went ahead to look at the Massey predictions for tomorrow, and with that in mind, put together the odds for each team for what seed they'd end up with. This took a while until I finally wised up and put everything onto an Excel sheet like I should have from the get-go.

Massey Predictions:

So based on this, seeding odds are:









WheatonNPUIWUMillikinNCCAugieCarthage
#1100%------
#2-49.9%38.8%11.3%---
#3-26.0%41.4%32.6%---
#4-24.1%19.8%56.1%---
#5----51.0%49.0%-
#6----33.3%49.8%16.9%
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2020, 01:35:28 PM
Congrats to all three CCIW WBB players named to COSIDA academic all-district :
Sammie Woodward , Hannah Frazier , Kendall Sosa.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2020, 10:06:47 PM
My congrats to Woodward and Frazier as well.  Great job.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2020, 10:09:59 PM
Thanks, Imitzel, for all your numbers crunching.  Very interesting.

Should be a great CCIW conference tournament.  Gotta play the games, no matter the seedings. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 12:27:59 AM
Greg, I agree NPU has a strong group, good prospects in coming back next year.  All I'm saying is that MU has now risen to the top four, the top tier of CCIW play.  Some think they will be in the top 2-3 next season.  WC loses a lot and I'm not all that certain they will be in the top group next season.  Frazier and others all graduating.   Likely they will, but they have a steeper climb, given their re-build or reload, depending on how it goes.  IWU, NPU and MU seem to have the most coming back.  NPU and MU in a positive direction from previous years.  IWU remaining at or near the top. 

I'm still hoping for the return of Raven Hughes, but probably unlikely.  Too bad.  She's a really great player and would give the TITANS much needed rebounding, defence and paint area scoring.  Eck or Heller likely moving into the starting five.  Of course, Brovelli is back. 

Looking forward to the tournament, hopefully IWU's third crack at WC for the AQ.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2020, 12:16:47 PM
that which happened the first time for today's games :
WHE 52 NCC 40; 30-30 after 3 Q (yecch)
IWU 62 CTG 61; Autumn K 27 pts
CRL 62 MIL 59; Theresa W 18 pts
NPU 78 AUG 70; Jayla J 26 pts, 8 r, 5 stls
the mystery that is Carroll ends its 2019-20 chapter
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 02:46:36 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 12:27:59 AM
Greg, I agree NPU has a strong group, good prospects in coming back next year.  All I'm saying is that MU has now risen to the top four, the top tier of CCIW play.

Again, I don't think that the Big Blue are there yet. They have yet to demonstrate that they can beat a top tier team -- Wheaton, North Park, and Illinois Wesleyan -- on the road. Next season? Yeah, Millikin will very likely be there, which I was saying on this board weeks, if not months, ago. But right now? Let's see the Big Blue beat a top opponent on the road first.

They may well get their chance in the tournament next week.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 12:27:59 AMSome think they will be in the top 2-3 next season.

Right now that looks like a strong possibility. But none of us has a crystal ball. I've seen teams that were poised on the edge of greatness never quite step over the threshold, or even fall back. But I think that Millikin is a strong preseason bet to contend for the CCIW title next season, contingent upon everybody returning (aside from senior Briana Anthony, of course) and a typical progression in terms of the development of the returning players.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 12:27:59 AMWC loses a lot and I'm not all that certain they will be in the top group next season.  Frazier and others all graduating.   Likely they will, but they have a steeper climb, given their re-build or reload, depending on how it goes.

I've said this before, and I guess that I have to say it again: Never sleep on Wheaton. This is the 34th season of CCIW women's basketball, and Wheaton has finished in the lower half of the league a grand total of twice in those 34 seasons -- in 2008 and 2010 -- and in 28 of those 34 seasons the teams of Beth Baker and Kent Madsen have finished in the top three. That's a tradition of success that is unparalleled in the CCIW in terms of its consistency. In other words, history amply demonstrates that Wheaton will come up with the goods, no matter who graduates. The team in orange won't rebuild. It will reload. Make book on it.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 12:27:59 AM
IWU, NPU and MU seem to have the most coming back.  NPU and MU in a positive direction from previous years.  IWU remaining at or near the top. 

I'm not arguing against Illinois Wesleyan being a contender again, because it's pretty plain to me that it will be. But it needs to be said that the Titans are the only team out of those three that is going to take a serious hit to graduation. Sydney Shanks is an All-CCIW first teamer who should make the All-CCIW team again this year. The Vikings and the Big Blue don't lose anybody remotely comparable to her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 04:45:33 PM
Carroll rolls to an easy 81-65 win over Millikin to complete the season sweep (?!) of the Big Blue. The Pioneers held a double-digit lead for the final 36 minutes of the game, building the bulge to as many as 26 in the fourth quarter as they ripped twine to the tune of 58% from the field and 50% from downtown. Sierra Grubor led the way with 22 and 7 for Carroll, as Theresa Wichser scored 18 (including 6-9 from beyond the arc), and Alyssa Cruz scored 16 with a 6:3 a:to ratio. Millikin was led by Aubrey Staton with 11 and Bailey Coffman with 10. Abby Ratsch pulled down nine boards before she fouled out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2020, 05:30:05 PM
A good effort by Carroll to wrap up their season. Millikin (not motivated today?) moves on to the CCIW tourney.
In CCIW play, Carroll finishes in last, 2-6 away and 2-6 at home.
They were swept by Augie, Elmhurst, IWU, North Central and North Park.
Elizabeth Behrndt did not play in the last 2 games; assuming she got injured, good luck to her for a quick recovery.
Kayla Stefka ended up shooting 65% for 2FGs (65/100). That may be best in the conference, depending on which quantity cutoff we use.
Theresa Wichser made at least 5 threes in 5 different games, two of them being the victories over Millikin.
Carroll certainly is not a crummy team; in fact one could imagine them improving enough next season to be in play for middle-of-the-pack. They finished 4-12, thanks to the lack of easy opponents in the league.
Carroll seems to misplace a few non-seniors each offseason, so we'll see what the '20-'21 roster looks like.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 06:06:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2020, 05:30:05 PMKayla Stefka ended up shooting 65% for 2FGs (65/100). That may be best in the conference, depending on which quantity cutoff we use.

The CCIW requires three FGs per game to qualify for statistical purposes, so Stefka fell short of qualifying by ten field goals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 06:44:02 PM
IWU up on Carthage at the half 27-22.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2020, 06:53:22 PM
Stefka made 65 of 100 2FGs.
I wasn't referring to her combined 2 and 3 FGs.
2FGs by themselves aren't an official shooting stat in D3, but she could still be best in the league for that type of shot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 06:59:03 PM
Yeah, that's not an official stat in the CCIW, either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 07:51:55 PM
IWU over Carthage in Kenosha, a good road win, 70-62

IWU:
Sosa 26 and 6, winning the regular season CCIW scoring title
Shanks 16
Munroe 10 and 6
Brovelli 6 rebounds

Carthage:

Autumn Kalis was incredible:  33

I think WC won, congrats to them on the regular season championship.  I think NPU lost at Augie.  So, does this mean IWU is the #2 seed?

Here comes the tournament.  Much more basketball to be played for the AQ.

Congrats to the Titans and Coach Smith on another outstanding regular season

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2020, 08:03:36 PM
Yeah, Illinois Wesleyan got the 2 seed with the win and North Park loss.

North Park falls to the 3 and gets North Central, while Millikin will host Augustana on Tuesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:04:23 PM
Augustana 62
North Park 56

Jayla Johnson: 17 pts, 13 rebs
Lauryn Alba Garner: 12 pts
Emily Czuhajewski: 11 pts
Alisha Panthier: 6 rebs
Jacki Rapp: 4:0 a:to

Gabriela Loiz: 13 pts
Alexis Jones: 11 pts, 16 rebs, 4:1 a:to
Jenny Crain: 10 pts, 5:0 a:to

The Park didn't just throw this one away, as Augie outplayed the Vikings down the stretch and rightly took the win. But NPU, which has been playing so tight over the past two, three weeks, played the second half of this game as though the entire team collectively had a tension headache. Down the stretch it was just a festival of turnovers, missed layups, what have you. And it isn't as though Augie was invincible, either; terrible free-throw shooting by Augie all by itself should've given NPU all of the open door it needed to win this ballgame. But, once again, the Park couldn't step over the threshold.

Jayla Johnson, who set a career high for rebounds tonight, turned her ankle with two minutes to go and the Vikings down two. She came in for the last couple of possessions, but she was clearly laboring on it. Ice that down and stay off of it for the next few days, Jayla! Like it or not, with Wesleyan winning and you guys losing, it means that you're going to be playing a game on Tuesday at the crackerbox, and you need to be healthy.

NPU, as has frequently been the case during this season-ending slump, played a very good first half. The Vikings went into the locker room up by nine. It wasn't until they came out for the third quarter that they started to feel those icy fingers around their throats; as the Augie announcers correctly kept pointing out, NPU missed a ton of open shots in the third quarter, especially, and then again towards the end of the game.

The Park is just going to have to play with the hand it's been dealt (or which it has dealt itself, take your pick), which in this case means the #3 seed and a home game on Tuesday. It's very disappointing, but it could be much worse. In fact, it has been much worse for most of the past three decades. As bad as this stretch at the end of the season has been, the Vikings are still going to be playing meaningful games after 25 have been put in the books ... and that's a very, very good thing for this program.

Guess I'll be calling my first-ever CCIW tournament game on Tuesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2020, 08:06:11 PM
Final in Kenosha: IWU 70, Carthage 62.  Certainly not the fault of Autumn Kalis, who finished with 33 points; her teammates combined had 29.  Kendall Sosa had 26, Sydney Shanks had 16, Sam Munroe had 10, plus 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and only one TO.

With the team's record, I doubt Autumn Kalis is in the MOP conversation, but she definitely deserves first-team all conference.  (Does anyone know, has anyone ever won MOP with a team near the bottom of the standings?)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2020, 08:07:12 PM
symmetry :
12-4 WHE
11-5 IWU
10-6 NPU
9-7  MIL
8-8  AUG
7-9  NCC
6-10 CTG
5-11 ELM
4-12 CRL
Augustana's elaborate plan to be at the center of the CCIW universe worked flawlessly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:08:17 PM
Wheaton pulled away in the final minute to defeat North Central, 72-65.

Hannah Frazier had 22 and 9, and added three blocks and three steals for good measure. I'm pretty sure that she wrapped up her second consecutive MOP trophy this afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:09:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2020, 08:06:11 PM
With the team's record, I doubt Autumn Kalis is in the MOP conversation, but she definitely deserves first-team all conference.  (Does anyone know, has anyone ever won MOP with a team near the bottom of the standings?)

Chuck, this question was already asked on this board earlier this season.

Go back and look it up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2020, 08:34:43 PM
A correction: ?

Sosa 24
Munroe 12

According to the final box score.

Titans in a much better position now as the #2 seed, can rest up, prepare for the weekend, and hope Brovelli's ankle improves, too etc.  Lowis made some key FTs tonight.  Good for her!   


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2020, 08:36:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:09:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2020, 08:06:11 PM
With the team's record, I doubt Autumn Kalis is in the MOP conversation, but she definitely deserves first-team all conference.  (Does anyone know, has anyone ever won MOP with a team near the bottom of the standings?)

Chuck, this question was already asked on this board earlier this season.

Go back and look it up.

I don't have the computer skills to know how to look up a specific item (and already checked 6-7 pages from 3-4 months ago before I gave up).  I wasn't trying to 'Ypsi' anyone (I never have - my requests have always been for information I thought someone would simply know, not a request for research).  So your refusal to answer a question you appear to know the answer to seems a bit pissy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:48:16 PM
It's just very frustrating when a question gets asked more than once in a year.

The answer is: Amanda Orsburn of NCC back in 2001 is the only player who won MOP while playing on a team that finished in the second division.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2020, 09:06:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:48:16 PM
It's just very frustrating when a question gets asked more than once in a year.

The answer is: Amanda Orsburn of NCC back in 2001 is the only player who won MOP while playing on a team that finished in the second division.

Thanks, Greg.  I either missed or forgot the mention of Amanda Orsburn.  So the odds of Autumn Kalis being an MOP candidate would appear to be vanishingly slim.

Is the MOP voting before the conference tourney?  If so, I'd agree with Greg that it is Hannah Frazier.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 09:09:19 PM
Last year the All-CCIW team announcement came out on Tuesday morning, about seven or eight hours before the opening-round games tipped off.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 22, 2020, 09:14:16 PM
Happy that the Titans won, but Kalis was a star tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 10:12:02 PM
Tuesday at NPU/MU
#6 North Central @ #3 North Park, 7 pm
#5 Augustana @ #4 Millikin, 7 pm

Friday at Wheaton
Highest remaining seed vs. #2 Illinois Wesleyan, 5 pm
Lowest remaining seed @ #1 Wheaton, 7 pm

Saturday at Wheaton
Championship game, 7 pm
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 10:19:52 PM
Tim Bernero took over in Kenosha the same season that the CCIW tournament was instituted, 2002-03. This will be only the fourth time since then that his Lady Reds have missed making the tournament. That's a nice tribute to the work he's done at Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 22, 2020, 10:37:16 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 08:48:16 PM
It's just very frustrating when a question gets asked more than once in a year.

The answer is: Amanda Orsburn of NCC back in 2001 is the only player who won MOP while playing on a team that finished in the second division.
most of us do not have the steel trap almost photo graphic memory as you sir. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2020, 10:41:26 PM
Thanks, Larry, but even though I knew the answer was Amanda Orsburn of NCC, and that she'd won it in the early '00s, I had to look it up again to double-check which exact year she won it. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2020, 10:59:58 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 22, 2020, 08:06:11 PM

With the team's record, I doubt Autumn Kalis is in the MOP conversation, but she definitely deserves first-team all conference. 


Autumn Kalis will be unanimous first team All-Conference as will Kendall Sosa, Hannah Frazier, Alexis Jones and Jayla Johnson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2020, 12:37:37 PM
With Kalis, Woodward, Kaelber and Berigan graduating, there will be much need/opportunity for others to pick up the scoring load in '20-'21. Kaelber could treat '19-'20 as a redshirt year; we'll see.
Kelsey Coshun will likely provide more in-the-lane scoring.
Haley Ahr looked pretty good several times in '18-'19, but didn't seem as agile this season, ultimately missing 15 games due to injury.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=15002&org_id=121&stats_player_seq=1846932
The above link shows two redshirt-type seasons before she got to Carthage. She is currently listed as a junior, so she could play next season.
Did anyone outside of Kenosha notice that Destiny Antoine made 50% of her 3FG attempts? Yes, 11/22 is a small sample, but it was better than 9/22 or 7/22. She may become a prominent player.
Amanda Larson had a bunch of nice games this season, although she was not relied on for big scoring. She does a lot of things well.
Lauren Herrmann and Nansy Velev got more minutes toward the end of the season and figure to be in the rotation next season, too.
Carthage probably does need two or three new players with scoring talent. Too many games scoring in the 50s wouldn't work well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2020, 12:45:13 PM
Anyone object to Kent Madsen as CCIW Coach of the Year? Seems the correct choice to me.
I was thinking Amanda Crockett for much of the season and still regard her as not far behind Madsen. Mia Smith is right in that vicinity, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2020, 02:45:53 PM
Wheaton won it last year, and was predicted to win it this year in the coaches poll, so all that Kent Madsen did was meet expectations. Same deal with Mia Smith -- finished second last year, predicted for second this year, finished second.

The obvious choice for COY, to me, is Olivia Lett. Of the three teams that finished higher than they had been predicted to finish, NPU finished one spot above the prediction (third instead of fourth) and Carroll finished one spot above the prediction (eighth instead of ninth). But Millikin, which had been predicted to finish eighth, finished fourth instead. That's a huge leap above everyone's expectations, and it's definitely big enough to give Lett the COY award.

(Correction: As Rog pointed out to me, Elmhurst finished eighth and Carroll finished ninth. So the only two teams that outstripped preseason expectations are NPU and Millikin.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2020, 03:12:16 PM
Congratulations to the Wheaton Thunder Ladies on their conference championship.

There was a low point in the season, highlighted by a home loss to Carroll, where lackluster play had them at 10-5, 3-3.  Maybe it was the burden of lofty pre-season expectations but everything was going south and the team searching for something. 

I've sometimes been critical of Kent Madsen in the past.  But I give him a ton of credit for shaking up his starting lineup by sitting two seniors, Kristi Demski- a second yr starter and Jordan Myroth, a 3 yr starter and All Conference first teamer.  Instead he started Hannah Swider and Jacqueline San Jule, a solid player but with few significant minutes up to this point in her career.  That coaching move got his player's attention and their play was noticeably better on both ends of the court while winning their last 9 out of 10 games.  Demski and Myroth still played lots of minutes coming off the bench and accepted their role as leaders do.  And I thought that both players stepped up their play in these last 10 games albeit with less PT.

We'll see the 3rd RR this week.  But with a 19-6 record, Wheaton might be the only Pool C candidate from the conference and a 7th loss would make that shaky at best.  They must play for the title and AQ this week. 

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2020, 02:45:53 PM

The obvious choice for COY, to me, is Olivia Lett. Of the three teams that finished higher than they had been predicted to finish, NPU finished one spot above the prediction (third instead of fourth) and Carroll finished one spot above the prediction (eighth instead of ninth). But Millikin, which had been predicted to finish eighth, finished fourth instead. That's a huge leap above everyone's expectations, and it's definitely big enough to give Lett the COY award.

I concur that Lett would be very deserving as would Amanda Crockett.  I would like to see either of them recognized.
However, I suspect Madsen will win it since it just seems the title winning coach usually does.  Plus he is also deserving.   

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2020, 04:28:03 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 23, 2020, 03:12:16 PM
I concur that Lett would be very deserving as would Amanda Crockett.  I would like to see either of them recognized.
However, I suspect Madsen will win it since it just seems the title winning coach usually does.  Plus he is also deserving.

Please don't misunderstand, I was not trying to imply in my previous post that Madsen doesn't deserve it. All things being equal, I think he'd be the right choice. But my point is that all things aren't equal; Millikin finished four spots -- half of the league's standings, in other words -- higher than it had been predicted to finish. I think that that's exactly what a COY award was created to honor.

Now, the head coaches in certain CCIW sports -- I'm looking at you, head coaches of men's basketball -- believe that the only sensible recipient of this award every year is the coach of the championship team, so the COY award just gets automatically shipped off to Rock Island or Naperville or wherever the championship team resides as a sort of addendum to the main part of the package, which is the CCIW championship trophy. I think that that's wrong. I think that the COY award shouldn't be so lockstep, because there may be other coaches who deserve it more. If you take an A+ team and win the title with it, that's all well and good; there's something to be said for recruiting and building that A+ team in the first place, and, if you're defending a previous season's title and/or a preseason #1 pick, there is also the pressure of living up to expectations, a very real pressure that has to be overcome internally. So I'm not philosophically opposed to someone in Kent Madsen's situation receiving the award. There would be a lot of seasons in which I'd support someone in his shoes as the right choice for COY. But if you took a D team -- and that's what I'd call a team picked for eighth, a team that is supposed to end up with a D grade, if not a D- grade -- and you lead them to a B or B- season, then you've arguably outstripped the accomplishment of that other coach, because merit is relative to progress as well as to achievement.

I mean no offense to Kent Madsen. I just think that Olivia Lett deserves it more this year, that's all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2020, 05:22:19 PM
If we include recruiting as a big part of coaching, then there can be a lag of a few seasons before a coach's hard work yields maximum victories on the court.
It seems a lot of awards and rankings do not give specific instructions to the voters.
In 2009-10, I think I supported Lyndsie Long for MOP over Christina Solari because I felt Long had carried her team (Elmhurst) more than Solari had for IWU. That thinking of course punished Solari for having better teammates overall. You really couldn't go wrong with either.
For our younger readers, Long was an archetype small forward who averaged 24.3 pts/g (not bad, eh?)
Solari was a very agile 6-footer who could zip past any number of players who you'd think were quicker.
https://static.cciw.org/custompages/CCIW_Links/WBasketball/Stats/0910/CONFLDRS.HTM
Looking back now at where Christina rated so well in so many stats, I think I'd switch my vote (didn't have any vote!). Several other very good players that year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2020, 05:46:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2020, 05:22:19 PM
If we include recruiting as a big part of coaching

It's not a big part. It's the biggest part, by far.

The team that wins is usually the team that sends better players out onto the floor for the opening tip. And, player development notwithstanding, the key to having better players than opposing coaches is to bring in better recruits than theirs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2020, 06:35:32 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2020, 04:28:03 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 23, 2020, 03:12:16 PM
I concur that Lett would be very deserving as would Amanda Crockett.  I would like to see either of them recognized.
However, I suspect Madsen will win it since it just seems the title winning coach usually does.  Plus he is also deserving.

Please don't misunderstand, I was not trying to imply in my previous post that Madsen doesn't deserve it. All things being equal, I think he'd be the right choice. But my point is that all things aren't equal; Millikin finished four spots -- half of the league's standings, in other words -- higher than it had been predicted to finish. I think that that's exactly what a COY award was created to honor.

Now, the head coaches in certain CCIW sports -- I'm looking at you, head coaches of men's basketball -- believe that the only sensible recipient of this award every year is the coach of the championship team, so the COY award just gets automatically shipped off to Rock Island or Naperville or wherever the championship team resides as a sort of addendum to the main part of the package, which is the CCIW championship trophy. I think that that's wrong. I think that the COY award shouldn't be so lockstep, because there may be other coaches who deserve it more. If you take an A+ team and win the title with it, that's all well and good; there's something to be said for recruiting and building that A+ team in the first place, and, if you're defending a previous season's title and/or a preseason #1 pick, there is also the pressure of living up to expectations, a very real pressure that has to be overcome internally. So I'm not philosophically opposed to someone in Kent Madsen's situation receiving the award. There would be a lot of seasons in which I'd support someone in his shoes as the right choice for COY. But if you took a D team -- and that's what I'd call a team picked for eighth, a team that is supposed to end up with a D grade, if not a D- grade -- and you lead them to a B or B- season, then you've arguably outstripped the accomplishment of that other coach, because merit is relative to progress as well as to achievement.

I mean no offense to Kent Madsen. I just think that Olivia Lett deserves it more this year, that's all.

No misunderstanding here.  I agree with all you said. I would vote for Lett for being able to take a cadre of freshman and developing them quickly enough to be major contributors.  It's tough to do this with a single freshman much less 3 in Coffman, Ratsch and Fox.

My point was the same you described on the men's side - the title coach often receives the COY and so Madsen will probably get it.  But I also didn't want to imply that I thought he'd just be a ceremonial selection because that's "how it's always given" which is why I said he'd be deserving too.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2020, 11:47:14 AM
Natalie Snyder is another Millikin freshman to keep an eye on. She has made 25 of 39 two-point FG attempts.
On a whim, I decided to check for CCIW players who have at least 25 steals and 25 blocks this season, whether they've played all 25 games or not. Admittedly, taller players are most likely to reach both.
                          steals   blocks
Riley Brovelli          42        39
Hannah Frazier       35        50
Abby Ratsch           45        25
Catie Eck               25        29
With 9 teams, you'd think there'd be more players in this group. I guess some coaches advise players not to risk accumulating fouls, trying to block shots.
Incidentally, the only other one with 20+ is Elizabeth Behrndt (20 and 26).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2020, 12:09:11 PM
A few statistical notes:

* Alexis Jones of Augustana, who repeated as the CCIW's rebounding champ this season, finished CCIW play with 201 rebounds to her credit. That's the most since Rachel Pearson Bernero of North Park collected 231 caroms back in the 1990-91 season, and it ties Chris Jisa of Carroll's 201 (1988-89) for the third-most in league history, behind Lynn Dusold of Carroll's 234 in 1986-87 (the first season of CCIW play) and Bernero's 231. Nobody else has ever broken the 200 mark.

* Jayla Johnson of North Park was the CCIW's FG percentage champ, but her .518 mark in league play represents the lowest percentage to win the league title since Aja Terrier of Elmhurst won it with .516 in 2005-06. To be fair to Jayla, FG shooting champions tend to be bigs who take all, or nearly all, of their shots within five feet of the basket; Jayla, on the other hand, actually attempts more midrange jumpers than layups, so her .518 is pretty solid.

* Autumn Kalis and Sammie Woodward of Carthage finished 1-2 in the league in treys made per game, at 3.4 and 2.6, respectively. Two surprises accompany that stat: Carthage didn't win the team trey percentage title (Augustana did, with a .360 mark to second-place Carthage's .355), and, for as much as it may have seemed that the Lady Reds lived and died by the three, they actually shot a pretty modest 318 of them, which comes out to fewer than 20 3FGA per game in league play. Five other CCIW teams attempted more treys in CCIW games than did Carthage.

* Just Like Her Dad Dept.: The CCIW's FT percentage champion was Allison Pearson of North Central, who knocked 'em down at a .925 clip, eclipsing by a country mile runners-up Kalis (.882) and Woodward (.854). The apple didn't fall far from the tree, as her father, former North Park PG Jeff Pearson, ranks ninth in career FT percentage for the NPU men's program at .792, and had the seventh-best FT% season in Vikings history with an .848 mark in 1991-92.

* Not At All Like Her Dad Dept.: Lauren Hall of Augustana is this season's trey percentage champ at .511 -- far beyond the three CCIW players who finished in the low .400s, Kirsten Madsen of Wheaton, Kalis, and Emily Czuhajewski of North Park -- which is in marked contrast to her father Henry Hall, who was Jeff Pearson's counterpart as the Augustana men's team's PG back in the early '90s. Henry certainly wasn't shy about shooting treys, but he wasn't particularly notable when it came to making them. Of course, his daughter, who is an inside-outside forward, is a very different player than her dad was. She's 5'9, and I'm pretty sure that she can look her dad straight in the eye, 'cause he was pretty small by CCIW men's player standards. (Allison Pearson's pretty close to her dad's height as well, although I think she's a tad shorter than her old man.)

* While I'm convinced that Hannah Frazier of Wheaton is going to repeat as the CCIW's MOP when the awards are announced (presumably tomorrow morning), you could make a good case for Jayla Johnson based upon league play. She finished third in scoring (Frazier was fourth); second in rebounding (Frazier was seventh); first in FG percentage (Frazier was fourth); seventh in FT percentage (Frazier did edge her out there, finishing fourth); and first in steals (Frazier didn't make the leaderboard; Sydney Shanks of Illinois Wesleyan, who missed three league contests to mononucleosis, actually edged out Johnson as the steals per game leader). On the other hand, Frazier did make the leaderboards, albeit not prominently, in two categories in which Johnson didn't rank: trey percentage (fifteenth) and assists (eleventh), and Frazier also led the league in blocked shots, way ahead of Johnson (23rd).

As for the other contenders, scoring champion Kendall Sosa of Illinois Wesleyan also did well in several categories. She didn't rank in rebounding, but her excellent shooting numbers garnered her second place behind Johnson in FG percentage, fifth place in trey percentage, and fifth place in FT percentage (just behind Frazier). She was also eighth in both assists and a:to, and thirteenth in steals. Alexis Jones was sixth in scoring, behind Sosa, Kalis, Johnson, Frazier, and Woodward; first in rebounding (by a ridiculous 12.6-to-8.7 margin over runner-up Johnson); third in FG percentage (behind Johnson and Sosa and ahead of Frazier, Kalis, and Woodward); tenth in FT percentage; fifth in both assists and a:to; 21st in blocked shots, and tied with Shanks for second in steals behind Johnson (third in steals per game). The only thing that Jones doesn't do well on the basketball court is shoot treys; she's actually pretty hideous at that, as she went 7-49  (.143) from beyond the arc this season, including 5-28 (.179) in league play. Considering what a remarkable player she is, I suspect that Augustana fans can forgive her for that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2020, 12:35:22 PM
My guess at tomorrow's announcement:

MOP: Hannah Frazier, Wheaton
NOY: Abby Ratsch, Millikin
COY: Kent Madsen, Wheaton

FIRST TEAM:

*Hannah Frazier, Wheaton  Sr.
*Jayla Johnson, North Park  So.
*Alexis Jones, Augustana  Sr.
*Autumn Kalis, Carthage  Sr.
*Kendall Sosa, Illinois Wesleyan  Jr.
Jordan Hildebrand, Millikin  Jr.
Hannah Williams, Wheaton  Jr.
Sammie Woodward, Carthage  Sr.

SECOND TEAM:

Riley Brovelli, Illinois Wesleyan  Jr.
Sierra Grubor, Carroll  So.
Kween Jean, Elmhurst  So.
Kirsten Madsen, Wheaton  So.
Zakiya Newsome, North Park  Jr.
Abby Ratsch, Millikin  Fr.
Allison Pearson, North Central  So.
Sydney Shanks, Illinois Wesleyan  Sr.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2020, 01:18:48 PM
Here's my take - pretty close to Greg's

First
Autumn Kalis, Carthage*
Jayla Johnson, North Park*
Hannah Frazier, Wheaton*
Kendall Sosa, Illinois Wesleyan*
Alexis Jones, Augustana*
Sydney Shanks, Illinois Wesleyan
Jordan Hildebrand, Millikin
Hannah Williams, Wheaton

Second:
Riley Brovelli, Illinois Wesleyan
Sammie Woodward, Carthage
Kirsten Madsen, Wheaton
Abby Ratsch, Millikin
Kween Jean, Elmhurst
Allison Pearson, North Central
Lauren Hall, Augustana
Alyssa Cruz, Carroll

*Unanimous

CCIW Newcomer of the Year:  Abby Ratsch, Millikin
Lori Kerans Most Outstanding Player:  Hannah Frazier, Wheaton
Beth Baker Coach of the Year:  Kent Madsen, Wheaton
   .
*Sammie Woodward is equally deserving of first team but I'm not sure coaches go for the 7th place team getting two first teamers.  So Shanks instead.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2020, 01:30:24 PM
this would be my grouping (not a forecast, though) :
1st : Hannah Frazier, Jayla Johnson, Alexis Jones, Kendall Sosa, Autumn Kalis, Sydney Shanks, Hannah Williams, Jordan Hildebrand.
2nd : Sammie Woodward, Zakiya Newsome, Lauren Hall, Riley Brovelli, Abby Ratsch, Allison Pearson, Kirsten Madsen, Kelly Weyhrich.
I have no Carroll player, but Alyssa Cruz might edge out Sierra Grubor.
I'll go with Kent Madsen as MOP, Hannah Frazier as Newcomer and Abby Ratsch as Coach of the Year.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2020, 01:43:16 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2020, 01:18:48 PM.
*Sammie Woodward is equally deserving of first team but I'm not sure coaches go for the 7th place team getting two first teamers.  So Shanks instead.

I considered that as well, but Woodward's numbers and impact really do merit inclusion on the first team, in spite of her team's poor season. It's hard to keep a player who averaged 16 ppg and led the league in FT percentage off of the first team. But I can see it going either way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 24, 2020, 02:31:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 24, 2020, 01:43:16 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 24, 2020, 01:18:48 PM.
*Sammie Woodward is equally deserving of first team but I'm not sure coaches go for the 7th place team getting two first teamers.  So Shanks instead.

I considered that as well, but Woodward's numbers and impact really do merit inclusion on the first team, in spite of her team's poor season. It's hard to keep a player who averaged 16 ppg and led the league in FT percentage off of the first team. But I can see it going either way.

It's at least one of them on the first team if not both.  I'm thinking that if Kalis is not unanimous, then I would attribute that to Woodward getting some votes for the one Carthage spot on the first team - basically splitting the Lady Red vote.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2020, 06:09:08 PM
3FG shooting during the last four seasons for this trio of Lady Reds :
Sammie Woodward  155/443  .350  = .525 2FG shooting
Madie Kaelber          162/461  .351  = .527 2FG
Autumn Kalis           224/546  .410  = .615 2FG
all very good, and of course that was only a part of their contributions
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2020, 07:36:13 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Sydney Shanks !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2020, 08:12:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 24, 2020, 07:36:13 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Sydney Shanks !

Since she is the THIRD Titan to win PoW, while Wheaton only has had one, shouldn't the conference tourney be in B'town? ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2020, 09:27:48 PM
A reasonable person could certainly reach that conclusion, but you're forgetting the Three Hannah rule, which favors Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2020, 09:53:51 PM
Congrats to Sydney Shanks on her POW honour.   A great way to go out as a senior.  Wonderful career at IWU for Syd. 

I hope she gets first-team All-CCIW, too.

Can't argue much with previous posts on the proposed All-CCIW slates.  Some great performances all year.

Glad to see the three Hannah rule broken up soon . . .   :)   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 24, 2020, 10:32:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 24, 2020, 09:27:48 PM
A reasonable person could certainly reach that conclusion, but you're forgetting the Three Hannah rule, which favors Wheaton.

You're coming awfully close to calling me a reasonable person. :o ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2020, 11:23:41 PM
Ypsi, a first?   :)   Enjoy it while you can . . .

Let's hope our TITANS play well this weekend and finally get over the hump with WC, grabbing the AQ.  Good to have the #2 seed, to get the rest.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2020, 09:15:38 AM
Congratulations to Wheaton's Hannah Frazier for her selection to the D3 Hoops Team of the Week, her 2nd such honor this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 25, 2020, 02:12:35 PM
Awards are out (http://cciw.org/sports/2020/2/24/WBB_0224204127.aspx).

Congratulations to Hannah Frazier for winning her second consecutive Lori Kerans Award, Kent Madsen for winning the Beth Baker Award, and Millikin's Abby Ratsch for winning the Newcomer of the Year Award.

Six of the eight First Team All-CCIW folks were unanimous (Wheaton's Frazier, Augie's Alexis Jones, Carthage's Autumn Kalis, IWU's Kendall Sosa, Millikin's Jordan Hildebrand, and North Park's Jayla Johnson). Sammie Woodward of Carthage and Sydney Shanks of IWU were the other First Team honorees.

Augie's Lauren Hall, Elmhurst's Kelly Weyhrich, IWU's Riley Brovelli, Millikin's Ratsch, NCC's Allison Pearson, North Park's Zakiya Newsome, and Whetaon's Kirsten Madsen and Hannah Williams made the Second Team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2020, 02:48:13 PM
Congrats to all!
As we note each time, a number of very good players just missed. Their efforts are definitely appreciated here and by their team and coaches.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2020, 04:09:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 25, 2020, 02:48:13 PM
Congrats to all!
As we note each time, a number of very good players just missed. Their efforts are definitely appreciated here and by their team and coaches.

Rog . . . you pretty much nailed it! 16 for 16 plus COY, MOP, NOY
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2020, 05:55:24 PM
Thanks GoPerry, although my list was more opinion than prediction.
For tonight's matchups, the previous results :
MIL defeated AUG 75-71 and 66-60.
NPU and NCC split, 68-58 and 63-59.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2020, 07:39:40 PM
Congrats to all the All-CCIW honourees -- great job.  Special congrats to the three TITANS.  Way to go.  Let's have the AQ this weekend!   :)


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2020, 09:49:35 PM
Augie over MU

NCC over NPU

Looks like both NPU and MU don't finish in the top tier, at least in terms of the CCIW tournament goes. 

AC vs. IWU
NCC vs. WC

Right?   This weekend at WC.  A tougher game for IWU, I would think.

Let's hope for third times a charm . . . WC vs. IWU for the AQ.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2020, 10:09:21 PM
Alexis Jones poured in 26 pts to lead Augie over Millikin 76-69.
As if that wasn't enough, she added 9 rebs, 3 blocks, a steal and 3 assists.
Augie got help from others, too, including Mia Lambert (14 pts), Macy Beinborn (13 pts), Lauren Hall (9 rebs), Justice Edell returning from December injury (6 assists).
Millikin got 25 pts (.667 eFG%) and 6 rebs by Bailey Coffman. Aubrey Staton and Miranda Fox had 3 steals apiece.
This one will likely leave a very sour taste in the Millikin mouth.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 25, 2020, 10:12:51 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2020, 09:49:35 PM
Augie over MU

NCC over NPU

Looks like both NPU and MU don't finish in the top tier, at least in terms of the CCIW tournament goes.

AC vs. IWU
NCC vs. WC

Right?   This weekend at WC.  A tougher game for IWU, I would think.

Let's hope for third times a charm . . . WC vs. IWU for the AQ.

'70

But I thought Millikin was a top tier team... :P

I'll have to go through the NCC-NPU box. I saw bits and pieces of the game and figured the Cardinals had a good chance. Jumping out to that early 9-2 lead was a good omen.

Fun CCIW Tournament fact: 5 and 6 seeds have more wins in two years (3) than 4 seeds have had in 18 (0).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2020, 10:17:42 PM
North Central 91
North Park 84

Lauryn Alba Garner: 22 pts, 3:0 a:to
Zakiya Newsome: 19 pts, 3 stls
Angelina Villasin: 15 pts
Alisha Panthier: 8 rebs
Jayla Johnson: 6 rebs

Haydn Braun: 20 pts
Allison Pearson: 18 pts, 7 rebs
Natali Dimitrova: 15 pts, 9 rebs, 3:0 a:to
Rebekah Foley: 11 pts, 6 rebs, 7:0 a:to
Stephanie Kowalczyk: 10 pts

NCC just plain out-executed NPU, plain and simple. The Cardinals ran their halfcourt sets better, got to the rim frequently, and -- most importantly of all -- finished when they got there, as they shot 55% for the game. The Vikings, by contrast, left too many points at the rim.

The Vikings didn't go down without a fight. Trailing by 16 at 64-48 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Vikings put on a furious 13-2 comeback run sparked by Kayla Patterson and Angelina Villasin to draw within 66-61. But the Cardinals stayed cool, calm, and collected in a noisy crackerbox, making two baskets in response, and the Vikings just never managed to get past hanging-around range from that point.

It seems weird that NPU scored 84 with their primary offensive weapon playing at well less than 100%, but Lauryn Alba Garner, Zakiya Newsome, and Villasin all hit career highs tonight. They just couldn't get any stops against NCC's well-executed halfcourt sets.

Jayla Johnson's ankle sprain that she suffered at the end of Saturday's game at Augie tightened up to the point where she was in a boot this morning, and the early read from the training staff was that she wouldn't be able to suit up tonight. But suit up she did, and she toughed it out for 26 minutes before fouling out. But she was clearly not herself; she had no lift on her shot (she was 3-10 from the field) and no explosiveness. I tip my cap to her for gutting it out, knowing how much her teammates needed her.

But I'm not blaming the loss on Jayla's injury. The Cards played very well tonight and deserved the win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2020, 10:19:20 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2020, 09:49:35 PM
Augie over MU

NCC over NPU

Looks like both NPU and MU don't finish in the top tier, at least in terms of the CCIW tournament goes.

Classy comment, Mark.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2020, 10:26:46 PM
As I said on the air, this was a bittersweet season for the Vikings. They brought a lot of excitement to campus with that remarkable run that saw them lead the league by two games into the second round-robin. Then things fell apart, of course, and tonight's rather ignominious exit just feels like the continuation of a stretch in which the Vikings learned the hard way that winning is a process that rarely develops overnight. I was talking before the game with NPU basketball alumnus Todd Mitchell, and we were discussing how the 1983-84 team of his freshman season lost eight games by four points or less. The next year the Vikings won the national championship, winning along the way a bushelful of close games -- including the last four games of the D3 tournament -- in a mirror image of what they'd done the year before. "We had to learn how to win," said Todd, "and learning how to win can be painful."

Now, I'm not saying that NPU is going to win the national title next season ... but I think that the lessons of this end-of-season skid will be well learned. The future is bright for the program.

Finally, thanks for four great years from Alisha Panthier -- whose return from serious illness last season is a story in itself -- and two great years from Angelina Villasin. The hard work and sacrifice of both are appreciated by this Vikings fan, and I was happy to see them both go out big tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2020, 10:49:32 PM
Hey Greg, I watched maybe 2/3 of the AUG/MIL game and less than half of the NP one.
At some point you said something about Josie S not returning since getting hit on the head. I didn't see that play.
Do you know to what extent she was hurt? Concussion? Hoping you can provide good news regarding her. If you don't know more now, maybe let us know later.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 25, 2020, 10:58:14 PM
Nice job on the broadcast, Greg.

I tuned in from my hotel room in Sandusky, Ohio tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2020, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 25, 2020, 10:49:32 PM
Hey Greg, I watched maybe 2/3 of the AUG/MIL game and less than half of the NP one.
At some point you said something about Josie S not returning since getting hit on the head. I didn't see that play.
Do you know to what extent she was hurt? Concussion? Hoping you can provide good news regarding her. If you don't know more now, maybe let us know later.

Josie took a blow to the forehead and staggered off the floor at the 7:31 mark of the third quarter while holding her noggin in her hands. Dunno whether she was concussed or not, but she never re-entered the game. She did stay on the NPU bench during the remainder of the game, so it wasn't as though she was rushed to the ER or anything.

Quote from: gordonmann on February 25, 2020, 10:58:14 PM
Nice job on the broadcast, Greg.

I tuned in from my hotel room in Sandusky, Ohio tonight.

Thanks, Gordon. Hope that the cold I've been fighting didn't make my call too painful to listen to. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2020, 02:20:04 PM
Women's third regional rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-third
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2020, 02:22:41 PM
In the category of Millikin optimism for next season, over the final 6 games, Miranda Fox made 10 of 23 3FG att (43%).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2020, 02:23:29 PM
1 – UW Whitewater
2 – Chicago
3-  Wheaton
4-  Illinois Wesleyan (up from #7)
5-  Benedictine
6- UW-LaCrosse (#4)
7 – Wisc Lutheran(#6)
8-  Edgewood (#9)
9 – North Park (#8)

That should be very encouraging for fans wearing green . . .La Crosse lost twice, Wisc Lu went 1-1, BenU went 2-0 but IWU still jumps them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 26, 2020, 02:36:34 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2020, 02:23:29 PM
1 – UW Whitewater
2 – Chicago
3-  Wheaton
4-  Illinois Wesleyan (up from #7)
5-  Benedictine
6- UW-LaCrosse (#4)
7 – Wisc Lutheran(#6)
8-  Edgewood (#9)
9 – North Park (#8)

That should be very encouraging for fans wearing green . . .La Crosse lost twice, Wisc Lu went 1-1, BenU went 2-0 but IWU still jumps them.

Amazing what an almost 100 point lead in SOS can do. I wonder if the fact that of IWU's eight losses, six have come against RRO's gave them something of a pass on their win percentage as well.

I'd assume at this point, barring something funky, both the Thunder and Titans are going to play in March.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2020, 07:41:14 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 26, 2020, 02:36:34 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2020, 02:23:29 PM
1 – UW Whitewater
2 – Chicago
3-  Wheaton
4-  Illinois Wesleyan (up from #7)
5-  Benedictine
6- UW-LaCrosse (#4)
7 – Wisc Lutheran(#6)
8-  Edgewood (#9)
9 – North Park (#8)

That should be very encouraging for fans wearing green . . .La Crosse lost twice, Wisc Lu went 1-1, BenU went 2-0 but IWU still jumps them.

Amazing what an almost 100 point lead in SOS can do. I wonder if the fact that of IWU's eight losses, six have come against RRO's gave them something of a pass on their win percentage as well.

I'd assume at this point, barring something funky, both the Thunder and Titans are going to play in March.


I don't know . . . Provided they both win Friday and face each other in the final, the loser - Wheaton @ 20-7 or IWU @ 17-9 - doesn't feel all that safe to me.  A 9 loss team could stay on the board a long time I would think.  I haven't done a mock selection or anything.  But I see a lot of 4, 5, and 6 loss squads in the other regions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2020, 08:26:16 PM
Regional rankings have things looking up for the TITANS.

GP, wouldn't  IWU be 19-9 if they lose in the AQ game?  Yes, perhaps stuck on the table, but if the Committee looks at the body of work, the SOS and the highly-ranked teams to which IWU has lost, usually very closely, still looks pretty promising to me . . . to get in.   We'll see soon. Best route obviously to win the AQ.  WC gets in for sure, me thinks, if they win on Friday.

'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2020, 09:08:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2020, 08:26:16 PM
Regional rankings have things looking up for the TITANS.

GP, wouldn't  IWU be 19-9 if they lose in the AQ game?  Yes, perhaps stuck on the table, but if the Committee looks at the body of work, the SOS and the highly-ranked teams to which IWU has lost, usually very closely, still looks pretty promising to me . . . to get in.   We'll see soon. Best route obviously to win the AQ.  WC gets in for sure, me thinks, if they win on Friday.

'70

For the primary criteria, IWU's first win vs Governors State (NAIA) won't count.  So in the eyes of the committee they are currently 16-8 (.667) In-Division.  Win Friday but lose Saturday, they'd be 17-9 (.653) for the primary criteria.  18-9 if Secondary criteria gets considered.

In this case, the game vs Gov State is hurting the Titans.  Also, they might have been better off playing last night to get an extra win on their record to possibly finish 18-9 (.667) in-division.  Not sure if that would make a difference but the extra win% might.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2020, 09:16:59 PM
You're exactly right, GP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2020, 10:31:31 PM
Thanks, GP and Greg.  I understand your numbers now.  I was at that GSU game near Chicago, a super, toughed-out win for the TITANS, to start the season, showing what a great season Kendall Sosa was going to have.  Now, the game seems a detriment. 

Oh well, we'll see what happens.  Best route always to win the AQ and not worry about table-sitting.

Another good weekend of games in the CCIW.  Keeping things exciting.

All best from my campus, a higher education ghost town.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2020, 10:54:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2020, 10:31:31 PM
Thanks, GP and Greg.  I understand your numbers now.  I was at that GSU game near Chicago, a super, toughed-out win for the TITANS, to start the season, showing what a great season Kendall Sosa was going to have.  Now, the game seems a detriment. 

Oh well, we'll see what happens.  Best route always to win the AQ and not worry about table-sitting.

Another good weekend of games in the CCIW.  Keeping things exciting.

All best from my campus, a higher education ghost town.

'70

Is that now from coronavirus rather than Hong Kong protests - or both?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2020, 12:52:36 AM
Ypsi, now all from the coronavirus outbreak and crisis.  We had demos, police siege of our campus, closures in late November due to the governance and political crisis here, but now merged, mutated if you will, to the coronavirus outbreak only.  When the virus wanes, surely the political opposition to the Hong Kong government and the PRC government will re-emerge, as the issues involved are fundamentally unresolved. 

Hoping for our TITANS -- both men and women -- snatch up the AQs on offer this weekend.

Chuck, hope you are planning on October 9-11 at IWU Homecoming, for our 50th.  Where did all the years go???

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2020, 03:04:37 PM
This ranking seems a little strange to me:

#4 IWU               16-8(.667) 2-6 vRRo, .578 SOS
#6 UW-LaCrosse  18-6 (.750), 1-4 vRRo, .584 SOS

Both teams were 2-0 last week.  So not sure why the RAC dropped LaCrosse below IWU in this 3rd ranking.  Since the first one, UWL has gone from #2, #4 to now #6 and hasn't lost.

UWL seems low.  Or at least if IWU is ahead of #5 BenU then UWL should be also.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2020, 04:55:09 PM
Thinking a little bit about North Park for next season. They have a good core coming back, now with substantial experience.
Their rebounding efforts were spread out among much of the roster, which was helpful.
In terms of rebs per minute, senior Alisha Panthier was best, at .319 (95/298).
Others who did well were Josie Summerville .276 (124/449), Jayla Johnson .233 (180/773) and Esther Miller .231 (21/91, obviously small sample).
A few new tall players could help what already looks like a formidable team next fall.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2020, 08:17:18 PM
If all return, NPU will be very strong next year.  They need a Jill Berg type player in the paint. 

IWU could use a bit more size too, with only Brovelli coming back.  Lowis played well on the boards, but not really a strong offensive threat.  Several TITANS need to improve FT shooting.  I think we were last in the conference in %.   Would love to see Raven Hughes return, as I've said.  Doubtful.  Perhaps some help from the freshmen newbies coming in.  Sydney Shanks' consistency, scoring, defence, steals, rebounding and leadership will be missed.  A wonderful career at IWU.

Here comes an interesting weekend of games.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2020, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 27, 2020, 04:55:09 PM
Thinking a little bit about North Park for next season. They have a good core coming back, now with substantial experience.
Their rebounding efforts were spread out among much of the roster, which was helpful.
In terms of rebs per minute, senior Alisha Panthier was best, at .319 (95/298).
Others who did well were Josie Summerville .276 (124/449), Jayla Johnson .233 (180/773) and Esther Miller .231 (21/91, obviously small sample).
A few new tall players could help what already looks like a formidable team next fall.

Well, yeah, NPU does need at least one more big, because Alisha Panthier's graduation will leave the Vikings without a reserve big. But, as I've said before, what the Vikings really need in order to take them to the next level is a reliable second scorer to complement Jayla Johnson. I'm not discounting the possibility that one of the current players could become that reliable second scorer, but I'd love to see Amanda and Annie bring in somebody who has scoring ability and the mentality to use it without prejudice whenever she's on the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2020, 09:46:17 AM
Both Central #1 Whitewater and #6 UW-LaCrosse lost in the WIAC tourney.  Eau Claire will play Oshkosh for the AQ.  UWW will for sure be a Pool C so that's one less spot for either Wheaton or IWU.

There are probably more upsets out there also.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 28, 2020, 01:30:30 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2020, 09:46:17 AM
Both Central #1 Whitewater and #6 UW-LaCrosse lost in the WIAC tourney.  Eau Claire will play Oshkosh for the AQ.  UWW will for sure be a Pool C so that's one less spot for either Wheaton or IWU.

There are probably more upsets out there also.

In New England, Western New England (Regional #3) also lost last night. Three bubbles popped last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2020, 04:43:27 PM
prior results of today's games :
AUG 86 IWU 80
IWU 83 AUG 57
WHE 52 NCC 40
WHE 72 NCC 65
fun and injury-free play is wished to all
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2020, 06:45:08 PM
IWU over Augie by 1 at the half. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:05:03 PM
Wow. Dumbest foul of the century. Why would you foul an opponent who is attempting a lunging halfcourt shot at the buzzer when you're one second away from winning the game?

Even worse, it was the coach's kid who did it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2020, 08:10:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:05:03 PM
Wow. Dumbest foul of the century. Why would you foul an opponent who is attempting a lunging halfcourt shot at the buzzer when you're one second away from winning the game?

Yeah, but as a Titan, I'll build a statue to whoever fouled! ;D  You give Brooke Lansford THREE chances to make one to tie, two to win - I'll take that ANYTIME!

Titans knock off west Vikings TWICE tonite, and both were unbelievably close games. ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2020, 08:13:23 PM
Great game, exciting on so many levels.

IWU over AC in OT -- 76-75.

Sosa 28  14-17 FTs
Shanks, a monster game, 21 and 13 and 8 steals
Brovelli 9

AC:
Jones 14
Loiz 13
Edell 10

On to WC and the AQ.  Sosa had a terrific second half, carrying her team.  Shanks had a terrific first half, carrying her team, playing the last minutes with 4 fouls.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:13:27 PM
Some great performances, though. Sosa with 28, including a lot of huge drivers in the waning minutes of both regulation and overtime. Shanks with a near triple-double of 21 points, 13 rebounds, and eight steals. And she managed to hang in the game for a long time with four fouls, a feat in and of itself. Beinborn with 14, Loiz with 13, Edell with 10, and -- here's the eye-popping one -- Jones with 14 points and 21 rebounds, not to mention six assists and four steals. Twenty-one rebounds? Are you kidding me? Oh, and she also hit the 18-foot baseline J at the buzzer that sent the game into extras ... and she would've been credited with the game-winning FTs, too, had that dumb halfcourt foul not saved Wesleyan's bacon and yanked defeat out of the jaws of victory for Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2020, 08:15:12 PM
Jones an amazing game for Augie. She must be heart-broken after all the effort.  21 rebounds some kind of record?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2020, 08:16:13 PM
Moments before, another Augie player reached in and might've been whistled too. As bad as the Augie players feel, seems like defective coaching more than anything else.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:19:10 PM
Huh?

Mark Beinborn shouldn't have had to tell his players not to foul there. It should've been blatantly obvious to any basketball player beyond middle-school ball that you don't reach in on a player putting up a desperation halfcourt buzzer heave when you're about to win the game.

That's not on Mark Beinborn. It's on his kid. I hate to say that, but it's true.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2020, 08:21:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2020, 08:15:12 PM
Jones an amazing game for Augie. She must be heart-broken after all the effort.  21 rebounds some kind of record?

'70

Announcer said it was a tourney record by a big margin - previous record of 17?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:25:52 PM
Yep. Mikaela Eppard of Elmhurst grabbed 17 against Wesleyan in a semifinal game three years ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2020, 08:29:58 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:19:10 PM
Huh?

Mark Beinborn shouldn't have had to tell his players not to foul there. It should've been blatantly obvious to any basketball player beyond middle-school ball that you don't reach in on a player putting up a desperation halfcourt buzzer heave when you're about to win the game.

That's not on Mark Beinborn. It's on his kid. I hate to say that, but it's true.

Totally agree about Beinborn- shouldn't have been anywhere near.  But Lansford totally leaned in to her left to try and draw the desperation foul which is honestly never, ever called.  So the official definitely bailed her out.

Still, you cant give officials any excuse to screw things up. A shame for Augie....new life for IWU.  No question they had to have this one at a minimim.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 28, 2020, 08:51:15 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:13:27 PM
Some great performances, though. Sosa with 28, including a lot of huge drivers in the waning minutes of both regulation and overtime. Shanks with a near triple-double of 21 points, 13 rebounds, and eight steals. And she managed to hang in the game for a long time with four fouls, a feat in and of itself. Beinborn with 14, Loiz with 13, Edell with 10, and -- here's the eye-popping one -- Jones with 14 points and 21 rebounds, not to mention six assists and four steals. Twenty-one rebounds? Are you kidding me? Oh, and she also hit the 18-foot baseline J at the buzzer that sent the game into extras ... and she would've been credited with the game-winning FTs, too, had that dumb halfcourt foul not saved Wesleyan's bacon and yanked defeat out of the jaws of victory for Augie.
Always glad to save da bacon and de feet to play again another game  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:53:30 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 28, 2020, 08:29:58 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 08:19:10 PM
Huh?

Mark Beinborn shouldn't have had to tell his players not to foul there. It should've been blatantly obvious to any basketball player beyond middle-school ball that you don't reach in on a player putting up a desperation halfcourt buzzer heave when you're about to win the game.

That's not on Mark Beinborn. It's on his kid. I hate to say that, but it's true.

Totally agree about Beinborn- shouldn't have been anywhere near.  But Lansford totally leaned in to her left to try and draw the desperation foul which is honestly never, ever called.  So the official definitely bailed her out.

Still, you cant give officials any excuse to screw things up. A shame for Augie....new life for IWU.  No question they had to have this one at a minimim.

Completely agree. That was hardly a 100% obvious foul -- but as a defender you should just never, ever put yourself in a position where a ref can have any conceivable reason to put whistle to mouth on a play like that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 09:46:50 PM
Boy, I was pretty sure that North Central wouldn't have a second straight out-of-its-mind night this week, but the Cardinals are going full-on in the opposite direction. They're not only getting blown out by Wheaton, they might not even shoot 20% as a team for the night when it's all said and done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2020, 09:54:27 PM
Wheaton cruising for sure, up over 30 in the 3Q.  All WC starters going to get a nice rest.

Big one tomorrow, as many of us thought would happen.  IWU vs. WC for the AQ.

The TITANS are lucky to be there, no doubt, but they made the plays, over and over and over again in that OT win vs. AC.  Sosa and Shanks refusing to lose.  Lansford, who has struggled of late, making the key FTs when it counted. 

Looking forward to Saturday night. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 10:14:26 PM
Wheaton, which was flirting with breaking the tournament record for most lopsided win, ended up triumphing by 32. One record that I'm sure would've been broken, had it been a record that the league keeps, was worst team shooting percentage; NCC shot a lamentable 19% (12-63) from the field tonight. Jessica Kowalczyk, the only Cardinal to break double figures with 11 points, shot 3-15, for instance.

Another big night for Hannah Frazier, who had 17 and 15 as well as three blocks and three steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2020, 10:17:45 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 28, 2020, 09:54:27 PMBig one tomorrow, as many of us thought would happen.  IWU vs. WC

It shouldn't be happening. If I was an Augustana fan, I'd be just sick about that outcome.

But it's stuff like that halfcourt foul by Macy Beinborn that makes basketball so interesting. It's not a game played by robots. The human element is always there, for good or for ill.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2020, 10:31:37 PM
Several more fine CCIW players concluded their collegiate careers this evening. Congrats to them and THANKS FOR PLAYING!!
The North Central seniors certainly had a varied experience, including System ball for Michelle Roof. I do miss having such a wild style in the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2020, 10:43:30 PM
After Augie graduated much of their scoring a year ago, I wasn't sure who'd be able to get the ball in the hoop for them this season.
Now with the very valuable production of Alexis Jones, Mia Lambert and others being completed, the Vikings will again need others to step up. Good newcomers will be welcome, too, of course.
But this year also saw very nice development of players like Lauren Hall, Gabriela Loiz and Macy Beinborn, who will be much relied on next season. We saw others make good contributions as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2020, 11:06:20 PM
I'd imagine that Augustana tonight is 'Mudville' (cue "Casey at the Bat").  First the men lose by 4 after leading most of the game.  Minutes later the women "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" with a ridiculous foul (when ahead by one) on an off-balance half-court prayer shot by Brooke Lansford, giving her three tries to make one to tie, two to win - she chose to win.

A bad night in Rock Island.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2020, 11:33:06 PM
Alexis Jones, by the way, topped 300 rebounds for the season, finishing with 302, and 708 for her career. She played only 96 minutes as a freshman.
She also recorded 1,050 career points, 178 career steals and 23 double-doubles.
She had double-doubles in a majority of the games this season (15 of 27). That's kinda good!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 28, 2020, 11:47:19 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2020, 11:06:20 PM
I'd imagine that Augustana tonight is 'Mudville' (cue "Casey at the Bat").  First the men lose by 4 after leading most of the game.  Minutes later the women "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" with a ridiculous foul (when ahead by one) on an off-balance half-court prayer shot by Brooke Lansford, giving her three tries to make one to tie, two to win - she chose to win.

A bad night in Rock Island.
Lansford deserves some credit for "getting a shot attempt off" then making the free throws.

You have to feel for Macy Beinborn.

A nice night in Bloomington!,
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 12:25:56 AM
Greg, I agree, from an Augie point of view, it shouldn't be happening.  Crazy stupid foul to be sure.  But there you go, it is what it is, it is happening.  Lansford played smart and made the FTs.  Most championship runs involve great play -- which both teams surely demonstrated tonight -- but also some luck, which went the Titans way tonight.  Survive and move on.

IWU vs. WC -- what I expected at the end of the day for the AQ. 

What did Yogi say, "deja vu all over again?" 

Sosa and Shanks carrying their team. 

A great day to be a TITAN.  :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 12:30:29 AM
Amazing game and season and career by Alexis Jones.  Congrats to her.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 29, 2020, 01:03:15 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 12:25:56 AM
Greg, I agree, from an Augie point of view, it shouldn't be happening.

Nope. From a just plain ol' watching-a-basketball-game point of view, it shouldn't be happening.

But that's basketball. Like I said, it's a game played by human beings, not by robots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 02:16:41 AM
You got it, "that's basketball." A truly amazing, exciting game on so many levels, in regulation, then in OT as well, so many incredible plays, outcomes.  It's a game and an ending that we'll always remember, that's for sure.

On IWU vs. WC, I think the Titans have to play tougher in the paint, keep Brovelli and Lowis out of foul trouble, and perhaps have Bowen and Eck play more, more defence, front WC's bigs, esp. when Berg is in the game.  Keep the rebounding battle pretty even, if not win it.  WC hard to pressure with Hannah Williams ball handling.  But, I'm sure the TITANS will try, to wear them down, and still force some TOs.  Hope the AC game didn't take too too much out of the Titans, esp. Shanks and Sosa.  Quick recovery required for the AQ game.  I'm sure Frazier will get hers, but the TITANS have to stop the other Wheaton players from doing too much damage.  Both Williams and Berg did a lot of damage in the last match-up at The Shirk.  Hope the TITANS get more from Munroe, Lansford, Brovelli and Eck in this game, offensively speaking.  And push the pace a bit more.  If you get just a grinder, half-court type of game, I think Wheaton wins again.  If the TITANS can push the pace a bit more, get out on the break, and score off of TOs, then I think they have a better chance.   Should be interesting.

Hard to beat a good team three times . . . or so Q says!  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 07:46:03 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 12:25:56 AM
Greg, I agree, from an Augie point of view, it shouldn't be happening.  Crazy stupid foul to be sure.  But there you go, it is what it is, it is happening.  Lansford played smart and made the FTs.  Most championship runs involve great play -- which both teams surely demonstrated tonight -- but also some luck, which went the Titans way tonight.  Survive and move on.

'70


Exciting game, yes.  Great play - not really.  Notwithstanding that last very unwise foul, it was somewhat of miracle the Vikes were in it at all.  They committed 30 turnovers as they had all kinds of trouble with the IWU pressure defense.  Augie really needed a confident ball handler to dribble through the press but nobody really stepped up.

But the game was still close because the Titans were really awful from the field for the first 30 mins.  They finished shooting 39% for the game after finally getting some rhythm in the fourth and 21% (4/19) from three.  Sosa didn't even have a made field goal until a minute left in the 3rd.  But as All Conf players do, she started going to the hoop and drawing fouls (and Augie kept fouling her) finishing 14/17 from the free throw line.

In fact, Augie was lucky to get to OT.   I don't know why Coach Beinborn didn't call a timeout with 16 secs left in regulation with the ball and score tied.  They could have set up a play to get a good shot but instead ended up taking a pretty poor running half hook shot with 8 seconds left, way too much time on the clock.  This allowed Mia Smith to call timeout, set up a play, get Sosa a layup to lead by 2.  Only Jones' heroic shot sent the game to OT.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:21:04 AM
Yes - it's hard to beat a team three times.  Case in point - Elmhurst over NCC last night on the men's side.  So the Thunder ladies will have their work cut out for them tonight.  If they shoot and execute as well tonight as they did last night against North Central, they should be fine.  They've been playing really good team defense of late.

The key will be handling the Titan press which they have done quite easily in the first two contests.  In Williams, Madsen, Myroth, Demski, San Jule, they have seasoned ball handlers who can dribble through or pass over it.  It's gotten them some easy baskets.  Catie Eck in the press and on defense is very long and just seems to get a hand on every single pass.  But her thin size causes her to get lots of fouls called on her also.

Without the AQ, both teams would be on the bubble and hoping for almost no more upsets tonight.  Wheaton is in better shape than IWU but it really doesn't matter.  Chicago and UW-Whitewater will still be #1 and #2 in the final RR I think even though UWW lost.  So Wheaton or IWU will still be #3 or #4 and be the top Pool C team in the region and be on the board early after UW-Whitewater gets chosen almost immediately.

A Benedictine loss to Edgewood in the NACC final tonight could potentially gum up the works.  Babson and Springfield losing last night in the NEWMAC was not good.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 29, 2020, 12:26:15 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 07:46:03 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 12:25:56 AM
Greg, I agree, from an Augie point of view, it shouldn't be happening.  Crazy stupid foul to be sure.  But there you go, it is what it is, it is happening.  Lansford played smart and made the FTs.  Most championship runs involve great play -- which both teams surely demonstrated tonight -- but also some luck, which went the Titans way tonight.  Survive and move on.

'70


Exciting game, yes.  Great play - not really.  Notwithstanding that last very unwise foul, it was somewhat of miracle the Vikes were in it at all.  They committed 30 turnovers as they had all kinds of trouble with the IWU pressure defense.  Augie really needed a confident ball handler to dribble through the press but nobody really stepped up.

True. As a team Augie wasn't particularly turnover-prone this season, but against a press you need a smart, experienced, and skillful primary ballhandler, and Augie just didn't have that kind of player on the roster this season. Last night was an occasion for which Mark Beinborn could've dearly used just one more game's worth of eligibility for 2019 graduate Scooter Lopez.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 07:46:03 AMBut the game was still close because the Titans were really awful from the field for the first 30 mins.  They finished shooting 39% for the game after finally getting some rhythm in the fourth and 21% (4/19) from three.  Sosa didn't even have a made field goal until a minute left in the 3rd.  But as All Conf players do, she started going to the hoop and drawing fouls (and Augie kept fouling her) finishing 14/17 from the free throw line.

In fact, Augie was lucky to get to OT.   I don't know why Coach Beinborn didn't call a timeout with 16 secs left in regulation with the ball and score tied.  They could have set up a play to get a good shot but instead ended up taking a pretty poor running half hook shot with 8 seconds left, way too much time on the clock.  This allowed Mia Smith to call timeout, set up a play, get Sosa a layup to lead by 2.  Only Jones' heroic shot sent the game to OT.

Yeah, I remember being baffled by his refusal to call a timeout in that situation as well. I also wondered why he didn't call one early in the final minute of overtime. Augie had the ball and a 71-69 lead with 1:02 remaining, and ended up taking an off-balance jumper by Jones with five seconds left on the shot clock and :37 left on the game clock. She missed it and the Titans rebounded it, leading to Sosa's three-point play that put all of the pressure back on Augie. Beinborn had two timeouts left at that point, according to the box score, so why not use one during that possession? That was an absolutely crucial point in the game, because the Rock Islanders had a chance to go up two possessions with little more than a half-minute remaining. But instead he let his team play it out, and they sort of floundered through a set for 25 seconds without getting the kind of high-percentage opportunity that he might've been able to draw up for them in a timeout.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:21:04 AM
Yes - it's hard to beat a team three times.

I suspect that you're trying to yank my chain. ;) I'll simply reply with this: Would you have been sweating it out last year if, rather than Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton had instead had to play Carroll for the CCIW tourney championship -- a Carroll team that had finished tied for last and whom Wheaton had already defeated twice by double digits?

Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:21:04 AM
  Case in point - Elmhurst over NCC last night on the men's side.

No, that's not a case in point. That's a case in Bob's point, which is that it's hard to beat a good team three times. Put the word "good" in there, and it becomes a truism rather than a fallacy.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:21:04 AMSo the Thunder ladies will have their work cut out for them tonight.  If they shoot and execute as well tonight as they did last night against North Central, they should be fine.  They've been playing really good team defense of late.

Wheaton has had an up-and-down season, but the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance has won five in a row and ten of the last eleven and was clearly the best team in the league at the end of the regular season. While Illinois Wesleyan is entirely capable of doing tonight what it did in the same situation last year at King, which was to beat the champion after having lost to the champ twice before, I think that the seniors will get Wheaton to where it needs to be at the end of the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 06:04:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 29, 2020, 12:26:15 PM


Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:21:04 AM
Yes - it's hard to beat a team three times.

I suspect that you're trying to yank my chain. ;) I'll simply reply with this: Would you have been sweating it out last year if, rather than Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton had instead had to play Carroll for the CCIW tourney championship -- a Carroll team that had finished tied for last and whom Wheaton had already defeated twice by double digits?

Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:21:04 AM
  Case in point - Elmhurst over NCC last night on the men's side.

No, that's not a case in point. That's a case in Bob's point, which is that it's hard to beat a good team three times. Put the word "good" in there, and it becomes a truism rather than a fallacy.


Nope - no chain yanking going on.  Was responding to IWU '70 saying that but I left out the "good".  So my bad. 

In any case, it will be challenging for Wheaton to beat IWU for a 3rd time this season. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 08:18:51 PM
IWU over WC 25-21, after 1Q.  A pace of game good for IWU.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 08:37:06 PM
IWU up 44-41 at the half.  A high scoring affair, not usual for these two teams.  Pace favours IWU unless they run out of gas at some point.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 08:42:28 PM
IWU playing like they really want it.  Sosa and Munroe really on fire, Titans shooting 57%, 8/14 from three which is bad news for Wheaton. Good news is that Wheaton only down by 3.  They'll need a little more from either Madsen or Swider.

No Catie Eck for Wesleyan which is significant.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 09:11:19 PM
After 3Q, IWU up 67-54.  Playing at a pace and speed that surely favours IWU.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 29, 2020, 09:18:31 PM
Whatever disease North Central had last night appears to be contagious, because Wheaton's caught it. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance is playing terrible basketball, and the Titans are taking full opportunity to make them pay for it at both ends of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 29, 2020, 09:36:53 PM
Munroe, who definitely falls under the category of "x factor," has been the difference in Wesleyan winning this game. She's just crushed it from beyond the arc.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 09:44:09 PM
Wheaton 76  Ill Wesleyan 84

Very disappointing that Wheaton was thoroughly outplayed and outcoached on their home floor by a Titan team that played like they actually wanted to win the game.  The Thunder on the other hand played lackadaisically, were outhustled constantly (-12 rebounds, -11 offense) and just plain beaten to the ball all night.  How they could not expect IWU to be up for the game is a mystery.  The visitors had way more energy, knew what they needed to do tonight and went out and did it.  Sosa (31 pts)was nothing short of magnificent and Munroe (26 pts, 7/10 three) a career performance in a game of this magnitude.  Congratulations to IWU for a very deserving CCIW Tournament championship.

Wheaton now hoping for a Pool C bid.  They are very near the bubble but I think they are in decent shape provided there are not too many Pool A upsets this weekend.  If they do, they will no doubt have a very tough draw such as traveling to Holland to play Hope or to Whitewater to play the Warhawks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 09:58:13 PM
IWU playing with purpose and energy tonight.  Clearly a pace and style of game suited for IWU's pressure and offensive skills. 

IWU 84 WC 76 -- IWU wins the AQ.  Congrats to my TITANS.  Congrats to WC.  I hope they get a bid, very deserving.

IWU:

Sosa (the MOP tonight), 31, 9-11 FTs, 4 steals
Munroe (a monster game), 26, great ball handling, 7-10 from treyland,
Shanks 14 and 6, 4 steals
Brovelli 5 and 9
Lowis 8 rebounds

The Titans are very dangerous when three scorers like tonight.

WC:

Frazier 22 and 9, outstanding as always, a truly superb career
Berg 13 and 9
William 12, kept under control better in this game.

Hope the TITANS get a good seeding, maybe even hosting some games.  We'll see. 

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a great season, winning the AQ, moving on into March. 

More basketball to be played.  Shanks not hanging it up quite yet!  :)

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 29, 2020, 10:02:19 PM
Congratulations Lady Titans!  Great 40 minutes by everyone!  Sosa and Monroe terrific tonight. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 29, 2020, 10:05:43 PM
Here's hoping that Wheaton gets selected (I'm pretty confident they will be), and that they DON'T get sent immediately to Holland or Whitewater.  I'm not sure either they or IWU is in the same league as Hope or UWW this season.

If they said on the broadcast I missed it - anyone know why Catie Eck didn't play?  Injury in practice?  Illness?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2020, 10:16:11 PM
Eck got injured slamming into the bleachers last evening in pursuit of a loose ball. Possibly hurt hip.
Add my congrats to IWU for winning the CCIW tourney / AQ. I'm sure Wheaton will get in the national tourney too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 10:16:31 PM
Katie Eck took a hard crash into the bleachers chasing down a loose ball during the OT game vs. Augie.  Don't know if that is the reason, but she must have some pretty good bruises.  All the Titans will need some serious recovery time now.  Some very exciting, tough and physical games.  I can't imagine how tired Sosa, Shanks and Munroe must be.  Crazy good play, crazy good fitness.

On to the tournament.  Would be nice to host some games at The Shirk.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 10:17:51 PM
I'm pretty sure Wheaton gets a bid, gets in too.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 29, 2020, 10:23:59 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 10:16:31 PM
Katie Eck took a hard crash into the bleachers chasing down a loose ball during the OT game vs. Augie.  Don't know if that is the reason, but she must have some pretty good bruises.  All the Titans will need some serious recovery time now.  Some very exciting, tough and physical games.  I can't imagine how tired Sosa, Shanks and Munroe must be.  Crazy good play, crazy good fitness.

On to the tournament.  Would be nice to host some games at The Shirk.

IWU'70
never tired after a win like this one.  They will feel Sunday and Monday though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 10:28:32 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 10:16:31 PM
Katie Eck took a hard crash into the bleachers chasing down a loose ball during the OT game vs. Augie.  Don't know if that is the reason, but she must have some pretty good bruises.  All the Titans will need some serious recovery time now.  Some very exciting, tough and physical games.  I can't imagine how tired Sosa, Shanks and Munroe must be.  Crazy good play, crazy good fitness.

On to the tournament.  Would be nice to host some games at The Shirk.

IWU'70

Even though UW-Whitewater lost, I'm pretty sure they and Chicago will remain #1 and #2 in the Central RR.  So those two are likely hosts from the Central.  IWU will not host.  Even if Wheaton had won tonight, they wouldn't have been seeded highly enough to host.

If Wheaton does get in, the best they or IWU can hope for is to be sent to Chicago for least amount of travel.  Otherwise likely travel to Hope, UWW, Wartburg, Bethel, Baldwin Wallace, DePauw.  Hopefully they might at least get to play a first round game against a team other than the host institution.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on February 29, 2020, 10:33:28 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 29, 2020, 10:28:32 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 10:16:31 PM
Katie Eck took a hard crash into the bleachers chasing down a loose ball during the OT game vs. Augie.  Don't know if that is the reason, but she must have some pretty good bruises.  All the Titans will need some serious recovery time now.  Some very exciting, tough and physical games.  I can't imagine how tired Sosa, Shanks and Munroe must be.  Crazy good play, crazy good fitness.

On to the tournament.  Would be nice to host some games at The Shirk.

IWU'70

Even though UW-Whitewater lost, I'm pretty sure they and Chicago will remain #1 and #2 in the Central RR.  So those two are likely hosts from the Central.  IWU will not host.  Even if Wheaton had won tonight, they wouldn't have been seeded highly enough to host.

If Wheaton does get in, the best they or IWU can hope for is to be sent to Chicago for least amount of travel.  Otherwise likely travel to Hope, UWW, Wartburg, Bethel, Baldwin Wallace, DePauw.  Hopefully they might at least get to play a first round game against a team other than the host institution.
Costs, geographic factors and/or relative rankings likely the only way either hosts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 11:35:47 PM
IWU beat Chicago earlier on, and came within one point of beating DePauw.  They had greater trouble with UW-WW.  Let's hope for a good draw.  I agree very unlikely IWU gets to host at The Shirk.  Nor will WC.   Probably some kind of middling seed for IWU, right?  It would be nice to avoid Hope early in the tournament, let others have a crack at them.  No Trine this year?

Only gotta win six games, right?  :)

Good fun in the CCIW tournament.  Love watching Sosa, Shanks and Munroe when they are hot and on the move.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 01, 2020, 09:18:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 11:35:47 PM
IWU beat Chicago earlier on, and came within one point of beating DePauw.  They had greater trouble with UW-WW.  Let's hope for a good draw.  I agree very unlikely IWU gets to host at The Shirk.  Nor will WC.   Probably some kind of middling seed for IWU, right?  It would be nice to avoid Hope early in the tournament, let others have a crack at them.  No Trine this year?

Only gotta win six games, right?  :)

Good fun in the CCIW tournament.  Love watching Sosa, Shanks and Munroe when they are hot and on the move.

IWU'70



Pretty sure Trine will be in.  Very high SoS, they were #4 in Great Lakes in last regional ranking and have only lost to Hope since.  All losses except one early in the year were to top 25 teams.  They don't have AA Brandi Dawson this year but they are a typical Trine team including very hard nosed defense.  Assuming they make it in, some higher seeded team is going to get a tough matchup....
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2020, 12:31:34 PM
Trine was two years ago.
Last year, IWU was eliminated by Wisconsin Lutheran, who we'll recall couldn't possibly be any good because of the other members of their conference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2020, 03:14:34 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 01, 2020, 09:18:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 29, 2020, 11:35:47 PM
IWU beat Chicago earlier on, and came within one point of beating DePauw.  They had greater trouble with UW-WW.  Let's hope for a good draw.  I agree very unlikely IWU gets to host at The Shirk.  Nor will WC.   Probably some kind of middling seed for IWU, right?  It would be nice to avoid Hope early in the tournament, let others have a crack at them.  No Trine this year?

Only gotta win six games, right?  :)

Good fun in the CCIW tournament.  Love watching Sosa, Shanks and Munroe when they are hot and on the move.

IWU'70



Pretty sure Trine will be in.  Very high SoS, they were #4 in Great Lakes in last regional ranking and have only lost to Hope since.  All losses except one early in the year were to top 25 teams.  They don't have AA Brandi Dawson this year but they are a typical Trine team including very hard nosed defense.  Assuming they make it in, some higher seeded team is going to get a tough matchup....

Trine is very safely in.  #1, #2, #3 in the GL are all Pool A.  So Trine will be on the board from the get go.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 01, 2020, 06:01:04 PM
Can IWU drive to Hope?

Here's my somewhat random prediction for Friday's games.

Illinois Wesleyan versus John Carroll; La Roche at Hope.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2020, 06:09:55 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 01, 2020, 06:01:04 PM
Can IWU drive to Hope?

Here's my somewhat random prediction for Friday's games.

Illinois Wesleyan versus John Carroll; La Roche at Hope.

Yeah. I know it's unofficial, but Google has IWU to Hope at 255 miles.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 01, 2020, 08:30:31 PM
Rather than Holland, I'd much rather that IWU get sent to Chicago or DePuaw (two other likely host sites that are even closer to B'town).  We earlier beat Chicago on their court by 7, and lost to DePauw by only 2 on a neutral court.  I'm afraid that we may have already used up our allotment of lightning bolts in 2012, when the men went to Holland to face #1 Hope (undefeated against D3, and 23 straight wins overall) - we knocked them out in double OT in one of the best games I've ever seen in person.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2020, 09:44:48 PM
I seem to recall that the committee will try not to match up teams in a first round pod that have played each other already.  So if this is true, then that would rule out IWU going to potential hosts Whitewater, Chicago or DePauw.  So maybe Hope, Bethel, Wartburg, Baldwin Wallace, possibly Loras?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2020, 12:02:07 AM
Pretty much only good teams left now, right?   Gotta face some pretty tough competition.  Would be nice to avoid Hope right off.  No walk in the woods, right?  Chicago would be nice . . .

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 08:43:08 AM
Great show Dave, Gordon and other guests last night! Thanks for doing that.

During your selection process, I was a little surprised at the mentioning of teams with bad losses (Wheaton losing to Carroll, Ohio Northern to Muskingum) as if that is one of the criteria - which of course it isn't.  It sounded like an interview with a committee member indicated that will now be considered? 

I'm not arguing that "loss quality" should or should not be considered.  But the integrity of the process has been preserved by a strict adherence to the stated criteria and little more (mid season injuries, early season wins vs late season wins, etc).     



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 02, 2020, 09:35:16 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 08:43:08 AM
Great show Dave, Gordon and other guests last night! Thanks for doing that.

During your selection process, I was a little surprised at the mentioning of teams with bad losses (Wheaton losing to Carroll, Ohio Northern to Muskingum) as if that is one of the criteria - which of course it isn't.  It sounded like an interview with a committee member indicated that will now be considered? 

I'm not arguing that "loss quality" should or should not be considered.  But the integrity of the process has been preserved by a strict adherence to the stated criteria and little more (mid season injuries, early season wins vs late season wins, etc).     

I can see the logic, though.  On the men's side we ended up comparing Benedictine to Babson, I think, at one point.  We pointed out that Babson's resume was hurt by losing to so many ranked conference opponents, while Bendictine had a pristine 3-0 vRRO, because the conference games they lost were to even worse teams.

There's something amiss there.  Not sure how you solve it, but I can't begrudge he women's committee if they do it this way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 10:32:58 AM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 02, 2020, 09:35:16 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 08:43:08 AM
Great show Dave, Gordon and other guests last night! Thanks for doing that.

During your selection process, I was a little surprised at the mentioning of teams with bad losses (Wheaton losing to Carroll, Ohio Northern to Muskingum) as if that is one of the criteria - which of course it isn't.  It sounded like an interview with a committee member indicated that will now be considered? 

I'm not arguing that "loss quality" should or should not be considered.  But the integrity of the process has been preserved by a strict adherence to the stated criteria and little more (mid season injuries, early season wins vs late season wins, etc).     

I can see the logic, though.  On the men's side we ended up comparing Benedictine to Babson, I think, at one point.  We pointed out that Babson's resume was hurt by losing to so many ranked conference opponents, while Bendictine had a pristine 3-0 vRRO, because the conference games they lost were to even worse teams.

There's something amiss there.  Not sure how you solve it, but I can't begrudge he women's committee if they do it this way.

I wouldn't either necessarily.  But then I think you open up even more subjectivity if you decide to give some weight to a one off bad loss?  For instance, was the team down a player(s) due to injury or illness? 

My point is that considering "loss quality" departs from the stated criteria which is normally closely adhered to.  This is why I'm surprised to hear that it is a factor.  On the boards, anybody introducing other outside factors will typically get the " . . that might be so, but that is not part of the primary selection criteria" statement.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2020, 10:36:37 AM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clipartbest.com%2Fcliparts%2F7Ta%2FR4k%2F7TaR4kETA.jpeg&hash=04faa1c5d0594b21060b6ab25c658054926958d0)

This.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2020, 10:37:39 AM
(Rats. The effect is ruined by a page break. Anyway, I was just trying to say that what GoPerry said in his last post is spot-on.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 02, 2020, 10:39:24 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 10:32:58 AM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 02, 2020, 09:35:16 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 08:43:08 AM
Great show Dave, Gordon and other guests last night! Thanks for doing that.

During your selection process, I was a little surprised at the mentioning of teams with bad losses (Wheaton losing to Carroll, Ohio Northern to Muskingum) as if that is one of the criteria - which of course it isn't.  It sounded like an interview with a committee member indicated that will now be considered? 

I'm not arguing that "loss quality" should or should not be considered.  But the integrity of the process has been preserved by a strict adherence to the stated criteria and little more (mid season injuries, early season wins vs late season wins, etc).     

I can see the logic, though.  On the men's side we ended up comparing Benedictine to Babson, I think, at one point.  We pointed out that Babson's resume was hurt by losing to so many ranked conference opponents, while Bendictine had a pristine 3-0 vRRO, because the conference games they lost were to even worse teams.

There's something amiss there.  Not sure how you solve it, but I can't begrudge he women's committee if they do it this way.

I wouldn't either necessarily.  But then I think you open up even more subjectivity if you decide to give some weight to a one off bad loss?  For instance, was the team down a player(s) due to injury or illness? 

My point is that considering "loss quality" departs from the stated criteria which is normally closely adhered to.  This is why I'm surprised to hear that it is a factor.  On the boards, anybody introducing other outside factors will typically get the " . . that might be so, but that is not part of the primary selection criteria" statement.

In the old days, the "criteria" was very fluid.  I'd attribute a lot of the stringency of the men's committee to the chairmanship of Steve Ulrich, former of the Centennial Conference.  He's an analytical guy who took a very data driven approach to things.  The women's committee works hard to adhere to their mandate; I would never accuse them of anything untoward or inappropriate - but the two committees have evolved differently.  I don't think there's any element, outside of the committees' own members, enforcing the level of rigidity they use.

As you can see, both committees change approaches every year based on new membership and feedback.  We're really just trying to understand how each committee approaches their decisions each year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 02, 2020, 10:39:51 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2020, 10:37:39 AM
(Rats. The effect is ruined by a page break. Anyway, I was just trying to say that what GoPerry said in his last post is spot-on.)

Some of us also have our settings so the most recent posts appear at the top.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 02, 2020, 01:21:24 PM
QuoteDuring your selection process, I was a little surprised at the mentioning of teams with bad losses (Wheaton losing to Carroll, Ohio Northern to Muskingum) as if that is one of the criteria - which of course it isn't.  It sounded like an interview with a committee member indicated that will now be considered?

That's what I gleaned from Dave's conversation with Coach Harvey on Wednesday. Maybe that's not what she meant or maybe she spoke in err (understandable in a long, free-flowing interview). But I think she said they would consider whether teams have any bad losses. That's the only reason I interjected it into the conversation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2020, 03:15:08 PM
Kind of what we thought: 

IWU traveling to Holland and #2 Hope but will play un-ranked(Massey #76) Berea (25-3) in the first round.  Wheaton heads to #8 Wartburg and plays #7 Whitman (24-3) in the first round.  Brutal but expected.



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on March 02, 2020, 07:13:37 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 02, 2020, 01:21:24 PM
QuoteDuring your selection process, I was a little surprised at the mentioning of teams with bad losses (Wheaton losing to Carroll, Ohio Northern to Muskingum) as if that is one of the criteria - which of course it isn't.  It sounded like an interview with a committee member indicated that will now be considered?

That's what I gleaned from Dave's conversation with Coach Harvey on Wednesday. Maybe that's not what she meant or maybe she spoke in err (understandable in a long, free-flowing interview). But I think she said they would consider whether teams have any bad losses. That's the only reason I interjected it into the conversation.
Stating up front I am not implying anything, the problem to me is the women's teams seem so close with the criteria that one really has to breakdown the criteria with a razor fine edge.
Not so much the case with the men.i.e., a broader spectrum on the men's side.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2020, 09:17:08 PM
Well, a tough draw for IWU.  So much for avoiding Hope.  Guess you have to continue to follow Mia Smith's logic in scheduling top programs always -- "To be the best, you have to play the best." 

Good luck to WC and IWU this weekend.  I hope both programs make some noise for the CCIW.   IWU is surely battled tested, playing well at this point in the season.  March is March, no easy outings.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 02, 2020, 10:25:37 PM
Coach Harvey confirmed that they did take "bad losses" into consideration.

That was the biggest strike against Ohio Northern, which did have a really bad loss to Muskingum. I'm not real comfortable with using that as a criteria because some bad losses are subjective. Augsburg's loss to Puget Sound was cited as a bad loss. UPS was .500 and narrowly missed beating George Fox. Wheaton had a bad loss to Carroll, and it didn't stop them from getting into the tournament early enough that a couple other Central teams followed.

But that's the way it goes. The Committee has a tough job.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 02, 2020, 10:28:35 PM
Harvey made it sound like "bad loss" was a secondary criteria, put into play between teams with indistinguishable resumes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2020, 11:06:45 PM
Am I the only one who cares that the national committee is invoking a criterion that doesn't exist in order to decide between Pool C candidates?

Whatever happened to following the rules?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2020, 11:37:10 PM
Hope now #1. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 03, 2020, 10:42:50 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 02, 2020, 10:25:37 PM
Coach Harvey confirmed that they did take "bad losses" into consideration.

That was the biggest strike against Ohio Northern, which did have a really bad loss to Muskingum. I'm not real comfortable with using that as a criteria because some bad losses are subjective. Augsburg's loss to Puget Sound was cited as a bad loss. UPS was .500 and narrowly missed beating George Fox. Wheaton had a bad loss to Carroll, and it didn't stop them from getting into the tournament early enough that a couple other Central teams followed.

But that's the way it goes. The Committee has a tough job.

Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 02, 2020, 10:28:35 PM
Harvey made it sound like "bad loss" was a secondary criteria, put into play between teams with indistinguishable resumes.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2020, 11:06:45 PM
Am I the only one who cares that the national committee is invoking a criterion that doesn't exist in order to decide between Pool C candidates?

Whatever happened to following the rules?

No doubt it is a very tough job.  But this is still walking dangerously close or outside the boundary in my opinion.

Yes - she did state that a "bad loss" was treated as a secondary "tie-breaker" sort of factor.  Between two close teams then I guess that's better than a coin flip.  But on the interview, she mentioned bad losses a few more times with other teams that would suggest that it is considered a little more than that.  For instance, are bad losses researched prior to the process just like the primary criteria . . . SOS, non con SOS, record vRRo, etc?  Or said another way, did Ohio Northern have a bad loss asterick or similar notation next to their name from the very beginning on their sheets?  If so, then I think ONU has a beef -  that it would damage them vs the other seven once they got to the table.  She didn't say any of that - I'm just speculating.

Somehow I would think that "loss quality" should already be factored in.  For instance, 22-5 record with 3-2 vRRo implies 3 losses vs unranked teams.  Not exactly bad losses but it's kind of there.  Maybe a Matt Snyder(KnightSlappy) question?

Dave - thank you for pressing her on that question.  Very good interview as always.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 03, 2020, 10:56:39 AM
"Wins against .800" was another non-criterion invoked.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2020, 05:35:19 PM
Whitman, Wheaton's next opponent, has several prominent players who shoot well above 50% at 2FGs :
5'10" Sr Makana Stone  163/306  .533
5'10" So Kaylie McCracken  101/182  .555
5'11" Sr Lily Gustafson  65/98  .663
Those three could keep Wheaton's taller defenders busy.
Their team numbers are good across the board :
2FG .492  (548/1113)
3FG .334  (177/530)
FT   .725  (321/443) nearly everyone is reasonably good at FTs.
Senior guard Mady Burdett has made 70 3FGs and shoots about 42% from distance.
Whitman has outrebounded opponents 38-31 per game. Turnovers have gone 16-14 in their favor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2020, 08:06:59 PM
Anyone have a take on Berea?   I have good friends teaching there and know of the school's interesting history and financial model, but know nothing about their D3 sports history or women's basketball program.  This year's team has a nice record.  How strong is their conference?

Hope now #1, still undefeated.  If the TITANS get to them, well, "the bigger they are, the harder they fall."  They've blown out about everyone, save for the games against Trine.  Would be interesting to know if IWU's pressure and style of play would be a good match-up vs. Hope.  As has been mentioned, IWU beat Chicago and played DePauw tough, to the wire.  Had more trouble with WI-WW and MHB, in Texas.  I'm hoping Sam Munroe stays hot and Syd Shanks and Kendall Sosa continue to do their thing.  Rebounding key . . .and staying out of foul trouble important.  Assume Eck may be back by the weekend.

I give IWU a good chance in game #1 and a much tougher climb, obviously, vs. Hope at home if they get to game #2 this weekend.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2020, 09:49:46 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier on her Jostens finalists' nomination. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on March 03, 2020, 11:29:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 03, 2020, 08:06:59 PM
Anyone have a take on Berea?   I have good friends teaching there and know of the school's interesting history and financial model, but know nothing about their D3 sports history or women's basketball program.  This year's team has a nice record. 

IWU'70

Judging solely on their roster, they're long. They'll have a height advantage in several positions. Hope the Titans can out hustle them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2020, 12:46:43 AM
Ypsi, you driving over to Holland this weekend?  :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 04, 2020, 07:52:59 AM
I did a quick eval of the 2 Fri games in Holland and posted on the MIAA board.  Here is what I have for Berea vs IWU:



Offense     % 2pt   % 3pt      % FT
Berea     40.8   32.9      69.2
IWU     47.1   34.3      65
------             
Defense     % 2pt   % 3pt     
Berea     39.7   26.8     
IWU     46.2   30.1     
------             
Rebounding     Team   Opp      Margin
Berea     50   36.5      13.5
IWU     39.1   38      1.1
------             
Scoring     Team   Opp      Margin
Berea     76.9   58.6      18.3
IWU     74.6   65.3      9.3
------             
3 point shooting     Made/game        
Berea     7.7        
IWU     6.9        
------             
Ball Control     Stl/game   TO/Game      OppTO/Game
Berea     10.2   15      17.4
IWU     11.1   16.1      20.4
------             
Ball Control     Asst/game   A/TO      Blks/game
Berea     11.8   0.79      4.2
IWU     16.5   1.02      2.6
------             
    vRRO   In-Div SOS      Massey Predicts
Berea     0 - 1   0.5      69
IWU     3 - 6   0.582      80
            
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2020, 11:30:25 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 04, 2020, 12:46:43 AM
Ypsi, you driving over to Holland this weekend?  :)

'70

Alas, family obligations in the way.  I'll TRY to watch on the computer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2020, 05:16:49 PM
Thanks to Flying Dutch Fan for sharing the stat comparisons of Berea and IWU.
Eight Berea players have appeared in all 28 of their games. One other key player, Destiny Combs, has missed the last two and played "full" minutes in only one of the last seven contests. Sounds like a lingering injury. She averages 10.7 pts, 6.2 rebs and 1.8 steals.
Berea's top scorer at 20.2 is 5'9" freshman Aaliyah Hampton. Her eFG% is .515, thanks in part to 41 of 88 threes (.466). Most noteworthy, however, is that she averages 7.6 FT attempts/game. She makes 3/4 of her FTs. Sounds like quite a dynamic player. I'm guessing Sydney Shanks will be assigned defensively.
Berea's 13.5 rebounding advantage is about as good as it gets, #4 rank nationally. Incidentally, Berea is #1 nationally in total FTs made and FT att.
Back to rebounding, 6'1" senior Nakeisha Greene has an astonishing total of 280 (10/g) in 516:00. She's grabbing 54 per 100 minutes, when 30 per 100 is considered very good.
Judging from the stats, Berea seems like an energetic assertive team, likely fun to watch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2020, 08:34:29 PM
Thanks for all the data on Berea.  Looks like a very tough challenge for the TITANS.  Tough D and their normal pressure will need to be applied, esp. to their freshman scorer.  Rebounding always a challenge for IWU -- Brovelli and Lowis and Shanks need to really pay attention, and rebound well.  Bowen and Eck, too.  Looks like a great game, even before thinking about the greater challenges of #1 HOPE on their home floor, if the Titans get a second game this weekend.

Ypsi, hope you get to catch the game, from afar.   See you back at IWU in October.  :)

Good luck to Wheaton this weekend, as well.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 05, 2020, 01:33:32 PM
Whitman Blues

6'0" F Makana Stone, Sr.         15.1ppg, 8.3 rpg
6'0" F Lily Gustafson Sr.           6.0ppg, 5.0 rpg
5'7" G Mady Burdett, Sr.         13.6ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.4 asst/g, 41.7% 3pt%
5'7" G Kaelan Shamseldin, Jr   7.3 ppg, 2.7 rpb,  32.6% 3pt%
5'9" G Natalie Whitesel Sr       4.0 ppg, 3.6 rpb

5'10"G Kaylie McCracken, So.   11.3 ppg, 6.4 rpb
5'5" G Taylor Chambers, Jr.       4.2 ppg, 1.8 asst/g
5'7" G Shaira Young     , Fr.      4.4 ppg

Whitman, like Wheaton, is a very senior led team.  This won't be the first time the Blues have traveled this year as they took a Texas trip in December to play @ Mary Hardin Baylor (loss, 78-58) and Concordia-Tx (win, 82-55).  They also traveled to SoCal to play Redlands(win 79-76) and Whittier(71-52).

Wheaton will have to deliver a superior defensive effort as the Blues come with a very balanced scoring attack.  6'0" senior F Makana Stone was the NWC player of the year and is a very mobile forward – always on the move without the ball and can go left or right in the post once she has it.  Not sure if Frazier will guard her or not.  First team NWC 5'7" senior G Mady Burdett is a pretty speedy ball handler and their best 3 point shooter.  If they end up doubling Stone in the post, it can't come from whoever is guarding Burdett or she will bury 3s all night. Same with Shamseldin. 

On offense, Wheaton will need to be aggressive going to the hoop as the Whitman defense is very active.  Feeding the ball inside and driving to draw fouls or to kick it back out for a three will have to be on the menu.  15+ secs of passing around the perimeter won't do it.  Kirsten Madsen and Hannah Swider had a combined 3 of 15 (1/11 three) showing against IWU so they'll need a big bounce back from that.  Someone other than Hannah Frazier will need to step up with a good one.

Wheaton will be the underdogs but no question the Thunder are capable of winning if they can forget about the poor IWU performance and play with confidence.  There's no reason to play tentatively now.  They need to be ready to start fast and gain speed from there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 05, 2020, 06:35:21 PM
Illinois Wesleyan (19-8, 11-5) vs Berea (25-3, 15-1), Friday 3/6, 5:30pm ET/4:30pm CT, at Hope College...

Illinois Wesleyan (19-8, 11-5 CCIW)
G - Sam Munroe, 5-7 Jr. 8.9 ppg, 3.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg
G - Brooke Lansford, 5-7 So. 9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.8 apg
G - Sydney Shanks, 5-9 Sr.  13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.7 apg
G - Kendall Sosa, 5-9 Jr.  20.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg
F - Riley Brovelli, 6-1 Jr.  9.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg

Berea (25-3, 15-1 USAC)
G - Bailee Vanover, 5-4 So. 9.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.8 apg
G - Aaliyah Hampton, 5-9 Fr. 20.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.3 apg
G - Briana Lanham, 5-9 Sr. 8.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg
F - Bethanie Williams, 5-9 Sr. 8.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg
F - Nakeisha Greene, 6-1 Sr. 4.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg


Links
IWU Game Notes - https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/iwusports.com/documents/2020/3/4/Game28_NCAATournament_Berea.pdf

Video - https://www.youtube.com/hopeathletics

WEXG Radio - https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WWHP

Live stats - https://www.iwusports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2020, 10:07:37 PM
Thanks, Q.  Looks like a pretty even match-up.  Key is going to be Shanks guarding their freshman scorer . . ?  We'll see how the IWU pressure gets to Berea, or not.  Gotta win the rebounding battle, or keep it even. 

Go TITANS!   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 06:13:25 PM
The Berea Mountaineers, 25-3, who had an 0-1 vRRo record and an SOS of .500 are getting a rude awakening to a higher level of competition.  IWU leading 41-25 after 20 mins and Titans +5 in rebounding 23-18.

It might be the opponent but IWU is playing with lots of confidence now.  As long as they close this one out well, the host team will have their hands full tomorrow.  Seems like the only one capable of stopping Sosa these days is Sosa.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 06:25:58 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 06:13:25 PM
The Berea Mountaineers, 25-3, who had an 0-1 vRRo record and an SOS of .500 are getting a rude awakening to a higher level of competition.  IWU leading 41-25 after 20 mins and Titans +5 in rebounding 23-18.

It might be the opponent but IWU is playing with lots of confidence now.  As long as they close this one out well, the host team will have their hands full tomorrow.  Seems like the only one capable of stopping Sosa these days is Sosa.

Yeah - Berea jumped out to a 2-0 lead; have never been close to leading since.  Sosa made her first two threes to single-handedly lead Berea 6-2.  She has since gone only 1 for 5 on threes, but has 15 at the half.

I'm not impressed with the Mountaineers - they went 25-3 against their schedule, but I think they would have finished in the bottom half of the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 06:35:43 PM
Anyone know the story on Catie Eck?  She not only has not played, she's not even on the bench.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 06:43:52 PM
It's all but over in Holland - after 3, Titans up 65-41.  Sosa already has 26.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 06:49:55 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 06:35:43 PM
Anyone know the story on Catie Eck?  She not only has not played, she's not even on the bench.

Eck is in street clothes, end of the bench.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2020, 06:52:06 PM
Yeah, I thought I saw Catie Eck during the introductions, but she's still injured.
Whitman doing well so far, despite leading scorer Makana Stone not playing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 07:04:47 PM
IWU lives to play another day . . easily handling Berea, 76-50.  Sosa with 26.

Catie Eck and Anna Lowis in civies.  Not good.

Likely IWU vs. hosts Hope tomorrow night.  Should be a good one.

Berea had no answer for the Titans' pressure and speed.  Brovelli with a good game as well.  Good ball movement for IWU. 

Always nice to have a 20 win season . . . IWU now at 20-8 for the year.  Why not more? . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 07:14:32 PM
Wheaton and Whitman tied at 37 all at halftime.  Wheaton was down as much as 10 but didn't panic and got back to take the lead by 1.

Whitman playing without NWC PoY Makana Stone but still a very good fundamentally sound team.  Wheaton needs a really good half of defense and needs to be much tougher on the boards!  Williams, Madsen or perhaps Swider need a big second half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 07:15:35 PM
Thanks for the info on Eck - didn't recognize her in the brief scans of the Titan bench. 

Final is 76-50 - both benches were eventually totally emptied, with IWU sitting the starters pretty much the entire 4th.

I sure hope that Grove City can shock the world by even wearing down Hope a bit!  I fear that Hope will NOT be intimidated by the Titan press like Berea was.

BTW, Sosa finished with 26.  Mia Smith has always been one to keep the pedal to the metal while the game is in play, but never one to rub a beaten opponent's nose in it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 07:18:20 PM
IWU 76 Berea 50

IWU:
Sosa 26
Brovelli 15 and 13, yet another double-double for Riley
Shanks 11 and 6
Lansford 8 and 5
Bowen 8 and 6
Munroe 8 rebounds

Berea:
Vanover 12
Hampton 9
Love 8

Eck and Lowis in civies, sitting.  Sure could use them tomorrow night.??

IWU likely vs. Hope -- IWU at 20-8 Hope likely at 28-0.  Time for a huge upset!  :)

Great win tonight, good team play, excellent ball movement and shooting.  Cut down on the TOs and continue the pressure and crashing the boards.  Hope at another level altogether.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2020, 07:51:58 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 07:14:32 PM
Wheaton and Whitman tied at 37 all at halftime.  Wheaton was down as much as 10 but didn't panic and got back to take the lead by 1.

Whitman playing without NWC PoY Makana Stone but still a very good fundamentally sound team.

Just tuned in. Why isn't Stone playing?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2020, 08:11:17 PM
How can you call a held ball when one of the players is standing out of bounds?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 08:14:40 PM
Wheaton-Whitman going to OT, tied at 76.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 08:15:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2020, 07:51:58 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 07:14:32 PM
Wheaton and Whitman tied at 37 all at halftime.  Wheaton was down as much as 10 but didn't panic and got back to take the lead by 1.

Whitman playing without NWC PoY Makana Stone but still a very good fundamentally sound team.

Just tuned in. Why isn't Stone playing?

Looks like she's in civies on the bench.  No explanation.

Heading to OT -  Wheaton lucky to be there. The Thunder only scored 4 pts in the last 6 mins of regulation.

Blues coaching staff did their homework in sending Myroth to the free throw line.  Kent M will have to figure out how to use her in OT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 08:30:54 PM
The Thunder go down in OT to the Whitman Blues, 86-83.  Mady Burdett with a huge 3 game winner in OT.  Despite a not very good finish in regulation, Wheaton overall played well enough to win and did not give the game away.

Congrats to Whitman on hanging tough and coming back. 

Thanks to Hannah Frazier, Jordan Myroth, Kristi Demski, Jill Berg, Kirsten Madsen, Jacqueline San Jule and Jane Ortlip on terrific Wheaton careers representing Wheaton College basketball and doing so well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2020, 08:34:13 PM
Wheaton goes down in OT to a Whitman team that got hot from downtown late, 86-83.

Quote from: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 08:15:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2020, 07:51:58 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 06, 2020, 07:14:32 PM
Wheaton and Whitman tied at 37 all at halftime.  Wheaton was down as much as 10 but didn't panic and got back to take the lead by 1.

Whitman playing without NWC PoY Makana Stone but still a very good fundamentally sound team.

Just tuned in. Why isn't Stone playing?

Looks like she's in civies on the bench.  No explanation.

Her backup, Taylor Chambers, certainly rose to the occasion. Chambers, who averaged 4.2 ppg on the season, finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds (to 3 turnovers), and 3 steals.

Neither of the two primary Hannahs for Wheaton, Frazier and Williams, shot well from the field tonight -- they were a combined 12-32 -- but they still went down swinging, with 27 and 18 points, respectively.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 08:35:49 PM
Hope leading at the half over Grove City 25-11.  Sounds like a football score.

Tough loss in OT for WC.  Congrats on a great season, good luck for future endeavors to all of Wheaton's fine and dedicated seniors. 

Gonna be a battle tomorrow  --  IWU vs. HOPE.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2020, 08:39:55 PM
Congrats to Wheaton for (another!) very good season. Lots of opportunity for returning players and new arrivals to do well next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2020, 09:14:11 PM
A sad aspect of being a good team is that your season will likely end with a loss; 63 of 64 tournament teams will end with a loss, including 48 during this somewhat cruel weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 09:21:28 PM
Hope all over Grove City.  No contest really.  GC may not get to 20 points for 4Qs.

Hope seems long and tall, but not particularly fast. Hope the TITANS style of pace and pressure will work against them.  They've probably not faced much of this style of play in their season, with so so many blowouts, save for the close games with Trine.

Should be interesting.  I wish Grove City had offered a bit more resistance.  Both teams with an easy pathway to Saturday evening, starters resting relatively early. 

Go TITANS -- go for the Sweet Sixteen!  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 10:05:21 PM
Congratulations to Kendall Sosa on reaching 1,000 career points as a Titan, in her junior year.  Riley Brovelli working her way up the double-doubles chart for a career too.  No one will ever catch Cristina Solari's record.

Keep it rolling, Titans, on Saturday evening @DeVos.  Should be a great crowd, a wonderful atmosphere for D3 women's basketball national tournament play.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2020, 11:37:14 PM
Gonna be tough tomorrow.  Hope is ranked #1 and is undefeated.  In 2012, the Hope men were ranked #1 and undefeated against D3 (23 straight wins overall).  In an epic game, IWU won in double OT.

I plan to spend tomorrow chanting "2012...2012...2012", and hoping that lightning can strike twice! :o ;D

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 11:37:57 PM
UW-Whitewater and Bethel losing . . .  interesting.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 11:39:39 PM
Ypsi, you should drive over to Holland, to Devos, and give the TITANS your mojo!  :)

Good game against Berea.  Our Titans hitting on all cylinders just now.  Should be a good one vs. Hope.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2020, 12:14:33 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 06, 2020, 09:21:28 PM
Hope all over Grove City.  No contest really.  GC may not get to 20 points for 4Qs.

Hope seems long and tall, but not particularly fast. Hope the TITANS style of pace and pressure will work against them.  They've probably not faced much of this style of play in their season, with so so many blowouts, save for the close games with Trine.

Should be interesting.  I wish Grove City had offered a bit more resistance.  Both teams with an easy pathway to Saturday evening, starters resting relatively early. 

Go TITANS -- go for the Sweet Sixteen!  :)

IWU'70
Hope long and tall but not particularly fast - I agree.  Hope seemed to have trouble when the pace picked up.  Maybe Hope played to level of competition but I was not impressed  with Hope tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 01:20:00 AM
It will be very interesting to see how HOPE handles IWU's pressure and pace.  I think the TITANS need to battle hard, keep the rebounding battle about even, then press the pace up and down, run them ragged, big time.  Time for Sam Munroe to be streaking up and down the floor, finding Brovelli low and shooters all around the perimeter, Shanks putting some fouls on some of Hope's bigs early on.  Hope seems to play quite a few players, so wondering if in a tougher match-up, they will surely shorten their rotation, even better for a "run them ragged" type of game.  Hope seems to have several players who look a lot like Jill Berg, so can do damage down low. 

I hope Sosa stays hot.  She's been truly marvelous the last 4-5 games for IWU.  (Sorry Lowis and Eck seem to be sidelined.  We could have used Lowis' rebounding and Eck's length on D, scoring on O.).  Kaia Bowen has played some quality minutes.  Need more from Heller.  As all year, Titan starters have to play lots of minutes, so have to stay out of foul trouble, esp. Brovelli.  Should be a good one.  Save for Trine, Hope has not really been challenged much all year. So here it comes . . .

A big crowd, a wonderful home court atmosphere . . . perfect for a big upset by the visiting TITANS.  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 07, 2020, 08:23:24 AM
Illinois Wesleyan (20-8, 11-5 CCIW) vs #1-Hope (28-0, 16-0 MIAA), Saturday 3/7, 7:00pm ET, at Hope College...

Illinois Wesleyan (20-8, 11-5 CCIW)
G - Sam Munroe, 5-7 Jr. 8.9 ppg, 3.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg
G - Brooke Lansford, 5-7 So. 9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.8 apg
G - Sydney Shanks, 5-9 Sr.  13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.7 apg
G - Kendall Sosa, 5-9 Jr.  20.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg
F - Riley Brovelli, 6-1 Jr.  9.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg

#1-Hope (28-0, 16-0 MIAA)
G - Kasey DeSmit, 5-6 So.  4.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.7 apg 
G - Lauren Newman, 5-7 Jr.  7.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.5 apg
G - Kenedy Schoonveld, 5-10 Jr.  10.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
F - Ashleigh Thomas, 6-2 Jr.  5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg
F - Olivia Voskuil, 6-3 Jr. 9.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg


Links
IWU Game Notes - https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/iwusports.com/documents/2020/3/4/Game28_NCAATournament_Berea.pdf

Pantagraph - https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/kendall-sosa-tops--point-career-mark-as-illinois-wesleyan/article_e4c61ca2-db88-5e75-8f06-d92b492f9c55.html

Hope 3/6 postgame - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzclhawnFMg

Video - https://www.youtube.com/hopeathletics

WEXG Radio - https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WWHP

Live stats - https://www.iwusports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 08:27:08 AM
Hope's Coach Morehouse on playing IWU:

"They play incredibly hard," Morehouse said. "They're a tough matchup because they play probably three point guards in their starting lineup, and they can all score it. I think in their league final, they had one kid with 26 (points) and one kid with 25. So they're very, very talented. The (Sosa) kid is one of the better players in the United States."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dutchfan on March 07, 2020, 08:33:18 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 07, 2020, 08:23:24 AM
Illinois Wesleyan (20-8, 11-5 CCIW) vs #1-Hope (28-0, 16-0 MIAA), Saturday 3/7, 7:00pm ET, at Hope College...

Illinois Wesleyan (20-8, 11-5 CCIW)
G - Sam Munroe, 5-7 Jr. 8.9 ppg, 3.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg
G - Brooke Lansford, 5-7 So. 9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.8 apg
G - Sydney Shanks, 5-9 Sr.  13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.7 apg
G - Kendall Sosa, 5-9 Jr.  20.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg
F - Riley Brovelli, 6-1 Jr.  9.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg

#1-Hope (28-0, 16-0 MIAA)
G - Kasey DeSmit, 5-6 So.  4.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.7 apg 
G - Lauren Newman, 5-7 Jr.  7.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.5 apg
G - Kenedy Schoonveld, 5-10 Jr.  10.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
F - Ashleigh Thomas, 6-2 Jr.  5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg
F - Olivia Voskuil, 6-3 Jr. 9.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg


Links
IWU Game Notes - https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/iwusports.com/documents/2020/3/4/Game28_NCAATournament_Berea.pdf

Pantagraph - https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/kendall-sosa-tops--point-career-mark-as-illinois-wesleyan/article_e4c61ca2-db88-5e75-8f06-d92b492f9c55.html

Hope 3/6 postgame - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzclhawnFMg

Video - https://www.youtube.com/hopeathletics

WEXG Radio - https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WWHP

Live stats - https://www.iwusports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
What these stats do not show are Minutes Per Game and Bench Strength, especially on defense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 08:43:18 AM

[/quote]  Hope seemed to have trouble when the pace picked up.  [/quote]

Interesting... the Grove City coach said post game "we weren't ready to play at that pace"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 07, 2020, 08:51:24 AM
IWU @ Hope comparison:

2 common opponents:

Calvin
IWU 1 - 0 (60-44)
Hope 3 - 0 (64 - 38, 74- 50, 78 - 46)

North Park
IWU 1 - 1 (82 - 51, 64 - 77)
Hope 1 - 0 (62 - 45)



Offense     % 2pt   % 3pt      % FT
IWU     47.2   33.9      65.1
Hope     49.8   29.8      67.9
------             
Defense     % 2pt   % 3pt     
IWU     45.8   29.5     
Hope     32.4   25.8     
------             
Rebounding     Team   Opp      Margin
IWU     39.7   38      1.7
Hope     41.9   31      10.9
------             
Scoring     Team   Opp      Margin
IWU     74.6   64.8      9.8
Hope     75.8   41.3      34.5
------             
3 point shooting     Made/game        
IWU     6.9        
Hope     6.4        
------             
Ball Control     Stl/game   TO/Game      OppTO/Game
IWU     11   16.1      20.4
Hope     15.7   14.4      25.8
------             
Ball Control     Asst/game   A/TO      Blks/game
IWU     16.4   1.02      4.1
Hope     15   1.04      4.3
------             
    vRRO   In-Div SOS      Massey Predicts
IWU     3- 6   0.582      56
Hope     6 - 0   0.557      75
            
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 08:27:08 AM
Hope's Coach Morehouse on playing IWU:

"They play incredibly hard," Morehouse said. "They're a tough matchup because they play probably three point guards in their starting lineup, and they can all score it. I think in their league final, they had one kid with 26 (points) and one kid with 25. So they're very, very talented. The (Sosa) kid is one of the better players in the United States."

Kendall Sosa should receive plenty of AA consideration.  To me it's been somewhat amazing her emergence as a scorer this season which really came out of nowhere imho.  To wit:

2017-18:   13.0 mins/g; 55/144  38.2% FG;  23/59  38.9%   3FG; 40/45 89.1% FT;      6.0 pts/g
2018-17:   17.4 mins/g: 80/184  43.5% FG;  39/91  40.7%   3FG; 50/63 79.4% FT;      9.1 pts/g
2019-20:   31.5 mins/g: 206/447 46.1% FG: 71/183 38.8%  3FG: 102/120 85.0% FT:   20.9 pts/g *led the CCIW, unanimous First Team

Before the season began I'm not even sure green-eyed fans would've predicted this magnitude of production increase.  She was not on the All-Conference team last season but was a legit contender for MOP this season and you rarely see that.


Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 01:20:00 AM
It will be very interesting to see how HOPE handles IWU's pressure and pace. 

IWU'70

I've not seen Hope play much but a 28-0 team of their pedigree is just not going to have trouble breaking a press . . .

An X-factor tonight could be Sam Munroe who was very quiet vs Berea with only 4 pts on 6 shot attempts.  She didn't have to do much vs the Mountaineers but she is capable of much more offensive production.  -- ** a week ago @ Wheaton, 9-20 FG, 7-10 3FG, 26 pts

Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 01:20:00 AM

Save for Trine, Hope has not really been challenged much all year.

IWU'70

What???  Trine is good; a likely Sweet 16 team - and they beat them three times, home and away.  And three other  RR wins vs Ben U(crush by 46), Hanover(similar crush by 50), and North Park(not a crush but won handily by 17).

But you're right. Despite going undefeated with a .557 SOS and 6-0 vRRo, they haven't been challenged at all . . .


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: pointlem on March 07, 2020, 11:47:08 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 08:27:08 AM
Hope's Coach Morehouse on playing IWU:

"They play incredibly hard," Morehouse said. "They're a tough matchup because they play probably three point guards in their starting lineup, and they can all score it. I think in their league final, they had one kid with 26 (points) and one kid with 25. So they're very, very talented. The (Sosa) kid is one of the better players in the United States."

Kendall Sosa should receive plenty of AA consideration.  To me it's been somewhat amazing her emergence as a scorer this season which really came out of nowhere imho.  To wit:

2017-18:   13.0 mins/g; 55/144  38.2% FG;  23/59  38.9%   3FG; 40/45 89.1% FT;      6.0 pts/g
2018-17:   17.4 mins/g: 80/184  43.5% FG;  39/91  40.7%   3FG; 50/63 79.4% FT;      9.1 pts/g
2019-20:   31.5 mins/g: 206/447 46.1% FG: 71/183 38.8%  3FG: 102/120 85.0% FT:   20.9 pts/g *led the CCIW, unanimous First Team

Before the season began I'm not even sure green-eyed fans would've predicted this magnitude of production increase.  She was not on the All-Conference team last season but was a legit contender for MOP this season and you rarely see that.
Kendall Sosa sure looked like an all-American last night . . . very impressive player, inside and out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2020, 12:39:31 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 08:27:08 AM
Hope's Coach Morehouse on playing IWU:

"They play incredibly hard," Morehouse said. "They're a tough matchup because they play probably three point guards in their starting lineup, and they can all score it. I think in their league final, they had one kid with 26 (points) and one kid with 25. So they're very, very talented. The (Sosa) kid is one of the better players in the United States."

Kendall Sosa should receive plenty of AA consideration.  To me it's been somewhat amazing her emergence as a scorer this season which really came out of nowhere imho.  To wit:

2017-18:   13.0 mins/g; 55/144  38.2% FG;  23/59  38.9%   3FG; 40/45 89.1% FT;      6.0 pts/g
2018-17:   17.4 mins/g: 80/184  43.5% FG;  39/91  40.7%   3FG; 50/63 79.4% FT;      9.1 pts/g
2019-20:   31.5 mins/g: 206/447 46.1% FG: 71/183 38.8%  3FG: 102/120 85.0% FT:   20.9 pts/g *led the CCIW, unanimous First Team

Before the season began I'm not even sure green-eyed fans would've predicted this magnitude of production increase.  She was not on the All-Conference team last season but was a legit contender for MOP this season and you rarely see that.


Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 01:20:00 AM
It will be very interesting to see how HOPE handles IWU's pressure and pace. 

IWU'70

I've not seen Hope play much but a 28-0 team of their pedigree is just not going to have trouble breaking a press . . .

An X-factor tonight could be Sam Munroe who was very quiet vs Berea with only 4 pts on 6 shot attempts.  She didn't have to do much vs the Mountaineers but she is capable of much more offensive production.  -- ** a week ago @ Wheaton, 9-20 FG, 7-10 3FG, 26 pts

Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 01:20:00 AM

Save for Trine, Hope has not really been challenged much all year.

IWU'70

What???  Trine is good; a likely Sweet 16 team - and they beat them three times, home and away.  And three other  RR wins vs Ben U(crush by 46), Hanover(similar crush by 50), and North Park(not a crush but won handily by 17).

But you're right. Despite going undefeated with a .557 SOS and 6-0 vRRo, they haven't been challenged at all . . .

Massey has Hope's SoS as 23rd in the nation.

"Hope has not really been challenged much all year," indeed. ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2020, 12:47:20 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 11:39:26 AM
What???  Trine is good; a likely Sweet 16 team - and they beat them three times, home and away.  And three other  RR wins vs Ben U(crush by 46), Hanover(similar crush by 50), and North Park(not a crush but won handily by 17).

I remember being disappointed that NPU only scored 45 points in that loss on December 18. Little did I know that Hope would on average end up holding its opponents to almost three fewer points this season than the Vikings scored against them -- and that, at the other end of the floor, North Park would hold the Dutch to what ended up being almost 14 points below their season average.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 01:09:15 PM
With Hope this year, it's all about the defense; even the offense is about the defense.  Just looking at the offense, sometimes it's not that polished and they don't shoot for a particularly high percentage.  But they still shoot it 12% better than opponents on average.  On top of that, due to offensive rebounding and large positive turnover margin they've gotten 30% more shots (!) than opponents on average.  Makes up for a lot of sins on offense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dutchfan on March 07, 2020, 02:15:48 PM
You've got to be good to be 25-2. Sure, you might play an easy schedule, and in a good conference you might be something like 20-7 or, dare I say.... 19-8. But you still have to be good to be 25-2 in any conference.

Hope just decimated a 25-2 team by 51 points.

In fact, only once in the last four be tournaments has a team held their opponent to less than 20 points. Two years ago Amherst opened the tournament with a 61-12 victory over Becker.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 02:25:33 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 01:09:15 PM
With Hope this year, it's all about the defense; even the offense is about the defense.  Just looking at the offense, sometimes it's not that polished and they don't shoot for a particularly high percentage.  But they still shoot it 12% better than opponents on average.  On top of that, due to offensive rebounding and large positive turnover margin they've gotten 30% more shots (!) than opponents on average.  Makes up for a lot of sins on offense.

Hmm . . so maybe IWU should be worried about succumbing to the Flying Dutch pressure. . . ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing how Hope defends the screen/roll which IWU runs quite frequently and very well.  Expecting a pretty close game - closer than the Massey 19 pt spread.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 02:45:37 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 02:25:33 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 01:09:15 PM
With Hope this year, it's all about the defense; even the offense is about the defense.  Just looking at the offense, sometimes it's not that polished and they don't shoot for a particularly high percentage.  But they still shoot it 12% better than opponents on average.  On top of that, due to offensive rebounding and large positive turnover margin they've gotten 30% more shots (!) than opponents on average.  Makes up for a lot of sins on offense.


Hmm . . so maybe IWU should be worried about succumbing to the Flying Dutch pressure. . . ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing how Hope defends the screen/roll which IWU runs quite frequently and very well.  Expecting a pretty close game - closer than the Massey 19 pt spread.

Both teams play pressure defense very well, Hope is just mostly out of it's set half court defense.  They're both well coached so while a few more turnovers than normal might be expected, they'll probably both adjust.  I agree, I think it'll be much closer than Massey predicts.  Not sure Massey takes into account when a teams appears to be peaking like IWU.

In any case, good luck to all the young ladies.  I hope they can look back on their seasons with pride even though one team will end with a loss.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2020, 04:18:42 PM
Roundball999, your last two sentences express kind-hearted sediments!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 07, 2020, 04:33:05 PM
Hope is ridiculously talented - even without one of their best players whom I believe they lost for the remainder of the season back in January. IWU is very talented as well and I honestly feel like they are a threat to win 2-3 games in the tournament every year.

Hope ought to be embarrassed that they can put that much talent on an NCAA Division III floor. I'll bet every kid on their bench and virtually all their JV players would be starters on most good D-III teams - and their kids that actually play would be contributors for any D-II program (and some of them, D-I's) in the Midwest. Having a Hall of Fame coach doesn't hurt, either.

Having said that, though, you still have to play 40 (or more) minutes, and if anyone in this quadrant has any hope (no pun intended) of taking them out, you could do a lot worse than picking the Titans tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 06:05:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 07, 2020, 04:18:42 PM
Roundball999, your last two sentences express kind-hearted sediments!

I tend to be sedimentary :)

Seriously, as rabid and competitive as the players and we fans can be, they are our daughters and friends and I hate to see any of them upset.  The good news is they tend to recover quickly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dutchfan on March 07, 2020, 06:53:41 PM
Well, we're about to get a definitive conclusion to the debate about Hope and Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 07:18:26 PM
After 1 Q, IWU 18, Hope 16.  Sosa already has 10 pts!!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 07:19:04 PM
Go TITANS.  Keep the pace up, rebound the ball!   '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 07:37:17 PM
At the half IWU still up by 2 - 34 to 32.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 07:37:55 PM
IWU up by 2 at the half.

I like the pace of the game.  If it is a 60s or 70s game, I think IWU wins.  If it stays in the 50s, that's Hope's pace.  Gotta push the pace, keep at the zone, have better interior D.  Sure do miss Eck and Lowis, both in civies still.  :(

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 07:40:15 PM
Chicago is out.  DePauw down big. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2020, 07:55:35 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 07:40:15 PM
Chicago is out.  DePauw down big. 

Down nine ...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 08:15:57 PM
IWU expands the lead - they enter the 4th up by THREE!  55-52?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 08:17:25 PM
I fear IWU 's short bench may come into play in this game.  IWU up by 3 entering the 4Q.  Brovelli playing extremely well in interior D.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 07, 2020, 08:37:26 PM
IWU getting homered like RHIT did up there a few years ago. Several phantom calls against IWU - a blatant no-call at the basket with Munroe getting fouled. Brovelli looks like she got fouled with 15 seconds left. Hope would have gotten that call.
I had forgotten how badly RHIT got screwed up there in 2017-18.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2020, 08:39:28 PM
Wow. Heartbreaker for the Titans, as Hope erases an eight-point deficit in the final few minutes and ekes out a 72-69 win. Kendall Sosa had a world-beater night, scoring 32. But Hope's length just caused a flurry of turnovers on Wesleyan's interior passes, especially late.

Wesleyan showed up big-time and really put a scare into the Dutch. But Hope showed why they may very well be the best team in the country, doing what great teams do at the ends of games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2020, 08:46:50 PM
Congrats to the Titans for a very good season, capped by the outstanding effort tonight. Hope is fortunate to escape with that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 08:50:45 PM
Yes, the TOs late really hurt. Tough loss.  If Hope is such a great great team, I guess my lowly TITANS aren't very far behind them.  Just say'in.  Titans really fought hard.  I think the short bench without Lowis and Eck really hurt IWU tonight, starters playing so so many minutes.  Next season, TITANS need more depth.

Congrats to Hope for their comeback.  Some very dubious calls to be sure. . . can't make the taste in Coach Smith's mouth very good after that one.

Good luck to Hope the rest of the way.  You dodged the Titan bullet tonight.

Hope:
Schoonveld 20
Voskuil 17

IWU:
Sosa 32
Shanks, her last game as a Titan, 13
Munroe 11

Brovelli played tremendous D most of the game, blocking off much of Hope's post game.  Kaia Bowen played well, fought hard too, before fouling out with about 2 minutes to go. 

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on a great season, very exciting, very enjoyable.  All best to Syd Shanks in all future endeavours, following graduation in May.  Great job tonight, Green.

Kendall Sosa continues to amaze . . .

Next season will be even better.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 08:52:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 07, 2020, 08:46:50 PM
Congrats to the Titans for a very good season, capped by the outstanding effort tonight. Hope is fortunate to escape with that one.

Completely agree, Hope dodged a bullet.  Titans played a great game and Coach Smith made some very smart adjustments early.  Sosa was phenomenal.  It's unfortunate one of these teams had to lose.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 08:57:12 PM
What a heart-breaker! :'(  Titans led most of the game, and were up 67-58 with 4:30 to go.  The Hope announcers kept talking about the 'short Titan bench' - indeed, the absence of Eck and Lowis might have been crucial.

And while I usually deride complaining about the officiating as 'whining' - I'll have to agree with Enginerd about the final minutes of this game.  I DO think the Titans got hosed.

But congratulations to Hope.  I HOPE you go all the way - it relieves the sting somewhat if the team that beat you wins the title!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: pointlem on March 07, 2020, 09:09:57 PM
Quote from: pointlem on March 07, 2020, 11:47:08 AM
Kendall Sosa sure looked like an all-American last night . . . very impressive player, inside and out.
Sosa was/is amazing . . . but I repeat myself . . . ok to put her on your preseason all-American list, Titan Q.

A heartbreaking loss for IWU team and fans, when victory was at their doorstep . . . but Hope fans feel your pain. We remember when your men were last here. Congrats on taking Hope to the wire, and scoring more on Hope's defense than has any other team this year.

Hope's coach Morehouse has expressed great respect for your coach. (I can see why--her switching to the zone after Hope shot ahead completely changed the game and took Hope out of its offense.) And with both teams returning their top players next year, perhaps we can meet again?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on March 07, 2020, 09:15:18 PM
Tough loss.  Thanks for a great season Titans. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on March 07, 2020, 09:19:28 PM
What could've been...

So proud of the Titans.  I've seen a couple of the recruits online. It's a strong start.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 07, 2020, 09:22:53 PM
I knew IWU was in trouble when the Hope coach spent 5 minutes drilling the officials over a couple seconds on the shot clock (that they didn't deserve) and didn't get his way - but as soon as the ball was in-bounded and the Hope player started to dribble across the lane, the official whistled Brovelli - just for running alongside her...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 09:26:09 PM
Quote from: pointlem on March 07, 2020, 09:09:57 PM
Quote from: pointlem on March 07, 2020, 11:47:08 AM
Kendall Sosa sure looked like an all-American last night . . . very impressive player, inside and out.
Sosa was/is amazing . . . but I repeat myself . . . ok to put her on your preseason all-American list, Titan Q.

A heartbreaking loss for IWU team and fans, when victory was at their doorstep . . . but Hope fans feel your pain. We remember when your men were last here. Congrats on taking Hope to the wire, and scoring more on Hope's defense than has any other team this year.

Hope's coach Morehouse has expressed great respect for your coach. And with both teams returning their top players next year, perhaps we can meet again?

I'm hoping that enough voters have Sosa on their AA ballots THIS year!  Next year (the way she keeps improving) she may be a solid national POY candidate.

Since Sydney Shanks is the only senior (though a major loss), a return clash does not seem unlikely.  But since the Titan men's win in 2012 and the Titan women's loss in 2020 both came in the second round, could we schedule our next get together for the FF? ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 07, 2020, 09:38:02 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 08:57:12 PM
What a heart-breaker! :'(  Titans led most of the game, and were up 67-58 with 4:30 to go.  The Hope announcers kept talking about the 'short Titan bench' - indeed, the absence of Eck and Lowis might have been crucial.

And while I usually deride complaining about the officiating as 'whining' - I'll have to agree with Enginerd about the final minutes of this game.  I DO think the Titans got hosed.

But congratulations to Hope.  I HOPE you go all the way - it relieves the sting somewhat if the team that beat you wins the title!

No, the officials didn't "hose" you in the 4th anymore than they "hosed" Hope in the first half on several blatantly missed calls. 6 turnovers (4 steals by Hope) and some very good D in the last 4 minutes is what decided this game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 10:21:32 PM
Flying Dutch, very dubious calls at key moments turned the game.  The call on Brovelli, not a foul, the travelling call on Shanks in the corner, not a travel, she made the basket, and the elbow to Brovelli's face with 15 seconds to go.  Also the foul calls on Sosa and Shanks, both of which were clearly a held ball.  We'll I don't normally "whine" about the zebras either, but you have to admit these were bad calls at a more crucial time than whatever missed calls you are talking about in the first half.  IWU outplayed your team for all but those 3-4 key minutes, when these calls were made. Your floor has a "homer" reputation, I guess for good reason.  Great crowd, great atmosphere always, very similar to The Shirk.   Two great programs fighting it out.   Good luck to your team the rest of the way, they did play great D and had a good comeback.  But, I think IWU has reason to feel that this ending was not exactly fully chipper.  That's basketball . . . but, a very tough loss for IWU and IWU fans to swallow.  Sorry.

Good luck to your team the rest of the way.  You surely dodged a bullet tonight.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 10:24:14 PM
I have to think depth played a role in the final minutes.  All Titans starters played more than 30 minutes with 3 playing 38 or more.  Only Schoonveld played more than 30 for Hope and 9 of the Dutch played at least a quarter.  They seemed fresher at the end but that makes the effort of the Titans starters that much more impressive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 07, 2020, 10:50:11 PM
70-believe what you want -and I'm sure there were calls missed on both teams. My point is that a missed call and the points that may change due to that call have the same impact in the first minute as well as the last. Points are points.

I'm also not sure how we got "homer" calls from officials we've never had before and are not from our league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dee43 on March 07, 2020, 11:06:30 PM
Calls at the end of the game do not have the same impact as those in the first quarter, I don't care what anyone says. The officials felt the pressure of the crowd late in the game- and knew who the higher ranked team/who was "supposed" to win was. It is human nature and part of a home court advantage. The travel calls that were called in the last couple of minutes but were ignored on Hope's end were an example. Was Shanks' a travel in the corner with 3 min left? I think it was, but so were Hope's EVERY time their guards shot faked on the perimeter against the zone and then put the ball on the floor after picking up their back foot. Hope's pressure defense was very aggressive and how many fouls were they called for in the last 4/5 minutes? None. The officials felt the crowd and that is part of the game. But do not try and act like the officials "evened this out" by not calling some fouls on IWU in the first half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 11:42:16 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 10:24:14 PM
I have to think depth played a role in the final minutes.  All Titans starters played more than 30 minutes with 3 playing 38 or more.  Only Schoonveld played more than 30 for Hope and 9 of the Dutch played at least a quarter.  They seemed fresher at the end but that makes the effort of the Titans starters that much more impressive.

The Titans are not generally as 'thin' as they were tonite.  Both junior Anna Lowis and her high school teammate Catie Eck (a sophomore and a CCIW PotW) were on the bench in street clothes.  In such a close game, that could well have been the difference.  NOT intended as an excuse (by this time, all teams have some banged-up players), but a possible explanation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2020, 11:51:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 07, 2020, 11:42:16 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 07, 2020, 10:24:14 PM
I have to think depth played a role in the final minutes.  All Titans starters played more than 30 minutes with 3 playing 38 or more.  Only Schoonveld played more than 30 for Hope and 9 of the Dutch played at least a quarter.  They seemed fresher at the end but that makes the effort of the Titans starters that much more impressive.

The Titans are not generally as 'thin' as they were tonite.  Both junior Anna Lowis and her high school teammate Catie Eck (a sophomore and a CCIW PotW) were on the bench in street clothes.  In such a close game, that could well have been the difference.  NOT intended as an excuse (by this time, all teams have some banged-up players), but a possible explanation.

Hope lost its top scorer, Sydney Mueller, to injury earlier this season. Injuries are part of the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 08, 2020, 12:05:08 AM
Was monitoring livestats and wasn't able to watch ( so no opinion on officiating which I'm pretty happy about right now!).  Saw the Titans up by 8 or 9 with 4 mins left and then checked back later to see the surprising final.

Had to be a real heart-breaker for IWU.  I really doubt the team had the season that they all expected coming in.  But they finished it out well despite the close loss to the top ranked team in the country tonight.  I'm not at all surprised it went down to the wire.

You all know my allegiances.  Wins over IWU these days are especially gratifying and the losses especially grating(esp in conference finals).  But I have nothing but respect for the program and this would've been a nice one to get. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 12:17:47 AM
Holy cow. So. Much. Whining.

On a night in which Chuck is musing about a 2021 Final Four run for Illinois Wesleyan and is already writing Kendall Sosa's acceptance speech for the 2021 d3hoops.com Player of the Year award, he ends up looking like the reasonable one in the Greenie fanbase. Some of the rest of you seem determined to angrily litigate every single whistle and non-whistle from the last five minutes of tonight's game.

Perhaps a bit of perspective is in order. If Augustana's Macy Beinborn doesn't gift-wrap the CCIW semifinal and lay it right at IWU's feet with that incomprehensible halfcourt foul at the end of the game, the season would've ended for the Titans eight days ago, and you all would've been doing something else tonight.

To their great credit, the Titans took that gift they'd been handed and did impressive things with it, registering quality wins over Wheaton and Berea and taking what may be the best team in D3 right down to the wire on their own floor. Kudos to them for that. But make no mistake -- they've been playing with house money since that CCIW semifinal game. I figure that some of you could use the reminder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2020, 12:21:51 AM
Thanks, GoPerry.  Yes, it would have been a nice upset win for IWU and the CCIW.  So close.  Can't imagine anyone in the IWU camp is happy about the calls in the last 3-4 minutes.  I'm certainly not, as posted earlier.  But, that's basketball and the "home court" advantage, to some degree.   I share Dee43's views in large part posted below.   Tough tough loss, after being up 9, basically outplaying Hope almost the entire way.   IWU starters and Kaia Bowen too left it all out there . . . the short bench tonight a factor, with no Lowis or Eck.  Starters playing tons of minutes.   Sosa was magnificent. 

IWU will need some greater depth next year, improved FT shooting by some.  13 of 14 of this roster returning. Shanks will be greatly missed, on many levels and in many ways.  We'll see what Mia Smith cooks up for the next edition.  I'm sure this one is going to stick with her a long long time.

Good luck to Hope the rest of the way. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 12:26:39 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 10:21:32 PM
Flying Dutch, very dubious calls at key moments turned the game.  The call on Brovelli, not a foul, the travelling call on Shanks in the corner, not a travel, she made the basket, and the elbow to Brovelli's face with 15 seconds to go.  Also the foul calls on Sosa and Shanks, both of which were clearly a held ball.  We'll I don't normally "whine" about the zebras either, but you have to admit these were bad calls at a more crucial time than whatever missed calls you are talking about in the first half.  IWU outplayed your team for all but those 3-4 key minutes, when these calls were made. Your floor has a "homer" reputation, I guess for good reason.  Great crowd, great atmosphere always, very similar to The Shirk.   Two great programs fighting it out.   Good luck to your team the rest of the way, they did play great D and had a good comeback.  But, I think IWU has reason to feel that this ending was not exactly fully chipper.  That's basketball . . . but, a very tough loss for IWU and IWU fans to swallow.  Sorry.

Good luck to your team the rest of the way.  You surely dodged a bullet tonight.

'70

I am not an IWU fan, and only watched the game out of boredom tonight, so I'm likely the least motivated observer on this thread. That said, Hope benefited from some uneven 2nd-half officiating.

IWU were responsible for a great deal of what happened over the last four minutes, like the two missed free throws, but there was some suspect officiating in the 2nd half. I watched most of the game, and I only recall the one travelling call on Shanks, yet saw far worse examples throughout the game from both teams, without a call. I do not think Shanks even came close to travelling - and to make that call, at that point in the game, after not having made it a priority the entire game to that point, is just inexplicable - like the phantom call on Brovelli after Hope's coach chewed on the officials' ears over three lost seconds on the shot-clock. To me, THAT is the call that says it all. The officials weren't cheating or consciously trying to help Hope, but the crowd and the atmosphere really got into their heads - they weren't up to it and didn't do a great job. As another poster pointed out, it's human nature when there are 6,000 screaming people in the same building.

Did it cost IWU the game? Who knows? Would IWU have gotten anything out of that possession had Shanks not been called for travelling? Would Munroe have made her free throws if the (very) obvious foul had been called on Voskuil when she blocked her shot and knocked her to the ground under the basket around the 4-5-minute mark? Would Brovelli have made both free throws with the game on the line and 15 seconds left on the clock (after she was clearly fouled at the basket-but no call)? Who knows?

Would have been a monumental upset, too. IWU is an elite program - but a win tonight vs. such an obscenely talented team in their own building would have been one for the ages. Hope is an above-average D-II team playing D-III basketball. I'd bet they could win 15-18 games per year, without too much trouble, as a member of the GLAC - much as Thomas More was immediately a Top-20 NAIA team this year with essentially the same roster that won the D-III title last year.

I haven't ever bothered to really watch any of the East Coast / NESCAC teams - but I will this year because I want to see how Hope's talent and length stacks up against them, because that's where this is headed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on March 08, 2020, 01:19:25 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 12:17:47 AM
Holy cow. So. Much. Whining.


winning the whining war
Winning is whining without the h and another n then actually winning.  :D ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 08, 2020, 01:19:56 AM
i will simply state what i learned from serving in the military ad what i have taught to my players and kids.  Losers make excuses. Winners own it no matter what the outcome.   Having my daughter play both Wesleyan and Chicago I am quite sure those players are owning it.  Have no clue if bad calls or not didn't see the game but a good coach would say you know what we need to play better and take it out of the refs hands,  A officer  once told me Airman were looking for solutions not excuses. Never forgot  those words and they have served me well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dutchfan on March 08, 2020, 06:16:50 AM
I hear a lot of complaining about the refs from IWU fans. As a Hope fan I felt the same way, only going the other way. So that means that in reality the Officials were likely quite fair and called the game evenly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 08, 2020, 07:11:41 AM
It's very sad this thread has degraded into an officiating discussion - so predictable in big games that come down to the wire. 

Would much rather talk about a great game between two magnificent teams in an outstanding D3 atmosphere.  How about IWU taking the top team in the country and giving them everything they can handle and more?  And Sosa, she was fabulous, not to mention the other Titans.  Coach Smith seeing that her press was leading to easy Dutch shots and making some great adjustments.  Also give the Dutch credit, no matter what you think about the officiating these girls turned it up a notch at the end - the steals, big shots made, design and execution of that last out of bounds play - they did the things at the end when they absolutely had to.  With both teams returning basically everyone, we may see this again next year.

Also have to note Trine winning easily into the Sweet Sixteen.  I credit those three games vs the Thunder - all came down to the wire - for giving the Dutch the mental toughness to not give up in last night's game.  Honestly I thought they Dutch were done for with 4 minutes left but the girls just turned it up. 

Again I say great, great game between two super teams.  As I said earlier, a shame one had to lose.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM
Quote from: Dutchfan on March 08, 2020, 06:16:50 AM
I hear a lot of complaining about the refs from IWU fans. As a Hope fan I felt the same way, only going the other way. So that means that in reality the Officials were likely quite fair and called the game evenly.

You might have felt that way for the first 35 minutes of the game. but I doubt you did over the last 4-5.

I think IWU fans have every right to be upset over 4th quarter officiating because it left a lot to be desired - but that doesn't cheapen Hope's gritty win. Hope caught a few breaks, but still had to take advantage of them. Happens all the time and not every team is able to do so when the opportunity presents itself.

It is true that, regardless of what the officials did or did not do, they didn't cause IWU to miss two huge free throws late, nor did they cause Hope to make HUGE back-to-back 3-pointers exactly when they needed them, to say nothing of the OB play, which was brilliantly executed. The officials did not win the game for Hope. It took some serious gumption to make those two threes when their team needed them, and great teams always find a way to win, period. Lesser teams/players would not have won that game last night.

Having said that, it was pretty obvious that the officiating crew lost their minds in the games final 4-5 minutes.
- The no-calls on contact against Munroe around the 4-minute mark and Brovelli in the last 15 seconds
- The phantom call on Brovelli after the shot-clock issue
- The head-scratching foul call that should have been a held-ball under Hope's basket (even the announcers were trying to locate the contact initially) that sent Voskuil to the line.
- That travelling call on Munroe was ridiculous

If the officials decided that the (extraordinarily) minimal amount of contact on the held-ball / foul call was important enough to the outcome of the game to blow the whistle and put someone on the line to score points, you also need to extend the same protection to offensive players attacking the basket (and drawing contact) on the other end of the floor. The amount of contact on a non-shooting play that drew a whistle on one end of the floor vs. the amount of contact on the other end on shooting plays that didn't get the same whistle, is glaring and, while it might not color how YOU see the officiating, it surely does for me. My opinion.

I don't know if the crew just decided they were going to "let them play" and that's just how things broke, or if classic psychology and 6,000 screaming fans got in their heads - either way circumstances came together to create opportunities late in the game for Hope, and like great teams do, they took advantage of them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 08, 2020, 11:20:24 AM
Home court advantage is real, statistics prove it and folks like Massey actually show the data.  Reasons may include travel fatigue by the visitors, familiarity with the gym and the rims, and the atmosphere that may energize the home team, intimidate the visitors and yes even influence refs.  This is understood and it's why people strive for home court.

I think the discussion goes off track when there's an allegation of "homer" treatment; it implies calculated and deliberate favoritism by the refs.   There's no indication of that.  Glancing at box scores, these refs have not officiated any other Hope games this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 01:57:04 PM
The NCAA always makes it a point to ensure that officials that work tournament games come from conferences other than the ones to which the teams that are playing belong.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 02:49:12 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 08, 2020, 11:20:24 AM
Home court advantage is real, statistics prove it and folks like Massey actually show the data.  Reasons may include travel fatigue by the visitors, familiarity with the gym and the rims, and the atmosphere that may energize the home team, intimidate the visitors and yes even influence refs.  This is understood and it's why people strive for home court.

I think the discussion goes off track when there's an allegation of "homer" treatment; it implies calculated and deliberate favoritism by the refs.   There's no indication of that.  Glancing at box scores, these refs have not officiated any other Hope games this year.

I'll go back and look at the film again sometime, because it is still available on YouTube, but I recall thinking RHIT got "homered" in the classic sense when they lost to Hope down there in 2017-18. Would be interesting to go back 3 years later, with some perspective, and take another look.

Generally, though, nothing good happens when you watch the home team's AD walk over to the officials on the sideline where they stand during warm-ups, and begin laughing and back-slapping with them like they were at a reunion. LoL.

My thoughts when I used the phrase last night were that Hope's ridiculous home-court advantage, in all it's manifestations, was the difference, and not any willful intent on the part of the officials.

That said, I'd love to see Hope knock off one of the NESCAC teams for the title this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 02:51:22 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 01:57:04 PM
The NCAA always makes it a point to ensure that officials that work tournament games come from conferences other than the ones to which the teams that are playing belong.

Rose-Hulman had at least one CCIW official when they played Wheaton at WashU in 2017 - or at least he was a CCIW official the following year. Either that or he was a fill-in for a single game the following year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 08, 2020, 03:09:30 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 02:49:12 PM

Generally, though, nothing good happens when you watch the home team's AD walk over to the officials on the sideline where they stand during warm-ups, and begin laughing and back-slapping with them like they were at a reunion. LoL.


Yes I see the LoL at the end of this quote, but seriously??  The AD of any host school (if they are any good) is going to chat with the officials and make sure they feel comfortable. That's their job, after all.

If you're going to suggest some kind of conspiracy or the like (which you are) then tighten your tinfoil hat and go for it. I'll bet they were discussing what they might do just to piss off a poster on d3hoops. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 06:02:19 PM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on March 08, 2020, 03:09:30 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 02:49:12 PM

Generally, though, nothing good happens when you watch the home team's AD walk over to the officials on the sideline where they stand during warm-ups, and begin laughing and back-slapping with them like they were at a reunion. LoL.


Yes I see the LoL at the end of this quote, but seriously??  The AD of any host school (if they are any good) is going to chat with the officials and make sure they feel comfortable. That's their job, after all.

If you're going to suggest some kind of conspiracy or the like (which you are) then tighten your tinfoil hat and go for it. I'll bet they were discussing what they might do just to piss off a poster on d3hoops.

Please. There isn't a single college or university in America that includes a merriment session for the officials with the host Athletic Director prior to tip-off. You're not suggesting you've seen multiple instances of that at Hope or anywhere else, are you? Does Hope not have a game management staff that sees to visitors' needs?

Nevertheless, in over 50 years of watching college basketball, it remains the lone instance where I can remember the AD interacting with the officials prior to the game. What was she asking? I even asked my nephew's son, who was a Hope student at the time, "who is that lady down on the floor having such a grand time with the officials?" So yeah, when I see something THAT extraordinary, and then witness some similarly extraordinary lapses in officiating....I mean...if the tin-foil hat fits...

I specifically mentioned that I could have been wrong. Three years is a pretty good wait to go back and take a look from a different perspective. It would be interesting, because I certainly remember some things that really stood out in the 2nd half. Sometimes things are not as you remember them. Watching the officiating last night really took me back a few years to the last game I saw in DeVos.

It couldn't possibly have been consciously intentional, but Hope had some help last night, just as I remember them getting in 2016, and like that game 3+ years ago, they took advantage and they made plays and shots when they needed them, and for that they alone are responsible. The officials can't throw the ball in the basket for anyone, after all.

I'm a fan for the remainder of the season. It's about time they win another one. It's been way too long with the talent they've had over the years. Will be like Dean Smith finally getting one in 1982 or his second one in 1993. I really hope they do it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 07:02:53 PM
I watched the last thirteen minutes or so of the game as it aired last night. Out of curiosity regarding all of this brouhaha, I watched the game in full today, and played back some of the controversial plays numerous times. My conclusions:

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM
Having said that, it was pretty obvious that the officiating crew lost their minds in the games final 4-5 minutes.
- The no-calls on contact against Munroe around the 4-minute mark

Nope. No contact there. Tolbert took a clean swipe at the ball at the 4:10 mark and just came up empty as Munroe moved away laterally.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMand Brovelli in the last 15 seconds

Voskuil did bring up her arms with the ball at :09 and her left elbow glanced off of the side of Brovelli's head. It wasn't an elbow swing per se, nor did she extend her arms outward -- they strictly went up, not out -- but it was elbow-to-head contact that should've warranted a whistle. Here's the thing, though -- it should've never come to that point to begin with, because the refs made an error in Illinois Wesleyan's favor prior to the elbow-to-head contact. Namely, Brovelli should've been called for a dead-ball holding foul before Tolbert had even inbounded the ball. Brovelli had her left arm completely wrapped around Voskuil as Voskuil started moving; you can even see Brovelli's hand grasping the other side of Voskuil's body.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- The phantom call on Brovelli after the shot-clock issue

That didn't come in the game's final 4-5 minutes. It came with 1:27 to go in the third quarter. Nevertheless, it was a bad call. It was called by the sideline ref (the blonde), who was stationed behind Schoonveld as she drove around Brovelli, and was therefore screened by Schoonveld in terms of seeing any blocking contact by Brovelli. The replay showed that Brovelli didn't make contact at all with Schoonveld.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- The head-scratching foul call that should have been a held-ball under Hope's basket (even the announcers were trying to locate the contact initially) that sent Voskuil to the line.

I replayed this one (it's at :33) five or six times. The whistle (from the male ref on the baseline) came not when Sosa jumped up in the air, but a split second afterward when she got her left (outside) arm on Voskuil's right arm. As the PBP broadcaster said, it was a soft foul. He could've let it go, but there definitely appears to have been contact made by Sosa on Voskuil's right arm - and he was stationed five feet away, diagonally to Sosa and Voskuil, with a clear look inside at their arms. If Sosa had kept her arms inside of Voskuil's (i.e., on the ball), it definitely wouldn't have been called. As officiating goes, it could've gone either way between a call and a no-call, but a foul call was by no means an outrageous decision for that ref to make.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- That travelling call on Munroe was ridiculous

Nope. It was the right call. It's at 4:00 even. She lifted her entire trailing foot -- you can see the full sole of her sneaker -- while pointing her shoe toe (i.e., her pivot point) straight down, which means that it re-positioned just inches in front of where it had been when her foot was down. In that instance, the only way that you can maintain your shoe toe in the same space it had been occupying as the pivot point is if you're subtly moving the front of your foot backwards while the back of your foot lifts up -- and she didn't do that. Munroe was fully aware that she had traveled, as she clapped her hands while grimacing, disgusted with herself.

The traveling call against the Titans that I think the refs blew was the one against Shanks at 2:48. It looked pretty clear to me that Shanks had only taken one step forward when the ball left her hand downward into her initial dribble. The baseline ref (the non-blonde female) was looking right at her. I have no idea why she called it.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMIf the officials decided that the (extraordinarily) minimal amount of contact on the held-ball / foul call was important enough to the outcome of the game to blow the whistle and put someone on the line to score points, you also need to extend the same protection to offensive players attacking the basket (and drawing contact) on the other end of the floor. The amount of contact on a non-shooting play that drew a whistle on one end of the floor vs. the amount of contact on the other end on shooting plays that didn't get the same whistle, is glaring and, while it might not color how YOU see the officiating, it surely does for me. My opinion.

If you're referring to Tolbert's attempt to block from behind what turned out to be Brovelli's airballed layup attempt at :18, it wasn't a foul. There was no contact. You can see Tolbert's arm up in the air on the sideline camera shot, and when it cuts immediately to the baseline camera shot as Brovelli goes up for the layup attempt you can see that Tolbert's arm has dropped straight down, well behind Brovelli.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMI don't know if the crew just decided they were going to "let them play" and that's just how things broke, or if classic psychology and 6,000 screaming fans got in their heads - either way circumstances came together to create opportunities late in the game for Hope, and like great teams do, they took advantage of them.

I think that a whole lot of this -- most of it, in fact -- is a case of people seeing what they want to see.

It's a shame that this is what everybody wants to talk about, because there were some pretty amazing plays down the stretch by both teams. The shot that Sosa makes for IWU's final basket, f'rinstance, at the 1:59 mark. I still can't figure out how she got that off in traffic, much less made it. And that inbounds play by Hope that broke the tie with 33 seconds left, in which Newman broke hard to the basket from up top, drawing the defense over to the right of the lane and clearing space for Schoonveld to double back from the free-throw line, take the inbound pass on the left-hand side of the lane, and make what turned out to be the game-winning layup ... that's every coach's dream, to draw up a play in a timeout in a tournament endgame scenario that not only turns out to be a perfect read on what the defense was going to do, but which your team executes perfectly. Listening to Brian Morehouse's postgame interview comments, it amazes me that Hope never practiced it; he and one of his assistants drew up the play on Friday night in anticipation that they might need it against IWU, and then he diagrammed it to the team in that final timeout and had to cross his fingers that they'd execute it properly. That's classic college basketball, right there.

But, I get it. People have their agendas, whether because of fandom or lingering ire or whatever. As I said, though, it's a shame that this is what everybody wants to talk about, because it really was a great game between a dominant favorite and a very plucky-but-skilled underdog that bossed most of the contest and very nearly came away with the upset.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 07:21:21 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 06:02:19 PM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on March 08, 2020, 03:09:30 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 02:49:12 PM

Generally, though, nothing good happens when you watch the home team's AD walk over to the officials on the sideline where they stand during warm-ups, and begin laughing and back-slapping with them like they were at a reunion. LoL.


Yes I see the LoL at the end of this quote, but seriously??  The AD of any host school (if they are any good) is going to chat with the officials and make sure they feel comfortable. That's their job, after all.

If you're going to suggest some kind of conspiracy or the like (which you are) then tighten your tinfoil hat and go for it. I'll bet they were discussing what they might do just to piss off a poster on d3hoops.

Please. There isn't a single college or university in America that includes a merriment session for the officials with the host Athletic Director prior to tip-off. You're not suggesting you've seen multiple instances of that at Hope or anywhere else, are you? Does Hope not have a game management staff that sees to visitors' needs?

Oh, come on. This is silly.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 06:02:19 PMNevertheless, in over 50 years of watching college basketball, it remains the lone instance where I can remember the AD interacting with the officials prior to the game. What was she asking? I even asked my nephew's son, who was a Hope student at the time, "who is that lady down on the floor having such a grand time with the officials?"

I see officials talk to athletic directors all the time before games. Why? Because the AD, or whichever assistant AD or coach of another sport that the AD designates if he or she can't be present, is the event manager. While the game manager (usually, but not always, the SID) and table staff are in charge of the particulars of game operation, it's the event manager who is in charge of the overall event. This is common sense; when a school has a large number of visitors from the general public (including potentially hostile parties among them) on campus, someone in at least a mid-level position of authority from the administration needs to be on hand. And for a basketball game, this administration official is naturally the AD. I suspect, in fact, that most schools put this into the job description when they seek to fill an opening for the AD position. His or her responsibilities as event manager typically include matters of security, crowd discipline, emergency medical treatment, etc. Given that this was a tournament game with a very large crowd, I would've been surprised if the AD didn't talk to the officials before the game.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 06:02:19 PMSo yeah, when I see something THAT extraordinary, and then witness some similarly extraordinary lapses in officiating....I mean...if the tin-foil hat fits...

You said it, not me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 07:02:53 PM
I watched the last thirteen minutes or so of the game as it aired last night. Out of curiosity regarding all of this brouhaha, I watched the game in full today, and played back some of the controversial plays numerous times. My conclusions:

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM
Having said that, it was pretty obvious that the officiating crew lost their minds in the games final 4-5 minutes.
- The no-calls on contact against Munroe around the 4-minute mark

Nope. No contact there. Tolbert took a clean swipe at the ball at the 4:10 mark and just came up empty as Munroe moved away laterally.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMand Brovelli in the last 15 seconds

Voskuil did bring up her arms with the ball at :09 and her left elbow glanced off of the side of Brovelli's head. It wasn't an elbow swing per se, nor did she extend her arms outward -- they strictly went up, not out -- but it was elbow-to-head contact that should've warranted a whistle. Here's the thing, though -- it should've never come to that point to begin with, because the refs made an error in Illinois Wesleyan's favor prior to the elbow-to-head contact. Namely, Brovelli should've been called for a dead-ball holding foul before Tolbert had even inbounded the ball. Brovelli had her left arm completely wrapped around Voskuil as Voskuil started moving; you can even see Brovelli's hand grasping the other side of Voskuil's body.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- The phantom call on Brovelli after the shot-clock issue

That didn't come in the game's final 4-5 minutes. It came with 1:27 to go in the third quarter. Nevertheless, it was a bad call. It was called by the sideline ref (the blonde), who was stationed behind Schoonveld as she drove around Brovelli, and was therefore screened by Schoonveld in terms of seeing any blocking contact by Brovelli. The replay showed that Brovelli didn't make contact at all with Schoonveld.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- The head-scratching foul call that should have been a held-ball under Hope's basket (even the announcers were trying to locate the contact initially) that sent Voskuil to the line.

I replayed this one (it's at :33) five or six times. The whistle (from the male ref on the baseline) came not when Sosa jumped up in the air, but a split second afterward when she got her left (outside) arm on Voskuil's right arm. As the PBP broadcaster said, it was a soft foul. He could've let it go, but there definitely appears to have been contact made by Sosa on Voskuil's right arm - and he was stationed five feet away, diagonally to Sosa and Voskuil, with a clear look inside at their arms. If Sosa had kept her arms inside of Voskuil's (i.e., on the ball), it definitely wouldn't have been called. As officiating goes, it could've gone either way between a call and a no-call, but a foul call was by no means an outrageous decision for that ref to make.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- That travelling call on Munroe was ridiculous

Nope. It was the right call. It's at 4:00 even. She lifted her entire trailing foot -- you can see the full sole of her sneaker -- while pointing her shoe toe (i.e., her pivot point) straight down, which means that it re-positioned just inches in front of where it had been when her foot was down. In that instance, the only way that you can maintain your shoe toe in the same space it had been occupying as the pivot point is if you're subtly moving the front of your foot backwards while the back of your foot lifts up -- and she didn't do that. Munroe was fully aware that she had traveled, as she clapped her hands while grimacing, disgusted with herself.

The traveling call against the Titans that I think the refs blew was the one against Shanks at 2:48. It looked pretty clear to me that Shanks had only taken one step forward when the ball left her hand downward into her initial dribble. The baseline ref (the non-blonde female) was looking right at her. I have no idea why she called it.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMIf the officials decided that the (extraordinarily) minimal amount of contact on the held-ball / foul call was important enough to the outcome of the game to blow the whistle and put someone on the line to score points, you also need to extend the same protection to offensive players attacking the basket (and drawing contact) on the other end of the floor. The amount of contact on a non-shooting play that drew a whistle on one end of the floor vs. the amount of contact on the other end on shooting plays that didn't get the same whistle, is glaring and, while it might not color how YOU see the officiating, it surely does for me. My opinion.

If you're referring to Tolbert's attempt to block from behind what turned out to be Brovelli's airballed layup attempt at :18, it wasn't a foul. There was no contact. You can see Tolbert's arm up in the air on the sideline camera shot, and when it cuts immediately to the baseline camera shot as Brovelli goes up for the layup attempt you can see that Tolbert's arm has dropped straight down, well behind Brovelli.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMI don't know if the crew just decided they were going to "let them play" and that's just how things broke, or if classic psychology and 6,000 screaming fans got in their heads - either way circumstances came together to create opportunities late in the game for Hope, and like great teams do, they took advantage of them.

I think that a whole lot of this -- most of it, in fact -- is a case of people seeing what they want to see.

It's a shame that this is what everybody wants to talk about, because there were some pretty amazing plays down the stretch by both teams. The shot that Sosa makes for IWU's final basket, f'rinstance, at the 1:59 mark. I still can't figure out how she got that off in traffic, much less made it. And that inbounds play by Hope that broke the tie with 33 seconds left, in which Newman broke hard to the basket from up top, drawing the defense over to the right of the lane and clearing space for Schoonveld to double back from the free-throw line, take the inbound pass on the left-hand side of the lane, and make what turned out to be the game-winning layup ... that's every coach's dream, to draw up a play in a timeout in a tournament endgame scenario that not only turns out to be a perfect read on what the defense was going to do, but which your team executes perfectly. Listening to Brian Morehouse's postgame interview comments, it amazes me that Hope never practiced it; he and one of his assistants drew up the play on Friday night in anticipation that they might need it against IWU, and then he diagrammed it to the team in that final timeout and had to cross his fingers that they'd execute it properly. That's classic college basketball, right there.

But, I get it. People have their agendas, whether because of fandom or lingering ire or whatever. As I said, though, it's a shame that this is what everybody wants to talk about, because it really was a great game between a dominant favorite and a very plucky-but-skilled underdog that bossed most of the contest and very nearly came away with the upset.


OK - so I got my counter-times and IWU players mixed-up a couple times here. I don't think you can refute any of the following:

- The horrible travel-call I was referring to WAS the call on Shanks at 2;48. Absolutely horrible call to make at that point in the game, with both teams playing their guts out. An obvious travel is pretty easy to see/call, and this one is very perplexing. The official HAD to have been anticipating blowing his whistle - there's just no other explanation. The non-blonde female official  is literally right on top of it and she wasn't going to call anything. If you watch the guy (the male official) he is actually walking AWAY from the ball and has his head craned to the left before Shanks ever puts the ball on the floor. He was walking the other way - handing her off to the baseline official.

- Making the above call look even more incompetent, two FAR worse calls, or I suppose I should say no-calls, highlight the disparity between how the teams were treated by the officials at times last night, unintended or not. While you've got YouTube up in your browser, roll it back to the unthinkable no-call at the 25-second mark of the 3rd quarter - where the Hope player caught the ball around the foul line, then shuffled her feet twice and took a giant step and a half - without dribbling the ball? It was beyond incompetent that none of the three officials saw it. She just passed the ball to Voskuil, who spun in the lane, scored, and drew the foul and a three-point play. Barely more than a minute of game-clock later, at 9:30 in the 4th quarter. you'll see Thomas attack down the right lane-line and score. Problem is, literally BOTH her feet leave the ground as she hops briefly in the air to put the ball on the floor and head to the basket. It's as blatant a travel as you'll ever see, except the three people with the whistles didn't.

When you won 't call either of those two BLATANT travels, irrefutably costing IWU five points, then decide Shanks DID travel at 2:48 when she clearly didn't, and Hope immediately knocks down a momentum-grabbing 3-pointer, I think it's ok to question the officials' competence - and I don't understand why you or anyone else wouldn't? Being lousy officials not up to the task and susceptible of being influenced by the crowd doesn't mean they were TRYING to help Hope - it just means they shouldn't be officiating NCAA Tournament games.

...and those aren't even the WORST examples of how IWU was treated by the officials last night.

- Immediately after the 2nd Thomas travel that wasn't called, Sosa back-cut her defender and Shanks passed the ball to her in full-stride, and Voskuil came across the lane AND FOULED HER. She blocked the shot clean but got her with the body pretty darn good - spun her around. You can see Sosa's incredulous reaction. She couldn't believe a foul was not called. This no-call makes the foul-call on the 50/50 / held-ball under Hope's basket even more suspect. Why call the 50/50 "soft" foul when you're letting Hope get away with murder on the Sosa shot in the lane? Pretty stark examples of one call that could have gone either way and another that was probably the most obvious foul of the whole game - both going against IWU.

Later on, Bowen from IWU was whistled for her fifth foul at 4:12 for reaching on Voskuil's up-and-under move. Problem is, Bowen didn't foul her, if you slow it down and play around with the pause button, you can see it plain as day. Her hand was ON TOP OF the ball, and she never even touched Voskuil.

Now - the IWU kid reached, and you can often expect to have a foul called when you reach-in like that, even if there's no contact -  but if you're going to let an obvious, blatant foul go, like the one on Sosa at 9:15, you can't expect a casual observer not to raise an eyebrow on Bowen's fifth foul, just because she reached. You cannot pretend to have some nuance in your officiating on one end and not the other.

BTW - I stand corrected on IWU's last shot, there's no way to tell if there was any contact, judging by Brovelli's lack of reaction Id say there probably was no foul - but Tolbert REACHED and her hand in there forced Brovelli to change her shot, just like Bowen did earlier. I wonder if the shot had been on the other end of the floor and the roles reversed, if we'd have seen the same no-call.

The others above are but a handful of examples of pretty inconsistent, incompetent officiating. It's there for you to see with your own eyes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 11:27:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 08, 2020, 07:02:53 PM
I watched the last thirteen minutes or so of the game as it aired last night. Out of curiosity regarding all of this brouhaha, I watched the game in full today, and played back some of the controversial plays numerous times. My conclusions:

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM
Having said that, it was pretty obvious that the officiating crew lost their minds in the games final 4-5 minutes.
- The no-calls on contact against Munroe around the 4-minute mark

Nope. No contact there. Tolbert took a clean swipe at the ball at the 4:10 mark and just came up empty as Munroe moved away laterally.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMand Brovelli in the last 15 seconds

Voskuil did bring up her arms with the ball at :09 and her left elbow glanced off of the side of Brovelli's head. It wasn't an elbow swing per se, nor did she extend her arms outward -- they strictly went up, not out -- but it was elbow-to-head contact that should've warranted a whistle. Here's the thing, though -- it should've never come to that point to begin with, because the refs made an error in Illinois Wesleyan's favor prior to the elbow-to-head contact. Namely, Brovelli should've been called for a dead-ball holding foul before Tolbert had even inbounded the ball. Brovelli had her left arm completely wrapped around Voskuil as Voskuil started moving; you can even see Brovelli's hand grasping the other side of Voskuil's body.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- The phantom call on Brovelli after the shot-clock issue

That didn't come in the game's final 4-5 minutes. It came with 1:27 to go in the third quarter. Nevertheless, it was a bad call. It was called by the sideline ref (the blonde), who was stationed behind Schoonveld as she drove around Brovelli, and was therefore screened by Schoonveld in terms of seeing any blocking contact by Brovelli. The replay showed that Brovelli didn't make contact at all with Schoonveld.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- The head-scratching foul call that should have been a held-ball under Hope's basket (even the announcers were trying to locate the contact initially) that sent Voskuil to the line.

I replayed this one (it's at :33) five or six times. The whistle (from the male ref on the baseline) came not when Sosa jumped up in the air, but a split second afterward when she got her left (outside) arm on Voskuil's right arm. As the PBP broadcaster said, it was a soft foul. He could've let it go, but there definitely appears to have been contact made by Sosa on Voskuil's right arm - and he was stationed five feet away, diagonally to Sosa and Voskuil, with a clear look inside at their arms. If Sosa had kept her arms inside of Voskuil's (i.e., on the ball), it definitely wouldn't have been called. As officiating goes, it could've gone either way between a call and a no-call, but a foul call was by no means an outrageous decision for that ref to make.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AM- That travelling call on Munroe was ridiculous

Nope. It was the right call. It's at 4:00 even. She lifted her entire trailing foot -- you can see the full sole of her sneaker -- while pointing her shoe toe (i.e., her pivot point) straight down, which means that it re-positioned just inches in front of where it had been when her foot was down. In that instance, the only way that you can maintain your shoe toe in the same space it had been occupying as the pivot point is if you're subtly moving the front of your foot backwards while the back of your foot lifts up -- and she didn't do that. Munroe was fully aware that she had traveled, as she clapped her hands while grimacing, disgusted with herself.

The traveling call against the Titans that I think the refs blew was the one against Shanks at 2:48. It looked pretty clear to me that Shanks had only taken one step forward when the ball left her hand downward into her initial dribble. The baseline ref (the non-blonde female) was looking right at her. I have no idea why she called it.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMIf the officials decided that the (extraordinarily) minimal amount of contact on the held-ball / foul call was important enough to the outcome of the game to blow the whistle and put someone on the line to score points, you also need to extend the same protection to offensive players attacking the basket (and drawing contact) on the other end of the floor. The amount of contact on a non-shooting play that drew a whistle on one end of the floor vs. the amount of contact on the other end on shooting plays that didn't get the same whistle, is glaring and, while it might not color how YOU see the officiating, it surely does for me. My opinion.

If you're referring to Tolbert's attempt to block from behind what turned out to be Brovelli's airballed layup attempt at :18, it wasn't a foul. There was no contact. You can see Tolbert's arm up in the air on the sideline camera shot, and when it cuts immediately to the baseline camera shot as Brovelli goes up for the layup attempt you can see that Tolbert's arm has dropped straight down, well behind Brovelli.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:51:51 AMI don't know if the crew just decided they were going to "let them play" and that's just how things broke, or if classic psychology and 6,000 screaming fans got in their heads - either way circumstances came together to create opportunities late in the game for Hope, and like great teams do, they took advantage of them.

I think that a whole lot of this -- most of it, in fact -- is a case of people seeing what they want to see.

It's a shame that this is what everybody wants to talk about, because there were some pretty amazing plays down the stretch by both teams. The shot that Sosa makes for IWU's final basket, f'rinstance, at the 1:59 mark. I still can't figure out how she got that off in traffic, much less made it. And that inbounds play by Hope that broke the tie with 33 seconds left, in which Newman broke hard to the basket from up top, drawing the defense over to the right of the lane and clearing space for Schoonveld to double back from the free-throw line, take the inbound pass on the left-hand side of the lane, and make what turned out to be the game-winning layup ... that's every coach's dream, to draw up a play in a timeout in a tournament endgame scenario that not only turns out to be a perfect read on what the defense was going to do, but which your team executes perfectly. Listening to Brian Morehouse's postgame interview comments, it amazes me that Hope never practiced it; he and one of his assistants drew up the play on Friday night in anticipation that they might need it against IWU, and then he diagrammed it to the team in that final timeout and had to cross his fingers that they'd execute it properly. That's classic college basketball, right there.

But, I get it. People have their agendas, whether because of fandom or lingering ire or whatever. As I said, though, it's a shame that this is what everybody wants to talk about, because it really was a great game between a dominant favorite and a very plucky-but-skilled underdog that bossed most of the contest and very nearly came away with the upset.


Hope is pretty well-staffed, I doubt their AD was showing anyone where their locker room was that day - but she sure did walk out on the floor and spend 10 minutes with the officials...on the court. Talking. Laughing. It was obvious they knew one another pretty well. I'm sure there was nothing to it - but it looked weird. Weird enough to make mention of it with an "LoL".

I went back and watched that game this afternoon (the advantages of being retired) and honestly, the officiating wasn't too bad at all...until the 4th quarter. The whistles stopped in the last few minutes of the game, at least on one end - just like last night. Go look at the no-call at 2:10 in the 4th quarter and tell me the RHIT kid wasn't fouled. Wasn't knocked to the floor. Wasn't allowed room to land by the defender.

Use your pause button and you'll see that the foul called on RHIT at the basket at 1:14 was unbelievably bad. The kid's hand is literally 5 feet from the Hope player's arm, and the official that blew his whistle was out on the perimeter and couldn't possibly have seen what he called. There's also a HIGHLY questionable travel call that I'm not even including - along with a Hope player reaching clear-across a RHIT player's body to poke the ball away on RHIT's last possession - the kind of reaching and lazy defense that officials usually punish with a foul call - they certainly did it to Bowen from IWU last night.

My point is, I've now seen two games at DeVos. In both instances underdogs had Hope on the ropes (much more so last night) and came up empty-handed. There was questionable officiating in both games that benefited Hope, and I feel like the atmosphere intimidates officials. Call it home-court advantage or whatever you like, but it's really a thing in that building. In both cases, Hope made shots and plays when they needed to and prevailed, like great teams do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2020, 12:00:28 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PM
OK - so I got my counter-times and IWU players mixed-up a couple times here. I don't think you can refute any of the following:

- The horrible travel-call I was referring to WAS the call on Shanks at 2;48.

Why would I refute it? I'm the one who identified it!

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PM
Absolutely horrible call to make at that point in the game, with both teams playing their guts out. An obvious travel is pretty easy to see/call, and this one is very perplexing. The official HAD to have been anticipating blowing his whistle

Her whistle.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PM- there's just no other explanation. The non-blonde female official  is literally right on top of it and she wasn't going to call anything. If you watch the guy (the male official) he is actually walking AWAY from the ball and has his head craned to the left before Shanks ever puts the ball on the floor. He was walking the other way - handing her off to the baseline official.

She's the one who blew the whistle, not her male associate on the sideline. You can tell by the loudness of the whistle, and by the direction of the sound, that it was picked up by the baseline camera.

Nevertheless, I have absolutely no idea why you're belaboring this point about the Shanks travel call. As I said, I'm the one who identified it as a bad call.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PM- Making the above call look even more incompetent, two FAR worse calls, or I suppose I should say no-calls, highlight the disparity between how the teams were treated by the officials at times last night, unintended or not. While you've got YouTube up in your browser, roll it back to the unthinkable no-call at the 25-second mark of the 3rd quarter - where the Hope player caught the ball around the foul line, then shuffled her feet twice and took a giant step and a half - without dribbling the ball? It was beyond incompetent that none of the three officials saw it. She just passed the ball to Voskuil, who spun in the lane, scored, and drew the foul and a three-point play. Barely more than a minute of game-clock later, at 9:30 in the 4th quarter. you'll see Thomas attack down the right lane-line and score. Problem is, literally BOTH her feet leave the ground as she hops briefly in the air to put the ball on the floor and head to the basket. It's as blatant a travel as you'll ever see, except the three people with the whistles didn't.

Oh, good grief. Originally it was only the last four or five minutes of the game in which the officials "lost their minds." Now you're going to fine-tooth-comb the entire forty minutes in search of evidence to back your conspiracy-theory agenda? Do you realize how obsessed and ridiculous that appears?

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PMWhen you won 't call either of those two BLATANT travels, irrefutably costing IWU five points, then decide Shanks DID travel at 2:48 when she clearly didn't, and Hope immediately knocks down a momentum-grabbing 3-pointer, I think it's ok to question the officials' competence - and I don't understand why you or anyone else wouldn't? Being lousy officials not up to the task and susceptible of being influenced by the crowd doesn't mean they were TRYING to help Hope - it just means they shouldn't be officiating NCAA Tournament games.

This is absurd. The officials made some mistakes, as officials have done in every single refereed basketball game that has ever been played. I've pointed out three of them myself -- the travel call against Shanks at 2:48 of the fourth quarter that really wasn't a travel, the blocking foul against Brovelli at 1:27 of the third quarter that really wasn't a foul, and the holding foul that should've been called against Brovelli but wasn't on the final inbounds play of the game at :09 -- and if I was as obsessed with this whole thing as you are I could spend a day going over the game again and again and find more. But it proves nothing. It doesn't prove that they were "lousy officials," it doesn't prove that they were "susceptible of being influenced by the crowd [sic]" ... and it doesn't mean that Hope is the big bad bogeyman, either.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 11:27:51 PM
I went back and watched that game this afternoon (the advantages of being retired) and honestly, the officiating wasn't too bad at all...until the 4th quarter. The whistles stopped in the last few minutes of the game, at least on one end - just like last night. Go look at the no-call at 2:10 in the 4th quarter and tell me the RHIT kid wasn't fouled. Wasn't knocked to the floor. Wasn't allowed room to land by the defender.

Use your pause button and you'll see that the foul called on RHIT at the basket at 1:14 was unbelievably bad. The kid's hand is literally 5 feet from the Hope player's arm, and the official that blew his whistle was out on the perimeter and couldn't possibly have seen what he called. There's also a HIGHLY questionable travel call that I'm not even including - along with a Hope player reaching clear-across a RHIT player's body to poke the ball away on RHIT's last possession - the kind of reaching and lazy defense that officials usually punish with a foul call - they certainly did it to Bowen from IWU last night.

"RHIT"?  :D

Man, your repeated mistake just gave away the store. This has nothing at all to do with sticking up for IWU. This is all about Rose-Hulman's self-anointed Don Quixote tilting at the Dutch windmill.

Quote from: Enginerd on March 08, 2020, 10:00:58 PM...and those aren't even the WORST examples of how IWU was treated by the officials last night.

[snip]

The others above are but a handful of examples of pretty inconsistent, incompetent officiating. It's there for you to see with your own eyes.

Sorry, but I've got better things to do with my day than to spend hours sifting through the entire game. Since FDF is convinced that Hope got jobbed by the refs early in the game, and since he's the one who actually cares about defending the integrity of Hope women's basketball, I'll let him take on that task if he so desires.

But, really, what I see with my own eyes is someone who has a deep-seated anti-Hope agenda (and who is trying to gaslight us about it with this "I'm a fan for the remainder of the season" nonsense) who is letting himself get a little too paranoid about Saturday's game ... right down to launching a fishing expedition regarding the Hope AD talking to the officials before the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 09, 2020, 01:12:07 PM
Mr. Sager: since I am a Hope fan, I'll say I appreciate your clear headed and objective analysis.  I know you are a long time contributor to these boards, an experienced scorekeeper and a big CCIW fan.  That says to me you are more likely than almost anyone else to have both an unbiased and expert view of this game.

As you said, anyone can parse any game and find myriad missed and bad calls in both directions.  That's a rathole down which I will not go, though your analysis has already shown that several of these missed and blown calls are only in the minds of the opposition fans and their memory somehow doesn't include missed and blown calls in the other direction.

But I do have an objection when clearly biased fans, on the basis of a game or two, besmirches the accomplishments of a group of young ladies and an entire program that has always done things the right way.  It's undeserved and harmful (to wit IWU, after reading these comments: "Your floor has a "homer" reputation, I guess for good reason").  In all my years on these boards this is the first time anyone has ever said such things about this program so I will simply attribute it to sour grapes.

Good luck to the Hope women going forward and congratulations to the IWU team and Coach Smith for yet another stellar season.  It's unfortunate THAT can't be the focus.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 09, 2020, 02:05:00 PM
I agree - thanks Greg for inserting some reality into this. I for one have no reason to go rewatch the game to offer specifics on wrong calls in either direction. As you stated, they go both ways and the teams ultimately decided the game.

The sorriest part of this entire thing is that Enginerd isn’t even a CCIW fan, rather an RHIT fan who is still upset about some calls in a pre-conference game versus Hope from 3 seasons ago (and I believe had a daughter on the RHIT team at the time). His comments about the Hope program, AD, and more are over the top and ignorant.

Apologies to all the CCIW posters for this getting dragged out here. Nothing but respect for IWU, Coach Smith, and the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2020, 02:26:14 PM
FYI on officials - the basics I've been told is the assignor (not sure on the women's side, but the men's side all games are assigned by the DIII head of officiating; just not sure women have gotten to that point as of yet) checks to see if the officials have called a game involving that school in at least the previous TWO seasons. If they have, they are not on the call. That will hold true as well in the tournament as officials move forward ... they won't be assigned to teams they have already called.

Sager earlier said "not from the conference of the team playing." That isn't as cut-and-dry as it used to be simply because more and more conferences are going with the same assignor. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, there is one assignor now for about six or more conferences. As a result, there is more diversity during the season with officials traveling a little further but especially not in the same gyms or calling the same teams all that often (though, it does happen a little more often when there are a lot of games at the end of the season).

You can complain about officials all you want, but I am telling you (a) they aren't associated with the teams, the school, the town, etc. and (b) I doubt many of you have tried to do their jobs or would want to. Calls may not go everyone's way, but I always try and be fair. Also (and people have heard me say this a lot) ... teams have to adjust to officiating. If you can't adjust to how the game is being called (and I get inconsistency can make that difficult), the problem isn't the officials.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 09, 2020, 03:07:12 PM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on March 09, 2020, 02:05:00 PM
I agree - thanks Greg for inserting some reality into this. I for one have no reason to go rewatch the game to offer specifics on wrong calls in either direction. As you stated, they go both ways and the teams ultimately decided the game.

The sorriest part of this entire thing is that Enginerd isn't even a CCIW fan, rather an RHIT fan who is still upset about some calls in a pre-conference game versus Hope from 3 seasons ago (and I believe had a daughter on the RHIT team at the time). His comments about the Hope program, AD, and more are over the top and ignorant.

Apologies to all the CCIW posters for this getting dragged out here. Nothing but respect for IWU, Coach Smith, and the CCIW.


Our board's been hijacked!! Can we have it back please . . .  8-) 

Actually, the more the merrier.  Kind of entertaining since the CCIW season is over  . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2020, 06:10:30 PM
From what I can find (with minimal effort), it appears that legal sports wagering in Illinois excludes Illinois college teams and younger teams. That's good, in my view. We don't need unsavory types attempting to influence those athletes, refs or coaches.
An excerpt from the Sports Wagering Act : (note items d and h)
(230 ILCS 45/25-25)
    Sec. 25-25. Sports wagering authorized.
    (a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the operation of sports wagering is only lawful when conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules of the Illinois Gaming Board and the Department of the Lottery.
    (b) A person placing a wager under this Act shall be at least 21 years of age.
    (c) A licensee under this Act may not accept a wager on a minor league sports event.
    (d) A licensee under this Act may not accept a wager for a sports event involving an Illinois collegiate team.
    (e) A licensee under this Act may only accept a wager from a person physically located in the State.
    (f) Master sports wagering licensees may use any data source for determining the results of all tier 1 sports wagers.
    (g) A sports governing body headquartered in the United States may notify the Board that it desires to supply official league data to master sports wagering licensees for determining the results of tier 2 sports wagers. Such notification shall be made in the form and manner as the Board may require. If a sports governing body does not notify the Board of its desire to supply official league data, a master sports wagering licensee may use any data source for determining the results of any and all tier 2 sports wagers on sports contests for that sports governing body.
    Within 30 days of a sports governing body notifying the Board, master sports wagering licensees shall use only official league data to determine the results of tier 2 sports wagers on sports events sanctioned by that sports governing body, unless: (1) the sports governing body or designee cannot provide a feed of official league data to determine the results of a particular type of tier 2 sports wager, in which case master sports wagering licensees may use any data source for determining the results of the applicable tier 2 sports wager until such time as such data feed becomes available on commercially reasonable terms; or (2) a master sports wagering licensee can demonstrate to the Board that the sports governing body or its designee cannot provide a feed of official league data to the master sports wagering licensee on commercially reasonable terms. During the pendency of the Board's determination, such master sports wagering licensee may use any data source for determining the results of any and all tier 2 sports wagers.
    (h) A licensee under this Act may not accept wagers on a kindergarten through 12th grade sports event.
- -
I suppose it's possible to bet on Carroll vs Carthage? Not sure about that, nor am I interested in engaging in any sports wagering. I wonder if other states allow betting on Illinois college teams. Hopefully D3 is sufficiently under the radar so that it doesn't attract interest from bettors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dutchfan on March 10, 2020, 01:55:45 AM
I will say this again, as a Hope fan who was at the game, I felt the officials made some bad calls that benefitted IWU, and that INCLUDES in the last 4-5 minutes. One instance that immediately comes to mind in Sosa dribbling into one of the Hope defenders between the half-court line and the three point line and the Hope player getting called for a foul, even though Sosa bumped the Hope player. Another was a jump ball call under the IWU basket when Hope had clear possession and the IWU player touched the ball for less than one second. Need I go on?

My point is that fans almost always feel that their team got shafted by the refs. The reality is that the refs are doing their best and not being unfair to any one team. Yes, there are inevitably a few legitimately bad calls, but they almost universally go both ways fairly evenly. As fans we, myself included, always see the calls through rose colored glasses and not clear lenses. As fans we seem to always look for excuses for losing and place the blame where there is none to be placed.

Instead of focusing on what went wrong, focus on what benefitted you. Hope missed multiple open layups and Sosa shot 11-11 from the charity stripe. If Hope hade made those shots and Sosa shot for her average at the line Hope would've won by another 6-8 points. Hope's defense didn't play well but we got some very timely blocks. Without them we probably would've lost.

Or better yet, focus on what a great game it was. That was the type of game that basketball fans live for. This was probably the second best game I've ever been to at the DeVos. As a season ticket holder for over 25 years, that is a lot of games, both men's and women's. The best he I've been to at the DeVos? 2012 men's playoffs when IWU beat Hope in double overtime.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 10, 2020, 08:13:45 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 11:39:26 AM
[
Kendall Sosa should receive plenty of AA consideration.  To me it's been somewhat amazing her emergence as a scorer this season which really came out of nowhere imho.  To wit:

2017-18:   13.0 mins/g; 55/144  38.2% FG;  23/59  38.9%   3FG; 40/45 89.1% FT;      6.0 pts/g
2018-17:   17.4 mins/g: 80/184  43.5% FG;  39/91  40.7%   3FG; 50/63 79.4% FT;      9.1 pts/g
2019-20:   31.5 mins/g: 206/447 46.1% FG: 71/183 38.8%  3FG: 102/120 85.0% FT:   20.9 pts/g *led the CCIW, unanimous First Team

Before the season began I'm not even sure green-eyed fans would've predicted this magnitude of production increase.  She was not on the All-Conference team last season but was a legit contender for MOP this season and you rarely see that.


A little more on the game itself (sorry to interrupt):

Sosa certainly helped her All Amer cause here on a bigger stage and platform.  A very impressive 32 pts yet again and she deserves a strong look among lots of great players.  However, scoring is far from the only criteria for All American recognition and it shouldn't be with all-around performance metrics being evaluated.  For Sosa she is obviously a tremendous scorer but is about average with regards to other non-scoring stat categories for guards like rebounds, assts, etc.  Not to say she isn't deserving.  But when compared to other probable candidates like DePauw's Kopp, Amherst Fox or Eck, UT-D Hughes (or Pena), Emmanuel's Ramirez-Tejeda (19.3 ppg, 12.0 rpg!) and others, her overall #s aren't quite on same level.


Quote from: GoPerry on March 07, 2020, 11:39:26 AM

Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2020, 01:20:00 AM
It will be very interesting to see how HOPE handles IWU's pressure and pace. 

IWU'70

I've not seen Hope play much but a 28-0 team of their pedigree is just not going to have trouble breaking a press . . .



It was smart of Mia Smith to abandon the press once Hope quickly demonstrated they would break it easily.  At times this season I think she has stuck to it a little too long when it wasn't working.  Going to the zone was a great move and I was surprised at how much difficulty it gave the Dutch.  Only a few times were they able to go into Voskuil or Thomas down low and some of their entry passing was weak.

As others have said, it was a great D3 ball game.  The back and forth was particularly compelling. To their credit, IWU simply would not buckle throughout the game until some small mistakes and some huge shots by Newman/Schoonveld by the Flying Dutch got them over the top at the very end.  It surely stings but Titans have everything to be proud of.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2020, 04:10:13 PM
Wheaton question for GoPerry or anyone else who knows:
Do we know with certainty whether or not Kirsten Madsen will play next season?
She was listed as a senior this season, but has played three years, not four. Roster-wise she was never a junior.
Thanks in advance for the reply.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 10, 2020, 04:17:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 10, 2020, 04:10:13 PM
Wheaton question for GoPerry or anyone else who knows:
Do we know with certainty whether or not Kirsten Madsen will play next season?
She was listed as a senior this season, but has played three years, not four. Roster-wise she was never a junior.
Thanks in advance for the reply.

She is a senior academically and will be graduating in May.  While she has a year of eligibility left, she and her parents were willing participants on senior night.  Secondary Ed major I believe.  I rather doubt she will hang out to play another year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2020, 05:37:07 PM
Congrats to the two CCIW WBB players honored as CoSIDA Academic All Americans :
2nd team - Hannah Frazier (repeating last season's honor)
3rd team - Sammie Woodward
Nice work, each of ya!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 11, 2020, 07:43:02 PM
Wheaton the latest  to suspend geo-physical instruction and go exclusively on-line/virtual instruction for remainder of semester.  Asking students to remain at home or return home after Spr Brk.

This is no doubt difficult news for Hannah Frazier and all seniors looking forward to completing their studies alongside their classmates and teammates.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 12, 2020, 12:48:02 AM
University of Minnesota just shut down to only on line classes.   I have to say I understand the bug is very contagious but the one sector it doesn't apparently have much effect on is young people and children. In the words of FDR. All we have to fear is fear itself. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on March 12, 2020, 01:06:37 AM
Egads man! Who told you that?
The virus can have a HUGE effect on children as well as the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as transplant patients or those with autoimmune deficiencies. Strong young adults are probably the least susceptible to the effects but for the above mentioned groups catching the Coronavirus could easily prove fatal.
In this case, we unfortunately have much more to fear than fear itself.  :-[
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 12, 2020, 08:48:42 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on March 12, 2020, 12:48:02 AM
University of Minnesota just shut down to only on line classes.   I have to say I understand the bug is very contagious but the one sector it doesn't apparently have much effect on is young people and children. In the words of FDR. All we have to fear is fear itself.

It can most definitely affect young people and children but the risk of serious or fatal results from the virus is certainly greatest for the elderly or those with immune system impairment.

In Wheaton's context, which applies to many other schools, it's not just students to consider.  There are plenty of staff, of all age ranges, that must be on campus to serve 2400 students and their safety must be considered by administrators as well.

Furthermore, if a student shows symptoms and then tests positive for the virus then they would have to be quarantined.  Doing this for three or four students in the dorm room might be possible. But no CCIW school or small liberal arts colleges would be capable of properly quarantining large amounts of students and do so effectively.  They wouldn't want to try because by then, you can't send students home - it's too late.

It is still a sticky situation because Wheaton is already on Spring Break.  So you have to let students back on campus for a day to collect belongings before returning home.  But also, Wheaton has international students, missionary kids, some from China, who can't return to their country.  So you need to house and feed them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 12, 2020, 01:45:59 PM
Let me clairify I was referring the risk to children and young adults is verily low.  They have greater risks to flu and other strains. That's all  the swine flue also called h1n1 killed 11 thousand Americans.  Way more then what is currently happening and itthat affected all age groups but during that time we didn't shut down America. More people will be affected by the economy tanking then ever we're going to be hurt by the bug  I'm52 I know my risk is higher with particular bug  you have to be smart but you always need or be smart when it comes to bugs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 12, 2020, 02:12:49 PM
Rose hulman just shut down school. On line classes to start mar23rd
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2020, 09:19:24 PM
Turns out I was wrong about 63 of the 64 tourney teams ending their season with a loss. Sixteen ended it with a win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 12, 2020, 09:23:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2020, 09:19:24 PM
Turns out I was wrong about 63 of the 64 tourney teams ending their season with a loss. Sixteen ended it with a win.

Ya see - Covid has a Silver Lining!  After they get over the shock and disappointment of play ending, 16 times as many teams finished the season on a high! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2020, 10:04:42 PM
Incidentally, the NAIA today canceled their winter sports tourneys.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 13, 2020, 12:20:04 AM
Very sad ending to the winter and spring seasons.  I really feel for the coaches and athletes who have worked so so hard for these games, seasons, and these championships. 

Grim.  Get ready for the pandemic really roaring to life in the US . . . community outbreak is well apace.  It's going to be ugly.

Take all precautions, make preparations, practice good hygiene and limit fear and anxiety, think very seriously about "social distancing," which is no fun and really sucks! . . . .and wash your hands like Lady MacBeth.

Best to all . . .  welcome to my world.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 16, 2020, 06:03:09 PM
I've figured the two point FG pcts for all CCIW players who made at least 50 (2 per game-ish) of them this season. I opted to disregard the fact that some teams played more than 25 games.
Again, this is 2FGs only, not total FGs.
.650 Kayla Stefka CRL 65/100
.543 Jordan Hildebrand MIL 138/254
.524 Maya Walls NCC 55/105
.523 Jayla Johnson NPU 169/323
.515 Kendall Sosa IWU 141/274
.512 Courtney O'Donnell ELM 84/164
.506 Riley Brovelli IWU 118/233
.505 Samantha Munroe IWU 52/103
.500 Kelsey Coshun CTG 66/132
.491 Josie Summerville NPU 57/116
.485 Alexis Jones AUG 150/309
.483 Gabriela Loiz AUG 86/178
.469 Bailey Coffman MIL 84/179
.469 Natali Dimitrova NCC 53/113
.466 Jill Berg WHE 54/116
.457 Sydney Shanks IWU 113/247
.455 Becca Gerke ELM 81/178
.450 Jordan Myroth WHE 54/120
.443 Abby Ratsch MIL 81/183
.442 Sammie Woodward CTG 73/165
.441 Hannah Williams WHE 78/177
.435 Kween Jean ELM 91/209
.431 Maggie Berigan CTG 66/153
.425 Briana Anthony MIL 54/127
.419 Jeni Crain AUG 54/129
.415 Hannah Frazier WHE 124/299
.406 Sierra Grubor CRL 82/202
.403 Lauren Hall AUG 54/134
.397 Brooke Lansford IWU 50/126
.384 Autumn Kalis CTG 66/172
As we see, there are some very well-regarded players at the end of the list. They certainly weren't the bottom of the 2FG shooters in the league, but of those who made 50 or more.
I think the NCAA will eventually show specific 2FG data in the stats and not necessitate subtracting 3FG numbers from total FG numbers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 16, 2020, 11:45:38 PM
Final poll is out:  Hope remains a near unanimous #1, IWU jumps from 1 point to 29 points.  Somewhat disappointed the Titans did not actually crack into the top 25, but at least many voters DID notice how tightly they played against #1!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 17, 2020, 12:44:04 PM
Yeah. If Hope had won the title and romped through the bracket, then IWU's close loss would have looked really good. If Hope got mashed by a NESCAC team or lost in the sectional round, IWU's close loss would be less impressive.

Unfortunately we'll never know.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2020, 03:16:58 PM
Congrats to Hannah Frazier, D3hoops Central Region Player of the Year! She's a 1st teamer, of course.
Also congrats to other 1st teamer Kendall Sosa, 2nd teamers Alexis Jones and Jayla Johnson, and 3rd teamer Autumn Kalis.
Pretty good representatives of the conference.
Well done!
https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2019-20/central-women


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 17, 2020, 10:48:21 PM
Rog and Engine

I talked to my kid about if the NCAA gives winter athletes another year of eligibility. In my opinion if they do it for the teams still playing they will have to do it for all or open themselves up to lawsuits.  So i said to her if that should happen her and the other 6 freshman got a year of on the job training imagine what they will be like in their 5th year.  Her simple reply yea we will all be making six figures in our new jobs.  Lol i can only hope by then she wants a masters.  Everyone stay safe

One last thing has anyone heard what AAU is planning to do. I cant find anything online from them. Im going to do some recruiting for Rose this summer
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 17, 2020, 11:08:49 PM
Yeah, Jester1390, granting an extra year of eligibility would have to apply to all schools or none of 'em. I suspect it'll be none.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2020, 01:32:27 AM
Congrats to all the CCIW honorees on All-Region awards.  Especially to first-teamers Hannah Frazier and Kendall Sosa.  Great year by all of those recognised.

I'd love to see Syd Shanks back for the 5th year . . . and Raven Hughes returning to the IWU roster, . . . and Syd Shanks convincing her little sister to come out for basketball, as well as her stellar IWU soccer career so far.  Just hoping.  :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2020, 04:43:45 PM
Time to look at the "effective FG %" leaders for the CCIW. I arbitrarily chose to limit the list to players who scored at least 150 pts from field goals. For someone on a team that played 25 games, it comes to 6 pts from FGs per game, such as 2 threes or 3 twos. Again I disregard the fact that most teams played more than 25 games.
For those not familiar with the stat, effective FG % is the shooting pct needed to score this many points via 2-pointers. This eFG% stat can be seen for NBA players on basketball-reference dot com.
Player A who made three 2FGs in 5 FG att and Player B who made two 3FGs in 5 FG att each scored 6 pts from 5 FG att; each has a .600 eFG%.
.577 Emily Czuhajewski NPU
.542 Kendall Sosa IWU
.539 Theresa Wichser CRL
.537 Jordan Hildebrand MIL
.524 Kristi Demski WHE
.517 Jayla Johnson NPU
.506 Courtney O'Donnell ELM
.504 Riley Brovelli IWU
.498 Samantha Munroe IWU and Allison Pearson NCC
.493 Autumn Kalis CTG and Kirsten Madsen WHE
.487 Bailey Coffman MIL
.485 Lauren Hall AUG
.484 Hannah Williams WHE
.481 Sammie Woodward CTG
.477 Abby Ratsch MIL
.475 Mia Lambert AUG and Gabriela Loiz AUG
.471 Hannah Swider WHE
.466 Brooke Lansford IWU
.459 Sydney Shanks IWU
.454 Hannah Frazier WHE
.452 Aubrey Staton MIL and Jeni Crain AUG
I think .450 is a reasonable cutoff. This is certainly not a full measure of a player's offensive abilities, but it does accurately value combined 2FG and 3FG shooting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 20, 2020, 11:31:29 PM
Thanks, RogK, interesting stats. 

All five IWU starters on your list. 

Stay well, stay safe, wash those hands all.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2020, 04:02:53 PM
You're welcome iwu70.
I decided to look at some team stats, 16-game conference play only.
Own Pts / Own TOs
5.41 WHE
4.80 IWU
4.59 AUG
4.13 CTG
3.97 NPU
3.81 CRL
3.62 ELM
3.48 MIL
3.29 NCC
It seems that 4 is probably decent for D3 WBB.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 24, 2020, 03:20:19 PM
another team stat from the 16-game conference season :
Pts from FTs / total Pts
AUG 18.3%
CRL  19.3
CTG  19.1
ELM  20.1
IWU  14.8
MIL  21.0
NCC 21.0
NPU  20.7
WHE 21.4
Eight of the nine clumped fairly closely; IWU certainly an outlier in this category.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 24, 2020, 10:13:01 PM
d3hoops.com AA teams have been announced.  Hannah Frazier was named to the second team; Kendall Sosa was named Honorable Mention.  Congratulations to both. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 25, 2020, 10:45:56 AM
Yeah, nice national recognition for Hannah and Kendall. Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 25, 2020, 10:56:48 AM
Congratulations to Hannah Frazier for her 2nd All American recognition and a terrific 3 year career with the Thunder.

Similiar congratulations to Kendall Sosa.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 25, 2020, 11:41:03 PM
My congrats too for Frazier and Sosa.  Great seasons by both and well-deserved AA honours.

Thanks for the additional stats, RogK.  Yes, IWU not a strong FT shooting team this year . . . only Sosa, Eck and Shanks really.  Several others needing some significant % improvements in FT shooting now in the off-season.  It will be interesting to see who steps up and becomes the 5th starter next year . . .  would love to see Raven Hughes back, Shank's "little sister" join in too.  I suppose Eck, Bowen and Lowis all have a shot at much more playing time, all with their own advantages and drawbacks. IWU surely needs more paint presence, rebounding and size down low.  Brovelli is very good, but we could use more. . .  No word yet, of course, on the newbies, and incoming freshmen who may play a part in the rotation next season. 

Stay well, all, and washy washy on those mitts. 

All best,

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 30, 2020, 04:28:20 PM
Another soft-hitting statistical analysis, this time FT att per minute, minimum 10 att. I used the stats on ncaa.org.
A .1 att/min is the cutoff; I looked first at FT att, multiplied by 10 to check the minutes.
                                                 FT att / Minutes
.172 AUG Justice Edell                  58/338
.150 AUG Alexis Jones                 139/928
.109 AUG Gabriela Loiz                 74/677
.105 AUG Lauren Hall                   74/707
.196 CRL  Kayla Stefka                 85/434
.190 CRL Sierra Grubor                100/526
.172 CRL Kate Christian                70/408
.114 CRL Alyssa Cruz                   58/509
.154 CTG Kelsey Coshun               75/486
.182 ELM Kween Jean                   96/527
.129 ELM Courtney O'Donnell        55/426
.101 ELM Zori Miller                     13/129
.150 IWU Katelyn Heller               43/287
.142 IWU Kendall Sosa                131/920
.123 IWU Riley Brovelli                99/807
.121 IWU Kaia Bowen                   47/389
.100 IWU Sydney Shanks             85/850
.171 MIL Bailey Coffman              102/598
.152 MIL Jordan Hildebrand         119/784
.147 MIL Kelle Knopp                   27/184
.120 MIL Abby Ratsch                  73/609
.283 NCC Natalie Stavropoulos     45/159
.190 NCC Alanna Newsome          30/158
.148 NCC Jessica Kowalczyk         32/216
.134 NCC Mitrese Smith               36/268
.133 NCC Natali Dimitrova            82/618
.114 NCC Allison Pearson             87/762
.111 NCC Lyndsay Brennan           46/416
.219 NPU Lauren Lee                   47/215
.154 NPU Josie Summerville         69/449
.143 NPU Zakiya Newsome          106/740
.130 NPU Lauryn Alba Garner       52/401
.128 NPU Jayla Johnson               99/773
.126 NPU Kayla Patterson             22/175
.120 NPU Angelina Villasin           33/275
.110 NPU Esther Miller                 10/91
.297 WHE Zoe Nordling                22/74
.199 WHE Hannah Frazier            176/883
.156 WHE Taylor Sanders            22/141
.128 WHE Jill Berg                      64/499
The two players way ahead in this category, Nordling and Stavropoulos, did not play many minutes, but they could be interesting in coming seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on March 31, 2020, 12:15:42 PM
Mia has two strong recruits so far this year. Launi Chanthaboury, St. Charles North. A short, 3 shooter not afraid to attack the basket. Natalie Anderson, Eureka (a local player), nice height and strong scorer. Launi reminds me a lot of Kelsey Walsberg from a couple of years ago. Short at 5'6" but a monster shooter. Kelsey was a star in high school and started at D3 Monmouth where she had at least one 30-pint game. But when she transferred to IWU, she never started. Well, I think she started her senior year in the playoffs, because that was the year flu and injury hit the Titans at the worst possible time. She might've been a star at Monmouth, but rarely got off the bench at IWU. The situation with Launi might be different. Last year's recruits were good, not great. Both Launi and Natalie might find themselves starting as Sophomores.
   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 01, 2020, 12:25:18 AM
Ultimate, thanks for the info on the new TITANS.  Sounds promising.  I'm sure Mia has more coming in . . .

Hope all are safe and well, taking all precautions.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on April 03, 2020, 01:29:05 AM
Well Rog   if the world gets normal by November i might get to see you. Rose posted schedule playing at North Park and also at IWU.  Im a happy dad my daughter has decided she does want to be a engineer and not transfer.  Funny comment by her. I asked her what would her and the other 6 freshman would do if they got another year of legibility and that this past year was on the job training  and how good they would be in a 5th year.  Her reply dad we will all be working making six figures not playing ball. I said a dad can only hope you all want masters.

Hope you and your family are safe
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 03, 2020, 10:34:47 AM
That will be a good early test for RHIT and North Park.
Hopefully conditions will allow spectators to be present. If not, we'll rely on Gregory Sager's broadcast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 03, 2020, 12:37:11 PM
The only verbal commit for NPU of whom I'm aware at the moment is 5'3 guard Katelyn Sparlin from Plainfield North.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on April 04, 2020, 03:57:34 AM
Rose-Hulman signed a 6 foot 3/4 player from texas today that had several D1 Offers. I was told she is even more athletic then Nosa Ighan which would be saying something. Rose already had a dominant rebounding team and a very good defensive team despite their youth. The problem was scoring and turnovers. This player will help with the scoring but they still need to sign some point guards so th ewings dont have to keep bringing up the ball and can concentrate on being shooters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on April 04, 2020, 03:20:17 PM
I know you mean well, Jester, but we use the words "verbally committed" in DIII. No one signs anything other than a non-committal document DIII has created for high school students to enjoy the experience. However, there are so many factors that can lead to recruit not playing for a school, it is insane. Deposit, show up on campus, get fully set-up with classes, show up to a team meeting, show up to practices, get a uniform, be at a game, and get into a game ... anywhere along the way they could change their mind and they can decide not to play (or even get cut).

So we usually leave the "signed" to DI (and even DII) where there are actual legal documents signed per scholarships and where one commits ... and just say "verbally committed" in our world. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on April 04, 2020, 11:30:34 PM
lol ok im not legal representation.  Rose is fortunate to have another player decide having a engineering degree form their university was more attractive then attending a school that is in Division 1

Your correct. Rose will lose players because the academics and the time demand are very stringent. This past year one recruit didnt make it to the end of first quarter. 3 older player decided they needed to spend more time for their studies then play.  The whole recruiting class from the year before either transferred  or decided they didnt want to play anymore.  That is a recipe in how you get 7 freshman and 1 senior on a roster.

They do appear to have everyone coming back which will bode well for rose. The one thing going for them from last year is they all went through the learning and beatings together and were figuring out how to play at end of year.  If they can sign a point guard to go with this recruit they should be winning far more then they lose but only time will tell. Hopefully their will be a season. My wife is worried their wont be. I told her if there is no football and the country still on lock down we have alot more to worry about.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 06, 2020, 06:40:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 03, 2020, 12:37:11 PM
The only verbal commit for NPU of whom I'm aware at the moment is 5'3 guard Katelyn Sparlin from Plainfield North.

https://twitter.com/dhrecruitsgirls/status/1220768975539359744?s=20

* Halle Williams, 5-11 G/F (Waubonsie Valley HS)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 06, 2020, 06:46:07 PM
Wheaton...

https://twitter.com/ana_mooney10/status/1239181803652513792?s=20

* Ana Mooney, SG (Holt HS, MI)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 06, 2020, 07:00:36 PM
North Central...

* Nikki Kwilosz, 5-5 PG/SG (Naperville North HS)
* Megan McClure, 5-9 SG (South Elgin HS)
* Taylor Price, 5-10 F (Oak Forest HS)
* Ellie Sorenson, G/F (Dunlap HS)
* Elle Sutter, 5-9 G (Dunlap HS)
* Talia Torosian, 5-5 PG/SG (Schaumburg HS)
* Lainie Wolter, 5-6 G (Mt. Zion HS)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 06, 2020, 07:40:14 PM
thanks for doing that research, Titan Q!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: AndOne on April 08, 2020, 10:20:37 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 06, 2020, 07:00:36 PM
North Central...

* Nikki Kwilosz, 5-5 PG/SG (Naperville North HS)
* Megan McClure, 5-9 SG (South Elgin HS)
* Taylor Price, 5-10 F (Oak Forest HS)
* Ellie Sorenson, G/F (Dunlap HS)
* Elle Sutter, 5-9 G (Dunlap HS)
* Talia Torosian, 5-5 PG/SG (Schaumburg HS)
* Lainie Wolter, 5-6 G (Mt. Zion HS)

A very familiar name to Cardinal fans and foes alike.  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 17, 2020, 03:35:55 PM
Congratulations to North Park junior Sinead Molloy upon receiving the CCIW's inaugural Chris Martin Perseverance Award (https://cciw.org/news/2020/4/15/womens-basketball-north-parks-molloy-named-first-recipient-of-chris-martin-perseverance-award.aspx). This award will be given annually to the CCIW student-athlete who "who demonstrates an unwavering commitment and perseverance to overcome a physical challenge in order to compete at the highest levels of CCIW athletics."

The background to Sinead Molloy's accomplishment can be found here. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2020/4/3/womens-basketball-athlete-feature-molloy-overcomes-adversity.aspx) It's a good read, and a real success story about how a CCIW student-athlete hasn't let a physical obstacle impede her from doing what she loves.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 19, 2020, 12:21:41 AM
Any new word on recruits for the CCIW women's game?  Seems we know a lot about the men recruits, but little posted here so far on women newbies.  Any news?

Hope all the CCIW chatsters are staying safe and well, in these strange and surreal times.

All best from the Far Side, from Hong Kong.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 20, 2020, 09:14:13 PM
Another huge one for Millikin...

https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/girls-basketball/second-to-none-rockets-all-time-leading-scorer-knudsen-always-has-hoops-on-her-mind/article_ce5a0f0f-8311-5f90-a080-c09a502014f7.html


Big Blue commits Ashlyn Sturdy and Elyce Knudsen combined to score 4,000+ points in HS.  That's pretty crazy.

https://www.channel1450.com/2020/03/16/tri-city-sangamon-valleys-ashlyn-sturdy-announces-college-choice/


https://app.box.com/s/ku4sk0m5bvk1i17a5c5hmx51xo2trdfb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 21, 2020, 02:32:24 AM
MU rising to the "top tier" in CCIW women's hoops?   :)   LOL

Pretty crazy high school scoring, to be sure.  (Thanks Q).

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on April 21, 2020, 07:55:54 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 17, 2020, 03:35:55 PM
Congratulations to North Park junior Sinead Molloy upon receiving the CCIW's inaugural Chris Martin Perseverance Award (https://cciw.org/news/2020/4/15/womens-basketball-north-parks-molloy-named-first-recipient-of-chris-martin-perseverance-award.aspx). This award will be given annually to the CCIW student-athlete who "who demonstrates an unwavering commitment and perseverance to overcome a physical challenge in order to compete at the highest levels of CCIW athletics."

The background to Sinead Molloy's accomplishment can be found here. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2020/4/3/womens-basketball-athlete-feature-molloy-overcomes-adversity.aspx) It's a good read, and a real success story about how a CCIW student-athlete hasn't let a physical obstacle impede her from doing what she loves.

Very inspiring story.  Thank you for sharing it GS.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on April 21, 2020, 02:06:58 PM
I interviewed Coach Lett last year about her approach to recruiting and she had an interesting response. She was emphasizing accomplished high school players over those on the AAU circuit (though those will overlap).

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/06/atn-lett-toomey
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwumichigander on April 23, 2020, 11:26:39 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 21, 2020, 02:32:24 AM
MU rising to the "top tier" in CCIW women's hoops?   :)   LOL

Pretty crazy high school scoring, to be sure.  (Thanks Q).

'70
it was not long ago that Millikan was "top tier".   With Olivia's background and successes, Millikan will attract quality players.  You know Olivia will never give up getting the best players she can recruit.  Heck, I would play for Olivia!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 28, 2020, 10:10:29 PM
Breeyona Burrell, a 5'9 guard from Kenwood, has verballed for North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 30, 2020, 12:20:30 AM
Really not much here on the recruiting front as yet . . .  I thought there'd be more.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 30, 2020, 03:31:30 PM
@LadyLightningIL
Congratulations to Emma Kornak 2020 on signing with Illinois Wesleyan! #ladylightning #collegeball

* Emma Kornak, 6-1 F/C (Geneva HS)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 30, 2020, 11:27:33 PM
Ahh, 6-1 Emma Kornak, perhaps some support for Riley Brovelli in the post.  Welcome to IWU, Ms. Kornak.  May you be "ladylightning" @IWUcollegeball. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 02, 2020, 09:09:42 AM
Elmhurst recruits I've seen on Twitter...

* Morgan Collar (Wheeling HS), 5-10 C 5.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8637471/morgan-collar

* Lauren Marshall (Northville HS, MI), 5-4 PG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMuqZr95qdg&feature=youtu.be
(also Track)

* Marissa Mussatto, 5-10 F (Plainfield North HS) 9.2 ppg

* Payton Schmidt, (Dundee-Crown HS), 5-6 PG/SG
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8885691/Payton-Schmidt
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 02, 2020, 09:27:58 AM
Wheaton...

* Ana Mooney, SG (Holt HS, MI)

* Lily Schwen, 5-7 G (Southwest Christian HS, MN)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 02, 2020, 09:43:21 AM
Millikin...

* Elyce Knudsen, 5-7 G (Tolono Unity HS) 24.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.5 spg
https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/girls-basketball/second-to-none-rockets-all-time-leading-scorer-knudsen-always/article_ce5a0f0f-8311-5f90-a080-c09a502014f7.html

* Ashlyn Sturdy, 5-8 G (Tri-City/Sangamon Valley HS) 19.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 3.9 spg
https://herald-review.com/sports/high-school/basketball/herald-review-all-macon-county-girls-basketball-team-for-2019-20/article_eee25cb1-2c6b-5a76-a8c6-66b89178fa28.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 02, 2020, 10:16:00 AM
IWU...

* Natalie Anderson, 5-11 G/F(Eureka HS) 12.1 ppg, 51 3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J0GasJEeJk&feature=youtu.be

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/pantagraph-all-area-girls-basketball-team/article_01a0138b-b53a-5890-b54f-62f33679be3d.html


* Launi Chanthaboury (St. Charles North HS) 18.5 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.4 spg, 53 3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4jUvaJ-xo

https://basketball.dailyherald.com/sports/20200305/the-daily-herald-fox-all-area-girls-basketball-team


* Emma Kornak, 6-1 F/C (Geneva HS)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 04, 2020, 01:33:35 PM
Augustana...

* Linnea Johansen, 6-0 F/C (Parkway South HS, MO)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8900614/Linnea-Johansen


* Eleanor Klink, (Fremd HS)


* Narita Lambert, 5-6 G/F (West Aurora HS)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12393350/Narita-Lambert


* Grace Nestich, 5-4 PG/SG (Hobart HS, IN)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/10334281/Grace-Nestich


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 05, 2020, 01:12:33 PM
Titan Q, thanks for your additional research and posting of the recruit info.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 08, 2020, 04:14:56 PM
Kirsten Madsen talks about her college basketball career, including playing for coach/dad :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2020/4/14/womens-basketball-senior-profile-kirsten-madsen.aspx
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 12, 2020, 10:46:42 AM
IWU's final list of commits...


* Natalie Anderson, 5-11 G/F (Eureka HS) 12.1 ppg, 51 3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J0GasJEeJk&feature=youtu.be

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/pantagraph-all-area-girls-basketball-team/article_01a0138b-b53a-5890-b54f-62f33679be3d.html


* Samantha Brayton, 5-8 G (Elmwood Park HS)
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/sam-brayton/KDsJoOTJEeeT-Oz0u-e-FA/girls-basketball/stats.htm


* Launi Chanthaboury, 5-6 PG (St. Charles North HS) 18.5 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.4 spg, 53 3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4jUvaJ-xo

https://basketball.dailyherald.com/sports/20200305/the-daily-herald-fox-all-area-girls-basketball-team


* Emily Kleffman, 6-3 C (Tinley Park HS)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/10397671/Emily-Kleffman


* Emma Kornak, 6-1 F/C (Geneva HS)
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/emma-kornak/1Sbnp9OzEeeT-Oz0u-e-FA/default.htm


* Macey Lottman, 5-9 G/F  (Westminster Christian HS, MO)
https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-basketball-recruiting/missouri/town-and-country/westminster-christian-academy1/macey--lottman


* Kathleen Stanley, 5-6 G (Shawnee Mission East HS, KS)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8837378/Kathleen-Stanley


* Taylor Tarver, 5-10 F (Oswego HS)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8760898/Taylor-Tarver
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on May 12, 2020, 10:57:00 AM
Eight recruits. Very nice. Looks like several are multi-sport athletes. Mia making use of that Kansas City area connection with the K. Stanley pick up. The video of Kleffman is very encouraging. She can get off her feet and shoot well. Averages over 10 ppg. I wish I could find some stats on Stanley. Video says she's a 3 shooter, but can't find her ppg. I like Kornak's video too. A tall player who can step out and hit the three.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 12, 2020, 11:04:13 AM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on May 12, 2020, 10:57:00 AM
Eight recruits. Very nice. Looks like several are multi-sport athletes. Mia making use of that Kansas City area connection with the K. Stanley pick up. The video of Kleffman is very encouraging. She can get off her feet and shoot well. Averages over 10 ppg. I wish I could find some stats on Stanley. Video says she's a 3 shooter, but can't find her ppg. I like Kornak's video too. A tall player who can step out and hit the three.
Yes, from what I am gathering here the Titans have done very well on the recruiting trail.  Strong class coming in.

6-3 Emily Kleffman was also a good volleyball player at Tinley Park.  She is a very intriguing add - might be able to help right away.
https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/emily_kleffman

2 or 3 of these newcomers will have a chance to help next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 12, 2020, 11:40:52 AM
Armani Cole, a 5'9 small forward from Merrillville (IN) HS, has deposited at North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 12, 2020, 09:24:15 PM
Looks like an excellent recruiting year for Mia Smith and the TITANS.  Glad to see some size, support for Riley Brovelli coming in . . .  Syd Shanks will be greatly missed, but IWU has so so much coming back from an already excellent team.  Will be interesting to see the new mix, the new approach next season.  Hope it can all happen. . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on May 21, 2020, 02:39:47 AM
Rog

what is the background on the coach leaving u of chicago. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 21, 2020, 06:42:43 AM
She has been very successful at UChicago and is very well-regarded.
As to why she is taking the job a few miles north at IIT, I have no idea.
Check over on the University Athletic Association pages under WBB Multi-regional topics, since that's where UChicago is normally covered.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 21, 2020, 10:50:45 AM
Hailey Lyczak, a 5'11 SG/SF from Argo, has verballed for North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 21, 2020, 01:35:41 PM
I believe U. of Chicago will be very interested in former Maroons assistant coach Olivia Lett.  Whether or not she is interested in that job, we'll see.

Two extremely different WBB head coaching jobs - Millikin and U. of Chicago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 22, 2020, 12:53:13 AM
Would love to see Coach Lett in Chicago.   Isn't there another former Titan on the staff now at UC?  Bilek?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 23, 2020, 02:42:13 PM
Article about Olivia Lett's successful efforts to land local talent...

https://herald-review.com/sports/college/millikin/our-goal-is-to-control-this-area-millikin-womens-basketball-hitting-on-local-talent/article_54362536-2063-54ea-8db6-ae7247ddc031.amp.html?__twitter_impression=true
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 23, 2020, 10:06:16 PM
Nice article about Coach Lett and the MU program.   They are coming up for sure.  Given what she's building there, I guess I'd be surprised if she had interest in the Chicago coaching job.

Best to all Chatsters out there.  Be safe and well.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 29, 2020, 04:08:17 PM
congrats to Courtney O'Donnell for this honor :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2020/5/14/womens-basketball-o-donnell-named-scholar-athlete-of-the-year.aspx
Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 02, 2020, 11:48:38 PM
Come November, will we see basketball referees wearing gloves and masks? (whistle usage could be difficult -- maybe they get an air horn thing)
Should they be running a lot wearing a mask? Or should there be four refs that more or less maintain scattered positioning around the court?
Maybe there isn't the quantity of refs to have four per game. Added expense for the school too.
I bet refs would like the air horn idea anyway; get the whistles out of the mouths for good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 03, 2020, 01:41:55 PM
Couple of thoughts:

- Running with masks on is pretty much a non-starter. I have read many a thing about that being a very unsafe proposition. Masks wouldn't allow enough air to get into the lungs due to the mask's purposely designed limits.
- They aren't going to be using air horns ESPECIALLY indoors. Air horns are around 129 decibels. That is way to loud in general, but add in the fact it will reverberate around any building and you are making things far worse.
- Four officials will make it very cost inhibitive for schools. The rising costs of officials (for good reason) is one of the significant cost increases for the national tournaments and for school budgets. Adding a fourth to all games isn't going to be an option I don't think. Also, while there may be a number of officials in the area, every three games would remove an entire crew from the rotation - that adds up quickly and likely won't be enough for Saturday games especially (when the system is at it's max with all divisions playing; many officials work multiple divisions).

I suspect if they need to find a solution to any of these challenges they will. While officiating isn't one of the items on the public talking points when it comes to getting sports back in (it has been mentioned in the MLB plans), it absolutely is part of the conversations and considerations. So are table crews and other personnel.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2020, 04:39:51 PM
Dave, Rog quite often posts with tongue firmly planted in cheek ... and he's not big on indicating that by using the emojis.

(I think that he's allergic to them. Or maybe he was bitten by an emoji as a child.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 03, 2020, 04:53:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2020, 04:39:51 PM
Dave, Rog quite often posts with tongue firmly planted in cheek ... and he's not big on indicating that by using the emojis.

(I think that he's allergic to them. Or maybe he was bitten by an emoji as a child.)

Yeah ... hard to tell when you don't indicate something ... even /sarcasm would work.

SMH
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 03, 2020, 06:07:19 PM
I believe they will have all games outside and players will call all their own fouls. It will be 3 on 3 to keep body count down on the court.  There will be 2 benches for extra players with no more then 4 players per bench with 6 ft distance.   No coaches players will self coach.  No trainer but their will be a large vat of Robitussin for injuries.   Basketball will be switched out every time their is a sub. Lastly to shorten exposure first team to 21 wins.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on June 03, 2020, 06:19:32 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 03, 2020, 04:39:51 PM
Dave, Rog quite often posts with tongue firmly planted in cheek ... and he's not big on indicating that by using the emojis.

(I think that he's allergic to them. Or maybe he was bitten by an emoji as a child.)

Did emojis even exist when Rog was a child? ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 03, 2020, 07:18:46 PM
All of my speculation on this issue is serious.
Making refs run for a whole game (mask or not) is detrimental to their purpose : closely observing the action. And, moving around with a whistle in the mouth seems unnecessarily restrictive to breathing, compared to carrying some small device in one hand. A whistle in the mouth is a decades-old tradition that deserves no loyalty.
Subsequent to my post, I heard that this item or something similar could be used :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R7353-lnbg
The volume could be fine-tuned or adjustable, as could the type of sound desired.
My guess is that the coronavirus will still be taken seriously by the medical profession next winter. 100,000 American deaths don't bother some people. Maybe half a million are needed.
If the NCAA does require masks on refs, running has to be curtailed, as explained above by Dave.
Four basically static refs would be best, but likely isn't feasible.
We'll eventually learn what the NCAA and NAIA think about it.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 04, 2020, 09:55:15 AM
Ariana Marchan, a 5'6 point guard from Elgin Academy, has made a verbal commitment to North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2020, 11:01:22 AM
I think we can expect that she will not be easily discouraged on the basketball court.
Watch this :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kIQw6vsCfg
Watch it twice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 04, 2020, 01:13:08 PM
I am completely lost as to why running by refs would need to be curtailed. That just is a random thought that seems to have no justification other than thoughts of fancy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2020, 01:29:31 PM
One person wrote, "Running with masks on is pretty much a non-starter. I have read many a thing about that being a very unsafe proposition."
Another person wrote, "If the NCAA does require masks on refs, running has to be curtailed"
Hello?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 04, 2020, 01:37:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 04, 2020, 01:29:31 PM
One person wrote, "Running with masks on is pretty much a non-starter. I have read many a thing about that being a very unsafe proposition."
Another person wrote, "If the NCAA does require masks on refs, running has to be curtailed"
Hello?

I wrote the first sentenced based on ... YOU!

Quote from: RogK on June 02, 2020, 11:48:38 PM
Come November, will we see basketball referees wearing gloves and masks? (whistle usage could be difficult -- maybe they get an air horn thing)
Should they be running a lot wearing a mask? Or should there be four refs that more or less maintain scattered positioning around the court?
Maybe there isn't the quantity of refs to have four per game. Added expense for the school too.
I bet refs would like the air horn idea anyway; get the whistles out of the mouths for good.

You are the one who brought this up. Thus ... I have said that the idea isn't going to happen. But you keep speaking on it like it is a thing suddenly:

Quote from: RogK on June 03, 2020, 07:18:46 PM
All of my speculation on this issue is serious.
Making refs run for a whole game (mask or not) is detrimental to their purpose : closely observing the action. And, moving around with a whistle in the mouth seems unnecessarily restrictive to breathing, compared to carrying some small device in one hand. A whistle in the mouth is a decades-old tradition that deserves no loyalty.

If the NCAA does require masks on refs, running has to be curtailed, as explained above by Dave.
Four basically static refs would be best, but likely isn't feasible.
We'll eventually learn what the NCAA and NAIA think about it.


So I ask again ... where are these thoughts of fancy coming from? No where has the idea of refs in masks been considered.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2020, 01:52:51 PM
was just wondering what anti-COVID precautions might be implemented ... independent brain activity on my part ... hadn't read it anywhere
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on June 04, 2020, 02:37:49 PM

The WHO continues to emphasize that masks are not necessary for healthy people.  Presumably, before athletic competition gets underway, there will have to be provisions for testing to ensure participants (officials included) aren't carriers - which would then make the mask issue moot.

We've still got standing mask directives in most of the US, because we still don't have great testing to know who's sick or not.  My Dad's in a vulnerable population for about five different reasons, but without symptoms he was only just tested for the first time this week.  Once we catch up, a lot of the mask questions will resolve themselves.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2020, 02:48:48 PM
You can catch the virus 14 seconds after being tested. Or two days later, etc.
Testing negative is not a protection from acquiring the virus thereafter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 04, 2020, 03:16:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 04, 2020, 11:01:22 AM
I think we can expect that she will not be easily discouraged on the basketball court.
Watch this :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kIQw6vsCfg
Watch it twice.

That's powerful stuff. Now I'm twice as glad that she chose North Park.

Thanks for the link, Rog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 04, 2020, 03:25:59 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 04, 2020, 02:48:48 PM
You can catch the virus 14 seconds after being tested. Or two days later, etc.
Testing negative is not a protection from acquiring the virus thereafter.

Possibly ... but testing at least gives us a baseline understanding of what is going on, who may have it, etc.

Is it perfect? No. Neither is the flu vaccine.

But masks in competition ... even for refs ... not going to happen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 04, 2020, 03:36:57 PM
Ryan and Dave, a very accurate immediate-result test would be ideal. Hoping it is developed soon, alongside a cure and vaccine.
Greg, you're welcome. She's quite a resilient person.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 05, 2020, 12:11:09 AM
Very moving video.  All best to Ariana as she pursues her academic and sports career at NPU.  Lots of resilience there for sure.  Good luck!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 05, 2020, 02:38:41 AM
dont let stats get you rog. Im not a denier of the virus but the deaths are not as high as they show. Colorado had to lower their totals as a kid who died from alcohol poisoning had covid so it was listed as a covid death. I know alot of nurses and have been told that there is pressure from administrators to list deaths as covid even if it was death do the underlying conditions. They are guaranteed to get paid if its covid. Like everything in life always follow the money.  The one thing the riots and protest will show is if there is no spikes in covid cases then you will know the lock down wasn't necessary for the majority of the population.


89 percent of the deaths in Minnesota have been in senior homes. this is terrible and travesty but we focused on the wrong the places. Sending covid patients to senior homes is about the most brilliant ideal anyone has come up with.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 05, 2020, 04:58:38 AM
When you get a chance, check with those nurse friends if there's any value in slowing the spread of the virus, if that would reduce the odds of it reaching elderly people who are not in senior homes.
Some medical people have said that the virus is more of a threat in cold months, warning of a spike of cases next winter (basketball season).
Sending COVID patients into a senior home is extraordinarily dumb, for sure.
Some senior homes' staffs were very smart very quickly and implemented strict precautions to reduce the odds of employees bringing the virus in, also banning visitors (who are an unnecessary risk). It is sad to have to label visitors that way, but it has succeeded in protecting those facilities.
More broadly, if it's raining and you use an umbrella to keep yourself dry while you get to your destination, you don't normally say, "oh, I stayed dry, so I guess the umbrella wasn't needed after all."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 05, 2020, 09:50:41 AM
Rog

my point was like anything in numbers and stats anyone can find numbers to support their views but when you let fear take away peoples sense of humor and life just becomes this is going to kill us this is going to kill you and where facts change day to day. Notice no complaining by the media on protesters on not self distancing and that  they are going to kill the rest of us. I have no ideal if it will spike or not but i do no the discourse changes depending on political views.

When we as a nation were to ever lose our sense of humor then the  country really will be a dangerous place.  Enough on covid.  This is a basketball blog.  Cant wait for season to come back.

let start another conversation. I was talking with Dave about schools budgets and he wrote me a very in depth and really good response i didnt want to post without his permission but Dave I think you should post it. It was really good,  I have heard that their are 3 schools in the HCAC who are financially in trouble. Earlham has already cancelled their mens and woman's golf and tennis.

I have heard numerous school sin Minnesota on D-2 level may be in trouble.  If d-2 schools stop with scholarships that would mean a influx of even so called better players coming into d-3  and naia schools applying to be d-3 and not offering scholarships. these are some thoughts Dave had I agree.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 05, 2020, 02:18:27 PM
Jester - share with me my exact words. I forgot to save a copy of my reply (had multiple things going on around me at the time)... so I don't remember my exact words. I just want to be sure it is okay to make more public. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on June 05, 2020, 08:00:39 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 04, 2020, 02:48:48 PM
You can catch the virus 14 seconds after being tested. Or two days later, etc.
Testing negative is not a protection from acquiring the virus thereafter.

No, but if there's widespread testing, health officials can actually track it.  Cases in the US continue to go up as (in most places) hospitalization numbers are dropping consistently, if not dramatically.  That means they're finding more and more asymptomatic people, which helps put the overall puzzle together.  Without testing, we're acting blind.  Testing isn't a solution, but it's the key to managing the virus and opening up more of the country safely.

If we have widespread testing, the chances of someone catching the virus 14 seconds after a negative test decrease dramatically, because there's a much smaller chance of contact with someone who doesn't know they have it.

Any college is going to have a plan and likely a handle on contact tracing this fall.  I suspect we won't see fans (at least off-campus fans) at any sporting events all year - but if they have a clear picture of the campus community itself (who's leaving, when, and to where, etc), they'll be able to manage safely.

Remember, the goal was never to prevent infections, it was to manage them.  That will continue to be the goal until (if) there's a workable vaccine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 05, 2020, 08:51:57 PM
The goal was never to prevent infections? Apparently you don't have any older acquaintances with asthma.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 05, 2020, 10:36:47 PM
a '20-'21 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 05, 2020, 10:42:57 PM
Just looked at the other 8 web sites but saw no other '20-'21 schedules for WBB.
I did not look at twitter or bookface or other team sites.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 06, 2020, 01:21:14 AM
From Dave Mchugh with alot of good insight i think


Per Coach Sain ... we shall see. Time will tell. I'll keep some of my thoughts to my self.

Per schools and conferences, we are at the tip of the iceberg in terms of closures. I made a prediction at the start of the new year and before C19 that we would have 6-12 closures this year. I thought I was being a bit heavy-handed at the time, but I felt it was a safe number. Now I think it could be twice to three times that number in DIII.

With admissions for many schools pushed back to June 1, we will start hearing about more closures soon, I suspect. Yes, enrollment numbers will be missed, but the schools that can handle those the best will survive. Then schools having to adjust to different plans (online, off-campus, whatever) in the fall will also be a source of struggles and financial stress.

And we will get another wave of closures midway to late next academic year as the future is more clear and such.

There was already a pendulum was already swinging away from colleges in terms of enrollment and sustainability. The reason for the fact we had so many schools is because, as one person put it, college education is a by-product of the baby boomer generation and we are moving further and further away from that. Trade skills are much more needed and the cost of colleges is way out of hand. I think the swing back to more trade school and community school education was already happening, but that pendulum has gotten a huge shove from the coronavirus.

Yes, schools will need to adjust things and ultimately conferences. The NCAA (membership) will give some latitude. They have already drastically reduced the minimums in all sports. This isn't so schools still have a chance at championships, this is so schools can still stay in good standing with their membership while not spending the money on a lot of contests. We will see conferences allowed to keep AQs a bit longer than the two-year grace period (or at the very least the grace period not started immediately) when they lose members suddenly due to closing especially tied to the coronavirus impact. And there will be other things done to try and help members get through the next few years. Also, conferences will have to deal with schools closing sports permanently or temporarily - that will affect AQ decisions as well. That is another place where the NCAA (member schools) are likely to give more than the two-year grace period (on a case-by-case basis) to conferences and such.

Yes, conferences will also have to reevaluate themselves, but if they weren't already looking ahead at moves that could be made just in case ... they are have been doing a disservice to their conference and well being. There will be more changes coming - I am sure of it - but the impact is unknown as some school closings will be seen from a mile away and others will catch everyone off guard.

But as much as schools close will be significant to DIII, I think moving forward the division will once again be popular for the NAIA and DII (even DI) schools that just can't justify the costs of scholarships and such anymore. I actually wonder if DIII waives the restriction to only four schools each year entering the process as they get inundated with new requests. A sign the division likely already knew a wave was coming prior to the coronavirus was the fact they lowered the process from four years to three back in January.

DII schools are going to have some trouble staying open if they don't reduce sports and scholarships ... that means DIII will be an easy place to come. NAIA's, especially with sports like basketball reducing to one division, will no longer feel they can justify - or compete - and will look to come to DIII like they were doing in bigger numbers not that long ago.

The next few months and years will be very interesting to watch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on June 06, 2020, 10:52:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on June 05, 2020, 08:51:57 PM
The goal was never to prevent infections? Apparently you don't have any older acquaintances with asthma.

That wasn't the goal of the national policy.  They were pretty clear about that.  I have a pair of 88 year old grandparents who've been quarantined separately in their care facility for the last four months.  I get the great lengths people have gone to individually to protect themselves - but the overall public picture was never really about containment - it could have been if they acted faster, I suppose - but everyone knew it was unlikely the whole country would be shut down until a vaccine was available (which was really the only way to contain once we had the kind of widespread infection we had).

We would've seen stricter and enforced quarantines, all sorts of other things.  The real concern was not overburdening the heath system, like Italy, and we seemed, amazingly, to do it - at least so far.

I think this US far exceeded my expectations, at least as a population.

I just think, with reasonable accommodations and decent testing, sports can happen - but the testing is what puts us into a better space to expand opportunities.


I do agree with Jester, though, we're going to see a lot of schools who can't open for 2021-22.  Those mid-year announcements will be very sad.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 06, 2020, 03:37:27 PM
I wouldn't read to much into not seeing schedules posted. Only rose-hulman has their  schedule posted in the HCAC
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 12, 2020, 04:49:39 PM

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2020/6/8/general-2018-michael-hudson-the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2020-21-season.aspx

So by my very rudimentary count, the Thunder roster will be 3 forwards and a whole bunch of guards.

I'll have to familiarize myself with the Villanova four-guard offense  . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 12, 2020, 10:02:22 PM
GoPerry, I'll say completely disregard whatever positions are listed on rosters; look at height.
In the past we've had players from various teams listed as a particular position but we knew some of that to be complete nonsense.
Including a Thunder newcomer, I see five 5'10" players, a 6'1" and a 6'2". This assumes all non-seniors from last season return. We'll see.
If you insist on being concerned based on named positions, it should be reassuring that guards who are 5'10" can defend against opposing players of similar height.
I feel that 5'10" players who can handle the ball well (earning them the label "guard") are more valuable than if they were 5'10" and can't handle the ball well.
There will be a lot of playing time "up for grabs" for Wheaton, but I'm thinking there is a nice amount of talent coming back.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 12, 2020, 10:47:28 PM
Perry  for what is worth rankings really dont matter past top 20 but Schwen  is not listed in in top 150 of 20 minnesota class. This class however is touted as one of the best ever from Minnesota of course led by MS Basketball herself Paige Bueckers.  I asked a friend who watches everyone if he has a report on her if he does i will post for you.  Southwest is a small class A school we go up to 4 A. She is very smart if i had been involve din recruiting last year I would have taken a look at her as her academics fit what we would be looking for.

Southwest Christian High School is a highly rated, private, Christian school located in Chaska, MN. It has 375 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Tuition is $11,990 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 93% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 13, 2020, 07:11:05 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on June 12, 2020, 04:49:39 PM

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2020/6/8/general-2018-michael-hudson-the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2020-21-season.aspx

One of those four freshmen was a three-year soccer player and was All-Conference in that sport in high school, and another one ran cross-country for four years (and was team captain for three of them) and played soccer for three years as well in high school. The logical question to ask is whether or not these newbies will be continuing their careers in soccer and/or cross-country at Wheaton as well, presenting Kent Madsen with the classic D3 coach's dilemma of having a two-sport student-athlete whose seasons overlap and who thus comes late into that coach's program every year.

Quote from: GoPerry on June 12, 2020, 04:49:39 PM
So by my very rudimentary count, the Thunder roster will be 3 forwards and a whole bunch of guards.

I don't care at what position they're listed, Madsen's Maidens will still tower over their NPU counterparts.

(Doesn't bother me that much, as long as speed remains in North Park's favor.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 13, 2020, 10:12:47 PM
What struck me about the WC class of newbies was their academic achievements.  A bunch of really smart players.  :)  Wheaton and CCIW in general staying a very strong women's basketball league.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 14, 2020, 05:11:19 AM
GoPerry, why not go all out and go for the IWU "five guard" offence.  Why hold back?  :)

I'm sure WC will continue strong for many seasons to come.  NPU and MU too, looks to me.  IWU will be very strong next year, with almost everyone back, save for Syd Shanks.  Still hoping for a Raven Hughes return.  :) 

Be well, all CCIW chatsters.  Stay safe and healthy out there.  Strange and surreal times.  Surely so here in Hong Kong.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 15, 2020, 06:59:20 PM
Well Perry

this isnt much but this what i got back from a guy who sees almost every Minnesota team every year


Apologies Chris. I was traveling this weekend and forgot to reply.
I only saw them play once and was focused on the 9th grader Brunsburg so I don't have a very good handle on Schwen's game. I recall she was a pretty good distributor but not particularly athletic. I think she led the team in scoring. Wish I could tell you more. Sorry.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 15, 2020, 09:12:13 PM
I fear that GoPerry has been underwhelmed by our collective response to his provocative post and has not been moved to reply.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 15, 2020, 10:47:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 15, 2020, 09:12:13 PM
I fear that GoPerry has been underwhelmed by our collective response to his provocative post and has not been moved to reply.

Gentlemen – thanks for the feedback (although I surely didn't consider anything I posted to be "provocative"?) :

Of course your points are all well-taken.  The position on the roster often has little to do with how somebody plays on the court.  I get it.  Still, losing a pair of 6'2" seniors in Berg and Frazier, who along with 5'11" Jordan Myroth accounted for half the Thunder rebounding,  I was hoping for one or two newcomers describing themselves as a forward especially for a young lady seeing an opportunity to compete for some front court PT right away.  But if they're not there, you still put five out on the floor.  I think Ellie Cassel and Taylor Sanders will get the first looks.

Unless maybe Raven Hughes is available . . .?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 15, 2020, 11:08:14 PM
Lol Perry I think Raven has become your where is Waldo.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 15, 2020, 11:10:18 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 13, 2020, 07:11:05 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on June 12, 2020, 04:49:39 PM

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2020/6/8/general-2018-michael-hudson-the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2020-21-season.aspx

One of those four freshmen was a three-year soccer player and was All-Conference in that sport in high school, and another one ran cross-country for four years (and was team captain for three of them) and played soccer for three years as well in high school. The logical question to ask is whether or not these newbies will be continuing their careers in soccer and/or cross-country at Wheaton as well, presenting Kent Madsen with the classic D3 coach's dilemma of having a two-sport student-athlete whose seasons overlap and who thus comes late into that coach's program every year.


As far as tough Thunder rosters to make for either the women or men, women's soccer would be right near the top.  If there were a recruit who was good enough to play Wheaton soccer and then join Madsen's crew for the winter, she would probably contribute right away.

As far as two sporters on the ladies side, this seems even more rare than the men.  Only recent one at Wheaton I can think of was Kelly Thornton, WBB and Softball and she eventually chose to continue in the latter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 16, 2020, 02:27:22 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on June 15, 2020, 11:08:14 PM
Lol Perry I think Raven has become your where is Waldo.

I think she's iwu70's unicorn.

Quote from: GoPerry on June 15, 2020, 11:10:18 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 13, 2020, 07:11:05 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on June 12, 2020, 04:49:39 PM

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2020/6/8/general-2018-michael-hudson-the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2020-21-season.aspx

One of those four freshmen was a three-year soccer player and was All-Conference in that sport in high school, and another one ran cross-country for four years (and was team captain for three of them) and played soccer for three years as well in high school. The logical question to ask is whether or not these newbies will be continuing their careers in soccer and/or cross-country at Wheaton as well, presenting Kent Madsen with the classic D3 coach's dilemma of having a two-sport student-athlete whose seasons overlap and who thus comes late into that coach's program every year.


As far as tough Thunder rosters to make for either the women or men, women's soccer would be right near the top.  If there were a recruit who was good enough to play Wheaton soccer and then join Madsen's crew for the winter, she would probably contribute right away.

You're implying that Wheaton makes cuts, or at least that Pete Felske does. Is that the case?

(Sorry for the digression, folks. But I am interested in whether CCIW schools have tryouts/cuts, regardless of sport. Plus, it's summer ... the season of d3boards.com digression.)

Quote from: Jester1390 on June 15, 2020, 11:08:14 PMAs far as two sporters on the ladies side, this seems even more rare than the men.  Only recent one at Wheaton I can think of was Kelly Thornton, WBB and Softball and she eventually chose to continue in the latter.

That may be a Wheaton thing rather than a general trend, because two-sporters are more common among female student-athletes at NPU than male student-athletes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on June 16, 2020, 03:00:26 PM
I think it's fairly common. My daughter was all conference in tennis and rose asked her to play but she was to worried about being overwhelmed at rose and having to play a sport right away. She loves tennis but she made the right choice as she was overwhelmed at first
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 16, 2020, 04:07:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 16, 2020, 02:27:22 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on June 15, 2020, 11:08:14 PM
Lol Perry I think Raven has become your where is Waldo.

I think she's iwu70's unicorn.

Quote from: GoPerry on June 15, 2020, 11:10:18 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 13, 2020, 07:11:05 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on June 12, 2020, 04:49:39 PM

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2020/6/8/general-2018-michael-hudson-the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2020-21-season.aspx

One of those four freshmen was a three-year soccer player and was All-Conference in that sport in high school, and another one ran cross-country for four years (and was team captain for three of them) and played soccer for three years as well in high school. The logical question to ask is whether or not these newbies will be continuing their careers in soccer and/or cross-country at Wheaton as well, presenting Kent Madsen with the classic D3 coach's dilemma of having a two-sport student-athlete whose seasons overlap and who thus comes late into that coach's program every year.


As far as tough Thunder rosters to make for either the women or men, women's soccer would be right near the top.  If there were a recruit who was good enough to play Wheaton soccer and then join Madsen's crew for the winter, she would probably contribute right away.

You're implying that Wheaton makes cuts, or at least that Pete Felske does. Is that the case?

(Sorry for the digression, folks. But I am interested in whether CCIW schools have tryouts/cuts, regardless of sport. Plus, it's summer ... the season of d3boards.com digression.)


No.  I didn't mean to imply Pete Felske holds open tryouts because I don't believe he does.  " . . . tough Thunder rosters to make" was a more general reference of someone good enough to be recruited and play regularly on that team.  The speed and physicality required to compete at that level of D3 soccer I think translates well over to WBB.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 16, 2020, 06:50:35 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on June 15, 2020, 11:10:18 PM

As far as two sporters on the ladies side, this seems even more rare than the men.  Only recent one at Wheaton I can think of was Kelly Thornton, WBB and Softball and she eventually chose to continue in the latter.

Maybe where you are, but I'm pretty used to seeing two-sport female athletes. Calling national championships as I do, I often talk about students especially in the NESCAC who were on field hockey, soccer, or other programs and now contributing or staring in soccer - some even winning national championships in two sports in one academic year.

Many also will do cross country and track, or another sport and track. I actually feel it is more common with women than it is with men nowadays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 16, 2020, 11:32:15 PM
Raven Hughes coming back is just wishful thinking on my part.  I don't think she's returning.  But, the TITANS could use more rebounding, more toughness down low and in the paint.  Riley Brovelli will be great, returning, but sure could use some help, some further support, esp. against bigger, taller teams like WIAC teams and a few others.  Maybe some of the newbies can help, adding to Anna Lowis and Kaia Bowen in rebounding.  Need to replace Shanks' overall scoring, rebounding, steals and general basketball savvy. . . .  not easy.

IWU '70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 22, 2020, 03:00:40 PM
An item regarding officiating for CCIW WBB :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/6/22/cciw-to-join-collegiate-officiating-consortium-for-womens-basketball-beginning-in-2020-21.aspx
As indicated in the article, Al Raya has done the work of several people for quite a while and maybe now he can relax while viewing games.
A couple of questions : it says the CCIW MBB refs were under this new supervisory system last season ... was there any discernible difference in the officiating? Were there more new refs than customary in previous seasons? Any answers to questions I haven't thought of?

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 22, 2020, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 22, 2020, 03:00:40 PM
An item regarding officiating for CCIW WBB :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/6/22/cciw-to-join-collegiate-officiating-consortium-for-womens-basketball-beginning-in-2020-21.aspx
As indicated in the article, Al Raya has done the work of several people for quite a while and maybe now he can relax while viewing games.

That was one of my first thoughts as well. Al Raya can now come to the crackerbox and just enjoy the basketball for a change, rather than scrutinizing the refs and making everybody at the scorer's table nervous. ;)

Quote from: RogK on June 22, 2020, 03:00:40 PM
A couple of questions : it says the CCIW MBB refs were under this new supervisory system last season ... was there any discernible difference in the officiating? Were there more new refs than customary in previous seasons? Any answers to questions I haven't thought of?

1. No.
2. A few, but not enough for most people to notice. That doesn't necessarily mean that we'll see more new refs for women's basketball this year, though, although I'm guessing that we will.
3.
(https://i.imgflip.com/11q3md.jpg)

I don't know all the details as to why it happened this way, but I was surprised that the women's side lagged a year behind the men in making what seems to me to be a logical move.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 22, 2020, 05:45:49 PM
I think sometimes it is hard to see what changes are going on behind the scenes with officiating. I have had some fascinating conversations with officials I know plus the head of DIII men's basketball officiating and I am sometimes completely unaware of changes going on. Some just don't jump out at anyone because the work is more gradual or fine tuning.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 23, 2020, 09:31:41 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 22, 2020, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 22, 2020, 03:00:40 PM
An item regarding officiating for CCIW WBB :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/6/22/cciw-to-join-collegiate-officiating-consortium-for-womens-basketball-beginning-in-2020-21.aspx
As indicated in the article, Al Raya has done the work of several people for quite a while and maybe now he can relax while viewing games.

That was one of my first thoughts as well. Al Raya can now come to the crackerbox and just enjoy the basketball for a change, rather than scrutinizing the refs and making everybody at the scorer's table nervous. ;)

Oh, thank God, I thought I was the only one. :P

I don't know if Al ever came at anyone at the crackerbox scorer's table, but he did come after me a time or two. Apparently, making a "one minute remaining in the (period/half/whatever)" announcement wasn't allowed according to him. I just kept doing it anyway. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 23, 2020, 06:34:26 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on June 23, 2020, 09:31:41 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 22, 2020, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on June 22, 2020, 03:00:40 PM
An item regarding officiating for CCIW WBB :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/6/22/cciw-to-join-collegiate-officiating-consortium-for-womens-basketball-beginning-in-2020-21.aspx
As indicated in the article, Al Raya has done the work of several people for quite a while and maybe now he can relax while viewing games.

That was one of my first thoughts as well. Al Raya can now come to the crackerbox and just enjoy the basketball for a change, rather than scrutinizing the refs and making everybody at the scorer's table nervous. ;)

Oh, thank God, I thought I was the only one. :P

I don't know if Al ever came at anyone at the crackerbox scorer's table, but he did come after me a time or two. Apparently, making a "one minute remaining in the (period/half/whatever)" announcement wasn't allowed according to him. I just kept doing it anyway. :)

Al's generally a pretty nice person, but he has his moments. He came down to the crackerbox's scorer's table once and gave our staff some stick about the fact that he couldn't see the west scoreboard from where he was sitting because one of NPU's national championship banners blocked his view. Our staff politely heard him out, but our former SID Kevin Shepke assured Al that moving a banner to accommodate him was above the SID's, and everybody else's, pay grade. (Nobody said this in front of Al, but we all wondered why he didn't just look at the vastly larger and more informative east scoreboard like everybody else.)

No harm done ... and it made for one of those fun stories that game-staff personnel like to collect.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 26, 2020, 02:48:10 PM
a large new roster for Millikin :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2020-21?&sort=class
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 28, 2020, 02:34:19 AM
Yes, 21 at the Big Blue, and mostly freshmen and sophomores.  Lots of new talent for Coach Lett to draw on . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 02, 2020, 01:46:15 PM
I can now reveal that the CCIW is getting a heavily-recruited player who, while not seen as having a "high ceiling," is certainly regarded as having a "high floor." She is Lynn Oleum.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 03, 2020, 04:29:47 PM
Well Roger no Chicago IWU this year for Rose but they will be playing Elmhurst and North Park in North Park tournament in November so i will have my first visit to North Park
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 03, 2020, 07:34:37 PM
Jester1390, the RHIT schedule now shows "@ Midwest Challenge - Illinois Wesleyan" for 28th-29th of November.
Does that one feature pre-determined 2nd day matchups, or do the day 1 winners play each other on day 2?
Am I remembering correctly that in a four-team "classic tournament" the day 2 matchups are pre-determined? Not sure there's an agreed-upon name for the other type.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 03, 2020, 09:35:34 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on July 03, 2020, 04:29:47 PM
Well Roger no Chicago IWU this year for Rose but they will be playing Elmhurst and North Park in North Park tournament in November so i will have my first visit to North Park

That may not happen. The situation for winter sports is different than the situation that fall sports are currently facing, but there's nothing written in stone yet about winter competition even taking place, let alone competition that takes place across conference lines. The OAC just announced that four of its fall sports will be confined to conference-only play in the regular season, and the possibility exists that other leagues, such as the CCIW and the HCAC, could follow suit. There's also the matter of proximity; a number of D3 institutional administrators have talked about the need to reduce travel and keep student-athletes close to home during this time of restricted campus activity. In all likelihood, NPU is going to have to cancel its football road game at Bethel, as well as the men's soccer trip to Cleveland to play Case Western Reserve and numerous trips by the men's and women's soccer teams and the women's volleyball team to play MIAA schools. That might hold up in terms of winter as well, which would mean no home games or road games where long distances are involved.

NPU, Elmhurst, and the other CCIW schools aren't acting as free agents. I know that they're trying to present a unified approach to scheduling and competition in the face of the pandemic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 04, 2020, 03:36:46 PM
Roger Ill find out I dont think that tournament was on the schedule yet or at least i wasn't aware.  I dont know who the 4th team will be at north park just that Rose will play both elm and north as they cant play each other.  I guess I will see you in Chicago.  Viewpoint of a player on Sosa my kid had guarded some great shooters in Minnesota Paige Bueckers even though she is more of  a driver ,Mckenna Hofschild who is beyond ridiculous from 3 point line is currently at seton hall , Gabbie Hack and others but she said Sosa had the quickest release of anyone she has guarded.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 05, 2020, 01:58:28 AM
Roger here are the teams participating


IWU is the host school this year (Wash. U, DePauw and Rose
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 06, 2020, 06:28:44 PM
At this point, it seems likely that college presidents will see it as their duty to protect students, staff and faculty from unnecessary risk of exposure to COVID-19.
One such unnecessary risk is public attendance at indoor sports this winter. Fans are known to yell, sneeze, cough.
Many of our fellow citizens (even some D3 fans, most likely) are uncooperative lackwits (and willing spreaders) whose cavalier behavior has produced increased ICU admissions.
And, of course, people of good will (the vast majority of D3 fans) may unknowingly spread the virus.
There is no reason for colleges to add this risk to what already exists among the essential on-campus population.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 06, 2020, 10:45:05 PM
Most schools from at least what i have been told will allow parents of players to attend and will have plenty of room to distance in the gyms.  Considering letting fans and students into games will be a judgment each school will make according to circumstances. I also have heard that concessions will probably be not offered but still not decided. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 07, 2020, 09:53:00 AM
https://www.elmhurst.edu/news/introducing-elmhurst-university/
Elmhurst College no longer.
When I see EU, I think European Union. I suppose that, in time, my rattling cranium will accept EU in lieu of EC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 08, 2020, 02:44:49 AM
Congratulations to Elmhurst University (EU) on their new designation.  I hope it leads to a stronger and better institution, with more resources and more support from alums. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 14, 2020, 04:02:10 PM
the '20-'21 Augustana schedule is here :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
eight of the first nine at home
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on July 17, 2020, 10:29:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 03, 2020, 07:34:37 PM
Jester1390, the RHIT schedule now shows "@ Midwest Challenge - Illinois Wesleyan" for 28th-29th of November.
Does that one feature pre-determined 2nd day matchups, or do the day 1 winners play each other on day 2?
Am I remembering correctly that in a four-team "classic tournament" the day 2 matchups are pre-determined? Not sure there's an agreed-upon name for the other type.

I was told a few years ago when Rose bagan playing this event that the opponents for the following year's Midwest Classic would be whomever each team had not played in the previous year's edition. Therefore, RHIT should open this year vs. DePauw and the winner would play the winner of IWU/WashU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 17, 2020, 11:12:02 PM
I can't remember but I know coach told me that both games were predetermined because the conference schools can't play each other that was for the north park tournament. I haven't talked to you in awhile hope all is well with you  Good news kid is getting her cast off and wire out next Friday so she might miss first week of practice but will be good she played last year with a torn ligament in her non shooting wrist.  Her words I better average more then 4pts this year
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 24, 2020, 12:40:49 PM
Well Rog

I think it was you who got scorn for saying refs will wear masks during the game. I thought no way but im watching a AAU game for recruiting and the refs have masks on
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 24, 2020, 02:12:55 PM
How many refs were working that game? Were they moving around less than normal?
Oh, and did they use some sort of handheld electronic whistle?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 24, 2020, 05:15:21 PM
I watched other games it was the refs choice. They were pulling down or they had a hole where the whistle gos hard to tell not hi def
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on July 27, 2020, 02:37:40 PM
Congratulations Coach Olivia Lett. D3Hoops All-Decade Team: Honorable Mention.

https://www.iwusports.com/news/2020/7/27/womens-basketball-olivia-lett-named-to-d3hoops-com-all-decade-team.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2C2rTbJswoLsvghCXee4W73vTnHirur8RNyM4W7Ti8XTHcBQO-Gec0iFE

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 27, 2020, 03:31:41 PM
CCIW women's basketball dodged a bullet in today's announcement by the league that fall sports are being postponed. A number of D3 leagues and schools have stated as part of their fall postponement or cancellation press releases that they won't play any intercollegiate sports at all until January 1, 2021. The CCIW didn't do that, so it's still possible that competition will start on time for CCIW women's basketball.

Problem is, will there be non-conference teams for them to play in November and December? F'rinstance, the MWC announced today that it has joined the list of leagues that have canceled all competition scheduled to take place before New Year's Day. That in and of itself cuts out a chunk of games that CCIW teams had scheduled against MWC foes for November and December.

I'd say that the chances that this league will start on time in mid-November, and that there will be any regular-season games at all against non-CCIW opponents, is starting to look remote.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on July 27, 2020, 04:52:33 PM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on July 27, 2020, 02:37:40 PM
Congratulations Coach Olivia Lett. D3Hoops All-Decade Team: Honorable Mention.

https://www.iwusports.com/news/2020/7/27/womens-basketball-olivia-lett-named-to-d3hoops-com-all-decade-team.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2C2rTbJswoLsvghCXee4W73vTnHirur8RNyM4W7Ti8XTHcBQO-Gec0iFE

Here is the entire list: https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-decade/2010s/women/announcing-wbb-all-decade-team
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 27, 2020, 06:39:33 PM
Congrats to all three CCIW players :
2nd teamer Katie McDaniels (now Peltz)
honorable mentionees - Olivia Lett and Hannah Frazier.
Of the 1st teamers, I think I saw only one and for just one game.
That was Madison Temple, dazzlingly good with the ball, hitting a variety of shots with ease, dribbling through traffic and making superb "thread the needle" passes.
I remember thinking, "darn it, why can't every team have a player or two like her?"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on July 27, 2020, 08:47:40 PM
Mildly surprised that Olivia Lett was only Honorable Mention, since she was national POY - guess it was because she only had that one spectacular year (while she was very good her junior year, I had forgotten that she even played before 2011-12)!

Very disappointed that Christina Solari didn't make it at all.  I REALLY wanted IWU and Hope to meet up in the post-season to see Christina take on 2nd team all-decade center Carrie Snikkers.  Perhaps I'm biased (ya think? ;D), but I really think our CS could have taken down their CS.  I would definitely have paid to see that match-up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on July 28, 2020, 10:43:07 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on July 27, 2020, 08:47:40 PM
Mildly surprised that Olivia Lett was only Honorable Mention, since she was national POY - guess it was because she only had that one spectacular year (while she was very good her junior year, I had forgotten that she even played before 2011-12)!

Very disappointed that Christina Solari didn't make it at all.  I REALLY wanted IWU and Hope to meet up in the post-season to see Christina take on 2nd team all-decade center Carrie Snikkers.  Perhaps I'm biased (ya think? ;D), but I really think our CS could have taken down their CS.  I would definitely have paid to see that match-up.

Go through the list ... I think all or nearly all the POYs were listed. Some also made AA lists multiple times.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on July 29, 2020, 12:46:18 PM
Yes, all the POYs from the last decade except Erica DeCandido and Kate Kerrigan ended up on our team. Lett got the nod over both because she won a title. Admittedly Erica didn't get the chance since the tournament was cancelled with Tufts still in it, and that sucks.

We started the review process by asking...

* Who made All-American multiple times with at least one first place finish?
* Who was Player of the Year and what did they do in that season?

That left one spot for someone who didn't meet one of those criteria. The person who filled that spot had one more AA placement than Solari did and it was a second place finish.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 29, 2020, 05:10:57 PM
We haven't heard from iwu70 in a while.
Is it safe to assume he's a stowaway on a freighter bound for the Port of Los Angeles?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 03, 2020, 11:50:17 AM
Elmhurst's gym has a brand new floor :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2020/7/22/general-faganel-hall-renovation-updates.aspx
It will be interesting to see the arrangement of the new seating.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on August 13, 2020, 05:05:03 PM
FYI ... CCIW will postpone start of season to January: https://twitter.com/d3hoopsville/status/1294016642800922625
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 17, 2020, 12:17:18 PM
another Elmhurst note -- congrats to them for this academic honor :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/8/12/elmhurst-womens-basketball-named-to-wbca-academic-top-25-team-honor-roll.aspx
Carthage, two seasons ago, was the previous CCIW team to make the list.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 19, 2020, 03:31:01 PM
Heard on the radio how important Eye Tea Specialists are these days. Eye tea doesn't sound appetizing to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 22, 2020, 10:04:50 PM
Trying to remember if it was G Sager or someone else who, circa 1998, had a dog that had great affinity for cantaloupe.
Didn't a vet determine that it was a melon collie?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on August 23, 2020, 09:11:53 AM
Quote from: RogK on August 19, 2020, 03:31:01 PM
Heard on the radio how important Eye Tea Specialists are these days. Eye tea doesn't sound appetizing to me.

It might not taste good, but it's full of Vitamin See.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2020, 10:45:29 AM
Aha! (that pun was almost as bad as mine!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 25, 2020, 07:37:53 PM
North Central has posted a 2021-only schedule :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
Six home games and seven away. If this is merely the 13th through 25th game list from an original 25 game '20-'21 schedule, we would know they were supposed to play three conference games in December, at Carroll and hosting North Park and Illinois Wesleyan.
It doesn't seem like a redone reduced CCIW schedule, which more likely would be six home, six road, if it was decided that 16 games were too much for the weeks available in Jan-Feb.
NOTE : "which more likely would be six home, six road" is not possible for a 9 team league
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 26, 2020, 11:57:19 PM
the new Titans of IWU roster :
https://www.iwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 28, 2020, 10:28:11 PM
the new Carthage roster is revealed in an otherwise quiet week in Kenosha :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on August 29, 2020, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 28, 2020, 10:28:11 PM
the new Carthage roster is revealed in an otherwise quiet week in Kenosha :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
-

Quiet ... week ... Kenosha ... not words I would have used in a sentence together. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on August 30, 2020, 01:02:30 AM
students are back at rose hulman this weekend
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 02, 2020, 12:40:15 AM
RogK, thanks for asking after me.  I'm AOK and back to IWU and BloNo now.

I slipped out of HK on 7/22, as things were getting a bit uncomfortable for me there, after the advent of the new national security law in Hong Kong.  I did finish by Spring term teaching, helped a number of my students who were under arrest, waiting trail, and a few who slipped out of HK to Taiwan, others fleeing to the UK, US and Europe.  A grim and dark time in Hong Kong.   The era of prosecutions and persecutions continuing unabated. The Hong Kong that I have known and loved over the past 40 or so years, well, it is no more, dead, gone.  "One country, two systems," is now "one country, one system" -- at least as far as police powers and political control are concerned.   The HKSAR government now clearly a puppet regime of the PRC and the CCP authorities.   Hong Kong will no longer be able to be fully "Asia's Global City." as claimed.  I expect over the next few years, an outflow of HK residents and expats of over 500,000 people, fleeing the restrictions and repression.  Hong Kong people often have options, many passports, and relatives in the HK diaspora all over the world. 

I had a plan to return to the US over a month or so -- having to quarantine for 15-days in MSP, to assure and protect my family and friends there.  Then, a 10 day visit with family and friends, esp. IWU friends in the MN. area, and now to IWU and Bloomington/Normal.  I'm in a period of reflection, de-stressing, and re-assessment on the next phase of my life, the new chapters coming in full retirement, post-Hong Kong, after my 40+ years in Asia, most of it at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in teaching, research and university administration.  It's going to be a slow and somewhat difficult adjustment.  IWU is very quiet, sparse and not its normal self -- given the pandemic and other difficult changes and cutbacks at the University here.  B/N is also in a difficult patch with a spike in cases -- quite a few at IWU and ISU, with the county-level positivity rate going up for the last two weeks, now at 10.7%, with a rate of over 20% at ISU.  Not good.  I expect more public health restrictions and protocols to be announced in coming days . . surely. 

I hope you and your family are safe and well.  And, I hope all the CCIW chatsters are taking all precautions, keeping safe, healthy and vertical.  This are tough days . . .in the US and in HKG  (see my post on the men's side about the pandemic control in HKG).  I expect 300,000 deaths in the US by the end of the year.  Truly devastating.

Take good care.

I hope we have some kind of basketball season this year, but I'm not very optimistic about it.  IWU has a great returning group -- both women and men -- and I'd love to see them play.  I'll cross my fingers.

Be well,
IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 02, 2020, 11:19:39 AM
Welcome back, iwu70, to these pages and to the peculiar state of Illinois.
I figured you'd have an interesting story to tell us; thanks for sharing it.
Keep breathing and keep posting!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 02, 2020, 12:19:31 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 02, 2020, 12:40:15 AM
  B/N is also in a difficult patch with a spike in cases -- quite a few at IWU and ISU, with the county-level positivity rate going up for the last two weeks, now at 10.7%, with a rate of over 20% at ISU.  Not good.

Not good, but, honestly, pretty much what I expected. The two universities in the state of Illinois that have the biggest and most long-standing reputations as party schools are Illinois State and SIU-Carbondale, and, whether admissions people want to admit it or not, this does play a role in the decisions that some high-school seniors make regarding a college choice (especially when, as is the case for ISU and SIU, they're relatively cheap public universities with high acceptance rates). Nobody wants to be cheated out of what they've been led by our culture to expect are the four best years of their lives, whether they're athletes or partiers. Young people being what they are, I knew that there would be any number of them who enrolled at ISU and SIU-Carbondale with the full expectation of majoring in beer-bongology with a minor in body shots, rules be damned -- and in 2020, a large-scale college party is a major COVID-19 outbreak waiting to happen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 02, 2020, 06:01:46 PM
Thanks, RogK, good to be back in many ways, though of course I miss CUHK, my friends and colleagues, my dedicated students in HK. 

Greg, I share your views about the behaviors of the age cohort, esp. at ISU.  It could get much much worse.  Now today over 1100 cases total at ISU.

I'm hoping some kind of basketball season will be possible -- perhaps a kind of CCIW bubble? 

Would surely love for the IWU women to have another crack at Hope late this coming season.  I'm still smarting from that loss.

Be well, all.  Take all precautions.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 02, 2020, 10:07:06 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 02, 2020, 06:01:46 PM
Thanks, RogK, good to be back in many ways, though of course I miss CUHK, my friends and colleagues, my dedicated students in HK. 

Greg, I share your views about the behaviors of the age cohort, esp. at ISU.  It could get much much worse.  Now today over 1100 cases total at ISU.

I'm hoping some kind of basketball season will be possible -- perhaps a kind of CCIW bubble? 

Would surely love for the IWU women to have another crack at Hope late this coming season.  I'm still smarting from that loss.

Be well, all.  Take all precautions.

'70

I hear ya!  I'm still peeved that Christina Solari never got a crack at Hope's Carrie Snikkers!  That might have shaken up the d3hoops.com all-decade teams! ;D

Great to see you finally back.  With your posting absence for so long I thought maybe the red guards had come back and you were in a 're-education' camp! ::)

Enjoy retirement - I sure am!  My younger son is teaching biology at Washtenaw CC, including lab sessions.  He acknowledges that online labs are utterly pointless, and lectures are only a bit better.  I relied heavily on face-to-face feedback in lectures to know if I was just blowin' smoke.  I'm VERY glad that I retired before the pandemic required this nonsense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 03, 2020, 11:39:02 AM
Ypsi, good to hear from you. 

Yes, ZOOM just doesn't do it for me either.  Perhaps we're just old-fashioned faculty who know personal contact, up-close mentoring, and knowing your students well, is best.  This new era, though necessary, is going to have all kinds of unintended, and I fear negative, consequences. 

Sad to hear our dear classmate, Karen Zander, has died.  She was facing many serious health challenges for over a decade, then severe dementia.  Such a wonderful, talented and extremely dedicated person, in the nursing profession, case management specialty, highly regarded nationally in her field.  I shall miss her greatly.  Gone too soon at 72. 

Sure will be missing our 50th reunion this October.  Let's hope it can happen in person, on campus in 2021.  Guess we just have to live longer.
:)


Take care, keep in touch.

IWU'70 / Mark 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 10, 2020, 02:43:37 AM
Better dead than Lady Reds, I guess. (https://www.carthage.edu/our-team/)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 10, 2020, 05:55:42 AM
Carthage Vikings
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 10, 2020, 10:59:08 AM
I'm on Ryan Scott's bandwagon for this, honestly.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 10, 2020, 08:36:41 AM

This is obvious, right?  Carthage Jumbos with an elephant mascot named Hannibal.  Done and done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 10, 2020, 01:34:53 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on September 10, 2020, 10:59:08 AM
I'm on Ryan Scott's bandwagon for this, honestly.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 10, 2020, 08:36:41 AM

This is obvious, right?  Carthage Jumbos with an elephant mascot named Hannibal.  Done and done.

I gotta agree. And it creates a natural pachyderm rivalry within the CCIW, since Wheaton's mascot is a mastodon named Stentorious Thunder.

(Seriously. Nobody ever sees it or knows about it, because a couple of students wore the Stentorious costume once, when it was first unveiled -- it's like a pantomime horse in terms of being a two-person costume, one in front and one in back -- and apparently died of shame while wearing it, and no Wheaton students since have volunteered to wear it. Honestly, Stentorious makes the Torchy costume look cool by comparison.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 10, 2020, 02:31:23 PM
The mascot would also take exclusivity away from Tufts. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 10, 2020, 06:06:09 PM
I have to admit that our current Tommy Titan mascot looks pretty goofy.  In a earlier era we had a handsome, fully-muscled student dressed up with helmet, sword and outfit to play the part, and somehow it all came off rather more authentically.   

Greg, I'd love to see that Wheaton mastodon.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 10, 2020, 09:58:26 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 10, 2020, 06:06:09 PM
I have to admit that our current Tommy Titan mascot looks pretty goofy.  In a earlier era we had a handsome, fully-muscled student dressed up with helmet, sword and outfit to play the part, and somehow it all came off rather more authentically.

It used to be a tradition at North Park for a blonde or red-headed guy (of which there were many at North Park) to dress himself up in fur clothing with iron bands, belts, helmet, sword, etc., and be The Viking. Sometimes there was more than one guy who'd do that. Alas, in the '90s North Park went through a phase similar to IWU's current existential crisis by buying a cartoon mascot costume and having someone wear that at games, rather than encouraging the traditional use of genuine-article human Vikings. (The athletic department secretary was so disgusted by the cartoon Viking costume that, when the offending AD who had purchased the costume moved on to take the same position at Messiah, she took the costume across the street into the parking lot, poured gasoline on it, and burned it.)

Alas, someone in NPU's marketing department bought another cartoon-Viking costume a few years ago, dubbed it "Ragnar," and has had students wear it in promotional videos. Fortunately, the creature has yet to make an appearance at a North Park sporting event. If it ever does, I will be sorely put to tame my tongue and not heap disdain upon it in my broadcast.

Quote from: iwu70 on September 10, 2020, 06:06:09 PMGreg, I'd love to see that Wheaton mastodon.

Ask, and ye shall receive:

(https://www.olympusgrp.com/wp-content/uploads/Wheaton-College-Tor-1.jpg)

The pic doesn't do it justice, though. I've actually seen Wheaton's pantomime mastodon in person on one occasion. It's a hoot!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 10, 2020, 10:40:54 PM
Greg, your views and experiences with the Viking cartoon costume so similar to our TITAN.  Not really nice or believable.  So cartoon-ish.  I'd prefer we go back to a appropriately muscled and clad student . . . real and in the flesh.  Plus, they wouldn't need a second student to walk around with them to help them navigate and see out from the huge cartoon-ish costume head.

Thanks for posting the mastodon.  Great stuff.  TWO cartoonish operators.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 11, 2020, 08:53:05 PM
or... Carthage Maple Leaves
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gotberg on September 14, 2020, 11:30:21 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 10, 2020, 09:58:26 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 10, 2020, 06:06:09 PM
I have to admit that our current Tommy Titan mascot looks pretty goofy.  In a earlier era we had a handsome, fully-muscled student dressed up with helmet, sword and outfit to play the part, and somehow it all came off rather more authentically.

It used to be a tradition at North Park for a blonde or red-headed guy (of which there were many at North Park) to dress himself up in fur clothing with iron bands, belts, helmet, sword, etc., and be The Viking. Sometimes there was more than one guy who'd do that. Alas, in the '90s North Park went through a phase similar to IWU's current existential crisis by buying a cartoon mascot costume and having someone wear that at games, rather than encouraging the traditional use of genuine-article human Vikings. (The athletic department secretary was so disgusted by the cartoon Viking costume that, when the offending AD who had purchased the costume moved on to take the same position at Messiah, she took the costume across the street into the parking lot, poured gasoline on it, and burned it.)

Alas, someone in NPU's marketing department bought another cartoon-Viking costume a few years ago, dubbed it "Ragnar," and has had students wear it in promotional videos. Fortunately, the creature has yet to make an appearance at a North Park sporting event. If it ever does, I will be sorely put to tame my tongue and not heap disdain upon it in my broadcast.

Quote from: iwu70 on September 10, 2020, 06:06:09 PMGreg, I'd love to see that Wheaton mastodon.

Ask, and ye shall receive:

(https://www.olympusgrp.com/wp-content/uploads/Wheaton-College-Tor-1.jpg)

The pic doesn't do it justice, though. I've actually seen Wheaton's pantomime mastodon in person on one occasion. It's a hoot!

Greg, do you remember when Victor Cooper was the Viking in the 90s(I'm sure you do)?  He was awesome in that role.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2020, 12:49:35 PM
Victor Cooper was the best Viking mascot in North Park history, bar none. His enthusiasm, energy, and creativity was off the charts. And, yeah, he wasn't exactly the Nordic ideal, either; Victor's about as black as they come, which actually upped his coolness quotient as a Viking mascot because it was so unusual.

He's won several teaching awards as a public school teacher over the past 25-30 years. Victor is a great guy. It's always good to see him.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on September 14, 2020, 07:08:40 PM
Torchie: Gone but not forgotten

We need a highlight video set to this song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhFxXce6nA). The band is from Rockford, Ill.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2020, 10:38:05 PM
(https://gifimage.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/concert-lighter-gif-4.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gotberg on September 16, 2020, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 14, 2020, 12:49:35 PM
Victor Cooper was the best Viking mascot in North Park history, bar none. His enthusiasm, energy, and creativity was off the charts. And, yeah, he wasn't exactly the Nordic ideal, either; Victor's about as black as they come, which actually upped his coolness quotient as a Viking mascot because it was so unusual.

He's won several teaching awards as a public school teacher over the past 25-30 years. Victor is a great guy. It's always good to see him.

There was a story I heard that Victor was being interviewed by a local news broadcast during a 90's NPU championship year and the reporter asked Victor what part of Sweden he was from.  Victor's response was "I'm from the south side of Sweden!" 

Any idea if that was true?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 16, 2020, 10:49:10 AM
I don't know, but that sounds exactly like a Victor quip to me.

It's reminiscent of one of my favorite Michael Harper stories. When Michael was playing for the Portland Trailblazers he roomed on the road with a teammate who was a Duke alumnus. His roommate said to him one day in exasperation, "I don't get it. In every city in the league, somebody is always there to pick you up at the airport and take you to their house for a nice home-cooked meal, and you have your own little cheering section at games ... and yet you went to some little no-name school in Chicago that nobody's ever heard of. Me? I went to Duke, a school that everybody's heard of and that everybody knows is a basketball powerhouse. But nobody picks me up at the airport and treats me to dinner. What's that all about, anyway?"

Michael's reply: "It's because I'm Swedish."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 16, 2020, 10:35:30 PM
the new North Central Cardinals' roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2020-2021
I'm disappointed that the admirably-talented Alanna Newsome is not listed. Could be that her season-ending injury (sorry but I don't recall what it was) has lingered, preventing her return to the court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 17, 2020, 12:16:49 PM
Thanks, RogK.

How does one pronounce " IxChel" ??

Some great names there.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gotberg on September 17, 2020, 01:51:03 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 17, 2020, 12:16:49 PM
Thanks, RogK.

How does one pronounce " IxChel" ??

Some great names there.

IWU'70

ee-SHELL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p47JWfFSNuI
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 17, 2020, 07:39:38 PM
It's a Mayan name, which made it a nice coincidence when she got to play alongside Maya Walls for NCC the last two seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 17, 2020, 08:48:45 PM

We just had CooXooEii Black graduate from Colorado College (he might've been the SCAC POY). His first name is Arapaho, I believe, and pronounced "Jock-a-hay."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 17, 2020, 11:11:12 PM
I guess we're unlikely to see a resurgence of old-fashioned names like Eunice, Mildred and Chlorine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on September 17, 2020, 11:26:11 PM
I had a greta grandma named Pansy im sure ill never meet another.

on the basketball front Rose is getting reay to practice with masks on I cant even imagine.  I had a discussion with the commissioner of the confrence as of now schools can schedule their own non confrence games but of course its hard to find other schools though that may be changing.   With the big 10 changing and highs chool sports deciding to play in the fall and th avaiability of testing may  signal changes.   At Rose I think i last checked it was 6k in tests and 5 students positive. Rose is very aggressive testing every week.  So hopefully we have turned the corner.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 18, 2020, 09:33:47 AM
Only 5 covid-positive students at RHIT tells us the students have really cooperated with the spread-prevention efforts of the university. That's a very honorable accomplishment.
Keep it up, I say. Don't abandon successful behavior.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 18, 2020, 10:23:44 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 17, 2020, 11:11:12 PM
I guess we're unlikely to see a resurgence of old-fashioned names like Eunice, Mildred and Chlorine.

You never know which grandpa & grandma names will enjoy a revival. A decade ago, who would've thought that anyone would ever again name their daughter Elsa? Now, thanks to Disney, Elsas are thick on the ground in America's preschools and kindergartens. Two generations ago, Emily was considered to be the ultimate old-lady name. But I'm sure that if you scanned the current rosters of various D3 women's athletics teams, you'd find plenty of Emilies. According to one source, the top eight girl-baby names in the U.S. in 2020 are Olivia, Emma, Ava, Sophia, Isabella, Charlotte, Amelia, and Mia. Those are all names that hadn't been in vogue since before World War II, but they all came back into style in the '90s and they've been big ever since.

Same goes with boys. There's nobody my age named Max, but the nursing homes and the elementary schools of our great land have more than their fair share of Maxes. (And if major-league baseball rosters are any indication, the name Max is now well into its second generation of revived popularity.) Just within my own small church there's an Elliott and an Everett, and a Noah and a Hayden, that are all below kindergarten age, and all come from different families. The church building hosts a daycare that includes preschoolers named Felix, Leo, and Thaddeus. Those are all names that I thought would never make a comeback, but there you go.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on September 23, 2020, 06:27:19 PM
Will there be a 2020-21 NCAA Division III basketball season? If so what will it look like? What will the post-season look like?

It is on the mind of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, and fans for several weeks, if not months, now. We are finally understanding what it may look like as a number of decisions or proposals are now making their way around Division III.

In this month's podcast, Dave McHugh not only downloads all the things being considered and the likely outcomes, but tries to give listeners an understanding of how much is still unknown despite some things becoming more clear.

McHugh also talks to Texas-Dallas women's basketball coach Polly Thomason for her take. Thomason has been in the Division III Women's Basketball National Committee for several years and is this season's chair of the committee. She also serves on the WBCA Board of Governors. Thomason not only provides her perspective on much of what is going on not only in Division III, but in women's basketball as well.

And of course, there is always the Hoopsville Notebook. Unfortunately, there is some sad news in the Notebook this month, but also news to celebrate especially when it comes to DIII alums making news in the NBA.

You can listen to the podcast here: https://bit.ly/3kMl0rZ

Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) broadcasts from the WBCA/NABC Studio. All guests are featured on the BlueFrame Technology Hoopsville Hotline. The offseason plan is to do a podcast each month. The shows will be audio-only leading up to the start of the 2020-21 when we will restart the video shows.

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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 14, 2020, 02:18:41 PM
The Lindsay Ippel career is celebrated here as one of the best in conference WBB history :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/10/13/womens-basketball-cciw-legacy-series-lindsay-ippel-millikin-university.aspx
To clarify some numbers : she made 121 FTs in 14 conference games in the '06-'07 season and scored 371 pts in 14 conference games in the '07-'08 season.
Her freshman season was quite a story. Millikin had a lot of good frontcourt players and Lindsay played 0 minutes in the team's first several games.
I believe it was a season-ending injury to multi-skilled point-forward Karin Olson which opened up further opportunity for Ippel.
Lindsay ended up scoring a game-high 25 pts in Millikin's D3 championship victory on 3/19/05. She scored in the 20s in 5 of their final 6 games that season.
I think we can also credit coach Lori Kerans for getting Ippel ready to step in and prosper when the chance came.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on October 14, 2020, 08:10:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 14, 2020, 02:18:41 PM
The Lindsay Ippel career is celebrated here as one of the best in conference WBB history :
https://cciw.org/news/2020/10/13/womens-basketball-cciw-legacy-series-lindsay-ippel-millikin-university.aspx
To clarify some numbers : she made 121 FTs in 14 conference games in the '06-'07 season and scored 371 pts in 14 conference games in the '07-'08 season.
Her freshman season was quite a story. Millikin had a lot of good frontcourt players and Lindsay played 0 minutes in the team's first several games.
I believe it was a season-ending injury to multi-skilled point-forward Karin Olson which opened up further opportunity for Ippel.
Lindsay ended up scoring a game-high 25 pts in Millikin's D3 championship victory on 3/19/05. She scored in the 20s in 5 of their final 6 games that season.
I think we can also credit coach Lori Kerans for getting Ippel ready to step in and prosper when the chance came.

I was at that game(Scranton played in the 3rd place game); didn't realize that Lindsay was only a freshman; that was a major contribution to a championship. What I did remember from the game was the flawless performance of PG Audrey Minott, so much so that she was the bar that I've used to evaluate PG prospects ever since.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 20, 2020, 12:17:04 AM
Roger

Have you heard anything on WashU having a tournament in a bubble.  I have heard that they are and there is a chance Rose will be one of the participants if approved to play non confrence by admin.   Rose admin has to sign off on any schools they visit on their covid precautions that they meet their standards which may be tricky as Rose has set the bar for colleges.   They have had only 5 positive tests.  Everyone there gets tested weekley. The students could not step on the campus at the beginning without a negative covid test. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 20, 2020, 11:09:12 AM
No, I haven't heard anything about that.
From what you've heard, might it be more than four teams? Maybe 8 or 16?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 20, 2020, 01:43:35 PM
congrats to Mia Lambert on this award for athletic and academic excellence :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2020/10/8/football-mia-lambert-and-bryson-adcock-win-knut-erickson-award-for-2019-20-school-year.aspx
Augie has posted their new roster :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 24, 2020, 12:06:34 AM
there may be players who will be pleased if this blanket waiver gets final approval :
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/management-council-recommends-blanket-waiver-all-diii-student-athletes
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 24, 2020, 12:57:28 AM
I was told by my daughters head coach and all the girls have another year of egilbility.  So I don’t know if he was just assuming.    When I asked her if she and the other girls would play a 5th year.  Her reply oh dad we can’t play we will be working making 6 figures.  My only hope is whoever’s hires her offers to pay for the masters   I think it’s great they are doing it.   I talked to the commissioner of her conference and just said I think it’s to easy for people to dismiss d3 players as they are students first.  But they have put time and sweat and love into their games and I would say maybe love the game more because of how hard the academics are at a lot of d3 schools.  Not a lot of communication majors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2020, 07:33:07 PM
an interview with Jayla Johnson of North Park :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIcE74i36vo&feature=youtu.be
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 28, 2020, 08:56:39 PM
Just watched my first game this year Jamestown vs presentation coached by my daughters last high school coach. Naia looks like they are full tilt.  No mask during play hopefully that will be everywhere

Jamestown shallacked them
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2020, 10:45:55 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 27, 2020, 07:33:07 PM
an interview with Jayla Johnson of North Park :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIcE74i36vo&feature=youtu.be
-

Thanks for that link, Rog.

It was good to see new content on the NPU athletics page. Poor Tyler had been forced into reruns by the lack of anything else to report.

I can say from firsthand knowledge that the shutdown of D3 sports is really hard on those of us who (like Tyler and his fellow CCIW SIDs) work with, or follow, multiple sports. While I don't think that anybody feels it harder than the student-athletes themselves, or the coaches who are directly involved with those student-athletes, the shutdown really wears on you incrementally when you work with and/or have an interest in more sport than one.

The cancellation of each sport I broadcast feels like a distinct and unique robbery.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2020, 01:54:40 PM
To follow up on this topic :
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/presidents-council-approves-blanket-waiver-all-diii-student-athletes
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: jaybird44 on October 29, 2020, 11:03:48 PM
It seems that I have been the only member of the only (unofficial) fall sport at WashU, with my 100-mile ultramarathon attempt earlier this month to promote the fight for a cure during Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.  That attempt fell a bit short in miles and fundraising, so I'm going into overtime to try and reach $5,000 in donations.

Rett Gets Rocked 50K for $5K will commence Friday, October 30 at 8 pm Central, and end at 8 am Halloween morning.  Counting donations received (thanks to retired WashU men's basketball coach Mark Edwards and his wife Mary, and to Mike McGrath and his  University of Chicago men's basketball program for their donations!) and those yet to be sent and processed, I am at $4,440.53.  Very, very close to my goal...which will fund a researcher's work for a month.  Wouldn't it be cool if he or she cracked the code for a cure of Rett syndrome, on our dime?!

I reached 86 miles in my "Rett Gets Rocked Virtual Ultra Weekend" October 3-4.  I'm very proud of that result, but there's more work to be done.  Proceeds from the event will be split between Rettsyndrome.org (the only national organization spearheading research and providing resources for affected patients and their families) and the Rett Spectrum Clinic--a collaboration between the WashU School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Rett syndrome is a rare, non-inherited neurological disorder that is caused by a gene mutation in the brain.  It primarily affects girls (1 in every 10,000 girls develop Rett).  It strikes typically when a child is 6-18 months old, and it has the characteristics of ALS, autism, epilepsy, and Parkinson's...all rolled into one sinister disorder.  It takes away the child's ability to move and communicate. 

In essence, Rett does to a child what Lucy in the "Peanuts" comic strip does to Charlie Brown when he tries to kick the football that she is holding.  The only difference is that Charlie Brown can get back up to try again.  Those who are afflicted with Rett syndrome don't get another chance to enjoy a vibrant life.

Researchers are working to re-engineer the gene mutation that turns on Rett, so it can be forever turned off.  Four drug therapies are in the FDA review pipeline, with one (trofanitide) one level away from review.  And, iPad tablets with retinal scan technology are giving those with Rett a voice they haven't had since they were toddlers.

The full court press on Rett is paying off.  You can help keep the pressure on Rett, by going to my Rett Racers donation page:  https://rettracer.everydayhero.com/us/rett-gets-rocked-2020

Thanks for your time and consideration, and hopefully there will be basketball to play and broadcast at the start of 2021!

Jay Murry
Play-By-Play Announcer, Washington University in St. Louis
Event Director, Rett Gets Rocked 50K for $5K
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2020, 09:33:51 AM
the new Carroll roster :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2020-2021
apparently not returning are Sierra Grubor, Amanda Hooks and Hailey Herriges
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2020, 01:18:29 PM
North Park has a new roster :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2020-21
Missing are Jacki Rapp, Kayla Patterson, Kendra Jackson, Yesenia Rodriguez. The latter two didn't play much last season. Patterson and Rapp played in all 26 games, averaging 7 and 19 minutes respectively.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2020, 09:14:26 PM
I'm not sure yet whether any or all of these four NPU student-athletes are taking a gap year, as so many other college students are taking in 2020-21 due to the pandemic, or if they've left the program and/or the school for good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2020, 09:56:41 PM
Thanks for pointing out that possibility, Greg. Answers may not be known until October or November of '21.
After a couple of years seeing Adairsville GA on the NPU roster as hometown of Josie Summerville, I finally looked where 'tis on a map.
To my surprise, US route 41 goes through Adairsville and it also passes through Chicago, less than a mile east of North Park's gym. That could be a tedious ride to take, although one might be rewarded by seeing some old neon motel signs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2020, 10:18:28 PM
Yep, U.S. 41 is Lake Shore Drive up to the Foster Avenue exit, then it is Foster Avenue into the neighborhood of Bowmanville, just east of campus. At that point Lincoln Avenue takes up the stripe on the map and is U.S. 41 up into the north suburbs.

You can't tell the difference in terms of the actual streets. The parts of those thoroughfares that are U.S. 41 are thus part of a federal highway (technically, it's called the U.S. Numbered Highway System). It's a common misconception that the federal government is thus responsible for U.S. 41 and its ilk. It's not; these highways have always been built and maintained by state and local municipalities ... which means that there's as many cracks, potholes, and patches on Foster Avenue east of Bowmanville as there are where Foster borders the NPU campus.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 06, 2020, 12:20:38 AM
Some leaving may also be due to academics and or just tired of playing a sport and  want to move on. Rose-Hulman unforuntaly lost a player who made all freshman confrence team and had off the chart athletic talent.  Also a great young lady who just decided her academics were more important and basketball just wasnt as important for her.  Huge loss for the program but she is more happy and that is what matters. Also with them still being so young they have no juniors or seniors it allows another player to step up.

I would be curious from any other parents of current players on here.  Do you think your daughter or any of their teamamates will take the extra year.  Im pretty sure there will be no girls from Rose that will. Rose has 98 percent job placement  for them by the time they graduate. I could only see that happen if a job was paying them for taking a masters. I talked with some dads that have kids in the MIAC and they said the same thing.   Lol of course dad would like the kid to play anothe year. Told her well even if you get a job find a school in that state and take a couple of courses. lol the reply dad i cant play forever and  her brother really needs to have kids so i can concentrate on them
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 06, 2020, 12:31:01 AM
That is a huge loss fo Carroll . the one girl scored 23 a game. Rog  do you know anything about that school. I feel bad for them they have good people on their staff they had talks with my daughter but they didnt have majors she was looking for.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on November 06, 2020, 08:44:33 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 06, 2020, 12:20:38 AM
Some leaving may also be due to academics and or just tired of playing a sport and  want to move on. Rose-Hulman unforuntaly lost a player who made all freshman confrence team and had off the chart athletic talent.  Also a great young lady who just decided her academics were more important and basketball just wasnt as important for her.  Huge loss for the program but she is more happy and that is what matters. Also with them still being so young they have no juniors or seniors it allows another player to step up.

I would be curious from any other parents of current players on here.  Do you think your daughter or any of their teamamates will take the extra year.  Im pretty sure there will be no girls from Rose that will. Rose has 98 percent job placement  for them by the time they graduate. I could only see that happen if a job was paying them for taking a masters. I talked with some dads that have kids in the MIAC and they said the same thing.   Lol of course dad would like the kid to play anothe year. Told her well even if you get a job find a school in that state and take a couple of courses. lol the reply dad i cant play forever and  her brother really needs to have kids so i can concentrate on them

A fair number of athletes, especially at high academic schools, are taking gap years to intern or work some place.  From what I understand, in addition to missing their sport, they're also not getting the full academic experience due to COVID changes and feel it's worthwhile to delay things.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 06, 2020, 09:42:48 AM
Grubor was Carroll's top scorer in '19-'20, with 255 pts in her 23 games, averaging 11.1.
We'll need to check if she's on the softball roster in the Spring.
She had a bunch of good games, but wasn't the focus of their offense in several other games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 06, 2020, 10:16:39 AM
Well i have written about my daughter and her team on this site but tonight i get to announce a huge personal achievment and i have to tell you a place i could never imagine.

I want to say how happy i am I get to Appalude or Smite people.  This is a moment that I doubted would ever come with there only being 9 pages in i dont know 20 years for the HCAC page when I first posted.

We now have 37 pages and I just want to say thanks to those that helped me get to this place. First grace be to God and then of course RogK and even though we are bitter enemies FCGrizzlies and also Baldini where the hell are you and my brother in arms Engineer. Without them we would not have been able to more then triple the amount of pages for HCAC  I could possibly also not mention Gregory Sager and the legend even though he has never taken time to respond to a post from me Mr. Yipsi.  Also a shout out to the best announcer i ever had call a game of my daughters and was very gentle on the freshman laden team the great voice of  jaybird.

Last but not least even though we had a tiff at one timea big thank you to Pat Coleman who without this site I wouldnt get to brag about my daughter.

I look forward to smiting all of you and maybe every once in awhile a pat on the back
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 06, 2020, 10:17:31 AM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on November 06, 2020, 08:44:33 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 06, 2020, 12:20:38 AM
Some leaving may also be due to academics and or just tired of playing a sport and  want to move on. Rose-Hulman unforuntaly lost a player who made all freshman confrence team and had off the chart athletic talent.  Also a great young lady who just decided her academics were more important and basketball just wasnt as important for her.  Huge loss for the program but she is more happy and that is what matters. Also with them still being so young they have no juniors or seniors it allows another player to step up.

I would be curious from any other parents of current players on here.  Do you think your daughter or any of their teamamates will take the extra year.  Im pretty sure there will be no girls from Rose that will. Rose has 98 percent job placement  for them by the time they graduate. I could only see that happen if a job was paying them for taking a masters. I talked with some dads that have kids in the MIAC and they said the same thing.   Lol of course dad would like the kid to play anothe year. Told her well even if you get a job find a school in that state and take a couple of courses. lol the reply dad i cant play forever and  her brother really needs to have kids so i can concentrate on them

A fair number of athletes, especially at high academic schools, are taking gap years to intern or work some place.  From what I understand, in addition to missing their sport, they're also not getting the full academic experience due to COVID changes and feel it's worthwhile to delay things.

Your second sentence appears to me, Ryan, at least from anecdotal evidence, as being a very high motivator for taking a gap year. I think that a lot of young people who are paying an arm and a leg for their college education -- or who carry a healthy sense of responsibility about the fact that Mom and Dad are paying an arm and a leg for their kid's college education -- want to make sure that they get the proper value for all of that money that they're giving to their school's business office every semester or every quarter. And they see all of the online learning and draw the conclusion that they're not getting their money's worth (remember, most college students had a dry run at the whole online-learning thing last spring) and have decided to wait it out until the vaccine appears and schools sound the all-clear and go back to full-menu classroom learning again.

The loss of sports, or the diminishment thereof, is an additional motivator for student-athletes at the D3 level. But I think that the perceived lessening of the entire college experience (which includes what takes place outside the classroom as well as whether or not there's a classroom at all) is really the engine behind a big part of the gap-year mentality. Seems a shame, too, because all of the college instructors that I know have busted their humps trying to learn how to reconfigure both their pedagogical style and their curricula to teaching online rather than in person -- and they have to overcome a lot of obstacles trying to teach those classes that are still meeting in-person as well. (Ever tried talking for fifty minutes through a mask?) But you can't argue with the fact that students pay a lot of money for a college education, and they deserve to get what they're paying for.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2020, 09:54:19 PM
To offset Hannah Frazier's graduation, a new Hannah has joined Wheaton, so they again have three.
All ten non-seniors from last season are back :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2020-21
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 13, 2020, 02:53:27 AM
 Hey Rog  on wheaton I know a little bit about Schwen. productive high school career but played for a very small school and lowest class for basketball. She  accomplished this nice milestone

notable achievements this week belong to Lily Schwen of Southwest Christian in Chaska, who set a school record for career assists. Schwen passed 2005 graduate Kylie Dirks who had 439 helpers.

She want ranked in the top 150 for her class but that doesnt allways mean something especially playing at  a small school

they also had a transfer in from Terrant county college which doesnt have sport teams  very small guard 5'4.  She has to have talent though not sure how all state works in Texas but her bio says she made all state
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2020, 11:13:01 AM
Jester1390, do you remember seeing Schwen play? If so, could you say she looked like a good defensive player?
-
note to Wheaton : the roster info for Ms Turner has "Terrant" but it should be "Tarrant"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 13, 2020, 04:54:31 PM
Rog. I reached out to a guy who knows all things Minnesota girls basketball to see his report on her 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 13, 2020, 09:51:39 PM
Rog. My guy got back to me. He saw her play twice he thinks but can't remeber any specific on her which may not be a good sign. This guy knows a lot
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2020, 10:41:54 PM
Thanks anyway for inquiring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2020, 11:00:38 PM
In the absence of games to watch, one can enjoy a few minutes of this :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AndnVOil0rQ
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 16, 2020, 08:13:33 PM
North Central's schedule is out (https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2020-2021).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2020, 11:40:50 AM
If they stick with the 14-round time frame, four teams will* play 13 and five teams will play 12.
With a 9 team league, 9 rounds of 4 games yield 8 played by each team.
And of course 18 rounds yield the normal full 16 game conference schedule.
No quantity between 9 and 18 will produce a balanced schedule.
*barring cancellations, obviously
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2020, 10:02:50 PM
My previous post is defective, specifically "No quantity (of rounds) between 9 and 18 will produce a balanced schedule."
If six teams play in a round and three get a bye, each team could have one home and one road game during a three-round segment.
So let's say 9 rounds are played with only one team getting a bye. This yields 8 games (4 home 4 away) played per team, as in the first half of a regular conference schedule.
In round 10, teams A B and C get a bye, round 11 has D E and F on bye, round 12 G H and I.
After 12 rounds, each team would total 5 home and 5 road games.
The "bye teams" in rounds 10-12 could possibly make up a game or two postponed during earlier rounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 20, 2020, 01:11:50 AM
Rose has their first positive test for a player today.  They were going to keep players during break but now practices have been cancelled.   Their game on dec 5 against Adrian is still on at this point
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 20, 2020, 09:19:35 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 19, 2020, 10:02:50 PM
My previous post is defective, specifically "No quantity (of rounds) between 9 and 18 will produce a balanced schedule."
If six teams play in a round and three get a bye, each team could have one home and one road game during a three-round segment.
So let's say 9 rounds are played with only one team getting a bye. This yields 8 games (4 home 4 away) played per team, as in the first half of a regular conference schedule.
In round 10, teams A B and C get a bye, round 11 has D E and F on bye, round 12 G H and I.
After 12 rounds, each team would total 5 home and 5 road games.
The "bye teams" in rounds 10-12 could possibly make up a game or two postponed during earlier rounds.

Wheaton just announced that they will begin Spring Semester remote only and not until Jan 19.  Best case scenario maybe students back on campus Feb 1st?  8th?  Obviously athletes could possibly return sooner.

With positivity at 15% or so in Illinois ( and much higher in neighboring states) right now, probably the best we could hope for in December/January is that things are about the same.  But even in that very optimistic circumstance, I find it hard to believe the CCIW President's would vote for competition to begin.  I hope I'm wrong on all that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2020, 08:27:01 PM
The new Elmhurst roster :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Kween Jean is the most prominent of those eligible to return but are not listed.
And now I go back to the tv and a Barnaby Jones rerun.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 22, 2020, 08:56:59 AM
An article on IWU's Kendall Sosa...

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/watch-now-illinois-wesleyan-senior-basketball-player-kendall-sosa-eats-up-the-competition/article_c7edcb00-d82f-58e3-afaf-e2fd6bb23f7f.html
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 25, 2020, 12:56:00 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on November 22, 2020, 08:56:59 AM
An article on IWU's Kendall Sosa...

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/watch-now-illinois-wesleyan-senior-basketball-player-kendall-sosa-eats-up-the-competition/article_c7edcb00-d82f-58e3-afaf-e2fd6bb23f7f.html

I was looking forward to a very interesting league race this season with the Titans, North Park and Millikin all right there and Wheaton a bit of a question mark.  Kendall Sosa was a cinch 1st or 2nd team preseason AA and deserving of some national notoriety.  I wasn't going to relish her torching the Thunder twice (at least), but following her other performances over the season was promising to be pretty special.  I guess we'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2020, 03:09:25 PM
I'm so hoping we'll get to see Kendall Sosa play this year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2020, 11:50:36 AM
A question for Greg Sager : during any of your broadcasts, have you complained that some particular ref is "blind in both ears"?
If not, wouldn't you concur that such a clever quip should be used as often as is possible?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2020, 12:07:48 PM
1. No.
2. Depends upon how much you're willing to pay me to say it on the air. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 02, 2020, 10:45:11 AM
I wanted to bring to everyone's attention that the the DIII Championships Committee has decided that basketball has to have 60% participation for the NCAA tournament to move forward. That means if 40% or more call off playing, the tournament will pretty much be done.

Roughly that means we need 250 schools to still be playing - or not lose more than about 170.

Currently we have about 60 or so schools who will not be playing: https://www.d3sports.com/notables/2020/11/winter-is-coming-but-who-will-play
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2020, 06:30:46 PM
Any word, decisions on a CCIW women's season, starting in January?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2020, 06:52:28 PM
Occasionally I've been checking the school web sites for altered WBB schedules but haven't seen anything definite.
I did finally take note of this contest, almost a month late :
https://www.iwusports.com/news/2020/11/14/womens-basketball-green-team-prevails-in-womens-hoops-scrimmage.aspx
I assume the various university presidents have postponed decisions about winter sports for a while yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 06, 2020, 11:46:40 PM
Rose-Hulman might be scrimmaging Indiana State this weekend. The ycanceld their game against adrian since it was in Michigan
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 11, 2020, 12:46:41 AM
RogK, yes, I keep checking too -- to see if any one is posting schedules, but nada so far.  I heard from some IWU players that they thought there would be a schedule of CCIW games, perhaps some close by non-conference games too, starting in January.  But, then nothing came of it.  IWU had their green/white scrimmage, under game conditions, but that's it. Now all the kids are away, off after early exams, and not returning for about six weeks.  It seems increasingly unlikely given the new surge in IL. and the upper Midwest, that we'll see a season in early 2021.  Very disappointing, but unless this thing gets pressed down, under some sense of control, no University President at the D3 level is likely to approve playing winter sports, having an indoor basketball season, even without crowds, only players, perhaps family members.  Just seems very very unlikely at this stage. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 11, 2020, 01:36:32 AM
Next Saturday rose is still on schedule to play defiance.  Transylvania just played Adrian a couple of days ago
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 12, 2020, 06:19:42 PM
Here is the status of CCIW MBB/WBB as I understand it...

1) The MBB and WBB coaches have developed a conference-only schedule model.
  * 12 games.
  * Each team plays 2 games per week across 3 possible game nights - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.
  * MBB and WBB would basically have the same schedule - location just flipped.  (IWU men at Augie; IWU women host Augie.)
  * I believe the weekend of Jan. 22 is still the planned start date, but I am not 100% sure about that.

2) The schedule goes to the Athletic Directors early this week for review and approval. 
  * It's expected to be approved.  I think the coaches would be very surprised if it's rejected.

3) Then everything goes the the university Presidents later this week.  That's where things become a lot less certain. 
  * This past week, the WIAC Chancellors approved the model developed by the WIAC coaches and ADs.
  * Whether the CCIW Presidents see things the same way...who knows.
  * Obviously the Presidents will make a decision that factors in a lot more than sports.
  * Important to keep in mind the Presidents can approve this...and it still fall apart before or during the season for a variety of reasons.


If the plan is approved, I'd expect an announcement very similar to the WIAC's -- https://wiacsports.com/news/2020/12/11/general-wiac-winter-sports-return-to-play-update.aspx.

The ability to meet testing guidelines is probably the most important component of the plan and making this work.

I believe I heard that a single positive test within a program would shut that team down for a week.  It wouldn't be like the NFL where the positive players stays home and the rest of the team plays.

There is an assumption there will be positives, and I believe a plan to be flexible with the schedule based on how things play out in this regard.  Teams could end up playing each other more or less than as laid out in the original schedule.

I'm sure I am off on parts of this, but overall I'm confident this is very close to what's going on.

It going to be an interesting week in the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2020, 01:14:52 PM
Thanks Q, very interesting "plan."   Given the high numbers on Covid in the Upper Midwest and the cost of testing etc. pre-vaccine for younger people, I would be very surprised if the Presidents approved this.  We'll see, but I think they are risk averse and will have been talking to their lawyers and considering their possible liabilities.  Many of these institutions are already facing grim economic and enrollment conditions due to Covid costs and realities, so they will be very hesitant to step further into winter sports, indoors.  I hope some way can be found to push the Covid cases, positivity rates down between now and mid-January, but with Christmas holidays coming on, most students out in the community now, I just don't see it happening.  Sadly.

Happy Holidays to all chatsters here.  Do stay safe and well.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 13, 2020, 02:44:21 PM
On a positive note the start of maybe the best player ever to come out of Minnesota. Early and along way to go to get to Whalen status but pretty goood start
https://m.startribune.com/no-3-uconn-debuts-with-79-23-rout-of-umass-lowell/600001060/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 14, 2020, 07:41:33 PM
A very big development for NCC...

https://covid.northcentralcollege.edu/2020/12/14/shield-illinois-covid-19-testing/

https://www.uillinois.edu/shield
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 15, 2020, 07:16:04 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on December 12, 2020, 06:19:24 PM
Here is the status of CCIW MBB/WBB as I understand it...

1) The MBB and WBB coaches have developed a conference-only schedule model.
  * 12 games.
  * Each team plays 2 games per week across 3 possible game nights - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.
  * MBB and WBB would basically have the same schedule - location just flipped.  (IWU men at Augie; IWU women host Augie.)
  * I believe the weekend of Jan. 22 is still the planned start date, but I am not 100% sure about that.

2) The schedule goes to the Athletic Directors early this week for review and approval. 
  * It's expected to be approved.  I think the coaches would be very surprised if it's rejected.

3) Then everything goes the the university Presidents later this week.  That's where things become a lot less certain. 
  * This past week, the WIAC Chancellors approved the model developed by the WIAC coaches and ADs.
  * Whether the CCIW Presidents see things the same way...who knows.
  * Obviously the Presidents will make a decision that factors in a lot more than sports.
  * Important to keep in mind the Presidents can approve this...and it still fall apart before or during the season for a variety of reasons.


If the plan is approved, I'd expect an announcement very similar to the WIAC's -- https://wiacsports.com/news/2020/12/11/general-wiac-winter-sports-return-to-play-update.aspx.

The ability to meet testing guidelines is probably the most important component of the plan and making this work.

I believe I heard that a single positive test within a program would shut that team down for a week.  It wouldn't be like the NFL where the positive players stays home and the rest of the team plays.

There is an assumption there will be positives, and I believe a plan to be flexible with the schedule based on how things play out in this regard.  Teams could end up playing each other more or less than as laid out in the original schedule.

I'm sure I am off on parts of this, but overall I'm confident this is very close to what's going on.

It going to be an interesting week in the CCIW.

I've learned the CCIW ADs approved MBB/WBB schedules today.  Huge step.

Now it goes to the university Presidents for review/approval.  I'm not sure what to expect here.

Testing guidelines:
  * If you play 2 games in a week vs same team w/ no more than 1 day in between, only 1 test required. 
  * 2 different opponents in a week requires 3 tests.

At 25 ish people to test (let's say 21 players and 4 coaches), $100 per test, safe to say the CCIW schedule be the former.

Option #1 (play 2 games per week vs same team; no more than 1 day in-between)
* 1 test required per week.
* $100 per test = $2,500 per week.
* $2,500 x 8 week season = $20,000

Option #2 (play 2 games per week vs 2 different opponents)
* 3 tests required per week.
* $100 per test = $7,500 per week.
* $7,500 x 8 week season = $60,000
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 17, 2020, 10:23:07 AM
Good news...

https://cciw.org/news/2020/12/17/general-cciw-statement-on-winter-sports-competition.aspx

Still a long way to go, but it had to start this with step.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on December 17, 2020, 04:37:52 PM
Lots of great detail here from Augie AD Mike Zapolski...

https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2020/12/17/general-augustana-athletics-update.aspx

Gives you a good idea what schools and student-athletes will be required to do to make all of this work.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 07, 2021, 04:56:33 PM
Schedules...

https://cciw.org/news/2021/1/6/general-cciw-announces-winter-2021-schedules.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2021, 10:32:51 PM
WBB schedule can be sorted by individual team if one wishes to do so.
It amounts to 13.5 rounds of 4 games, 12 contests per team, 3/4th of a regular conference plan.
Will the coaches do their customary prognostication of the standings?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2021, 11:30:50 PM
Seven matchups are not scheduled : AUG vs CTG, CRL vs MIL, CRL vs NCC, CTG vs IWU, ELM vs NCC, IWU vs WHE, MIL vs NPU
Four matchups are scheduled for one game : AUG vs ELM, AUG vs WHE, ELM vs NPU, NPU vs WHE
The other 25 matchups are set for two games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 09, 2021, 01:35:56 PM
The women's and men's basketball schedules are fully mirrored this season -- i.e., School A's men are at School B's men on the same day that School B's women are at School A's women -- which redounds to the advantage of those of us who are working the games.

(I've always wanted to use "redounds" in a basketball post. ;))

Competitively speaking, this is an unfortunate year for NPU and Millikin not to be playing each other.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2021, 04:05:38 PM
Anyone want to take a crack at a pre-season poll for WBB in the CCIW?

Sure hope we can have some kind of season, esp. for the seniors.  IWU has some good ones, some players I really want to watch.. 

Top three -- IWU, MU and NPU?   

Stay safe and well.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2021, 01:02:04 PM
Looks like a season of some sort may happen.  Let's hope so.  All CCIW, 12 game schedule posted on the IWU site. 

For IWU, lots of returning talent, though surely missing the tough, the reliable Sydney Shanks.

Looks like this to me:

Sosa
Brovelli
Munroe
Lansford

All these for sure, if healthy.

Then in the rotation, depending on the situation and opposition:

Heller
Bowen
Lowis
Eck

with perhaps Hannah Smith subbing for Brovelli for some minutes.

Don't know about any of the freshmen getting time in the rotation.

IWU will be strong, likely a contender for the CCIW championship this year.

Very much looking forward to watching Kendall Sosa do her thing again this year . . . and to seeing what improvements there are from the other returning starters and key players, esp. a healthy Katie Eck.  Many of these players now with a lot of varsity experience.  A nice mix, with plenty of possibilities.

In Coach Mia Smith we trust . . .

Should be good, should be fun.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2021, 03:18:06 PM
Catie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2021, 05:56:42 PM
Thanks, RogK. 

Yes, Catie.  My bad.  I'm still trying to figure out Cory Koon or Kory Coon?  LOL  Leaving aside Keelan Amelianovich?  Please forgive.

I do know Catie and all the others . . . and I'm sure she'd forgive me. 

:)


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 14, 2021, 07:45:23 PM
And I'm pretty sure you had Hannah Smith's first name spelled backwards!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2021, 04:18:12 PM
And we won't even mention her brothers Bob and Otto and her sisters Eve, Elle, and Ada.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2021, 01:40:58 PM
Woe is me on Hannah . . .or is it hannaH??

Seems IWU went to WC for a scrimmage?   Anyone have details?

Looking forward to games soon.  Covid, please stay away . . .

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on January 16, 2021, 09:31:01 PM
No details, but I saw the photos on Facebook.  One of the Titans was in a hinged knee brace. Looked like a nasty injury.  But with the facemask, I couldn't tell who it was.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2021, 02:34:53 PM
Hey Greg, what do you think of this very minor modification of your webcasts --
when going over the 1st half stats right before starting the 3rd quarter, could you separately list the points each team has scored via 3FGs, 2FGs and FTs?
Such info would provide clarity about how a team accomplished whatever it accomplished.
On Saturday, you could note that in the 1st half, North Central scored 18 via threes, 22 via twos and 7 via free throws. Don't worry about that 47 point output, as North Park will have 52.
I'm trying to make your work more difficult, but only slightly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2021, 04:57:56 PM
I find that it's more useful to give the percentages and the shooting numbers (makes-attempts). Just telling how many points were scored by each of the three methods doesn't really give you any indication of their rates of success, or how heavily they were utilizing each particular scoring method.

To use your example, NCC could go:

17-32 (.531) overall
6-10 (.600) trey
7-8 (.875) free throws

... to get to that total, or the Cards could go:

17-40 (.425) overall
6-18 (.333) trey
7-14 (.500) free throws

... to get to those same scoring totals. But they're not identical halves -- they're wildly different, so merely quoting scoring numbers tells you nothing about the type of half that North Central played. (Or North Park, for that matter; if the Cardinals put together a half like the second example, you know full well that Amanda Crockett will be giving her team an earful in the NPU locker room at halftime about how badly they're getting outrebounded and/or how they're not protecting the ball, but if the Cards play like the first example, Amanda will be preaching better defense to the Vikes at halftime.)

I don't see any utility at all in focusing upon two-point field goal statistics. Unlike free throws and trey attempts, which are homogenous statistical sets (or, in the case of trey attempts, at least roughly so) because they're both defined by the fixed parameter of distance from the basket, two-point field goal attempts are wildly disparate. You're talking about a statistical category that includes layups, tip-ins, putbacks, bunnies, midrange shots, coach-will-bench-me-if-I-keep-taking-these shots, and oops-my-toe-is-on-the-arc shots. Again, focusing on that number wouldn't help you distinguish between a team that couldn't make a jumpshot if its life depended on it, yet is cleaning up in the paint with penetration layups and/or post-up success, and a team that can't make a layup (or even get close enough to the basket to attempt one) but is getting into the lane and hitting midrange Js, or between a team that's shooting lights-out and a team that has missed a whole bunch of shots but is effectively attacking the O-boards and is thus taking out the garbage with tip-ins and putbacks.

I think that reciting stats on the air should paint a picture of how the team is playing (or has played) the game, rather than just compiling the game's so-called "counting stats" for scoring. Counting stats are fine for individual performances, but as stand-alones they're a lot less descriptive than percentages and makes-and-attempts numbers where the team's concerned.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2021, 05:57:16 PM
Thanks for your extensive thoughts on the subject!
I recall the discussion from a few years ago wherein we talked about defining what a possession is : whether an o-reb extends a possession or starts a new one. Recording the number of possessions happens in D1 I think, but D3 doesn't have that capacity as far as I know.
I like the "o-reb extends a possession" definition; using that strict definition, points per possession is the best measure of team defense or offense. Points per game ignores the pace, so a team that uses up the shot clock on offense can reduce the opponent's possessions and scoring. Or, a team that hurries on offense can score more, but not necessarily efficiently.
I'd like others to join in on this topic if they agree with me.  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2021, 10:58:05 AM
Here's an example of the statistical detail found in D1 : (viewed best on a proper computer screen / monitor; please don't bother looking at it on a phone)
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:f57ff52c-2e33-4194-9ce8-b85ec0fbabc7#pageNum=1
If that link doesn't work, try clicking on "Game Book" for the Incarnate Word game here :
https://utepminers.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
Hopefully we are then on a 27 page report; scroll down to page 20 where the shot charts begin.
The final few pages are called "Rotation Summary" where numbers are broken down based on the different groups of five that played together.
Remarkable data.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 22, 2021, 12:04:02 PM
Those type of stats are showing up more and more in DIII as well. It is part of the new stats platform the NCAA has gotten with a partnership with Genius Sports. Many of the old-school StatCrew people are still having to be enticed to go to the new platform - and not all websites and such handle the incredible detail it can provide - but it is coming.

That all said, trying to relay all those details especially without visual aids is a tall task. People can't comprehend all of those nuances without seeing it as well.

Try and keep the broadcast simple to relay what is going on without spending ten minutes talking about tiny details :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 23, 2021, 08:30:30 AM
Illinois Wesleyan (0-0) vs Carroll (0-0), 2pm Shirk Center...

IWU probable starters:
G - Brooke Lansford, 5-7 Jr.
G - Samantha Munroe, 5-7 Sr.
G - Kendall Sosa, 5-9 Sr.
F - Kaia Bowen, 5-9 Jr.
F - Riley Brovelli, 6-1 Sr.


Pantagraph: https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/watch-now-illinois-wesleyan-womens-basketball-ready-to-move-forward-with-season/article_69adadaa-4354-5248-86c9-1076876c4d11.html

Game Notes: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/iwusports.com/documents/2021/1/22/WBBGame01_Carroll.pdf

Carroll Preview: https://gopios.com/news/2021/1/21/womens-basketball-women-pioneers-ready-to-make-their-mark-this-season.aspx

Video: https://www.iwusports.com/watch/?Archive=23&type=Live

Live Stats: https://www.iwusports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 23, 2021, 11:02:36 AM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 23, 2021, 08:30:30 AM
Illinois Wesleyan (0-0) vs Carroll (0-0), 2pm Shirk Center...

IWU probable starters:
G - Brooke Lansford, 5-7 Jr.
G - Samantha Munroe, 5-7 Sr.
G - Kendall Sosa, 5-9 Sr.
F - Kaia Bowen, 5-9 Jr.
F - Riley Brovelli, 6-1 Sr.


Pantagraph: https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/watch-now-illinois-wesleyan-womens-basketball-ready-to-move-forward-with-season/article_69adadaa-4354-5248-86c9-1076876c4d11.html

Game Notes: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/iwusports.com/documents/2021/1/22/WBBGame01_Carroll.pdf

Carroll Preview: https://gopios.com/news/2021/1/21/womens-basketball-women-pioneers-ready-to-make-their-mark-this-season.aspx

Video: https://www.iwusports.com/watch/?Archive=23&type=Live

Live Stats: https://www.iwusports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary

Postponed. https://www.iwusports.com/news/2021/1/23/womens-basketball-womens-hoops-postpones-opener-with-carroll.aspx

Gonna be an interesting season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2021, 11:48:19 AM
Q, is this Covid-related . . . or some other reason.

Glad to see Kaia Bowen as the 5th starter.  Congrats to her . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2021, 12:33:36 PM
This afternoon marks the first official -- and first public -- game behind the mic for me since a North Park men's volleyball match back on March 11. It's been far, far too long. It'll be good to get back into the saddle.

North Park has some payback due to North Central for that upset the Cards handed NPU in the conference tourney last season. We'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 23, 2021, 01:47:48 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 23, 2021, 11:48:19 AM
Q, is this Covid-related . . . or some other reason.

Glad to see Kaia Bowen as the 5th starter.  Congrats to her . . .

'70

I have not officially heard...but, I mean, what else would it be?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: PauldingLightUP on January 23, 2021, 04:21:10 PM
Only two officials in Rock Island. We will have to wait until maybe 2nd or 3rd postponement to see if CCIW releases ever say positive test or related to COVID 19. Carroll/IWU could be official related if they are playing Monday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2021, 05:04:53 PM
I watched portions of the three webcasts.
One thing I was curious about was mask wearing. One of the 2 refs at Augie wore a mask. One of the 3 at Millikin wore one. All 3 at North Park wore masks, with whistles built-in it appeared.
All the players wore masks at North Park as well. Maybe Greg can say if subbing was more frequent for players' breathing purposes. Perhaps a bit, but not a lot.
North Park and Millikin look like they have a high ceiling this season performance-wise. Wheaton may also, but Augie looked not good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2021, 06:21:43 PM
North Park 59
North Central 47

Josie Summerville: 13 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 11 pts
Chantal Hairston: 9 rebs
Lauren Lee: 3:1 a:to

Haydn Braun: 14 pts

This was the sort of rust-covered performance from both teams that one would expect under the circumstances. The difference is that NPU really brought the defense (nine steals, a bunch of forced-misdirected shots by NCC, and who knows how many pass deflections out of bounds) and the rebounding (41-25 disparity in favor of the Vikings), while the Cardinals didn't look as though they are clicking yet in any aspect of the game.

Josie Summerville was a revelation. Not only was she her usual active self on the boards, she was running the floor and scoring in transition. Most importantly, her touch around the basket has vastly improved. She's much more patient and does a much better job at reading and using backboard angles on her shots. Her screening was impeccable and impactful. And her free throws! Three-of-three, and all of them swishes! If this is what we're going to see out of Josie as a junior, it will certainly spell bad news for the rest of the league. It got to where Maggie McClosky-Bax had her players double-team Summerville, in spite of the fact that Jayla Johnson was on the floor at the same time.

I'm impressed as well by the two newcomers for NPU who saw extensive time on the floor, freshman guard Chantal Hairston and sophomore forward Ashton Hudson. Once the Vikings get Zakiya Newsome back, Amanda Crockett's going to have some nice depth and some nice options with which to work.

Great to finally work a real game again. (Also great to finally eat a postgame Italian beef at Charcoal Delights again, as the city's restaurant seating ban has been lifted.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2021, 06:40:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 23, 2021, 05:04:53 PM
All the players wore masks at North Park as well. Maybe Greg can say if subbing was more frequent for players' breathing purposes. Perhaps a bit, but not a lot.

It's an interesting question, but I suspect that it had more to do with conditioning and the plethora of fouls racked up by both squads than with mask-induced oxygen deprivation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2021, 08:48:08 PM
We shouldn't be surprised if one or more of Monday's games get postponed due to blizzard conditions either at the game city or on the visiting team's homeward route.
Safe travels are wished to those who do so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2021, 10:29:31 AM
To Rog's point, crossposting from the men's board.

Quote from: Titan Q on January 25, 2021, 10:03:07 AM
Millikin/Carthage MBB and WBB games postponed due to weather.

https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2021/1/25/mens-basketball-jan-25-basketball-games-posponed.aspx

We'll have to see if anyone else gets pushed back.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2021, 11:04:17 AM
Augustana at Elmhurst has now been postponed too.
Looking at the hourly forecast for Chicago and Naperville, travel should be do-able in the metro area for the short rides for NCC and NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2021, 12:55:01 PM
As of now, snow for Naperville has been pushed back to probably not starting until about 6:00, and even the total amount has gone down (it was 3-5 inches when I looked early this morning, now down to 1-3). I'm more or less refreshing my email periodically/checking my Twitter DM's for a "Hey, we're postponing" note from Clark, though at this point I'm assuming we're on.

Just might make my drive 20 minutes tonight rather than 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2021, 01:31:21 PM
I've just heard from the North Park AD's office, and I'm pretty sure that it's a go at both sites tonight.

Getting home will probably be a bigger deal than getting to the gym for both the crackerbox and the airplane hangar.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2021, 06:41:10 PM
IWU at CC postponed.  Covid again, it seems.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2021, 07:23:08 PM
iwu70, we know you meant CU, not CC, si?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2021, 07:39:40 PM
Oh yes, my bad.  CU.  I forgot the name change.  Is Carthage still Carthage College?  :)

In any case, no games.  :(

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2021, 10:20:26 PM
Well, it seemed like we were in for a long night in Naperville, as the Vikings jumped out to a two touchdown lead in the first quarter... and we ended up having a long night as it went to overtime.

Jayla Johnson a fallaway jumper from the left side with 2.8 seconds left in the extra session was the difference in a 55-53 NPU win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 25, 2021, 11:41:08 PM
North Park 55
North Central 53

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 11 rebs, 5 stls
Chantel Hairston: 11 pts
Esther Miller: 12 rebs, 4 stls
Sinead Molloy: 4 stls

Haydn Braun: 12 pts
Allison Pearson: 11 pts, 7 rebs
Page Desenberg: 11 pts
Megan McClure: 7 rebs
Rebekah Foley: 6 rebs
Mitrese Smith: 6 rebs

I got to watch the last ten seconds or so of overtime, so I saw Jayla's game-winning baseline jumper. North Central got a much better look at the basket than any team that has to go the length of the court in 2.8 seconds has a right to, but Megan McClure missed a bunny underneath the basket just before the buzzer went off, allowing NPU to escape with the win.

One has to give a lot of credit to the NCC coaches and players for making the adjustments within such a quick turnaround to make this a very different game than the one in Chicago two days ago. Whatever new approach they took towards guarding Josie Summerville worked; she fouled out of the game after only 19 minutes on the floor, scoring two points and garnering four boards. And, as Lucas mentioned, the Cardinals managed to fight their way back after the Vikings had scored the game's first 14 points. NCC even held a nine-point lead of its own at 35-26 about midway through the third quarter.

But Jayla Johnson did what Jayla Johnson does -- she obviously carried the team on her back tonight. I have to think that everybody in the airplane hangar and everybody watching online knew that the Vikings were going to put the ball in Jayla's hands for the last shot, but she still got open enough to get herself a good look from eight feet out and drained it. I said it all last year, though, and I'll keep saying it: somebody else needs to step up and give Amanda Crockett a reliable second weapon.

I like the way that the Vikings have been playing D out of the gate; they held the Cards to 30% shooting over the course of these two games, and they recorded 26 steals. Just gotta tune it up a little more at the offensive end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 26, 2021, 12:21:57 PM
I think the big thing for me was that, especially as the game went on, North Central played pretty well on the defensive end. Bekah Foley had four blocks and two steals to go with those six boards, but she probably forced three or four more turnovers. All things considered, she did pretty well on Johnson. Even on the final shot they played it pretty well, it was just a nice move and a nice shot. Tip of the cap.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2021, 01:37:35 PM
Congrats to Wheaton's Hannah Swider, first CCIW Player of the Week of the 2020-21 season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2021, 08:33:39 PM
Carthage @ North Park postponed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2021, 09:54:35 PM
Carroll 79
Elmhurst 56

Wheaton 90
Millikin 83
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2021, 10:06:51 PM
AUG 69, NCC 63
Productive game for Lauren Hall : 18 pts and 18 or 19 rebounds.
Another* very good solo broadcast by Augie announcer Dan Sand. Excellent preparation (he must follow Greg Sager's rule of verifying name pronunciations before the game with a visiting coach), quick but calm description of the action, combined with a good blend of stats and respectful treatment of the opposing players.
*I noticed how well-done his broadcast was last Saturday, but forgot to mention it here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 28, 2021, 10:37:47 PM
Dan always does a great job. He also serves as the color commentator alongside PBP guy Chris Ford for Augustana men's basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 29, 2021, 07:18:30 PM
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We also discuss what is likely the future of this season's NCAA Championship Tournaments and, more importantly, when the decision on those tournaments will be made.

Plus, will there be a Top 25? No. Well, yes. Kind of. Tune in to learn more on what's coming. Plus a lot more including Dave spinning off Pat's thoughts on those wishing to attend games.

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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 30, 2021, 01:50:32 PM
I finally got a chance to watch the Wheaton ladies in their two victories over Augustana and Millikin.  The Thunder lost lots of minutes in two time AA Frazier, Myroth, Demski, Madsen, Berg. The two remaining Hannahs – Williams, Swider - were the only ones with substantial court time.  Bonnie Zeller played 8 mins/g.

But this also means there's abundant room for underclassmen to step up or for freshmen to make immediate impact.  It's only two games in but it's encouraging .  Because the loss of size in Frazier, Berg, Myroth I was more concerned on the defensive end.  But Annie Tate and Taylor Sanders, both listed at 5'10" looked very active and physical enough to make up any inches they give way to taller or bigger forwards in the league.  Ellie Cassel at 6'1" has good size but doesn't have quite the mobility of the other two.  Still, the development of these three will be key for the Thunder and they all show very good offensive skills also.

Newcomers Lily Schwen (MN) and Ana Mooney (MI) got regular minutes, Schwen starting.  She looked pretty composed to me, not at all overwhelmed by the moment.  It looks like she will be splitting time with soph Zoe Nordling first off the bench who is more of a driving and creating presence offensively. 

Williams and Swider will be the main offensive weapons along with Tate.  Senior Zeller has shown good offensive skills in the past and it would be great to see her step up more in that capacity to spread the distribution.

Wheaton did beat MU on Thursday with an unbelievable performance by Williams and one of those team halves that can't be a regular occurrence.  Let's see how they do this afternoon at Gris. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 30, 2021, 01:51:59 PM


As I expected, the Big Blue are very good, experienced, veteran and very well coached.  There was already lots of skill in Hildebrand, Coleman, Staton, Ratsch.  But everyone should pay attention to newcomer Elyce Knudsen who is an absolute baller of a player.  Sometimes a freshman starts out strong and then runs out of performance gas as the season and their career progresses.  From what I saw, I don't expect that in Knudsen who is absolutely not afraid to step up and take shots.  Kendall Sosa is a natural scorer and so is Knudsen.  Depending how MU does this year, we'll be mentioning her a lot I think.

I still think the Big Blue, IWU, and NPU will be the teams at the top as we go along (provided the Titans play games eventually).  But Wheaton will be right there and no easy out.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 30, 2021, 05:25:23 PM
North Park 47
Carthage 40

If you had told me before the game that Jayla Johnson would only score four points on 1-7 FG shooting, I'd have told you that NPU would've been in a world of hurt. But whatever was bedeviling Jayla obviously bedeviled everybody, as both teams hovered around 20% from the field for much of the game. NPU, which pulled away in crunch time, ended up 31% from the field to Carthage's 28%. The only Viking in double figures was Emily Czuhajewski with 10, while Carthage was paced by Amanda Larson's 14 and Bridget Barrett's 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 30, 2021, 07:10:25 PM
Millikin 85 Wheaton 60

Hannah Williams 17 pts, 6 rebs
Annie Tate     10 pts 5 rebs

Elyce Knudsen      17 pts, 5 rebs
Aubrey Staton      15 pts
Jordan Hildebrand  11 pts 7 rebs
Bailey Coffman    16 pts 5 rebs

As good as the Thunder looked on Thursday, they looked just that bad late in the 1st quarter and the  2nd quarter (only 8 pts).  Defensively, they were not good the entire game.  Giving up 85 pts and committing 24 turnovers is no recipe for winning.  They looked like the young and less experienced team that they are.  So so defense, lackadaisical rebounding (-8 on the offensive glass), committing silly fouls and bad turnovers.  When MU went to the zone defense they seemed unprepared which is also on the coaches. 

Of course a lot had to do with the Big Blue who played as complete a game as you could in winning all four quarters.  They are pretty deep when it comes to scoring with lots of potential contributors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
NCC shot 7-14 from deep in the first half en route to a 31-29 halftime lead, and kept the Vikings off the board for the first seven and a half minutes of the third quarter... then it all went to hell, the Cardinals shot 2-20 in the fourth, and Augie escaped with a 57-51 win at Merner.

Lauren Hall led Augie with 10 and 16, Gabriela Lois scored 14, and Hannah Simmer and Kylie Jozwik each scored nine. Jessica Kowalczyk paced NCC with 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2021, 06:24:31 PM
Millikin's Elyce Knudsen is the new CCIW Player of the Week; congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2021, 11:00:33 AM
First poll is out. (https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2020-21/week1) It was supposed to be only a Top 15, because of the shrunken D3 field and the late start this season. But that batch of first-poll ballots reflected a sense that the pollsters just don't have the info yet that enables them to establish sound fifteen-team ballots with any confidence. So it's been shortened even further to a Top 10, with only Top 10 votes counting.

No CCIW teams made the Top 10, but Millikin did receive six Top 10 points and Wheaton received four. North Park also appeared on a ballot or ballots, but only in the 11-15 range, so NPU is not listed in the Others Receiving Votes category.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2021, 02:07:57 PM
The absence of the usual quantity of nonconference games this season surely makes it even more difficult for a voter to compare the accomplishments of all of the teams.
Current NCAA team stats, such as scoring average, show that 138 teams have played at least one game. But quite a few have played just one.
http://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/change_sport_year_div
A Top Ten may be reasonable, although a Top 15 wouldn't be awful, giving recognition to five more teams. It doesn't even have to be a multiple of 5.
I'm glad there was no national pre-season ranking, which I've learned to despise since they are based on 0 games played and could easily give a head start to certain "traditionally strong programs."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 02, 2021, 08:54:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 02, 2021, 02:07:57 PM

I'm glad there was no national pre-season ranking, which I've learned to despise since they are based on 0 games played and could easily give a head start to certain "traditionally strong programs."

I don't think I would use "despise" but I'm generally with you on this RogK.  My opinion is that too many voters aren't willing to throw out the pre-season voting soon enough once real results begin to come in. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2021, 10:37:49 PM
Thanks GoPerry. I guess I could tolerate the pre-season vote if it was labelled as a prediction (like the CCIW coaches normally do for conference standings) rather than a ranking. Also I am willing to change verbs, from despise to despic. If something is despicable, one must be allowed to despic it.
I watched about three-fourths of Carroll's easy win at Carthage. Play of the game goes to Kate Christian who blocked a 1st half Carthage 3FG attempt, grabbed the stray ball and drove to the other end for a layup. I see no block for her in the stats, so maybe she was credited with a steal for that play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2021, 12:01:56 AM
Wow. When's the last time that Carthage lost by 26 points on its own floor? We just haven't seen that kind of result during the Bernero era.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2021, 11:49:04 AM
Yeah, Carthage is not getting the ball through the rim very well so far.
Coach Bernero seems to be in the process of determining which players can contribute what.
Much talent lost from last year's team, so lots of opportunity. They had a height disadvantage vs Carroll.
And multiple times, they made the defensive mistake of sagging off Theresa Wichser, who was more than happy to sink 5 of 7 threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2021, 12:07:12 PM
Tim's only had two losing seasons in his 17 years at the helm of the Carthage women's program, one of them a 12-14 campaign. He's won two CCIW titles, and a pair of CCIW tourney titles as well. His Lady Reds appeared in four D3 tournaments, amassing a solid 8-4 record in them. In short, he's put together a notable record of success up in Kenosha. So when one of his teams loses on its own floor by 26 to an unheralded Carroll outfit, and sports an 0-3 record after three CCIW games, it's definitely in the "man bites dog" category in terms of newsworthiness.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2021, 11:48:39 PM
Tomorrow night's Carroll @ North Park game has been postponed on account of expected bad weather.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2021, 11:52:37 PM
For those who have not yet heard, D3's winter-sport championship tournaments and meets have been canceled. (https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2021/02/committee-decides-championships-fate)

Thus, a second year will go by without a national champion crowned in women's basketball.

On the plus side, this might open the door for some more regular-season games -- although the logistics of that, given the start of spring sports and the fact that at least some fragment of fall sports will be piggybacked onto spring sports, makes extending the regular season for women's basketball problematic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2021, 12:03:06 PM
Is it too late to revive the Carroll at North Park game? Looks like only 2-3 inches of snow for Chicago and Milwaukee.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2021, 12:07:03 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2021, 12:03:06 PM
Is it too late to revive the Carroll at North Park game? Looks like only 2-3 inches of snow for Chicago and Milwaukee.

Yes.

Other schedule changes: Both tonight's game and Saturday's game between Augustana and Millikin have been postponed. And Millikin's game against Carthage has been moved up two days, so the Big Blue and The Team With No Nickname will play at Tarble this Saturday at 2 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2021, 01:04:48 PM
And in fact now the four Augustana games set for Feb 4 - 13 are all postponed. Hopefully no serious effects for those who have the virus, be they players or others.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2021, 03:18:43 PM
Apparently IWU's game with NCC postponed due to weather.  Titans will instead host Millikin tonight at The Shirk, 7 p.m.  What a tough opening game for IWU, first game to be played this year. 

Men's game at NCC postponed due to weather, as well.  To be re-scheduled "if possible." 

A wild weather and virus season.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2021, 03:43:15 PM
With all the chaos from the pandemic, it seems downright sadistic that Mother Nature is now taking shots at us as well! :o
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2021, 04:34:56 PM
this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0IlN4ENKiA
should cheer you up, Mr Ypsi
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2021, 05:12:46 PM
Pretty funny, Rog K.  The great Walter . . . in these times, we can always use a good laugh. 

Let's see if we get in an IWU-MU game tonight.  Pretty ugly rain-snow mix out there right now . . . 

One lives in hope . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2021, 08:14:09 PM
Trying to get the video feed from IWU for the MU game, but can't seem to get it?  Any advice?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 04, 2021, 08:15:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2021, 04:34:56 PM
this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0IlN4ENKiA
should cheer you up, Mr Ypsi

Thanks, I needed that!

But I still think Mother Nature is often a sadistic b....!  We've just started what is predicted to be THE snowstorm of this winter, and are expected to get downright arctic weather for the next week or so (after so far having never gone down to single digits this season). >:( :(
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2021, 08:50:45 PM
Finally some Titan basketball!

MU over IWU at the half 41-36.  Two offensively minded teams.  Sosa with 17 first half points.

Can't seem to get the video stream, a new service interface.  Tried to log in, create an account, but no luck.  So just checking the LiveStats from time to time. 

Tough initial game for IWU -- after four postponements, really five counting the scheduled game with NCC tonight, put off by the weather.

Gonna be hard to get the 12 games in . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2021, 09:45:53 PM
Both road teams won tonight. At Faganel Hall:

Wheaton 76
Elmhurst 55

At Shirk Center:

Millikin 90
Illinois Wesleyan 82
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2021, 09:52:26 PM
At The Shirk:

MU 90 IWU 82

Sosa 32  15-17 FTs
Lansford 21
Munroe 15
Brovelli with 12 rebounds

For MU:

Knudsen 23
Coffman 15
Hildebrand 13
Nice group of role players, so MU with depth

Titans playing their first game of the season, hurt themselves with 22 TOs and big disadvantage on the offensive glass, 11-21.  Had a let-down in the second Q.  Looks to be plenty to work on defensively, allowing 90.

Well, it's a start, tough game to play after all these delays and postponements.  I couldn't actually watch the game, as the new IWU video streaming interface didn't work for me tonight.  So, this just from the Stats.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2021, 09:53:01 PM
The WC @ EC game was a walkover from very early for Wheaton, so I watched the game at Shirk. MU looks very impressive; the Big Blue just ate up IWU on the offensive boards (21-11), and they distribute the ball very nicely. Lots of people contributed for MU -- 32 bench points for the Big Blue in this one, and they didn't really look like they were losing anything when Olivia Lett went to her bench. The Knudsen kid is more scorer than shooter (or that's how she looked tonight), but she's extremely active at both ends of the floor. Millikin kept at least a five-point lead throughout the entire second half, and it was double-digits as often as not, in spite of the fact that Lansford and Munroe got hot from three-point land in the fourth quarter. Kendall Sosa did a nice Pete Maravich imitation with 32 points, but for much of the night she was a one-(wo)man band for IWU.

Millikin is going to be a tough team to stop this year. Personally, I'm glad that Wheaton picked up an early W over the Big Blue, because, from a North Park perspective, that game could be key in the standings against MU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2021, 10:09:22 PM
Based upon what I've seen (live, livestream, and photos), it appears that this is how the teams are approaching the Covid-19 situation when actually on the floor playing the game:

Augustana -- unmasked
Carroll -- unmasked
Carthage -- masked
Elmhurst -- masked
Illinois Wesleyan -- unmasked
Millikin -- unmasked
North Central -- masked
North Park -- masked
Wheaton -- unmasked

The Wheaton @ Elmhurst game tonight was the first one I've seen in which a masked team played an unmasked team. It looked pretty strange.

(For the record, AFAIK all nine CCIW men's basketball teams are playing unmasked, although Elmhurst has yet to play a game.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 04, 2021, 10:14:43 PM
Yes - not even Wesleyan, with their offense, will win many games giving up 90.

Very impressive game by MU I thought.  Sosa did her thing but Millikin played a confident and veteran game.  Anytime the Titans got close in the second half the Big Blue would come up with a big bucket to hold them off.  The aforementioned MU +10 on the offensive glass and IWU 22 turnovers (Sosa 6) were both big.

Knudsen does a lot of things well.  She is a good ball handler and can create her own shot in a way that's uncommon in the ladies game.  Good court sense and vision too.  With Hildebrand, Staton, Coffman, and Ratsch, Millikin's front court was never going to be a concern.  But their backcourt with Knudsen, Miranda Fox and Jazmin Brown is very solid and completes their package.



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 04, 2021, 10:30:12 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on April 20, 2020, 09:14:13 PM
Another huge one for Millikin...

https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/girls-basketball/second-to-none-rockets-all-time-leading-scorer-knudsen-always-has-hoops-on-her-mind/article_ce5a0f0f-8311-5f90-a080-c09a502014f7.html

An article on Millikin freshman Elyce Knudsen...

https://herald-review.com/sports/college/millikin/watch-now-millikin-freshman-elyce-knudsen-already-making-an-impact-for-womens-basketball-team/article_03bbc8f5-9964-59b5-a657-743d2dd9b44f.html

She is a pretty incredible player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2021, 10:42:51 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 04, 2021, 10:14:43 PM
Knudsen does a lot of things well.  She is a good ball handler and can create her own shot in a way that's uncommon in the ladies game.  Good court sense and vision too.  With Hildebrand, Staton, Coffman, and Ratsch, Millikin's front court was never going to be a concern.  But their backcourt with Knudsen, Miranda Fox and Jazmin Brown is very solid and completes their package.

I was impressed by Chelsea McCullum off the bench for MU as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2021, 04:41:06 PM
IWU over NCC, 77-52.

I think 17 players on both sides got into the game.   

Sosa 16
Lansford 12
Munroe 12

Better defense, fewer turnovers, decent rebounding. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2021, 05:01:06 PM
NCC's IxChel Leeuwenburgh grabbed 16 rebounds in 19:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 06, 2021, 05:09:48 PM
Vikings came back down to earth today, dropping their first loss of the season, 57-49, at Carroll. Jayla Johnson led the way for the Vikings with 21 points and 8 rebounds, but she didn't get enough offensive help; no other Vikings had more than eight points, and the non-Jayla contingent shot 9-35 from the field. Josie Summerville chipped in nine boards for NPU. Carroll was led by Brooke Foster and Elizabeth Behrendt with 12 apiece, Behrendt adding a dozen boards as well, and Theresa Wichser with 11 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 06, 2021, 06:04:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 06, 2021, 05:01:06 PM
NCC's IxChel Leeuwenburgh grabbed 16 rebounds in 19:00.

I noticed that the Thunder's soph Ellie Cassell also had 16 rebs today which prompted me to check her stats.  Seems she did almost nothing as a frosh but this year has quietly become the leading rebounder and 4th leading scorer in 22 min/game.  I haven't seen her play but that progression should bode well for the future.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2021, 07:08:39 PM
Cassell is at .42 rebs per minute this season, which is excellent.
She played only 13 minutes last season. If I remember correctly, she refused to play except against schools that begin with a letter in the L-to-N range.* Thus, she saw action only vs Lakeland, Lake Forest, Millikin and North Central.
* if this seems implausible ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_5JMGmRSc0
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 06, 2021, 08:49:23 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 06, 2021, 06:04:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 06, 2021, 05:01:06 PM
NCC's IxChel Leeuwenburgh grabbed 16 rebounds in 19:00.

I noticed that the Thunder's soph Ellie Cassell also had 16 rebs today which prompted me to check her stats.  Seems she did almost nothing as a frosh but this year has quietly become the leading rebounder and 4th leading scorer in 22 min/game.  I haven't seen her play but that progression should bode well for the future.

Quote from: RogK on February 06, 2021, 07:08:39 PM
Cassell is at .42 rebs per minute this season, which is excellent.
She played only 13 minutes last season. If I remember correctly, she refused to play except against schools that begin with a letter in the L-to-N range.* Thus, she saw action only vs Lakeland, Lake Forest, Millikin and North Central.
* if this seems implausible ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_5JMGmRSc0
--

Besides Hannah's Swider and Williams, few of the current Thunder ladies roster saw much action of significance last year.

At 6'1" (listed) Cassell is a much needed inside presence especially when the opponent has a solid #5 as Elmhurst does in Courtney O'Donnell.  She doesn't quite have the mobility of last season's Hannah Frazier or Jill Berg so it will be a little more challenging sticking with the likes of IWU's Riley Brovelli which, as luck would have it, she won't have to this year (go figure that).  Park's Jayla Johnson however will be tough.

She does make the common high school to college mistake of bringing the ball down on rebounds where smaller players can slap it out of your hands.  Keep that ball above your shoulders until everyone clears.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on February 07, 2021, 08:53:52 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2021, 04:41:06 PM
IWU over NCC, 77-52.

I think 17 players on both sides got into the game.   

Sosa 16
Lansford 12
Munroe 12

Better defense, fewer turnovers, decent rebounding. 

'70
Freshy Emily Kleffman added 6 pts in limited play. At 6-3, I hope we see a lot more of her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2021, 02:08:10 PM
Kleffman likely heir apparent to Brovelli.  Yes, good size and tremendous high school career.  The freshman group looks promising so far.  Will be very hard to replace the senior cohort:  Sosa, Munroe, Brovelli and Lowis.

Another big game with MU next week. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2021, 05:02:47 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen on her 2nd consecutive conference Player of the Week honor!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2021, 07:47:26 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 08, 2021, 05:02:47 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen on her 2nd consecutive conference Player of the Week honor!

She's a baller for sure.

I wonder if Ms Knudsen was on the recruiting radar of IWU, Augie or others?  The guys on the MU/IWU broadcast made some mention of Coach Lett's success in landing her but didn't mention the competition including DI and II.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on February 09, 2021, 10:54:12 AM
Yeah, I watched her against Wheaton and was impressed. I didn't realize she's just a freshman.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2021, 03:07:46 PM
Just received a text about an hour ago that North Park will be hosting Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2021, 03:55:23 PM
Tons of schedule changes likely.  IWU vs. MU tonight, 7 p.m. at the Griz.  A key game if IWU wishes to stay in the early conference race.   I'm sure IWU will play better this time.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2021, 05:04:49 PM
Big game tonight in the crackerbox. NPU needs to snap back from Saturday's loss in Waukesha and prove that the Vikings are for real as they take on a tough foe, Wheaton. Looking forward to calling this one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2021, 09:43:14 PM
IWU and MU going to OT at the Griz.  Sosa has 37.

Seems a foul fest -- at least four players have fouled out. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2021, 10:03:35 PM
Simply remarkable.  The Kendall Sosa show at the Griz.  The Titans coming back from 11 down in the fourth, into OT, outscoring MU in the OT 17-8 for the win, 81-72.

For IWU:
Sosa 47  14-14 FTs
Lansford 11
Munroe 10
Brovelli 8 rbs.

Three Titans fouled out.

For MU:
Hildebrand 21
Knudsen 12 Ratsch 10
Coffman 9

A remarkable comeback.  Sosa's single game total must be an all-time TITAN record.  CCIW record?   

The Titans wouldn't give up tonight, getting back into the CCIW race.

Well done Titans, incredible Ms. Sosa.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2021, 10:08:33 PM
Here's Kendall Sosa's remarkable line at the Griz:

43 minutes:   13-29, 3-9 from trey, 18-18 FTs (my correction), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals

47 points

A good evening's work.

Congrats to the Titans on the big win.  Congrats to Kendall on a truly remarkable game.


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2021, 10:10:01 PM
If there's a better offensive player in the country than Kendall Sosa I'll need convincing.  If she's not burying outside shots, she's drawing fouls and killing you at the FT line or breaking down your defense leaving team mates wide open for their shots.  She was a one gal wrecking crew tonight because, honestly, none of the other Titans played well.

For Millikin, it's inexplicable how Knudsen and Fox kept collapsing off of Sosa and giving her wide open looks.  Almost like they were unaware of her range.

Great comeback by the Greenies.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2021, 10:16:59 PM
Overtime final from NPU:

Wheaton 71
North Park 66

Jayla Johnson: 24 pts, 3:1 a:to
Emily Czuhajewski: 10 pts
Josie Summerville: 11 rebs

Hannah Williams: 20 pts (6-6 FT), 8 rebs
Annie Tate: 16 pts, 3:0 a:to
Ellie Cassel: 14 pts, 7 rebs
Hannah Swider: 11 pts

Wheaton won it at the FT line, and North Park lost it at the FT line. The game was played at North Park's pace, favoring North Park's defensive style, and the Vikings managed to forge an eight-point lead in the final quarter -- and couldn't finish. No excuses; Wheaton played the kind of fourth-quarter stretch and overtime that demanded more of the Vikings, and they just couldn't muster it.

Great game, very exciting and very gritty. Just not happy with the outcome, though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 09, 2021, 10:18:48 PM
I was lucky to get to watch every minute of Kendall Sosa's performance tonight.

Incredible.

Best in WBB program history, tied for best in IWU basketball history.

- Kendall Sosa: 47 (2/9/21 at Millikin)

- Greg Yess: 47 (12/10/80 vs Indiana Central)

- Lili Nafziger: 45 (1/5/80 vs Eureka)

- Jack Sikma: 44 (1/17/77 at Millikin)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2021, 10:28:00 PM
Sosa's 47 points do indeed exceed the prior record for conference action, which was 45 by Elmhurst's Lyndsie Long on Feb 10 2010. I was at that remarkable game, won by Carthage (at Elmhurst) 85-84 via a game-ending nearly halfcourt 3FG by Katie Klemke.
I have no idea if any CCIW WBB player scored 47 or more in a nonconference game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2021, 10:28:08 PM
Wheaton 71  NPU 66  (OT)

Coach Madsen still might not be sure how the Thunder pulled this one out, but they did.  Their execution was very shaky from the very beginning and really only got better in the waning minutes of regulation and in the OT.  But for 35 minutes of play it was not pretty.

A lot of that had to do with NPUs aggressive and tight man to man defense the likes of which Wheaton had not yet seen this young season.  That type of pressure D will cause the offense to rush everything and that's exactly what happened to The Thunder.  Lots of missed bunnies and mid-range jumpers and lost composure. 

Wheaton finished 20-56 for 36% from the field, 5-10 from trey all of which were in the second half.  But after a mediocre first half, Hannah Williams had a tremendous second half with some huge treys to get her team back in it.  Annie Tate and Ellie Cassell also had solid games on which to build their confidence.  Sophomore Zoe Nordling brings lots of energy to the floor.  She was better taking care of the ball tonight, a little more under control and made some big FTs down the stretch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2021, 10:36:20 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on February 09, 2021, 10:18:48 PM
I was lucky to get to watch every minute of Kendall Sosa's performance tonight.

Incredible.

Best in WBB program history, tied for best in IWU basketball history.

- Kendall Sosa: 47 (2/9/21 at Millikin)

- Greg Yess: 47 (12/10/80 vs Indiana Central)

- Lili Nafziger: 45 (1/5/80 vs Eureka)

- Jack Sikma: 44 (1/17/77 at Millikin)

Quote from: RogK on February 09, 2021, 10:28:00 PM
Sosa's 47 points do indeed exceed the prior record for conference action, which was 45 by Elmhurst's Lyndsie Long on Feb 10 2010. I was at that remarkable game, won by Carthage (at Elmhurst) 85-84 via a game-ending nearly halfcourt 3FG by Katie Klemke.
I have no idea if any CCIW WBB player scored 47 or more in a nonconference game.

Kendall Sosa is really capable of this every time on the floor.  Last year too.  But with a solid offensive team around her she never really needed to.  Tonight however, Munroe and Lansford had nothing falling and Sosa had to be the first, second, third option.





Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2021, 10:39:28 PM
GoPerry, totally agree with you about the surrounding cast for Sosa . . . tonight was not that great.  Three players fouled out with limited minutes, not much scoring from the others . . . and 28 TOs, even in a closely fought game like this one, won't really cut it longer term.  IWU has lots to clean up and improve upon.  Really need some additional scoring from someone -- Munroe or Lansford, surely more from Brovelli, though her rebounding has been great. I thought Eck would provide more scoring. Sosa is remarkable and does it all in a rather unassuming way, with some really strange, off-balance shots, getting her defender just a little tilted, leaning . . .  and there she goes, to the hoop, a good pass, or a step back three, even looking strange as she shoots it.  I've teased her about it -- but the result is pretty clear, usually accurate, and devastating tonight.  And, the FT shooting is just out of this world.  A gentle smooth stroke, now well above 90%.  18-18 given the minutes she's playing is just money. 

Remarkable.  Congrats to the TITANS on the big win . . . and Kendall Sosa a joy to watch.   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on February 10, 2021, 05:05:44 PM
The best offensive player in the country is freshman Paige Buckers
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2021, 08:39:36 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on February 10, 2021, 05:05:44 PM
The best offensive player in the country is freshman Paige Buckers

Lacking the cast around her that Sosa (usually) has, she may have better individual stats.  Time will tell if she is actually a superior offensive player.  (My guess from a totally biased and ignorant position, is no.)

I'm with RogK that Kendall is able to do this pretty much every game, but usually there is no need to.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2021, 08:53:34 PM
That was GoPerry.
And Bueckers is in Div 1.
So there we are.
I feel more like I do now than when I began this post.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2021, 09:13:54 PM
I just hope the surrounding players to Kendall Sosa step up more -- scoring, rebounding, limiting the fouls and TOs.  I'm sure they can do it . . . as they have done in the past.  Need more games to put it all together . . . better shooting from Lansford and Munroe, a bit more scoring to go along with the great rebounding by Brovelli, and some addition contributions and good minutes off the bench -- from Lowis, Bowen, Heller and Eck.  It's tough with so little game-time, game-speed work together. 

At this rate, Sosa could average over 30 pts/game. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 10, 2021, 11:03:44 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 10, 2021, 09:13:54 PM
I just hope the surrounding players to Kendall Sosa step up more -- scoring, rebounding, limiting the fouls and TOs.  I'm sure they can do it . . . as they have done in the past.  Need more games to put it all together . . . better shooting from Lansford and Munroe, a bit more scoring to go along with the great rebounding by Brovelli, and some addition contributions and good minutes off the bench -- from Lowis, Bowen, Heller and Eck.  It's tough with so little game-time, game-speed work together. 

At this rate, Sosa could average over 30 pts/game. 

IWU'70

My point about last night and Munroe / Lansford was that their performance was an aberration.  One if not both are typically very solid and reliably efficient offensively.  But last night they just weren't.  They're not just a one woman team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2021, 03:40:27 PM
GoPerry, I agree with you totally about Munroe and Lansford.  I think the others all have great offensive skills and potential, too.  I hope it won't come down on Sosa's shoulders alone, however amazing and remarkable she is . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 11, 2021, 08:47:15 PM
Amanda Crockett will be among those surprised to learn that she called a couple of 2nd quarter timeouts for Elmhurst in their game at Carroll this evening.
I was wondering why the Carroll webcaster would involve the North Park coach, adding a flaw to an otherwise fine broadcast so far.
Here is the explanation :
https://gopios.com/documents/2021/2/11/021121_WBB_Program.pdf
at the top of page 3, Crockett is listed as Elmhurst's head coach.
It will only be fair for Tethnie Carrillo to coach North Park on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 11, 2021, 09:55:07 PM
Rog, unless Carroll has a new PBP guy (I didn't watch or listen to that game), it's the same one that has been doing men's and women's basketball for the Pios for several years now, Bill Schmidt. Once a broadcaster has worked the league for three or four years, he or she ought to know the names of all the head coaches in the league -- especially in a league such as the CCIW that historically has never had much coaching turnover. Plus, if you look again at the program you'll notice that in the roster box Tethnie Carillo is listed as being the EU head coach, even though Amanda's name is listed in bigger type on the left side of the page. If you're calling the game, you should diligently study the opposing team's page in the program before you go on the air -- and if you see a mistake like that, you ask about it.

In other words, even though Carroll's sports information department made a mistake, I blame the broadcaster for repeating the mistake on the air.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2021, 05:01:47 AM
This was a younger guy, not familiar with other schools' WBB personnel.
Like I noted, the portion of the broadcast that I saw (the 2nd Q and a tiny bit of the 1st) was generally well-called.
At the half, I switched to the Millikin broadcast (plus an occasional glimpse at the Carthage game) and did not return to the Carroll one, so I don't know if he subsequently discovered that the online game program was erroneous.
Incidentally, Carroll is now 4-1, including 2-1 vs Elmhurst, whom they have hosted twice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2021, 05:15:13 AM
Quite a nice game for Wheaton's Annie Tate in their win.
She made 4 of 7 3FGs and 7 of 11 2FGs, which yields a .722 eFG%.
She made 5 of 6 FTs and ended with 31 pts in 34:00, adding 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2021, 02:39:48 PM
Including tonight Wesleyan only has 4 more games scheduled and a 10 day gap between tonight's game and their next one.  That's a crazy amount of time off in a shortened season.  I know it's an unusual scheduling circumstance but  I'd be interested to know how that came about?  I wish Wheaton could squeeze them in for at least one game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 13, 2021, 04:40:50 PM
Wheaton 47
Carthage 40

After scoring 77 pts on Thursday at Tarble, the Thunder had another rough game offensively scoring only 16 pts in the first half and 47 overall.  They finished 15-57 from the field for 26%.  They were getting plenty of open looks but the shots simply weren't falling through the first three quarters.  But things normalized in the fourth quarter and the Lady Reds stumbled a little.  As a result, after being down as much as 12 pts midway early in the third quarter Wheaton somehow found a way to win. 

Annie Tate, after the big 31 pt outing on Thursday was scoreless in the first two quarters, but came alive in the second half to finish with 13 pts, 8 rebs to lead both teams.  She is a very tough and physical player.  Another impressive outing for soph Zoe Nordling coming off the bench with 12 pts, 6 rebs and going 7/7 at the free throw line late in the game.

Carthage is a much better team than their 0-6 record.  They were led by Lauren Knight with 11 pts.  Amanda Larson was held to just 4 pts.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2021, 04:49:45 PM
Speaking of teams better than their record, NCC apparently just needed Senior Day to ignite things, as they took down Millikin 68-55 at the hangar today. Of course it was the seniors leading the way, with Haydn Braun putting up 20 points, Bekah Foley added 19, and league-leading rebounder IxChel Leeuwenburgh pulled down 13 boards. Elyce Knudsen was definitely legit, as she led the Big Blue with 15, but the Cardinals absolutely locked down Jordan Hildebrand, who finished with just four points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2021, 05:06:58 PM
In a defensive-minded ragged affair:

IWU 55 NPU 48

I was not impressed with the play of either team, to be honest.  Both teams with 20 TOs, and many unforced errors, not really paying attention or taking care of the ball.

IWU:
Sosa 18
Brovelli a nice game:  15 and 13

NPU:
Jayla Johnson 19 and 10
Czuhajewski 13

I guess on the road you have to sometimes grind them out.  But this was not an impressive performance by either team.

Yes, a win is a win.  IWU goes to 3-1.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2021, 05:24:07 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 55
North Park 48

Jayla Johnson: 19 pts, 10 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 13 pts
Esther Miller: 6 rebs

Kendall Sosa: 18 pts, 4 stls
Riley Brovelli: 15 pts, 13 rebs
Kaia Bowen: 3 stls

This was very much like the game NPU lost in OT against Wheaton, in that the Vikings forced a talented uptempo opponent to play a slowed-down, low-scoring defensive contest. And, as was the case against Wheaton, NPU just couldn't muster enough offensive production from someone other than Jayla Johnson, although Emily Czuhajewski did make some aggressive takes to the basket late.

This was a really well-played game by both defenses. The Vikings held Kendall Sosa scoreless in the first half, and, while that wasn't going to last, they made the IWU star work for her 18 points, as she turned the ball over five times. The Vikings didn't really slow down Riley Brovelli, though, who was the difference in the game. She was outstanding, and I think it's a tribute to the Titans that they held North Park at bay after Brovelli fouled out in the late going.

Some dumb mistakes with the ball -- traveling on an inbounds pass, an illegal touch on an inbounds pass, two travels in space, etc. -- by the Vikings, who need to put a higher value on protecting the ball by not making mental mistakes that give it away.

Three tough losses in a row now for the Vikings, who really need to dig down deep and find a more aggressive attitude at the offensive end of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2021, 05:28:29 PM
North Central beating Millikin was a shock, but how about this score from Faganel?

Elmhurst 78
Carroll 51

Carroll was in second place coming into the game with a 4-1 record, while EU was a mere 1-5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2021, 06:42:36 PM
A nice win for North Central, fun especially for the seniors on their day.
That said, Millikin looks very lost on offense.
Hildebrand has done well, but the other frontcourt players (Ratsch, Staton, Coffman) who looked dazzling good much of last season are now very hesitant to assert themselves.
The Big Blue seem interested in using up a lot of the shot clock and then a guard has to force up a crummy shot late in the possession.
With their depth and widespread talent, Millikin playing slow is exactly what their opponents hope for. (never use a preposition to end a sentence with)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2021, 09:13:44 PM
Very surprised at Millikin's loss.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2021, 12:08:11 PM
Note to Greg : an Elmhurst player achieved an 8:0 assist turnover ratio yesterday.
(she also scored 17 pts off 8 FG att and had 8 D-rebs)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 14, 2021, 01:13:52 PM
Yes, I know. I'm closely tracking the Bluejays, because they're NPU's next opponent. Plus, Kelly Weyhrich has a knack for posting big games against the Vikings; her 17 points yesterday matches her career high, which she has achieved on two prior occasions -- and both of them were against North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 15, 2021, 01:18:56 PM
NCC is making up its second game with Illinois Wesleyan on Tuesday the 23rd at 7pm at the Shirk.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 15, 2021, 04:34:28 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa, new CCIW Player of the Week !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2021, 09:12:03 PM
Congrats to Kendall.  And, what a week it was for her!

More to come . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2021, 01:40:23 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa, again, for making the D3hoops.com "Team of the Week" for the second straight week.  After that 47 point outburst, this was all but certain . . .

Keep going Titans, keep going Kendall.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2021, 09:50:28 PM
Final from Faganel:

North Park 58
Elmhurst 47

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 12 rebs, 3:1 a:to
Emily Czuhajewski: 10 pts, 3 stls
Josie Summerville: 6 rebs

Kelly Weyhrich: 15 pts
Courtney O'Donnell: 9 rebs
Taylor Harazin: 8 rebs
Payton Schmidt: 6 rebs
Mia Riese: 3:1 a:to
Marissa Urso: 4 stls

File under: That's More Like It!

The Vikings went into one of their periodic offensive slumps in the second quarter, as they didn't even make a field goal in the first six minutes of the stanza. Elmhurst used that slump to extend to a 26-15 lead. And at that point the light seemed to come on for the Vikings. They took advantage of the double teams on Jayla Johnson to dribble penetrate and get to the basket, where they helped themselves with a lot of deft interior passes for assists. They pulled to within 27-24 at the half, and then the NPU defense went into beast mode in the second half. The Vikings outscored Elmhurst, 16-5, in the third quarter, and then put the game away in the fourth, pulling out to a 58-38 lead before Amanda Crockett called off the hounds and started subbing in the end of her bench.

Kelly Weyhrich got her points against NPU, as she usually does, but she had to work for them, putting up 12 shots to get her 15 points and turning the ball over six times. The Vikings really made Courtney O'Donnell's night miserable, giving her no room to breathe underneath the basket as she shot only 3-16 from the field.

Jayla Johnson was the big producer, as usual, but the Vikings got really solid nights as well from Sinead Molloy, Lauren Lee, and Emily Czuhajewski.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2021, 09:53:15 PM
Carroll bounced back from its debacle of a loss Saturday to Elmhurst by dropping winless Carthage, 56-47, tonight at Van Male Gym.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2021, 01:38:46 PM
Nice work last night by the Pioneers' Elizabeth Behrndt : 3 steals, 15 rebounds, 12 points (missing just 1 FG att and 1 FT att).
Through 5 games played, her FG% (and eFG%) is .774.
And after making 2 of her first 12 FTs, she's gone 6 for 9.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2021, 11:18:38 AM
Statistics displays on the CCIW site continue to be substandard* :
https://cciw.org/stats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2020
For example, go under Game Highs, Individual ... instead of Kendall Sosa on top with 47 pts, it has Jayla Johnson with 21 for Elmhurst. Jayla plays for North Park and her season high is 24.
Now lets click on Leaders and "FG / 3FG / FT" ... there is exactly 1 player listed in the 3pt % leaders, but directly below that we find a list of 23 players in the category of threes made per game.
*and absurd and defective.
Incidentally, there is presumably a minimum quantity of makes (per team's game) in order to be listed in shooting % leaders. Ideally, this cut-off point would be shown, as it used to be a few years ago.
Oh, here's another silly one ... across the page from the aforementioned 21 pts by Jayla Johnson, we have a list of FT Attempts. Wouldn't we be more interested in FTs Made?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2021, 12:34:26 PM
RogK, I noticed these deficiencies as well . . . something askew, amiss.  Poor reporting by the schools? 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2021, 04:53:47 PM
Uh, no, it's not a lack of data.
Augustana returns to action tonight after a two and a half week lull.
They began the season with a 27 point loss to Wheaton, but turned things around quickly, enjoying a pair of 6 point victories over North Central and then a 10 point decision over Elmhurst.
Now they have a home-and-home vs North Park.
Under the category of "that's just a coincidence and stop wasting our time mentioning this" : through their first four games, Augie has committed four more fouls in each succeeding game, 13 v Wheaton, then 17, 21 and most recently 25. This constitutes a definite pattern, so they will commit 29 tonight. You could bet someone else's house on it!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2021, 10:03:57 PM
Final from Rock Island:

North Park 66
Augustana 52

Sinead Molloy: 15 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls
Zakiya Newsome: 15 pts, 6:2 a:to
Esther Miller: 12 pts
Chantel Hairston: 10 pts, 5 stls
Jayla Johnson: 11 rebs
Josie Summerville: 8 rebs

Hannah Simmer: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Lauren Hall: 9 rebs, 3:1 a:to
Gabriela Loiz: 3:1 a:to

What a weird game. NPU's two big guns, Jayla Johnson and Emily Czuhajewski, scored a combined nine points on 4-20 shooting ... and yet the Park pulled away to a relatively easy road win. It's gratifying to see the other Vikings step up and assert themselves on the offensive end of the floor; Sinead Molloy hit three treys from beyond the arc in the first quarter to set the pace (she was 5-6 from downtown for the night), and Esther Miller, Zakiya Newsome, and Chantal Hairston were right there with her to pick up the scoring slack.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2021, 10:08:56 PM
Other scores:

Wheaton 68, Carroll 57
Carthage 70, North Central 62
Millikin 81, Elmhurst 55

Wheaton was the only team to hold serve at home tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 18, 2021, 10:15:20 PM
NCC led by as many as eight early in the 4th, but was held scoreless over the final five-plus minutes as the Name Redacted (that's what I wrote on my sheet but didn't say over the mic) got their first win of the year.

Lauren Knight paced Carthage with 21, Ayanna Ester scored 11, and Bridget Barrett logged 10 and 11. NCC got 21 from Allison Pearson (5 threes), 10 from Haydn Braun, and 8 and 9 from Mitrese Smith.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 19, 2021, 12:08:16 AM
Wheaton over Carroll 68-57

Red hot shooting by the Pios helped by a very slow start by Wheaton saw Carroll race out to an early 15-0 lead.  But then the Thunder turned up the D a notch or two which also propelled their offense to come alive and by halftime they clawed back within 1 at 31-30.  The third quarter was tight but the home team broke it open in the fourth.

The Thunder were led by Annie Tate with 21 pts, 8 rebs followed by Hannah Williams with 19 and 7.  Soph Ellie Cassell, who has been delivering very high quality minutes off the bench recently, finished with 12 pts, 5 rebs. 

For the Pios Theresa Wichser had 12, Kayla Stefka with 10 and Kate Christian 8 pts, 6 rebs.

The same two teams will play in Waukesha on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Peter Nicholson on February 19, 2021, 01:55:32 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2021, 11:18:38 AM
Statistics displays on the CCIW site continue to be substandard* :
*and absurd and defective.

Speaking of absurd, the site's WBB Schedule has IWU playing both NCC and Millikin simultaneously on 23-feb at 7pm in Bloomington.  I know IWU is good, but . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2021, 09:56:54 AM
Yeah, the Millikin @ IWU game appears to be the erroneous one.
If the CCIW website people are aware of the inaccuracies in the WBB stats, then at a minimum a bold disclaimer should be posted where one accesses those numbers.
Don't be content with silently deceiving viewers.
Better yet, don't show the stats at all, since they are known to be wrong and no one is fixing them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2021, 01:15:40 PM
Among coaches, we may see a variety of approaches in this abbreviated season.
Some seem to be giving minutes to a lot of players, allowing as many as possible to "get their feet wet" in college hoops.
Elmhurst's Tethnie Carrillo has done some of that, but has played seniors a lot.
Her top five in minutes played are seniors : Weyhrich 331 in 9 games, Urso 291, Cabrera 232, O'Donnell 218, Riese 152.
I bet a portion of this could be some sentimentality toward letting these players end their careers with a lot of action, gratitude for their dedication to the team ; of course there is also the idea that they give the team the best chance of winning.
Some or all of the seniors could be eligible to play another season, but that may not happen. Who knows.
Injuries to others may also be a factor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2021, 10:52:54 PM
Carthage has selected a new nickname :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2021/2/19/general-carthage-selects-firebirds-as-new-team-name.aspx
That's OK with me.
Firebirds is easy to say. Pronouncing Carthage is a bit more difficult, involving tongue adjustments; one can injure oneself if not cautious.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2021, 08:33:41 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2021, 10:52:54 PM
Carthage has selected a new nickname :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2021/2/19/general-carthage-selects-firebirds-as-new-team-name.aspx
That's OK with me.
Firebirds is easy to say. Pronouncing Carthage is a bit more difficult, involving tongue adjustments; one can injure oneself if not cautious.

Jim Rockford would be proud . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2021, 12:27:52 PM
So, Lady Firebirds?   

Not terribly impressed either.

Boards do and say what Boards do and say . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2021, 12:54:29 PM
The process of adopting a new nickname is likely more of a headache than we imagine.
You probably have to use a trademark/copyright lawyer to make sure that some opportunist isn't going to sue you in a few months.
-
iwu70, they won't be the Lady Firebirds any more than your team is the Lady Titans.
-
GoPerry, our younger readers may not know about The Rockford Files and Jim's car. Our younger readers should make it a point to watch a bunch of episodes of that tv series. Hopefully several episodes will feature side character Angel Martin fouling things up one way or another.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2021, 02:47:36 PM
Weren't they the Lady Reds before?   

Thought a more creative and unique name to Carthage, its history or location, would have been found.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2021, 04:53:37 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2021, 12:54:29 PM
The process of adopting a new nickname is likely more of a headache than we imagine.
You probably have to use a trademark/copyright lawyer to make sure that some opportunist isn't going to sue you in a few months.
-
iwu70, they won't be the Lady Firebirds any more than your team is the Lady Titans.
-
GoPerry, our younger readers may not know about The Rockford Files and Jim's car. Our younger readers should make it a point to watch a bunch of episodes of that tv series. Hopefully several episodes will feature side character Angel Martin fouling things up one way or another.

RogK - I knew I was definitely dating myself on the Rockford reference   :D  but was pretty certain that more than a few of the assorted WBB:CCIW posters would pick it up.  Jim (or "Jimmy" as gum-on-his-shoe former cellmate Angel would call him) was a smart dude, but his Firebird gave him his coolness.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2021, 05:57:43 PM
North Park 82
Augustana 55

Chantel Hairston: 14 pts, 4:0 a:to
Sinead Molloy: 14 pts
Lauren Lee: 11 pts, 3:0 a:to
Jayla Johnson: 10 pts, 3:0 a:to
Esther Miller: 10 pts
Zakiya Newsome: 3 stls

Gabriela Loiz: 10 pts
Lauren Hall: 6 rebs, 3:1 a:to
Linnea Johansen: 3:1 a:to

This one was never close. NPU blew the doors off of Augie in the first quarter, flying out to a 30-8 lead by the end of that opening stanza and never looking back. The hosts had the lead in the thirties for the bulk of the second half.

It was a very memorable Senior Day for Sinead Molloy and Zakiya Newsome (great to see their families get the chance to sit in the stands and see the ceremony and the game), as North Park really fired on all cylinders on offense and absolutely stifled Augie at the other end of the floor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2021, 06:04:39 PM
Wheaton 66, Carroll 55 in Waukesha
Millikin 70, Elmhurst 59 in Decatur
Carthage 72, North Central 50 in Kenosha
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 20, 2021, 06:15:03 PM
Wheaton 66  Carroll 55

Annie Tate             31 pts, 12 rebs
Hannah Williams    15 pts
Lily Schwen            9 pts
Taylor Sanders       6 pts, 8 rebs

Elizabeth Behrndt     21 pts, 14 rebs
Katie Rohner            15 pts, 6 rebs

For reasons we can all guess, Wheaton only dressed 7 players – conspicuously absent were regular players Hannah Swider, Zoe Nordling and Ellie Cassell.  It took them the entire first half to adjust offensively but were much better after halftime.  They also had to mix in some zone defense probably to protect from picking up fouls.  Freshmen Ana Mooney and Rachel Brady saw some valuable court time.  Annie Tate continues to impress on both ends of the floor. Hannah William's shot was not falling, 2/13 from the field.  But she remained aggressive and went to free throw line going 11-16.

The Pios were missing Kate Christian.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 20, 2021, 08:03:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 20, 2021, 08:33:41 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 19, 2021, 10:52:54 PM
Carthage has selected a new nickname :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2021/2/19/general-carthage-selects-firebirds-as-new-team-name.aspx
That's OK with me.
Firebirds is easy to say. Pronouncing Carthage is a bit more difficult, involving tongue adjustments; one can injure oneself if not cautious.

Jim Rockford would be proud . . .
Yes but his car was 1970's Gold color.  Gold, bright orange, tiger stripes, all colors that stood out were seen in the 70s.  Even us kids made our banana seat bicycles with chopper forks and a six foot sissy bars with bright flags on them with cards or other noisemakers in the spokes. Santa was to poor to bring 1973 5 speed schwinn stingray gold colored every kid wanted.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2021, 09:46:37 PM
GoPerry, in your post referring to those of us who are familiar with The Rockford Files, you misspelled sordid as "assorted."
-
I have cessantly complained here about shortcomings in the WBB stats on the CCIW web site. I subsequently have discovered similar flaws on the HCAC / Heartland WBB pages :
http://www.heartlandconf.org/stats.aspx?path=wbball&year=2020
Look under Leaders and then "FG / 3FG FT" ... again we see just one person for 3FG% leaders.
Aha, it's not gender discrimination either, as the Heartland men don't get to have even one 3FG% leader :
http://www.heartlandconf.org/stats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2020
It's time to dump that system and go back to the superior one still in use at the WIAC :
https://static.wiacsports.com/custompages/wbasket/2021/confstat.htm
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2021, 11:44:59 PM
IxChel Leeuwenburgh's rebounding feats have been the highlight of the North Central season so far.
Eh, lmitzel?
She has grabbed 66 in 129:00 for an unheard of .51 per minute.
Maybe we should have seen that coming (to some extent) based on her very good .34 per minute rate in '19-'20.
Also, she is shooting 2FGs at a nice 50% this season, although a somewhat small sample (13/26).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 22, 2021, 04:52:11 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2021, 12:27:52 PM
So, Lady Firebirds?   

Not terribly impressed either.

Boards do and say what Boards do and say . . .

'70

Just Firebirds. No Lady.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2021, 05:43:35 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Annie Tate !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2021, 08:58:47 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 21, 2021, 11:44:59 PM
IxChel Leeuwenburgh's rebounding feats have been the highlight of the North Central season so far.
Eh, lmitzel?
She has grabbed 66 in 129:00 for an unheard of .51 per minute.
Maybe we should have seen that coming (to some extent) based on her very good .34 per minute rate in '19-'20.
Also, she is shooting 2FGs at a nice 50% this season, although a somewhat small sample (13/26).

She's been really impressive this year to me in how her game has improved. I think it was the Wesleyan game when she had 16 rebounds, I'd been watching and noticed she had a bunch at the half, went and saw the box score that she had nine in just that half... then following it up with 13 against Millikin sold me.

NCC having just one win means we probably won't see any Cardinals make All CCIW this year... but I think she'd be my pick from the team if I had to pick someone.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 23, 2021, 01:12:01 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 22, 2021, 04:52:11 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 20, 2021, 12:27:52 PM
So, Lady Firebirds?   

Not terribly impressed either.

Boards do and say what Boards do and say . . .

'70

Just Firebirds. No Lady.

Thankfully, because I was going to ask why "lady" needed to be on the front end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2021, 04:34:02 PM
Nice job on this Ryan -   https://d3hoops.com/columns/around-the-nation/2020-21/hope-seniors-robbed-twice-of-chance-destiny

I would commend all posters to give it a read.

I'd like to see Wheaton do another home/home w Hope in the next season or two.  They're always a top notch RR opponent and early season test.  Much more preferable to play them in the non-con season than the post season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2021, 09:37:04 PM
A new highlight of the season for North Central, as they top the Titans in Bloomington, 66-62.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2021, 09:40:55 PM
Yes, NCC over IWU 66-62.  NCC outplaying the Titans in the second half after IWU led at the half by 9.

IWU:
Sosa 23
Lowis 14

NCC:
Foley 23 and 5
IxChel Leeuwenburgh 11 and 10

Titans outrebounded in this one.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2021, 09:54:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2021, 09:37:04 PM
A new highlight of the season for North Central, as they top the Titans in Bloomington, 66-62.

I didn't even realize they were playing.  I made the mistake of relying on the CCIW WBB website for tonight's schedule which showed only two games tonight - Carthage @ NPU and Augie @ MU. 

One again a pretty surprising result.  NCC's lone two wins are against Millikin and IWU.  Now they have two vs the Thunder who had better watch out for this team on Thursday at the Hanger and then back to King on Saturday.

Just an all sorts of strange season.

On the men's side Wheaton and IWU just added a game on March 2 at Shirk.  I don't see why the women can't also add a game since that match up is a pretty obvious hole in the schedule.  Let's hope that is getting worked on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2021, 10:09:31 PM
North Park 56
Carthage 54

Jayla Johnson: 15 pts, 10 rebs
Esther Miller: 13 pts
Sinead Molloy: 10 pts, 4 stls
Josie Summerville: 9 rebs
Zakiya Newsome: 4:1 a:to

Lauren Knight: 18 pts
Margueret Spear: 10 pts
Bridget Barrett: 10 rebs

Vikings looked like they were in trouble, as Jayla Johnson and Josie Summerville both fouled out in the final few minutes. But seniors Sinead Molloy (offense) and Zakiya Newsome (defense) stepped up with a big basket at one end and a charge taken at the other end, and the Vikings eked out a narrow win over the doughty Firebirds. Congrats to Esther Miller, who scored a career high 13 tonight.

I'm very impressed by Carthage's freshman class. If Tim Bernero can keep that freshman trio of Barrett, Knight, and Spear together, the Team Formerly Known As The Lady Reds will be right back to contending within the next year or two.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 24, 2021, 06:12:22 PM
Augustana will host Millikin on Monday night, per the Big Blue's site.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2021, 07:42:08 PM
Carroll at Augie began at 6 Central (the other league games are at 7pm).
Another very good broadcast by the Augie guy; he is diligently prepared, accurately identifying (by name) players on both teams, calmly describing the action and telling us ongoing up-to-date stats. When there is a lull, he will add some analysis or critique, but returns quickly to play-by-play.
He proves that one announcer is all you need or want. No inane blabbing about things or people not involved in the game we are watching.
I can enjoy Lori Kerans doing color on the Millikin WBB games; her opinions are well-versed, developed over many years of coaching WBB.
Speaking of her :
https://cciw.org/news/2021/2/25/womens-basketball-cciw-women-in-athletics-series-4-lori-kerans-millikin-university.aspx
Carroll is up 37-30 at the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2021, 08:39:06 PM
The Pios take the early game 73-64 in Rock Island.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 09:57:17 PM
Wheaton over NCC  69-61

Hannah Williams, 24 pts, 6 rebs
Annie Tate         19 pts, 9 rebs
Lily Schwen    12 pts, 4 rebs, 6 asst/2 to

Allison Pearson,  21 pts
Haydn Braun,    12 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asst, 3 stls
IxChel Leeuwenburgh  11 rebs

This was a very gutty win for Wheaton who were once again playing without regulars Hannah Swider and Zoe Nordling and only using seven players total.  It was a close back and forth game for all but the last 5 mins when Wheaton finally was able to extend and take the victory.  Williams (40 mins) and Tate (37) predictably did the heaviest lifting with Williams especially doing a great job in closely guarding NCC's Rebekah Foley.  Lily Schwen had undoubtedly her best game in her young Wheaton career while needing to play 37 mins.

Maybe others have said this, but it's difficult to believe NCC has only two wins as they are a very solid team.  Both teams will try it again on Saturday at King.

With the W, the Thunder clinch the #1 seed for the conference tourney, whatever that means.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2021, 09:57:42 PM
Another tough loss for the TITANS, NPU 65 IWU 63

The Titans really have issues with ball protection, and making straight-on layups.  So many lost chances.

IWU:
Sosa 31
Lansford 16

Very tough night at the FT line, so many missed chances.

NPU:
J. Johnson 21
Summerville 12
Czuhaj 14

I hope Mia Smith has some hair left after this one.  I'd be pulling my hair out . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 25, 2021, 10:04:31 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 09:57:17 PM
Wheaton over NCC  69-61

Hannah Williams, 24 pts, 6 rebs
Annie Tate         19 pts, 9 rebs
Lily Schwen    12 pts, 4 rebs, 6 asst/2 to

Allison Pearson,  21 pts
Haydn Braun,    12 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asst, 3 stls
IxChel Leeuwenburgh  11 rebs

This was a very gutty win for Wheaton who were once again playing without regulars Hannah Swider and Zoe Nordling and only using seven players total.  It was a close back and forth game for all but the last 5 mins when Wheaton finally was able to extend and take the victory.  Williams (40 mins) and Tate (37) predictably did the heaviest lifting with Williams especially doing a great job in closely guarding NCC's Rebekah Foley.  Lily Schwen had undoubtedly her best game in her young Wheaton career while needing to play 37 mins.

Maybe others have said this, but it's difficult to believe NCC has only two wins as they are a very solid team.  Both teams will try it again on Saturday at King.

With the W, the Thunder clinch the #1 seed for the conference tourney, whatever that means.

I think I have, but I'll point it out too. Other than their first game against IWU and the trip up to Kenosha, the Cardinals have been in every game. The theme though has been the team going cold in the fourth quarter.

Same thing here tonight. I feel like NCC might have played its best half of basketball in the first 20 minutes tonight. Unfortunately, that meant a four point deficit to the Thunder. But even then, it was tied after three quarters. But free throws (3-9) and layups (a couple key misses) are the story.

I like this Cardinal team though. They have heart, they play outstanding defense, they rebound better than I've seen them do in a long time, and the bench is into it. It's just too bad that this team has only two wins when they should have four or five.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2021, 10:17:00 PM
North Park 65, Illinois Wesleyan 63

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 9 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 14 pts
Josie Summerville: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Esther Miller: 8 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 11:4 a:to
Chantel Hairston: 3 stls

Kendall Sosa: 31 pts, 7 stls
Brooke Lansford: 16 pts, 5 stls
Riley Brovelli: 7 rebs, 3 blks

After a first half in which both offenses were stuck in the mud because of superior defenses -- NPU's D forcing tons of IWU misses, IWU's D taking the ball away practically at will off of ill-considered Vikings diagonal passes -- the two teams came out for the second half and showed why they're two of the premier teams in the region by playing twenty minutes of high-quality, high-excitement basketball. Neither team had a lead bigger than two possessions in the second half, and there were a bunch of ties and lead changes. Both offenses and both defenses were playing at top level, and neither team was giving an inch.

In a close, well-executed game like that, it usually comes down to free throws. And the Titans really cut their own throats there; Kendall Sosa, amazinglly, missed three of 'em down the stretch (including two on one trip to the line), and possibly the worst FT shooter on the team, Anna Lowis, found herself at the line in the final seconds with NPU up one. She missed the first and airballed the second, sparing the Vikings the need to rebound the ball. Meanwhile, at the other end of the floor, senior Zakiya Newsome hit two very big free throws to give NPU the lead that would eventually stand up.

Great game. All kinds of fun to call. It was CCIW women's basketball at its best.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2021, 10:19:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 25, 2021, 07:42:08 PM
Carroll at Augie began at 6 Central (the other league games are at 7pm).
Another very good broadcast by the Augie guy; he is diligently prepared, accurately identifying (by name) players on both teams, calmly describing the action and telling us ongoing up-to-date stats. When there is a lull, he will add some analysis or critique, but returns quickly to play-by-play.
He proves that one announcer is all you need or want. No inane blabbing about things or people not involved in the game we are watching.
I can enjoy Lori Kerans doing color on the Millikin WBB games; her opinions are well-versed, developed over many years of coaching WBB.
Speaking of her :
https://cciw.org/news/2021/2/25/womens-basketball-cciw-women-in-athletics-series-4-lori-kerans-millikin-university.aspx
Carroll is up 37-30 at the half.

One announcer may be all you need, but two is best if it's a good crew. And Dan Sand, who calls Augie women's basketball solo, has a great partner on the men's side in Chris Ford, who takes over PBP duties while Dan moves to color. Watching the Augie men's basketball team is worth it just to hear Chris and Dan call the game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 10:40:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2021, 10:17:00 PM
North Park 65, Illinois Wesleyan 63

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 9 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 14 pts
Josie Summerville: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Esther Miller: 8 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 11:4 a:to
Chantal Hairsteon: 3 stls

Kendall Sosa: 31 pts, 7 stls
Brooke Lansford: 16 pts, 5 stls
Riley Brovelli: 7 rebs, 3 blks

After a first half in both offenses were stuck in the mud by superior defenses -- NPU's D forcing tons of IWU misses, IWU's D taking the ball away practically at will off of ill-considered Vikings diagonal passes -- the two teams came out for the second half and showed why they're two of the premier teams in the region by playing twenty minutes of high-quality, high-excitement basketball. Neither team had a lead bigger than two possessions in the second half, and there were a bunch of ties and lead changes. Both offenses and both defenses were playing at top level, and neither team was giving an inch.

In a close, well-executed game like that, it usually comes down to free throws. And the Titans really cut their own throats there; Kendall Sosa, amazinglly, missed three of 'em down the stretch (including two on one trip to the line), and possibly the worst FT shooter on the team, Anna Lowis, found herself at the line in the final seconds with NPU up one. She missed the first and airballed the second, sparing the Vikings from the need to rebound the ball. Meanwhile, at the other end of the floor, senior Zakiya Newsome hit two very big free throws to give NPU the lead that would eventually stand up.

Great game. All kinds of fun to call. It was CCIW women's basketball at its best.

Sosa is a killer at the free throw line (near 90%) especially in those late game situations.  So I practically fell out of my chair at those two late misses.  But then she almost nonchalantly made the next basket to put her team up by one on the next possession. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 10:46:51 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2021, 09:57:42 PM
Another tough loss for the TITANS, NPU 65 IWU 63

The Titans really have issues with ball protection, and making straight-on layups.  So many lost chances.

IWU:
Sosa 31
Lansford 16

Very tough night at the FT line, so many missed chances.

NPU:
J. Johnson 21
Summerville 12
Czuhaj 14

I hope Mia Smith has some hair left after this one.  I'd be pulling my hair out . . .

'70

Munroe being left off the score sheet is a head scratcher. 

After watching several games, I'm not sure what to make of this Titans team.  They have the best offensive player in the league by far.  And both Munroe and Lansford have proven they can score in support.  But it seems to me that the offensive production of Riley Brovelli has been surprising this season.  She was averaging almost 9 pts last season and you figured her to be in double figures.  But she's only averaging around 6.  Only a six game sample size but still.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2021, 12:25:57 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 10:40:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 25, 2021, 10:17:00 PM
North Park 65, Illinois Wesleyan 63

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 9 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 14 pts
Josie Summerville: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Esther Miller: 8 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 11:4 a:to
Chantal Hairsteon: 3 stls

Kendall Sosa: 31 pts, 7 stls
Brooke Lansford: 16 pts, 5 stls
Riley Brovelli: 7 rebs, 3 blks

After a first half in both offenses were stuck in the mud by superior defenses -- NPU's D forcing tons of IWU misses, IWU's D taking the ball away practically at will off of ill-considered Vikings diagonal passes -- the two teams came out for the second half and showed why they're two of the premier teams in the region by playing twenty minutes of high-quality, high-excitement basketball. Neither team had a lead bigger than two possessions in the second half, and there were a bunch of ties and lead changes. Both offenses and both defenses were playing at top level, and neither team was giving an inch.

In a close, well-executed game like that, it usually comes down to free throws. And the Titans really cut their own throats there; Kendall Sosa, amazinglly, missed three of 'em down the stretch (including two on one trip to the line), and possibly the worst FT shooter on the team, Anna Lowis, found herself at the line in the final seconds with NPU up one. She missed the first and airballed the second, sparing the Vikings from the need to rebound the ball. Meanwhile, at the other end of the floor, senior Zakiya Newsome hit two very big free throws to give NPU the lead that would eventually stand up.

Great game. All kinds of fun to call. It was CCIW women's basketball at its best.

Sosa is a killer at the free throw line (near 90%) especially in those late game situations.  So I practically fell out of my chair at those two late misses.  But then she almost nonchalantly made the next basket to put her team up by one on the next possession.

Yeah, those misses threw me for a loop (I spent some time in the early part of the broadcast setting up how good a FT shooter she is, describing her FT attempts as "fifteen-foot layups"), so I had to think fast for suitable reactions. First time around I settled for, "Man bites dog! Alert CNN! Sosa misses the free throw!" Second time, when she missed both free throws in one trip, my partner Scot Gladstone said something to the effect of, "How the heck does Kendall Sosa miss two in a row?" I replied, "Maybe there's a sunspot occurrence that is messing with the Earth's magnetic field." We had a little fun with that one in the closing minutes. We needed something to relieve the tension.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 10:46:51 PM
Munroe being left off the score sheet is a head scratcher. 

The Vikings really defended her well. The only Titan whom I thought the Vikings didn't defend very well was Brooke Lansford, who really did a nice job of working off of screens. I have no complaints about the way that the Vikings defended Sosa. They had Zakiya Newsome on her for much of the night, and Sosa wisely posted up the much smaller Newsome and got most of her field goals -- and most of her free-throw chances as well -- in close that way. But you have to pick your poison against Illinois Wesleyan, and I think that Amanda Crockett was determined not to let Riley Brovelli beat the Vikings again. The Vikings were OK with Sosa getting her points, as long as one of her teammates didn't go off and carry IWU to the win. Lansford almost did that, but she cooled down in the second half.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 25, 2021, 10:46:51 PMAfter watching several games, I'm not sure what to make of this Titans team.  They have the best offensive player in the league by far.  And both Munroe and Lansford have proven they can score in support.  But it seems to me that the offensive production of Riley Brovelli has been surprising this season.  She was averaging almost 9 pts last season and you figured her to be in double figures.  But she's only averaging around 6.  Only a six game sample size but still.

As I mentioned, she was the deciding factor in the IWU win the first time these two teams met, notching a 15 and 13 night. This time around, the three players who took turns guarding her (Josie Summerville, Esther Miller, and Jayla Johnson) made a concerted effort to beat Brovelli down the floor and deny her her spot on every change of possession, and Brovelli's 3-11 shooting night was thus mostly reflective of the fact that she was shooting 16-foot jumpshots instead of layup attempts. She barely had half as many rebounds as she had in that first game as well, and that was simply hustle and effort on the part of Summerville, Miller, and Johnson to box her out and keep her off the glass. The Vikings ended up winning the battle of the boards tonight, and that was amazing in light of how badly they got eaten alive by Wesleyan's offensive rebounding in the first half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2021, 01:20:42 PM
From what I've seen on webcasts of CCIW WBB, the absence of fans has not diminished the motivation that players possess for giving proper effort in the games.
Players have self-motivation, probably the case being the better the player, the more self-motivation.
Coaches motivate them further, as needed.
Our players continue to strive for excellence and are admirably not dependent on hearing dimwits yell from the seats.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2021, 05:47:57 PM
Dunno if it was an emotional hangover after the huge win two days ago or a fierce determination by Illinois Wesleyan not to drop two games in three days to the same team, but the Titans coasted to an easy 77-61 win over NPU at Shirk Center today. Jayla Johnson had a relatively quiet 15 and 6 and Emily Czuhajewski scored 15 as well, while Esther Miller pulled down nine boards. Kendall Sosa had a whale of a game from downtown (7-8 trey) en route to 34 points and 8 rebounds, while Riley Brovelli had a 16 and 8 day and Brooke Lansford added 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2021, 07:28:23 PM
Yes, Greg has summarized well.

A happy Senior Day game for the Titans, winning pretty handily, 77-61 -- taking the rubber match from a very talented NPU team.

As several have mentioned, if there is a better offensive player in D3 than Kendall Sosa, I'd like to see her.  Kendall had a terrific game for Senior Day, with more help this time from Munroe and a solid game, 16 and 8, from Brovelli. 

How about this line for a Senior Game performance:

Kendall Sosa:  34 points, 12-15 from the field, 7-8 from three, 3-3 FTs, 8 rebounds, 4 Assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

Amen to that.  Remarkable productivity at both ends. 

Here comes the tournament.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2021, 08:03:15 PM
Barring any Covid-19 positives or unexpected snowstorms, this is the tournament field:

Tuesday, March 2, 7 pm
#9 North Central @ #8 Carthage

Thursday, March 4, 7 pm
NCC/CC winner @ #1 Wheaton
#7 Elmhurst @ #2 Millikin
#6 Augustana @ #3 North Park
#5 Carroll @ #4 Illinois Wesleyan
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 27, 2021, 09:13:41 PM
Wheaton 73, NCC 58

Annie Tate had yet another big double-double performance with 33 pts, 14 rebs.  She was 10-17 from the field, 11-12 FT in 39 minutes of play.  Wheaton dressed 9 this afternoon.  On Senior day Bonnie Zeller had a nice game with  11 pts, 4 rebs. 

NCC didn't shoot the ball quite as well as Thursday.  It was pretty close for three quarters but Tate led the fourth with 7 straight points to give the Thunder a nine point lead.  They were able to extend from there.  Allison Pearson and Mitrese Smith led the Card's with 13 pts each.

Congratulations to seniors Bonnie Zeller and Hannah Williams for their wonderful Wheaton careers. 

Soph Zoe Nordling and Jr Hannah Swider missed their third consecutive game.  It's possible they might return for Thursday's tourney opener.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2021, 11:34:22 PM
The Monday Millikin at Augie game that was on the Millikin schedule is no longer there.
Millikin will presumably reach eight off days before returning to action Thursday.
Will the 9 head coaches vote for the all-conference honors before Tuesday?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2021, 11:44:34 AM
Since we are at the end of the regular season, here is my opinion on all-CCIW :
-
1st team : K Sosa IWU, A Tate WHE, J Johnson NPU, H Williams WHE, E Knudsen MIL, J Hildebrand MIL, R Brovelli IWU, E Behrndt CRL
-
2nd team : H Swider WHE, K Christian CRL, S Molloy NPU, M Fox MIL, L Hall AUG, B Barrett CTG, I Leeuwenburgh NCC, C O'Donnell ELM
-
Most Outstanding - K Sosa
Coach - K Madsen
Newcomer - E Knudsen
-
In this small-sample season, per game averages meant less to me than did how many good games a player had. This entailed looking at the game logs of individual players, best done via the roster listings on the ncaa site, such as :
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/496/roster/15500
I further had in mind intangible value not measured by traditional individual stats. Also, a team with a crummy record is not going to get multiple players, even as we admire all the effort put in by each team across the league.
The easiest way to jump to another team's pages is to go to Schedule/Results and click on that opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2021, 03:22:38 PM
Looks good to me, RogK.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 28, 2021, 03:58:01 PM
Thanks, iwu70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2021, 01:48:39 PM
North Park will host Augustana on Thursday at 8pm.*
These teams last met way back in February.
In that pair on contests, Augie's Macy Beinborn scored 0 and 1. But now, she is coming off an excellent 31 point game at Carroll, including 8-for-16 from three-land.
What do you make of that, Greg? She also had 3 steals and 8 rebs.
Had she been playing a home game for North Central, our steamed (esteemed) colleague lmitzel would be hoarse from yelling THREE so often.
Speaking of Augie 3FG shooters, Kylie Jozwik has made a superb 11 of 18; 33 pts from 18 FG att is rather good. I wonder if we'll see her shoot a lot more next season.
* no, due to amended plans on the men's side, this will be at 7pm
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2021, 02:37:26 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2021, 01:48:39 PM
Augie's Macy Beinborn... is coming off an excellent 31 point game at Carroll, including 8-for-16 from three-land.
What do you make of that, Greg? She also had 3 steals and 8 rebs.
Had she been playing a home game for North Central, our steamed (esteemed) colleague lmitzel would be hoarse from yelling THREE so often.

On the one hand, I've done games where NCC hit 22 threes as a team; Augie finished with 11 for that game. On the other, 8 threes by one player would be the program record for a single game (currently it's 7, with a ton of ladies tied with 6.) And in that instance I'd probably put a little more oomph on numbers seven and eight. So... you're probably not wrong. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2021, 04:13:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2021, 01:48:39 PM
In that pair on contests, Augie's Macy Beinborn scored 0 and 1. But now, she is coming off an excellent 31 point game at Carroll, including 8-for-16 from three-land.
What do you make of that, Greg? She also had 3 steals and 8 rebs.

One game doesn't mean much in isolation, Rog. I look at trends. And Beinborn's definitely trended upward since NPU locked her down two weeks ago; she scored 14 on 5-11 shooting at Millikin last Tuesday, and 11 on 2-4 shooting (but with seven FT attempts) on Thursday at home against Carroll. And then came Saturday's big explosion.

Both Beinborns discussed what she did differently on Saturday in this article. (https://qctimes.com/sports/college/basketball/women/beinborn-erupts-for-31-points-in-augie-womens-victory/article_e645ba24-70b9-56b2-9224-73b3947f97cb.amp.html) But the unspoken aspect of what's occurred over that three-game stretch is that her dad is giving her a lot more tick; Macy was averaging less than 24 mpg through Augie's first six contests, but she played 30 minutes in both the Millikin game and the first Carroll game, and 36 on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2021, 04:45:27 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa on her second CCIW Player of the Week award.   Another stellar week, set of games. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 01, 2021, 08:01:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 28, 2021, 11:44:34 AM
Since we are at the end of the regular season, here is my opinion on all-CCIW :
-
1st team : K Sosa IWU, A Tate WHE, J Johnson NPU, H Williams WHE, E Knudsen MIL, J Hildebrand MIL, R Brovelli IWU, E Behrndt CRL
-
2nd team : H Swider WHE, K Christian CRL, S Molloy NPU, M Fox MIL, L Hall AUG, B Barrett CTG, I Leeuwenburgh NCC, C O'Donnell ELM
-
Most Outstanding - K Sosa
Coach - K Madsen
Newcomer - E Knudsen
-
In this small-sample season, per game averages meant less to me than did how many good games a player had. This entailed looking at the game logs of individual players, best done via the roster listings on the ncaa site, such as :
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/496/roster/15500
I further had in mind intangible value not measured by traditional individual stats. Also, a team with a crummy record is not going to get multiple players, even as we admire all the effort put in by each team across the league.
The easiest way to jump to another team's pages is to go to Schedule/Results and click on that opponent.

Without very much analysis at all, I'm thinking that NCC's Allison Pearson will probably sneak onto the second team before Leeuwenburgh.  And I also think either Sam Munroe or Brooke Lansford will also get there.  I like Bailey Coffman's chances too ahead of Fox.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2021, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 01, 2021, 08:01:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 28, 2021, 11:44:34 AM
Since we are at the end of the regular season, here is my opinion on all-CCIW :
-
1st team : K Sosa IWU, A Tate WHE, J Johnson NPU, H Williams WHE, E Knudsen MIL, J Hildebrand MIL, R Brovelli IWU, E Behrndt CRL
-
2nd team : H Swider WHE, K Christian CRL, S Molloy NPU, M Fox MIL, L Hall AUG, B Barrett CTG, I Leeuwenburgh NCC, C O'Donnell ELM
-
Most Outstanding - K Sosa
Coach - K Madsen
Newcomer - E Knudsen
-
In this small-sample season, per game averages meant less to me than did how many good games a player had. This entailed looking at the game logs of individual players, best done via the roster listings on the ncaa site, such as :
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/496/roster/15500
I further had in mind intangible value not measured by traditional individual stats. Also, a team with a crummy record is not going to get multiple players, even as we admire all the effort put in by each team across the league.
The easiest way to jump to another team's pages is to go to Schedule/Results and click on that opponent.

Without very much analysis at all, I'm thinking that NCC's Allison Pearson will probably sneak onto the second team before Leeuwenburgh.

Quick side by side:
Pearson: 10.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1 stock per game (steal+block), 32/30/71 splits
Leeuwenburgh: 5.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.8 stocks per game, 49/0/52 splits

Pearson also has the benefit of being a 2nd team player last year, but her numbers this year were worse than last year (11.3 PPG on 40/37/89). No knock on Alli, and maybe this is just me being impressed with the leap IxChel made this year, but I'd advocate for her over Pearson this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 01, 2021, 09:46:36 PM
Separate note, I guess the 8-9 NCC-Carthage game for tomorrow has been cancelled due to COVID protocol now too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 02, 2021, 10:02:20 AM
Wheaton WBB is out of the CCIW conference tournament due to COVID protocols.

NCC WBB is contract tracing, and there is still a chance the Cards play Thursday.  If NCC gets negative test results Wednesday, the Cards are good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2021, 12:46:15 PM
Wow, what a mess.  With WC out, seems IWU has a good chance to get through . . . if everyone can stay well, test negative.  Hoping for a few more games.

Some disappointed players and coaches, no doubt.  Hope no one gets really sick.

Baseball and softball gearing up soon . . . outdoors!   I'm cleaning my golf clubs, getting ready to use my ISU DA Weibring championship course coupons.  Let the bashing begin . . .  :)  Sure do look forward to more sunshine, warmer temps, after the many subzero weeks.  My thin Hong Kong blood never really enjoyed or adjusted to prairie winter . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 02, 2021, 01:45:11 PM
And NCC is clear. They head down to Decatur on Thursday to play Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
North Park moves up to the #2 seed ... and in so doing will now host a team (Carthage) in the quarterfinals that gave the Vikings a lot more trouble this season than had the higher-rated team (Augustana) that NPU was originally going to play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on March 02, 2021, 06:00:30 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on March 02, 2021, 01:45:11 PM
And NCC is clear. They head down to Decatur on Thursday to play Millikin.

Well, NO!!! NCC is NOT in the clear. 3 starters (4 players total) are now quarantined for 14 days.

The protocols are a complete joke. What's the point of wearing a mask? Even if both teams are wearing a mask and someone then tests positive, it doesn't matter - 14 days!

Not a single case of player to opponent transmission occurred in 256 NFL games + the playoffs! Not. One. (Not to mention MLB, WNBA, NHL, NCAAM, NCAAW).

NCC wears a mask. Wheaton doesn't.  Thanks Wheaton! Save your apologies (which I'm sure you haven't even thought to offer)....Another example of facts matter and those that believe BS views cause all the problems.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2021, 06:27:23 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on March 02, 2021, 10:02:20 AM
Wheaton WBB is out of the CCIW conference tournament due to COVID protocols.


Hmm - okay then  . . .   How very unsurprising -not because I know or suspect anything.  But it's just that kind of season - nothing should really surprise at this point.

Also, is there such a thing as a post not worth acknowledging?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2021, 08:52:57 PM
I haven't done the count, but is it true that more games were postponed, or cancelled altogether, than there were games actually played?   It is a mess . . .  and makes for a rather confusing schedule.   Well, only a few more games likely, possible in this very strange season.  As I've said before, I just hope no one -- player, coach, staff or parent -- gets seriously sick.  Esp. those who have underlying health conditions and probably should not be involved  -- but we know some coaches who do have previous serious underlying health conditions and are now at greater risk, prior to being eligible for a vaccine.  This is the situation we are playing with . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on March 02, 2021, 09:46:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 02, 2021, 08:52:57 PM
I haven't done the count, but is it true that more games were postponed, or cancelled altogether, than there were games actually played?

Not even close, at least in the CCIW.

5 of the 9 teams played their entire (shortened) regular season's worth of games. Two other teams were only short one game, and then Augie and IWU missed a few apiece.

Quick count says out of 54 games in total, that's a grand total of five games that got cancelled. I'll agree with the hope that no one has any serious issues... but I'd call just five missed games pretty good considering.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2021, 12:02:06 AM
For comparison, I count approximately 510 NBA games played so far and 30 postponements that haven't been made up yet.
So, 30 postponed out of 540. CCIW WBB 5 not played out of 54.
I arrive at the 510 figure by 30 teams averaging 34 games played so far.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2021.html
The postponements are here :
https://www.nba.com/news/postponed-games-2020-21-index
This does not settle any dispute over whether some or all of the cancellations/postponements have ultimately kept people out of a hospital or crematory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 03, 2021, 11:14:39 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 02, 2021, 08:52:57 PM
I haven't done the count, but is it true that more games were postponed, or cancelled altogether, than there were games actually played?   It is a mess . .

As actual data shows, it is not even close to that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 03, 2021, 01:33:40 PM
Quote from: itsnotmeitsyou on March 02, 2021, 06:00:30 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on March 02, 2021, 01:45:11 PM
And NCC is clear. They head down to Decatur on Thursday to play Millikin.

Well, NO!!! NCC is NOT in the clear. 3 starters (4 players total) are now quarantined for 14 days.

The protocols are a complete joke. What's the point of wearing a mask? Even if both teams are wearing a mask and someone then tests positive, it doesn't matter - 14 days!

Not a single case of player to opponent transmission occurred in 256 NFL games + the playoffs! Not. One. (Not to mention MLB, WNBA, NHL, NCAAM, NCAAW).

NCC wears a mask. Wheaton doesn't.  Thanks Wheaton! Save your apologies (which I'm sure you haven't even thought to offer)....Another example of facts matter and those that believe BS views cause all the problems.

So ... uhh ... welcome to the board.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 04, 2021, 07:39:12 PM
Millikin WBB will be playing tonight without multiple key players...including their leading scorer.

It's not COVID-related. Coach's decision on all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2021, 09:37:16 PM
IWU cruising tonight, scoring 29 in the first quarter and never looking back, winning over EC 77 to 52

EC:
O'Donnell 15
Urso 12

IWU:
Sosa 18 and 6
Munroe finding her range, 18 and 7 assists
Brovelli 11 RBs, 4 steals, 3 blocks, and 2 assists

Good support from the rest of the squad, and all pine-sitters on both teams getting 3-4 minutes at the end.  This game never really in doubt after the 1st Q.

Nice games by:
Eck 9 and 7, 3 steals
Bowen 7 and 5, 2 steals

If everyone plays like this going forward, this team has a good chance for the CCIW tournament crown.

Keep it rolling, TITANS. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2021, 09:48:41 PM
Millikin and NPU win . . .

Looks like NPU hosts IWU yet again in Chicago for Semis.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 04, 2021, 10:09:21 PM
North Park 55
Carthage 50

Jayla Johnson: 17 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls
Josie Summerville: 10 pts, 11 rebs, 3 stls
Emily Czuhajewski: 10 pts
Sinead Molloy: 3 stls

Kelsey Coshun: 11 pts
Bridget Barrett: 15 rebs

My heart sank when Wheaton dropped out and NPU's opponent was switched from Augustana to Carthage. Augie may have been the higher seed, but the Vikings dispatched that team easily both times, while they had all kinds of trouble with the Firebirds both previous times they faced them. Sure enough, tonight was no different. Carthage did a really solid job on defense, NPU froze up and went into one of its periodic offensive funks, and the Firebirds turned a 30-21 deficit into a 44-36 lead early in the fourth quarter.

But the Vikings wore down the Firebirds with their inside game, getting both Kelsey Coshun and Addison Ebeling in foul trouble, and Tim Bernero ran out of defensive options as the Vikes kept pounding it inside to Jayla Johnson and Josie Summerville. Add in the usual key late FTs that are Zakiya Newsome's trademark and some high-octane defense by the Park, and the hosts had enough juice to get to the finish line and set up the first-ever four-game series against an opponent in one season in program history, as Illinois Wesleyan will be coming to town yet again on Saturday afternoon.

Congratulations to Jayla Johnson, whose and-one in the closing minutes pushed her up over 1,000 points for her career. It's so great to see a person like Jayla who is as impressive off the floor as she is on it succeed like this.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2021, 10:28:48 PM
Congratulations to Jayla Johnson on her 1,000 point achievement.  Great player. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 05, 2021, 08:14:10 AM
Lots of players MIA in this game.

Millikin, without diaper dandy Elyce Knudsen as well as regulars Abby Ratsch and Aubrey Staton took care of business over North Central 86-70.  The scoring fell to Bailey Coffman who led all scorers with 21 pts, 7 rebs, Jordan Hildebrand with 14 and 7, and Miranda Fox with 13 pts.  Freshman Ashlyn Sturdy played  26 mins (averaging about 10) and contributed 10 pts and 7 rebs.

It obviously hurt that the Cards were playing without leading scorer junior Allison Pearson and leading rebounder IxChel Leeuwenburgh.  Freshman Elle Sutter led with 18 pts while Haydn Braun and Rebekah Foley each had 14.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2021, 01:11:23 PM
Carroll edged Augustana 67-61 so all higher seeds won yesterday.
Carroll plays at Millikin on Saturday, the first time they meet this season.
IWU travels a third time to Foster-Kedzie Arena to encounter North Park for the fourth time this season.
It looks like both games are at 2pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2021, 01:20:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 05, 2021, 01:11:23 PMFoster-Kedzie Arena

OK, that got a chuckle out of me. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2021, 07:54:32 PM
And, by the way, it's not too late for the CCIW coaches to hold their annual vote that forecasts the conference standings.
The W in CCIW is Wisconsin, noted dairy state, where someone must have said, "By the way, buy the whey."
I do apologize for that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 05, 2021, 08:43:07 PM
RogK, they don't refer to us Wisconsinites as "Cheeseheads" for nothing.  ;) ;) ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2021, 10:51:58 PM
WLCALUM83, can you verify that Wisconsin used to issue license plates that featured the slogan "COME SMELL OUR DAIRY AIR" ?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 05, 2021, 11:15:16 PM
You're startin' to push it, Rog.  I doubt that Wiscy ever had such license plates, but I've used that phrase often!  (A variation on passing a skunk or a pig farm and saying 'Ah!  That fresh country air!') ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2021, 03:44:32 PM
I watched the 1st quarter of IWU v NPU, where it seemed hardly anyone had a green light to shoot.
Saw the 2nd quarter of CRL v MIL and any number of players had the green light, not to mention fine ball movement by both teams.
Millikin up 58-47; 20 1st half pts by Elyce Knudsen.
North Park is ahead 27-20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2021, 04:39:10 PM
In a strange ugly game, a tale of two halfs, IWU over NPU 53-42

NPU over IWU in the 1st half 27-20, then
IWU over NPU in the 2nd, 33-15.

First half one of the worst IWU has played all year.  Good second half comeback with defensive intensity.  Sosa striking the key offensive blows.

NPU:

Jayla Johnson 20

IWU:

Sosa 28
Lansford 8
Brovelli 9 rebounds

Eck and Bowen made many defensive contributions.

So MU wins, and will host IWU for the Tournament Crown. 

Should be a good one in Decatur.   Mia Smith vs. Olivia Lett . . . two good teams, two good coaches.

Congrats to the NPU Seniors. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2021, 04:54:50 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 53
North Park 42

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 14 rebs
Sinead Molloy: 3:0 a:to

Kendall Sosa: 28 pts, 3 stls
Riley Brovelli: 9 rebs
Anna Lowis: 7 rebs
Brooke Lansford: 3 stls
Catie Eck: 3 stls

After a first half in which North Park absolutely stifled Illinois Wesleyan's offense -- the Titans only had seven field goals in the first two quarters -- and had a couple of ten-point leads, IWU came out for the second half and played with an efficiency and execution much more characteristic of the Titans, while NPU simply did not respond in kind.

It was disappointing to see the Vikings go so flat in what turned out to be the last 20 minutes of the season, but it's a learning experience -- when you get down to the final four teams in the tournament, you can't afford to let up.

Farewell to two outstanding Vikings seniors, Sinead Molloy and Zakiya Newsome, who've brought so much to this program over the past four years and have been such a credit to their team and to North Park University as a whole. Thanks for all you've done, Sinead and Zakiya; it's been a pleasure to call your games for four years. Best of luck to you in your futures.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 06, 2021, 08:24:32 PM
The quality of play regressed in the 2nd half of the 90-68 Millikin win over Carroll.
I assume some defense adjustments were implemented by both sides after a rather amazing 105 point 1st half.
Carroll appears in position to linger in the upper half of the league in the next few years. On the other hand, they do seem to misplace a few good players every year, so we'll see. For a few minutes, they had both 6'1" Elizabeth Behrndt and 6'4" Allison Thompson in the game. They were effectively passing the ball above the defenders' reach. We may expect more of that next season.
Incidentally, Carthage has another game coming up, March 10 at Lake Forest. The Foresters have played just 5 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2021, 10:33:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 06, 2021, 08:24:32 PM
Incidentally, Carthage has another game coming up, March 10 at Lake Forest. The Foresters have played just 5 games.

Yep. Tim Bernero told me on Thursday night at Charcoal Delights that he added the game so that his seniors could go out on a high note and his freshmen could get a little more experience and more of a positive taste in their mouths coming into 2021-22. So why not call up the coach at his alma mater in order for Tim's Firebirds to take them to the woodshed?

It's all good. It's not as though Lake Forest is going to kick Tim out of their Athletic Hall of Fame because of it. ;)

I think Carthage will win by 25 or so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2021, 10:56:26 AM
IWU at MU tonight for the CCIW Tournament championship.  Should be a good one.  Two good teams, two good coaches who know each other extremely well.   Kendall Sosa's favorite gym of the year . . .   :)

Congrats to Kendall on being named to the D3hoops Team of the Week for the third times this season.  Amazing.

Go TITANS!  Everyone play your best game tonight . . . the seniors going out strong.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2021, 04:59:00 PM
And congrats to Jordan Hildebrand, new CCIW Player of the Week!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2021, 08:32:29 PM
IWU over MU at the half, 29-26.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2021, 08:33:59 PM
Alright iwu70, what's urinalysis of the 1st half action?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 09, 2021, 09:38:46 PM
Millikin 72
Illinois Wesleyan 59

It was The Elyce Knudsen Show tonight, as she scored 31 and was absolutely dominant down the stretch as the Big Blue pulled away. But Natalie Snyder was the unsung hero. She played outstanding defense on Kendall Sosa, who scored 20 but shot only 8-22 to end her phenomenal career on a down note.

Congrats to Millikin upon winning the CCIW tournament. It feels strange to say that Millikin is the team with the hardware, since the team that was at the top of the league didn't even play in the tournament ... but, judging by the enthusiasm of the Big Blue at game's end, I don't think they intend to let anyone put that trophy in a closet somewhere just because Wheaton didn't have a chance to compete for it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2021, 09:52:33 PM
Congrats to the Big Blue on the CCIW Tournament Championship. 

A hard-fought game, with IWU just having a let-down, a slow period in the last three minutes or so.  Pretty close up to that point.  Yes, good defense on Sosa tonight and also an outstanding game by Ms. Knudsen, a new star in the league.  The final was 72-59, though it was much closer than that all game, save for the last few minutes. 

All the IWU Seniors played well:

IWU:
Sosa 20
Brovelli 6 and 12
Lowis 10 and 5
Monroe 13

MU:
Knudsen 31
Hildenbrand 15
Fox 7 and 10

Kendall Sosa has had a remarkable career.  Just amazing.

Congrats to Coach Lett and her team on a great win.

My warmest good wishes to the aforementioned seniors above.  We so enjoyed watching you'all these years and appreciate your many achievements and accomplishments for the IWU program and the University.  All best and good wishes for future endeavors after IWU.  It will be very hard to replace you, a great and productive senior group, as you have been such a key part of this program for the last 2-3 years.  Good luck.

Really sorry for the seniors -- from MU, maybe WC and IWU too, for not having a chance to play in the D3 tournament this year.

So it goes in the era of Covid.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 09, 2021, 09:58:47 PM
A.   Incredible freshman performance by Knudsen.  She looked totally comfortable in the moment when, in my opinion, the rest of
        the Big Blue besides Hildebrand looked shaky to me on the offensive side.  As I posted in the season's first week, an absolute
        baller of a player.
B.   Outstanding performance by Hildebrand in her last game.  She made some really big plays down the stretch and some key
        putbacks.
C.   MU defense keyed on Sosa and it worked because none of the others on Wesleyan were able to step up significantly.  Sosa
        never looked comfortable, rarely got a clean look and at times played a little desperate knowing it was mostly on her
        shoulders.  I'm sorry we didn't get to see Sosa over a whole uninterrupted season in her senior year.  She deserved some
        national recognition and probably would've received strong first team AA and maybe even POY consideration.

Congratulations to Coach Lett and Millikin on really bringing it all tonight and winning the tournament.  Well deserved to be sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 09, 2021, 10:00:52 PM
Yes, hats off to the Big Blue!
That 46 pt 2nd half was impressive.
Heavy minutes for IWU's starting 5, perhaps a reason why they did minimal fullcourt defense during most of the contest.
A lot of players on both teams helped significantly, in a variety of ways, but as Greg wrote, Elyce Knudsen was the difference.
Congrats to each team and, frankly, all 9 teams in the league for doing their best in a stressful circumstance.
Carthage will play the conference's only non-conference game tomorrow; I guess that'll wrap things up, barring any last minute additional games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 10, 2021, 10:33:02 AM
Yes, a strange season, all told.

GoPerry, agree with you on Sosa.  Sure do wish she'd had a full senior season and schedule to showcase her amazing talents.  I hope she still receives some AA honors . . . esp. given her points per game, FT % and steals.  Feel bad for all the seniors -- of Wheaton, Millikin and perhaps IWU, that they couldn't play in the D3 dance. 

IWU now I think in a rebuilding mode.  Hard to see what comes next after this great senior group departs.  I think the issues this year just were that there was not enough surrounding cast for Sosa.  Shanks was a great loss, providing that second strong scoring option and the leadership.  Brovelli had another pretty good year, but many of the others just did not improve from last year to this all that much.  Some inconsistencies there . . . even though some had great games here and there.  Next year, hard to see what emerges, and no real scorers returning . . .  maybe Lansford emerges, but the others have played different roles.  The big 6'3" freshman surely the heir apparent to Brovelli, though she's still a work in progress, me thinks.  Others will really have to step up and play bigger roles, esp. on offense.  Maybe Eck, perhaps Heller, more from Bowen?  . . . but I don't see this as being a very strong year upcoming.  But, you never know, right ?  -- look at the marvelous Millikin freshman, Knudsen! . . . so we can hope for a strong recruiting class and the emergence of some new talent and improvements, greater roles for the pine-sitters for the Titans.

Wheaton, Millikin and NPU will again be strong . . .   

Again, my congratulations to Millikin on a big win last night.  Surely the better team on the night, esp. in the last 2-3 minutes.  And, my congratulations to the IWU seniors -- what a great run they all had.  I wish them all the best in future endeavors after graduation. 

Looking forward to the men's championship game on Friday -- IWU @ Wheaton.  Two great teams, surely two top-ten teams.  The Titans will need to bring their A-game in that one.   

Another season pretty much in the books.  It's on to softball, baseball . . . and all the rest.  And, to the golf course.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 10, 2021, 11:17:46 AM
North Park should contend again next season, and the foremost reason why is pretty obvious. How many teams in D3 women's basketball have a thousand-point scorer returning? And Jayla Johnson is not simply a scorer -- she's also one of the top rebounders in the CCIW, and by the end of this truncated season she was proving that she'd developed the ability to effectively pass out of double teams for easy baskets, particularly to weak-side cutters (since the NPU outside shooting game was not effective, an ongoing problem that again needs to be addressed in the off-season). And, while Sinead Molloy and Zakiya Newsome are veteran role players whose experience and expertise will be missed, the Vikings nevertheless have an upcoming talent in the backcourt in Chantal Hairston whose shortened freshman season proved that she has a high ceiling and is capable of great things in the future. She's no Elyce Knudsen, but, then again, besides Elyce Knudsen herself, who is? I'd still rather have Hairston than any other non-Knudsen freshman guard in the league -- and that includes such other promising backcourt plebes as Katie Rohner of Carroll and Lauren Knight of Carthage.

The Vikings have a couple of other effective pieces complementing Johnson and Hairston in Emily Czuhajewski and Josie Summerville, and an assortment of role players who could develop their games in the off-season and become more accomplished. But there's still room for depth and for more effective backcourt help at both ends of the floor, so I'm hoping for a productive recruiting season for Amanda and Annie. Nevertheless, looking at what the rest of the league has coming back, North Park is still in comparatively fine shape for 2021-22 at this point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 10, 2021, 10:38:39 PM
It was Greg who wrote on this very website days ago that Carthage would defeat Lake Forest "by 25 or so."
77-51 was your final tonight. 41-16 at the half.
Each Carthage player helped in one way or another. They could have really clobbered the hosts, but they called off a very successful fullcourt press early on.
-
I assume we should get an All-CCIW honors announcement this week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2021, 01:36:49 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 10, 2021, 10:38:39 PM
It was Greg who wrote on this very website days ago that Carthage would defeat Lake Forest "by 25 or so."
77-51 was your final tonight

(https://i.imgflip.com/v2edn.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2021, 11:58:18 AM
the all-CCIW honors are up :
2021 Lori Kerans Most Outstanding Player -- Kendall Sosa - Illinois Wesleyan
2021 CCIW Newcomer of the Year -- Elyce Knudsen - Millikin

FIRST TEAM
Name    School    Pos.    Yr.     Hometown/H.S.
Kate Christian    Carroll    G    So.      New London, Wis./H.S.
Kendall Sosa*    Illinois Wesleyan    G    Sr.    Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community
Bailey Coffman    Millikin    F    So.    Heyworth, Ill./Bloomington Central Catholic
Jordan Hildebrand*    Millikin    F/C    Sr.    Mendon, Ill./Unity
Elyce Knudsen*    Millikin     G    Fr.    Phillo, Ill./Tolono Unity
Jayla Johnson*    North Park    F    Jr.    Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South
Hannah Williams*    Wheaton    G    Sr.    Fishers, Ind./Heritage Christian
Annie Tate*    Wheaton    G    So.    Elburn, Ill./St. Charles North

SECOND TEAM
Name    School    Pos.     Yr.    Hometown/H.S.
Elizabeth Behrndt    Carroll    F    So.    Sussex, Wis./Hamilton
Courtney O'Donnell    Elmhurst    F    Sr.    New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West
Kelly Weyrich    Elmhurst    G    Sr.    Arlington Heights, Ill./Hersey
Riley Brovelli    Illinois Wesleyan    F    Sr.    Oglesby, Ill./LaSalle-Peru
Samantha Munroe    Illinois Wesleyan    G    Sr.    St. Charles, Ill./East
Allison Pearson    North Central    G    Jr.     Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West
Emily Czuhajewski    North Park    G    Jr.    Chicago, Ill./Taft
Hannah Swider    Wheaton    G    Jr.    Wheaton, Ill./North
*Unanimous Selections
--
Deviating from prior seasons, there is no Coach of the Year. Really? No plausible reason for that.
Augustana and Carthage are shut out.
I'll pompously stick with my all-CCIW list.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2021, 12:04:51 PM
Congratulations to Jayla Johnson and Emily Czuhajewski!

This makes two straight years that Jayla has been a unanimous choice for first team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2021, 12:06:26 PM
Coach of the Year, should be Olivia Lett?

Glad to see Sam Munroe make the All-CCIW team.

Congrats to Riley and Kendall, too -- and esp. to Kendall for a remarkable run, the much-deserved MOP award.

Seems a very reasonable slate . . . all told.  RogK, yes, I liked your list earlier . . .

Good and strange season, farewell to all the seniors who worked so hard, gave so much.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2021, 12:27:07 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 11, 2021, 12:06:26 PM
Coach of the Year, should be Olivia Lett?

Lett or Kent Madsen. Graduation cost Wheaton the best player in the league, plus four other players who had each started at least a dozen games and averaged 18 mpg or more in 2019-20. And yet Wheaton finished at the top of the standings this season, 2 1/2 games ahead of second-place Millikin, only to be denied the opportunity to participate in the CCIW tournament because of Covid-19. That's a top-notch season of work on Kent Madsen's part. But Lett would be a good choice, too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2021, 12:29:39 PM
Coach of the Year has always been pre- conference tournament, which would point to Madsen.
But, this year's all-CCIW voting apparently includes the tournament results, so you (iwu70) could go with Lett.
The league doesn't bother explaining the deviations from all previous seasons.
Is it a permanent change to include the CCIW tournament results in consideration for all-CCIW voting?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 11, 2021, 12:38:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2021, 11:58:18 AM
the all-CCIW honors are up :
2021 Lori Kerans Most Outstanding Player -- Kendall Sosa - Illinois Wesleyan
2021 CCIW Newcomer of the Year -- Elyce Knudsen - Millikin

FIRST TEAM
Name    School    Pos.    Yr.     Hometown/H.S.
Kate Christian    Carroll    G    So.      New London, Wis./H.S.
Kendall Sosa*    Illinois Wesleyan    G    Sr.    Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community
Bailey Coffman    Millikin    F    So.    Heyworth, Ill./Bloomington Central Catholic
Jordan Hildebrand*    Millikin    F/C    Sr.    Mendon, Ill./Unity
Elyce Knudsen*    Millikin     G    Fr.    Phillo, Ill./Tolono Unity
Jayla Johnson*    North Park    F    Jr.    Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South
Hannah Williams*    Wheaton    G    Sr.    Fishers, Ind./Heritage Christian
Annie Tate*    Wheaton    G    So.    Elburn, Ill./St. Charles North

SECOND TEAM
Name    School    Pos.     Yr.    Hometown/H.S.
Elizabeth Behrndt    Carroll    F    So.    Sussex, Wis./Hamilton
Courtney O'Donnell    Elmhurst    F    Sr.    New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West
Kelly Weyrich    Elmhurst    G    Sr.    Arlington Heights, Ill./Hersey
Riley Brovelli    Illinois Wesleyan    F    Sr.    Oglesby, Ill./LaSalle-Peru
Samantha Munroe    Illinois Wesleyan    G    Sr.    St. Charles, Ill./East
Allison Pearson    North Central    G    Jr.     Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West
Emily Czuhajewski    North Park    G    Jr.    Chicago, Ill./Taft
Hannah Swider    Wheaton    G    Jr.    Wheaton, Ill./North
*Unanimous Selections
--
Deviating from prior seasons, there is no Coach of the Year. Really? No plausible reason for that.
Augustana and Carthage are shut out.
I'll pompously stick with my all-CCIW list.

I don't know RogK - total miss on Coffman is pretty big for a man of your intellect  ;) .  I am a bit surprised at her first team nod and three from MU.  I don't ever recall that, even on the men's side.  But then I don't see an obvious replacement for Coffman amongst the second teamers either.

Congratulations to Thunder ladies Annie Tate and Hannahs Williams and Swider.  Well deserved.

Looking at this list of honorees following an irregular season, I'm not sure that the names would've been much different in a full non-Covid season.  I'm also wondering why the Coach of the Year omission  . . .





Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2021, 12:51:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2021, 12:29:39 PM
Is it a permanent change to include the CCIW tournament results in consideration for all-CCIW voting?

Not likely, but I can't say that for sure.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2021, 01:41:52 PM
GoPerry, if you're going to apply "a man of your intellect" to me, you should add something between "your" and "intellect."
Something like "minimal" or "barely detectable."  ;D
I do think highly of Coffman but opted for Fox because Fox was relied on for more minutes and has improved herself to a level of all-around fine player with no significant flaws.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 11, 2021, 04:58:17 PM

I only saw Knudsen play in the championship game, but, based on that one game, I'd call her the best player in the conference.  She certainly looked like the best player on the floor to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2021, 05:35:30 PM
Hoops Fan, if you look at the season stats, over the course of the year, you will easily see that Kendall Sosa is the MOP in the CCIW this season.  Knudsen is very good, seemingly special, esp. as a freshman.  Perhaps she'll win three MOP awards now, not sure.  But, I give Kendall Sosa her due . . .

Too bad such a strange season, with all the varying number of games, schedules, and postponements, esp. for IWU.  And, Wheaton, likely the best team, and not even getting to play in the conference tournament.  Sad, but true.  A choppy strange set of games.  And, IWU played NPU four times!  But only played ten games total.  Weird.

Oh well, perhaps next season we'll have something closer to a normal season and a full schedule.  Let's hope.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 11, 2021, 05:50:08 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 11, 2021, 04:58:17 PM

I only saw Knudsen play in the championship game, but, based on that one game, I'd call her the best player in the conference.  She certainly looked like the best player on the floor to me.

I guess you should have seen the game where Sosa scored 47 at Millikin?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 11, 2021, 05:54:16 PM
Kendall Sosa: 26.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, .497 FG, .460 3-point, .889 FT

Elyce Knudsen: 18.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, .448 FG, .282 3-point, .771 FT
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on March 11, 2021, 05:58:54 PM
Regarding Wheaton and Millikin...

* Millikin lost at Wheaton by 7 in a game Millikin led for about 33 minutes.

* Millikin beat Wheaton in Decatur by 25 points.


From the games I watched, the best team in the CCIW won the conf tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2021, 07:19:44 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 11, 2021, 04:58:17 PM

I only saw Knudsen play in the championship game, but, based on that one game, I'd call her the best player in the conference.  She certainly looked like the best player on the floor to me.

Nope. Despite how Tuesday's game played out, Kendall Sosa is the best player in the conference. Actually, I suppose that it's now correct to say that she was the best player in the conference.

Quote from: Titan Q on March 11, 2021, 05:58:54 PM
Regarding Wheaton and Millikin...

* Millikin lost at Wheaton by 7 in a game Millikin led for about 33 minutes.

* Millikin beat Wheaton in Decatur by 25 points.


From the games I watched, the best team in the CCIW won the conf tournament.

Millikin also lost by 13 at North Central, a team that Wheaton swept. And Millikin never faced #3 North Park, which lost on its home floor to Wheaton (albeit in overtime). I saw both Wheaton and Millikin play multiple times, and I'm not sold at all on the thesis that Millikin is hands-down the better team. I think that MU is a bit more talented, but Wheaton is steadier. This season cried out for a rubber match between the two teams.

(That makes twice today that I've stood up for Wheaton. I feel like I need to take a shower.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 11, 2021, 09:56:01 PM
Whoa, whoa, whoa.  Did I hit the Bizarro WBB: CCIW link by mistake?  First Ryan is naming the best player in the league based on a single viewed performance.  And then Q reasons that an 8-3 team is better than an 11-1 team based on overall margin of points in a home/home head to head split.  The double bizarro capper is Greg defending the Thunder twice - himself admitting to the strangeness of that.

The Thunder did not play well in Decatur in both team's third game of the season.  Wheaton looked like a team trying to settle in multiple players finding themselves in key roles while having barely played any significant minutes in prior seasons.  They were a much better team after the NPU victory which is when Annie Tate hit her stride.  And they also won their last 3 games while dressing only 8-10 players and missing regulars Hannah Swider and Zoe Nordling.   And that single loss to the eventual champion doesn't look near as bad as MU's loss to an eventual 2-10 NCC.  On the other hand, 11-1 includes no games vs IWU, a team proven to have Wheaton's number on some big occasions.

As I posted earlier, Millikin is to be congratulated for winning the conference tournament and thus the 2021 conference championship.  But I'm certainly not willing to say that they would have beaten Wheaton in a conference championship game on Wheaton's home court.  In fact, I rather doubt it.

Elyce Knudsen had the best game on Tuesday night.  Kendall Sosa was the best player in the league this brief season.  It wouldn't be difficult to argue for her being the top player in the country although her all around game isn't quite as noteworthy.  She was certainly the top scorer in the league and country.  Knudsen was a unanimous first team All CCIW selection.  But so was Wheaton's Annie Tate who put up some pretty gaudy #s herself. The only difference between the two was Tate's 22 total minutes of prior playing time virtually none of which were in consequential moments in a game.  I think this sets up Knudsen, Tate and Jayla Johnson –another unanimous All CCIW pick- as the top players in the league come November.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2021, 11:30:47 AM
Well stated, GP. And I agree that, from this far-off vantage point looking ahead to 2021-22, the top players in the league appear to be (in alphabetical order) Jayla Johnson, Elyce Knudsen, and Annie Tate. As you mentioned, each of the three is a unanimous All-CCIW first-team pick. But they're also the only three returning unanimous All-CCIW first-team picks.

Having said that, it's important not to put excessive emphasis upon that fact. Yeah, it would've been easy to look ahead and put Jayla Johnson on that 2021-22 list coming into this just-finished season, since she'd been a unanimous All-CCIW first-teamer in 2019-20 as a sophomore and the CCIW Newcomer of the Year and a second-team selection as a freshman in 2018-19. But Annie Tate certainly wouldn't have been on the list, since, as you said, her prior contribution to the Madsenites had been negligible. And Knudsen, in spite of the fact that she had been a very hot commodity on the recruiting trail as a high-school senior, wouldn't have been on that list, either, because you just can't tell what sort of an impact even a blue-chip will have as a freshman.

All of which is to say that we don't know who will emerge from the ranks to be a dominant player in 2021-22 -- but it's a pretty sure bet that, alongside the returning three superstars (should they remain healthy and if they don't slack off), a new player or two or three will attain that unanimous-All-CCIW-first-teamer status. And we don't know who she or they are yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 18, 2021, 10:57:48 AM
Mike Krizman, the CCIW's assistant executive director and SID, has been putting together a series in recent months on outstanding CCIW women. This morning the league office released the latest iteration in the series, which is about my North Park classmate and friend Becky Johnson Djurickovic. I highly recommend that every fan of CCIW women's basketball read the article and watch Mike's interview of Becky. (https://cciw.org/news/2021/3/18/womens-basketball-cciw-women-in-athletics-series-7-becky-djurickovic-north-park-university.aspx) She was a real trailblazer in North Park women's basketball, both on the court and later as head coach, and she was a very important part of the formative years of CCIW women's basketball as a whole back in the late '80s. Listening to this interview gives a good glimpse at just how far this sport has come since our college days (which now seems like eons ago; it still blows my mind that Becky, like several of our classmates, has retired from teaching).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 18, 2021, 02:02:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 18, 2021, 10:57:48 AM
Mike Krizman, the CCIW's assistant executive director and SID, has been putting together a series in recent months on outstanding CCIW women. This morning the league office released the latest iteration in the series, which is about my North Park classmate and friend Becky Johnson Djurickovic. I highly recommend that every fan of CCIW women's basketball read the article and watch Mike's interview of Becky. (https://cciw.org/news/2021/3/18/womens-basketball-cciw-women-in-athletics-series-7-becky-djurickovic-north-park-university.aspx) She was a real trailblazer in North Park women's basketball, both on the court and later as head coach, and she was a very important part of the formative years of CCIW women's basketball as a whole back in the late '80s. Listening to this interview gives a good glimpse at just how far this sport has come since our college days (which now seems like eons ago; it still blows my mind that Becky, like several of our classmates, has retired from teaching).

Yes - good interview GS.  Knew of father-son obviously but had no idea about the mom.  What a basketball family . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 18, 2021, 10:19:17 PM
Yes, I've needled Stevie D. about the fact that the all-time gym record for assists in a game in what is now called Tarble Arena wasn't set by him ... it was set by his mother. As a member of the North Park women's team back in 1983, Becky dished out 15 dimes against the team then known as the Lady Reds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2021, 11:29:42 PM
Stephanie Kuzmanic had 17 assists in 28:00 at Tarble Arena on January 11, 2014.
That could be the local record, but I don't know for certain.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 18, 2021, 11:53:57 PM
And so she does. So she now owns the record.

Oh, well. Becky held it for over three decades, which is not too shabby.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 19, 2021, 01:17:42 PM
Kuzmanic followed the 17 assist game with a fabulous 34-8-and-8. Rebounds and assists or assists and rebounds, whichever order it's supposed to be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on April 01, 2021, 10:40:50 PM
Interesting fact about Minnesota basketball but the best mens and womans players in college basketball arguably played 25 miles apart in Minnesota.  On a concerning note  for the MIAC it looks like under 8 players of the top 100 have signed to play in the MIAC of course not all signings have been announced
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 02, 2021, 02:18:59 AM
Looks like you posted in the wrong room, Jester1390.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on April 02, 2021, 01:51:02 PM
nah it was for Rog. just showing another reason Minnesota is tops lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 02, 2021, 04:14:21 PM
Thanks Jester1390, but not necessary.
Where I access d3boards, I have it saved to the general women's basketball page, not specifically the CCIW page.
So, I can notice when recent posts are made in regard to any of the conferences.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on April 03, 2021, 02:13:20 PM
My interview with Millikin head coach Olivia Lett...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqhB0zN6DY
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 05, 2021, 09:59:10 PM
Some nice aspects of D3 :
absence of incessant and thoroughly insulting adverts on the D1 MBB broadcast (audio now on mute for my viewing)
and ...
during the pregame intro of the anthem singers, D3 people would say "courage" while we heard "courageousness" for the D1 broadcast.
Small but effective rant complete.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 07, 2021, 11:25:04 PM
Q, enjoyed the Lett interview.  Good work.  Thank you.

All best to all the chatsters here for a happy and healthy Spring.   Get that vaccine!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 08, 2021, 01:25:36 PM
Today is "All In" for IWU = April 8th.  I hope all IWU alums and friends will be supportive and make a gift generally to IWU and to the sports team or athletic endeavor of their choice.  Go TITANS!   ms  iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 21, 2021, 10:17:56 AM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa for being D3Hoops Central Region Player of the Year !
There were seven other players honored at this level nationally.
I'm way too lazy to research all the other seven in order to have an opinion on where Kendall rates among the top 8 players.
That said, good luck to her for national MVP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 21, 2021, 02:19:43 PM
Congrats to Kendall on being named Central Region Player of the Year.

Congrats to all the regional awardees. 

The new Millikin star named newcomer of the year.  Well deserved.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Next Man Up on April 25, 2021, 02:24:48 AM
CCIW COMMITMENTS

Here are some recruit commitments to CCIW schools that I have been able to uncover. I'll leave the research as to statistics, etc., to those readers/posters who might be interested in any specific player or players. Apologies if any of these names have previously been reported. Without further adieu........

Augie
Ashley Lang, PF/Downers Grove South

Carthage
Marianna Morrisey, SF/Grayslake Central
Melissa Schmidt, PF/Plainfield Central

Elmhurst
Katie Mathews, F/Glenwood HS

IWU
Abbey Spencer, Wing/Oak Park-River Forest

Millikin
Mackenzie Lind, C/Morris

North Central
Mia Gusloff, F/Prospect HS
Lexie Hernandez, G/Plainfield North

North Park
Savanna Childress, PG/Trinity HS
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 25, 2021, 06:07:23 PM
Thanks, Next Man Up.
A remaining question is how many new Hannahs will arrive for Wheaton's team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on April 25, 2021, 07:06:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 25, 2021, 06:07:23 PM
Thanks, Next Man Up.
A remaining question is how many new Hannahs will arrive for Wheaton's team.

The rumors of Wheaton having a three-Hannah minimum and wishing to count derivatives - i.e. Ana (Mooney), Annie (Tate) - toward the total has not yet been confirmed . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 26, 2021, 10:35:41 AM
Hannarchy reigns on College Avenue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on April 26, 2021, 01:44:26 PM
Let me get some bananas and don a bandana before I ponder further on all these "Hannah's". (Ba da bing!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 26, 2021, 01:57:56 PM
Donna Bandana is transferring to Carroll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on April 26, 2021, 03:03:14 PM
(Santana music playing in background. . . )
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 26, 2021, 05:06:28 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MJLi5_dyn0
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on April 28, 2021, 01:02:12 PM
Congratulations Kendall Sosa. WBCA DIII player of the year. We will truly miss you.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 28, 2021, 02:08:49 PM
Congrats to Kendall !
https://wbca.org/about/press-releases/player-year-kendall-sosa-illinois-wesleyan-headlines-2021-wbca-ncaa-division
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on April 28, 2021, 10:22:45 PM
A second pick up for Mia and the Titans. Shooting guard Mallory Powers from a 14-1 Amboy team. Per interview with Mia, two more possible recruits in the works.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 02, 2021, 07:04:54 PM
A nearly full Wheaton schedule is here :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2021-22
I count 8 nonconference and 15 CCIW contests.
North Park is set to participate in a mid-November tourney at Wheaton. I doubt they'd play each other then.
A later North Park at Wheaton game is not yet shown.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 02, 2021, 09:57:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 02, 2021, 07:04:54 PM
A nearly full Wheaton schedule is here :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2021-22
I count 8 nonconference and 15 CCIW contests.
North Park is set to participate in a mid-November tourney at Wheaton. I doubt they'd play each other then.

They won't. Next year the Beth Baker Classic will be a genuine, bona-fide classic, in the sense that classic-format tourneys have predetermined matchups for both nights while championship-format tourneys feature loser vs. loser and winner vs. winner for the second night.

Quote from: RogK on May 02, 2021, 07:04:54 PMA later North Park at Wheaton game is not yet shown.

I can't imagine that that's anything other than an oversight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 03, 2021, 02:04:05 PM
Saturday January 8 is my guess.
(for what?!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 04, 2021, 02:03:12 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa and Hannah Williams, (a few days tardy)
https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2021
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 04, 2021, 06:03:27 PM
Yet another award for Kendall Sosa  -- at IWU Graduation a few days ago, Kendall was given the University-wide academic prize for the top student in Business Administration.  Congratulations Kendall!  A true top student-athlete.  Doing it all . . .

Good luck to all the IWU and CCIW Seniors for all future endeavors.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on May 05, 2021, 09:00:28 AM
Mia Smith and the Titans have landed Lauren Huber, a 5-8 G from Glenbard East. 

As a SR, 20 ppg, 11 rpg. 1st Team All-State 4A; Daily Herald 1st Team.

All-time Glenbard East scoring leader.  High academic student-athlete.

Big one for IWU.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1UdGXUMYiE
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on May 05, 2021, 04:43:53 PM
In a recent interview, Mia said one of the possible recruits she was pursuing was "a game changer." I'm pretty sure that's her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 05, 2021, 04:57:38 PM
She seems rather good, but she'll need to adjust to the longer college court, the lengthy bus ride to Waukesha and the sardonic wit widespread among CCIW referees.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 06, 2021, 10:00:21 PM
Well, I've received approximately fewer than 2 requests for examples of the in-game wit of CCIW refs.
Here are some you may hear if you listen intently :
(1) "you call THAT dribbling?"
(2) "your uniform number reminds me of my aunt's shoe size"
(3) "you could commit a foul with those eyelashes"
(4) "I can miss more threes than that with my eyes closed"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 07, 2021, 08:07:26 PM
Huber looks like the real deal . . . Titans really will need some new scorers and she looks to fit the bill.  Lots of other returning TITANS are going to have to step up, take on scoring roles, to replace Sosa and that Senior group departing.   Not easy.  The TITANS next year will likely be a different look, perhaps even a different style of play.

Millikin the favorites, right?

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 07, 2021, 11:55:57 PM
I can't guess anything standings-wise until we see all the rosters in November.
The longer I follow college sports, the less use I have for pre-season expectations and rankings. Every team starts tied, 0 wins - 0 losses.
Allow each team a full opportunity to impress us with a new season's results on the court without contaminating it with credit or disrespect for what they did or failed to do in prior seasons.
(not directed at iwu70 or anyone else in particular!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Next Man Up on May 08, 2021, 05:17:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on May 06, 2021, 10:00:21 PM
Well, I've received approximately fewer than 2 requests for examples of the in-game wit of CCIW refs.
Here are some you may hear if you listen intently :
(1) "you call THAT dribbling?"
(2) "your uniform number reminds me of my aunt's shoe size"
(3) "you could commit a foul with those eyelashes"
(4) "I can miss more threes than that with my eyes closed"

(5) "it's the round orange thing up there!"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 08, 2021, 08:02:43 PM
Ha! That one would be cruel !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 09, 2021, 04:21:23 PM
RogK, I agree with you about pre-season predictions, not really easy to tell what is coming with a new group.

IWU will surely look different and will have to find a lot of new points, perhaps even a new style of play.  Not sure they have coming back what naturally leads to "run and jump."  Scoring will be a big issue . . . with Brovelli, Sosa and Monroe gone.  Perhaps they will find it . . . and the newbie freshman looks pretty good from trey.  But, we all know how tough it is for some HS players to adjust immediately to the faster CCIW game.  We'll see in time. Time for the junior group, to be seniors, and a few others, to really step up this coming year . . . Lansford in particular. 

I have much higher hopes for the IWU men -- a potential national championship season, with all they have coming back and coming online . . .  should be a really strong year for the men.

Happy summer, happy golfing to all.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 09, 2021, 04:32:24 PM
RogK, here's a shot in the dark . . . I know a long many months till the new season, but . . .

Likely guards:  Lansford, Eck and perhaps the new freshman
3/4s :  Bowen and Heller
5s : Kleffman and Hannah Smith

And, whomever comes up from the freshman and sophomore group of pinesitters -- lots of talent there, but never got much floor time due to the senior-heavy, very experienced starters.  I think several really good contributors will emerge from this 9-10 group of pinesitters . . . to emerge into the rotation.

Not sure Mia can use "run and jump" as much with this group -- seemingly not as athletic or quick as previous groups.  We'll see.

As I say, just a shot in the dark at this stage.

'70   

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 12, 2021, 10:14:05 PM
Q, I think you should do a long interview with Kendall Sosa, before she heads to Denver and her post-basketball, post-IWU life.  Just a thought.   

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 24, 2021, 01:38:42 PM
North Park has posted their full CCIW schedule as well as some nonconference games :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 24, 2021, 03:19:28 PM
Yep. There are obviously more non-con games to be added.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 01, 2021, 05:38:33 PM
North Park's full schedule is now posted. As I suspected regarding Wheaton's Beth Baker Classic, NPU lists it as a classic-style format, with Maryville and Otterbein as the opponents. It doesn't say which opponent the Vikings will face on which night, probably because Kent Madsen hasn't decided that yet.

On the other hand, Elmhurst will again be joining NPU in the North Park Classic, and the Bluejays are listed along with Bethany Lutheran and Rose-Hulman as one of the opposing teams. But that's probably just so that people are aware that the Bluejays will be present. I can't imagine that the tourney will not be played in a classic-style format, as it has always been whenever Elmhurst has been the fourth team filling out the field.

In addition to familiar non-con opponents Olivet, Chicago, and Dominican, the Vikings will open the season by hosting St. Catherine -- I'm pretty sure it's the first time that St. Kate's has ever visited the crackerbox -- and will usher out 2021 by hosting Mount Mary on New Year's Eve.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 02, 2021, 12:08:13 AM
Mount Mary's 2020-21 roster has a name familiar to CCIW fans :
https://mtmaryathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/newsome_alanna_7uc0
She was a rather good player for North Central in '18-'19 and '19-'20, but injuries limited her appearances on the court.
Mount Mary did not play WBB last winter.
They have a new head coach as of a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 08, 2021, 10:07:45 PM
North Central's schedule is here :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
-                                                                                                  -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 14, 2021, 01:04:42 PM
So I was riding on the Chicago Transit Authority #92 Foster Avenue bus this morning. Our Greg Sager and some other North Park guy were toward the back, discussing a Vikings player who is adept at dribbling with either hand.
Greg then blurted out, "I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 14, 2021, 05:52:52 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-P2l_vEoLtx8%2FTW8llW_J89I%2FAAAAAAAAC7M%2FmA_tqE6BgcI%2Fs400%2Frim-shot.jpg&hash=f482346f1885dedd1a568cffdb39d80a2e4626e8)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 22, 2021, 08:23:10 PM
Illinois Wesleyan's new schedule has been posted :
https://www.iwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 29, 2021, 04:17:13 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa for yet another national award, nominated to be the Honda D3 Athlete of the Year . . . I think five nominations in various sports, but no single award selectee this year, due to limited schedules and Covid disorder.  But, still, another great honor for Kendall's stellar career at IWU.

Let's hope for a full schedule, full season with fans this coming year.   Perhaps a re-building year for IWU. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 05, 2021, 01:33:51 AM
Wheaton's six newcomers :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2021/6/23/the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2021-22-season.aspx
I understand that four of them prefer to be called Hannah.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 05, 2021, 11:42:54 AM
Rog  the player from Northfield is ranked 89th in her class.  she did play for a pretty good aau team but she was with North tartan previous to that and they ar eelite but the fact they let her go if that was the case would be concerning. She did play with teamamtes both on her high school team and aau that were d1 players so she will be used and trained to high end basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 05, 2021, 12:31:03 PM
A promising talent, for certain. Thanks for the info Jester1390.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 07, 2021, 12:16:30 AM
I had a interesting discussion with a head coach and he told me that the 3 pt line for women is moving back 4 ft to the men.  it wa sintersting to hear his take about how its going to affect teams and  gameplans  what percentage of coaches wont adapt.  i think if your program that relies heavily on 3 pt shooting it may be a difficult time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on July 07, 2021, 01:00:57 AM
 It's not moving 4', only 1'4 3/4'', from 20'9" to 22'1 3/4". Still, it should make a difference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 07, 2021, 01:08:19 AM
"Four feet"?

The change is from the current distance of 20' 9" to FIBA's international standard of 22' 1 3/4". That's a move of a foot and 4 3/4 inches, not "four feet."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 07, 2021, 11:17:50 AM
thanks for the correction still a big change
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 07, 2021, 01:29:07 PM
I don't think that trey-line change would have mattered much to Kendall Sosa . . . :)

That new group at Wheaton an impressive recruiting class.  Milliken still the pre-season favorite? 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 07, 2021, 01:45:57 PM
Millikin will be better than Milliken.
I think GoPerry is saying Carroll will be the pre-season favorite.
lmitzel has North Park winning it all, hands down.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 08, 2021, 02:21:51 PM
Knew I should have said MU would be the pre-season #1.  :)   And, RogK, you say Wheaton, yes?

Pretty sure it won't be IWU -- perhaps a rebuilding year, with so much senior talent having departed.  One could be surprised, but I think not. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on July 08, 2021, 07:38:21 PM
Considering that jaw-dropping freshman class at Wheaton, the Titans may need several years to catch up unfortunately.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on July 09, 2021, 05:14:31 PM
Wheaton does have an impressive recruitment class . . . IWU didn't do badly, but just seems it is not really clear what the IWU identity will be this season . . . surely some of the role players now have to step into new and more major roles, and some of the pine-sitters of the last two years will get their chance to shine.  The talent is there, but I think how it is mixed and deployed will be very interesting to see.  MU and WC look to be very strong . . . again.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 15, 2021, 11:00:02 PM
the conference site shows a new league logo :
https://cciw.org/
the CCIW also announced a November 31 2022 deadline by which the other 7 teams must join Augustana and North Park in being called the Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 15, 2021, 11:15:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 15, 2021, 11:00:02 PM
the conference site shows a new league logo :
https://cciw.org/

They did a big reveal on Monday (https://spark.adobe.com/page/J8yFd5tgsNHTU/). Honestly, I dig it.

Quote from: RogK on July 15, 2021, 11:00:02 PM
the CCIW also announced a November 31 2022 deadline by which the other 7 teams must join Augustana and North Park in being called the Vikings.

But do we have to change our color schemes too? :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 16, 2021, 01:00:42 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on July 15, 2021, 11:15:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 15, 2021, 11:00:02 PM
the conference site shows a new league logo :
https://cciw.org/

They did a big reveal on Monday (https://spark.adobe.com/page/J8yFd5tgsNHTU/). Honestly, I dig it.

I like it, too. It's much more dynamic than the old logo -- and the line thru the new logo does something that the old logo didn't, which was to make the initials "CCIW" geographically specific. As the presser points out, the line represents the Halas-Lombardi Line, aka the Cheddar Curtain, aka the border between the land of FIBs and the land of cheeseheads.

It would've made less sense in the pre-Carroll days to make a big deal about the "and Wisconsin" part of the conference's name, since Carthage is a (barely) Wisconsin-based institution whose sports rosters have tended to be dominated by Illinoisians, but Carroll is a bona-fide Wisconsin school any way you slice the gouda.

Quote from: lmitzel on July 15, 2021, 11:15:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 15, 2021, 11:00:02 PM
the CCIW also announced a November 31 2022 deadline by which the other 7 teams must join Augustana and North Park in being called the Vikings.

But do we have to change our color schemes too? :P

Scroll down on this link and check out the school-specific versions of the new logo:

https://spark.adobe.com/page/J8yFd5tgsNHTU/

It's kind of eye-opening. It reveals that Elmhurst is pretty much committed to permanently regarding the two distinct shades of blue it's used in recent years (deep sky blue and college navy blue, to be technical about it) as EU's school colors. And it also shows the different thinking downstate; while Millikin is now using gray along with its traditional Egyptian blue instead of using white as the secondary color, Illinois Wesleyan continues to be monomaniacal in its devotion to its primary color, despite the fact that IWU has also used gray as the alternate instead of white in its uniforms and marketing.

Surprisingly, IWU is joined in its mono-hued attitude by Carroll. Carroll has traditionally used orange and navy blue as its school colors, but the navy blue is nowhere in sight here. That's in spite of the fact that navy blue is still ubiquitous in Carroll athletics as the secondary color, including in the university's mascot logo. Perhaps Carroll wanted to differentiate between itself and Wheaton, which has always used an identical orange-and navy-blue color scheme. But notice that Wheaton's is now different as well; Wheaton now pairs its navy blue with burnt orange. Perhaps this shift to a more Texas-flavored hue of orange is a tribute to former WC men's basketball superstar and Lone Star State resident Aston Francis. ;)

That leaves North Central and Carthage as the only two remaining CCIW schools that share a color scheme, the basic red-and-black by which they've both been known since time immemorial. (Both schools tend to vary a bit in terms of which specific hues of red they use, although NCC men's hoops has always favored vermilion in particular; I don't think that either school is committed to anything other than the general idea of red, though.) North Park and Augustana likewise retain their traditional colors -- royal blue and gold for North Park, navy blue and gold for Augustana -- although NPU doesn't use gold all that much anymore (lots of people refer to this color as "yellow," which has all sorts of undesirable connotations, but it ain't yellow; it's gold). Lots of NPU teams are still stuck in that tedious, outdated national sports trend of using black as the alternate color. Augie (to its credit, IMO) remains much more gold-intensive than North Park.

One other thing about the new branding. The CCIW has dumped the gray-and-black scheme for the league's logo and replaced it with a new combo of blue on top (I think that that particular hue is cerulean blue) and black on the bottom, which gives a nice, combative implication to the league. ;) (My suggestion for the league's new motto: "Bruises On the Border") If you scroll down from the school-specific versions of the new CCIW logo in the link above, you'll see the sport-specific versions of it in the new blue-and-black color scheme. One of those new logos isn't for a sport at all; instead of a ball or a playing surface it has a headset with mic. Three cheers to Mo and Mike for looking out for me and my fellow broadcasters by giving us our own logo! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on July 16, 2021, 08:14:43 PM
Gregory I wish I knew you in high school to help me with my reports.  One thing though I didn't see any footnotes listed
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on July 17, 2021, 07:46:54 AM
I can see them now-all kinds of signs on the WI-IL Border touting the "CCIW BOGO on NEW LOGO Sales-- (ba da bing!) waddya say-start near Carthage and work all the way around?

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 17, 2021, 02:35:58 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on July 16, 2021, 08:14:43 PM
Gregory I wish I knew you in high school to help me with my reports.  One thing though I didn't see any footnotes listed

I make footnotes available to my Patreon subscribers for a reasonable monthly fee.

Quote from: WLCALUM83 on July 17, 2021, 07:46:54 AM
I can see them now-all kinds of signs on the WI-IL Border touting the "CCIW BOGO on NEW LOGO Sales-- (ba da bing!) waddya say-start near Carthage and work all the way around?

It'd be nice to give northbound travelers something to discuss other than making the same old tired jokes about the Bong Recreation Area.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 02, 2021, 03:37:14 PM
Maggie McCloskey-Bax is looking for a new assistant at NCC. (https://twitter.com/nccmccloskeybax/status/1422229305992548352?s=21) Haven't looked to see if the official job posting is up yet on NCC's website.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Next Man Up on August 05, 2021, 02:57:33 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on August 02, 2021, 03:37:14 PM
Maggie McCloskey-Bax is looking for a new assistant at NCC. (https://twitter.com/nccmccloskeybax/status/1422229305992548352?s=21) Haven't looked to see if the official job posting is up yet on NCC's website.

Same staff as last year still showing on the website and no job posting up yet. Is this a replacement for Asst Coach Chandler or an addition to staff?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 07, 2021, 12:00:34 AM
Augustana's new schedule :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on August 07, 2021, 10:48:19 PM
rogk   did IWU not have any recruits their roster page for upcoming year is up and no freshman everyone is returning but it looks like no seniors from last year decided to return
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on August 07, 2021, 10:55:32 PM
Titans have four recruits that I know of. In previous years, I've noticed their practice of holding off updating the roster until well into the academic year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on August 13, 2021, 06:22:28 PM
Some schools are fortunate enough to have a JV team or have too many candidates for the varsity squad so hold off on posting the roster until after the first weeks try outs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 14, 2021, 05:23:05 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on August 13, 2021, 06:22:28 PM
Some schools are fortunate enough to have a JV team or have too many candidates for the varsity squad so hold off on posting the roster until after the first weeks try outs.

Well, that plus the fact that D3 sports information departments are typically understaffed, and their focus right now has to be on gearing up for fall sports rather than badgering winter-sport coaches for their rosters before the school year has even begun.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on August 14, 2021, 07:05:03 PM

I'm always amazed when teams post rosters before Oct 15. I've been around d3 too long to count any student athletes before they've officially practiced.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 19, 2021, 12:15:25 AM
We are all familiar with the phrase "top of the key."
Here's an early photo of Bartlett Gymnasium at the University of Chicago where the "key" shape is evident :
https://storage.lib.uchicago.edu/ucpa/series2/derivatives_series2/apf2-00630r.jpg
more info on the photo
http://photoarchive.lib.uchicago.edu/db.xqy?one=apf2-00630.xml
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2021, 01:01:38 PM
Eight newcomers join fifteen returning Big Blue players :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2021-22
Jordan Hildebrand is back, as a grad student.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 23, 2021, 04:13:22 PM
Carthage has posted their new schedule :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 30, 2021, 10:21:24 PM
the Illinois Wesleyan roster now includes four freshmen :
https://www.iwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2021-22
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 03, 2021, 01:46:17 PM
hadn't noticed this change a month ago :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2021/7/13/general-glen-brittich-named-interim-director-of-athletics.aspx
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 08, 2021, 07:52:06 PM
Lauren Hall sang the national anthem at tonight's Cubs game.
But it wasn't the famous Augustana forward; one of the other Lauren Halls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 10, 2021, 12:12:51 PM
Carroll's new schedule :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on September 13, 2021, 05:31:30 PM
Rogk   doing scouting for the upcoming  tournament  it looks like IWU loss 48 pts a game to graduation
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 13, 2021, 11:28:07 PM
Indeed, Brovelli, Lowis, Munroe and Sosa combined for 472 pts in the Titans' 10 games, accounting for 47.2 of the team 68.6 average.
This could make scouting a bit difficult, not knowing who will likely be prominent scorers in '21-'22.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 15, 2021, 09:41:41 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on September 13, 2021, 05:31:30 PM
Rogk   doing scouting for the upcoming  tournament  it looks like IWU loss 48 pts a game to graduation

My immediate thought: oh, good - so everyone but Kendall Sosa is returning! ;D 

My second thought: hold on, she was the greatest since national POY Olivia Lett, but even she didn't average 48 pts per game - just seemed like it sometimes! :P

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 15, 2021, 11:14:30 PM
Kendall did score 47 on Feb 9.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 16, 2021, 08:53:50 PM
Elmhurst's new schedule :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
I'm pleased to see several Saturday games starting at 2pm rather than 5pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 16, 2021, 09:50:37 PM
NPU has likewise gone to a 2 pm women / 4 pm men schedule for CCIW Saturday doubleheaders.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 17, 2021, 01:54:53 PM
Indeed, IWU will need to find some new scorers.  My guess is Lansford, Heller and perhaps Bowen.  Maybe the new freshman trey threat too.  It could be a work in progress early, surely a re-building year after all the key senior losses, departures, esp. Sosa.   Still looking forward, a new season, a new adventure for Coach Smith and the Titan faithful.

Much less worry on the men's side . . . a terrific group, a very large group, coming back . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on September 17, 2021, 03:12:05 PM
I agree, '70. It'll be interesting to see who moves into starting positions on the women's side. I keep wondering about Chanthaboury. She was a scoring monster in H.S., but at 5'6" (a bit short) she might get smothered in the CCIW. On the other hand, she did play in the "big school" division in H.S., so maybe she has plenty of experience in taller opponents. We'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on September 17, 2021, 08:27:47 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 17, 2021, 01:54:53 PM
Indeed, IWU will need to find some new scorers.  My guess is Lansford, Heller and perhaps Bowen.  Maybe the new freshman trey threat too.  It could be a work in progress early, surely a re-building year after all the key senior losses, departures, esp. Sosa.   Still looking forward, a new season, a new adventure for Coach Smith and the Titan faithful.

Much less worry on the men's side . . . a terrific group, a very large group, coming back . . .

IWU'70

I've been expecting big things from Catie Eck ever since she arrived.  Could this finally be her year?! :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on September 18, 2021, 09:52:34 AM
Titan women already have 3 commits for the '22 season. I don't remember seeing commits this early in the past. Seems like April is the commit month. Is anyone else seeing that trend?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 18, 2021, 10:12:22 AM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on September 18, 2021, 09:52:34 AM
Titan women already have 3 commits for the '22 season. I don't remember seeing commits this early in the past. Seems like April is the commit month. Is anyone else seeing that trend?

This is the time of year lots of d1 recruits make announcements for next year. If they're at a school with lots of teammates announcing, they may not want to be left out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 20, 2021, 01:21:58 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on September 17, 2021, 08:27:47 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 17, 2021, 01:54:53 PM
Indeed, IWU will need to find some new scorers.  My guess is Lansford, Heller and perhaps Bowen.  Maybe the new freshman trey threat too.  It could be a work in progress early, surely a re-building year after all the key senior losses, departures, esp. Sosa.   Still looking forward, a new season, a new adventure for Coach Smith and the Titan faithful.

Much less worry on the men's side . . . a terrific group, a very large group, coming back . . .

IWU'70

I've been expecting big things from Catie Eck ever since she arrived.  Could this finally be her year?! :D

Of all the kids on that roster (not having seen the new freshmen) the Eck girl is supremely talented. She is incredibly fast, incredibly long, and once she puts it all together IWU's opponents will be asking "who is that and how did they ever get HER?". She is absolutely perfect for the way IWU likes to play and could be a nightmare in that trapping chaos they create for opposing teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 20, 2021, 01:45:33 PM
Welcome back, Enginerd. I see that you last wrote here 14 months ago; seems like 15 months!
This season will provide opportunity for Eck and others to carry much of the IWU scoring load. She is an 89% career FT shooter, so she may/should look for more points there.
Of the online broadcasts I saw last season, IWU didn't do much trapping, certainly not full-court. Could be they'll return to that with a deeper rotation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on September 21, 2021, 12:00:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 20, 2021, 01:45:33 PM
Welcome back, Enginerd. I see that you last wrote here 14 months ago; seems like 15 months!
This season will provide opportunity for Eck and others to carry much of the IWU scoring load. She is an 89% career FT shooter, so she may/should look for more points there.
Of the online broadcasts I saw last season, IWU didn't do much trapping, certainly not full-court. Could be they'll return to that with a deeper rotation.

Thanks, RogK, I literally spent most of the past year out of the country with the Covid epidemic- We spend a goodly amount of time in Costa Rica each year and cannot go back anytime soon it looks like - plus I just decided to get away from my devices and screen-time for a while. I went from 8 hours per day (most would be shocked by how much time they spend looking at their devices each day) down to 3'ish and was surprised how much it helped me cognitively. Everyone should try it. I got the idea from one of my kids who is a software engineer and very up-to-date on this stuff.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 22, 2021, 12:28:02 PM
You're welcome. I've never been to Costa Rica, but heard favorable reviews from neighbors who visited there a few years ago.
It's supposed to be the nicest country anywhere between Panama and Nicaragua!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 24, 2021, 02:35:56 PM
Ypsi, yes, I also have high hopes for Eck this season, too.  She's had some great games, but is not as durable as some of the others I mentioned, esp. Lansford.  She's a great shooter, and tough from the FT line, for sure.  IWU will need the offense, with all that departed.  We'll see.  If Eck plays up to her potential and stays strong, yes, she could be IWU's leading scorer this season.  The newbies anchoring the paint are going to have to be good, esp. against bigger teams, with bigs down low.  Brovelli will be greatly missed, IMHO.  Not just Sosa and Monroe.  A new season, soon upon us . . .

The men's Jack Sikma Hall of Fame Tournament is going to be great -- four top programs coming into the Shirk early on in November.  UW Oshkosh, St. Thomas, Hope and IWU.  Really fun, really good. 

Be well, all -- stay safe, healthy and vertical.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 13, 2021, 12:47:07 AM
30 days and counting,   I see the North Park roster is up they lost 2 seniors Malloy and Newsome who played 28 and 32 min a game and averaged 11 points between them. and loss 2 freshman who didnt play much  Klikus and Burell
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 13, 2021, 01:00:36 AM
Rog what do you know of Depauw.  Rose will either play them or Wash U they dont have current roster up but they graduated 3 main players that average around 17 a game
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 13, 2021, 01:06:16 AM
on wash u looks like everyone is back but Mahler   they have 4 incoming freshman
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2021, 03:22:27 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on October 13, 2021, 12:47:07 AM
30 days and counting,   I see the North Park roster is up they lost 2 seniors Malloy and Newsome who played 28 and 32 min a game and averaged 11 points between them. and loss 2 freshman who didnt play much  Klikus and Burell

As always, I'm interested in seeing what the new freshmen will bring to the mix for NPU this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on October 13, 2021, 09:38:42 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on October 13, 2021, 01:06:16 AM
on wash u looks like everyone is back but Mahler   they have 4 incoming freshman

Was interested in Mahler during her AAU days; thought she'd be a good one in the UAA.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 13, 2021, 10:35:46 AM
Jester1390, I know nothing about the DePauw team (other than they are planning to shoot free throws Rick Barry style this season).
the North Park roster :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2021-22
Greg, I know you're disappointed by the ease of name pronunciation among the Viking newcomers. Weren't you hoping for several Thai names with 7 or 8 syllables?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2021, 11:38:51 AM
Did you check out the newly-posted NPU men's basketball roster, Rog? There's a freshman on there -- who it is is immediately obvious -- whose name is worth about three or four years' worth of pronunciation headaches all by itself.

Seriously, that name beggars the imagination of anybody outside of that young man's ethnic group
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 13, 2021, 12:17:10 PM
I see it now. The various public address announcers had better practice his name a few days ahead of time to avoid embarrassing themselves.
Incidentally, I'm a little surprised that players' weights are still shown on the male rosters. And they seem to gain or lose weight in five pound increments.
We watch the women without caring what they weigh; there's no real need to know what the guys weigh.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2021, 01:09:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 13, 2021, 12:17:10 PM
I see it now. The various public address announcers had better practice his name a few days ahead of time to avoid embarrassing themselves.
Incidentally, I'm a little surprised that players' weights are still shown on the male rosters. And they seem to gain or lose weight in five pound increments.
We watch the women without caring what they weigh; there's no real need to know what the guys weigh.

I disagree, given that the male version of college basketball is much more physical than the female version. And, in that context, the difference between a 6'5, 180 player and a 6'5, 225 player is glaring. It tells you a lot about what position they likely play and what style of game they likely play without even seeing the player in action or checking the player's stats.

(Of course, player weights for male basketball players are sometimes fudged by coaches for published roster purposes in the same way that player heights are fudged -- and I'm not just talking about the five-pound-increment phenomenon you mentioned.)

When perusing online info about NPU's recruits this off-season I was absolutely astonished to see the weight of one of Amanda Crockett's incoming freshmen listed on a well-known scouting-service site. I've never seen that before with regard to girls high-school players. It almost felt as though a taboo had been broken.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 13, 2021, 02:34:34 PM
I was in a candy store where fudge was weighed. And you note that weight can be fudged.
I just looked at a WNBA roster, which includes player weight :
https://sky.wnba.com/roster/
Their numbers are not rounded to a multiple of 5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 13, 2021, 05:40:04 PM
NCC roster is up (https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster). Fun one this year is playing the Kevin Bacon game as freshman guard Lexie Hernandez is my godparents' daughter's stepdaughter. My dad went to her grad party a few months back, noticed the NCC stuff, and made the comment about "Lucas is going to like announcing for you," given that she rewrote Plainfield North's three point record books.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2021, 11:38:51 AM
Did you check out the newly-posted NPU men's basketball roster, Rog? There's a freshman on there -- who it is is immediately obvious -- whose name is worth about three or four years' worth of pronunciation headaches all by itself.

Seriously, that name beggars the imagination of anybody outside of that young man's ethnic group

(https://aaronsoundguy.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/famous-characters-troll-face-challenge-accepted-256559.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2021, 06:26:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 13, 2021, 02:34:34 PM
I was in a candy store where fudge was weighed. And you note that weight can be fudged.
I just looked at a WNBA roster, which includes player weight :
https://sky.wnba.com/roster/
Their numbers are not rounded to a multiple of 5.

WNBA =/= girls high-school basketball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 13, 2021, 07:35:41 PM
New rosters continue to appear :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
The 'Jays have 10 freshmen to go along with a bunch of others who have not played many minutes at the collegiate level.
That translates into wide-open opportunity for playing time, but also not much favor when the league's coaches vote their standings forecast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 13, 2021, 07:59:13 PM
Ten freshmen is indeed a pretty big class. Now we'll see if Tethnie Carillo got the quality to match the quantity.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 15, 2021, 12:34:50 PM
the new Augustana list :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2021-22
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 25, 2021, 02:59:01 PM
I think the women's 3-point line is a little farther from the rim starting this season, although maybe not in the corners.
Here is a scrimmage/game box from a few days ago in which a lot of 3FGs were attempted :
https://www.onutigers.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/boxscores/20211022_rdob.xml?view=boxscore
One team shot .316 which is reasonably good. The opposing squad made only .245 of theirs, not very efficient (although 38 o-rebs helped their cause).
I assume the NAIA adopts any rules changes that the NCAA applies.
3FG percentages will likely be down this season, but we'll see to what extent.
The median team average last season was .285 (Emory&Henry ranked 138 of 275).
I guess the rules people decided that was too good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 25, 2021, 05:14:07 PM
Rog it was moved back I believe it's the same distance as the men now not 100 percent on that
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 27, 2021, 08:09:36 PM
Carroll's new roster :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
four newcomers, all freshmen
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 28, 2021, 02:56:26 PM
Preseason poll is out:

1. Millikin 63 (7)
2. Wheaton 58 (2)
t3. Illinois Wesleyan 45
t3. North Park 45
5. Carroll 34
6. Augustana 26
7. Carthage 23
8. North Central 18
9. Elmhurst 12

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on October 28, 2021, 03:11:57 PM
Interesting. I have Millikin ahead of Wheaton on my ballot.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2021, 04:59:42 PM
I'd have Millikin #1 too.  Am a bit surprised that IWU is that high at tied #3, given all they lost . . . it will surely be a different kind of team without all that offensive power and talent that was lost to graduation.   Long article on the new team in the Pgraph today, with Coach Mia Smith saying they will win with defense . . . and that offensively things will be spread all around, not concentrating on a few top scores, surely so with Sosa's 27 ppg gone.   Seems Brooke Lansford is being asked to take up the point . . . with Eck, Bowen and perhaps Heller key starters?   Lots of freshmen likely to get playing time, featuring in key ways in the rotation.   Big questions in the post, for rebounding, it would seem . . . also, questions about three point shooting.  Maybe enough there from Lansford and Eck. . . Seems Eck may be asked to be the top scorer, if consistent and durable enough. 

A new day for the IWU women's program, for sure.  Here comes the season . . .the Titans with a pretty tough pre-CCIW schedule, as usual.  Quite a few away games early on . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 28, 2021, 05:18:02 PM
I'll have a better read on NPU a few days from now, once I've seen the Vikings scrimmage. The Park lost a lot of experience in the backcourt with the graduation of Sinead Molloy and Zakiya Newsome, so Chantel Hairston is going to be expected to step up. I have heard great things about incoming G Savanna Childress, and the Vikings supposedly have augmented their interior corps with a couple of good freshman bigs, but as always I'm withholding judgment until I see them play.

The question, as it has been for the past two seasons for NPU, is whether they can find reliable secondary scorers to take some of the pressure off of Jayla Johnson. One of 'em will certainly be Emily Czuhajewski, who has established herself as being among the league's best shooters, but she's not a creator. Somebody needs to be that person who can break down defenses and open up the game for Jayla and Emily. That, more than anything else, is what I'm waiting to find out about the 2021-22 Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on October 28, 2021, 06:08:05 PM
Good stuff. Thanks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 28, 2021, 09:13:00 PM
Don't know if its true elsewhere in the midwest but in division 2 in minnesota a boatload of players have come back for their 5th year.  Obviously probably most are scholarships so there is no expense like for a d-3 player . This  might raise the ire of some but i also think its a indicator of what some of the degrees are worth post graduation and maybe a indication they dont have student loans so no need to get into the job market right away.   it would be interesting to see the percentage of D-1 players coming back
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2021, 09:30:19 PM
the Wheaton roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 29, 2021, 08:07:51 PM
there is a website that does rankings of all the teams and you can punch in who is playing who and it shows a prediction. I used this site a couple of years ago but i forgot what its called can someone help me out
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on October 29, 2021, 08:28:29 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on October 29, 2021, 08:07:51 PM
there is a website that does rankings of all the teams and you can punch in who is playing who and it shows a prediction. I used this site a couple of years ago but i forgot what its called can someone help me out

Massey ratings.  See https://masseyratings.com/cbw/ncaa-d3/ratings
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 29, 2021, 09:12:19 PM
All 430 teams listed on that site are tied with zero wins each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 29, 2021, 10:40:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 29, 2021, 09:12:19 PM
All 430 teams listed on that site are tied with zero wins each.

Rog, don't be so negative!  They are also all tied with zero losses each! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 30, 2021, 12:04:17 AM
It's a positive to be negative in the covid-19 era.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on October 30, 2021, 12:31:05 AM
massey thats  it.  Thanks so much
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 30, 2021, 10:57:52 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on October 28, 2021, 03:11:57 PM
Interesting. I have Millikin ahead of Wheaton on my ballot.

Thoughts?

You have it right Gordon.  The rest of the D3hoops pre-season voters(Thunder #11, MU #22) are just off on that or more likely just unaware? 

I still gave Wheaton the slight nod over Millikin last year.  But no doubt MU has the edge on Wheaton going in this year.  With Jordan Hildebrand deciding to come back the Big Blue have practically the same team and lost nobody in key positions.  And a more experienced Elyce Knudsen who every team will have to game for or risk getting shredded.

Wheaton, on the other hand, will need to replace 15 pts and 5 rebs/g along with leadership and grit with the graduation of Hannah Williams.  I'm not sure that Hannah Swider can significantly increase her 14 pts/g since her game is more spot up shooting.  Annie Tate will again be amongst the top two or three players in the conference but she'll need help.  Lily Schwen, Zoe Nordling, Ellie Cassell and others will get their chances.  I don't see the top 8 from last year as being locked in so a couple of the promising incoming freshman will have their chance to get in the rotation.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 30, 2021, 02:27:45 PM
...and the new Carthage roster :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Now that all 9 CCIW rosters are known, we can confidently forecast that the campuses of any two teams will be equidistant from each other.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2021, 03:39:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 30, 2021, 02:27:45 PM
...and the new Carthage roster :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Now that all 9 CCIW rosters are known, we can confidently forecast that the campuses of any two teams will be equidistant from each other.

I see that Tim Bernero has a new assistant this year. Since the new assistant coach is a male, and Tim has no other assistants listed, I think that this might be the first time that a CCIW women's basketball program has had no women on the coaching staff. At least, I can't remember any in the past.

I doubt that it means anything, but it's worth noting.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Next Man Up on October 30, 2021, 10:37:29 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2021, 03:39:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 30, 2021, 02:27:45 PM
...and the new Carthage roster :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Now that all 9 CCIW rosters are known, we can confidently forecast that the campuses of any two teams will be equidistant from each other.

I see that Tim Bernero has a new assistant this year. Since the new assistant coach is a male, and Tim has no other assistants listed, I think that this might be the first time that a CCIW women's basketball program has had no women on the coaching staff. At least, I can't remember any in the past.

I doubt that it means anything, but it's worth noting.

Sounds like an exercise/discussion in Philosophy 101. If it means nothing, is it worth mentioning?  ???  🤷🏻‍♂️
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2021, 10:59:33 PM
Sure it is. It's called "give Rog punchline material," and it's a staple of my posts in this room.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 01, 2021, 03:19:36 PM
The Carthage players have the locker room to themselves, although there could be a training staff female who would also have access.
I don't know to what extent female WBB coaches treat the locker room as the players' domain.
If halftime is waning and the players haven't emerged, one of the coaches will need to knock on the door.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 01, 2021, 07:04:09 PM
This time, rather than dish out a one-line quip, you took my setup for you in an unexpected and weirdly pragmatic direction, Rog.

You never cease to amaze. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 01, 2021, 08:12:52 PM
My best recent quip was used at Sunday's Rosemont flea market (final one of the year), where I told several sellers that I was hoping to buy 8 or 9 pounds of them (fleas) to last through the winter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2021, 06:59:28 PM
Hey Greg, whom did NPU play in their home scrimmage?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 03, 2021, 11:32:01 AM
The Vikings were supposed to play Lake Forest, but it was at minimum postponed due to a coronavirus positive among the Foresters. Since it was postponed, the idea was that it was going to be rescheduled, but if it was and the scrimmage was played, I never heard about it. If it wasn't played already, it certainly won't be now, because NPU starts its season on Friday evening in the crackerbox against St. Catherine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 04, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
Made my annual preseason run to the airplane hangar yesterday to go get pronunciations from Maggie McCloskey-Bax for Tuesday's opener against St. Mary's. Pretty straightforward roster this year.

Mood seems pretty optimistic in Naperville; I'm not saying we're going 25-0 or anything, but I think this team can hang with pretty much anyone in conference. Though someone may want to tell Mitrese Smith that her 90 points a game goal for the team is... ambitious, shall we say.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2021, 07:37:24 PM
I'm in favor of North Central averaging 90 per game.
I'd also like that amount to rank 4th or 5th in the conference!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 04, 2021, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 07:37:24 PM
I'm in favor of North Central averaging 90 per game.
I'd also like that amount to rank 4th or 5th in the conference!

I take it you are a fan of the Grinnell men! ;D

And (like me) mourn the graduation of Kendall Sosa. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PM
I haven't seen a Grinnell men's game in 15 years or more. I did see the Greenville men three years ago when they played at North Park; 266 total pts scored in that one.
As for Sosa, I think IWU tried to get maximum minutes from her in recent seasons. To that end, they did not use a hectic pace on offense or a trapping defense that would risk foul trouble or necessitate frequent subbing players out to catch their breath.
IWU may very well play faster this season, without relying on any one player for a big chunk of their scoring.
Does that make sense?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 04, 2021, 11:10:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PM
I haven't seen a Grinnell men's game in 15 years or more. I did see the Greenville men three years ago when they played at North Park; 266 total pts scored in that one.
As for Sosa, I think IWU tried to get maximum minutes from her in recent seasons. To that end, they did not use a hectic pace on offense or a trapping defense that would risk foul trouble or necessitate frequent subbing players out to catch their breath.
IWU may very well play faster this season, without relying on any one player for a big chunk of their scoring.
Does that make sense?

Very much so.  But I'm hoping that Catie Eck goes off for 40 now and then! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2021, 11:20:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PM
I haven't seen a Grinnell men's game in 15 years or more. I did see the Greenville men three years ago when they played at North Park; 266 total pts scored in that one.

Sigh. Don't remind me. I came down from my broadcaster's perch and served as the scorekeeper for that game, because North Park SID Tyler Woolbright wanted to maximize his experienced table personnel for the expected difficulties that a scorer's table encounters when working a System game. It was ridiculous. I ran out of space in my book in several different categories, including the most important one: running score. As a crew we spent the entire game ping-ponging questions like, "Who took that shot?" "Who made that basket?" "Did anybody see who got that steal?" "Can you call out the numbers of the players who just came in?" back and forth between us at the table.

The guys who regularly work the table at Grinnell and Greenville don't get paid nearly as much as they deserve. I'm certain of it.

Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PMAs for Sosa, I think IWU tried to get maximum minutes from her in recent seasons. To that end, they did not use a hectic pace on offense or a trapping defense that would risk foul trouble or necessitate frequent subbing players out to catch their breath.
IWU may very well play faster this season, without relying on any one player for a big chunk of their scoring.
Does that make sense?

Translation: Rog will not miss Kendall Sosa ... which is one more thing that we have in common. ;)

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on November 04, 2021, 11:10:57 PM
Very much so.  But I'm hoping that Catie Eck goes off for 40 now and then! ;D

Really, Chuck? That's the Titan you're promoting as a potential 40-point scorer? No offense meant to Eck, who is the best wing defender in the league, but if you're going to pick someone to fill up the bucket all night for your Greenies, perhaps you should've picked somebody who can actually shoot the ball. Eck is a career .337 shooter, and is only .186 from behind the arc through three seasons (or two-and-a-half, I guess) at Wesleyan. In ten games this past spring she went 15-55 (.273) from the field and 2-26 (.077) from downtown.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:25:03 PM
I'm willing to wager Greg's villa in Saint-Tropez that no Titan will score 40 in a game this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2021, 11:30:59 PM
If Tom schedules enough home JV games, and if Amanda schedules some as well, I may be able to pay off the mortgage on that villa.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 05, 2021, 12:55:16 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2021, 11:20:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PM
I haven't seen a Grinnell men's game in 15 years or more. I did see the Greenville men three years ago when they played at North Park; 266 total pts scored in that one.

Sigh. Don't remind me. I came down from my broadcaster's perch and served as the scorekeeper for that game, because North Park SID Tyler Woolbright wanted to maximize his experienced table personnel for the expected difficulties that a scorer's table encounters when working a System game. It was ridiculous. I ran out of space in my book in several different categories, including the most important one: running score. As a crew we spent the entire game ping-ponging questions like, "Who took that shot?" "Who made that basket?" "Did anybody see who got that steal?" "Can you call out the numbers of the players who just came in?" back and forth between us at the table.

The guys who regularly work the table at Grinnell and Greenville don't get paid nearly as much as they deserve. I'm certain of it.

Is this an advocation for back pay for five years of System ball when the NCC women ran it, because I can get behind that. Sucked though when we got to the point of only one non-conference home game a year though, so maybe it's a moot point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2021, 11:09:50 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 05, 2021, 12:55:16 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2021, 11:20:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PM
I haven't seen a Grinnell men's game in 15 years or more. I did see the Greenville men three years ago when they played at North Park; 266 total pts scored in that one.

Sigh. Don't remind me. I came down from my broadcaster's perch and served as the scorekeeper for that game, because North Park SID Tyler Woolbright wanted to maximize his experienced table personnel for the expected difficulties that a scorer's table encounters when working a System game. It was ridiculous. I ran out of space in my book in several different categories, including the most important one: running score. As a crew we spent the entire game ping-ponging questions like, "Who took that shot?" "Who made that basket?" "Did anybody see who got that steal?" "Can you call out the numbers of the players who just came in?" back and forth between us at the table.

The guys who regularly work the table at Grinnell and Greenville don't get paid nearly as much as they deserve. I'm certain of it.

Is this an advocation for back pay for five years of System ball when the NCC women ran it, because I can get behind that. Sucked though when we got to the point of only one non-conference home game a year though, so maybe it's a moot point.

With all due respect to you guys in the hangar, the pace of the game makes working the table for a men's System game several degrees of difficulty tougher than it is for a women's System game. But I don't discount the trouble that the NCC table must've had during the System era. I remember the first time that Michelle Roof brought a System Cardinals team to the crackerbox. The game ended up 102-101 in regulation, and it took two hours to play despite the lack of overtimes. (Fortunately, it was a Saturday afternoon game.) There were 63 fouls called and 77 free throws attempted. I had already moved up from the table to the broadcaster's perch by then, but I recall our StatCrew operator mentioning afterwards how hard it would've been to keep tabs on all of NCC's substitutions if the refs hadn't constantly blown their whistles to stop play and call fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 05, 2021, 12:51:40 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2021, 11:09:50 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 05, 2021, 12:55:16 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 04, 2021, 11:20:05 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 04, 2021, 11:01:18 PM
I haven't seen a Grinnell men's game in 15 years or more. I did see the Greenville men three years ago when they played at North Park; 266 total pts scored in that one.

Sigh. Don't remind me. I came down from my broadcaster's perch and served as the scorekeeper for that game, because North Park SID Tyler Woolbright wanted to maximize his experienced table personnel for the expected difficulties that a scorer's table encounters when working a System game. It was ridiculous. I ran out of space in my book in several different categories, including the most important one: running score. As a crew we spent the entire game ping-ponging questions like, "Who took that shot?" "Who made that basket?" "Did anybody see who got that steal?" "Can you call out the numbers of the players who just came in?" back and forth between us at the table.

The guys who regularly work the table at Grinnell and Greenville don't get paid nearly as much as they deserve. I'm certain of it.

Is this an advocation for back pay for five years of System ball when the NCC women ran it, because I can get behind that. Sucked though when we got to the point of only one non-conference home game a year though, so maybe it's a moot point.

With all due respect to you guys in the hangar, the pace of the game makes working the table for a men's System game several degrees of difficulty tougher than it is for a women's System game. But I don't discount the trouble that the NCC table must've had during the System era. I remember the first time that Michelle Roof brought a System Cardinals team to the crackerbox. The game ended up 102-101 in regulation, and it took two hours to play despite the lack of overtimes. (Fortunately, it was a Saturday afternoon game.) There were 63 fouls called and 77 free throws attempted. I had already moved up from the table to the broadcaster's perch by then, but I recall our StatCrew operator mentioning afterwards how hard it would've been to keep tabs on all of NCC's substitutions if the refs hadn't constantly blown their whistles to stop play and call fouls.

Having done a game against Greenville, yeah, it was definitely different. But I definitely feel the two hour-plus game pain. I feel like every night of league play we were always the last game to finish.

I'm guessing your stat crew guy never got the cheat sheet we did; Michelle and her staff always gave Drew Sauer a list of all the scripted substitutions for ease of swapping. I never really needed it; after a first year of gutting out announcing literally everyone, at Michelle's suggestion/blessing, I started only announcing everyone for the first two mass subs, then broke out my "wholesale line change" call for the rest of the night.

(My favorite of those was in one game where the full swap was slow to get off the bench and I only saw two Cardinals at the table, which threw me, so I started introducing them, and as I finish the second name I see the rest of the subs come running up, at which point I gave up and just said, "eh, it's a wholesale line change for the Cardinals.")
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2021, 01:21:10 PM
Yes, I think Ypsi is dreaming a bit on Eck scoring 40.  I'd be pleased to see consistent games by her over 20.  If I was counting on anyone on the current roster to go off with a 30+ game it might be Lansford. . .  but, we'll see.  The Titans are going to have to spread the offensive load around, perhaps even rely on some good contributions from freshmen.  Seems this team will play up tempo, relying heavily on defense and win games that are in the 50s or low 60s, a very different kind of game from recent years with Sosa-Brovelli-Munroe scoring and offense . . . etc.  I'd bet "run and jump" returns more this year. . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2021, 02:08:22 PM
Some stats for you to consider, iwu70 :
                 IWU team scoring          Sosa scoring
2017-18             83.9                          6.0
2018-19             75.2                          9.2
2019-20             74.4                         21.3
2020-21             68.6                         26.7
Also, if you expect the Titans to play "up tempo" this season, doesn't that mean an increase in possessions, therefore probably more scoring? I'd say if they don't play up tempo, they'll score in the 55-65 range a lot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2021, 03:55:00 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 05, 2021, 12:51:40 PMI'm guessing your stat crew guy never got the cheat sheet we did; Michelle and her staff always gave Drew Sauer a list of all the scripted substitutions for ease of swapping.

That was the year that Michelle instituted the System at NCC, so perhaps she wasn't doing the cheat sheet yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2021, 04:17:31 PM
NPU opens its season this evening (at the rather odd hour of 6 pm) by playing host to St. Kate's. Not having seen any scrimmages -- I'm not even sure if North Park played any -- this is one of those seasons where I'm not sure what to expect from the Vikings. There are some new players that I'm pretty intrigued about seeing for the first time, especially Savanna Childress. Mostly, though, I'm just worried about getting the feel for calling basketball again after three months of football, soccer, and volleyball, although those apprehensions tend to disappear after a couple of minutes of game play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 05, 2021, 09:29:21 PM
i was rooting for St. Catherine against North park tonight as I have a player i coached Bree Glynn pays for them. Bree has been great in college but tonight North Parks defense was able to control her and hats off to them,  i have 2 more Minnesota players i coached to play against north park.  Next will be my kid she better play well or I might not be able to come on this board.   Then our last player Grace Sikkink with Bethany who i got to help with her coach Tray Pollard   will get a shot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 05, 2021, 10:13:05 PM
North Park 68
St. Catherine 56

Esther Miller: 18 pts, 14 rebs
Jayla Johnson: 17 pts, 3 stls
Emily Czuhajewski: 11 pts
Lauren McKnight: 6 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 4:1 a:to

It was very ragged early November basketball, definitely not a game that anybody would want to paste into a scrapbook. But the Vikings nevertheless dispatched St. Kate's with a minimum of fuss. It was mostly a matter of defense, and it was good to see that even with Zakiya Newsome and Sinead Molloy gone, NPU can still ballhawk like nobody's business.

Esther Miller, who had career highs in points and rebounds, was a real revelation. She showed both a confidence and a level of execution that I've never seen from her before at the offensive end of the floor. I hope it's a precursor of great things to come. The other revelation was Chantel Hairston. She's still a work in progress, but I saw enough to be convinced that she can handle the point guard position and do well.

NPU still has a lot of room for growth, but the Vikings got off on the right foot tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2021, 10:16:04 PM
Dayzul cudjestchid kept me from attending North Park's contest tonight, so I enjoyed Greg's customarily fine webcast.
My only criticism is that when he read the ad for Jersey Mike's, he said to ask for the North Park discount, but did not address whether there is one. (ha ha)
Jester1390, did you approve of Greg's broadcast of the game?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 05, 2021, 10:59:33 PM
Millikin topped Westminster 83-63.
http://stats.ncaa.org/contests/2124863/box_score
Elyce Knudsen scored 27 from 15 FG att and 2 FT att. Pretty good, eh?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2021, 01:15:14 PM
Rog, K, thanks for the stats in the Sosa era.  Just be reminded that the '17-18 team obviously had many more talented offensive players than Ms. Sosa . . . and that during her senior year, the Titans relied quite heavily, perhaps too heavily on her scoring prowess.  The trouble I see with the current Titans is that they really don't have many players that one could consider as players with offensive prowess . . . maybe I'll be proved wrong, though my assessment is that the Titans this year will win, as much as they do, with defense, and that scoring will be even lower than the last season of 68 or so / game.  Perhaps Eck or Lansford will step up and surprise me . . . or the new freshman treyballer will come into her own early.  I know not, until I see some games of this new edition. . . I stand by the view that this will be a re-building year, difficult for the Titans to compete against WC, NPU or MU.  And, they still play a pretty tough schedule early on . . .  I hope I'm proved wrong and these Titans surprise me . . .

All best,

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 06, 2021, 07:27:51 PM
i Have watched 5 games so far but havent checked stats but on surface moving the 3 pt line back is affecting percentages
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 06, 2021, 10:30:48 PM
Carthage edged Lawrence 74-71 thanks to clutch late-game shooting by Emma Thistle, who scored 12 of her 14 pts in the final 2:36. Lauren Knight (who could guard Lauren McKnight of NPU this season) led the Firebirds with 21 pts.
-
Carroll thumped Milwaukee School Of Engineering 70-36, with Allison Thompson hitting 8/9 2FGs on her way to 17 pts, 9 rebs and 3 steals.
-
Loras dominated the 3rd Q 34-7 and rolled past Elmhurst 91-62.
-
Millikin didn't need any of their 42 2nd half points as they defeated Greenville by 43, 100-57.
Bailey Coffman and Elyce Knudsen each shot superbly : Coffman tallied 26 pts via 11 FG att and 6 FT att, while Knudsen scored 24 from 13 FG att and 3 FT att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 09, 2021, 05:05:51 PM
Elyce Knudsen scored 51 pts in 48:00 in Millikin's opening pair of games.
She also had 16 rebs, 9 assists, 2 TOs, 4 steals and a block.
She made 5/5 FTs, 8/11 3FGs and 11/17 2FGs.
For those of you who like overall FG%, it's 19/28 for .679.
For those enlightened ones who like eFG% (such as me!) it's .821 (23/28).
No CCIW Player of the Week was given yet, likely because while Millikin played twice, the rest of the league scheduled 0 or 1 game for the past weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 09, 2021, 10:00:53 PM
NCC is in the books to open the season with a 58-47 win over St. Mary's. Wasn't the prettiest outing, but NCC looked great defensively out of the gate. And thankfully the offensive drought happened in the first half, rather than the second.

14-7-6 for Allison Pearson, 10 and 11 for IxChel Leeuwenburgh, and 11 and 9 for Mitrese Smith. Ellie Deardorff paced the Belles with 19 points.

So great to be yelling in a full building again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 09, 2021, 10:06:35 PM
Wheaton 60
Ben U 53

It was most certainly a first-game-of-the-season type of performance for the Wheaton ladies.  Still, a win is a win and the Thunder will take it and work on smoothing out the rough edges.  Pre-season All American Annie Tate led all scorers with 24 pts, 13 rebs for Wheaton.  The visitors got very good contributions from two notable transfers:  5'10" jr forward Caylee Hermanson (Cal St – Chico) had 9 pts, 6 rebs while 5'10" soph guard Caroline Sikkink (Gordon) added 12 pts, 6 rebs.  These two will see plenty of playing time and add skill and size.

Ben U was led by Alex Fanning, 16 pts, 15 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 10, 2021, 10:54:35 AM
Carthage fell to UChicago 76-52 and Augustana defeated Knox 57-55, so the league went 3-1 yesterday and is 8-2 so far.
Augie's Lauren Hall led all players in her game with 20 pts and 10 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 10, 2021, 12:24:49 PM
RogK, thanks for all the updates. 

Elyce Knudsen on a tear . . .  her numbers are awesome, Sosa-esque.  Surely Ms. Knudsen the CCIW Player of the Week, likely many times this year.

IWU opens at Wittenberg this Friday.  We'll start to see what this new creation is all about . . .

Great weekend at The Shirk for the men, with the Jack Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational . . . games 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday, 4 and 6 p.m. on Saturday.  IWU, Hope, St. Thomas, and UW-Oshkosh . . . the joys of top-flight D3 hoops, early in the season.  Big Jack and tons of IWU Academic All-Americans, and other returning players, in the house.

Good luck to all the CCIW women's teams this season . . . I hope good for all, with very few injuries. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2021, 09:35:54 AM
No late-game drama last evening : Millikin cruised to a 77-49 win over Beloit while Elmhurst took one on the chin 103-73 at Aurora.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2021, 11:06:40 PM
IWU opens its season at Wittenberg in Ohio on Friday.  I'm assuming that the starting line-up includes Eck, Bowen, Lansford and Heller . . . but not sure about the situation of the TITAN bigs, replacing Brovelli.  We'll see after tomorrow what the starting line-up and the rotation starts to look like.  Seems several newbies, previous pine-sitters, even freshmen, will be in the rotation.

Good luck to the TITANS as they start the 21-22 campaign.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 12:05:48 AM
Tomorrow evening NPU will be joining Wheaton at the latter's Beth Baker Classic. The Vikings will play Otterbein while Wheaton faces Maryville on Friday, and then the two CCIW teams switch opponents on Saturday afternoon. Neither Ott nor Murvul has played a game yet this season, so I have no read on either opponent.

Under normal circumstances I'd consider taking the train out to Wheaton to watch Friday night's games in person. But this Saturday and Sunday will be chockablock full of tournament soccer at NPU that I'll be calling, so I'm going to stay in tomorrow evening and take it easy in front of the computer watching the games on Wheaton's stream.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 12, 2021, 07:37:18 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 12:05:48 AM
Tomorrow evening NPU will be joining Wheaton at the latter's Beth Baker Classic. The Vikings will play Otterbein while Wheaton faces Maryville on Friday, and then the two CCIW teams switch opponents on Saturday afternoon. Neither Ott nor Murvul has played a game yet this season, so I have no read on either opponent.

Under normal circumstances I'd consider taking the train out to Wheaton to watch Friday night's games in person. But this Saturday and Sunday will be chockablock full of tournament soccer at NPU that I'll be calling, so I'm going to stay in tomorrow evening and take it easy in front of the computer watching the games on Wheaton's stream.

Otterbein is interesting.  They went 8-4 in their shortened season and returns everybody including OAC Freshman of the year, Katie McCrary.  I guess the Vikes will see tonight.

Maryville is coming off a respectable 12-2 season but did graduate some key players. 

In any case, I expect two nights of pretty competitive games at King Arena.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2021, 01:43:41 PM
The weekend games at Wheaton are missing from the Composite Schedule on cciw.org.
And no current season stats are on the site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viS6szdHPXE
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 06:19:43 PM
C'mon, Wheaton, throw us a bone here. No live stats, no screen graphic to indicate the score. I had to wait until the wide shot showing the scoreboard at the end of the quarter before I knew what the score was.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on November 12, 2021, 06:33:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 06:19:43 PM
C'mon, Wheaton, throw us a bone here. No live stats, no screen graphic to indicate the score. I had to wait until the wide shot showing the scoreboard at the end of the quarter before I knew what the score was.
I agree 100%.  When Wheaton goes to a tournament we are always treated better with the same announcers the home team gets with stats.  If you cant treat games that Wheaton does not participate the same as they treat you maybe its time to consider cancelling tournaments.  Its your tournament.  When I watch Wheaton games in others tournaments we are nearly always treated the same as the home team.  We Wheaton fans really appreciate it.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 06:40:34 PM
The graphic is there now, so at least we can follow the score.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 07:48:59 PM
Otterbein 68
North Park 61

The Vikings lost their composure down the stretch, blowing a lead and then fading. Their case of the yips, and the fact that they couldn't hit a jumper to save their lives, cost them a winnable game against a not-all-that-great opponent. A shame, too, because NPU played really terrific defense for large stretches of the game. That's the most hopeful sign, because a defense that good is going to keep them in games, even when they're not making shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 12, 2021, 10:03:39 PM
Wheaton  58  (23/69 FG, 33.3%)
Maryville 49  (18/60, 30%)

It was a win.  The positives pretty much end there.   Ok - the Thunder were +12 on the boards including +9 (16-7) on the offensive glass.  But the Scots are not a particularly good team and Wheaton only led by 5 pts with 4 minutes remaining.

It's just the second game.  But there is not much evidence yet that anyone not named Annie Tate (22 pts, 6 rebs) can score points with any normal efficiency.  The three point shooting was an atrocious 5/29 for 17%.  The fact that they kept shooting them was mind-boggling.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2021, 10:33:34 PM
IWU led by 10 at the half vs. Wittenberg, but had a horrible 3Q and lost 68-59.   

Lansford the top scorer for IWU with 14, Eck 9.  As I feared, this Titan team is going to be challenged on the offensive end, shooting a poor percentage and not having much of a three ball threat. 

Could be a long year . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2021, 11:42:27 PM
the other CCIW results :
Mount Union over North Central 75-59;
St Norbert over Carthage 53-47 (why didn't they play the 2nd half? ha);
Hanover over Elmhurst 72-54;
Augustana 70-54 over Central (Iowa) : Gabriela Loiz 17 pts 4 stls, Lauren Hall 13 rebs 6 assists 4 stls 10 pts;
Carroll (up 51-21 at the half) 86-57 over St Mary's (Indiana) : Allison Thompson 9 rebs and 4 blocks in 18:00, Brooke Foster 17 pts, Katie Rohner 15 pts, Natalie Palzkill 15 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: matblake on November 13, 2021, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on November 12, 2021, 06:33:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 06:19:43 PM
C'mon, Wheaton, throw us a bone here. No live stats, no screen graphic to indicate the score. I had to wait until the wide shot showing the scoreboard at the end of the quarter before I knew what the score was.
I agree 100%.  When Wheaton goes to a tournament we are always treated better with the same announcers the home team gets with stats.  If you cant treat games that Wheaton does not participate the same as they treat you maybe its time to consider cancelling tournaments.  Its your tournament.  When I watch Wheaton games in others tournaments we are nearly always treated the same as the home team.  We Wheaton fans really appreciate it.

Agreed.  That's really poor and not a good look for Wheaton where in general they do a good job of broadcasting both men's and women's on campus sports outside of perhaps tennis and swimming (there might be logistical or technical reasons for those perhaps?).  If you're going to have it live streamed, do it right.  I'm going to send an e-mail to the Sports Information Department.  Seems like a good place to start to at least have the issue addressed.  This might be the only chance Maryville and Otterbein parents/fans have to interact with Wheaton. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 13, 2021, 06:51:40 PM
Quote from: matblake on November 13, 2021, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on November 12, 2021, 06:33:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 06:19:43 PM
C'mon, Wheaton, throw us a bone here. No live stats, no screen graphic to indicate the score. I had to wait until the wide shot showing the scoreboard at the end of the quarter before I knew what the score was.
I agree 100%.  When Wheaton goes to a tournament we are always treated better with the same announcers the home team gets with stats.  If you cant treat games that Wheaton does not participate the same as they treat you maybe its time to consider cancelling tournaments.  Its your tournament.  When I watch Wheaton games in others tournaments we are nearly always treated the same as the home team.  We Wheaton fans really appreciate it.

Agreed.  That's really poor and not a good look for Wheaton where in general they do a good job of broadcasting both men's and women's on campus sports outside of perhaps tennis and swimming (there might be logistical or technical reasons for those perhaps?).  If you're going to have it live streamed, do it right.  I'm going to send an e-mail to the Sports Information Department.  Seems like a good place to start to at least have the issue addressed.  This might be the only chance Maryville and Otterbein parents/fans have to interact with Wheaton.

I'm sure it wasn't Brett's fault. Something must've gone wrong that was out of his control.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 13, 2021, 06:59:34 PM
North Park 75
Maryville 66

Jayla Johnson: 30 pts, 11 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 17 pts, 8 rebs
Lauren Lee: 13 pts
Chantel Hairston: 3:1 a:to
Lauren McKnight: 3:1 a:to

Didn't see the game, but it appears that, although NPU was never able to pull away from Murvul, they were never headed, either. Good to see Jayla Johnson rounding into mid-season form, and even better to see Emily Czuhajewski finally start knocking down some treys to go with her new-found slashing attack.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 13, 2021, 09:28:29 PM
Wheaton over Otterbein 63-37.

The Thunder won the Beth Baker Classic by holding the Eagles to a mere 12 points total in the first half and cruising for the victory.  Annie Tate had 14 points, 9 rebs while Ellie Cassell contributed 13 pts and 11 rebs. 

Tate was named the tourney MVP.  Also named to the All tournament team was Wheaton's Caroline Sikkink and NPU's Jayla Johnson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2021, 09:45:07 PM
IWU gets into the win column -- IWU 75 Capital (Ohio) 67

Seems the freshpeople are really going to be a part, crash the IWU party this year.  IWU got 32 points from three freshmen:  Powers, Huber and Palmer.  That's a greatly encouraging sign. 

Lansford 17
Eck 12
Powers 13
Huber 10
Palmer 9

Seems the 5th starter is Kelly Carlson . . .

For Capitol: 
Emma Burns 21
Demi Brewer 11

Good to see the Titans put up 75. 

This team, this rotation, a work in progress.

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: matblake on November 14, 2021, 07:23:42 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 13, 2021, 06:51:40 PM
Quote from: matblake on November 13, 2021, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on November 12, 2021, 06:33:51 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2021, 06:19:43 PM
C'mon, Wheaton, throw us a bone here. No live stats, no screen graphic to indicate the score. I had to wait until the wide shot showing the scoreboard at the end of the quarter before I knew what the score was.
I agree 100%.  When Wheaton goes to a tournament we are always treated better with the same announcers the home team gets with stats.  If you cant treat games that Wheaton does not participate the same as they treat you maybe its time to consider cancelling tournaments.  Its your tournament.  When I watch Wheaton games in others tournaments we are nearly always treated the same as the home team.  We Wheaton fans really appreciate it.

Agreed.  That's really poor and not a good look for Wheaton where in general they do a good job of broadcasting both men's and women's on campus sports outside of perhaps tennis and swimming (there might be logistical or technical reasons for those perhaps?).  If you're going to have it live streamed, do it right.  I'm going to send an e-mail to the Sports Information Department.  Seems like a good place to start to at least have the issue addressed.  This might be the only chance Maryville and Otterbein parents/fans have to interact with Wheaton.

I'm sure it wasn't Brett's fault. Something must've gone wrong that was out of his control.

That is what happened.  They worked on fixing the software issue that caused the issue, but nothing worked.  They did inform NPU and Otterbein's SID's of the issue as well.  I was also impressed that he got back to me on Saturday when he had a football game, the basketball tournament, a NCAA tournament soccer game, cross country regionals, and a swim meet going on that day. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2021, 08:00:59 AM
I'm impressed, but not surprised. Brett's a pro.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 14, 2021, 02:14:44 PM
Indeed. Brett's great.

If the broadcast didn't work, I'm guessing it was a serious problem because that department is top notch.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2021, 03:04:05 PM
Also on Saturday :
Carthage stifled St Mary's (IN) 50-32, including dominance in the middle quarters 34-13.
Carroll improved to 3-0 via a 71-56 win over St Norbert; Katie Rohner tallied 19.
Augie also attained a 3-0 record as they topped Coe 79-60; among those who did well was Gabriela Loiz : 20 pts, 1 TO, 7 rebs, 4 steals and 5 assists.
IxChel Leeuwenburgh had 16 pts and 16 rebs for North Central, who sort of edged Edgewood 69-62.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2021, 03:54:32 PM
The pair of contests at Wheaton Saturday afternoon were my first in-person D3 games since the '19-'20 season.
I was again impressed by NPU's Jayla Johnson (30 pts via .568 eFG% and 100% FT, plus 11 rebs), who was plenty good in prior seasons and has improved herself further for '21-'22.
On the Friday webcast, we saw North Park center Josie Summerville sustain some type of leg injury; hopefully not a career-ender for the senior. Without her, the other Viking bigs will need to be a bit more cautious about foul trouble.
Much of the Wheaton team was new for me. It seems that many of their newcomers will be very useful. Lots of size and agility throughout the roster; it wouldn't surprise me if the Thunder become increasingly difficult for opponents to deal with as the season advances.
Annie Tate looks extremely comfortable doing just about everything on the court. It would be fun if every CCIW team had 2 or 3 players of her diversified talent.
Hannah Swider had a sharp game, including 0 turnovers handling the ball frequently in 27:00.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2021, 04:33:27 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen for receiving the initial CCIW Player of the Week honor.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 15, 2021, 08:55:36 PM
Knudsen is going to win many many more . . . 

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 16, 2021, 11:43:35 AM
Rog  Some game notes for you for North Park vs Rose this weekend

https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/documents/2021/11/15/WBB_NPUInvite_Notes_2021_22.pdf

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2021, 12:07:12 PM
Thanks for the link, Jester1390.
Definitely a height advantage for RHIT. We'll see what game plan is implemented by North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2021, 12:18:22 PM
Incidentally, Jester1390, be extra cautious when driving in Chicago.
This year we seem to have even more idiots who accelerate through the intersection several seconds after the signal has gone red.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 16, 2021, 01:40:44 PM
Looking forward to the weekend. Hein told me personally she will be good to go for the tournament so it will be interesting how it changes the dynamic even more for Rose.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 16, 2021, 11:10:07 PM
Wheaton 61         
Lakeland  50

Annie Tate 21 pts, 12 rebs
Hannah Swider 15 pts
Ellie Cassel 9 pts, 11 rebs

Kerstin Sauerbrei  16 pts
Brianna Jones, 10 pts, 8 rebs

The Thunder got off to a very solid start and led 35-21 at halftime.  But a poor scoring 3rd quarter (9 pts) allowed the Muskies to get within 7, 44-37 after 30 minutes.  The margin pretty much stayed between 7 and 10 pts the rest of the way.  The three point shooting was very bad once again but at least they limited the attempts to only 16 (made 3 for 19%, all by Swider).

After 4 games against mediocre opponents some concerning trends are emerging.  Namely, this team is offensively challenged.  The Thunder are shooting 39.4% from the field, 23% from three, 61% from the free throw line. They are averaging 60.3 pts/game, almost 8-9 pts below the average of previous seasons.  Perhaps there's some adjustment going on with two new transfers in the rotation.  But nothing is very smooth right now.  Not a top 20 team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2021, 12:02:57 AM
Depauw 71 MU 55

Mya Shannon had 31 for Depauw. 

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2021, 11:28:20 AM
Yeah, not a dazzling pair of games for a pair of the league's better teams.
Wheaton doesn't need to apologize for being 4-0, but I agree with GoPerry's analysis regarding the situation of many players not being familiar with each other.
I watched more of the Millikin webcast and was surprised by their apparent timid confusion dealing with DePauw.
Millikin made several inexplicable foolish passes as well.
Wow, just noticed that DePauw outrebounded Millikin 43-24. Coach Lett may be steamed about those numbers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 18, 2021, 08:35:27 AM
I was at a hamline vs Martin Luther game last night and someone asked why the girls play 4 quarters instead of half's why did they switch.  I didn't k ow the answer an lol d I said I k ow some salty veterans of woman's basketball that may know the answer.  My guess was it was designed to speed up the game taking away the incentive of more fouling at end of games to get one and ones
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2021, 01:57:11 PM
Jester1390, your guess makes sense. They also may have wanted definite breaks in the action to allow brief rest for media and the refs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2021, 03:27:04 PM
Wednesday featured three losses for the CCIW :
Concordia (Wisc.) 74, North Central 70
St Mary's (IN) 71, Elmhurst 70
UW Whitewater 65, Augustana 53
AUG's Hannah Simmer did well with 11 pts, 10 rebs and only 1 of their 28 TOs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2021, 03:54:28 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2021, 01:57:11 PM
Jester1390, your guess makes sense. They also may have wanted definite breaks in the action to allow brief rest for media

Rog has apparently seen me sprint to the bathroom opposite the crackerbox entrance during a quarter break.

Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2021, 03:27:04 PM
Wednesday featured three losses for the CCIW :
Concordia (Wisc.) 74, North Central 70
St Mary's (IN) 71, Elmhurst 70
UW Whitewater 65, Augustana 53
AUG's Hannah Simmer did well with 11 pts, 10 rebs and only 1 of their 28 TOs.

Despite that, the league is still 19-11 (.633) thus far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 18, 2021, 04:12:49 PM
Now urine trouble, because some wiseguy may tape an OUT OF SERVICE sign on that door.
Not me, but iwu70 would do something like that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2021, 04:41:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 18, 2021, 04:12:49 PM
Now urine trouble, because some wiseguy may tape an OUT OF SERVICE sign on that door.
Not me, but iwu70 would do something like that.

Fortunately, by his own admission he hasn't been on our campus since sometime just shortly after the Earth cooled.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2021, 08:51:58 PM
Why are you guys picking on me . . .  I never have "urine" troubles, as I had to drink tea and sit in endless meetings all over China, listening to CCP potentates . . .  so I have an iron bladder . . . and, Greg, just for your information, I've been on your campus, even attended games in your Cracker Box 3-4 times in the past five years!   Attended several IWU @NPU football games too.  I even ate at Charcoal Delights!   What more do you want???  LOL :)

IWU women vs. UW Whitewater on Saturday . . . could be ugly.  The men are off to Michigan -- @Alma and @ Calvin . . . Friday and Saturday.   I'm hoping for two Ws.

Enjoy the weekend all . . . and a restful and blessed Thanksgiving to all.

IWU'70

P.S.  Had a nice chat with Brady Rose at The Shirk the other day.  He's back from his two years playing professionally in Germany and Bulgaria . . . still hoping for another call and a return to pro basketball in Europe again soon.  Stay tuned. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2021, 09:37:19 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 18, 2021, 08:51:58 PMand, Greg, just for your information, I've been on your campus, even attended games in your Cracker Box 3-4 times in the past five years!   Attended several IWU @NPU football games too.  I even ate at Charcoal Delights!   What more do you want???  LOL :)

Wait ... wait ... wait ... you were here? You even ate at Charcoal Delights? How come you've never said anything about that before?

In fact, I distinctly remember you saying at some point several years ago that you hadn't been here since you were in college.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 19, 2021, 11:46:17 AM
Carroll is 4-0 as they beat Lawrence 77-45.
Among the many Pios who did well :
Olivia Rangel 6 steals in 24:00
Allison Thompson 5 blocks in 16:00
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2021, 01:13:34 PM
Greg, I think you are thinking of Ypsi!  LOL.

Yes, I've been to football and to basketball -- men's and women's games -- in the Cracker Box.

Always enjoy your commentary and coverage.  Keep it going.  I likely won't be getting up your way too often now . . . maybe once this season.  We'll see.  More likely to Wheaton or Elmhurst games this year.

Hope you and your family are well.  All best for a restful, festive and blessed Thanksgiving.

IWU'70


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 19, 2021, 04:06:11 PM
The Wheaton Ladies will play two SCIAC teams out west this weekend starting this afternoon against the Chapman Panthers.  Tomorrow's match will be vs the host Redlands Bulldogs.  An early road trip like this will benefit the team chemistry.

The SCIAC played no games last year so hard to assess either team.  Redlands had a 20-7 season two years ago and return a few players from that season including Sr Alyssa Downs who averaged 14.5 pts/game.  I'm not sure if Chapman will present a challenge but Redlands tomorrow likely will.  The Thunder will have to play well to go 2-0.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 19, 2021, 04:39:38 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 19, 2021, 01:13:34 PM
Greg, I think you are thinking of Ypsi!  LOL.

Yes, I've been to football and to basketball -- men's and women's games -- in the Cracker Box.

Always enjoy your commentary and coverage.  Keep it going.  I likely won't be getting up your way too often now . . . maybe once this season.  We'll see.  More likely to Wheaton or Elmhurst games this year.

Hope you and your family are well.  All best for a restful, festive and blessed Thanksgiving.

IWU'70

Entirely possible! ;D  I haven't been to the Cracker Box since 1969 or 1970.  I came to Wheaton one year for the CCIW-MIAA challenge (don't recall the year, but IIRC Kent Raymond was a freshman - too lazy to look up which year that was), then went down to B'town to see the IWU alumni game and varsity vs. can't recall whom.  Otherwise the only games I've seen involving anyone in the CCIW over the last 50 years have been a few times that IWU came up to Michigan to play, whether football or b'ball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 19, 2021, 05:57:53 PM
Ypsi, I hope you are going to see our Titans in MI. this weekend.  At Alma in a few minutes . . . and at Calvin tomorrow afternoon 3 p.m.   If you get a chance, really a great group, a strong team this year.  They are 3-0 so far with that big win in the Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational championship game over UW Oshkosh, 65-63.  That was a GREAT game with two really strong, top-25 teams.  Some think even top-10 or top-5 teams. 

Hope you are well. . . 

All best,   Mark

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2021, 09:04:32 PM
North Park 58
Rose-Hulman 48

Jayla Johnson: 16 pts, 7 rebs, 3:1 a:to, 3 stls
Emily Czuhajewski: 12 pts
Lauren Lee: 12 pts
Chantel Hairston: 6 rebs, 4:1 a:to

It was competitive until NPU managed to get low-double-digits separation down the stretch. It shouldn't have taken the Vikings that long to put the game away, quite frankly, but they were an awful 9-20 from the FT line.

The Vikings will face Bethany Lutheran tomorrow afternoon. BLC blew past Elmhurst in the second half of the early game here at the North Park Invitational.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 20, 2021, 12:21:54 AM
Thought north played very good defense.  Will say I think it was 24 fouls to 13. Including a horrible charge call in the circle and then another horrible
Moving screen but now I'm on the edge of being a whiner.  The better team won but it would be interesting if the game was at rose   Lastly when the game separated coach had his best 3 bigs on the bench with fouls trouble he had to play one of them. North like a good team took advantage of the weaker lineup and separated

One last thing. Players your are not allowed to say the f bomb on the court even celebrating that is why she got the technical. Her remark damn we swear all the time on d-1 he mom pointed out your not in d-1 anymore

Good game by Bethany after losing their starting point guard just went on a roll over elmhurst
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 20, 2021, 12:29:32 AM
Wheaton over Chapman 65-50

Annie Tate 28 pts, 14 rebs
Ellie Cassell 6 pts, 11 rebs

A little better offensively as Tate continues to carry the load.  It was only a 4 point game at 45-41 with 7 minutes remaining.  But Wheaton scored 8 unanswered to extend and pulled away from there.  Wheaton's height advantage was evident in the huge rebounding advantage of 49-26.  Once again Wheaton struggled from three, 1/13.

The Thunder will play Univ of Redlands tomorrow who beat Willamette by the same 65-50 score.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2021, 01:08:13 PM
#18 UW Whitewater at IWU this evening, 6 p.m. @The Shirk.  I'm looking forward to seeing this edition of the Titans for the first time this season in person.  The freshmen playing a major part for IWU . . .

Starters:  Lansford, Eck, Bowen, Heller and Carlson (at least so far).

GO TITANS!

IWU'70


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 20, 2021, 07:20:20 PM
NCC avenged its loss to the Concordia in Wisconsin by taking out the one in Chicago 68-57 earlier today.

I spent part of this past shortened season advocating for IxChel Leeuwenburgh to make the All-CCIW team, and she put on a show today with 22 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Mitrese Smith scored 20, and Allison Pearson chipped in 13 and 9 rebounds. Jaylene Wade paced Concordia with 20 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2021, 09:09:42 PM
North Park 74
Bethany Lutheran 67

Emily Czuhajewski: 26 pts
Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 6 rebs, 9 stls
Lauren Lee: 11 pts, 3 stls
Chantel Hairston: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Esther Miller: 3 stls
Josie Summerville: 3:0 a:to

Once again NPU wore down an opponent with strong defense, as the Vikings again created separation down the stretch and outlasted stubborn opposition. NPU pilfered 20 steals this afternoon,which more than made up for a glaring rebounding deficit.

I never expect anything from a UMAC opponent in any sport, but Bethany Lutheran (4-2) is surprisingly good. BLC, which beat #17 UW-Oshkosh last week, has a 6'0 center named Hanna Geistfeld who is a big girl but is quicker than a cat, and she has uncommonly good touch around the basket and a firm grasp of how to score with her back to the basket. She would excel in the CCIW. Unfortunately for her, the other Bethany Lutheran players couldn't make the Vikings pay when they double-teamed her down low, and that plus the lightning-fast hands of Jayla Johnson made Geistfeld's life miserable in the fourth quarter. She ended up fouling out in the final minute with a near triple-double of 30 points, 11 rebounds ... and nine turnovers.

Czuhajewski's 26 points today are a career high. She has really become a complete player. Her driving game, combined with Lauren Lee knocking down treys as well, is opening up a lot more good looks from beyond the arc than Czuhajewski was getting in previous seasons.

North Park (3-1) won't play again until the Vikings host Olivet next Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2021, 09:48:39 PM
IWU got thrashed tonight by UW Whitewater, 75-43. 

A very poor start, very poor shooting,  by the Titans, and clearly outrebounded too, by the taller, more physical Warhawks, so really not much to say about this one.  I think Brook Lansford is going to have a very long year as IWU PG, as she's really more comfortable playing the 2 or 3.  IWU just doesn't have the offensive talent that they've had in recent years, so could be a very long year. 

The one bright spot in watching this team tonight, admittedly against a very strong opponent in #18 WW, is the play of freshman Lauren Huber . . . she played well, likely was the top scorer for IWU.  With a year or two experience, she could be one of the top players in the CCIW.  IMHO.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 20, 2021, 10:39:19 PM
North Park's CCIW cohort in the NPU Tip-Off Tourney this weekend was Elmhurst, and, boy, do the Bluejays look like a mess. They fell to 0-6 on the year by dropping a 17-point decision to Bethany Lutheran yesterday and a 36-point loss to Rose-Hulman today. Aside from a one-point loss to St. Mary's (IN), a team that has lost by double digits to the three other CCIW teams it's played thus far, the closest that the Bluejays have come to an opponent was yesterday's 17-point defeat. They're giving up 25.5 turnovers per game, which opponents are scoring off of to the tune of 27.5 points per game.

Tethnie Carillo's team consists almost exclusively of freshmen and sophomores. The one truly experienced player she has, grad student Marissa Urso, has missed the the last three games, whether because of injury, illness, or whatever.

They are seriously going to struggle in CCIW play this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 20, 2021, 11:49:54 PM
Wheaton over Redlands 69-57 in a really good early season test.

This was a close and tight game for three quarters until Wheaton went on a tear and outscored the Bulldogs 28-9 in the 4th quarter.  Hannah Swider was having a nothing game until she came alive for 10 pts in the final 10 minutes including 2 treys.  Give the Wheaton ladies a lot of credit after they went down by 7 in the 4th.  They remained tough and made some plays to get back into it before extending. 

Annie Tate led all scorers with 22 puts along with 9 boards.  Ellie Cassell had a nice 12 pts, 8 reb game while Swider had the same stat line.  Redlands looked pretty good to me and I think this will end up being a quality win for Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on November 21, 2021, 02:43:37 AM
ORV Wisconsin Lutheran used outscored #22 Millikin in the second half on their way to a 66-56 win in Chicago. Big Blue have lost three straight against tough competition recently.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2021, 09:37:50 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 20, 2021, 07:20:20 PM
NCC avenged its loss to the Concordia in Wisconsin by taking out the one in Chicago 68-57 earlier today.

Hmph. It really annoys me that the local Concordia advertises itself as being "Concordia University Chicago," right down to the school's logo and URL. Newsflash, Cougars: Your school is in River Forest, not Chicago. In fact, that's what your school used to be called: Concordia University River Forest, which lent itself to the euphonious acronym "CURF".

The school's website really plays this up, too: It has all of the "close proximity to a world-class city" stuff that you see in the online and printed literature of all of the local suburban colleges and universities, which is all well and good and is to be expected. But the website definitely sells River Forest. Under the "Concordia Experience" dropdown "Life in Chicago", the headline is, "Explore a world-class city while working towards your calling. Take advantage of the educational, professional and cultural opportunities downtown Chicago has to offer, while enjoying the benefits of living in a upscale suburb [sic]." Right below that is another dropdown, "Surrounding Community", with this headline: "Step beyond campus to find unique offerings in the surrounding neighborhoods. As a student, you will enjoy the safe, charming neighborhood of River Forest that immediately surrounds Concordia University Chicago. The local communities are full of excellent restaurants, stores, entertainment facilities, public parks and many other places of interest."

Yeah, let's have our cake and eat it, too, eh? The fact of the matter is that River Forest -- which is, indeed, a beautiful and tree-lined suburb (I enjoy walking through it whenever I go to a game at Concordia or Dominican) -- is two suburbs distant from the city. To the immediate east of River Forest is Oak Park, and on the other side of Oak Park is Chicago's Austin neighborhood, one of the the most economically distressed and violent communities in the entire city. You won't find a sharper contrast anywhere in the midwest in terms of adjacent haves and have-nots than Oak Park and Austin.

I get that truth in advertising is not necessarily a thing with colleges and universities, which are in the business of selling themselves to prospective students. But it's galling that a school located in a leafy, upper-middle-class suburb (which it promotes from a campus-lifestyle point of view) bills itself generically as being a Chicago school -- especially since the nearest part of the city, a mile and a half to the east, is a place that no school would dare promote on its website.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2021, 09:48:25 AM
Despite the rough weekend that Millikin had on the South Side and the continued implosion of Elmhurst up at the opposite end of the city, the CCIW is still doing a tidy 27-16 (.628) business in non-con play thus far this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2021, 09:50:26 AM
Incidentally, congratulations to Jayla Johnson. Her nine steals against Bethany Lutheran yesterday set a new NPU single-game record, breaking the old record of eight steals, which was reached six times by five different players through the years (one of whom was Jayla herself).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2021, 01:08:00 PM
I fully agree that CUC should be Concordia Univ River Forest.
Augie had an interesting win, judging by the box score :
AUG 73, Anderson 65.
Anderson's 5'5" senior Lexi Dellinger poured in 37 pts via 6/9 3FGs, 5/8 2FGs and 9/9 FTs. That'll be among the best shooting we'll see this season in the continental U.S.
Augie prevailed thanks to another very good performance by Gabriela Loiz, who scored 20 (0/1 3FG, 7/9 2FG, 6/7 FT) and grabbed 9 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2021, 01:37:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2021, 01:08:00 PMAnderson's 5'5" senior Lexi Dellinger poured in 37 pts via 6/9 3FGs, 5/8 2FGs and 9/9 FTs. That'll be among the best shooting we'll see this season in the continental U.S.

I daresay that nobody will top it in Hawaii, either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2021, 01:41:48 PM
By the way, Greg, the league record is 27-17.
You may have relied on the standings shown on cciw dot org. They are missing one of North Central's losses.
cciw dot org also shows North Central defeating Hope on November 13.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2021, 03:28:32 PM
By the way, RogK, 27-17 is no longer accurate.
This afternoon Augustana upended Wittenberg 63-55.
Augie's Linnea Johansen tallied 20 and blocked 4 opponents' shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 21, 2021, 03:58:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2021, 01:41:48 PM
By the way, Greg, the league record is 27-17.
You may have relied on the standings shown on cciw dot org. They are missing one of North Central's losses.
cciw dot org also shows North Central defeating Hope on November 13.

What alternate timeline did I stumble into, and can I stay in it?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 21, 2021, 05:24:12 PM
Just a minor complaint. Greg does terrific job on the north park games but if your going to host a tournament the school should pay you to broadcast all the games. not having broadcasters for the non home teams kind of sucks not sure if it was the same case in elmhurst vs bethany
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2021, 05:40:50 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 21, 2021, 05:24:12 PM
Just a minor complaint. Greg does terrific job on the north park games but if your going to host a tournament the school should pay you to broadcast all the games. not having broadcasters for the non home teams kind of sucks not sure if it was the same case in elmhurst vs bethany

It has nothing to do with the school paying me or not paying me. As I told you Friday, NPU was in the sectionals of the D3 men's soccer tournament this weekend. I was therefore involved elsewhere.

I have seen lots and lots of basketball tournaments online during the streaming era of D3 hoops, and most of them do not have PBP for the neutral games. Some will give you ambient gym audio; some will mute the camera mic altogether and give you video only. But you were expecting more than what most schools deliver.

When NPU is at another school's tourney, I never expect PBP for the Vikings' neutral game. All I ask for is a score graphic and/or working live stats, so that I can track the game myself.

The D3 national tournament is another matter, of course. If you're not doing PBP for a neutral game in the big dance when you've got a national audience looking on -- in other words, a setting in which everybody from the school president on down wants to put the institution's best foot forward -- then you look bad. But that's not the case for an early-season non-conference tourney setting.

BTW, thanks for the compliment. It was nice to meet you! Good luck to your Engineers this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2021, 06:22:56 PM
Jester1390 is a unique personality, Greg.
When we were conversing on Friday, I told him that sometimes I have insomnia.
To which he replied, "well, don't lose any sleep over it!"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2021, 06:55:08 PM
Rog, did you hear the one about the dyslexic insomniac agnostic?



He tossed and turned all night, wondering if there really was a dog.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2021, 10:29:05 PM
Dang it, just saw news of the killer driver today in Waukesha. Our sympathy to that city and especially our friends at Carroll.
There's no word yet if any victim is connected to the Pioneer family; hopefully not. An awful day for everyone around there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 22, 2021, 12:52:53 AM
Greg

If it sounded like I was blaming you that's not what I meant at all.  Just been my experience in the past that all the games had announcer.  From a fans standpoint I know for especially the older folks on my family it can be hard to follow a game without a commentator.  I have always hated just a video of a game. We started a program for our local high school that students actually call games when the local cable access isn't calling a game.  I know a couple of hcac schools have students call games as they have a interest in
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2021, 11:24:49 AM
I understand. Trust me, I know that for a lot of folks who are older or who don't watch much basketball the presence of a PBP broadcaster really enhances their ability to follow the game. But, as I said, it's just not the usual practice in D3 to have a neutral game PBP. D3 game managers typically have to scramble just to make sure that their various essential personnel needs -- table staff, security, etc. -- are covered as it is on a tournament day, particularly if there are other sporting events going on. In fact, I nearly had to serve as official scorer for the Elmhurst vs. Rose-Hulman game on Saturday, because the original person scheduled to book the game tested positive for COVID-19 the night before. Fortunately, one of the NPU assistant coaches was willing to step in at the last minute and keep book for your daughter's game.

This tendency to not have PBP during tourneys for neutral games is true of schools that have student broadcasters as well. The weekend before last, NPU filled the role at Wheaton's home tournament that Elmhurst filled at North Park's. And Wheaton, which uses student broadcasters, did not have PBP for North Park's games. I was perfectly all right with that; as I said yesterday, I never expected Wheaton to provide it. It's not customary.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2021, 03:57:36 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Annie Tate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2021, 07:22:25 PM
A quick glance at 5-1 Augustana's stats reveals a nice start to the college career of 5'7" Emma Berg.
Scoring 5 to 10 pts in each game so far, she has made 10/27 3FGs (37%, the equivalent of 56% on 2FGs).
She's done even better closer to the hoop, hitting 7 of 10 2FGs.
Hasn't missed a free throw either (ha ha -- 0 for 0).
Reasonable numbers in other categories : 17 rebs and only 1 foul in 134 min, 9 assists and 10 TOs, 2 steals, 2 blocks.
I'm sure opposing coaches are already taking notice as they study Augie.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2021, 06:04:23 PM
Through four games, Carroll has used three players 5'10" or taller.
They are all shooting over 70% from the field!
Lauren Soyke : 5/7 2FG and 1/1 3FG for a .750 FG%
Allison Thompson : 19/26 (all 2FGs) for .731
Elizabeth Behrndt : 15/21 (all 2FGs) for .714
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 23, 2021, 07:17:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 23, 2021, 06:04:23 PM
Through four games, Carroll has used three players 5'10" or taller.
They are all shooting over 70% from the field!
Lauren Soyke : 5/7 2FG and 1/1 3FG for a .750 FG%
Allison Thompson : 19/26 (all 2FGs) for .731
Elizabeth Behrndt : 15/21 (all 2FGs) for .714

With efficiency like that Rog, you would think they'd be undefeated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 23, 2021, 07:33:22 PM
One would! Yet, they've won only 4 of their 4 games so far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 23, 2021, 09:43:51 PM
Wheaton 85
Dominican  52

Hannah Swider  21 pts, 7 reb   7/9 FG, 4/4 3FG, 3/4 FT
Annie Tate  19 pts, 11 rebs
Ellie Cassel  8 pts, 9 rebs

Alisha Markley  16 pts
Sophia Warner 10 pts

The Thunder ladies got off to a slightly sluggish start but eventually found their groove and had a big scoring night.  The Thunder clear height advantage was largely responsible for the 52-22 rebound advantage. 

With a 7-0 non-con record, they will enjoy a week off before traveling to Kenosha to open CCIW play next Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 24, 2021, 03:53:06 PM
the other Tuesday CCIW action :
Carthage 87-56 over Lake Forest;
five Firebirds scored in double figures including Destiny Antoine 17 and Lauren Knight 18
North Central fell 68-63 at Benedictine in the battle of Maple Avenue;
IxChel Leeuwenburgh had 14 pts, 11 rebs and only 1 TO
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2021, 05:01:21 PM
North Park 92
Olivet 46

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 7 rebs
Lauren Lee: 16 pts (4-5 trey)
Emily Czuhajewski: 12 pts
Nicole Hansen: 7 rebs, 3 stls
Chantel Hairston: 7:0 a:to, 5 stls
Savanna Childress: 5:2 a:to, 3 stls
Lauren McKnight: 4:0 a:to
Esther Miller: 7 stls

This one was over with fairly quickly, as NPU dispatched an underskilled Olivet team with ease. The Comets turned the ball over 30 times, 25 of them courtesy of NPU steals.

The next game for the Vikings will not be nearly this easy: the Maroons of the U of C will come up the Dan Ryan next Saturday afternoon to face North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 27, 2021, 06:59:53 PM
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooh
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2021, 09:07:04 PM
Webster topped Augustana in St. Louis, 81-74. Macy Beinborn led the way in the losing effort with 22, while Gabriela Loiz added 15 points and seven boards. Hannah Simmer (16 and 10) and Lauren Hall (10 and 10) managed the unusual trick of simultaneously registering double-doubles for a losing team, as Augie crushed the Gorloks on the boards, 41-28, but lost mostly because AC turned the ball over a whopping 35 times.

Carroll cruised past Ripon at Van Male, 65-46. Katie Rohner scored 15 for the Pios, while Natalie Palzkill added 14 and Elizabeth Behrndt contribued 12 and 10.

Elmhurst finally got off the schneid with a 72-60 win at Dominican. Three Bluejays -- Marissa Mussatto, Taylor Harazin, and Morgan Collar -- scored 13 points apiece, with Mussatto and Collar double-doubling with 12 and 11 boards, respectively.

Illinois Wesleyan dropped one at home to Rose-Hulman, 69-64, despite Lauren Huber's 31 points. Mallory Powers was the only other Titan in double figures with 11, while Huber, Powers, and Kaia Bowen shared rebounding honors with seven apiece. The Titans took 14 more shots than did RHIT, courtesy of a 21-16 offensive rebounding edge and 13 fewer turnovers than the Engineers, but negated that advantage by shooting a frigid 27% from the field.

The CCIW at the moment:


Wheaton  7-0
Carroll  5-0
North Park  5-1
Augustana  5-2
Carthage  3-2
North Central  3-2
Millikin  3-3
Illinois Wesleyan  1-3
Elmhurst  1-6

That puts the league at 33-19 (.635).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2021, 05:38:44 PM
Sunday results :
Wash U StL 83-72 over IWU
Titans got 21 pts (1/1 3FG, 7/12 2FG, 4/5 FT) from Lauren Huber;
Millikin topped Illinois* 74-65
Elyce Knudsen (2/4 3FG, 7/10 2FG, 2/2 FT) scored 22, while Jordan Hildebrand had 7 steals, 8 rebs, 2 blocks and 15 pts;
Abby Ratsch, who played only 5 minutes in their previous game, did not play today; sounds like an injury.
*Illinois College
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2021, 07:49:59 PM
IWU going 0-2 this weekend at the Midwest Challenge, losing to Rose Hulman and then today to Wash U, as reported.

Mia Smith seems to be experimenting still with the rotation, the line-up, even the starters.  It's pretty clear this squad is very challenged offensively, with few real shooters, so they will have to win with defensive pressure and easy layups off of the press.  They were down 23 at the half vs. Wash U, playing mostly in the half court.  IWU just doesn't do that well, and is undersized for D3, so will struggle against teams with talented bigs.  Wash U was probably the most talented 0-4 team in the country, coming into this one.  Their first win today.  IWU won the second half via all the pressure, creating offense off of the defense.  This will surely tell them something going forward.  They had an excellent second half, making it competitive, getting within single digits at one point, before it faded again.  But, it's going to be tough for the Titans to finish above .500 for the year, perhaps in the middle of the CCIW, unless they find a better approach, and surely a better shooting percentage, some better trey shooting.  This is clearly the post-Sosa, post-Brovelli era. 

Today vs Wash U:

Huber 21
Eck 15
Palmer 12
Lansford 8 (just not finding her shot yet this season)
Heller 8 (having a stronger game today)

All the Titans in the rotation played very hard with "run and jump," with the defensive, full-court pressure.  Much better today, and really bothering Wash U in the second half. 

It seems to me like Coach Smith just might go all in on the freshmen, and truly throw them into the fire with the hope that they become wiser, stronger, and a key part of the build for the future . . .  the three freshmen are talented:  Huber, Palmer and Powers -- most especially Huber.  She'll be an all-conference player in future . . .maybe even this year.  She scored 52 points in the two games of this weekend tournament and has real basketball smarts.  The other newbies developing much slower and will need much more time to get up to CCIW levels and speed. 

This team will struggle, but the second half today I think gave them some confidence and some good ideas of how to play with the personnel and talent they have.

DePauw won the tournament, beating Rose by about 10 in the championship game this afternoon.  They look like a legit top 25 team, with good depth, some talented bigs and shot-blockers, and some great trey shooters.     

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on November 28, 2021, 09:39:34 PM
With the great teams IWU has had during much of the Mia Smith era, am I correct in assuming that this is the first time the Titans have ever finished dead last in the Midwest Challenge? 

I believe the tourney has gone by various names over the years, but has always been WashU, DePauw, and IWU, plus a fourth team that has varied over time (and has USUALLY been a 'sacrificial lamb', as the three regulars are generally national title challengers).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2021, 09:56:57 PM
Ypsi, could be.  Yes, usually Wash U, DePauw, IWU and a fourth.  This time Rose Hulman.  Rose was pretty strong this year, and likely, too, the only time Wash U came into the tourney at 0-4.  I think of these four, only DePauw really looking like a top 25 team . . . at #19 in the pre-season poll?  Some really good players on all squads, but IWU still finding its way, its identity for this year.  Mia and the team trying to figure it all out, shifting rotations, and starting lineups, trying different approaches to match the personnel, the talents and the opponents . . .  and IWU really not with as much size or talent as in the past.  The encouraging news is the three freshmen who are pretty good, especially Lauren Huber, and could be the nucleus for a pretty good team in a year or two.  This year, not so much.  IWU really needs some bigs who can rebound and score.  Bowen and Carlson play hard, but they can't match up with truly talented, offensively-minded bigs on many teams. Eck can go on streaks, but is not the consistent offensive presence needed.  Lansford hasn't found her shot yet this year, and plays the PG position now, a place for which she is not so well-suited IMHO.  IWU will be lucky to finish above .500 given the strength of schedule and the gauntlet that is the CCIW, on both sides, especially the men this year. Just from my early impressions, having seen three women's games in person now. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 12:55:58 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2021, 07:49:59 PM
DePauw won the tournament, beating Rose by about 10 in the championship game this afternoon.  They look like a legit top 25 team, with good depth, some talented bigs and shot-blockers, and some great trey shooters. 

I like the sound of that, since NPU beat Rose-Hulman by ten last weekend, too. ;) Should've beaten the Engineers by even more, except that it was an uncharacteristically clank-filled afternoon that day for the Vikings from the free-throw line. They shot .462 (12-26) from the stripe, in marked contrast to the combined .659 (58-88) they've shot in their other four games.



(No, I don't really think that the Vikings are a top 25 team ... although they're certainly not bad at all.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AM
So let me see rose stays with north park except a stretch in the 3rd when 3 starters are on the bench due to foul trouble and the foul calls heavily in npu favor and oh hey wait well if rose made more shots guess what they win.   North park played well their defense is good but to imply that rose had no business on the floor with them. You must not have been watching the game you were calling.  I will rip rose more then anyone when it's deserved and my kid is on the team.  They have plAyed thier asses of the last 2 weekends and pushed DePauw today. To belittle Them is in poor taste.  If anything I saw 4 teams this weekend that can play with almost anyone    The Huber girl is outstanding.  Washington has athletic strong and smart players.  DePauw is deep and in Rose case couldn't match their depth and eventually wore down but was still within 5 in 4th quarter.

For a bunch of engineers they played pretty damn good. Had a great time and everyone at IWU was really nice. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 12:55:58 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2021, 07:49:59 PM
DePauw won the tournament, beating Rose by about 10 in the championship game this afternoon.  They look like a legit top 25 team, with good depth, some talented bigs and shot-blockers, and some great trey shooters. 

I like the sound of that, since NPU beat Rose-Hulman by ten last weekend, too. ;) Should've beaten the Engineers by even more, except that it was an uncharacteristically clank-filled afternoon that day for the Vikings from the free-throw line. They shot .462 (12-26) from the stripe, in marked contrast to the combined .659 (58-88) they've shot in their other four games.


(No, I don't really think that the Vikings are a top 25 team ... although they're certainly not bad at all.)

Rose-Hulman did not play well-enough to win vs. North Park, period. Having said that, it was easily one of the more one-sided officiating efforts I've seen in a while. Unfortunately, you have to expect that - on the road and with an officiating crew from the CCIW or any other league - that's basketball and playing games on the road and teams across all divisions have to deal with it - that crew aren't going to see RHIT for the rest of the year and will all likely see NPU multiple times this season each. It's not intentional but predictable. I'd add that there were some fouls called/not called Saturday that likely had both RHIT AND IWU benches steaming.

Not having Hein at full-strength was a big factor as well - anyone that saw her play this weekend would agree she didn't even look like the same player - in fact had she been healthy from the beginning I think RHIT would be 4-1 right now. Jester, wasn't she injured for a while? Once she figures out RHIT's system she's going to be a real D-III talent - she was the state of California's 2018 player of the year in her (Sophomore) class and an EYBL/ Adidas All-American so it's no surprise she can play a little bit. I don't think there's any way the RHIT team that played in the Midwest Classic this weekend loses to NPU again. Jester did you see the NASTY block off the dribble that the Baum kid had vs. DePauw's best kid - Shannon - it was breathtakingly athletic and I'm not sure I've seen anyone do that to a really good player in a long time - Baum is going to be special as well - just a freshman. With Hein effectively being a freshman the Engineers' back-court will be exceptional for years, hopefully.

RHIT might not have the talent across the board that some elite teams do, but they won't back down from anyone. In fact, if RHIT hadn't completely lost their discipline in the 2nd half and forgotten how to run an offense they'd have beaten DePauw as well - the 10-1 run to start the game was no fluke. DePauw was deeper and wore them down as the game went on - and RHIT helped them out by playing pick-up basketball the last 15 minutes, at least offensively. They really were bad offensively from about the 5 minute mark in the 3rd on. I've never seen so much standing and dribbling around in my life. As for whether or not they belong there I think the only team RHIT has not beaten recently is WashU. Rose has defeated IWU twice in the past 5 years or so and defeated DePauw once - sacrificial lambs do not rise up on the alter and kill the person with the knife.

It was interesting to see that 100% of IWU's and DePauw's starters were Illinois kids - with DePauw's starters all coming from Chicago's NW suburbs - while RHIT literally has to scour the planet for kids that can get admitted, survive academically, afford the tuition (Jester, what's it costing you to send your daughter there? A lot more than her other options I'll bet), and finally, actually be able to compete against kids at schools with larger endowments and much better financial aid - I'll bet there isn't a kid on RHIT's team paying less than $35-$40,000 AFTER financial aid. It's kind of crazy seeing Illinois listed 10 times this weekend for RHIT's opponents starters while the Engineers are rolling out California (twice), Minnesota, Kansas, and Virginia. Instead of questioning whether RHIT should be included in the event, we should be asking how in the world they could possibly be as competitive as they are?

As for NPU vs. IWU, at this point in the season I think NPU might be able to squeak past the Titans, who as someone just pointed out are still trying to sort out whom they are right now. However, IWU is a bit more talented athletically and would appear to have an advantage in that they have a deeper bench.

I don't think there's any question that this is NPU's best team in a while - with some luck and continued getting to the FT line as much as they have up to this point, I could see them finishing 4th in the league, maybe 3rd(admittedly I don't know a great deal about the CCIW) - with at least one game where they beat someone they probably shouldn't like Millikin or Wheaton - especially at home. They're a good team and should be dangerous in March.

IWU takes a lot of quick, bad shots in transition that they've always been able to just shrug-off because they knew they'd turn the other team over so many times that the extra possessions would make up for it - but thus far they haven't been able to knock down enough perimeter shots to balance things out. If they'll be more judicious about their shot-selection and try not to be as frantic offensively as they try to make other teams defensively, I think they have a chance to beat some teams in the CCIW this year. I say they split with NPU and likely have at least one semi-upset over a Wheaton or Millikin and they'll be right there at the end - a team that nobody wants to have to prepare for in the CCIW Tournament.

WashU will struggle at times this year but it seems to me that the UAA is down a bit from years past - they are so talented they'd easily be a team that could get hot and win a conference tournament and snag an automatic bid - problem is the UAA doesn't have a tournament. I doubt they win the UAA but they might be the best 1-4 team in the world.

DePauw will only get better - they'll be a legit Sweet-16'ish team by March - maybe more...

I think it's still too early to determine who RHIT will be - but they sure looked like a team that could finish in the top-3 in the HCAC and be right there in March.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2021, 11:52:12 AM
It wasn't Greg who did any belittling of RHIT. All he did was note a failing on his own team's part, the missing a lot of free throws.
Had NPU made 2/3rds of their FTs (such as 17/26 or 18/26), they would have won by 15 or 16 instead of ten.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2021, 11:58:25 AM
I saw Hein only in one game. Among the things she did well was making superb passes on a couple of fast breaks.
She should be a lot of fun to watch as the season advances.
I don't think Coach Prevo wants a fast-paced offense though, so some of Hein's talent may not be fully utilized.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on November 29, 2021, 11:58:31 AM
Are there still leagues hiring their own refs? I know, on the east coast, there are general assigners that provide crews for all games across divisions in a geographic area. Around here there's nothing that could be called a conference crew.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 12:00:39 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 12:55:58 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2021, 07:49:59 PM
DePauw won the tournament, beating Rose by about 10 in the championship game this afternoon.  They look like a legit top 25 team, with good depth, some talented bigs and shot-blockers, and some great trey shooters. 

I like the sound of that, since NPU beat Rose-Hulman by ten last weekend, too. ;) Should've beaten the Engineers by even more, except that it was an uncharacteristically clank-filled afternoon that day for the Vikings from the free-throw line. They shot .462 (12-26) from the stripe, in marked contrast to the combined .659 (58-88) they've shot in their other four games.


(No, I don't really think that the Vikings are a top 25 team ... although they're certainly not bad at all.)
It was interesting to see that 100% of IWU's and DePauw's starters were Illinois kids - with DePauw's starters all coming from Chicago's NW suburbs - while RHIT literally has to scour the planet for kids that can get admitted, survive academically, afford the tuition (Jester, what's it costing you to send your daughter there? A lot more than her other options I'll bet), and finally, actually be able to compete against kids at schools with larger endowments and much better financial aid - I'll bet there isn't a kid on RHIT's team paying less than $35-$40,000 AFTER financial aid. It's kind of crazy seeing Illinois listed 10 times this weekend for RHIT's opponents starters while the Engineers are rolling out California (twice), Minnesota, Kansas, and Virginia. Instead of questioning whether RHIT should be included in the event, we should be asking how in the world they could possibly be as competitive as they are?

I'd just point out that this can work both ways.  Look at Amherst for example.  Admission selectivity is off the charts, costs are as high as anywhere, they do only need-based aid, and yet they have players from many different states and even overseas.  On the one hand makes it hard to find admittable ballplayers locally but on the other hand their academic reputation allows them to draw from a much larger geographic pool.  They also seem to draw from Ivy League recruits that may decide they don't want the D1 schedule and commitment especially when there is no athletic scholarship on the table.  I'm not sure of RHIT's admissions demographics but I know you have a very strong reputation for engineering which may help expand the geography of the pool.   In any case, nothing but accolades to any young women and men that can manage college athletics and such rigorous academics.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 12:49:56 PM
I believe every student athlete should be applauded. Of course some majors will demand more time then others and in Rose and other like schools that demand is at the highest but each player has to learn to balance their time. Not all students are as smart as the kid at Rose im certainly not but that doesnt mean a communications major isnt working just as hard.   Ill only speak for myself and my daughters experience about money. My kid was offered 2  D-2 full ride but both wanting her to red-shirt. She is the youngest in her class every year. She had numerous NAIA full ride offers and almost any D-3 program that saw her she did real well at a Brown camp and Yale camp and the Carnegie Mellon's and Vassar's and schools of that like on the east coast started recruiting her. Her test scores were not high enough to qualify for Carnagie if they saw her transcript now they would know they made a mistake.  The issue with her offers were that the only thing the majority of the schools were offering that was of a interest was nursing. She finally had decided on accepting a full ride to Simpson College A naia  school in California or if she stayed home  playing and attending at Gustavus

She had a teacher talk to her about how strong she was in stem and rose-hulman and ohio Wesleyan had been recruiting her late but she was burnt out and said she would visit rose but that was it.  So Rose was the last school out of 20 plus we visited and i had always told her when your at the right spot you will know.  For her this was the spot.   

But its not that easy for all families: Coach Prevo did a great job explaining to her that all her hard work and her families hard work had given her options to make a choice that was best for her.  That there are many players because of financial who have to go to a school and or take a major they are not 100 percent on. In our case as great as a full ride is we are in position we could pay and in the end i knew my daughter would be leaving the school with making six figures.    Engine the financial aid for grades a little better then you think and once you get them off campus even more affordable we pay about 28k a year,  Even though its a expensive school they do get the benefit of recruiting higher d-1 talent then a lot of schools  if that player wants to be a engineer that is how they got Baum.  They got Hein because the new coach said she had to miss class for practice we pay you to play not miss due to class and she was the only engineer and i can tell you my daughter would have never made it through without other engineers around her.,  In my time the last 3 years they have now gotten 4 d-1 players but 2 of them quit as the rigors of class they couldn't adjust to do both. If Nosa and Shomba were still on the team conference title guaranteed but there not so you move on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 01:56:16 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AM
So let me see rose stays with north park except a stretch in the 3rd when 3 starters are on the bench due to foul trouble and the foul calls heavily in npu favor

Sigh. Here we go ...

Most of Rose-Hulman's players spent the entire game against NPU playing defense with their hands. The Vikings are a quicker team, and the Engineers lacked sufficient mobility to stay with, or in front of, the Vikings. The ones who were mobile enough -- Peyton Miller being the outstanding example -- were victims of their own inexperience. Thus, the foul disparity.

Few things in the world of basketball irritate me more than a fan complaining about foul disparities. Officials are not paid to balance out foul calls, because there's no rule that says that parity has to be maintained in that phase of the game. With very few exceptions, the foul disparity in a game reflects which team was struggling the most to defend its opponent. This was certainly true in RHIT @ NPU a week ago.

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AMand oh hey wait well if rose made more shots guess what they win.

That's a silly comeback. The entire reason why I brought up free-throw shooting in particular is that it's the only aspect of a basketball game that only involves one team. There's no defense. There's only offense. Therefore, it's an isolated statistic.

The Engineers couldn't do a darned thing to stop North Park from shooting better at the line. The only thing that could -- and did -- stop the Vikings from performing better in that important aspect of the game (remember, NPU shot 26 free throws in that contest) were the Vikings themselves.

This works both ways, of course. What the Engineers did at the charity stripe was 100% about them and zero about North Park. RHIT shot 10-13 (.769) from the line against NPU, a very nice performance that reflects almost exactly one of the strengths of the Engineers, as they're 56-74 (.757) for the season. Incidentally, that makes the Engineers the 27th-best free-throw shooting team in all of D3 right now, and the 16th-best if you only count teams that have played at least five games. So I think it's safe to say that the Engineers wouldn't have tightened up the final score in the one aspect of the game that was squarely in their own hands.

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AMNorth park played well their defense is good but to imply that rose had no business on the floor with them.

I implied no such thing. You know what bothers me even more than fans complaining about foul disparities? People putting words in my mouth, that's what.

North Park is a better team than Rose-Hulman, and if the Vikings had shot free throws closer to their season average they would have won by 14-to-16 points rather than ten. Beating a team by 14 or 15 points does not imply that the losing team "had no business on the floor with them." Not in my book, at least. My benchmark for a blowout, which I think is a fairly common one among college basketball fans, is a 20-point margin -- and even that can be a distortion, if a team that's down by 12 or so goes into foul mode in the final two or three minutes of a game and is unproductive at it.

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AMYou must not have been watching the game you were calling.

Hmm. The game was called by the same guy of whom you said at the end of the weekend:

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 21, 2021, 05:24:12 PM
Greg does terrific job on the north park games

... or was it? Is this the college basketball play-by-play broadcaster equivalent of the famous Beatles "Paul is dead" hoax?

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AMI will rip rose more then anyone when it's deserved and my kid is on the team.  They have plAyed thier asses of the last 2 weekends and pushed DePauw today. To belittle Them is in poor taste.

"Belittle them"? I belittled nobody. If you "rip Rose more than anyone when it's deserved," then you've done far more to rip the Englneers than I ever did. They're not a bad team at all, and I never said otherwise. Heck, I'd give my eyeteeth to have Jordan Barlow on the North Park roster. She's a very good D3 center.

I said that NPU should've won that game by more than ten points. Nothing more, nothing less.

The only other thing I'll add is that I'll be rooting for the Engineers for the rest of the season, for obvious reasons, and I'll be quite happy if they win the HCAC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2021, 02:02:06 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Lauren Huber.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 02:18:44 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AMRose-Hulman did not play well-enough to win vs. North Park, period. Having said that, it was easily one of the more one-sided officiating efforts I've seen in a while.

You need to watch more games, then. ;) There was one bad call that went against RHIT but should not have and a 50/50 charge-vs.-blocking call at the edge of the charge circle that could've gone either way and ended up going in NPU's favor. That hardly constitutes "one-sided officiating" in my book. The officiating made no appreciable difference in the outcome of the game.

Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AMUnfortunately, you have to expect that - on the road and with an officiating crew from the CCIW or any other league - that's basketball and playing games on the road and teams across all divisions have to deal with it - that crew aren't going to see RHIT for the rest of the year and will all likely see NPU multiple times this season each.

Funny that you should bring that up, because I didn't recognize any of the three officials who called the game and I made a point of asking NPU's acting head coach Annie Shain about them. She replied that she knows that one of them has officiated a North Park game before, recognized the name of another but couldn't recall that person ever working a Vikings contest, and didn't know the third ref from Adam. Since there is annual turnover in the officiating pool that the CCIW uses -- and the societal shift of COVID-19 has probably increased that pool's turnover, not to mention the fact that NPU only played half of its schedule last season due to the pandemic, further reducing the opportunities for officials to work NPU games -- the fact that I didn't recognize any of the three officials from previous Vikings games and Annie only recognized one is not that hard to explain. If you're implying that familiarity with the North Park coaches and/or team thus worked in NPU's favor that day, you've misled yourself.

The other factor usually cited in an accusation of homer reffing is crowd influence. The game was attended by about fifty people, a large percentage of whom were parents or grandparents rather than students. It was what I call a "sneaker squeak game," a game played in an environment quiet enough to hear ambient noise such as the squeak of sneakers, the slap of flesh on a foul, or the hollow thwok of a basketball passing through twine. I can say with confidence that there wasn't enough influence in that handful of attendees to sway a four-year-old's decision-making, much less that of a certified college basketball official. ;)

Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AMNot having Hein at full-strength was a big factor as well - anyone that saw her play this weekend would agree she didn't even look like the same player - in fact had she been healthy from the beginning I think RHIT would be 4-1 right now. Jester, wasn't she injured for a while? Once she figures out RHIT's system she's going to be a real D-III talent - she was the state of California's 2018 player of the year in her (Sophomore) class and an EYBL/ Adidas All-American so it's no surprise she can play a little bit. I don't think there's any way the RHIT team that played in the Midwest Classic this weekend loses to NPU again.

Says you. ;) Look, we're fans. We all say stuff like this to one degree or another. It's opinion. The only thing that matters, though, is the facts. I think that North Park should've beaten Otterbein at Wheaton's Beth Baker Classic three weekends ago, and I think that the Vikings would win if they got another shot at the Cardinals. It's unlikely to happen, though, and the most important thing is that I can't prove it. It's just my opinion. Otterbein beat North Park, and that's what counts.

Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AMIt was interesting to see that 100% of IWU's and DePauw's starters were Illinois kids

That's not interesting at all, actually, from an Illinois Wesleyan point of view. (Well, everything about IWU, including the flavor of gum stuck to the sidewalk in front of the school library, interests iwu70, but that's another matter. ;)) Illinois Wesleyan, more than any other school in the CCIW, annually has the most Illinois-centric rosters in its various sports (outside of lacrosse, of course, due to the fact that the sport is still relatively new in Illinois and remains as of now undersponsored by the state's high schools). Other schools in the league are highly Illinois-centric as well -- North Central, Millikin, and Elmhurst, especially -- but IWU's typically the most monolithically Illinoisian.

DePauw's another matter, of course.

Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AM- with DePauw's starters all coming from Chicago's NW suburbs - while RHIT literally has to scour the planet for kids that can get admitted, survive academically, afford the tuition (Jester, what's it costing you to send your daughter there? A lot more than her other options I'll bet), and finally, actually be able to compete against kids at schools with larger endowments and much better financial aid - I'll bet there isn't a kid on RHIT's team paying less than $35-$40,000 AFTER financial aid. It's kind of crazy seeing Illinois listed 10 times this weekend for RHIT's opponents starters while the Engineers are rolling out California (twice), Minnesota, Kansas, and Virginia. Instead of questioning whether RHIT should be included in the event, we should be asking how in the world they could possibly be as competitive as they are?

You seem to be looking for this reaction, so I'll give it to you:

(https://www.evanstonsymphony.org/sites/default/files/node_gallery/Violin%20Section.jpg)

Look, every school has its own issues when it comes to recruiting. We get it -- RHIT has to go far and wide scouring the country for women's basketball players. I'd argue that that has more to do with the fact that girls are less inclined to pursue a STEM-oriented education; Rose-Hulman's 24/76 f:m ratio is typical of a STEM school and thus closely aligns with local D3 STEM rivals Illinois Tech and MSOE, whereas the liberal arts schools such as Illinois Wesleyan and DePauw to whom you're comparing RHIT are, like almost all liberal arts schools, majority female. Your point about tuition cost is not germane, since DePauw and IWU both cost a king's ransom to attend -- and, by the way, Rose-Hulman's endowment is larger than Illinois Wesleyan's, which means that it's larger than the endowment of every CCIW school except Wheaton.

Quote from: Enginerd on November 29, 2021, 08:33:44 AMAs for NPU vs. IWU, at this point in the season I think NPU might be able to squeak past the Titans, who as someone just pointed out are still trying to sort out whom they are right now. However, IWU is a bit more talented athletically and would appear to have an advantage in that they have a deeper bench.

I don't think there's any question that this is NPU's best team in a while - with some luck and continued getting to the FT line as much as they have up to this point, I could see them finishing 4th in the league, maybe 3rd(admittedly I don't know a great deal about the CCIW) - with at least one game where they beat someone they probably shouldn't like Millikin or Wheaton - especially at home. They're a good team and should be dangerous in March.

IWU takes a lot of quick, bad shots in transition that they've always been able to just shrug-off because they knew they'd turn the other team over so many times that the extra possessions would make up for it - but thus far they haven't been able to knock down enough perimeter shots to balance things out. If they'll be more judicious about their shot-selection and try not to be as frantic offensively as they try to make other teams defensively, I think they have a chance to beat some teams in the CCIW this year. I say they split with NPU and likely have at least one semi-upset over a Wheaton or Millikin and they'll be right there at the end - a team that nobody wants to have to prepare for in the CCIW Tournament.

No offense, Enginerd, but for someone who parenthetically admits in the midst of this CCIW assessment that you don't know a great deal about the league, you sure do make a lot of declarative statements about it. ;) I'm pretty sure that I follow CCIW women's basketball as a whole more closely than does anyone else who posts here, with the possible exception of Rog, and there's no way that I would ever make the sweeping judgments you've just made this early in the season. And one of them is just plain flat-out wrong, by the way; there is very much a question as to whether or not this is NPU's best team in awhile.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 02:20:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2021, 11:52:12 AM
It wasn't Greg who did any belittling of RHIT. All he did was note a failing on his own team's part, the missing a lot of free throws.
Had NPU made 2/3rds of their FTs (such as 17/26 or 18/26), they would have won by 15 or 16 instead of ten.

Thank you, Rog. I was in the midst of typing my lengthy rebuttal to Jester1390 when you posted this, so I didn't see it until now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:25:39 PM
I dont think he was rebutting me but engine.   Rog Huber was really talented she was the best player i saw the last 2 weekends.  she did have her left hand taped against washington so hopefully shes not to banged up
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 02:37:31 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on November 29, 2021, 11:58:31 AM
Are there still leagues hiring their own refs? I know, on the east coast, there are general assigners that provide crews for all games across divisions in a geographic area. Around here there's nothing that could be called a conference crew.

The CCIW does not assign its own refs for women's basketball. It is part of a consortium that, as you mentioned, uses a general assigner to provide crews for NCAA D1, D2, D3, and NAIA leagues in this part of the midwest. Thanks for bringing this up, as I should've mentioned this in my rebuttal to Enginerd regarding the objectivity of the officiating of the RHIT @ NPU game; it helps to explain why the officiating crew was totally unfamiliar to me and mostly unfamiliar to NPU's coach. (It's not a universal thing, though, as there is a handful of officials -- Jennifer Washo, Cody Frerking, Ashley Logan, LaRhonda Conner, and Britt White all come to mind -- whom we do see with some regularity at the crackerbox and in other CCIW gyms, and I'm assuming that locality has something to do with that.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PM
damn i had a nice long reply with brilliant points but the connection went dead and im not retyping all that . Ill just say this im not saying they lost because of refs but maybe i am lol  .   North park had 14 fouls called and i think 3 of them in the last 2 minutes when the game is decided.  They must have the best damn hands and feet in America never to be on a hip or back to always be perfect to contest a shot. You are a good announcer you do a good job of not being to bandwagon but of course your enthusiasm should be for your home team I just think you want your team to be Amherst and or hope level and i believe if NP played Rose at home it would be quiet on this page  just like it was for a day after they beat IWU

Of course the retort is well go to your own conference page but god that is death valley with only 4 of us. lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 04:36:59 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:25:39 PM
I dont think he was rebutting me but engine. 

No, I was rebutting you. You're the one who used the term "belittled" (to which Rog referred), and the matter of free throws was something that I expounded upon in my previous reply to you.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
oh ok i have been rebutted damn spent the whole day on here i need to go make money to pay for my kids school.  The hope and amherst fan is sitting here and saying what are you guys going on and on about we will destroy all of you.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:08:16 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PM
damn i had a nice long reply with brilliant points but the connection went dead and im not retyping all that .

Yeah, I've been getting that problem all day, too. Not blaming Pat, of course, but it just sucks that the technical-difficulties-please-stand-by stuff always seems to happen when I'm in the midst of a posting joust. :D

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PMIll just say this im not saying they lost because of refs but maybe i am lol  .

Dude, as the kids say these days, "Pick a lane!" ;)

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PMNorth park had 14 fouls called and i think 3 of them in the last 2 minutes when the game is decided.  They must have the best damn hands and feet in America never to be on a hip or back to always be perfect to contest a shot.

That remark just begs for a full three of these giffinatin' bad boys:

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reactiongifs.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F07%2Feye-roll.gif&hash=e8d4886f126b8b79a4d87f3395e914dc4e3042bc)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reactiongifs.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F07%2Feye-roll.gif&hash=e8d4886f126b8b79a4d87f3395e914dc4e3042bc)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reactiongifs.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F07%2Feye-roll.gif&hash=e8d4886f126b8b79a4d87f3395e914dc4e3042bc)

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PMYou are a good announcer you do a good job of not being to bandwagon but of course your enthusiasm should be for your home team I just think you want your team to be Amherst and or hope level

Oh, please. We all want our team to be "Amherst and/or Hope level." That's the whole point of fandom, isn't it? Don't act like you're tarring me with some tainted brush for wanting the same exact thing that you and Enginerd want for RHIT, that iwu70 and Ypsi want for Illinois Wesleyan, that GoPerry wants for Wheaton, etc.

One thing about me, though: As I've made abundantly clear throughout this conversation, I don't hold to some distorted view of reality in which NPU is on the same level as Amherst or Hope in women's basketball. I said this at the outset of this discussion:

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 12:55:58 AM
(No, I don't really think that the Vikings are a top 25 team ... although they're certainly not bad at all.)

I said that yesterday, I'll say it again today, and I'll keep saying it until proven otherwise, one way or the other.

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PMand i believe if NP played Rose at home it would be quiet on this page  just like it was for a day after they beat IWU

Believe in that all you like. Believe in Santa Claus if you like, too. It isn't going to change reality one way or the other.

(See how I'm keeping it seasonal?  ;))

And, by the way, as far as the "it would be quiet on this page" crack is concerned, I post after every North Park loss as well as after every North Park win. If people don't know anything else about me on d3boards.com, they know that. I'm not sure why you don't, since you do seem to spend a lot of time on this board. Which segues nicely into your last comment:

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:45:58 PMOf course the retort is well go to your own conference page but god that is death valley with only 4 of us. lol

I never told you to go back to the HCAC board, and I never will. It's not my place to do so. The board doesn't belong to me, it belongs to Pat Coleman. As far as he's concerned, and therefore as far as I am, too, this board is open to anybody who doesn't violate the terms of service. I mean, I don't entirely get why you're here to post about a team that isn't in the league and is in the CCIW's rear-view mirror now that it's played the three CCIW teams it was scheduled to play, but hey -- if you just want to post stuff about your daughter's team and you can hear the crickets chirping in the HCAC women's basketball board, and you're looking to get some eyes on your posts, we're not here to stop you. Knock yourself out. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 05:12:50 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
oh ok i have been rebutted damn spent the whole day on here i need to go make money to pay for my kids school.  The hope and amherst fan is sitting here and saying what are you guys going on and on about we will destroy all of you.

Yikes, this Hope (and Amherst) fan learned the hard way not to assume any win will come easy especially with this crowd.  Last games against RHIT were nail biters down to the wire; IWU nearly gave me a heart attack last time we played; CCIW has always been tough including a number of Wheaton games and even remembering back maybe 7-8 years when Carthage knocked Hope out of the NCAA tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:16:53 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
oh ok i have been rebutted damn spent the whole day on here i need to go make money to pay for my kids school.  The hope and amherst fan is sitting here and saying what are you guys going on and on about we will destroy all of you.

I'd prefer to think that Amherst and Hope fans are more productive with their workdays than are the likes of you and me. ;)

I also tend to doubt that Amherst and Hope fans are absorbed by this particular ping-pong match. My guess is that the number of Hope women's basketball fans who read this particular board with even a vague sort of regularity (let alone have ever posted here) can be counted on your hands, with fingers left over. And if any Amherst women's basketball fan has ever found his or her way over here to the CCIW board, then I'd like them to post here so that I can applaud them for being the d3boards.com equivalent of Ferdinand Magellan. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:21:53 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 05:12:50 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
oh ok i have been rebutted damn spent the whole day on here i need to go make money to pay for my kids school.  The hope and amherst fan is sitting here and saying what are you guys going on and on about we will destroy all of you.

Yikes, this Hope (and Amherst) fan learned the hard way not to assume any win will come easy especially with this crowd.  Last games against RHIT were nail biters down to the wire; IWU nearly gave me a heart attack last time we played; CCIW has always been tough including a number of Wheaton games and even remembering back maybe 7-8 years when Carthage knocked Hope out of the NCAA tournament.

Roundball999, as I was typing my last post I thought to myself that you were definitely the first finger I would expect to be counted when it comes to Hope fans perusing this board. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:26:39 PM
lol just pushing buttons. actually that was a dig at IWU fans i had a person who  i probably shouldn't mention make that comment to me that in the past when Iwu won there was nothing but posts about the victory'

Interesting random fact that show's i have no life  of all the regions on here. these are your top 3 oldest that have not had a post  not including a Dave OR PAT POST.

3. Region 6 posted by Ralph Turner in the Gsac in march of 2016
2. Region 4 in the NJAC posted in Mrc 2014

and the Grand prize winner
in Region 4 come on people on east coast get with it.   in the United East conference July 18 2011


on a side note there was only 10 pages on the HCAC page when i made my first appearance to chagrin of some  with this beautifully written message that now has led to 51 pages with still basically 4 of us lol


Rose
« Reply #135 on: August 14, 2019, 07:26:34 pm »

Engineer my daughter is going to play for rose can you tell me about the other teams in the conference far as who has nice gyms and cities to visit

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 29, 2021, 05:28:31 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 01:56:16 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AM
So let me see rose stays with north park except a stretch in the 3rd when 3 starters are on the bench due to foul trouble and the foul calls heavily in npu favor

Sigh. Here we go ...


Haha . . I commend you Greg.  There we so many things to rebut I wasn't sure if you would have the time to do it (or the patience to decipher the run-on sentences, tbh).  But you came through.  Nice!

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 01:56:16 PM

Few things in the world of basketball irritate me more than a fan complaining about foul disparities.


Uhh . .  '70 posting about IWU intramural floor hockey on the CCIW women's basketball board?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:08:16 PM

I never told you to go back to the HCAC board, and I never will. It's not my place to do so. The board doesn't belong to me, it belongs to Pat Coleman. As far as he's concerned, and therefore as far as I am, too, this board is open to anybody who doesn't violate the terms of service. I mean, I don't entirely get why you're here to post about a team that isn't in the league and is in the CCIW's rear-view mirror now that it's played the three CCIW teams it was scheduled to play, but hey -- if you just want to post stuff about your daughter's team and you can hear the crickets chirping in the HCAC women's basketball board, and you're looking to get some eyes on your posts, we're not here to stop you. Knock yourself out. ;)


Sure, fine.  But can we at least try to keep it to women's basketball??
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:38:27 PM
Greg the hope comment was me poking fun at us.  I thought my answer to engine was very thoughtful though and was legit not goofing around and i still  i think got smited.  One thing the announcers this weekend brought up they thought the best state for youth womans basketball was Illinois and not Indiana but here i do have experience at least 4 years ago when i stopped coaching when the kid went to college. I couldnt say 100 percent for individual even though im from Paige Bueckers era of extremely strong Minnesota girls.  It would be hard to rank between the 4 states of Iowa and Minnesota and Illinois I do think Indiana is behind those 3 states they might have better depth then Iowa but the all iowa attack teams were the real deal of course like i said been out of the picture for awhile so things might have changed but you would be a fool not to recruit from the Midwest 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 06:04:22 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:26:39 PM
lol just pushing buttons. actually that was a dig at IWU fans

Hey! That's my job! ;)

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:26:39 PMi had a person who  i probably shouldn't mention make that comment to me that in the past when Iwu won there was nothing but posts about the victory'

Pfffft, that's nothing. It doesn't take a Titans win for that to happen. Trust me, the d3boards.com community has learned more about IWU opera singers and the IWU pep band than it ever cared to. I suspect that there's some sort of Illinois Wesleyan PR slush fund that pays iwu70 by the post. ;)

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:26:39 PM
Interesting random fact that show's i have no life  of all the regions on here. these are your top 3 oldest that have not had a post  not including a Dave OR PAT POST.

3. Region 6 posted by Ralph Turner in the Gsac in march of 2016
2. Region 4 in the NJAC posted in Mrc 2014

and the Grand prize winner
in Region 4 come on people on east coast get with it.   in the United East conference July 18 2011


on a side note there was only 10 pages on the HCAC page when i made my first appearance to chagrin of some  with this beautifully written message that now has led to 51 pages with still basically 4 of us lol


Rose
« Reply #135 on: August 14, 2019, 07:26:34 pm »

Engineer my daughter is going to play for rose can you tell me about the other teams in the conference far as who has nice gyms and cities to visit

Y'know, speaking of slush funds and posting, Rog is an enterprising guy with some time on his hands and a taste for the offbeat. He might be open to posting on the HCAC board on a regular basis to get discussions going if RHIT or some other interested member school in the conference wanted to slip him some side money. ;)

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:38:27 PM
Greg the hope comment was me poking fun at us.  I thought my answer to engine was very thoughtful though and was legit not goofing around and i still  i think got smited.

It wasn't me. I'm a lover, not a smiter.

Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 05:26:39 PM
  One thing the announcers this weekend brought up they thought the best state for youth womans basketball was Illinois and not Indiana but here i do have experience at least 4 years ago when i stopped coaching when the kid went to college. I couldnt say 100 percent for individual even though im from Paige Bueckers era of extremely strong Minnesota girls.  It would be hard to rank between the 4 states of Iowa and Minnesota and Illinois I do think Indiana is behind those 3 states they might have better depth then Iowa but the all iowa attack teams were the real deal of course like i said been out of the picture for awhile so things might have changed but you would be a fool not to recruit from the Midwest 

No argument from me. I will say this, though -- there is nothing like Indiana high-school basketball. The Hoosiers syndrome is alive and well. Two of my nephews start for their school's team in Indiana, and I had the privilege to witness their season opener last Tuesday when I was at my sister's house for Thanksgiving. It seemed like the entire town was in the stands, and, just like in the movie there were old kibitzers sitting behind me who were talking about the team like it was life or death. I told the older of my two nephews, who is expected to be his team's biggest weapon this season, that I was going to start calling him "Jimmy Chitwood". Fortunately, he's such a basketball junkie that he's seen the movie and laughed at that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2021, 06:16:17 PM
I would accept only Bolivian currency.
But if I wrote too much about the HCAC, I'd worry about getting irritable vowel syndrome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on November 29, 2021, 06:28:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2021, 06:16:17 PM
I would accept only Bolivian currency.
But if I wrote too much about the HCAC, I'd worry about getting irritable vowel syndrome.

;D

Reminds me of my favorite sports nickname - there was an All-American basketball player(Bob Mlkvy) in the '50s @ Temple University in Philly. He was known as the Owl without a vowel.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 29, 2021, 06:46:35 PM
Here he is :
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/bill-mlkvy-1.html
The same site shows a Bob, but he played for Penn.
They may have been related!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 06:58:04 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:21:53 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 05:12:50 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
oh ok i have been rebutted damn spent the whole day on here i need to go make money to pay for my kids school.  The hope and amherst fan is sitting here and saying what are you guys going on and on about we will destroy all of you.

Yikes, this Hope (and Amherst) fan learned the hard way not to assume any win will come easy especially with this crowd.  Last games against RHIT were nail biters down to the wire; IWU nearly gave me a heart attack last time we played; CCIW has always been tough including a number of Wheaton games and even remembering back maybe 7-8 years when Carthage knocked Hope out of the NCAA tournament.

Roundball999, as I was typing my last post I thought to myself that you were definitely the first finger I would expect to be counted when it comes to Hope fans perusing this board. ;)

Yup, I like to follow boards around the region.  I always support regional teams (except when playing the Dutch), it's interesting to know something about the teams you might meet in noncon or postseason and of course you always want the strength of schedule and regional ranking benefits!  In any event, here's best wishes for a great season for all, health to the young ladies, and hopefully a complete season!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 07:15:03 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 29, 2021, 05:28:31 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 01:56:16 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 02:44:00 AM
So let me see rose stays with north park except a stretch in the 3rd when 3 starters are on the bench due to foul trouble and the foul calls heavily in npu favor

Sigh. Here we go ...


Haha . . I commend you Greg.  There we so many things to rebut I wasn't sure if you would have the time to do it (or the patience to decipher the run-on sentences, tbh).  But you came through.  Nice!

Thanks! Not to be self-aggrandizing or anything, but I think I should get extra credit for doing it while Pat's software was on the fritz. :D

Quote from: GoPerry on November 29, 2021, 05:28:31 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 01:56:16 PM

Few things in the world of basketball irritate me more than a fan complaining about foul disparities.


Uhh . .  '70 posting about IWU intramural floor hockey on the CCIW women's basketball board?

Shhh! Don't give him any ideas!

Quote from: GoPerry on November 29, 2021, 05:28:31 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:08:16 PM

I never told you to go back to the HCAC board, and I never will. It's not my place to do so. The board doesn't belong to me, it belongs to Pat Coleman. As far as he's concerned, and therefore as far as I am, too, this board is open to anybody who doesn't violate the terms of service. I mean, I don't entirely get why you're here to post about a team that isn't in the league and is in the CCIW's rear-view mirror now that it's played the three CCIW teams it was scheduled to play, but hey -- if you just want to post stuff about your daughter's team and you can hear the crickets chirping in the HCAC women's basketball board, and you're looking to get some eyes on your posts, we're not here to stop you. Knock yourself out. ;)


Sure, fine.  But can we at least try to keep it to women's basketball??

Whoops. Did I just get caught talking about Indiana boys high-school basketball? Perhaps I need to follow up my self-aggrandizement with some self-flagellation:

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/6-19-2015/rh-Yg3.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on November 29, 2021, 07:17:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2021, 06:46:35 PM
Here he is :
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/bill-mlkvy-1.html
The same site shows a Bob, but he played for Penn.
They may have been related!

I guess I remembered incorrectly that his name was Bob; change it to Bill. Looks like he had 1 great year(JR).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 07:27:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2021, 06:16:17 PM
I would accept only Bolivian currency.

I'd trade you my bolivianos for your dollars received, but a rogue llama ate all of my bolivianos. Fortunately, he's been apprehended ...

(https://media.wfmynews2.com/assets/WFMY/images/3cca01cf-0078-4ed4-8c59-6bc7d3dcca5b/3cca01cf-0078-4ed4-8c59-6bc7d3dcca5b_1140x641.jpg)

... although it's too late to do anything about the pilfered currency.

Quote from: ronk on November 29, 2021, 06:28:41 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 29, 2021, 06:16:17 PM
I would accept only Bolivian currency.
But if I wrote too much about the HCAC, I'd worry about getting irritable vowel syndrome.

;D

Reminds me of my favorite sports nickname - there was an All-American basketball player(Bob Mlkvy) in the '50s @ Temple University in Philly. He was known as the Owl without a vowel.

Regardless if he's Bill or Bob, "the Owl without a vowel" is a fantastic nickname.

Quote from: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 06:58:04 PM
Yup, I like to follow boards around the region.  I always support regional teams (except when playing the Dutch), it's interesting to know something about the teams you might meet in noncon or postseason and of course you always want the strength of schedule and regional ranking benefits!  In any event, here's best wishes for a great season for all, health to the young ladies, and hopefully a complete season!

Hear, hear!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2021, 12:18:11 AM
My congrats also to Lauren Huber on Player of the Week honors.  She had a tremendous tournament at The Shirk, scoring 52 points in two games . . . all in a losing effort.  Along with the other talented freshmen, Huber bodes well for IWU's future.  Surely not this year . . .

Greg, we cleaned up that chewing gum on the library plaza long long ago . . . your news is old news.  Your back and forth with Jester was just boring . . . sorry.  He must really have too much time on his hands.

IWU will not beat NPU this year on the women's side.  Or MU or Wheaton for that matter, either.   It's going to be a tough, long year for the Titans.  I'll be surprised if the Titans finish anywhere near .500.

Happy holidays to all the chatsters . . . good cheer and lovely Christmas music to you all . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 30, 2021, 12:27:10 AM
I am assuming IWU is not a motivational speaker for the woman's basketball team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2021, 01:30:46 AM
Ah, he's just giving us the Lou Holtz treatment to set us up. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 30, 2021, 01:52:58 AM
for all my fellow fans on this board  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kfdEyV3RQ but even better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJBFD-Wvc7U
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on November 30, 2021, 08:56:33 AM
Jester, can I assume that was your daughter who had that surname playing against DePauw on Sunday?

I watched the second half and was impressed by the grit that she and the Fightin Engineers showed against a DePauw team that looks really, really good to me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 30, 2021, 10:55:41 AM
That is some blood running around out there and would be mortified that I talk about her lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2021, 11:06:17 AM
You're the father of a post-adolescent. Your job is to embarrass your daughter in public. Embrace the task.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on November 30, 2021, 01:15:51 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 06:58:04 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2021, 05:21:53 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on November 29, 2021, 05:12:50 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on November 29, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
oh ok i have been rebutted damn spent the whole day on here i need to go make money to pay for my kids school.  The hope and amherst fan is sitting here and saying what are you guys going on and on about we will destroy all of you.

Yikes, this Hope (and Amherst) fan learned the hard way not to assume any win will come easy especially with this crowd.  Last games against RHIT were nail biters down to the wire; IWU nearly gave me a heart attack last time we played; CCIW has always been tough including a number of Wheaton games and even remembering back maybe 7-8 years when Carthage knocked Hope out of the NCAA tournament.

Roundball999, as I was typing my last post I thought to myself that you were definitely the first finger I would expect to be counted when it comes to Hope fans perusing this board. ;)

Yup, I like to follow boards around the region.  I always support regional teams (except when playing the Dutch), it's interesting to know something about the teams you might meet in noncon or postseason and of course you always want the strength of schedule and regional ranking benefits!  In any event, here's best wishes for a great season for all, health to the young ladies, and hopefully a complete season!

Actually I do as well.  Reading about other teams and players has lead me to find a game to watch online occaisionally - great way to fill an empty space between Hope games, while I scout the competition so to speak. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2021, 09:56:22 PM
Wheaton is up to 6th in the first poll with actual game results.  I thought the pre-season #11 was too high and still feel the same about #6 despite the 7-0 record.  Top 10?  No.  Top 15-20?  Maybe.  Still, that's a pretty good start against a few good teams and credit is due for that.  But the performance on the floor thus far doesn't strike me as an elite team dominating opponents.   They need to get a little more scoring going which would likely have to come from Swider or Cassel.   

I'm still not convinced Wheaton is the best team in the league even.  Millikin's three losses came against opponents with a combined 14-2 record on the road and the Big Blue has lots of ways to come at you.

It's looking like Hope is the class of the Division and then there's everyone else.  And why not with both Schoonveld and Voskuil back?  They're scoring lots of points and blowing everyone away including a decent Baldwin Wallace team by 28 pts.  Whitman #2 will be interesting as I'm not sure how they'll be evaluated since they will end up with almost no common opponents in the top 25 or orv (just UT-Dallas as of now).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 01, 2021, 07:28:25 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 30, 2021, 09:56:22 PM
Wheaton is up to 6th in the first poll with actual game results.  I thought the pre-season #11 was too high and still feel the same about #6 despite the 7-0 record.  Top 10?  No.  Top 15-20?  Maybe.  Still, that's a pretty good start against a few good teams and credit is due for that.  But the performance on the floor thus far doesn't strike me as an elite team dominating opponents.   They need to get a little more scoring going which would likely have to come from Swider or Cassel.   

I'm still not convinced Wheaton is the best team in the league even.  Millikin's three losses came against opponents with a combined 14-2 record on the road and the Big Blue has lots of ways to come at you.

It's looking like Hope is the class of the Division and then there's everyone else.  And why not with both Schoonveld and Voskuil back?  They're scoring lots of points and blowing everyone away including a decent Baldwin Wallace team by 28 pts.  Whitman #2 will be interesting as I'm not sure how they'll be evaluated since they will end up with almost no common opponents in the top 25 or orv (just UT-Dallas as of now).

I don't watch as many womens games as mens games, but from the games I've watched thus far, outside of Hope, I haven't seen much basketball that looks like the elite NESCAC squads we've seen in recent years.  With so many of the best teams not playing much, if at all, last year, there might be a lot more rust and issues to work out through the season than we're used to seeing.  Nobody really looks polished yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 01, 2021, 07:55:17 AM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 01, 2021, 07:28:25 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 30, 2021, 09:56:22 PM
Wheaton is up to 6th in the first poll with actual game results.  I thought the pre-season #11 was too high and still feel the same about #6 despite the 7-0 record.  Top 10?  No.  Top 15-20?  Maybe.  Still, that's a pretty good start against a few good teams and credit is due for that.  But the performance on the floor thus far doesn't strike me as an elite team dominating opponents.   They need to get a little more scoring going which would likely have to come from Swider or Cassel.   

I'm still not convinced Wheaton is the best team in the league even.  Millikin's three losses came against opponents with a combined 14-2 record on the road and the Big Blue has lots of ways to come at you.

It's looking like Hope is the class of the Division and then there's everyone else.  And why not with both Schoonveld and Voskuil back?  They're scoring lots of points and blowing everyone away including a decent Baldwin Wallace team by 28 pts.  Whitman #2 will be interesting as I'm not sure how they'll be evaluated since they will end up with almost no common opponents in the top 25 or orv (just UT-Dallas as of now).

I don't watch as many womens games as mens games, but from the games I've watched thus far, outside of Hope, I haven't seen much basketball that looks like the elite NESCAC squads we've seen in recent years.  With so many of the best teams not playing much, if at all, last year, there might be a lot more rust and issues to work out through the season than we're used to seeing.  Nobody really looks polished yet.

I had the same impression.  I've watched a few games of others in the rankings and the play seems somewhat spotty  - more unforced errors than one would expect.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 01, 2021, 09:55:09 PM
Well, the good news is North Central shot 2-4 from beyond the arc in the opening quarter of their game at the Ratner Center. The bad news is, they went 0-12 from inside it as Chicago got out to a 22-8 lead after ten minutes, and it didn't get any better from there as the Cardinals got doubled up 80-40 by the Maroons.

Elle Sutter looked good in the one game I've seen in person, and she shot well, leading the Cardinals with 15 points, and Natalie Stavropolous added 12. More distressing is IxChel Leeuwenburgh being held to a single rebound in this one. Peyton Van Soest led all scorers with 18, Klaire Steffens had 16 and six steals, and Mallory Brodnik scored 10 for Chicago.

NCC opens conference play at home on Saturday against Carthage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2021, 10:32:08 PM
IWU over Eureka by 50 . . . yes, 50.  The Titans came out running and gunning, scoring 39 points in the first Q.  The score after the first was 39-10 and that's all she needed to write.  All IWU pine-sitters got time and experience tonight.  Great ball movement and defensive pressure by the Titans tonight and Eureka was just outmatched on every level, committing 37 TOs

Eck 14
Huber 12
Lansford had a good game and looked much more comfortable playing the point.

and then tons of Titans with 8, 6 and 4 each.   Everybody come down . . .  a fun evening, a good time was had by all.

Huber is going to be one heck of a CCIW player over the next four years.  The freshmen all coming to the fore . . . at times, Mia Smith had three-four top freshmen on the floor at once, replacing seniors . . .  the future is now, esp. with Huber.  She's also a tremendous defensive player and good rebounder, able to post up in the paint area too.  Very quick first step.   

Perhaps this is what the Titans needed to really get on a better track after a 1-4 start.  We'll see, as CCIW play begins on Saturday, vs. Carroll at The Shirk, 5 p.m.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2021, 10:53:04 PM
The big news in CCIW women's basketball tonight was Carthage's pretty substantial 50-39 upset win over Wheaton at Tarble Arena. Unfortunately, I doubt that Tim Bernero is enjoying his big win right now, as his son Anthony suffered a leg injury in the subsequent Wheaton @ Carthage men's game that was apparently serious enough for the Firebirds and Thunder players to form a prayer circle for him.

I sure hope the injury turns out to be less serious than it sounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 01, 2021, 11:10:00 PM
My best wishes to the Bernero family. Thanks for bringing that to our attention Greg.
--
as noted on the CCIW men's page, it was an ankle injury
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2021, 11:20:53 PM
Very sorry to hear about the injury. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 02, 2021, 12:01:43 AM
Hmmmmm pine sitters I wonder how those players feel about that description of them.   i have never belittled any players on here and i dont think that was IWU intention but  I have coached many boys and girls in both basketball and football and not all kids will be destined to be starters or significant time players especially when some schools have 20 plus kids on there roster but those same kids are some of my best coaching memories just one of many was a girl who was a senior in high school never played a varsity minute and i was coaching in a fall warm up league for the school team and Jackie was on fire. During half time I told the others shes on fire keep getting her the ball.  That winter she was a pine sitter and only played late in games or as IWU might say garbage time.  At the end of the year party she came up to me and she thanked me and said I know I didnt play much but I will always remember that game and i cant believe i got to hear feed me the ball.

Just remember Kendall Sosa a great player would be a pine sitter at Connecticut. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 12:20:25 AM
Carthage over Wheaton 50-39

I wasn't able to watch the game.  But a few notable stats stick out which are becoming thematic for the Thunder and need to be righted very soon.

16-58 for 27.6% FG.  39 pts total for 40 mins.  Trouble scoring.
Almost half the shots were treys – 5/28 for 18% demonstrating (again) that they are really really bad beyond the arc (23% on the year) and yet . . .
20 turnovers, which is above their season avg of 16/game but still too high.
Wheaton had 3 players foul out – Swider, Hermanson, Sikkink.  One Firebird had 3 fouls.  This is very odd and not sure what to make of how that could happen. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 02, 2021, 12:33:07 AM
I know how it happened they didnt move there feet  and just reached with their hands and carthage must have had the best hands and feet in the country well next to North park anyways lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 08:34:44 AM
Carthage over Wheaton is pretty shocking.  A big upset.

Jester, as to "pine-sitters," I'll stick with it.  But, with the huge 1st Q, the obvious blowout in the making, Coach Smith started circulating her non-rotation players in the latter part of the second Q.  Everyone got to play, many minutes.  Even starters played only 16-17 minutes. The pine sitters were rewarded and took full advantage of the minutes.  IWU has many good players way down the roster that will wait this year, but likely be in the mix next year when the 4-5 seniors graduate.  This year, too, IWU is relying heavily in the rotation on three outstanding freshmen . . . and Lauren Huber, a freshman, could be all-conference THIS year, surely in the future.  I love the fact that IWU had a game like this so that everyone could "come on down" and get those minutes, keeping their interest and dedication to the team and the program high.  And all the starters and rotational players were cheering them on as they scored, got rebounds, and made plays.  It was a very happy evening, some good cheer for the IWU squad that has struggled coming out of the gate this year. 

As for Sosa, yes, she would likely be a pine sitter at many D1 programs . . . but she had the smarts and dedication to become one of the best IWU players ever at the D3 level.  One of the reasons we all love D3. 

IWU starts conference play at home vs. Carroll on Saturday.  I'm feeling better about IWU's team after this game, this performance vs. Eureka, admittedly against very weak competition.  I still believe this team will struggle to finish the year above .500 and will likely finish somewhere in the middle of the CCIW this year.  Time will tell . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 09:57:21 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 08:34:44 AM
Carthage over Wheaton is pretty shocking.  A big upset.

Not really a big upset.  Only in the sense that poll voters, with limited data points to go on, thought a team was better than they actually are.

Quote from: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 08:34:44 AM
IWU starts conference play at home vs. Carroll on Saturday. 

IWU'70

Carroll is an interesting one.  They are 5-0 and are scoring a good amount of points, a respectable 73.5 ppg, shooting 45.3% from the field (16th best in the country) and very solid FT%, over 78%, good enough for 10th in the country.  Granted, I can't speak to the quality of their 5 opponents but it doesn't look like they're all cupcakes either.  At the very least they are not shaping up to be the easy out that they have been in some past seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 11:30:18 AM
GoPerry, I think still a pretty big upset, given where most thought WC and MU would be at the top of the CCIW hill.  Maybe Carthage better than many of us thought.

I agree with you on Carroll so far.  I think the game with IWU on Saturday will be very competitive.  At least the Titans are seeming to find a better way to play after their rough start, with defensive pressure and very upbeat pace.  The freshman three are really making their mark, pushing the upperclassmen to be/play better . . . Lansford, Eck and Carlson are settling in and playing better now too.  This team could really be pretty good, if they keep improving and find their best identity and style of play as a group.  I'm sure Coach Smith is working hard on it.

Lauren Huber is and is going to be special.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 02, 2021, 11:45:44 AM
I totally respect Sosa that was not a slight at her I was just trying to make a point. There are plenty of pine sitters at D-1 who would play 30 minutes plus at lower levels. I actually believe Sosa could have played lower D-1 basketball   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2021, 01:12:50 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 09:57:21 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 08:34:44 AM
Carthage over Wheaton is pretty shocking.  A big upset.

Not really a big upset.  Only in the sense that poll voters, with limited data points to go on, thought a team was better than they actually are.

I actually agree with Mark on this one:

Quote from: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 11:30:18 AM
GoPerry, I think still a pretty big upset, given where most thought WC and MU would be at the top of the CCIW hill.  Maybe Carthage better than many of us thought.

He's on point, inasmuch as in basketball it takes two to tango. Carthage was pretty undistinguished for a 3-2 team coming into last night's game. The three previous victories for the Firebirds came over teams that Massey ranks among the bottom half of D3 (Lawrence, St. Mary's (IN), and Lake Forest); the Firebirds were totally non-competitive in a 24-point loss at home against a good Chicago team; and they fell to a St. Norbert team that currently possesses a losing record. Plus, we're talking about a Carthage program in general that had slumped to 11-14, 6-10 last season. You're cautious about Wheaton, which is certainly a valid take, but Mark is correct that the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance are nevertheless projected to be in the top echelon of the league this season. Carthage wasn't; the Firebirds were picked for seventh. Ergo, a pretty substantial upset last night, especially since the Firebirds completely controlled the game; they were never headed, and they held a double-digit lead throughout almost the entire second half.

Quote from: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 09:57:21 AM
Carroll is an interesting one.  They are 5-0 and are scoring a good amount of points, a respectable 73.5 ppg, shooting 45.3% from the field (16th best in the country) and very solid FT%, over 78%, good enough for 10th in the country.  Granted, I can't speak to the quality of their 5 opponents but it doesn't look like they're all cupcakes either.  At the very least they are not shaping up to be the easy out that they have been in some past seasons.

I'm very intrigued by the Pioneers, whom I have yet to see play this season. Carroll hasn't beaten anyone of note -- the Pios share two south-of-mediocre victims with Carthage -- but they've trounced everybody whom they've played, with the sole exception of St. Norbert (which, as I mentioned, beat Carthage), and that particular win for the Pios was nevertheless a 15-point victory in St. Norbert's gym.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 05:18:26 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2021, 01:12:50 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 09:57:21 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 08:34:44 AM
Carthage over Wheaton is pretty shocking.  A big upset.

Not really a big upset.  Only in the sense that poll voters, with limited data points to go on, thought a team was better than they actually are.

I actually agree with Mark on this one:


I don't think it was a "big upset" in the classic sense of an undefeated #6 ranked team got beat by a 2 loss unranked team.  This is because I never bought into the ranking in the first place.

But it was an upset that the team picked to finish 2nd in the league got beat by the team picked to finish 7th.  Despite my reservations about Wheaton's performance so far, I did expect them to win but not too shocked they got beat. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2021, 05:41:02 PM
In my eyes, part of the "bigness" of the upset, so to speak, was the manner in which Carthage beat Wheaton, not simply the fact of the win itself.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2021, 08:02:17 PM
Perhaps the IWU-Carroll game at The Shirk on Saturday will tell us quite a lot about both teams, and where they might actually be now, and surely as a portent for how they may do down the road in the CCIW race.  The big blowout win over Eureka will give the Titans a boost after a pretty rough start, going 1-4.  Carroll, it would seem, is a good test of where IWU may fit in for the overall conference race.  Watching their first few games, I actually was worried IWU might finish way way down in the CCIW, in the bottom group, (may still happen) but now seeing them come together a bit, seeing how good Lauren Huber actually is, and hoping that the seniors (Eck, Bowen, and Lansford) start to play better, I have a somewhat more optimistic take on the Green than before.  We'll see. 

I'm sticking with a "big upset" - Carthage over Wheaton, and surely will continue to use the term "pine-sitters" with no bad meaning intended . . .  many of those IWU pine-sitters will be in the rotation in the next year or two.  It is just amazing, though, that three very talented freshmen are in the IWU rotation this year . . . now. . . (two as starters) and Huber is likely to be the leading scorer, perhaps top rebounder, and an excellent defender.  She is very light on her feet and has a great first step with the ball.  An interesting year, a challenge for Mia Smith to put this all together, with many changing, unpredictable and unknown parts.  I hope the starters and key rotational players for IWU can gain in confidence and, most importantly, in consistency.   A better overall shooting percentage is greatly needed. 

I agree that Sosa was an incredible talent, a great student, and a wonderful person . . .  a great credit to IWU and the program.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 02, 2021, 10:09:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2021, 05:41:02 PM
In my eyes, part of the "bigness" of the upset, so to speak, was the manner in which Carthage beat Wheaton, not simply the fact of the win itself.

Yes.  It was indeed a whoopin'

I'd like to watch the game replay but can't seem to find any link to it.  The post game interview with Bernero is on the Carthage youtube channel but can't find any games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2021, 04:51:43 PM
North Park 73
Chicago 64

Jayla Johnson: 27 pts, 6 rebs, 6 stls
Emily Czuhajewski: 15 pts
Chantel Hairston: 9 rebs

The Vikings did exactly what I'd hoped they would do today: they played their best game of the season against the best opponent they've faced this season, right before they start conference play on Wednesday.

Jayla Johnson was in beast mode in the third quarter, and kept it going into the fourth, when the Vikings were finally able to get some separation down the stretch by pushing the lead into double digits. And she did it at both ends of the floor, as her six steals indicate. The win was a great team effort, though; despite the fact that Czuhajewski and Lee were cold from downtown for most of the game, and NPU was pretty badly outrebounded. Good defense is the ultimate equalizer, and the Vikings just bulldog opposing offenses in the halfcourt for 40 minutes every time they take the floor.

Good to have Amanda Crockett back on the bench for the first time this season. Hat tip to chief assistant Annie Shain for running the team so capably while Amanda was on maternity leave.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2021, 05:28:25 PM
Yep, North Park was again energetic for the full 40 minutes. As in earlier games this season, they stick to their game plan and know which of their teammates can do what.
UChicago lacked alertness to start the game. They had some good minutes wherein you could see why they demolished North Central by 40.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: blue_jays on December 04, 2021, 06:26:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 04, 2021, 05:28:25 PM
Yep, North Park was again energetic for the full 40 minutes. As in earlier games this season, they stick to their game plan and know which of their teammates can do what.
UChicago lacked alertness to start the game. They had some good minutes wherein you could see why they demolished North Central by 40.

After graduating three 1,000 point scorers in 2020, UChicago is still trying to figure out its identity with an inexperienced team that is inconsistent offensively. When they shoot like they did against Carthage and NCC, they're golden and can run people out of the building. But when they shoot like they did today and against Calvin, it's an L.
In the UChicago/NCC game, the Cardinals didn't play any semblance of a defense until it was the second half and the game was already out of reach. The Maroons looked like they would score every time down the court.
I feel confident the Maroons will be a dangerous team. The question is will it be this year or next year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2021, 06:39:07 PM
Millikin beat Augie, 73-62, at the Griz. Elyce Knudsen had a nice line total of 20 pts and a 6:0 a:to ratio, although she didn't shoot well (9-22). Jordan Hildebrand contributed 17 and Bailey Coffman 13 to the winning effort. The Big Blue performed a lot of larceny, with Hildebrand and Mirando Fox pilfering five steals apiece while Chelsea McCullum had four. Augustana was led by Gabriela Loiz with 19 and 6.

To absolutely no one's surprise, Wheaton got back into the win column with a 75-57 triumph over Elmhurst at Faganel Hall. Hannah Swider led the way for the Madsenites with 16, as Annie Tate helped out with 15 and 6, Caylee Hermanson had 14 and 8, and Caroline Sikkink tossed in 11 points as well. Elmhurst was paced by Taylor Harazin's 15 and 10 double-double, while Katie Matrise and Morgan Collar added 12 and 10, respectively.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2021, 07:52:06 PM
North Central bounced back from its disastrous trip to the University of Chicago with a solid 50-40 win in the airplane hangar over Carthage. No stats posted yet, so I'll leave that for Lucas's recap.

Illinois Wesleyan took down Carroll at Shirk, 75-62.

We are off and running, with NPU now the only CCIW team that has yet to open its conference slate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2021, 08:27:21 PM
Jayla Johnson has to be this week's CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2021, 08:40:18 PM
She'd better be the CCIW's Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2021, 10:32:53 PM
As hoped for, the Titans shot a better percentage tonight, continued their excellent defensive pressure and found the three ball as part of their game tonight, winning over Carroll 75-62.

For CU:

Berhrndt 12
Rohner 12

For IWU:

Powers 16 on 4-8 from three
Lansford 13 on 3-4 from three
Huber 12 and 10
Palmer 10
Heller 10
Eck 8, and some good steals, good defense

The Titans improving game by game . . .esp. on the defensive end.  I have to give a shout-out to Kaia Bowen.  She is just unrelenting, rebounding, tipping balls, making plays . . .  she's an energizer bunny for sure.  Makes a lot of contributions that don't show up on the stat line. 

Lansford getting better, more comfortable at PG, and found her three shot tonight.  The Titans were 10-23 overall from three, making a big difference.  Overall % a much improved 47%.

So, my conclusion is that IWU is proving to be in the middle of the CCIW pack . . .  and Carroll's record was deceivingly good.  IWU the better team tonight. 

The three freshmen -- Huber, Powers and Palmer -- making a huge contribution.

Heller had a nice game tonight, esp. getting into the lane for short 8-10 foot jumpers. 

Very good effort, and Carroll not giving up, fighting back after being down double digits early, but then the Titans put them away with more defensive pressure and some better shooting tonight. 

Encouraging.  This team is figuring it out, how best to play given then talent, the rotation they have.  Two of the freshmen now starting.  Tonight, it was Bowen, Eck, Lansford, Powers and Huber . . .  Carlson, Heller and Palmer coming off the bench in the rotation . . . 

Greater tests ahead vs. Wheaton, MU, and NPU.

Now exam week.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 04, 2021, 10:53:45 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 04, 2021, 07:52:06 PM
North Central bounced back from its disastrous trip to the University of Chicago with a solid 50-40 win in the airplane hangar over Carthage. No stats posted yet, so I'll leave that for Lucas's recap.

Yeah, poor Nick Osterloo (our assistant SID) was pulling double duty on basketball tonight, so I think the stats might have gone up a little late.

NCC scored the first eight of this one and never trailed, leading by double digits for a pretty good chunk of the game. Carthage got no closer than within eight in the fourth. Shooting 22.6 percent from the floor, including 4-22 from deep, will do that to you.

Mitrese Smith led the way with 15 and 5, Allison Pearson added 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, Elle Sutter had a good night with 9 and 11, and IxChel Leeuwenburgh chipped in a quiet 5 and 11 (I didn't think she played great necessarily, then looked at the stats and went "oh, she had double digit rebounds again.") Lauren Knight missed a chunk of the game with a leg injury, but ended up playing 29 minutes and paced Carthage with 15 points (including 3-3 from deep), Marianna Morrissey scored 10 off the bench, and Destiny Antoine chipped in 7 and 6.

NCC played great defense in this one and managed to close it out despite shooting 2-14 in the fourth.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2021, 04:56:28 PM
While looking at Carthage stats, I noted some good FT shooters.
I decided to check all CCIW players for FT pcts of 90% or better and at least one made per team games played.
These cut-offs were selected arbitrarily, but if you can't be arbitrary, what can you be?
AUG none
CRL Katie Rohner 23/25 .920
CTG Emma Thistle 10/10 1.000
       Lauren Herrmann 7/7 1.000
       Ayanna Ester 12/13 .923
ELM Marissa Urso 13/14 .929
       Katie Matrise 10/11 .909
IWU none
MIL Abby Ratsch 9/10 .900
NCC none
NPU none
WHE none
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2021, 07:14:18 PM
Shooting percentage and FT shooting percentage has been an issue for the Titans.  They are improving, but it is taking time to put this new edition of the IWU squad together, for the CCIW race.  Great room for development and improvement, and lots of new experiences for the freshmen, three of them now playing a major part in IWU's rotation, two of them starting.  If Eck, Bowen and Lansford can play better consistently, and the Titans get some rebounding help off the bench from Carlson and Palmer, this team could be pretty good.  In this last game vs. Carroll, they finally got some treys to fall.  As I've mentioned a number of times, they are figuring it out still. 

Wheaton this next weekend will be another step, another test in their development.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 06, 2021, 12:08:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 05, 2021, 04:56:28 PM
While looking at Carthage stats, I noted some good FT shooters.
I decided to check all CCIW players for FT pcts of 90% or better and at least one made per team games played.
These cut-offs were selected arbitrarily, but if you can't be arbitrary, what can you be?
AUG none
CRL Katie Rohner 23/25 .920
CTG Emma Thistle 10/10 1.000
       Lauren Herrmann 7/7 1.000
       Ayanna Ester 12/13 .923
ELM Marissa Urso 13/14 .929
       Katie Matrise 10/11 .909
IWU none
MIL Abby Ratsch 9/10 .900
NCC none
NPU none
WHE none

I acknowledge that you were at least setting a minimum for your analysis, Rog, but the truth about free-throw shooting is that quantity matters even when quality is the topic. That's why 30 N. Brainard sets a minimum higher than yours; the CCIW's stats recognize a minimum of two made FTs per game played rather than one. Thus, the only player you've cited who qualifies for the CCIW leaderboard is Katie Rohner.

Yeah, it's an arbitrary cutoff point, just like yours, but it's a better arbitrary cutoff point, because it weeds out players whose sporadic opportunities for free-throw shooting don't allow their performances to be really much of a factor in the outcome of games. The league's preferred cutoff point illustrates why NPU's Jayla Johnson is a far more valuable free-throw shooter than Thistle, Herrmann, Ester, Urso, Matrise, or Ratsch. Jayla Johnson is fourth in the league in FT attempts with 38, trailing only Annie Tate of Wheaton (33-44, .750), Taylor Harazin of Elmhurst (26-40, .650), and Bailey Coffman of Millikin (29-39, .744). Yet Johnson is shooting a whopping .868 from the line, trailing only Rohner's .920, Allison Pearson (like father, like daughter) of North Central with .879, and Johnson's teammate Emily Czuhajewski with .875. Jayla has made 33 free throws this season, tied with Tate for the most makes in the league -- and Jayla's shot six fewer attempts than has Annie.

That is what free-throw shooting is all about: quantity and quality combined.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2021, 01:32:35 PM
Let's include Gabriela Loiz among those who have made a lot of FTs and at a good rate.
She is 28 for 35 (80%) in Augie's 8 games.
Greg, or anyone else, what would you say is a FT% low enough to where it's a good idea to foul that player when she's inside the 3 point arc? Of course I qualify the question noting that you don't want your better players committing too many of those fouls.
I'm thinking it's in the vicinity of 55%. In the old days of one-and-ones, it would be a higher pct.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2021, 02:40:05 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Jayla Johnson.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 06, 2021, 03:05:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 06, 2021, 01:32:35 PM
Let's include Gabriela Loiz among those who have made a lot of FTs and at a good rate.
She is 28 for 35 (80%) in Augie's 8 games.

Definitely, and I'd include her teammate Macy Beinborn (24-32, .750) as well.

Quote from: RogK on December 06, 2021, 01:32:35 PM
Greg, or anyone else, what would you say is a FT% low enough to where it's a good idea to foul that player when she's inside the 3 point arc? Of course I qualify the question noting that you don't want your better players committing too many of those fouls.
I'm thinking it's in the vicinity of 55%. In the old days of one-and-ones, it would be a higher pct.

I've always felt that it was 60%, but there's nothing wrong with a 55% cutoff, either.

Quote from: RogK on December 06, 2021, 02:40:05 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Jayla Johnson.

Congrats to Jayla! Well-deserved, and arguably overdue as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2021, 11:16:41 PM
Congrats to Jayla Johnson on Player of the Week honors.  Some great performances. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2021, 08:08:02 PM
another statistical analysis : player rebounds per 100:00 of 25 or better and at least 3 per her team's games
AUG (8g, so 24+ rebs) - Lauren Hall 31.2 (81/260), Hannah Simmer 27.1 (48/177)
CRL (6g, 18+ rebs) - Allison Thompson CCIW-best 38.5 (42/109)
CTG (7g, 21+ rebs) - none
ELM (8g, 24+ rebs) - Taylor Harazin 34.1 (58/170), Marissa Mussatto 27.3 (44/161)
IWU (7g, 21+ rebs) - Lauren Huber 26.3 (50/190)
MIL (8g, 24+ rebs) - Abby Ratsch 32.7 (36/110), Sophie Darden 31.3 (26/83)
NCC (8g, 24+ rebs) - IxChel Leeuwenburgh 33.6 (77/229)
NPU (7g, 21+ rebs) - Josie Summerville 26.6 (21/79)
WHE (9g, 27+ rebs) - Ellie Cassel 33.0 (70/212), Annie Tate 30.0 (90/300)
- -

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 08, 2021, 10:08:48 PM
Carthage 55
North Park 42

Emily Czuhajewski: 13 pts
Josie Summerville: 7 rebs
Jayla Johnson: 4 stls

Ayanna Ester: 12 pts
Kelsey Coshun: 12 rebs
Destiny Antoine: 8 rebs

Now I know how Wheaton fans felt last Wednesday. The Vikings shot an absolutely abysmal .273/.125/.526 line tonight. A lot of that was good Carthage defense, but a lot of it was NPU taking bad shots and missing the good ones they had. The Firebirds doubled Jayla Johnson every time she had the ball inside the free throw line, and the Vikings never made them pay for it.

Fortunately for the Vikings, they play Elmhurst (1-8, 0-2) on Saturday, and the Bluejays this season are the cure for what ails you. They were obliterated on their home floor tonight by Millikin by 35 points.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 08, 2021, 10:10:50 PM
The Thunder ladies got a solid win at home, 62-50 over the Lady Pios of Carroll.

Ellie Cassell led Wheaton with 14 pts, 9 rebs while Annie Tate had 12 and 5.   Freshman Annika Richardson had a nice game with 7 pts, 6 rebs.  Wheaton really turned up the defensive pressure on the Pios and really did't let them get any offensive rhythm.

Hannah Swider had only 7 pts and missed all 6 of her treys.  But she was much more aggressive offensively, driving the lane and dishing, than I ever recall seeing her.  Up to this point she had been a spot up shooter hanging out by the arc.  But she's a decent enough ball handler that driving, and scoring that way could really help the team.  I would like to see more out of that from Carolyn Sikkink and Lily Schwen also who are both capable.

Wheaton shot free throws much better tonight.  But nobody will get into RogK's 90% bracket. 

Carroll was led by Katie Rohner with 13 pts, 5 rebs, 2 stls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 08, 2021, 10:18:01 PM
I missed this one due to illness (thankfully not COVID), but NCC fell to UW-Stevens Point by a 57-51 margin. They did overcome a big early hole, as the Pointers scored the first ten points of the game and led 20-9 after the opening 10 minutes. The Cardinals did force some late back and forth, but the Pointers took the lead for good with about four minutes to play.

IxChel Leeuwenburgh paced the Cardinals with 12 and 6, Megan McClure added 10 and 9, and Allison Pearson finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Cardinals shot an abysmal 2-14 from beyond the arc and just 9-19 from the free throw line in this one.

Jamie Pfeifer and Jessica Slowik each scored 10 for the Pointers, while Taylor Greenheck added 9.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2021, 11:38:02 PM
Elmhurst committed 31 turnovers, while Millikin shot .556 on 3FGs, .579 on 2FGs and .579 at the foul line.
I attended the Carthage / North Park contest. Adding to Greg's summary, I thought Carthage allotted more respect (defensive attention) to NP's Lauren Lee and Emily Czuhajewski than has any prior opponent.
NP's Josie Summerville is playing through obvious knee pain, hopefully not causing longer-term damage; it's not worth it.
Incidentally, Lauren McKnight guarded Lauren Knight briefly in the first half and I think Knight guarded McKnight for a possession or two in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2021, 07:30:40 PM
The latest D3Hoops top 25 has Wheaton at #16 and no other CCIW team receiving votes.
A majority of the league's teams are still possibilities for receiving votes.
Any of that group could plausibly win the conference tournament if Beijingpeaking at that time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 09, 2021, 09:31:27 PM
RogK, seems Carthage is stronger than many of us thought they might be.  Seems to me that NPU and MU could easily peak at the right time and win the CCIW tournament, get the automatic bid . . .  Wheaton only team ranked nationally, still likely the favorite, don't you think?

As I've said here, I don't think IWU has the sufficient scoring power to compete with that top tier this year, likely finishing in the middle of the pack.  Much will depend on better, more consistent play by the seniors -- Lansford, Eck and Bowen . . .and then how fast the three freshmen develop and contribute -- Huber, Powers and Palmer.  So far, that's been a very positive trajectory and will likely continue upward all season.  They are talented and very hard workers.  Huber is an exceptional talent.  If IWU can find some better rebounding, keep up the strong defensive pressure, and shoot a better percentage, esp. from three, they will be dangerous.  I'll be very interested to see how competitive they are with Wheaton on Saturday.  Another test, hopefully another marker of their development and improvement.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2021, 01:08:47 PM
"RogK ... don't you think?"
Not if I can avoid it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2021, 04:58:55 PM
North Park 86
Elmhurst 76

Jayla Johnson: 25 pts (9-16 FG, 7-7 FT), 8 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 19 pts (8-13 FG), 3 stls
Chantel Hairston: 10 pts, 3:1 a:to, 4 stls
Lauren Lee: 10 pts

Taylor Harazin: 18 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls
Marissa Mussatto: 13 pts
Katelyn Matthews: 10 pts
Marissa Urso: 4 stls

Don't be fooled by the final score. The Vikings had the lead in the low twenties for the better part of the second half, and it was 84-61 in the waning minutes when the two coaches started pulling their starters -- and the end of the Elmhurst bench promptly went on a 15-2 run to close it out.

Elmhurst is getting better. Tethnie Carillo still needs another piece or two, but her young team is starting to figure things out. By February, if they don't mentally pack it in from all of the losing, they could be dangerous, especially at home.

Not a sterling effort today by the Vikings, but an efficient one. Now they can focus on their finals without that disaster against Carthage hanging over their heads.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 11, 2021, 05:11:05 PM
Millikin traveled to Waukesha and took care of Carroll 72-56.  Elyce Knudsen led all scores with 23 pts.  The Pios Elizabeth Behrndt had 13 pts , 14 rebs in the losing efforts while Brooke Foster had 14 pts.  This was a very close game until a couple defensive lapses by Carroll gave the Big Blue some wide open trey looks which they converted.  Fourth quarter was all MU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2021, 06:16:23 PM
Wheaton broadcasters just noted Annie Tate has a "boot" on her right foot and isn't playing vs IWU this evening.
They didn't know further detail about the injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2021, 07:51:44 PM
Holy cow! That is a massive loss for Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2021, 08:10:15 PM
Carthage tops Augie 62-49 :
all three Firebirds who scored in double figures were very efficient with their shooting -
Lauren Herrmann 17 via 3/6 3FG, 2/3 2FG, 4/4 FT
Lauren Knight 16 via 2/4 3FG, 4/5 2FG, 2/2 FT
Destiny Antoine 11 via 2/3 3FG, 1/2 2FG, 3/3 FT
Bridget Barrett had 8 rebs and 4 assists.
Augie's Hannah Simmer scored 14 and grabbed 5 rebs.
Gabriela Loiz came into the game having scored 12 or more in 7 of 8 games but was limited to 9.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2021, 08:25:50 PM
including today's results :
       conf W-L    overall
MIL    3-0          7-3
IWU   2-0          4-4
NCC   1-0          4-5
CTG   3-1          6-3
NPU   1-1          7-2
WHE  2-2          9-2
AUG  0-2          5-4
CRL   0-3          5-3
ELM   0-3         1-9
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ultimate Titan Fan on December 11, 2021, 08:47:56 PM
Drinking game: each time the Wheaton announcers drop a "t" ("Ti'ans" or "Whea'on") you have to drink. You'll be passed out before the half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 11, 2021, 09:34:30 PM
Quote from: Ultimate Titan Fan on December 11, 2021, 08:47:56 PM
Drinking game: each time the Wheaton announcers drop a "t" ("Ti'ans" or "Whea'on") you have to drink. You'll be passed out before the half.

You don't often hear a glottal stop from Wheatonites. They usually insist that you stick the landing on the 't' in the middle of their school's name. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 11, 2021, 10:03:45 PM
IWU 81 Wheaton 62

I was only able to see the 1st Q of this one.  While I'm not too surprised at the loss I am at the huge margin and that the Titans so thoroughly dominated.  I'm not really sure Tate being out explained all that.  Certainly they would miss her offense since this Thunder team already has difficulty scoring.  But this team won't win A. giving up 80 pts (few teams will) and B. continuing to turn the ball over (21x tonight).

Looking at the box score neither team shots lights out.  Wheaton lost the board battle -6, 40-34.  The biggest eye opener was the foul shot disparity; IWU went to the line for 28 free throws while Wheaton only shot 8.  (25 fouls committed by WC , 15 for IWU)  That is a huge ft margin to makeup.  I'm guessing that the smaller, faster, quicker lineup of the Titans made it tough on Wheaton defensively.  But that's no excuse really – the coach needs to find a way to match up.

Congrats to the Titans.  They were ready, the Thunder plainly weren't.

I'm hoping Tate's injury is not too serious that she will miss too many games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2021, 12:59:17 AM
Very much enjoyed my visit to King Arena tonight for the first game.  Yes, IWU over WC 81-62.

To coin a phrase, thank you Lou Holtz. :)

The story on this one is that IWU got WC to play the game at their style and pace, with tons of defensive pressure and offense off of the "run and jump."  Surprisingly, a top 25 team did not handle the IWU pressure terribly well.  Yes, Annie Tate not in the line-up surely a factor, but the Titans really came ready to play.  They are figuring it out very fast, with the freshmen coming up quickly.  Tonight, it was the experienced hands, the seniors:  Bowen, Eck and Lansford.  A really outstanding performance by the Titans.  As indicated, IWU winning rebounding 40-34, steals 14-5 and PFs 15-25.  IWU made 23-28 from the charity stripe.  WC had 21 TOs. 

For WC:

Swider 23
Cassel 17

For IWU:

Bowen with a breakout game:  19 and 6, 2 blocks and 2 steals
Huber 17 and 9
Lansford, again finding her trey, 15
Heller 13, 3 steals
Eck 9 and 3 steals

Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans on this big win.  Keep it rolling . . . very promising, developing very fast.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2021, 03:56:53 PM
Congratulations to IWU's Kaia Bowen on CCIW Player of the Week honors.  She had a breakout game against #18 Wheaton in the Titans' big take-down of the Thunder at Wheaton this past Saturday.  19 and 6, with two blocks and two steals.  She's a big big part of the success of "run and jump," just unrelenting on defense. 

Keep in rolling, keep improving each game, Titans -- on Wednesday night at home vs. NCC.  Keep the pressure on and play even faster . . .  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on December 13, 2021, 06:03:51 PM
I told you guys IWU would be ok. The way they play creates havoc and if their opponents are not able to control the tempo and IWU makes some shots they will beat teams that, on paper anyway, they probably shouldn't. They aren't as talented as they've been over the past several years but they're going to be just fine. If they add a couple shooters and a solid post player or two next year look out. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 13, 2021, 08:28:17 PM
I didn't expect any CCIW teams in the top 25.  But Wheaton stays in and falls to #24 which is rather dubious.

It's very surprising to me that Millikin is getting no votes.  This is likely based on their 3 losses, all on the road, to two undefeated teams (DePauw, Wisc Lu) that are ranked or ORV and another (Chicago) at 5-3.  A 22-3 total record.  On the other hand, they have no significant wins either.  Still, they are and always have been the team to beat this season.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2021, 09:20:20 PM
Enginerd, I share your assessment of IWU . . . as they are developing fast now, learning how to play at their style and pace.  The three freshmen are coming on quickly, learning the system.  The three seniors can be very good, or just so so, depending on the night.  They need consistency, especially Eck.  Bowen had a breakout game this past weekend at Wheaton.  Great to see.  She's totally unrelenting on the defensive pressure.  I hear from IWU sources they have a great shooter coming in next year.  They do have some bigs with great potential, though needing lots of fitness and footspeed work.  For now, Carlson is the strongest they have for the paint, for rebounding off the bench.  When they play fast, with that sense of chaos and havoc, they basically want all the speed and ball-handling, defensive pressure, on the floor.  It's a four guard team, plus Bowen, at that point.  Lauren Huber is an excellent defender and rebounder, far better than you would think given her size . . . If this group keeps working hard, keeps improving, they could challenge the top teams this year . . . and surely could be back in the top tier by next season.  A key this year is how far Lansford can take them with pace, speed and some trey shooting at the PG, and also keeping Huber out of foul trouble and on the floor.  If the seniors play more consistently and the freshmen continue their rapid upward development, this team will be dangerous almost any night.  Wheaton was a great test and IWU passed it with flying colors.

Personally, I don't think Wheaton is a top 25 team.  Of course, they played IWU without Annie Tate.  We'll see if she's back and playing when WC visits The Shirk later on . . .

I share the view that NPU and MU may be stronger, at the top of the CCIW race for now . . .   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2021, 01:55:49 PM
If Wheaton-without-Tate was "a great test" and a "flying colors" win for IWU, then Carthage's victory over Wheaton-with-Tate was even more significant.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2021, 02:03:35 PM
Agreed. Wheaton-with-Tate is a totally different team than Wheaton-without-Tate, and the Firebirds did the exact same thing to Wheaton-with-Tate in King Arena that they later did to NPU in the crackerbox.

Carthage is going to be a very tough out, because Tim's got his team playing really nasty halfcourt defense. If they can generate enough offense, there's no reason why the Firebirds can't win the league. Whether they will or not is another matter, of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 14, 2021, 04:03:55 PM
Agreed about Carthage.  Perhaps they challenge NPU and MU for the league championship.  Lots of possibilities out there. 

As for IWU over Wheaton, with Tate or without, given where the Titans have come from, starting 1-4, it was a good test to play a ranked team on their home floor and come out with a convincing 19-point win, basically running Wheaton out of their own gym with run and jump, with pressure defense.  At this stage in the season and with the development of the Titans, with three freshmen playing major roles in the 8–9-person rotation, I'd say this was passing with flying colors . . . at least for this game.  Yes, I'm fully aware many more games, many more serious tests to come, esp. vs. NPU and MU . . . and now Carthage too.  I have higher hopes now for IWU's improvement and development, as they come together and figure it out after a pretty rough start.  I'll still be rather surprised, surely pleased for this team to finish with 15 wins or more for the season. 

Here comes North Central into the Shirk tomorrow night.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 14, 2021, 04:34:13 PM
Massey has IWU winning 70-62
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 14, 2021, 07:24:38 PM
Thanks, Jester.  Should IWU get to 70, I think they will win the game.  We'll see.  Consistency is needed, esp. on the offensive end.  It would be grand to start at CCIW play at 3-0.  :)

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2021, 09:21:05 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on December 14, 2021, 04:34:13 PM
Massey has IWU winning 70-62

Massey's not worth all that much this early in the year. I usually don't start paying a lot of attention to Massey until after the holidays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 14, 2021, 09:54:02 PM
UW Platteville 63-44 over Augustana.
I viewed nearly all of the game's webcast and will give credit to Platteville for their hard work.
Augustana's performance was somewhere between grim and bleak, with a lot of sloppiness thrown in.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2021, 10:05:32 PM
Well, maybe Massey does know something (IWU 70 NCC 62) -- actual score IWU 74 NCC 59.

The Titans played poorly in the first half, down at the half, but put together a much more intense, pressure-filled second half, getting to 70 as hoped, scoring 42 points and coming away with the win, now 3-0 in CCIW play to start out the conference campaign.

For NCC:

Sutter 15 and 10
McClure 10

For IWU:

The freshmen rising further, a coming out party for Kate Palmer

Kate Palmer 19 and 6, 5-7 from three
Lansford 17
Another freshman, Powers 16 rebounds

IWU made 8 threes tonight.  Huber a quiet game.  No Catie Eck tonight, on Covid protocol.  Likely out a few games.

Again, a shout out to Kaia Bowen.  Though she fouled out tonight with about 2 minutes remaining, she's just a great defender, often against bigger post players.  She uses her agility and quickness, tipping balls, hustling on the "run and jump" and helping cause the havoc and confusion with the press that IWU feeds off of.  NCC actually handled the pressure well in the first half, but things got to them a bit in the latter part of the 3rd Q and surely in the 4th Q when things got away from them, and IWU almost got out to a 20-point lead.  IWU continuing to improve in the three-ball game. 

A good win, at home.  Nice to start CCIW play at 3-0

Keep it rolling, Titans.  University of Chicago coming into The Shirk on Saturday, 2 p.m.  Another good test.   The men to Wash U on Sunday afternoon . . . 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2021, 11:11:17 AM
Yeah iwu70, whatever adjustments and/or instructions Coach Smith provided at halftime had immediate impact shutting down North Central's scoring.
NCC  20  15  6  18  = 59
IWU  17  15 16  26 = 74
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 16, 2021, 12:48:52 PM
IWU played harder in the second half and returned all the starters to the floor.  Bowen and Heller had some foul issues, Huber having an off game, so Coach Smith went to the bench during the second quarter and things held up OK.  When the starters returned in the 3Q, the intensity level went back up, with "run and jump" and with Lansford and Kate Palmer hitting threes, including the 50+ footer by Palmer at the end of the 3Q that made ESPN's Top Ten today.  Check it out.  Great steal and then an even greater shot from just inside the half-court line.  It hit the board and went in just as the backboard lit up ending the Q.  Obviously, a big boost for the Titans going into the final period.   Fun basketball, esp. watching the freshmen develop so fast and play so well early on in their IWU careers.  Huber, Powers and Palmer are going to be quite an effective trio.  If the Titans can develop a big or two, likely Kleffman, they could be pretty good the next three years.  Coach Smith always a pretty good recruiter. . .

Powers had 16 rebounds in this NCC game. 

I think U of Chicago even a greater test, challenge than Wheaton. 


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2021, 12:58:29 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 15, 2021, 10:05:32 PM
Well, maybe Massey does know something (IWU 70 NCC 62) -- actual score IWU 74 NCC 59.

Alright then, Mark, since you want to stick up for Ken's HAL 9000, let's see how it does over the remainder of the pre-Christmas CCIW slate. Is it a valid prognosticator at this point, or is it just whistling "Bicycle Built for Two"?

Saturday, Dec. 18
Carroll @ Elmhurst
Massey sez: Carroll 74, Elmhurst 59 (CC 90/11)*

North Central @ Millikin
Massey sez: Millikin 71, North Central 60 (MU 83/17)

Chicago @ Illinois Wesleyan
Massey sez: Chicago 70, Illinois Wesleyan 66 (UC 62/38)

Sunday, Dec. 19
North Park @ Augustana
Massey sez: North Park 65, Augustana 62 (NPU: 56/44)

Washington (MO) @ Millikin
Massey sez: Millikin 73, Wash U 70 (MU 58/42)

Monday, Dec. 20
Carroll @ Westminster (MO)
Massey sez: Carroll 72, Westmo 65 (CU 71/30)*

Carthage @ UWSP
Massey sez: UWSP 58, Carthage 55 (UWSP 58/42)

Coe @ Elmhurst
Massey sez: Coe 71, Elmhurst 61 (Coe 80/20)

Tuesday, Dec. 21
Carroll @ Centre
Massey sez: Carroll 70, Centre 55 (CU 91/9)

North Park @ Dominican
Massey sez: North Park 77, Dominican 47 (NPU 99/1)

I will, of course, note Massey's recalibrations after every game.

* I find it troubling that math is not the HAL 9000's strong suit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 16, 2021, 01:55:01 PM
What would make it really interesting is if y'all who know these teams well make your own predictions, then compare to Massey (and each other).

I agree that it's not as good early in the season but in past years I have found Massey to be surprisingly accurate for an algorithm, not just the win-lose but also a reasonable estimate of the score.  I don't know if it's better than human experts but it has been generally better than me :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 16, 2021, 02:10:42 PM
im surprised you guys dont do weekly predictions competition like the fine people on the hcac board do
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2021, 02:43:28 PM
The more I watch sports, the less interest I have in any expectations someone tries to set prior to a game.
Players should give their best effort in any game, with no concern for what may be expected to happen in that game.
What the players do is all that I find relevant. Let them all start each season and each game with a blank slate.
Predictions are about prognosticators proving how astute they are. That doesn't interest me, but others can have fun with it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 16, 2021, 03:18:03 PM
rog that is called the betting line
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 16, 2021, 04:42:31 PM
Rog, I'm with you.  I much prefer watching what actually happens on the court . . . and the fun and drama of the competition, the passion and effort of the players.  I'll watch to see how correct or not Massey is . . . but it doesn't really matter much at the end of the day in terms of fan . . . or my interest in following D3, following my Titans . . .  and, of course, I know some of the players and wish to give them all support during the season.  It is a grind for them, with all the workouts, practices, their academic demands and the travel.  It takes great focus and dedication. 

From the previous games Chicago has played, it does seem they should be favored over IWU this Saturday.  We'll see if Massey is correct . . . of if the Titans' recent improvement continues upward, beyond what might be factored in by the Massey calculations. 

I'm much more optimistic about these Titans than I was earlier on in the season, after our rough 1-4 start, when we had tons of trouble on the offensive end . . . a low shooting percentage, with very few treys falling.  Things are looking up to a significant degree now, especially defensively . . . not sure how far this upward trajectory can take this edition of the Titans.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on December 16, 2021, 05:44:22 PM
I prefer watching what happens on the court too.  But if that were the only thing of interest... we wouldn't have these boards, rankings, D3Hoops, and yes Massey too.  Those are all different ways, beyond the game itself, to extend one's interest and involvement as a fan.  All to be consumed or not by a fan according to their personal preferences.  I appreciate the options.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 16, 2021, 06:39:45 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on December 16, 2021, 05:44:22 PM
I prefer watching what happens on the court too.  But if that were the only thing of interest... we wouldn't have these boards, rankings, D3Hoops, and yes Massey too.  Those are all different ways, beyond the game itself, to extend one's interest and involvement as a fan.  All to be consumed or not by a fan according to their personal preferences.  I appreciate the options.

Well, yeah. Everything aside from the game itself is incidental to a large degree, although a lot of us enjoy it -- and I think that if Rog thought about it for awhile he'd include himself in that category as well, since, after all, he posts here (posting is something outside of the boundary of "what the players do is all I find relevant") and enjoys sorting out stats and posting them here. Not to give Rog a hard time, of course -- I'm just saying that, as you implied, if the games itself were all that mattered we'd do nothing more than watch them while checking our phones to find out what happened in the other league games, because d3boards.com would be superfluous.

I don't think that the outside stuff is entirely incidental, though, because expectations can play into motivation, and motivation can affect games. While I think that the whole idea of "bulletin board material" is typically overstated, there's no doubt in my mind that upsets are a real thing. Sometimes a team plays above expectations because that team's opponent is regarded as being a better team, and sometimes it works in reverse, with the presumably better team playing below its capability due to complacency.

Rog is correct that each team starts a new season with a 0-0 record and a new game with a 0-0 score. But the fact is that teams don't start out even-steven, despite the preseason standings and/or the pregame score. Millikin and Elmhurst may have both started the CCIW season 0-0, but nobody in his or her right mind thought in early November that the Big Blue and the Bluejays therefore had an equal chance to win the CCIW title this season -- and it's not likely that the people in the stands in Faganel Hall eight days ago objectively thought that Elmhurst had just as much of a chance to win the game as did Millikin when the two teams were going through their pregame layup lines. I think we all know that. All this stuff -- the preseason coaches poll, the stats, the posts, the d3hoops.com Top 25, the Massey ratings, etc. -- is about that fact.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Labeling a game result an upset sometimes says : the win was an aberration with little meaning, the winning team is still inferior, it was an "uncharacteristic" performance for the losing team.
I reiterate my main point : judge teams solely by what they accomplish this season, not by preconceptions of what they are supposed to be.
And if you re-read my post, you'll not find any prohibition on discussion or evaluation the actual results of a game.
Imagine arriving in a city you've never visited and going to a game (high school or NAIA) featuring teams that you have never heard of. As you observe the game, you discover and appreciate the effort and talent with absolutely no preconceptions of who "should" be able to do what. I try to appreciate the talent and effort anew in each D3 game, resisting the temptation to diminish a player's achievements in that game because we've seen her do well many times before.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2021, 12:12:06 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 16, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Labeling a game result an upset sometimes says : the win was an aberration with little meaning, the winning team is still inferior, it was an "uncharacteristic" performance for the losing team.

I don't think that the "little meaning" part of what you're saying is true at all. Aberration or not, there's plenty of meaning involved in taking an L on your record -- and plenty of meaning in the newfound confidence that might boost the morale and future performance of the underdog that got the W. And losing an upset could spell the difference between winning the league and not winning the league. There's a whole truckload of meaning in that.

Quote from: RogK on December 16, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
I reiterate my main point : judge teams solely by what they accomplish this season, not by preconceptions of what they are supposed to be.

But what they've accomplished this season creates the preconceptions of what they are supposed to be. Forget for a moment what I said about Millikin and Elmhurst in the context of preseason. Let's go back to that game at Faganel Hall on December 8. Millikin came into the game 5-3, a modest record to be sure, but all three of the Big Blue's losses came at the hands of very strong teams. More to the point, Elmhurst came into the game with a 1-7 record, and it was a 1-7 record that almost completely consisted of games in which the Bluejays were on the wrong end of trouncings. They were averaging almost 22 points per game fewer than their opponents. You and I both saw the Bluejays at the NPU Tip-Off Tournament ... how could there not be preconceptions of how that game on December 8 would turn out, based upon what we had seen as well as what the data says?

Quote from: RogK on December 16, 2021, 09:06:26 PMAnd if you re-read my post, you'll not find any prohibition on discussion or evaluation the actual results of a game.
Imagine arriving in a city you've never visited and going to a game (high school or NAIA) featuring teams that you have never heard of. As you observe the game, you discover and appreciate the effort and talent with absolutely no preconceptions of who "should" be able to do what.

I don't need to imagine it, as I experienced it firsthand over Thanksgiving weekend at the boys HS game in Indiana I spoke about earlier. It was a lot of fun going into the game somewhat blind. And I've had plenty of similar experiences watching online D3 games from around the country. I do understand the appeal. But it's not really possible, IMO, to glean that same kind of experience when watching teams play in the same league over and over again, teams whose players you've grown familiar with from watching them throughout their careers.

Quote from: RogK on December 16, 2021, 09:06:26 PMI try to appreciate the talent and effort anew in each D3 game, resisting the temptation to diminish a player's achievements in that game because we've seen her do well many times before.

I'd like to think that I do the same thing without attempting to erase preconceptions that I know I can't honestly erase (and which wouldn't help me as a broadcaster, because part of what I'm supposed to do is provide context to the greater arc of a season or a career). I think it's perfectly possible to appreciate a player's accomplishments while being fully aware of what that player has or hasn't done before. I got just as excited watching Jayla Johnson take over the third quarter of the Chicago @ NPU game as I had in the several previous instances over the past 2 1/2 years in which I've seen her go off like that, and I was just as appreciative of how rare it truly is for a basketball player to have the ability to do what she did. And, conversely, I got really excited when Esther Miller, who has always been a defense-first "intangibles" player off the bench throughout her career, broke out in the opener against St. Kate's with an 18 and 14 effort. In fact, it was exactly that context -- knowing the player that she had been, as compared to what she was doing in that game against St. Kate's -- that made it so exciting to watch. There's no progression without context.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2021, 11:28:53 AM
Then I'll ask you this : in the various CCIW sports you've broadcast, are there any Wheaton, Elmhurst or North Central players or coaches named Meyer?
Following the recent firing of Jacksonville NFL coach Urban Meyer, is there someone we could lightheartedly call Suburban Meyer?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2021, 01:14:06 PM
When I was a teenager I had a special edition of old-timer baseball cards, and one of them was an Urban Shocker card. He was a right-hander who pitched for the Browns and the Yankees, mostly in the 1920s. Shocker was a member of the pitching rotation of the 1927 Yankees that is generally considered to be the greatest baseball team of all time.

One of my wisenheimer friends took that card and wrote "CITY SURPRISE" on the top in pen. He thought that he was being funny, but I was ticked off because he had ruined the card.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2021, 01:47:27 PM
I think that wisenheimer owes you a near-mint George Mitterwald card.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 17, 2021, 03:30:19 PM
Greg i have it even worse. I had over 10,000 baseball cards  some junk but alot of good ones.  When i went away to the military at 18 my mom put them in a duffle bag and threw them in the garage without me knowing. lets just say 3 years later they were all worthless from water damage from freezing and refreezing
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2021, 05:31:53 PM
My mom threw out all of my baseball cards while I was away working at camp one summer. This was bad enough, but I was aware that one card I had was special -- a 1974 Randy Jones card with Washington "Nat'l Lea." printed on the card instead of Padres for the team name, because that was when the franchise was on the verge of moving from San Diego to Washington DC. (https://sabr.org/journal/article/a-brief-history-of-washington-stars/) McDonald's magnate Ray Kroc bought the franchise and vowed to keep it in San Diego just as the Topps presses were in the midst of their first run in January '74, so the Washington "Nat'l Lea." cards became an immediate collector's item. I thought that I had a baseball card that would be worth so much that I could retire on it someday, and I was furious that my mother had tossed it into the garbage along with the rest of my collection.

I used to needle her about throwing away my "retirement card," until the advent of the Internet and eBay allowed me to get a look at what the 1974 Randy Jones "Nat'l Lea." was actually going for on the resale market. Just checked it again today, and there's a 1974 Randy Jones "Nat'l Lea." card for sale on eBay with an asking price of $24.90.

It would've been a short retirement.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 17, 2021, 06:51:08 PM
Greg, better to save and collect Chinese scrolls from famous painters and some vintage opera recordings . . . much more valuable that baseball cards! :)   Just say'n.  LOL. 

I just donated some valuable scrolls to dear 'ole IWU, for display in the Ames Library . . .  I'm glad the Asian students we have at IWU can now have some art in the Library of a genre and style that is more familiar to them.

Looking forward to the IWU-Wash U match-up this weekend.  Should be a dandy!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2021, 07:23:42 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxHnXajIex4
===
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2021, 09:23:04 PM
Incidentally, Rog, those baseball cards you gave me a few years ago? I use 'em as bookmarks. They're great for that, and, since I tend to read more than one book at a time, they're a nice little trip down memory lane back to the '80s whenever I happen to open up a book and see that Spike Owen or Mark Gubicza or Rance Mulliniks has been faithfully keeping my place for me.

Hey, it beats putting them in the spokes of my bicycle, right?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2021, 10:09:07 PM
Actuarially, I don't recall that. Could those have been in one of the variety packs that Dollar Tree sold for a few years? I should have bought more of them, for a whopping $1 a pack.
Rance Mulliniks is a great name from that era. Baseball-reference shows another Rance, believe it or not.
Corner infielder Rance Pless got in 48 games for the 1956 KC A's. In '55 in AAA, he had 200 hits including 67 XB, 107 RBI, 116 runs and could not get a look at the MLB level with the Giants. I guess it was tough to make "the bigs" when there were only 16 teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2021, 04:45:54 PM
After an interminable delay by the officials to determine what the actual score was, Millikin stepped up in the game's final minute and outdueled a game North Central squad in the Griz, 73-69. Bailey Coffman led the way with 19 for the Big Blue, Jordan Hildebrand had 12 and 8, Aubrey Staton added a dozen points, and Elyce Knudsen had 10 along with four steals. Mitrese Smith paced NCC with 18 and 8, with Allison Pearson adding 12 and Elle Sutter had 10 and 7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2021, 04:50:05 PM
Klaire Steffens made a layup from the left block with 1.9 seconds left to give Chicago a 63-62 win at Shirk in a game that Illinois Wesleyan led most of the way but naver managed to control; the U of C scored the last ten points of the game. The Titans were paced by Brooke Lansford with 18 and 7, aided by Mallory Powers with 14 and Kate Palmer with 13.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2021, 04:59:34 PM
Elmhurst won the first quarter against Carroll, 20-16 ... but it all turned out to be an illusion. The Pioneers blew the doors off of Faganel Hall in the two middle quarters, 24-9 and 26-4, and ended up winning a laugher, 91-55. Brooke Foster led the way for CU with 14 points, Chloe Halvorson put in 1, and Elizabeth Behrndt added 10 as well as leading the Pios in boards with 7. Fourteen of the fifteen Pioneers who got into the game scored, as nobody played more than 22 minutes. Taylor Harazin had 11 and 6, and Marissa Urso and Katie Matrise scored 10 apiece for the 'jays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2021, 08:35:12 PM
A few additional notes on the game I attended, Carroll at Elmhurst.
Elmhurst's offense surely did dry up in those middle quarters. They made a lot more ill-advised passes than would normally be advised!
And I think Coach Carrillo would agree that nearly every Bluejay not named Urso could further assist the offense via improved dribbling.
p.s. to Greg : consider amending your post to show Halverson scoring 10 instead of 1.
Carroll's Theresa Wichser, known for long-distance shooting accuracy, thrilled teammates with a very nifty lay-up (while being fouled if I remember correctly).
Pioneer point guard Olivia Rangel, who had 5 steals, has a throwing arm that some professional outfielders would be happy to have.
Allison Thompson added four more blocks to her impressive total.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2021, 12:29:36 PM
No North Park at Augustana game today :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-vs-north-park-postponed.aspx
The Tuesday NPU game at Dominican might be iffy; we'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2021, 01:26:28 PM
Poking around in stats, we see that IWU's Kate Palmer made 2 of 14 three attempts in their opening four games.
Over the next six games, she has hit an excellent 16 for 26 threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2021, 02:35:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 19, 2021, 12:29:36 PM
No North Park at Augustana game today :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-vs-north-park-postponed.aspx
The Tuesday NPU game at Dominican might be iffy; we'll see.

We have contradictory press releases.

At 9:57 am Augie said that the game has been canceled and will go down as an Augustana win. (https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-vs-north-park-postponed.aspx)

The CCIW website seems to agree with Augustana, recording the game on the composite schedule as "Final No Contest". (https://cciw.org/calendar.aspx?path=wbball) However, the standings have not been changed to reflect an Augustana win and a North Park loss.

At 10:22 am NPU said that the game is merely postponed. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-game-at-augustana-postponed.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 02:54:24 PM
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- Sunday's CCIW Augustana women's basketball contest against North Park has been canceled due to health and safety concerns within the NPU program. The game will officially be recorded as no contest and Augie will receive the win, per conference rules.

The Viking men's game against North Park will remain on as scheduled and will take place at 5:00 p.m. from inside the Carver Center. The Augie women are back in action on Thursday, December 30 at home against Monmouth.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 02:56:22 PM
from north park looks like someone is wrong

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Due to health & safety concerns, the North Park University women's basketball game scheduled to be played at Augustana College today, December 19, has been postponed. A makeup date has not been determined. The men's game will still be played at 5 p.m.

Next, NPU women's basketball will play the Dominican University Stars this coming Tuesday, December 21. The away game is set to tip off at 2 p.m.



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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2021, 03:26:49 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 02:56:22 PM
from north park looks like someone is wrong

Why are you reposting what I had already posted twenty minutes earlier?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 03:35:18 PM
I included their actual statements
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 19, 2021, 03:55:06 PM
I attended the IWU loss to UC @The Shirk on Saturday.  A great game, both teams fighting hard, playing good defense.  When IWU scores less than 70, hard to win.  They had Chicago down 9 with about 2:40 to go and should have closed it out.  They had a series of very, poor empty possessions in that final run . . . and when it came to the last .12 seconds, UC had the ball, down one, went down and fed it into their big Center and IWU couldn't stop them.  I personally feel they should have fouled and made the Maroons shoot the FTs.  I tough loss, in a game IWU should have won. . .

I rarely complain about the officials, but this one had one of the weakest, poorest crews I've seen.  Several times, players would literally fall down and then a foul would be called.  And the T on the IWU bench, not really knowing why, basically the difference in the final score.  Again, a very strange call.  But, all credit to Chicago for fighting back, finishing on a 10-0 run. . .  IWU has to value each possession more . . . and finish layups when they turn over the opponent.  IWU has only themselves to blame on this one, missing at least 10 layups.  It could have been a 12-15 point lead at the half, and surely an easier win, had they finished on key plays. 

Palmer is playing much more confidently, hitting threes all over the place now.  I don't think you can keep her out of the starting line-up much longer.  Lansford also playing better, making some treys . . .  having a good game this time.  Eck still out in the Covid protocol.  May be back on the floor by the games out West at the end of the month. 

Another shout out to Kaia Bowen . . . she's just one of the best defensive players the Titans have had . . .  tipping balls, deflecting passes, stealing balls on entry passes to the usually much bigger paint players she has to guard, rebounding tenaciously, just a key player on the "run and jump" press.  Love her play.

I'm still seeing this team as a .500 team for the year, but hope they keep improving and surprise me at 15-10 or better. 

Happy holidays to all, as the teams head home and take a break until the end of the month.  I'm sure everyone can use the break, use the rest.  The TITANS have two winnable games in the PNW -- George Fox and Pacific, both in the Portland, OR area.  Wish I could attend.

Happy holidays to all the CCIW chatsters.  May yours be merry and bright!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2021, 03:59:26 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 03:35:18 PM
I included their actual statements

So did I. Did you not notice that my post linked to both schools' statements, as well as to the CCIW website's composite schedule?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 04:50:53 PM
No I was on my phone. I will make sure to check copyrights in the future  lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2021, 04:55:50 PM
For the second day in a row a Millikin women's basketball game at the Griz took forever to finish due to a long and inexplicable delay. And, for the second day in a row, Millikin squeaked out a close win. The Big Blue prevailed over Wash U, 72-65, due to strong defense and timely free throws down the stretch that allowed them to preserve what had been a ten-point lead going into the final stanza. Elyce Knudsen didn't have a good shooting game, but she did manage to amass 17 points to lead the way for MU, and she also contributed five assists and four blocks. Bailey Coffman added 16 and 7 along with four blocks, Aubrey Staton had a dozen points, and Jordan Hildebrand chipped in 11 as the Big Blue improved to 9-3.

It's so odd to watch a Wash U women's team that isn't dominating its opponent. Years and years of the Bears being D3's leviathan in this sport just get you used to viewing them that way. The Bears are actually pretty good this year, but they're not what they were back in the Fahey years. Millikin definitely was and is the better team of the two.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2021, 04:56:09 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 04:50:53 PM
No I was on my phone. I will make sure to check copyrights in the future  lol

It's not a big deal. I just thought that it was odd.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 19, 2021, 05:02:24 PM
I didn't see it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on December 19, 2021, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2021, 02:35:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 19, 2021, 12:29:36 PM
No North Park at Augustana game today :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-vs-north-park-postponed.aspx
The Tuesday NPU game at Dominican might be iffy; we'll see.

We have contradictory press releases.

At 9:57 am Augie said that the game has been canceled and will go down as an Augustana win. (https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-vs-north-park-postponed.aspx)

The CCIW website seems to agree with Augustana, recording the game on the composite schedule as "Final No Contest". (https://cciw.org/calendar.aspx?path=wbball) However, the standings have not been changed to reflect an Augustana win and a North Park loss.

At 10:22 am NPU said that the game is merely postponed. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2021/12/19/womens-basketball-game-at-augustana-postponed.aspx)

The game will not count against NPU, but Augie gets a win in the CCIW standings. There's no easy way to do that on the CCIW website, so once the techs that run the website figure it out, that will be amended.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2021, 03:29:19 PM
Carroll topped Westminster 79-42 this afternoon. The game was at Daytona Beach, somewhere on the Lake Superior shore, the Ontario side maybe.
The Pios' playing time and scoring were spread out; Brooke Foster and Olivia Rangel each tallied 12 pts.
Allison Thompson's 13 rebounds were part of a 57-30 advantage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2021, 03:50:15 PM
Congrats to Bailey Coffman, new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 20, 2021, 03:51:49 PM
Congrats to Ms. Coffman.

Happy holidays to all . . . stay safe and well.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2021, 03:52:00 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 20, 2021, 03:29:19 PM
Carroll topped Westminster

Westminster MO, that is.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2021, 04:47:35 PM
True. Thanks for the assist!
Elmhurst enjoys a win over Coe today. Stats in a bit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2021, 05:40:25 PM
Elmhurst 76, Coe 73
Marissa Mussatto hit a game-tying FT completing a game-saving three-point play with 12 seconds to go.
Morgan Collar rebounded a Coe miss, a timeout was quickly called and the ball advanced.
Cate Boling then made a walk-off three, incidentally her third 3FG of the 4th quarter.
Marissa Urso led EU with 16 pts and 8 assists. She also had 3 steals, as did Payton Schmidt.
Collar scored 14, while Katie Matrise added 13 pts and 3 assists.
for Coe :
Ellie Wisner led all with 22 (5/9 3FG, 3/5 2FG, 1/2 FTs)
Kaalyn Petersen 4 blocks, 13 rebs, 16 pts (6/7 2FG, 4/6 FT)
Petersen has grabbed 10+ rebounds in 9 of their 11 games. Not bad at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 20, 2021, 06:22:16 PM
Thanks to Carthage, the conference goes 3-0 today; the Firebirds (now 7-3) won 62-52 at UW Stevens Point.
Lauren Knight did quite well, scoring a neat 19 (3/6 3FG, 2/3 2FG, 6/8 FT) and adding 7 assists. She did have one turnover, which we won't even mention.
Carthage dominated the rebounding 37-18.
Carthage players combined for a .602 eFG%.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 21, 2021, 02:04:33 PM
Carroll (8-3) nabbed 17 steals today in their 64-37 victory over Centre in Florida.
Katie Rohner had 17 pts, 3 assists and 7 rebs.
Chloe Halverson scored 12 (made all six of her 2FG att) and added 5 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 24, 2021, 10:14:36 AM
Wheaton's new year's eve game at Univ of Chicago has been cancelled and won't be rescheduled.  Reason cited is health and safety protocols within the Maroon's women's basketball team.

This is unfortunate but not necessarily surprising.  It was the only non-con game remaining for the Maroons before beginning UAA play on Jan 8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 24, 2021, 12:00:14 PM
And Carroll's Wednesday game vs Marian U has been postponed.
The Pioneers' next contest will be vs Whitewater on January 1th ("wunth").
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 25, 2021, 12:37:21 PM
Merry Christmas all . . .and a Happy New Year, too.  Let's hope 2022 is good to us all and that the pandemic will wane.

Good luck to the TITANS out in Oregon, later in the new week.  Some winnable games at George Fox and Pacific.  And, hopefully some fun at the Blazers game, too!  Safe travels, be well.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 29, 2021, 05:21:39 PM
Carthage prevailed at St Olaf today, 68-58.
Among those who did well :
Lauren Knight - 23 pts and 10 rebs;
Marianna Morrissey - 5 steals and 2 blocks;
Kelsey Coshun - a very useful 11 pts off the bench in 17 1/2 minutes
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2021, 01:44:21 PM
IWU plays @George Fox today . . . in Newberg, Oregon.  I think 8 p.m. CST.  Kaia Bowen not making the trip due to positive covid test . . .   :(    Catie Eck likely back in the starting line-up after missing two games likely for the same reason.

Good luck to the TITANS for these two games on the West Coast . . . enjoying a taste of the Pacific Northwest!   

A game tomorrow vs. Pacific -- in Forest Grove, near Portland, too -- 6 p.m. CST.

Happy New Year all . . . soon, early January, here comes the meat of the CCIW race, season.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 30, 2021, 06:06:33 PM
Wheaton 59
Concordia – Wisc  51

Annika Richardson   16 pts, 8 rebs
Hannah Swider   14 pts, 6 rebs
Ellie Cassel   9 pts 16 rebs

Reagan Obry   14 pts
Lindsey Smitsdorff  13 pts, 10 rebs

The Thunder were again without Annie Tate and also Caylee Hermanson, both of whom are normally starters.  But they managed to get by the Falcons.  Richardson played very well and seems to be more comfortable on the court with increasing minutes.  Swider stepped up once again to take on more scoring load because the team really needs it.  Without Tate, the Thunder are just an average team.

Tate, Hermanson and about 2 or 3 other roster players were not on the bench even in street clothes.   The injured Tate might just be staying at home since students are not due back on campus until Jan 8, 9.  The others might also be home or in isolation somewhere?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 30, 2021, 10:30:58 PM
Is George fox players color blind can't they see green
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on December 30, 2021, 10:40:14 PM
FINAL:  IWU 65, George Fox 61.  Not as decisive as the national finals in 2012, but I'll take it! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2021, 12:50:51 AM
IWU 65 George Fox 61 . . . "run and jump" strikes again, IWU turning over GFU 32 times? 

Mallory Powers with a great game, 17 points.

Up next, a tougher Pacific team . . .  in Forest Grove, tomorrow at 6 p.m. CST.

The IWU men demolish #1 Yeshiva . . .the women get it done with defense.


IWU'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 31, 2021, 01:23:59 AM
IWU game was a **** show for fox.  IWU played some good defense but my god let's not throw the ball every time to the girl in green.  Shows how bad the outside shooting was for IWU  not crushing fox with all the turnovers    IWU coach did great job getting in her players ass bout just bombing away and had them concentrating getting to paint at start of 2nd half.   Don't know what Huber final numbers were but I didn't think she was a factor as I have seen in the past.  I did see her go down hard and momentarily stay down got up a little gingerly but kept playing
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2021, 08:49:53 AM
Jester, yes, Huber has been struggling some in recent games, driving into traffic.  Luckily, Powers and Palmer just keep improving.  IWU will miss Kaia Bown on this trip, esp. defensively.  Eck is streaky and didn't have a good shooting day vs. GFU.  "Run and jump" always brings the TO gifts.  Titans very weak in the paint this year.   They need to develop some bigs, for sure.  Still, grinding it out, a win is a win, right?   I think Pacific will be a tougher challenge today.

Happy New Year to all in the Titan Nation and all the CCIW chatsters.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2021, 10:21:28 AM
After suffering the Covid-imposed loss-but-not-a-loss cancellation at Augustana and the subsequent cancellation at Dominican, North Park finally gets back into action this afternoon against Mount Mary in the crackerbox.

This will be the first game I've called for either women's or men's basketball in nearly three weeks. It's been so long that I'm going to have to bring my ad copy with me just in case my mind goes blank during commercial breaks.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 11:52:17 AM
UW Oshkosh (11-2) 67, Carthage (8-4) 40
Lousy shooting by Carthage : 5/19 3FG, 10/28 2FG, 5/9 FT;
Kelsey Coshun did shoot well (3/6 2FG, 3/4 FT).
Nearly half (33) of Oshkosh's points came from three-land.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 12:11:43 PM
Augustana (6-5, 7-5 by CCIW rules) had no trouble with Monmouth (6-3), 79-54.
Augie was excellent from the field : 8/21 3FG and 25/40 2FG.
Vikings who reached double figures in scoring : Lauren Hall 19, Macy Beinborn 15, Gabriela Loiz 14, Emma Berg 10 (she led the team in playing time, 26 minutes).
Augie's group effort won the rebounding 40-32.
Ah, just noticed that Augie was up 51-21 at the half. I'm guessing they didn't feel the need to win by 50 or 60.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 12:18:17 PM
Elmhurst was to play at Beloit yesterday, but the game did not occur.
Beloit's next game is also off, so their Covid testing must have been the issue.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 12:29:04 PM
I attended the somewhat sloppy CUW - Wheaton game.
There were hints of how Concordia's lowpost offense would succeed, but Wheaton denied easy lane access for most of the game.
Wheaton is much more fun to watch when they have Annie Tate.
As GoPerry noted, we here don't know when she'll return to action.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 31, 2021, 01:44:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 31, 2021, 12:29:04 PM
I attended the somewhat sloppy CUW - Wheaton game.


Another 20 turnover game for Wheaton.  Their lack of care with the ball, unforced throwing passes away, is problematic and a limiting factor to their success.  They should be able to improve on this but they aren't.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2021, 04:52:41 PM
North Park 93
Mount Mary 41

Emily Czuhajewski: 20 pts (6-12 trey)
Jayla Johnson: 15 pts
Esther Miller: 14 pts, 6 rebs, 6 stls
Katie Jasko: 10 pts
Lauren McKnight: 8 rebs, 10:2 a:to, 4 stls

This looks like a useless game on the schedule, but it turned out to be a good opportunity to get the team a much-needed chance to do something other than practice after three Covid-filled weeks without a game, and it also offered Amanda Crockett the chance to give her bench some varsity game action. The only two Vikings who played more than 20 minutes were Lauren McKnight and Nicole Hansen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 31, 2021, 05:54:50 PM
Aurora pulled out a nail biter at North Central 63-62.  It was a very entertaining back and forth game with each team taking turns leading a close game.  A tough one to lose for the Lady Cards.

Allison Pearson led NCC with 15 pts including some really crucial baskets in the closing stretch.  Julie Galauner led a very balanced Spartan attack with 20 pts 11 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2021, 06:32:53 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 31, 2021, 05:54:50 PM
Aurora pulled out a nail biter at North Central 63-62.  It was a very entertaining back and forth game with each team taking turns leading a close game.  A tough one to lose for the Lady Cards.

Allison Pearson led NCC with 15 pts including some really crucial baskets in the closing stretch.  Julie Galauner led a very balanced Spartan attack with 20 pts 11 rebs.

Yeah, I needled Rog in the crackerbox after the NPU game was over that he'd chosen to attend the wrong game.  ;) Given the game that I was calling, I was frequently giving updates from the airplane hangar -- and every time that I checked live stats the AU @ NCC game was either tied or a one-possession lead for either team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 07:01:26 PM
North Park was nice to Mount Mary; could've run up 130+ points if they wished, dominating as they did with the 17-0 burst to begin the game.
I also suspect NPU Coach Crockett instructed her players not to drive to the hoop as much as usual, in an effort to reduce fouls called on the Mount Mary players. Only three or four of the eight MM players there would be considered decent ball handlers. Had any of them fouled out, it would not have been worth continuing the game.
I do admire the Mount Mary players for being willing to staff the team, helping their school, despite the likelihood of their talent deficit resulting in losses. Hopefully they do get satisfaction for being on a college basketball team and can avoid injury.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 07:06:46 PM
I forgot to ask you, Greg, if you mentioned on your broadcast that you refused to eat a holiday vegetable dish when your cousin said he cooks carrots and peas in the same pan.
(har-har)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2021, 07:16:50 PM
As the kids say these days, Rog ... r/whoosh.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2021, 08:27:36 PM
Maybe it was lmitzel and cousin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 31, 2021, 09:21:25 PM
I feel like I missed something.

Rough end to the one at the hangar tonight for the Cardinals, who got two chances at a go-ahead bucket in the final 16 seconds. Pearson missed a three with about 7 seconds, AU called its final timeout with about five, then went over and back with 0.4. Megan McClure missed a contested three at the buzzer.

This was a fairly short handed game for both teams. IxChel Leeuwenburgh was back home in Colorado (I think Covid), and the Spartans only dressed 13 of the 24 players listed on their roster.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2021, 09:59:11 PM
As I expected and feared, IWU lost their second game in Oregon to Pacific, 71-65.

Losing the rebounding and assists count -- rebounding 42-39 and assists 19-9.  The defensive pressure did not result in the usual massive TO advantage for the Titans in this one.  Though I didn't see this game . . . seems Pacific has some ball handlers and didn't turn it over massively. 

Lauren Huber had a superb game, coming back strong in this loss.

For IWU:

Huber 24 and 11
Lansford 15 and 6
Eck 11
Kate Palmer 7 and 7

Mallory Powers, who started the game, only played 4 minutes and did not return.  Sickness or injury, I know not?


For Pacific:

A massive game by Brillie Kovaloff  29 points
Gray and Price, 9 each

Titans now 6-6 . . . and return to CCIW play, the CCIW grind, at Elmhurst next Wednesday, hoping to go 4-0 in conference play and staying on top of the CCIW race.

Safe travels home from the Pacific Northwest . . . get rest, get well all . . . still much basketball to be played, likely getting Kaia Bowen back after missing the two games out West.


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2021, 10:05:39 PM
That leaves us with two non-con games remaining: Carroll (8-3) hosts UW-Whitewater tomorrow in a 1 pm New Year's Day showdown. and Millikin (9-3) is at Eureka on Sunday afternoon at 1 pm. I don't expect the Pioneers to be competitive against UWW, which is 11-0 and ranked fifth in the nation, but the Big Blue should have an easy time of it against the 3-5 Red Devils on Sunday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on December 31, 2021, 10:14:34 PM
So I was just sent a ton of video from IWU hope championship games    Had there ever been more home cooking and a steal of a basketball game.  I don't have a dog in the fight but the video don't lie.   IWU was done over
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 01:07:47 AM
 ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 02:45:48 AM
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/12/02/73FF9D60-539A-4375-8B41-AA8092A53A68/IMG_5842.mov
Eagle-Eyes catches this non-existent travel call on IWU

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/dc/12/9CE8F29B-7684-4C40-944D-388D2434CDCA/IMG_5843.mov
And a couple possessions later misses THIS.... Watch her feet immediately after she catches it

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/dc/12/BD20DC71-0470-42AF-A3B4-77FA0FD968E0/66269911907__A3445E0C-5290-4C52-829D-C4984B622D64.MOV
Watch the clock  This is an NCAA TOURNAMENT game!!

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/d8/08/565F68AD-B315-4EF0-AF6F-D90C805BAADE/66269942923__5283D983-FB5A-49FC-B25F-64A606608C23.MOV
See if you can count how many seconds the Hope player is in the lane....

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/53/03/1DBCBF6A-C0F6-4CD0-BE11-33568E050C63/66269977018__E0A8C607-94E6-4FEC-BA57-C51DD6680C35.MOV
Phantom And-1 that helped Hope claw its way back and get crowd back in game

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/0e/14/542DB76D-3F6D-452C-A822-BE651DA3BD2C/66270001948__46F1F641-9BC0-4154-8799-CD3CFA91B368.MOV
Then compare to THIS no-call literally seconds later....

Check out THIS phantom foul - coach working  officials about the shot clock - they basically said "here will this foul make you feel better?"
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/48/08/9F5194B9-95B2-4685-9883-80E35137C614/66270032942__07D75E80-3FC5-4FB1-94B8-E094EB8763E4.mov
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/38/08/C114AF03-EE36-4040-A1B1-49804C531503/66270046646__A6515C59-04F7-437D-ACE2-C75A15D25EE8.MOV
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 06:41:21 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 02:45:48 AM
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/12/02/73FF9D60-539A-4375-8B41-AA8092A53A68/IMG_5842.mov
Eagle-Eyes catches this non-existent travel call on IWU

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/dc/12/9CE8F29B-7684-4C40-944D-388D2434CDCA/IMG_5843.mov
And a couple possessions later misses THIS.... Watch her feet immediately after she catches it

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/dc/12/BD20DC71-0470-42AF-A3B4-77FA0FD968E0/66269911907__A3445E0C-5290-4C52-829D-C4984B622D64.MOV
Watch the clock  This is an NCAA TOURNAMENT game!!

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/d8/08/565F68AD-B315-4EF0-AF6F-D90C805BAADE/66269942923__5283D983-FB5A-49FC-B25F-64A606608C23.MOV
See if you can count how many seconds the Hope player is in the lane....

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/53/03/1DBCBF6A-C0F6-4CD0-BE11-33568E050C63/66269977018__E0A8C607-94E6-4FEC-BA57-C51DD6680C35.MOV
Phantom And-1 that helped Hope claw its way back and get crowd back in game

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/0e/14/542DB76D-3F6D-452C-A822-BE651DA3BD2C/66270001948__46F1F641-9BC0-4154-8799-CD3CFA91B368.MOV
Then compare to THIS no-call literally seconds later....

Check out THIS phantom foul - coach working  officials about the shot clock - they basically said "here will this foul make you feel better?"
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/48/08/9F5194B9-95B2-4685-9883-80E35137C614/66270032942__07D75E80-3FC5-4FB1-94B8-E094EB8763E4.mov
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/38/08/C114AF03-EE36-4040-A1B1-49804C531503/66270046646__A6515C59-04F7-437D-ACE2-C75A15D25EE8.MOV


Attempt to post files doesn't work here.

You say you have no dog in this fight yet this is the 2nd time recently you're spending a lot of time attacking Hope.  It's not a good look IMO.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 09:24:02 AM
Cut the crap, Jester. There is absolutely no reason to re-examine a game from two years ago that we exhaustively dissected at the time on this board -- and even then we were forced to do so not because of the grievances of Illinois Wesleyan fans but because of Enginerd's hidden anti-Hope agenda that stemmed from a Hope vs. Rose-Hulman game from two years previous to that one.

Nobody's interested in pursuing your topic, whose sell-by date expired two years ago and is motivated by a dispute that doesn't even involve the CCIW or a CCIW team. Don't you have anything better to contribute?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2022, 10:26:55 AM
Jester, let it go . . . of course that game left an extremely bitter taste in IWU's fan's mouths, my own included . . . but what's done is done.  Move on. 

We have more good basketball to be played, more good teams and players to support and cheer on . . . and one cannot re-write history to suit one's grievances. . . though many try. 

Happy New Year to all . . . let's hope 2022 treats us well . . . and that the pandemic soon wanes, allowing for more normal life and full sporting activities. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 11:54:10 AM
Happy '22 to you too, iwu70.
We'll continue to appreciate our D3 athletes; contrast them with so many 20-yr-olds who seemingly don't do much other than peck at their phones.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 12:35:19 PM
I'm not upset I had another person send me the video. I was just amazed I wasn't aware of that.  Now if my kid had been on the team I would be nuts about it.   Not everyone is aware of history.  I still hate the cowboys because drew Pearson pushed off when I was a kid against the Vikings
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 12:36:50 PM
Lol hmmm negative smites for posting video. All you need to know about today's society in a nutshell
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 01, 2022, 01:10:04 PM

I still feel young a lot of the time, but I have been watching and talking about d3hoops for more than two decades now.  Pretty much the most tried and true adage is that anyone complaining about the refs is not worth engaging.  There are a few less talented referees out there (although far fewer than there used to be) and lots of refs have off nights.  There's rarely an overall poor officiating performance (especially since they went to three refs and collectively overturning calls has become more common) that affects the outcome of a game - and even in those rare instances, there's nothing anyone can do about it.

It's a bit crude, but generally the second time you mention what's wrong with the refs is the first time I'm looking for someone else to talk to.  Bad officials are no different than a night when the shots aren't falling.  They're part of playing basketball.  You mention it and you move on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 01:37:59 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 12:36:50 PM
Lol hmmm negative smites for posting video. All you need to know about today's society in a nutshell

First, you didn't post video.  Your files are not accessible here.  All readers can see is your editorial comments and home cooking claims (they were not MIAA refs).

Since you felt compelled to go there, I'll post the opposing view.  My apologies to the IWU fans here who have had nothing but class about that game.

From my perspective, which may be as biased as yours, most of the clips you reference are NOT black and white, they are arguably in the "could go either way" category and are the types of calls we see refs make all the time.  I don't know if you actually looked at the whole game or especially the last four minutes, but there was a lot that happened on the floor during those minutes that had nothing to do with calls that were made or missed. Several bad IWU turnovers, more than a couple of wide open looks that Hope buried.  To imply the refs determined the outcome is to ignore the efforts of both teams, good and bad.  The IWU fans graciously acknowledged at the time that those last three minutes were not their team's best of the game, while also expressing their views about the refs.

In other words, I agree completely with Ryan. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PM
again i would agree most of the time but  i dont care who won the game but the video is amazing. The circumstances are amazing. I had never heard of this game as it was before my time.  I had another person send me the video links who also doesn't have a dog to hunt in the matter but said you wouldn't believe this game and  the damn videos dont lie.  You cant escape it. You cant say it didn't happen.  If this happened in a Connecticut game for the national championship the airwaves would have exploded.  I follow a lot of sports for god sakes I watch F1 racing and i never heard anything about this game at the time.  This was more then just ref being not very good. The clock keeper not starting the clock. It might be a matter of  refs were intimidated by coach and crowd the last 5 minutes.  There is just no other explanation to explain these videos.

But if you want to be like the mob and leave dead bodies buried no problem. I posted it because you guys have been on here for so long you are emotionally attached to IWU it would be interesting to know how you felt at that time and now.   you can discuss matters without being pissed off.   Maybe a hope fan has a different perspective and his take on the videos might change my mind. I don't think it will but i would be interested.

No matter your view and yes  losers blame refs but all i know is if my daughter busted her ass not just for that year but all her life to get to that moment she just like Hope and IWU would deserve to have competent refs and neither team got that,
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:52:56 PM
ok its how he sent to me on my phone  i cant make it into a format that i can post on here. i can only email the files. its all good I thought if you pasted the link it would show the video. Still mazing video but like the world we keep moving forward.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:58:58 PM
round with all due respect the clips i were sent the calls couldn't go either way
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 02:24:20 PM
Carroll tied 16-16 after 1 Q vs Whitewater.
No Wichser or Rangel for the Pios.
They have already been using Thompson and Behrndt together to deal with Whitewater's tallness.
... I think they're without Rohner and Foster too .. not sure if the visitors are missing any regulars ..
Whitewater now up 27-18
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 01, 2022, 02:34:58 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 01, 2022, 01:10:04 PM

I still feel young a lot of the time, but I have been watching and talking about d3hoops for more than two decades now.  Pretty much the most tried and true adage is that anyone complaining about the refs is not worth engaging.  There are a few less talented referees out there (although far fewer than there used to be) and lots of refs have off nights.  There's rarely an overall poor officiating performance (especially since they went to three refs and collectively overturning calls has become more common) that affects the outcome of a game - and even in those rare instances, there's nothing anyone can do about it.

It's a bit crude, but generally the second time you mention what's wrong with the refs is the first time I'm looking for someone else to talk to.  Bad officials are no different than a night when the shots aren't falling.  They're part of playing basketball.  You mention it and you move on.

Totally agree.  At times when I do post a comment about the refs it is typically from the "they missed one" perspective.  The idea of a crew consistently favoring one team over another, or worse, that a single call or set of calls being the reason one team lost a game is really not worth engaging.

Side note:  If I can be forgiven for posting a MBB related comment on this board - Ryan, nice ATN article about YU/IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2022, 02:48:20 PM
Thanks, RogK.  Hope you and your family are all safe and well for 2022. 

That Hope-IWU game will always live in infamy, for many IWU fans that year.  But, let's move on . . . more basketball to be played in 2022.  Hope surely playing extremely well this year, now . . . IWU has to rebuild, find a few bigs that can provide defense and rebounding in the paint, and rely on our great freshmen for the future of the program.  IWU, both men and women's programs, have very bright futures . . . I'm sure.  Dedicated student-athletes, great facilities and some of the best coaches in D3.  We are totally blessed as a sports program.  And, the Titan Nation will continue supporting them, no matter. 

Again, Happy New Year to all.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 02:59:20 PM
wow there are some trees in this carroll game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 03:02:21 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 02:24:20 PM
Carroll tied 16-16 after 1 Q vs Whitewater.
No Wichser or Rangel for the Pios.
They have already been using Thompson and Behrndt together to deal with Whitewater's tallness.
... I think they're without Rohner and Foster too .. not sure if the visitors are missing any regulars ..
Whitewater now up 27-18

Is the camera operator drunk? There's so much wobble in this feed that I'm getting seasick. Worst part is that half the time the camera's not even trained on the ball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 03:08:23 PM
I'm wondering if it's an automated camera that detects movement of players rather than the ball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 03:19:03 PM
what a bone head play at end of 3rd quarter by uw player
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 03:40:44 PM
Five turnovers in one uninterrupted 19-second sequence? Never seen that before. Ever.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 03:47:07 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:58:58 PM
round with all due respect the clips i were sent the calls couldn't go either way

Just watched the 4th qtr on large screen, let's just say we disagree.  Many plays that could go both ways throughout the game, as with any hoops game.  And the timer issue with 4 minutes left was completely inconsequential.  We see what we want to see.  I don't see how anyone can watch the last minutes of that game and conclude the refs determined the outcome.

No matter, Ryan and GoPerry have already made the most cogent arguments here....
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 03:51:14 PM
Well, the Pioneers certainly proved me wrong, as they pulled off a major upset by taking down previously undefeated #5 UW-Whitewater, 71-62. Despite the hot-potato lunacy of the final two minutes, Carroll was a much more composed and effective team in the second half. Katie Evans (22 points) was en fuego from downtown, and the Pios generally did a great job of taking UWW apart in the halfcourt with back cuts and precision passing. Honestly, the Warhawks didn't resemble anything like an 11-0 team in that second half, and, while some of that is just a matter of jangled nerves and bad decision-making, a lot of it was simply due to being outplayed by a hungrier team.

Carroll (9-3, 1-3) goes into the meat of the CCIW sked on a real high.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 03:57:43 PM
round i can send you my email and then send you the video i was sent. im impartial on this i would be saying the same thing if it was the other way around. I have coached and watched basketball foy 25 plus years im sorry the videos i was sent there really is no argument. yes officials miss calls but this was all in the last 5  minutes. Its ok to agree to disagree. In the end it doesn't change anything i wouldn't even brought  it up except the most commentated people on here are fans of both schools so i thought it would be interesting to see their views.   Kudos to Hope for earning the home floor and i didnt say it was a conspiracy im just saying by what i see on video these refs were overwhelmed by the coach and the home fans.  The only thing i would rip Hope on is the the clock operator did wait 8 seconds to start the clock when they were down and unde r5 minutes. But hey mistakes happen i guess even in championship games

on a totally different a great game by Carroll  wanted to give it away a little at the end but their guard smooth as can be knocking down free throws.   Evans with a great game .. never seen UWW play but you see this elsewhere. Bigs used to dominating because no one their size. But when the other team like carroll has size you see their true ability to create around the basket.  Saw a lot of balls just thrown at the basket by UWW bigs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 04:25:14 PM
I was going to say that Katie Evans had ice water in her veins, but en fuego is also accurate. She definitely hit much-needed timely shots when the rest of the offense struggled.
And Kate Christian had to be exhausted at the end, but she persevered, preserving the lead with clutch free throws.
I don't call it a major upset; a surprising result, especially since the Pios were without four of their regulars. Carroll has a lot of ingredients and depth to be a strong team.
The victories that Millikin, Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton achieved over Carroll in December now may warrant additional plaudits.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 04:44:28 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 03:57:43 PM
round i can send you my email and then send you the video i was sent. im impartial on this i would be saying the same thing if it was the other way around. I have coached and watched basketball foy 25 plus years im sorry the videos i was sent there really is no argument. yes officials miss calls but this was all in the last 5  minutes. Its ok to agree to disagree. In the end it doesn't change anything i wouldn't even brought  it up except the most commentated people on here are fans of both schools so i thought it would be interesting to see their views.   Kudos to Hope for earning the home floor and i didnt say it was a conspiracy im just saying by what i see on video these refs were overwhelmed by the coach and the home fans.  The only thing i would rip Hope on is the the clock operator did wait 8 seconds to start the clock when they were down and unde r5 minutes. But hey mistakes happen i guess even in championship games

on a totally different a great game by Carroll  wanted to give it away a little at the end but their guard smooth as can be knocking down free throws.   Evans with a great game .. never seen UWW play but you see this elsewhere. Bigs used to dominating because no one their size. But when the other team like carroll has size you see their true ability to create around the basket.  Saw a lot of balls just thrown at the basket by UWW bigs

Sorry, disagree.  The fact you say there is no argument on any of these calls proves to me you are not objective.  Don't need the cherry picked clips that someone with an agenda sent you; the entire game is available on YouTube for anyone inclined to a balanced view. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 05:57:36 PM
its not cherry picked each film is from the broadcast and  shows each play  i know how to count so i know thats right.  I told you i would be more then happy to email you.  Trust me i wish i could figure out how to post on here because it simply would shut down this part on your behalf that im carrying water for IWU. I just ripped IWU for being ranked with 4 losses a couple of weeks ago. I dont think anyone on here would say Im a homer for IWU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 06:03:01 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 12:35:19 PM
I'm not upset I had another person send me the video. I was just amazed I wasn't aware of that.  Now if my kid had been on the team I would be nuts about it.   Not everyone is aware of history.

Wrong. We're all aware of it. It dominated this board's conversation for several pages, just before Covid shut down the playoffs. Scroll back to pages 573 through 575, and it's nothing but conversation about the reffing in that IWU @ Hope game. In fact, you yourself posted right in the middle of that brouhaha:

Quote from: Jester1390 on March 08, 2020, 01:19:56 AM
i will simply state what i learned from serving in the military ad what i have taught to my players and kids.  Losers make excuses. Winners own it no matter what the outcome.   Having my daughter play both Wesleyan and Chicago I am quite sure those players are owning it.  Have no clue if bad calls or not didn't see the game but a good coach would say you know what we need to play better and take it out of the refs hands,  A officer  once told me Airman were looking for solutions not excuses. Never forgot  those words and they have served me well.

Too bad that late last night you chose not to take your own words seriously.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 01, 2022, 01:10:04 PMI still feel young a lot of the time, but I have been watching and talking about d3hoops for more than two decades now.  Pretty much the most tried and true adage is that anyone complaining about the refs is not worth engaging.  There are a few less talented referees out there (although far fewer than there used to be) and lots of refs have off nights.  There's rarely an overall poor officiating performance (especially since they went to three refs and collectively overturning calls has become more common) that affects the outcome of a game - and even in those rare instances, there's nothing anyone can do about it.

It's a bit crude, but generally the second time you mention what's wrong with the refs is the first time I'm looking for someone else to talk to.  Bad officials are no different than a night when the shots aren't falling.  They're part of playing basketball.  You mention it and you move on.

Sound wisdom, Ryan. But as for the adage about reffing-gripers not being worth engaging, that's true only if: a) the griping isn't persistent; b) it isn't sucking all of the oxygen out of the room (i.e., hindering discussion of how great a game it was, and that IWU @ Hope game was definitely a great one); and c) it isn't indicative of an ulterior motive. Enginerd, who was the poster driving all that griping, definitely had an ulterior motive; he has a pronounced anti-Hope bias, complaining long and loud about how the Dutch are too talented for D3, how their large and packed arena drives officials into a state of Stockholm syndrome, etc., with all of his animus derived from a game four or five seasons ago that Rose-Hulman lost at Hope that he simply can't let go.

So, since I had a slow day at work that day, I spent a couple of hours not only watching that entire game on demand (I had only watched the last thirteen minutes of it live the night before), but rewinding and reviewing all of the points where Enginerd said that the officials were favoring the Dutch. And then I wrote a lengthy rebuttal. Enginerd still wasn't going to let it go, but then, thankfully, the country was swept up in the Covid pandemic and everybody's attention was diverted. :D I suppose that that kind of agenda-driven fanaticism is impervious to rebuttal, but at least I felt better about exposing the motives of the poster who was screaming the loudest.

Quote from: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 01:37:59 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 12:36:50 PM
Lol hmmm negative smites for posting video. All you need to know about today's society in a nutshell

First, you didn't post video.  Your files are not accessible here.  All readers can see is your editorial comments and home cooking claims (they were not MIAA refs).

Since you felt compelled to go there, I'll post the opposing view.  My apologies to the IWU fans here who have had nothing but class about that game.

I wouldn't go that far, since Chuck (Mr. Ypsi) and Mark (iwu70) did a lot of complaining afterwards about the refs, with another IWU fan (the brother of a former Titans player) chiming in at one point as well. Mark's made it plain again today that the game continues to "live in infamy" in his mind. But Chuck and Mark are partisan fans, and griping about perceived bad calls is what partisan fans do. I've done my fair share over the years of yelling about what I perceived as bad calls or no-calls that went against North Park. It's as much a part of college basketball as cheerleaders and concession-stand popcorn machines. Given that, I don't think any of us can hold the griping of the IWU fans that night in March 2020 and the next day against them. The Rose-Hulman fans who have chosen to weaponize that playoff game from two years ago as part of some anti-Hope vendetta, however, are another matter completely.

Quote from: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 01:37:59 PMFrom my perspective, which may be as biased as yours, most of the clips you reference are NOT black and white, they are arguably in the "could go either way" category and are the types of calls we see refs make all the time.  I don't know if you actually looked at the whole game or especially the last four minutes, but there was a lot that happened on the floor during those minutes that had nothing to do with calls that were made or missed. Several bad IWU turnovers, more than a couple of wide open looks that Hope buried.  To imply the refs determined the outcome is to ignore the efforts of both teams, good and bad.  The IWU fans graciously acknowledged at the time that those last three minutes were not their team's best of the game, while also expressing their views about the refs.

That last sentence is true, on both counts. Enginerd feigned that as well, stating that the refs didn't win the game for Hope (while vehemently insisting that, simultaneously, the refs kept Hope from losing) because the Dutch had to make the shots necessary to come back and win. He even said that he was rooting for Hope to win in the soon-to-be-canceled subsequent rounds of the 2020 tourney, although, given his anti-Dutch animus, that was obviously gaslighting on his part.

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PM
again i would agree most of the time but  i dont care who won the game but the video is amazing. The circumstances are amazing. I had never heard of this game as it was before my time.

Baloney. I have already posted a quote of yours earlier in this post (from page 574 of this board, reply #8609, time-stamped March 8, 2020, 1:19 am) that occurred right in the middle of that post-game controversy.

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PMI had another person send me the video links who also doesn't have a dog to hunt in the matter

Right. Another RHIT fan, I'll bet.

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PMbut said you wouldn't believe this game and  the damn videos dont lie.  You cant escape it. You cant say it didn't happen.  If this happened in a Connecticut game for the national championship the airwaves would have exploded.  I follow a lot of sports for god sakes I watch F1 racing and i never heard anything about this game at the time.  This was more then just ref being not very good. The clock keeper not starting the clock. It might be a matter of  refs were intimidated by coach and crowd the last 5 minutes.  There is just no other explanation to explain these videos.

I went over Enginerd's accusations frame by frame after that game, as I've already said. You can look it up yourself. It's on page 575 (reply #8619) of this board. My conclusion is that there were two bad calls that went Hope's way (a phantom blocking foul on an IWU player in the third quarter, and a traveling call on an IWU player with a little over two and a half minutes left in which the player clearly didn't travel) and a non-call that went IWU's way (Enginerd's complaint was that an elbow to the head of the Titans center was delivered by a Dutch player, which was true, but immediately prior to that inadvertent elbow the Titans center had blatantly held the Dutch elbower-in-question on an inbounds play and should've been whistled for a dead-ball foul).

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PMBut if you want to be like the mob and leave dead bodies buried no problem.

There are no dead bodies. There is only a lingering animosity here that fans of one non-CCIW program have for another non-CCIW program -- and I, for one, would like to get it off of this board and onto the MIAA and/or HCAC board where it belongs.

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PMI posted it because you guys have been on here for so long you are emotionally attached to IWU

Ha! That's rich. Me, emotionally attached to IWU. Like that would ever happen in a thousand lifetimes. ::)

"Dear Diary,

Today I was the target of the most bizarre accusation of my entire life ..."  :D

Check with Rog and lmitzel and GoPerry and ask them if they're emotionally attached to IWU, too.

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PMit would be interesting to know how you felt at that time and now.

You know how we felt at that time, because, contrary to what you're insisting, you were a participant of this board -- and the board's post-game fallout after that March 2020 IWU @ Hope contest -- and even posted in the middle of it with that bit about what officers tell airmen about excuses.

How do we feel now? Well, that should be pretty obvious. Even the most zealous Illinois Wesleyan fan who regularly posts here has told you to, in his words, "let it go" and "move on."

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 01:40:16 PMyou can discuss matters without being pissed off.   Maybe a hope fan has a different perspective and his take on the videos might change my mind. I don't think it will but i would be interested.

Or -- and here's a thought -- you could take this discussion over to a place where you RHIT fans and the Hope fans can hash it out together to your heart's content without involving CCIW fans.

My personal advice to you is to give up this crusade, because, just as was true of Enginerd back in March 2020, you're only making Rose-Hulman look bad. But, hey ... you do you. As I've said before, I don't run this board. All I can ask Rose-Hulman fans to do is to keep their anti-Hope diatribes off of this board, where they don't belong.

Quote from: Roundball999 on January 01, 2022, 03:47:07 PMWe see what we want to see.

And on that pithy truth I hopefully will close the book that shouldn't have been re-opened in the first place.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 06:27:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 04:25:14 PM
I don't call it a major upset; a surprising result, especially since the Pios were without four of their regulars.

I don't see how you can possibly say that, Rog. UWW was 11-0 and ranked fifth in the nation. Carroll was 8-3, but with a grand total of one win over a team that had a winning record, and CU has yet to appear on a single ballot in the d3hoops.com poll this season. The fact that Carroll was missing Rohner, Foster, Wichser, and Rangel made the uphill battle the Pioneers faced today even steeper ... and, thus, the absence of that quartet makes the ensuing upset even more epic.

Massey gave Carroll an 18% chance of winning this game -- and keep in mind that Ken's computer was completely unaware that the Pioneers were missing three starters and a key reserve. One can only imagine how low a win probability Massey would've given the Pioneers in light of that fact.

This game was practically the definition of a major upset.

Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 04:25:14 PMCarroll has a lot of ingredients and depth to be a strong team.

Yeah, several ingredients of which were missing today ... which is partially my point.

Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 04:25:14 PM
The victories that Millikin, Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton achieved over Carroll in December now may warrant additional plaudits.

Plaudits are all fine and dandy, but I'll bet that Lindsay Schultz would rather have mulligans for those three games.

Incidentally, the Carroll gamer (https://gopios.com/news/2022/1/1/womens-basketball-carroll-women-upset-uw-whitewater.aspx) indicates that this is the first time in program history that the Pioneers have defeated a Top Five team. Congrats to them on that significant achievement.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 01, 2022, 07:08:15 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 06:03:01 PM
Check with Rog and lmitzel and GoPerry and ask them if they're emotionally attached to IWU, too.

Why is everything turning green?

So full disclosure: I haven't watched the game in question. But I'm inclined to believe Greg if he went frame by frame to write a rebuttal.

Officiating is a hard job, and I have a ton of respect for the crews I work with on a nightly basis. Do I say to myself at least once or twice a night, "Oh, I don't agree with that call"? Of course; I'm a fan and if you've watched or listened to a game at the hangar in the past decade or so, you know I have some homerific tendencies. I've probably even griped on here about calls once or twice. But I don't think there's some grand conspiracy, much less one in Hope's favor.

If we're gonna talk about bad calls, can we get this level of vitriol directed at the time NCC got called for an over and back when the ball was 10 feet past the half court line? (Note: please don't, I don't want to rile myself up over something that didn't impact the outcome of the game.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 07:16:51 PM
I'll say this in regard to Illinois Wesleyan : Bloomington is about as close to Normal as you can get.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 07:34:14 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 01, 2022, 07:08:15 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 06:03:01 PM
Check with Rog and lmitzel and GoPerry and ask them if they're emotionally attached to IWU, too.

Why is everything turning green?

(https://www.thesun.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/RB-COMPOSITE-GREEN-EARTH-1.jpg?strip=all&quality=100&w=1200&h=800&crop=1)

AAAAGH! Quick! Get the women and children to the rockets and lift off before it's too late!

Quote from: lmitzel on January 01, 2022, 07:08:15 PM
If we're gonna talk about bad calls, can we get this level of vitriol directed at the time NCC got called for an over and back when the ball was 10 feet past the half court line? (Note: please don't, I don't want to rile myself up over something that didn't impact the outcome of the game.)

My all-time favorite, and I hasten to point out that this did not take place at the crackerbox, was the time I saw a ref attempt to assign a bench technical to a team whose Gatorade cooler was, he felt, too close to the floor. After his two colleagues pulled him into a hasty huddle, and after about three or four minutes of emphatic back-and-forth, he emerged from the huddle and walked over to the scorer's table to downgrade his T-bone to a mere warning. Meanwhile, during the huddle the team's student manager had moved the cooler back into a dead space next to the side of the bleachers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 07:16:51 PM
I'll say this in regard to Illinois Wesleyan : Bloomington is about as close to Normal as you can get.

Rog, you've earned the first rimshot of 2022. Happy New Year!

(https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/Yashouzoid/rimshot_zpsvgabbk2i.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 01, 2022, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 07:16:51 PM
I'll say this in regard to Illinois Wesleyan : Bloomington is about as close to Normal as you can get.

I'm still trying to figure out what all that had to do with viewing Formula 1??  But us un-emotionally attached Wheaties are slower on the uptake . . . :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 01, 2022, 08:34:05 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 07:34:14 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 01, 2022, 07:08:15 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 06:03:01 PM
Check with Rog and lmitzel and GoPerry and ask them if they're emotionally attached to IWU, too.

Why is everything turning green?

(https://www.thesun.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/RB-COMPOSITE-GREEN-EARTH-1.jpg?strip=all&quality=100&w=1200&h=800&crop=1)

AAAAGH! Quick! Get the women and children to the rockets and lift off before it's too late!

Quote from: lmitzel on January 01, 2022, 07:08:15 PM
If we're gonna talk about bad calls, can we get this level of vitriol directed at the time NCC got called for an over and back when the ball was 10 feet past the half court line? (Note: please don't, I don't want to rile myself up over something that didn't impact the outcome of the game.)

My all-time favorite, and I hasten to point out that this did not take place at the crackerbox, was the time I saw a ref attempt to assign a bench technical to a team whose Gatorade cooler was, he felt, too close to the floor. After his two colleagues pulled him into a hasty huddle, and after about three or four minutes of emphatic back-and-forth, he emerged from the huddle and walked over to the scorer's table to downgrade his T-bone to a mere warning. Meanwhile, during the huddle the team's student manager had moved the cooler back into a dead space next to the side of the bleachers.

In the last year of NCC's old Tip Off Tournament, we had a five minute stoppage to review a shot clock reset... on a ball that clearly hit the back of the rim. (Incidentally, the same ref who called that stoppage called the aforementioned over and back.)

Though for me... nothing will ever top Towelgate (http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=4592.msg1788765#msg1788765). (I know not officiating-related, but still funny.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 09:09:22 PM
man the snobbery on this page is unbelievable.  I will retire from here.  Just be my little old self on HCAC page. Nothing but the best fellas
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 09:19:35 PM
Millikin's game at Eureka has been moved from Sunday to Monday :
http://eurekareddevils.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/releases/20220101su75z7
This adjustment may be weather-related. Or, everybody wants to stay home to watch the important Bears game!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 01, 2022, 09:35:46 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 09:19:35 PM
Millikin's game at Eureka has been moved from Sunday to Monday :
http://eurekareddevils.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/releases/20220101su75z7
This adjustment may be weather-related. Or, everybody wants to stay home to watch the important Bears game!

That got even more of a chuckle out of me than your quip about Bloomington/Normal, Rog. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 01, 2022, 09:43:43 PM
RogK, thanks for stating the obvious.  :)

At least we're not Decatur . . . right?

Here comes the January/February CCIW grind, and some more great basketball.

As you could well-expect, we greenies are still basking in the demolition of then #1 Yeshiva.  It should give our boys some pretty nice and powerful confidence going into the rest of the season.

Perhaps we can talk more current basketball . . . and less about the Hope-IWU tournament game, on the women's side, from two years ago.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 01, 2022, 10:22:03 PM
to which our Millikin friends may reply :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVEtfS0Hk8Q
- -
(hit the Skip Ad thing if it starts with adverts)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on January 01, 2022, 10:24:06 PM
This will be the only thing I'll ever have to say about any of this ever again - it's counterproductive to the purpose of this board and frankly I'm too old to care.

I actually went back and watched the Hope-RHIT game again and honestly it wasn't as bad as I remembered it. I was wrong about the officials impact on that game. When I'm wrong I'm man enough to admit it and I was wrong about that game. I regret that it gave anyone an opportunity to paint it as an RHIT-Hope issue for me. I never once suggested Hope was "too good for Division III" but I did state that they are outrageously talented. I've watched a couple of their games this year and haven't seen anyone in a long while that can make wholesale "Grinnell" type line-changes/substitutions without any drop-off in talent. They're really good and I'm sure their kids are just as deserving and work just as hard as anyone. It's just boring to me when you begin the season knowing who's going to win the national championship barring some kind of lightning-strike loss in the NCAA's. Felt the same way with Thomas More a few years ago when they had the Moss kid. In fact, I was doing cartwheels in my living room pulling for Hope the year Hope beat TM on their home court in the NCAA's.

On the bright side of things, the renewed interest (?) in this mess prompted me to go back and look at that game (Hope-RHIT) again and I want to point out that Hope executed an absolutely brilliant OB play that resulted in a wide-open 3 that a post player knocked down to seal the win. If it wasn't set-up to specifically be that skip-pass then it was certainly a read that had been pointed out by the staff. Either way it was brilliant and the better team won. If you want to see a wonderful example of good coaching and an incredibly perceptive call/play I strongly encourage you to go and watch it. It happened in the last 90 seconds of the game I believe. For someone who loves basketball that's more important than the one or two calls that were missed. No one will remembered that the game was won or lost by anyone - but you can learn something about the soul of the game just by watching that one small moment. It's almost like the first time a novice chess players sees a truly brilliant move up close and in person.

As for the IWU game and a rebuttal of my point-by-point "accusations", I had way too much scotch that night and got the counter-numbers all screwed-up and was not very eloquent in defending my thesis. I'll state that there were a very large number of "hmmm" calls and no-calls that happened during the fourth quarter of that game. None of us (at least that I'm aware of) are theoretical physicists, so there's really no way, short of a better understanding of quantum mechanics (which, admittedly, I do not possess), to know whether the officials caused IWU to lose or Hope to win. I simply wanted to point out the things that were missed - they really were fascinating. More than most people, I think, I watch the officiating during games, be it middle school, HS, college, or the NBA/WNBA. I think the officials had a couple bad misses that hurt IWU in their game vs. RHIT this season which I've previously stated elsewhere. I've always been fascinated by good and bad officiating. Humans are being asked to discern things happening in hundredths of a second and definitively rule on them. I happen to think that the first 28-29 minutes of that game were very competently officiated. The final 11 minutes will always hold a fascination for me - but I resolved around 17 months ago to keep that to myself moving forward because it was a distraction and because I realized that I shouldn't have gotten that deeply into it because it became obvious to me pretty quickly that there weren't many people interested in whether the officials inadvertently influenced the outcome of the game - and similarly nobody was going to convince me that they didn't - so it was a pointless to continue and I made the decision to just shut-up about it and drop it....until of course until I was drug back into it by someone seeking to assert their intellectual superiority based on a disagreement that I walked away from a long time ago.

The game is over, it's done, and I'm sure someone else will have to go up there this year. Between the crowd, the arena itself, and the atmosphere Hope has an incredible home-court advantage. I honestly thought IWU had no chance going in but deserve a lot of credit for the game they played. Kudos to Hope for overcoming an eight-point lead and managing to pull the game out in the end.

The end. At least for me...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2022, 09:13:04 AM
Thank you, Enginerd. I appreciate your candor and probity. Not many people would be willing to come onto a public posting site and give a mea culpa. I respect you for doing so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on January 02, 2022, 10:26:22 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 01, 2022, 07:16:51 PM
I'll say this in regard to Illinois Wesleyan : Bloomington is about as close to Normal as you can get.

As for double entendres, I prefer "Bloomington Ain't Normal".
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2022, 10:48:21 AM
That would make a good bumper sticker.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2022, 11:47:14 AM
Yes, the B/N community is spending money, going through another "re-branding exercise" now, so all suggestions, serious or funny, are most welcome.  We all know that our universities have done the same, spending tons, doing focus groups, and coming up with slogans to supposedly clearly identify the institution and draw impressionable 16 and 17 years olds to shell out thousands to attend -- or at least their parents to shell out the money.  Marketing and "spin" in command.  Most of these exercises are silly, some even embarrassing.   Some quaint and fun . . . I like the one for University of Colorado = "Be Boulder" and the one for Northfield, MN. = "Cows, Colleges and Contentment," but otherwise, haven't seen too too many than seem worth the "branding exercise" money, supposed brilliant PR firms notwithstanding.  I'm sure some good ones could be made for Decatur, Wheaton and Naperville as well . . . and hopefully, Greg has some good suggestions for "Charcoal Delightsville."  All fun suggestions welcome . . . in good humor.

Loved the Q video about the IWU-Yeshiva game . . . a wonderful experience for all concerned . . .  and a great win for our Titans.  As I've said there and before, "once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker," especially if you were in the Big Apple during 9/11.  One can never forget or leave the proud spirit of the city out of your psyche if you were there during those months.  We look forward to welcoming our new Yeshiva friends to The Shirk next fall for the 2nd Sikma Invitational.  I'm sure it will be another unique and great experience, and another superb D3 basketball game.

Happy New Year, all!

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 02, 2022, 02:47:27 PM

Slogan Idea:  BEER NUTS!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2022, 04:52:08 PM
Ryan, great idea . . . we wouldn't have The Shirk Center for Athletics and Recreation, one of the best facilities in all of D3, without BEER NUTS.  Do eat more, keep supporting them . . . maybe we'll get a new Fine Arts Center later on . . .  please!

Right now, the IWU slogan is "Be Breakthrough" -- so many schools must have used the same PR firm as when I travelled across the country, visiting various liberal arts campuses, I see these marketing slogans everywhere -- "Be Awesome,"  "Be More,"  "Be Beyond,"  "Be More Than You Can Be" "Be Bold" etc. . . .  all pretty lame in my book.  But, I guess short and snappy for Admissions' brochures and on-campus banners.  As I said, I only really liked "Be Boulder" for U of Colorado, Boulder. 

We'll see what the Bloomington/Normal commercial rebranding exercise comes up with for Bloomington/Normal . . . perhaps something about insurance, universities, agriculture and electric trucks, now with Rivian's big new endeavor just west of Bloomington/Normal, a multi-billion $ company now with over 3,000 employees, a recent $70 billion IPO.  So, "Be Electric?"  (but buy State Farm Insurance . . .)  Time will tell.

I'm hoping somehow IWU would more greatly reflect its Mission Statement and its long-term, hopefully enduring commitment to strong liberal arts, especially in any new capital campaign which is coming, and overdue . . . given realities, though, some of my classmates have suggested we rename to "State Farm University" or "Illinois Wesleyan Sports Institute."  All a bit tongue-in-cheek, but still reflecting some not-entirely-happy sentiments out there . . . about priorities and recent cutbacks. 

A good game Wednesday:  Elmhurst @ IWU.  We hope no let-down after the hype and excitement of the Yeshiva game in New York City.   

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 02, 2022, 04:59:50 PM

BE er Nuts?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2022, 06:09:51 PM
Jayla Johnson is steadily working her way up the all-time scoring list at North Park. She's now up to sixth place with 1,217 points, and she's eight points away from passing two-sport legend and Vikings Hall of Famer Andrea Mendyk (1999-02) for fifth. This is all pretty remarkable stuff when you consider that, putting her Covid-truncated 2020-21 season together with the 2021-22 season that she's played to date, she's still played less than three full seasons.

Also, not to jinx her, but Jayla's on pace to set a new school single-season record for free-throw percentage. She's currently at .900 (45-50); the NPU single-season record is .866, set by Evie Peterson back in 2006-07.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2022, 10:23:02 PM
Ryan, really enjoyed your article about the Yeshiva-IWU game and broader experiences and interactions by the two teams, the two schools and groups of fans . . . great work!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 03, 2022, 04:48:34 AM
ok just because i was called out and some people seem to know what im thinking and feeling more then i do. Here is my facebook link. The videos are posted. Not looking for apologies but simply you know what chris your right those are some pretty damming video. If your unhappy with the film curse at me on here and not my family page lol.

www.facebook.com/chris.jester.90/

if that doesnt work just look up my name and  Minnesota. with that we will leave to be on the hcac page leave you guys to your group think lol
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2022, 07:20:27 AM
Jester, happy wandering.  I have no interest in reliving that game.  It is well-hashed over . . .

Moving on . . . as usual.

IWU-Elmhurst, men and women, this week.  Some more great and interesting basketball.

I highly recommend Q's recent Q-cast with Ari Lamm.  Good stuff.

Again, Happy New Year to all . . . stay safe, healthy and vertical.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 10:13:35 AM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 01, 2022, 09:09:22 PM
man the snobbery on this page is unbelievable.  I will retire from here.  Just be my little old self on HCAC page. Nothing but the best fellas

Wow, that retirement lasted a whopping 31 hours. You should expect an imminent call from the people at the Guinness Book of World Records.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 10:24:40 AM
And now we're back to CCIW action. This is Wednesday's welcome-back sked:

Augustana (7-5, 1-2) @ North Central (4-8, 1-2)
Carroll (9-3, 1-3) @ Carthage (8-4, 3-1)
Elmhurst (2-10, 0-4) @ Illinois Wesleyan (6-6, 3-0)
North Park (8-3, 1-2) @ Wheaton (10-2, 2-2)

The Millikin players and coaches will probably be glued to their laptops watching either CU @ CC (especially in light of Carroll's big win over UWW) or NPU @ WC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2022, 11:06:22 AM
Millikin at Eureka 6pm tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 12:40:47 PM
Thanks for the update, Rog. Good to see that the Big Blue were able to pick up that postponement from Sunday so quickly.

Gives me something to watch this evening!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2022, 12:57:25 PM
You're welcome.
I am confused about North Park being 1-2 instead of 1-1 in CCIW play.
When they didn't have enough players (right?) to play at Augustana, I thought it would be an Augustana win for CCIW purposes (but not recognized by the NCAA) and nothing (no contest) for North Park. It has changed to a loss for CCIW purposes?
We used to have access to each sport's Administrative Information on the cciw site, but that is now inexplicably password-protected content.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 01:02:53 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 03, 2022, 12:57:25 PM
You're welcome.
I am confused about North Park being 1-2 instead of 1-1 in CCIW play.
When they didn't have enough players (right?) to play at Augustana,

I haven't heard that it was a matter of not having enough players. I was simply told that the team wasn't going to travel to Rock Island because of Covid protocols.

Quote from: RogK on January 03, 2022, 12:57:25 PMI thought it would be an Augustana win for CCIW purposes (but not recognized by the NCAA) and nothing (no contest) for North Park. It has changed to a loss for CCIW purposes?
We used to have access to each sport's Administrative Information on the cciw site, but that is now inexplicably password-protected content.

I'm a bit confused on that point myself.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2022, 01:44:21 PM
Greg, I think the IWU women's game vs. Elmhurst is AT Elmhurst, this Wednesday.  The men's game here at The Shirk.  A small correction on your schedule for this week.  I expect the Titans to go to 4-0 on the CCIW card . . .

Hopefully, all the absent players with positive tests earlier will be back, recovered . . . and hopefully no new ones about.

IWU '70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 03, 2022, 01:58:46 PM
after rose just went through testing this week I was told you had to have 8 players dressed not to forfeit. I dont know if that's 100 percent but that's what i was told
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 03:31:46 PM
 I'm pretty sure that Covid-19 no-contest rules are league-based, so what one league does will not apply to teams in another league. Of course, some leagues will choose similar or identical policies in this regard.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 03, 2022, 03:34:27 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 03:31:46 PM
I'm pretty sure that Covid-19 no-contest rules are league-based, so what one league does will not apply to teams in another league. Of course, some leagues will choose similar or identical policies in this regard.

FWIW: here is the MIAA policy:

Rescheduling due to COVID-19...
If a contest is unable to be played due to factors surrounding COVID-19, that contest will be declared "postponed" until it has been determined there are no options to reschedule.  Contests must be rescheduled in the order of the first canceled contest and proceed chronologically through the remainder postponed contests from the original schedule.

If teams are unable to reschedule...
The COVID-19 affected team will be appointed a conference loss.  However, if the team affected by COVID-19 is cleared to play and the opponent is unwilling to play on dates that are available, the opponent will record a conference loss.  If both teams have confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeding the NCAA threshold and are deemed unable to play by local health officials, both teams record a conference loss.

The win/loss will only be reflected in the conference standings, not in official NCAA standings or statistics. Therefore this policy will not affect any possible selections for "at large" bids into NCAA postseason tournaments.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2022, 06:45:37 PM
Congrats to Katie Evans, new CCIW Player of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 06:46:09 PM
The North Park athletic department has updated its spectator policy (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2022/1/3/athletic-department-covid-19-updated-spectator-policy.aspx) in order to comply with the dictates of City Hall.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 03, 2022, 08:34:43 PM
Millikin (10-3) pummels Eureka, 87-43, at Bollwinkle Arena. Elyce Knudsen had 24 and 8, Bailey Coffman added 12 and 7, and Brin Hultz and Aubrey Staton each contributed ten points. The Red Devils turned over the ball an awe-inspiring 32 times.

It went exactly as I expected, but, hey, watching it gave me something to do for awhile on an otherwise dull wintry evening.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2022, 11:30:07 PM
Eck and Bowen back for IWU -- for the game @ Elmhurst.  Powers got a concussion during the initial minutes of the Pacific game out West and is likely out for several games, until cleared by the concussion protocols.  Coach Smith having to adjust and juggle her starting group given all this . . . IWU students back to campus today, classes starting up again in person, The Shirk Center coming back to life with practices and regular hours for all students and we geezer alums.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2022, 12:40:49 AM
Katie Evans of Carroll was named this week's POW. Given her performance against UWW, that's certainly an apt choice by the league office.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2022, 06:11:45 PM
From out of the jaws of "defeat" comes a second chance ... (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2022/1/4/womens-basketball-announces-augustana-makeup-date.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 04, 2022, 06:29:17 PM
I'll predict that the Vikings will defeat the Vikings.
Looks like tomorrow's IWU v Elmhurst game could also occur on Monday the 10thst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2022, 10:53:37 AM
Steady winds over 20 mph today in CCIW territory, with gusts over 40.
I've heard that trees can break wind.
If provoked, you certainly could tell someone to go fly a kite.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2022, 11:06:38 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2022, 10:53:37 AM
Steady winds over 20 mph today in CCIW territory, with gusts over 40.

Good thing that they're playing the games inside, then!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 05, 2022, 01:48:05 PM
Welp, NCC-Augie tonight is postponed. Makeup date TBD.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2022, 04:54:23 PM
We are/were headed to either King or the Crackerbox tonight.  Looks to me like NPU/WC games are on.  But we'll delay our departure as long as possible just in case.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2022, 06:19:24 PM
Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2022, 09:51:28 PM
A new basketball term on the screen of the Carthage broadcast : Possison Arrow.
Is that a Wisconsin colloquialism?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2022, 09:57:11 PM
At King Arena, North Park over Wheaton by a final of 82-71 but it was never really that close.  Wheaton was done in by a terrible second quarter where they got outscored 31-8 with really atrocious defense.  The halftime score was 51-24.   

The Lady Vikes are a good team and came ready to play and compete.  They really took it to Wheaton.  The Thunder finally started to play with some urgency in the second half, defensively and offensively.  One bright spot was Annika Richardson with her second straight good performance finishing with 33 pts to lead all scorers.

Jayla Johnson had 24 before fouling out late.  Emily Czuhajewski was inexplicably left open constantly and she proceeded to bury six or seven wide open treys in the first half and ended up with 23 pts.  Esther Miller had 20.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2022, 10:02:20 PM
Carroll over Carthage, 51-45 in OT. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2022, 10:25:58 PM
Sure looks like Wheaton is a pretender . . . and NPU and MU are the top dogs so far. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2022, 10:31:49 PM
Still no Annie Tate.   

I look forward to the IWU games with MU and NPU to see how the Titans measure up against the top two teams.  Gotta get healthy, get everyone back . . . from injury and covid.   We've been pretty lucky so far.

Schedule looks good for IWU the next few games . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2022, 11:07:44 PM
I watched about half of each game, mostly the 1st half of the Wheaton broadcast and more of the Carthage 2nd half / OT.
I agree fully with every word of GoPerry's summary of the North Park win.
In Kenosha, Carroll was without Coach Schultz (Karsyn Rueth served as head coach) and again was missing Rangel and Rohner.
Carthage was without Knight, Coshun and Herrmann.
Carthage controlled the tempo, but the absence of the aforementioned trio hurt their offense.
The game featured 31 made FGs, 49 turnovers and 22 missed free throws. Anybody who saw that in person had to rinse their eyes for 10 minutes afterwards.
Carroll did just enough to escape with a victory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2022, 11:18:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 05, 2022, 09:57:11 PM
At King Arena, North Park over Wheaton by a final of 82-71 but it was never really that close.  Wheaton was done in by a terrible second quarter where they got outscored 31-8 with really atrocious defense.  The halftime score was 51-24.   

The Lady Vikes are a good team and came ready to play and compete.  They really took it to Wheaton.  The Thunder finally started to play with some urgency in the second half, defensively and offensively.  One bright spot was Annika Richardson with her second straight good performance finishing with 33 pts to lead all scorers.

Jayla Johnson had 24 before fouling out late.  Emily Czuhajewski was inexplicably left open constantly and she proceeded to bury six or seven wide open treys in the first half and ended up with 23 pts.  Esther Miller had 20.

Emily Czuhajewski's seven treys tonight is a career high, and it's tied for the second-highest single-game total in NPU program history with Hannah Rehfeldt's seven against North Central back in February 2016. Oddly enough, Czuhajewski ended the game tied with Rehfeldt in career treys with 111, which puts Emily in a tie for fifth in career treys at North Park.

Esther Miller's 20 points is a career high for her. Her four steals ties her with Jayla Johnson for the league lead with 34 steals and a 3.1 steals per game average.

It's weird to win a game handily when you get outrebounded by 21 the way that NPU was tonight. But the turnover situation seems to have compensated for that somewhat, as Wheaton coughed it up 21 times to NPU's five.

Now comes the marquee matchup: Millikin vs. North Park at 2 pm Saturday. I'm really looking forward to calling that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2022, 11:42:48 PM
still early conference standings :
MIL 4-0
IWU 3-0
NPU 2-1
CTG 3-2
CRL and WHE 2-3
NCC 1-2
AUG 0-2
ELM 0-4
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2022, 11:53:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2022, 11:07:44 PM
In Kenosha, Carroll was without Coach Schultz (Karsyn Rueth served as head coach) and again was missing Rangel and Rohner.
Carthage was without Knight, Coshun and Herrmann.
Carthage controlled the tempo, but the absence of the aforementioned trio hurt their offense.
The game featured 31 made FGs, 49 turnovers and 22 missed free throws. Anybody who saw that in person had to rinse their eyes for 10 minutes afterwards.
Carroll did just enough to escape with a victory.

I caught that CU @ CC overtime up in my broadcaster's perch, and it certainly was not pretty to watch. The Pioneers and Firebirds made enough turnovers to open their own bakery. I kept thinking, "Doesn't either team want to win this game?"

Looking at who was missing in that game, it strikes me that this season really might come down to which team can do the best job of evading Covid.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2022, 11:18:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 05, 2022, 09:57:11 PM
At King Arena, North Park over Wheaton by a final of 82-71 but it was never really that close.  Wheaton was done in by a terrible second quarter where they got outscored 31-8 with really atrocious defense.  The halftime score was 51-24.   

The Lady Vikes are a good team and came ready to play and compete.  They really took it to Wheaton.  The Thunder finally started to play with some urgency in the second half, defensively and offensively.  One bright spot was Annika Richardson with her second straight good performance finishing with 33 pts to lead all scorers.

Jayla Johnson had 24 before fouling out late.  Emily Czuhajewski was inexplicably left open constantly and she proceeded to bury six or seven wide open treys in the first half and ended up with 23 pts.  Esther Miller had 20.

Emily Czuhajewski's seven treys tonight is a career high, and it's tied for the second-highest single-game total in NPU program history with Hannah Rehfeldt's seven against North Central back in February 2016. Oddly enough, Czuhajewski ended the game tied with Rehfeldt in career treys with 111, which puts Emily in a tie for fifth in career treys at North Park.

Esther Miller's 20 points is a career high for her. Her four steals ties her with Jayla Johnson for the league lead with 34 steals and a 3.1 steals per game average.

It's weird to win a game handily when you get outrebounded by 21 the way that NPU was tonight. But the turnover situation seems to have compensated for that somewhat, as Wheaton coughed it up 21 times to NPU's five.

Now comes the marquee matchup: Millikin vs. North Park at 2 pm Saturday. I'm really looking forward to calling that one.

Park happens to be among the national leaders in turnover margin and this game will only bolster that.  As I've already noted, Wheaton continues to turn the ball over way too much to win.  They're basically negating one of their team strengths which is rebounding.

Losing to the Vikings is not surprising per se.  But the way they are losing is concerning.  Without Tate, the Thunder have few other significant offensive options.  Ok fine.  But they have good enough players to play solid team defense and that's not happening.  Giving up 51 pts in a half?

Kent Madsen and team have a week to prep for Millikin, a team with lots of offense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 06, 2022, 01:58:50 PM
To refresh my memory, I checked the two times Millikin and Wheaton played last season, both in late January :
http://stats.ncaa.org/contests/1998188/box_score
and
http://stats.ncaa.org/contests/1998176/box_score
Millikin scored 83 and 85, while Wheaton had 90 and 60.
48 of Wheaton's 150 pts came from Hannah Williams, who of course has graduated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 06, 2022, 03:23:38 PM
Aaaaaand now NCC's games against Elmhurst on Saturday as well as against Carroll on Wednesday are postponed.

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/QMHoU66sBXqqLqYvGO/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2022, 04:00:15 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2022, 11:18:00 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 05, 2022, 09:57:11 PM
At King Arena, North Park over Wheaton by a final of 82-71 but it was never really that close.  Wheaton was done in by a terrible second quarter where they got outscored 31-8 with really atrocious defense.  The halftime score was 51-24.   

The Lady Vikes are a good team and came ready to play and compete.  They really took it to Wheaton.  The Thunder finally started to play with some urgency in the second half, defensively and offensively.  One bright spot was Annika Richardson with her second straight good performance finishing with 33 pts to lead all scorers.

Jayla Johnson had 24 before fouling out late.  Emily Czuhajewski was inexplicably left open constantly and she proceeded to bury six or seven wide open treys in the first half and ended up with 23 pts.  Esther Miller had 20.

Emily Czuhajewski's seven treys tonight is a career high, and it's tied for the second-highest single-game total in NPU program history with Hannah Rehfeldt's seven against North Central back in February 2016. Oddly enough, Czuhajewski ended the game tied with Rehfeldt in career treys with 111, which puts Emily in a tie for fifth in career treys at North Park.

Esther Miller's 20 points is a career high for her. Her four steals ties her with Jayla Johnson for the league lead with 34 steals and a 3.1 steals per game average.

It's weird to win a game handily when you get outrebounded by 21 the way that NPU was tonight. But the turnover situation seems to have compensated for that somewhat, as Wheaton coughed it up 21 times to NPU's five.

Now comes the marquee matchup: Millikin vs. North Park at 2 pm Saturday. I'm really looking forward to calling that one.

Park happens to be among the national leaders in turnover margin and this game will only bolster that.

The Vikings are currently 8th in D3 in turnover margin, 20th in steals per game, 14th in fewest turnovers per game, and 14th in assist:turnover ratio. That kind of ball control can do wonders for a smallish team that doesn't rebound well.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AMAs I've already noted, Wheaton continues to turn the ball over way too much to win.  They're basically negating one of their team strengths which is rebounding.

Yes, Wheaton is sort of the mirror image of North Park. The issue comes down to shooting; a good ball-control team will beat a good rebounding team when the ball-control team shoots well, as NPU did last night, because you can't get defensive rebounds when the other team is making their shots ... and your advantage on the offensive glass will be negated by your comparative inability to value the ball and keep from turning it over before you even get a chance to miss a shot.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AMLosing to the Vikings is not surprising per se.  But the way they are losing is concerning.  Without Tate, the Thunder have few other significant offensive options.  Ok fine.

I don't know about that. After watching the game this afternoon, I was enormously impressed by Annika Richardson's performance. She is a very versatile offensive player who can finish with either hand down low and has nice touch on her jumpers all the way out to beyond the arc, and her 6-for-7 tally at the line last night indicated that there's nothing wrong with her form there, just a previous lack of consistent opportunities. I'm not saying that she's going to outperform what Tate would've brought to the table on a night-in, night-out basis, but she's the kind of fill-in that Wheaton is lucky to have. Wheaton fans are going to enjoy having Richardson around for the next 3 1/2 years.

Ellie Cassel is a big who can score down low and who runs the floor well and can get out in transition. Hannah Swider is a pretty decent offensive option. Wheaton doesn't really have a breakout perimeter player who can either create offense off the dribble or knock down treys with impugnity, but Kent Madsen's cupboard certainly isn't bare in terms of offense.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AMBut they have good enough players to play solid team defense and that's not happening.  Giving up 51 pts in a half?

It wasn't a good half for Wheaton's defense, that's for sure, but some credit has to go to the Vikings as well for that first half. The ball movement was really brisk, and the Vikings moved really well off of the ball. And if you're going to shade Jayla Johnson with a guard dropping down halfway, even if you don't outright double-team her, you're opening the door for Emily Czuhajewski and/or Lauren Lee to launch from outside, or for Chantel Hairston to use the available driving lane. The Vikings don't often reap dividends from that advantage to the degree that they did in last night's first half, but that potential's there.

The really gratifying thing to me was that, of that 31-8 second-quarter advantage for North Park, the Vikings outscored Wheaton 11-6 while Jayla Johnson was resting on the bench for almost four minutes.

In the second half Wheaton tightened up the perimeter D while the Vikings stepped back a bit and spaced the floor more, so the open three wasn't there anymore. The other issue was that the Vikings wore down a bit as the fourth quarter progressed; Esther Miller, who continues to be NPU's X-factor, played 38 minutes while Czuhajewski and Hairston played 36 apiece, so the shooting got sloppier.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AMKent Madsen and team have a week to prep for Millikin, a team with lots of offense.

Lots of defense, too; the Big Blue is third in the league in turnover margin, first in blocks, and first in steals. MU clearly remains the team to beat this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2022, 04:01:13 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on January 06, 2022, 03:23:38 PM
Aaaaaand now NCC's games against Elmhurst on Saturday as well as against Carroll on Wednesday are postponed.

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/QMHoU66sBXqqLqYvGO/giphy.gif)

Yikes!

Sounds like the Cardinals are going to be playing a lot of Monday ball this winter.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2022, 11:01:30 PM
I agree that whichever team can best evade covid issues may come out on top.  Keeping your starters healthy and in play is now a crucial factor for all teams.  Depth and conditioning will surely come into play more.  Seems most teams may be playing a lot of Monday (make-up) games. 

IWU now has 3 games in 5 days -- @Carthage, @Elmhurst, and @North Park . . .  8th - 12th.  A rough stretch. 

Without Annie Tate, I'm not sure Wheaton is a top tier CCIW team. 

For IWU, I think keeping Brook Lansford healthy is key . . . and seeing how far the Titans can ride the play and improvement over the season of the three freshmen:  Huber, Powers, and Palmer.   I'm optimistic about all three.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2022, 08:14:48 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 06, 2022, 04:00:15 PM

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AMLosing to the Vikings is not surprising per se.  But the way they are losing is concerning.  Without Tate, the Thunder have few other significant offensive options.  Ok fine.

I don't know about that. After watching the game this afternoon, I was enormously impressed by Annika Richardson's performance. She is a very versatile offensive player who can finish with either hand down low and has nice touch on her jumpers all the way out to beyond the arc, and her 6-for-7 tally at the line last night indicated that there's nothing wrong with her form there, just a previous lack of consistent opportunities. I'm not saying that she's going to outperform what Tate would've brought to the table on a night-in, night-out basis, but she's the kind of fill-in that Wheaton is lucky to have. Wheaton fans are going to enjoy having Richardson around for the next 3 1/2 years.

Ellie Cassel is a big who can score down low and who runs the floor well and can get out in transition. Hannah Swider is a pretty decent offensive option. Wheaton doesn't really have a breakout perimeter player who can either create offense off the dribble or knock down treys with impugnity, but Kent Madsen's cupboard certainly isn't bare in terms of offense.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 06, 2022, 08:18:08 AMBut they have good enough players to play solid team defense and that's not happening.  Giving up 51 pts in a half?

It wasn't a good half for Wheaton's defense, that's for sure, but some credit has to go to the Vikings as well for that first half. The ball movement was really brisk, and the Vikings moved really well off of the ball. And if you're going to shade Jayla Johnson with a guard dropping down halfway, even if you don't outright double-team her, you're opening the door for Emily Czuhajewski and/or Lauren Lee to launch from outside, or for Chantel Hairston to use the available driving lane. The Vikings don't often reap dividends from that advantage to the degree that they did in last night's first half, but that potential's there.

The really gratifying thing to me was that, of that 31-8 second-quarter advantage for North Park, the Vikings outscored Wheaton 11-6 while Jayla Johnson was resting on the bench for almost four minutes.

In the second half Wheaton tightened up the perimeter D while the Vikings stepped back a bit and spaced the floor more, so the open three wasn't there anymore. The other issue was that the Vikings wore down a bit as the fourth quarter progressed; Esther Miller, who continues to be NPU's X-factor, played 38 minutes while Czuhajewski and Hairston played 36 apiece, so the shooting got sloppier.


No, the cupboard is not bare.  Swider has certainly stepped up for scoring load and taking more shots, driving to the basket a little more.  Cassel is capable but really hasn't shown inclination to be a primary scorer.  Richardson has had two great games and if she can become a consistent offensive presence that would be a great help.  On the other hand opponents will likely pay a little more attention to her.

My point was more that four quarters of solid defense is all the more important given Wheaton's difficulty with scoring consistency this season.   Their defense was good for the first ten games but these last two losses, giving up 81 to IWU and 82 on Wed, have been less inspiring.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 07, 2022, 01:40:56 PM
Half of tomorrow's slate is postponed : Augie @ Carroll along with ELM @ NC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2022, 02:34:50 PM
It's truly unfortunate, sad how many postponements we're having. 

Looks like IWU at Carthage is on . . .  at least so far.

-5 degrees as I stepped out my door this morning . . . in search of coffee, bacon and a good waffle.  Yikes!  Sure feels different than Hong Kong along the South China Sea.  :( 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2022, 02:45:56 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 07, 2022, 01:40:56 PM
Half of tomorrow's slate is postponed : Augie @ Carroll along with ELM @ NC.

It appears that North Central and Carroll are the two teams having Covid troubles. I say that not to point fingers, just to note that if the problem gets extended further into next week, their games beyond next Wednesday would be in danger as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2022, 03:48:17 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2022, 02:45:56 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 07, 2022, 01:40:56 PM
Half of tomorrow's slate is postponed : Augie @ Carroll along with ELM @ NC.

It appears that North Central and Carroll are the two teams having Covid troubles. I say that not to point fingers, just to note that if the problem gets extended further into next week, their games beyond next Wednesday would be in danger as well.

What's more is that all students aren't even returning to campus until this weekend.  Or at least this is the case at Wheaton and NCC - classes resume Monday.  So these next two weeks will be dicey to say the least, especially for those teams that have not had many positive tests yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2022, 01:01:24 PM
So far, seems the IWU women's game at Carthage is on, 2 p.m. today, Saturday.

@Elmhurst re-scheduled for Monday, and @North Park still on the schedule too, for 1/12.   We'll see.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 08, 2022, 01:29:33 PM
Updated Wheaton attendance policy. (https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2022/1/8/update-wheaton-colleges-revised-spectator-policy.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2022, 04:49:50 PM
In a very strong game, IWU over Carthage 79-60.  Never really close, the Titans at times leading by over 30.

For IWU:

Huber 23 and 9
Lansford 16, and controlling the ball for the Titans, esp.in the first half.
Bowen 10 and 7
Eck 9
Palmer 9

Titans shooting 47%, 40% from trey, and 13-16 at the FT line.  When the Titans shoot these percentages and score over 70, this is a pretty good team.  Forcing lots of TOs as usual and making few.

For CC:

Velev 9
No player in double figures. 

Titans now 7-6, but a very helpful 4-0 start to the CCIW race. 

@Elmhurst Monday night, then a big game up at North Park on Wednesday . . . a tough road stretch.   NPU going down by 11 to MU just now.   Knudsen with 33 in that one.  NPU getting into foul trouble and being exposed by their relative lack of depth.
So, MU leads the race for now.

Let's hope Covid stays away . . . and the Titans get Mallory Powers back in the coming few days, off the concussion protocol.


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2022, 05:00:46 PM
Millikin 91
North Park 80

Lauren Lee: 24 pts (8-10 FG, 6-8 trey)
Emily Czuhajewski: 20 pts (6-12 FG, 3-5 trey), 3:1 a:to
Esther Miller: 10 pts (5-6 FG), 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 3 stls

Elyce Knudsen: 33 pts (14-24 FG), 3 stls
Bailey Coffman: 22 pts (6-6 FT)
Aubrey Staton: 11 pts
Jordan Hildebrand: 7 rebs

This one came down to two factors. One was benches. The game was called very tightly by the officials, and both teams got into foul trouble. But NPU got into foul trouble earlier, and Millikin began to pull away late in the third quarter in what had been a seesaw game to that point because the Vikings just had to play too many minutes with three freshman reserves on the floor. The Big Blue, on the other hand, had a steady stream of experienced subs coming in to augment the starting lineup, and the difference in quality and experience between the two benches was telling.

The other factor was star power. NPU's star Jayla Johnson got into foul trouble early and never really had an impact upon the game, playing only 25 minutes (a third of those minutes while she was handcuffed defensively with four fouls). By contrast, MU's Elyce Knudsen bossed the ballgame. She is an absolutely phenomenal shooter; she was knocking down shots all afternoon with a hand in her face. She is heady and versatile, and I don't think that there's anybody in this league that can guard her. When it's all said and done, she's going to finish her time in Millikin as one of the best players in CCIW women's basketball history. I'm sure of it.

Congrats to Lauren Lee for her career-high 24 points and six treys. The better she does, the tougher it will be for other teams to focus exclusively upon Emily Czuhajewski from downtown.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2022, 05:52:21 PM
Greg, I look forward to seeing what plan Mia Smith has in mind for guarding Knudsen.  I hear that the women may borrow Pete Lambesis for that game . . . :)

I'm sure there will be a plan. . .

IWU getting better, figuring out how to play with the personnel they have.  Lansford is key to it all . . . and the rise and improvement of the three freshmen will determine how far the Titans can go in conference play this season. 

IWU has a depth issue, too, if some of their key starters get into foul trouble early.  MU does have a strong, experienced cast of characters around Knudsen. 

As Q has pointed out elsewhere, it will be better to have covid absences early, then not have them later in the season.  Eck and Bowen have already been out via covid protocols . . .  Powers coming back soon after a concussion protocol.

The IWU-NPU game next Wednesday should be a good one. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2022, 07:46:14 PM
I should point out that I'm not condemning NPU's freshman reserves. The CCIW is a harsh proving ground, and I don't care what the d3hoops.com poll says -- Millikin is definitely one of the twenty or so best teams in D3. I believe that North Park's top three freshmen have CCIW potential. But they didn't arrive on campus as anything close to finished products. Ideally, they'd be getting the developmental time that they need in JV games. But that isn't the hand that they've been dealt. The team needs them to provide quality minutes right here, right now, in CCIW varsity play. That's especially true on days like today when the whistles are coming fast and furious and starter fouls mount prematurely.

It is what it is. The NPU freshmen will just have to provide what's being asked of them, even if it seems a bit unfair.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 08, 2022, 08:05:24 PM
attended the MIL-NPU game (showed CDC vaccination card as requested; yeah I know they can be faked) :
I always enjoy a game when each team scores 80 or better.
North Park wound up at the losing end, but did a lot well, getting nice contributions and full effort from everyone who played.
Elyce Knudsen was indeed dazzling for the visiting Big Blue.
Bailey Coffman showed her wide range of talent, 5/8 2FG, 2/4 3FG, 6/6 FT and was effective defensively.
It was evident that Jordan Hildebrand got a lot of satisfaction from assisting on 7 teammates' baskets.
Sophie Darden is doing well when called upon, including some minutes that Abby Ratsch probably would've played.
I was told Ratsch's injury will keep her out for the duration of the season. She's an interesting player to see play; hopefully she returns at full strength next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 08, 2022, 09:06:28 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2022, 07:46:14 PM
. . . and I don't care what the d3hoops.com poll says -- Millikin is definitely one of the twenty or so best teams in D3.

I totally agree Greg.  In fact I think I posted earlier that I'm very surprised that they aren't even getting votes.  But then again the voters probably see three losses and pass them over despite the fact that those losses were on the road to teams with a combined 28-5 record, two of them ranked.

Knudsen is as dynamic an offensive player as Kendall Sosa with the added dimension that Knudsen is able to get her own shot slightly easier than Sosa and can distribute the ball well.  When you surround her with Hildebrand, Coffman, Staton and a really good coach, this seems like a team that can go deep.  Certainly a dangerous team if you draw them early.

I didn't realize Ratsch was lost for the season which is very unfortunate.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2022, 10:07:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2022, 08:05:24 PM
attended the MIL-NPU game (showed CDC vaccination card as requested; yeah I know they can be faked) :
I always enjoy a game when each team scores 80 or better.

Not me. It doesn't suit North Park's purposes. NPU is much better off playing a game in the 50s or 60s than the 80s.

Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2022, 08:05:24 PM
North Park wound up at the losing end, but did a lot well, getting nice contributions and full effort from everyone who played.
Elyce Knudsen was indeed dazzling for the visiting Big Blue.
Bailey Coffman showed her wide range of talent, 5/8 2FG, 2/4 3FG, 6/6 FT and was effective defensively.

Coffman's an excellent player, but for some reason I was under the impression that she's a senior. Turns out she's only a junior. I guess that it just feels as though Coffman, Hildebrand, Ratsch, Fox, Brown, McCullum, Snyder, and Staton have been playing for Millikin for five years now.

Quote from: RogK on January 08, 2022, 08:05:24 PMIt was evident that Jordan Hildebrand got a lot of satisfaction from assisting on 7 teammates' baskets.
Sophie Darden is doing well when called upon, including some minutes that Abby Ratsch probably would've played.
I was told Ratsch's injury will keep her out for the duration of the season. She's an interesting player to see play; hopefully she returns at full strength next season.

I didn't realize that, either. Millikin's so deep, though, that the Big Blue haven't missed a beat without her.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 08, 2022, 09:06:28 PM
Knudsen is as dynamic an offensive player as Kendall Sosa with the added dimension that Knudsen is able to get her own shot slightly easier than Sosa and can distribute the ball well.

I think that Knudsen is light-years beyond Sosa. It's easy to forget, but Sosa was a role player off of the bench her first two years. Knudsen, on the other hand, was a star the moment she stepped onto the floor for the Big Blue as a freshman last season. She was the Central Region's d3hoops.com Freshman of the Year for a reason. Remember, she rang up 29 last season at King Arena against a really good Wheaton team in only her second collegiate game. She honestly doesn't have a weakness in her game, at least not as far as this level is concerned. Who knows how good she'll be by the time she's a senior? If Knudsen stays healthy and she elects to use her Covid mulligan for last year, Rachel Pearson Bernero's league scoring record could be in jeopardy.

Five players have won two CCIW Most Outstanding Player awards apiece (Julie Roe and Lindsay Ippel of Millikin, Stephanie Kuzmanic of Carthage, and Katie McDaniels and Hannah Frazier of Wheaton), but nobody's ever won three MOPs on the women's side. That might change.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 08, 2022, 09:06:28 PMWhen you surround her with Hildebrand, Coffman, Staton and a really good coach, this seems like a team that can go deep.  Certainly a dangerous team if you draw them early.

Very true.

Quote from: GoPerry on January 08, 2022, 09:06:28 PMI didn't realize Ratsch was lost for the season which is very unfortunate.

She only played in six games, so she's eligible for a medical redshirt. Plus, she's got the Covid mulligan if she wants it, and she's only a junior, anyway. She's likely got a lot of basketball left in her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2022, 12:32:01 PM
I'm also very surprised MU is not getting votes, or even in the top 25 somewhere at this point.  Perhaps 15-25 area.  They are a tough match-up with Knudsen and all the other, experienced talent Olivia Lett has there.  IWU will have to come up with quite a creative defensive strategy to come anywhere close to them this season.  I have some ideas but will not share them here.  Unlikely that "run and jump" will have much of an impact on MU . . . and IWU definitely at a disadvantage when it comes to rebounding vs. the Big Blue.  Fitness and scheduling could play a part . . . IWU has MU at home on the 19th, if it can happen.

IWU playing well now, shooting a better percentage, esp. from three with Lansford and Palmer both finding their shot.  Eck very streaky, and Powers soon back from concussion protocol.  IWU needs stronger paint presence, defense and rebounding from Bowen and Carlson.  Huber is an amazingly good rebounder for her size.  She really seems to have a noise for the ball off the glass, often scoring on put backs.

Looking forward to the IWU-NPU game next Wednesday in the Cracker Box.  A pretty tough road stretch for the Titans -- three road games in five days. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2022, 01:12:23 PM
Wednesday's game will also be the 3rd in 5 days for North Park, although not as much time on the bus in between.
iwu70 : "I have some ideas but will not share them here"
I think I know your scheme, iwu70 ... the Titans will have a sixth player sneak onto the court from the bench while the ball is in that half of the court, be it on offense or defense, blending in with the others. She returns to her chair when the action heads to the other end.
This devious plan is so clever (or, this clever plan is so devious), I'm surprised you hadn't thought of it until now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2022, 05:21:59 PM
RogK, yes NPU three games in five days too, but mostly home, right?  No bus rides.  IWU had Kenosha, tomorrow @Elmhurst, and back again to NPU Wednesday.  Finally, at home vs. Augie on 15th January, when Kendall Sosa and others will return to receive their end-of-season awards for the pandemic-shortened season. 

Seems six players may be needed to stop or slow down Ms. Knudsen and the Big Blue this year.  I like your idea . . .  I guess the idea of borrowing Pete Lambesis is equally impossible to implement. . .  but I do think Knudsen can be slowed down with the right kind of bodying up, and ball denial, though few teams have the personnel to do this.  I'm sure Coach Smith will try some different tactics and players, and equally try to keep her own key scorers out of foul trouble in the process.  The trouble with MU is that they have other excellent players surrounding Knudsen, so their scoring, as you've seen, can come from many different players, too. 

At home, I give IWU some chance to upset MU, but they will have to play their very best, shoot a high percentage from three and somehow scratch out an even line rebounding against the taller Big Blue.   Lansford will have to have the game of her life.   I don't think IWU will have the big margin in TOs against a team as experienced and good at ball-handling as MU.  Surely Olivia Lett knows as much about "run and jump" as does Coach Smith and her players.  Not an easy defensive task for the Titans. 

We need to win at Elmhurst and NPU first, and especially at NPU.  Again, not an easy task on the road.  Here we are, in the meat of the CCIW race and season . . .  12 games to go.  Maybe MU runs the table . . . or maybe some team with 14-2 or 13-3 wins the title.  I am more optimistic about the Titans now than I was after our 1-3 start to the year and some of those early games where the Titans really hadn't figure out well how to play with their personnel and style.   I think the game @Wheaton was the turning point . . .

Other ideas for slowing down Ms. Knudsen always welcome! :)   I share Greg's view that she will be one of the top players in CCIW women's basketball history, when all is said and done.  Surely a longer, more productive career than Sosa, though I'm sure the MU players remember Kendall putting up 47 on them last year . . . :)   What a night that was!

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 09, 2022, 08:01:28 PM
lol i guess out of site out of mind on here. Sosa's body is barely warm and already being derided.  I don't know anything about the other player but I will tell you something I trust over all us middle age men on here.   My kid who I think most people who have seen her play would say is a very good defender if not excellent has guarded Paige Bueckers. Mckenna Hofschild,  Gabby Hack the clark girl from Iowa among many others. Told me that Sosa had the quickest release of any player she has ever guarded.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 09, 2022, 10:46:07 PM
Kendall Sosa's body of work speaks for itself.  Yes, an unconventional and very quick release, with deadly accuracy.  And, an amazing, high percentage and simple FT stroke.  A thing of beauty. 

However, I do agree with Greg that Knudsen came ready for the big show as a freshman and made an immediate, impressive splash.  Having four years to put up her kind of numbers in the CCIW will surely surpass Kendall, in time (unless injury or some defensive solution to her appears to slow her progress).  This is unlikely.  Teams will just have to try various strategies to slow her down and limit her normal production.  MU will be a strong presence at the top of the league for these next 3-4 years and all the rest will be chasing them. . . 

Again, I'll be very interested to see how well the Titans do against the top, favored teams in the coming weeks -- against NPU @NPU first and then vs. MU on the 19th at The Shirk. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 10, 2022, 09:38:33 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2022, 10:07:14 PM

Quote from: GoPerry on January 08, 2022, 09:06:28 PM
Knudsen is as dynamic an offensive player as Kendall Sosa with the added dimension that Knudsen is able to get her own shot slightly easier than Sosa and can distribute the ball well.

I think that Knudsen is light-years beyond Sosa. It's easy to forget, but Sosa was a role player off of the bench her first two years. Knudsen, on the other hand, was a star the moment she stepped onto the floor for the Big Blue as a freshman last season. She was the Central Region's d3hoops.com Freshman of the Year for a reason. Remember, she rang up 29 last season at King Arena against a really good Wheaton team in only her second collegiate game. She honestly doesn't have a weakness in her game, at least not as far as this level is concerned. Who knows how good she'll be by the time she's a senior? If Knudsen stays healthy and she elects to use her Covid mulligan for last year, Rachel Pearson Bernero's league scoring record could be in jeopardy.

Five players have won two CCIW Most Outstanding Player awards apiece (Julie Roe and Lindsay Ippel of Millikin, Stephanie Kuzmanic of Carthage, and Katie McDaniels and Hannah Frazier of Wheaton), but nobody's ever won three MOPs on the women's side. That might change.


Oh absolutely Knudsen's impact on the league will be a four year run with a trajectory that will dwarf many others statistically when all is said and done.  Part of the peculiarity of Sosa's rise was a stupendous junior year of scoring prowess after a relatively negligible impact prior to then.  It was sort of a "where did she come from or where was she last year?" in my mind.

My comparison was one of Sosa the player we last knew of her senior year vs the Knudsen we see today.  I think it's a very close comparison right now.  The unfortunate fact is that Sosa's best year was stopped short by Covid.  She would've been a strong candidate, favorite perhaps, for D3 POY. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 11:51:53 AM
Jester1390, I think all of us could be interested in your kid's comparisons of opponents that we see in D3.
She certainly has guarded some great players in high school and college.
If RHIT somehow plays Millikin this or next season, pass along to us how Knudsen or Coffman are seen skill-wise vs Sosa.
Of course, our CCIW players and coaches have a more first-hand educated opinion of the league's players than we spectators can have.
But that's not going to stop us from being interested and expressing opinions on what we've observed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2022, 02:12:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 09, 2022, 01:12:23 PM
Wednesday's game will also be the 3rd in 5 days for North Park, although not as much time on the bus in between.

True, but that bus ride that the Vikings will be taking to Rock Island today is nothing to scoff at.

Augie is a good rebounding team, and NPU struggles on the boards, so I'm looking forward to seeing how Amanda Crockett's troops rise to that challenge at Carver this evening.

Quote from: Jester1390 on January 09, 2022, 08:01:28 PM
lol i guess out of site out of mind on here. Sosa's body is barely warm and already being derided.  I don't know anything about the other player but I will tell you something I trust over all us middle age men on here.   My kid who I think most people who have seen her play would say is a very good defender if not excellent has guarded Paige Bueckers. Mckenna Hofschild,  Gabby Hack the clark girl from Iowa among many others. Told me that Sosa had the quickest release of any player she has ever guarded.

Nobody's deriding anybody. Sosa was a great player. Knudsen is on her way to being a much better one. That's not derision directed at Sosa, that's acknowlegment of the fact that Knudsen's ceiling as a D3 player is in the stratosphere. (I'm baffled that she's not playing on scholarship somewhere.) Again, she was d3hoops.com's Central Region Freshman of the Year last season. She was far beyond what Sosa was as a freshman, and she's presently far beyond what Sosa was as a sophomore. In the here-and-now Knudsen has no weakness in her game at this level -- none. She dominates when she's on the floor. And she's only going to get better. That's why I implied that she's a legitimate threat to become the first player in CCIW women's basketball history to win the MOP three times.

Since you haven't seen Knudsen play, then you're not really qualified to challenge this, are you?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 02:17:51 PM
questions for Greg :
Any word on Josie Summerville? Might she return this season? Did she have knee surgery?
--
Do you expect the Vikings to beat the Vikings tonight?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2022, 03:19:38 PM
No comment on Josie.

As for your second question ... no, I expect the Vikings to beat the Vikings instead.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 10, 2022, 03:42:37 PM
Poor Greg.  Sarcasms and joking escapes you.  You did see I started the sentence with  Lol.  I can always count on you to make something nefarious when it's obvious I'm frolicking in jocularity
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 04:40:21 PM
You conceal your humor very well, Jester1390. Virtually no one on the planet could detect it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2022, 04:53:03 PM
Looks like the two games are going ahead tonight:

IWU at Elmhurst
North Park at Augustana. 

Then, Wednesday, IWU travels to North Park.

Some key road games for IWU.  Lots of hours on the bus.

Sosa pilling up the awards, back at the Shirk on the 15th to receive her well-deserved honors from last season . . . and a very recent NCAA honor too. . .  see the IWU sports site. 

'70

P.S.  I have Alabama over Georgia, again. . .  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2022, 05:06:57 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on January 10, 2022, 03:42:37 PM
Poor Greg.  Sarcasms and joking escapes you.  You did see I started the sentence with  Lol.  I can always count on you to make something nefarious when it's obvious I'm frolicking in jocularity

::)

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 10, 2022, 06:08:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 10, 2022, 02:17:51 PM
questions for Greg :
Any word on Josie Summerville? Might she return this season? Did she have knee surgery?
--
Do you expect the Vikings to beat the Vikings tonight?

I predict the Vikings will be either tied or lead the entire game . .

. . . and actually, this is meant as a joke in case anyone was wondering. ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 06:40:06 PM
GoPerry, your post is the most unheard of thing I ever heard of!  :)
Good thing I didn't go to Elmhurst today. Fans policy revised today and effective today :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2021/1/10/elmhurst-announces-spectator-policy.aspx
If any IWU fans made the trip, they might be a bit annoyed at the short notice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 10, 2022, 06:46:56 PM
NCC just made that change today too. Thankfully doesn't impact anyone tonight, but will be pretty sparse on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 07:11:56 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen, new CCIW Player of the Week.
She is the first player so far this season to receive the honor twice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 07:41:59 PM
the new D3Hoops Top 25 :
https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2021-22/week5
Wheaton and Millikin each got 3 points worth of votes
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2022, 08:42:40 PM
IWU 55 EU 28, at the half.

The Titans ripping the Bluejays apart, with run and jump.  Bluejays only dressing 8 players.

Everyone come down . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2022, 08:45:56 PM
Augie 38 North Park 29, at the half.   Would love to see NPU take another loss.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 08:50:03 PM
Congrats to Kendall Sosa for this national NCAA honor :
https://cciw.org/news/2022/1/10/womens-basketball-illinois-wesleyan-alumna-kendall-sosa-named-2022-ncaa-todays-top-10-award-recipient.aspx
Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2022, 09:49:13 PM
A wonderful award for Kendall Sosa.

At Elmhurst, in a game that was never close, IWU 85 EU 59

IWU turning over EU 30 times with run and jump, and only 13 TOs for IWU, many of them in garbage time.

For EU:

Riley 13
Bolihg 10
Massato 10

For IWU:

Lansford 20, making 4 treys
Huber 14 and 8
Heller 13
Powers 12
Palmer 7
Eck 6

Again, IWU shooting a decent % at 40%, 37% from three, and 85% from the line, 6-7.  IWU really hitting the offensive glass tonight and getting second opportunities time and time again.  Quicker to the ball than the Bluejays.

Nice to start the CCIW campaign at 5-0.  Now @North Park, then finally back home for Augie and Millikin.

85 the second highest point output for the Titans all year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 10, 2022, 09:51:27 PM
North Park University 70, Augustana College 64.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2022, 09:52:13 PM
North Park 70
Augustana 64

Illinois Wesleyan 85
Elmhurst 59

Quote from: iwu70 on January 10, 2022, 08:45:56 PM
Augie 38 North Park 29, at the half.   Would love to see NPU take another loss.

'70

(https://media.tenor.co/images/34e824515da42d52ac93fd97a7ba832d/raw)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2022, 09:56:13 PM
I was glad to see Augie's Chaadah Hodges walking across the court after the game. She was injured earlier; seemed to be head or neck and she didn't return to action.
It still could be a concussion issue or similar. Good luck to her anyway.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2022, 10:18:52 PM
NPU 70, AC 64

Esther Miller: 20 pts, 15 rebs, 5 stls
Lauren Lee: 17 pts, 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 12 pts, 6 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 6 rebs
Emily Czuhajewski: 3 stls

Gabby Loiz: 18 pts
Macy Beinborn: 13 pts (3-6 trey), 6 rebs
Kylie Jozwik: 12 pts, 7 rebs
Lauren Hall: 9 rebs

The Vikings came back from a 14-point deficit in the second half to pull out a gutsy victory on the road. Down 47-33 with 6:20 to go in the third quarter, the Park came back to life from their deep offensive slumber by getting points off of their defense; their 15-0 run to close out the quarter featured five steals.

The game quickly fell back into Augie's hands early in the fourth quarter, as the hosts pushed it out to a 58-52 Augie lead with 5:49 to go, but consecutive layups by Lauren McKnight, Lauren Lee, Lee again, and Jayla Johnson got the Vikings back out in front with 2:37 to go. Erin Morrissey converted a pair of FTs to tie it up again at 60 apiece, but that was pretty much it for Augie. Emily Czuhajewski sank two free throws to give back the lead to NPU at 1:37, and a huge three-point play by Johnson with fifty seconds remaining upped the NPU lead to 65-60 and was the game's decisive play.

NPU shot terribly, going only .343 from the field (including only .176 from downtown), but a decisive 19-11 advantage on the offensive glass and a massive 13-24 advantage in turnovers (with steals making up 13 of those 24 Augie turnovers) made up for the shooting discrepancy against an Augie team that ran hot-and-cold from the field all night.

The Vikings still aren't putting the ball in Jayla Johnson's hands enough, which was a big part of the reason why they spent most of the night playing uphill. But Esther Miller came to the rescue in a big way. The junior forward from downstate Sullivan was absolutely tremendous at both ends of the floor this evening; even though she missed several layups, she was 100% the difference-maker in this game.

Jayla Johnson's remarkable streak of 22 made free throws was snapped today. Now she's only a mere 56-62 (.903) from the charity stripe. ;)

It feels very good to see the Park come away with a quality road win like this, especially since the league initially assigned this as a no-contest loss to NPU last month.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2022, 10:21:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 10, 2022, 09:56:13 PM
I was glad to see Augie's Chaadah Hodges walking across the court after the game. She was injured earlier; seemed to be head or neck and she didn't return to action.
It still could be a concussion issue or similar. Good luck to her anyway.

Definitely. Looked like she got knocked sideways by Chantel Hairston as Chantel was reaching behind in mid-air to try to snag an errant pass while cutting baseline. Just kind of a fluke play.

A lot of players were hitting the floor tonight and getting up slowly. It was a very hard-fought but clean game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2022, 02:34:42 PM
IWU @ North Park game postponed, due to covid protocols in the NPU program.  No re-scheduled date as yet.

Next IWU women's game at home vs. Augie on Saturday 1/15 at 2 p.m. . . .  if it can happen.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2022, 02:42:02 PM
IWU issued a revised Spectator Policy today, too, further restricting who can attend games in person.  See the IWU sports website for the details.  It will be re-evaluated weekly. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2022, 02:47:35 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 11, 2022, 02:34:42 PM
IWU @ North Park game postponed, due to covid protocols in the NPU program.  No re-scheduled date as yet.

I have not received confirmation that the positive(s) are within the NPU program ... and Saturday afternoon's home game against Carroll is still scheduled to be played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2022, 04:50:31 PM
Greg, the IWU announcement indicates that, but they could be wrong.  There are positives in the IWU men's program for sure.  If the IWU men's game with MU goes ahead tomorrow, the Titans could be short-handed, including some starters.  The women had several positives earlier, but those players are already back in action now.  (Last night, Elmhurst only dressed 8 players in their women's game vs. IWU). 

Seems more postponements likely coming . . . and soon a difficult shortage of make-up dates available. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2022, 05:08:15 PM
Tonight:

Wheaton @ Millikin
Elmhurst @ Augie

Other two games postponed.

Still no Annie Tate, right?

"70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 12, 2022, 05:23:18 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 12, 2022, 05:08:15 PM
Tonight:

Wheaton @ Millikin
Elmhurst @ Augie

Other two games postponed.

Still no Annie Tate, right?

"70

I have no insider knowledge of Ms Tate's injury status. 

Wheaton will have to play Knudsen as tightly as possible to contain her and play solid team defense all around.  Try to keep the Big Blue under 70 pts to have a chance.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2022, 09:30:14 PM
Millikin 68
Wheaton 48
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2022, 09:39:29 PM
Augustana 78
Elmhurst 64
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 12, 2022, 09:49:34 PM
Big Blue over the Thunder 68-48

Give the Wheaton ladies credit for making a great effort to stick with the Big Blue for 2/3 of the game.  Wheaton actually had the lead at 36-34 with about 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.  But a MU timeout got them back on track and Wheaton couldn't stay with them.  Even without Ratsch and missing Aubrey Staton (Covid protocol) MU is just a better team all around with multiple scoring weapons. 

Wheaton's Annika Richardson,  21 pts 5 rebs, is clearly legit offensively as she was basically the only scoring threat tonight.  She can shoot the three, has some decent post moves and is able to finish in traffic.  21 turnovers for the Thunder – their fourth straight at 20+.  Annie Tate made the trip but was still in the boot.

Knudsen led all scorers with 25 pts, 7 rebs.  Jordan Hildebrand had 13 and 11; Bailey Coffman 10 and 8. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 12, 2022, 10:06:39 PM
Yeah, that was a 14-1 run by MU to close out the third quarter. It appeared to be a back-breaker, as Wheaton continued to fade into the fourth.

As you said, Richardson is definitely the real deal. She got those 21 points by going 8-13 from the field and 4-6 from downtown. She is a very impressive freshman. Ellie Cassel managed to score ten as well. The problem for Wheaton, aside from the huge turnover disparity, is that the portion of the WC squad that isn't named Richardson or Cassell went 6-35 (.171) from the field.

Knudsen wasn't efficient from the field this evening, but she was effective. She also had seven rebounds, three steals, and posted a 5:2 a:to ratio. She does it all.

In Rock Island, Augie had a little more trouble with the Bluejays than I thought they would -- the 'jays got as close as three early in the final quarter -- but the hosts gradually managed to gain separation as the quarter went on. Gabby Loiz had a very nice 21 and 8 effort, while Macy Beinborn added 14, Lauren Hall posted 12 and 6, Emily Brenneisen had 10 and 7, and Emma Berg chipped in 10, while Erin Morrissey led Augie in rebounds with 11. The 'jays were paced by a nice 22 and 11 performance from Kate Matthews, while Morgan Collar scored 11 and Katie Matrise tossed in 10 in the losing cause.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 13, 2022, 11:23:58 AM
updated CCIW standings :
6-0 MIL
5-0 IWU
3-2 NPU
3-3 CTG
2-3 CRL
1-2 NCC
2-4 WHE
1-3 AUG
0-6 ELM
no identical W-L records, although some ties in winning pct and in "games under .500"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2022, 09:14:08 AM
The IWU @ NPU makeup date is Monday, January 24, at 7 pm in Chicago.

First things first, though. Carroll comes to town on Saturday, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the resurgent Pioneers bring to the table.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2022, 11:58:24 AM
IWU finally returning home for some games -- Saturday afternoon 2 p.m. hosting Augie . . . the game where some awards will be passed out for last year's women's squad . . . including several key plaudits for Kendall Sosa. 

IWU hosting MU on Wednesday the 19th, which could be the battle of the undefeated CCIW teams . . . a game for top spot in the CCIW race at this half-way point in the season, about 1/3 through the CCIW race.  I'm glad the IWU team gets some home games now after a difficult run of road contests.

Greg, thanks for the info on the re-scheduling of the IWU women @NPU. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2022, 02:44:39 PM
Because Carroll's had so many players in and out of the lineup since mid-December, I've been trying to get a bead on which Pioneers I'm likely to see and which ones I won't in their game against North Park that I'll be calling tomorrow afternoon. It appears to me that the two remaining question marks are Katie Rohner and Olivia Rangel. The last game in which either one played was on December 21 against Centre. Neither played in the overtime win over Carthage nine days ago, and neither played in the big win over UWW on New Year's Day. That seems like a long time for a Covid quarantine, so I'm wondering if one or both of them is injured.

Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2022, 11:58:24 AM
Greg, thanks for the info on the re-scheduling of the IWU women @NPU. 

You're mistaken, Mark. I gave you the info on the re-scheduling of the NPU women at home versus IWU. ;) :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2022, 09:27:27 PM
Ah yes, a difference without a distinction . . .

IWU first hosting Augie on Saturday, 2 p.m., needing to take care of business, not look ahead to the MU game the following Wednesday.  Need to win again, go into the game with MU undefeated and ready to try to upset MU at home.  A tall order . . . slowing down Ms. Knudsen and all the other good MU scorers.  Mia Smith vs. Olivia Lett . . . a great coaching match-up. 

Greg, I'm thinking of driving up to NPU for the game on the 24th.  Do you have spectator restrictions in place now at NPU?   And, more importantly, is Charcoal Delights open and operating as usual?  :)

IWU'70 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 14, 2022, 10:05:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 14, 2022, 09:27:27 PM
Greg, I'm thinking of driving up to NPU for the game on the 24th.  Do you have spectator restrictions in place now at NPU?   And, more importantly, is Charcoal Delights open and operating as usual?  :)

IWU'70

1) Here's NPU's current spectator policy. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2022/1/3/athletic-department-covid-19-updated-spectator-policy.aspx)
2) Heck, yeah. (https://www.charcoaldelights.com/)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2022, 11:39:51 AM
Thanks, Greg, it looks like I could attend games at NPU.  I'm fully vaccinated and boosted . . . and a burger following!

IWU hosting Augie today, at 2 p.m.   A special ceremony honoring Kendall Sosa, in person, will be held ten minutes prior to the men's game at 4 p.m.  Looking forward to welcoming many former IWU players back to The Shirk today.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
Carroll 104
North Park 48

Emily Czuhajewski: 18 pts (3-7 trey)

Natalie Palzkill: 12 pts, 8 rebs, 4 stls
Chloe Halvorson: 11 pts, 12 rebs
Lauren Soyke: 11 pts
Elizabeth Behrndt: 11 pts
Katie Evans: 10 pts
Kate Christian: 10 pts, 4:0 a:to
Brooke Foster: 7 rebs, 3:0 a:to

The Vikings were without Jayla Johnson, Lauren Lee, Chantel Hairston, and Olivia Reed due to Covid quarantine protocol, and Esther Miller also didn't dress due to an undisclosed illness, so this result was to be expected.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2022, 06:48:04 PM
Attended the Carroll at NP game, which I expected (ignorant of all the covid absences) to be a very good contest between talented teams.
As Greg noted, NP was missing a massive chunk of its offense/defense and couldn't compete well with the Pios.
Carroll was missing top scorer Rohner and distance specialist Wichser, but others used their minutes quite well.
Good to see senior Kayla Stefka make her season debut for Carroll. I'm not sure what sort of injury she was sidelined by.
Her career 509 points and 245 rebounds coming into this season remind us that she has been both good and reliable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2022, 08:15:09 PM
Millikin (without Bailey Coffman) stunned Carthage with a 21-1 1st quarter and won 62-42.
Elyce Knudsen had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Jordan Hildebrand tallied 12 pts and 4 steals.
Millikin also got 8 pts each from Emily White and Sarah Ness.
Bridget Barrett led Carthage with 8 pts and 5 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on January 15, 2022, 08:32:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2022, 08:15:09 PM
Millikin (without Bailey Coffman) stunned Carthage with a 21-1 1st quarter and won 62-42.
Elyce Knudsen had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Jordan Hildebrand tallied 12 pts and 4 steals.
Millikin also got 8 pts each from Emily White and Sarah Ness.
Bridget Barrett led Carthage with 8 pts and 5 rebs.

Carthage isn't alone in that "1-pt 1st Qrtr" club. Earlier, in the NACC, Concordia-Chicago held Dominican to 1 1st Qrtr pt. in a rout.  However, earlier today, that same Star squad led WLC 9-8 after 1 Quarter before the Warriors pulled away late in the 2nd half to get a road win and keep their record unblemished.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2022, 08:35:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2022, 06:48:04 PM
Attended the Carroll at NP game, which I expected (ignorant of all the covid absences) to be a very good contest between talented teams.
As Greg noted, NP was missing a massive chunk of its offense/defense and couldn't compete well with the Pios.

"Massive chunk" is putting it mildly. NPU was missing 65% of its points, 60% of its rebounds, and 61% of its minutes this afternoon.

I told North Park SID Tyler Woolbright after the game that Emily Czuhajewski deserves to be named CCIW POW for somehow managing to score 18 points with that lineup around her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 15, 2022, 08:37:24 PM
Wheaton 67
NCC 54

Wheaton led by as many as 17 in the first half but credit the Lady Cards who were finally able to make some shots and close to within 3 pts early in the 4th Q.  But Wheaton was able to hold on and extend in a game not really well-played by either team.

Annika Richardson had another terrific all around game with 28 pts, 10 rebs, 3 stls.  The freshman from Minnesota is carrying the Thunder lately and showing lots of athleticism and offensive variety, scoring with right or left hand.

NCC was led by Jessica Kowalczyk with 19 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2022, 08:41:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 15, 2022, 08:15:09 PM
Millikin (without Bailey Coffman) stunned Carthage with a 21-1 1st quarter and won 62-42.

It got worse than that for the Firebirds. They were down 31-3 with four minutes and change left in the half. When I saw that on live stats, I had to check at the next CU @ NPU timeout to see if Carthage was missing a bunch of players, a la North Park. As it turned out, Addison Ebeling was the only Firebird who sees at least semi-regular playing time who was missing today. That, and the fact that the Big Blue played without Coffman, makes MU's win even more impressive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2022, 09:30:30 PM
A 26 to 5 turnover differential explains a significant portion of Illinois Wesleyan's 81-48 thumping of Augustana.
Among the Titans who did well :
Brooke Lansford 18 pts 6 assists
Kate Palmer 16 pts 4 stls
Lauren Huber 12 pts 8 rebs
Kaia Bowen 9 rebs 2 blocks 4 steals
for Augie :
Lauren Hall 11 pts 11 rebs
Gabriela Loiz 10 pts 4 assists
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2022, 09:45:35 PM
Yes, in a game that was never close, the Titans go to 6-0 in the league.  RogK has captured it well, esp. the TO margin.  Run and jump doing its dirt.  Now the big game Wednesday of the two top, undefeated teams in the CCIW race, so far.

A few impressions . . .  IWU learning more and more how to play well with their personnel and style.  Lansford, Powers and Palmer really finding the range from three.

Kate Palmer is going to be awesome, right up there with Huber and Powers, in her Titan career.  Tonight Huber 12 and 8.  Palmer, in 19 minutes, 16 points, 5-10 from the field, 3-5 from three, and 3-3 FTs)  If she continues that kind of line consistently, she's going to be an awesome CCIW player for years to come.  She and the other freshmen work so so hard, on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

Another shout out to Kaia Bowen, everywhere on D, on run and jump -- tipping balls, deflecting passes, causing mayhem.  Tonight 6 point, 9 rebounds and 4 steals.

When the Titans score 70 or more and have this kind of TO margin, they are likely going to win.  Shooting 40% from the field and 39% from three.

Now comes Millikin into the Shirk Center . . .  Olivia Lett is familiar with the place and with the opposing coach and her thinking.  Should be a great game . . . on home court, I think an upset is possible.  Looking forward to it and to the strategies both coaches employ.

Just before the men's game, a special ceremony to honor the great career, all the many awards and plaudits for Kendall Sosa.  Such an amazing array of awards and recognitions . . .  so well-deserved.  Glad to see Kendall and her parents on the Dennie Bridges Court to receive the thanks and applause of the Titan nation.  Mike Wagner did a great job of outlining Kendall's many basketball achievements, team spirit and contributions, as well as community service during her time at IWU.  Thank you Kendall!   

IWU'70

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2022, 03:04:31 PM
Congrats to Brooke Lansford, new CCIW Player of the Week, now also shown as Women's Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week.
Either way, well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 17, 2022, 07:02:48 PM
My congrats as well to Brooke Lansford.  Just a tremendous week for her in the two dominating IWU wins this past week.

The big one on Wednesday night -- 7 p.m. at The Shirk -- IWU hosting Elyce Knudsen, Olivia Lett and the Millikin Big Blue.  The game of the undefeateds. . . 

I'm hoping we send Coach Lett back to Decatur with the same result we sent Jon Baines back to EU today . . . on the men's side.  Some great coaches out there who are IWU grads . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 17, 2022, 08:48:51 PM
The new D3Hoops poll features one CCIW team, with Millikin receiving 9 points worth of votes.
Halftime at Naperville, AUG vs NCC.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 17, 2022, 10:08:12 PM
Probably the best game the Cardinals have played all year as they knock off Augie 75-59.

First 24 minutes or so were pretty much all Cardinals, the Vikings cut it to six at halftime and four early in the third, but a quick Cardinal run pushed it back to double digits and the hosts were more or less able to cruise.

For NCC:
Allison Pearson: 17 pts, 5 ast
Mitrese Smith; 14 pts, 7 reb
Megan McClure: 8 pts, 6 reb
Elle Sutter: 4 pts, 8 reb

For Augie:
Emily Brenneisen: 14 pts, 4 reb
Gabriela Loiz: 13 pts, 4 reb
Macy Beinborn: 13 pts, 4 reb

North Park comes to the Hangar on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 18, 2022, 01:31:06 PM
        conf     nonconf
MIL   7-0         6-3
IWU  6-0         3-6
CRL   3-3        8-0
NPU  3-3         7-1
CTG  3-4         5-3
WHE  3-4        8-0
NCC  2-3        3-6
AUG  1-5        6-3
ELM  0-6         2-6
      28-28     48-28 (.632)
76 of the 81 originally scheduled nonconference games have occurred.
28 of the 72 scheduled conference games have been played.
Where there was a tie in conference records, I listed the teams alphabetically according to height.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on January 19, 2022, 03:56:13 PM
Told you not to push the panic button on IWU, IWU...LoL

Even when IWU is "down" the way they play really creates havoc and speeds the other team up and it's all mathematics from there. I consider WashU, despite their record, to be one of the most talented 25-30 teams in the country and IWU hung with them despite the disparity in talent and, but for some really bad shot selection and some even worse turnovers in the 2nd half especially, should have made it much closer than 11 points.

I haven't seen much of Millikin but it just feels like IWU is another year and one more recruiting class away from being a serious threat to win the CCIW - but if they could clip them at home tonight and if they can hold serve and run the table with the games they have left, we could have one of the more intriguing matchups of the night on Feb 2nd.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2022, 05:42:35 PM
Yes, Enginerd, I share much of your analysis here.  After a rough start, IWU has really learned how to play with their personnel and style.  Mia Smith is a good coach, knowing what to do with the talent she has . . . without many talented bigs, and not much presence in the paint at times, she has, as in the past, relied on speed and defensive pressure, on "run and jump."  Once a few of the perimeter players found their trey range, things started to change.  The key game was the rout of Wheaton on their court, truly demolishing one of the supposed top teams.  A real confidence booster.  You could see it in the players eyes as that game ended.  Especially Lansford.  It has been building well since then, esp. as the seniors -- Bowen, Lansford and Eck -- play solidly and consistently . . .and as the three freshmen -- Huber, Palmer and Powers -- really learn fast and come into their own in the rotation.   All three will be excellent, even all-conference players in the next three years.  If IWU can create just enough havoc tonight, shoot a good percentage especially from three, and keep the rebounding line pretty even, they will have a chance . . .  of course, MU has a lot of talent and also good coaching, so this should be a good one, a contrast of styles and a chess match between Olivia Lett and Mia Smith . . . who, of course, know each other extremely well . . . I'm looking forward to watching it all in person.

With IWU's rough start, I really thought this was a .500 or even below .500 team and year, but as things have progressed, and the Titans learned how to play well with their personnel and style, as "run and jump" improved, I'm far more optimistic now.  Thank you Lou Holz. . . . :)  I'd say 15-10 or even better is possible . . . and now the Titans in a good position to compete for the CCIW regular season championship.  MU could run the table, and WC may have Annie Tate back . . . and IWU still needs to take on North Park, so lots of basketball to be played.  However, things are surely looking up at this stage in the season.

The initial news on the recruiting front for next year is also very positive . . . so perhaps IWU will develop or recruit some additional talent, some bigs to go with the freshmen talent they now have.  Of course, Carlson and Heller return next year too.  So a good core will be there, no matter.   Some of the current pine-sitters will have their chance . . .  two or three look pretty decent and could contribute, improve for next year's Titan edition.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2022, 10:19:21 PM
In the big game at The Shirk of the undefeateds:   IWU 73 MU 51.

It was a demolition (similar to the game at Wheaton earlier), with the Titans running the Big Blue out of the gym . . . doing pretty much all they needed to do to achieve the upset, though one would wonder at this if it was an upset.  Save for Knudsen, MU is not a very fast or good passing team.

Yes, Knudsen is very good, getting hers -- 20 and 13, but the Titans held her down well to 6 points in the first half, and led at the half by 18.  The key again TOs:  Turning MU over 25 times, only committing 10 TOs.  Lansford playing well, mostly controlling the tempo. 

For MU:

Knudsen 20 and 13
Staton 9

Most surprisingly, Coffman and Hildebrand playing, but only scoring 5 points between them.  Some great boxing out by Bowen, Huber, and Carlson.

For IWU:
Palmer 20 on 4-8 from three
Huber 15 and 11
Lansford 12
Powers 12, with some very good minutes guarding Knudsen, shared defensive work with Heller on her . . .
Bowen 6 and 8

IWU made 8 treys, did what they needed to do to win -- create some havoc with run and jump, shoot a decent % especially from three (making 8), and rebounding well.  They did all these things . . . and there you go.  A blowout win.

For the life of me, after all these years of IWU attacking with the "run and jump," I just don't understand why opposing CCIW coaches don't prepare their players, their teams for the chaos and havoc of this type of full court pressure.  And, of all people. Coach Lett.  I just don't get it.  Can anyone explain this to me?

Anyway, a great win, with IWU now in the driver's seat for the regular season conference race at 7-0.  Of course, more tough games ahead, with NPU, the return game with WC (at home) and a visit to the Griz to play MU again.  But, for now, for tonight, a totally satisfying evening.  Great job Coach Smith, great job Titans . . .  loved the defense, yet again.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2022, 10:19:51 PM
Overtime final from the hangar:

North Park 84
North Central 79

Esther Miller: 25 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 24 pts, 10 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 13 pts, 8 rebs
Lauren Lee: 13 pts

Jessica Kowalczyk: 22 pts
Allison Pearson: 13 pts
Megan McClure: 12 pts, 7 rebs
Elle Sutter: 8 rebs
Mitrese Smith: 6 rebs

North Park coughed up a double-digit second half lead, and the pesky Cardinals forced overtime with three made Allison Pearson FTs in the final couple of seconds. But NPU jumped out to the early overtime lead and hung on for the road win in spite of the fact that Jayla Johnson and Chantel Hairston had both fouled out of the game.

Career high for Esther Miller tonight, who also played all 45 minutes. I've really enjoyed watching her develop into a serious weapon for the Vikings at both ends of the floor.

Any win is a good win, especially on the road in league play, and especially on a night in which the two big guns from beyond the arc were silent and the team didn't shoot well from the free-throw line. Kudos to the Cards for making such a game of it late, though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 19, 2022, 10:20:57 PM
I don't know what it is, but pretty much every time North Park comes to the hangar, you're in for a good game. This was more of the same as the Cardinals fought back from trailing the entire game to force the extra session, but the Vikings got more 50-50 balls and return to the north side with an 84-79 overtime victory.

Jayla Johnson: 24 pts, 10 reb, 3 stl
Esther Miller: 25 pts, 6 reb, 3 stl
Chantel Hairston: 13 pts, 8 reb
Lauren Lee: 13 pts, 7 reb

Jessica Kowalczyk: 22 pts
Allison Pearson: 13 pts, 4 reb (including three free throws with 2.6 left in regulation to force overtime)
Megan McClure: 12 pts, 7 reb
Elle Sutter: 9 pts, 8 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 19, 2022, 10:24:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 19, 2022, 10:19:51 PM
Career high for Esther Miller tonight, who also played all 45 minutes. I've really enjoyed watching her develop into a serious weapon for the Vikings at both ends of the floor.

She was really impressive tonight. I knew Jayla Johnson was really good (and she played a phenomenal second half), but Miller was fun to watch. Such a good inside game. Honestly surprised she finished with just six rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 19, 2022, 11:05:59 PM
Wheaton over Augustana 56-47

The Thunder do a much better job at taking care of the ball with only 12 TOs vs 19 for Augie. 

Annika Richardson with yet another pretty impressive scoring line:  21 pts, 6/13 FG, 5/9 3FG
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2022, 11:20:22 PM
Unfortunately, NP's Emily Czuhajewski went down with what may have been an ankle injury in the 2nd minute of the 4th quarter.
She did return to the bench area later in the quarter, using crutches.
A quick recovery is hereby wished to her!
I viewed portions of all four games' webcasts, although very little of the AUG-WHE game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 19, 2022, 11:22:38 PM
The other game not touched on raised my eyebrows when I was peeking at scores and seeing Elmhurst with a fairly sizable early lead over Carthage before the Firebirds came back and won 80-74.

Congrats to Tim Bernero on his 300th career win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2022, 11:33:52 PM
Yep, Elmhurst was up 39-30 at the half, but Carthage poured in 50 2nd half pts to attain the win.
Kate Matthews did quite well for Elmhurst : 2 steals, 4 assists, 7 rebs and 20 pts (1/2 3FG, 6/9 2FG, 5/6 FT).
for Carthage :
Lauren Knight, a very efficient 27 pts (also 3 assists) - 4/8 3FG, 3/6 2FG, 9/9 FT
Margueret Spear 16 pts
Destiny Antoine 11 pts
Bridget Barrett led all with 9 rebs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 20, 2022, 12:09:10 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2022, 11:20:22 PM
Unfortunately, NP's Emily Czuhajewski went down with what may have been an ankle injury in the 2nd minute of the 4th quarter.
She did return to the bench area later in the quarter, using crutches.
A quick recovery is hereby wished to her!
I viewed portions of all four games' webcasts, although very little of the AUG-WHE game.

AAAARGH! I didn't know that!

Speedy recovery to what I hope is merely a sprained ankle for Emily. NPU simply cannot do without her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 20, 2022, 07:56:51 AM
Pretty amazing to have 3 freshmen lead the way in a huge conference game vs the favorite...

* Kate Palmer: 20 pts, 4 reb, 3 assits

* Lauren Huber: 15 pts, 11 reb

* Mallory Powers:12 pts, 4 reb


IWU has a great, young nucleus to build around.  And they might be able to do some damage this year too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 20, 2022, 11:45:21 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 20, 2022, 12:09:10 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 19, 2022, 11:20:22 PM
Unfortunately, NP's Emily Czuhajewski went down with what may have been an ankle injury in the 2nd minute of the 4th quarter.
She did return to the bench area later in the quarter, using crutches.
A quick recovery is hereby wished to her!
I viewed portions of all four games' webcasts, although very little of the AUG-WHE game.

AAAARGH! I didn't know that!

Speedy recovery to what I hope is merely a sprained ankle for Emily. NPU simply cannot do without her.

Me too.  I've grown to really respect her steady game and quick trigger from the arc.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on January 20, 2022, 12:47:48 PM
Quote from: Titan Q on January 20, 2022, 07:56:51 AM
Pretty amazing to have 3 freshmen lead the way in a huge conference game vs the favorite...

* Kate Palmer: 20 pts, 4 reb, 3 assits

* Lauren Huber: 15 pts, 11 reb

* Mallory Powers:12 pts, 4 reb


IWU has a great, young nucleus to build around.  And they might be able to do some damage this year too.

IWU has looked like a completely different team since the WashU game. Last night is probably the best half-court defensive effort I've seen from IWU in years - they were really outstanding and would have beaten a lot of teams last night. It was obvious they were ready to play.

The depth of my CCIW knowledge does not extend much past IWU, whom I've watched play and kept up with for a long time, so last night was my first real look in 2-3 years at Millikin, and, despite the bad loss, I was VERY impressed with the assemblage of talent. They went from zero-to-sixty pretty quickly over the last handful of years with the talent they've been able to bring in. There are several kids on that roster that physically look more like Division II or low-Division I athletes and the Knudson kid has an extraordinary basketball-IQ and is destined to be a star. She must have been getting some low D-I looks at a minimum. Anyone have any idea how she wound up in Decatur? Small-town kid? Does she play an additional sport or something? Sometimes that's a draw as well. She's really, really good...like potential 1st team All American someday good.

I was a buyer on IWU early, but they are better at this point than even I thought they'd be. Kudos to Coach Smith. This has been a really good coaching job so far this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2022, 01:03:49 PM
Enginerd, totally agree with you on Coach Smith's coaching work this year . . . having faith and trust in her seniors, and then bringing the three freshmen along quickly.  The junior Heller a nice surprise on defense and some contributions on offense too. "Run and jump" has improved step by step as the season has moved on . . . and it is a mighty weapon now, for frustrating and turning over the opposition.  IWU has a clear strategy and identity:   pressure defense (full court or half court), speed the game up and push the ball, beating the other team down the floor, shoot the three ball well on rotating the ball on offense, and battling like crazy to keep the rebounding line close, even winning that line sometimes, like last night vs. MU.  I, too, have felt they have over-achieved -- since the Wheaton game.  Huber, Powers and Palmer give them a lot of weapons on offense, inside and out.  Huber has a nose for the ball off the boards that is unique, and fun to watch.  Last night, Palmer made 4, Lansford and Powers 2 treys each.  Kaia Bowen beat the MU bigs down the floor numerous times . . .  again, you win with who and what you got . . . and the Titans have found a pretty good formula in conference play.

Indeed, MU has some great talent . . . but it didn't always show last night, especially from their normally high-scoring bigs.  Knudsen is a unique and awesome talent at the D3 level. But, again, IWU played her tough in the first half, holding her to six points and leading at the half-time break by 18. 

We can discuss, argue about scheduling, but I think again, as in past years, a very tough early schedule has helped the Titans to be strong, well-conditioned and battle-tested now . . . with nine games to go.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2022, 01:35:22 PM
Staton, Coffman and Brown combining for 3 rebounds in 60 minutes of playing time should earn them a lecture from Coach Lett.
the updated standings :
7-0 IWU
7-1 MIL
4-3 NPU
3-3 CRL
4-4 CTG WHE
2-4 NCC
1-6 AUG
0-7 ELM
32 of the 72 conference games are done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 20, 2022, 09:37:50 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on January 20, 2022, 12:47:48 PM
Anyone have any idea how she wound up in Decatur?

[41:57]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqhB0zN6DY&t=2540s
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 20, 2022, 10:15:40 PM
Unfortunately, Wheaton's Annie Tate is definitely out for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 20, 2022, 11:28:20 PM
Hopefully she'll return healthy for the '22-'23 season.
Thanks for the report, GoPerry!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2022, 12:31:49 AM
I'm sorry to hear that, GP. Losing a player like that not only diminishes Wheaton, it diminishes the league as a whole.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2022, 07:51:48 AM
Sorry to hear about Annie Tate . . . a big loss for Wheaton.  I was looking forward to seeing her play at The Shirk on February 12th.  Wishing her well for a full recovery for next year's season.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 20, 2022, 10:15:40 PM
Unfortunately, Wheaton's Annie Tate is definitely out for the rest of the season.

A big hole:  5'10" Jr Tate's 10 games this season:  18.8 ppg ( 44.5% FG, 76.1% FT)  9.5 reb/g, 32.6 mins/g



Looking on the bright side for Thunder fans, Tate's replacement in the starting lineup, 5'11" Fr  Annika Richardson:

First 11 games (sub) -  8.73 mins/game:        2.1 ppg, 9/28 fg (32.1%), 2/11 3fg (18.1%), 3/9 ft (33.33%),            1.9 reb/g,

Last 5 games (start) – 31.80 mins/game:    23.8 ppg, 43/78 fg (55.1%), 18/32 3fg (56.25%), 15/17 ft (88.24%),   6.4 reb/g,

Quite a dramatic lesson in stepping up when given the opportunity . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Richardson has played brilliantly . . . really taking up any slack due to Tate's injury and absence. 

I expect the game on Februrary 12th -- WC @IWU -- to be much closer than the first encounter at WC.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on January 21, 2022, 01:06:09 PM
Perry also  a lesson to coach. hey maybe this woman should have been playing more minutes
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 21, 2022, 09:52:13 PM
This page (best seen on a large screen) shows how Richardson has progressed during the season :
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=15866&org_id=778&stats_player_seq=2631885
Incidentally, I think the 33 pts in blue indicates she was the highest scorer that day, January 5, in all of D3 WBB.
Wheaton has Elmhurst tomorrow; in their earlier matchup, Wheaton tallied 75, their 2nd highest output so far (had 84 vs Dominican).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2022, 12:48:06 PM
IWU @Carroll . . . 2 p.m.  Keep it up Titans.  No let down.

Some long bus rides, more road trips, road games.  Back to NPU on Monday evening, 7 p.m., another key game in the CCIW race.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2022, 04:01:12 PM
Chrissi Ekhomu coaching North Central today at Carthage. That game started a bit late.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2022, 04:25:41 PM
Carroll over IWU easily, really ugly for the Titans today.  They got some of their own medicine on pressure and TOs, totally outrebounded, exposing the Titans when they are out-sized in the paint.  And, playing terribly -- with forced and unforced errors all day long, almost like the ball was slippery at points, and a poor shooting percentage after the 1Q . . . 

Get this one out of your system as soon as you can, move on, and prepare for NPU.   All credit to the PIOs for shooting the three ball well, and pressuring and outrebounding the Titans.  This one is a gut check for IWU.  Likely their worst performance of the year.

'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2022, 04:34:45 PM
IWU loses the TO line, shoots less than 30% . . . and that's about all you need to know about this one.  Ugly.

Final:  Carroll 70  IWU 48


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2022, 05:58:38 PM
Elizabeth Behrndt had 3 blocks, 7 rebs and led Carroll scorers with 13. Six teammates scored in the 6-to-10 range.
Chloe Halverson grabbed 8 rebs to go with her 7 pts.
Theresa Wichser returned to form, hitting 3 of 5 three attempts.
Kate Christian is a nice stabilizing ingredient for the Pios; she does a lot of good that's not registered in the individual stats.
Carroll made 23/45 2FGs while IWU managed 11/32 2FGs.
Kate Palmer did well for the Titans, leading everyone with 14 pts.
Catie Eck had 5 assists and 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 22, 2022, 06:31:34 PM
NCC gets a sweep of Carthage for the first time in I'm not sure how long with a 61-52 victory up in Kenosha. The Cardinals never trailed in this one.

Elle Sutter: 13 pts, 5 reb
Stephanie Kowalczyk: 13 pts
IxChel Leeuwenburgh: 9 pts, 10 reb

Ayanna Ester: 18 pts
Margueret Spear: 7 pts, 6 reb
Bridget Barrett: 10 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 22, 2022, 09:02:31 PM
The Big Blue shook off their funk and dispatched Augustana, 78-69, at Carver. Bailey Coffman and Aubrey Staton each scored 18 for Millikin -- Staton was 4-7 from downtown -- while Elyce Knudsen and Jordan Hildebrand each added 13. Knudsen was not impressive as a shooter today, but she did contribute a 6:2 a:to ratio and five steals; Miranda Fox had six steals as well, as MU used a 13-28 turnover disparity to overcome the fact that Augie outrebounded the visitors by 11. Augie was led by Macy Beinborn's 24 and 6, Gabriela Loiz's 13 and 6:3 a:to, Kylie Jozwik's 12 (4-5 trey), and Lauren Hall's 10 and 14 double-double.

Wheaton had a difficult time of it with last-place Elmhurst, but nevertheless managed to send the visitors packing with a 59-53 win at King. Hannah Swider had a breakout game for the winners with 23 and 8 as well as four steals, while Annika Richardson had 13 and 6 (despite an uncharacteristically poor 5-19 shooting performance). Caroline Sikkink had a 10 and 10 double-double along with four steals, and Ellie Cassel grabbed ten boards as well. The 'jays were led by a dozen points each from Marissa Urso, Kate Matthews, and Ella Riley, with Matthews leading the way on the boards with nine. Chloe Conley (4:0) had a nice floor game in the losing cause.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2022, 01:35:27 PM
Alright Greg, are we looking at Esther Miller for CCIW Player of the Week?
I was thinking Lauren Knight was on the path for it with her 27 pt performance, but she had a crummy shooting game yesterday.
Your thoughts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2022, 01:49:39 PM
I've noticed that it's difficult for a player to get POW when it's that player's bye week. Multiple games' worth of performances to evaluate tend to override a solo outing in the eyes of Brainard Avenue. Therefore, given that North Park only played once, I'm not sanguine about Esther's chances (or about Jayla's, since she had a 24 and 10 double-double in that win in the hangar), although I'd certainly love to see it happen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2022, 10:20:18 PM
How about Kate Palmer?

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2022, 10:44:34 PM
She's a possibility.
I thought you were going to point out that Kaia Bowen's Dec 13 Player of the Week award was based on a single game's output.
Thus, Esther Miller should be in the running this time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2022, 03:32:29 PM
Greg got it right : Jayla Johnson is the new CCIW Player of the Week.
Congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2022, 07:49:21 PM
Emily Czuhajewski is in a boot. NPU's looking at a steep uphill climb tonight without her.

Now I know how you felt when you saw Annie Tate in a boot, GP.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 24, 2022, 08:12:11 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2022, 07:49:21 PM
Emily Czuhajewski is in a boot. NPU's looking at a steep uphill climb tonight without her.

Now I know how you felt when you saw Annie Tate in a boot, GP.

Very unfortunate news for NPU and Emily.

Earlier in the year, Collin Uveges on the Thunder Men's team was in a boot but I think he missed only 1 or 2 games and he was back.  So I was hopeful for the same in Tate but her injury was obviously more serious.

Let's hope Czuhajewski's boot is the first kind, not the second. Especially for a senior.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 24, 2022, 09:08:50 PM
NCC over Elmhurst 72-50. Cardinals led 19-3 after ten minutes.

Elle Sutter: 21 pts, 4 reb
IxChel Leeuwenburgh: 15 pts, 9 reb
Allison Pearson: 14 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast

Marissa Urso: 13 pts
Taylor Harazin: 11 pts
Kate Matthews: 4 pts, 8 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2022, 10:06:13 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 68
North Park 49

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 13 rebs, 5 stls, 3 blks
Esther Miller: 15 pts, 3 stls

Brooke Lansford: 20 pts, 6 rebs
Catie Eck: 11 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls, 4 blks
Kaia Bowen: 11 pts, 6 rebs
Mallory Powers: 7 rebs

This one went according to form. Mia Smith just had the Titans run and run and run, and the short-handed Vikings simply got worn down, as they faded from late in the third quarter on. Unfortunately, the one thing that NPU needed to be competitive tonight -- a big night from Lauren Lee beyond the arc -- didn't happen. The Vikings were 0-10 from downtown, as they were unable to fill the obvious gaping hole in their offense. The Titans didn't get particularly good performances from their freshmen, but their three seniors stepped up at both ends of the floor. And they simply had the numbers that allowed them to speed up the game and dominate the boards.

Jayla Johnson had a monster night. She is just a phenomenal player in every phase of the game. I shudder to think what the final score would've been without her.

The Vikings are just going to have to soldier on, because it doesn't look good for Emily Czuhajewski to come back soon, if at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2022, 10:10:27 PM
Major upset in Waukesha tonight, as struggling Augustana led most of the way and ended up dispatching Carroll on the home floor of the Pioneers, 67-58. Gabby Loiz had a big 21-point night, while Lauren Hall finished with 16 and 10. Carroll was paced by Natalie Palzkill's 18, as Kate Christian tossed in 12 and Elizabeth Behrndt added 10 and 8 in the losing cause.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 24, 2022, 11:11:16 PM
Attended the IWU / NP game.
Nice to meet you iwu70! You're surprisingly tall for an older fellow. Ha! Next time, you'll have to tell Greg and me about your many years in Hong Kong.
In addition to the performance described in Greg's summary, I was very impressed by Brooke Lansford, who not only had fine scoring stats but also handled point guard duties nicely, darting around while keeping the dribble alive.
Many guards stop their dribble when changing directions a lot. As I recently wrote about Carroll's Kate Christian, Lansford also contributes in ways that are not measured in the individual stats.
NP's Savanna Childress gave us an interesting peek at how she may provide more scoring down the road, using her quickness to score 5 in 11 minutes. Her 5 fouls in those 11 minutes were probably too many, though.  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 24, 2022, 11:34:26 PM
11 pm Sunday night: [Votes for Carroll in Top 25] Yeah, I think this is a good pick. Those three losses are behind them!

11 pm Monday night: Oh. Hm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2022, 11:55:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 24, 2022, 11:11:16 PM
NP's Savanna Childress gave us an interesting peek at how she may provide more scoring down the road, using her quickness to score 5 in 11 minutes. Her 5 fouls in those 11 minutes were probably too many, though.  :)

Savanna Childress is as quick, with or without the ball in her hands, as anyone I've seen in the CCIW in ages, and that includes recent NPU graduate Zakiya Newsome. Savanna also has sufficiently developed ballhandling skills that enable her to beat people off of the dribble practically at whim, provided that they're guarding her honestly. But that's just it -- there's no need to guard her honestly, because she can't shoot unless it's a layup. That's also evident in her 6-15 (.400) performance from the free-throw line this season. The entire league now has the book on her, so no CCIW guard is going to get within five feet of her when she has the ball on the perimeter.  They're simply going to sag off and dare her to shoot while giving themselves enough room to cut her off if she tries to drive past them. The fouling-out part bothers me less, because she's a freshman, and freshmen too often tend to play defense with their hands rather than their feet.

In other words, Savanna is terrific raw material, but at this point in her career, that's really all she is -- raw material. She needs to learn how to shoot and how to pass in addition to developing at the defensive end. If she's willing to put in the work and she pushes herself in the off-season, her ceiling is incredibly high. But she's got a long, long, long way to go. I'd love to see her get there and become the All-CCIW player that her footspeed and dribbling skills could allow her to be, but that's entirely up to her. I hope that she has the discipline and the self-motivation to take on the challenge.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2022, 12:05:18 AM
Yep, gordonmann, this year's CCIW has a bunch of teams capable of humbling the other ones, particularly right after the latter get recognition in the national rankings.
We'll see how the rest of conference play settles out. In addition to whichever squad wins the conference tournament AQ, several others may be in reasonable consideration for the national tourney. The next month may clarify matters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2022, 01:21:13 AM
A very enjoyable and satisfying trip to NPU tonight.  Glad to meet Greg Sager and RogK. 

Enjoyed the game and Greg has described it well.

Huber had an off night, but the three seniors for IWU really stepped up . . . esp. Catie Eck tonight.  What a great performance on defense.  I'm also a big fan of Kaia Bowen and she had another nice game, making many contributions that don't show up on the stat sheet.  Lansford doing her thing . . . shooting it well from trey tonight too -- 3 for 5.  The freshmen will come back for sure, esp. Powers and Palmer.  IWU's rotation well set and strong now -- with Heller, Carlson, and Palmer coming off the bench. 

Jayla Johnson is an awesome player.  If she catches it on the block, it's almost automatically a bucket.  The Titans did better fighter her off a bit in the second half, with a number of entry passes going astray . . .but still Ms. Johnson had 20, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks (I actually think she had more!) and 5 steals.  (I actually think Eck had more than 4 blocks too!).

IWU finally back home with EU on Wednesday . . . the way the conference race is shaping up, key games now are NPU visiting The Shirk, and IWU going to Decatur . . .  we'll see.  Nice to be 8-1 in the conference with just 7 games to play.  IWU has a bye week coming up soon too.  Likely needed and helpful after all the travelling. 

I introduced myself to Sager tonight as Lou Holz . . .  you will remember I said earlier that I doubted IWU would beat MU, WC or NPU . . .  so, I must now eat my words as the Titans have prevailed over all three in the first cycle of games. . .  and two of these wins are away wins.  So, to say the least, the Titans have over-achieved in my book as I truly didn't think they would compete for the regular season crown this year . . . after that 1-4 start and the issues they had earlier in the season.  But, as you can now see, they have figured out how to play with their style and their personnel . . . and a great credit to Coach Smith and the three seniors for bringing this team to this point.  I'm optimistic now that they can finish it off and win the CCIW regular season crown.  Finish strong and get the #1 for the CCIW tournament. 

Great IWU crowd tonight at the Cracker Box . . .  seeing a good win by the Titans.  I loved the NPU floor, with the Chicago skyline . . . very nice.  Glad to see vaccinations required for entry into this game, a Chicago-city requirement. 

Keep it rolling, Titans . . .  7 games to go, take them step-by-step, one game at a time.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2022, 04:18:24 PM
Incidentally, I asked iwu70 why he spent so many years in Hong Kong, despite his obvious fondness for Illinois Wesleyan.
He said he felt the best thing he could do for the university was to stay 7000 miles away.
(that's my smar tass joke, not his!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2022, 09:29:13 PM
Actually, RogK, during part of the time in Hong Kong, I served on the IWU Board of Trustees, and came back to campus quite often, esp. for key class reunions, meetings, sporting events etc. . . .  my folks were then alive and still living in Bloomington/Normal, so I came back many times so my son could know and spend time with his grandparents . . . my folks were IWU grads, and my brother and sister-in-law are, too . . .  we say we "bleed green."   Our family is about as loyal to IWU as one family can be . . . though we don't always agree with the directions, decisions or policies of the University. Yes, there are likely those at IWU that would wish me to stay 7000 miles away . . . :).   Let's just say we are deeply, even fiercely loyal, though not always able to be supportive . . .  the Titan nation surely much larger than the Titan State.  Students come and go, faculty come and go, even Presidents and senior administrators come and go, but the loyal and attentive alums are always there, the Titan nation is always there . . .

It was great to meet you, talk basketball.  Let me know should you be down this way . . . and we'll go have a good pizza and a few libations together at Lucca's or Tobin's  . . . and talk about my 41 years in Asia, most of it in Hong Kong, though also some years in Taiwan and the Philippines . . . with tons of work and travel many months in the PRC too.

Be well . . . here we go, down the stretch, just 7-8 games left in the CCIW race.  I'm pretty optimistic now that my Titans can bring home the regular season CCIW championship.

All best for Tigers . . . the Year of the Tiger roaring in now in just a few days.

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 25, 2022, 10:38:43 PM
Wow, dozens and more dozens of trans-Pacific flights. Did you usually take United or Cathay into O'Hare?
I'm sure you have loads of travel misadventure stories to tell. Not that you should do so on D3boards of course.
Yeah, a lot of games coming up in the next few weeks.
I don't want Elmhurst to "go 0-fer" the CCIW, but of course no other teams are going to let them win out of sympathy. They did well vs Wheaton for almost a whole game. Hopefully they can avoid being discouraged and are able to get into the conference W column.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2022, 12:05:08 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 25, 2022, 01:21:13 AM
Jayla Johnson is an awesome player.  If she catches it on the block, it's almost automatically a bucket.  The Titans did better fighter her off a bit in the second half, with a number of entry passes going astray . . .

Those weren't really her fault. And, in fact, Jayla had a slightly better second half than first half at the offensive end, statistically speaking.

Targeting and executing a post entry pass is an acquired skill, and it's one that the young NPU point guard corps is still working to master. And, of course, the degree of difficulty is higher when the intended target is double-teamed, as Jayla was consistently on Monday night and as she will consistently be for the remainder of the season as well. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Tim Bernero throws the kitchen sink at Jayla tomorrow night in Tarble.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 26, 2022, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2022, 12:05:08 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 25, 2022, 01:21:13 AM
Jayla Johnson is an awesome player.  If she catches it on the block, it's almost automatically a bucket.  The Titans did better fighter her off a bit in the second half, with a number of entry passes going astray . . .

Those weren't really her fault. And, in fact, Jayla had a slightly better second half than first half at the offensive end, statistically speaking.

Targeting and executing a post entry pass is an acquired skill, and it's one that the young NPU point guard corps is still working to master. And, of course, the degree of difficulty is higher when the intended target is double-teamed, as Jayla was consistently on Monday night and as she will consistently be for the remainder of the season as well. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Tim Bernero throws the kitchen sink at Jayla tomorrow night in Tarble.

I hope he doesn't take you too literally - I'm pretty sure throwing the kitchen sink at a player would be a technical foul! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 26, 2022, 12:58:43 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 26, 2022, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2022, 12:05:08 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 25, 2022, 01:21:13 AM
Jayla Johnson is an awesome player.  If she catches it on the block, it's almost automatically a bucket.  The Titans did better fighter her off a bit in the second half, with a number of entry passes going astray . . .

Those weren't really her fault. And, in fact, Jayla had a slightly better second half than first half at the offensive end, statistically speaking.

Targeting and executing a post entry pass is an acquired skill, and it's one that the young NPU point guard corps is still working to master. And, of course, the degree of difficulty is higher when the intended target is double-teamed, as Jayla was consistently on Monday night and as she will consistently be for the remainder of the season as well. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Tim Bernero throws the kitchen sink at Jayla tomorrow night in Tarble.

I hope he doesn't take you too literally - I'm pretty sure throwing the kitchen sink at a player would be a technical foul! ;D

But would it be an administrative tech? :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2022, 01:19:08 PM
Surprisingly, NCAA by-laws address this exact situation.
It all depends on where the sink was manufactured. For example, if it was made in Missouri, the tech free throws have to be taken by a current player from Fontbonne or Webster, etc, who has to be flown in by private jet within a 2 hour time frame.
Meanwhile both teams are required to remain on the court and read D3boards posts out loud. Comity ensues.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2022, 02:23:21 PM
I can hear Tim up in Kenosha groaning at these jokes all the way from here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2022, 04:17:12 PM
RogK, yes, a million+ miles on United, in the days for the non-stops HKG-ORD and back again, many times, with my son . . .  not much flying of late, and always wanted a non-US carrier around Asia, as the flights are more frequent and the service and food surely better. 

Looking forward to the Titans hosting Elmhurst tonight.  I doubt tonight is the night that Elmhurst gets into the victory column.  The big game for us now is the trip to Decatur to take on the Big Blue again . . . a week from tonight, 2/2/22.  I will drive down to Decatur for that one for sure.  IWU has a bye date this Saturday, so some rest and time to prepare for the big game at Millikin.  Fortuitous scheduling for IWU . . .

Again, good to meet you and Sager up at NPU.

Best for Tigers roaring in . . .  :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 26, 2022, 10:01:22 PM
Tough one in Rock Island.

Augie 64
NCC 56
OT

Cardinals led by two with 18 seconds to go, gave up a pair of free throws to send it to the extra session, then managed just a pair from the stripe in those five minutes.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 26, 2022, 10:03:26 PM
Carroll Pios over the Wheaton Thunder 57-47

Not an especially well played game by either team .  But the Pios settled down in the 2nd half and pulled away.  Wheaton shot 37% from the field and were an astonishing 1/10 from the free throw line.  After the last two games of taking better care of the ball, Wheaton reverted to their old ways with 23 turnovers.

Hannah Swider led Wheaton with 14 pts 5/12, 4/5 from three.  Annika Richardson had her second lackluster game in a row shooting 3/13 from the field, 1/5 from three for 7 pts.

The Rohner-less Pios were led by Natalie Palzkill with 12 pts, 5 rebs.  Allison Thompson contributed 6 pts and 12 rebs.

Wheaton needs to be better if they want to make the conference tourney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 26, 2022, 10:08:45 PM
North Park 55
Carthage 48

Jayla Johnson: 21 pts, 11 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 15 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls
Esther Miller: 15 pts

Bridget Barrett: 19 pts, 6 rebs
Lauren Knight: 10 pts
Ayanna Ester: 6 rebs

I am incredibly proud of the NPU women! I honestly have had my doubts about whether the Vikings would be able to win another game or not with Emily Czuhajewski most likely gone for the season. But my pessimism proved groundless, as the Vikings went on the road and forged a season split with the Firebirds, courtesy of a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter that put the Park up for good. The bench played a total of 15 minutes in this game, as the five Vikings starters marathoned their way to the finish line (40, 40, 39, 35, and 32 minutes between them).

Way to go, Vikings!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2022, 10:10:37 PM
In a game that was never close (22-9 in the first Q), IWU over Elmhurst at The Shirk, 85 - 60.

For EU:

Harazin 15
Conley 12
Matrise 11

For IWU:
Lansford 16
Palmer 12
Eck, another very good game on defense, 10

"Run and jump" doing its dirt, IWU winning the TO line 12 - 34.  So it goes, a tsunami of layups off TOs.

IWU shooting 45% from the field, though a dismal 27% from the FT line, 3-11.  Gotta clean that up!

A night off Saturday, then the big return game down in Decatur with Millikin, basically a regular season championship game, or at least a key game to see who will be in the driver's seat going into the last 4-5 games of the regular season.

Keep it rolling TITANS, one game at a time.  Nice work tonight . . .  I wanted 100!  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 26, 2022, 11:19:15 PM
47...48...55...56(in OT)...57...60...64(in OT)...85
Five of the 8 teams under 58; seven of eight score under 65; way too much defense in the league tonight!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2022, 11:55:59 AM
RogK, IWU could have easily scored over 100 vs. EU . . . Mia Smith put in her second and third groups in the 4th Q and things slowed down tremendously.  IWU was up over 30 at that point.  Those two groups have a long way to go . . . on both ends of the court.  When the first group, the regular rotation is clicking on pressure defense, they can score a lot of points, and very fast . . .  layups off turnovers.   

IWU has Saturday off, then the big one down at Millikin. . . next Wednesday. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2022, 12:50:37 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 26, 2022, 11:19:15 PM
47...48...55...56(in OT)...57...60...64(in OT)...85
Five of the 8 teams under 58; seven of eight score under 65; way too much defense in the league tonight!

Bite your tongue. To a large degree, basketball is about dictating the tempo that best suits your team, especially if your opponent wants to play faster or slower than yours. And there are certain teams that want to slow it down and grind it out in the halfcourt.

Even when the team isn't depth-challenged the way that it is right now without Emily, North Park typically wants to be a defense-first team that works the clock and is most effective if the score is in the 50s, 60s, or at most the low 70s. That's just as valid a style as is uptempo ball. And, given that that's what the Vikings are typically set up to play on an annual basis, that's the type of game that I want to see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2022, 01:13:04 PM
I did bite my tongue a few months ago while attempting the hazardous process of chewing food.
North Park is 2-0 this season when scoring in the 90s.
And they are 3-1 when scoring in the 80s.
Reaching 80 is not easy now, without Emily C.
iwu70, I fully agree that IWU was nice to Elmhurst and could have rung up well over 100. No less than 15 Titans played at least 5 minutes and I'm sure IWU called off the press early.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2022, 01:43:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2022, 01:13:04 PM
I did bite my tongue a few months ago while attempting the hazardous process of chewing food.

Never let it be said that I am not a helpful friend. (https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-a-soft-food-diet)

Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2022, 01:13:04 PMNorth Park is 2-0 this season when scoring in the 90s.
And they are 3-1 when scoring in the 80s.

Extenuating circumstances. The two wins in the 90s were against teams whose collective basketball ability is downright ghastly, Olivet (2-15) and Mount Mary (0-15). Amanda Crockett worked so hard to keep her team's score down in both games that thirteen Vikings played double-digit minutes against Olivet and twelve Vikings played double-digit minutes against Mount Mary.

In terms of NPU's three wins in the 80s, one was over an Elmhurst team that still has yet to win a CCIW game (which now makes me doubly nervous for Saturday), and another was an overtime win over North Central that had a regulation score that was much more in the Vikings' wheelhouse when it comes to scoring (69-69). The win at Wheaton was more of an aberration, in that the game was played at Wheaton's preferred pace and yet the Vikings still won. The loss, of course, was reflective of the fact that Millikin dictated tempo and the Vikings simply couldn't keep up.

Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2022, 01:13:04 PM
Reaching 80 is not easy now, without Emily C.

Boy, does that deserve a meme:

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicsforum.org%2Fimages%2Fhumour%2Fmaster.jpg&hash=e10a7bf2b6f48a8c2eb90a0f69c64fda2be1fac1)

;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2022, 01:50:21 PM
With friends like that, who needs enemas?
The updated ladder :
9-1 IWU
8-1 MIL
5-4 CRL NPU
5-5 WHE
4-5 NCC
4-6 CTG
3-7 AUG
0-10 ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2022, 02:36:46 PM
Thanks for the new standings, the new "ladder," RogK.  Sure nice to see my Titans on top!   I guess my Lou Holz impersonation has worked out fine, so far . . .  Big game next week in Decatur.  And, IWU still has return games at The Shirk with NPU and WC.  Lots of basketball still to be played, but I like where we sit right now . . . a pretty favorable schedule for IWU now.

Yes, Mia Smith basically pulled the starters for the entire 4Q and pulled back the press by late in the 3Q when the Titans were up over 30 points.  All 17 Titans in uniform saw floor time . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2022, 03:34:53 PM
Christopher Newport U (current #2 in D3Hoops poll) will play at Wheaton 2pm on Sat Feb 5.
Thanks to CNU85 for mentioning that on another portion of d3boards.
I apologize to GoPerry who may have already told us here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2022, 03:53:04 PM
It's because the Coast to Coast Conference, of which Christopher Newport is a member, has set up a single round-robin for the league this season. The Captains were supposed to come out and play their two C2C opponents that weekend in February, but one of them -- Mount Mary -- had to cancel. So CNU has replaced the Blue Angels with Wheaton.

The day after playing Wheaton, CNU will play at Finlandia, the other midwestern C2C member in women's basketball. Think about that for a moment -- you fly into O'Hare from Norfolk on Friday evening, play Wheaton at King Arena on Saturday afternoon, then, presumably, you ride the bus for seven hours Saturday evening up to Hancock, MI, almost certainly arriving sometime around 1 am or 2 am Sunday morning. Then you check into a hotel in Hancock, play a game at Finlandia on Sunday afternoon, get back on the bus, ride six hours back to Chicagoland on Sunday evening, and either take the red-eye back to Norfolk or encamp in a hotel near O'Hare and then fly back to Norfolk early enough on Monday morning so that (again, presumably) nobody misses class.

Now, that's a road trip.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2022, 03:53:24 PM
Jayla Johnson is continuing to rewrite the North Park record book. She is currently fifth all-time in career scoring; third all-time in career points per game; fifth all-time in career field goals; third all-time in career field goal percentage (Nicole Kruckman, Soly Roman, and Jayla are the only three Vikings in NPU women's basketball history to shoot better than .500 over the course of their careers); and eighth in career free throws; and within the next few games she will break into the top ten in both career steals and career blocks.

And the remarkable thing is that she's climbing the leaderboards in all of those counting-stats categories in spite of the fact that she was robbed of half of her junior season by the Covid pandemic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 27, 2022, 04:14:16 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2022, 03:34:53 PM
Christopher Newport U (current #2 in D3Hoops poll) will play at Wheaton 2pm on Sat Feb 5.
Thanks to CNU85 for mentioning that on another portion of d3boards.
I apologize to GoPerry who may have already told us here.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2022, 03:53:04 PM
It's because the Coast to Coast Conference, of which Christopher Newport is a member, has set up a single round-robin for the league this season. The Captains were supposed to come out and play their two C2C opponents that weekend in February, but one of them -- Mount Mary -- had to cancel. So CNU has replaced the Blue Angels with Wheaton.

The day after playing Wheaton, CNU will play at Finlandia, the other midwestern C2C member in women's basketball. Think about that for a moment -- you fly into O'Hare from Norfolk on Friday evening, play Wheaton at King Arena on Saturday afternoon, then, presumably, you ride the bus for seven hours Saturday evening up to Hancock, MI, almost certainly arriving sometime around 1 am or 2 am Sunday morning. Then you check into a hotel in Hancock, play a game at Finlandia on Sunday afternoon, get back on the bus, ride six hours back to Chicagoland on Sunday evening, and either take the red-eye back to Norfolk or encamp in a hotel near O'Hare and then fly back to Norfolk early enough on Monday morning so that (again, presumably) nobody misses class.

Now, that's a road trip.

No apologies necessary RogK, even if I knew about it already.  This looks like it just got added today.

This is a nice game to pick up for both teams.  For the Thunder, it's a terrific non-con replacement for the Univ of Chicago game that got cancelled.  It's a home game against a really good team and something different to look forward to in the middle of the league schedule.

For the Captains, if you're going to be making the trip anyway like Gregory notes, I'm sure they'd rather play a 13-5 Wheaton than an 0-16 Mt Mary squad.

The result for CNU might be the same as this will obviously be challenging for the Wheaton ladies and their recent form. 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 27, 2022, 04:43:09 PM
There appear to be two daily flights from O'Hare to Hancock :
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ua5128
--
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ua5140
(if CNU wants to spend $ for it; bus would presumably be cheaper)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 27, 2022, 05:41:23 PM
On top of that rigorous schedule, CNU's defensive style of play is channeled chaos. They will sleep well on that bus ride to Hancock.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 27, 2022, 07:33:12 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 27, 2022, 04:43:09 PM
There appear to be two daily flights from O'Hare to Hancock :
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ua5128
--
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ua5140
(if CNU wants to spend $ for it; bus would presumably be cheaper)

I can't imagine that CNU was planning to spend the extra money to fly the team to Hancock rather than bus there.

In thinking about it for a bit, it occurred to me that they may be flying Norfolk to Milwaukee to Norfolk, since their original itinerary involved the Captains playing Mount Mary rather than Wheaton. That presents a different, but still thorny, set of travel options if they're still using Mitchell Field rather than O'Hare as their fly-in/fly-out point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 28, 2022, 03:07:40 PM
Read on another board that this trip is centered on Green Bay.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2022, 06:34:09 PM
Thanks for that info, Pat.
A Packer fan must have organized the trip. Maybe they're going to the team museum.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2022, 12:52:35 PM
The IWU women enjoying a weekend off, their bye date . . . and a good time to rest a bit, put your feet up and get ready for the homestretch of games, esp. on Wednesday the big return game with Millikin at the Griz.  The way they play, exhaustion and fatigue can factor in during the final weeks of the season.  On the flip side, IWU is probably one of the most fit squads in the CCIW women's game. 

Now 12-7, 9-1, heading into the last six games.   

IWU has home games upcoming with NPU and Wheaton . . .  so, a pretty good schedule, all things considered.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2022, 03:09:19 PM
Greg, are you enjoying the replay snippets of IWU v EU men overlaying live action on the Elmhurst WBB webcast?
Elmhurst still has the idiotic habit of showing replays while live action is going.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 29, 2022, 04:29:38 PM
Millikin 55 Carthage 46 in Kenosha.  MU goes to 9-1 in conference play as well, so the big game is set for Wednesday, the two CCIW leading teams at 9-1 square off in Decatur. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 29, 2022, 04:38:27 PM
I went back and forth between the two early game webcasts.
Neither Carthage nor Millikin played anywhere near their best, from what I saw.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2022, 05:37:51 PM
North Park 65
Elmhurst 58

Jayla Johnson: 19 pts, 12 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 15 pts
Esther Miller: 13 pts, 8 rebs

Taylor Harazin: 20 pts, 17 rebs
Kate Matthews: 12 pts, 10 rebs
Ella Riley: 12 pts

This game really had me nervous. The Vikings led wire-to-wire (aside from ties at 7-7 and 20-20), and had a 13-point bulge late in the third quarter, but they couldn't put away the pesky Bluejays at Faganel Hall. EU got the game within three points going into the final minute, but Chantel Hairston rose to the occasion with a layup, offensive rebound, and made free throw, and Jayla Johnson tossed in a couple of throws in the waning seconds to seal the deal.

Great to see Josie Summerville back in action today. This was her first playing time since December 8 against Carthage.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 29, 2022, 05:42:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 29, 2022, 03:09:19 PM
Greg, are you enjoying the replay snippets of IWU v EU men overlaying live action on the Elmhurst WBB webcast?
Elmhurst still has the idiotic habit of showing replays while live action is going.

I didn't see that. The replays were working fine in the second half, except that EU, as is typical of them, used it incessantly, to the point where some of the live action stuff got missed.

I couldn't watch it closely once the men's volleyball match between NPU and Carthage started here in the crackerbox, but I did manage to keep my eye on it a bit. It's easier to sneak a peek at other stuff on your computer when you're calling a volleyball match than when you're calling a basketball game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 29, 2022, 07:48:37 PM
Wheaton 77   North Central 56

Caroline Sikkink       21 pts, 9 rebs, 2 blks, 2 stls
Hannah Swider        13 pts
Ellie Cassel              11 pts  8 rebs
Annika Richardson   11 pts, 7 rebs

Jessica Kowalczyk    19 pts  5 rebs

Wheaton controlled this game from very early on.  The Cardinals really struggled on the offensive end and didn't get much from anyone besides Jessica Kowalczyk.  But the Thunder defense and overall intensity had a lot to do with it.

After perhaps their worst performance last time vs Carroll, the Thunder ladies come back with easily their best game this season all around.  Sikkink had her best performance by far, noticeably more aggressive on offense and looking for her shot.  Hard to call it a break out game 19 games in, but more of that type of performance would certainly be welcome and needed.  Wheaton got very good contributions from Taylor Sanders and Caylee Hermanson off the bench.  Only 14 turnovers on the night for the visitors and 17/20 from the free throw line for 85%.  So it was all working. 

Wheaton has a brutal stretch of games to finish out.  The team in blue on the court tonight is as good as any team in the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2022, 01:06:30 PM
In that Millikin - Carthage game, Bailey Coffman had 16 pts and 9 rebs, while Bridget Barrett had 10 rebs and 14 pts.
For the second time in 6 days, Augie topped Carroll. Earlier it was 67-58 and this time 67-56. One wouldn't be out of line to note that those scores were not greatly dissimilar.
Lauren Hall's defense was very helpful; she and others held Carroll 6-footer Elizabeth Behrndt to 2 pts in 34 minutes. Allison Thompson's minutes are reduced lately, so she may not be at full strength.
Augie's Emma Berg made 6 3FGs on her way to 20 pts in 29:00.
Macy Beinborn had 16 pts, 6 rebs, 2 blocks.
Gabriela Loiz added 14 pts and 7 rebs, while Emily Brenneisen had 6 assists and 3 steals.
For Carroll, Olivia Rangel scored 13 and Kate Christian had 16 pts and 3 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2022, 01:13:08 PM
updated :
9-1 IWU & MIL
6-4 NPU
6-5 WHE
5-5 CRL
4-6 NCC
4-7 AUG & CTG
0-11 ELM
Almost 2/3 done with conference play, 47 of 72 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2022, 02:54:42 PM
Thanks, RogK.  Seems two races now . . . one for the regular season championship between IWU and MU . . . and then the race for the middle strata on who will make the CCIW Conference tournament.  Looks like pretty much any team can make the CCIW tournament, save for Elmhurst.  I don't see them winning a single conference game. 

Big one in Decatur on Wednesday.  Looking forward to driving down for it . . . at the Griz.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2022, 04:41:31 PM
Within that strata, various teams have looked pretty good at one time or another.
(no! not another violin pun!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2022, 02:00:08 PM
I'm guessing Augustana and Carthage would prefer Carroll to defeat North Central in tonight's only CCIW WBB game.
That result would have AUG, CTG and NCC all tied for 6th-7th-8th at 4-7. Carroll would join Wheaton at 6-5, sharing 4th and 5th place.
A North Central win would tie them with Carroll for 5th-6th place with 5-6 records, making it a little more difficult for Augie and Carthage to reach the conference tournament.
I assume 7th 8th and 9th place do not make the tournament. These days things can change abruptly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 31, 2022, 02:17:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on January 31, 2022, 02:00:08 PM
I'm guessing Augustana and Carthage would prefer Carroll to defeat North Central in tonight's only CCIW WBB game.
That result would have AUG, CTG and NCC all tied for 6th-7th-8th at 4-7. Carroll would join Wheaton at 6-5, sharing 4th and 5th place.
A North Central win would tie them with Carroll for 5th-6th place with 5-6 records, making it a little more difficult for Augie and Carthage to reach the conference tournament.
I assume 7th 8th and 9th place do not make the tournament. These days things can change abruptly.

I'm assuming we're back to just top six barring something chaotic over the next few weeks.

I'm not sure it helps either all that much, though Augie would be in better shape if that's indeed the result tonight. Based on head-to-head between the three:

NCC: 3-1
CTG: 1-2
AUG: 1-2

The Firebirds currently own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Augie, but the Cardinals' sweep of Carthage has them in good shape on that front. (The Vikings and Cardinals split.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2022, 02:34:10 PM
Thanks lmitzel.
I hadn't realized North Central was done with Carthage and Augie already.
That's adds urgency for the Cardinals tonight.
Carroll has won 8 of their last 10, but also surely needs a win as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2022, 02:53:56 PM
Congrats to Jayla Johnson, who has won her second straight consecutive CCIW Player of the Week honor in a row!
Third of the season.
https://cciw.org/news/2022/1/31/north-parks-johnson-wins-second-straight-cciw-womens-basketball-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
==
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2022, 03:01:31 PM
(https://purepng.com/public/uploads/medium/thumbs-up-lpx.png)

Jayla isn't going to let Elyce Knudsen walk away with the 2021-22 CCIW MOP award without a fight.

This is the seventh time that Jayla has won POW over the course of her career.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 31, 2022, 09:42:33 PM
Zero top-25 votes for the CCIW in this week's D3hoops poll. That could be a first.
Still is opportunity for some of the teams to get votes in coming weeks.
Getting a few teams into the NCAA tourney is more likely.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 31, 2022, 10:13:33 PM
Well I hope this is rock bottom.

Carroll 75, NCC 42

The Cardinals shot an abysmal 16-66 from the floor in this one and got out rebounded 58-31.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 31, 2022, 10:19:28 PM
Carroll's odd yo-yo season swung upwards again tonight with an easy 75-42 win over North Central at Van Male. Olivia Rangel led the way for the Pios with 16, while Elizabeth Behrndt registered a 16 and 12 double-double and Kate Christian added 11. Three other Pioneers -- Chloe Halvorson, Alliston Thompson, and Brooke Foster -- joined Behrndt with big nights on the boards, collection nine, nine, and seven rebounds, respectively. All told, Carroll grabbed a mind-numbing 58 rebounds to North Central's 31. Last but not least, Katie Evans had four steals.

The Cardinals were led by Elle Sutter, who had 14 and 9 plus four steals, and Allison Pearson, who had 10 and 6. Several other Cardinals had productive evenings of pilferage, as Natalie Stavropoulos, Jessica Kowalczyk, and Mitrese Smith came up with six, four, and three steals, respectively. Didn't make up for the fact that North Central shot less than 25% from the field, though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 01, 2022, 10:54:18 AM
Hey iwu70,
Don't bother driving through 10 inches of snow to Decatur tomorrow. At least not for basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2022, 04:40:54 PM
RogK, don't worry, I won't do anything stupid  . . .  with the snow and the storm, at least.  IWU @MU for tomorrow has been postponed.  No announcement yet on new date.  Maybe Thursday.  We'll see how much comes down and how quickly the short jaunt from B/N to Decatur can be cleared.  The men's game at The Shirk, vs. NPU, also postponed. 

More strange schedules, weird timing to finish out the CCIW regular season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 01, 2022, 06:54:59 PM
As of now (Tuesday evening), NCC @ NPU is still on for tomorrow night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 02, 2022, 10:53:19 AM
Looks like Carthage @ Wheaton is still on, for now.  The reasoning might be that the storm is less severe on the Kenosha to Wheaton route - even more so after Noon when the Firebirds will board the bus.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2022, 11:39:53 AM
Tonight's NCC @ NPU game has been postponed. A makeup date has not yet been set.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2022, 12:22:20 PM
Augustana at Elmhurst is off as well.
Bus rides between Naperville and Chicago should not be particularly perilous today. I don't get that one.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 02, 2022, 12:27:59 PM
I can't speak to what NCC is looking like, but if it's anything like my house just down the road, with how quickly stuff is coming down and accumulating it makes sense. That said, I don't know how long this is supposed to continue.

And yeah, the highways would probably be fine and getting cleared on a pretty regular basis, but probably better to err on the side of caution.

Reminds me a lot of the one time I was supposed to go call a game for WONC at the crackerbox but there was no room for us on the team bus and I made the executive decision that I really didn't want to drive there in the snow (I think today's is worse than that particular day, but it's been so long I don't remember for sure.) Still never been to a game there, which I need to remedy at some point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2022, 12:37:00 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 02, 2022, 12:27:59 PM
Reminds me a lot of the one time I was supposed to go call a game for WONC at the crackerbox but there was no room for us on the team bus and I made the executive decision that I really didn't want to drive there in the snow (I think today's is worse than that particular day, but it's been so long I don't remember for sure.) Still never been to a game there, which I need to remedy at some point.

Tomorrow might be your lucky day, then! I just got word that the game is officially rescheduled for tomorrow night (Thursday, February 3) at 7 pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2022, 05:58:40 PM
In the first match-up of tonight's game, Carthage topped Wheaton 50-39 on Dec 1.
Seems like that was months ago!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2022, 06:44:02 PM
Not just months ... one-sixth of a year ago!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2022, 07:37:01 PM
no whey !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 02, 2022, 09:36:40 PM
Carthage 58
Wheaton 51

All credit to the Firebirds for taking this one down at King for the regular season sweep.  Ayanna Ester came into tonight's game shooting 31.3% from the field, 28.9% from three and averaging 6.6 pts/game.  She absolutely torched the Thunder tonight for 23 pts on 8-8 shooting, 7-7 from three point range.  As a team Carthage outscored Wheaton 25-12 in the final frame.

Wheaton had a decent first 20 mins but really struggled offensively in the third and fourth quarter.  3 of 18 from three for 16.7% really hurts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2022, 09:39:58 PM
Carthage prevails on the road at Wheaton, 58-51. Wheaton led most of the way and had a 13-point lead at the half, but the Firebirds outscored the hosts by twenty points in the third and fourth quarters. Ayanna Ester was utter perfection tonight, going 8-8 from the field and 7-7 from downtown to lead the Firebirds with 23. Kelsey Coshun likewise had a strong second half, finishing with 13 and 6. Wheaton was paced by Ellie Cassel's 15 and Hannah Swider's 13, while Annika Richardson continued her shooting slump, scoring 12 but only going 3-16 from the field.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 03, 2022, 09:28:10 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2022, 09:39:58 PM
Carthage prevails on the road at Wheaton, 58-51. Wheaton led most of the way and had a 13-point lead at the half, but the Firebirds outscored the hosts by twenty points in the third and fourth quarters. Ayanna Ester was utter perfection tonight, going 8-8 from the field and 7-7 from downtown to lead the Firebirds with 23. Kelsey Coshun likewise had a strong second half, finishing with 13 and 6. Wheaton was paced by Ellie Cassel's 15 and Hannah Swider's 13, while Annika Richardson continued her shooting slump, scoring 12 but only going 3-16 from the field.

Yes.  After five red hot games when first inserted into the starting lineup, she has cooled off considerably in the four games since.  Some of this is mean reversion.  But asking a freshman to take on significant scoring takes its toll as well.  Even so, she has the skills and I'm glad she has stayed aggressive and has not at all backed down from taking shots.  It is what the team needs and will also serve her in the long run beyond this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2022, 11:33:19 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 03, 2022, 09:28:10 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 02, 2022, 09:39:58 PM
Carthage prevails on the road at Wheaton, 58-51. Wheaton led most of the way and had a 13-point lead at the half, but the Firebirds outscored the hosts by twenty points in the third and fourth quarters. Ayanna Ester was utter perfection tonight, going 8-8 from the field and 7-7 from downtown to lead the Firebirds with 23. Kelsey Coshun likewise had a strong second half, finishing with 13 and 6. Wheaton was paced by Ellie Cassel's 15 and Hannah Swider's 13, while Annika Richardson continued her shooting slump, scoring 12 but only going 3-16 from the field.

Yes.  After five red hot games when first inserted into the starting lineup, she has cooled off considerably in the four games since.  Some of this is mean reversion.  But asking a freshman to take on significant scoring takes its toll as well.  Even so, she has the skills and I'm glad she has stayed aggressive and has not at all backed down from taking shots.  It is what the team needs and will also serve her in the long run beyond this season.

My thoughts exactly.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2022, 12:33:02 PM
I wonder if Annika has certain spots along the 3pt arc from which she shoots best. Maybe she's shooting too much from spots not favorable for her. Just a speculation. She definitely is a major reason for future Thunder optimism.
Teammate Bryn Durrill caught my eye (which one?) last night; in limited minutes, she played with vigor that stood out. She might be a key Thunder player next season, as guard minutes become available due to Swider's graduation. Durrill hasn't shot FGs well so far, but it's a tiny sample (2 for 12). Her 17 rebounds in 95 minutes is good for a guard.
Wheaton is now 6-6 in CCIW play. Against the remaining 4 conference opponents, they went 1-3 in the earlier matchups. But, even if they end up 7-9, they'll still be in the CCIW tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2022, 01:42:04 PM
Perhaps iwu70 can update us :
did he locate his car somewhere under a heap of snow?
did he go part way toward Millikin last evening and set up base camp, from where he can attempt the final push into Decatur today?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2022, 02:32:46 PM
Or maybe he can't. Maybe Mark's mourning the announced departure of pre-eminent IWU poster Titan Q from d3boards.com. Perhaps the same holds true for Chuck. I half expect to see black armbands in the stands the next time that I watch a livestream from Shirk. ;)

Jokes aside, it is highly unusual that Mark's gone two entire days without posting. And it can't be because he has nothing new to say about the Titans, because that's never stopped him before. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 03, 2022, 04:23:13 PM
IWU at Millikin is now set for Monday, as is Augie at Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2022, 10:13:52 PM
North Park 74
North Central 59

Esther Miller: 25 pts (9-15 FG), 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 14 pts, 11 rebs, 4 stls
Chantel Hairston: 11 pts, 14 rebs, 3 stls, 6:4 a:to
Josie Summerville: 10 pts
Lauren Lee: 6 rebs

Elle Sutter: 29 pts, 10 rebs, 4 stls
IxChel Leeuwenburgh: 11 pts, 10 rebs

This was pretty much a reprise of the NPU game at Wheaton in December, in which the Vikings built up a huge lead and then watched it dwindle late as they got worn down and kept putting their opponent at the line because they were too tired to move their feet on defense. North Park led by as much as 28 midway through the third quarter, but the Vikes were gassed by the time the fourth quarter started; it only took NCC 73 seconds to get fouled five times and get into the bonus. The Cards ended up getting the lead down to as little as nine points with a minute and change left, but they simply didn't have the wherewithal to actually endanger the NPU lead.

Tremendous game by the NPU defense for three quarters, as the Vikes came away with 14 steals and held NCC to less than one make out of every three shots until the late Cardinals run. Chantel Hairston had a career high in rebounds, and Esther Miller matched the 25-point outing she had in Naperville a few weeks ago. For NCC, Elle Sutter was absolutely phenomenal. She was only averaging 8.9 and 5.4 coming into tonight; dunno why she had such a breakout performance this evening, but I was very impressed.

The Vikings have all of the league's best teams back-loaded on their schedule, so they're going to have a struggle to the finish line. But, for tonight at least, they can bask in a job well done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 03, 2022, 10:29:16 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2022, 10:13:52 PM
North Park 74
North Central 59

Esther Miller: 25 pts (9-15 FG), 3 stls
Jayla Johnson: 14 pts, 11 rebs, 4 stls
Chantel Hairston: 11 pts, 14 rebs, 3 stls, 6:4 a:to
Josie Summerville: 10 pts
Lauren Lee: 6 rebs

Elle Sutter: 29 pts, 10 rebs, 4 stls
IxChel Leeuwenburgh: 11 pts, 10 rebs

This was pretty much a reprise of the NPU game at Wheaton in December, in which the Vikings built up a huge lead and then watched it dwindle late as they got worn down and kept putting their opponent at the line because they were too tired to move their feet on defense. North Park led by as much as 28 midway through the third quarter, but the Vikes were gassed by the time the fourth quarter started; it only took NCC 73 seconds to get fouled five times and get into the bonus. The Cards ended up getting the lead down to as little as nine points with a minute and change left, but they simply didn't have the wherewithal to actually endanger the NPU lead.

Tremendous game by the NPU defense for three quarters, as the Vikes came away with 14 steals and held NCC to less than one make out of every three shots until the late Cardinals run. Chantel Hairston had a career high in rebounds, and Esther Miller matched the 25-point outing she had in Naperville a few weeks ago. For NCC, Elle Sutter was absolutely phenomenal. She was only averaging 8.9 and 5.4 coming into tonight; dunno why she had such a breakout performance this evening, but I was very impressed.

The Vikings have all of the league's best teams back-loaded on their schedule, so they're going to have a struggle to the finish line. But, for tonight at least, they can bask in a job well done.

I watched a chunk of the opening quarter and had to stop since I was trying to get kids ready for bed (hence why, despite having the golden opportunity to get to the crackerbox for the first time, I didn't end up making it). Peeked back in periodically, saw the big deficit. Glad the Cardinals were able to fight back and make it at least something of a game.

Elle has been trending upward for a good chunk of the season. She got a little run in the shortened campaign as a freshman, but this year has had some pretty good games, so I'm thrilled to see that this may be her breakout party.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2022, 12:33:00 AM
lmitzel, you wouldn't have liked your Cardinals' 16 point first half. They were tentative, sloppy, clearly not ready for North Park's energy from the opening tip.
At some point in the 3rd quarter, it seemed NC woke up, contested for rebounds. Both teams got feisty (chippy, to use a hockey term), including some significant collisions. From then on, the refs wisely called the many fouls they saw. If they had "let 'em play," injuries on either team were not out of the question.
You definitely would have liked Sutter's dazzling show of talent. Looking ahead, Coach McCloskey-Bax needs to bring in more scorers for the team next season. Otherwise, Sutter will be double-teamed a lot.
As Greg noted, Chantel Hairston has really improved her rebounding, bravely going in among bigger players to grab the ball, especially offensive boards in the lane. They'll certainly need that next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 04, 2022, 12:25:22 PM
The #1 ranked Captains of Christopher Newport Univ visit King Arena on Saturday for a 2pm tipoff.

In my observation, CNU is a fast, speedy and skilled team which enables their up tempo style on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  Sondra Fan and Anaya Simmons are their leading scorers but they have multiple players capable of scoring on their own.  Defensively they play a full court trapping press which doesn't really stop once you get over the timeline.  They do a great job denying the passing lanes and get through picks without switching.

Wheaton will need to try and play at their own pace and not allow CNU to dictate.  The Captains are averaging 88 pts/game but I think Wheaton is capable of defending them in the halfcourt if they can match their intensity.  On offense, the Thunder have experience with breaking the press (IWU).  But CNU's press is noticeably more active and risk-taking for steals.  Breaking it could lead to some easy baskets but they'll have to take care of the ball first and minimize turnovers.  They will also probably get plenty of open looks from CNUs defense that they'll need to knock down.

No doubt this will be a challenge.  Reminiscent of when the top ranked Thomas More team came to King in 2018 with Madison Temple.

The HAL 2000 likes CNU by 11.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2022, 01:23:14 PM
GoPerry, your post got me wondering about CNU's 88.5 scoring average and whether it is distorted by games when they've demolished teams by 60 or 70.
Their offense has scored : 63 68 69 70 72 77 82 88 89 93 94 95 101 104 109 113 118.
So their median score so far is 89, practically identical to their 88.5 average.
However, they've scored in the 60s and 70s as often as in the 80s.
Based on the above data, we can predict that Wheaton will beat them 81-77. Or, CNU will win 88-64.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 04, 2022, 02:22:02 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 04, 2022, 01:23:14 PM
GoPerry, your post got me wondering about CNU's 88.5 scoring average and whether it is distorted by games when they've demolished teams by 60 or 70.
Their offense has scored : 63 68 69 70 72 77 82 88 89 93 94 95 101 104 109 113 118.
So their median score so far is 89, practically identical to their 88.5 average.
However, they've scored in the 60s and 70s as often as in the 80s.
Based on the above data, we can predict that Wheaton will beat them 81-77. Or, CNU will win 88-64.

RogK -  If the Caps score over 70, I'm not optimistic on the Thunder's prospects.  Wheaton won't win a track meet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2022, 04:38:43 PM
Here's NPU's three-point shooting numbers before and after Emily Czuhajewski was injured early in the fourth quarter of the NPU @ NCC contest:


Before:  95-306 (.310)
After:    3-32 (.093)

On the one hand, it highlights the fact that North Park's overall performance since the injury (a 3-1 record, plus closing out the win in the game in which Emily was hurt) has been pretty impressive. It's hard to overcome the loss of a player of her caliber, but the Vikings have managed to do so with solid success thus far. On the other hand, their remaining schedule (vs. AC, @ IWU, @ MU, vs. WC, and @ CU) is very difficult, and the Vikings will certainly be hamstrung in those five games by the virtual absence of the three-point shot from their collective arsenal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2022, 05:31:08 PM
I'm touched, guys!  To know that you somehow missed me . . . can it be true??

The truth is my laptop crashed and I've been offline for a few days . . . hence the silence.  Games postponed anyway.  I got the dreaded blue screen with nothingness . . . so won't know about a repair job or a needed new computer until early next week.  I'm at Ames Library at IWU now, gaining some access for a few hours.

RogK, yes, my car was plowed in, though I attempted no trip to Decatur . . . the game put off until Monday evening.  So, I will make an attempt, a run at Decatur and The Griz then.  IWU has to contend with Carthage at Shirk first, in about 30 minutes.  IWU hosting both men and women's games tonight -- 5 and 7 p.m.   

The game @MU still a big one . . . so stay tuned.   Can't promise I'll be back online fully until mid-week. 

Yes, I'm sure I'll have something to say about the games . . . in time.

Be well, be safe all . . .  it's ugly out there still, with piles and piles of snow all about.  We got 13 inches here in Bloomington/Normal.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2022, 06:04:46 PM
CNU  69
Wheaton 53


The Thunder ladies gave it good effort against a more seasoned, more talented, and more veteran Christopher Newport team.  


Wheaton's 33 turnovers and giving up 20 offensive rebounds added up to the Captains taking 21 more shot attempts.  Not the type of math that leads to winning.  As expected, Wheaton was able to defend them decently in the halfcourt.   But CNUs whopping 33 pts off Thunder turnovers was just too much.


It's hard to say if the Captains are the best team in the country.  Having seen both Hope and Trine play, I would still give the Flying Dutch the edge.  


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 05, 2022, 06:29:53 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 05, 2022, 06:04:46 PM
CNU  69
Wheaton 53


The Thunder ladies gave it good effort against a more seasoned, more talented, and more veteran Christopher Newport team. 


Wheaton's 33 turnovers and giving up 20 offensive rebounds added up to the Captains taking 21 more shot attempts.  Not the type of math that leads to winning.  As expected, Wheaton was able to defend them decently in the halfcourt.   But CNUs whopping 33 pts off Thunder turnovers was just too much.


It's hard to say if the Captains are the best team in the country.  Having seen both Hope and Trine play, I would still give the Flying Dutch the edge. 




A solid effort by the Thunder except the turnovers, but CNU does that to a lot of teams.  Massey had this one 71-61 for CNU; a pretty decent prediction.  FWIW, Massey has Hope over CNU 79-68 on a neutral court.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 05, 2022, 08:05:05 PM
Augustana 55
North Park 46

Jayla Johnson: 20 pts, 5 stls
Esther Miller: 14 pts, 4 stls
Chantel Hairston: 6 rebs, 4 stls
Josie Summerville: 6 rebs
Lauren Lee: 4 stls

Gabby Loiz: 14 pts, 7 rebs
Hannah Simmer: 13 pts, 6 rebs
Lauren Hall: 10 rebs, 3 stls
Emily Brenneisen: 3 stls

NPU attempted a whopping 20 more field goal attempts than did Augie -- despite the fact that Augie outrebounded NPU 47-30 -- because the hosts actually had more offensive boards, combined with 31 turnovers for Augie that included 19 steals. Unfortunately, North Park was unable to take advantage of all this largesse, shooting a miserable .277 from the field for the game. Credit to Augie for that, as Mark Beinborn had his defense collapse every time that NPU got the ball inside the arc, conceding every shot from 15 feet out that the Vikings wanted to take ... and they made very few of them. NPU just doesn't have the personnel to keep opposing defenses honest anymore without the services of Emily Czuhajewski, so, despite a yeoman effort from the Park, the hosts simply weren't able to keep pace with an Augie team that was effective enough at the other end of the floor to hold NPU at bay.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on February 05, 2022, 08:26:49 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 05, 2022, 06:04:46 PM
CNU  69
Wheaton 53


The Thunder ladies gave it good effort against a more seasoned, more talented, and more veteran Christopher Newport team. 


Wheaton's 33 turnovers and giving up 20 offensive rebounds added up to the Captains taking 21 more shot attempts.  Not the type of math that leads to winning.  As expected, Wheaton was able to defend them decently in the halfcourt.   But CNUs whopping 33 pts off Thunder turnovers was just too much.


It's hard to say if the Captains are the best team in the country.  Having seen both Hope and Trine play, I would still give the Flying Dutch the edge. 
Agree.  For some teams that could be on the bubble this might not be a good scheduled game but for Wheaton its the perfect scheduled game at the right time.  This tough game should help prepare them should that make the cciw tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2022, 09:48:22 PM
NCC snapped its skid with a 72-59 win at Elmhurst this afternoon.

Elle Sutter: 17 pts, 5 reb
Mitrese Smith: 12 pts, 6 reb
Allison Pearson: 10 pts, 12 reb

Taylor Harazin: 19 pts, 10 reb
Ella Riley: 11 pts
Kate Matthew's: 10 pts, 11 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2022, 10:37:20 PM
I attended the Augie at North Park game.
In the final minutes of the contest, AUG's Macy Beinborn and NPU's Esther Miller each whacked the other at least twice.
The officiating crew decided it was too late in the game for the rules to apply and did not assess the technicals that would have been charged if the confrontation occurred early in the game.
The rules apply for the full 40 minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
IWU 58 Carthage 52 :
Excellent game for Brooke Lansford, hitting 6 of 9 3FGs, 6 of 9 2FGs and 2/4 FTs for 32 pts.
Lauren Huber helped with 9 pts and 7 rebs; three teammates had 6 or 7 rebs too.
Katelyn Heller had 3 assists and 4 steals.
Addison Ebeling led the visitors with 18 pts and had 5 rebs.
Kelsey Coshun had 10 pts in 15:00, while Lauren Knight had 4 assists, 5 rebs, 9 pts.
iwu70 may provide firsthand info for us in a few days.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2022, 11:03:21 PM
Millikin 73-59 over Carroll :
A sharp performance for MIL's Jordan Hildebrand : 8 steals, a block, 5 rebs and 17 pts.
Elyce Knudsen had 16 pts, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Aubrey Staton scored 11 pts via only 5 shots; that's a good ratio!
Elizabeth Behrndt led the Pios with 14 pts, making 5 of her 7 2FG att and all 4 FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 06, 2022, 12:37:22 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on February 05, 2022, 08:26:49 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 05, 2022, 06:04:46 PM
CNU  69
Wheaton 53


The Thunder ladies gave it good effort against a more seasoned, more talented, and more veteran Christopher Newport team. 


Wheaton's 33 turnovers and giving up 20 offensive rebounds added up to the Captains taking 21 more shot attempts.  Not the type of math that leads to winning.  As expected, Wheaton was able to defend them decently in the halfcourt.   But CNUs whopping 33 pts off Thunder turnovers was just too much.


It's hard to say if the Captains are the best team in the country.  Having seen both Hope and Trine play, I would still give the Flying Dutch the edge. 
Agree.  For some teams that could be on the bubble this might not be a good scheduled game but for Wheaton its the perfect scheduled game at the right time.  This tough game should help prepare them should that make the cciw tournament.

Correct.  Wheaton is not a Pool C candidate so their overall record doesn't mean much.  So playing a top team like today has lots of positives for them going into these last four games.  Wheaton (6-6 in conference) is just looking to make the CCIW tournament which is not at all a given.  Remaining games are @ Augie, @ IWU, @ Park, vs Millikin.  I think they'll have to win 2 out of those 4 to make it in which means Wednesday's game in Rock Island is a must win for the fifth place Thunder (tonight's win at NPU was big for the Augie, now 5-7 in sixth).  Carthage (5-8) is just outside in seventh but they hold the tie breaker over Wheaton with the season sweep.

As frustrating as they are to watch at times, I have to remind myself that they are still a very young team.  Hannah Swider is the only senior playing minutes.  They are starting a freshman in Richardson.   And even the sophomores like Schwen, Mooney and Sikkink only played 12 games last year and still make freshman-like mistakes such as lazy, ill-advised passes and defensive lapses.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 06, 2022, 12:21:32 PM
Did this over on the men's side too, here's the women's standings.











x-Illinois Wesleyan10-1
x-Millikin10-1
North Park7-5
Carroll6-6
Wheaton6-6
Augustana5-7
North Central5-8
Carthage5-8
e-Elmhurst0-12

Wesleyan and Millikin have both clinched conference tournament berths; winner of their game on Monday guarantees themselves a top three finish.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2022, 03:06:10 PM
Yes, still slow on the uptake, due to computer problems.  I need Ames Library open hours and access to get online these few days. 

As reported by RogK, IWU over CC 68-60, in a game that should not have been this close.  IWU led by 18 at one point, though CC never gave up and came all the way back to tie.  IWU wiggled free in the last two minutes, taking the win on their home court.  A close call.  The Carthage team playing hard in the second half after being way down.  I give them a lot of credit.  IWU had many more turnovers and a bad shooting night for about everyone, save Professor Brooke Lansford.  She gave a tutorial on getting open, shooting floaters in the lane, going wherever she wanted to go, hitting 6-9 treys (the only woman in Pink to hit a three!), and putting up a career night, basically saving the Titans in this one. 

For CC:
Ebeling 18
Coshun 10
Knight 9

For IWU:

Lansford 32, 6-9 treys, a couple of steals, rebounds, and NO TOs.  Quite a performance . . .  she even had that look of amazement herself when hitting a long trey, well past the line, as the shot clock expired!   Fun to watch.  The basket must have looked like an ocean to her last night.
Huber 9 and 7

Generally, the other Titans struggled last night, especially the other freshmen, Powers and Palmer.  They looked more like freshmen, not as they have been playing earlier, in recent games.

Time to tighten up and get ready for the BIG BIG game @Millikin -- two 10-1 teams, basically for the lead and the inside track to the regular season conference championship.  I'm pretty sure Mia Smith will have the Titans ready for a great performance at The Griz tomorrow night.

Glad the roads are plowed, cleared and ready for an easy shot down 51 to Decatur for tomorrow night's big game.  Again, the Titans must defend the heck out of MU, stay even on the rebounding line, and do some dirt with "run and jump"   If they can do that and have a relatively positive shooting percentage, they can again defeat the Big Blue, even on their home floor.  It should be a good one, perhaps closer than last time.

Here we go down the home stretch, only 4-5 games left for teams in the regular season.  Who is more fit, who has fewer injuries and covid absences, and who wants it more . . .

It's been a great season . . . and my Titans have surely over-achieved, done far better than I expected when assessing them 5-6 games into the season.  Lou Holz is with me . . .  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 06, 2022, 03:37:46 PM
I don't like early-season assessments anyway; when they are wrong, they are meaningless. And if they are right, they are confirmed gradually. What actually transpires in the season is what counts, not the expectations going in.
Thanks to lmitzel for the up-to-date standings; adding the wins or losses shows 54 conference games complete, exactly 3/4th of the 72. However, only 5 of 9 teams have played 12 of their 16 games.
I add this fascinating data so the odd reader can sit down and think about it for 7 to 8 seconds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2022, 03:35:07 PM
Congrats to Brooke Lansford for the new CCIW Player of the Week honor, her 2nd in less than a month!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 07, 2022, 03:50:17 PM
My congrats to Brooke Lansford as well, for the weekly Player of the Week honors in the CCIW.  She had a career night vs. the Firebirds. 

I'm hoping she can light up the Big Blue tonight in Decatur.   It will be all hands on deck, all Titans to play their best game tonight, to chase Knudsen to the ends of the earth in Griswold. 

Here comes the stretch run . . . 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2022, 04:33:22 PM
We had another midday edition of Hoopsville on Monday. Great show with plenty of DIII chat, but also insightful conversations with each of our guests.

(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=6x6bj/xkzawcsvjxaoshpv.jpg)

The basketball season is now fully into February and with conference tournaments looming, teams continue to ready themselves for the stretch run.

On Monday's Hoopsville, we chatted with several teams who are leading their conference races and making national headlines in the meantime. Plus, we look ahead at what will be ever-changing Top 25 polls. There is always plenty of upsets, close games, amazing feats, and surprising results to talk about in Division III.

Reminder, Monday shows' guests primarily come from Regions 1 & 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Guests included:
- Brian Baptiste, UMass-Dartmouth men's coach
- John Krikorian, No. 4 Christopher Newport men's coach
- Dixie Jeffers, former Capital women's coach & interim AD
- Mandy King, Kean women's coach
- Olivia Lett, Millikin women's coach

Watch the show here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2021-22/feb7

Listen to the podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/hoopsville/1920-stretch-run?si=77077a5aa28a4c8c9f0bfa60e5c3b3c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2022, 08:08:46 PM
The refs in Decatur should tell the front row (courtside) of fans to sit.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2022, 09:49:07 PM
Millikin rules the roost, leading wire-to-wire in a 67-56 victory over Illinois Wesleyan at the Griz. The Titans did make it interesting, cutting a 23-point MU lead late in the third quarter down to nine in the game's final minute, but they got no closer. Big night for Elyce Knudsen, who had 24 and a 5:2 ratio, while Aubrey Staton had a dozen points and four blocks. Jordan Hildebrand had 10 and 7 as well, and diminutive Miranda Fox pulled down 12 boards. Brooke Lansford led the Titans with 16, Katelyn Heller contributed 15 and 7, Lauren Huber scored a baker's dozen, and Mallory Powers added 8 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2022, 09:58:53 PM
Elmhurst wrapped up its home schedule with a 55-44 win over Augie.
Ella Riley topped all with 18 pts, hitting 6 of 11 threes. She also had 3 steals.
Speaking of 18, that's how many rebounds Taylor Harazin grabbed, to go along with 8 pts.
Kate Matthews scored 17 and added 5 rebs. Marissa Urso did her usual variety of good contributions.
Augie got 12 pts 4 rebs from Macy Beinborn.
Gabriela Loiz tallied 11 pts, 10 rebs, 6 assists.
Lauren Hall had 8 pts 7 rebs.
Beinborn made 3/6 threes and Daina Riser made both of hers, but the other Vikings combined for 1/20 threes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 07, 2022, 10:03:01 PM
That's a big surprise, especially considering that Augie is in the midst of a battle to secure a playoff spot and has been playing very good ball lately.

Good for Tethnie & Co. I've been rooting for them to get off the schneid (since they finished up their season series with NPU, of course ;)).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 07, 2022, 10:13:12 PM
this just in :
11-1 MIL
10-2 IWU
7-5 NPU
6-6 CRL WHE
5-8 AUG CTG NCC
1-12 ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 07, 2022, 10:57:33 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 07, 2022, 10:13:12 PM
this just in :
11-1 MIL
10-2 IWU
7-5 NPU
6-6 CRL WHE
5-8 AUG CTG NCC
1-12 ELM

And that Elmhurst win looms large because it sets up a three way tie for that last spot... and NCC holds the three-way tiebreaker.

Remaining schedule for all three:

NCC: vs MIL, vs CRL, vs IWU, bye
CTG: bye, vs AUG, at CRL, vs ELM
AUG: vs WHE, at CTG, bye, vs IWU
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 08, 2022, 10:58:12 AM
And then I know while Rog posted these yesterday, here's the standings with what's been clinched thus far.











y-Millikin11-1
x-Illinois Wesleyan10-2
North Park7-5
Carroll6-6
Wheaton6-6
North Central5-8
Carthage5-8
Augustana5-8
e-Elmhurst1-12

With their win last night, the Big Blue clinched no worse than the #3 seed. Both they and Illinois Wesleyan would clinch the top two spots with wins over North Central and North Park, respectively, on Wednesday. The Big Blue can also clinch if they lose but the Titans beat the Vikings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 12:07:48 PM
Thanks for the report earlier on the IWU-MU game last night at the Griz.  Yes, a big disappointment for the Titans.  It was the flip-side of the beat-down the Titans put on the Big Blue earlier at The Shirk.  This time, MU led at the half by 17 or 18, and the Titans tried mightily but just couldn't dig out from that deep hole.  The truth is that Millikin is the more complete and experienced team when they play well.  They played excellent half-court defense last night and pretty much neutralized "run and jump," breaking it most times.  Olivia Lett's strategy was basically dribble drive hard to avoid traps and half-court violations, and mostly put the ball in the hands of Knudsen.  She dribbled through the full-court press numerous times, even through double-teams and traps. 

MU exposed some of the Titans' weaknesses last night:  under-sized in the paint, too much lateral dribbling and movement by Brooke Lansford, and very tight defense at the arc, not giving the Titans hardly any clean and clear looks at three.  IWU didn't do almost any of those elements I suggested they needed to do:  win the rebounding line, win the TO line (which was tied), and do some dirt with "run and jump."   The Titans didn't give up, fought back gamely in the second half, getting back to within 9 with about 2 minutes to go, but then a series of empty possessions, TOs, and the necessity to foul.  MU made the FTs.  The win was by 11.

Knudsen is a unique talent at this level, basically going where she wants and finding her shot. We'll be seeing a lot of her in the next two years in the CCIW.  IWU didn't defend her last night near as well as they did in the earlier game at The Shirk, holding her then to 6 first half points and going out to a big lead, by making threes and speeding up MU via "run and jump."  Neither of these things happened last night. 

For MU:
Knudsen 24
Staton 12
Hildebrand 10 and 7
Fox -- very good perimeter defense, and active on the boards all night, 12 rebounds

The Big Blue shooting 42%, and making threes

For IWU:
Lansford, a very difficult 16
Heller, a very strong game, 15 and 7 (perhaps IWU's future PG)
Huber 13
Powers 8 rebounds

IWU shooting only 25% from three, and too late to make much difference.

The Titan comeback in the 4Q came when Heller was shifted to PG and Lansford to the 2, with Heller slashing through the lane often for layups or getting fouled.  The Titans had very little in-out offense last night, getting the ball into the paint and kicking out to open trey shooters.  It just didn't happen.   When you get down like that on the road, in an very unfriendly environment, a different (truly awful) gym, it's hard to come back.  I give the Titans a lot of credit for their second half comeback. 

On this night, MU surely the more complete and experienced team, with much better coaching and plan than the earlier encounter at IWU.

I commented on the men's board about the Griz.  It's a awful place . . . with that Boise State floor, poor facilities, and a bad smell.  And, MU does not seem to take masking and social distancing seriously at all!   Yes, announcements, pleas are made over a PA system that one can hardly decipher.   If you have this protocol for public health purposes, surely there should be some compliance, and dare I say the dreaded word, enforcement.  None of that last night.  Of course, I was disappointed with the outcome on the court, MU surely the better team on the night.  But, one does expect decent facilities and proper public health practices . . .  I think that was the most unmasked and likely unvaccinated crowd in a large gathering that I've been in since the pandemic began.  And, as a senior citizen (yes, fully vaccinated and boosted) and someone with some underlying health concerns, I did not feel safe there.  . .  I hope MU re-visits its policies and practices regarding masking and social-distancing, with some notion of compliance and enforcement.  As I said on the men's page, I totally appreciate how NPU handles their games, with vaccinations required and monitoring as you enter the facility.  Thank you NPU and the City of  Chicago. 

I'm looking forward to the game tomorrow at The Shirk, where mask-wearing is more evident and social-distancing much easier and well-practiced.  The NPU @IWU game should be another good one.

I hope some team helps us out now, and puts a loss on the Big Blue in the remaining games. . . . otherwise, looks likely we have to return to The Griz for the CCIW women's tournament.  :(  Maybe I'll stay home this next time. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 08, 2022, 05:46:50 PM
iwu70, I did not notice the foul odor on the Millikin webcast.
I do object to the refs allowing front row / courtside fans to stand, which it seems they did for most or all of that game.*
There shouldn't be that sort of opportunity for in-your-face intimidation of visiting players. And I bet some of the home squad was uncomfortable when in that vicinity.
Setting all that aside, I'd think the ref on that sideline would want more room to run without concern for collisions.
*after the 1st quarter, I watched more of the Elmhurst game than the Millikin one.
iwu70, did you observe any problems related to the above?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2022, 06:32:43 PM
I like the Griz. It has the same old-school feel as the crackerbox and the hangar, the same sense that a lot of college basketball history has been lived out between its walls. I've enjoyed watching games there, although working there as a broadcaster one is inconvenienced by the fact that the booth is way up above and behind one of the baskets.

I could do without the blue-and-gray floor, though.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 07:07:06 PM
RogK, I did not witness that sideline issue. However, I understand what your are saying, identifying as an issue.   It was way down to my right as I was sitting with the IWU fans on the north end of the Griz.  I hear what you are saying.  The crowd was loud and rather rude . . . but that's home court advantage, I suppose.  My beef was really with the lack of masking and social distancing and no attempt at all at compliance or enforcement.  Folks were entering, paying their admissions fees, totally unmasked, clearly not planning at all to even attempt a half-assed form of masking and compliance . . .  it was all let go as if the mandate and the public health protocols were there to be observed in the breach.  I won't go to MU again if this situation persists. 

Yes, Greg, it does have that old school feeling, like Hoosiers . . .  and that does have a certain feel of tradition.  Yes, that broadcast booth must be very strange, uncomfortable up there.  But the Griz has surely outlived its modern day usefulness, with such poor facilities, poor seating for the most part . . .  and that smell, that feeling of mildew and sweat.  Of course, in winter, very hard to keep it shiny and clean, so it was rather worse for wear last night with all the slush outside and tracking in indoors. . . . not pretty.  I'm totally with you in not being a fan of that blue / gray floor . . . just like the Boise State football field, it just doesn't grab me at all.  Your floor at NPU is much nicer and has character and meaning . . .  Of course, we are spoiled at The Shirk in terms of the overall facility, now the Dennie Bridges Court, the more modern concessions area, and the many and better locker rooms.  The crew there do a great job at maintenance . . . and the performance arena with that mezzanine area round the top for watching, when a standing room only crowd, is just a great place to watch D3 basketball and other sports.  I often say that IWU is lucky to have one of the great facilities in all of D3 sports.   Keep eating those Beer Nuts . . . we are hoping for a new Fine Arts Complex, theatre and recital hall some day, perhaps also funded by the Shirk family.  We have several good sites for it, just not the major donor, naming gift as yet.  One can hope . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 08, 2022, 07:25:28 PM
Covid mask mandates and other restrictions are rapidly being eliminated across the country and across the world.  Just minutes ago the NY Governor announced the State's indoor mask mandate for gatherings will end Thursday.  Among my colleagues, attitudes range from being completely fearful of Covid to complete disdain for any precautions.  Very shortly, I think we're not going to be able to rely on institutions or public policy to enforce precautions, it will be up to us as individuals to decide what actions and precautions are best for our own circumstance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 07:51:43 PM
Yes, Roundball, I think you are right . . . and many will pay a price in illness, hospitalization and perhaps even death, esp. if unvaccinated . . . or if another serious variant appears.  CCIW and the institutions didn't do a very good job of it all during the phase of "mandates" -- only conjoling folks with announcements . . . no meaningful attempts at compliance, vetting for vaccination or social distancing, let along a robust form of enforcement.  It's all become something of a joke and surely a source of irritation and anger between fans.  I truly appreciated attending a game at NPU recently where vaccinations were required, and clear vetting was done at the entrance.  Thank you NPU and the City of Chicago.  I hope these practices stay in place a bit longer.  We had quite a spike and surge here in McLean County, one of the worst in the country, and now waning, cases and hospitalizations dropping significantly, but deaths still being announced almost every day. . .  7-8 so far this month already, just in this one county.  As mentioned, I will be much more unlikely to attend games in person at places like how Millikin handled it last night.  It was not pleasant or safe as a basketball experience, in person.  Yes, I'm sure others have other views and behaviors. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2022, 07:53:46 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 07:07:06 PM
RogK, I did not witness that sideline issue. However, I understand what your are saying, identifying as an issue.   It was way down to my right as I was sitting with the IWU fans on the north end of the Griz.  I hear what you are saying.  The crowd was loud and rather rude . . . but that's home court advantage, I suppose.  My beef was really with the lack of masking and social distancing and no attempt at all at compliance or enforcement.  Folks were entering, paying their admissions fees, totally unmasked, clearly not planning at all to even attempt a half-assed form of masking and compliance . . .  it was all let go as if the mandate and the public health protocols were there to be observed in the breach.  I won't go to MU again if this situation persists. 

Wow, so uncharacteristic of you. I mean, so much whine today ... you should have your own sommelier. ;)

Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 07:07:06 PMOf course, we are spoiled at The Shirk blah blah blah

I don't like Shirk. I'd rather watch a game at the Griz any day.

My favorite CCIW gym to visit is Carver. Great hoops aura there, what with all of the pictures of ancient Augustana sports heroes lining the walls around the gym -- and it'll always be special to me because of one of my favorite memories, the national championship that North Park won on that floor my freshman year at NPC in the last game in which Michael Harper and Bud Greer wore blue and gold. I like the hangar, too, a big, squat edifice that feels like something that the WPA assembled on Uncle Sam's dime during the Great Depression. And Faganel has a classic high-school-gym vibe that, although I'm sure it's not what Elmhurst would like to convey, I find irresistible as a fan of high-school basketball.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 08, 2022, 08:32:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 07:51:43 PM
Yes, Roundball, I think you are right . . . and many will pay a price in illness, hospitalization and perhaps even death, esp. if unvaccinated . . . or if another serious variant appears.  CCIW and the institutions didn't do a very good job of it all during the phase of "mandates" -- only conjoling folks with announcements . . . no meaningful attempts at compliance, vetting for vaccination or social distancing, let along a robust form of enforcement.  It's all become something of a joke and surely a source of irritation and anger between fans.  I truly appreciated attending a game at NPU recently where vaccinations were required, and clear vetting was done at the entrance.  Thank you NPU and the City of Chicago.  I hope these practices stay in place a bit longer.  We had quite a spike and surge here in McLean County, one of the worst in the country, and now waning, cases and hospitalizations dropping significantly, but deaths still being announced almost every day. . .  7-8 so far this month already, just in this one county.  As mentioned, I will be much more unlikely to attend games in person at places like how Millikin handled it last night.  It was not pleasant or safe as a basketball experience, in person.  Yes, I'm sure others have other views and behaviors. 

'70

The administrators or workers at the athletic events are simply not going to enforce the masking policy if there is widespread non-compliance.  I don't blame them because it is quite plain that everyone is tired of it and simply aren't going to do it.  Witness high school basketball games where all the players wear their mask around their chin in clear violation of IHSA guidelines.  It makes the 90 second "mask timeout" in each quarter an utter joke. 

It doesn't help that Illinois is now one of only 7 or 8 states remaining with indoor masking mandates.  All the others, both red and blue states, have dropped the statewide requirement (although some are still requiring in public schools, certain cities, govt agencies etc).  So are we to believe that Covid is more dangerous when crossing the border into Illinois but I'm safer from it in Indiana? or New Jersey? Pennsylvania?  California?

'70 - don't come to King Arena because the masking compliance is terrible.  And I've seen plenty of folks on the webcasts at Shirk, EC other places without their masks on. Don't get me wrong - if the mandate is in place I wear my mask and think others should too.  But keeping the restriction in place, and going to court to do so, while there is so little adherence, really makes the whole thing nonsensical. 

Same goes for showing proof of vaccination in Chicago - it is really silly because it doesn't prove anything. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2022, 11:44:58 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 08, 2022, 08:32:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 08, 2022, 07:51:43 PM
Yes, Roundball, I think you are right . . . and many will pay a price in illness, hospitalization and perhaps even death, esp. if unvaccinated . . . or if another serious variant appears.  CCIW and the institutions didn't do a very good job of it all during the phase of "mandates" -- only conjoling folks with announcements . . . no meaningful attempts at compliance, vetting for vaccination or social distancing, let along a robust form of enforcement.  It's all become something of a joke and surely a source of irritation and anger between fans.  I truly appreciated attending a game at NPU recently where vaccinations were required, and clear vetting was done at the entrance.  Thank you NPU and the City of Chicago.  I hope these practices stay in place a bit longer.  We had quite a spike and surge here in McLean County, one of the worst in the country, and now waning, cases and hospitalizations dropping significantly, but deaths still being announced almost every day. . .  7-8 so far this month already, just in this one county.  As mentioned, I will be much more unlikely to attend games in person at places like how Millikin handled it last night.  It was not pleasant or safe as a basketball experience, in person.  Yes, I'm sure others have other views and behaviors. 

'70

The administrators or workers at the athletic events are simply not going to enforce the masking policy if there is widespread non-compliance.  I don't blame them because it is quite plain that everyone is tired of it and simply aren't going to do it.  Witness high school basketball games where all the players wear their mask around their chin in clear violation of IHSA guidelines.  It makes the 90 second "mask timeout" in each quarter an utter joke. 

It doesn't help that Illinois is now one of only 7 or 8 states remaining with indoor masking mandates.  All the others, both red and blue states, have dropped the statewide requirement (although some are still requiring in public schools, certain cities, govt agencies etc).  So are we to believe that Covid is more dangerous when crossing the border into Illinois but I'm safer from it in Indiana? or New Jersey? Pennsylvania?  California?

'70 - don't come to King Arena because the masking compliance is terrible.  And I've seen plenty of folks on the webcasts at Shirk, EC other places without their masks on. Don't get me wrong - if the mandate is in place I wear my mask and think others should too.  But keeping the restriction in place, and going to court to do so, while there is so little adherence, really makes the whole thing nonsensical. 

Same goes for showing proof of vaccination in Chicago - it is really silly because it doesn't prove anything.

True dat. The whole proof-of-vaccination requirement in Chicago turned out to be a total joke. I eat in restaurants all the time, and only once since the city ordinance was promulgated in early January have I been asked if I had proof of vaccination. I replied "Yes," and before I could reach into my back pocket to show my vax card to the cashier she had already started to ask for my order. So the number of times that I've shown my card to anybody remains zero. (Gee, and I even laminated it. ;))

The pandemic rules in this city have never made a lick of sense. This is a city where people eat out all of the time, and as a result a very large percentage of the population works in the food service industry. The economic downturn in Chicago during the pandemic has been bad enough as it is -- the sidewalks in the Loop were once full of people every weekday, and now the Loop is practically a ghost town Monday thru Friday -- and the mayor and city council knew that the damage to the city's economy and employment rate would be catastrophic and perhaps irreparable (i.e., everyone's worst fear: Chicago turns into Detroit) if they closed all of the restaurants and put all of those people out of work. So they left the restaurants open, and, since you can't eat through a mask, the city's residents have been chowing down in public places unmasked ever since governments around the world started restricting public activity in March 2020. It's self-defeating and hypocritical to put masks-and-distancing rules in place while still allowing people to eat in restaurants, but the city government thinks that it can look like it's being proactive with regard to public health while simultaneously avoiding the sabotage of a huge sector of civic commerce.

It's all just a part of the vast ridiculousness of the past two years, which will not be seen by us in retrospect as one of our finest hours as a country, no matter which side of the political equation you're on or if you're not on one or the other side at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on February 09, 2022, 09:01:04 AM
70' you are a poor loser. The griz doesn't smell or is it an awful place. I've walked in there many times and you are just wrong. Is it the Shirk, no but not many have a Shirk. If your that scared of Covid just stay home. You knew that the university allowed fans, and what protocols would  be observed. Unless your having all your needs delivered to your doorstep, you've encountered many stores not forcing people to mask up.
I have had the shot and the booster, so I'm not downplaying Covid, it's here and it's real, but don't stick your hand in the fire then cry that it's hot. The Millikin Women just outplayed the Titan's on that night.
If the blue run the table and are fortunate enough to host, I'm pretty sure  nobody from the university will miss you, so you can mask up at home and light a candle in case the smell comes thru you laptop.
Not going out on a limb here, but with NP having injury issues, it will probably be MU vs IWU in the final game. Hopefully nobody will lose a player to "health issue's "
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2022, 12:58:45 PM
D-3, I'm not a sore loser.  I clearly stated that MU was the better, more complete and experienced team at the Griz, several times I said this.  Of course MU outplayed IWU last Monday, esp. in the first half beat-down.  IWU did not play that well and I assessed and stated bluntly their shortcomings, which have been evident at times all season.  You can read many of my earlier posts about this if you care to.  They have clearly over-achieved at 10-2 in the league given their talent level and style of play.  My comments were about the poor conditions of the facility and the lack of public health protocols, compliance or enforcement.  I fault MU and the league for having policies that are good for public health mitigation and then not really implementing them in a strong or meaningful way.  Yes, this happens at other venues too . . . including The Shirk.  The last few weeks here in McLean County we've had a serious spike and surge due to Omicron, difficulties with hospital and ICU capacity, serious illnesses and deaths, announced almost daily.  Actually, for a few weeks, one of the highest positivity rates in the country.   I think anyone would want to be concerned about Covid still, and worried about such environments like at the Griz the other night.  I felt far more safe at NPU due to their policies of vetting for vaccination which were not a joke and were handled well, IMHO.  I give all credit to NPU and to the City of Chicago . . . even if one serious infection, hospitalization (including being on a ventilator) or death was prevented, these efforts are worth it to me. 

I share Greg's view that this will not be a happy chapter in our country's history . . . the division, the stupidity about common-sense public health measures, vaccine hesitancy, an ongoing epidemic of the unvaccinated, and now, over 900,000 deaths, leading the world -- yes, USA USA USA . . . number 1.  It is a sad chapter with much sorrow, many tears . . . and a long-lasting impact on our country, our people. 

All credit to MU's team the other night . . . turn around is fair play, and the Big Blue took it to IWU in the first half.  IWU was game and tried to climb back, but could not dig out of that big first half deficit.  If there is a silver lining for the Titans, perhaps Mia Smith discovered her PG for next season in Katelyn Heller . . . as Lansford will be graduating.  IWU got back to within 9 when Mia Smith put Heller at the PG, moving Lansford to the 2.  Heller slashing through the lane for several layups, drawing fouls and shooting FTs.  As you indicate, if MU and IWU win out, there may be another game in the CCIW tournament final that will determine the conference AQ.  That's really the only way IWU gets to the post-season dance, given their record, many losses.  MU likely has a shot as an at-large bid.  We have to admit that the CCIW women's game is down a bit this year, no team at all getting votes in the top-25 D3hoops poll for a number of weeks now. 

Yes, I'm with you that I hope no team loses a player at a crucial time due to an injury, health issue or covid infection.  I did notice that many MU players got off the floor pretty fast after the game the other night, perhaps not wanting to mingle much with that unmasked, likely unvaccinated crowd.  Perhaps Coach Lett told them to get away.  No one wants to lose a player to covid protocols at an unfortunate, important time in the season.  IWU has already had several player out in this way, so now they are back and can play on without worry or testing. . . for the rest of the season and post-season tournaments.

We'll see if some team can put another loss on MU . . . and give the Titans a chance to pull it back.  Not likely in my view, but you never know.  I'll light a candle for the Big Blue.  :)

More basketball to be played.

'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2022, 01:39:15 PM
Carthage hosts 18-0 Wisconsin Lutheran tonight. The visitors are #15 in the latest D3hoops poll and have held every opponent under 70 pts.
WLC beat Millikin 66-56 in November.
iwu70, you may deny being a sore loser, but D-3 watcher accused you of being a poor loser, something much differenter(er). :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 09, 2022, 01:49:56 PM
Not to make this a Covid thread, but I practice caution about pronouncing judgement on public health protocols or even what is a common-sense public health measure.  I don't think we'll really know what worked until several years from now.  Heck, there was even an article in the NYT not long ago about how Omicron was so contagious, EVERYONE is going to get it regardless of masking, social distancing and other precautions.  The hypothesis was that was actually a good thing because given our % of unvaccinated, Omicron was a path to something like herd immunity through a comparatively non-lethal variant - so let 'er rip.  I don't know, could be plausible.  That 900,000 deaths?  Terrible but your post was a bit misleading.  We are kind of middle of the pack when normalized for population.  We're not terrible but it's sure hard to say our policies have worked better.  How about Sweden?  Their public policy was very lighthanded from the very start of the pandemic and to this point they have very low case/fatality and overall mortality rates compared to many countries including the US.   Switzerland?  They never shut down schools and mask use in schools was very limited.  Just recently their case positivity rate was over 45% and it was estimate over 10% of the population was positive with Omicron.  Yet their mortality numbers are even lower than Sweden's and starting next week all restrictions are gone.

This was kind of my point from my earlier post.  The data is all over the place, the science is changing rapidly (as it should, we're learning), and there's now ample and direct evidence that these public health controls do have an "other side of the equation" that isn't always pretty.  So I find it hard at this time to fault any individual institution's approach to the issue in the absence of any kind of global consensus for what works.  I make what I believe to be the best decision for myself and my loved ones.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2022, 02:14:34 PM
Quote from: D-3 watcher on February 09, 2022, 09:01:04 AMIf the blue run the table and are fortunate enough to host, I'm pretty sure  nobody from the university will miss you, so you can mask up at home and light a candle in case the smell comes thru you laptop.

Gotta admit, that gave me a chuckle. ;)

Quote from: D-3 watcher on February 09, 2022, 09:01:04 AMNot going out on a limb here, but with NP having injury issues, it will probably be MU vs IWU in the final game. Hopefully nobody will lose a player to "health issue's "

Not gonna lie: NPU is a serious underdog at Shirk tonight. I would love nothing more than to be proven wrong about this, but I suspect that the Vikings will endure a whipping this evening -- and I think that they're going to have plenty of trouble against Millikin, Wheaton, and Carroll to round out the regular season as well, given that coaches Lett, Madsen, and Schultz will no doubt have studied the Augie @ NPU game and will likely follow Mark Beinborn's lead by not only conceding the three-point line, as everyone has done to North Park since Emily Czuhajewski was hurt, but by collapsing entirely and giving every Viking aside from Jayla access to midrange shots from the free-throw line outward.

As to whether or not it will be Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan in the D3 tourney final ... well, it's not a given (Carroll is my dark horse as the team that could knock off one of the two in the tourney), but it's a reasonable bet.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 09, 2022, 12:58:45 PMI felt far more safe at NPU due to their policies of vetting for vaccination which were not a joke and were handled well, IMHO.  I give all credit to NPU and to the City of Chicago

I love my alma mater just as much as you love yours, Mark, but I'm not going to puff out my chest and brag that NPU is doing a better job at the gym door vis-a-vis masks, IDs, vax cards, what have you. North Park's administration views the situation as a matter of maintaining compliance with the city, which has tighter rules than other municipalities, for any number of good reasons. NPU's more stringent policies are something for which the athletics department has paid a price -- even as the transmission of the Omicron variant is receding in the city, eight Vikings men's volleyball players are currently shelved for tonight's match at St. Norbert due to contact protocols, including the team's top scorer -- but in the end it's all about being a school that isn't at loggerheads with its surrounding community. And that's nothing more than a sort of baseline-minimal virtue, if you ask me. (And, yeah, I know that nobody did. ;))

Quote from: iwu70 on February 09, 2022, 12:58:45 PM
I share Greg's view that this will not be a happy chapter in our country's history . . . the division, the stupidity about common-sense public health measures

Look, I don't want to go down the rabbit hole of discussing public health policy with you, because that's not the purpose of this board ... but the fact of the matter is that there's been plenty of public health measures that have not been common sense, and have proven to be unhelpful or even deleterious and destructive. This issue has unfortunately taken on partisan political tones, and in 2022 America that means binary thinking is being imposed upon a vast and complicated crisis that doesn't necessarily lend itself to binary rhetoric.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 09, 2022, 12:58:45 PMWe have to admit that the CCIW women's game is down a bit this year, no team at all getting votes in the top-25 D3hoops poll for a number of weeks now. 

On that, we definitely agree.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2022, 02:27:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 09, 2022, 01:39:15 PM
Carthage hosts 18-0 Wisconsin Lutheran tonight. The visitors are #15 in the latest D3hoops poll and have held every opponent under 70 pts.
WLC beat Millikin 66-56 in November.

I'm going to keep my eye on that game. Carthage certainly isn't going to become the first 2021-22 opponent of the Warriors to exceed 70 points, that's for sure. The Firebirds haven't topped 70 all season, other than their season opener against Lawrence and an outing a few weeks ago against Elmhurst and its sieve-like defense, and Carthage is currently averaging 55.7 ppg overall and 53.1 ppg in league play, both dead last in the CCIW. Tim Bernero has really put all of his eggs in the basket of team defense this year, and whatever success Carthage has had against decent opponents has been primarily the handiwork of its defense -- with a slight exception and nod in the direction of Ayanna Ester, who went off like gangbusters beyond the arc at King Arena last Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2022, 03:12:29 PM
Lauren Knight is their only scorer over 10 per game, at 10.9. Ester follows at 7.5.
But as you note, Carthage prefers low-possession games this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 09, 2022, 10:02:20 PM
Wheaton        68
Augustana      65

Annika Richardson  24 pts, 4 rebs
Hannah Swider     19 pts, 6 rebs
Ellie Cassel             10 pts

Macy Beinborn   20 pts, 8 rebs, 2 blks, 2 stls
Gabriela Loiz       16 pts
Lauren Hall          7 pts, 8 rebs

The Thunder ladies really came through down the stretch in this one.  It was a very close game the whole way until a Beinborn three extended the lead to 8 for the Vikings.  But to Wheaton's credit, they didn't panic, they tightened up the D and started hitting some shots.  Richardson herself scored 13 of her team's final 19 pts and the Thunder got the win.  Wheaton committed only 10 turnovers.   Lily Schwen had a very good game with 5 assists against only 2 turnovers. 

At 7-6 in conference, the Thunder have been playing a little better of late but they have a tough 3 game finish: @ IWU, @ NPU and vs Millikin.  They only need one more win or a North Central loss and they'll be in the conference tourney.  If they can manage to win two of those and finish 9-7, they might even get to play another home game (depending how NPU and Carroll finish out).

If they can take care of the ball on Saturday at IWU, they'll have a chance.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2022, 10:03:25 PM
Final from the hangar in an extra session.

NCC 70
Millikin 69

I am giddy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2022, 10:10:41 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 81
North Park 60

Jayla Johnson: 26 pts, 13 rebs
Lauren McKnight: 13 pts, 4 stls
Esther Miller: 3 stls

Kaia Bowen: 15 pts, 6 rebs
Catie Eck: 13 pts, 5 stls, 4 blks
Brooke Lansford: 13 pts, 3 stls
Mallory Powers: 10 pts
Katelyn Heller: 3 stls

Not a surprise, as NPU as currently constituted just doesn't have the personnel to stay with an uptempo pressing team.

The silver lining in my book was what appears to be a good night for freshman Lauren McKnight, who is gaining confidence as well as experience, and an outstanding effort tonight by Jayla Johnson. As I said a couple of weeks ago, Jayla is not going to make the CCIW MOP award a cakewalk for Elyce Knudsen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2022, 10:22:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2022, 10:10:41 PM
As I said a couple of weeks ago, Jayla is not going to make the CCIW MOP award a cakewalk for Elyce Knudsen.

Especially when Elyce Knudsen goes *checks notes* 2-17.

This was a fun one. North Central led by 10 in the 2nd quarter before Millikin started fighting back, got within four at the break, and had a six point lead in the fourth, but couldn't hold it. North Central had a chance to win in regulation, but their design broke down, and Natalie Stavropolous came up short on a long three at the horn (and was probably fouled, but it wasn't called.)

Elle Sutter was fouled with 0.4 left in overtime (fifth on Knudsen), and after missing the first, got the second, and the Big Blue desperation heave didn't get off in time.

Allison Pearson: 15 pts, 8 reb
Elle Sutter: 9 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast
Mitrese Smith: 10 pts

Bailey Coffman: 24 pts
Jordan Hildebrand: 14 pts, 6 reb
Elyce Knudsen: 11 pts, 5 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 09, 2022, 10:37:41 PM
Thank you NCC . . . well now, that puts a different face on the CCIW race, doesn't it!   :)

Yes, IWU 81 NPU 60     A good bounce back game for the Titans.  Way too many TOs, for sure, by both teams.

For NPU:

Johnson 26 and 13, a tremendous player
McKnight 13
29 TOs

For IWU:

Bowen 15 and 6, 9-13 FTs, 2 blocks, 2 steals
Lansford 13
Eck 13 4 blocks 5 steals
Palmer 12, finding some clean trey looks tonight
Powers 10
Heller 7 and 3 steals

23 TOs, just ragged tonight, too much dribbling into traffic, too many sloppy passes.

But, Titans shooting 50% and 52% from three

With the MU loss, the race is back on for the regular season title, both now at 11-2, with three games to go?

I'll leave all the public health discussion to the side and stick with the basketball.  Just stay safe and vertical out there, guys, and try to stay away from Delta and Omicron, unmasked and unvaccinated crowds.  I hope all your players, coaches, staff and fans do, too.

IWU hosts Wheaton on Saturday, 2 p.m. (the key, big men's game IWU hosting Wheaton at 4 p.m.) -- with NCC at home and @Augie to wrap up the regular season.  14-2 is possible. 

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2022, 10:41:26 PM
A 24-12 4th quarter won it for Wisconsin Lutheran at Carthage, yielding a 55-47 final.
WLC's Sam Leisemann and Jenna Mace each tallied 21, so those two accounted for 41% of all the points scored in the game.
Margueret Spear topped Carthage scorers with 10. Bridget Barrett had 8 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 09, 2022, 10:58:09 PM
Carroll had no trouble with Elmhurst, up 54-12 at the half and winning 87-33.
Eight Pios scored 7+ , led by Megan Madsen with 15. Brook Foster had 10 pts and 4 steals.
Kate Christian also had 10, not missing any shot (made a 3, a 2, 5/5 FTs).
Allison Thompson was remarkably productive in her 16 minutes : 11 rebs, 9 pts, 2 stls, 2 blocks.
Late in the 1st Q, I had a quick laugh when her home announcer called her Elizabeth Thompson, borrowing fellow six-footer Elizabeth Behrndt's first name.
I didn't watch much of this game of course.
Marissa Urso led the visiting 'jays with 9 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 10, 2022, 09:39:52 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 09, 2022, 10:22:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 09, 2022, 10:10:41 PM
As I said a couple of weeks ago, Jayla is not going to make the CCIW MOP award a cakewalk for Elyce Knudsen.

Especially when Elyce Knudsen goes *checks notes* 2-17.

This was a fun one. North Central led by 10 in the 2nd quarter before Millikin started fighting back, got within four at the break, and had a six point lead in the fourth, but couldn't hold it. North Central had a chance to win in regulation, but their design broke down, and Natalie Stavropolous came up short on a long three at the horn (and was probably fouled, but it wasn't called.)

Elle Sutter was fouled with 0.4 left in overtime (fifth on Knudsen), and after missing the first, got the second, and the Big Blue desperation heave didn't get off in time.

Allison Pearson: 15 pts, 8 reb
Elle Sutter: 9 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast
Mitrese Smith: 10 pts

Bailey Coffman: 24 pts
Jordan Hildebrand: 14 pts, 6 reb
Elyce Knudsen: 11 pts, 5 reb

This is a result that I never would have guessed at.  Congrats to the Lady Cards.

It's about as strange a box score one could imagine.  The Big Blue had a whopping 72 shots, 15 more attempts (72-57) than the Cards, 17 more FT attempts (34-17), +13 on the offensive glass (21-8), +11 turnover margin.  They basically outplayed NCC in every facet except that one critical skill of actually putting the ball through the hoop.  Millikin 19/72 for 26.4% from the field while the home team was 27/57 for 47.4%. 

Maybe it's the effect of playing in the Hangar.  But for MU, it was clearly just one of those games shooting wise.  To their credit, NCC had a good night offensively and took advantage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2022, 11:50:20 AM
Yeah, GoPerry, North Central was +14 in points scored from 2FGs and +3 in points scored from 3FGs, edging Millikin's +16 in the "made free throw" category.
Millikin was 15-for-55 in 2FG shooting, while NCC made 22-of-43.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 03:20:23 PM
I checked the CCIW webpages, but couldn't find the tie-break procedure for seeding the conference tourney.  With NCC upsetting Millikin, a tie between IWU and Millikin looks highly possible, including that the two teams split their series.  So ... if they finish tied, is the tourney in Decatur or B-town?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 10, 2022, 04:32:03 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 03:20:23 PM
I checked the CCIW webpages, but couldn't find the tie-break procedure for seeding the conference tourney.  With NCC upsetting Millikin, a tie between IWU and Millikin looks highly possible, including that the two teams split their series.  So ... if they finish tied, is the tourney in Decatur or B-town?

It's buried somewhere. I ended up Googling it and finding it (https://cciw.org/sports/2010/6/29/Gen._0629100226.aspx?id=616).

As for the standings:











z-Millikin11-2
z-Illinois Wesleyan11-2
Carroll7-6
North Park7-6
Wheaton7-6
North Central6-8
Carthage5-8
Augustana5-9
e-Elmhurst1-12

Our friends downstate are guaranteed to finish 1-2 in some order. Since they split their two meetings, it goes to record against the next-best team. If the season ended today it would be in Decatur since the Big Blue swept Carroll (the Titans split). For reference, each team has a win over Wheaton with one still to go yet, and Millikin has a win over the Vikings with one to play; IWU swept them. Millikin at this point has the tiebreaker pending Wheaton results, though we could end up going further down the standings depending on how things shake out.

The NCC upset also gives the Cardinals the inside track to the 6 seed with that win over Millikin being something Augie doesn't have and would be the tiebreaker if Illinois Wesleyan has the same results against both the Cardinals and Vikings next week. (NCC already locked up the tiebreaker over Carthage thanks to a head to head sweep).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 07:11:13 PM
So the tourney location gets a whole lot simplified if NPU just does their duty and knocks off Millikin! ::)

OK, Greg - you know your assignment! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
 ???
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
???

The tie-breakers are too complicated.  If you beat Millikin (and the Blue and the Green otherwise win out), there is no tie and you get to broadcast the tourney from the beautiful Shirk rather than the pit of Decatur - comprendez?

Just get your young ladies ready for their assignments! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2022, 08:19:33 PM
Ypsi, good to see you back on the board.  I guess Q has decided to abandon this space, this chat. 

As to the tiebreaker, I think IWU wants Carroll to lose one or two more games now, and finish lower in the standings for purposes of the tiebreaker if IWU and MU finish with the same record in conference play.  As you indicated, we can cheer for NPU on this one . . . Greg will be stunned.

I was totally surprised to see NCC beat MU . . . and the horrible shooting night that Knudsen had in that one.  Proves she's not really superwoman every night. 

Titans gotta clean up a lot of stuff, to win out, especially stop driving into traffic, reduce errant passes, and stop commiting so so many TOs as vs. NPU.  Luckily, NPU had even more and not enough of a surrounding cast around the marvelous Jayla Johnson.

Three games to go -- really down the stretch now.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:37:04 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 10, 2022, 08:19:33 PM
Ypsi, good to see you back on the board.  I guess Q has decided to abandon this space, this chat. 

As to the tiebreaker, I think IWU wants Carroll to lose one or two more games now, and finish lower in the standings for purposes of the tiebreaker if IWU and MU finish with the same record in conference play.  As you indicated, we can cheer for NPU on this one . . . Greg will be stunned.

I was totally surprised to see NCC beat MU . . . and the horrible shooting night that Knudsen had in that one.  Proves she's not really superwoman every night. 

Titans gotta clean up a lot of stuff, to win out, especially stop driving into traffic, reduce errant passes, and stop commiting so so many TOs as vs. NPU.  Luckily, NPU had even more and not enough of a surrounding cast around the marvelous Jayla Johnson.

Three games to go -- really down the stretch now.

IWU'70

She is a likely AA (at least eventually), but not YET a Kendall Sosa, and certainly not yet her coach, Olivia Lett. ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 09:52:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
???

The tie-breakers are too complicated.  If you beat Millikin (and the Blue and the Green otherwise win out), there is no tie and you get to broadcast the tourney from the beautiful Shirk rather than the pit of Decatur - comprendez?

Just get your young ladies ready for their assignments! ;D

You have a seriously distorted view of: a) my role with the team, and b) my influence upon it, if you think they are going to listen to anything I have to say about how to play basketball.

Also, I don't travel with the women's basketball team. I only broadcast home games. Unless NPU hosts a first-round tournament game in two weeks, I have called my last game of the 2021-22 school year for this particular Vikings team.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:37:04 PM
She is a likely AA (at least eventually), but not YET a Kendall Sosa, and certainly not yet her coach, Olivia Lett. ::)

Elyce Knudsen is a sophomore who averages 19.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg (from a guard spot!), 3.5 apg, and 2.3 spg, and who owns a 1.3:1 a:to (second in the CCIW) and a .449/.363/.839 shooting line. Those are All-American numbers right now. There's no "eventually" about her.

The all-time leading scorer in CCIW play is North Park's Rachel Pearson Bernero, who finished her career with 1102 points in CCIW contests. Knudsen is on pace to finish with 1327. That's if she stays on pace, i.e., she doesn't get any better than she already is.

She is light-years beyond what Kendall Sosa was as a sophomore. If she stays healthy, Elyce Knudsen will be one of the two or three greatest players to ever play CCIW women's basketball by the time her career is done ... maybe even the greatest. That is a cold, hard fact, Chuck.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 10, 2022, 10:28:53 PM
Greg, you're not doing next Wednesday's game vs Wheaton?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 10:30:50 PM
Oops. Forgot about that one.

Yes, unless NPU hosts a first-round tournament game in two weeks, that will be the last game I call of the 2021-22 school year for this particular Vikings team.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 10:54:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 09:52:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
???

The tie-breakers are too complicated.  If you beat Millikin (and the Blue and the Green otherwise win out), there is no tie and you get to broadcast the tourney from the beautiful Shirk rather than the pit of Decatur - comprendez?

Just get your young ladies ready for their assignments! ;D

You have a seriously distorted view of: a) my role with the team, and b) my influence upon it, if you think they are going to listen to anything I have to say about how to play basketball.

Also, I don't travel with the women's basketball team. I only broadcast home games. Unless NPU hosts a first-round tournament game in two weeks, I have called my last game of the 2021-22 school year for this particular Vikings team.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:37:04 PM
She is a likely AA (at least eventually), but not YET a Kendall Sosa, and certainly not yet her coach, Olivia Lett. ::)

Elyce Knudsen is a sophomore who averages 19.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg (from a guard spot!), 3.5 apg, and 2.3 spg, and who owns a 1.3:1 a:to (second in the CCIW) and a .449/.363/.839 shooting line. Those are All-American numbers right now. There's no "eventually" about her.

The all-time leading scorer in CCIW play is North Park's Rachel Pearson Bernero, who finished her career with 1102 points in CCIW contests. Knudsen is on pace to finish with 1327. That's if she stays on pace, i.e., she doesn't get any better than she already is.

She is light-years beyond what Kendall Sosa was as a sophomore. If she stays healthy, Elyce Knudsen will be one of the two or three greatest players to ever play CCIW women's basketball by the time her career is done ... maybe even the greatest. That is a cold, hard fact, Chuck.

Yes, I'm aware that Knudsen is well ahead of Sosa as a sophomore.  She is not yet in the ball park of Sosa as a senior.  And is not yet even in the area code of Olivia Lett  :o.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 11:21:38 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 10:54:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 09:52:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
???

The tie-breakers are too complicated.  If you beat Millikin (and the Blue and the Green otherwise win out), there is no tie and you get to broadcast the tourney from the beautiful Shirk rather than the pit of Decatur - comprendez?

Just get your young ladies ready for their assignments! ;D

You have a seriously distorted view of: a) my role with the team, and b) my influence upon it, if you think they are going to listen to anything I have to say about how to play basketball.

Also, I don't travel with the women's basketball team. I only broadcast home games. Unless NPU hosts a first-round tournament game in two weeks, I have called my last game of the 2021-22 school year for this particular Vikings team.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 10, 2022, 08:37:04 PM
She is a likely AA (at least eventually), but not YET a Kendall Sosa, and certainly not yet her coach, Olivia Lett. ::)

Elyce Knudsen is a sophomore who averages 19.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg (from a guard spot!), 3.5 apg, and 2.3 spg, and who owns a 1.3:1 a:to (second in the CCIW) and a .449/.363/.839 shooting line. Those are All-American numbers right now. There's no "eventually" about her.

The all-time leading scorer in CCIW play is North Park's Rachel Pearson Bernero, who finished her career with 1102 points in CCIW contests. Knudsen is on pace to finish with 1327. That's if she stays on pace, i.e., she doesn't get any better than she already is.

She is light-years beyond what Kendall Sosa was as a sophomore. If she stays healthy, Elyce Knudsen will be one of the two or three greatest players to ever play CCIW women's basketball by the time her career is done ... maybe even the greatest. That is a cold, hard fact, Chuck.

Yes, I'm aware that Knudsen is well ahead of Sosa as a sophomore.  She is not yet in the ball park of Sosa as a senior.  And is not yet even in the area code of Olivia Lett  :o.

She's closer than you think she is. Anyway, your point is irrelevant. You're talking about a player who still has more than two years left in her career. Heck, if she so chooses, she can play for three more years, instead of just two.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2022, 12:15:01 PM
I agree with Greg about Knudsen, Chuck.   She has so many more games, years to build her record, her legacy at MU.  And, she surely won't have many off-nights, like she had vs. NCC the other day.  She's a unique talent for the D3 level and was able to bolt onto the scene significantly as a freshman.  Pretty unusual . . . doesn't happen very often at all in the CCIW in women's or men's play.  Just a few players have started such a significant impact on the league that early, then with several more years to build on it.  We all love Kendall's game, no doubt, but she was mainly a significant factor her junior and senior years. 

More important games to be played . . .  with IWU and MU still tied at the top at 11-2.  Three games to go . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 11, 2022, 10:54:47 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 11, 2022, 12:15:01 PM
I agree with Greg about Knudsen, Chuck.   She has so many more games, years to build her record, her legacy at MU.  And, she surely won't have many off-nights, like she had vs. NCC the other day.  She's a unique talent for the D3 level and was able to bolt onto the scene significantly as a freshman.  Pretty unusual . . . doesn't happen very often at all in the CCIW in women's or men's play.  Just a few players have started such a significant impact on the league that early, then with several more years to build on it.  We all love Kendall's game, no doubt, but she was mainly a significant factor her junior and senior years. 

More important games to be played . . .  with IWU and MU still tied at the top at 11-2.  Three games to go . . .

IWU'70

Keep in mind that Sosa played with some veteran players on good teams both her junior and senior years.  It was especially true for that 2019-20 team with Sydney Shanks running things. 

Millikin will be graduating Jazmin Brown, Aubrey Staton and Jordan Hildebrand.  So Knudsen won't have quite the same supporting cast for her last two seasons which means she'll be called upon to do more than just score.  And teams can defend a little differently also.  Don't get me wrong, everything I've seen of Knudsen tells me she is more than up to the task.  But it will be a little different for her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2022, 11:41:23 AM
GoPerry, totally agree with you on Knudsen and MU the next few years, when Staton and Hildebrand go . . .  depends greatly on Olivia Lett's recruitment.  Knudsen is a unique talent, as several of us have said a number of times, but she's not superhuman . . . and she can be defended as the Titans showed in the first game, esp. the first half.  She'll have off nights too, like at NCC the other night, like all players have.  I actually think Jayla Johnson is the "Most Outstanding Player" this year, from what I've seen. 

The future for the IWU program is very bright, even with the graduations of Eck, Bowen and Lansford.  We're celebrating them today on Senior Day.  With Heller and Carlson coming back, and the three freshmen:  Huber, Palmore and Powers . . . it looks like a solid core to build on and improve.  I know the recruitment class of at least 6 newbies is very strong.  Things around Shirk in the women's program are very optimistic.  A few of the current pine-sitters will be able to step up and join the primary rotation next year.  Key will be how much hard work, improvement that returning core is willing to do in the off-season to really become All-Conference level players.   They certainly have that potential. 

Another big game for the Titans today vs. Wheaton.  And then, two very tough road games at NCC and Augie.  Gotta take them one at a time, and play well, do well what got you to 11-2.  Then, a very competitive conference tournament.   Two weeks, three games to go . . . again, who is more fit and determined, who doesn't have injuries or covid absences, who wants it more . . . 

IWU'70

P.S.   You are right, GoPerry, that Sosa had Sydney Shanks -- another All-Conference player . . . those were wonderful teams.   ms

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2022, 12:56:21 PM
Who is this Palmore that you refer to?  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2022, 02:27:43 PM
Sorry, RogK, I have uneducated fingers.   What?  Are you becoming the Board school marm now?  I thought that was Greg's m.o. 

That Palmer, to which I referred, has a chance, if she works hard, to become one of the most prolific trey shooters in CCIW history.  IMHO.  Lansford will outdo her in 3s this year, but Palmer still have three more years to fire away!

Here we go . . . two good ones at The Shirk, IWU hosting Wheaton.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2022, 02:34:21 PM
Theirs no excuce for speling erors!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2022, 03:18:29 PM
North Park appears to be missing Chantel Hairston today. I'm not sure why, but the Vikings can ill afford to be without her services against a team as good as Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2022, 04:50:12 PM
Millikin 83
North Park 57

Jayla Johnson: 19 pts
Lauren Lee: 14 pts (3-4 trey)
Esther Miller: 12 pts, 7 rebs
Josie Summerville: 9 rebs
Lauren McKnight: 7 rebs

Jordan Hildebrand: 19 pts, 6 rebs
Bailey Coffman: 14 pts, 3 blks
Elyce Knudsen: 12 pts, 5 stls
Aubrey Staton: 10 pts, 5 stls
Miranda Fox: 3:0 a:to

The Big Blue ran away in the second half from the depleted Vikings, putting a foot on the accelerator and just simply running the Vikings ragged from one end of the floor to the other to bust open what had been a six-point game at the half. NPU somehow managed to outrebound MU by eight, but 24 turnovers (15 of them courtesy of Big Blue steals) led to a 15-4 fast-break-points advantage for the Big Blue, who took full advantage of the absence of North Park's starting point guard.

Whatever funk the Big Blue was in on Wednesday night has certainly dissipated.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2022, 05:04:15 PM
With the NPU @ MU and WC @ IWU games being routs in favor of the home teams, it was left to Augustana and Carthage to play the one good game of the afternoon. It went back and forth, but eventually visiting Augie prevailed, 62-58, in a game that had a lot of playoff implications. Macy Beinborn had a whale of a game shooting from beyond the arc, as she went 6-9 from range -- none bigger than the trey she hit with 1:23 left that put the Rock Islanders up for good at 60-58 -- and led her team with 22 points. Hannah Simmer contributed 11 and 9 for the victors, while Lauren Hall grabbed eight rebounds. Carthage was paced by Ayanna Ester's 12, as she went 4-8 from downtown, and Marianna Morrissey put in 10, with Emma Thistle adding a fine 4:1 floor game in the losing effort.

Illinois Wesleyan buried Wheaton, 81-54, at Shirk. Catie Eck had a big day with 21 points, keyed by 5-8 shooting from range, and 5 blocks to go with it. Katelyn Heller added 16 and 8, Brooke Lansford chipped in 11 and 7, and Lauren Huber added 10 points. Caroline Sikkink led the way for Wheaton with 15 and 7, and Annika Richardson added 13 points. Ellie Cassel and Caylee Hermanson had negligible offensive games, but they contributed 9 and 7 rebounds apiece for WC, which, similar to what North Park did against Millikin, outrebounded IWU by 41-38 but got burned by turning over the ball 22 times and surrendered a 22-7 points off turnovers edge to the hosts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 12, 2022, 05:17:00 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2022, 05:04:15 PM

Illinois Wesleyan buried Wheaton, 81-54, at Shirk. Catie Eck had a big day with 21 points, keyed by 5-8 shooting from range, and 5 blocks to go with it. Katelyn Heller added 16 and 8, Brooke Lansford chipped in 11 and 7, and Lauren Huber added 10 points. Caroline Sikkink led the way for Wheaton with 15 and 7, and Annika Richardson added 13 points. Ellie Cassel and Caylee Hermanson had negligible offensive games, but they contributed 9 and 7 rebounds apiece for WC, which, similar to what North Park did against Millikin, outrebounded IWU by 41-38 but got burned by turning over the ball 22 times and surrendered a 22-7 points off turnovers edge to the hosts.

It was not pretty.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 12, 2022, 05:27:14 PM
I viewed parts of those three games.
I was glad to see Olivia Reed and Destiny Antoine return after being injured earlier in their respective games.
I'm pretty sure Bridget Barrett didn't get back in after her foot/ankle injury. Here's hoping her season isn't done.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2022, 08:00:37 PM
Great Senior Day at The Shirk.  IWU over WC in a blowout as Greg has reported well -- 81-54.  The Titans have too many weapons, too much speed up and down the court, turning WC over 22 times and having 11 steals to counteract their own 11 TOs.

For WC:
Sikkink 15 and 7
Richardson, with a bright WC future 13
Durrill 9

For IWU:
Catie Eck had a marvelous Senior Day performance, 21, 5-8 from trey, and 5 blocks.  She's soon to be the all-time leading shot-blocker in IWU history.
Heller, another strong outing, 16 and 8
Lansford 11 with 7 assists
Huber 10
Palmer 8

IWU shooting 46% to WC's 34%, strong pressure defense and excellent half-court defense as well.  The Titans found the open shooter today.  Titans now 12-2 with two tough road games ahead at NCC and Augie.  Win out and at least share the CCIW regular season championship.

All of you posters will recall that I was pretty harsh on the Titans early on, when starting the season 1-4.  I said that I doubted they would beat any of the supposedly top three conference leading teams:   MU, WC and NPU.  I'm happy to say that the Titans completely turned things around and have gone 5-1 against these three teams. . . so my warmest congrats to Coach Smith and staff for an awesome job and for all the Titans for their remarkable season so far.  You have greatly over-achieved in my book, esp. with three freshmen playing a key part in the 8-person regular rotation. 

Congrats to the seniors -- Lansford, Eck and Bowen, -- on your wonderful, dedicated and accomplished careers in the IWU program.  I wish all three all the best in future endeavors post-basketball and after graduation in May from IWU.  Wonderful student-athletes all . . . and a great credit to IWU, the IWU program and to themselves and their families.  Thank you and congratulations!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 12, 2022, 10:31:52 PM
Carroll 69
NCC 55

No Senior Night magic this year. I feel like momentum really turned right around each side of halftime when Katie Evans banked home a three to stretch a four point game to seven just seconds before the buzzer, and Carroll pushed it to 15 a minute and a half into the third. The Cardinals made a rally in the fourth to make the final margin more respectable.

Mitrese Smith: 14 pts, 6 reb
IxChel Leeuwenburgh: 13 pts
Elle Sutter: 10 pts, 8 reb

Chloe Halverson: 16 pts, 8 reb
Kate Christian: 15 pts
Olivia Rangel: 14 pts, 6 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2022, 12:42:28 PM
On the NCC webcast Saturday, it was mentioned that Allison Pearson intends to return for a 5th season in November.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2022, 12:53:23 PM
the updated ladder :
12-2 IWU MIL
8-6 CRL
7-7 NPU WHE
6-9 AUG NCC
5-9 CTG
1-13 ELM
64 of 72 conference games are done
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2022, 01:12:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2022, 12:42:28 PM
On the NCC webcast Saturday, it was mentioned that Allison Pearson intends to return for a 5th season in November.

Well, I guess that that means one more year of her dad and her grandparents sitting on the wrong side of the gym and wearing the wrong color for the NCC @ NPU game. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2022, 11:13:01 AM
from Friday : Rockford 54 Elmhurst 53 in OT
I neglected to notice that this game was scheduled; it replaced Elmhurst's cancelled Dec 30 game at Beloit.
Anyway, EU's Taylor Harazin had her 2nd 18 rebound game in 5 days and added 15 pts.
EU also got 15 pts by Kate Matthews and 11 from Marissa Mussatto.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2022, 02:51:51 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week : Macy Beinborn.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2022, 03:40:51 PM
Question for GoPerry (and the rest o' ya) :
since Annie Tate didn't play enough, whom does Coach Madsen nominate for 1st team all-CCIW?
Wheaton could end up 9-7, 8-8 or 7-9 and may get 1 or 2 players on all-conference.
If any teams deserve three players on all-CCIW, it's IWU and Millikin.
There are probably 24 or 25 players league-wide who seem to be reasonable candidates.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2022, 04:12:03 PM
I was thinking the player of the week might be Catie Eck. 

Yes, All-Conference selections will be interesting.  Lansford, Huber and Palmer, perhaps, for the Titans . .. Heller had a very strong final 8-10 games. 

If I were voting, I'd clearly vote for Kaia Bowen as one of the best defensive players in the league, but I'm pretty sure she won't make All-Conference. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2022, 04:16:31 PM
Congrats to Ms. Beinborn, for Player of the Week.  She had a great week, for sure.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2022, 10:04:20 PM
I'm sure the common wisdom is that the MOP is either Elyce Knudsen or Jayla Johnson . . . but, if you look at all the stats, I think a case can be made for Brooke Lansford as well . . .esp. if IWU wins out and shares the conference regular season crown with MU.  She's right up there in scoring, top three-point maker in the league, the top A:TO ratio, leading in assists, etc.   If I were a voter, I'd probably vote for Jayla Johnson at present, but just saying that Lansford also has a strong case. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 14, 2022, 10:45:05 PM
The best player on the best team should always be included among the top choices.
I'd think the three players you mentioned are the finalists and I too think Jayla is ahead by a slight margin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 15, 2022, 08:37:03 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2022, 03:40:51 PM
Question for GoPerry (and the rest o' ya) :
since Annie Tate didn't play enough, whom does Coach Madsen nominate for 1st team all-CCIW?
Wheaton could end up 9-7, 8-8 or 7-9 and may get 1 or 2 players on all-conference.
If any teams deserve three players on all-CCIW, it's IWU and Millikin.
There are probably 24 or 25 players league-wide who seem to be reasonable candidates.

I strongly believe that Hannah Swider deserves All conf recognition and I'm pretty sure she'll get it.  I think there's a reasonable chance she will receive 1st team recognition also (although I haven't listed it out).  She's leading the Thunder in all the primary categories while being called on to do more for the team in ways she has not been used to.  She's also a senior, a previous All conf player (mentioned only because it might influence votes), and could be argued that she's one of the best 8 players in the league.  I don't think any team will get three players - doesn't feel like it is that sort of a season.

For Kerans MOP, it's a 2 lady race in my mind between Johnson and Knudsen.  Johnson is ahead of Knudsen statistically in most categories, some just barely.  The fact that Johnson is a senior might be a factor and the fact that the Big Blue are faring better as a team swings Knudsen's way.  So to me it's a toss up at this point with two games remaining – perhaps slight edge to Johnson.  Both are clearly deserving in my view.

Probably Lauren Huber for Newcomer.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 15, 2022, 11:19:25 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 15, 2022, 08:37:03 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 14, 2022, 03:40:51 PM
Question for GoPerry (and the rest o' ya) :
since Annie Tate didn't play enough, whom does Coach Madsen nominate for 1st team all-CCIW?
Wheaton could end up 9-7, 8-8 or 7-9 and may get 1 or 2 players on all-conference.
If any teams deserve three players on all-CCIW, it's IWU and Millikin.
There are probably 24 or 25 players league-wide who seem to be reasonable candidates.

I strongly believe that Hannah Swider deserves All conf recognition and I'm pretty sure she'll get it.  I think there's a reasonable chance she will receive 1st team recognition also (although I haven't listed it out).  She's leading the Thunder in all the primary categories while being called on to do more for the team in ways she has not been used to.  She's also a senior, a previous All conf player (mentioned only because it might influence votes), and could be argued that she's one of the best 8 players in the league.  I don't think any team will get three players - doesn't feel like it is that sort of a season.

I agree. I'll be shocked if Swider isn't named to the first team. The possibility that she'll achieve it raises an interesting question: Has there ever been a brother/sister combination who've attained All-CCIW first team in their respective sports before, or would Mikey and Hannah Swider be the first?

Quote from: GoPerry on February 15, 2022, 08:37:03 AMFor Kerans MOP, it's a 2 lady race in my mind between Johnson and Knudsen.

Agreed.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 15, 2022, 08:37:03 AMJohnson is ahead of Knudsen statistically in most categories, some just barely.  The fact that Johnson is a senior might be a factor and the fact that the Big Blue are faring better as a team swings Knudsen's way.  So to me it's a toss up at this point with two games remaining – perhaps slight edge to Johnson.  Both are clearly deserving in my view.

Can't argue with any of that, but, beyond the issue of Johnson being a senior and Knudsen being the best player on the (possible) champ or co-champ, I think that what pushes Jayla over the top is the fact that she is by light-years the most dominant player on any of the CCIW's first-division teams. Knudsen is the best player on a team loaded with top-notch players. Since Emily Czuhajewski will have played less than half of the CCIW schedule, that means that Jayla has had to keep her team afloat most of the way thru the CCIW season while surrounded by a cast that largely consists of developing or marginal players (although Esther Miller, who would win the CCIW's Most Improved Player award if there was such a thing, has a decent shot at being named to the All-CCIW second team) -- and the fact that Jayla leads the league in minutes played amplifies just how invaluable she is to the Vikings.

Incidentally, Jayla broke into North Park's top ten in career rebounds in NPU's last game. She is now in the top ten in every single counting stat in the record book, aside from three-pointers and assists, for a Vikings women's basketball program that is marking its 50th season in 2021-22. In other words, she's in the top ten in points, rebounds, field goals, free throws, steals, and blocks. (Of course, she fares very well in the rate stats as well.) When you consider the fact that she will end her career having only played the equivalent of three and a half seasons due to the 2020-21 season being truncated by Covid, the fact that she's so prominent in so many career counting stats is simply remarkable.

But, again, just as remarkable is the fact that we're talking about a mere sophomore being one of the two primary candidates for MOP. As I've said before, Elyce Knudsen has a serious shot at becoming the first-ever three-time MOP in CCIW women's basketball history.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2022, 01:19:39 PM
Annika Richardson's 10.4 scoring average is a bit deceptive.
In 11 games before Christmas, she scored 23 pts for a 2.1 average.
Since then, she has scored 215 pts in 12 games, 17.9 per.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 16, 2022, 01:44:29 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2022, 01:19:39 PM
Annika Richardson's 10.4 scoring average is a bit deceptive.
In 11 games before Christmas, she scored 23 pts for a 2.1 average.
Since then, she has scored 215 pts in 12 games, 17.9 per.

Oh, if Richardson had continued anywhere close to her level of play in the first 5 games she started, then she might be leading the Newcomer race notwithstanding her first 11 games.  But in the last 7 games she has cooled off quite a bit especially in overall efficiency.  It was to be expected and it's okay.  She has a ton of upside for the Thunder.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2022, 06:30:26 PM
Over the course of the entire season, I think Lauren Huber has the "newcomer" award pretty well wrapped up.  IMHO.

Regional rankings out -- several CCIW teams on the list.  Don't quite understand Carroll above IWU, though guess the Titans harmed by their early season woes, and number of losses.  I'm still of the view that the only way the Titans get into the post season, with that many losses, is to win the AQ, likely in a CCIW tournament Championship game, against Millikin.  The rubber match . . . we'll see in time.

IWU has a tough road game at NCC tonight and another at Augie on Saturday.  Gotta take care of business.  MU is very likely to win out. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 16, 2022, 08:49:31 PM
At the half in Naperville:  IWU 33, NCC 29.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2022, 10:04:22 PM
North Park 57
Wheaton 43

Lauren Lee: 18 pts (3-3 trey), 8 rebs
Jayla Johnson: 16 pts, 9 rebs
Esther Miller: 12 pts, 8 rebs
Lauren McKnight: 4:0 a:to, 3 stls

Annika Richardson: 12 pts, 6 rebs
Ellie Cassel: 10 rebs
Caroline Sikkink: 10 rebs

North Park sweeps the regular-season series from Wheaton for the first time ever. That's been a long time coming, and it sure feels good to type that at long last. However, in all likelihood Wheaton will be back in the crackerbox next Tuesday for the #5 @ #4 quarterfinal.

The Vikings played lockdown defense tonight, holding WC to a .246 clip from the field and .222 from downtown. At the heart of it all were the two Laurens, Lee and McKnight, who seemed to tie up Wheaton ballhandlers all night to force the officials to stick two thumbs up. Esther Miller's D was vital to the cause as well, as she erased Hannah Swider (3-13 for 8 points) completely. Annika Richardson did get her points against Jayla Johnson, but Jayla forced the Wheaton frosh forward into 3-16 shooting from the field.

Most gratifying was NPU's 5-12 (.417) performance from downtown, which is by far the best that they've shot from range since Emily C. went down.

A good night to be a Viking ... but there's still unfinished business against Wheaton, most likely.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 16, 2022, 10:10:41 PM
Cardinals had a chance down 2 with 8 seconds left, but IxChel Leeuwenburgh's fallaway missed long and a Mitrese Smith putback missed left.

IWU 65, NCC 63

Now I have to root for the team in green on Saturday. Excuse me while I spontaneously combust.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2022, 10:19:31 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 16, 2022, 10:10:41 PM
Cardinals had a chance down 2 with 8 seconds left, but IxChel Leeuwenburgh's fallaway missed long and a Mitrese Smith putback missed left.

IWU 65, NCC 63

Now I have to root for the team in green on Saturday. Excuse me while I spontaneously combust.

I can remember having to root for Wesleyan on occasion as well. I spent forever in the shower afterwards, and scrubbed and scrubbed, but I still felt dirty.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2022, 10:47:43 PM
Greg, get used to it.  The enemy of my enemy is my friend . . .   :)

IWU 65 NCC 63

Yes, IWU lucky to escape NCC with that road win . . . a tough one, with a strange outcome.  IWU losing the TO and the rebounding line and still winning the game.  And, not scoring 70.  Just a good night from trey, making 9.

For NCC:
Sutter 16 and 9
Leeuwenburgh 13 and 9
Stavropoulos 10
Kowalczyk 8

For IWU:
Huber 14
Lansford 12
Powers 12 and 9
Eck 9 2 steals, 2 more blocks
Heller 9
Bowen 8 rebounds

The Titans now 13-2 with one game to go, away at Augie on Saturday.

A tough, very good road win, no matter how you look at it.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 16, 2022, 11:51:11 PM
Carroll 58-44 over Carthage.
CRL : Chloe Halverson 11 rebs, 3 steals; Allison Thompson 8 pts 9 rebs 3 blocks; Olivia Rangel 13 pts 3 assists; Brooke Foster 12 pts from 10 FG att (.600 eFG%); Kate Christian 10 pts 4 assists 3 stls.
CTG : Lauren Knight 13 pts; Kelsey Coshun 10 pts; Marianna Morrissey 5 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2022, 12:03:36 AM
Millikin 85-58 over Elmhurst.
MIL : Elyce Knudsen scores 21 in 23:00 and Jordan Hildebrand tallies 17 (8/8 2FG) in 21:00; Bailey Coffman 12 pts 6 reb 3 assists; Sophie Darden 10 pts 5 rebs in 15:00; Miranda Fox 5 assists. Ten Big Blue players get a steal.
ELM : Kate Matthews was the only Bluejay to score in double figures with 14 and also led them with 6 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 01:04:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 16, 2022, 11:51:11 PM
Carroll 58-44 over Carthage.
CRL : Chloe Halverson 11 rebs, 3 steals; Allison Thompson 8 pts 9 rebs 3 blocks; Olivia Rangel 13 pts 3 assists; Brooke Foster 12 pts from 10 FG att (.600 eFG%); Kate Christian 10 pts 4 assists 3 stls.
CTG : Lauren Knight 13 pts; Kelsey Coshun 10 pts; Marianna Morrissey 5 assists.

Carthage is my pick for mystery team of the season. With the kind of defense that the Firebirds were playing against NPU and Wheaton, I had them pegged to be much more successful than they've turned out to be.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2022, 02:16:21 PM
Greg, since you like the assist/turnover statistic, note that their ratio in 15 conference games is 9.1 : 17.2, or .53, at the bottom of the league.
For the season so far, Lauren Knight is their only player with a positive a/to ratio, 61:55.
Two others are OK : Emma Thistle 20:22 and Marianna Morrissey 29:32.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 02:32:17 PM
Yep. The Firebirds defend well (third-best opponent FG percentage in the league) but they don't take care of the ball (a -1.87 turnover margin, 7th place on that particular leaderboard). And when you don't score much (dead last in the league in points per game, almost five ppg fewer than 8th-ranked Elmhurst), and the points that you do score tend to come off of dribble penetration (hence, Carthage is last in the league in assists), and you don't take care of the ball in general, a lousy a:to is the inevitable result.

I'm sure that Tim's not happy about it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2022, 02:43:03 PM
here are the regional rankings covering games through Sunday Feb 13 :
https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-women/d3/regional-rankings-0
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2022, 05:14:59 PM
Should IWU and MU win out, which seems plausible . . . and share the CCIW regular season championship, I think it would be cool for Olivia Lett and Mia Smith to share the Coach of the Year honors . . .  Mentor Coach and Mentee Coach -- both having superb years with their teams.  I actually think Mia Smith got more out of her less-talented team than Olivia Lett did out of her very talented team.  Just my view. 

One game to go.  If the roads are cleared, I'll head up to Rock Island for the last Titan games at Augie on Saturday.  My Dad grew up in Rock Island and I always enjoy a stroll down memory lane -- and of many childhood visits to Rock Island to visit my Grandparents.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 05:35:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 17, 2022, 05:14:59 PM
Should IWU and MU win out, which seems plausible . . . and share the CCIW regular season championship, I think it would be cool for Olivia Lett and Mia Smith to share the Coach of the Year honors . . .  Mentor Coach and Mentee Coach -- both having superb years with their teams.  I actually think Mia Smith got more out of her less-talented team than Olivia Lett did out of her very talented team.  Just my view. 

... and yet just a little while ago this afternoon you said pretty much the exact opposite with regard to the relevance of "get more out of her less-talented team, etc." on the men's board with regard to the criteria used for selecting the COY award. You're so transparently self-serving when it comes to Illinois Wesleyan that it's practically painful to watch.

I'd skip over your posts and save myself the exasperation of reading your inane three-times-a-day-like-clockwork drumbeating for your alma mater, but the sad truth is that posts on this particular board are so sparse that you're basically unavoidable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 08:58:22 PM
I probably shouldn't have blown up like that, and I apologize. But ... please, ease up just a little on the IWU drumbeating. Please?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2022, 09:03:22 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 05:35:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 17, 2022, 05:14:59 PM
Should IWU and MU win out, which seems plausible . . . and share the CCIW regular season championship, I think it would be cool for Olivia Lett and Mia Smith to share the Coach of the Year honors . . .  Mentor Coach and Mentee Coach -- both having superb years with their teams.  I actually think Mia Smith got more out of her less-talented team than Olivia Lett did out of her very talented team.  Just my view. 

... and yet just a little while ago this afternoon you said pretty much the exact opposite with regard to the relevance of "get more out of her less-talented team, etc." on the men's board with regard to the criteria used for selecting the COY award. You're so transparently self-serving when it comes to Illinois Wesleyan that it's practically painful to watch.

I'd skip over your posts and save myself the exasperation of reading your inane three-times-a-day-like-clockwork drumbeating for your alma mater, but the sad truth is that posts on this particular board are so sparse that you're basically unavoidable.

At the risk of kicking my fellow Titan (and classmate), I think you're right about his contradiction.  I disagree with the CCIW coaches' 'rule' that the coach of the championship team is automatically the COY - I agree with seemingly the majority in the men's room that the Millikin coach deserves COY over Ron Rose.  But I'll also disagree with Mark about the COY for the women for the same reason - I think Mia deserves it all alone over Olivia, for so far exceeding expectations.  OTOH, Mia has won it several times while it would be Olivia's first, so I'd not be at all upset if Olivia Lett won it all by herself or if it was shared.  I DO think that 'automatically' giving the award to the coach of the champion totally diminishes the award.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 09:20:17 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 17, 2022, 09:03:22 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 05:35:49 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 17, 2022, 05:14:59 PM
Should IWU and MU win out, which seems plausible . . . and share the CCIW regular season championship, I think it would be cool for Olivia Lett and Mia Smith to share the Coach of the Year honors . . .  Mentor Coach and Mentee Coach -- both having superb years with their teams.  I actually think Mia Smith got more out of her less-talented team than Olivia Lett did out of her very talented team.  Just my view. 

... and yet just a little while ago this afternoon you said pretty much the exact opposite with regard to the relevance of "get more out of her less-talented team, etc." on the men's board with regard to the criteria used for selecting the COY award. You're so transparently self-serving when it comes to Illinois Wesleyan that it's practically painful to watch.

I'd skip over your posts and save myself the exasperation of reading your inane three-times-a-day-like-clockwork drumbeating for your alma mater, but the sad truth is that posts on this particular board are so sparse that you're basically unavoidable.

At the risk of kicking my fellow Titan (and classmate), I think you're right about his contradiction.  I disagree with the CCIW coaches' 'rule' that the coach of the championship team is automatically the COY - I agree with seemingly the majority in the men's room that the Millikin coach deserves COY over Ron Rose.  But I'll also disagree with Mark about the COY for the women for the same reason - I think Mia deserves it all alone over Olivia, for so far exceeding expectations.  OTOH, Mia has won it several times while it would be Olivia's first, so I'd not be at all upset if Olivia Lett won it all by herself or if it was shared.  I DO think that 'automatically' giving the award to the coach of the champion totally diminishes the award.

I'm 100% with you on this, Chuck. If I had a vote for 2021-22 COY -- a thought which no doubt makes everybody on Brainard Street as well as every inhabitant of a CCIW head coach's office shudder ;) -- I'd give it to Mia Smith, and Mia Smith alone.

Rog is easily the most impartial voice we have on this board, so I'm interested in hearing whom he'd pick.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 17, 2022, 09:35:01 PM
I can't decide; either Doug Moe or Paul Westhead.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 17, 2022, 10:42:21 PM
Straddling the fence as usual, I see ... even though we all know what a big Westhead guy you are.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2022, 09:14:45 AM
Update policy at Wheaton.  No more restrictions.

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2022/2/17/general-wheaton-athletics-updated-spectator-policy.aspx

So Rog, we'll see you there on Saturday for MU @ WC?  All are welcome of course.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2022, 10:32:33 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 18, 2022, 09:14:45 AM
Update policy at Wheaton.  No more restrictions.

... aside from the mask rule, of course. But, based upon the crowd shots I've seen from recent Wheaton home games, plus what I'm seeing throughout the conference and all throughout D3, I'm guessing that the mask rule is now being winked at in King Arena, anyway. At some point, disregard for a rule becomes so widespread that enforcement becomes impossible and the authorities just give up on it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2022, 12:51:13 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2022, 10:32:33 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 18, 2022, 09:14:45 AM
Update policy at Wheaton.  No more restrictions.

... aside from the mask rule, of course. But, based upon the crowd shots I've seen from recent Wheaton home games, plus what I'm seeing throughout the conference and all throughout D3, I'm guessing that the mask rule is now being winked at in King Arena, anyway. At some point, disregard for a rule becomes so widespread that enforcement becomes impossible and the authorities just give up on it.

All true - very little desire to enforce. 

Plus, it keeps IWU '70 away (but they decided against including that in the press release). . . :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2022, 01:20:30 PM
(https://media.tenor.com/images/8cdc48e61ff7e236c46a006d70761044/tenor.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2022, 01:24:49 PM
That MIL-WHE game is a possibility for me, GoPerry.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2022, 01:45:08 PM
Go Wheaton!

Have fun guys.  Bring home a W for The Thunder!

I'll be at Carver, cheering on my Titans.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2022, 02:01:57 PM
Wait, did somebody just call us funghi?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 18, 2022, 02:25:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2022, 02:01:57 PM
Wait, did somebody just call us funghi?

(https://y.yarn.co/2e893820-f067-4e05-9a34-93071480f455_text.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 18, 2022, 02:46:33 PM
And now for the main reason I logged on this afternoon. Standings check and clinching scenarios.











z-Millikin13-2
z-Illinois Wesleyan13-2
y-Carroll9-6
y-North Park8-7
x-Wheaton7-8
Augustana6-9
North Central6-10
e-Carthage5-10
e-Elmhurst1-14

Millikin locks up the #1 seed with either a win at Wheaton or an Illinois Wesleyan loss at Augustana. The Titans need a win and for the Thunder to knock off the Big Blue if they want to double up on games at the Shirk next weekend.

Seeds 3-5 are all locked in as well. North Park and Wheaton will play at the crackerbox on Tuesday in the 4-5 game. Carroll, meanwhile, will have to have an eye on Rock Island, as the game there will determine our sixth and final participant. Augie is win-and-in. If the Titans pick up the road win, North Central gets the six seed and will make the trip up to Waukesha on Tuesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2022, 03:04:44 PM
lmitzel, your standings feature a Z Z top.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 18, 2022, 03:58:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2022, 03:04:44 PM
lmitzel, your standings feature a Z Z top.

Rog,  you need to take this on the road  . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 18, 2022, 04:42:50 PM
Roosevelt Road, at 4:58 pm.  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on February 18, 2022, 07:31:31 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2022, 04:42:50 PM
Roosevelt Road, at 4:58 pm.  :)
Quote from: GoPerry on February 18, 2022, 03:58:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 18, 2022, 03:04:44 PM
lmitzel, your standings feature a Z Z top.

Rog,  you need to take this on the road  . . .

"Cheap Sunglasses" or "Sharp-Dressed Man" playing. . . take your pick--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2022, 11:22:07 AM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen for making the College Sports Information Directors Of America all-district team :
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/cosidaallamerican.sidearmsports.com/documents/2022/2/17/Acad_BasketW_2021_22.pdf
Her 3.87 GPA (out of 4 possible) is an impressive accomplishment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2022, 02:14:57 PM
note to GoPerry : I won't be at King Arena today ... opting to view portions of the four games online
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 19, 2022, 06:02:04 PM
Carroll 84
North Park 50

Jayla Johnson: 25 pts (10-16 FG), 9 rebs
Josie Summerville: 12 pts, 12 rebs

Olivia Rangel: 22 pts, 3:0 a:to, 7 stls
Chloe Halverson: 17 pts, 4 stls
Allison Thompson: 16 pts (6-9 FG)
Brooke Foster: 5:1 a:to
Katie Evans: 5 stls

Obviously a terrible day for the Vikings, but that's OK for two reasons: 1) the Vikings accomplished what they needed to accomplish on Wednesday night when they clinched a home game in the CCIW tourney quarterfinals; and 2) Emily Czuhajewski saw her first game action since she injured her left leg on January 19. She only played six minutes, and had no real impact on the game, but getting her back is huge for NPU.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2022, 07:05:16 PM
Carthage 56, Elmhurst 37
CTG : 14 pts by Addison Ebeling via 8 FG att (.875 eFG%)
11 pts by Ayanna Ester via 7 FG att (.786 eFG%)
Kelsey Coshun 9 pts 8 rebs; 3 steals by Lauren Herrmann; Lauren Knight had 4 assists and took a hit to the nose, sending her to the sideline to get the bleeding stopped --- she did return to play later in the contest.
ELM : Marissa Urso led with 10 pts, as the Bluejays also got 9 each from Ella Riley (3 of 5 threes) and Kate Matthews (plus 6 rebs). Taylor Harazin led both teams with 10 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 19, 2022, 08:05:35 PM
IWU topped Augie, 65-62, but it wasn't enough to bring the tourney to the Shirk, as Millikin topped Wheaton by 20, 83-63.

Elyce Knudson went off for 41.  I surrender: she is already as good as Kendall Sosa!  (But she's gonna have to win national POY before I'll admit she's as good as her coach! ;))

While I won't make it there in person, in spirit see y'all at the Griz. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2022, 10:27:07 PM
Knudsen.
Kaia Bowen scored 18 to lead the Titans in that 65-62 win. Those 18 included game-sealing free throws in the waning moments.
She also had 5 rebs, 2 blocks and a steal.
Brooke Lansford scored 13 via 9 FG att (.722 eFG%), while Katelyn Heller had 4 assists and 13 pts.
Lauren Huber helped IWU's cause with 10 pts and 9 rebs.
Augie got 22 pts from Macy Beinborn. Gabriela Loiz rang up 14 pts, 13 rebs and 7 assists.
Emma Berg scored 13.
Additionally, the Vikings got 9 rebs by Lauren Hall and 8 by Emily Brenneisen.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2022, 10:50:02 PM
Millikin 83-63 at Wheaton --
Elyce Knudsen shot the lights out and presumably will be billed for the replacements and installation at King Arena.
She made 5/5 3FGs, 12/14 2FGs and 2/2 FTs for a sum of 41.
The 39 points from 19 FG att yield a superb 1.026 effective FG pct.
Teammate Jordan Hildebrand did quite well herself, 6/9 2FG, 5/6 FTs for 17 pts and 4 assists.
Chelsea McCullum had 5 assists and Sophie Darden grabbed 7 rebs. Other Big Blue players were useful too, of course.
Wheaton got 23 pts (including .733 eFG%) from Hannah Swider.
Caroline Sikkink was productively energetic (or energetically productive) with 14 pts, 5 assists and 3 steals.
Annika Richardson scored an even dozen. Other Thunder players were useful too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2022, 02:44:33 AM
A tough, tight game at Carver, IWU sharing the CCIW regular season championship.  Yes, it's back to The Griz.  :(

Bowen was the key in this one, making all the key FTs in the last two minutes, to seal the deal in a very close game. 

I was very impressed with Beinborn -- 22 points. 
Loiz 14 and 13
Berg 13

For IWU:
Bowen 18 and 5
Lansford 13
Heller 13
Huber 10 and 9

IWU lucky to win this one, shooting it rather poorly at 35% from the field and 22% from three.  Key stat was again winning the TO line 19-9, but being out-rebounded 31-40.

Great regular season for the Titans -- my congrats to Coach Smith, all the staff and all the players for winning a share of the regular season CCIW championship.  You'all certainly surprised me and greatly over-achieved.  IMHO

IWU will have to play better than they did tonight to win the rubber match with MU on their blue court, if it comes to that.

I long drive, but a satisfying result.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2022, 02:05:34 PM
I'm getting a headache trying to narrow a list for "my opinion / not a prediction" 16 players for all-CCIW. Too many reasonable options!
I bet several coaches have headaches from trying to narrow down their nominations. So many players have excelled in several games but haven't accumulated season stats that make them obvious choices. Carroll has a bunch of such players. IWU has a handful too.
Setting that aside, I think Newcomer of the Year comes down to Olivia Rangel or Lauren Huber, with Annika Richardson not far behind.
Incidentally, while looking at stats, I found a player who has shot over 78% (18 of 23) on 2FGs and rebounds 31 per 100 min.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2022, 02:17:56 PM
Good luck, RogK -- not an easy task. Some obvious choices but many who made important contributions but not with the obvious stats.

My vote for MOP goes now to Knudsen, as on the winning conference co-Champion -- Lansford and Jayla Johnson obviously first team All-CCIW.  Huber has my vote for newcomer . . .

I wish there was a defensive player of the year award . . . I'd vote for Bowen . . . she was the difference in the game last night, with key rebounds, boxing out, being fouled in crunch time, making 5-5 FTs in the last two minutes.  Catie Eck now very near the all-time blocks record for the IWU program, likely topping Shelby Jackson for career blocks.

Beinborn was very impressive last night at Carver, almost getting her team over the hump, beating IWU.  Not quite.  IWU made tons of errors, had many missed shots, lay-ups.  I think Coach Smith was very frustrated.  It's lucky she doesn't pull out her hair!

Now a rest week, recouping week for the Titans, for MU . . . and the tournament next weekend -- Friday Saturday.  Men's tournament at The Shirk.

Rock Island a long drive, but a fun afternoon and evening, two good games, nice outcomes . . . and time after the game with great Augie friends from China and Vietnam -- not back to B/N til almost 2 a.m. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2022, 05:54:09 PM
my opinion / not a prediction ...
== 1st team :
Jayla Johnson (Most Outstanding, by the slightest margin over Knudsen)
Elyce Knudsen
Brooke Lansford
Jordan Hildebrand
Olivia Rangel
Lauren Huber
Gabriela Loiz
Elle Sutter (I hadn't realized that she ranked up there in so many conference-play stat categories)
== 2nd team :
Kate Christian
Hannah Swider
Bailey Coffman
Esther Miller
Annika Richardson
Macy Beinborn
Lauren Knight
Kate Matthews
--- probably 8 or 9 others would easily be Honorable Mention if that was awarded
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2022, 09:00:07 PM
RogK, interesting.  I don't know all the teams well enough to really say . . .

I don't see Huber making first team this year.  A great freshmen year, the top newcomer in my view, but perhaps not first team.  Maybe Swider first team. 

IWU so balanced, hard to decide who else is deserving . . . Heller was great the last 7-8 games.  Bowen if defense is important, but unlikely making
All-CCIW, though I think she is very deserving.  She had a great game last night at Augie, really the difference in winning that game and leading to IWU's sharing the league regular season crown with MU. 

We'll know soon enough.

Who do you have winning the play-in games on Tuesday?

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2022, 09:27:35 PM
I don't predict games, but others may enjoy doing so.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 21, 2022, 12:14:38 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 20, 2022, 05:54:09 PM
my opinion / not a prediction ...
== 1st team :
Jayla Johnson (Most Outstanding, by the slightest margin over Knudsen)
Elyce Knudsen
Brooke Lansford
Jordan Hildebrand
Olivia Rangel
Lauren Huber
Gabriela Loiz
Elle Sutter (I hadn't realized that she ranked up there in so many conference-play stat categories)
== 2nd team :
Kate Christian
Hannah Swider
Bailey Coffman
Esther Miller
Annika Richardson
Macy Beinborn
Lauren Knight
Kate Matthews
--- probably 8 or 9 others would easily be Honorable Mention if that was awarded

My prediction (not an opinion ... well, OK, it's an opinion, but it's a prediction opinion, not a personal-preference opinion like Rog's):

first team
Jordan Hildebrand, MU *
Jayla Johnson, NPU *
Lauren Knight, CC
Elyce Knudsen, MU *
Brooke Lansford, IWU *
Gabriela Loiz, AC *
Elle Sutter, NCC
Hannah Swider, WC

second team
Macy Beinborn, AC
Kate Christian, CU
Taylor Harazin, EU
Lauren Huber, IWU
Esther Miller, NPU
Kate Palmer, IWU
Olivia Rangel, CU
Annika Richardson, WC

* unanimous pick

Lori Kerans Most Outstanding Player: Jayla Johnson, NPU (I agree with Rog that she'll barely edge out Knudsen, mostly because of seniority)
Beth Baker Coach of the Year: Olivia Lett, MU and Mia Smith, IWU (I hate to say this, but I sense that the women's coaches are heading down the same dark path long taken by their men's coach peers.)
CCIW Newcomer of the Year: Lauren Huber, IWU

The fact of the matter is that the coaches are always looking to balance individual performance with team performance when giving out first- and second-team honors every February. And there are certain teams that simply don't allow the paradigm to work perfectly this season. One is Elmhurst. The Bluejays finished dead last at 1-15, five games behind their nearest competitors ... a dreadful campaign by any stretch of the imagination. That's typically a recipe for getting shut out of the All-CCIW awards. But Taylor Harazin finished 13th in scoring (with a double-digit average, always an important marker) and 4th in rebounding, in a season in which there wasn't a host of players who had standout numbers. (The latter point is true because scoring was down considerably this season, but rebounds were more dispersed within teams than usual.) She stands out too much to ignore, especially since a bunch of other players on the list didn't post her kind of numbers.

Then there's Carthage: Dead last in scoring, but second-best in defense. Almost every Firebirds game was a slow-paced defensive slog, with scores that looked like something out of the 1970s in terms of the women's game. How do you figure in the Firebirds when the awards are so statistically-based? Lauren Knight was their best offensive player, but she was nothing special, numbers-wise. If we were going off of simple eye test, someone could say that the most impressive Carthage player was Bridget Barrett. But you have to squeeze in a Carthage player somewhere, because you can't shut out a 6-10 team -- especially when you're awarding a 1-15 team with a spot. Under the circumstances, Knight's a legit choice for second team, at least. But the Carthage player almost has to be a first-teamer for balance. So Knight gets the nod.

Carroll poses problems. Terrific team, but a lot of what makes the Pioneers terrific is Lindsay Schultz's reliable depth. She had to use it liberally, because injuries and Covid cost her team a lot of player-minutes. So you have to sort through all of that when making your All-CCIW selections that, according to the way the coaches pick them, has to reflect Carroll's prominence in the standings by awarding CU a first-team player and a second-team player, especially since three teams that finished well below the Pioneers in the standings are going to get a first-teamer and a second-teamer each as well. But you really can't do it -- Olivia Rangel just isn't a first-teamer, no matter how hard you try to justify it, even when compared to Carthage's Lauren Knight -- so you have to settle for picking a couple of Pioneers for second team and then steel yourself to face Lindsay Schultz's ire.

Finally, you have a problem with the two teams at the top. Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan have to be balanced out to reflect their tie, but you can't do it. MU is the only team in the league that has two clear-cut first-teamers in Knudsen and Hildebrand (the Big Blue has a very deserving second-teamer as well in Bailey Coffman who's gonna get shafted, but that's another matter). IWU, however, has only one clear-cut first-teamer, Brooke Lansford. So I predict that the coaches will try to split the difference by awarding the Titans an extra second-teamer, even though Kate Palmer really doesn't merit it over, say, Coffman or Lauren Hall. Coaches always reward offense over defense, so Palmer will get the nod for that third Titans spot over Bowen or Eck.

This should be interesting. I'm waiting with bated breath for the coaches to make a fool out of me on (presumably) Tuesday. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2022, 11:26:58 AM
Many interesting points, good arguments, Greg.

I just wish the coaches would award defense and give Kaia Bowen the nod.  Palmer will have her day and be All-Conference I'm sure in coming years.  Likely Mallory Powers as well.  In several big games for IWU in this latter part of the season when the Titans needed to win out, Kaia Bowen was the difference.   

Maybe they make Knudsen and Jayla co-MOPers this year?

The announcement this week, right?

IWU'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2022, 11:50:41 AM
We here expect the awards to be announced Tuesday.
Remember there are 9 votes, so a tie requires at least three people to receive a vote, no? 4-4-1? Or abstentions?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2022, 04:49:16 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Elyce Knudsen! Her 3rd of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: D-3 watcher on February 21, 2022, 05:31:42 PM
Elyce Knudsen, should be and will be MOP. She can do everything but guard the opposing post and do it well. The fact that she's just a sophomore shouldn't and won't factor in. The fact that it's most outstanding player instead of most valuable player actually hurts her. Most valuable would be an easy win seeing how Millikan finished first and is hosting the tournament.
Jayla Johnson is a great player as well, I would think an easy unanimous first team selection. She certainly had a great season. Hopefully coaches outside the CCIW recognize this and more accolades are coming. And I'm sure she's not giving the tournament's title up just yet.
In my mind, if I'm picking the best player in the conference, you have to ask if you had the first pick to start your team, who are you taking?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2022, 11:27:17 PM
D-3, some very good points about Knudsen.  She's likely to be named MOP. 

If IWU and MU get to their re-match, rubber match on Saturday evening, it will be very interesting again to see how Mia Smith and the Titans decide to defend Knudsen and the other Big Blue players . . .  IWU will have to play much better than they did in the first half at The Griz last time, and also better than they played in struggling to beat Augie on Saturday night.  Home court surely an advantage for Olivia Lett and the Big Blue . . . if it comes to that game.  Maybe it's Carroll vs. IWU on Friday . . . and NPU vs. Millikin ?  Those are tough games for the #1 and #2 seeds. . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2022, 08:28:04 AM
I think MOP is still a toss up between Knudsen and Johnson.  Knudsen's 41 pt performance on Saturday separated herself on the scoring stat from Johnson.  But Johnson's 18.5 ppg / 8.5 rpg can't be ignored for what it is even though she's not as flashy as Knudsen.  Both are about the same size but play different positions.  I would still go with Johnson but barely.

I think Bailey Coffman is solidly on the 2nd team.  I don't think Wheaton will get a second player after Swider.  But if they do it will be Cassel, not Richardson.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2022, 11:14:09 AM
I wonder how close the voting was, but there's one for Knudsen (https://cciw.org/news/2022/2/22/cciw-announces-2022-all-conference-womens-basketball-team.aspx).

Thrilled for Elle Sutter too for earning First Team honors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2022, 12:06:51 PM
2022 Lori Kerans Most Outstanding Student-Athlete
Elyce Knudsen - Millikin

2022 CCIW First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year
Olivia Rangel - Carroll

2022 CCIW Beth Baker Coach of the Year
Olivia Lett - Millikin
--
Two Olivias? Could be a conspiracy. Somebody oughta look into that!
Congrats to the above trio!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2022, 12:17:57 PM
CONGRATS TO EACH :
1st team :
Gabriela Loiz*       Augustana
Brooke Lansford*  Illinois Wesleyan
Jordan Hildebrand* Millikin   
Jayla Johnson*    North Park   
Elyce Knudsen*    Millikin    
Olivia Rangel     Carroll    
Lauren Huber     Illinois Wesleyan   
Elle Sutter    North Central   

2nd team
Macy Beinborn    Augustana   
Kate Christian    Carroll   
Taylor Harazin    Elmhurst   
Bailey Coffman    Millikin   
Emily Czuhajewski North Park   
Esther Miller    North Park   
Annika Richardson Wheaton   
Hannah Swider      Wheaton
* indicates unanimous selection; there may have been several unanimous 2nd team selections, but we are not told!  ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2022, 01:20:34 PM
I'm disappointed, but not surprised, that Elyce Knudsen won MOP over Jayla Johnson. It's not as though I can grouse about the recipient being undeserving. I've already put everyone who reads this board on notice that nobody's ever been named the MOP of CCIW women's basketball three times; Knudsen began her march towards that unprecedented achievement today.

As for Jayla, she joins some elite company today as well. She is only the sixteenth player in CCIW women's basketball history to be named to the All-CCIW team four times -- she joins Rachel Pearson Bernero as the second North Park player to achieve that honor -- and she is now part of a very charmed circle indeed of CCIW players who've been All-CCIW first-teamers three times. That circle includes Augie's Katy Hulin (1989-91), Carthage's Morgan Harris (2016-18), Elmhurst's Lyndsie Long (2008-10) and Mikaela Eppard (2016-18), Illinois Wesleyan's Rebekah Ehresman (2016-18), Millikin's K.C. Hammond (1998-00) and Lindsay Ippel (2006-09), North Central's Amanda Orsburn (1999-01), Wheaton's Stephanie Clark (1994-97), Katie McDaniels (2015-17), and Hannah Frazier (2018-20), and now Jayla. (Clark is the only quadruple first-teamer in CCIW women's basketball history.)

What I am pleasantly shocked to see is that Emily Czuhajewski was named to the All-CCIW team. She missed eight of NPU's sixteen CCIW games, and only had a six-minute cameo in the regular season finale at Carroll, and that's typically too much time missed for a player to be named to the All-CCIW team. The least amount of time that I can ever recall seeing a CCIW basketball player log in league play and still be named to the All-CCIW team was in 1989-90, when Illinois Wesleyan's Jeff Kuehl was named to the All-CCIW men's basketball team despite playing in only eleven of his team's sixteen CCIW games due to a broken wrist. (He wore an elbow-length plaster cast on his arm when he returned from injury, something that wouldn't be allowed today.) The idea that somebody could miss not just five CCIW games but an entire round-robin and still be named to the All-CCIW team was something I didn't even contemplate. Well, kudos to the CCIW women's basketball head coaches for not only contemplating it but doing it. Emily would've been a first-teamer had she stayed healthy, since her numbers and her impact warranted it, but it's right and proper that if the coaches were willing to stick their neck out and set precedent by awarding a player who played, realistically speaking, less than half of the CCIW season, they should relegate her to second team.

Congratulations to all, but especially to Jayla, Emily, and Esther Miller!

Quote from: lmitzel on February 22, 2022, 11:14:09 AM
Thrilled for Elle Sutter too for earning First Team honors.

She certainly earned it, even though she wasn't a unanimous pick.

Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2022, 12:17:57 PM
* indicates unanimous selection; there may have been several unanimous 2nd team selections, but we are not told!  ;)

No CCIW sport indicates unanimous second-team selection picks when its coaches release their All-CCIW teams. Noting unanimous first-team selections is used to mark a special honor that sort of sets a secondary elite status midway between generic first-team and being named MOP.

As for the rest of the picks, the coaches did seem to deviate quite a bit from past precedents. NPU, although finishing only fourth, landed more players on the All-CCIW team than did anybody else. Carthage, although tied with Augustana and North Central for sixth while outdistancing lowly Elmhurst by five games, got shut out entirely; in fact, Augie had two selections to Carthage's zero, despite the two teams finishing in a tie.

All in all, it really looks like the coaches emphasized merit far more than the final standings, which I think is a welcome move. It allowed people such as Taylor Harazin and Bailey Coffman, whom I think really deserved to be on the list, to make it.

I am somewhat amused by Olivia Lett being the sole pick for the Beth Baker Award. Given that Team A (Millikin) was picked by the coaches in the preseason to win the league and Team B (Illinois Wesleyan) was picked to finish in a tie for third, and Team A and Team B ended up as co-champions, you'd think that the COY prize would either be shared (as the men's coaches insist upon doing whenever there are co-champs) or be awarded to the coach of Team B. Politics, maybe? Is one or more of Mia Smith's peers throwing her some shade?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2022, 01:50:03 PM
Greg, aren't you then judging Olivia Lett by pre-season expectations instead of actual results?
Also, didn't you used to say that 60 or 70% of coaching is recruiting? Doesn't Lett deserve credit for assembling a talented roster?
And (there's more!) a tie vote is unlikely with 9 votes cast.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2022, 02:42:35 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2022, 01:50:03 PM
Greg, aren't you then judging Olivia Lett by pre-season expectations instead of actual results?

No, I'm not. I'm judging the CCIW's head coaches, not Olivia Lett, and I'm judging them by their own stated preseason expectations.

If Millikin had won the CCIW by two or three games, then, yeah -- give the Beth Baker Award to Lett. Even if the Big Blue had only won it by a game, I can see a case being made for Lett, since at best IWU would've finished only one spot higher than the coaches had predicted. (Lindsay Schultz would've been a better pick than Mia Smith under those circumstances.) But Millikin was predicted to win the CCIW outright; instead, it finished in a tie atop the standings with a team that was picked to finish in a tie for third. Ergo, actual results don't favor Lett over Smith, and the outcome in light of the coaches' own prediction certainly favors Smith over Lett.

Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2022, 01:50:03 PMAlso, didn't you used to say that 60 or 70% of coaching is recruiting? Doesn't Lett deserve credit for assembling a talented roster?

It's actually more than 70%, if you ask me. She gets all the credit in the world for her recruiting acumen by being able to hoist a copy of the CCIW championship trophy. Besides, doesn't Mia Smith deserve credit for the same reason? And I'd say that by your own measure Smith deserves it more, since, if you're adding recruiting as a criterion to be considered for COY, rather than simply performance in CCIW play (which is the only criterion currently used by the CCIW women's basketball coaches), then you'd have to give it to the head coach who recruited best in this current cycle -- and, since you can only determine that based upon how freshmen played in CCIW games, that would, again, be Mia Smith because of Huber, Palmer, and Powers.

Quote from: RogK on February 22, 2022, 01:50:03 PMAnd (there's more!) a tie vote is unlikely with 9 votes cast.

Votes can be split three or more ways. I'm sure that there have been countless awards votes in CCIW history that were split 4-4-1, for instance.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 22, 2022, 02:50:39 PM
Congratulations to all the honorees.   Nothing too earth shattering to me.   

However, I am rather surprised at Olivia Rangel as Newcomer over Lauren Huber (and surprised that '70 hasn't posted on that yet).  I am also slightly surprised at Rangel's first team selection except perhaps that coaches would feel the need to honor someone from the third place team with one spot on the 1st team AC. 

Both Rog (1st) and Greg (2nd) had her getting the recognition so I take for granted I'm missing something?  I only saw her play twice however.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2022, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 22, 2022, 02:50:39 PM
Congratulations to all the honorees.   Nothing too earth shattering to me.   

However, I am rather surprised at Olivia Rangel as Newcomer over Lauren Huber (and surprised that '70 hasn't posted on that yet).

I was hoping that he wouldn't notice ... and that nobody else would bring it up. ;)

Quote from: GoPerry on February 22, 2022, 02:50:39 PMI am also slightly surprised at Rangel's first team selection except perhaps that coaches would feel the need to honor someone from the third place team with one spot on the 1st team AC.

That's my read on what happened as well.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 22, 2022, 02:50:39 PMBoth Rog (1st) and Greg (2nd) had her getting the recognition so I take for granted I'm missing something?  I only saw her play twice however.

I don't think that Rangel's a first-teamer, and I said so on this board yesterday. But if you had to give the award to someone other than Huber, then it's either Rangel or Kate Matthews -- and I don't think that the coaches would ever bestow a second honor upon a 1-15 team, seeing as how Elmhurst had a different player (Taylor Harazin) named to the All-CCIW team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 22, 2022, 06:10:03 PM
More congrats to #22 Elyce Knudsen on 2 22 22 :
made D3hoops national Team of the Week
named US Basketball Writers' D3 Player of the Week
Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2022, 07:37:50 PM
Guys, I'm not complaining too much.  Yes, I did notice . . . of course.

Yes, I had Huber as newcomer of the year, though I was a bit surprised she made first team All-CCIW.  I had her second team and Swider first team.  But, it's not a big deal.  Good for Lansford and Huber.  Congrats to them and all the other honorees. 

My bigger beef is that IWU only got two players on, given their co-Championship . . .  and some awarded don't meet the mark to me  -- playing only half the games?  and NPU getting three on while finishing where they did?   I don't get that.  Greg, is Esther Miller really deserving of All-Conference?   Maybe she is, but it doesn't align with my view, my vote.  Doesn't meet the "eye test" to me. 

But, it is what it is . . .  most selections seem fine to me.  I'm sure Palmer and Powers will make All-CCIW in future . . . along with more years for Huber as well, . . .  could she be a four-time All-CCIW first teamer?  Perhaps.

As mentioned earlier, I wish the coaches valued defense more and awarded some love to the really great defensive specialists -- like Bowen and some others we could mention around the league. . .  you can see that Lambesis won first team status on the men's side, greatly due to his defense. 

Perhaps there should be a "Defensive Player of the Year" Award in the CCIW, like there is in the NBA.  A thought.

Looking forward to tonight's four CCIW quarter-final games, in the comfort of my warm home.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2022, 07:42:36 PM
In terms of coaching skill and dealing with, making the most of the situation and personnel she had, I, too, feel Mia Smith was more deserving for Coach of the Year than Olivia Lett.  Both did excellent work to get to 14-2 in league play. 

If IWU-MU meet again in the tournament final, we'll see who wins the rubber match . . .  if it comes to that, for the AQ on Saturday.  Not there yet. 

Lett vs. Smith again?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 22, 2022, 10:18:06 PM
Wheaton 63
North Park 54

Jayla Johnson: 17 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls
Chantel Hairston: 16 pts
Esther Miller: 4 stls

Annika Richardson: 21 pts (3-6 trey), 9 rebs
Ellie Cassel: 18 pts (12-14 FT), 14 rebs
Hannah Swider: 12 pts
Caroline Sikkink: 10 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls

On a night in which neither team shot well or took care of the ball, it really came down to rebounds ... and Wheaton's massive 47-28 advantage on the glass was the big difference in Wheaton's upset win. Kent Madsen got a huge game out of Ellie Cassel and, in the second half, Annika Richardson made one shot after another at a moment when it looked as though the Vikings were going to turn the tables.

A sad end to the careers of Jayla Johnson, Emily Czuhajewski (who played one minute and made a bunny, but was simply unable to go beyond that on her bad leg), Lauren Lee, Josie Summerville, Alana Santos, and Nicole Hansen, But, honestly, I thought that Wheaton played with more composure and earned the win. NPU had one last run in it at the end of the game, but they had accumulated so many personal fouls that they couldn't play defense anymore and ended up fouling out one by one.

Congrats to Wheaton on a well-played game and a date in Decatur on Friday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2022, 11:01:43 PM
And in the other game tonight *checks stat page* ...oh. Oh no.

The NCC women outscored the NCC men by a point tonight. Unfortunately, they gave up twice as many as the men did.

Carroll 100
NCC 58

The Pios shot 60 percent from the floor, including 50 percent from deep; they were a blistering 13-18 in the opening ten minutes and the Cardinals just never recovered.

Stephanie Kowalczyk: 14 pts
IxChel Leeuwenburgh: 10-3
Mitrese Smith: 9-4

Olivia Rangel: 27-3-7
Katie Evans: 16 pts
Allison Thompson: 11-4
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2022, 12:02:17 AM
Attended the Wheaton @ North Park game, but not too much to supplement Greg's summary.
Wheaton's height mattered this time. North Park couldn't get many offensive rebounds, only 7 compared to 35 defensive rebs by the Thunder. Both teams' energy/effort was excellent throughout.
I spoke briefly with Wheaton coach Madsen after the game. He said his players enjoyed the loud North Park crowd. Evidently, as they shot 82% at the foul line, not distracted by the banter offered by Viking fans.
Is it possible there could be a 5th season for any of those NP seniors, Greg?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2022, 12:17:36 AM
iwu70, I'll reply to your doubts regarding all-CCIW player Esther Miller.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=15866&org_id=496&stats_player_seq=2276168
If she's not as good a defender as Bowen, she's darned close. Look at all the steals, for example.
Also note the many productive scoring games.
Her rebounding fluctuated, but settled in at a decent 5+ average.
Enjoy the pair of webcasts Friday. We'll see if the IWU game has play-by-play or not.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2022, 12:31:57 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2022, 12:02:17 AM
Is it possible there could be a 5th season for any of those NP seniors, Greg?

Dunno. Usually when they get honored on Senior Day it's a clear intention that they don't intend to come back in the fall. F'rinstance, two of NPU's men's basketball starters, who are both seniors, were not honored on Senior Day, indicating to everyone that they will be back next year.

There's nothing I'd love more than for Jayla to come back; she's a business major, so I suppose it's conceivable that she could enroll as an MBA student. Same thing with Lauren Lee. A number of NPU student-athletes have done that to get in their fourth year of eligibility. Emily's a biomedical sciences major, so my guess is that she'll head off to grad school next year, whether it's med school or for some other medical-related field.

Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2022, 12:17:36 AM
iwu70, I'll reply to your doubts regarding all-CCIW player Esther Miller.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=15866&org_id=496&stats_player_seq=2276168
If she's not as good a defender as Bowen, she's darned close. Look at all the steals, for example.
Also note the many productive scoring games.
Her rebounding fluctuated, but settled in at a decent 5+ average.

Esther's 66 steals this season was the fifth-best total in NPU women's basketball history. (Jayla stole 65, by the way, good for a tie for sixth-best.)

She earned her spot on the second team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2022, 01:18:27 AM
Incidentally, I compliment the NPU staff for including visiting players Swider and Richardson in the pre-game on-court recognition of those who were just awarded all-CCIW status. That was very good sportsmanship.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2022, 08:18:25 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2022, 01:18:27 AM
Incidentally, I compliment the NPU staff for including visiting players Swider and Richardson in the pre-game on-court recognition of those who were just awarded all-CCIW status. That was very good sportsmanship.

I don't want to crap on the moment because I think it's a nice touch, but since it was a conference event they wanted to recognize all the All-CCIW players. They had me recognize the one Millikin all-conference guy in addition to the two NCC guys at the hangar last night.

Was still pretty cool to do pregame, and a nice touch for the visiting awardees too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2022, 08:33:45 AM
Greg, thanks for the background on Miller.  I knew not.  . . .

Congrats to Jayla Johnson on her amazing CCIW career at NPU.

I think the Titans have a huge challenge facing Carroll this Friday, given how well they are playing and their size in the paint, always an issue for the under-sized Titans.  IWU will have to speed up the game as they usually do and get some benefit from TOs and "run and jump."  I expect the Pios to press as well.
Another rubber match, this time on a neutral court.

MU should handle Wheaton pretty easily, IMHO.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 23, 2022, 10:05:40 AM
Congrats to the Thunder ladies on their victory and moving on to extend the season.  The huge rebounding advantage does stick out as well as the huge # of free throw attempts of 34 (averaging 15 fta/game).  They also converted at 82.4%, also over their average of 73%.  The Vikes certainly had their chances to squeeze the lead but just couldn't convert the key shots when they needed it.

The first quarter was representative of what has plagued the team this year – difficulty scoring ( 1of 8, 5 pts) and taking care of the ball (7 turnovers).  The second was an illustration of their potential if it could be harnessed – 9/17 for 26 pts, 2 turnovers.  Again, it is a pretty young team out there.

They have their work cut out for them vs the Big Blue and MOP Knudsen on Friday.  Last Saturday, the Thunder actually played decently against Millikin at King.  But #22 for MU had one of those unstoppable games and Wheaton also got smoked on the boards (-17 / -9 offense).  So Madsen and crew know what they need to work on to be in the game Friday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2022, 10:37:01 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on February 23, 2022, 08:18:25 AM
Quote from: RogK on February 23, 2022, 01:18:27 AM
Incidentally, I compliment the NPU staff for including visiting players Swider and Richardson in the pre-game on-court recognition of those who were just awarded all-CCIW status. That was very good sportsmanship.

I don't want to crap on the moment because I think it's a nice touch, but since it was a conference event they wanted to recognize all the All-CCIW players. They had me recognize the one Millikin all-conference guy in addition to the two NCC guys at the hangar last night.

Was still pretty cool to do pregame, and a nice touch for the visiting awardees too.

I don't know if it's a league-wide policy or not, but even if it isn't it's pretty de rigueur throughout the league by this point. This past fall I watched a CCIW women's volleyball tourney quarterfinal at Faganel between North Park and Elmhurst, and before the match started the Vikings and Bluejays All-CCIW players were announced and awarded with their plaques, and the RESPECT Award winners of both teams were announced as well.

The nice thing about what NPU did last night was that the official Vikings photographers took pictures of the All-CCIW honorees at center court after the announcements, and all five players (three from North Park, two from Wheaton) were included in the photos both individually and collectively. I don't know what they did or didn't do in the hangar last night with the North Central and Millikin men with respect to photographs, but they didn't do the inclusive photography segment in Faganel this past fall before the volleyball quarterfinal.

At any rate, if this is indeed an official conference policy now, this is the CCIW doing what the CCIW is supposed to be doing: Adding value to the student-athlete experience of its nine schools.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2022, 11:22:32 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 23, 2022, 08:33:45 AM
Congrats to Jayla Johnson on her amazing CCIW career at NPU.

Jayla's legacy in the NPU women's basketball record book:

* 4th in career points (1480)
* 3rd in career points per game (16.3)
* 9th in career rebounds (648)
* 4th in career field goals (593)
* 3rd in career field goal percentage (.511)
* 8th in career free throws (285)
* 7th in career steals (191)
* 4th in career steals per game (2.10)
* 7th in career blocks (52)
* 6th in season points (459, 2021-22)
* 7th in season points per game (19.1, 2021-22)
* 8th in season field goals (171, 2019-20)
* 10th in season field goal percentage (.535, 2018-19)
* 7th in season free throws (115, 2021-22)
* 2nd in season free throw percentage (.863, 2021-22)
* 6th in season steals (65, 2021-22)
* 6th in season steals per game (2.71, 2021-22)

Her stats illustrate just how well she excelled at both ends of the floor, and how she did so over the entire course of her career from the moment she started North Park's opener her freshman season. And one statistic where you won't find her name is career most games played, thanks to the large chunk of her junior season that was erased by the Covid pandemic. She played in 91 games, which I don't think even puts her within the top fifty all-time in North Park's program history. That makes her achievements even more remarkable in terms of the counting stats.

I warmly commend Jayla upon her achievements, because, for all of the intensity and ferocity of her demeanor on the court, off the court she is a sweet and mild-mannered Christian woman. That's exactly the sort of off-switch/on-switch persona North Park women's basketball is looking for, especially because, in her case, it was accompanied by an emphatically unselfish "team first" personal philosophy. And yet, here's hoping that for 2022-23 Amanda Crockett and Annie Shain bring in a freshman who will go on to have a career that surpasses Jayla's. Heck, two of 'em would be even better. ;)

(Vikings alumnae Liz Rehberger and Amani Davis were at the game last night, sitting behind the NPU bench as they often do. Jayla passed Liz for fourth place on the all-time career scoring list up in Waukesha on Saturday evening, so I teased Liz about Jayla pushing her down to fifth. Liz expressed surprise that Jayla had caught her, then shrugged and said what every loyal former athlete ought to say: "Oh, well ... records are made to be broken." Amen to that.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2022, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 23, 2022, 08:33:45 AM
I think the Titans have a huge challenge facing Carroll this Friday,

Wouldn't shock me even one little bit if Carroll advances to Saturday's championship game. The Pioneers are outstanding, they appear to finally be healthy, and they're peaking at the right time. Lindsay Schultz is building quite a juggernaut up there in suburban Milwaukee, and she deserves some plaudits for it. It's not easy to build a CCIW winner at Carroll in any sport. Carroll's overall athletics history as a CCIW member, both prior to 1992 and since 2016, is a testament to just how hard it is to build a team that excels in the CCIW when your school is located in a state that contains an entire D3 conference of public schools -- public schools that are comparatively large in size and scope and are extraordinarily powerful and successful athletically at this level while offering a college education that costs a fraction of what your school asks of its students.

Carthage gets around that problem because it's located practically on the Illinois border, and two-thirds of its students are FIBs. (Carthage used to match Illinois state aid, but I don't think that the school can manage to cover the full boat anymore.) Carroll is too far north to rely as heavily upon suburban Chicagolanders as Carthage does, although some Pioneers sports programs do feature more Illinois-based student-athletes nowadays than was the case in the earlier era of Carroll's CCIW membership. Women's basketball, however, is not one of them; Schultz's current roster of Pioneers is very cheese-centric.

Quote from: GoPerry on February 23, 2022, 10:05:40 AMThey have their work cut out for them vs the Big Blue and MOP Knudsen on Friday.  Last Saturday, the Thunder actually played decently against Millikin at King.  But #22 for MU had one of those unstoppable games and Wheaton also got smoked on the boards (-17 / -9 offense).  So Madsen and crew know what they need to work on to be in the game Friday.

Wheaton won't go down without a fight, but the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance simply doesn't match up well with the Big Blue. Olivia Lett undoubtedly watched the WC @ NPU game last night and saw how much trouble Wheaton had getting the ball across midcourt against North Park's press -- and it's not as though the Vikings press often, or have the personnel to do so. If Wheaton can slow down the game and somehow manage to take much better care of the ball, it can hang around on Friday. But I don't see Millikin allowing that; I suspect that the Big Blue will dictate tempo, run the court (and rob the ball) too much for Wheaton's liking, and win handily.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: blue_jays on February 23, 2022, 02:20:36 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 23, 2022, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 23, 2022, 08:33:45 AM
I think the Titans have a huge challenge facing Carroll this Friday,
Carthage gets around that problem because it's located practically on the Illinois border, and two-thirds of its students are FIBs. (Carthage used to match Illinois state aid, but I don't think that the school can manage to cover the full boat anymore.) Carroll is too far north to rely as heavily upon suburban Chicagolanders as Carthage does, although some Pioneers sports programs do feature more Illinois-based student-athletes nowadays than was the case in the earlier era of Carroll's CCIW membership. Women's basketball, however, is not one of them; Schultz's current roster of Pioneers is very cheese-centric.

Now I gotta figure out how to use cheese-centric in future convos.
I remember when the UChicago women played Carroll back in 2016 and smashed them 83-38. That Carroll team had exactly one good player and a lot of flotsam. Kudos to the Pioneers for turning things around.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2022, 02:28:44 PM
Jayla Johnson's career at NPU very impressive indeed.

I think the Titans will be ready to play on Friday, knowing they didn't play well at all up at Carroll, splitting the two games during the regular season.  I know Mia Smith was particularly upset about how the Titans played up there . . . so I expect full energy and preparation for Friday night at The Griz.  That loss prevented the Titans from winning the CCIW regular season championship outright. Carroll's size is a tough match-up for the Titans, so key will be as usual:  win the TO line, shoot the three ball relatively well, and try to keep the rebounding line within reason.  If the Titans speed up the game, play their normal tough half-court D in the paint and on the perimeter, get some benefit from the "run and jump" pressure, and get to 70 on the offensive end, I think they will win the game.  A neutral court, that horrible blue floor!  :(   The Titans need to get off to a good start . . .

I share the view that MU will handle Wheaton pretty easily in the second semi-final game on Friday evening.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2022, 09:31:14 PM
Second regional rankings up:

For Region 8:

Tranzy
WI Lutheran
Millikin
IWU
Carroll
North Park U
Wheaton
St. Norbert

Looks like IWU has possible two rubber matches with teams just below, just above it in the regional rankings . . . a real opportunity Friday to help out, and on Saturday, if they get there, to win the AQ.

Four regionally ranked teams playing each other this weekend at The Griz . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2022, 07:45:41 PM
One advantage that the current group of IWU regulars has is that basically anyone who gets a defensive rebound can take off with it dribbling and explore fast break opportunities.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 25, 2022, 09:22:09 PM
Final in the first game from the Griz: IWU 65, Carroll 60.

Millikin up by 6 entering the 4th against Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 25, 2022, 09:58:55 PM
Yes Mr Ypsi, in that 65-60 victory, the Titans scored 27 from threeland while the Pios made just one for 3 pts.
Lauren Huber led IWU with 19 pts (9/13 2FG and a free throw) and 9 rebs. Her 4 offensive rebs were key, I thought, in preventing Carroll from regaining momentum.
Catie Eck and Mallory Powers tallied 12 each. Powers had 4 steals and 7 rebs.
Brooke Lansford had 0 turnovers, 11 pts and 6 assists.
For Carroll, Olivia Rangel poured in 22 pts, while Elizabeth Behrndt had 14 pts and 11 rebs. Chloe Halverson helped via 11 pts and 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2022, 10:07:08 PM
Millikin 70
Wheaton 61

Wheaton led 8-0 after the first quarter  . .  in turnovers that is.  The just plain sloppy passing is maddening to watch. 

The scoreboard after one was 24-13 Big Blue.  Wheaton brought it back to within 4 at halftime and were pretty much in the game for most of the second half.  But they were just overmatched from a skill level and MU eventually pulled away. 

The Thunder season ends with some things to look forward to and plenty to work on.  Both Annika Richardson and Carolyn Sikkink have plenty of upside on the offensive end.  And overall the team is young with lots of returners in Schwen, Cassell, Hermanson with lots of trial-by-fire playing time.  And a healthy Annie Tate won't hurt.  Wheaton played fairly solid defense tonight against a team with lots of firepower.  Schwen especially did a really good job containing Knudsen tonight and taking away her space. 

I suppose some of the sloppiness is inexperience.  But it's mystifying they did not get any better taking care of the ball by the season's end when it was plain as day how much it was hurting them.  Coaching.

Best of luck to seniors Hannah Swider, Taylor Sanders and Paris Chaney.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2022, 11:02:08 PM
Well, the Titans won their first rubber match with Carroll, living by the three ball, winning the TO line, and battling hard.  Powers had one of her best games, Huber too.  No TOs by Lansford always a great plus.

Now a second rubber match for the AQ vs. MU tomorrow at 5.  Keep it rolling Titans.  Start strong and don't get down early. 

Not sure if IWU will get a bid without winning the AQ.  I think rather unlikely with 9 losses, were that to happen.  But, at least they will be pretty high up in the regional rankings, could get to the table for consideration, now that they've pushed Carroll back down further.  Good record of wins against regionally ranked teams, but I don't think 18-9 gets you in . . . so gotta go out there and beat MU tomorrow -- game at 5 p.m., in that famous, favorite-of mine, gym, The Griz!  LOL 

Congrats to the Titans on their semis win.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 12:23:11 AM
Hey, Mark.  I always LIKED the Griz.  (Of course, it has been 50+ years since I've seen it! ;))  I was there mainly to see IWU vs. Jesse Price - at least arguably the greatest CCIW player ever.  (No offense intended to Jack Sikma, Steve Durikovic, etc.)

Has the Griz deteriorated a bit since then? :(  (Perhaps not been cleaned since then? ::))
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2022, 12:43:31 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 12:23:11 AM
Hey, Mark.  I always LIKED the Griz.  (Of course, it has been 50+ years since I've seen it! ;))  I was there mainly to see IWU vs. Jesse Price - at least arguably the greatest CCIW player ever.  (No offense intended to Jack Sikma, Steve Durikovic, etc.)

Wow, that is a serious butchering of "Djurickovic," Chuck.

But at least I've never seen you spell "Helwig" with two l's. ;)
Title: Q
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2022, 08:24:23 AM
Ypsi, they re-did The Griz a few times since your days there with Jesse Price -- now an ugly blue / gray floor.  The place is pretty worse for wear, with the feeling and smell of dis-repair.  I think it's a horrible place, but some do like its old-time, Hoosiers feel . . .  but, poor seating, very small restrooms, and a public address system so loud and unintelligible it gives you a headache.

I guess Greg is the CCIW chatsters spell-checker now.  One would think he has more important things to do. 

IWU men in with a Pool C for sure.  Likely Wheaton and Elmhurst too.  I hope the IWU women can grab the AQ with their second rubber match game, a win over MU tonight.  I think it's a very steep hill to climb.  Knudsen and all her experienced teammates playing very well right now.  Beating MU on their floor would be a great achievement. 

I hope to see you in late April for our 51st and half as our 50th reunion.  Do sign-up now . . . so we know the number.  I'm hoping for at least 70 to finally appear, in person and on campus, after the two postponements.  All best.

IWU'70
Title: Re: Q
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2022, 11:22:07 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 26, 2022, 08:24:23 AMI guess Greg is the CCIW chatsters spell-checker now.  One would think he has more important things to do.

Nothing's more important than tradition. And you can bet all the corn in Manito that I'm going to keep alive the CCIW boards tradition of needling you about your spelling of the names of players and coaches.  ;)

Koschnitzky and Bosko wouldn't have it any other way. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2022, 11:34:46 AM
I knew that Wheaton was going to give up a pile of turnovers last night, because, as GoPerry said, that's been the m.o. of the Orange and Blue down the stretch. Over their previous four games coming into last night, Wheaton had given up an average of 20.5 turnovers per game, and last night's performance was pretty much on target for that as well. But I was surprised at how Kent Madsen's crew refused to let Millikin put them away last night in spite of the turnovers. Caroline Sikkink and her 20 points obviously had a lot to do with Wheaton's doggedness, and that brings up a very good point about how sometimes a player from whom much hasn't been expected in terms of scoring will step up in the post-season and allow a team to do something it otherwise wouldn't have been able to do. That's a big part of the fun of late February and of March.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 03:17:55 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2022, 12:43:31 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 12:23:11 AM
Hey, Mark.  I always LIKED the Griz.  (Of course, it has been 50+ years since I've seen it! ;))  I was there mainly to see IWU vs. Jesse Price - at least arguably the greatest CCIW player ever.  (No offense intended to Jack Sikma, Steve Durikovic, etc.)

Wow, that is a serious butchering of "Djurickovic," Chuck.

But at least I've never seen you spell "Helwig" with two l's. ;)

I USED to be able to spell Djurickovic - he (they) just haven't been in the news enough lately!  Because of the pronunciation (which I still can do ;)), I don't know how I could have left out the 'j'; I initially spelled his name with a 'ck', but talked myself into dropping the 'c'.  If I was gonna be too lazy to look up the spelling, maybe I should have stuck with Kent Raymond or Aston Francis  instead of Steve for my addition to Jack! ;D

And, no, I've never added an extra 'l' to Helwig - perhaps Ethan will suffer that fate in a year or two! :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2022, 05:13:16 PM
Over on the UAA WBB pages, deiscanton pointed out that the D3 WBB bracket will be announced Monday afternoon (1:30pm Central).
For some reason, I was thinking it would be on Sunday.
Anyway, 64 teams will be happy to be included but 48 of them will be set aside by the end of next Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2022, 07:46:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 03:17:55 PM
And, no, I've never added an extra 'l' to Helwig - perhaps Ethan will suffer that fate in a year or two! :P

That was actually a light-hearted jab aimed at your classmate, who recently drew the ire of two or three NCC posters on the CCIW men's basketball board by spelling the surname of the Cardinals' superstar as though it was a tribute to Satan's toupée.

Quote from: RogK on February 26, 2022, 05:13:16 PM
Anyway, 64 teams will be happy to be included but 48 of them will be set aside by the end of next Saturday.

For a lot of leagues in which is there neither a tradition or an expectation of any post-season success, simply making the tournament is the source of happiness in and of itself.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2022, 07:51:08 PM
Hurray for our Titans, winning the AQ, taking down the Big Blue on the Big Blue floor -- 80-73.  The freshmen are superb, esp. Huber.  Kaia Bowen everywhere on the glass. 

The Lou Holtz is complete, the Titans going 6-1 vs. the supposed tops teams in the conference and heading for the D3 Dance!   

Congrats to Coach Smith, all her staff, and all the Titans for a great win on the road.  A major achievement.  Now 19-8. 

I'm sure the Big Blue will get in via Pool C. 

A great day to be a TITAN!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 07:52:18 PM
Final from the Griz:  IWU 80, Millikin 73.  The Titans put the final nails in the coffin, going 6-6 from the line in the last 22 seconds.

Huber goes off for 27, while Knudsen gets "only"  23.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 07:56:14 PM
I'm certainly hoping that the Blue get a Pool C - they deserve it.  But I'm also hoping that they get put where Green and Blue won't clash until the FF4!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on February 26, 2022, 08:28:57 PM
Told you guys IWU would be JUST FINE.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2022, 08:31:30 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 07:56:14 PM
I'm certainly hoping that the Blue get a Pool C - they deserve it.  But I'm also hoping that they get put where Green and Blue won't clash until the FF4!

The Big Blue should be in good shape for a Pool C I think.  In region 8, #1 Transylvania has already won their AQ.  #2 Wisc Lutheran plays St Norbert tomorrow for the AQ.  #3 Millikin should be at the table pretty early with a 21-6 overall,  9-5 record vs regionally ranked and a .56 SOS.  In fact it's not entirely clear to me why Wisc Lutheran is ranked ahead of them with a .487 SOS and only 3 wins vRRo.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2022, 08:42:44 PM
Congrats to the Titans for an excellent effort.
Lauren Huber's final shooting numbers were 8/12 2FGs and 11/13 FTs; not bad, along with her 6 rebs.
Kaia Bowen worked as hard as anyone, leading all with 13 rebounds and added 13 pts.
Kate Palmer scored 16 from just 11 FG att for a .727 eFG%.
Among the varied contributions from Brooke Lansford were 4 steals and 4 assists.
For the Big Blue :
Elyce Knudsen tallied 24 and led them with 7 rebs (Aubrey Staton grabbed 6 rebs but no other Millikin players had more than 4).
Bailey Coffman scored 11 from 7 FG att, .786 eFG%.
Off the bench, Sophie Darden and Chelsea McCullum each scored a quick 10 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on February 26, 2022, 09:43:24 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 26, 2022, 08:31:30 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 26, 2022, 07:56:14 PM
I'm certainly hoping that the Blue get a Pool C - they deserve it.  But I'm also hoping that they get put where Green and Blue won't clash until the FF4!

The Big Blue should be in good shape for a Pool C I think.  In region 8, #1 Transylvania has already won their AQ.  #2 Wisc Lutheran plays St Norbert tomorrow for the AQ.  #3 Millikin should be at the table pretty early with a 21-6 overall,  9-5 record vs regionally ranked and a .56 SOS.  In fact it's not entirely clear to me why Wisc Lutheran is ranked ahead of them with a .487 SOS and only 3 wins vRRo.

Agree with you across the board. Millikin should be just fine.

Also agree about WLU. I think the committee is highly valuing WLU's sparkling WP, which to me pales in comparison to Millikin's SOS and wins v RRO. If WLU wasn't 3-1 v RRO, but instead 1-1, I bet the committee would slot them 6th or 7th in the region.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 26, 2022, 09:53:29 PM
Congrats to Mia Smith, all the coaching and support staff, and all the Titans on winning the CCIW tournament championship and the AQ.  Great stuff on the Big Blue Floor, taking down a good Millikin team at home.

Final was 80-73, but close throughout, back and forth, with various runs by both teams.  A great game, worthy of the Tournament championship game.

For MU:

Knudsen 24 and 7
Coffman 11
McCullum 10
Darden 10

For IWU:

A career night at the right time for Huber, 27 and 6, 11-13 FTs
Palmer 16 on four treys
Bowen, everywhere on D and on the glass, 13 and 13
Powers 9
Lansford 8
Heller, the best six women in the CCIW, 7

Keys to the game, IWU's tenacity, never giving up even when down 8 or more . . . Winning the rebounding line to a bigger team, 34-30, and the foul situation for MU -- 25 fouls on MU, only 11 on IWU.  Titans making FTs. 

On to the D3 Dance.

MU in too. . . but, it must be said, Knudsen is a unique talent at this level, but she is not superhuman.  The IWU freshmen were pretty special tonight.  Just say'n.  Lansford the commander on the court . . .  Palmer and Heller a very strong rotation and bench for IWU, Bowen making a huge difference tonight on the glass . . . just unrelenting.  Nothing much from "run and jump" -- just tough half-court defense. 

Again, congrats to two excellent teams for a hard-fought game.  And, congrats to Coach Smith, all the coaching and strength staff, and all the Titans for a great win on the road in a very hostile environment.  Keeping your cool and bringing home the W!   Great job.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2022, 10:53:43 AM
Seeding and the initial pod IWU plays in this coming weekend will be important.  Otherwise, they may get the privilege of playing Trine or Hope.  :( 

Congrats to MU and IWU for last night's superb CCIW tournament championship game. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 27, 2022, 11:22:54 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 27, 2022, 10:53:43 AM
Seeding and the initial pod IWU plays in this coming weekend will be important.  Otherwise, they may get the privilege of playing Trine or Hope.  :( 

Congrats to MU and IWU for last night's superb CCIW tournament championship game. 

IWU'70

Likewise.  We Hope fans remember too well the last time when underdog on paper IWU came into highly ranked Hope's house :)

Congrats on winning the AQ.  Seems the Titans made great strides during the course of the year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2022, 05:24:48 PM
Eginerd, you were right all along . . . "the Titans will be just fine."  Excellent development over the course of the season, playing a tough schedule, a great coaching job by Coach Smith and her assistants, learning to play with the personnel and style that they have.  I was wrong and too harsh on them after the 1-4 tough start . . .  even saying I doubted they would be a .500 team, saying I doubted they would beat any of the supposed top three CCIW teams:  WC, MU and NPU.  They went 6-1 against these teams, winning key road games and also going 2-1 against the greatly-improving Carroll.  IWU quite fortunate to have few Covid absences and almost no injuries all season. 

Roundball999, oh how we would love a re-match vs. Hope at some point, after that last game in the tournament @Hope . . . you know all the feelings, still stuck in our craw, about that one!  :(  But, let's hope if we do meet again, it will be in the Sweet 16 or Elite 8, not the first weekend.  Hope and Trine surely the cream of the crop this year.  IWU is battle-tested, now playing with a lot of confidence . . . and those three freshmen, along with the three experienced seniors, showing the way.  The junior Heller one of the best sixth women in the country.  It's a good combination and the future of the program is bright, likely in good hands with Huber, Palmer and Powers . . .  and a good recruiting class coming in, as per reports around The Shirk. 

Looking forward to the D3 dance.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 28, 2022, 03:30:49 PM
First round matchups:

IWU (19-8) vs DePauw (23-3) @ Whitewater (23-4, vs Ripon (18-9))

Millikin (21-6) vs Wartburg (21-5) @ Eau Claire (21-7, vs North Central MN (24-4))

Neither team will have it easy.  But DePauw is a particularly rough first round draw for IWU albeit not especially unexpected under the circumstances.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2022, 03:33:43 PM
Illinois Wesleyan is in the lower left section of the bracket, and will go in as a #3 seed in the UW-Whitewater pod, taking on DePauw (23-3) on Friday night. UWW hosts Ripon in the other game in Whitewater. This is a nasty pod, indeed.

Millikin is in the upper right section of the bracket, and will face Wartburg (21-5) up in Eau Claire, WI in what should be one of the best 2/3 games that the D3 women's basketball tourney has to offer on Friday night. The host Blugolds of UWEC will take on (and pound the crap out of) North Central (MN) in the other game up there in west-central Wisconsin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2022, 03:54:07 PM
The big question, to me, is whether or not at least one of the CCIW's two representatives can survive the first weekend of the tournament. It hasn't happened since 2014, when Carthage got to the sectional semifinals before falling. That's six straight tournaments in which the CCIW was out of it before the smoke cleared at the end of Pod Weekend -- and of those six straight tournaments, five included two CCIW reps, just like this season's field. The league has gone 3-11 in D3 tourney play since that 2014 run by the since-renamed Lady Reds, and 3-11 is a dismal performance by this league no matter how you slice it.

Some of that speaks to the quality of midwestern D3 women's basketball. But a lot of it speaks to the fact that, unlike the men's side of things, this really isn't a power conference, the two national titles since Y2K notwithstanding. But in that vein it's interesting to note that this is the first time that Millikin has made it to the dance since Lori Kerans and her crew of Ippel, Minott, Conner, etc., cut down the nets at Virginia Wesleyan's Batten Center on the last day of the 2004-05 season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 28, 2022, 09:47:45 PM
Massey sez:

DePauw 65, Illinois Wesleyan 61 (DePauw 62%, IWU 38%)
Wartburg 71, Millikin 68 (Wartburg 58%, Millikin 42%)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on February 28, 2022, 11:56:03 PM
Final regular season poll is up.  Millikin only lost 3 of their points (13 to 10); IWU finally got one point. :P
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2022, 11:11:48 AM
Wartburg per game averages :
3FG : 10.7/30.8 = 32.1 pts/g
2FG : 15.3/33.3 = 30.6 pts/g
FT   : 13.5/18.3
They have 5 losses, three of them to Simpson (a nemesis indeed), also Redlands and Dubuque.
Millikin will be Wartburg's first CCIW opponent of the season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2022, 11:33:43 AM
DePauw per game averages :
3FG : 5.5/15.7  = 16.38 pts/g
2FG : 20.4/45.9 = 40.77 pts/g
FT   : 14.38/19.6
They have 3 losses - Messiah, Piedmont, Wittenberg.
Their only CCIW opponent was Millikin, whom they beat 71-55 on Nov 16.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2022, 12:48:34 PM
Thanks, RogK, for the data.  Yes, seems both IWU and MU got pretty tough first round games.  I think both teams are far better than they were earlier in the season, so we'll see.  DePauw is an especially tough opponent for a first-round game . . . and then Whitewater, which pounded IWU earlier in the season.   Would love to see any CCIW team get out of the first weekend, though I doubt it will happen this year.  At least we didn't get Hope or Trine!   ;D

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2022, 11:00:12 PM
Both Friday games for CCIW teams are set for 5pm Central. Not to mention conflicting with re-runs of Streets of San Francisco and The Addams Family.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2022, 08:59:58 AM
Rog, a first world problem!  :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2022, 01:48:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2022, 11:00:12 PM
Both Friday games for CCIW teams are set for 5pm Central. Not to mention conflicting with re-runs of Streets of San Francisco and The Addams Family.

Neat! Sweet! Petite!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2022, 01:58:22 PM
Esther Miller of NPU traded in her basketball jersey for a track singlet immediately after the basketball season ended for the Vikings on Tuesday -- and I mean immediately, as the CCIW's indoor track & field championships were held this past weekend at Carthage.

Esther immediately made her presence felt, finishing third in the league in the triple jump with a jump of 10.85 meters. She was also added to North Park's women's 4 x 400 relay team on late notice, and the team promptly shaved six seconds off of their best time this season.

I'm always impressed when a student-athlete can excel in more than one sport. But I'm doubly impressed when a student-athlete can switch sports on the fly and excel at a second sport in which she or he has not practiced or competed all season long to that point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2022, 03:34:54 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2022, 01:48:32 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 01, 2022, 11:00:12 PM
Both Friday games for CCIW teams are set for 5pm Central. Not to mention conflicting with re-runs of Streets of San Francisco and The Addams Family.

Neat! Sweet! Petite!

You rang?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2022, 01:58:22 PM
Esther Miller of NPU traded in her basketball jersey for a track singlet immediately after the basketball season ended for the Vikings on Tuesday -- and I mean immediately, as the CCIW's indoor track & field championships were held this past weekend at Carthage.

Esther immediately made her presence felt, finishing third in the league in the triple jump with a jump of 10.85 meters. She was also added to North Park's women's 4 x 400 relay team on late notice, and the team promptly shaved six seconds off of their best time this season.

I'm always impressed when a student-athlete can excel in more than one sport. But I'm doubly impressed when a student-athlete can switch sports on the fly and excel at a second sport in which she or he has not practiced or competed all season long to that point.

Those fast-break drills will do it every time--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2022, 04:41:01 PM
Greg, if you attend a track meet, wait for the runners to be in your vicinity and yell "hey, what's the hurry?"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 02, 2022, 04:44:04 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2022, 04:41:01 PM
Greg, if you attend a track meet, wait for the runners to be in your vicinity and yell "hey, what's the hurry?"
--
Except don't do it on a 4 person-relay event, (you might get a baton thrown at you)--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2022, 06:01:07 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2022, 04:41:01 PM
Greg, if you attend a track meet, wait for the runners to be in your vicinity and yell "hey, what's the hurry?"

Rog, the next track meet I attend will be the first one ever. And, trust me, if I ever attend one it will be under duress.

Track & field is undoubtedly an exciting and worthwhile activity for a student-athlete, and it has fitness and personal discipline components that make it a valuable springboard to a lifetime of good health practices. I applaud and encourage every student who chooses to participate as a track & field athlete. And I will heartily salute the achievements of my alma mater's track & field athletes, particularly those who achieve something under extraordinary circumstances (such as Esther Miller did).

But as a spectator sport it's right up there with watching paint dry.

Just one man's opinion.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2022, 07:00:19 PM
I always feel sorry for the group that loses the coin toss and has to be the receiving team in the javelin event.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 03, 2022, 02:42:09 PM
Lauren Hall was the top rebounder per game in the CCIW in both over all and conference-only play.
If she doesn't return for a 5th season, Augie will want/need to get improved rebounding from others.
Here are their rebounds per minute from this season (players with 10+ rebs) :
seniors :
Lauren Hall .312 (231/741)
Daina Riser .222 (20/90)
Chaadah Hodges .109 (12/110)
non-seniors :
Hannah Simmer .251 (127/506)
Erin Morrisey .188 (69/368)
Kylie Jozwik .173 (39/225)
Gabriela Loiz .170 (131/771)
Linnea Johansen .160 (24/150)
Grace Nestich .140 (19/136)
Macy Beinborn .126 (97/771)
Emily Brenneisen .115 (70/608)
Emma Berg .101 (49/487)
Those numbers at the bottom are OK for players who are usually not near the basket.
Of course, there could be great rebounders among any '22-'23 newcomers. And without Hall around grabbing so many, others will naturally get a few more.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2022, 10:17:54 PM
Good luck to the Big Blue and to the Titans tomorrow as the D3 national tournament begins.

Make the CCIW proud!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2022, 08:15:37 PM
Millikin 81, Wartburg 68
Outstanding 36 pt game by Elyce Knudsen : 5/7 3FG, 9/14 2FG, 3/3 FT plus 4 assists.
Jordan Hildebrand had 4 steals, 5 rebs and 18 pts.
Bailey Coffman added 13 pts, 5 rebs. Miranda Fox had 6 assists. Also 4 steals from Chelsea McCullum.
Good work, too, from Sophie Darden and Aubrey Staton.
Wartburg's top scorers were Sara Faber (22) and Jaedon Murphy (17, 8 rebs).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 04, 2022, 08:16:21 PM
IWU 56
DePauw 55

Looks like a Kate Palmer 3 pointer with a second left in the game was the winner.  It was the only field goal she made for the game but it really counted!

From the stats, it doesn't look like it was a terrific game for either team.  IWU shot a mere 33.3% from the field but took advantage of a +9 margin on turnovers.
Nice job Titans on a big win.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2022, 08:36:07 PM
The Titan defense surely was more consistent than their shooting.
IWU offense      2FG      3FG
1st Q              6/10       4/9
2nd Q             1/5         1/10
3rd Q             2/10        1/4
4th Q             4/10        2/5
sum              13/35      8/28
It all added up to a 1 point win, exactly as iwu70 predicted.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 04, 2022, 08:49:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 04, 2022, 08:36:07 PM
The Titan defense surely was more consistent than their shooting.
IWU offense      2FG      3FG
1st Q              6/10       4/9
2nd Q             1/5         1/10
3rd Q             2/10        1/4
4th Q             4/10        2/5
sum              13/35      8/28
It all added up to a 1 point win, exactly as iwu70 predicted.

You can't defend the free throw line, though, and it was a missed free throw by Ava Hassel of the Dannies with twelve seconds left that was the difference between Palmer's heroics winning the game and merely sending it into overtime.

Quote from: RogK on March 04, 2022, 08:15:37 PM
Millikin 81, Wartburg 68
Outstanding 36 pt game by Elyce Knudsen : 5/7 3FG, 9/14 2FG, 3/3 FT plus 4 assists.
Jordan Hildebrand had 4 steals, 5 rebs and 18 pts.
Bailey Coffman added 13 pts, 5 rebs. Miranda Fox had 6 assists. Also 4 steals from Chelsea McCullum.
Good work, too, from Sophie Darden and Aubrey Staton.
Wartburg's top scorers were Sara Faber (22) and Jaedon Murphy (17, 8 rebs).

I watched bits and pieces of this game. Millikin's offense was a well-oiled machine, and Knudsen was at her most Knudsenesque self. The Big Blue's off-ball defense was a little lacking, although they made up for it in part with good rim protection, but a better team than the Knights will cut MU to pieces if the Big Blue doesn't improve in that area. But probably best not to nitpick such an impressively dominating victory over a nationally-ranked opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2022, 09:41:34 PM
Great to see both CCIW teams get a win, into the round of 32 . . .  the Big Blue can probably go further . . . 

Congrats to the Titans . . . and Kate Palmer!  The Titans continue to amaze . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 04, 2022, 09:43:19 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 04, 2022, 08:49:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 04, 2022, 08:36:07 PM
The Titan defense surely was more consistent than their shooting.
IWU offense      2FG      3FG
1st Q              6/10       4/9
2nd Q             1/5         1/10
3rd Q             2/10        1/4
4th Q             4/10        2/5
sum              13/35      8/28
It all added up to a 1 point win, exactly as iwu70 predicted.

You can't defend the free throw line, though, and it was a missed free throw by Ava Hassel of the Dannies with twelve seconds left that was the difference between Palmer's heroics winning the game and merely sending it into overtime.

Quote from: RogK on March 04, 2022, 08:15:37 PM
Millikin 81, Wartburg 68
Outstanding 36 pt game by Elyce Knudsen : 5/7 3FG, 9/14 2FG, 3/3 FT plus 4 assists.
Jordan Hildebrand had 4 steals, 5 rebs and 18 pts.
Bailey Coffman added 13 pts, 5 rebs. Miranda Fox had 6 assists. Also 4 steals from Chelsea McCullum.
Good work, too, from Sophie Darden and Aubrey Staton.
Wartburg's top scorers were Sara Faber (22) and Jaedon Murphy (17, 8 rebs).

I watched bits and pieces of this game. Millikin's offense was a well-oiled machine, and Knudsen was at her most Knudsenesque self. The Big Blue's off-ball defense was a little lacking, although they made up for it in part with good rim protection, but a better team than the Knights will cut MU to pieces if the Big Blue doesn't improve in that area. But probably best not to nitpick such an impressively dominating victory over a nationally-ranked opponent.

Greg, quit denigrating our FT defense! :o

It is our secret weapon! ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2022, 09:24:44 AM
Greg, I take your point.  But, overall, the Titans last night were able to win ugly . . . and that has not often been the case this year.  They shot it poorly, got out rebounded, and still won. . . through tough half-court D, and, of course, as usual, winning the TO line.  You won't see many IWU games when Brooke Lansford goes 2-11 and the Titans still win . . .  though she did get into the lane on that last play, draw the defense to her and then kick out for the assist, the killer game-winning trey by Kate Palmer.  When Palmer gets a good look and gets squared up, it can often be only net. 

I expect the game tonight vs. a big, talented ranked Whitewater team to be very tough.  These kinds of big, strong teams are often the ones the Titans have great trouble with . . . esp. on the boards and any kind of paint scoring or presence.  I do expect a much closer game tonight different from the 30+ point blowout that WW put on the Titans early in the season, when IWU shot it very very poorly and stunk it up pretty good.  This is an entirely different IWU team now, knowing how they need to play, having a good three-point percentage and playing in their style and tempo.  I don't know if WW can be pressured or speeded up, but that will be the Titans M.O. tonight, very likely.  If IWU follows its normal winning formula again tonight, I think they have a chance . . . but still the decided underdog.  The formula is:  speed it up, hit a good percentage esp from three, keep the rebounding line within reason, and win the TO line.  They will need all they can get on the boards from Bowen, Carlson, and Powers . . .  and a good floor game, with few TOs from Lansford.  We'll see.

Winning over ranked DePauw a great plus, a confidence-builder . . . so why not over WW too?  IWU continues to over-achieve and surprise me with how far they have come, how well they have developed and changed . . . 

Catie Eck got the career blocks record last night -- for the IWU program.  Congratulations to her!   

Go TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2022, 12:29:51 PM
We should note that Mallory Powers led IWU with 13 pts via good shooting.
She tallied 12 pts from 11 FG att, yielding a .545 eFG%. Also 1/1 FT.
While each Titan who got in the game contributed in various ways, Powers's shooting was a major factor in the win.
Hopefully both of our CCIW squads emerge with victories this evening.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2022, 04:43:23 PM
Rog, yes, good point on Powers.  She had a strong game vs. DePauw.  She's somewhat streaky but seems to be improving on her trey shooting of late.

Let's hope the Titans shoot it better tonight, getting more used to the venue and the rims . . . and that they can keep the rebounding line within reason.  Bowen, Huber, Carlson and Powers need to really battle it tonight.

IWU doesn't really have anyone key to the rotation near 6' -- and WW seems to have six or seven of them! :(  Speed over size, hopefully.

'70
 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 05, 2022, 07:46:53 PM
Millikin Big Blue 59
UW Eau Claire 56

Way to go Big Blue!!  On to the Sweet 16!  Well deserved!

Knudsen with 22, Coffman 19.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2022, 08:02:37 PM
Yeah, hopefully they stay the night in Eau Claire. Lots of gusty storms blowing about in Wisc and Ill tonight.
I was concerned when UW-EC was getting several offensive rebounds, but Millikin ultimately prevailed against a strong and talented opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 05, 2022, 09:41:53 PM
Illinois Wesleyan falls to UW-Whitewater at UWW's Williams Center, 72-54.

The big news for the league, though, is that the CCIW's six-year streak of not getting out of the first weekend drew to a close this evening, courtesy of Millikin's win over UWEC at Zorn Arena in Eau Claire.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 05, 2022, 09:56:51 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 05, 2022, 08:02:37 PM
Yeah, hopefully they stay the night in Eau Claire. Lots of gusty storms blowing about in Wisc and Ill tonight.
I was concerned when UW-EC was getting several offensive rebounds, but Millikin ultimately prevailed against a strong and talented opponent.

Yes.  I continue to be impressed with Olivia Lett and her game coaching.  Having the talent matters.  But it takes a really good coach to win these types of close matches against really good teams during the playoffs.  Case in point: understanding that you have two fouls to give when UW EC needed a three with 20 secs left.  By the time they used their two fouls, the BlueGolds had only 6 secs to get off their shot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2022, 10:07:41 PM
Congrats to Millikin on getting out of the first weekend, to the Sweet Sixteen.

Looks like IWU just couldn't handle the size, losing the rebounding line pretty massively.   A tough match-up always with WIAC teams, esp. for this under-sized Titan team.

My congrats to Mia Smith and her staff, all the Titans on a great season -- truly over-achieving in my book -- sharing the regular season CCIW crown and winning the CCIW tournament and AQ at Millikin.  Special thanks to the seniors -- Eck, Bowen and Lansford -- for all their dedication and contributions to the program.  All best for future endeavors after graduation.   With the freshmen coming back, and also Heller and Carlson . . . Titans look good for next season.  I hear a very good recruiting class upcoming too.  So, seems the program in pretty good shape for the future.

In any case, congratulations to the Titans on a great season, much enjoyment in watching all season!  Thank you!


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2022, 09:14:09 AM
Congrats again to Millikin for the Sweet Sixteen.

They now get Hope . . . ouch.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 06, 2022, 02:19:36 PM
Massey has Millikin as a very lopsided underdog for Friday night's contest in Holland, MI against host Hope:

Hope 79, Millikin 62 (HC 92%, MU 8%)

One unusual thing about the Hope sectional that you don't often see at the sectional level is that all four participants have won the women's basketball Walnut & Bronze before:

Scranton: 1985
Hope: 1990, 2006
NYU: 1997
Millikin: 2005

In fact, when Scranton won its title in '85, the Royals defeated Millikin in the national semifinals, 83-75, up in DePere, WI. And when NYU won its national title  in '97, the Fighting Violets beat Scranton, 84-72, in the national semis. The Final Four was held in New York City that season. Finally, in 2006, Hope beat Scranton in the national semis, 59-56, at the Final Four in Springfield, MA.

(Since winning that title in their first Final Four go-'round in '85, the Royals have been back to the Final Four seven times ... and have fallen short every time.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 06, 2022, 03:15:46 PM
Very interesting background, Greg. 

I'll be surprised if Millikin stays within 15 of Hope on Friday.  Knudsen and the Big Blue will have their hands full.  Perhaps Olivia Lett should give Mia Smith a call and discuss how best to approach Hope.  The Titans in that one that got away, barely, just a couple of years ago, before everything got shut down with the pandemic.  What was it? . . . IWU up 7 with 2:30 to go, or some such?  Bitter memories.

(I'm not resurrecting the discussion of the game.).

Good luck to Millikin on Friday -- I hope it is a good, competitive game, surely a big challenge for MU.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 06, 2022, 04:19:45 PM
Millikin headed to play Hope at DeVos.  Can there be a bigger stage for a player like Elyce Knudsen to showcase her talent unless it were in the FF?  Kendall Sosa opened some eyes two years ago in a similar situation except it was the 2nd round in 2020 and the then undefeated Dutch were ranked #1 vs merely #2 now.  And Massey had Hope favored by 19 I believe.

I think Millikin will have a chance because they will have the best player on the floor in my opinion.  And that is saying something with Olivia Voskuil and Kenedy Schoonveld playing in white.

Of course, Hope has all the experience on their side with NCAA tourney hardened seniors.  This is MU's Wonderland so to speak and perhaps playing more loose with nothing to lose?  If both Hildebrand and Coffman can have good games on both ends then you never know.  None of us will doubt their determination.  I hope the Big Blue can match the moment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2022, 07:13:16 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 06, 2022, 04:19:45 PM
Millikin headed to play Hope at DeVos.  Can there be a bigger stage for a player like Elyce Knudsen to showcase her talent unless it were in the FF?  Kendall Sosa opened some eyes two years ago in a similar situation except it was the 2nd round in 2020 and the then undefeated Dutch were ranked #1 vs merely #2 now.  And Massey had Hope favored by 19 I believe.

I think Millikin will have a chance because they will have the best player on the floor in my opinion.  And that is saying something with Olivia Voskuil and Kenedy Schoonveld playing in white.

Of course, Hope has all the experience on their side with NCAA tourney hardened seniors.  This is MU's Wonderland so to speak and perhaps playing more loose with nothing to lose?  If both Hildebrand and Coffman can have good games on both ends then you never know.  None of us will doubt their determination.  I hope the Big Blue can match the moment.

I give Millikin VERY little chance at the DeVos, but then I gave the Titan men essential NO chance at the DeVos against #1-ranked Hope in 2012 in round 2.  In one of the best games I have ever personally attended, IWU won in double OT, 108-101 (and went on to the FF).  "Nothing to lose" is a good way to approach such a seemingly hopeless situation.

My sincere best wishes to Olivia, Elyce, et. al.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2022, 01:38:36 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 06, 2022, 03:15:46 PM
Very interesting background, Greg. 

I'll be surprised if Millikin stays within 15 of Hope on Friday.  Knudsen and the Big Blue will have their hands full.  Perhaps Olivia Lett should give Mia Smith a call and discuss how best to approach Hope.

(https://gifimage.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Eye-Roll-GIF-Image-for-Whatsapp-and-Facebook-4.gif)


Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 06, 2022, 07:13:16 PM
I give Millikin VERY little chance at the DeVos, but then I gave the Titan men essential NO chance at the DeVos against #1-ranked Hope in 2012 in round 2.  In one of the best games I have ever personally attended, IWU won in double OT, 108-101 (and went on to the FF).  "Nothing to lose" is a good way to approach such a seemingly hopeless situation.

(https://i.imgflip.com/2pq82k.jpg)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2022, 08:18:16 AM
GoPerry, Knudsen will not be the best player on the floor vs. Hope . . .  yes, she's super good, but not superhuman.  She's terrific, but just a sophomore.  Hope has battle-hardened seniors and super seniors with something to prove.  However snarky Greg wishes to be, I doubt MU stays within 15 of Hope.  We'll see.  And, if Olivia Lett is smart (as she surely is as a coach) she will consult with Mia Smith about the game Friday.  Smith had a plan vs. the same Hope team before, of course with a much stronger team than the current Titans, and she almost pulled off a huge upset at DeVos, as all have said, a very tough place to play.

I wish MU all the best on Friday, but let's be a bit realistic here. I would love to see MU pull off the upset, but I doubt it will happen this time.

'70

 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2022, 11:31:54 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2022, 08:18:16 AM
GoPerry, Knudsen will not be the best player on the floor vs. Hope . . .  yes, she's super good, but not superhuman.  She's terrific, but just a sophomore.  Hope has battle-hardened seniors and super seniors with something to prove.

Disagree. I've seen Hope play this year. While the Flying Dutch have outstanding players such as Kenedy Schoonveld and Olivia Voskuil, I agree with GoPerry that they don't have a player who can do all of the things that Knudsen can do, even as a sophomore. While I don't have a crystal ball, it's more likely that Knudsen will be the best player on the floor on Friday than somebody else. However, it's also more likely that having Knudsen (as well as Coffman, Hildebrand, Fox, McCullum, Darden, and Staton) won't be nearly enough for Millikin to win, because Hope is not only talented en masse and experienced, it's also a very deep team. Other D3 coaches would give their eyeteeth to have a Meg Morehouse or an Ella McKinney or a Hannah Smith ... and Hope coach Brian Morehouse has all three of them coming off of his bench. He has an embarrassment of riches, ability-wise.

I'm rooting for Millikin, and I don't think that the chances for the Big Blue are as dire as the 8% that Ken Massey's computer algorithm predicts. But the Decaturites will be up against it, and I sure wouldn't put money on them.

Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2022, 08:18:16 AMHowever snarky Greg wishes to be, I doubt MU stays within 15 of Hope.  We'll see.

My snark had nothing to do with that. I, too, think that Hope will win by double digits on Friday. My snark was directed at your obsessive need to drag Illinois Wesleyan into every single conversation, no matter how irrelevant IWU is to the topic at hand.

Quote from: iwu70 on March 07, 2022, 08:18:16 AMAnd, if Olivia Lett is smart (as she surely is as a coach) she will consult with Mia Smith about the game Friday.  Smith had a plan vs. the same Hope team before, of course with a much stronger team than the current Titans, and she almost pulled off a huge upset at DeVos, as all have said, a very tough place to play.

Give me a break. Olivia Lett doesn't need to consult the Great and Mighty Oracle of Bloomington to know how to approach Hope. She can break down film and analyze opponents just as well as any other coach. That is, of course, an important part of her job. And I'm sure that she's not going to focus upon a game that was played two entire years ago -- a game in which two of Hope's five starters, and three of the five Hope reserves used, are no longer with the team. There's plenty of far more relevant film to look at from this season's Dutch team -- the Hope vs. Trine games, for instance, or that January 29 game in which Albion somehow managed to hold the high-scoring Dutch to a mere 51 points, as well as this past weekend's Dutch wins over LaRoche and Marietta.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2022, 11:49:51 AM
Kate Majerus, a 5'11" senior starter for Hope, has made 50% of her 3FG att (46/92) and 63% of her 2FGs (26/41).
That's sort of excellent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2022, 12:17:25 PM
I think I read somewhere that she is related to the late, great Rick Majerus, although I could be wrong about that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:07 PM
Hard to compare individual players when teams are so different but thought this might be enlightening:

                         Min/gm     FG %     3pt %     FT %     pts/min     reb/min     ast/min     TO/min     Ast/TO     % team scoring     
                         --------     ------      ------      -----      --------     ---------     ---------     --------     -------      -----------------
Knudsen                31.3       .479       .398      .807        .66           .18              .10           .08          1.2               28%
Schoonveld            19.3       .492       .404      .821        .54           .20              .12           .03          3.7               12%

Very hard for me to conclude from this that Knudsen is better, with Schoonveld having slightly better all around stats in most categories when adjusted for minutes played.  Especially in ball control.  But clearly Knudsen is called upon to shoulder a much larger burden of the shots and scoring for her team and she does that very successfully, which also makes her a special player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2022, 12:39:41 PM
Apples to oranges. Schoonveld has a lot more talent around her, which distorts the numbers (including her minutes played) for comparison purposes.

I'm not taking anything away from Schoonveld, mind you. She was an All-American last year, and she'll for sure be an All-American again this year. She's that good, independent of her team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 07, 2022, 12:52:31 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 07, 2022, 12:39:41 PM
Apples to oranges. Schoonveld has a lot more talent around her, which distorts the numbers (including her minutes played) for comparison purposes.

I'm not taking anything away from Schoonveld, mind you. She was an All-American last year, and she'll for sure be an All-American again this year. She's that good, independent of her team.

I agree GS - really hard to compare any Hope player (given the style of play and the minutes played) to players on other teams whose teams have more "traditional" styles of play.  I (as a Hope fan) am very happy that D3hoops and others recognize that and give players like Kenedy and Olivia the recognition they have earned. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2022, 01:33:19 PM
When the sum of the parts is excellent, many of the parts are excellent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 07, 2022, 05:26:50 PM

I think it was the second Trine game, Schoonveld made a cross court pass to get an open shot before the defense adjusted that required a vision and strength combination not many of the men's players possess. She whipped that thing so fast and out of nowhere, it sold me on her as Player of the Year.

It's hard to judge those Hope players given the minutes they play, but she's consistently a cut above everyone else, even against the best competition. Maybe the next two weeks changes my mind, but she's one heck of a player.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 10, 2022, 09:02:17 PM
Nobody, including me, is predicting a Millikin win over Hope on their home floor.  I'm simply suggesting that Knudsen is a unique type of talent capable of putting up the sort of offensive #s that can give an otherwise significant underdog on paper a real chance.  Sosa had the quick release and deadly accuracy from three.  But if you could defend her tightly you could neutralize her.  Knudsen is more athletic and is able to create and get her own shot by herself with a pull up jumper from the three point line or closer in the lane.  If she is guardable one on one I have yet to see it.  There really aren't many players like that in the women's game whereas it is pretty common on the men's side.  Even the best ladies still require a good pass to free them up for a clean look or a spot up.

The Big Blue have nothing to lose.  I hope they play that way.  Hildebrand will have the toughest assignment in trying to guard Voskuil without needing help.  Doubling her off of Schoonveld or Majerus is ill advised as they are killer from three.  Bailey Coffman needs a big game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 10, 2022, 10:18:45 PM
GoPerry, I agree with you about Knudsen and her style of play for the women's game.  Truly outstanding off the dribble, on the move, an excellent mid-range game.  I bet Hope really tries to smother her and take her out of all that.  We'll see.  I don't give MU much chance at DeVos, but if all the Big Blue, including Staton and Fox, have good games, they could stay closer. 

I wish the Big Blue well in a very hostile environment. . .  would love to see a big upset but doubt it will happen.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 11, 2022, 06:56:33 AM
I actually see a pretty tight game.  All teams are good at this point. I know Massey makes Hope a strong favorite, but Massey also had Hope by 40 over La Roche in the first round but it was a fairly close game until the 4th.  Same with Marietta.  I don't know much about Millikin but their depth (or lack) might be key.

I don't think Hope will change much on D for Knudsen.  For many years they have played the same defense and it typically takes their players a couple years to really understand how to play it.  They don't seem to change it up for any one opponent or opponent's player, that would disrupt the system.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2022, 07:35:50 AM
Roundball, I take your points, esp. about Hope's defensive "system."  But, given how much of MU's offense flows through Knudsen, they would be crazy not to focus on her in some ways.  MU doesn't have anywhere near the depth or surrounding talent that Hope has.

And, to be honest, HOPE won their first round game by 32 and the second game by 18, so they were hardly close games. 

If MU stays within 15, I'll be surprised.  As I said, of course, I'd love an upset, a close game, and some respect for and a good performance by the CCIW team making it to the second weekend this year.

It will be interesting to see.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 11, 2022, 09:23:09 AM
I agree with roundball's take on how Hope will play D.  Hope plays 9 who share pretty even minutes (would be 10, but 6-1 Savannah Feenstra has been out injured for the last few weeks).  Those 9 are all pretty athletic and have good size (only 2 under 5-10 - 5-6 DeSmit and 5-7 Morehouse who is our best 1-1 defender).  That makeup allows them to switch everything, deny passing lanes, and really disrupts the flow of the offense.  Rotating players in and out and keeping them fresh allows the defensive intensity to also be extremely high.  That's the Hope approach that works really well (stop a great player by not allowing them to get the ball), and we are not likely to see them deviate from that.  Honestly, in my opinion their one loss in the last 74 games came in large part to theri offense struggling.

If Millikin can fight through that defense and keep some flow to their offense, they have a chance to make this game very insteresting and even pull off the upset.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2022, 10:43:50 AM
Well, I'll just point out that the only proven way to beat Millikin is to score more than they do.
I try to be insightful once each season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 11, 2022, 11:18:34 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2022, 10:43:50 AM
Well, I'll just point out that the only proven way to beat Millikin is to score more than they do.
I try to be insightful once each season.

That is a tried and true approach.  thanks...

(https://www.maggotdrowning.com/forums/media/captain-obvious-gif-gif.20610/full)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 11, 2022, 12:20:57 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2022, 10:43:50 AM
Well, I'll just point out that the only proven way to beat Millikin is to score more than they do.
I try to be insightful once each season.

The best way to explain things to Rog is more slowly . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2022, 12:35:59 PM
I resemble that remark.
Farthermore, I'm not as dumb as I look!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 11, 2022, 02:01:02 PM
Love it all folks!!!  Good luck to all the teams tonight - glad we are gonna get to stop just talking about it and let the players do what they do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2022, 03:18:36 PM
Rog always the genius.

Yes, here comes the games.  I'm heading for The Shirk soon -- Williams - Wabash first, then the lovely re-match IWU hosting Wheaton.  Top quality D3 hoops, for sure.

I do hope Millikin gives Hope a good game . . .

(Illinois went down to #9 seed Indiana -- so pretty much anything can happen at this top level in tournaments).

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 11, 2022, 08:49:55 PM
Hope over Millikin 91-77

Nice effort by the Millikin Big Blue.  Too much size and depth from the Flying Dutch.  Too many turnovers (18-7) giving Hope too many chances.  18 more shot attempts by Hope and +3 free throws too.  Hope defended Knudsen really well in the 2nd half.

I have to say I'm really surprised at the zone.  To me that plays right into Hope hands.  Schoonveld and Majerus had so many wide open, uncontested looks.  And it also resulted in a +7 offensive rebound edge for the home team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2022, 08:52:32 PM
Hope 91
Millikin 77

This one pretty much went the way we all figured it'd go. It was tight into the third quarter, basically because Millikin was red-hot from the field and was hitting the boards hard enough to offset their myriad turnovers against the ultra-long and savvy Hope defense. But in the third quarter, the length of the Flying Dutch turned to their advantage on the offensive boards, allowing them to extend possessions and use the extra time with the ball to break down the MU defense and get to the basket. Hope never pulled away -- despite the Hope announcers repeatedly insisting that it was going to happen -- but the hosts kept the lead in double digits in the late third quarter and throughout the fourth, preventing the Big Blue from ever really threatening.

Elyce Knudsen finished the night with 25 points, but was often guilty of trying to do too much or of forcing passes where nobody was open on back-door cut attempts, as she was charged with half of MU's 18 turnovers. Bailey Coffman had a really solid night with 17 and 6, including 6-10 from range, and Jordan Hildebrand, who was swallowed up all night inside by 6'3 Olivia Voskuil and a lot of her tall Dutch associates, somehow managed to pick up 14 points in her basketball career finale, as she now turns her attention to softball. Natalie Snyder had a nice night off of the bench for Jimmy Millikin with 13.

Better showing than usual for the CCIW in the postseason, although it came to an end as expected tonight. (The Hope PBP guy kept saying that Millikin had an edge coming into the game because the CCIW is a power conference, referring to the men; he clearly isn't aware that this is a different sport, and that the CCIW is not on the same level on the women's side that it is on the men's.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 11, 2022, 09:04:50 PM
Yeah, playing against Hope is basically playing against an all-star team.
A valiant effort by Millikin. Congrats to their seniors for fine basketball careers : Jordan Hildebrand, Jazmin Brown (could return for a 5th season) and Aubrey Staton (also could play one more).
Millikin should end up somewhere in the final top 25 and certainly has a bright immediate future. We'll see if Abby Ratsch can play next season.
Congrats to both Hope and Millikin for the very clean game; no nasty or intentionally violent fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2022, 09:19:06 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 11, 2022, 09:04:50 PM
Yeah, playing against Hope is basically playing against an all-star team.

Definitely. I honestly haven't watched enough of the top D3 women's teams to make what I would consider to be an informed assessment, but, nevertheless, I'll be surprised if Hope doesn't at minimum make it all the way to the national championship game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 11, 2022, 09:26:36 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2022, 08:52:32 PM

Better showing than usual for the CCIW in the postseason, although it came to an end as expected tonight. (The Hope PBP guy kept saying that Millikin had an edge coming into the game because the CCIW is a power conference, referring to the men; he clearly isn't aware that this is a different sport, and that the CCIW is not on the same level on the women's side that it is on the men's.)

Yes - that was funny.  But one thing I have always enjoyed about Hope broadcasts is their student announcers (at least I think they're student announcers).  They typically have a very high level of game knowledge, are not excessively homer and generally speaking do a very balanced job.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 11, 2022, 09:44:16 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on March 11, 2022, 09:26:36 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2022, 08:52:32 PM

Better showing than usual for the CCIW in the postseason, although it came to an end as expected tonight. (The Hope PBP guy kept saying that Millikin had an edge coming into the game because the CCIW is a power conference, referring to the men; he clearly isn't aware that this is a different sport, and that the CCIW is not on the same level on the women's side that it is on the men's.)

Yes - that was funny.  But one thing I have always enjoyed about Hope broadcasts is their student announcers (at least I think they're student announcers).  They typically have a very high level of game knowledge, are not excessively homer and generally speaking do a very balanced job.

Yes, student announcers.

Mr. Sager, if they keep winning, Hope would face Trine in the national semis and Trine has already demonstrated they are more than capable of beating the Dutch.  Not a lock by any stretch to make the final game
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 11, 2022, 10:06:15 PM
Yes, I'm aware of that. But Hope has beaten Trine twice, and the Dutch would be the favorite if they met for the fourth time. That's my point. I didn't say anything about Hope being "a lock." I merely said that I'd be surprised if they don't make it that far.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 11, 2022, 10:48:42 PM
Congrats to Olivia Lett and the Big Blue on their season, on getting to the Sweet Sixteen this year.  They got within 14, so I give them a lot of credit tonight, playing at DeVos.  The MU program in great shape for the future with Knudsen and the others . . .

I think Hope goes all the way now, Trine notwithstanding. 

Glad to see, on the men's side, EU and IWU getting to the Elite 8.  Some great games at The Shirk tonight. 

Congrats again to the Big Blue!

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 12, 2022, 11:28:34 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 11, 2022, 09:44:16 PM

Yes, student announcers.

Nope - the two gentlemen calling the game last night were a Hope grad who is a current HS basketball asst (was a student asst at Hope) and a Hope professor who was a former basketball official). I know the prof was also on the call for the NYU/Scranton game. During that game he was touting the strength of NYUs schedule in the UAA and I suspect may have carried that thought to the CCIW.

That being said, based on vRRO and SOS, Millikin did play a "tougher" schedule than Hope:

vRRO
Hope 6-1
Millikin 9-5

SOS
Hope .540
Millikin .563

Based on Massey conference rankings, the CCIW is ranked #5 and the MIAA is #7
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 12, 2022, 11:32:00 AM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on March 12, 2022, 11:28:34 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 11, 2022, 09:44:16 PM

Yes, student announcers.

Nope - the two gentlemen calling the game last night were a Hope grad and current HS basketball asst (was a student asst at Hope) and a Hope professor and former basketball official). I know the prof was also on the call for the NYU/Scranton game. During that game he was touting the strength of NYUs schedule in the UAA and I suspect may have carried that thought (incorrectly) to the CCIW.

Thanks for the correction.  I know Hope often (usually?) has student announcers so just assumed the same last night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2022, 01:40:56 PM
Counting non-conference and NCAA tourney action, the composite CCIW WBB record outside the conference ended at 51-33 (.607).
Within the conference regular season and CCIW tournament, they combined for 77-77 (.500 again darn it, can't seem to ever do any better).
standings arranged by win total :
23-7 MIL
20-9 IWU
19-7 CRL
16-11 WHE
15-10 NPU
12-13 AUG
11-14 CTG
9-17 NCC
3-22 ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 12, 2022, 03:52:08 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2022, 01:40:56 PM

. . .  they combined for 77-77 (.500 again darn it, can't seem to ever do any better).


It's that new math Rog . . . maybe next year they'll do better . .? ???
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2022, 04:32:25 PM
it's the 77 subtrahend that's the problem
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 12, 2022, 11:51:25 PM
Interesting note for the CCIW: UW-Whitewater (27-4) is in the Final Four, and the only non-WIAC team that has defeated UWW this season was Carroll. The Pioneers took down the Warhawks at Van Male back on New Year's Day, 71-62.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2022, 11:57:09 PM
Hope marches on, winning another easily.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2022, 03:31:35 PM
Good point about Carroll, Greg.
I wonder if Katie Rohner will return next season. She apparently was injured in late December, but was the Pios' leading scorer at that point, shooting very well at 3s, 2s and FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 15, 2022, 11:49:00 AM
Congrats for these D3hoops All-Region 8 honors :
Player of the Year: Elyce Knudsen, G, Millikin
Coach of the Year: Juli Fulks, Transylvania
Rookie of the Year: Anaya Davis, F, Rockford

First team       
   Lexi Dellinger   Anderson   Sr.   
   Madison Kellione  Transylvania   Jr.   
   Elyce Knudsen   Millikin   So.   
   Addison Beussink   Webster   Sr.   
   Jayla Johnson   North Park   Sr.   
Second team           
   Brooke Lansford     Illinois Wesleyan   Sr.    
   Jenna Mace   Wisconsin Lutheran   Sr.   
   Alex Fanning   Benedictine   Sr.   
   Sam Leisemann   Wisconsin Lutheran   So.   
   Klaire Steffens   U of Chicago   Sr.   
Third team           
   Lauren Huber   Illinois Wesleyan   Fr.   
   Rylee Stafford   Fontbonne      Sr.   
   Maya Arnott   Washington U.   Jr.   
   Anaya Davis   Rockford   Fr.   
   Jordan Hildebrand   Millikin   Sr
--
All Anaya Davis did was average 18.3 pts and 13.8 rebs over 25 games, shot a good pct, had 54 steals and 24 blocks; 54 TOs not bad either. Sounds good enough for 2nd team at least; may have been punished for being a freshman.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:08:51 PM
Jamie Baum being left off the regional list is a mistake. she would start and play 25 minutes plus for any team in the region. she destroyed lansford in her matchup held her scoreless while scoring 14    averaged 13 pts and 7 rebounds as a guard while always having best defender on her 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 15, 2022, 01:23:20 PM
I don't vote on these panels usually, and didn't for Region 8 this year. It's a panel of Sports Information Directors and then I reorder so we don't have five PGs or Centers on a team. Sometimes that's hard to avoid, like in Region 9 where they have so many forwards. Our team does select the POY, ROY and COY, though it's usually just the person who received the most votes for the two player awards. That was the case here. Knudsen and Davis had the most votes.

I think Davis was probably dinged by voters for Rockford's lack of success. Think of it this way -- Rockford finished in seventh in the NACC and yet Davis was still recognized by the voters, over players from second place St. Norbert and an Aurora team that beat the Regents by a combined 37 points in two games. The only other NACC players selected were the POY (Fanning) and two players from the Wisconsin Lutheran team ranked in the Top 25 throughout the season.

Baum was on the ballot, but I don't have any insight on why she didn't get votes. No school in this region had more than two representatives and most had none, so a lot of quality starters and very good players aren't recognized.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2022, 01:25:15 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:08:51 PM
Jamie Baum being left off the regional list is a mistake. she would start and play 25 minutes plus for any team in the region. she destroyed lansford in her matchup held her scoreless while scoring 14    averaged 13 pts and 7 rebounds as a guard while always having best defender on her

Not making first team all-conference makes it very difficult to be named all-region.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:33:05 PM
that was even more of a  joke  she also shoudl have been freshman of the year also watch any games especially the non conference special player. she gets double doubles on bad days
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2022, 01:34:42 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:33:05 PM
that was a joke also watch any games especially the non confrence special player. she gets double doubles on bad days

Who watches more HCAC games than the HCAC coaches? Certainly not us and certainly not you.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:38:10 PM
lol thats funny coaches watch all the games  i know thats not true. n   if it looks like a frog and jumps like a frog its a frog.   anyone watching Jamie baum would know what i speak
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Baldini on March 15, 2022, 01:49:09 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:33:05 PM
that was even more of a  joke  she also shoudl have been freshman of the year also watch any games especially the non conference special player. she gets double doubles on bad days

Jamie Baum is a very good player and probably going to get even better with time, but this just feels like we needed a RHIT hill to die on. She had 2 double-doubles on the year according to the RHIT website, am I understanding correct that you are saying that those were her bad days?

From her bio.

Rose-Hulman Highlights:
* 2nd-team all-HCAC selection as a freshman in 2021-22
* HCAC All-Freshman Team selection in 2021-22
* Led the team in scoring (12.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.9 rpg) in 2021-22
* Ranked 2nd on the team in assists (51) and steals (22) in 2021-22
* Scored a career-high 24 points in the HCAC Tournament at Transylvania
* Had career-highs of 13 rebounds at Earlham and 6 assists at Transylvania
* Reached double figures in scoring 16 times in her career
* Has 2 career double-doubles

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 15, 2022, 02:03:50 PM
Congrats to all the CCIW players named to All-Region . . . and especially to Millikin's Elyce Knudsen as the regional player of the year.

Congrats to Brooke and Lauren from IWU on their All-Region honors.  With those three good freshmen, and other upper-class returnees, IWU's program looks in good shape for the next few years.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2022, 02:34:02 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:38:10 PM
lol thats funny coaches watch all the games  i know thats not true.

I never said coaches watch all the games, so I'm not sure why you tried to put those words into my mouth. I just said they watch more HCAC games than you or I do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 15, 2022, 04:02:26 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2022, 02:34:02 PM
Quote from: Jester1390 on March 15, 2022, 01:38:10 PM
lol thats funny coaches watch all the games  i know thats not true.

I never said coaches watch all the games, so I'm not sure why you tried to put those words into my mouth. I just said they watch more HCAC games than you or I do.

Fair or unfair stats DO have an outsized role in these end-of-year honors. I watched about 90% of RHIT's games and there is no doubt that Baum is a really good player with a lot of upside and she should be well on her way to garnering many more over the next three years.

I think, Jester, that there are a couple reasons for Baum being left off the list.
#1 - Stats
#2 - Her status as a Freshman and her game
#3 - RHIT's season

Stats - She had a really nice year for a freshman, and is one of the better rebounding guards under 6'0 in all of Division III - But stats, especially points-per-game, plays a larger role than I think folks probably realize. This isn't the Big 10 or SEC, where teams are constantly on TV and covered by every form of media imaginable. The SID's are basically bean-counters anyway, and besides not many of them are taking time out of their insanely busy jobs to watch much film on kids from other schools. They rely a great deal on stats - and I suspect that the coaches do as well when deciding all-league honors each year. 12+ points per game just isn't good enough outside the league when considering all region or all-district nods unless there's something else really eye-popping to go along with it, such as a couple or three triple-doubles, an average close to ten assists per game, or double digit rebounds per game.

#2 - You'd better have some serious stats as a Freshman to even be considered for this list, like the gal from Rockford. Huber had better stats than Baum as well. Baum needs to become more dynamic offensively and get to the rim more often. She scored 90% of her points via jump-shots or uncontested lay-ups. I don't know if she avoids contact or the offense precludes it, but she shot an astonishing low number of FT's this year - 36. Compare that to Huber, who shot almost the equivalent (17) of 50% of Baum's total FT's for the SEASON just in the single game vs. RHIT! For a player of Baum's talent to only get to the FT line 36 times in 21 games is not good.

#3 - RHIT finished above .500 this year and really looked like they were going to be a tough team to beat, especially after beating IWU (at IWU-which is rare because they are very good at home traditionally - ask Millikin) and playing DePauw very tough in the Midwest Classic, then playing Transy closer than anyone else all year other than Trine, but somehow RHIT slipped into a nosedive they were never able to pull out of. Maybe it was the two-week break from Covid, but 12 points a game on a barely-above .500 team just won't influence a lot of voters who aren't intimately familiar with her team or her game.

Baum IS really good and she has a chance to become a really special player over her last three years at RHIT. I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 15, 2022, 04:28:34 PM
All good points, Enginerd, but you also have to include what Pat mentioned:

Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2022, 01:25:15 PM
Not making first team all-conference makes it very difficult to be named all-region.

As Gordon said, the All-Region team is compiled by SIDs from around the region and then refined by Gordon himself in order to make each of the three All-Region teams conform to a standard basketball lineup, as is long-standing d3hoops.com practice. There are five different leagues represented in Region 8, so there are plenty of high-quality players whom each SID will not have had a chance to watch. It therefore stands to reason that they will use a resource produced by people in the know regarding leagues other than the league in which a particular SID works. And the most obvious resource is an All-Conference team selected by the coaches.

This is how d3hoops.com works when it comes to awarding honors: each level builds upon the level below it, because the selectors at each level have less direct observational knowledge of the players named to the lower levels. Thus, the All-Region selectors rely upon All-Conference teams for insight, and the All-American selectors rely upon the All-Region teams for insight. It's the most logical way to deal with the perplexing problem of winnowing out so few players from a division of 430 schools (or, in this case, from within the ten regions into which the division is further divided).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 15, 2022, 04:31:13 PM
And we can't deny that conference voters don't always get it right, but we have to have really good reason to look past that.

Some possible reasons:

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 15, 2022, 04:44:04 PM
I want to specifically congratulate Jayla Johnson upon being named first-team All-Region ... and I fervently hope that she gets named an All-American as well, not simply for North Park's sake but especially for Jayla's. She deserves it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 18, 2022, 11:56:06 AM
Hope over Trine, Whitewater over Amherst.   I think Hope completes their long journey

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 19, 2022, 03:48:08 PM
Jayla Johnson is an All-American! Congratulations to Jayla, who is the first All-American in North Park women's basketball history!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 19, 2022, 03:52:11 PM
Elyce Knudsen, 1st Team D3Hoops All American.  Congratulations to her and the Millikin Big Blue.

I think this is well deserved although I will admit to not having seen many of the other candidates.  Also I wasn't sure if the voters would be hesitant to vote a sophomore so high.  I'm glad they did.

Congrats to NPU's Jayla Johnson on her third team selection.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 19, 2022, 04:17:26 PM
Congrats to them!
Only 7 non-seniors among the 26 players honored.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 19, 2022, 04:46:11 PM
Congrats to HOPE on lifting the Walnut and Bronze, winning rather easily over Whitewater.  As expected. Great defense, too much depth for WW to overcome.

Congrats to all the AA honorees, esp. the two from the CCIW.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on March 20, 2022, 10:07:20 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 19, 2022, 04:46:11 PM
Congrats to HOPE on lifting the Walnut and Bronze, winning rather easily over Whitewater.  As expected. Great defense, too much depth for WW to overcome.

Congrats to all the AA honorees, esp. the two from the CCIW.

'70

Hope had to play pretty well to get past Trine (who had one heck of a year and nothing to hang their heads over) but this result was a foregone conclusion and I stated as much in a post on January 1st "It's just boring to me when you begin the season knowing who's going to win the national championship barring some kind of lightning-strike loss in the NCAA's".
Hope would possibly have won the NAIA National Championship this year and I'll bet they could have made the Sweet 16, at a minimum, in the Division II tournament with the right draw in the bracket.
I watched Hope, Eastern Michigan, GVSU, and Ferris State all play in person this year and Hope is collectively longer than them all!
Hope loses the "super seniors" and Trine loses some key pieces - who's the way-too-early pick to win it all next year? Amherst? Hope again? Transylvania?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on March 20, 2022, 11:06:31 PM
Good question!

Here are a couple teams I expect to be very good...

1) Transylvania brings back basically everyone. They need some front court depth but the Pios are not far away from being strong national title contenders
2) New York U brings back two first team all-region players including a national ROY Belle Pellecchia. I watched NYU a couple times and was impressed by lots of players on their team. The Violets are pretty loaded
3) UW-Whitewater brings back Grundahl and Carollo is just a freshman. They will be very good
4) Mary Hardin-Baylor was very young and very tall. They don't have the speed that Hope did but they have more depth in the post than any team I can remember.
5) UW-Eau Claire was very up and down. They were also very young. They'll have one of the best returning players in the country (Ruden) and lose just one starter to graduation (assuming she doesn't have another year of eligibility -- it's hard to tell nowadays)

Would IWU or Millikin be in the running? Maybe not at the level of those teams, but say, Top 15?

I don't expect big drop offs from Hope or Amherst. They have a way of reloading and winning. No one had heard of AnLing Vera 12 months ago and she was on the All-Tournament team. Ella McKinney was arguably Hope's best offensive player yesterday and she's a junior.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 20, 2022, 11:11:52 PM
By the way, the NAIA WBB final four includes recent D3 powerhouse Thomas More.
They play Monday, winners to face each other on Tuesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 21, 2022, 01:27:12 PM
Quote from: Enginerd on March 20, 2022, 10:07:20 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 19, 2022, 04:46:11 PM
Congrats to HOPE on lifting the Walnut and Bronze, winning rather easily over Whitewater.  As expected. Great defense, too much depth for WW to overcome.

Congrats to all the AA honorees, esp. the two from the CCIW.

'70

Hope had to play pretty well to get past Trine (who had one heck of a year and nothing to hang their heads over) but this result was a foregone conclusion and I stated as much in a post on January 1st "It's just boring to me when you begin the season knowing who's going to win the national championship barring some kind of lightning-strike loss in the NCAA's".
Hope would possibly have won the NAIA National Championship this year and I'll bet they could have made the Sweet 16, at a minimum, in the Division II tournament with the right draw in the bracket.
I watched Hope, Eastern Michigan, GVSU, and Ferris State all play in person this year and Hope is collectively longer than them all!
Hope loses the "super seniors" and Trine loses some key pieces - who's the way-too-early pick to win it all next year? Amherst? Hope again? Transylvania?

As a Hope fan, it sure didn't feel like a foregone conclusion.  Following the loss to Trine it seems the D3Hoops and WBCA voters both agreed, dropping Hope down to #3.  I think the voters didn't fully recognize just how good Trine is at that point.  All the Hope NCAA games were close and very competitive at least in the first half but ultimately it seems Hope's depth, enabled largely by the return of the 3 super seniors, won out.

No way Hope can be as strong/deep next year with the loss of 6 seniors that include two All Americans and the NCAA tournament MVP.  But I could see them being top 20, maybe even top 10 with a strong recruit or two.  A returning nucleus of Baguley, Championship game high scorer McKinney, Morehouse, and don't forget Savannah Feenstra who was playing at a very high level before her season ending injury, should keep Hope very competitive.

Have to agree with Gordon's top contenders. I might go with Millikin if Knudsen gets even better, a talent like that can just carry a team a long way at this level and it's not as if she doesn't have a supporting cast.  Maybe NYU next, or UWW.  Not that Transylvania is a dark horse either, the experience of their deep run this year will surely help all those returners counter a somewhat weaker SoS.  All top 5 in my book.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 21, 2022, 03:32:30 PM
I agree with the consensus, these are my top 3 teams heading into next year:
NYU
Transylvania
UW-Whitewater


and I expect most of these to be up there as well:
Carroll
Christopher Newport
DeSales
Gustavus Adolphus
Hope
Marietta
Millikin
Puget Sound
Trine
UW-Eau Claire
UW-LaCrosse
Wartburg
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on March 21, 2022, 04:24:20 PM
Good discussion, and I agree.  Hope and Trine will both be good again I'm sure, but they do have significant losses:

Hope graduates (assuming no 4th years take a 5th year):

55% of minutes played
56% of points scored
59% of rebounds

Trine graduates (assuming no 4th years take a 5th year):

41% of minutes played
50% of points scored
38% of rebounds

Got to wondering if Trine might be a bit more likely to get a player or two to go for the 5th year, considering how close to the mountain top they were.  I know that a 5th year is no small undertaking, but who knows - it happened for Hope.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 21, 2022, 06:38:45 PM
I was surprised to see what Trine returns, percentage wise, knowing that Wildman, Stewart, Taylor, Bieniewicz are graduating, Figured they'd be among the lowest of returning Stats.

So far I've crunched 40 teams (the bulk of the top Massey teams), and there are 8 teams that return less than Trine.

FDF, I'm gonna check my numbers again; I've got slightly different percentages than you do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on March 21, 2022, 07:06:13 PM
 A number of us would be interested in seeing your numbers for those 40 teams; it would serve as a base before modification for grad/5th year students, transfers, and incoming frosh in judging next season's contenders.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 21, 2022, 07:33:16 PM
Here's the link to the google doc; anyone should be able to view it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kqWbS90cdEBvOSSeJf91GfVvUjX7WH7C7LRjKppQKAE/edit?usp=sharing

If you see incorrect data, let me know. Even though I'm a software developer, I'm doing the bulk of this manually.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 21, 2022, 11:19:10 PM
Final d3.com poll now posted.

Millikin 18th.  IWU had 41 points, tied for (26th).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 22, 2022, 02:21:32 PM
Ypsi, that seems about right to me on MU -- at 18th in the final poll.

Glad to see our Titans get some love with those 41 votes, after a very encouraging season, getting into the D3 tournament, getting to the round of 32.  With one or two new recruits, a new PG and esp. a big or two, and our three fabulous freshmen, others coming back (Heller and Carlson), I think IWU will be pretty good next year.  Maybe not top 25 initially, but with a tremendous upside, likely in the top tier of the CCIW again, and competing for the conference championship again.  I'm more optimistic than I was earlier in this season.  It was a fun season and certainly this group over-achieved in my view.  Thanks again to those three tremendous, dedicated seniors:  Lansford, Eck and Bowen.  They were wonderful! 

Knudsen is a great talent, though MU loses a lot of the surrounding pieces . . . so we'll have to see what MU and Coach Lett putts together next year.  Hope, Trine, Transy and WW will surely reload, not rebuild.  . . . 

Enjoy the Spring, the baseball . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 22, 2022, 05:23:30 PM
https://wbca.org/about/press-releases/player-year-kenedy-schoonveld-headlines-2022-wbca-ncaa-division-iii-coaches%E2%80%99
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen for being among the WBCA top ten players nationally!
Also congrats to Jordan Hildebrand and Jayla Johnson, both getting Honorable Mention.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on March 22, 2022, 11:19:20 PM
Quote from: scottiedawg on March 21, 2022, 07:33:16 PM
Here's the link to the google doc; anyone should be able to view it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kqWbS90cdEBvOSSeJf91GfVvUjX7WH7C7LRjKppQKAE/edit?usp=sharing

If you see incorrect data, let me know. Even though I'm a software developer, I'm doing the bulk of this manually.

Was looking at your data sheet of the teams with their returning pts,rebs, and mins when somehow I came upon a sheet of individual players; don't know how I got there, but then it disappeared as I was looking at it and couldn't bring it back; how do I get there again? One such player was Abby Anderson of Scranton whom I loved watching play this season and on her line was St. John Fisher and I didn't understand why it would be there in reference to her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 23, 2022, 10:56:38 AM
Quote from: ronk on March 22, 2022, 11:19:20 PM
Quote from: scottiedawg on March 21, 2022, 07:33:16 PM
Here's the link to the google doc; anyone should be able to view it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kqWbS90cdEBvOSSeJf91GfVvUjX7WH7C7LRjKppQKAE/edit?usp=sharing

If you see incorrect data, let me know. Even though I'm a software developer, I'm doing the bulk of this manually.

Was looking at your data sheet of the teams with their returning pts,rebs, and mins when somehow I came upon a sheet of individual players; don't know how I got there, but then it disappeared as I was looking at it and couldn't bring it back; how do I get there again? One such player was Abby Anderson of Scranton whom I loved watching play this season and on her line was St. John Fisher and I didn't understand why it would be there in reference to her.

Individual player data is still there in columns R:S.   Individual rows in data from columns A:M do not correspond to individual rows in data from columns R:S. I should split the data into different sheets to make that more clear.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on March 23, 2022, 11:55:22 AM
 Yes, this was data in cell Z(teams and how they did in the NCAA tourney) and, like u say, didn't have anything to do with the individuals in cells R and S.
  Separately, in looking at the individual(R/S) data, there were a few All-Americans(Bieniewicz, Porath) who finished relatively low by that measurement. Looks like the D3 panel weighted other criteria(A/TO ratio, blocks, steals,?) more heavily in making their choices. If u as a data cruncher were looking for additional work, u could come up with the cell data that would more closely align with the choices that were made for the top 40 candidates, including the underclasswomen.  :)
It won't change anything, just fodder for discussion.   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 28, 2022, 08:55:28 PM
Amanda Crockett has resigned. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2022/3/28/amanda-crockett-resigns-as-head-coach-of-north-park-womens-basketball.aspx) Her family's recent move to Crown Point, IN to accommodate her husband Steve's new job would've made for too difficult a commute, especially with three young children at home to consider.

The Vikings never quite got over the top during Amanda's 14 years running the program, but she made North Park women's basketball respectable again. She leaves with nothing but positive impressions and best wishes from the NPU community.

I'm looking forward to seeing who John Born hires to take over the reins.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 28, 2022, 10:51:04 PM
Wow, that's a surprise loss for NPU. Amanda certainly got the best out of her players. Even in losses, where opponents' victories were not achieved without concerted effort.
Good luck to her over in Indiana, whatever she eventually ends up doing in addition to mom-duties.
We'll expect her to attend some games at Foster/Kedzie Arena next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 29, 2022, 04:33:29 PM
Michelle Bilek for the NPU Women's Coaching job?

A thought.

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 29, 2022, 05:57:26 PM
I don't know if: a) she's a fit for NPU's mission and hiring policies; and b) she qualifies for the job, which may or may not require previous collegiate head coaching experience (NPU hasn't posted it yet on the online "employment opportunities" page, so I don't know if that's specified). If she does meet the criteria, I personally have no objection to her throwing her hat into the ring. North Park has had several head coaches in various sports over the years who were alumni of other CCIW schools. In my view, that's a feature, not a bug, on the curriculum vitae of a North Park coaching applicant.

In fact, one of NPU's current head coaches, baseball head coach Luke Johnson, received his bachelor's degree from Elmhurst (where he was an All-CCIW outfielder as a Bluejay) and his master's from North Central, and served as an assistant coach at both of those schools prior to becoming North Park's head coach. NPU's associate athletic director (and former head women's volleyball coach) Sue Zimmer received her bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan (and one of her two master's degrees from North Park, I should add). And as recently as a dozen years ago NPU had a Wheaton grad as its head women's soccer coach, Troy Edwards.

All that matters to me is that North Park hires head coaches who succeed. Where they received their degrees, whether undergraduate or graduate, really doesn't matter ... aside from the fact that I think some prior familiarity with the CCIW is a modest asset, at least initially. But that means that I'm also agreeable to John Born hiring somebody who coached at another CCIW school, rather than attended one as a student.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on March 30, 2022, 04:18:54 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 29, 2022, 04:33:29 PM
Michelle Bilek for the NPU Women's Coaching job?

A thought.

iwu'70

Without ever hearing that name or knowing who she is, I'm going to guess that she would be the PERFECT hire because she HAS to have played or coached at IWU within the last four decades.

(Checks Google after typing...)

YEP.

Three Immutable Truths:
1) Death
2) Taxes
3) Anything or anyone who has ever been or ever will be connected to IWU (or displays/wears anything that remotely includes any shade of green) will be the BEST and ONLY thing/person to achieve greatness in any job, team, company, municipality, or position related to anything or anywhere forever and beyond.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 30, 2022, 09:40:55 PM
iwu70's affection for all things Illinois Wesleyan has been compared to a bumblebee's attraction to Clethra alnifolia.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 31, 2022, 10:19:09 PM
Look at her record, worked at several good programs . . .I think U of Chicago and NYU?  If you want a young and energetic new coach with national championship experience, well, she's not a bad choice.  Perhaps you guys should make some suggestions . . .  instead of just making jokes and being snarky. 

Thanks for all your fun compliments about my loyalties to IWU.  This again is not news . . . 

Enjoy the off-season, the coaching changes and the recruitment classes . . .  that would be real news about D3 women's hoops.  As far as I know, the Dean of CCIW women's hoops, Mia Smith, is back again next year.

'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on April 02, 2022, 08:00:59 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 31, 2022, 10:19:09 PM
Look at her record, worked at several good programs . . .I think U of Chicago and NYU?  If you want a young and energetic new coach with national championship experience, well, she's not a bad choice.  Perhaps you guys should make some suggestions . . .  instead of just making jokes and being snarky. 

'70

Point well taken.

Here's my list:
1) A coach who has NO ties to that green school AND, in addition, displays a burning desire (greater than the temperature of the Sun) to despise that school and all that it stands for.

On a less hyperbolic note, the relatively new NPU AD has a chance to find a HC for each team (men and women) that has recruiting excellence as their primary attribute. Studies show that facilities, or lack thereof, are NOT deciding factors in prospect matriculation. The overall quality of recruiting of the basketball programs has been a major limiting factor for the Vikings.  It just has not been acceptable by any measure or metric.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 05, 2022, 10:45:12 PM
NPU needs far more than just better recruiting.  Better facilities would help, but they also need a coach who has better planning, game management and team design experience.   NPU has had some terrifically talented players over the years, but the way they play as a team has been at times sorely lacking. 

Again, hate on IWU all you want, but some of the coaches trained in the IWU system do have valuable experience . . .  Olivia Lett a good current example.  Michelle Bilek, Rebecca Ehresman and some others I could mention will be good head coaches, if they wish, at some point in the near future.  One could name some on the men's side as well -- I'm sure you can name them . . . and it goes beyond Jon Baines. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on April 06, 2022, 11:22:04 AM
Lol I don't think he was hating on Iwu or the message I think he was hating on the messenger. Which he shouldn't your no different then a cowboy or packers and red sox fan. Your devoted to your team and cant see reality sometimes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 06, 2022, 02:47:09 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 05, 2022, 10:45:12 PM
NPU needs far more than just better recruiting.  Better facilities would help, but they also need a coach who has better planning, game management and team design experience.   NPU has had some terrifically talented players over the years, but the way they play as a team has been at times sorely lacking.

I vehemently disagree. The hallmark of Amanda Crockett's teams has been great defense, and the heart of that is not only that the Vikings have played great team defense, but that every player in the rotation has consistently played better individual defense as her career progressed. And Amanda's planning and game management were fine; too often her hands were tied by her available personnel for her to X's-and-O's her way out of specific mismatches.

NPU needs better recruiting, pure and simple. The crackerbox is what it is; I don't think that it plays all that big of a role in whether or not a prospect decides to enroll at North Park to play women's basketball. The problem has been recruiting, specifically in terms of volume. As you said, the Vikings have had terrifically talented players over the years -- they're seeing two of them graduate next month in Jayla Johnson and Emily Czuhajewski -- but there hasn't been enough of them to sufficiently stock the roster in such a way as to not only get them to the top of the standings but to keep them there for the entire duration of the season. This past season was a textbook case of that; there was no CCIW-quality depth at all beyond the starters, and once Emily went down with her leg injury the Vikings' fortunes went down with her. But it goes back further than that; the 2015-16 team was one good player away from competing for the title, and when Nikki Przybyslawski tore her ACL that December the Vikings descended into mediocrity. And the 2019-20 team was one good player away from winning the CCIW title as well.

The opposite side of the ledger, to me, is Carroll. The Pioneers were picked to finish fifth this past season, and it was a distant fifth; they were picked as close to seventh as they were to the two teams tied ahead of them in the poll. But the Pioneers finished 19-7, 10-6, and came pretty darned close to making it to the CCIW tourney championship game with a shot at the dance on the line. How did they do it? Depth. Lindsay Schultz kept losing players to injury or Covid protocols, but she was able to keep plugging in players who responded with CCIW-grade performances. Lindsay Schultz can recruit, and it's doubly impressive how many good players she's recruited during her brief tenure in Waukesha in light of the fact that Carroll is one of the most difficult places to recruit in the entire league, if not the most difficult.

Recruiting is very hard work. It's easy for us fans to gripe about it, because we're not the ones working the phone, spending half of our evenings in high-school gyms, or sweating out test scores or aid packages. It's easy to bemoan holes in your team's lineup, or a lack of depth. But you can't get around the fact that recruiting is by far the most important responsibility of being a college head coach. Even if you delegate most of the recruiting legwork to an assistant or assistants, you're still the one who closes the deal, you're still the one who hires those assistants in the first place, and you're still the one who bears the ultimate responsibility for the team that you send out onto the floor 25 or more times every winter. I'm not at all saying that Amanda was bad at it. But she wasn't good enough at it to get NPU to the top of the league ... and it's because she was always one Nikki Przybyslawski, or one Zakiya Newsome, or one Soly Roman, short of where she needed the Vikings to be.

Quote from: iwu70 on April 05, 2022, 10:45:12 PMAgain, hate on IWU all you want, but some of the coaches trained in the IWU system do have valuable experience . . .  Olivia Lett a good current example.  Michelle Bilek, Rebecca Ehresman and some others I could mention will be good head coaches, if they wish, at some point in the near future.  One could name some on the men's side as well -- I'm sure you can name them . . . and it goes beyond Jon Baines. 

Oh, good grief.  ::)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on April 07, 2022, 06:54:57 PM
Well the NPU hire has been made. Chances are very good that the promotion of an assistant to 1st time
Head Coach will result in the consistent pattern of results that have occurred previously with 1st time HC's in this league....
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 07, 2022, 07:14:22 PM
Congrats to Annie Shain upon being promoted to take over the reins at North Park. Annie is a diligent worker who knows the game and has a good rapport with her players. She's fully aware that NPU needs to up its game in the recruiting department. That is even more blatantly obvious right now, given that the Vikings, while not having an utterly bare cupboard, have a roster that as currently constituted will probably get them picked to finish dead last (and rightly so) in next fall's CCIW coaches poll -- and if it isn't augmented in this recruiting cycle with some players who can immediately step onto the floor and perform well at the CCIW level, dead last is where the Vikings will likely finish in 2022-23.

I haven't spoken to Annie much about recruiting this past season, but my sense is that John Born wouldn't have hired her if she didn't have a great incoming class lined up.

So sorry that we didn't hire a Greenie, Mark. ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 07, 2022, 09:43:02 PM
Greg, don't worry, I didn't expect you to do so.  Most on this board are not very prone to taking my advice.  We are all partisans of one sort or another.  Some other schools down the line will benefit from hiring Bilek or Ehresman or others in the "greenie" lineage.  Elmhurst on the men's side has surely benefited.  Congrats to Annie Shain, and good luck to her.  NPU will live with their decision, and we'll see how it all plays out in time.  Sounds a tough spot to be in for her with the thin cupboard of returnees.  I'd pick them last . . . 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 07, 2022, 09:44:14 PM
It may not be fully known among our fellow writers that Annie Shain served as head coach for several games during this past season while Coach Crockett was off for maternity leave.
She may, of course, make some revisions based on her own basketball philosophy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on April 07, 2022, 11:10:25 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 07, 2022, 07:14:22 PM
Congrats to Annie Shain upon being promoted to take over the reins at North Park. Annie is a diligent worker who knows the game and has a good rapport with her players. She's fully aware that NPU needs to up its game in the recruiting department. That is even more blatantly obvious right now, given that the Vikings, while not having an utterly bare cupboard, have a roster that as currently constituted will probably get them picked to finish dead last (and rightly so) in next fall's CCIW coaches poll -- and if it isn't augmented in this recruiting cycle with some players who can immediately step onto the floor and perform well at the CCIW level, dead last is where the Vikings will likely finish in 2022-23.

I haven't spoken to Annie much about recruiting this past season, but my sense is that John Born wouldn't have hired her if she didn't have a great incoming class lined up.

So sorry that we didn't hire a Greenie, Mark. ;)

Last?

Elmhurst didn't have a single CCIW-caliber player on their roster this season. Me, you, Coach Shane, and any two of NPU's current players could compete with this years version of the 'Jays (and I can't shoot anymore and you prolly can't move!)  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 08, 2022, 09:55:23 AM
Quote from: RogK on April 07, 2022, 09:44:14 PM
It may not be fully known among our fellow writers that Annie Shain served as head coach for several games during this past season while Coach Crockett was off for maternity leave.

She did a good job of it, too. IIRC, Annie Shain went 6-1 in her stint as acting head coach.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 08, 2022, 02:15:06 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on April 07, 2022, 09:43:02 PM
Greg, don't worry, I didn't expect you to do so.  Most on this board are not very prone to taking my advice.

??? I didn't do the hiring, Mark. John Born is the one who hired Annie Shain as head coach. He's the one who didn't take your advice ... and he doesn't post here.

Quote from: iwu70 on April 07, 2022, 09:43:02 PMWe are all partisans of one sort or another.

Not necessarily. Rog is a glaring example of a non-partisan poster on this board. But for the most part you're correct about this being a board of partisan posters. Nevertheless, I think that Jester hit the nail on the head when he said:

Quote from: Jester1390 on April 06, 2022, 11:22:04 AMYour devoted to your team and cant see reality sometimes.

Mark, your partisanship is so over-the-top that you're prone to not simply indulge in your typical fulsome cheerleading for IWU but to actually present unsupportable statements as fact:

Quote from: iwu70 on April 07, 2022, 09:43:02 PMSome other schools down the line will benefit from hiring Bilek or Ehresman or others in the "greenie" lineage.

You have no concrete evidence to support this. This is how you try to do so:

Quote from: iwu70 on April 07, 2022, 09:43:02 PMElmhurst on the men's side has surely benefited.

To use a sports metaphor, you threw the pass five yards out of bounds on this play and plunked the guy holding the first-down marker right in the head. In the past you've often tried to bask in Olivia Lett's success at Millikin by insinuating that it's a reflection of her having played and coached under Mia Smith as a Titan. That's borderline acceptable; everybody has influences and mentors, and it is certainly reasonable to imply, if not outright declare, that Mia Smith played the major role in making Olivia Lett the successful head coach that she is today. But, boy, does that also border upon being an insult to Lett. It could easily be construed as a knock on Lett's native intelligence, basketball acumen, and social skills (the latter of which is a key component of successful recruiting). And that's to say nothing of your presentation of Lett as essentially a product of Mia Smith's influence being a dismissal of anybody else who may have influenced Lett along the way -- for example, her high school coach at Pana HS, or former U of Chicago head coach Carisa Sain Knoche, under whom Lett served for two years as an assistant.

Nevertheless, given that Lett played for Smith for three years and was an assistant under her for three more, you can at least make the argument that Lett's impressive success is a byproduct of Mia Smith's influence upon her. It's an argument, mind you, not a proven fact, but you're at least on the playing field with it.

But drawing John Baines into this? Wow. Let us count the ways that this is messed-up. First, it's the wrong sport. Baines coaches men's basketball, and has never had any sort of association whatsoever with Mia Smith (who wasn't even at IWU when Baines was a student-athlete there; she was coaching volleyball and softball at Monmouth at the time). So this statement of yours is not an endorsement of Mia Smith's influence upon Bilek or Ehresman -- or Lett, or anybody else associated with Titans women's basketball -- at all. When you say "greenie lineage," you literally mean anybody who is an Illinois Wesleyan sports alumnus or alumna. And, whether you're blinded to it or not, that's just plain nuts. (And, no, it's not sugar-covered nuts, either. It's just plain nuts. ;)) It completely undercuts your Mia Smith argument and puts you out on the fringe with the conspiracy theorists ... unless, that is, you can produce some of the magic green pixie dust Illinois Wesleyan provides to its student-athletes that automatically make them great future coaches. I'm not holding my breath on that. ;)

Second, there were a lot of years that took place between John Baines the IWU men's basketball center and John Baines the successful Elmhurst men's basketball head coach, years in which he never wore green. He spent two years coaching at Bloomington HS, then spent ten -- count 'em, ten -- seasons sitting second chair beside Mark Scherer as Elmhurst's assistant coach, a coaching tenure so long that it makes the argument that Elmhurst, not Illinois Wesleyan, is the CCIW school that shaped Baines as a coach much more compelling. And then he spent three successful seasons learning his craft as a college head coach at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. It's therefore quite a reach to claim that Illinois Wesleyan is the institution that shaped Baines as a head coach.

Third, as I said earlier, your statement that Bilek and Ehresman will be successful head coaches, whether at North Park or some other college, is unsupportable speculation, not fact. Again, no slam on Bilek or Ehresman whatsoever in terms of their actual merits, but I need to see the magic green pixie dust for myself before I am convinced that they should be at the top of any AD's hiring list simply because they have undergraduate diplomas from Illinois Wesleyan.

Quote from: iwu70 on April 07, 2022, 09:43:02 PMCongrats to Annie Shain, and good luck to her.  NPU will live with their decision, and we'll see how it all plays out in time.  Sounds a tough spot to be in for her with the thin cupboard of returnees.  I'd pick them last . . .

On that we agree. Even as bad as Elmhurst was last season, I think that the Bluejays will be picked eighth, ahead of NPU, next fall by the coaches, barring an incoming class for the Vikings that impresses Annie Shain's new peers enough for them to alter their thinking. Back on January 29, the 'jays were alarmingly competitive against the Czuhajewski-less Vikings at Faganel -- NPU carried a mere three-point lead into the final minute of the game -- and the Park will lose a lot more to graduation from that team that was missing Emily (Jayla Johnson and Lauren Lee) than Elmhurst will (Taylor Harazin and Marissa Urso, the latter of whom didn't even play in that January 29 game).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 08, 2022, 05:38:39 PM
Wheaton has revealed an early '22-'23 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
===
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on April 12, 2022, 08:02:30 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 08, 2022, 02:15:06 PM
So this statement of yours is not an endorsement of Mia Smith's influence upon Bilek or Ehresman -- or Lett, or anybody else associated with Titans women's basketball -- at all. When you say "greenie lineage," you literally mean anybody who is an Illinois Wesleyan sports alumnus or alumna. And, whether you're blinded to it or not, that's just plain nuts. (And, no, it's not sugar-covered nuts, either. It's just plain nuts. ;))

. . . or maybe it's just plain Grape Nuts . . . since they're neither grapes nor nuts . . .?  :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 14, 2022, 12:26:05 PM
On Tuesday, I happened to be at the IIT campus right as a bus arrived bringing the UW - La Crosse lacrosse team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on April 14, 2022, 05:09:09 PM
QuoteWheaton has revealed an early '22-'23 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule

That's the earliest schedule posting I can remember. It warms my heart.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on April 14, 2022, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on April 14, 2022, 05:09:09 PM
QuoteWheaton has revealed an early '22-'23 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule

That's the earliest schedule posting I can remember. It warms my heart.

You gotta let people know who you're playing, so they know whether to schedule you or not.  It's the new way of the world.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on April 25, 2022, 03:24:33 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on April 14, 2022, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on April 14, 2022, 05:09:09 PM
QuoteWheaton has revealed an early '22-'23 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule

That's the earliest schedule posting I can remember. It warms my heart.

You gotta let people know who you're playing, so they know whether to schedule you or not.  It's the new way of the world.

While in theory, factoring in SOS and other NCAAW tournament selection criteria is important in schedule decision making, teams generally ONLY post their upcoming schedule once it is finished/completed. Wheaton posted a complete schedule of 25 games. The reason why they've posted their schedule is because, like their recruiting, they've done their work early in identifying potential opponents and scenarios that will lead to games which will provide the best chance for a successful season.

Any coach inquiring about scheduling Wheaton for this season will heretofore receive a "No thanks, we're finished" response.  The process of scheduling is months in the making and done "behind the scenes" via phone, email, text, and personal connections - during a time when most people aren't posting their schedules online.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on April 25, 2022, 03:52:34 PM
Quote from: itsnotmeitsyou on April 25, 2022, 03:24:33 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on April 14, 2022, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on April 14, 2022, 05:09:09 PM
QuoteWheaton has revealed an early '22-'23 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule

That's the earliest schedule posting I can remember. It warms my heart.

You gotta let people know who you're playing, so they know whether to schedule you or not.  It's the new way of the world.

While in theory, factoring in SOS and other NCAAW tournament selection criteria is important in schedule decision making, teams generally ONLY post their upcoming schedule once it is finished/completed. Wheaton posted a complete schedule of 25 games. The reason why they've posted their schedule is because, like their recruiting, they've done their work early in identifying potential opponents and scenarios that will lead to games which will provide the best chance for a successful season.

Any coach inquiring about scheduling Wheaton for this season will heretofore receive a "No thanks, we're finished" response.  The process of scheduling is months in the making and done "behind the scenes" via phone, email, text, and personal connections - during a time when most people aren't posting their schedules online.

I might be wrong, but I think this is a joke aimed at the nonsense that is the NCAA's non-conference strength of schedule metric. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on April 25, 2022, 04:11:37 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on April 25, 2022, 03:52:34 PM
Quote from: itsnotmeitsyou on April 25, 2022, 03:24:33 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on April 14, 2022, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on April 14, 2022, 05:09:09 PM
QuoteWheaton has revealed an early '22-'23 schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule

That's the earliest schedule posting I can remember. It warms my heart.

You gotta let people know who you're playing, so they know whether to schedule you or not.  It's the new way of the world.

While in theory, factoring in SOS and other NCAAW tournament selection criteria is important in schedule decision making, teams generally ONLY post their upcoming schedule once it is finished/completed. Wheaton posted a complete schedule of 25 games. The reason why they've posted their schedule is because, like their recruiting, they've done their work early in identifying potential opponents and scenarios that will lead to games which will provide the best chance for a successful season.

Any coach inquiring about scheduling Wheaton for this season will heretofore receive a "No thanks, we're finished" response.  The process of scheduling is months in the making and done "behind the scenes" via phone, email, text, and personal connections - during a time when most people aren't posting their schedules online.

I might be wrong, but I think this is a joke aimed at the nonsense that is the NCAA's non-conference strength of schedule metric. :)

Not so much a joke, but that is the reference.  I think you're going to see a lot less secrecy in this process moving forward.  Good coaches are going to want to know who else is on your schedule.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 03, 2022, 10:35:35 PM
North Park's Esther Miller was named CCIW Women's Field Athlete of the Week (https://cciw.org/news/2022/5/3/womens-outdoor-track-field-north-parks-miller-named-cciw-womens-field-athlete-of-the-week.aspx) for her performance at the prestigious Drake Relays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 03, 2022, 10:56:12 PM
IWU has announced their recruitment class for this Fall, for the Class of 2026:

Sara Balli -- Lake Park HS
Emily Galvan -- Rolling Meadows HS
Payton Jacob -- St. Joseph-Ogden HS
Martha Lipic -- Oak Park - River Forest HS
Laura Mahlum -- Barrington HS
Sawyer White -- Montini Catholic HS

A couple of 6 footers and some new PG prospects, too.

IWU has a good contingent coming back in Heller, Carlson, Huber, Palmer, and Powers . . .

Graduating:   Lansford, Eck and Bowen . . .  good luck to these fine, dedicated seniors for all future endeavors, post-IWU.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 05, 2022, 04:53:07 PM
A preliminary schedule for North Park :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
I think Greg deserves to be included on the Florida trip, as long as he agrees to broadcast from whatever gym is used there.
What's his name, the Tampa quarterback, would agree to come over and do complimentary color commentary.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 11, 2022, 09:09:39 PM
Annie Shain's first interview as the new head coach of North Park women's basketball. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXKSTaCyIrs)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 13, 2022, 02:34:47 PM
Coach Shain will need to improvise developing an offense, obviously depending on the variety of talent among the new arrivals.
Last season, seniors Lauren Lee and Emily Czuhajewski made 42 and 41 3FGs respectfully (and respectively).
The next highest was 6.
Katelyn Sparlin hit 5 of 8. She may be relied on a little more, to pull a defender out to the 3-line. Yeah, 8 attempts is a small sample.
I'm sure any number of the other returning players are putting work in from behind the arc.
30% from three is good for D3 WBB, but even the low 20%s warrants some defensive attention.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Augie2020 on May 14, 2022, 04:08:39 PM
RogK-Scranton is down at St Petersburg,Florida-Dec 19th,20th maybe North Park and Scranton will play each other.These Tournaments bring different teams together from different regions I like that!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 14, 2022, 09:20:41 PM
Eight games into last season, Scranton had a good record : 6-2.
A few months later, they were 27-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Augie2020 on May 16, 2022, 01:54:27 AM
yes made it to the sweet 16 at Hope(What  an unbelievable gym)If you ever get the time to see it in person it is a gem!But best of luck this upcoming season
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 16, 2022, 10:56:52 AM
I'll accept your best of luck wish for '22-'23, although I am not connected to any particular team or school.
I did see four games at Hope, the March 2012 WBB Final Four, including Amherst's only losses of that season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 16, 2022, 05:52:49 PM
Recent Wheaton player Kirsten Madsen is an assistant at IIT :
https://www.illinoistechathletics.com/information/directory/bios/Kirsten_Madsen?view=bio
=====
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 02, 2022, 11:19:15 PM
Most of the Millikin WBB team is in Italia for a week or so :
https://express.adobe.com/page/ZQiEuUVOaqhYQ/
includes Roma, Napoli, Pompeii (hopefully Vesuvio is calm), perhaps Capri, Positano, Peoria, Danville and Keokuk.
Buon Viaggio to the Big Blue!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 13, 2022, 12:48:18 PM
Illinois Wesleyan has posted their new schedule :
https://www.iwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2022-23
===
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 19, 2022, 11:48:13 PM
the final two chapters, days 9 & 10, of Millikin's trip have been posted ... I recommend reading each of the 9 reports, a fun read, informative and also revealing a bit of the writers' personalities :
https://express.adobe.com/page/ZQiEuUVOaqhYQ/
= = = =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 20, 2022, 05:20:29 PM
info on three Thunder newcomers :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2022/6/17/the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2022-23-season.aspx
= = = =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 23, 2022, 01:31:33 PM
the new Millikin schedule :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
note that the first game listed (D2 Quincy) is a scrimmage
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 23, 2022, 02:15:01 PM
NPU's Esther Miller has been named All-Region in the heptathlon, (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2022/6/23/womens-track-and-field-miller-earns-ustfccca-all-region-recognition-in-heptathlon.aspx) which may be the only athletic event whose name I have to double-check for spelling.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 24, 2022, 10:17:30 PM
the Elmhurst schedule :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
those November games at Wheaton are expected to be vs Platteville and Hanover
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 01, 2022, 02:37:17 PM
another schedule is up :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2022-2023
North Central will win the December 28 game ... you could bet iwu70's winter cottage in Saskatchewan on it ... or, Greg's treehouse in Algeria
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 01, 2022, 07:08:37 PM
NPU has started Tweeting the announcements of Annie Shain's first recruiting class as head coach:

Kathryn Keehn, PG, Mt. Prospect, IL (Prospect)
Maddie Schwemmer, SG, Freeburg, IL (Freeburg)
Felicia Dyngeland-Sunden, SG/SF, Oslo, Norway (Ullern)
Ava Foote, SG/SF, New York, NY (Frederick Douglass)

Keehn played volleyball and softball for Prospect as well as basketball, and softball might be her best sport (she was named to the Daily Herald All-Area team). I suspect that Keehn might follow in the shoes of former Vikings mainstay Nicole Kruckman as a two-sport athlete for NPU. I don't want to compare anybody to Kruckman -- she started for four years and played at a high level in both sports, while eventually graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. in the very difficult major of nursing -- but I'll be happy if Kathryn Keehn is the best Kathryn Keehn she can be while wearing Vikings livery. The fact that she chose North Park over the other CCIW school that was after her, Illinois Wesleyan, is just icing on the cake. ;)

Maddy Schwemmer was also a dual basketball/softball athlete who seemed to particularly excel at the latter. (The St. Louis newspaper named her to their All-Area team in that sport.) I know less about her than Keehn, since Schwemmer is a downstater, so I hope that she comes armed with a nice shooting stroke. The Vikings are hurting for shooters in the wake of losing Emily Czuhajewski and Lauren Lee to graduation, and the fact that the team is now coached by one of the CCIW's best shooters of the early '10s doesn't mean that Annie Shain will have good shooters through osmosis. ;)

Felicia Dyngeland-Sunden might be the first-ever CCIW player who has capped. For those of you unfamiliar with soccer parlance, "earning a cap" means playing for your country's national team, and Dyngeland-Sunden played for Norway's U16 national team in the 2019 FIBA European championships. I guess that we'll see how that translates into CCIW play in terms of proficiency.

It's been awhile since North Park has had a student-athlete from the Big Apple, but aside from her hometown I don't know much about Ava Foote, except that she used to live in Green Bay and she worked with a basketball trainer who made her take 25,000 shots over the course of a summer. That's a lot of shots!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 02, 2022, 04:31:11 PM
As mentioned on the men's board, the IWU women are also back at work, practicing for their trip to Italy -- Rome, Florence and Venice -- likely playing 3-4 games during the tour. 

I watched a bit of their practices . . .  the expected main characters are back and I expect them to play a key, substantial role in the the new Titans' edition:

Carlson, looking much stronger
Huber, also incredibly fit and stronger
Powers
Heller, perhaps playing PG?
Palmer, slimmed down and looking much more fit . . .  quicker, a great spot-up shooter.

I expect the rising sophomores:  Huber, Palmer and Powers to have huge seasons ahead.

Key issue, I suppose, is finding an appropriate PG, with the departure via graduation of Brooke Lansford.  I'm not sure how that will be solved.  Not sure, too, how much this group will play "run and jump."  (No Catie Eck, no Kaia Bowen). 

Looks like others perhaps playing a bigger role in the rotation:   Launi Chanthaboury (a possble PG), Taylor Tarvor, Emily Collins?  Time will tell on the rest of the rotation.

No newbies yet, as they are not yet enrolled, so not going to Italy.  There are six newbies coming in  . . . and word has it that there are some bigs there, perhaps playing some role in the rotation?  Again, time will tell.  IWU could use some scoring bigs, some paint defensive presence. 

Italy should be fun, for bonding, great food and appropriate vino!   IWU's schedule is posted, with the normal tough schedule early, including Hope, Depauw and others likely.  It should be a good year for the Titans, as the three former freshmen, now rising sophomores really come into their own as top-flight CCIW players.  I expect great things, improvement from Heller and Carlson as well.  Pine-sitters getting their chance now, moving up in the rotation.   I have no doubt that Coach Smith will have them ready.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on August 03, 2022, 09:57:54 AM
Interesting that the Hope women's team is also going to Italy (August 8-18) with a similar 3-4 game schedule.  Wonder if the teams will both play against the same opponents or cross paths while there...

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/sports/2022/07/31/hope-women-heading-italy-basketball-cultural-immersion/10183824002/
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 03, 2022, 02:44:33 PM
NPU has added another wing. She's 5'9 rising junior Elisha Dunlap from Bolingbrook HS via Joliet JC, where she averaged 13.2 and 7.3 as a freshman in 2019-20, and 12.0 and 5.9 as a sophomore last season for the Wolves.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 03, 2022, 03:35:39 PM
Do the 7.3 and 5.9 refer to assists or rebounds?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 03, 2022, 05:05:41 PM
Rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 03, 2022, 05:20:39 PM
Thanks for the info.
Since she's already an upperclassman, I predict she'll be in the top 7 Vikings in minutes played.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 03, 2022, 06:51:49 PM
It's a good possibility, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. As you can see by the incoming class, NPU is going to be pretty wing-heavy, and we have insufficient information to know with reasonable certainty which ones will emerge at the top of the pecking order. What the Vikings need are bigs -- although they've managed to be fairly decent the past three seasons while fielding a noticeably undersized team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on August 04, 2022, 09:20:59 AM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on August 03, 2022, 09:57:54 AM
Interesting that the Hope women's team is also going to Italy (August 8-18) with a similar 3-4 game schedule.  Wonder if the teams will both play against the same opponents or cross paths while there...

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/sports/2022/07/31/hope-women-heading-italy-basketball-cultural-immersion/10183824002/
I'm not 100% certain... but I'm guessing the women's team will play against teams comprised of women and the men's team will play against other men's teams. So, NO - they will not be playing the same teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 04, 2022, 11:04:42 AM
Flying Dutch Fan was responding to iwu70's post about the IWU women's team, so it was solely a conversation about the female teams at Hope and IWU. Therefore those teams could face the same opponents in Italy.
No gender confusion was involved.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on August 04, 2022, 11:35:46 AM
Quote from: itsnotmeitsyou on August 04, 2022, 09:20:59 AM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on August 03, 2022, 09:57:54 AM
Interesting that the Hope women's team is also going to Italy (August 8-18) with a similar 3-4 game schedule.  Wonder if the teams will both play against the same opponents or cross paths while there...

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/sports/2022/07/31/hope-women-heading-italy-basketball-cultural-immersion/10183824002/
I'm not 100% certain... but I'm guessing the women's team will play against teams comprised of women and the men's team will play against other men's teams. So, NO - they will not be playing the same teams.

You should have stopped with the bolded part above - since that's the only part you got right  :P

Quote from: iwu70 on August 02, 2022, 04:31:11 PM
As mentioned on the men's board, the IWU women are also back at work, practicing for their trip to Italy -- Rome, Florence and Venice -- likely playing 3-4 games during the tour. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 04, 2022, 04:28:01 PM
Yes, IWU women to Italy, IWU men to Greece.  Each team playing 2-3 games, vs. club teams, maybe the U18 national teams etc.  Not very clear.  Long article in today's Pgraph about it all.  Much of it for team bonding, tourism sites, good eating . . . with some family members going along for the fun.   These are educational tourism endeavors, international and cultural experiences, with a little basketball thrown in for fun, for good measure.  Educational tourism with basketball characteristics . . . I don't think Coach Rose or Coach Smith take the basketball outcomes too too seriously, and will use the trips to have everyone play some, to get further reads on where the players are going into the full practices come mid-October.  Both teams actually have a pretty clear idea who will likely be in the starting line-up come mid-November, but more sorting and assessing to do on the full rotation, and on newbies, folks possibly stepping up from limited roles last year to more minutes.   No incoming freshmen allowed to travel. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 08, 2022, 03:36:26 PM
It being August, Augustana has posted their new schedule :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 14, 2022, 11:46:04 PM
Why was NPU basketball alumna Zakiya Newsome featured prominently in an Akron Beacon-Journal story regarding Cleveland Browns training camp a few days ago? Read this and find out why. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/browns/2022/08/10/browns-greg-newsome-ii-nfl-training-camp/10293329002/)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 25, 2022, 02:30:59 PM
the new Millikin roster features 12 returning players and 8 newcomers :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
last year's stats for Sarah Isaf, one of the newcomers, may be examined here :
https://stats.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2021-22/div2/teams/parklandcollege?view=lineup&r=0&pos=st
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 27, 2022, 10:26:06 PM
IWU 2022-23 roster now up.  Includes six freshmen and one junior transfer with three years eligibility left.   Looks like a strong class - athletically and academically.   Some size which the Titans need in the paint . . . perhaps in the next few years to come.

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on August 28, 2022, 10:00:33 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 14, 2022, 11:46:04 PM
Why was NPU basketball alumna Zakiya Newsome featured prominently in an Akron Beacon-Journal story regarding Cleveland Browns training camp a few days ago? Read this and find out why. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/browns/2022/08/10/browns-greg-newsome-ii-nfl-training-camp/10293329002/)

Love this story . . . thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 30, 2022, 09:20:23 PM
the new Carthage schedule is here :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 02, 2022, 12:40:13 AM
and Carroll's is up :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 04, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
the new North Central roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-2023
only two newcomers, both freshmen ... several of the returning players played just a smattering of minutes in '21-'22
... when we last saw the Cardinals, they lost by 42 to Carroll
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on September 06, 2022, 09:58:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 04, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
the new North Central roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-2023
only two newcomers, both freshmen ... several of the returning players played just a smattering of minutes in '21-'22
... when we last saw the Cardinals, they lost by 42 to Carroll

What a miserable job of recruiting by the NCC coaching staff during this past cycle. With the transfer portal (and immediate eligibility), extra COVID-year eligibility, JUCOs, and many other factors... it has NEVER been easier to change the competitive fortunes of an athletic team. Look no further than Millikin and Carroll (who is doing it for the second time in Coach Schultzs' 7 seasons) as proximate examples.

The writing is on several of the proverbial walls in this crumbling house of cards.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 08, 2022, 12:47:59 PM
Quote from: itsnotmeitsyou on September 06, 2022, 09:58:14 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 04, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
the new North Central roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-2023
only two newcomers, both freshmen ... several of the returning players played just a smattering of minutes in '21-'22
... when we last saw the Cardinals, they lost by 42 to Carroll

What a miserable job of recruiting by the NCC coaching staff during this past cycle. With the transfer portal (and immediate eligibility), extra COVID-year eligibility, JUCOs, and many other factors... it has NEVER been easier to change the competitive fortunes of an athletic team. Look no further than Millikin and Carroll (who is doing it for the second time in Coach Schultzs' 7 seasons) as proximate examples.

The writing is on several of the proverbial walls in this crumbling house of cards.

I mean, NCC's getting some reinforcements at the forward spots with Sadie Jerkovic coming back from injury plus getting an extra year out of Mitrese Smith, something I didn't think was going to happen. Also we're bringing back a pair of All-CCIW caliber players in Elle Sutter and Alli Pearson, so the backcourt is in pretty good shape.

Yes, only bringing in a couple of freshmen isn't ideal. But you're bringing back a group that has been competitive with the top of the CCIW (except for a clearly poor matchup with a good Carroll team). I'm not saying NCC is winning the CCIW, but this group will contend for a tournament spot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 08, 2022, 11:13:12 PM
lmitzel, there must be ongoing revisions to the roster.
I didn't recall Mitrese Smith on my first look at the '22-'23 list, but Jurkovic was there.
Tonight, no Jurkovic on the roster, but Smith is there.
I guess it doesn't matter before late October.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 09, 2022, 03:32:50 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 08, 2022, 11:13:12 PM
lmitzel, there must be ongoing revisions to the roster.
I didn't recall Mitrese Smith on my first look at the '22-'23 list, but Jurkovic was there.
Tonight, no Jurkovic on the roster, but Smith is there.
I guess it doesn't matter before late October.

I don't remember seeing her at first either and then when I went to respond she was again.

Eh, it's early.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Next Man Up on September 20, 2022, 11:24:20 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 08, 2022, 11:13:12 PM
lmitzel, there must be ongoing revisions to the roster.
I didn't recall Mitrese Smith on my first look at the '22-'23 list, but Jurkovic was there.
Tonight, no Jurkovic on the roster, but Smith is there.
I guess it doesn't matter before late October.

Quote from: lmitzel on September 09, 2022, 03:32:50 PM
Quote from: RogK on September 08, 2022, 11:13:12 PM
lmitzel, there must be ongoing revisions to the roster.
I didn't recall Mitrese Smith on my first look at the '22-'23 list, but Jurkovic was there.
Tonight, no Jurkovic on the roster, but Smith is there.
I guess it doesn't matter before late October.

I don't remember seeing her at first either and then when I went to respond she was again.

Eh, it's early.

I saw Mitrese and talked with her when I was down at the gym last Friday. She is taking her COVID year this year and will be using it to play and complete her eligibility.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 21, 2022, 08:40:45 PM
Augustana's new roster :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-23
Of last season's 14 non-seniors, 12 are back. Prominent players Hannah Simmer (506 minutes in 22 games) and Erin Morrissey (368 minutes in 24 games) are not listed.
There are 7 freshmen and 3 transfers (a junior and two sophomores).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 22, 2022, 05:02:22 PM
RogK, that Augie roster is one of the taller groups you will see in CCIW, right?   Some good talent returning. . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 22, 2022, 10:54:40 PM
Agreed, iwu70.
Newcomers include 6'2" and 6'4".
Yep, good returning players.
How the heck is Gabriela Loiz a senior already? Seems like she was a freshman just three years ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 26, 2022, 07:53:07 AM
RogK, I think IWU will, again, have to play fast and press, with tons of defensive pressure . . .  they've got some size in, but their overall starting group will not be tall so paint/rim protection will be at a premium.  The fab three freshmen are back, joined by Heller and Carlson.   They will be good, but will have to play at their own style and pace to win.  The 3-ball will be huge. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 26, 2022, 02:04:27 PM
Last season, IWU induced 22.8 opponent turnovers per game (662 in 29g).
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/300/stats/15866
That was well above average and I'm sure they can achieve similar this coming season.
They scored 69.2 pts/game in '21-'22. Do you expect them to accelerate the offense to the extent that they'd score around 80?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 27, 2022, 11:27:57 PM
Yes, I expect the Titans to still often use "run and jump" and do their best to induce TOs.  That's the Mia Smith way . . .  and everyone knows it's coming, but it still usually, most often works.

As to offense, for both men and women at IWU, the magic number is always 78 -- I'd say any time an IWU squad gets to 78, they win 85-90% of the time.  With the fab three freshmen coming into their second year -- that's Huber, Powers, and Palmer -- I expect a pretty good offensive output.  Of course, they lost Lansford . . . and will need Carlson and Heller to step up . . .  If they can get 10 ppg from Heller and about 8 and 10 from Carlson, the Titans will have a very successful year.  Rebounding and paint defense still an issue when we play against bigger teams like Whitewater . . . but with "run and jump," the strategy is always to keep the opposing team pretty much out of the paint, away from the basket, with pressing and TOs.   I'd expect a similar style and pace of play upcoming.  Very fast, very fit . . . Several others will surely contribute in the rotation . . . and we'll see some significant improvement from several of those players . . .  Lansford, Eck and Bowen are big losses, esp. on defense, but the new group has every chance to be good, to again contend for the CCIW title . . . and get to the post season.  That's my thought for the moment. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 28, 2022, 01:16:19 PM
Elmhurst's new roster :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Seventeen returning from last season, plus nine newcomers (2 JR, 1 SO, 6 FR).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 28, 2022, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on September 27, 2022, 11:27:57 PMAs to offense, for both men and women at IWU, the magic number is always 78 -- I'd say any time an IWU squad gets to 78, they win 85-90% of the time.

That's what's called a truism: a fact so obvious that it really doesn't need to be stated. For any CCIW team, men or women (and in every other D3 league as well), getting to 78 points will earn you a win almost every time. The only distinction is that the lower score of CCIW women's games than men's games makes it even more true for the women. In fact, your "they win 85-90% of the time" declaration is a drastic underselling of reality on the women's side of things.

The mean scoring average of CCIW women's basketball teams in conference play last season was 62.9 points. If you took each team's 2021-22 scoring average as their score against you in 2022-23 (since mean scoring averages typically don't deviate much on a league-wide basis from season to season), and your women's team scored 78 points in every CCIW game, your team would not only win the league with a perfect 16-0 record, you'd soundly thrash almost every team in the league on a nightly basis. Only Millikin (73.1 ppg) and Illinois Wesleyan (72.2 ppg) would be able to lose to you by single digits, and even if you factored in a +4 for homecourt advantage (I think that that's the variable that Ken Massey uses), you'd still sweep both the Big Blue and the Titans and run the table in the CCIW.

There are 429 teams in D3 women's basketball. Guess how many of them averaged better than 78 points last season? Eight. That's all. Just eight teams. And of those eight high-octane teams, only three (Aurora, Webster, and Hope) are common CCIW opponents. Aurora whomped Elmhurst last season, 103-73, but the 'jays were epically awful last season, so that doesn't tell us much. More pertinent is the fact that the Spartans only edged North Central by a score of 63-62, a game in which the Cardinals had two shot attempts to win it in the final fifteen seconds. NCC was a distinctly subpar team last season by CCIW standards (9-17, 6-10), but, as you can see, the Cards not only nearly beat Aurora, they held the Spartans to a whopping 17 points below their season scoring average. Webster was a better outfit than Aurora, but the Gorloks beat their lone CCIW foe, Augustana, by a modest 81-74 margin in St. Louis -- and Augie was no CCIW colossus at 12-13, 6-10. So it's fairly reasonable to assume that a 78-point performance against last season's Aurora or Webster would still give your CCIW team a better-than-fair chance to win. Against Hope? Fuggedaboutit. First of all, you're not going to score 78 points against that Dutch defense, anyway. Second, even if you did, they'd still beat you. But even if you did schedule Hope during the regular season, a 78-point performance every night would still get you a 26-1 record heading into the D3 tourney, and you'd then keep winning in March until whichever round you again ran into Hope.

In other words, your 78-point marker is completely, utterly useless on the women's side. You might as well make it easier on yourself and just say, "If the Titans outscore their opponents, they'll win."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on September 28, 2022, 07:45:17 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 28, 2022, 02:04:57 PM

In other words, your 78-point marker is completely, utterly useless on the women's side. You might as well make it easier on yourself and just say, "If the Titans outscore their opponents, they'll win."

Now this statement is almost always true.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 29, 2022, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 28, 2022, 02:04:57 PMMore pertinent is the fact that the Spartans only edged North Central by a score of 63-62, a game in which the Cardinals had two shot attempts to win it in the final fifteen seconds.

By the way, the Aurora guard who made a big three-point play in the final minute to put the Spartans ahead, Victoria Perry (10.1 ppg in 2021-22), is now a Viking. She transferred from Aurora to NPU over the summer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 01, 2022, 11:56:35 AM
The North Park head coach has a new and much longer last name, no doubt intended to make Greg Sager's NPU broadcasts more difficult pronunciationally:
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/annie-radenkovich/840
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 01, 2022, 06:46:56 PM
Nah. "Radenkovich" is child's play. I don't even need to practice it. Once you've mastered "Przybyslawski" and "Czuhajewski", a name like "Radenkovich" is nothing more than a nice smooth sip of slivovitz.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 01, 2022, 06:52:00 PM
By the way, her new husband, Nick Radenkovich, is the head coach of the men's basketball team at Morton College.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 06, 2022, 12:02:25 PM
North Park's 2022-23 women's basketball roster just went up on the NPU website moments ago. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster)

Vikings fans are going to see a very nice early Christmas present listed third from the bottom on this roster!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 06, 2022, 01:11:32 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 06, 2022, 12:02:25 PM
North Park's 2022-23 women's basketball roster just went up on the NPU website moments ago. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster)

Vikings fans are going to see a very nice early Christmas present listed third from the bottom on this roster!

(https://i.imgur.com/ivyWqjq.jpeg)

(That is huge for fans of the program at Foster and Kedzie though.)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 07, 2022, 12:57:07 PM
Wow, Jayla Johnson and Lauren Lee each returning for a fifth season is a tremendous boost for North Park. Assuming they have retained some athleticism at their advanced ages, nearing or at 23 already!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2022, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 07, 2022, 12:57:07 PM
Wow, Jayla Johnson and Lauren Lee each returning for a fifth season is a tremendous boost for North Park. Assuming they have retained some athleticism at their advanced ages, nearing or at 23 already!

Yes, I hear that the two of them have been spotted anxiously checking their mailboxes in the NPU Postal Center each day to see if their AARP cards have arrived.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 07, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2022, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 07, 2022, 12:57:07 PM
Wow, Jayla Johnson and Lauren Lee each returning for a fifth season is a tremendous boost for North Park. Assuming they have retained some athleticism at their advanced ages, nearing or at 23 already!

Yes, I hear that the two of them have been spotted anxiously checking their mailboxes in the NPU Postal Center each day to see if their AARP cards have arrived.

My younger son was invited to apply to AARP when he was 17!  I have no clue where they get their mailing lists, but clearly they will take anyone of any age (I've even heard of people whose DOGS received invites).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2022, 08:44:34 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hMgpu1lIWXY%2FTV1VBkgI5OI%2FAAAAAAAADms%2FE3XHiprT14k%2Fs1600%2Fdogs-playing-poker.jpg&hash=f5f44d4f4b8b58ab19d9f6355e8ccb3d716e2c02)

They must've figured that the two who are cheating under the table would be likely candidates to take advantage of the organization's perquisites, discounts, and special deals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on October 07, 2022, 09:22:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 07, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2022, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 07, 2022, 12:57:07 PM
Wow, Jayla Johnson and Lauren Lee each returning for a fifth season is a tremendous boost for North Park. Assuming they have retained some athleticism at their advanced ages, nearing or at 23 already!

Yes, I hear that the two of them have been spotted anxiously checking their mailboxes in the NPU Postal Center each day to see if their AARP cards have arrived.

My younger son was invited to apply to AARP when he was 17!  I have no clue where they get their mailing lists, but clearly they will take anyone of any age (I've even heard of people whose DOGS received invites).

One of my friends got one of those in HS and tried very hard to gain membership, arguing that he was a senior, since he was in 12th grade.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2022, 09:55:59 PM
LOL!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gotberg on October 10, 2022, 10:13:25 AM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on October 07, 2022, 09:22:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 07, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 07, 2022, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 07, 2022, 12:57:07 PM
Wow, Jayla Johnson and Lauren Lee each returning for a fifth season is a tremendous boost for North Park. Assuming they have retained some athleticism at their advanced ages, nearing or at 23 already!

Yes, I hear that the two of them have been spotted anxiously checking their mailboxes in the NPU Postal Center each day to see if their AARP cards have arrived.

My younger son was invited to apply to AARP when he was 17!  I have no clue where they get their mailing lists, but clearly they will take anyone of any age (I've even heard of people whose DOGS received invites).

One of my friends got one of those in HS and tried very hard to gain membership, arguing that he was a senior, since he was in 12th grade.

Classic!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 10, 2022, 10:32:55 AM
The CCIW athletic administrators made a decision over the past few days to require a two-and-a-half-hour gap between start times when there is a basketball doubleheader. For example, a 2 pm start must now be followed by a start no earlier than 4:15 pm, and a 5 pm start must be followed by a start no earlier than 7:15 pm. This should affect women's games less than men, since women's basketball games are usually the prelim in a doubleheader, unless they're preceded by a JV game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 18, 2022, 04:05:42 PM
IWU women back at it formally, with Coach Smith and her experienced crew preparing . . .the new scoreboards and video screens (jumbotrons) now installed in The Shirk Center Arena.   IWU will have exhibition games in the next few weeks and then start their normal, very tough pre-CCIW schedule, potentially playing Hope, Depauw, UW Whitewater and other top programs.  Very few easy nights, some tough road games . . . and then, the tough CCIW schedule too.

Again, I have no inside information, just my own observations and thoughts -- but the IWU starting line-up to me looks like Heller, Powers, Huber, Palmer and Carlson . . .  not sure on the rotational players, and which newbies might earn some rotational minutes.  This is the year for the fab three freshmen -- now sophomores -- to really show their stuff -- Huber, Powers and Palmer.  I expect all three to play at All-CCIW levels this season.   Some questions at PG with Brooke Lansford gone to graduation, but I'm sure it will be worked out.   This is a team that will have speed, athleticism, good pressure defense and excellent three point shooting.

Looking forward to the season. 

MU and IWU again favored ?

IWU'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 18, 2022, 05:47:56 PM
Rosters for Carroll, Carthage and Wheaton aren't on their web sites yet, so predictions would be based on incomplete info.
I have absolutely no use for pre-season rankings and forecasts, but the rest-o-ya can indulge!
Each team starts '22-'23 at 0-0 and carries no credit forward from prior seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 19, 2022, 03:17:26 PM
Hey Hey RogK, how you doing?

Yes, I agree, pre-season guesses are just that . . .  and all teams start out 0-0.  Indeed true.

But, teams that have a large number of returning players from successful teams last year surely have to be favored.   IWU has five of their top 8 in minutes played last year returning, so I think it's pretty likely they will be in the top tier of the CCIW again this year.  I'd expect the same of MU and NPU.   Of course, we await actual games and to see how the various teams come together, with schedule and coaching always a factor too . . .  But, NPU has Jayla again and MU has Knudsen . . . so there you go.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 19, 2022, 03:38:26 PM
Based upon what the Pioneers did last season and who was eligible to return, I expect Carroll to be very, very good this season. Of course, the Pios haven't posted their 2022-23 roster yet, as Rog pointed out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 20, 2022, 01:28:50 PM
Greg, I agree with you about the Pios.

A bit more about the Titans, just my impressions and also a Pgraph article yesterday with Coach Smith's comments about the upcoming season (also an article there about the IWU men, and Coach Rose's assessment -- now in practices getting ready for an exhibition with Bradley on November 2nd).  I expect several of the returnee pine-sitters to be in the rotation this year . . . and also the junior transfer, Caite Knutson (6-0 Junior with three years eligibility remaining).  Perhaps junior Launi Chantaboury backing up at PG, with junior Taylor Tarvor and senior Emily Collins playing a role in the rotation.   We'll see after the initial games.  This gives the Titans some better size and more speed at times, perhaps better rebounding than in the past . . . and, backing up or rotating with Carlson.

Three weeks now to opening night, a game at DeVos at Hope, vs. Concordia (Wisconsin).  Perhaps Hope that weekend too. 

I think the Titan season is very promising with this talent.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 21, 2022, 08:43:01 PM
Wheaton's roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-23
I forget what injury ended Annie Tate's season in December 2021, but I hope she has fully recovered. She's among the most interesting players in the league.
In her ten games last season, she scored 24 22 14 21 28 22 19 11 15 and 12. She also grabbed 95 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 21, 2022, 09:15:13 PM
RogK, I think Annie Tate had a foot injury . . . she was in a boot most of the times I saw her later in the season after she couldn't play.  Is it just me, or is 13 a rather short roster for Wheaton this year? 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 21, 2022, 09:44:04 PM
Aside from his first couple of seasons as head coach, when he only had a dozen players, Kent Madsen's kept a roster consistently between 14 and 19 players for a decade now, with 17 or 18 being typical.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 22, 2022, 08:37:53 PM
With the large first-year group and the one transfer, IWU is now carrying a roster of 21.   

The Titans have their Green/White Scrimmage tomorrow -- Sunday.   And, they will play exhibition games before the regular season opening weekend at DeVos.  They play an NAIA program, the rather weak, Milwaukee-based Cardinal Stritch program, first.  Cardinal Stritch was 6-21 last year. That game is at Shirk on October 29th.  Then, on November 5th, the Titans travel to Jackson, TN. to play an exhibition game against the very strong Union (TN), a D2 program that went 28-3 last season.   Ramping up fast now, with the opening game vs. Concordia (Wisconsin) at DeVos on November 11th.

'70   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on October 23, 2022, 11:35:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on October 21, 2022, 08:43:01 PM
Wheaton's roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-23
I forget what injury ended Annie Tate's season in December 2021, but I hope she has fully recovered. She's among the most interesting players in the league.
In her ten games last season, she scored 24 22 14 21 28 22 19 11 15 and 12. She also grabbed 95 rebounds.
The freshmen Kate Oliver is a taller Katie McDaniels and better finisher on the layups.  Will be interesting to see how long until she starts getting playing time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 27, 2022, 08:50:22 PM
MU and IWU basically picked at the top of the pre-season CCIW coaches' poll, getting all nine of the 1st place votes.   Same as last year's outcomes.  Pios in third.   IWU may lose 3-4 games before they get to the CCIW schedule.   A 20 win season always a challenge given the schedule they play . . .  but, as usual, they will be battle tested for the CCIW run. 


'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 27, 2022, 09:49:06 PM
CCIW preseason coaches poll (https://cciw.org/news/2022/10/26/cciw-womens-basketball-coaches-poll-favors-millikin.aspx)


1.  Millikin (5)  61
2.  Illinois Wesleyan (4)  58
3.  Carroll  49
4.  Wheaton  43
t5.  Augustana  33
t5.  North Park  33
7.  Carthage  27
8.  North Central  18
9.  Elmhurst    9

QuoteAugustana and North Park tied for fifth with 33 points apiece. NPU will take the floor in its season opener on Friday, Nov. 11 for the first time under new head coach Annie Shain.

The CCIW office really needs to get used to referring to Annie Radenkovich by her new name.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 30, 2022, 07:32:43 PM
First Exhibition Game:   IWU 86  Cardinal Stritch 46

CS only dressing nine, with several injured players sitting.   IWU with a full array, save for Kelly Carlson, injured with a thumb issue.  Likely back soon.  CS clearly out-matched, over-powered in this one.   Not sure what you can take away from it, other than IWU is pretty good and pretty deep.

As expected, starters:  Huber, Powers, Palmer, Heller (at PG) and the new transfer 6'0" Katie Kuntson, the junior transfer (three years remaining) from DI SIU-Edwardsville.  She's a player, a rebounder and a good scorer inside.  She had 12 and 5 by halftime.  This is clearly an important new piece, a new dimension for this already talented IWU team.  First three shots, all treys, went down and off the Titans went:  30-15 after 1Q, 53-26 at the half, and 72-37 after 3.  With 4:27 left in the game, the Titans had their 78.  :)   The starting group have great shooters, lots of speed and pretty good full-court defensive pressure, as we've come to expect from Mia Smith "run and jump" teams.

The second and third rotations and beyond played much of the second half, esp. the 4Q.  First subs in the rotation look to be Emily Collins and Taylor Tarver, though many others could play the part.   Coach Smith had everyone in, everyone being given minutes in this first exhibition.  A great circumstance to assess talent and let everyone get into the game and have game experience.

I was impressed  with three freshmen who look quite poised and ready to be good CCIW players -- Sara Balli, Laura Mahlum, and Emily Galvan.  Galvan could be a very useful back-up at PG for Heller.  A good ball-handler and not afraid to take threes too, which she made. 

The Titans made 12-14 treys . . .  and had an inside and paint presence that was much improved over last year.   Katie Knutson and Kelly Carlson are going to provide a much stronger low-post game, with scoring and rebounding this year.  We know the talent the Titans have around the perimeter.

Much more to learn . . . and the exhibition game next week in Tennessee against a strong program will be a better test, a much more competitive game and opponent.

One has to be very optimistic about this Titan team, its talent and its depth . . . first game of the regular season at DeVos vs. Concordia (Wisconsin) on November 11th.   

Katie Knutson a difference maker.

Just my initial impressions. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 31, 2022, 12:59:38 PM
new Carroll roster :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-2023
it may not be the final version, with two #3s shown ... a pair of '21-'22 non-seniors not shown are guard Sam Shallow and forward Elizabeth Behrndt
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 31, 2022, 01:45:37 PM
Behrndt would be a significant premature loss. But Carroll's incoming freshman class appears to be pretty impressive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on October 31, 2022, 03:49:57 PM
Preseason Top 25 is out:

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2022-23/preseason

Millikin at #14, IWU in the ORV category
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 31, 2022, 07:50:32 PM
IWU will have plenty of chances to move up, prove themselves, playing likely Hope, Whitewater, Depauw and Millikin twice.  Didn't IWU beat Millikin two out of three last year and share the conference title, win the CCIW tournament?   With the addition of Katie Knutson, I think IWU is stronger.  And, I think MU actually lost more key pieces than IWU did . . .  I know MU and Coach Lett recruited her strongly too.  They could have had Knudsen and Knutson . . .  sorry Millikin.   :) 

Should be a great season.  I agree the Pios will be tough as well.  NPU and Wheaton, too.

IWU's final exhibition is against a very strong Union (Tennessee) program, the Titans travelling to TN. for this one. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 03, 2022, 05:23:41 PM
Congrats to Elyce Kundsen (Millikin / First Team) and Jayla Johson (North Park / Second Team) on pre-season All-American honors from D3hoops.com.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 05, 2022, 05:10:42 PM
IWU played their second exhibition today vs. Union University of TN. in Jackson, TN.  Union is D2, a strong program going 28-3 last year, ranked in D2 and picked to win the Gulf South Conference this year.

Final:  Union 86 IWU 85

Seems both programs know how to put the ball in the basket.  No box score that I could find, but will try to post more when I have more details. 

A very good showing by the TITANS.  IMHO.

Opening games next weekend for IWU at DeVos, first up Concordia of Wisconsin on November 11th, then perhaps Hope.  The tough schedule begins.   

IWU '70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2022, 03:31:45 PM
Details of the IWU exhibition at Union (TN):

Union:
Lucas 22
Little and Thompson 13 each

IWU:
Powers 20
Huber 19 and 10, 6 assists, 5 steals
Heller 18
Palmer 18

IWU shooting 51%, 48% from three (12-25), and 9-11 FTs.

Looks like the Titans are ready for the regular season.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2022, 05:18:13 PM
the Carthage roster :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2022-23
5 freshmen join 13 returning players
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2022, 10:15:09 PM
The composite WBB schedule on cciw.org shows tomorrow's Elmhurst at Aurora game as 5pm.
The Aurora and Elmhurst websites have it as 2pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 07, 2022, 10:20:26 PM
And cciw.org has the Millikin - Beloit game listed as 7pm.
It'll begin at 5pm.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 09, 2022, 08:45:17 PM
Tough one to open the year for NCC. They fell behind by 13 early, but fought back before dropping a 68-64 decision to St. Mary's in Indiana. Nicole Connolly broke free for the go-ahead layup with 17 seconds to play, and a tying shot on the baseline by Megan McClure rimmed out on the ensuing possession.

Maddie Rzepka paced the Belles with 17, Julia Schutz put up 12 and 10, and Athena Samson added 9 and 10 off the bench.

The Cardinals were led by an 18 and 6 night for Natalie Stavropolous, 14 and 9 from Mitrese Smith, and 12 and 8 from freshman Grace Kieffer.

I get to yell things again on Saturday when the Cardinals open their home schedule against Chicago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 09, 2022, 09:43:31 PM
What are you planning to yell? "Bring me a chocolate malt" or "I'll need a large slice of pecan pie at halftime" ?
- - -
Miranda Fox put together a rather fabulous 11:0 assist/TO ratio in Millikin's 91-51 victory over Beloit.
Elyce Knudsen (remember her?) scored 23 pts from 14 FG att in 23:00.
Sarah Isaf tallied a very efficient 20 in 20:00.
The Big Blue got 9 rebs each from Alana Terry and Abby Ratsch.
Other teammates contributed nicely as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 09, 2022, 10:00:13 PM
Carroll clobbered MSOE 85-31.
Three Pios tallied in double figures : Olivia Rangel (14), Brooke Foster (12), Emilie Wizner (12).
Allison Thompson grabbed 8 rebs in 12:00.
- - -
Elmhurst, up 16-2 at one point, fell at Aurora, 80-75. The Bluejays committed 32 turnovers.
Top scorers for them were : Taylor Harazin (18), Katie Matrise (14), Ella Riley (12), Safiyah Reed (10).
Harazin and Anna Kleszynski had 10 rebounds each. Reed led with 5 assists.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 10, 2022, 08:33:42 AM
Quote from: RogK on November 09, 2022, 09:43:31 PM
What are you planning to yell? "Bring me a chocolate malt" or "I'll need a large slice of pecan pie at halftime" ?

That chocolate malt does sound really good...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 10, 2022, 10:12:55 AM
The Merner Field House concierge is usually very helpful and would happily bring over a chocolate malt at a specified time.
A $3 tip would suffice.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 10, 2022, 03:30:10 PM
The Thunder ladies begin the season this weekend hosting the Beth Baker Classic.  On Friday they'll play the Panthers of Hanover College who were pegged to finish second in the HCAC coaches poll.  Then on Saturday they'll face WIAC opponent UW-Platteville (picked last in the WIAC).

Wheaton started out last season 9-1 before Annie Tate went down with the season ending injury.  From then on it was 7-10.   With a healty(?) Tate back as well as pretty much the entire playing roster returning (except Hannah Swider), I think it reasonable to expect them to compete at the top tier of the league and give defending champ IWU and Millikin (with dare I say National PoY contender Elyce Knudsen) a good run.

Question marks would be how healthy Tate is and how effective can she be?  Then also who else besides her can demonstrate consistent scoring?  They really struggled offensively and had trouble getting a mere 60 pts a night regularly.  Annika Richardson put up some big numbers near the end of the season although her efficiency declined slightly.  Caroline Sikkink also seemed to find more scoring groove late as well.  They also need to take care of the ball much much better averaging near 18 turnovers/game last season.  Two players who were somewhat regular in the rotation, Zoe Nordling and Bryn Durrill apparently decided not to come back.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2022, 04:44:09 PM
In Holland @Hope, IWU over Concordia (WI) at the half 41-21.  Huber with 14 and 7 in the first half.  Mia Smith already 12 deep in her rotation, so testing out some of the freshmen, too.  Looks like IWU might get their shot at Hope tomorrow.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2022, 05:41:23 PM
In Holland @ DeVos:   IWU 86 Concordia (WI) 38

IWU:
Huber 18 and 9
Power 16
Heller 14 and 8

All starters basically playing 2+ quarters.

Concordia:

No player over 6 points, IWU forcing 28 TOs, with "run and jump" doing its dirt early.

Quarter scores:  25-12, 16-9, 27-9, 18-8.  Second group playing much of the 3Q, third group and beyond playing all of the 4Q.  IWU easily could have scored 110 points. 

Mia Smith playing 12 in the first half, giving the freshmen some valuable, early minutes.   

A good start.  Not a very competitive game. 

An entirely different scenario tomorrow should IWU face #1 Hope.  Very likely.  Hope plays Geneva in the second game today.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 11, 2022, 07:53:44 PM
Hope put up 143 on Geneva . . . they had 8 players in double figures.  Final:  143-57.

A big challenge for the Titans tomorrow.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 11, 2022, 11:32:17 PM
North Park 91
Beloit 74

Victoria Perry: 24 pts
Esther Miller: 21 pts, 6 rebs, 3 stls
Elisha Dunlap: 11 pts, 9 rebs
Felicia Sunden: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 4:2 a:to, 3 stls
Lauren Lee: 3:1 a:to

The modest winning margin, in comparison to Millikin's monkey stomp of Beloit a few nights ago, gives one pause. But it must be noted that NPU was without the services today of their All-American, Jayla Johnson, who was out for medical reasons. That, plus the fact that most of the minutes were going to brand-new Vikings today, helps to explain the erratic play somewhat -- although there's really no acceptable excuse for the Vikings allowing 31 points in the fourth quarter, as rueful head coach Annie Radenkovich pointed out in the postgame interview, particularly to a team as woebegone as the Buccaneers.

The good news for Vikings fans is that this appears to be a very athletic North Park team, albeit an undersized one, and they appear to have some depth. But it's going to be a bumpy ride for awhile until they start to develop some cohesion and do a better job both of protecting the ball and of converting their close-in shots, of which they missed a ton today. Tomorrow's opponent in day two of the NPU Tipoff Tourney will be St. Olaf, which, although not a world-beater, is significantly more competent an opponent than Beloit was.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 12, 2022, 07:22:36 AM
Hanover 53 
Wheaton 50

Annika Richardson   18 pts, 5 rebs
Ellie Cassel       10 pts, 10 rebs
Caroline Sikkink  10 pts, 6rebs

Grace Bezold     23 pts 9 rebs
Katherine Benter 9 pts, 10 rebs

No Annie Tate.  Not sure why.  Not sitting on the bench or anywhere in the gym.

Something of the same story, different season for the Thunder.  With the current lineup they simply don't have enough offensive talent to consistently compete with long stretches of minutes.  It's only the first game so perhaps the scarce 50 pt output will improve (18/60, 30% FG).  Richardson is really the only natural scorer and three point threat.   19 turnovers which has almost nothing to do with whether they are missing a key player or not.   

With the very small squad of only 12 rostered players, all the freshman got minutes.  Anna Fernandez and Kate Oliver didn't play great but showed good potential in their college debut.

A nice addition to the coaching staff is former Millikin standout and D3Hoops All American Joanna Connor (now Gutkowski) who was part of the Big Blue's Walnut and Bronze team in 2005.  It would be a huge plus if she can help players like Cassel improve their defensive and offensive post play.  Never bad to have a coach with some championship pedigree.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 12, 2022, 07:31:54 AM
Millikin falls to Stevens Point 64-61. Knudsen with 22 pts.   This is the Big Blue's second straight game without Bailey Coffman (injured? Covid?) and will face #4 ranked UW Whitewater tonight. 

An extended period without Coffman would be a huge loss for them. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2022, 10:32:10 AM
In other games yesterday:

* UW-Whitewater got its revenge for last season's upset by nipping Carroll, 56-52, in Whitewater. The Pioneers held UWW to .345 from the field and .133 from downtown, but weren't able to muster much better shooting percentages themselves at the other end of the floor. Allison Thompson had a double-double for the Pios with 19 and 11, while Katie Evans added 10 points.

* UW-Platteville led wire-to-wire and polished off Elmhurst, 58-46, at the Beth Baker Classic in Wheaton. Katie Matrise was the only 'jay to reach double figures, as she scored 11, while Riley Webb grabbed seven rebounds.

* UW-LaCrosse did its bit to help the WIAC sweep all four contests against the CCIW yesterday, as the Eagles prevailed over Carthage, 53-36, in the St. Norbert tourney up in suburban Green Bay. Lauren Knight was most of the show for the Firebirds, scoring 15 of their 36 points, and she and Bridget Barrett each grabbed seven boards. Carthage only shot 10-50 from the field and 3-20 from beyond the arc.

* Augustana made full use of the fact that it wasn't playing a WIAC team by downing Simpson, 74-62, in the Loras tourney. Augie used a 27-12 second quarter to outpace the Storm. Macy Beinborn led the way with 25 points, while Gabby Loiz (12 and 9), Cali Papez (10 and 7), and Presley Case (11 rebs) each marked fine performances as well.

On tap for today:

Augustana @ Loras
Carroll vs. UWSP (@ UWW)
Carthage @ St. Norbert
Elmhurst vs. Hanover (@ Wheaton)
Illinois Wesleyan @ Hope
Millikin @ UWW
Chicago @ North Central
St. Olaf @ North Park
UWP @ Wheaton

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2022, 10:57:19 AM
IWU plays Hope @DeVos at 2 p.m.  Should be a good early test for the Titans to see how good they truly are this year, though early in the season.   IWU still a work in progress, like so many teams at this stage.

Don't think IWU can speed up Hope, or get much out of "run and jump" against them, so this may be a different kind of game, even with IWU trying to play fast.  Much more determined by what happens in the half court.   To have a chance, IWU will need to rebound the ball, defend well in the half court, and shoot the 3 well, getting more production from Palmer . . . and perhaps more paint scoring, rebounding from Kuntson this game.   Huber, Heller and Powers are all playing very well so far, early in the season . . . 

Titans will need to play their best to have a shot  . . . I'm expecting Hope to win, but do hope this game is competitive, close.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2022, 03:56:14 PM
IWU shooting poorly, playing poorly.  Hope is good, but not that good.  Hope 46 IWU 21 at the half.  IWU seems a bit overwhelmed by the moment. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2022, 04:32:36 PM
@Hope, after 3Q, Hope 76, IWU 58.  Titans showing some spunk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2022, 05:05:00 PM
Final at DeVos:   Hope 99 IWU 73

Hope:

McKinney 19
Bagley 18
Sietsema 11

Winning the rebounding 47-35, TOs 13-17, and points in the paint 54-38

IWU:

Powers 18
Knutson 16
Palmer 14
Huber 11

IWU suffering a huge deficit in the 1st Q, such a poor start, then trying to fight back to make it respectable. 

Of course, HOPE is good, #1 in the nation, but IWU just didn't have a good night shooting or at the FT line (57%).  So, live and learn and know how tough the competition is going to be come tournament time, if you make it that far.

IWU outscored Hope in the second and third quarters to get within 13, but then Hope pulled away again.

No respite, UW Whitewater up next.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on November 12, 2022, 05:31:40 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 12, 2022, 05:05:00 PM
Final at DeVos:   Hope 99 IWU 73

Hope:

McKinney 19
Bagley 18
Sietsema 11

Winning the rebounding 47-35, TOs 13-17, and points in the paint 54-38

IWU:

Powers 18
Knutson 16
Palmer 14
Huber 11

IWU suffering a huge deficit in the 1st Q, such a poor start, then trying to fight back to make it respectable. 

Of course, HOPE is good, #1 in the nation, but IWU just didn't have a good night shooting or at the FT line (57%).  So, live and learn and know how tough the competition is going to be come tournament time, if you make it that far.

IWU outscored Hope in the second and third quarters to get within 13, but then Hope pulled away again.

No respite, UW Whitewater up next.

IWU'70


In recent years we've seen Hope pull away in the 4Q frequently.  Their starters are good, but seemed to me IWU starters were nearly as good.   1Q was probably an anomaly; Hope was on fire and IWU had a bad quarter.   The difference maker seems to be that Hope goes 9-10 deep in their regular rotation and sometimes even deeper, you can see it in the box score minutes today.  Together with their overplay half court defense and constant rotation of fresh legs, opponents just wear down by the 4th.

As you say, IWU showed some real spunk and mental toughness.  Many teams would have come into Devos and folded after a start like that.  Instead, IWU made it competitive for the rest of the game.  I've always admired IWU for their tough non-con schedule, it can only help later in the year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2022, 11:03:40 PM
St. Olaf 62
North Park 48

Aaliyah Parker-Fox: 10 pts
Elisha Dunlap: 9 rebs
Esther Miller: 6 stls

This game was painful to watch, and even more painful to call. To describe the Vikings' shooting today as brutal would be putting it mildly. NPU went 18-65 (.277) from the field and 4-28 (.143) from behind the arc, one of those efforts that truly lives down to the old saying that they couldn't throw the ball into Lake Michigan if they were standing at the end of Navy Pier. For much of the game the Oles played a tissue-soft zone defense that never extended and didn't particularly slide laterally all that well, which meant that the Vikings were presented with lots of open looks all day. They basically dared North Park to make a trey. The Vikings were unable to oblige.

The Vikings were without Jayla Johnson again today, but you can't pin this one on her absence. The Oles were totally beatable, but the Vikings simply didn't take care of business.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 12, 2022, 11:04:17 PM
NCC dropped its home opener tonight 68-48 to Chicago. Decisive point of the game was a 10-0 run to close out the first quarter after back to back Lexie Hernandez threes made it 14-10 late in the quarter.

Hernandez paced the Cardinals with 9, Megan Duffy scored 8, and Abby Davidson paired 7 points with a team high 8 rebounds. Marissa Powe paced the Maroons with 18 and 8.

Bigger concern at the moment is with Mitrese Smith leaving less than 5 minutes into the game. Hoping she's okay.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 12, 2022, 11:10:24 PM
Otherwise:

Augustana 72, Loras 69
UWSP 61, Carroll 56
St. Norbert 64, Carthage 49
Hanover 78, Elmhurst 55
UW-Whitewater 79, Millikin 69
Chicago 68, North Central 48
Wheaton 61, UW-Platteville 53

The CCIW (7-14, .333) isn't exactly burning up the track coming out of the starting gate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 13, 2022, 05:58:28 AM
Wheaton 61, UW-Platteville 53

Much better game from Caroline Sikkink, 23 pts on 9/19 shooting after only putting up 8 attempts on Friday.  She and Richardson both need to be getting 12-15 shots a night for the Thunder to have some success. 

Freshmen Anna Fernandez and Kate Oliver continue to show pretty high Bball IQ and potential.  Both are not afraid to take it to the hole and draw fouls.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2022, 01:58:11 PM
Over Friday-Saturday, I attended 3.9 games : Beloit @ North Park, Alma v St Olaf (at NP), Elmhurst v Hanover (at Wheaton) and UW Platteville @ Wheaton. I opted to depart that last one with about 4 minutes remaining in order to catch an eastbound Metra, rather than the next one 2 hours later.
I agree with GoPerry's optimism regarding Fernandez and Oliver. They each look very athletic and multi-skilled.
I found out that Annie Tate's return to action could be several weeks away. Hopefully she gets back to 100% or close to it.
Injury is a problem for Elmhurst. I think Kate Matthews may be out for the year (ACL?); she had a bunch of good games as a freshman last year, including scoring in the 14-22 range in seven games.
5'11" freshman Anna Kleszynski has missed two games after grabbing 10 rebounds in her debut last Tuesday.
Millikin is missing star forward Bailey Coffman.
North Central has been without Elle Sutter, who developed into a fine player during last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 14, 2022, 02:42:38 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 14, 2022, 01:58:11 PM
North Central has been without Elle Sutter, who developed into a fine player during last season.

I'm assuming that stems from the fact that she's gotta get transitioned over from soccer. Elle earned First Team All-CCIW honors there and helped lead the Cardinals to the CCIW title game a week and a half ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2022, 03:41:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 14, 2022, 01:58:11 PM
Over Friday-Saturday, I attended 3.9 games : Beloit @ North Park, Alma v St Olaf (at NP), Elmhurst v Hanover (at Wheaton) and UW Platteville @ Wheaton. I opted to depart that last one with about 4 minutes remaining in order to catch an eastbound Metra, rather than the next one 2 hours later.

Boy, have I been there, done that ... and more than once. I have nightmare memories of sprinting across the Wheaton campus back in the day in a furious attempt to make the train rather than twiddle my thumbs on the platform for two hours. If I was lucky I could get Pete McBride or the late Dave Lawrenz to give me a postgame ride so that I could make the eastbound Metra.

North Central, Elmhurst, and Carthage are the opposite. You know you're going to have a long wait for the next train after a ballgame at those places, so you find someplace warm nearby to hunker down in the meantime.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 14, 2022, 06:03:51 PM
I've had something gnawing at me a little bit since the 4th quarter of the NCC-Chicago game the other night. Greg, this question might be best asked of you since you may be most in the know, but I'm not sure if anyone else here would also know enough.

Last year the CCIW started doing media timeouts during all of its games. No issue in and of itself, but we had an interesting conversation with one of the officials towards the end of the game about how those are enforced. Apparently we're supposed to be charging those media timeouts to alternating teams (which is... 100% not how we did it last year and I'm pretty sure is not specified in any rule about those are enforced. This was what I found on a quick Google during the game (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/women/2021-23PRWBB_MediaTimeoutGuidelines.pdf), and I just interpret this as it's official timeouts that don't get charged either way, which is how we did it last year.)

Official's argument about it made sense... speeds up the game a little bit with fewer timeouts to take, but I don't think it's how you're supposed to do it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 14, 2022, 06:48:31 PM
We didn't have media timeouts in the NPU Tipoff Tourney this past weekend. In fact, the subject never came up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2022, 07:42:52 PM
lmitzel, thanks for the info on Elle Sutter ... she's quite an athlete!
There was confusion with media timeouts Saturday at Wheaton. They seemed to be in addition to those allotted to the teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 14, 2022, 07:49:44 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 14, 2022, 07:42:52 PM
There was confusion with media timeouts Saturday at Wheaton. They seemed to be in addition to those allotted to the teams.

That's my understanding of how they're supposed to operate (at least, that's how we did it last year). But based on our conversation with one of the officials apparently it's not? I have no idea anymore.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 14, 2022, 07:51:55 PM
Congrats to the first CCIW player of the week, Elyce Knudsen!
https://cciw.org/news/2022/11/14/womens-basketball-elyce-knudsen-selected-cciw-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on November 14, 2022, 09:46:55 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 14, 2022, 06:03:51 PM
I've had something gnawing at me a little bit since the 4th quarter of the NCC-Chicago game the other night. Greg, this question might be best asked of you since you may be most in the know, but I'm not sure if anyone else here would also know enough.

Last year the CCIW started doing media timeouts during all of its games. No issue in and of itself, but we had an interesting conversation with one of the officials towards the end of the game about how those are enforced. Apparently we're supposed to be charging those media timeouts to alternating teams (which is... 100% not how we did it last year and I'm pretty sure is not specified in any rule about those are enforced. This was what I found on a quick Google during the game (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/women/2021-23PRWBB_MediaTimeoutGuidelines.pdf), and I just interpret this as it's official timeouts that don't get charged either way, which is how we did it last year.)

Official's argument about it made sense... speeds up the game a little bit with fewer timeouts to take, but I don't think it's how you're supposed to do it.

The game officials have been watching too many NBA games - that's how they do it at that level (teams are alternately charged timeouts).

A teams allotment of time outs (:60 or :30's) are based on whether media time outs are utilized in the game - fewer timeouts in games w/ media timeouts.

The decision to utilize media timeouts are made at the conference level and apply uniformly to all games held during the season (whether non-conference or conference games). The duration of the timeout is also uniform - except when in the NCAA tournament when they are slightly longer.

There should have been a directive from the conference office - via the Coordinator of Officials - to ALL schools regarding media time out procedures.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on November 15, 2022, 01:38:12 PM

My understanding is that any timeout called in the timeframe for media timeouts becomes a media timeout and is charged to the team calling it (if they call a :30, it counts as a :30, even though its longer) - but that any media timeouts that come as a result of a dead ball are officials timeouts and not counted towards either team.

Then again, I'm just a writer and not an official scorer, so what do I know?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 15, 2022, 11:23:23 PM
North Park 84
Dominican 48

Esther Miller: 30 pts, 5 stls
Chantel Hairston: 20 pts, 11 rebs, 8 stls, 5:2 a:to
Victoria Perry: 12 pts, 5 stls
Lauren McKnight: 5:1 a:to

In yet another game when the Vikings were ice-cold from from the field for much of the way, they found the sure cure: steals leading to easy layups. The Vikings picked the pockets of the Stars no fewer than 27 times tonight -- the Stars had a horrific 37 turnovers in all -- and turned them into 42 points, including 22 on the fast break. Career highs tonight for Esther Miller and Chantel Hairston, the latter of whom came darned close to a triple-double the hard way (points, rebounds, steals).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2022, 12:53:18 PM
The league improved to 10-14 last night, thanks to North Park and Wheaton.
In Wheaton's 76-68 win over St Mary's of Indiana, the Thunder had 16 steals and 8 blocks.
The 16 steals were Wheaton's most in 5 years, since 16 against Lake Forest on Nov 17 2017.
Perhaps the CCIW can go 5-0 tonight and get above .500?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2022, 04:17:12 PM
IWU @ #4 UW Whitewater tonight.  That's going to be another very tough one, like the Hope game.  I see Whitewater has already taken down Carroll and Millikin, two top CCIW teams.   Let's hope the Titans play better than at DeVos and get off to a better start tonight.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2022, 04:26:45 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2022, 12:53:18 PM
The league improved to 10-14 last night, thanks to North Park and Wheaton.
In Wheaton's 76-68 win over St Mary's of Indiana, the Thunder had 16 steals and 8 blocks.
The 16 steals were Wheaton's most in 5 years, since 16 against Lake Forest on Nov 17 2017.
Perhaps the CCIW can go 5-0 tonight and get above .500?

Not very likely. Carthage faces a really uphill battle at perennial power Wisconsin Lutheran; Illinois Wesleyan is going to have to contend with defending national runner-up UW-Whitewater on UWW's home floor; and, while Elmhurst is likely better than it was last season, beating Loras is still probably a bridge too far for the 'jays.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 16, 2022, 05:26:49 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2022, 12:53:18 PM

In Wheaton's 76-68 win over St Mary's of Indiana, the Thunder had 16 steals and 8 blocks.
The 16 steals were Wheaton's most in 5 years, since 16 against Lake Forest on Nov 17 2017.


Wheaton was led by Caroline Sikkink with 17 pts, 6 rebs and Annika Richardson's 14 pts.  Freshman Anna Fernandez had another nice game with 11 pts and 8 rebs while Kate Oliver had 10 pts.  This was more solidly played game for the Thunder in their third contest.

This weekend they'll head out to Tacoma to play in #24th ranked Puget Sound's Doug McArthur Classic this weekend.  They'll face the Lutes of Pac Lutheran on Friday and then the host Loggers on Saturday.

I overheard that, unfortunately, Annie Tate underwent surgery in late October and encountered some unexpected complications.  Uncertain as to whether she will return this year.  I feel for this young lady who has gone through a lot these twelve months.  I hope she can just get herself healthy to enjoy a great senior year - no matter if she ever suits up again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2022, 08:24:19 PM
GoPerry, sorry to hear about Annie Tate.  She's a great player and has had so many rough knocks with injuries.

Some tough news for the Titans tonight, too, in Whitewater, with Mallory Powers out, in a boot, some kind of injury to her left foot or ankle.  Not playing.  Don't know details or how long she might be sidelined.  Not sure what starting five Mia Smith will put on the floor to start this one, which has been delayed for some minutes, for some reason.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2022, 08:52:42 PM
Titans with a much better start tonight -- After the 1Q -- IWU 21 UW-WW 8.  :)   Carlson into the starting line-up. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2022, 09:16:55 PM
At the half, IWU 38, WW 31.  TOs killing the Titans' big lead.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2022, 10:23:58 PM
UW WW 70  IWU 61

Too bad on this one.  Titans got off to a great start, had a great chance to take down the #4 Warhawks, but the TOs killed them in this one, esp. in the second half.   Just a poor display of ball security, with 25 TOs, given the Warhawks pressure.   Titans led at the half, but WW came back strong in the second half.

WW:
Carollo 20
Alexander 16
Granda 12

For IWU:
Heller 20 and 5, but 10 TOs, too much dribbling.
Palmer 15, some key treys again to get the Titans within 4 late in the second half
Huber 11 and 7
Not enough from the Knutson or Carlson
Powers out with a foot/ankle injury . . . I know not how long.

Others in the rotation tonight:   Mahlum (freshman), Collins, Galvan (freshman) and Tarver

IWU played them pretty well straight up, out rebounding WW 35-32.  Should have won this one . . . the TOs the key difference, the killer tonight.

IWU'70 

So WW 3-0 against the top CCIW teams. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2022, 11:00:46 PM
Note to Greg : Friday's NPU WBB game at U of C is 6pm, not the 4pm listed on some sites.
If you want to see more hoops (who the heck is Seymour Hupes?) than that one :
2pm - WBB : Calvin v Colorado College
4pm - MBB : Colorado v Chicago
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on November 17, 2022, 01:24:17 AM
Wisconsin Lutheran 71
Carthage 51

Warriors outscore Firebirds 42-17 in the second and third quarters to put this game out of reach. Next up for WLC....a road game at #1 Hope (Also have a game against #2 Transylvania in late December part of a rugged non-conference slate).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2022, 10:16:39 PM
Other scores from last night:

Carroll 88, Benedictine 39
Aurora 72, North Central 67
Loras 83, Elmhurst 56

The CCIW sits at a very unpalatable 11-18 (.379).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2022, 03:27:17 PM
Agreed, very unpalatable. 

IWU plays Capitol Saturday, the first home game at The Shirk.   1 p.m.

IWU needs better ball security, better valuing each possession.   I assume Powers will be out some further time.  Expecting to see more of the freshmen:  Mahlum and Galvan.  Titans need more scoring production from the painted area, from Carlson and Knutson.  Very few defenders can stop Heller off the dribble, but she needs to be wiser about double teams and not dribbling into traffic quite so often.  Drive and dish, especially to Palmer, will be very effective all year.

A learning curve, a work in progress, against some of the top teams in the country.   Have patience, TITANS, it will all come together in time. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2022, 10:50:11 PM
Final from Hyde Park:

Chicago 72
North Park 49

Victoria Perry: 18 pts, 3 stls
Felicia Sunden: 8 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 8 rebs

Well, that was very ... not pretty. Vikings shot a warthog-ugly 17-61 (.279) from the field and 4-16 (.250) from downtown.

NPU has to play a team that's significantly better than Chicago tomorrow afternoon at Ratner, Calvin. Putting aside NPU's continuing difficulty with hitting jumpers, without some better finishing around the basket and improved ball protection, tomorrow's score against the Knights could turn out to be a lot worse than this one was.

Still no Jayla.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 19, 2022, 03:53:58 PM
Wheaton was able to take care of business pretty easily over an overmatched Pacific Lutheran squad.  Final was 71-41.

Annika Richardson led Wheaton with 25 pts and 8 rebs.  Kate Oliver added 13 pts and Ellie Cassel with 10 and 7.  Ashley Akimine had 11 pts for the Lutes.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 19, 2022, 07:54:59 PM
Calvin 79
North Park 73

Esther Miller: 29 pts, 3:0 a:to, 5 stls
Victoria Perry: 16 pts (4-5 trey)
Kathryn Keehn: 6 rebs, 4:1 a:to
Aaliyah Parker-Fox: 4:1 a:to

Loss or not, today's performance was a huge step forward for the Vikings in the wake of yesterday's debacle. I thought that Calvin was clearly a better team than Chicago, but the Vikings played them tough. It was a 28-10 third quarter in the Knights' favor that sealed North Park's fate, as it erased NPU's halftime lead and forced the Vikes to play catch-up throughout the entire fourth quarter.

The big reason for the improvement from yesterday was Esther Miller. She was invisible on Friday against the Maroons due to foul trouble that kept her on the bench most of the game, and she had an off-night in terms of performance when she was on the floor. Today, however, she was terrific, in spite of the fact that she was handed the impossible task of guarding Calvin's 7'5" center Gabby Timmer (36 pts, 18 rebs, 4 blks, seemingly dozens of shots altered). Honestly, it was like watching a female adaptation of Gulliver's Travels, with Timmer in the role of Gulliver and the ladies in blue and gold as the Lilliputians.

Victoria Perry is a terrific player. She's streaky from long range, but she has the proverbial high motor to go with her quickness and accomplished skill set. She's going to do special things in a North Park uniform over the next two seasons.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 19, 2022, 10:27:02 PM
Wheaton 62  Puget Sound 56

Despite only 17/51, 33.3% shooting and committing 25 (head smacking) turnovers, the Thunder inexplicably found a way to come out with a win and go 2-0 on this Seattle area trip.  Wheaton's free throw shooting was much better tonight going 20/25 for 80% to put the game away down the stretch.  Helping Wheaton was the Logger's even poorer showing from the field, 16/67 for 23.9%.   

Caylee Hermanson led the way for Wheaton scoring with 15 pts, 7rebs.

A win is a win and you take them any way you can get them.  But the Thunder ladies need to exorcise this one out and be much better starting Tuesday back at King.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: shepherd on November 19, 2022, 11:59:30 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 19, 2022, 10:27:02 PM
Wheaton 62  Puget Sound 56

Despite only 17/51, 33.3% shooting and committing 25 (head smacking) turnovers, the Thunder inexplicably found a way to come out with a win and go 2-0 on this Seattle area trip.  Wheaton's free throw shooting was much better tonight going 20/25 for 80% to put the game away down the stretch.  Helping Wheaton was the Logger's even poorer showing from the field, 16/67 for 23.9%.   

Caylee Hermanson led the way for Wheaton scoring with 15 pts, 7rebs.

A win is a win and you take them any way you can get them.  But the Thunder ladies need to exorcise this one out and be much better starting Tuesday back at King.
I watched this game while peeking at the mens while both were played at the same time.  Puget Sound came out so physical the first quarter resembled a wrestling match more than basketball.   Wheaton did fine playing against this physical type of basketball.  Its a wonder more than one wheaton player did not have to exit the game due to injury.  Go back if its available and tell me I'm wrong.  Wheaton players did not retaliate but acted like a Christian team they are.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2022, 12:54:36 AM
IWU over Capital in a gritty and ragged affair at The Shirk, 73-62

Capital:

Murphy 19  6-10 from trey
OConnor 15
Perkins 14

Capital with 30 TOs

IWU:

One of her best games, Huber 27 and 13
Knutson 21 and 7
Heller 12 and 8 -- still too many TOs
Palmer 8

Titans a woeful 3-23 from three . . . a big surprise so far how poorly IWU is shooting the three.  Palmer yet to really find her stroke.

A win is a win . . .

Word is that Powers will be back in the line-up in a game or two.  Seems the foot injury is not serious.

Coach Smith going 12 deep in the rotation this time, using a number of the freshmen quite significantly.   In this one, I was impressed with a new face, Sawyer White . . . a freshman point guard who played in this one with poise and good floor vision.  Once she settles in, makes a few shots, I think she's going to be a very good CCIW player . . . along with the other freshmen, Balli, Mahlum and Galvan, perhaps Lipic, too. 

IWU plays @Eureka on Tuesday evening.  Titans now 2-2.

Capital has a nice squad, some very good guards.

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2022, 08:20:59 PM
The conference has gone 6-6 in recent days and now is 17-24.
In the remaining 40* nonconference games, the league needs to win 60% (24-16) to reach 41-40, avoiding a sub-.500 composite record.
* not counting NCAA tournament action
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 20, 2022, 11:00:20 PM
RogK, looks like a down year for CCIW women in pre-CCIW games.   I mentioned earlier that IWU would likely lose 4-5 games before entering serious CCIW play.  Such a tough schedule. . . with #1 Hope, #4 UW Whitewater, still Depauw and some others out West.  If the Titans go 6-3 in those games, I'll be pleased. 

This IWU team a work in progress, esp. on implementing well "run and jump" pressure and on taking care of the ball.  To my surprise, they have not shot the three-ball well yet . . . though I think that comes around as the season progresses.   Coach Smith still testing out a lot of differing combinations, using the freshmen pretty significantly, and, of course, hoping that Powers comes back soon from her injury.  So many TOs and missed layups so far . . . though Heller, Huber and Knutson have played quite well at points.  Huber had perhaps her best game ever vs. Capital, with 27 and 13. For her size, she's a tremendous rebounder, improved on defense and has a lovely stroke from the FT line. 

Annie Tate and Jayla Johnson being out are huge losses for their respective teams.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 21, 2022, 11:28:48 AM
Quote from: Go Thunder on November 19, 2022, 11:59:30 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 19, 2022, 10:27:02 PM
Wheaton 62  Puget Sound 56

Despite only 17/51, 33.3% shooting and committing 25 (head smacking) turnovers, the Thunder inexplicably found a way to come out with a win and go 2-0 on this Seattle area trip.  Wheaton's free throw shooting was much better tonight going 20/25 for 80% to put the game away down the stretch.  Helping Wheaton was the Logger's even poorer showing from the field, 16/67 for 23.9%.   

Caylee Hermanson led the way for Wheaton scoring with 15 pts, 7rebs.

A win is a win and you take them any way you can get them.  But the Thunder ladies need to exorcise this one out and be much better starting Tuesday back at King.
I watched this game while peeking at the mens while both were played at the same time.  Puget Sound came out so physical the first quarter resembled a wrestling match more than basketball.   Wheaton did fine playing against this physical type of basketball.  Its a wonder more than one wheaton player did not have to exit the game due to injury.  Go back if its available and tell me I'm wrong.  Wheaton players did not retaliate but acted like a Christian team they are.

I didn't see it that way.  Puget Sound plays a full court press that doesn't stop once you get the ball across half court.  It continues to be an aggressive trapping style of defense.  It was similar and at least as intense as what the Thunder will see against IWU in 3 weeks.  So in that sense it was great practice for them. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2022, 05:19:48 PM
iwu70, you may like to announce the new CCIW player of the week (if somebody doesn't beat you to it).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2022, 11:11:39 AM
Thanks, RogK, for the prompt.

Yes, congrats to IWU's Lauren Huber on her weekly CCIW award.  She had perhaps her best game as a Titan with 27 points and 13 rebounds vs. Capital at The Shirk last Saturday.   She's going to have a pretty good year it would appear!  :)

IWU travels to Eureka this evening for a 7 p.m. game at Ronald Reagan's alma . . . 

I wish all the CCIW chatsters a happy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 22, 2022, 01:08:52 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2022, 05:19:48 PM
iwu70, you may like to announce the new CCIW player of the week (if somebody doesn't beat you to it).

RogK . . Let me, let me, let me . . .!!!!

Oh, "someone" beat me to it . . .
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2022, 01:47:29 PM
That reminds me of the very amusing Ted Baxter character on the Mary Tyler Moore Show (a 70s tv sitcom, for our younger readers).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 22, 2022, 07:59:14 PM
NCC into the win column, 62-59 over Benedictine. Will write up more after the men's game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 22, 2022, 08:58:20 PM
NCC 62
BenU 59

Natalie Stavropolous- 17 pts
Allison Pearson- 10 pts, 6 reb
Lexie Hernandez- 10 pts
Megan Duffy- 9 pts, 4 reb

Megan Duzansky- 16 pts, 6 reb
Sara Smith- 11 pts, 6 reb
Brianna Lake- 7 pts, 7 reb

The Cardinals trailed by 9 at the break, but fought back to take the lead on a Hernandez 3 with just under four minutes to go. Tied at 59 with less than a minute to go, Natalie Stavropolous split four free throws and Megan McClure a pair to push the hosts through.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2022, 10:38:05 PM
IWU with a big win over Eureka tonight @ Eureka.   Final was 87-55, with a big 32 point second Q.

Powers still out with the ankle injury, so the freshman, Mahlum got the start tonight, her first.

For Eureka:

Hannam 15
Stotler 11
Rogers 9

For IWU:

Palmer 21 on 5-7 from three, 2-2 FTs, finding her stroke at long last
Heller 18 with 7 assists
Huber 11 and 9
Carlson, her best game as a Titan, 14 and 6
Knutson 7

Titans shooting 54%, 33% from three. Winning the rebounding battle 43-32.  Still way too many TOs at 23.  This team plays very fast, but still turning it over way too much.    Eureka had 26 TOs, with IWU playing better "run and jump" tonight.

A good win, IWU now 3-2.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2022, 10:55:58 PM
Elmhurst also got its first win of the season with a 74-61 triumph over Dominican at Faganel Hall. A 26-10 advantage for the hosts proved to be the difference in this game. Ella Riley paced the 'jays with 20 points, while Taylor Harazin double-doubled with 17 and 12, and Kendall Schieppe added 14. Anna Kleszynski also grabbed a dozen boards, and M.C. Brown grabbed nine, as EU wound up with a prodigious 55 rebounds against the offensively-challenged Stars.

Carthage upended Lake Forest up on the North Shore tonight, 70-62. Ayanna Ester led the way off the bench for the Flamefowls with 18 points, with Marguerite Spear right behind with 17 and Bridget Barrett contributing ten (plus four steals). Nice rebounding nights for Lauren Knight and Destiny Antoine with seven apiece, while Knight had a notable 5:1 floor game. Congrats to head coach Tim Bernero, whom I'm sure takes special satisfaction from beating his alma mater.

Illinois Wesleyan disembowled hapless Eureka, 87-55, as Kate Palmer scored 21, Katelyn Heller added 18 (along with a sparkling 7:1 floor game), Kelly Carlson contributed 14 off of the bench, and Lauren Huber had a fine 11 and 9 night. Laura Mahlum added seven rebounds to the winning cause.

And Wheaton dumped Ripon, 67-59, at King Arena. WC trailed by four going into the fourth quarter, but caught fire in that final stanza and managed to keep the Red Hawks at bay with a minimum two-possession lead over the course of the final 3:49. Annika Richardson had a nice 20-point night for the winners, and she was aided by Caroline Sikkink (17), Ellie Cassel (11 and 11, with five steals), and Lily Schwen (a fine 8:2 a:to ratio).

Chicago topped Carroll, 70-61, at Ratner. Kate Christian had 11 and Emilie Wizner 10 to lead the Pioneers, who also got nine rebounds from Allison Thompson.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2022, 11:34:01 PM
I attended the Carroll loss at U Chicago.
Carroll allowed 20-for-34 2FG shooting by the Maroons.
I thought Carroll's Lauren Soyke and Emilie Wizner contributed positively in a variety of ways. Brooke Foster did alright.
The Pios need a vast amount of improvement to match the impressive level of play that they achieved last season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 23, 2022, 12:11:06 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2022, 10:55:58 PM

And Wheaton dumped Ripon, 67-59, at King Arena. WC trailed by four going into the fourth quarter, but caught fire in that final stanza and managed to keep the Red Hawks at bay with a minimum two-possession lead over the course of the final 3:49. Annika Richardson had a nice 20-point night for the winners, and she was aided by Caroline Sikkink (17), Ellie Cassel (11 and 11, with five steals), and Lily Schwen (a fine 8:2 a:to ratio).


It was 2 ½ quarters of pretty mediocre Wheaton play until the Thunder found some inspiration and played 15 minutes of intense quality basketball on both ends of the court to tie and then extend to close it out.  If they can capture that intensity and effort more consistently, who knows what they can do?  This was a gritty win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 23, 2022, 12:26:52 AM
Side note, I did talk briefly to Mitrese Smith (she was in civvies tonight) after the men's game at the hangar tonight. She said she's feeling better and is hopeful to get cleared soon, which was good to hear.

I also heard from talking to some folks that between a possible knee injury during the soccer season and the possibility of the transfer portal that Elle Sutter may not be back. Unsure what exactly is going on there; it would be a big loss for the Cardinals to go down their All CCIW First Teamer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 26, 2022, 08:45:00 PM
Make it two in a row after probably the best I've seen the NCC women play in a while, taking down Concordia-Wisconsin 81-73.

It was a tight game with 9 ties and 10 lead changes, but a 10-0 Cardinal run spanning the final two minutes of the third into the first possession of the fourth gave the Cardinals a 63-56 lead and they didn't trail again. NCC hit an absurd 75 percent of its three's (so I had a good night) and maybe more impressive, 91 percent of its free throws.

Natalie Stavropolous: 23 pts (13-15 FT), 7 reb, 4 ast
Grace Keiffer: 13 pts
Lexi Hernandez: 12 pts
Megan McClure: 9 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk

Emily Hafemann: 24 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast
Abby Buchholtz: 12 pts, 6 reb
Lily Guerra: 12 pts

Cardinals open CCIW play in Waukesha on Wednesday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 26, 2022, 10:01:59 PM
In the first day of the Midwest Challenge Tournament in Greencastle, IWU over Depauw 71-58.  Four Titans in double figures and all four with 6-8 rebounds each (Palmer, Kuutson, Huber and Heller).  Powers still out, Carlson getting the start this time.   IWU will play Wash U in the championship game on Sunday.  The tough pre-CCIW schedule continues.  Wash U beat Rose-Hulman.

A good win for the Titans, now 4-2.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 27, 2022, 04:07:34 PM
North Park 57
Olivet 47

Esther Miller: 14 pts, 6 stls
Kathryn Keehn: 10 pts
Victoria Perry: 7 rebs, 3 stls
Aaliyah Parker-Fox: 6 rebs

Pretty uninspired outing by the Vikings in southern Michigan today, as they shot well below 30% from the field and from long distance, and never really pulled away from an inferior team. Still, a win is a win, and it's always a good win whenever you have to travel such a long way to get it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2022, 06:12:53 PM
Any day you beat Wash U and win the Midwest Challenge Championship is a good day. . .

IWU 67 Wash U 52 -- a dominant defensive performance by the Titans!

A career day for Lauren Huber -- 31 and 12, with 5 steals and three assists

IWU:
Huber 31 and 12
Mahlum 12
Palmer 10

Coach Smith using a wide rotation with some IWU starters in foul trouble early from the "run and jump" pressing.

Wash U:
Arnott 14
Matosh 12
Rich 10

Two really good wins in Indiana . . . Titans go to 5-2 on the year . . . a good result in this very tough schedule they play, pre-CCIW season.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 12:09:53 PM
IWU will be even stronger when Mallory Powers returns from her ankle injury.   Let's hope she's cleared to return by Wednesday evening when the Titans start their CCIW campaign hosting Elmhurst at The Shirk, 7 p.m.  When she went out, Mallory was IWU's leading scorer. 

This Titan team has many weapons, scorers, and is so far playing great team defense. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on November 28, 2022, 12:25:42 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 12:09:53 PM
IWU will be even stronger when Mallory Powers returns from her ankle injury.   Let's hope she's cleared to return by Wednesday evening when the Titans start their CCIW campaign hosting Elmhurst at The Shirk, 7 p.m.  When she went out, Mallory was IWU's leading scorer. 

This Titan team has many weapons, scorers, and is so far playing great team defense. 

'70

Everyone (at least IWU fans lol) were panicking last year after a few early losses, especially to a pretty good RHIT in the Midwest Challenge. I told you at that time, IWU, along with anyone else that would listen, that the program has the right kind of kids to play the way they want to play, and that it was simply a matter of time. I knew they'd put it together towards the end of the season. I told you so!

I don't know what kind of X's and O's coach Coach Smith is, but she's damn-near a genius recruiter. She doesn't just re-load with good players year after year, she goes out and continually finds exactly the right kind of kids to fit into her system. I'm sure they have pretty good financial aid as well, but I'm sure everyone in the CCIW is fairly similar in that regard, and you still have to find the right kids and convince them to buy-in to your program - and I'm not sure anyone in the entire country does it as well as Coach Smith. I'd stop well short of describing myself as a fan of IWU's women's BB program, but I'm definitely an admirer.

They'll of course have to stay healthy and have a few things break their way, but this year's IWU squad might really make some noise in March. I would LOVE to see them play Transylvania!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2022, 12:31:49 PM
I attended the Carthage at U Chicago contest yesterday, won by the hosts, 80-72.
Chicago's Grace Hynes dazzled the audience with her 33 pts, 15 from 3FG (5/8), 14 from 2FG (7/14) and hit all 4 of her FTs.
Four teammates each scored in the 10-13 range.
Carthage got 18 pts and 4 assists from Lauren Knight; meanwhile Ayanna Ester scored 16 from just 9 FG att for an excellent .888 eFG%. Addison Ebeling scored 9 while missing only 1 shot.
Each team committed only 8 turnovers.
Carthage has increased its scoring throughout the season so far : 36 49 51 63 70 72. At that rate, we can expect ...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 04:36:21 PM
Enginerd, I agree with you and share the admiration for Coach Smith.  She does recruit well, with her assistant coaches, and always seems to find some of the right kind of players to play in the style and system she has developed at IWU.  She's a good in-game coach as well.  Right now, the Titans are very deep and talented and most of the key players (save for the senior, Heller) are freshmen and sophomores and/or have three more years (including this one) to play, due to covid.  So, things do look bright for the IWU program.   They always play this tough pre-CCIW schedule so they often have 3-4 defeats going into the CCIW season.  They are also battle-hardened for the CCIW campaign.  I expect that again this year.   Coach Smith has a formula for the team being truly ready to finish out the CCIW games and be ready for March, should they qualify.  I'm very positive about this team this year, especially as the fabulous freshmen from last year (Huber, Palmer and Powers) and now very experienced CCIW-level players.  Knutson, as I've mentioned, is a very useful addition . . . and now another good freshmen class, 3-4 of whom are already playing regularly and contributing.  We'll see how far they can go.   And, for several more years to come. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 04:40:39 PM
RogK, I'll let you announce and congratulate the CCIW Player of the Week this time . . .  :)

Go TITANS! 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on November 28, 2022, 05:31:53 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 04:36:21 PM
Enginerd, I agree with you and share the admiration for Coach Smith.  She does recruit well, with her assistant coaches, and always seems to find some of the right kind of players to play in the style and system she has developed at IWU.  She's a good in-game coach as well.  Right now, the Titans are very deep and talented and most of the key players (save for the senior, Heller) are freshmen and sophomores and/or have three more years (including this one) to play, due to covid.  So, things do look bright for the IWU program.   They always play this tough pre-CCIW schedule so they often have 3-4 defeats going into the CCIW season.  They are also battle-hardened for the CCIW campaign.  I expect that again this year.   Coach Smith has a formula for the team being truly ready to finish out the CCIW games and be ready for March, should they qualify.  I'm very positive about this team this year, especially as the fabulous freshmen from last year (Huber, Palmer and Powers) and now very experienced CCIW-level players.  Knutson, as I've mentioned, is a very useful addition . . . and now another good freshmen class, 3-4 of whom are already playing regularly and contributing.  We'll see how far they can go.   And, for several more years to come. 

IWU'70

No one has 3 or more years to play due to covid; only the current seniors have another year(for a total of 2 years, including this one) due to covid.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 05:56:15 PM
Ronk, I think our transfer Knutson, who is a junior, has another year -- transferred from SIU-Edwardsville, and has another year . . . can play at IWU for three years, including this one.  Don't know if she will, given IWU's price point, but that is my understanding from players and from her parents.  Time will tell.   Those three fab sophomores have three years, including this one . . .  obviously.  Glad to see such a strong freshmen group too . . .  esp. Mahlum, Balli, Galvan and White.   They are going to be good CCIW players.  Time will tell, of course, on how they develop, stay fit and avoid injuries.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 28, 2022, 06:32:45 PM
Lauren Huber earns another CCIW player of the week honor ... congrats to her !
https://cciw.org/news/2022/11/28/womens-basketball-lauren-huber-repeats-as-cciw-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on November 28, 2022, 08:33:53 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 05:56:15 PM
Ronk, I think our transfer Knutson, who is a junior, has another year -- transferred from SIU-Edwardsville, and has another year . . . can play at IWU for three years, including this one.  Don't know if she will, given IWU's price point, but that is my understanding from players and from her parents.  Time will tell.   Those three fab sophomores have three years, including this one . . .  obviously.  Glad to see such a strong freshmen group too . . .  esp. Mahlum, Balli, Galvan and White.   They are going to be good CCIW players.  Time will tell, of course, on how they develop, stay fit and avoid injuries.

'70

My mistake - I was off by a year in thinking which year was granted the covid waiver(2020-21); so, current juniors will have 3 seasons counting this one, as you said.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 28, 2022, 09:18:42 PM
Given the high cost of places like IWU, not sure many will take the extra year.  Perhaps Knutson will as she has a great cohort to stay on and play with . . . 

I'm really high on the IWU freshmen group.  Mahlum has played particularly well so far . . . and started one game due to the Powers injury.  She's surely in the rotation now . . others will have their chances (White, Balli, Galvan . . . probably in that order).  Several other freshmen yet to have their chance, to make their mark . . .

IWU starts their CCIW campaign on Wednesday night vs. Elmhurst, at The Shirk.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2022, 08:20:13 PM
Lauren Huber another accolade this week, named to the D3hoops Team of the Week, too.

Congrats Lauren, a special player, playing at a high level so far this season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 30, 2022, 03:10:48 PM
Just noticed the cancellation of Dec 5 Principia at Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2022, 10:22:32 PM
Augustana 65, Wheaton 63  OT

A discouraging loss for the Thunder as they led practically the entire game by as much as 11 points.  The offense was doing okay for three quarters but they really struggled in the fourth.  Coach Madsen made poor use of his bench with four of the starters playing over 38 mins.  Their lackluster defense in the last period and the overtime was a result of just running out of gas.  I'm not sure why Lily Schwen only played 6 mins but freshman Kate Oliver ran the offense like a veteran before fouling out in the fourth.

Credit to the Lady Vikes for hanging in there and chipping away to get the win.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2022, 10:28:32 PM
Millikin 59
North Park 39

Esther Miller: 14 pts, 6 stls
Chantel Hairston: 4 stls

Sophie Darden: 16 pts, 10 rebs
Chelsea McCullum: 13 pts
Elyce Knudsen: 12 pts
Abby Ratsch: 9 rebs

A very forgettable CCIW opener for the Vikings. They were sitting pretty, up 22-17 midway through the second quarter, and then Olivia Lett put the Blue in a 2-3 zone ... and the Vikings went into the freezer. The next time that they scored, the third quarter was well underway, and the Vikings were already down by double digits. Just absolutely miserable shooting numbers (.291/.059/.375) for the Vikings tonight.

Knudsen played less than 22 minutes due to foul trouble, and the sad part for NPU is that Millikin didn't even need her tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2022, 10:36:06 PM
Well, the Titans got to 78 and then some tonight.  All 18 players getting major time . . . the first two units, the regular rotation, sitting with 1:00 left in the 3 Q, with the third and fourth units wrapping it up.

IWU 100 Elmhurst 58

The Titans are learning fast how to play their way, with their deep, talented personnel.  This team is very fit . . .could go far. 

EU:
Harazin 14

29 TOs

IWU:
Huber 22 and 5
Knutson 14
Powers (back in the rotation, though not back to starting yet) 14 on 4-6 from three (She hit her first three shots -- all treys.)
Palmer 11 on 3-5 from three

Titans with only 11 TOs, out rebounding EU , with 23 assists and winning the steals line 21-4.  Pretty effective all 'round, but especially on "run and jump" tonight.  Titans shooting it at 48%, 41% from three.  Sawyer White is going to be very good -- with five steals tonight, quick hands, and good court vision for a freshman, just starting out in CCIW play.  A good crowd, enjoying the Titans getting to 100 in the last minute. 

Titans go to 6-2, 1-0.

Keep in rolling Titans.  Next up the Pios up in Cheeseheadland on Saturday.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 30, 2022, 10:59:54 PM
NCC's woes in Waukesha continued tonight as the Pios took care of business with a 72-50 win. A five minute scoring drought put the Cardinals behind the 8-ball and they couldn't quite recover.

Allison Thompson: 14 pts, 11 reb
Natalie Palzkill: 11 pts, 6 reb
Emilie Wizner: 10 pts
Olivia Rangel: 9 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast

Megan McClure: 13 pts, 9 reb
Megan Duffy: 12 pts
Grace Keiffer: 7 pts, 6 reb

Hard to win when your two best guards score a combined 7 points on 2-16 shooting. The one bright spot tonight was looking at the box score and seeing Mitrese Smith played nine minutes. She didn't score and had just one rebound, but it's good to see she got the green light to get back on the floor.

Cardinals welcome North Park to the hangar on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2022, 03:38:01 PM
In a hard-fought defensive battle, CU 31 IWU 25 at the half.  No easy baskets in this one.

IWU always seems to struggle @Carroll.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2022, 04:36:15 PM
Ugly ugly @Carroll.  Pios playing the Titans tough.  Can't expect to win shooting 30% or lower most of the game whilst Carroll shoots 60% most of the game.

Final:   Carroll 75 IWU 57.  IWU seems to really struggle @Carroll.

CU:
Wizner 18
Evans 10

IWU: 
Heller 12
Palmer 9
Powers 8

Pios holding Lauren Huber to 7 points.

Key was a disastrous 3Q for the Titans -- 33-14 and a slow start in the 1st Q 17-9.  A mountain too high to recover from.

IWU now 6-3, 1-1.  A bad taste all week . . . next game on the 10th, at home vs. North Central.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2022, 07:48:13 PM
Final from the airplane hangar:

North Park 73
North Central 52

Victoria Perry: 24 pts, 7 rebs
Felicia Sunden: 11 pts
Chantel Hairston: 7 rebs
Aaliyah Parker-Fox: 7 rebs
Esther Miller: 6 rebs

Mitrese Smith: 11 pts
Grace Kieffer: 11 pts (3-4 trey)
Megan McClure: 7 rebs
Abby Davidson: 6 rebs

Vikings led wire-to-wire, as their quickness played havoc with the Cardinals. It was an especially impressive win considering that both Esther Miller and Victoria Perry struggled with foul trouble throughout the game; Miller was only on the floor for 17 minutes tonight. NPU improves to 4-4, 1-1, while the Cards fall to 2-6, 0-2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 03, 2022, 07:50:30 PM
Carroll was the only home team that won today, as, in the other CCIW games, Carthage beat Elmhurst at Faganel, 64-55, and Millikin beat Augie at Carver, 69-54 ... plus, in non-conference play, Chicago beat Wheaton at King, 56-37.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2022, 11:29:22 PM
Here are the final stats from the Carroll win :
http://stats.ncaa.org/contests/2323987/box_score
Pioneer freshman Emilie Wizner led all with 18 pts via only 9 shots.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 05, 2022, 04:38:08 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen for her CCIW player of the week honor :
https://cciw.org/news/2022/12/5/womens-basketball-knudsen-claims-seventh-cciw-student-athlete-of-the-week-award.aspx
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 05, 2022, 05:24:49 PM
The odd thing is that Knudsen was extremely quiet at NPU last Wednesday due to early and ongoing foul trouble.

Then again, the only real competition she had was Carroll's Emilie Wizner, and Knudsen's numbers were better. This was one of those weeks when only two teams went 2-0, so pickings were slim as far as POW candidates were concerned.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 05, 2022, 08:42:56 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen . . .again!  I love watching her play. 

Two awards for Huber, two for Knudsen  . .  back and forth it goes.  Wizner had a great game against the Titans . . .  and a freshman! 

Greg, any word on Jayla?  RogK, any word on Annie Tate?  Will either/both get back during the CCIW season?

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on December 06, 2022, 12:25:41 AM
After almost a month of the season, it is quite interesting to see the large juxtaposition of good teams/coaching and awful teams/coaching. I'm not sure I can recall such a large disparity in the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2022, 01:38:41 AM
iwu70, your guess is as good as mine. Haven't heard anything new regarding either of them.
And a player who has been away from her team will necessarily need several weeks of practices to regain her prior level of excellence.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 06, 2022, 04:03:00 PM
I agree there seems to be a very wide gap between the top three teams and all the rest . . .

Jayla Johnson and Annie Tate out are really big losses for the league and their respective teams this year.

IWU needs to bounce back, get things pulled back together after that thumping by the Pios. . . .  happened up there last year too, though the Titans came back to win the conference and the CCIW tournament, at Millikin. 

To me, the big story of the Titans so far this year is the quality and contribution of the freshmen -- Mahlum and White especially.  Given what IWU had coming back, these new freshmen really provide great depth with quality than any of us expected.   Balli and Galvan are pretty good too.   I'm glad Powers is back and seemingly has no lasting issues with the ankle injury.  She's played very well in the two games back so far.  Kelly Carlson has played pretty well, too -- esp. contributing in the game at Eureka.   

IWU has two winnable games at home these next two Saturdays -- NCC and Wheaton.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 06, 2022, 07:49:48 PM
Which are the top three teams you refer to, iwu70?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 07, 2022, 04:38:27 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 06, 2022, 04:03:00 PM

Jayla Johnson and Annie Tate out are really big losses for the league and their respective teams this year.

IWU'70

I would add Millikin's Bailey Coffman to this list as a pretty huge loss for the Big Blue, perhaps the biggest as far as the league is concerned.  She led the team in scoring in their exhibition game vs Eastern IL with 21pts.  But something must have happened because, like Tate and Johnson, she has been missing ever since.  I think with her 13 pts/game and 5 reb/g (last season) Millikin was a pretty formidable team, maybe top 25.  Now greater scoring load falls to Knudsen and that is much easier to defend against.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2022, 11:53:00 AM
I was told at the Millikin - North Park game that she's recovering from injury but it's not clear yet when she'll resume playing.
Maybe January?
She's definitely a multi-talented player in addition to being agile and tall (earned all-CCIW honors in the past two seasons).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 07, 2022, 12:23:10 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 07, 2022, 04:38:27 AM
I would add Millikin's Bailey Coffman to this list as a pretty huge loss for the Big Blue, perhaps the biggest as far as the league is concerned.  She led the team in scoring in their exhibition game vs Eastern IL with 21pts.  But something must have happened because, like Tate and Johnson, she has been missing ever since.

At some point between the November 3 exhibition against Eastern Illinois and the November 8 season opener against Beloit, Coffman suffered a serious facial injury and had to have her jaw wired shut. She was on the MU bench in street clothes a week ago at the crackerbox sans maxillofacial hardware, but you could tell by her reluctance to open her mouth that she is still recovering. As Rog indicated, I've been told that she might return in January. I would have to think that the timetable for her return is dependent upon clearance from her surgeon.

And, yeah, I think we can all agree that a Millikin team with a healthy Bailey Coffman is at another level than the still-formidable Millikin team that's taking the floor at the moment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2022, 06:46:23 PM
Agree totally on Coffman.  Sorry to hear about her serious injury.   

My top three at present are MU, IWU and Carroll. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2022, 01:13:03 PM
Wednesday evening CCIW results :
Millikin over DePauw 70-42.
Elyce Knudsen led with 22 pts, 3 stls, 2 blocks. Sophie Darden had 8 rebs and made 6/7 2FGs; Sarah Isaf also tallied 12 via 7 FG att.
Energetic and smart defense by Millikin limited DePauw to 16/53 2FG shooting and 1/9 3FG.
Augustana fell behind UW Whitewater 52-23 by halftime and lost 92-64.
Gabriela Loiz led Augie with 20 pts.
Whitewater made 12/22 3FGs. 36 pts from 22 shots is rather good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on December 09, 2022, 11:25:50 AM
Ugh. Looks like there will be three REALLY ugly games this weekend (3 bad teams on the road).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 09, 2022, 06:04:21 PM
I just checked the national D3 stat leaders for CCIW players in the top 20 of any category.
Top 20 is an arbitrary cutoff point of course.
Elyce Knudsen :
#2 total FGs made = 76
#16 total FGs attempted = 160
#6 Points scored = 188
Esther Miller :
#7 steals = 34
#13 steals per game = 4.25
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 10, 2022, 05:00:37 PM
Augustana 66
North Park 57

Victoria Perry: 20 pts (12-14 FT)
Chantel Hairston: 11 pts
Felicia Sunden: 4:0 a:to
Esther Miller: 4 blks

Gabby Loiz: 19 pts, 7 rebs
Presley Case: 13 pts (6-6 FT)
Macy Beinborn: 12 pts
Tayia Tellis: 11 pts, 5 stls

In a game dominated by two good defenses, it was the team that has more offensive weapons that prevailed, as Esther Miller's fouling out with a big chunk of the fourth quarter remaining pretty much sealed the deal for an ice-cold NPU team. The other big factor was the boards; NPU was able to get plenty of offensive rebounds to make up for their plethora of missed FG attempts in the first half, but Augie had the defensive boards locked up in the second half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 10, 2022, 11:13:35 PM
In a fun women's program alumni night at The Shirk, a number of former players were back for an alumni game, a luncheon and attending tonight's game.  They witnessed a most remarkable performance by sophomore Lauren Huber -- 28 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists and only 1 TO.  Huber tied the IWU single game rebounding record of 20, with the other holder, Riley Brovelli, in the house cheering her on.

Also, Assistant Coaches Rebecca and Brian Ehresman had their grandmother in the house too, celebrating her 100th birthday and enjoying the Titans win . . . the score:   IWU 81 NCC 62

For NCC:
Smith 16
Kieffer 13
McClure 10

For IWU:
Huber 28 and 20
Powers 13 and 9
Palmer 13

Sawyer White continues to improve, her best game as a Titan, 9.

Lauren Huber is an amazing player, with just a great sense of the ball for rebounding and a lovely short range game pretty much anywhere in the paint . . . running the floor well, and assisting others.   Her defense as compared to last year has improved markedly as well.

A good, expected win.

Titans go to 7-3, 2-1.

Wheaton comes to town Saturday next.   Exams first this week.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2022, 09:55:00 PM
An outstanding game by Huber, indeed, iwu70.
I think it gets her the player of the week tomorrow, ahead of Sikkink, Knudsen and Loiz.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Riley Zayas on December 12, 2022, 01:03:52 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 10, 2022, 11:13:35 PM
In a fun women's program alumni night at The Shirk, a number of former players were back for an alumni game, a luncheon and attending tonight's game.  They witnessed a most remarkable performance by sophomore Lauren Huber -- 28 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists and only 1 TO.  Huber tied the IWU single game rebounding record of 20, with the other holder, Riley Brovelli, in the house cheering her on.

Also, Assistant Coaches Rebecca and Brian Ehresman had their grandmother in the house too, celebrating her 100th birthday and enjoying the Titans win . . . the score:   IWU 81 NCC 62

For NCC:
Smith 16
Kieffer 13
McClure 10

For IWU:
Huber 28 and 20
Powers 13 and 9
Palmer 13

Sawyer White continues to improve, her best game as a Titan, 9.

Lauren Huber is an amazing player, with just a great sense of the ball for rebounding and a lovely short range game pretty much anywhere in the paint . . . running the floor well, and assisting others.   Her defense as compared to last year has improved markedly as well.

A good, expected win.

Titans go to 7-3, 2-1.

Wheaton comes to town Saturday next.   Exams first this week.

'70

IWU remains my pick to win the CCIW. They've had their low points early on, but as long as Huber continues to put together these solid performances, I don't see the Titans losing many more, if any. She is a phenomenal player...All-American caliber.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2022, 08:40:37 AM
Cru, I surely have my Titans in the top group contending for the CCIW crown -- regular season and tournament.  MU and Carroll are right up there too.   Should be quite exciting with some great games.  No easy nights in the CCIW, esp. on the road.   Other teams can bite you any evening.  IWU seems to have particular difficulty @ the Pios. 

Huber is an exceptional talent . . . and will likely continue to put up amazing numbers.   Others on the Titans are also impressive -- Powers overall and now back from injury, Palmer from three and also learning to play the PG when needed, Heller off the dribble with her speed with the ball . . .  and now the addition of Knutson, some needed paint and rebounding presence.  Mia Smith must be so so happy to have such a strong group . . . and now the freshmen making their presence felt too -- esp. Mahlum and White.   Things are going to be solid for 2-3 more years. 

For a fully competitive CCIW race, it would be great for all the key injured players to get back -- Jayla Johnson, Annie Tate and Coffman at MU.   They are three top players not currently in the mix.  I hope they get back for the final two months of the CCIW race.

Happy Holidays to all the CCIW chatsters.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 12, 2022, 12:55:35 PM
At the moment, two CCIW players are on top nationally :
-
Millikin's Elyce Knudsen is #1 in made FGs with 84, tied with two others (Lauren Huber has jumped up to 11th with 75)
-
Carthage's Emma Thistle is #1 with a 11:1 assist/TO ratio
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 12, 2022, 04:57:34 PM
the new player of the week award is for Lauren Huber :
https://cciw.org/news/2022/12/12/womens-basketball-iwus-huber-scores-third-weekly-cciw-honor.aspx
Congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 12, 2022, 06:09:59 PM
Congrats to Lauren Huber . . . . again and again and again -- third award in five weeks of awards.   Super duper!   

What a game she had vs. North Central. 

Go TITANS!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 13, 2022, 02:30:18 PM
Congrats to Lauren Huber on D3hoops.com Team of the Week honors as well . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2022, 12:12:31 PM
Big game this weekend for the CCIW race:   MU vs. Carroll.

IWU hosting Wheaton . . . with all Titans on deck, following finals week.  No injury worries at all, it would appear.   I expect a close game.  As far as I know, still no Annie Tate.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 15, 2022, 12:52:08 PM
Wheaton's scoring range (not chronological) in 9 games :
37 50 61 62 63 67 71 76 83
median score is 63 and their average is 63.3.
Their opponents :
41 45 53 53 56 56 59 65 68
median is 56 and average is 55.1.
iwu70, you may keep an eye on Ellie Cassell in Saturday's game. She is the only conference player to reach 20 blocks and 20 steals so far (24 and 21). You can use your other eye to watch the other players.  ;D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2022, 12:59:46 PM
Yes, should be a good game.  I'll watch for Ellie.  Of course, IWU's game, save for Huber, is primarily a perimeter game, esp. Powers (now back) and Palmer.   Heller slashing through the lane with great gusto.  RogK, you can have a good look at the interesting, new IWU freshmen.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 15, 2022, 09:03:10 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 15, 2022, 12:52:08 PM
Wheaton's scoring range (not chronological) in 9 games :
37 50 61 62 63 67 71 76 83
median score is 63 and their average is 63.3.
Their opponents :
41 45 53 53 56 56 59 65 68
median is 56 and average is 55.1.
iwu70, you may keep an eye on Ellie Cassell in Saturday's game. She is the only conference player to reach 20 blocks and 20 steals so far (24 and 21). You can use your other eye to watch the other players.  ;D

With a whole week to prepare for the Titan pressure, I'm hoping the Thunder can keep the game somewhat close.  If they can play smart and get some easy baskets breaking the press, then it might be competitive.  But if they creep toward 20+ turnovers, then that will spell real trouble.  Attempts to dribble out of or through the traps will end in disaster.   

Defensively, Wheaton really doesn't have a good matchup for Huber's speed.  I'm thinking it might be Sikkink or Hermanson but we'll see.  When Huber is 15 ft or more away from the basket, they have to play well off her and challenge her to shoot longer jumpers (she won't want to). 

In the end, I doubt Wheaton has the offensive firepower to beat IWU.  But I would love to be proven wrong.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 15, 2022, 10:02:59 PM
GoPerry, pretty good assessment.   The TITAN pressure always a factor.

Huber does have a quick first step.  Lately, she's been making almost anything 15 foot and in if able to shoot her jump shoot.  Or, she kicks out to the perimeter to the several good IWU trey shooters -- Powers, Palmer or Mahlum.   

I expect a close game.  Titans need this win at home.  Then, the Southern California trip at the end of the year for two games near LA.  Two pretty good programs out there, but winnable games for IWU.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 17, 2022, 05:12:26 PM
Game was tied with about 7 minutes to go, but the Cardinals close the game with a 23-5 run to beat Elmhurst 76-58.

Mitrese Smith: 23 pts, 12 reb
Alli Pearson: 18 pts, 5 reb
Megan McClure: 15 pts, 5 reb

Taylor Harazin: 12 pts
Anna Kleszynski: 10 pts, 10 reb
Lindsay Novak: 12 pts
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 17, 2022, 05:14:37 PM
Thunder 63
Titans 57

Kate Oliver   21 pts, 8 rebs
Anna Fernandez, 14 pts, 4 stls
Caroline Sikkink, 10 pts 8 rebs

Lauren Huber  19 pts, 14 rebs
Mallory Powers  9pts, 9 rebs

Congratulations to the Wheaton ladies on this very big come from behind road win.  This was a really terrific game for the Thunder and the coaching staff.  The only way they were going to stay in this game was to limit the turnovers in the press and slow the game down to a halfcourt grind.  They were successful on both to keep it close.  In fact, they really had very few issues with the pressure so big props to the coaching staff.

But then they needed some other big performances and they got it from the two freshman, Oliver and Fernandez, who accounted for all 23 of Wheaton's 4th quarter points.  Oliver's ballhandling and ability to drive gave the Titans defensive fits late in the game.  And Fernandez hit several big shots down the stretch as well.

Caylee Hermanson drew Lauren Huber and she did a really good job in containing her defensively.  IWU was ice cold from three, 5-24 for 20%  or the outcome might have been different.  Still the home team had their chances in the end but couldn't knock down a key shot.

Nice to head into Christmas break with a key win.  Way to go Wheaton!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2022, 05:17:20 PM
@ Carthage 68, Augustana 56
@ Millikin 72, Carroll 57
North Central 76, @ Elmhurst 58
Wheaton 63, @ Illinois Wesleyan 57
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2022, 05:23:01 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 17, 2022, 05:14:37 PM
Thunder 63
Titans 57

Kate Oliver   21 pts, 8 rebs
Anna Fernandez, 14 pts, 4 stls
Caroline Sikkink, 10 pts 8 rebs

Lauren Huber  19 pts, 14 rebs
Mallory Powers  9pts, 9 rebs

Congratulations to the Wheaton ladies on this very big come from behind road win.  This was a really terrific game for the Thunder and the coaching staff.  The only way they were going to stay in this game was to limit the turnovers in the press and slow the game down to a halfcourt grind.  They were successful on both to keep it close.  In fact, they really had very few issues with the pressure so big props to the coaching staff.

But then they needed some other big performances and they got it from the two freshman, Oliver and Fernandez, who accounted for all 23 of Wheaton's 4th quarter points.  Oliver's ballhandling and ability to drive gave the Titans defensive fits late in the game.  And Fernandez hit several big shots down the stretch as well.

Caylee Hermanson drew Lauren Huber and she did a really good job in containing her defensively.  IWU was ice cold from three, 5-24 for 20%  or the outcome might have been different.  Still the home team had their chances in the end but couldn't knock down a key shot.

Nice to head into Christmas break with a key win.  Way to go Wheaton!

What impressed me is that Fernandez, Sikkink, and Richardson all played the last four and a half minutes of the game with four fouls apiece; in fact, the latter two played most of the fourth quarter with four fouls each. That could've been fatal for Wheaton, which is not a deep team. Yet none of them fouled out of the game, and they obviously continued to play good defense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 17, 2022, 05:23:42 PM
Another day, another dollar for Elyce Knudsen, who had 31 points in the Big Blue's winning effort today against Carroll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 17, 2022, 09:15:18 PM
I attended the NC - ELM game. Those 23 points by Mitrese Smith were a career best, surpassing her 20 vs Concordia-Chicago (actually River Forest) on 11/20/21 and her 11 rebs matched her career high.
-
Carthage made 13 of 19 threes in their win. Four players did that : Margueret Spear 5/6, Ayanna Ester 4/5, Emma Thistle 2/4, Lauren Knight 2/4.
In that contest, Augie's Corey Whitlock did well : 11 rebs, 9/11 2FG, 3/4 FT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2022, 05:48:02 PM
CCIW standings 22% done (16 of 72 games) :
4-0 MIL
2-1 CRL CTG WHE
2-2 AUG IWU
1-2 NPU
1-3 NCC
0-4 ELM
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2022, 04:37:38 PM
Congrats to Mitrese Smith, the new CCIW player of the week :
https://cciw.org/news/2022/12/19/womens-basketball-nccs-smith-named-cciw-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
- - -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 19, 2022, 06:43:50 PM
Kind of a back and forth second half in a matinee at the hangar. A 12 point Cardinal lead at halftime was erased as Concordia Chicago River Forest took a four point lead into the fourth and led by as many as seven early in that frame. But Allison Pearson took over late to propel NCC to an 83-74 win.

Pearson: 32 pts (7-13 3PT- the 7 three's tie the program record for most in a game)
Megan McClure: 22 pts, 15 reb
Natalie Stavropolous: 6 pts, 10 ast (0 TO)

Top scorer in the nation Katherine Benes: 22 pts
Jaylene Wade: 19 pts
Jada Dixon: 10 pts (3-15 FG, 2-11 3PT), 7 reb

North Central goes on break for a few days before heading to Florida next week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2022, 06:44:12 PM
Final from Florida:

#16 Trine 65
North Park 51

Victoria Perry: 16 pts
Felicia Sunden: 15 pts, 6 rebs
Esther Miller: 13 pts
Chantel Hairston: 6 rebs

The Vikings faded down the stretch, going 1-11 from the field and scoring only three points in the last six minutes of the game as Trine pulled away at the free throw line. Great defensive effort by the Vikings, though, who got three steals apiece from four different players.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2022, 11:18:02 PM
Allison Pearson's 32 included an extraordinary 11 pts in 86 seconds.
She made all four of her shots (three 3FGs and a 2FG) in that 4th Q stretch from 5:29 remaining through 4:04 remaining.
Credit to her teammates for their defense and rebounding during that time, of course.
Eleven points in less than a minute and a half is very impressive.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 20, 2022, 05:03:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 19, 2022, 11:18:02 PM
Allison Pearson's 32 included an extraordinary 11 pts in 86 seconds.
She made all four of her shots (three 3FGs and a 2FG) in that 4th Q stretch from 5:29 remaining through 4:04 remaining.
Credit to her teammates for their defense and rebounding during that time, of course.
Eleven points in less than a minute and a half is very impressive.

Those 86 seconds, by the way, spanned roughly three minutes of real time.

Unfortunately the video feed had cut out just prior to her personal 11-0 run. Fortunately... I know how to pull audio from WONC's archived feed (https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ZXvNtY9z_8lU8f_h8JCq-J3rqBr-xQy/view?usp=sharing). Honestly, I'm not sure who went harder: Andy Jachim on the play by play or me in the background.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 20, 2022, 05:28:06 PM
Elmhurst's Lady Jays were able to go 1-1 in Daytona, FL coming out with the win today over the Thiel Tomcats, 70-53.  Taylor Harazin had quite the afternoon with 32 pts and 15 rebs.  Anna Kleszynski added 19 pts.  I'm sure it was a nice trip to a sunnier place for the team.  But coming out with at least one win makes it that much more enjoyable.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 20, 2022, 09:55:23 PM
In St Petersburg, North Park went down to the Lions of Mt St Joseph, 63-46.  Park was led by Victoria Perry's 12 pts and 6 rebs.

In Kenosha, the Carthage Ladies were all over Benedictine, 71-29.  10 pts and 7 rebs for Marianna Morrissey but a whole bunch of Firebirds saw playing time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 22, 2022, 04:54:00 PM
The conference has edged above .500 in regular season non-conference action.
Currently 34-31, with 15 to go.
Within conference play, the league is at exactly .500, as presciently forecast by both lmitzel and Greg over three years ago.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 24, 2022, 11:57:11 AM
Merry Christmas to all chatsters on this board.   May your new year be filled with happiness and good health.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 24, 2022, 02:56:22 PM
Thanks iwu70.
I wish you a verdant new year.
We think of you people in Bloomington as being very close to Normal !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 24, 2022, 07:23:07 PM
RogK, yes, I "returned to Normal" after 41 years in Asia. . . .

Seems some on the board are going to run out of eye rolls . . .

If North Park men beat Wheaton in early January, then I'll be convinced how great the North Parkers are . . . and, as for Wheaton looking like Wash U offensively, I was there and saw the game . . . and indeed they played in like Wash U back in the heyday of the Wash U teams offensively from back in the day.   Wash U comes to The Shirk in early January too, so we'll see how well they are doing in this version, this edition from down in St. Louis.   My Titans have not looked good at all, not played well so far and are lucky to be 6-4.   At least Ron Rose got his 300th win in that struggle of a game in OT over University of Chicago at Ratner last Tuesday.   I think both the men and women TITANS need a holiday break and will hopefully play better at the end of the month on the West Coast -- the men in the Pacific Northwest vs. Linfield and George Fox, and the women in Southern California.

The IWU women really let one slip away vs. Wheaton.  Had them down 8 several times in the second half but gave up the lead in the last 2-3 minutes, letting several Wheaton players drive through the lane for easy buckets late in the game.  Really poor, tired defense.     

I hope you and your family are safe, healthy and vertical!  Merry Christmas!

All best for 2023.   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 26, 2022, 06:02:10 PM
NCC was supposed to go play in a tournament in Daytona Beach this week, but their flight was a casualty of the mass of Southwest cancellations. Looks like they're trying to get makeup games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 26, 2022, 08:03:07 PM
That stinks for everybody involved.
They must have been booked for Orlando or some other airport and then were planning to bus to Daytona.
Checking flightradar24, it appears that Southwest doesn't go to Daytona :
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/dab/arrivals
They could have connected via Charlotte on American or via Atlanta on Delta.
Of course, maybe those flights to Daytona airport were very expensive or not available.
I don't know who arranged the flights, maybe the tournament organizers or ?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 27, 2022, 11:11:13 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 26, 2022, 08:03:07 PM
That stinks for everybody involved.
They must have been booked for Orlando or some other airport and then were planning to bus to Daytona.
Checking flightradar24, it appears that Southwest doesn't go to Daytona :
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/dab/arrivals
They could have connected via Charlotte on American or via Atlanta on Delta.
Of course, maybe those flights to Daytona airport were very expensive or not available.
I don't know who arranged the flights, maybe the tournament organizers or ?

That is indeed a real bummer for the NCC ladies.  I hope they can find a way to get down there today to play at least one game.

I'm sure some of the Wheaton players are having trouble getting back to campus as well.  Given that they are playing at Loras' tourney on Thursday, several might have had flights yesterday I would think, especially for the players returning from Calif or points west.   Certainly today at latest.  And given that MDW is a major Southwest hub . . oh boy.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 27, 2022, 12:48:05 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on December 27, 2022, 11:11:13 AM
Quote from: RogK on December 26, 2022, 08:03:07 PM
That stinks for everybody involved.
They must have been booked for Orlando or some other airport and then were planning to bus to Daytona.
Checking flightradar24, it appears that Southwest doesn't go to Daytona :
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/dab/arrivals
They could have connected via Charlotte on American or via Atlanta on Delta.
Of course, maybe those flights to Daytona airport were very expensive or not available.
I don't know who arranged the flights, maybe the tournament organizers or ?

That is indeed a real bummer for the NCC ladies.  I hope they can find a way to get down there today to play at least one game.

I don't know what the exact itinerary was, only that they were supposed to fly down and their flight was one of the many cancellations.

Games in Florida are officially cancelled (schedule update got pushed out this morning), and they're looking for makeups. Haven't heard of anything yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2022, 07:29:59 AM
What a mess on scheduling.  I don't know if the IWU women can make their way to Southern California for the two games they have out there in sunny LA-LA-land.   Time will tell . . .


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 28, 2022, 08:41:44 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2022, 07:29:59 AM
What a mess on scheduling.  I don't know if the IWU women can make their way to Southern California for the two games they have out there in sunny LA-LA-land.   Time will tell . . .


'70

If they're on Southwest (does Southwest fly out of B/N?) then chances are low.  We flew on United yesterday and had zero problem. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 28, 2022, 10:56:29 AM
Well, NCC was able to get one back on the docket. Kenyon will be making a trip to the hangar on Friday.

They were supposed to play in the D3Hoops.com Classic in Vegas, so I'm glad this worked out for them too.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 28, 2022, 12:46:26 PM
Carthage has a new opponent for their Thursday game at Welch College in Gallatin TN.
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
Webster replaces Framingham State.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 28, 2022, 03:54:42 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on December 28, 2022, 10:56:29 AM
Well, NCC was able to get one back on the docket. Kenyon will be making a trip to the hangar on Friday.

They were supposed to play in the D3Hoops.com Classic in Vegas, so I'm glad this worked out for them too.

Quote from: RogK on December 28, 2022, 12:46:26 PM
Carthage has a new opponent for their Thursday game at Welch College in Gallatin TN.
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
Webster replaces Framingham State.

Both developments are great news. I hate to see anybody's season cut short from the 25-game standard.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 28, 2022, 10:35:06 PM
In the days only matinee, the Augie ladies fell to Wisconsin - Platteville 56-46 at Carver.  The Vikings out rebounded the Pioneers by 10 boards, 38-28.  But that couldn't make up for 24 Augustana turnovers to Platteville's 15.

Not a productive offensive day for either team.  Not single player scored in double digits for the Lady Vikes.  Carly Stone led the way with 8 points, 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2022, 10:53:09 PM
GoPerry, no Southwest out of Bloomington.  Not sure what the IWU women were booked on.  So far their games are still listed on the IWU schedule as being played in Southern California.   I hope they bused to Chicago and perhaps flew on United.   We'll see soon enough.  Men's games cancelled, the two games in Oregon.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 29, 2022, 04:51:23 PM
Univ Wisc – Stevens Point   52
Wheaton  46

Caroline Sikkink  15 pts, 6 rebs
Annika Richardson 14 pts,  7 rebs

Josie Nies  15 pts, 8 rebs
Gabby Gawlitta 13 rebs
Alexa Thompson 10 rebs

The Pointers completed their 4-0 sweep through the CCIW this season with a 50-40 victory over Wheaton at the Loras Holiday Classic.

There was nothing pretty in this one.  Neither team had played in the last 12 days and both squads really looked it.  Play was quite sloppy and both teams shot very poorly – UWSP 18/57 31.6%, WC 15/52 28.8%.   The Pointers out-rebounded Wheaton in the 1st half 25-11 including 10-1 on the offensive glass and ended the game +18/+12.  Only SP's 22 turnovers kept that game somewhat close.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 29, 2022, 08:10:58 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2022, 10:53:09 PM
GoPerry, no Southwest out of Bloomington.  Not sure what the IWU women were booked on.  So far their games are still listed on the IWU schedule as being played in Southern California.   I hope they bused to Chicago and perhaps flew on United.   We'll see soon enough.  Men's games cancelled, the two games in Oregon.

No, they weren't. They were postponed and have now been rescheduled. (https://www.iwusports.com/news/2022/12/29/mens-basketball-mens-hoops-reschedules-oregon-trip.aspx)

As for the IWU women, they must've reached SoCal somehow. Their game at LaVerne is scheduled to tip off in an hour and a half, and the LaVerne women's basketball page shows that the game is still on and is prepped for livestreaming.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2022, 12:25:43 AM
Another game the Titans could have, should have won . . . losing to La Verne 65-62.  Again, TOs.  Poor FT shooting.  Just not valuing every possession.

La Verne:
Gill 16
Johnson 10

IWU:
Huber 24 and 9
Knutson 12
Powers 9

IWU now 7-5.  Playing another game out there tomorrow.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2022, 10:41:07 AM
Carthage fell to Webster, 58-45, in Gallatin, TN despite a 14-point performance from Marianna Morrissey. The Firebirds dropped to 5-6.

Carroll trounced fellow MWC refugee St. Norbert, 71-43, at Van Male. Brooke Foster led the way with 19, while Olivia Rangel and Kate Christian each chipped in 13. The Pioneers are now 6-5 on the campaign.

The CCIW is now 35-35 in non-conference play. The weakness of the league is evident in the fact that not a single CCIW team appeared on a pollster's ballot in the latest D3hoops.com Top 25 poll. Honestly, the only team that I think is going to have a substantial chance at a Pool C berth if it needs it at the conclusion of the CCIW tournament is Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2022, 11:48:27 AM
In that Carthage game, Bridget Barrett started and played one minute. I didn't see the beginning of the webcast, but it may be likely that she was injured. She hasn't played as yet in this morning's game. Barrett is one of the best rebounders in the league at .315 per minute.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 30, 2022, 06:16:38 PM
In a hugely disappointing loss, the Titans go down in OT to CMS 79-77  (guess we needed to get to 78 and a bit more . . . )

Again, not able to finish, way way too many TOs at 28, and giving CMS many chances to get back into the game in regulation and OT, before losing.   The Titans are just out of sorts, two starters sitting most of the second half -- coach must be pissed.  Mia Smith using a stranger rotation.  Sad road trip.

For CMS:
Chong 27
Dalia 13
Greg 11
Heckman 10

For IWU:
Huber 28 and 9
Knutson 14
White 11

I think Coach Smith has some tough decisions now with several starters playing poorly . . . and a big decision about starting White over Heller at PG.  The Titans just have poor decision-making, so many bad passes, dribbling into traffic . . .  nothing really crisp about their play right now.  Give all credit to CMS for hanging tough, playing tough defense, coming back to win.  They played more deliberately, more within their skills and system. 

The Titans were supposed to be a good trey shooting team, but that hasn't materialized, so they rely mostly on big games from Huber.  She can't carry the load entirely herself.

Titans now 7-6.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2022, 09:00:11 PM
Carthage whomped Meredith on Day Two of the Music City Classic in Gallatin, TN by a score of 61-31. Marianna Morrissey had a 10 and 10 double-double and Lauren Knight also contributed eight rebounds. Tim Bernero got 17 players into the game, twelve of whom scored. None of those 17 were Bridget Barrett, which leads me to believe that Rog's surmise about Barrett getting hurt yesterday is probably true.

(Meredith's nickname, by the way, is the Angels. They blew a golden opportunity in declining to name themselves the Dandy Dons.)

Kenyon defeated North Central in the hangar, 73-61. Natalie Stavropoulos paced NCC in the losing cause with 17; Grace Kieffer had 12 and Megan Duffy chipped in 11 for the Cards, who got great rebounding afternoons out of Mitrese Smith (11) and Megan McClure (10).

Coe knocked off Elmhurst, 72-47, in Cedar Rapids. Kendall Schieppe had 14 and Anna Kleszynski had 10 for the 'jays, who were without leading scorer and rebounder Taylor Harazin today.

Calvin beat Wheaton, 72-68, in Dubuque at Loras's tourney. Caroline Sikkink paced WC with 20, and was joined in double figures by Caylee Hermanson (12), Anna Fernandez (11), Annika Richardson (10 and 7), and Ellie Cassel (10).

Augustana held off Monmouth, 71-68, in a tight one in Monmouth, IL. Big day for Macy Beinborn, who notched 21. Corey Whitlock had 12 and 10, and Presley Case added 11 and 7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on December 30, 2022, 09:18:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2022, 09:00:11 PM
Carthage whomped Meredith on Day Two of the Music City Classic in Gallatin, TN by a score of 61-31. Marianna Morrissey had a 10 and 10 double-double and Lauren Knight also contributed eight rebounds. Tim Bernero got 17 players into the game, twelve of whom scored. None of those 17 were Bridget Barrett, which leads me to believe that Rog's surmise about Barrett getting hurt yesterday is probably true.

(Meredith's nickname, by the way, is the Angels. They blew a golden opportunity in declining to name themselves the Dandy Dons.)

Kenyon defeated North Central in the hangar, 73-61. Natalie Stavropoulos paced NCC in the losing cause with 17; Grace Kieffer had 12 and Megan Duffy chipped in 11 for the Cards, who got great rebounding afternoons out of Mitrese Smith (11) and Megan McClure (10).

Coe knocked off Elmhurst, 72-47, in Cedar Rapids. Kendall Schieppe had 14 and Anna Kleszynski had 10 for the 'jays, who were without leading scorer and rebounder Taylor Harazin today.

Calvin beat Wheaton, 72-68, in Dubuque at Loras's tourney. Caroline Sikkink paced WC with 20, and was joined in double figures by Caylee Hermanson (12), Anna Fernandez (11), Annika Richardson (10 and 7), and Ellie Cassel (10).

Augustana held off Monmouth, 71-68, in a tight one in Monmouth, IL. Big day for Macy Beinborn, who notched 21. Corey Whitlock had 12 and 10, and Presley Case added 11 and 7.

Took a second to figure out your reference   ;)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 30, 2022, 11:09:43 PM
And Howard University could be the Cosells. I couldn't find any Gifford U or College.
Carroll topped Beloit 64-53, thanks to a fine game by Kate Christian : 20 pts, 6 rebs and 4 assists.
Chloe Halverson grabbed 9 rebs, while Allison Thompson had 4 steals and 2 blocks.
The CCIW went a blah 3-4 for the day, yielding a 38-39 regular season nonconference record, with probably only 2 more to go.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 31, 2022, 12:28:47 AM
Calvin   72
Wheaton  68

Caroline Sikkink   20 pts
Caylee Hermanson  12 pts, 6 rebs
Anna Fernandez  11 pts

Gabby Timmer 21 pts, 11 rebs

Despite the same outcome, this was a night/day vastly better performance from the Thunder ladies today.  They came out with much better energy against a better team with a distinct height advantage.  They trailed the Knights by as much as 15 mid way through the 3rd and then played their best 4th quarter of the season so far and pulled within 3 with 30 secs left.  The team is still susceptible to much-too-frequent scoring droughts – they were stuck on 14 pts for about 5 ½ mins in 1st/2nd Q.  But if they can bottle that last 13 minutes of play . . .

Props to Sikkink at 5'10" giving up 5 inches but still went right at Calvin's pre-season All American Gabby Timmer at 6'3".  Sikkink had to constantly adjust her shot but she had some decent success despite a few blocked shots.  The determination was impressive.   Defensively, Wheaton had no answer to match Timmer.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 31, 2022, 01:32:10 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2022, 09:00:11 PM
Kenyon defeated North Central in the hangar, 73-61. Natalie Stavropoulos paced NCC in the losing cause with 17; Grace Kieffer had 12 and Megan Duffy chipped in 11 for the Cards, who got great rebounding afternoons out of Mitrese Smith (11) and Megan McClure (10).

Biggest thing for me was the Owls hitting seven of their eight second half threes (4-4 in the third, as they were able to build on their five point halftime lead). The Cardinals managed to pull within three late in the period, but a 13-0 Kenyon run bridging the third and fourth quarters sealed the deal.

NCC was also without the services of Alli Pearson tonight. She was on the bench in civvies but I don't have a timeline on potential return.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 31, 2022, 08:56:47 AM
Dandy Dons . . .  very good, Greg!   I got it right away!  :)   Of a certain age . . .

Happy New Year to all here on the boards.  May your 2023 be filled with happiness and good health.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: WLCALUM83 on December 31, 2022, 10:56:35 AM
Quote from: ronk on December 30, 2022, 09:18:38 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 30, 2022, 09:00:11 PM
Carthage whomped Meredith on Day Two of the Music City Classic in Gallatin, TN by a score of 61-31. Marianna Morrissey had a 10 and 10 double-double and Lauren Knight also contributed eight rebounds. Tim Bernero got 17 players into the game, twelve of whom scored. None of those 17 were Bridget Barrett, which leads me to believe that Rog's surmise about Barrett getting hurt yesterday is probably true.

(Meredith's nickname, by the way, is the Angels. They blew a golden opportunity in declining to name themselves the Dandy Dons.)

Kenyon defeated North Central in the hangar, 73-61. Natalie Stavropoulos paced NCC in the losing cause with 17; Grace Kieffer had 12 and Megan Duffy chipped in 11 for the Cards, who got great rebounding afternoons out of Mitrese Smith (11) and Megan McClure (10).

Coe knocked off Elmhurst, 72-47, in Cedar Rapids. Kendall Schieppe had 14 and Anna Kleszynski had 10 for the 'jays, who were without leading scorer and rebounder Taylor Harazin today.

Calvin beat Wheaton, 72-68, in Dubuque at Loras's tourney. Caroline Sikkink paced WC with 20, and was joined in double figures by Caylee Hermanson (12), Anna Fernandez (11), Annika Richardson (10 and 7), and Ellie Cassel (10).

Augustana held off Monmouth, 71-68, in a tight one in Monmouth, IL. Big day for Macy Beinborn, who notched 21. Corey Whitlock had 12 and 10, and Presley Case added 11 and 7.

Took a second to figure out your reference   ;)
Quote from: RogK on December 30, 2022, 11:09:43 PM
And Howard University could be the Cosells. I couldn't find any Gifford U or College.
Carroll topped Beloit 64-53, thanks to a fine game by Kate Christian : 20 pts, 6 rebs and 4 assists.
Chloe Halverson grabbed 9 rebs, while Allison Thompson had 4 steals and 2 blocks.

Then there's Jackson College (Jackson, Hillsdale and Adrian, MI branches)-- for Keith.

Ultimate team nickname opposite matchups:  Meredith Avenging Angels vs. Alverno Inferno and Meredith vs. FDU Florham Devils (too apt to pass up) --
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2022, 03:03:58 PM
Final from Lisle:

North Park 72
Benedictine 63

Esther Miller: 23 pts, 6 rebs
Victoria Perry: 16 pts (4-9 trey)
Elisha Dunlap: 12 pts (6-7 FG), 4 stls
Kathryn Keehn: 10 pts, 8 rebs
Chantel Hairston: 10 rebs, 6:1 a:to

The Vikings erased a 12-point third quarter deficit in large part by going on a furious 27-12 run in the fourth quarter. The key was keeping Esther Miller on the floor despite foul trouble -- as Miller goes, the Vikings go -- and Victoria Perry finally finding the range after a cold thirty minutes. Solid -- dare I say "breakout"? -- games from Kathryn Keehn and Elisha Dunlap as well, both of whom were instrumental in breaking down BU's zone.

The Vikings improve to 5-7 as they head into the new year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2022, 04:03:59 PM
Millikin smothered Greenville at the Griz, 81-63, as Elyce Knudsen led the way with 17 points. Sophie Darden had 16 and 12, Chelsea McCullum had 16 and four steals, and Sarah Ness had four steals as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2022, 04:24:49 PM
Millikin's Bailey Coffman returned from pre-season injury and played 16 minutes.
But, Emily White didn't play; she scored 22 in their prior game on Dec 19. I watched only the 2nd half of today's Big Blue contest and don't recall mention if she is injured.
Greenville entered the game 7-2 vs D3 (and 0-1 vs NAIA).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 31, 2022, 05:01:11 PM
Today's pair of victories leaves the composite nonconference record at 40-39.
Elmhurst and North Central could still replace one cancelled game each.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 31, 2022, 06:54:22 PM
An earlier-than-expected return for Bailey Coffman isn't good news for the eight teams that don't call Decatur home.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 02, 2023, 04:18:41 PM
Congrats to Kate Christian, new CCIW player of the week(s) :
https://cciw.org/news/2023/1/2/womens-basketball-cciw-names-carrolls-christian-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 02, 2023, 05:58:41 PM
Congrats to Kate Christian on her weekly honor.

Yes, having Coffman back is big for the Big Blue.  Any sign of Annie Tate or Jayla Johnson?   

Here comes the meat of the CCIW race . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 02, 2023, 09:06:16 PM
North Park is seriously lacking size this season, but Annie Radenkovich and her coaching staff are working hard to rectify that for 2023-24. Two bigs, 6'0 Caroline Long of Russiaville (IN) Western and 5'10 Brooke Panush of Lemont, have already tweeted that they've committed to NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 03, 2023, 06:14:55 PM
4th D3hoops Poll:  No CCIW team mentioned at all, even in ORVs.

A down year.  Likely only the CCIW Tournament Champion gets a bid.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 03, 2023, 11:04:36 PM
I'm surprised that Millikin didn't get any votes. But, I don't know the "instead of whom" answer. I'm way too lazy to research the probably 70 or 80 teams that deserve some consideration.
As for the NCAA tourney, bear in mind that it's for 64 teams, not 25. I'd say it's very likely that the CCIW gets at least 2.
We should also note that Strength of Schedule takes shape steadily and gradually during the entire season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 04, 2023, 10:41:38 AM

While UWSP and WashU are not bad losses, they're not losses a Top 25 team should have. That, coupled with no real signature wins, it's not too hard to see why they're being left out.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 04, 2023, 12:21:16 PM
Looks like a one bid year to me.  Unless an upset in the Tournament final . . . then MU and another might get in.

IWU needs a win badly, tonight vs NPU in Chicago.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 04, 2023, 05:52:51 PM
Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 04, 2023, 10:41:38 AM

While UWSP and WashU are not bad losses, they're not losses a Top 25 team should have. That, coupled with no real signature wins, it's not too hard to see why they're being left out.

This is pretty much what I was thinking also Ryan.  From watching them, I think they are pretty good and worthy of some consideration.  But from a record standpoint, they've pretty much won all the games they're supposed to win and nothing more really. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 04, 2023, 10:02:20 PM
Wheaton had a 17-0 run that stretched across halftime and that was the difference in an 81-65 Thunder victory at the hangar tonight. The Cardinals got it to single digits a couple times, but a late 9-0 Thunder run sealed the deal.

Anna Fernandez: 18 pts, 5 reb
Annika Richardson: 14 pts, 14 reb
Caroline Sikkink: 11 pts, 7 reb

Natalie Stavropolous: 18 pts, 4 ast
Megan Duffy: 11 pts, 4 ast
Abby Davidson: 8 pts, 9 reb

Alli Pearson was back tonight. Apparently she broke her nose over break and was on a pitch count tonight. She scored 9, bringing her career total to 972.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2023, 10:26:40 PM
North Park 63
Illinois Wesleyan 58

Esther Miller: 19 pts, 7 rebs
Victoria Perry: 13 pts
Elisha Dunlap: 8 rebs

Katelyn Heller: 22 pts
Mallory Powers: 13 pts
Lauren Huber: 12 pts, 12 rebs

In a back-and-forth contest dominated by the defenses of both teams, in which neither team could push the lead out beyond two possessions (aside from a very brief eight-point lead for North Park in the first quarter), NPU came up bigger in the last two minutes, with an inspired-effort putback basket by Chantel Hairston in the waning seconds being the signature play in the Vikings win.

As long as the Vikings keep playing defense like this they can compete in this league, even despite their offensive shortcomings.

Illinois Wesleyan is a mystery. How did what is essentially the same lineup that was atop the league a year ago become so ordinary?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2023, 11:39:13 PM
Carroll led Carthage by 14 points with six minutes left in Kenosha, but had to hang on at the end for a 70-67 road win over the stubborn Firebirds. Olivia Rangel paced the Pios with 20 points, and she was joined in double figures by Brooke Foster with 15. Marianna Morrissey had 18, Ayanna Ester contribued 11, and Elena Knebel chipped in 10 in the losing effort for Carthage.

The game at Faganel got extremely ugly, as Augustana steamrollered Elmhurst to the tune of 91-40. Emma Berg (15), Macy Beinborn (13), Gabby Loiz (12), and Corey Whitlock(11) all hit double figures for Augie, as Mark Beinborn kept all five of his starters under 20 minutes apiece. Of the fourteen players who saw the floor for the Rock Islanders, thirteen of them scored. No Elmhurst player reached double figures, as the 'jays shot under 25% from the field, got outrebounded by a dozen, and turned the ball over 31 times.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2023, 07:54:33 AM
Greg, I agree with you about IWU right now . . . seems like a sophomore slump or something.  They are not playing anywhere near their potential and obvious talent level.  Too many TOs, even some dubious coaching decisions on the rotation.  Heller had a good game, but there's a lot of inconsistency there.  And, Powers and Palmer are way down from the previous year.   Huber can't do it all . . .   

Your team played tough D last night.  IWU continues to find ways not to finish games and to let them slip away.  Now a four game losing streak.  Perhaps they will find a way to make the CCIW tournament and then find their mojo late in the season, but with a very poor, likely .500 record.  I'm not optimistic at all from recent performances.


IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2023, 11:25:33 AM
Huber missed her fair share of bunnies last night. And although Heller was IWU's offensive mainstay, it took her 24 shots to get her 22 points, which is not good.

Of course, NPU's not setting the world on fire at the offensive end, either. The Vikings keep blowing a discouraging number of shots around the basket, and their lack of success from beyond the arc has made all of them aside from Victoria Perry tentative about shooting out there even when open. VP has never met a shot she didn't like, which is a blessing that is also occasionally a curse.

North Park's best offensive weapon continues to be undersized forward Esther Miller, whose high basketball IQ and bulldog attitude get her lots of looks inside that players her size shouldn't get. She had 18 of North Park's 31 points at the half on 9-12 shooting, and Mia Smith obvously told the Titans at halftime, "Enough's enough as far as Miller is concerned." She assigned a double team (and even the occasional triple team) to take Miller out of the game at the offensive end. It obviously worked, as Esther scored only a single point in the second half. But she was a most effective decoy, as that double-teaming opened up a lot of driving lanes for VP, Aaliyah Parker-Fox, Chantel Hairston, and Kathryn Keehn.

Overall, a nice victory ... but the lack of offensive production by the Vikings leads me to think that North Park isn't likely to threaten the league's two obvious favorites, Millikin and Carroll. At the moment I foresee the rest of the league jockeying for position behind those two, with Wheaton and Augustana the best bets to secure first-round home games in the CCIW tourney and North Central and Elmhurst the two teams most unlikely to secure a tourney spot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2023, 11:41:02 AM
Sounds about right to me, Greg.  IWU is pretty lackluster so far, not finishing games they could have, should have won . . .  maybe they will get on a run and live up to the potential and aspirations we all had for them.  But, right now, it doesn't look all that promising.   Just too many TOs, bad decisions with the ball, people falling down, driving into traffic and very poor three point shooting %-wise.  Maybe Powers and Palmer will return to form and Coach Smith will find ways to get them better looks, but so far it's not really happening.  Knutson not playing last night was big, with less rebounding talent on the floor.  Huber will have many good games, big output all season, as she's such a great player in the paint for her size.   But, she needs support, a more productive and supportive set of teammates.   I agree that MU and the Pios are the conference leaders now.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 05, 2023, 04:41:15 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 05, 2023, 11:41:02 AM
Sounds about right to me, Greg.  IWU is pretty lackluster so far, not finishing games they could have, should have won . . .  maybe they will get on a run and live up to the potential and aspirations we all had for them.  But, right now, it doesn't look all that promising.   Just too many TOs, bad decisions with the ball, people falling down, driving into traffic and very poor three point shooting %-wise.  Maybe Powers and Palmer will return to form and Coach Smith will find ways to get them better looks, but so far it's not really happening.  Knutson not playing last night was big, with less rebounding talent on the floor.  Huber will have many good games, big output all season, as she's such a great player in the paint for her size.   But, she needs support, a more productive and supportive set of teammates.   I agree that MU and the Pios are the conference leaders now.

IWU'70

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 04, 2023, 10:26:40 PM

Illinois Wesleyan is a mystery. How did what is essentially the same lineup that was atop the league a year ago become so ordinary?

After the Wheaton game, the frustration in Mia Smith's voice and demeanor was pretty obvious (not that she's the type to hold anything in).  It almost feels like she has lost the team . . pure speculation obviously.  But something's not working.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 05, 2023, 05:07:49 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 05, 2023, 04:41:15 PM
After the Wheaton game, the frustration in Mia Smith's voice and demeanor was pretty obvious (not that she's the type to hold anything in).  It almost feels like she has lost the team . . pure speculation obviously.  But something's not working.

For sure. It was patently obvious just how vexed Mia was last night. I think that's she's moved into "throw stuff against the wall and see what sticks" territory.

Good coaches always tend to be just as competitive as players, so I also suspect that it really stuck in her craw that she'd just been beaten by a twentysomething CCIW head coach whose career record against IWU and Mia Smith is now 1-0.

Annie R. wasn't crowing over it. In the postgame interview I suggested that the game was the basketball equivalent of getting a tooth pulled, and she agreed with me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2023, 05:30:13 PM
I'm pretty sure Mia and the other IWU coaches are pissed and perplexed, just not understanding how things have gotten to this point with the Titans.  A big drop off from Powers (with an injury, it must be said) and Palmer.  And Heller scoring it pretty well, but not really sticking with a team format, and having serious issues with TOs, driving into undue traffic.   Knutson has been a pleasant surprise for the most part, though injured and in civies last night.  The folks off the bench have contributed at points, but are very up and down, inconsistent, esp. Mahlem and Carlson.  Huber by far the most consistent and productive, obviously.   So, it's a strange situation for Mia, not really knowing night to night what to expect.  What has surprised me is how many stupid and bad decisions the Titans have made, with poor situational awareness at key points, in the final minutes of games, esp. for a relatively experienced, though still young team.  As I've said, the freshmen are going to be good, but have been thrown into all this pretty early -- though I'm still, in the long run, optimistic about White, Mahlem, Balli and Galvan . .  just seems that Powers and Palmer should be playing better, or a way found to put them in a better position to get their shots, play better.   I'm sure Mia will do her best to figure it out and put the Titans on a better trajectory now with 11 games to go . . . they badly need a run of better play, better luck, and some mojo these last 7 or so weeks.

I hope Knutson is back soon . . . personally, I'd be starting White and allowing Huber, if she stays out of foul trouble, to play more minutes.  We'll see.  What do I know?

IWU'70


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2023, 04:43:18 PM
Millikin 74
Wheaton  55

Not too much of surprise here as Millikin just has too much offensive depth for the Thunder.  But it's hard to overlook Wheaton's self-inflicted damage in the first half when MU led by 16 at the break.  Wheaton 14 turnovers (Big Blue 7) in the first half while giving up 9 offensive rebs to Millkin.  The 3rd Q went Wheaton's way to cut the lead to 6 with only 3 turnovers and better defense and rebounding.  15 more shot attempts for Millikin.

Getting Bailey Coffman back is a huge positive for MU.  She ended up w 15 pts and made some big defensive plays.  Knudsen ended up with 17 pts.

Caroline Sikkink led Wheaton with 10 pts, 7 rebs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2023, 04:54:24 PM
IWU 79 Carthage 68

IWU finally getting out from under their four game slide . . .  playing a very weak first half, but roaring back in the second to finally play some very good offensive basketball, scoring 53 in the second half.  The future is now with freshman Sawyer White, as I predicted some weeks ago.  Knutson still sitting, with some kind of injury. 

For CC:
Knight, a terrific game, 19
Ester 12
Knebel 12

For IWU:
Huber, an amazing second half, 19 and 6
White 16 and 6, 4-5 from 3
Powers 11
Palmer, making some treys, 11
Heller 13

Still so much to improve on . . . but at least the Titans get back in the winning column, now 8-7, 3-3 in CCIW play.   They need to play like they did in the second half, esp. the 4Q, and get on a run of wins.  Not easy with the Titans playing @MU on Wednesday.  That will be tough, but they need a signature win.

Much better today.  Huber an amazing player in the second half, with rebounding, scoring, assists and steals.   White here to stay . . . a very talented freshman.

Good to see the ball movement, the balanced scoring, which has been the Titan offense of the past . . . they need to stick with that, if possible. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 07, 2023, 10:26:54 PM
North Park 53
Elmhurst 41

Victoria Perry: 22 pts (9-10 FT)
Esther Miller: 12 pts, 8 stls
Chantel Hairston: 10 pts, 11 rebs, 4:2 a:to, 3 stls

Taylor Harazin: 15 pts (9-9 FT), 10 rebs
Anna Kleszynski: 10 pts

What a weird game. The Vikings, whose shooting line was a horrific .254/.211/.607 that had relatively little to do with the caliber of defense offered by Elmhurst, couldn't buy a basket if their lives depended upon it. Layups, midrange jumpers, trey attempts, free throws ... you name it, the Vikings ganked it. As clearly talent-challenged as Elmhurst is, the 'jays nevertheless led for most of the contest, and were actually up by 11 just a bit past the midway point of the third quarter. The 'jays weren't exactly clicking on all cylinders, but they were making more shots than NPU was, and they were playing pretty darned hard. What's more, the undersized Vikings really had no answer at all for Taylor Harazin, who had her way every time she touched the ball within ten feet of the basket. For a while I was wondering if NPU would not only lose the biggest upset of the year, but if they'd even crack forty on the scoreboard.

EU led by eight going into the fourth quarter, and an Anna Kleszynski jumper eleven seconds into the quarter put them back up by ten at 41-31. And then an amazing thing happened. North Park shut out the Bluejays for nine minutes and 49 seconds. That's right; Kleszynski's deuce was the first, last, and only basket the visitors made in the fourth quarter. By turning up the defensive pressure, the Vikings finally found a reliable way to score -- via transition. Elmhurst turned the ball over eleven times in the final quarter while going 0-8 from the field after Kleszynski's basket without getting to the line even once. Harazin and Kleszynski fouled out, depriving Tethnie Carillo of her two primary weapons, and Victoria Perry got going with 12 of her 22 points to spark the Park, with most of those points coming from the free-throw line. The Vikings ended up scoring the final 22 points of the game, winning the fourth quarter by a 22-2 tally.

Ugly, ugly game, but every win looks the same in the standings. NPU is back up to the .500 mark at 7-7 and is now 3-2 in CCIW play.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 08, 2023, 07:02:15 PM
Augie earned a huge win at home by staving off Carroll, 67-64, in a Sunday matinee. Emma Berg led the way with 16 points off the bench for the Rock Islanders, while Corey Whitlock scored 10 and Gabby Loiz grabbed seven rebounds. Olivia Rangel had 21 and 10 in the lost cause for the Pios, while Emilie Wizner chipped in 11.

Augie (4-2) slips into sole possession of second place, a half-game ahead of Carroll, North Park, and Wheaton at 3-2. The only question in my mind is by how many games will Millikin (5-0) win the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2023, 08:30:30 PM
Yes, MU could win the league by quite a few games.   Not many chances to stop them now.  IWU has a chance on Wednesday in Decatur to put a loss on them, but I doubt it will happen . . . do we see the Titans of the four-game slide or the Titans of the second half against Carthage?   IWU needs Knutson back and will need an all-out effort to keep it close . . .  (no Kendall Sosa around this time . . . ). 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 09, 2023, 04:06:11 PM
Congrats to Esther Miller, the new CCIW player of the week!
https://cciw.org/news/2023/1/9/womens-basketball-north-parks-esther-miller-nets-weekly-cciw-honor.aspx
---
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Riley Zayas on January 10, 2023, 03:40:32 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 08, 2023, 08:30:30 PM
Yes, MU could win the league by quite a few games.   Not many chances to stop them now.  IWU has a chance on Wednesday in Decatur to put a loss on them, but I doubt it will happen . . . do we see the Titans of the four-game slide or the Titans of the second half against Carthage?   IWU needs Knutson back and will need an all-out effort to keep it close . . .  (no Kendall Sosa around this time . . . ). 

'70

And yet Millikin received just 6 points in this recent Top 25 poll...
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2023, 09:13:58 PM
Quote from: True To The Cru/Riley Zayas on January 10, 2023, 03:40:32 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on January 08, 2023, 08:30:30 PM
Yes, MU could win the league by quite a few games.   Not many chances to stop them now.  IWU has a chance on Wednesday in Decatur to put a loss on them, but I doubt it will happen . . . do we see the Titans of the four-game slide or the Titans of the second half against Carthage?   IWU needs Knutson back and will need an all-out effort to keep it close . . .  (no Kendall Sosa around this time . . . ). 

'70

And yet Millikin received just 6 points in this recent Top 25 poll...

That's easy to explain: the CCIW is simply weak this season.

Millikin is our best team, but by national standards the Big Blue aren't really a powerhouse.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 10, 2023, 11:02:41 PM
Greg, does the Massey formula rank D3 WBB teams #1 through #425?
We're roughly half done with the regular season, so such rankings could have some relevance now, obviously more as the game results accumulate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 10, 2023, 11:09:20 PM
Massey seems off to me. Ken's got the CCIW as the #5 conference, yet the league is barely above .500 in non-conference play. Seven of the league's nine teams are listed among the top 27% of D3 women's basketball by Massey, yet only two of those teams (Millikin and Augie) have W-L records that are better than two games above .500, and one of them (Carthage) is actually underwater at the moment at 6-8.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2023, 03:15:52 PM
Agree with Greg on the CCIW's women's game being weak this season . . . plenty of evidence for it.  To me, the men aren't all that strong either. 

I'll go down to Decatur tonight to cheer for the Titans and hope they play like they did in the second half vs. Carthage, not like they did during their four game losing streak earlier.   With Coffman back, and Knudsen playing so well, it's going to be tough for IWU to win on the Big Blue's home floor (and you'all know how much I love the Griz!  :) ).   Let's hope the Titans play a perfect game tonight and shock everyone.  Very doubtful.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 11, 2023, 04:34:04 PM
Each team in the conference knows it has things to work on and improve, but calling the whole league weak seems way too much of an insult.
We should appreciate all of the effort given, win or lose.
To completely reinforce that, here is irrefutable evidence of parity in the league :
Carroll defeated IWU, IWU defeated Wash U St Louis, Wash U St Louis defeated U of Chicago and U of Chicago defeated Carroll.
So there!  :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2023, 05:04:13 PM
I'm not insulting anybody. And I most certainly do appreciate all of the effort given. I have nothing but respect for each and every student-athlete who puts on a CCIW uniform, and for each and every coach who puts in the work to help run one of our nine CCIW women's basketball programs.

But sports is a results-oriented endeavor. I'm a realist, and I have to call it the way I see it. The CCIW just isn't the powerhouse in women's basketball that it is in other sports. That's been true for awhile now. I'm honestly stumped as to why this is so, but, especially when you compare it to how the CCIW fares in other women's sports (volleyball and softball in particular) or its male hoops equivalent, the league across the board just doesn't have the same sort of mastery over non-conference opposition, both in November/December and again in March, that it does in those other sports.

I sure wish it wasn't so, but it is.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 11, 2023, 06:46:58 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2023, 05:04:13 PM
I'm not insulting anybody. And I most certainly do appreciate all of the effort given. I have nothing but respect for each and every student-athlete who puts on a CCIW uniform, and for each and every coach who puts in the work to help run one of our nine CCIW women's basketball programs.

But sports is a results-oriented endeavor. I'm a realist, and I have to call it the way I see it. The CCIW just isn't the powerhouse in women's basketball that it is in other sports. That's been true for awhile now. I'm honestly stumped as to why this is so, but, especially when you compare it to how the CCIW fares in other women's sports (volleyball and softball in particular) or its male hoops equivalent, the league across the board just doesn't have the same sort of mastery over non-conference opposition, both in November/December and again in March, that it does in those other sports.

I sure wish it wasn't so, but it is.

Agreed.  Especially when you consider that it wasn't that long ago that the national champions came out of the CCIW in 2012 and 2005.  There's been zero tailwind from those accomplishments it seems and the performance of the conference has been pretty mediocre ever since.

I've watched a few games of the top teams.  Millikin is a good team.  But Hope, CNU, Trinity (TX) are a different tier.  Heck, if you saw the CNU/Washington and Lee game, W/L is THE best 4 loss team in the country and should be ORV.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 11, 2023, 10:11:52 PM
Wheaton over North Park 75-68

Kate Oliver  25 pts, 9 rebs
Annika Richardson, 14 pts, 5 rebs
Anna Fernandez, 13 pts, 5 rebs

Victoria Perry, 15 pts
Kathryn Keene, 12 pts, 6 rebs

This was a game of runs depending on which team happened to be making shots.  In the end, Wheaton led practically the entire game although the Vikes got within 1 several times. But NPU could never tie or get the lead.

North Park had no answer trying to stop Kate Oliver and her drives to the basket.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 11, 2023, 11:57:19 PM
The thing that you forgot to mention was that the Vikings were without the heart and soul of their team, reigning CCIW POW Esther Miller, tonight. That's not only 14.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg missing from the North Park lineup, that's also probably the league's best defender (Esther's 22nd in the nation in steals) missing.

I'm not sure why she was MIA tonight. Whatever the reason, I hope it was only for that one game.

Regardless, the fact that the Vikings were so competitive that they were down by a single possession inside of two minutes to play, even without Miller, is a real testimony to them. Elisha Dunlap (11 pts, 8 rebs) came up big in trying to fill Esther's shoes as the closest thing NPU had to a forward, which is encouraging. Kudos to the Vikings for competing so fiercely tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2023, 12:10:46 AM
IWU got off to a good start vs. Millikin, let things slip in the second quarter, fought back to within 5 in the third, let MU get out to a 17 point lead in the 4th, fought back again late, but fell short by 9.  Too much Elyse Knudsen as expected.  She's an amazing talent, as we all know, with a complete game.  She finished with 34, no other MU player in double figures.  Knudsen scoring more than half of Millikin's 66.  The final was 66-57.

Caite Knudson back from injury with a good game.  Huber 14 and 6, Palmer 13.  IWU fought hard but still the same issues -- 24 TOs and too many defensive breakdowns.   Knudsen very difficult to defend, though the Titans challenged her well in the paint, but she scored from deep and from mid-range, several easy break-aways  . . . scoring almost at will.  I think in the first Q she was the only Big Blue team member to score at all!

At least the Titans gave it a very good effort tonight, and played better, even quite well at points. 

MU will win the conference going away . . . they are a very good team defensively, more offense now with Coffman back, and Knudsen a 1st team All-American. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2023, 12:50:48 AM
Quite a full stats line for Elyce Knudsen : 12/22 2FG, 2/7 3FG, 4/4 FT, 9 rebs, 6 assists, 6 TOs, 5 fouls, 3 blocks and 7 steals.
iwu70, what do you make of Sarah Isaf's one-handed three point shooting style? She hit 3 of 4.
She has had other excellent 3FG shooting games already, such as 4 for 5, 6 for 9 and 6 for 8. She's also been "off" from distance a couple of games (0 for 11, 1 for 8). She's one of many promising freshmen in the league this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 12, 2023, 01:21:21 AM
The Firebirds took control early with a 14-1 run up at Tarble to put the Cardinals in chase mode all night, and a late NCC rally was too little too late as Carthage defended home court with a 77-72 win.

Marianna Morrissey: 17 pts, 8 reb
Lauren Knight: 16 pts
Elena Knebel: 14 pts, 12 reb

Natalie Stavropolous: 18 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast
Alli Pearson: 15 pts
Grace Keiffer: 14 pts, 5 reb

Pearson didn't seem to have a minutes restriction based on a check at halftime, and if my math is correct, is up to 987 points for her collegiate career. With the next two for the Cardinals at home, barring 80 minutes of cold shooting or another injury or something... I'll probably have a milestone to announce.

The first of the two upcoming guests to the hangar is Millikin. The Big Blue are losers of two straight in Naperville coming in, so I'm hoping the usual jolt the Cardinals have gotten from playing this Big Blue team the last couple times is there again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 12, 2023, 09:02:21 AM
RogK, yes, Knudsen is the real deal.   She got loose early and often against the Titans.   IWU gave MU a good game at points, but MU does play good defense too, and has more weapons now with Coffman, late in the game.  Huber played well, but a bit below her averages.  Powers continues to struggle following her injury.  She just looks tentative, weaker than before. 

Isaf does have a strange shooting stroke, but they do go in.  I think many promising freshmen in the league now, esp. at IWU -- Sawyer White already playing well at the varsity level . . . others at IWU will be good or decent CCIW players -- Mahlum, Balli, Galvan . . . perhaps others.   They just need time, strengthening, getting used to the speed of the game, and their opportunity to play. 

IWU didn't adjust well to the better, pressuring defense that MU plays.   Lots of tipped balls, defenders in the passing lanes etc.  But, this was an improved performance by the Titans . . . just not enough, esp. the let-down in the 2Q.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 12, 2023, 11:21:36 PM
Five CCIW players currently (through Jan 11 games) rate in the top 20 nationally in good categories.
Elmhurst's Taylor Harazin is #10 in made FTs (77)
Illinois Wesleyan's Lauren Huber is #2 in made FGs (120) and #7 in points scored (298)
Millikin's Elyce Knudsen is #1 in made FGs (131), #1 in points scored (327) and #10 in scoring average (21.8)
North Park's Victoria Perry is #19 in made FTs (70)
North Park's Esther Miller is #15 in steals (49) and #22 in steals per game (3.5)
- - - using the top 20 as the cutoff was my arbitrary choice
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 14, 2023, 07:38:09 PM
Well, the first quarter at the hangar was fun. Alli Pearson buried a corner three with about three minutes to go in the frame to hit 1,000 points for her career and the Cardinals led by as many as 18 before taking a 12 point lead to the locker room.

Aaaaaand then proceeded to go 4-27 from the field in the 2nd half. Millikin took the lead for good late in the third and pulled away in the 4th for a 72-57 victory.

Elyce Knudsen: 24 pts (20 in the 2nd half), 7 reb, 5 ast
Chelsea McCullum: 11 pts, 4 reb
Bailey Coffman: 11 pts, reb

Allison Pearson: 14 pts
Megan Duffy: 13 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
Grace Keiffer: 10 pts, 5 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 14, 2023, 07:55:24 PM
At the Shirk, IWU got to the magic number = 78, winning 78-69.  Augie got within five at one point, but IWU was able to pull away.

A career night for Katlyn Heller, another robust night for Lauren Huber.   Augie's Brenneisen is really a nice looking player.

AC:
Brenneisen 13
Bert 13
Beinborn 11
Stone 10

IWU:
Heller 25 and 7, with 5 assists
Huber 20 and 12
Knutson 11 and 6
White, the freshman, 12 with 5 steals

Powers in a boot, likely out for some games.   It's been obvious that something was wrong.  Hope she can get back by February.  Carlson starting in her place.  At some points today, Mia Smith had quite a gaggle of freshmen on the floor:  White, Mahlum, Balli . . .  good to see them getting the experience. 

Huber just exploded in the 3Q. 

IWU now 9-8, 4-4 in CCIW, climbing their way upwards.

A very nice crowd for women and men's games at The Shirk today.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 14, 2023, 10:55:42 PM
A bit of a struggle tonight.  But Wheaton held off Carthage at King for a 55-49 win.  Wheaton hardly lit it up shooting 30.8%/22.7%/ 50%.  But the Redbirds were even worse going 27.60%/ 25% / 85%.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 15, 2023, 12:03:52 AM
Carroll beat North Park by 40. The less said about it, the better.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 15, 2023, 08:27:53 PM
Having attended the Carroll win, I can note that Olivia Rangel's very efficient 25 pts (9/11 2FG, 7/9 FT) put her in contention for player of the week, as she previously made 7 of 8 2FGs vs Elmhurst.
Many Pioneers were quite productive in limited playing time (no one exceeded 22 minutes), including Kate Christian who had 10 assists.
Brooke Foster missed only 2 shots while scoring 13 and nabbing 2 steals. We don't mention Foster a lot, but any coach would be happy to have her on the team, as she does a variety of good things helping the Carroll defense and offense.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 16, 2023, 04:06:34 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW player of the week, Elyce Knudsen !
https://cciw.org/news/2023/1/16/womens-basketball-cciw-names-millikins-knudsen-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
She may attain D3Hoops Team of the Week honors too ... we'll see.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2023, 10:02:25 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen again:  Player of the Week.  She has a complete game . . .  she was clearly the difference in the IWU 9-point loss down in Decatur recently. 

IWU has a bye this Wednesday, then an important game up at Wheaton.  Another very tough match-up for the Titans.  They probably can use the rest, allow more time for Powers to get healthy, get out of the boot.  I doubt she will play next Saturday at Wheaton.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 16, 2023, 10:04:40 PM
Knudsen and Huber now both three-time winners this season of the weekly CCIW honor.   :)

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2023, 10:02:05 PM
Carthage 56
North Park 42

Chantel Hairston: 13 pts, 10 rebs

Lauren Knight: 13 pts
Marianna Morrissey: 10 pts, 9 rebs, 5 stls

Not nearly as dismal a performance by the Vikings as they had on Saturday, but the NPU offense continues to have successful possessions be few and far between, shooting under 30% from the field yet again. Carthage took advantage of a hot streak in the third quarter to push a 33-29 lead out to 47-29, and although the Vikings would get that bulge down to eight the Firebirds were never really threatened.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2023, 10:22:37 PM
NCC's good quarter tonight was the third quarter. Augie led by 10 at halftime and was ahead for pretty much the entire first half, but the Cardinals dug into the deficit to trail by five going into the final stanza. But a 2-17 line for the quarter (their first basket didn't come until over four minutes in) allowed the Vikings to slowly pull away for a 71-51 victory.

Gabriela Loiz: 18 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast
Macy Beinborn: 15 pts (including a pair of dagger three's), 8 reb
Presley Case: 9 pts, 6 reb

Natalie Stavropolous: 13 pts, 4 ast
Grace Keiffer: 12 pts, 4 ast, 3 stl
Megan Duffy: 6 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast

At 1-7 halfway through the Gauntlet... I'm not really optimistic about playing deep in February. I do think the core of the future is starting to establish itself. Megan Duffy has a good inside-out game and is really tough. Grace Keiffer has great instincts and amazing hands on the defensive side (I asked assistant SID Nick Osterloo late in tonight's game how many steals she had and was surprised it was only 3; she seemed like she had way more with how much havoc she was wreaking). To be sixth in the league in steals as a freshman... pretty good. And then Abby Davidson, while she needs to polish her offensive game and rebounding a little bit, is currently second in the league in blocks. Jamie Cuny she is not, but there's some potential here in the future.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 18, 2023, 11:47:22 PM
Our other two scores tonight:

Carroll 71, Wheaton 49 at King
Millikin 94, Elmhurst 43 at Faganel
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 19, 2023, 01:32:07 AM
each team has now played the other 8 once, although not all 4 home and 4 away
W-L
8-0 Millikin
6-2 Carroll
5-3 Augustana , Wheaton
4-4 Carthage , Illinois Wesleyan
3-5 North Park
1-7 North Central
0-8 Elmhurst
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 21, 2023, 05:03:35 PM
North Central 62
North Park 55

Victoria Perry: 18 pts
Chantel Hairston: 7 rebs, 3 stls
Esther Miller: 3 stls

Mitrese Smith: 19 pts, 8 rebs
Natalie Stavropoulos: 16 pts, 6 rebs
Allison Pearson: 11 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls

Same old script played out again. Vikings couldn't make a shot to save their lives, Esther Miller gets into early foul trouble and spends a huge chunk of the game on the bench, and NPU, unable to defend the low post in Miller's absence, gets eaten up by the opposing big.

There were two deviations from the script today, though. First was the magnitude of the problem. North Park's shooting was so awful in the second quarter, and North Central's sensible decision to attack NPU's weak spot so effective, that the Cardinals broke open a close game with a 15-point run and outscored NPU by a whopping 22-6 in the second quarter. North Park didn't score in that stanza until there was two minutes and change left on the clock.

It was more of the same for the better part of the third quarter, as NCC moved out to a 16-point lead. At that point, however, the Vikings caught fire, as Victoria Perry -- who sat out the entire first quarter, I'm assuming for disciplinary reasons -- took over the game with some help from Aaliyah Parker-Fox, Lauren Lee, and Chantel Hairston, and NPU's fortunes began to turn around. The Vikings finally caught NCC at 51-51 with 2:58 to go on a Lee trey, and it looked like the Vikings would find a way to win after all. But Megan Duffy, who had heretofore been nothing more than a cipher in this game, suddenly took it over, scoring the next five points. NPU would close to 56-55, but could not get any more shots to drop from that point onward, and the Cards won it at the free-throw line.

A disappointing loss, but NCC clearly deserved the victory. The Cardinals outplayed the Vikings for the lion's share of the game.

Now North Park has to play out the second round-robin on the road, as only one of the seven remaining games for the Vikings this season will be at home.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2023, 07:42:46 PM
IWU gets a key win on the road, IWU 56 - Wheaton 54.

Wheaton has some great young players, esp. Oliver.

For Wheaton:
Oliver 20
Fernandez 9 and 10
Hermanson 9
Richardson 8 and 10

For IWU, the Lauren Huber show:

Huber 21 and 16, with 2 treys
Knutson 11 and 8
Heller 10
White 10, 2-5 from three

IWU almost found another way to lose in the last minute, but just held on, Oliver missing a game winning three for Wheaton with 5 seconds to go.  Again, way too many TOs, stupid cross court passes, driving into traffic, just not playing all that smartly.  But, in the CCIW on the road, a win is a WIN!  IWU climbing back up the standings. 

IWU now 5-4 in the conference.  Hosting NPU at home at the Shirk on Wednesday.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 21, 2023, 07:47:20 PM
Illinois Wesleyan 56
Wheaton  54

After a truly depressing first quarter for both teams ended 10-4 Titans, scoring came a little easier the rest of the way.  It was pretty tight the rest of the way with IWU finally getting out to a 7 point lead, 54-47 with about 3 mins late.   But the Thunder fought back, IWU made some pretty bad turnovers, and a Kate Oliver three with 10 seconds left tied it. But Lauren Huber made a contested layup with 5 seconds left to get the win.

Huber finished with 21 pts, 16 rebs and pretty much led her team to the win.  Kate Oliver once again had a 2nd big game vs IWU with 20 pts, 6 rebs but less efficiently.

Despite the win, Mia Smith's team looks more beaten down and undisciplined than teams of recent vintage. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 21, 2023, 09:12:51 PM
GoPerry, I agree with you that the Titans are more undisciplined, sometimes playing too fast, leading to TOs, esp. Heller.  Lauren Huber is a great player, but does drive into traffic too often.  She was 21 and 16 tonight and made many other contributions in this win, not least the two treys she hit when unguarded on the perimeter.  For Huber and Heller, it would often be better to kick out and let Palmer finally find her range with better looks from three.  So far this season, she's not hitting a good percentage and has had trouble finding open looks.  The Titans need to find a way to remedy this for her.  Powers will be out for several more games, still in a boot, with a broken bone in her lower left leg.  So, White and Carlson will be getting more minutes, more starts.   Both played pretty well tonight against Wheaton, esp. White.  If the Titans can cut down on their TOs, on their bad passes and stupid cross court passes (like tonight) they might even have a chance to challenge Millikin at home.  No matter how you look at it, though, MU will win the regular season by 4-5 games, it appears.  Everyone else now fighting it out for second and beyond.  MU might even go 16-0. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 22, 2023, 09:09:35 PM
While I couldn't argue against either Elyce Knudsen or Lauren Huber for player of the week, I'd also nominate Bailey Coffman.
All she did was score 37 in 37:00, along with 6 rebs and 4 steals.
Her shooting was excellent : 5/11 3FGs, 5/6 2FGs and 12/15 FTs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 23, 2023, 04:12:24 PM
Congrats to Lauren Huber on her 4th Player of the Week honor this season.

Yes, many other good players, worthy recipients out there this week.   MU looks unstoppable now with Knudsen playing so well always and now Coffman, too.   They have a real shot at going 16-0 in regular season league play.   I guess it's back to The GRIZ for the CCIW tournament!  :(  (You all know how much I love the place!   LOL ).

IWU hosting NPU this Wednesday at The Shirk.   The Titans need to keep improving, keep climbing up the league standings.  Reduce TOs, quit doing stupid things, and play more under control, whilst still playing fast.  Powers still out, so White and Carlson getting more minutes, more starts. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 23, 2023, 04:25:43 PM
my congrats also, to Lauren Huber, new CCIW player of the week
https://cciw.org/news/2023/1/23/womens-basketball-iwus-huber-lands-fourth-cciw-weekly-award.aspx
an example of her superb athleticism from the Saturday game at Wheaton : with multiple players attempting to grab a loose ball in the lane, she uses about 1.7 seconds to grab it, jump, do a mid-air 180 and flip the ball neatly into the hoop (yes, it was at the Titans' offensive end of the court)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2023, 06:10:35 PM
Millikin is still sitting in the middle of the D3hoops.com Top 25's grab bag of leftovers, aka the ORV category, with 18 points. To no one's great surprise, no other CCIW teams appeared on a ballot this week.

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/index
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on January 23, 2023, 06:47:43 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2023, 06:10:35 PM
Millikin is still sitting in the middle of the D3hoops.com Top 25's grab bag of leftovers, aka the ORV category, with 18 points. To no one's great surprise, no other CCIW teams appeared on a ballot this week.

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/index


Still last week's poll, I think?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 23, 2023, 07:01:16 PM
You're right. I forgot that the men's and women's polls don't drop simultaneously.

I'll post the new one once it's up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 24, 2023, 07:53:33 AM
In the new poll, Millikin almost breaking into the top 25, now at #26.  Should they win out in the CCIW, as I expect them to do, they will likely be in the top 25 soon. 

'70
 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 24, 2023, 04:28:14 PM
QuoteYou're right. I forgot that the men's and women's polls don't drop simultaneously.

I'll post the new one once it's up.

I could blame it on time zones but Pat handles the men's, he's always done first and he's in the central time zone. So I can't use that excuse. :)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on January 24, 2023, 04:33:10 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 24, 2023, 04:28:14 PM
QuoteYou're right. I forgot that the men's and women's polls don't drop simultaneously.

I'll post the new one once it's up.

I could blame it on time zones but Pat handles the men's, he's always done first and he's in the central time zone. So I can't use that excuse. :)

Doesn't matter, anyway, as iwu70 was on his computer early this morning and posted it before I was even awake. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2023, 10:35:17 PM
Wheaton 73, NCC 61

Caroline Sikkink: 17 pts
Annika Richardson: 15 pts, 6 reb
Anna Fernandez: 12 pts, 7 reb, 3 stl
Kate Oliver: 12 pts

Megan Duffy: 16 pts, 5 reb
Megan McClure: 14 pts, 6 reb
Natalie Stavropolous: 12 pts
Grace Keiffer: 10 pts, 7 reb, 2 stl
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2023, 10:36:33 PM
The IWU women put it all together tonight, winning easily over North Park at The Shirk

Final Score:  IWU 86 NPU 52

For NPU
Victoria Perry is a tremendous player, 23
Hairston 11

All you really need to know about this one: Rebounds IWU 50 and NPU 27, and Points in the Paint IWU 44 and NPU 20

For IWU:
Huber 22 and 12 again
Knutson 18 and 5
Heller 15 and 5, with 6 assists
White 12 and 9

The Titans shooting 55% from the field.

Mia Smith playing the freshmen more:  White for sure, and Mahlum and Balli, too. 

My impressions:  I think a case can be made for Huber as the league's most oustanding player . . . though, of course, we all know Knudsen is a first team All-American and Millikin looks to run away with the regular season.  Knutson and Heller have improved their scoring and rebounding.  Few can guard Heller as she slashes to the basket.  You can see Mia Smith cultivating, encouraging the freshmen, and White is already a top flight player . . . likely an All-conference player in the future.  Many of the pine-sitters got some minutes tonight with several scoring.  Nice to see.  With these freshmen and the sophomore group of Huber, Palmer and Powers (including eligibility for Knutson) the Titans have a lot of talent for the next two seasons beyond this one . . .  losing only Heller and Carlson to graduation. 

Victoria Perry is a tremendous player, pretty much going wherever she wished tonight.  She had an injury in the second half, but went and got taped and returned to play late in the 4th Q. 

Injury Report:  Powers still out, still in the boot and on crutches.  Likely out several more games.   Now Collins on crutches too, with a tweaked ankle of some sort.   Again, Carlson and White will pick up the extra minutes, the extra starts with Mallory Powers' absence. 

I think one of the few chances for anyone to put a loss on Millikin will be MU at IWU on February 8th.  IWU lost earlier at The Griz by 9 and I'm sure they want another shot at the Big Blue, including doing a better job on Knudsen this time.  She had 34 the last time. 

Good to see a complete game put together so well by the Titans tonight.  A nice crowd on a snowy night.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 28, 2023, 02:54:21 PM
Going into today's action, each CCIW team has at least one player shooting 40% or better from 3 pt distance :
AUG Emma Berg .455  20/44
CRL Brooke Foster .422 35/83
CTG Elena Knebel .500 1/2
       Alyssa Orozco .400 10/25
ELM Mikaela Armstrong 1.000 1/1
IWU Martha Lipic .500 1/2
       Sawyer White .400 12/30
MIL Sarah Ness .500 1/2
      Abby Ratsch .429 3/7
      Elyce Knudsen .402 35/87
NCC Megan Duffy .409 18/44
NPU Maddy Schwemmer .500 4/8
WHE Ellie Cassel 1.000 2/2
        Alyssa Faberowski .500 3/6
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2023, 07:50:57 PM
In a tough loss for the Titans, Augie over the Titans tonight 75-72.  No one had a lead of over 6, with many lead changes.

AC winning the rebounding line 33-27.  And, I think the difference in this game was the injury to Knutson early in the 2nd half, taking a bad fall under the basket and never returning . . . I would guess a concussion, but I don't know the outcome.  That was huge for the IWU rebounding situation.

Augie played tough and shot the three ball well.  IWU still with too many TOs, mistakes at key moments down the stretch. 

For Augustana:
Loiz 16
Beinborn 13
Berg 12
Papez 10

For IWU:
Another awesome game, Huber 30 and 9
Palmer 12
Knutson 9 in just half a game
The freshmen looked more like freshmen tonight.  :(

Some truly dubious work by the zebras. 

So, we'll see on Knutson returning, Powers and Collins still in boots.

A tough loss in a very competitive, generally high-quality game by both teams. 

Carver a tough place to win.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 28, 2023, 10:14:31 PM
Wheaton over Carthage at Tarble, 58-55

Annika Richardson  had 19 pts while Caroline Sikkink  tallied 16pts and 15 rebounds.  This was an important road W for the Thunder ladies to keep them in a tie for third with Augustana in the conference.  This makes Wednesday game vs the Lady Vikes at King equally important if they hope to have a first round home game in the CCIW tourney.  Augie and IWU have easier schedules remaining.

Carthage was led by Marianna Morrisey with 20 pts and 9 rebs.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2023, 02:02:35 PM
Several players performed to the level of conference player of the week.
I'd award it to Olivia Rangel by a microscopically slim margin over Lauren Huber.
Rangel scored 53 in 68 minutes, adding 13 rebs, 11 assists, 6 stls. She made 16/25 2FG, 1/3 3FG, 18/22 FT.
Huber was similarly excellent, scoring 52 in 59 minutes, grabbing 21 rebs. She made 20/28 2FG, 3/7 3FG, 3/4 FT.
Elyce Knudsen did very well in Millikin's only game, scoring 25 (.500 eFG and 5/6 FT) in 26 min., adding 3 stls and 10 rebs.
Marianna Morrissey poured in 37 (15/23 2FG, 7/11 FT), along with 4 stls, 9 assists and 18 rebs in 64 min.
I also noticed the interesting numbers for Augustana's 6'2" freshman Cali Papez : 28 pts, 8 rebs and 8 fouls (a wee bit too many!) in just 25 minutes. She made an impressive 14 of 17 2FG att.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 30, 2023, 04:17:02 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW player of the week, Olivia Rangel
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on January 30, 2023, 07:12:38 PM
Millikin back in the Top 25:

https://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2022-23/week9
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 31, 2023, 05:56:55 PM
Glad to see MU back in the top 25.  I think they deserve it, are worthy.

Congrats to Ms. Rangel on the weekly honor.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2023, 02:37:05 PM
Good luck to the Titans tonight at Elmhurst.

Powers and Collins are likely out further games.  Knutson may be back sooner, perhaps even by Saturday night . . . Or so I'm led to believe.  Huber will have to pull down 20 rebounds with Knutson out tonight!  :)  As one assistant coach put it, "too many boots."

The freshmen will get more time -- esp. White, Balli and Mahlum.   Good for experience in future.

It would be nice to climb up the standings a bit further and have the #3 seed going into the tournament.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2023, 10:11:23 PM
IWU over Elmhurst 81 - 47

15 Titans scored, four in double figures. 

IWU held EC to 5 points in the 2nd Q. 

Keep climbing up the standings . . . get that #3 seed, if possible.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 01, 2023, 10:15:46 PM
NCC's trend of good first quarters against top of the conference teams continued as they led 15-13 after one thanks to a few three's. Unfortunately the game is 40 minutes, and Carroll's press did its job (17 turnovers, which seems low, but led to 27 Pioneer points, which... also seems low but not by a lot) and the Pios ran away with this one 91-55 in a game that took just 78 minutes to complete.

Olivia Rangel: 20 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast
Allison Thompson: 14 pts, 7 reb
Lauren Soyke: 11 pts, 4 reb
Natalie Palzkill: 10 pts, 4 reb

Mitrese Smith: 17 pts, 5 reb
Natalie Stavropolous: 12 pts
Grace Keiffer: 5 ast

We had one super bizarre play in the 2nd quarter during Carroll's decisive run. A Pioneer came in from the three point line and hit maybe a 16 footer. I called it as I would a two point basket, but the officials signaled a three. That's what went in the book, and on the board. Thankfully during the media timeout, the officials conferenced real quick, and confirmed with us that that three was in fact a two, and we were able to adjust accordingly. My announcement about the change might have been the most excited the NCC crowd got all night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 01, 2023, 11:08:17 PM
Augustana 69
Wheaton 67 at King Arena

Tough home loss for Wheaton in a very close game most of the way.  Freshman Kate Oliver got fouled on a three pointer with less than a second left and Wheaton down by 3.  But she couldn't convert all three.  Caroline Sikkink led Wheaton with 20 pts while freshman Anna Fernandez had 14 and 11.  Macy Beinborn had 24 pts on 8 of 16 shooting, 5/10 from trey.   Carly Stone had 19 on 5/7 three point.

Lady Vikes made just a few more plays and made a few more baskets.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 02, 2023, 12:08:32 AM
Side note: was good to see Rog at the hangar tonight.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 02, 2023, 01:32:50 AM
Likewise, lmitzel !
It certainly was a quick game ... not many timeouts or free throws.
North Central could have used the tall Abby Davidson to go against even taller Allison Thompson, but Davidson is sidelined by injury. She happened to exit the gym right in front of me and I noted a bit of limping/hobbling/favoring. Hopefully she can return to action this month.
I heard that Carroll's Kate Christian (also present, but sidelined Wednesday) may not be allowed to play due to leg injury. I don't know if the diagnosis is complete or in progress. Surely disappointing that she can't play, particularly for a senior who is a key part of her team.
Best wishes to her and each of the other injured players around the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2023, 08:59:42 AM
RogK, yes, injuries playing a big part this time of year.  Seems more this year than usual.  IWU has three in boots, including two starters.  Powers unlikely to return, perhaps Collins and Knutson will get back.  Others playing through lesser injuries.   It's a long season and here we are with 4-5 games to go, the freshmen getting more playing time than expectedd . . . IWU has to grit it out to get to the CCIW tournament, surely playing in the 3-6 seed games on the Tuesday, then hopefully on the weekend at The Griz, somehow trying to get to the championship game.   Looks like Carroll vs. host MU to me. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 02, 2023, 07:18:33 PM
Two really big games now for IWU at home -- Carroll on Saturday, then Millikin coming to the Shirk on the 8th.  I wish the Titans were at full strength, but they are not.  Two starters and one key sub still in boots.  We may get Knutson back . . . but unlikely Powers.  Titans will really have to play their best to be competitive with these two top CCIW teams.

Surely looks like IWU lands somewhere in the 3-6 seeds, but it would be nice to put up some good performances, better than the earlier games, against Carroll and Millikin.

I won't be surprised to see Sawyer White take a crack at guarding Knudsen.  And likely many others . . .

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 03, 2023, 11:43:11 AM
Here's a look at our standings going into tomorrow.











x-Millikin11-0
x-Carroll9-2
x-Augustana8-4
Illinois Wesleyan7-5
Wheaton7-5
Carthage5-6
North Park3-9
North Central2-10
Elmhurst0-11

Elmhurst would be mathematically eliminated with a loss at the hangar tomorrow or a Carthage win at Augie. A Firebird win plus an Elmhurst win tomorrow knocks NCC out as well.

As for clinching scenarios, Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton can both punch their conference tournament tickets with victories. Millikin guarantees no worse than hosting a Tuesday game with a win, and guarantee a bye to the weekend with a win plus an Augie loss to Carthage. Carroll can guarantee no worse than a Tuesday home game as well with a victory.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 04, 2023, 04:50:54 PM
Elmhurst 75, NCC 62

I'm gonna go drown my sorrows in Lou Malnati's NCC provided.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 04, 2023, 07:39:21 PM
A day of big surprises in the CCIW:

* Elmhurst wins its first CCIW game in a calendar year, downing North Central by 13 in the hangar;

* With Carroll missing PG Kate Christian, Illinois Wesleyan takes full advantage by turning over the Pios 29 times en route to a surprisingly easy 78-55 win at Shirk;

* And, in the biggest shocker of the night, Wheaton totally dominates previously-undefeated Millikin at both ends of the floor and cruises to a 66-48 victory at King.

The only game that went according to form was Augie's 74-48 romp over Carthage at Carver.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2023, 10:36:01 PM
Yes, an unusual, surprising evening, to be sure.

IWU dominated Carroll, winning 78 (yes, get to 78) to 55.

The Titans saw and ran the floor beautifully tonight, opening up all kinds of fast break points, winning that line 25-8.  Speed kills and they basically outran the Pios tonight.  And the TO line by a whopping 29 - 14.  Run and jump doing its dirt, with good trapping defense.  One of the best performances overall by the Titans this year.  Let's hope they can keep up this form on Wednesday night against no longer undefeated Millikin.   

For CU:
Rangel, the only Pio to reach double figures, 10, hounded well all night.

For IWU:
White 19 and 7 with 6 steals
Huber 18 and 8
Mahlum, her best game as a Titan, 11
Palmer 15
Knutson, out of the boot and with limited minutes, 11 on 5-5 shooting from the field.

Powers and Collins still in boots.


If the Titans play like this, they can beat anyone in the league.  All I can say is that Sawyer White is going to be one heck of a player in the next few years.   At a few points tonight, Coach Smith had four freshmen and one sophomore on the floor, matched up against the PIOs:  Galvan, Mahlum, Balli, White and Huber . . . the future is bright.

Big crowd on Pink Zone night, a good chunk of money raised for the local Cancer Center . . . Mia Smith, as a cancer survivor, cancer-free now 11 years, speaking to the crowd after the game.   A very enjoyable and moving game and evening.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 04, 2023, 10:38:33 PM
a couple of comments after having attended the Millikin at Wheaton game :
- without looking at any stats during the game, I did observe that Wheaton was getting a lot of offensive rebounds and they ended up with 15 ... Millikin got only 4 and lost the total rebounding 58 - 26!
- while Elyce Knudsen finished with 29 pts, I thought Caylee Hermanson (and occasionally others) did fine work guarding her --- none of the 29 was particularly easy ..
overall, Wheaton's defense was very energetic and deserves much credit for causing Millikin's crummy shooting night
---
iwu70, I've attended IWU games at North Park, Carthage and Wheaton and agree with your optimism for Sawyer White ... she's quite agile and athletic and keeps improving ... she has a long reach too, I think, which helps many aspects of her game
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2023, 11:31:23 PM
RogK, thanks for the update on the Millikin loss.  Truly a great win for Wheaton tonight, and surprising too.  Someone did a great job of defense on Coffman.

Sawyer White has great footwork -- she's apparently an outstanding soccer player too.  And, as you mentioned, very quick hands on defense, causing all kinds of havoc, deflections and steals.  As she gets more and more comfortable with her offensive game, she's really going to be effective.  Tonight, she really played well, IWU's top scorer with 19, rebounding it well and getting those steals.   Huber actually had 7 steals tonight too.  Both very smart players. . . getting more comfortable in their roles in "run and jump" trapping press.   

IWU's future with all these young players is bright.   And, Powers, Palmer, Huber and Knutson (given her eligibility) are really sophomores, so two more years playing after this year.   The Titans only lose Heller and Carlson to graduation. . .

It will be interesting to see how Sawyer White does on Knudsen, if she gets that chance this Wednesday at The Shirk.  Should be a good one.  I hope IWU gets closer than the 9-point loss we took at The Griz.   MU will need to bounce back after that Wheaton loss.

Hope you are well.

'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2023, 12:50:30 AM
Wheaton big win at home on senior night, over Millikin 66-48.

Congratulation on the Wheaton ladies.  They played with great intensity, especially on the defensive end, for 40 minutes.  If they could only learn to play this hard every game, I really believe they can have more success.

A lot was strange about the game.  Millikin, who hasn't had much difficulty putting points on the board this season, just could not get very much to fall.  The Thunder, on the other hand have had plenty of trouble scoring at times.  But for three quarters tonight the offense was really clicking.  To keep Bailey Coffman scoreless on 0-9 shooting is very unusual.  And then, as RogK said, the rebounding lopsidedness seems almost mathematically impossible.  Outrebounding you opponent by over twice as much, 58-26?  On the other side of the ledger, Wheaton committed 24 turnovers ( not that unusual I'm afraid)!

This victory keeps Wheaton in the running to host a first rd CCIW tourney game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on February 05, 2023, 06:40:01 AM
I didn't see the Wheaton game but noted from the box score that Ellie Cassel had a nice night with 12 pts on 6-10 shooting; 14 rebs, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals and only 1 TO in 35 minutes.  This after losing a starting spot and playing dwindling minutes in recent games.  Just a matchup decision, or something else?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 05, 2023, 08:54:25 AM
Quote from: Roundball999 on February 05, 2023, 06:40:01 AM
I didn't see the Wheaton game but noted from the box score that Ellie Cassel had a nice night with 12 pts on 6-10 shooting; 14 rebs, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals and only 1 TO in 35 minutes.  This after losing a starting spot and playing dwindling minutes in recent games.  Just a matchup decision, or something else?

Glad to see Cassell have a nice game.  Her best offensive weapon is the spot up 10-12 footer where she has always had a great touch.  Last night she was also the beneficiary of some gimme layups when MU was full court pressing and leaving her open.  On the rebounding end, her height gives her a big advantage against a team like Millikin whose taller players like Coffman will roam on the outside a lot more.  The Big Blue shot miserably so there were lots of rebounds to be had.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2023, 08:21:52 PM
Ellie Cassel made both of the three pointers that she has attempted this season.
We therefore must consider whether she could replicate that accomplishment in every game.
Two threes or not two threes, that is the question.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2023, 09:44:40 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 05, 2023, 08:21:52 PM
Ellie Cassel made both of the three pointers that she has attempted this season.
We therefore must consider whether she could replicate that accomplishment in every game.
Two threes or not two threes, that is the question.

r/Angryupvote
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 06, 2023, 04:05:23 PM
Updated standings through Saturday.











x-Millikin11-1
x-Carroll9-3
x-Augustana9-4
x-Illinois Wesleyan8-5
x-Wheaton8-5
Carthage5-7
North Park3-9
North Central2-11
Elmhurst1-11

No changes to positioning, though Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton both clinched tournament berths with their victories over the weekend.

As for clinching scenarios...

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2023, 04:49:48 PM
Congrats to IWU's freshman, Sawyer White, for the weekly honor.  As I've been saying, she's playing well now, and will only get better and better in games and seasons to come. 

I'm looking forward to the IWU-Millikin match-up at The Shirk on Wednesday night.  Millikin playing for the bye in the tournament, IWU playing to move up to hopefully the #3 seed.  A pride game for IWU . . . on home court.

Knutson will be back on Wednesday, but not likely Powers or Collins.  Carlson and White getting the starts, perhaps Mahlum too.  More minutes for all three, depending on match-ups.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2023, 04:30:42 PM
Millikin and Augustana in the first, alphabetical regional ranking.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2023, 10:07:12 PM
IWU spotted Millikin a 20 point lead, 27-7 in the first Q and never recovered, though fighting back to within 9 in the 3Q.  Titans played poorly, with a horrible start, MU playing great D and hitting treys right off.   Strange lines, IWU winning rebounding line 49-29, but losing the TO line 22-9.  IWU defended Knudsen better this time, instead of 34, she only got 28.  :(

Millikin made 13 treys, IWU only 5.  Pretty poor perimeter defense by the Titans, esp. on Coffman. 

For MU:
Knudsen 28
Coffman 16 (went down with an injury in the 4Q and did not return).
White 11

For IWU:
Huber 16 and 10, defended pretty well tonight
Palmer 14
White 10
Knutson 10 Heller 8

Millikin too good. 

IWU likely into the CCIW tournament as a 5 or 6 seed?

Nice crowd, both IWU and Millikin fans . . . I was pleased to see several of my IWU classmates and friends who went off to work for Millikin.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 08, 2023, 10:10:26 PM
Wheaton 56
North Park 49

Esther Miller: 10 pts, 3 stls
Kathryn Keehn: 10 pts
Chantel Hairston: 7 rebs
Victoria Perry: 4:1 a:to

Annika Richardson: 16 pts, 7 rebs
Anna Fernandez: 9 rebs

NPU held a 47-40 lead with five minutes to go in the game, but Wheaton went on a 16-2 surge from that point on to take the lead and ultimately the game, as the visitors finally started clicking in the halfcourt game and the Vikings just seemed to run out of gas.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 08, 2023, 10:26:34 PM
After a rough January and start to February at the hangar, we finally got one in the win column again as the Cardinals beat Carthage 71-62.

The Firebirds opened the game on an 8-0 run and led by as many as a dozen in the first half, but the Cardinals fought back to cut it to 2 at halftime, tied it on a Megan McClure layup early in the third before Megan Duffy buried a three that gave the Cardinals the lead for good. Certainly helped that the Firebirds were a woeful 3-26 from beyond the arc (1-20 after the first quarter and 0-15 in the second half.) NCC, by comparison, hit 9 of 18, with all but one of the Cardinals who saw the floor hitting one (Mitrese Smith did not attempt one).

Natalie Stavropolous: 13 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast
Megan Duffy: 12 pts, 8 reb
Megan McClure: 11 pts, 7 reb
Mitrese Smith: 9 pts, 6 reb

Marianna Morrissey: 25 pts, 14 reb
Lauren Knight: 9 pts, 4 reb
Bridget Barrett: 6 pts, 5 reb
Jessie Pakaski: 7 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2023, 08:19:41 PM
Now that I did the men's side, lemme look at the women's.











z-Millikin12-1
y-Carroll10-3
x-Augustana9-4
x-Wheaton9-5
x-Illinois Wesleyan8-6
Carthage5-8
North Park3-10
North Central3-11
e-Elmhurst1-12

Your clinching scenarios for Saturday:

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2023, 07:57:45 PM
IWU gets the win on the road at North Central -- in a close game, IWU with only a 3-7 point lead, but holding on to win:  72-65  IWU played well, cutting down on the TOs tonight.

For NCC:
Smith 22 and 6
Stavropoulos 14
Pearson 11

For IWU:
Huber, continues on her merry way, 23 and 15
Heller 13 (with only 2 TOs tonight!)
Carlson, perhaps her best game this year, 11 and 7 (5-5 FTs)

IWU has only one regular season game remaining on 2/18 vs. Carthage at The Shirk.  IWU now 9-6 in the conference standings, perhaps a 3 or 4 seed for the tournament? 

Any road win is a good win!

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2023, 01:34:58 AM
North Park 76
Elmhurst 67

Victoria Perry: 26 pts
Chantel Hairston: 19 pts, 11 rebs, 3 stls
Esther Miller: 11 pts

Taylor Harazin: 27 pts, 10 rebs
Anna Kleszynski: 13 pts
Katie Matrise: 13 pts

The Vikings did what they had to do to keep their faint CCIW tourney hopes alive with the road win at Elmhurst today.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 13, 2023, 12:45:28 AM
CCIW player of the week could certainly go to Augie's Macy Beinborn who scored 37 in their game Saturday vs Carroll (they had a bye on Wedn.)
She made an awesome 10 3FGs in 14 attempts, plus 2/4 2FGs and 3/3 FTs, adding 5 rebs and 3 steals.
Macy's 37 is a new career best, surpassing the 31 she scored on Feb 27 2021 (also vs Carroll).
But ...
Elyce Knudsen is also deserving, averaging 31.5 in Millikin's pair of games, along with totals of 8 rebs, 6 assists, 8 steals and a block.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 13, 2023, 05:10:54 PM
Quote from: RogK on February 13, 2023, 12:45:28 AM
CCIW player of the week could certainly go to Augie's Macy Beinborn who scored 37 in their game Saturday vs Carroll (they had a bye on Wedn.)
She made an awesome 10 3FGs in 14 attempts, plus 2/4 2FGs and 3/3 FTs, adding 5 rebs and 3 steals.
Macy's 37 is a new career best, surpassing the 31 she scored on Feb 27 2021 (also vs Carroll).
But ...
Elyce Knudsen is also deserving, averaging 31.5 in Millikin's pair of games, along with totals of 8 rebs, 6 assists, 8 steals and a block.

Apparently the conference said eff it: Por que no los dos?

Congratulations to Macy Beinborn and Elyce Knudsen as your co-Student Athletes of the Week.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 13, 2023, 06:04:23 PM
(https://floqast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/why-not-both.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2023, 08:07:17 PM
Congrats to both . . . . top performances this past week by both.  Why not . . ?

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2023, 02:57:53 PM
At 19-4, with two games to play before hosting the CCIW tournament, Millikin is in the Top 25 poll, at #25.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 16, 2023, 12:01:33 AM
North Park squeezed out a victory on the road tonight in Kenosha, beating Carthage by a score of 59-56. Victoria Perry led the way for the Vikings with 18 points, including 3-6 from downtown, while Esther Miller added 14 points and Chantel Hairston had 10 and 9 with three steals. Lauren Knight was the only Firebird in double figures, as she scored 10, and Marianna Morrissey contributed eight boards in the losing cause.

This puts the Firebirds and Vikings in a tie at 5-10 apiece in the fight for the sixth and final tournament spot. Both teams have tough road games on Saturday to end the regular season; NPU has to go to Augustana, Carthage has to travel down to Illinois Wesleyan. The advantage rests with Carthage, since the Firebirds split with Augustana and the Vikings split with Illinois Wesleyan, and right now Augie's a game up on IWU in the standings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 16, 2023, 08:42:34 PM
Looks to me like the Titans end up as #5 or #6 seed and will have to play on the road for all games they play in the CCIW tournament.  Let's hope they play like they did recently vs. Carroll, not like they played vs. MU -- both games at home.  I think the IWU women have a chance to win the tournament, but they will have to play their very best, have Catie Knutson fully back and healthy, and find some way (which basically no one has as yet) to slow down Elyce Knudsen, should they get to a re-match with Millikin.   All a very tall order.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 17, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
As long as the Wheaton ladies can take care of business this weekend at Elmhurst (which they should), they should have a home game, prob vs IWU, in the first round of the CCIW tournament since they have the tiebreaker.  It would be nice if the team could get these next two wins and see what happens in Decatur.  There have been very few games in which the Wheaton ladies have not been competitive in.  But offensive proficiency and consistency has been evasive for this team for a number of reasons.  They're getting good contribution from freshmen Fernandez and Oliver which bodes well for next season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 17, 2023, 08:32:43 PM
Sounds about right GoPerry.   A battle for IWU to get to Decatur.   Fernandez and Oliver are great young players.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 18, 2023, 08:02:44 PM
Augustana 72
North Park 58

Victoria Perry: 19 pts
Chantel Hairston: 12 pts
Esther Miller: 9 rebs, 3:0 a:to

Gabby Loiz: 28 pts (10-17 FG), 12 rebs
Carly Stone: 11 pts
Emma Berg: 11 pts
Corey Whitlock: 8 rebs
Matayia Tellis: 5 stls

North Park's late run at the sixth playoff spot falls short.

A big thank-you and best-wishes to Esther Miller and Lauren Lee for all their hard work and for all that they've meant to the NPU women's basketball program. You will be missed!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2023, 08:09:50 PM
IWU over Carthage 74-53

The Titans finished the regular season at 15-10, and will head to Wheaton for the Tuesday night CCIW tournament game.

Really all you need to know about this one is 1Q IWU 21 CC 4, 3Q IWU 25 CC 8.   It was over early.

For CC:
Spear 13
Orozco 10
Knebel  9 rebounds

Firebirds with 18 TOs, as the pressure got to them especially in the 1Q and the 3Q.

For IWU:
Huber 14 and 10
Palmer 13 with 3-7 from the arc
Heller 10
White 9 and 8 with 3 steals


The entire Titan roster played in this one.  Many scored.

We honored and said farewell and thank you to the seniors:   Heller, Carlson, Retherford, Collins and Moody.  A nice crowd and a very friendly atmosphere.

Nice to go out at home, on Senior Night, with a good win.

IWU has a tough road in the CCIW tournament with all road games . . . but why not.   Play well and move on . . .  I'm just dying to get back to the GRIZ.   :)   LOL

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 19, 2023, 08:49:39 PM
my indisputable* choices for all-CCIW :
1st team =
Elyce Knudsen (MVP) MIL
Lauren Huber IWU
Olivia Rangel CRL
Gabriela Loiz AUG
Caroline Sikkink WHE
Taylor Harazin ELM
Victoria Perry NPU
Miranda Fox MIL
2nd team =
Chelsea McCullum MIL
Bailey Coffman MIL
Marianna Morrissey CTG
Allison Thompson CRL
Sawyer White IWU
Natalie Stavropoulos NCC
Annika Richardson WHE
Carly Stone AUG
Lots of other good players right there in the conversation (what conversation? I didn't hear any conversation)
* could be disputable
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2023, 08:42:00 AM
RogK, yes, pretty much spot on.  I think Heller over White from IWU for the second team.   Sawyer White will have her day, perhaps 2-3 times in future years.  I'd actually put Kate Palmer above White, too, at this point, esp. for her almost-league leading number of treys.   

Here comes the tournament.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 20, 2023, 04:43:14 PM
The All-CCIW team has just been released. (https://cciw.org/news/2023/2/20/all-cciw-womens-basketball-teams-announced.aspx)

Congratulations to Victoria Perry upon being named CCIW First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year! It's good to see a transfer student win what has traditionally been a freshmen-only award, and VP clearly deserved it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2023, 05:06:53 PM
Congrats to IWU's Lauren Huber and Katlyn Heller on All-Conference honors, richly deserved.   And, congrats to all the other CCIW honorees.   Some great performances this year, especially MOP Elyce Knudsen from Millikin.   Pretty much unstoppable . . .

Here comes the tournament.

'70 

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 20, 2023, 08:16:48 PM
My congrats, also, to all those honored today !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2023, 11:44:42 AM
I'm quite happy with all the All-CCIW sections, honors.  Glad to see Caite Knudsen honored too . . .  she's a great addition to the IWU team and program, around for two more years.   IWU has so many promising young players now to build on . . .  perhaps returning to the CCIW championship circle after Elyce Knudsen graduates!  :)   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 21, 2023, 01:06:42 PM
More congrats to Gabriela Loiz, who is the new CCIW player of the week!
She scored 27 and 28 and averaged 8.5 rebs.
She's now at 1,044 points in her Augie career. That's a nice accomplishment considering only 10 games were played in their '20-'21 season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2023, 09:02:29 PM
After a late start at Wheaton, due to some IWU transport issues, the Titans lead the Thunder by 34-18 at the half.   Run and jump doing its dirt. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2023, 10:09:58 PM
IWU totally dominates Wheaton in the quarter-final game at Wheaton, winning 67-47.

For WC:
Only Sikkink in double figures -- 11 

Wheaton 1-18 from three, and greatly troubled by the IWU pressure defense

For IWU:

White, her best game as a Titan, 22  6-7 from three
Heller 14
Huber 13 and 13
Carlson 9

The re-match on Friday -- IWU playing MU for the third time this year, at Millikin.

Augie plays Carroll in the early game, also in Decatur.

IWU played very well tonight . . .  especially Sawyer White, especially defensively . . . and good games from the All-CCIW players, Heller and Huber.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 21, 2023, 10:22:32 PM
IWU 67, Wheaton 47 at King

It really wasn't even this close.  I hate to say it, but this was an embarrassing performance by the Thunder.  And honestly, I actually don't think the Titans played that great either – although '70 disagrees.

Ok sure, they weren't going much farther, at most one more game.  But the players deserve better coaching than this.

Best of luck to seniors Ellie Cassell and Caylee Hermanson in their future endeavors!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2023, 09:08:17 AM
GoPerry, a 20 point win, that easily could have been 30, well, the Titans must have done something right.  And, on Wheaton's home court?  It was all about the defense.  And, Sawyer White wasn't too bad last night either . . .  Huber doing her normal thing, another double-double.

Now, of course, the much bigger challenge with Millikin, Elyce Knudsen, and MU at home.   No one is saying that will be easy.   But, frankly, the Titans did it there last season.   We'll see.   Yes, Millikin will be heavily favored.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 23, 2023, 06:51:55 PM
Tethnie Carrillo is out at Elmhurst (https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2023/2/23/general-elmhurst-university-athletics-announces-womens-basketball-leadership-change.aspx).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2023, 07:17:12 PM
Best wishes to Coach Carrillo and her family wherever she ends up!
She has always been pleasant to discuss basketball with, including when they ran the summer league for collegiate (and some slightly older) females at the Elmhurst gym.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 24, 2023, 10:43:19 PM
Augie outscored Carroll 20-7 over the final six and a half minutes to win 69-64.

Millikin took care of business with an 82-65 win over Illinois Wesleyan.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 27, 2023, 12:44:22 PM
Congrats to Millikin for winning the CCIW tournament, on top of finishing #1 in the regular season standings.
We'll see what other CCIW team or teams get in the national tournament.
Most of the season, I thought Carroll would be most likely after Millikin, but Augie edged them to reach the conference championship game.
And Illinois Wesleyan and Wheaton certainly have the ability to compete with anyone.
Brackets to be revealed this afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 27, 2023, 06:44:45 PM
Millikin is traveling to Lexington, KY to play Emory. Host Transylvania takes on Rhodes in the other game there on Friday night.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 27, 2023, 08:22:11 PM
Good luck to Millikin in the tournament.   Make some noise for the CCIW. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2023, 11:22:35 AM
One notable player on Emory is 5'6" sophomore Daniella Aronsky.
She currently is #1 nationally (D3 WBB) in 3FG% at .473, averaging 2.58 made in 5.46 att per game.
That's the equivalent of slightly over 70% in 2FG shooting.
And she rates #2 nationally in assists per game at 6.625; Alexis Durham of Notre Dame Maryland is best at 6.64.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 02, 2023, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2023, 11:22:35 AM
One notable player on Emory is 5'6" sophomore Daniella Aronsky.
She currently is #1 nationally (D3 WBB) in 3FG% at .473, averaging 2.58 made in 5.46 att per game.
That's the equivalent of slightly over 70% in 2FG shooting.
And she rates #2 nationally in assists per game at 6.625; Alexis Durham of Notre Dame Maryland is best at 6.64.


Couldn't figure out why Hope players weren't showing up on the individual 3 pt % list, after all they lead the nation in team 3 pt %, are #6 in made 3 pt/game, and Claire Baguley has been over 50% all year.  It doesn't say so on the NCAA stat page but there must be a required number of minimum attempts that none of the Hope players meet.  They have so many different players that take and make threes that none of the individuals make the list.  Strange, but part of what makes themn tough; you can't focus on just one or two shooters.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 02, 2023, 12:16:36 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 02, 2023, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2023, 11:22:35 AM
One notable player on Emory is 5'6" sophomore Daniella Aronsky.
She currently is #1 nationally (D3 WBB) in 3FG% at .473, averaging 2.58 made in 5.46 att per game.
That's the equivalent of slightly over 70% in 2FG shooting.
And she rates #2 nationally in assists per game at 6.625; Alexis Durham of Notre Dame Maryland is best at 6.64.


Couldn't figure out why Hope players weren't showing up on the individual 3 pt % list, after all they lead the nation in team 3 pt %, are #6 in made 3 pt/game, and Claire Baguley has been over 50% all year.  It doesn't say so on the NCAA stat page but there must be a required number of minimum attempts that none of the Hope players meet.  They have so many different players that take and make threes that none of the individuals make the list.  Strange, but part of what makes themn tough; you can't focus on just one or two shooters.


If you're following the link from D3hoops.com for NCAA stats, it takes you to NCAA.org. On that site, when you get to individual stats and the leaders in three-point percentage, it says this:

Min. 2 made per game | Players must play in 75% of their team's games   
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2023, 12:20:20 PM
Thanks Pat !
I was hoping it is based only on made threes; missed shots should not help someone qualify.
I wasn't sure where the cutoff is. (any Slauson Cutoff jokes are welcome here!)
Baguley has made 26 in 27 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 02, 2023, 12:22:03 PM
It's always tough statistically to set Counting Minimum Thresholds when displaying a leaderboard that is for a percentage/ratio statistic.

Even once players hit the minimum made threshold, it's more impressive to be shooting 40% from 3 over 150 made 3s than over 100.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2023, 12:33:59 PM
Baguley's shooting is simply superb, by the way :
26/50 3FGs = .520
105/162 2FGs = .648
56/67 FTs = .836
288 of her points via 212 FG att = .679 effective FG% (288/424)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 02, 2023, 12:39:00 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 02, 2023, 12:16:36 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 02, 2023, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2023, 11:22:35 AM
One notable player on Emory is 5'6" sophomore Daniella Aronsky.
She currently is #1 nationally (D3 WBB) in 3FG% at .473, averaging 2.58 made in 5.46 att per game.
That's the equivalent of slightly over 70% in 2FG shooting.
And she rates #2 nationally in assists per game at 6.625; Alexis Durham of Notre Dame Maryland is best at 6.64.


Couldn't figure out why Hope players weren't showing up on the individual 3 pt % list, after all they lead the nation in team 3 pt %, are #6 in made 3 pt/game, and Claire Baguley has been over 50% all year.  It doesn't say so on the NCAA stat page but there must be a required number of minimum attempts that none of the Hope players meet.  They have so many different players that take and make threes that none of the individuals make the list.  Strange, but part of what makes themn tough; you can't focus on just one or two shooters.


If you're following the link from D3hoops.com for NCAA stats, it takes you to NCAA.org. On that site, when you get to individual stats and the leaders in three-point percentage, it says this:

Min. 2 made per game | Players must play in 75% of their team's games   


Thanks.  I actually just go straight to https://www.ncaa.com/stats/basketball-women/d3 and there it makes no mention of the required minimums.  Strange again.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Roundball999 on March 02, 2023, 12:43:18 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 02, 2023, 12:33:59 PM
Baguley's shooting is simply superb, by the way :
26/50 3FGs = .520
105/162 2FGs = .648
56/67 FTs = .836
288 of her points via 212 FG att = .679 effective FG% (288/424)

Yes, she's been on fire pretty much all year.  Though she's played 2nd most minutes of any Hope player, it's still only 21 mpg.  Hope's typically deep rotation usually prevents players from showing up on individual leaderboards.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2023, 08:55:16 PM
Millikin over Emory in round one, 76-70.   Knudsen with 27.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2023, 09:34:51 PM
Millikin bows out in the round of 32, losing to #2 Transy 71-59.   Live by the three, die by the three.   Sadly, the Big Blue didn't play their best tonight and Transy is pretty good, esp. hitting 8 or 9 treys.   MU 2-12 or some such.   MU having a lot of trouble with Transy's zone. 

A great season for Olivia Lett and her squad.   Winning the CCIW regular season and tournament and going 1-1 in the D3 dance.  Congrats to Millikin.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 04, 2023, 09:49:43 PM
Congratulations to the Big Blue on a great season.  Not the game Knudsen wanted tonight. 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2023, 11:11:14 PM
Aside from Sophie Darden's 8 rebounds and Elyce Knudsen's 5, no other Millikin players topped 3 rebounds. That's the #1 reason they lost, in my view.
Of course, much credit to Transylvania.
32 teams were eliminated last evening and 16 more tonight, so, kind of a cruel weekend if you look at it sentimentally.
Nevertheless, congrats to the Big Blue for a fine season and hats off to those seniors who wrapped up their careers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 05, 2023, 03:10:07 PM
Given the lack of a rebuttal to my "32 teams..." sentence, I'll provide one :
RogK, sometimes you're a sentimental-case; it's better to have played in the tourney and lost than to not have played at all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 05, 2023, 03:49:33 PM
RogK, I felt badly for MU and Knudsen too -- and you know I'm not normally a MU fan . . . but sad they couldn't play better against Transy.   Not the best time to have a subpar game.   Transy had something to do with it, sure -- but MU just didn't play up to their normal level.   I had high hopes for them at least getting to the second weekend, the Sweet Sixteen level with all they've had this year, all the experienced players they have.   Congrats to their seniors . . . a great run for them in CCIW play and getting to the tournament several years.  Knudsen will be back for her senior year and will perhaps have another D3 dance chance . . .though she loses a lot around her.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 08, 2023, 01:21:15 PM
Looking ahead to the '23-'24 season, I am somewhat optimistic that Wheaton will be better.  The negatives of having a relatively young team this year becomes more of a positive next season with more experience. 

This is especially true for the freshman who joined this year and will have a season under their belt.   1st yr Anna Fernandez played the 2nd most minutes of anyone on the team and performed very well.  8.3 ppg, 5.5 reb/g are respectable and had a slightly positive assist/turnover ratio.  Her classmate Kate Oliver also had a very good first season.  I think that her ballhandling and overall athleticism gives her quite a bit of upside from this year's 9.0 ppg and 4.0 rebs.  However, she really needs to work on taking care of the ball.  Some careless dribbling and sloppy passing leading to her team leading 89 turnovers, 3.6 per game despite playing fewer minutes coming off the bench.

I suspect that Annie Tate, after basically missing two seasons, will be on the court next season as a grad student.  This is a bit of a wild card depending on how she comes back from injury.  Still, if she plays with just some of her prior form, this will help the Thunder ladies quite a bit as another scorer.

Lily Schwen, Caroline Sikkink, and Annika Richardson also return.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 08, 2023, 01:26:58 PM
I put together a table to extremely loosely "predict" the next year:


   
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
TeamConfRegRegRankWin%Top 25 PollMasseyNCAA ResumeReturnSTATRANK
Wisconsin LutheranNACC8170466929793%4.61 27
ChicagoUAA8284013101161%3.81 34
WebsterSLIAC83885100485281%3.64 35
Westminster MOSLIAC8461510014512698%3.03 40
AugustanaCCIW8567970356370%2.02 51
Illinois WesleyanCCIW86593533414075%1.94 53
MillikinCCIW8785230123454%1.90 54
CarrollCCIW88654623011772%1.81 57
TransylvaniaHCAC89100015540%1.50 64
WashUUAA81068035241855%1.40 67
AuroraNACC81180810013110581%1.38 69
HanoverHCAC8126801001038379%1.31 70
Wheaton (IL)CCIW8135771006915276%0.05 87
St. NorbertNACC814889100538057%(0.68)98
CarthageCCIW81534610012717983%(0.80)100
Mt. St. JosephHCAC81654210019019876%(2.43)124
Anderson INHCAC81758310016816666%(3.18)132
GreenvilleSLIAC8187201001427750%(3.67)138

This is incredibly simplistic and does not include: Seniors returning for 5th year, transfers, recruits, role players getting bigger roles, coach ability, etc.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2023, 10:06:19 PM
IWU has a lot coming back for next year.  Key will be having Mallory Powers and Caite Knutson fully healthy . . . and the level of improvement of the rising sophomores, especially White, Mahlum and Balli.   I'd hope for a stronger year next year too from Kate Palmer.   She didn't have her best percentage shooting this season, so could improve greatly if she is put in the right position from the arc.  Huber will again be first-team All CCIW.   Amazing numbers this year, and likely next year, too. 

Always plenty of work to do in the off season, if really serious about contending for the conference title and getting a bid to March. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2023, 12:15:53 PM
Final Four on the women's side set:  Transy, Rhode Island College, Christopher Newport, and Smith.   To be held in Hartford this time.   My bet is on Transy to go all the way and lift the trophy.   Stay tuned.

Let's hope CCIW women's basketball can regain its strength, have a greater national presence, next season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2023, 01:25:42 PM
Yep, the two semi-final games Saturday are in Hartford ("Hotfudd" locally?).
But the D3 and D2 WBB championship games will be in Dallas on April 1.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on March 12, 2023, 05:49:48 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2023, 12:15:53 PM
Let's hope CCIW women's basketball can regain its strength, have a greater national presence, next season.

The bulk of the CCIW look to bring back a lot of their production, so I think there's a very good chance CCIW is much much better top to bottom next year.

Also there's the potential for change and upside with Carthage and Elmhurst turning over their head coach positions.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2023, 06:43:32 PM
There's nothing on the Carthage web site about Bernero leaving.
What's your source?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on March 12, 2023, 09:05:55 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2023, 06:43:32 PM
There's nothing on the Carthage web site about Bernero leaving.
What's your source?

He tweeted out confirmation today, since the school didn't announce it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2023, 10:07:17 AM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2023, 06:43:32 PM
There's nothing on the Carthage web site about Bernero leaving.
What's your source?

He's gone, Rog. I've already exchanged tweets with Tim.

I'm very sorry to see him leave Carthage. It's even tougher when you realize that his son Anthony is still playing for the Carthage men's basketball team.

Quote from: scottiedawg on March 12, 2023, 05:49:48 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 12, 2023, 12:15:53 PM
Let's hope CCIW women's basketball can regain its strength, have a greater national presence, next season.

The bulk of the CCIW look to bring back a lot of their production, so I think there's a very good chance CCIW is much much better top to bottom next year.

Also there's the potential for change and upside with Carthage and Elmhurst turning over their head coach positions.

Given the timing, it's not likely that either team is going to be better under a new coach in 2023-24, unless one or both can pull off a transfer-portal miracle a la what Sean Smith did with the NPU men's basketball program this past season. Good luck with that happening. Of course, given that Tethnie Carillo resigned all the way back on February 23, there's still a chance that Elmhurst could make a late run at some high-school seniors if the school was to hire a new coach within the next week or two, and said new coach hit the ground running. But that seems like a remote possibility as well.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2023, 12:30:18 PM
That is crummy that Carthage sent him walking.
I see that the aforementioned Anthony is a junior, so Tim may not want to immediately leave town for another college. Maybe a year off, relaxing?
Elmhurst should hire him.
Good luck to Coach Bernero whatever he opts to do.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 13, 2023, 12:42:30 PM
Tim Bernero not only coached more wins than anyone else in Carthage women's basketball history, he coached more wins than the next four Carthage coaches with the most wins combined. To which you might say, "Well, Bernero ran the Lady Reds / Firebirds program for nineteen years, the longest tenure in program history, so of course he's gonna have more wins." Well, check this out:

* In 19 seasons, Tim's teams went 302-91. That's a .768 winning percentage.

* In 29 seasons, those other four coaches (Diane Mizerka, Kim Woodward, Rich Fanning, and Elaine Gonya) went 298-271. That's a .524 winning percentage.

* Two of Carthage's three CCIW championships were won by Bernero (2013, 2014). The other one was won by Fanning in 1996.

* Four of Carthage's five D3 tourney appearances came during Bernero's tenure (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Fanning's CCIW championship team in 1996 was the other.

* Carthage's all-time record in D3 tourney play is 8-5. Tim Bernero's all-time record in D3 tourney play is 8-4. You do the math.

* Tim posted four 20-win seasons at Carthage. The only other 20-win season in Carthage women's basketball history came back in 1982 under Cathy Lirgg, when the Lady Reds went 20-11 and didn't reach the postseason.

Quote from: RogK on March 13, 2023, 12:30:18 PM
Elmhurst should hire him.

Wouldn't shock me one single bit it they did.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2023, 04:00:34 PM
Four CCIW players are honored by D3Hoops for all-region
https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2022-23/region-8-women
Congrats to each :
Elyce Knudsen - Region 8 Player of the Year and 3rd teamer (just kidding, 1st team)
Lauren Huber - 1st team
Bailey Coffman - 2nd team
Olivia Rangel - 3rd team
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2023, 08:24:18 PM
Congrats to all the CCIW All-region honorees.  Well-deserved all.  Elyce Knudsen was magnificent this year. I wish she and the Big Blue could have gone further in March.

My special congrats to my friend, IWU student and super duper athlete Lauren Huber.   She's just such a steady, solid all-around player and a very decent human being too.   We are lucky she's a Titan for another two years!   I have high hopes for the IWU program next season as Powers and Knutson return to full health and the three freshmen, rising sophomores -- Mahlum, Balli and White -- continue to gain strength and experience.  Yes, we could use a "big" or two for better rebounding and paint/rim protection.  Carlson and Heller will be missed, no doubt.  I'm very optimistic about White as our future PG.  Kate Palmer will be back, too . . .  I think better than before.

Should be an interesting Final Four upcoming.   Looks to me like Transy might go all the way, lift the Walnut and Bronze.   

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 23, 2023, 02:28:05 PM
Huge congratulations to Millikin's Elyce Knudsen as the 2023 Jostens Trophy award winner.  This is a tremendous honor and I am glad for her national recognition.

https://d3hoops.com/notables/2023/03/jostens-winners-cciw-double-dip
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2023, 07:10:53 PM
very good - - congrats to Elyce !
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 24, 2023, 03:08:14 PM
Congrats to Ms. Knudsen on Jostens  -- super duper.   Well-deserved.

iwu'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 27, 2023, 12:12:37 PM
Congratulations to Elyce Knudsen upon being named a D3hoops.com first-team All-American.

https://d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2023
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on April 01, 2023, 09:37:42 PM
Transy takes it all.  Guess the Big Blue shouldn't feel so bad . . .

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on April 22, 2023, 10:05:04 AM
Heard from someone with an inside source that Carthage's replacement for Tim Bernero will be Monmouth head coach Megan Jones. In her two seasons coaching the Scots they went 14-10 (2021-22) and 10-15 (2022-23). She's a former standout at Loras who had a distinguished playing career at Ridgeview HS in downstate Colfax (about 15 miles east of Bloomington-Normal). She was an assistant at Luther for three years before coming to Monmouth.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on April 24, 2023, 10:53:42 AM
Last week I interviewed Elyce Knudsen on her Jostens Trophy win. Drawing inspiration from the Q-Cast, our interview runs through a wide range of topics including COVID shifted her focus from softball to basketball; her NIL deal; and where she wants to improve her game.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2023/04/atn-elyce-knudsen-millikin

Interviewing her was a treat.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 24, 2023, 08:03:27 PM
A well-done interview, Gordon.
Sounds like Elyce devotes a lot of effort to be good at many things besides basketball.
Incidentally, she said that she gives much attention to being a good dribbler. I think all players in the CCIW should work to improve their dribbling, regardless of height, size, position.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on April 26, 2023, 10:11:47 AM
Thanks, RogK.

Elyce was a great guest.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on April 26, 2023, 07:14:11 PM
Gordan - Agree.  Great interview with Elyce Knudsen.  Thank you for doing that.  You should get your own NIL deal . . .

I love the stories of how these players get recruited (High School freshman year, whoa!) especially to the D3 level.  And she wasn't even intending to play hoops until late in her senior year!  The decision kinda worked out well.

I'm an even bigger fan of Big Blue #22 now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 26, 2023, 11:26:21 PM
Jason Pruitt, most recently at the University of La Verne (an eastern suburb in Los Angeles County), is the new WBB head coach for Elmhurst :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2023/4/25/pruitt-tabbed-to-lead-elmhurst-womens-basketball.aspx
more info :
http://stats.ncaa.org/people/1956566?sport_code=WBB
---
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 09, 2023, 05:27:02 PM
IWU Women's Basketball has announced their incoming freshmen recruits:

Anna Byers, Pana High School
Ellie Cahill, Eureka HS
Sophie Feeney, Normal Community HS
Ashlyn May, Fieldcrest HS
Liv Myers, Elmwood HS

Four guards, one forward.   FYI.

Of course, there may be more later in the recruiting season.   

Have a great summer, all!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on May 12, 2023, 02:58:22 PM
I'm delighted to report that All-CCIW guard, Katelyn Heller, will return to IWU next season, using her extra covid year of eligibility, to complete a nursing degree, and to play another season.  This means the Titans will have two excellent, scoring point guards back in Heller and Sawyer White.   There may be more on the recruitment front as well . . . via transfer.   Of course, we need Mallory Powers and Caite Knutson to return fully healthy.

Stay tuned.

Hopeful, IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 15, 2023, 10:51:00 PM
I think you have good reason for optimism for the Titans in '23-'24, iwu70.
- -
Wheaton has revealed their new schedule :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 16, 2023, 04:09:34 PM
North Park's newest recruit is 5'6" Aliyah Hershberger from Elkhart Marion.

Along with Caroline Long, that makes two Vikings recruits who hail from Hoosierland. That sounds great to me, as I'm a big fan of Indiana-bred basketball players ... a partiality I had long before I nephews who played high-school basketball in Indiana.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 22, 2023, 06:33:55 PM
NCC's announcing their recruits this afternoon. So far:

-Kennedy Hartwig (G, Seneca HS)
-Elizabeth Daly (F, Peoria Notre Dame HS)
-Keira Hunt (G, Lincoln-Way Central HS)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 23, 2023, 07:32:34 PM
I guess they're doing this a few a day.

-Makayla Richardson (G, Concordia Lutheran HS Ft. Wayne)
-Hannah Brannigan (G, Lockport HS)
-Jaden Newson (G, Rock Valley College)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on May 24, 2023, 01:54:47 PM
I suspect that this is the full list of NPU's incoming freshmen:

Bella Cabrales, 5'3" G, Des Plaines, IL (Maine East)
Jocelyn Chammas, 5'8" G, Chicago, IL (Amundsen)
Aliyah Hershberger, 5'6" G, Elkhart, IN (Marian)
Caroline Long, 6'0" F, Russiaville, IN (Western)
Teresa Morrissey, 5'11" G, Chicago, IL (Lincoln Park)
Brooke Panush, 5'10" F, Lemont, IL (HS)

I know that Annie and her staff are also currently hard at work in terms of who's available in the transfer portal.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on May 31, 2023, 05:55:34 PM
Forgot to add the remaining NCC recruits spread out over the last couple of days last week.

-Kaeli Ford (G, University of St. Francis)
-Carli Gatlin (G, Basalt, CO)
-Jocelyn Trotter (G, Plainfield East HS)
-Patty Savoia Cooley (G, Bartlett HS)
-Riley Boyer (Lowell, IN)
-Josylin Simmons-Doxie (G, Morton College)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 07, 2023, 11:40:22 AM
NCC's 2023-24 schedule is out.

Cardinals open the season November 10th at Wisconsin Lutheran's season opening tournament. Home opener is against St. Mary's on the 18th. Bunch of non-conference home games in mid to late December (Edgewood, Coe, and Aurora) with some return trips of home-and-homes rounding out the schedule most of the rest of November (at Concordia-WI, BenU, and Chicago).

CCIW opener is at Carroll on November 29th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 07, 2023, 12:15:46 PM
the new schedule for iwu70's Titans :
https://www.iwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2023-24
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 07, 2023, 11:13:48 PM
Thanks, RogK . . . for the schedule.

Looks like the normal, very tough pre-CCIW schedule for the Titans, likely with Hope, WI Whitewater, DePauw . . .  some others.  Let's hope IWU can get over the hump with Millikin this year.   Glad Heller is back . . . and likely Powers and Knutsen healthy again.  I expect a stronger year from Palmer . . . and some great improvement from the previous freshmen:  Balli, White and Mahlem.  Huber will be Huber!  :)

As stated earlier, I'm very optimistic.  Have no idea about the 4-5 newbies . . . or what might yet come from the transfer portal. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 09, 2023, 01:25:38 PM
Some important news from the transfer realm for IWU:

Ava Bardic will become a Titan.  She's transferring from U of I Springfield, coming in as a Sophomore.  She averaged 11 ppg there.  She was the starting guard on the Stevenson HS 4A Title Team in 2022.  A major recruit for the Titans.

IWU only lost senior Kelly Carlson and a few pine-sitting seniors . . . all others back, including another year for Heller.   Huber will be Huber.  :) :)  I have every expectation that Powers, Palmer, Knutsen, Balli, White and Malhum will all be back, fully healthy and improved.  Perhaps White shifts to the 2.  We may get more from Tarver, too.  Other surprises?   Time will tell . . .

The program's future looks strong and bright.  With my Titan green glasses, of course, I'm always optimistic.   In Mia Smith we trust.   :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on June 09, 2023, 01:58:46 PM
It absolutely looks like IWU will be stronger. And I expect the bulk of the CCIW to be stronger as well. A conference on the rise.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 09, 2023, 02:09:12 PM
Scottie, agreed.  Looks to be a great year in CCIW women's basketball.  :)

IWU has improved, has more depth now, losing little from last year's good squad.  Really great that Heller came back.  Of course, IWU will have to solve the Knudsen problem down at MU.  :)

I expect Powers and Palmer to come back strong . . .  and Knutsen too.  Gonna be lots of players battling for minutes.  A good depth chart for Mia Smith to play with . . .

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 13, 2023, 11:18:52 AM
Not sure what the exact shakeup is, but yesterday was the first day on the job for new assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Kristin Ison at North Central (https://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2023/6/12/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-names-ison-as-assistant-coach.aspx).

Ison was previously an assistant at Lake Forest College, and played college ball at Northwestern.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 20, 2023, 06:55:59 PM
Wheaton introduces four new WBB players :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2023/6/20/womens-basketball-the-thunder-womens-basketball-program-announces-its-newcomers-for-the-2023-24-season.aspx
Four of them sound pretty good.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 28, 2023, 07:21:10 PM
Esther Miller of North Park wins the '22-'23 CCIW Women's Student-Athlete of the Year honor :
https://cciw.org/news/2023/6/27/general-north-parks-esther-miller-named-cciw-womens-student-athlete-of-the-year.aspx
We who follow CCIW WBB know she's very good on the basketball courts, but the linked article lists a bunch of her other achievements, several involving athletic excellence.
Congrats to Esther!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on June 28, 2023, 09:08:53 PM
Congrats to Esther Miller . . . an outstanding record on and off the field of play! 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 29, 2023, 12:21:27 AM
Quote from: RogK on June 28, 2023, 07:21:10 PM
Esther Miller of North Park wins the '22-'23 CCIW Women's Student-Athlete of the Year honor :
https://cciw.org/news/2023/6/27/general-north-parks-esther-miller-named-cciw-womens-student-athlete-of-the-year.aspx
We who follow CCIW WBB know she's very good on the basketball courts, but the linked article lists a bunch of her other achievements, several involving athletic excellence.
Congrats to Esther!

She's the most well-rounded collegian that I've seen in a long time. Yet with all of her myriad athletic and extracurricular activities, she still graduated with honors in a difficult major.

We'll miss having her around at NPU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on June 29, 2023, 12:23:06 AM
North Park's 2023-24 schedule is up:

https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule

I think that Annie's still looking for another game, as there's only 24 games listed.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 02, 2023, 11:20:30 AM
and Millikin announces its schedule :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 19, 2023, 11:16:40 AM
and we have Augustana's new sked :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
= = =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on July 19, 2023, 12:08:48 PM
Quote from: RogK on July 19, 2023, 11:16:40 AM
and we have Augustana's new sked :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
= = =

Nice! I'll check it out.

These are the ones I think are out for CCIW:
Augustana
Illinois Wesleyan
Millikin
North Central
North Park
Wheaton
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 20, 2023, 04:48:14 PM
Recent Elmhurst coach Tethnie Carrillo has signed on with the Dominican WBB program :
https://dustars.com/news/2023/7/20/womens-basketball-stars-add-carrillo-to-full-time-staff.aspx
She will probably be able to commute with her husband Carlos some days, when their schedules allow, as he is the Stars' women's soccer head coach.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on August 08, 2023, 10:26:58 AM
During Homecoming festivities every year, North Central inducts a new class into its Athletic Hall of Fame. For the first time, the college is inducting teams into the Hall of Fame (https://express.adobe.com/page/gkHLlGcIu0NY4/), and among that inaugural induction class is the 1983 women's basketball team that won the national title.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 08, 2023, 10:42:46 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on August 08, 2023, 10:26:58 AM
During Homecoming festivities every year, North Central inducts a new class into its Athletic Hall of Fame. For the first time, the college is inducting teams into the Hall of Fame (https://express.adobe.com/page/gkHLlGcIu0NY4/), and among that inaugural induction class is the 1983 women's basketball team that won the national title.

Hat tip to the Chicago Metro Conference, the all-women's-sports conference consisting of Carthage, Concordia IL, Elmhurst, George Williams, North Central, North Park, and Wheaton that produced three national champions in its brief five years of existence:

1983 North Central women's basketball
1983 Elmhurst women's volleyball
1985 Elmhurst women's volleyball
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: mr_b on August 08, 2023, 04:22:01 PM
Congratulations to Greg Sager on his induction into the North Park Viking Hall of Fame!  He is well deserving of this honor, given his dedication to and support of all Viking sports and his work as announcer in many of them (and at times, two different sports on the same day!).  The ceremony will take place on December 2nd.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: npbaseball40 on August 09, 2023, 12:38:10 PM
Quote from: mr_b on August 08, 2023, 04:22:01 PM
Congratulations to Greg Sager on his induction into the North Park Viking Hall of Fame!  He is well deserving of this honor, given his dedication to and support of all Viking sports and his work as announcer in many of them (and at times, two different sports on the same day!).  The ceremony will take place on December 2nd.

Congrats, Greg, and thanks for all you do to support NPU Athletics, at the mic and away from it!

Press Release:
https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2023/8/9/baseball-north-park-athletics-announces-viking-hall-of-fame-2023-class.aspx (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2023/8/9/baseball-north-park-athletics-announces-viking-hall-of-fame-2023-class.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 09, 2023, 11:39:11 PM
Congrats to Greg!
One of many admirable things he does : while preparing for a broadcast, he learns how to correctly pronounce the names on the visiting team roster. This shows respect for those players and coaches.
We've all heard lazy and/or disrespectful broadcasters from some other schools who are happy to mangle pronunciations of player names, even some on their own school's team.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 10, 2023, 09:48:21 AM
Thanks, guys. Much appreciated!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 11, 2023, 11:23:00 AM
Another good aspect of Greg's broadcasts is that he doesn't use the opportunity to editorialize on other topics.
But he almost made a political comment during a North Park baseball webcast in April.
North Park won in the bottom of the 9th with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt.
Greg wanted to do a quick postgame interview with that batter, but the guy couldn't be located.
Greg said : Hey, where is that bunter hidin'?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 11, 2023, 12:28:09 PM
(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2013/3/30/283131.gif)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gotberg on August 11, 2023, 04:19:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on August 11, 2023, 11:23:00 AM
Another good aspect of Greg's broadcasts is that he doesn't use the opportunity to editorialize on other topics.
But he almost made a political comment during a North Park baseball webcast in April.
North Park won in the bottom of the 9th with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt.
Greg wanted to do a quick postgame interview with that batter, but the guy couldn't be located.
Greg said : Hey, where is that bunter hidin'?

+k
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 21, 2023, 12:55:01 PM
Here is the new IWU Titans' roster :
https://www.iwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
All 13 players who were not seniors in '22-'23 are returning, joined by 6 newcomers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 22, 2023, 02:21:20 PM
IWU will play an exhibition vs.  ISU on October 29th, at 1 p.m. at ISU.  It's a double-header with the men playing ISU after . . . all for a good caused, the B/N West side development . . . and a mental health initiative between the two Universities.   See the press release on the IWU sports site now.   

I was at the last men's game in 1970 (my senior year at IWU), when Tommy Gramkow hit the winning shot with seconds to play, IWU winning that last game, 53 years ago, 68-67.  We had some fun that night . . . with a live chicken pre-game . . .  "the real Redbird" for cancelling the series.   :)  One of the great moments in IWU sports history.  Thank you Tommy Gramkow '70.   :)


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 22, 2023, 02:27:57 PM
Strong returning roster for IWU.  Plenty of talent there, esp. if all are healthy.

No Katelyn Heller . . . I thought she was returning for another year, and doing a nursing major at IWU.   Looks like she's not back.  Kelly Carlson still around, working now for the Sports Information team. 

If Powers and Knutson are healthy, Mia Smith is going to have a very good 9-10 person rotation.  Sawyer White becomes the PG, and then Powers, Palmer, Knutson and Huber.   Plenty of good bench support.  Perhaps Mahlum challenges for a starting position.   

I look forward to the ISU exhibition game on October 29th. 

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 25, 2023, 10:52:39 AM
Millikin's new roster :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
All 14 of last season's non-seniors are back.
Bailey Coffman returns as a grad student.
There are five freshmen.
There are four other newcomers, including Matayia Tellis and Emily Brenneisen, who have transferred over from Augustana.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on August 29, 2023, 03:39:16 PM
Carthage has revealed its schedule :
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 05, 2023, 08:47:20 PM
North Central has a 21 player roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Looks like Elle Sutter will be back following the soccer season.
Six return from last season, joined by 9 freshmen and 5 non-freshman newcomers.
//
North Park now has 9 nonconf opponents :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 06, 2023, 09:53:55 AM
Yes, the Vikings just added a new season opener, which they will play against another set of Vikings (the Lawrence brand) up in Appleton on November 8. Works out well, since the NPU men's team plays at Lawrence the same night, so it'll be a women's/men's doubleheader and the school can save on the bus rental.

It will mark only the second time ever that North Park has played Lawrence. NPU defeated LU on December 19, 2019 by a score of 77-63 in the Loras Holiday Tourney in Dubuque. Lauren Lee had her best game ever as a Viking, leading the way with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 06, 2023, 10:50:30 AM
Quote from: RogK on September 05, 2023, 08:47:20 PM
North Central has a 21 player roster :
https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster
Looks like Elle Sutter will be back following the soccer season.
Six return from last season, joined by 9 freshmen and 5 non-freshman newcomers.

She had been in the transfer portal for soccer, which is why she didn't play for NCC basketball last year. That's a huge return and I am giddy.

Super young team with just two seniors, only one of whom has been around for multiple years (Megan McClure). I'll be interested to see what the rotation ends up looking like and how this group gels.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 18, 2023, 03:31:41 PM
North Park's 2023-24 roster is up. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 25, 2023, 08:15:28 PM
the Carroll schedule is up :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2023-24
I think we've now seen all but that of Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 29, 2023, 03:23:36 PM
Elmhurst's schedule :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
If you count 10 non-conf opponents, note that the Nov 8 game vs Aurora must be a scrimmage, as it is not listed on Aurora's site.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on September 30, 2023, 12:34:15 PM
Oh good eye RogK, I didn't catch that.

On a related note, I find it very weird to find a team that has both (a) no more than 25 games scheduled, (b) which include an 11/7 (which I believe cannot count).    Perhaps teams are fine with it not counting. 

Though now looking again it's only Salve Regina, with an 11/7 game vs. Johnson & Wales (Rhode Island).

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 02, 2023, 08:56:26 PM
28 players are on the new Elmhurst roster :
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
17 are newcomers
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 11, 2023, 04:08:23 PM
IWU has started some practices now, I guess being granted some extras due to the exhibition game they have with ISU on October 29th (a Sunday) at 1 p.m. @ISU.

As mentioned earlier, IWU has good talent returning, losing only Heller and Carlson from last year's regular rotation.   9-10 others who had significant playing time last year are all back.   Key will be, as always, staying healthy -- esp. for Mallory Powers and Caite Knutson, returning from injuries.

I'm just guessing, but I'd think:   PG Sawyer White, 2 Kate Palmer 3 Mallory Powers 4 Lauren Huber and 5 Caite Knutson.  Others in key spots in the rotation will be Malhum, Balli, Tarver, 5th year Megan Moody, and perhaps a few others.   I have no knowledge as yet of the four freshmen, whether they have any chance for playing time.  The core of this group are juniors and sophomores.   

Looking at this group, the question marks for me are consistent and effective PG play and the need for rebounding, esp. against teams with bigs.  I expect good 3-point shooting, strong play from the post area esp. with Huber and Knutson, up-tempo offense as usual, and Mia Smith's normal "run and jump" defensive pressure. 

It's a very experienced group.  Perhaps they'll be ranked #2 or #3 in the pre-season CCIW poll.  We'll see soon enough.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on October 12, 2023, 10:38:24 AM
A few people have said superlative things to me about Ava Bardic.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 12, 2023, 12:38:22 PM
Incidentally, it's Mahlum, not Malhum.
Some more rosters are up :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
and
https://athletics.carthage.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 12, 2023, 12:47:43 PM
Carroll, too :
https://gopios.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 12, 2023, 05:18:39 PM
Thanks, RogK.  You know me, I've been known to make a few spelling errors.  I should always check the rosters before I post, but I'm lazy, or in a hurry.  My apologies to Ms. Mahlum -- who I'm sure is not reading this chat room.  :)

Feeling pretty optimistic about the Titans this year . . . lots of talent and good trust in Coach Smith to put it all together in a successful way.  Not so confident about the men.

ISU game on October 29th should be fun and give us more information on both IWU teams.

IWU's football season is a total bust . . . so I'm ready for basketball already.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 12, 2023, 06:15:59 PM
On Ava Bardic, I would love to see some of the pine-sitters or some of the newbies get into the mix.   Mia Smith has put freshmen and newbies into the rotation before -- like Sawyer White last year.  Coach Smith always needs some fast feet, quick hands, good defenders to bolster the ranks when playing so much "run and jump" pressure defense.  Ava Bardic may be a very welcome addition in that regard.  All playing in this mode have to be very fit.   I expect to see Megan Moody and perhaps others in the mix too . . .surely Ms. Mahlum and Ms. Balli.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 19, 2023, 07:40:13 PM
Wheaton's new roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on October 20, 2023, 11:33:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 19, 2023, 07:40:13 PM
Wheaton's new roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
- -

Looks like 22-23 FR Anna Fernandez is not on the roster?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 23, 2023, 02:32:13 PM
CCIW preseason poll is out:


1. Millikin (8)  64
2. Illinois Wesleyan  54
3. Carroll (1)  52
4. Wheaton  43
5. Augustana  35
6. Carthage  26
7. North Park  24
8. Elmhurst  14
9. North Central  12

No real surprises, as the top four is identical to last season's preseason top four (and Augie was picked to finish in a fifth-place tie last season as well). I do wonder how Mia Smith feels about her protege Olivia Lett giving her first-place vote to Carroll rather than to IWU, although, given what the Pios did last season and what they have coming back, it's certainly a justifiable choice on Lett's part. It's also worth noting that this is the first time in three years that Elmhurst wasn't picked to finish last.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 23, 2023, 03:25:42 PM
Elmhurst has to be the most difficult for pre-season predictions, with 18 newcomers including a senior, a sophomore and 8 juniors.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 24, 2023, 10:58:27 AM
North Park preview is up. (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2023/10/24/womens-basketball-2023-24-north-park-womens-basketball-season-preview.aspx)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2023, 01:01:46 PM
Greg, I'm not surprised about Lett's vote.  I would have done the same.  I thought IWU would be ranked 3rd, behind MU and Carroll, given last year's results and who is coming back.   Of course, I hope IWU's experienced squad proves these pre-season, rather meaningless, predictions wrong.   

This Sunday we'll see IWU vs. ISU in the charity exhibition game at ISU.   I'm sure Mia has the preparation moving ahead rapidly and apace.  IWU looks good, with seemingly no injury issues as yet.  Sawyer White returning now to the squad after the soccer season. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on October 27, 2023, 04:17:02 PM
Quote from: scottiedawg on October 20, 2023, 11:33:08 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 19, 2023, 07:40:13 PM
Wheaton's new roster :
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/womens-basketball/roster/2023-24
- -

Looks like 22-23 FR Anna Fernandez is not on the roster?

Yes, a notable absence for sure.  On the other hand, a full season with a healthy Annie Tate would be most welcome.  The Thunder ladies could really use more scoring this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2023, 07:54:30 PM
RogK, what happened to Fernandez??  She was terrific last season. 

IWU plays at ISU tomorrow -- an exhibition.  Sawyer White, presumably the Titans' PG this year, will not play as she has just wrapped up an All-Conference team making season in soccer, losing today to Carroll in the quarterfinals.  She'll be back on deck in a week or so, in time for regular season games.  Not sure who fills in at PG for this exhibition game.

If both Titan teams stay within 10-15 points of the DI Redbirds, I will consider it a moral victory.  I hear they've sold over 8,000 tickets for this charity exhibition and BloNo basketball treat.  And, for a good cause.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on October 28, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
She is now a Calvin Knight :
https://calvinknights.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/anna-fernandez/5654
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2023, 12:20:17 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 28, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
She is now a Calvin Knight :
https://calvinknights.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/anna-fernandez/5654
= =

The rich get richer. Sigh.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 29, 2023, 10:36:47 PM
Before a crowd of perhaps 6,000, ISU easily handled IWU today in the exhibition game -- winning by 38.   It wasn't much of a game.  ISU both with great size in the paint and excellent three point shooting.  IWU didn't really get much going and could not use "run and jump" to any effect given ISU's excellent PGs and ball handling.   They are really good and could win the MVC. 

But, some bright spots -- Huber and Powers playing decently.  The clearest bright spot was sophomore PG and first-time starter Ava Bardic.  She's the real deal, a good ball-handler, three point threat and quickness of feet, keeping up just fine with ISU's players.   She's an excellent find for Mia Smith and the Titans and will likely play substantial time this year.   In a year or two, she could be an all-CCIW player.   It may allow Mia to shift Sawyer White to the 2. 

Anyway, a fun event, but not competitive basketball.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on October 30, 2023, 10:44:42 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 29, 2023, 12:20:17 AM
Quote from: RogK on October 28, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
She is now a Calvin Knight :
https://calvinknights.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/anna-fernandez/5654
= =

The rich get richer. Sigh.
If you mean the MIAA, then I can agree.  If you mean the knights, then nah - they might be "rich" in men's hoops, but not so much in women's.  They've been stuck in 3rd-5th in the league since the 15-16 season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on October 30, 2023, 11:27:19 AM
Yes, I should've been more specific. I meant the MIAA, which has been playing a better brand of women's hoops than the CCIW for several years now -- something that should be raising more of a hue and cry around CCIW circles than it actually is. We're simply lagging in women's basketball as compared to other sports. It's not a women's athletics issue per se, as CCIW women's volleyball and softball, while not at a power-conference level, still do well outside the circuit. (Women's soccer has really fallen off, apart from North Central, however.) There's just a very real sense that a bunch of CCIW women's basketball programs are spinning their wheels and have been doing so for several years now. And while I don't think it's fair to compare them to the men's side, as men's basketball is the meat and potatoes of this league as a whole and has been so for many decades, it's noticeable how dismal we're doing in this sport as compared to other women's sports.

Last season only four of the nine CCIW teams finished the season with a winning non-conference record -- and it's not as though CCIW women's basketball teams have a tradition of seeking out as many ranked opponents as possible outside the circuit (or, looked at another way, have difficulty getting local teams to agree to play them), which makes that even worse. National rankings are beginning to feel like novelties. And only twice in the past ten tournaments has a CCIW team reached the second weekend (two Sweet Sixteen losses, one by Carthage in 2014 and one by Millikin two seasons ago).

We can do better. Perhaps the new blood -- one-third of the league's head coaching jobs have changed hands over the past year and a half -- will do the trick.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 02, 2023, 04:35:18 PM
Millikin comes in at #24 in the pre-season poll.   No other CCIW program getting votes.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 02, 2023, 05:31:45 PM
Merely predictions.
Every team in D3 is tied, having won 0 games and lost 0 games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 02, 2023, 09:56:18 PM
Agreed, RogK.  Let's hope more CCIW teams this year can show some real improvement and strength . . . and get back into the national picture. 

Millikin, with Knudsen, is surely the favorite in the league.  I don't think IWU and Carroll are too far behind them. 

Ava Bardic is going to be a great addition to the Titan rotation right out of the gate, perhaps even starting.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 03, 2023, 10:20:37 AM
NCC scrimmaged against IIT yesterday. Only result from that I'm aware of is that the Cardinals won both halves of the scrimmage.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 03, 2023, 11:42:36 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 03, 2023, 10:20:37 AM
NCC scrimmaged against IIT yesterday. Only result from that I'm aware of is that the Cardinals won both halves of the scrimmage.

That's a nice outcome, considering that Elle Sutter is still wearing her soccer kit and won't be available for basketball purposes for awhile yet.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2023, 02:19:00 PM
Opening day, folks!

Beloit (8-17) @ Millikin (24-5)
North Park (9-16) @ Lawrence (8-17)
Carthage (9-17) @ Lakeland (14-12)

The Megan Jones era starts today on the road in Sheboygan with what should be a decent challenge for the Firebirds. And North Park is debuting a freshmen-heavy squad this evening up even further north in America's Dairyland.

The other game, I suspect, will be a fertile opportunity for Elyce Knudsen to start building her 2024 D3hoops.com Player of the Year résumé.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2023, 05:32:00 PM
You're stubborn, Greg.
If North Park wins, will they be 10-16?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2023, 05:32:59 PM
Last season's records are a reference, that's all.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 08, 2023, 06:47:00 PM
Good. I wanted to make sure you weren't misapprehensionizing anything.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2023, 08:41:35 PM
Lawrence 65
North Park 57

Victoria Perry: 17 pts, 6 rebs
Hailey Lyczak: 10 pts

After trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Vikings showed some moxie, especially at the defensive end, in the fourth quarter. They actually grabbed a one-point lead with under three minutes to go, but their sputtering offense finally gave out altogether. NPU only shot 35% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. That, and a huge foul disparity (LU shot 37 FTs, NPU only four), spelled the difference.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 09, 2023, 12:18:33 AM
Millikin 79
Beloit 40

The Knudsen and Coffman Show picked up right where it left off at the end of last season, with a 22 and 7 and a 21 and 7.

Carthage 71
Lakeland 34

So much for my forecast about this being a "decent challenge" in Megan Jones's debut as the Firebirds head coach. Lauren Knight had 20 and 7 and Mariana Morrisey added 12 for Carthage in the rout, as every woman in Kenosha except for Mayor Antaramian's wife got into the game for the Firebirds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 09, 2023, 12:26:57 PM
Millikin hit 12 of 14 3FG attempts in that 57 point 1st half. It would be safe (and probably accurate) to say that was among the best halves of three shooting in basketball history.
On the other hand, they committed 28 turnovers (by quarter : 7 5 8 8).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 10, 2023, 07:50:45 PM
Wartburg 74
North Park 51

Aliyah Hershberger: 13 pts
Victoria Perry: 11 pts
Brooke Panush: 7 rebs

North Park led for most of the first half and into the second, by as many as seven points at one juncture, and I started wondering if I had tuned into an epic upset in the making. But then in the latter part of the third quarter and into the fourth, NPU went into a deep freeze at the offensive end and the Knights started doing all the things that have made Wartburg a D3 women's basketball powerhouse over the past dozen years ... and suddenly the Knights were on a 16-2 run and could basically dictate whatever final score they pleased.

I like NPU freshman Aliyah Hershberger. Like most freshmen her defense needs work, but she's got a solid offensive game. She'll be a good player in this league.

It's not going to get any easier for the Vikings tomorrow afternoon, as they face yet another long-established D3 power in tournament host Wisconsin Lutheran.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 10, 2023, 10:27:46 PM
Well, it was a pretty good one in the second game up in Milwaukee, as North Central came back from down 7 just over a minute into the final quarter and held on to win their opener 70-67 against the host Warriors.

Grace Keiffer: 29 pts (15 in the 4th)
Megan Duffy: 10 pts, 6 reb
Kaeli Ford: 9 pts, 5 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 8 pts, 3 stl

Sam Leisemann: 23 pts, 9 reb, 3 stl
Meggie Scott: 14 pts
Haley Ott: 12 pts, 4 reb

The Cardinals will try their hand with Wartburg tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 10, 2023, 10:45:06 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on November 10, 2023, 10:27:46 PM
Well, it was a pretty good one in the second game up in Milwaukee, as North Central came back from down 7 just over a minute into the final quarter and held on to win their opener 70-67 against the host Warriors.

Grace Keiffer: 29 pts (15 in the 4th)
Megan Duffy: 10 pts, 6 reb
Kaeli Ford: 9 pts, 5 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 8 pts, 3 stl

Sam Leisemann: 23 pts, 9 reb, 3 stl
Meggie Scott: 14 pts
Haley Ott: 12 pts, 4 reb

The Cardinals will try their hand with Wartburg tomorrow afternoon.

Holy cow!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 10, 2023, 11:05:47 PM
The IWU women open up the season in Iowa with Cornell on Saturday and Luther on Sunday.

Likely starting line-up will be:  Huber, Powers, Palmer, Knutson and the newbie, sophomore Ava Bardic at PG.  We'll see if Sawyer White is back into the swing of things after her All-CCIW conference year on the soccer pitch.  A strong bench, deep rotation too. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 11, 2023, 11:12:25 AM
I attended Wheaton's 77-73 win over Bethany Lutheran.
Wheaton's Annie Tate looks fully recovered from injury (she last played Dec 8 2021) and she was obviously delighted to rejoin her teammates on the court.
In 27 minutes of action, she made 3 of 4 3FGs, 2 of 4 2FGs and 3 of 4 FTs for 16 pts.
Kate Oliver also scored 16 and Caroline Sikkink led the Thunder with 17.
Annika Richardson topped Wheaton with 12 rebounds.
All nine Thunder players who got in contributed positively one way or another.
Gianna Klarenbeek did very well for the visitors, leading all scorers with 22 (.500 eFG% and 6/7 FTs), while Aubrea Kor added 15 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 11, 2023, 06:03:36 PM
Wisconsin Lutheran 71
North Park 42

Victoria Perry: 13 pts
Brooke Panush: 11 pts
Caroline Long: 6 rebs
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 11, 2023, 08:11:54 PM
Make it a 1-1 weekend for NCC as Wartburg knocked off the Cardinals 89-61.

Megan Duffy: 14 pts
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 7 pts
Grace Keiffer: 6 pts

Macy Harris: 14 pts, 6 reb
Sara Fabre: 14 pts
Jaedon Murphy: 10 pts, 6 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 12, 2023, 08:07:22 AM
UW Oshkosh 58
Thunder 69  to win the Beth Baker Classic

Caroline Sikkink  27 pts, 7rebs, 5 asst
Annie Tate   17 pts, 8 reb

Kennedy Osterman  11 pt

Through two very early games, I am liking what I'm seeing.  The Thunder ladies struggled to score consistently last season averaging a lowly 62 points/game.  So putting up 77 and 69 in the first two games is encouraging. The obvious difference is Tate and her all around game that made her a first team All Conference selection two seasons ago.

If they can match that with stronger defense, this could be a team to challenge the top of the standings.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2023, 08:59:59 AM
IWU over Cornell in Iowa 70-55

Huber 23
Bardic 17
Powers 10

The Titans have found an excellent second scorer in Bardic.

More later.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2023, 02:54:39 PM
more CCIW Saturday results :
In Elmhurst's 76-55 win over Benedictine, a couple of newcomers led the way : 5'8" senior Shanyce Makuei poured in 26 pts in under 23 minutes; 5'11" junior Tyreshia Sessions had 8 steals, 4 assists and 0 turnovers.
Carthage topped Lawrence 72-54, thanks in part to Marianna Morrissey (21 pts, 3 stls) and Emma Thistle, who assisted on a third of the team's FGs (8/24).
Augie shot very well in their 75-64 win over Simpson : 40% 3FGs (8/20), .553 2FGs (21/38) and 9/12 FTs.
Olivia Rangel scored 27 in 26 minutes for Carroll in their 79-50 victory over Luther.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2023, 05:58:44 PM
IWU over Luther College in Iowa, 87-78.

The Titans relying more this time on the three ball.  More when I see a box score -- not yet posted.

Next Friday/Saturday, IWU plays @ Hope, first vs. Puget Sound, then either John Carroll or host #21 Hope.  A great venue to play basketball.

A good start, 2-0, for the opening weekend for the Titans.


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 12, 2023, 08:39:30 PM
Carroll followed up yesterday's 29 point win with a 29 point win today, 89-60 over Cornell College,
Olivia Rangel had 3 steals, 8 assists and 24 pts.
A bunch of Pios shot well, including Natalie Palzkill who scored 10 without missing any kind of shot.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2023, 02:31:15 PM
Here's more positive detail on the Titans' win over Luther -- box score now available:

For Luther:

Isaacson 20
Strum 13
Jones 14

Luther with 25 TOs, leading to 29 IWU points off TOs.  Run and Jump doing its dirt.

For IWU:

Bardic 19 3-5 from three, 4-4 FTs
Huber 17 and 9
Powers 17
White 13, 3-4 from three, 7 steals
Mahlum 13 7-10 FTs
Palmer  5 assists

Caite Knutson only playing 7 minutes, perhaps an injury?   Not sure.

IWU off to a great start -- well-rounded scoring, good defense, and plenty of offensive weapons.  About the rotation I expected.  Bardic surely the very happy and productive new addition.  Good to see Sawyer White, playing well, immediately back into the mix after the soccer season.

Bigger challenges this coming weekend, with a possible game against Hope.

IWU'70



Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2023, 03:20:41 PM
iwu70, you can access box scores and stats etc here when they are delayed on other sites :
https://stats.ncaa.org/teams/562351
==
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on November 13, 2023, 03:23:47 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 12, 2023, 05:58:44 PM
Next Friday/Saturday, IWU plays @ Hope, first vs. Puget Sound, then either John Carroll or host #21 Hope.  A great venue to play basketball.

IWU'70

Quick heads up - Since the #3 Hope Volleyball team is hosting an NCAA pod this weekend, it appears they have moved the Friday basketball games to a local high school (West Ottawa) which is located on the north side of Holland and has a very nice gym - thanks in part to my taxes :).  The high school has two buildings, so here is the address of the North building where the gym is located:   3685 Butternut Dr., Holland, MI 49424

The Saturday games will still be at the De Vos (Hope schedule link below):

https://athletics.hope.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 13, 2023, 06:07:03 PM
Congrats to Wheaton's Caroline Sikkink, the first CCIW Player of the Week for '23-'24.
She and Carroll's Olivia Rangel each were excellent in their opening pair of games.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 13, 2023, 10:24:04 PM
Thanks, Dutch, for the alert.

Lauren Huber and Ava Bardic also had a wonderful start this season in their first two games this past weekend.

Looks like a great season for CCIW's women's hoops. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 15, 2023, 11:03:14 AM
CCIW WBB was 4-0 on Tuesday --
AUG 76, Monmouth 45
CRL 68, Beloit 49
WHE 89, Benedictine 55 (31 pts 12 rebs by Caroline Sikkink, 9 assists for Lily Schwen)
MIL 86, Fontbonne 71 (15 pts 15 rebs 6 stls by Sophie Darden) (oh ... and somebody named Elyce Knudsen scored 41)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 15, 2023, 10:49:11 PM
CUW 59
NCC 52

The Falcons avenged their defeat in Naperville from last season as the Cardinals couldn't shoot (4-26 from three, 4-11 from the stripe).

Megan Duffy: 16 pts, 6 reb
Megan McClure: 16 pts, 4 reb
Jocelyn Trotter: 5 reb

Aubrey DeBauch: 16 pts, 6 reb
Ava Booth: 13 pts, 8 reb
Erin Viergutz: 11 pts, 7 reb
Deidre Lassiter: 6 pts, 10 reb

Home opener for the Cardinals is Saturday against St. Mary's.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2023, 12:15:51 PM
Carthage's fine start (now 3-0) continued with a 79-42 toppling of Lake Forest on Wednesday (45-19 2nd half).
Credit Carthage's defense with causing most (maybe all?) of Lake Forest's 35 turnovers. And the Firebirds shot well in all categories : 7/21 3FGs (.333), 19/36 2FGs (.528), 20/29 FTs (.690).
Five Firebirds scored in the 9-14 pts range.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2023, 01:05:45 PM
I went to the Elmhurst game, won 93-74 by Alma College.
Elmhurst is now playing a high intensity style, with some "System" aspects such as full-court defensive pressure, taking open shots early in their possessions (although not as many threes as would a System team) and subbing 5 at a time on occasion.
New coach Jason Pruitt is giving playing time to much of his lengthy roster; I'm not sure if that's to see what he has to work with, or if it's the long-term plan. Most of his players are also newcomers, so it'll take a while for all of them to learn how to best contribute.
Stat keepers across the league better be ready for a busy time when the 'jays visit; last night there 58 fouls, 76 FT att, 142 FG att. Turnovers weren't excessive for a fairly high-possession game, 14 by EU and 22 by AC.
Alma shot well : 7/21 3FGs (.333), 21/39 2FGs (.538), 30/42 FTs (.714).
Elmhurst didn't : 4/29 3FGs (.138), 21/53 2FGs (.396), 20/34 FTs (.588).
Shanyce Makuei was the only Bluejay in double figures, scoring 24 (shooting accurately, .528 eFG% and 5/6 FTs), adding 11 rebs in 22 min.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2023, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2023, 01:05:45 PM
I went to the Elmhurst game, won 93-74 by Alma College.
Elmhurst is now playing a high intensity style, with some "System" aspects such as full-court defensive pressure, taking open shots early in their possessions (although not as many threes as would a System team) and subbing 5 at a time on occasion.
New coach Jason Pruitt is giving playing time to much of his lengthy roster; I'm not sure if that's to see what he has to work with, or if it's the long-term plan. Most of his players are also newcomers, so it'll take a while for all of them to learn how to best contribute.
Stat keepers across the league better be ready for a busy time when the 'jays visit; last night there 58 fouls, 76 FT att, 142 FG att.

Not just the scorer, scoreboard operator, and live stats operator; us PBP folks are going to get a vocal workout as well if those numbers hold up for Elmhurst.

And, just my luck, the Elmhurst women are visiting the crackerbox on December 2 in between my induction speech and the EU @ NPU men's game to follow. I can tell that it's gonna be a hot-tea-and-honey day for ne,
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 16, 2023, 08:02:00 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 16, 2023, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 16, 2023, 01:05:45 PM
I went to the Elmhurst game, won 93-74 by Alma College.
Elmhurst is now playing a high intensity style, with some "System" aspects such as full-court defensive pressure, taking open shots early in their possessions (although not as many threes as would a System team) and subbing 5 at a time on occasion.
New coach Jason Pruitt is giving playing time to much of his lengthy roster; I'm not sure if that's to see what he has to work with, or if it's the long-term plan. Most of his players are also newcomers, so it'll take a while for all of them to learn how to best contribute.
Stat keepers across the league better be ready for a busy time when the 'jays visit; last night there 58 fouls, 76 FT att, 142 FG att.

Not just the scorer, scoreboard operator, and live stats operator; us PBP folks are going to get a vocal workout as well if those numbers hold up for Elmhurst.

And, just my luck, the Elmhurst women are visiting the crackerbox on December 2 in between my induction speech and the EU @ NPU men's game to follow. I can tell that it's gonna be a hot-tea-and-honey day for ne,

Over/under on number of times I use the phrase "Wholesale line change for the Blue Jays" on February 3rd: 35.5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 16, 2023, 09:54:16 PM
Just did a quick review of the play-by-play here
http://stats.ncaa.org/game/play_by_play/5570445
and counted 8 full (5 player) substitutions by Elmhurst, five in the 3rd Q and three in the 4th (not counting any subs at the beginning of a quarter).
Using telepathy, I ran this past iwu70 and he defined "on occasion" as "occurring exactly eight times in a game, give or take."
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on November 17, 2023, 10:12:40 AM
Last year at La Verne:
21 players played

15 played at least 50 total minutes
11 played at least 100 total minutes
9 played at least 200 total minutes

There was a pretty static starting 5

8 players averaged > 10 min per game
12 averaged > 7 min per game

So yeah, the rotation was pretty large last year for Pruitt too
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 17, 2023, 03:33:44 PM
Surely La Verne stats from last season may reveal some of Coach Pruitt's basketball philosophy.
One number that I wasn't expecting is that their opponents averaged 18 turnovers in La Verne's 27 games. The median team TO/game in D3 WBB last season was 17.3.
Perhaps they didn't fullcourt press a lot?
Another interesting team stat : they averaged 22.4 FT attempts per game, ranking 12th-13th in D3. Median team avg was 16.7.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 17, 2023, 05:10:57 PM
Quoting La Verne stats? Surely you can't be serious.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2023, 05:38:56 PM
RogK, sounds like chaos and confusion at the scorer's table to me.   (My telepathy is not functioning very well these days -- sorry).  :)

IWU has Puget Sound tonight over in Holland at the Hope Tip-Off Tournament -- playing at a local high school.

Tomorrow at Devos -- Hope or John Carroll, likely Hope. 

Two wins would be grand.   Hope at home will be tough.

What I'm seeing so far, this IWU team could be really good.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on November 17, 2023, 05:55:38 PM
I'm manifesting a scenario where Hope gets to play BOTH Puget and IWU this weekend, but alas, it will not come to fruition.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2023, 09:35:38 PM
IWU over Puget Sounds, in a close one, 78-77  (As I've said many times, get to 78, win the game).

For PS:

Gerhart 22
Reverman 18

For IWU:

Bardic 29  9-16, 4-8 from three, 7-11 FTs.   This woman can score.
Hurber 17 and 15  (with the Titans out-rebounded 51-42)
Powers 15
Palmer 12

IWU goes to 3-0 on the season, likely facing Hope tomorrow at DeVos.

Way to start the season, TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 17, 2023, 09:38:50 PM
Hope over John Carroll, easily, 94-56.

IWU vs. Hope at DeVos tomorrow.


'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2023, 04:03:20 PM
Final from River Forest:

North Park 70
Dominican 40

Hailey Lyczak: 22 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls
Aliyah Hershberger: 14 pts
Kathryn Keehn: 13 pts
Victoria Perry: 7 rebs, 4 stls
Caroline Long: 9 rebs
Brooke Panush: 8 rebs

Vikings get off the schneid and improve to 1-3. Their shooting from the field was nothing to write home about -- 33% FG and 28% trey -- but they dominated every aspect of the game, even shooting. Career highs for Lyczak, Hershberger, and Keehn today. This game doesn't really say much in the big picture, as Dominican is a terrible basketball team. But it's a great morale boost for the Vikings, as they get the monkey off of their backs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2023, 05:07:16 PM
The early scores:

Chicago 79, Carthage 62
MSOE 55, Elmhurst 47
Hope 80, Illinois Wesleyan 73
North Park 70, Dominican 40
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2023, 05:49:56 PM
IWU didn't play their best, yet still gave Hope a very good game.   IWU led at the half, but then their shooting percentage let them down.  Hope shooting it better, making more threes.

For Hope:

Bellows 20
Vis 12
Garner 11

Hope making 11-24 from three -- shooting 45%, 45% from three and 68% FTs

For IWU:

Huber 27 and 16
Powers 13
Bardic 12 and 8
Knutson 11

IWU only 6-25 from three.   Shooting 43%, 24% from three, and only 38% FTs.  IWU had their chances, but made only 1-7 FTs in the 4th quarter.

IWU should learn from this game -- giving a ranked opponent at home a good scare, a very competitive game, whilst not playing your best, surely not shooting it your best.  I'm sure Hope's defense was good.

Lauren Huber is just awesome. 

IWU now 3-1 . . .with another very tough game against the always huge UW Whitewater on Tuesday night, 6 p.m. at The Shirk.  A typical Mia Smith pre-CCIW schedule.   A line-up of good and ranked teams.

IWU needs more from Palmer and Sawyer White . . .  it will all come.  This is a good team, still a work in progress, but with a very high potential.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 18, 2023, 08:56:48 PM
NCC 75
St. Mary's 55

The Cardinals had some trouble hitting shots early, but played phenomenal defense and started to hit as the game went along to take their home opener without much of a fuss.

Kaeli Ford: 20 pts, 6 reb
Jocelyn Trotter: 13 pts, 13 reb
Kennedy Hartwig: 12 pts
Megan McClure: 5 pts, 12 reb

Athena Samson: 12 pts, 12 reb
Kate Restovich: 12 pts, 5 reb
Elle Deardorff: 11 pts
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2023, 09:21:43 PM
Millikin crushed DePauw in Greencastle, 86-53. Elyce Knudsen lit it up for 34 points, Bailey Coffman added 17, and Sophie Darden contributed a 14 and 12 double-double.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 18, 2023, 09:35:34 PM
Carroll fell on the road to UW-Whitewater, 78-64. Natalie Gricius led the Pios with 16, and she was joined in double figures by Lauren Soyke with 13 and Olivia Rangel with 10.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2023, 12:54:19 AM
Incidentally, in Elmhurst's loss to MSOE, the 'jays subbed 5 only 3 times, all in the final 2:03 of the game.
And the game featured a very modest total of 103 FG att and 26 FT att, compared to 142 and 76 in the Alma/EC game. The MSOE game did see 51 total fouls and a grim 51 turnovers.
So, I guess we're back to not having a clear understanding of what style the Bluejays may play later in the season.
I attended the North Central Saturday game, but don't have much to add to what lmitzel wrote. Cardinal freshman Jocelyn Trotter certainly looked like a very promising player.
Elle Sutter should be joining NCC WBB soon, I'd assume, with the soccer season ending.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 20, 2023, 04:21:20 PM
Congrats to Augustana's Kadence Tatum, CCIW Player of the Week!
https://cciw.org/news/2023/11/20/womens-basketball-cciw-selects-augies-tatum-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
in the above link, check out the details of her accomplishments
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2023, 12:03:12 AM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen and Lauren Huber for being named to D3hoops TEAM OF THE WEEK.   

Ms. Tatum did some really nice work, no doubt, but I think the CCIW Player of the Week should have been Knudsen or Huber.   Just say'n.  Look at the numbers and the level of competition as well. 

IWU plays UW Whitewater tomorrow night -- 6 p.m.   A TALL task always, Whitewater ranked #9 presently.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2023, 02:57:44 PM
Big slate of games this evening, as eight of the nine CCIW teams will be in action. Only Augustana is idle.

Carthage @ Aurora, 5 pm
North Central @ Benedictine, 5 pm
Wheaton @ Ripon, 5:30 pm
UW-Whitewater @ Illinois Wesleyan, 6 pm
Beloit @ North Park, 6 pm
Elmhurst @ Dominican, 7 pm
Millikin @ UW-Platteville, 7 pm

I love it, because it means that I will have plenty of out-of-town-scoreboard stuff to report during timeouts when I call tonight's BC @ NPU contest in the crackerbox.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 21, 2023, 04:00:49 PM
That's a grueling trip for North Central, from Naperville all the way to Lisle.
Perhaps they did half of it yesterday and got into a B&B for the night. Adjusting for the time zone, they could then continue with the final push eastward to the Benedictine campus.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2023, 09:22:36 PM
A great game at The Shirk tonight, the Titans coming up one basket short against #9 UW Whitewater.   IWU has given two top 25 teams now a real scare, but there's no virtue in a scare.  Close only in horseshoes right?   In this one, the Titans play extremely well, esp. in the first 3 Q, had a one point lead at half-time and led in this one almost 39 out of 40 minutes.  WW getting their first lead with about 1:20 to go.  Some pressure got to IWU and a few untimely TOs late, and three terrible calls against IWU -- clear clean blocks called as fouls.   Don't normally complain about the crews, but this one . . .  Nada.   

For WW:

Grundahl, a dominant game, 33 and 13, unstoppable in the low post.   
(IWU just overpowered at times down there as usual with WW)
Hildebrandt 12 and 10
Carollo 10 and 9

(You can get the idea, WW with 49 rebounds, IWU with 29).

WW shooting 40%, 19% from three, and 72% FTs.  WW shot 25 FTs, to IWU's 9

For IWU:  (A great effort, a fast start and very good tough defense, a great shooting % from the field.)

Bardic 23
Knutson, a break out game, 21 on 10-14 from the field
Huber, getting bashed in the post all evening, 18 and 8
Powers 12

IWU shooting 56%, 30% from three, and only 44% from the FT line, but only shooting 9 FTs

The final:  WW 82, IWU 80

IWU goes to 3-2, WW ranked #9 goes to 5-0.   Perhaps we'll see them again in March.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2023, 09:50:01 PM
Quote from: RogK on November 21, 2023, 04:00:49 PM
That's a grueling trip for North Central, from Naperville all the way to Lisle.
Perhaps they did half of it yesterday and got into a B&B for the night. Adjusting for the time zone, they could then continue with the final push eastward to the Benedictine campus.

The nice thing about it is that you don't need Siri to help you find your way. The two campuses are on the same street; the only snag is that the street changes name when it passes from Lisle to Naperville (or vice-versa, depending upon how you look at it).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 21, 2023, 09:52:51 PM
NCC 63
Benedictine 51

Down 3 at halftime, the Cardinals ended up doubling up the Eagles' output in the final 20 minutes and pulled away for a nice win. They ended up doing it without head coach Maggie McCloskey-Bax tonight (apparently tested positive for strep today and had to watch from home).

Biz Daly: 18 pts, 8 reb
Megan McClure: 11 pts, 5 reb
Grace Kieffer: 7 pts, 6 reb

Jordan Carlquist: 13 pts
Ryan Ogarek: 10 pts, 9 reb
Sophia Hardy: 9 pts, 5 reb

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2023, 10:03:31 PM
North Park 81
Beloit 63

Victoria Perry: 32 pts (6-7 trey)
Kathryn Keehn: 12 pts, 6 rebs, 6:2 a:to
Hailey Lyczak: 11 pts, 3 stls

The Vikings finally found their shooting mojo for the first time this season, as they used a 30-point third quarter to break away from the Buccaneers and establish a double-digit lead that they would sustain the rest of the way. The big story was Victoria Perry, who had a career-high scoring night tonight; it was an interesting evening for her, as we're used to her getting most of her points via the drive or pullups, but tonight she looked a lot more solid shooting from 24 feet away than she did when she got to the rim. Hailey Lyczak continues to show what great strides she's made in her game since she sat out last season with an injury, and Kathryn Keehn is beginning to find herself as a point guard.

The Park's shooting line tonight was an eye-popping .508/.474/.750. The best that they had done from the field prior to tonight was a .364 FG performance against Wisconsin Lutheran and .280 from distance against Lawrence. Whatever was making all of those shots fall, I wish that the Vikings could bottle it up and put it in storage.

Again, a comfortable win over a not-very-good opponent, but a nice confidence-builder for the Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2023, 10:09:49 PM
In a battle of unbeatens at Van Male, Carroll fought Chicago into overtime before succumbing to the Maroons, 74-68. The end of regulation must've been nerve-wracking, as both teams were stuck on 61 points for the final 2:14. The South Siders scored eight of the first nine points in the extra session, and then held off the Pios the rest of the way. Carroll was paced by Olivia Rangel, who had 24 points and five steals. Emilie Wizner was the only other Pioneer in double figures with 16, but CU got nice rebounding games from Allison Thompson (9) and Ryann Wendt (7).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 21, 2023, 10:32:20 PM
In other games:

* Aurora scored the game's final 11 points over the course of the last 2:10 to win a come-from-behind 83-75 triumph over Carthage in Thornton Gym out in the western 'burbs. Lauren Knight sparked Carthage in the losing cause with a great 24 and 8 performance that also featured a 5:1 floor game; Marianna Morrisey contributed 15 and Addison Ebeling 12 for the Firebirds.

* Wheaton broke up a nip-and-tuck affair at Ripon in which they, too, scored 11 unanswered points at the end of the game to prevail, 66-55, over the Red Hawks. Annika Richardson, Caroline Sikkink, and Annie Tate each scored 17 for Wheaton, while Kate Oliver chipped in a dozen off the bench; Sikkink had a double-double with 11 boards, while Richardson and Oliver each pulled down seven caroms.

* Millikin ousted UW-Platteville on Bo Ryan Court up in Lead City, 73-68. Elyce Knudsen had 23 for the Big Blue, while Bailey Coffman had a 17 and 10 double-double and Sophie Darden put in 13 points before fouling out.

* Elmhurst made it two straight CCIW teams that have curb-stomped Dominican on the Stars' home floor, as EU came away from Igini Sports Forum with a 90-42 laugher. The 'jays shot pretty crappy for a team that scored 90 points (.354/.186/.452), but that doesn't matter much when you double up your opponent in rebounds (72-36) and are the recipients of 33 turnovers by your opponent. Incidentally, the 72 team boards is a program record for Elmhurst, snapping the 40-year-old record of 70 set against the same opponent, back when it was known as Rosary College. Nice nights for EU's Tyreshia Sessions (14, plus six steals), Lindsay Novak (12), Shanyce Makuei (10 and 9), and Payton Schmidt (10), while Dielza Dalipi grabbed 8 rebounds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2023, 12:43:10 AM
Having attended the Elmhurst game, I can add Kristin Bukata to the list of Bluejays who did very well.
Her 8 assists (no turnovers) could have easily been 12 or 13, but some layups were clanked.
Elmhurst did make 26/53 2FGs, an acceptable pct.
Bukata made 4/5 2FGs and added 3 steals and 4 rebs. She's an energetic defender and fine ballhandler.
Another of Elmhurst's newcomers is also very good at simultaneous running and dribbling : 5'2" Rowan Cusack.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jester1390 on November 22, 2023, 11:13:54 AM
Rose Hulman  coming to play IWU this weekend after winning at Cal Tech but losing to a very bad Laverne team and st. marys naia team .  There is no doubt how this game will go but it will be fun to watch Baum vs Huber in the game.  Grace roland a 6'2 freshman comes in with 2 double doubles and only 1 rebound from having a double double in all 3 games.    Rose is feeling the lack of bench they have started out well in first half but have fallen apart in 2ndhalf.  Blowing a 16 pt lead against Laverne with 9 minutes to go and being heavily outscored by cal tech but managed to hold on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 22, 2023, 03:29:11 PM
Jester1390, check out (on a big screen, not a phone) the hot start for this newcomer to Illinois Wesleyan :
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=16500&org_id=300&stats_player_seq=2772087
RHIT will definitely need to give her significant defensive attention.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 22, 2023, 04:06:10 PM
Yes, Ava Bardic is the real deal, with a magnificent start in 5 games.  She handles the PG duties well and is a real scorer, as you can see from the first five game stats.   This gives the Titans even more weapons, added to the awesome Huber and to Mallory Powers also putting up improved numbers.  Caite Knutson had a great game last night too -- vs. very tough competition when the Titans hosted UW Whitewater at the Shirk.  She had 21 on 10-14 shooting.   In that game, for 38+ minutes, the Titans were the better team, only to get hit with a tough run at the end, with untimely TOs and some bad calls.  I felt for them as they really played well, played their hearts out for the upset against #9 WW.  I think the Titans will continue to improve, learn better how to handle pressure and how to finish close games, and get even more talent involved -- esp. Kate Palmer, Laura Mahlum and Sawyer White.   This is a very good team with lots of weapons.  WW just a bit better on the night, winning due to size, a huge margin in rebounding, and shooting many more FTs than the Titans.   WW surely a very high-quality D3 team.


IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 23, 2023, 05:12:47 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to all the CCIW chatsters here . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 24, 2023, 11:06:15 AM
IWU to the Midwest Challenge in Terre Haute, IN this Saturday/Sunday.  Playing Rose Hulman at 2 p.m. on Saturday, then winner/loser of the DePauw-Wash U game on Sunday.  Always a very strong tournament, in its 30th year this time, maybe a bit weaker this year.   I'm looking for IWU to win it this year.  Go TITANS!

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2023, 12:21:12 PM
Glad to see the Board back up . . .  :)

Two good wins for IWU in Indiana on the weekend, winning the Midwest Challenge tournament at Rose Hulman.

First Game:

IWU 79, RHU 65

For RHU:

Black 16
Baum 14
Gallegos-Rodriguez 14 and 10
Reese 10

For IWU:

Palmer -- a breakout game for her -- 17 and 6 assists
Huber 15 and 11 with 5 assists, 4 steals
White 13
Knutson 10 and 6
Bardic 9

IWU winning the rebounding line 43-38, forcing 29 TOs, with 21 steals

Still poor FT shooting.  Something that really needs to be cleaned-up.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2023, 12:29:18 PM
In the Midwest Challenge Championship game:

IWU 87, Wash U 80 in OT

A very tight, competitive game.

For Wash U:

McBeth 20
Harris 19
Goodwin 11

Wash U shooting 52%, 24% from three, 84 % FT

For IWU:

Bardic 27
Powers -- a breakout game for her -- 20 and 12, with key FTs in the OT
Huber 16 and 8
Palmer 10

IWU winning the steals line 9-5 and the TO line 26-16.  IWU shooting 42%, 29% from three, and 53% FTs.

Again, rather poor FT shooting at 53%, saved with good FT shooting late in the game by Powers and Bardic, when it counted most.

IWU winning the OT period 11-4.

Good wins for the Titans.   Bardic named tournament MVP and Powers on the All-tournament team.  You know you've had a good weekend when Huber plays her normal solid game with scoring and rebounding and she's not named to the All-tournament team.  Just say'n.

IWU now 5-2, heading into CCIW play this Wednesday hosting Elmhurst at The Shirk.

Way to go TITANS!  Congratulations on the tournament Championship.  :)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 27, 2023, 05:27:30 PM
Congrats to the new CCIW Player of the Week, Olivia Rangel !
https://cciw.org/news/2023/11/27/womens-basketball-cciw-selects-rangel-as-womens-hoops-student-athlete-of-the-week.aspx
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2023, 10:25:30 PM
Congrats to Ms. Rangel.  Great week for her. 

First D3 poll out with games from this year.

Millikin at #16.  Wheaton and IWU in ORV -- WC at #26, IWU about #29 or so.  Maybe Carroll the sleeper. 

Looks like a strong year for CCIW women's hoops, a strong conference race.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 29, 2023, 11:50:51 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 27, 2023, 10:25:30 PM
Congrats to Ms. Rangel.  Great week for her. 

First D3 poll out with games from this year.

Millikin at #16.  Wheaton and IWU in ORV -- WC at #26, IWU about #29 or so.  Maybe Carroll the sleeper. 

Looks like a strong year for CCIW women's hoops, a strong conference race.

IWU'70

It's hard to say whether Wheaton deserves votes or not.  It's fairly typical for them to be 5-0 or 6-1 in November. So we won't get over-excited about a 5-0 start against teams with a collective 6 wins.  The Thunder are clearly better than last year but so is the league.  Getting some early confidence can only help.  They'll be tested tonight at Tarble for the first time this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2023, 04:25:17 PM
GoPerry, agree with you on early WC games, poor SOS etc., but I think Wheaton is pretty good this year.   Maybe being at #26th at this point is about right.   Everyone will be chasing Millikin.   They have so much back . . . and always Ms. Knudsen.   

IWU should win easily tonight vs. Elmhurst -- then an important, difficult test vs. Carroll where the Titans have really struggled in recent years.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 29, 2023, 04:51:15 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 29, 2023, 11:50:51 AMIt's hard to say whether Wheaton deserves votes or not.  It's fairly typical for them to be 5-0 or 6-1 in November. So we won't get over-excited about a 5-0 start against teams with a collective 6 wins.  The Thunder are clearly better than last year but so is the league.  Getting some early confidence can only help.  They'll be tested tonight at Tarble for the first time this season.

This early in the season, I think that the only thing that D3hoops.com poll votes matter more than is Massey ... which isn't saying much.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 29, 2023, 10:35:23 PM
Well, the way Wheaton played tonight, they don't deserve the ORV votes.

Seems IWU still does.  Big win over Elmhurst tonight 101-71.  It was a run-up-and-down, track meet kind of game, with IWU often beating the EU pressure, with good decision-making, over the top passes and many easy layups.

For EU:

Bukata 19
Makuie 11

EU at 36%, 14% from three, 56% FTs  to go with 22 TOs and only 8 assists

For IWU:

Knutson 16 and 10
Huber 15 and 7
Powers 13 and 8
White 11
Sarah Balli with a breakout game, more minutes, the new Titan tonight in this role -- 18 points.

Bardic only 7 points in 9 minutes, as she was clobbered in the lane by a driving EU player about halfway through the first Q, went down badly in what looks to be a strained knee.  Let's really hope nothing worse.  She did not return and was on one crutch sitting on the bench the rest of the game.   If she is out for extended time, this would be a tremendously bad blow for the Titans.  She's been playing super well and is the leading IWU scorer so far through 8 games. 

The Titans only had 15 TOs, also 11 steals and a robust 25 assists.  Very good team play, ball movement to beat EU's pressure, often throwing it over the top for easy baskets.  The Titans basically matched Elmhurst's up tempo play and beat them at their own game. 

Rebounds tied at 48-48.

EU had a new five in about every 4-5 minutes.  So, if you want to play this up-and-down style vs. the Titans, you will probably lose bigtime.   Mallory Powers at full strength makes a tremendous difference to the IWU line-up.   Knutson with another strong game tonight.  Sawyer White did an excellent job at PG after Bardic went out with the injury.

Titans now at 6-2, 1-0.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 29, 2023, 11:15:13 PM
I was fairly pleased at halftime of the men's game at the hangar to see the Cardinals were only down 35-32 at halftime up in Waukesha... then the second half happened.

Carroll 92
NCC 62

Jocelyn Trotter: 13 pts, 6 reb
Grace Keiffer: 9 pts
Megan Duffy: 9 pts, 4 ast
Lexie Hernandez: 9 pts
Megan McClure: 6 pts, 5 reb, 6 stl

Natalie Gricius: 18 pts
Emilie Wizner: 15 pts
Olivia Rangel: 14 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast
Lauren Soyke: 7 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast

The Pioneers finished the night with shooting splits of 58/70/100; the Cardinals for their part had 38/33/83. 46-22 advantage in the paint for Carroll, and 17-4 on second chances.

The Cardinals will try to rebound at Wheaton on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on November 30, 2023, 12:04:59 AM
And I was fairly pleased at the midway point of the first half of the men's game at the crackerbox to see the Vikings up 21-20 at the end of the first quarter down yonder at Ratner. Then the rest of the game happened.

Chicago 90
North Park 57

Moral of the story: Chicago is undefeated and #12 in the nation for a reason.

Victoria Perry had 25 points on 8-13 FG shooting, 4-7 from long distance, and 5-7 from the line, as well as 6 rebounds.

The rest of her team had 32 points on 10-44 FG shooting, 5-17 from long distance, and ... well, at least 7-8 from the line is a good percentage, if not especially proficient in terms of volume. Oh, and the rest of the team had 22 boards between them. The Maroons had 41 by comparison.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on November 30, 2023, 12:17:04 PM
I was not at all pleased to see this final from Tarble . . .

Carthage 77 
Wheaton 37

I didn't see the game and I'm not finding the live stream recording today.  In any case, I had to do a double take at this beat down of a 40 point margin.  Looking at the stats, it's obvious that the Thunder had a horrid shooting night – 12/54 from the field for 22.2%.  They did attempt 21 threes (made 5) which isn't an extraordinary amount.  What was truly shocking was being outrebounded 55-20 and -10 on the offensive glass.  It's the sort of stat line that might make more sense if a team were missing 3 starters due to illness or something.  But not the case here which is why I'd like to watch the game. 

If there were no extraordinary circumstances and the team was on a 5-0 sugar high and just wasn't ready to play, then that is embarrassing and something they need to rectify right quick.  Getting utterly destroyed might give Coach Madsen some ammo to introduce some reality.  As I said before, their 5 wins were certainly not against world beaters.  But Wheaton is not this bad even against a very good team like Carthage whose only 2 losses came to undefeated teams (#12 Chicago and Aurora).

By the way, I loved the post-game comments by Firebird coach Megan Jones (which did get uploaded to YouTube).  I think Carthage has a good one there.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2023, 02:00:53 PM
GoPerry, it is a shocking beat down -- I still think WC is a pretty good team when they play their game and focus on what is at hand.   

IWU had a good start against EU, which is not that good a team, but with some nice pace and speed.  IWU just has as much, if not more.  Sarah Balli had a breakout game for the Titans, scoring 18 off of all the running up and down.   

We'll know more soon about Ava Bardic's injury.   She's being evaluated today.   It would be a huge loss for the TITANS should she be out for an extended period.   Let's hope it is not too serious.

IWU has a big game hosting Carroll this Saturday. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 01, 2023, 11:59:24 AM
Quote from: GoPerry on November 30, 2023, 12:17:04 PM
I was not at all pleased to see this final from Tarble . . .

Carthage 77 
Wheaton 37

I didn't see the game and I'm not finding the live stream recording today.  In any case, I had to do a double take at this beat down of a 40 point margin.  Looking at the stats, it's obvious that the Thunder had a horrid shooting night – 12/54 from the field for 22.2%.  They did attempt 21 threes (made 5) which isn't an extraordinary amount.  What was truly shocking was being outrebounded 55-20 and -10 on the offensive glass.  It's the sort of stat line that might make more sense if a team were missing 3 starters due to illness or something.  But not the case here which is why I'd like to watch the game. 

If there were no extraordinary circumstances and the team was on a 5-0 sugar high and just wasn't ready to play, then that is embarrassing and something they need to rectify right quick.  Getting utterly destroyed might give Coach Madsen some ammo to introduce some reality.  As I said before, their 5 wins were certainly not against world beaters.  But Wheaton is not this bad even against a very good team like Carthage whose only 2 losses came to undefeated teams (#12 Chicago and Aurora).

Yeah, that result is an absolute head-scratcher. Carthage shot well, but hardly out-of-this-world well, and the Firebirds turned it over more than did Wheaton (18-13). The mystifying stuff is what happened close to the basket -- the bizarrely lopsided rebounding totals you cited and the 44-14 advantage in points in the paint for the hosts. Granting that there's no real size advantage for either team, the only explanation for the rebounding totals is that the Firebirds must've put a lot more effort into the boards than did WC. But I can't come up with any explanation at all as to how a team that has both Caroline Sikkink and Annie Tate in the starting lineup only scores 14 points in the paint while giving up 44.

According to the CCIW WBB Notebook, it was Carthage's largest margin of victory ever in the CC vs. WC series, a span of 90 games since 1984.

In the Wednesday game that didn't get mentioned yet, #16 Millikin rolled past Augustana, 85-48, at the Griz to stay undefeated. Elyce Knudsen continued to make her case for D3hoops.com Player of the Year with an absurdly efficient 36 points on 14-18 shooting from the field, including 6-9 from beyond the arc, while hitting both of her FT attempts. As if that wasn't enough, she also had 8 rebounds and 3 steals, along with 5 assists (the latter nullified to a degree by her 4 turnovers, the only chink in her armor for the night). Bailey Coffman continues to perfect the 20-foot layup, going 4-6 from downtown en route to 14 points, and Sophie Darden had a 13 and 10 double-double. Also of note is Rachel Holthaus producing 4 steals off the bench. Augie was paced by Macy Beinborn's 11 and 10, and Corey Whitlock grabbed 6 rebounds. Kadence Tatum pilfered the ball to the tune of 4 steals, but her much-ballyhooed floor play was not in evidence; she did have 4 assists, but it was more than erased by 7 turnovers, as Augie as a whole coughed up the rock 30 times (18 of them courtesy of Big Blue steals).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 02, 2023, 07:11:30 PM
Elmhurst 75
North Park 60

Victoria Perry: 17 pts, 8 rebs
Kathryn Keehn: 13 pts
Caroline Long: 10 pts, 6 rebs
Hailey Lyczak: 5 stls

Utah Makuei: 20 pts, 6 rebs
Kristin Bukata: 17 pts (7-9 FG)
Anna Kleszynski: 15 pts
Nariya Smith: 12 pts

The Bluejays clobbered the Vikings on the boards, and that was really the key to this game. I'm impressed by what Jason Pruitt has done thus far in his first season at the helm for EU. He's brought in a ton of productive newbies, he's getting the most out of the returnees, and his running, halfcourt-trap style is speeding up teams like NPU that don't play well speeded up. He still needs to upgrade his talent a bit, but he's on the road to making Elmhurst a contender in the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 02, 2023, 08:46:06 PM
Wheaton 70
North Central 63

Caroline Sikkink  25pts, 10 rebs , 8 TOs
Annie Tate    20 pts, 14 reb

Megan Duffy 19 pts
Grace Kieffer 17 pts
Jocelyn Trotter  15 pts

Despite doing everything possible to lose this game, including 8 ugly turnovers in the 4th Q (and 23 for the game), Wheaton pulled it out in the end.   The Thunder had a comfortable lead thru 32 mins but some very poor play allowed the Cardinals back in where they cut the lead to 1 with a minute left.   Credit to NCC for fighting to the end.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2023, 04:31:22 PM
Augustana topped Carthage 72-51, thanks to a 46-24 2nd half.
Cali Papez (10 rebs) and Corey Whitlock each tallied 15 for Augie. Macy Beinborn had 3 steals, 6 assists, 9 rebs and 13 pts.
Grace Cord led Carthage with 17 pts and 7 rebs.
Incidentally, Papez is now at .676 2FG shooting for the season and has an impressive 48 rebounds in 131 minutes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2023, 04:47:20 PM
IWU defeated Carroll 65-59.
A nice performance by Sawyer White including 8 steals, 8 assists and 15 pts. The Titans also got 16 pts from Kate Palmer and 14 from Caite Knutson, while Mallory Powers led with 10 rebs.
IWU was without Ava Bardic and Lauren Huber.
Carroll got 19 pts from Emilie Wizner (excellent shooting = she missed only 4 shots) and 13 from Natalie Gricius.
IWU limited Olivia Rangel to 2 pts in over 33 minutes. I think the rest of the CCIW will be interested in just how the heck do you do that. She came into the game averaging 18.9.
addendum - - this summary says Kate Palmer played great defense on Rangel :
https://www.iwusports.com/news/2023/12/2/womens-basketball-womens-hoops-bests-carroll-in-defensive-battle.aspx
-
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 03, 2023, 06:03:31 PM
Our Gregory Sager was indeed installed into the North Park Hall of Fame yesterday. Congrats again to Greg!
Visiting hours are Tuesdays 1-4pm and Fridays 7-9am. If any of you go to visit him there, I'm sure he'd appreciate some chocolate-covered pistachios or almonds. Use your own judgment regarding beverages.
Years before arriving at North Park, Greg was a child progeny.
He is now well-known for broadcasting a variety of sports with ease. But he is also well-versed in a vast quantity of other subjects.
For example, he taught me everything I know about agriculture in Tajikistan.
And, when I thought Denzel Washington was a suburb of Seattle, Greg was quick to correct me.
One reason for Greg's long success at North Park is that about 20 years ago, I was able to discourage him from moving to far north suburban Fox Lake. He was planning to open a business called Fox Lake Fake Locks.
No more than a month after that, I successfully dissuaded him from leaving town to start an international lobbying group for the purpose of changing the spelling of "lisp" to "lithp."
We are glad he opted to stay with North Park.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 04, 2023, 07:26:35 PM
Elyce Knudsen is the new CCIW Player of the Week for her superb play in Millikin's win over Augie.
She made 6/9 3FGs, 8/9 2FGs and 2/2 FT for 36 pts in 30 min. Also had 3 steals, 5 assists and 8 rebs.
Congrats to her!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 06, 2023, 09:43:24 PM
IWU 74
Wheaton 49

14 1st half turnovers by the Thunder took them out of the game in the first 20 mins.  Pretty embarassing for the home fans.  The Titan press was unleashed on a team who hates taking care of the ball - disaster recipe.

Annie Tate with 18 pts, 6 rebs but no support.

IWU playing without Lauren Huber who seems to be injured.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 06, 2023, 10:48:28 PM
NCC 53
Carthage 46

North Central never trailed tonight, using an early 8-0 run to take control of the game. While the Firebirds tied it at one point in the third, the Cardinals forged back ahead by the end of the frame and were able to close it out in the fourth.

Jocelyn Trotter: 17 pts, 5 reb
Megan McClure: 9 pts, 9 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 7 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl
Grace Keiffer: 4 stl

Marianna Morrissey: 15 pts, 12 reb
Lauren Knight: 14 pts, 6 reb
Grace Cord: 9 pts, 7 reb
Addison Ebeling: 10 reb

Elle Sutter made her return to action tonight on a pitch count; she had 2 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes.

On a night where no one knew how media timeouts worked (we took one early in the third off a Carthage timeout by rule, then took another on an NCC one in the fourth for some reason, then didn't do the under 5 timeout) and we had an inadvertent whistle in the final minute when Maggie McCloskey-Bax told the official by the bench that she wanted a timeout off a Carthage free throw, which was attempted to be granted even though neither team technically had possession, but they apparently ruled that the Firebirds did and gave them the ball underneath... only for this to be compounded by a jump ball a few seconds later (Carthage had the arrow, which prompted more confusion).

Truly... this was one of the games of all time.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 06, 2023, 11:14:00 PM
Also, I am officially starting the campaign for Jocelyn Trotter for CCIW Newcomer of the Year.

Through 9 games so far this season: 8.6 PPG (56/38/40 splits), 6.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG

Just in 3 CCIW games: 15.0 PPG (78/100/50), 5.3 RPG, 2 SPG

Talking with Maggie McCloskey-Bax postgame... we don't know what her ceiling is yet, but we're watching a special player blossom before our eyes.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 06, 2023, 11:38:03 PM
Carroll 77
North Park 51

Aliyah Hershberger: 17 pts

Emilie Wizner: 21 pts (4-4 trey)
Natalie Gricius: 13 pts
Lauren Soyke: 12 pts
Olivia Rangel: 10 pts, 13 rebs
Natalie Palzkill: 6 rebs, 5 stls

You'd never know it by looking at the final score, but North Park led for all but 47 seconds in the first half; the first 00:16 of the first quarter and the last 00:31 of the second quarter marked the only time allotments in which NPU did not have the better of it. But that was in large part because Carroll appeared to be shooting the ball while wearing blindfolds, as the Pioneers were doing everything else right -- they were dominating the boards, their press was forcing turnovers, and Natalie Palzkill was totally blanketing the best offensive weapon the Vikings have, Victoria Perry. The Vikings actually led by nine with 2:35 to go in the half, 25-16, basically because they could put the ball in the net every now and then and Carroll simply couldn't.

But that state of affairs couldn't last forever. The Pioneers erupted for a 13-2 run in that final 2:35 to go into the locker room up by two, in what in retrospect was a perfect foreshadowing of the third quarter. Stripped of their blindfolds, the Pioneers shot an absurd 13-19 (.684) from the field in the third stanza while continuing to grab all of the rebounds at both ends of the floor and forcing turnover after turnover with their press. It was a 33-10 quarter, and that was all she wrote.

The lone bright spot was freshman guard Aliyah Hershberger, who got her 17 points on 7-9 shooting from the field to set a new high for her young career.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 07, 2023, 08:03:21 PM
GoPerry, did you see Lauren Huber at Wheaton? If so, did you determine if her injury may be leg/foot, arm/hand?
Hopefully she can return to action soon. I rate her as the 2nd best player in the CCIW (Elyce Knudsen #1 of course).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on December 08, 2023, 10:20:15 AM
I heard she was in a walking boot.    No inside information from me--so zero clue about the severity.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 08, 2023, 05:50:38 PM
        conf W-L    nonconf W-L
AUG    1-1              4-3
CRL     2-1              4-2
CTG    1-2              4-2
ELM    1-2              3-2
IWU    3-0              5-2
MIL     2-0              6-0
NCC    1-2              3-3
NPU    0-2              2-4
WHE    1-2             5-0
                            36-18
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 08, 2023, 06:14:13 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 07, 2023, 08:03:21 PM
GoPerry, did you see Lauren Huber at Wheaton? If so, did you determine if her injury may be leg/foot, arm/hand?
Hopefully she can return to action soon. I rate her as the 2nd best player in the CCIW (Elyce Knudsen #1 of course).

RogK - I did not attend the game.  But I immediately noticed on the livestream that she wasn't on the floor and wondered why.  Some time during the 1q, the student announcers confirmed that she was not playing due to injury but they gave no details.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 09, 2023, 05:14:04 PM
Carroll hands #9 Millikin its first loss of the season, taking down the Big Blue in overtime, 101-98, at Van Male. Exciting game, and, apart from a brief hiccup late in the fourth quarter in which the two teams exchanged two straight sets of unforced turnovers, a really well-played game, too. Elyce Knudsen was as dominant as always, but she did not come up roses in the endgame situations; she missed a free throw with fourteen seconds left in regulation -- only her second FT miss of the entire season -- that would've put the Big Blue up by two possessions, she missed a big layup attempt in the final minute, and her attempt to send the game into a second OT with an admittedly difficult 26-foot leaner with two seconds left hit the front of the rim and bounced out. Clutch three-point shooting by the Pioneers late in the fourth quarter and into overtime spelled the difference, and it was made especially impressive by the fact that two Pios starters (Lauren Soyke and Natalie Gricius) fouled out of the game early in OT.

Olivia Rangel set a new career high with 30 points to lead the Pios (11-16 from the field, a perfect 8-8 from the stripe), while Gricius had 21 before departing and Emilie Wizner continued showing her hot hand from downtown, as her 18 points featured a 4-5 performance from beyond the arc, a couple of those treys coming late in regulation. Chloe Halverson led the Pios in boards with 7. Knudsen finished the day with 32 points, including 5-10 from distance. Bailey Coffman added 22, Sophie Darden contributed 17, and Matayia Tellis hit double figures as well with 16 in the losing cause.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 09, 2023, 05:19:48 PM
By contrast, it was never a game at Faganel, as visiting Carthage led 45-17 at the half and romped to an 80-56 win over Elmhurst. Lauren Knight led the way for the Firebirds with 25 and 10, while Marianna Morrissey had 19 and 7. Elmhurst was paced by Shanyce "Utah" Makuei with 21 and 7, and Kristin Bukata had 12, while M.C. Brown also grabbed seven boards for Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 09, 2023, 05:42:02 PM
UW Whitewater  73
Wheaton 45

Annie Tate had 17 and 6 with 3 steals for Wheaton in the losing cause.  Whitewater is simply more talented overall than the Thunder.  Wheaton was never really in it.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 09, 2023, 07:42:48 PM
Augustana 66
North Park 34

Victoria Perry: 17 pts, 11 rebs

Cali Papez: 17 pts, 12 rebs
Emma Berg: 13 pts
Corey Whitlock: 12 pts, 10 rebs
Kylee Devore: 10 pts
Cadence Tatum: 10:3 a:to
Ashley Lang: 4 stls
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 10, 2023, 12:00:18 AM
IWU 68
NCC 61 (OT)

This one hurt a bit. The Titans led by 15 at the break and by 11 still after the third, but the Cardinals fought back to tie the game with 70 seconds to play. Unfortunately NCC ran out of gas in the extra session and only managed a single point in the extra stanza.

Mallory Powers: 20 pts, 10 reb, 6 stl
Caite Knutson: 13 pts, 6 reb
Kate Palmer: 11 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast
Sawyer White: 6 pts, 5 reb, 7 stl

Megan McClure: 19 pts, 7 reb
Jocelyn Trotter: 14 pts, 11 reb
Megan Duffy: 10 pts
Elle Sutter: 7 pts, 13 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 10, 2023, 05:57:13 PM
Yesterday's was the fourth Elmhurst game I've attended this season and the fun that the players were having in November is pretty much gone. Many played tentatively, particularly in the 1st half, seeming concerned that a mistake will quickly land them on the bench.
It was my first look at Carthage. Marianna Morrissey showed superb athleticism, blocking 5 shots, grabbing 6 steals plus 9 rebounds, while scoring 18 via nice shooting (.500 eFG% and .800 FT%). Marianna's teammates put forth a similarly productive effort, each helping the cause.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2023, 05:33:53 PM
Congrats to Olivia Rangel, CCIW Player of the Week!
https://cciw.org/news/2023/12/11/womens-basketball-carrolls-rangel-seizes-second-cciw-weekly-award.aspx
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 13, 2023, 11:23:48 AM
Up-to-date NCAA stats show Millikin's Bailey Coffman #1 nationally with a .618 3FG% :
http://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/ranking_summary?academic_year=2024&division=3&org_id=121&ranking_period=23&sport_code=WBB
That's rather acceptable isn't it, the equivalent of .926 2FG shooting (63 pts via 34 attempts).
Millikin is on top in team 3FG shooting at .426. Other than Coffman's 21-for-34, the rest of the Big Blue has made 57/149 3FGs for a very good .382.
Millikin's Elyce Knudsen is the top scorer nationally at 27.9 per game.
Augie's Kadence Tatum is #1 nationally with 77 total assists and 7.7 per game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 16, 2023, 12:42:23 PM
I attended Wheaton's 59-49 victory over Concordia Wisconsin.
Wheaton got out to a 16-2 lead, from which CUW slowly recovered.
With 2:04 left in the 4th Q, the game was knotted at 47. Lily Schwen then put Wheaton up 50-47 with a 3. Annika Richardson followed that with another 3 to make it 53-47.
Wheaton ultimately outscored Concordia Wisconsin 12-2 after it was 47-47, so one could say the Thunder started and finished the game strong. The part in between was not dazzling.
Erin Viergutz did very well for CUW, scoring 20 and grabbing 17 rebs in 28 min.
Caroline Sikkink didn't suit up for Wheaton, although she looked fine to me, walking around with no injury evident. We'll see if she returns to action on their California trip.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 16, 2023, 07:08:42 PM
NCC 72
Edgewood 53

This was a tight game for most of it, especially in the first half as the Cardinals only took a two point lead to the locker room. But the margin was 8 after three, and the defense really clamped down in the final 20 minutes to deliver a victory.

Jocelyn Trotter: 25 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast
Megan McClure: 20 pts, 4 reb
Elle Sutter: 4 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast, 2 blk, 3 stl

Vivian Guerrero: 25 pts, 16 reb, 4 stl
Kenzie Senffner: 9 pts
Grace Vesperman: 4 pts, 5 ast
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2023, 12:28:36 PM
Marianna Morrissey scored 32 of Carthage's 60 pts in their 10 point win over St Norbert.
She made 2/3 3FGs, 12/16 2FGs and 2/4 FTs, also grabbing 4 steals and 8 rebs. Addison Ebeling led the team with 9 rebs in 23:00.
Also on Saturday, Elmhurst was defeated 82-74 by host Rose-Hulman. Grace Roland excelled for RHIT, with 10 rebs and 32 pts, missing a total of only 5 shots.
Kristin Bukata had a nice game for EU : 16 pts, 9 rebs, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2023, 01:08:59 PM
I attended yesterday's Elmhurst win, 73-59 over Lawrence. It was an entertaining game, although sloppy on occasion. 26 turnovers by Lawrence and 25 by Elmhurst. Defensive energy caused many of those turnovers, but not all.
It could have been a higher scoring game for another reason, if Lawrence had tried to score quickly after getting through the Elmhurst press. They did so basically only in the last 4 minutes of the game.
Lawrence's Mallory Meyer topped all scorers with 22, while teammate Sophie Morey led the Vikings with 9 rebs, adding 10 pts.
The Bluejays had 4 players tally 11 or more :
Shanyce Makuei 20 pts, 11 rebs, 6 assists, 4 steals (and 9 turnovers -- almost a triple double but not the sort one would brag about completely, just most of it!)  :)
Nariyah Smith 15 pts
Tyreshia Sessions 11 pts and 5 steals (nice work by her)
Lindsay Novak 12 pts in about 14 minutes via 4/7 3FGs (I thought she made a 5th three, a while after I saw her listed with 12 pts on the scoreboard, but evidently I mis-remembered).
The other 'jays contributed to the win as well.
Elmhurst played with a good amount of enthusiasm (even joyfully at times), which I had noted regarding them in November.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2023, 02:39:19 PM
I also went to IWU's 73-63 win at U of Chicago. A hard-fought game between two very athletic rosters.
Lauren Huber was there; her injured foot is still recovering -- I heard she likely will be playing in January, which would be excellent news for the already-strong Titans.
This game was my first seeing IWU's Ava Bardic, who led all with 24 pts. She is talented and quite agile.
Caite Knutson scored a very efficient 21 (6/10 2FG, 9/11 FT).
Shooting was a bit off for both teams, but intense defense on both sides should be credited.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2023, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 18, 2023, 02:39:19 PM
I also went to IWU's 73-63 win at U of Chicago. A hard-fought game between two very athletic rosters.

I saw you on the livestream. You looked like you had the world by the tail, lounging there all alone in the west-end bleachers.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
It is expensive to buy a whole section of seating like that, but I like to be surrounded by my peers. (no urination jokes please!)
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 18, 2023, 07:24:00 PM
Congrats to Marianna Morrissey, new CCIW Player of the Week!
https://cciw.org/news/2023/12/18/womens-basketball-carthages-morrissey-nets-weekly-cciw-womens-hoops-award.aspx
= =
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 18, 2023, 10:03:09 PM
Quote from: RogK on December 18, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
It is expensive to buy a whole section of seating like that, but I like to be surrounded by my peers. (no urination jokes please!)

It was nice of you to buy up that section and thus pitch in to help. We all know how badly the U of C needs the money. :D
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 19, 2023, 02:34:22 PM
Their endowments are so large, I hear they need a staff of 13 or 14 full-time employees just to shred annoying small currency, like fives, tens and twenties.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2023, 09:46:24 PM
Gallaudet 64
North Park 59

Victoria Perry: 19 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls
Caroline Long: 18 pts, 13 rebs
Lauren McKnight: 8 rebs

The Vikings died the death of a thousand cuts in Gallatin, TN this evening in the opening round of the Music City Classic. Although their shooting from the field was abysmal yet again (22-68, .324 FG and 3-20 .150 trey), they played such solid defense (for the most part) and dominated the boards so completely (53-40, including 19-12 on the offensive glass) that they gave themselves a chance to win. But they simply gave away the ball too many times -- 23 turnovers, almost half of which were unforced -- to earn the W, with several of the most egregious turnovers coming in crunch time.

The Vikings did show great moxie in coming back from sizeable deficits on more than one occasion, including an eight-point run to start the fourth quarter that gave them their only lead of the game at 51-50. But even if you miss more than two-thirds of the shots you take, you miss all of the shots you didn't take because you lost the ball before you could get a shot off. And that's tonight's lesson: Protect the ball better.

Great night for freshman center Caroline Long, who set new career highs in both points and rebounds in registering her first-ever collegiate double-double. The Vikings invariably did better on pretty much every possession in which she got a touch in the paint.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 19, 2023, 10:02:14 PM
The CCIW split a pair at the Hope tournament. Millikin crushed Alma in the opener, 94-67, behind a 28-point performance from Elyce Knudsen in which she also registered a sparkling 6:0 ratio and swatted five blocks. Other Big Blue players who made an impact were Bailey Coffman (14 and 9), Sophie Darden (12 and 10), and Christina Rice (10). However, Hope turned the tables on the CCIW in the nightcap by thumping Augustana to the tune of 83-64. Augie was led by Macy Beinborn, who scored 16, and by really nice all-around games from Cali Papez (11 and 10) and Cadence Tatum (11 and 8, with an outstanding 9:2 ratio).

Elsewhere, Carthage smoked Edgewood, 85-48, up in Mad City. The Firebirds were paced by Lauren Knight, who had 16. She was joined in double figures by Addison Ebeling (13 and 10), reigning CCIW POW Marianna Morrissey (12 and a 5:2 ratio), and Grace Wamser (11). In addition to Morrissey, Emma Thistle and Margueret Spear also had great floor games (5:1 and 4:0, respectively), as the Firebirds dished out 25 dimes while only turning over the ball ten times. Carthage shooters certainly found the Edgedome to their liking, as the team logged a .500/.379/.889 shooting line as a whole.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2023, 11:13:04 PM
Roanoke 61
North Park 57

Victoria Perry: 24 pts, 3 stls
Caroline Long: 14 rebs
Kathryn Keehn: 8 rebs

The Vikings played a solid game tonight against a fairly decent Maroons squad. They ran their offense well, took better care of the ball, and shot better. The problem was really one of size; Roanoke's superior size made it difficult for the Vikings to score around the rim, and the rebounding, which went in NPU's favor last night, flip-flopped heavily in favor of their opponent.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on December 20, 2023, 11:36:24 PM
Carroll smushed St. Norbert at Van Male, 86-49, behind .544 shooting from the field and a gargantuan 48-26 rebounding advantage. Olivia Rangel had 21 and 8, Natalie Gricius had 19 and 7, and Emilie Wizner added 11 and a nice floor game of 4:0. Allison Thompson had eight boards, while Chloe Halvorson grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists without a turnover.

Augustana won the consolation game at the tournament in Holland, topping Alma by a score of 60-52. Macy Beinborn led the way with 23 and 9, while Corey Whitlock scored a dozen and Emma Berg added 10 off the bench. Cali Papez secured 10 caroms in the winning cause. The big game of the night was the championship game of that tourney, which host Hope won at Millikin's expense, 77-69, in the process handing the Big Blue their first non-con loss of the season and second loss overall. Sophie Darden led the way in the losing effort with 22 and 11, while Elyce Knudsen had a hard-earned 19 points and Bailey Coffman added 12.

Finally, Elmhurst buried Alverno, 81-56, a contest in which the Bluejays somehow managed to take 100 field-goal attempts, 41 of which came from behind the arc. They didn't shoot them well (32% FG, 22% trey), but that's OK; they outrebounded the 'vern by 68-44 (!) and were the recipients of 34 'vern turnovers, 28 of which came by way of EU steals. Lindsay Novak scored 17 off the bench, Nariyah Smith had 13 and 7, Tyreshia Sessions had 10 and 9, and Kristen Lopez scored 10 as well. Shanyce "Utah" Makuei grabbed eight boards and five steals, and Payton Schmidt had four steals to boot, while sneaky-good PG Kristen Bukata posted an 8:1 ratio.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2024, 10:57:28 PM
WE BACK.

Pro tip: don't go 2-16 from the field in a quarter. You're gonna have a bad time.

And yet despite that, North Central fought back right as I was walking into the hangar this evening, took a late one point lead, but Emma Berg hit a backbreaking corner three late in the shot clock with 11 seconds left to lead Augie to a 66-63 upset.

Linnea Johansson: 22 pts, 14 reb
Corey Whitlock: 13 pts, 8 reb
Macy Beinborn: 9 pts, 8 reb

Jocelyn Trotter: 15 pts, 11 reb, 4 stl
Elle Sutter: 13 pts, 5 stl
Megan McClure: 8 pts, 4 stl

Super proud of this Cardinal team. For a group picked to finish dead last before the season, to win 12 games (including one against a ranked Millikin team) and get a home tournament game is a success. They will be back.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on February 22, 2024, 01:36:57 PM
Here is a Q-cast with Elyce Knudsen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2B6iX0Eego
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Riley Zayas on February 22, 2024, 05:23:13 PM
Great work as always, Bob! Elyce continues to be very impressive in her on-court accomplishments as well as her stellar achievements in the classroom. Such an outstanding player on both ends of the floor for Millikin. And to think playing college softball, not college hoops, was her initial goal! Huge recruiting win for Coach Lett.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 22, 2024, 07:52:28 PM
First semi goes to Carroll, 75-66 over Millikin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on February 22, 2024, 11:48:38 PM
Caite Knutson dressed tonight but did not warm up or play. Must be an injury  but no limp and nothing wrapped.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 25, 2024, 06:23:24 PM
Congrats to the Carroll Pios on their CCIW Championship.

Looks to me like IWU and Millikin should join them in the tourney.  When was the last time the CCIW had three women's teams in? 

I'll be following and cheering with interest for a deep run for the league.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2024, 10:13:44 AM
The only time in CCIW history that three or more teams from the league went dancing was 1996, when the CCIW had four D3 tourney participants: Carthage, Illinois Wesleyan, Millikin, and Wheaton.

The interesting thing from that tourney was that only one of the four made it out of the first weekend. That was Millikin; the Big Blue bowed out in the Sweet Sixteen.

It was also the D3 tourney debut for the Carthage and Wheaton programs.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 26, 2024, 06:39:30 PM
Here's a legible bracket :
https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/print/basketball-women/d3/2024
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2024, 06:57:01 PM
Congrats to the three CCIW entrants into the D3 tourney for turning things around for the league and providing the CCIW with the most representation in the dance it's had in almost three decades!

Congrats especially to Carroll, which will get to host a pod in Van Male for, IIRC, the first time ever.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 26, 2024, 11:22:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 26, 2024, 06:57:01 PMCongrats to the three CCIW entrants into the D3 tourney for turning things around for the league and providing the CCIW with the most representation in the dance it's had in almost three decades!

Congrats especially to Carroll, which will get to host a pod in Van Male for, IIRC, the first time ever.

Agree!  Really psyched for the Pios hosting this weekend.  I've never seen a game at Van Male in person. But on video anyhow, it looks like the sort of place where visiting teams might need to acclimate more.  Hope that works in Carroll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on February 27, 2024, 12:11:04 AM
Might swing over to Carroll this weekend for a few matchups. They have hosted a few big high school matchups this year so they are definitely ready for the NCAA's to come calling at home.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 29, 2024, 01:30:25 PM
Starting times (Central) for the three Friday CCIW games are 5:15pm for IWU and Millikin and 8pm for Carroll.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 01, 2024, 12:19:38 PM
I happened to encounter iwu70 this morning and asked him to tell me what day it is.
He said, "march first."
So I marched around for a couple of minutes, but he still wouldn't tell me.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2024, 10:43:18 PM
On opening night of the tourney the two road teams, Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin, advance (over Concordia-Moorhead and Willamette, respectively), while the home team, Carroll, drops out with a nine-point loss to Puget Sound.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on March 02, 2024, 12:41:11 PM
Pretty nice night for Knudsen . . 36 pts on 14/23 shooting . . . Up next is host UW Whitewater

Titans with a nice win without much from Huber who was in foul trouble most of the game.  Now face the host Wartburg.

Unfortunate first round loss for the Pios.  I'm sure they were hoping for much, much more
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 02, 2024, 12:46:04 PM
In that Millikin win, Bailey Coffman and an opposing player collided, resulting in Coffman leaving the game with what seemed (I was watching the webcast) a knee injury. She did return to action later. Here's hoping she's at least close to 100% healthy for tonight's game.
Millikin was ("were", for any readers in the UK) up 22 pts at the half, but was outscored by 8 in the 3rd Q and by 6 in the 4th.
Illinois Wesleyan did not finish particularly well in their game either, being outscored 19-10 in the 4th Q.
But, hanging on to win counts as much as a 31 point trouncing.
Congrats to Carroll for a very good season, despite the disappointing Friday result. One factor in the loss is that they seemed a step behind Puget Sound going for loose balls / rebounds, especially in the 1st half.
The Pios should be very strong next season, plus they'll have the added motivation to get deeper into the D3 tourney next March.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Gregory Sager on March 02, 2024, 10:28:11 PM
Illinois Wesleyan mounted a spirited late comeback, but fell at Wartburg to the host Knights, 62-59.

And Millikin was never really in it up north of the Cheddar Curtain, as UW-Whitewater dominated its home floor en route to an 89-65 win over the Big Blue. And thus ends the career of the greatest player in CCIW women's basketball history, as Elyce Knudsen went down fighting, scoring 30 in the losing cause. Unless she comes back as an MU grad student, she ends her career with 2,280 points -- which is crazy when you consider that her freshman season was the truncated COVID year of 2020-21 in which she only got to play 13 games.

And so the CCIW, although enjoying a breakthrough year in which the league got more that two teams into the D3 tourney for the first time in 28 years, once again sees its season end in the first weekend of the tourney as per usual.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2024, 11:51:59 AM
Following the CCIW's admittedly disappointing 2-win 3-loss weekend, I'll go out on a limb (of a bur oak) and forecast an undefeated record for the remaining segment of the tournament.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 07, 2024, 07:36:30 PM
Congrats to IWU's Lauren Huber, honored as one of the 10 finalists nationally for the Jostens trophy.
https://cciw.org/news/2024/3/6/womens-basketball-iwus-lauren-huber-named-jostens-trophy-finalist.aspx
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on March 08, 2024, 06:02:14 PM
Went to Waverley to watch the IWU games. Gotta say, Wartburg's facilities are jaw-dropping.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2024, 05:59:45 PM
Congrats to all those honored for All-Region 8 by d3hoops, which include CCIW stars :
Region 8 Player of the Year Elyce Knudsen
1st team : Elyce Knudsen, Lauren Huber, Olivia Rangel
2nd team : Sophie Darden, Natalie Gricius
3rd team : Victoria Perry, Mallory Powers, Elle Sutter, Annie Tate
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 14, 2024, 05:23:48 PM
Knudsen, Rangel and Huber are further honored for their outstanding work in the '23-'24 season :
https://wbca.org/about/press-releases/wbca-announces-ncaa-division-iii-honorees-2023-24-season
Well done!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 18, 2024, 04:41:04 PM
Congrats to Elyce Knudsen, 1st team D3 nationally!
Also congrats to Olivia Rangel making 5th team (rating her in the 21-25 best nationally).
https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/women/2024
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 23, 2024, 03:35:23 PM
The D3Hoops final rankings feature three CCIW teams in the top 23 :
17 Illinois Wesleyan
20 Millikin
23 Carroll
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 02, 2024, 05:23:03 PM
Back on December 20 2023, Elmhurst's Lindsay Novak may have set a conference record for fastest 12 points.
In the 2nd quarter of their 81-56 win over Alverno, she hit 3FGs on four consecutive possessions, covering 1 minute and 18 seconds.
The first was with 2:42 to go in that 2nd quarter, then another with 2:21 to go, 1:58 to go and 1:25 to go. Not bad, a dozen points in 78 seconds. Incidentally, she finished with 17 pts in 17 minutes played.
I dug around a little on d3boards and was reminded that North Central's Allison Pearson scored 11 in 86 seconds on 12/19/2022 in their 82-74 victory over Concordia Chicago (River Forest). In the 4th quarter, she made three 3FGs and a 2FG during 5:29 - 4:04 to go, putting her team up 70-65 at that time. She led all with 32 pts in the game.
I have no idea if Novak's excellent 78 seconds for 12 pts is a record, within the CCIW or even nationally. If any reader knows of a similar scoring outburst, please share here.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on April 02, 2024, 08:13:15 PM
Quote from: RogK on April 02, 2024, 05:23:03 PMBack on December 20 2023, Elmhurst's Lindsay Novak may have set a conference record for fastest 12 points.
In the 2nd quarter of their 81-56 win over Alverno, she hit 3FGs on four consecutive possessions, covering 1 minute and 18 seconds.
The first was with 2:42 to go in that 2nd quarter, then another with 2:21 to go, 1:58 to go and 1:25 to go. Not bad, a dozen points in 78 seconds. Incidentally, she finished with 17 pts in 17 minutes played.
I dug around a little on d3boards and was reminded that North Central's Allison Pearson scored 11 in 86 seconds on 12/19/2022 in their 82-74 victory over Concordia Chicago (River Forest). In the 4th quarter, she made three 3FGs and a 2FG during 5:29 - 4:04 to go, putting her team up 70-65 at that time. She led all with 32 pts in the game.
I have no idea if Novak's excellent 78 seconds for 12 pts is a record, within the CCIW or even nationally. If any reader knows of a similar scoring outburst, please share here.

MBB Scranton @ Catholic 12/4/2021 a game I attended; 8 secs left in game : Jack Brockett(SCR) fouled on a 3-pt attempt, makes 3 FTs, SCR fouls :06 inbounds after Catholic FTs @ :04 Jack makes a 3-pter; he intercepts inbound pass in final second and makes another 3-pter. 9 points in 8 seconds.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 02, 2024, 11:05:54 PM
Impressive! ... most teams likely have never done that, let alone one guy!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 03, 2024, 06:08:35 PM
I also checked the scoring distribution for Annie Tate's 39 pts in Wheaton's 80-69 win over Elmhurst on 1/13/2024. By the way, I attended that game as well as the aforementioned Lindsay Novak performance.
Tate's scoring by quarter was 7 - 9 - 6 - 17.
Her 4th Q scoring consisted of 2 pts at these "to-go" times : 7:48 6:19 5:08 4:42(1 pt) 3:12 1:48 0:23 0:17 and :09.
She made 28/29 FTs, setting a national D3 WBB record for FTs made in a game and most in regulation for any NCAA WBB division (a D2 player made 29 in a double OT game in 1995).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 04, 2024, 11:19:13 AM
Quote from: RogK on April 02, 2024, 05:23:03 PMBack on December 20 2023, Elmhurst's Lindsay Novak may have set a conference record for fastest 12 points.
In the 2nd quarter of their 81-56 win over Alverno, she hit 3FGs on four consecutive possessions, covering 1 minute and 18 seconds.
The first was with 2:42 to go in that 2nd quarter, then another with 2:21 to go, 1:58 to go and 1:25 to go. Not bad, a dozen points in 78 seconds. Incidentally, she finished with 17 pts in 17 minutes played.
I dug around a little on d3boards and was reminded that North Central's Allison Pearson scored 11 in 86 seconds on 12/19/2022 in their 82-74 victory over Concordia Chicago (River Forest). In the 4th quarter, she made three 3FGs and a 2FG during 5:29 - 4:04 to go, putting her team up 70-65 at that time. She led all with 32 pts in the game.
I have no idea if Novak's excellent 78 seconds for 12 pts is a record, within the CCIW or even nationally. If any reader knows of a similar scoring outburst, please share here.

That Alli Pearson stretch was a personal 11-0 run, which I'd almost argue is more impressive.

I know Aiden Chang had 6 points in something like 7 seconds in a game once (hit a three, then hit all three free throws after getting fouled on a three attempt). Only other stretch I remember (at least fondly) was NCC hitting threes on four straight possessions taking just over two minutes in the 2012 CCIW title game against Wheaton (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaNw5x3eKEk&t=158s) (aka the Kevin Gillespie Game), where Gillespie hit the first one and assisted on the following three.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on April 30, 2024, 11:30:27 AM
Heard rumblings about this a few days ago, but confirmed yesterday: Elyce Knudsen is using her final year of eligibility at ISU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on April 30, 2024, 08:03:18 PM
Thanks for mentioning that, lmitzel.
Just found this :
https://goredbirds.com/news/2024/4/29/womens-basketball-redbirds-add-talented-transfer-trio.aspx
Best wishes to Elyce getting attention of pro scouts... WNBA, Europe or wherever else leagues operate.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 16, 2024, 11:08:03 AM
North Park has released its new schedule :
https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
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Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 22, 2024, 04:14:17 PM
Since several CCIW WBB teams each play an early-season game vs U of Chicago, it may be of interest that the Maroons' recent coach has moved to Hartford :
https://bantamsports.com/news/2024/5/15/maria-williamson-tabbed-as-womens-basketball-head-coach.aspx
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: PauldingLightUP on May 23, 2024, 12:51:14 PM
Lett departs Millikin for head coach at another school TBA next weeks.


https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2024/5/23/womens-basketball-letts-departure-leaves-millikin-searching-for-new-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on May 23, 2024, 06:42:06 PM
Thanks for posting that, PauldingLightUP!
Whoever replaces her at Millikin gets to start the post-Knudsen era.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Enginerd on May 27, 2024, 09:46:48 PM
Quote from: PauldingLightUP on May 23, 2024, 12:51:14 PMLett departs Millikin for head coach at another school TBA next weeks.


https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2024/5/23/womens-basketball-letts-departure-leaves-millikin-searching-for-new-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx

Any guesses where she'll reappear?
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on May 28, 2024, 10:04:02 AM

Best odds right now are on Illinois-Springfield.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: gordonmann on May 31, 2024, 04:42:42 PM
Sorry to see her go, but the Prairie Stars got a good head coach, to go with their very entertaining nickname.

https://uisprairiestars.com/news/2024/5/31/womens-basketball-olivia-lett-takes-the-helm-of-uis-womens-basketball-program.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 11, 2024, 10:43:39 PM
More turnover in the CCIW coaching ranks. Elmhurst's Jason Pruitt is leaving for a TBA D-1 job (https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2024/6/11/general-pruitt-resigns-as-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 12, 2024, 03:29:58 PM
That was a quick visit (one season). We'll see how many of last season's WBB newcomers like the university and continue their education at Elmhurst.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on June 13, 2024, 04:16:29 PM
Quote from: lmitzel on June 11, 2024, 10:43:39 PMMore turnover in the CCIW coaching ranks. Elmhurst's Jason Pruitt is leaving for a TBA D-1 job (https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2024/6/11/general-pruitt-resigns-as-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx).

Announced today that Pruitt is the associate head coach at Indiana State (https://twitter.com/indstwbb/status/1801271050438594736?s=46&t=MhKpneCgs0ubvAHyG-LcxQ).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 17, 2024, 07:37:24 PM
new head coach for Millikin :
https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2024/6/17/womens-basketball-hammer-named-millikin-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx
--
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on June 23, 2024, 05:05:18 PM
Annie Tate was plagued by injuries her entire career at Wheaton over 5 years. I had no inside info on the extent but those questions are all answered in this video.  She was one of three finalists for the 2024 Honda Inspiration Award alongside two D1 athletes.  All three were highlighted on a CBS show last week.

For those interested, it is a nice story of perseverance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz3ryWHhniY

https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2024/5/29/womens-basketball-annie-tate-of-wheaton-womens-basketball-is-named-a-finalist-for-2024-honda-inspiration-award.aspx
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on June 23, 2024, 10:36:08 PM
Annie and her parents deserve a massive amount of admiration for being so strong during the challenges recounted in that youtube video.
Thanks for providing that link, GoPerry. And thanks to the medical pros who assisted her along the way.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on July 01, 2024, 07:50:34 PM
NCC schedule is out (https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule/2024-2025). Season opener November 8th at St. Mary's. Looks like mostly conclusion of home-and-home's for non-con, except for a tourney at Colorado College in mid November.

Not sure how to feel about two of the four home Saturday doubleheaders being in December.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on July 24, 2024, 05:55:28 PM
new head coach selected at Elmhurst : Cameron Tucker
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2024/7/24/tucker-tabbed-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx
- -
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 29, 2024, 03:36:30 PM
Haven't posted here in a long time -- but now that the campus has come back alive, we can start to think about the new season in 10-12 weeks or so.  Mia Smith has one of the toughest schedules planned ever . . . and one of her strongest returning teams ever, too.  One has to be very hopeful and optimistic. 

Likely:

PG: Kate Palmer and Sawyer White
2:  Bardic and Balli
3:  Mallory Powers
4:  Lauren Huber and Laura Mahlum
5:  Caite Knutson

Lots of experience, many seniors.  Don't know much about who else might step up into the rotation from the previous rising pine-sitters.

Newbies are:  Alyssa Epps, Sami Oller and Luigi Lam (from Hong Kong!  :)  ). 

Looking forward to a great season ahead.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on August 30, 2024, 05:34:39 PM
Lam is a wild card. There's a ton of film on her, but it's hard to put it in perspective. In Hong Kong girls' league, she appears dominant as a 5'6" PG. But how do you rate Hong Kong girls' league? There's also film of her playing in pick-up games against men including against European or American men. She appears to be just as dominant, but it's the same question: How good are these men she's pouncing on? Sure, she's fast, she penetrates, and she can shoot the 3. But IWU has had short guards with great high school stats before, and they've rarely translated to the same success in the CCIW.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on August 31, 2024, 09:50:11 PM
Green Beer, we'll just have to wait and see if any of the newbies get playing time this year.  I kinda doubt it.  Luigi Lam is a good player and we'll have to see how her game and experience translate to CCIW level play.   I doubt she'll get much floor time this year with all the experience coming back -- esp. with Palmer and Sawyer White in front of her.  She might get some time on defense, run and jump.

She was coached and trained by a club team in HK -- the coach there, William Lo, who runs Strive Fitness in HK, is my Godson, so I know his work and his coaching pretty well.  He played with my son through middle and high school and then had a D3 career playing at Manhattanville, near NYC.  He's a good trainer and coach.  The reports on Luigi by the experienced IWU players are pretty positive.  They think she's a real addition to the Titan squad. 

I'd actually be more interested in the potential of the 6'1" fresh person -- as IWU always needs a good rebounding, post and paint area player, as they are often undersized, especially against the likes of Whitewater and other teams with greater size.  Perhaps that newbie will make a contribution too -- as a back up for Caite Knutson?   Time will tell.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on September 04, 2024, 12:49:03 PM
Ten newcomers at Augie :
https://athletics.augustana.edu/news/2024/8/21/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-announces-2024-recruiting-class.aspx
I'm glad I only needed to count to 10; otherwise would have had to remove a shoe and sock.
Speaking of socks, the White Sox have 31 wins already in early September. It may take the NFL Bears three years to match that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on September 04, 2024, 04:45:35 PM
NCC's roster is up now as well (https://northcentralcardinals.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster).

I count five freshmen and one new transfer (I'm kinda enjoying the Morton College to NCC pipeline honestly).

Biggest news from this is that we get a fifth year of Megan McClure. Elle Sutter is not on the basketball roster, but she is on the soccer roster for their upcoming season. I know it was up in the air whether or not Sutter would be back, and knowing that rosters may change between now and the season opener (and Sutter would only join after the soccer season is over) we may see reinforcements at some point.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on September 04, 2024, 05:24:56 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on August 31, 2024, 09:50:11 PMthe coach there, William Lo, who runs Strive Fitness in HK, is my Godson, so I know his work and his coaching pretty well.  He played with my son through middle and high school and then had a D3 career playing at Manhattanville, near NYC.  He's a good trainer and coach.  The reports on Luigi by the experienced IWU players are pretty positive.  They think she's a real addition to the Titan squad. 

IWU'70

Hmmm. My spidey senses say you had something to do with recruiting her.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on September 17, 2024, 07:43:39 AM
Green Beer, I had very little to do with recruiting Lam to IWU.  Glad she came though. My Godson in HK is about a club team where women players from Hong Kong and south China get a chance to be recruited to D1-D3 schools to play in the US.  He's sent several over earlier -- and one is playing now in D1 Iona.  Luigi was recruited by the Big Blue, Hope and IWU -- maybe others.  Not sure.  Will LO on the HK side and the IWU coaches, especially Brian Ehresman, really worked hard to get Luigi this chance at IWU.  Of course,always money and visa issues. I hope it works out and she is successful academically and athletically at IWU.  I will surely follow her closely and support her during her tenure at IWU.  She's a great young woman with lots of energy and potential. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on October 17, 2024, 03:33:24 PM
Freshman Sami Oller 6'1" has disappeared from the Titan's roster.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 24, 2024, 10:43:57 AM
Yes, Oller has departed the team.  A loss . . . so only two fresh people this year. 

I'm looking forward to the season with this experienced and battle-tested team.  Exhibitions at ISU and Eastern begin this weekend now.  Some good tests before the big weekend at Hope.  IWU has one of the strongest, toughest schedules in recent decades, and that is saying something given Mia Smith's always tough pre-CCIW season scheduling. 

(We'll see Elyce Knudsen again during the exhibition game with ISU this Sunday -- farewell to her for CCIW play :) ). 

This team could be really good.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on October 24, 2024, 03:22:56 PM
Preseason coaches' poll dropped today (https://cciw.org/news/2024/10/24/cciw-coaches-put-titans-in-front-of-womens-basketball-race.aspx)!

Illinois Wesleyan is your pick to win the league, earning 7 of the 9 first place votes (and one 2nd place, based on their score). Carroll was picked by Mia Smith and one other coach to finish first; the Pios are picked to finish 2nd. Millikin and NCC are tied for 3rd, with Augie and Carthage tied for 5th.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on October 27, 2024, 05:21:55 PM
Titan women put up 86 points against a solid DI program,  Illinois State University. Redbirds won 101 to 86. They went up against Elyce Knudsen again since she's a Redbird now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Riley Zayas on October 27, 2024, 05:25:43 PM
Yeah, really strong offensive day from IWU. If they can put up 86 on a solid D1 mid-major, they are capable of competing with and outscoring most teams on their schedule. Powers had 20, Huber and Bardic each had 19, and Palmer had 13. Only turned it over 9 times, compared to ISU's 19.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on October 28, 2024, 09:41:06 PM
Really great work by the Titans against D1 ISU, also a good team.  Balanced offense, with all five starters scoring in double figures.  White is going to set some steals records again. 

Titans ranked #10 nationally in the pre-season D3hoops poll.  They have six games with pre-season- ranked top 25 teams, so plenty of chances to prove their strength, even move up in the polls.  Hope an early game.   

Should be a great season with a very veteran team . . . looking forward to it.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on November 02, 2024, 06:09:59 PM
Illinois Wesleyan Head Coach Mia Smith on the Q-Cast:

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 03, 2024, 07:01:51 AM
Q-cast with IWU coach Mia Smith...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzKXSUO_DPY&t=1592s
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 03, 2024, 09:18:44 AM
Quote from: Green Beer on October 17, 2024, 03:33:24 PMFreshman Sami Oller 6'1" has disappeared from the Titan's roster.

Sami is a sports medicine major with a plan to become a physical therapist. She decided it's too hard to juggle the demands of being a student-athlete and everything needed on the academic side.  So she is transferring to a big school, that also has has her grad degree, to just focus on academics. 

She is an impressive person.  I hope she does great at her new school.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 06, 2024, 08:55:19 PM
IWU pushed D1 Eastern Illinois to the brink, then losing by 3.  Shows how strong the IWU returning group is this year.  First weekend coming up -- playing Calvin, then Hope at DeVos in Holland, MI.  Should be a great weekend of D3 women's hoops, November 15-16. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 07, 2024, 07:57:04 AM
Due to volleyball at Hope, I guess they've moved these first weekend IWU games to Calvin.  FYI.  Good interview by Q with Coach Mia Smith on the Q-cast.  Worth a listen.

A good season upcoming for the Titans.  Could be special.  An very tough schedule, an extremely talented and experienced group of Titans.

Go TITANS -- we're all behind you this year. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 08, 2024, 08:04:34 PM
NCC 88
St. Mary's (IN) 49

Didn't get to catch any of this this evening, but a dominant showing to open the season as the Cardinals scored the first nine of the contest and cruised from there.

Megan McClure: 20 pts, 6 reb
Biz Daly: 15 pts, 6 reb
Jocelyn Trotter: 11 pts, 10 reb, 4 stl
Grace Keiffer: 7 pts, 4 ast
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 12, 2024, 04:30:04 PM
IWU to start their season this weekend with two tough games.  On Friday vs. Calvin, then Hope on Saturday.  I believe the games will be played at Calvin.

I don't know who will get the starting nods, but here's the depth chart Mia Smith will be working with in many situations and combinations:

PG -- White and Palmer (perhaps Feeney as a backup when back from volleyball)
2 -- Bardic and Palmer
3 -- Powers and Balli
4 -- L. Huber, Mahlum, Jacob
5 -- Knutson and Lipic

Pinesitters unlikely to get many minutes initially:   Epps, Meyers, M. Huber and Lam.  Their time will come.

An extremely tough pre-CCIW schedule.  The Mia Smith way.

It should be a grand season.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on November 13, 2024, 10:02:43 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 12, 2024, 04:30:04 PMIWU to start their season this weekend with two tough games.  On Friday vs. Calvin, then Hope on Saturday.  I believe the games will be played at Calvin.

I don't know who will get the starting nods, but here's the depth chart Mia Smith will be working with in many situations and combinations:

PG -- White and Palmer (perhaps Feeney as a backup when back from volleyball)
2 -- Bardic and Palmer
3 -- Powers and Balli
4 -- L. Huber, Mahlum, Jacob
5 -- Knutson and Lipic

Pinesitters unlikely to get many minutes initially:   Epps, Meyers, M. Huber and Lam.  Their time will come.

An extremely tough pre-CCIW schedule.  The Mia Smith way.

It should be a grand season.

IWU'70

Yes, the games have been moved to the VanNoord Arena at Calvin as the DeVos Filedhouse at Hope will be hosting the MIAA Volleyball tournament
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 15, 2024, 08:04:01 PM
NCC 86
NWU 58

The Cardinals led by 5 at halftime in Colorado, and it was a 3 point game with 6:43 left in the quarter. NCC closed the frame on a 25-7 run and ran away with this one.

Biz Daly: 26 pts, 12 reb
Megan McClure: 18 pts
Josylin Simmons-Dixie: 10 pts, 5 ast
Jocelyn Trotter: 9 pts, 9 reb

NCC plays host Colorado College tomorrow.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 15, 2024, 08:42:01 PM
IWU gets the season off to a good start -- IWU over hosts Calvin 79-60.

The Titans led by 15 at the half after a dominant 2nd quarter, run and jump doing its dirt.

For Calvin:

Fernandez 10
Halliwill 10

For IWU:

Balli 15
Powers 14 and 9
L. Huber 13 and 9
Bardic 12
Palmer 11

As expected an 8 player rotation to start -- with White, Balli, Mahlum coming off the bench often.  The others, plus Knutson with the starting nods.

Titans shooting 42%, 30% from three, and 76% from the FT line.

A good start.  A much tougher test likely tomorrow night vs. Hope -- at 4 p.m. Eastern time, 3 p.m. Central.

Good to see the balanced scoring and also an excellent game from Sarah Balli.


IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jbothe on November 16, 2024, 09:30:33 AM
Any idea where Calvin's returning all conference player was last night?  Rohrer I think is the name.

Listed as a redshirt on the roster. Is that a thing in D3 for medical reasons? 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Jbothe on November 16, 2024, 09:31:53 AM
IWU is very good by the way. I can't see many D3 teams beating them this year, if any.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on November 16, 2024, 11:13:30 AM
Quote from: Jbothe on November 16, 2024, 09:30:33 AMAny idea where Calvin's returning all conference player was last night?  Rohrer I think is the name.

Listed as a redshirt on the roster. Is that a thing in D3 for medical reasons? 

Emma Witte (most Minutes per game in 23-24 for Calvin) was injured last year.
RyAnnRohrer (2nd most minutes per game last year) was also injured last year.
Sami DeKuiper (5th most minutes per game last year) was injured early this year.

All did not play yesterday.

Yes there is a medical redshirt to retain that year of eligibility (with various requirements).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on November 16, 2024, 11:14:13 AM
Calvin got a nice game yesterday from Junior Anna Fernandez, who spent her freshman year in the CCIW at Wheaton.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 16, 2024, 08:45:47 PM
IWU enjoys the weekend fully in Michigan, taking down #9 Hope, 74-65.

For Hope:

Richards 22

For IWU:

Palmer 20
Powers 17 and 9
L. Huber 12 and 8
Balli 12
Bardic 9 and 7 assists

IWU shooting 47% from the floor, 31% from trey, and 78% from the charity line.

A good start to the tough pre-CCIW schedule.

IWU plays Edgewood on Saturday, first home game at The Shirk, 1 p.m.

Keep it rolling Titans.

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 16, 2024, 10:45:29 PM
NCC trailed by 18 after three quarters at Colorado College this evening, managed to claw back within two a couple times, but couldn't get any closer, falling 82-78 to split their two in the mountains.

Grace Keiffer: 17 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast
Jocelyn Trotter: 16 pts, 8 reb
Biz Daly: 14 pts, 5 reb

Small sample size, to be sure, but through 3 games Biz Daly is averaging an 18-8 on 45% shooting. I don't know how sustainable this is, but I hope it continues.

Next one is at Aurora on Wednesday. I still have a week and a half to get my vocal cords warmed up.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Flying Dutch Fan on November 18, 2024, 09:51:16 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on November 16, 2024, 08:45:47 PMIWU enjoys the weekend fully in Michigan, taking down #9 Hope, 74-65.

For Hope:

Richards 22

For IWU:

Palmer 20
Powers 17 and 9
L. Huber 12 and 8
Balli 12
Bardic 9 and 7 assists

IWU shooting 47% from the floor, 31% from trey, and 78% from the charity line.

A good start to the tough pre-CCIW schedule.

IWU plays Edgewood on Saturday, first home game at The Shirk, 1 p.m.

Keep it rolling Titans.

iwu'70

Actually #12 Hope - so one could argue IWU was the favorite at #10.  Hope has some adjusting to do, with the loss (hopefully for the short term only) of Sydney Vis (injured in the first game of the year).  That said, IWU looked great this weekend.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on November 18, 2024, 12:28:00 PM
Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on November 18, 2024, 09:51:16 AMHope has some adjusting to do, with the loss (hopefully for the short term only) of Sydney Vis (injured in the first game of the year).  That said, IWU looked great this weekend.

Among the ~top 100 teams, Hope is 18th youngest. IWU is 13th oldest. The experience of IWU was on display, but the upside of Hope was also on display.

I have a lot of faith Hope will trend up in a big way over the course of the year.


Additionally Hope is 9th tallest (very tall recruiting class).

A few teams of interest:
Hope - 18th youngest
Calvin - 21st
Trine - 50th
Carroll - 81st
IWU - 88th

Calvin - 6th tallest
Hope - 9th tallest
IWU - 34th tallest
Trine - 55th tallest
Carroll - 61st tallest

Hope got really dynamic and hard to defend with the Richards twins playing the 4/5.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 18, 2024, 04:26:21 PM
Coach Mia Smith goes for her 500th career win this Saturday vs. Edgewood -- 1 p.m. at The Shirk.

Should be quite a day for Coach Smith and the Titans this weekend.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 20, 2024, 08:31:15 PM
Aurora 83
NCC 63

When you get doubled up in rebounds and shoot an abysmal 1-14 from beyond the arc... you're gonna have a bad time. An 11-0 Spartan run early in the game put the Cardinals on their back foot, and other than a couple one point leads here and there, this was pretty much all AU.

Jocelyn Trotter: 14 pts, 7 reb, 3 stl
Biz Daly: 15 pts, 4 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 7 pts, 4 stl
Ameli Sanchez: 7 pts, 5 reb

Cardinals sit at 2-2 and open their home schedule on Tuesday against Benedictine.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 21, 2024, 07:51:42 AM
IWU hosts Edgewood on Saturday 1 p.m.  -- the home opener and a chance for Mia Smith's 500th career win. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 23, 2024, 04:14:52 PM
Coach Smith got her 500th career win today.  Congrats Coach Smith!

As expected, a dominant win for the Titans, 88-57 over Edgewood.

For Edgewood:
Carlquist 11

For IWU:
White 16 and 7 steals
Bardic 16 and 5 steals
Huber 14 and 7
Powers 12 and 9
Palmer 8

IWU forced 30 TOs, whilst committing only 10.  IWU had 42 points off of turnovers.

IWU shooting 43%, 27% from three, and 77% from the charity line. 

An easy win, the home opening, with lots of good feelings for Coach Smith and her likely HOF career.  Second highest number of wins all-time in the CCIW.

Onward to #3 UW Whitewater next Tuesday night.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 24, 2024, 08:52:45 AM
One additional note on the IWU 500th win under Coach Mia Smith:

With the blowout, the second and third groups got lots of playing time last night.  Mia is set on an 8 person rotation now -- with starters being White, Palmer, Huber, Powers and Bardic.  It's a quick, small group with three point shooting skill everywhere.  Run and jump is awesome with this quick, fit group.  Key rotation members are Knutson, Mahlum, and Balli.  Knutson and Mahlum do bring in some size if needed.  Really a starting rotation of four guards and Huber -- who is a small 4 or 5, but is also listed as a guard.

With the others getting so much playing time, I was delighted to see my friend from Hong Kong, Luigi Lam, get 7-8 minutes, play well and get her first trey in a Titan uniform, one of many to come, IMHO.  She handles the ball well, sees the floor and passes well, and is a good three point shooter.  Now, of course, she's behind Palmer and White at the PG position, but will surely rise to that position in coming years when Palmer and White depart, Palmer after this year, and White the following year.  Good luck to Luigi for her CCIW career upcoming.

Sophia Feeney will also now return to basketball after the IWU volleyball team bowed out last night in the D3 tourney in Ohio.  The Titans won two games in the regional, then lost last night in the Regional Championship game to UW Oshkosh.  A great season for IWU volleyball, especially for All-American Taylor French.  Feeney may play a role in IWU's second group rotation. 

A big game for the Titans on Tuesday @ #3 UW Whitewater. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all CCIW chatsters.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on November 25, 2024, 07:31:09 PM
Congrats to Mia Smith for her 500th win. Getting the first 499 wins was pretty good, too!
CCIW WBB teams have combined for a 24-17 record so far in nonconference action.
AUG 1-3
CRL 4-1
CTG 3-1
ELM 5-0
IWU 3-0
MIL 1-3
NCC 2-2
NPU 2-4
WHE 3-3
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 26, 2024, 11:46:18 PM
NCC 76
Benedictine 63

Cardinals never trailed tonight. Closest the Eagles got after hitting their first bucket to make it 4-2 was cutting it to 3 right before halftime, but NCC took a 5 point lead to the locker room and slowly pulled away in the second half.

Biz Daly: 26 pts, 4 reb, 3 stl
Jocelyn Trotter: 22 pts, 11 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 9 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
Grace Keiffer: 5 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast

Daly, by the way, is averaging a 19-6 on 52% shooting through the first 5 games. The jump she's made from Year 1 to Year 2 has been awesome.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 27, 2024, 02:37:02 AM
In a very gritty and physical game in Whitewater (I was privileged to be there in person), #8 IWU took down #3 UW Whitewater, 84-78.  Two high quality teams giving each other their best shot. 

IWU led by 6 at the half, had a lead of 12 at one point in the 3rd Q before WW stormed back to take the lead in the 4th Q.  The Titans weathered the storm and retook the lead with about 3 minutes to go.  Just excellent play, tough defense by both teams.  IWU prevailed with better defense, tough physical play in the post trying to hold off WW's size, and near perfect FT shooting.  Players were flying around, Ava Bardic was upended and hit her head on the floor, Kate Palmer almost had her nose relocated on one play . . .  and there was basically wrestling in the post much of the night. 

For WW:

Carollo 26 and 6 assists.  She's the real deal, so quick and clever, a great passer.
McCurdy 16
Oloffson 16

Carollo and Oloffson fouled out in the last three minutes.

For IWU:

Palmer 22 (and a great job as floor general tonight)
Bardic 20 with 4 steals
Huber 15 and 9
Powers 15 and 4
Knutson 6 rebounds

WW shot 50%, 27% from three, and 87% from the FT line

IWU shot 47%, 45% from three making 9, and 96% from the FT line, 21 0f 22 on the night. 

A great game with two D3 tournament quality teams.

IWU goes to 4-0 and heads for the Midwest Challenge Tournament in St. Louis this weekend to take on DePauw and then likely Wash U.  The tough pre-CCIW schedule continues . . .

A privilege to watch such a high-quality, hard-fought and competitive contest

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2024, 07:09:57 AM
IWU at the Midwest Challenge in St. Louis today -- taking on DePauw at 4 p.m.   The host Wash U looms tomorrow, should the Titans win today.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on November 30, 2024, 11:30:14 AM
Q-cast interview with IWU senior guard Kate Palmer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqjtQeu8ckQ&t=928s
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2024, 04:22:25 PM
Thanks, Q, nice interview.  We all love Kate.  She's playing extremely well right now.  A key figure in IWU's success so far this year.

Some news:   Ripon 71 No. 13 Carroll 62.

Good luck to the Titans in St. Louis this weekend.  Wish I could be there.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2024, 05:35:18 PM
In a seemingly ragged event, with many turnovers on both sides, DePauw and IWU are tied at 32 at halftime. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2024, 06:36:23 PM
Titans scratch out a win in St. Louis, 65-59 over DePauw.  Not a pretty affair.

Titans out rebounded 45-28, but getting just enough done, with a nice surge to a ten point lead at the beginning of the 4Q.

For DP:
Hart 14
Hassel 8 and 12
Boras 8

For IWU:
Bardic 17
Huber 14 and 9
Powers 10
Palmer 10

Not a pretty night shooting:  41%, only 23% from three, 69% from the line.

IWU goes to 5-0, likely facing Wash U tomorrow. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on November 30, 2024, 08:32:18 PM
NCC 85
CUW 66

Cardinals came out a little flat and at one point trailed 34-24, but they fought back to a 38-all tie at halftime. Jocelyn Trotter hit a three to open the second half scoring and NCC never trailed again.

Trotter: 16 pts, 14 reb, 4 ast
Ameli Sanchez: 16 pts, 4 stl
Biz Daly: 14 pts, 5 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 13 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast
Megan McClure: 12 pts
Grace Keiffer: 10 pts, 6 stl

NCC is on the conference play bye this first round, but host Chicago on Wednesday evening (which I'm unfortunately not going to make).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on November 30, 2024, 09:54:38 PM
IWU will face Wash U for the Midwest Challenge Championship Sunday at 4 p.m. at Wash U.  #7 vs. #11.  Should be another great game.

IWU struggled to beat DePauw.  Wash U blew out Rose Hulman, scoring 105 on them. 

If IWU defends the post like they did at Whitewater and rebounds the ball better than today, they have a good shot at going 6-0, taking down another ranked team.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2024, 05:35:29 PM
In another low-scoring defensive affair, Wash U leads IWU at the half 30-24.  IWU shooting it poorly from three, fighting on the boards with the bigger Bears.  Both teams turning it over more than usual.  Looks like a game in the 50s or low 60s, probably favoring Wash U.  Two top 15 teams fighting it out.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on December 01, 2024, 05:41:08 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 01, 2024, 05:35:29 PMIn another low-scoring defensive affair, Wash U leads IWU at the half 30-24.  IWU shooting it poorly from three, fighting on the boards with the bigger Bears.  Both teams turning it over more than usual.  Looks like a game in the 50s or low 60s, probably favoring Wash U.  Two top 15 teams fighting it out.

IWU'70

While both teams ARE under pace for their season averages in turnovers, both are also under pace for their season rate of turning the opponent over.

Both of which I think make sense to see when you get a matchup of very good teams.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2024, 05:41:43 PM
As expected, DePauw won the Consolation game in St. Louis over Rose-Hulman 90-37.  A tough weekend for Rose-Hulman.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2024, 05:43:56 PM
Agreed, Scottie . . . don't think IWU can win this game without turning over Wash U more and surely hitting some threes in the second half.  I think they were 2-13 in the first half.  Seems they've struggled with the rims at Wash U, or don't like the line of sight, or something.  Very unlike the Titans up to now.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on December 01, 2024, 05:46:50 PM
Agreed--IWU needs to win that turnover battle. Very impressive they ended the 1st half +1 on overall rebounds, including +5 on offensive.

A LOT of their shots are pretty rushed at the moment.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2024, 06:45:29 PM
What a great start to the season.  IWU digs deep, comes back from down 6 at the half, to take down #11 Wash U in St. Louis, the final 67-59.   

IWU won the 3Q 25-16, then the 4th Q 18-13, hitting six threes in the second half, after poor shooting in the first.

IWU battled about even on the boards, which was key to the win, 37-41, against the taller Bears.

For Wash U:
Brooks 18 and 12
Harris 11 and 6
Hughes 9

For IWU:

Huber, a monster game, 24 and 7
Bardic 20
Powers 7 and some key rebounds in the second half
Good minutes from Sarah Balli
White 7 and 7 steals. 

A great win for the Titans on the road -- along with the road win at Whitewater, what a great start to the year.  Now to the CCIW race . . . starting at NPU on Wednesday night.

IWU Champions of the 2024 Midwest Challenge, hosted this year by Washington University.

Congrats to Coach Smith and the Titans.   Keep it rolling.   A special year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on December 01, 2024, 08:59:38 PM
I think the Titans have poise. All that senior experience. They don't get rattled if they fall behind.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 01, 2024, 09:12:05 PM
Yes, Green Beer, you are right.  Listen to the interview with Kate Palmer on the Q-cast and you will hear that calm, that determination, that knowledge that they have been in difficult situations before and still prevailed.  Having these key seniors and the 5th year, it is very important to this team:  Huber, Powers, Knutson, and Palmer . . . a lot of experience there, a lot of games played together over these past few years.  The juniors are part of it too:  Balli, White, Bardic, and Mahlum.  It's a really experienced rotation.  The pine-sitters are watching and learning. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on December 02, 2024, 09:54:16 AM
Class year doesn't automatically equate to experience (In IWUs case it does), but among top 50 teams, IWU is 9th oldest. WashU is 3rd youngest.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 02, 2024, 03:19:35 PM
Congratulations to Jocelyn Trotter for earning Player of the Week honors!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 02, 2024, 08:22:39 PM
As expected, after the Whitewater and Wash U wins, IWU up in the most recent poll to #4.  Carroll dropping out, now to ORV. 

Now IWU faces the CCIW schedule, along with two tough games in San Antonio, TX. over the Christmas break.  If they can run the table on their pre-CCIW games, it would remarkable, given the SOS.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Congrats to Lauren Huber for being named to D3hoops' "Team of the Week."  Indeed a great three-game run for Lauren and the Titans.  Three wins, two top-15 wins and rising to #4 in the latest poll.  Huber is so consistent and often the anchor of the Titan offense.  Congrats Lauren!

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 03, 2024, 08:19:39 PM
IWU also has a tough upcoming game with undefeated University of Chicago, where the Head Coach is one of Mia Smith's former players.  With the two in Texas, IWU has three non-CCIW games yet to play. 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 04, 2024, 11:13:34 PM
IWU over NPU 88 - 57.

IWU put the game away with a 37-13 2nd Quarter.

IWU goes to 7-0, 1-0 and will remain #4 in the country, deservedly so in my opinion.

For NPU:
Hershberger 21
Long 9

For IWU:
Powers 15 and 5
Huber 12
Knutsen 8 boards

13 Titans scored and no one logged more than 21 minutes.  All the pine-sitters had their day and got 12-15 minutes in this blow-out.  My friend from Hong Kong, Luigi Lam, got 15 minutes of playing time and scored 6 points!

IWU winning the TO and steals lines, as usual.

IWU goes to 7-0 and 1-0 in CCIW play

A big game up at Carroll this weekend.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 04, 2024, 11:42:13 PM
In the lone non-conference tilt tonight, North Central got out to a 10 point lead on Chicago early in the second quarter, but couldn't maintain it. A back and forth affair was ultimately decided by an 8-0 fourth quarter Maroon run in a 66-62 victory for the #22 team in the country.

Biz Daly: 24 pts, 5 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 19 pts, 5 ast
Megan McClure: 10 reb

Jocelyn Trotter did not play tonight, and from what I understand is day to day.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2024, 05:03:46 PM
IWU goes to 8-0 with an important win at Carroll, 80-71.

The Titans trailed at the half 37-28, but came back strong in the second, winning the 4th Q 29-15. 

IWU shot 50% but only 11% from three, 2-18, winning the game with 16-20 FTs.

For Carroll:
Gricius 20
Rangel 16
Wizner 7

For IWU:
Bardic 23
Huber 19 and 8
Knutson, the key to the game, 15 and 9
Palmer 8
Powers 8

IWU wins the rebounding line 39-28 -- both teams even on TOs.  An UNusual game for IWU, poor three point shooting and no TO advantage.  The rebounding and the FTs did the trick, it would seem.

IWU at 8-0, 2-0 in CCIW play, this a key road win vs. one of the top opponents in the CCIW race.

Keep it rolling Titans, great comeback.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on December 07, 2024, 08:15:09 PM
Carroll seems to have our number last couple of years. Like when Wheaton seemed to have us ( Titans) figured out. Can't see winning all three games against them this year.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 07, 2024, 09:34:16 PM
Green Beer, lucky to get this one up there, coming back from quite far down.  That 4th Q shooting percentage was something beautiful.

I agree, hard to beat Carroll three times if we see them in the CCIW tournament too.

A great start at 8-0, a very resilient group this year, knowing how to win.

Great game from Caite Knutson tonight and Lauren Huber doing her normal thing.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 07, 2024, 11:42:08 PM
NCC 72
Augie 60

Cardinals open conference play with a win. After falling behind 9-4, an 8-0 NCC run gave them the lead and they never looked back. Augie made it semi-interesting late but never truly threatened.

Biz Daly: 26 pts, 7 reb
Ameli Sanchez: 17 pts, 4 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 10 pts
Megan McClure: 8 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast
Elle Sutter: 5 pts, 5 reb

Jocelyn Trotter sounds like she's going to miss another couple weeks, and NCC needed reinforcements. Enter Elle Sutter for the first time this season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 09, 2024, 07:36:43 PM
NCC played an exhibition against UIC yesterday, and it went about as expected. The Flames opened the game on an 11-0 run and won 113-53.

Megan McClure: 8 pts, 6 reb
Kennedy Hartwig: 8 pts
Grace Keiffer: 7 pts
Biz Daly: 7 pts
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on December 11, 2024, 07:42:08 PM
lmitzel, I've found that some people on the UIC campus are amused (to a finite extent) when you ask them, "Is that you I see?"
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on December 12, 2024, 02:15:44 PM
#8 UW-Whitewater 65
Wheaton  58

The Wheaton ladies gave the Lady Warhawks a very good game last night in Whitewater.  UWW All-American Kacie Carollo pretty much does it all and finished the game with 33 pts, 10 rebs, 3 blks, 3 stls.

Wheaton was down by as much as 9 pts throughout the game but never had the lead.  To their credit the Thunder ladies were able to tie the game at 56-56 with 1:45 left on a pair of Kate Oliver (19pts, 8 rebs) free throws.  But UWW was more experienced and better coached down the stretch to extend the lead and seal it.  I'm not sure why Annika Richardson didn't start the game but she finished with starters minutes and 15 pts.

I'm glad to see Wheaton schedule 3 WIAC opponents (Platteville, #6 Oshkosh, #8 Whitewater)  this season, all on the road.  Platteville was the only one that was not really close.  Hopefully this will help them once conference play begins.  Rebounding and generally sloppy play ( turnovers – 23 last night, 25 game before) continues to drive their losses.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 14, 2024, 11:42:34 PM
Carroll 85
NCC 58

Not much to talk about here. Carroll was the better team and proved it.

Biz Daly: 14 pts, 5 reb
Elle Sutter: 13 pts, 10 reb
Ameli Sanchez: 6 pts, 6 reb

Emilie Wizner: 21 pts
Olivia Rangel: 18 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
Natalie Gricius: 16 pts, 7 reb
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on December 18, 2024, 11:27:55 AM
Coe 74
NCC 58

The Cardinals led by two at halftime, but the Kohawks surged ahead in the third and put it away with a 10-2 run in the fourth.

Biz Daly: 13 pts, 6 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 9 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
Grace Keiffer: 9 pts
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 24, 2024, 07:43:59 PM
Back from two weeks in Hong Kong -- a great time celebrating my university and institutional partnership ties there during my 41 years in Asia.  Thanks to all the friends and colleagues.

IWU has two more games, in the pre-CCIW season phase, to run the slate.  It will be tough in Texas, vs. always tough Trinity and even tougher East Texas Baptist (who recently took down #2 Wartburg, rather handily).  Hoping the Titans can complete the tough slate and enter January at 12-0.  We'll see. 

The Titans are playing very well with their 8 player rotation, with a little bit of others thrown in.  My girl Luigi is getting some playing time and looks to be next up when the huge group of seniors graduate. 

All kudos to the Titans for the big wins so far against ranked teams.  10-0 against that schedule is not chopped liver. 

We always hoped this would be a special year, with Elyce Knudsen now at ISU, and Millikin way down this year. 

Keep it rolling, Titans!

Here comes the meat of the CCIW race in January and February.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 25, 2024, 09:47:50 PM
Merry Christmas and all good wishes for happiness and good health in the New Year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 27, 2024, 09:21:34 PM
IWU goes to 11-0 with an amazing comeback win in OT over Trinity (TX), 94-91.  Trinity led the entire game, even up by as much as 16.  Titans clawed back after playing horribly in the first half.  It was 39-28 at the half and IWU had so so so many TOs.  Playing terribly.  Stupidly. 

But, a win is a win . . . and we'll surely take it, admire the comeback, admire the resilience.  IWU scored 65 points in the second half and OT.  Key treys by Bardic in regulation and key plays by Balli in OT, including a last second block of the Trinity trey attempt to tie the game at the end of OT.

You won't see this often, IWU losing the TO line 29-28. 

For Trinity:  (an excellent, scrappy team).

O Rourke 21
Timmons 20
Napoli 16
Minter 16

For IWU:

Bardic 19
Huber 18
Palmer 13 and 8, getting her into the 1,000 point career club at IWU
Powers 12 and 10

IWU wins the rebounding line 45-35, a key to the comeback win.

Trinity really played smart and hard . . . and deserved to win the game.

IWU now 11-0 on the season, with a tough East Texas Baptist team up next, tomorrow at 3 p.m.  The Titans sure better clean this up and play better, especially on ball security.  I give Trinity a lot of credit on defense, though many of the errors were self-inflicted today in the first half. 

A win is a win. An amazing comeback.  Tomorrow is another day . . . 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on December 27, 2024, 09:30:15 PM
Not good for my high blood pressure. ETBU beat Wartburg. Should be a great game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 27, 2024, 09:32:50 PM
Yes, extremely exciting in TX.  I was screaming at the Titans for all their TOs and stupid plays.  :(

An addition:

Sarah Balli a career game:  18 and 9, some really key plays
Knutson 12 and 6

The IWU bench coming through tonight.

Six Titan players in double figures in this OT game win.

11-0 -- we'll take it.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on December 27, 2024, 10:04:56 PM
The golf idiom "there are no pictures on the scorecard" also applies to NPI, as there are no pictures on NPI--just the result, and that's a win for IWU.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 27, 2024, 11:33:30 PM
dawg, we'll take it for sure.  It was really ugly at times, but these Titans do know how to climb back and surely know how to put up lots of points when they need to.  Bardic was awesome from long-range and Balli really came through tonight, with key rebounds, buckets and that last block.  Powers and Palmer play so hard, keep at it no matter the score.  Exciting game for sure . . . but pretty harrowing for IWU fans. 

As you say, it's a win and the Titans go to 11-0, remain undefeated on the year.

Perhaps an even tougher test tomorrow vs. East Texas Baptist.



'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 28, 2024, 06:01:43 PM
In a low-scoring defensive affair, IWU goes to 12-0 on the year, winning over East Texas Baptist 66-57.  Not very pretty, but again a hard-fought win.

For ETB:
Hicks 15
Hurta 11
Matthews 10

For IWU:
Powers (on fire from three) 15
Bardic 15 and 6
Knutson 10 and 8 (a very solid game for her)
White 9 (with the clinching FTs)
Palmer 8 and 6

A pleasant trip to South Texas for the Titans, now 12-0, running the entire slate of perhaps one of the toughest schedules in the country.  Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans.  A great run so far. 

Some New Year rest and returning to CCIW @ Wheaton on January 4th. 

Happy New Year to all.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on December 28, 2024, 06:33:38 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on December 28, 2024, 06:01:43 PMA pleasant trip to South Texas for the Titans, now 12-0, running the entire slate of perhaps one of the toughest schedules in the country.  Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans.  A great fun so far. 

While not the toughest schedule played so far, by far the best combo of difficult schedule and Winning%!!

TeamAVG Opponent Rank (Massey)WinsLosses
Loras47.56 27
Puget Sound64.67 06
Illinois Wesleyan66.33 120
MN Morris73.75 04
Concordia Moorhead77.14 34
Redlands79.33 54
Wisconsin Lutheran79.78 45
Ohio Northern80.25 44
Gustavus Adolphus81.22 90
MIT83.44 27
Trinity (Texas)87.00 43
Tufts89.11 63
Millikin89.30 28
UW-La Crosse92.30 73
DePauw95.78 54
Baldwin Wallace99.75 71
Simpson (Iowa)100.55 56
Schreiner103.00 16
Carroll103.73 65
Cal Lutheran103.86 43
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on December 29, 2024, 09:46:26 PM
It's been a great run at 12-0 for the Titans.   I think they've beaten four top 25 teams during this stretch.  One couldn't ask for more. So many offensive weapons and all that defensive pressure.

Now comes the tough CCIW race.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 04, 2025, 07:59:10 PM
IWU 59
Wheaton 45

The game was closer than the 14 pt final until about 3 mins left in the game.  The Wheaton ladies had a chance but they really don't have the offensive talent to compete with the Titans.  Although they kept the turnovers under 20 (18), they were terribly outrebounded on the offensive glass (-13) and only abysmal shooting by IWU (22/67; 32.8%) kept the outcome in question.

The Thunder played a very difficult non-conference schedule and played decently well even in the losses to ranked teams.  Perhaps as a result, they might be able to stick around enough to keep games close against the better teams.  But they don't quite have what it takes to finish.  They could really use a reliable ball handler to run things.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 04, 2025, 10:53:59 PM
NCC 83
Elmhurst 63

Don't know if she was back for their loss to Edgewood the other day, but Jocelyn Trotter played tonight and helped key a good Cardinal win where they led for basically the entire game.

Trotter: 16 pts, 6 reb
Biz Daly: 14 pts, 11 reb (though the 8 turnovers are a problem)
Megan McClure: 10 pts, 7 reb

Sierra Gibson: 12 pts
Kristin Bukata: 11 pts, 3 stl
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2025, 12:51:51 AM
GoPerry, got it right -- a kind of grind it out kind of affair.  IWU 59 WC 45.  IWU pulling away a bit in the 3Q.

For WC:

Richardson 12
Faberowski 10
Oliver 10

For IWU:

Huber a monster game:  21 and 15
Bardic 17

IWU really needs to clean up the TO situation, with 16 to WC 18.  Not enough margin.  IWU had 13 steals with White again leading the way with 4.

As GoPerry mentioned, both teams not shooting it well.

IWU 32%, 20% from three, and 59% from the FT line.
But WC also troubled:  36% 8% 1-12 from three, and 33% from the FT line. 
Maybe it was the tenacious defense, but maybe it was just a bad shooting night. :)

IWU goes to 13-0, 4-0 in CCIW play.

Down the line, IWU really needs to play better, and surely shoot it better and clean up the recent rash of TOs in this and other recent games.  Quite uncharacteristic of them with this many TOs. 

IWU hosts Augie at The Shirk this Wednesday, January 8th.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2025, 12:53:10 AM
Addition:

Rebounds were 52-36 in IWU's favor. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on January 05, 2025, 12:43:04 PM
Both teams were allowed to play feisty defense, which kept the score down to 22-22 at the half.
Reviewing the stats, I was surprised to see only 1 steal for Wheaton's Petra Trumbach; I thought she had 3 or so.
In regard to IWU turnovers, here is the range from their 13 games : 9 9 10 10 10 12 16 16 16 16 17 18 29. The 29 occurred in the OT game.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 05, 2025, 04:52:28 PM
Hey Hey RogK, where you been?  :)

Yes, the IWU TO situation needs to be addressed, remedied bigtime.  They need to get back to those days of 10-12 TOs not the recent 18 or more.  They will pay the price at some point if they don't improve on ball security.  They need the TO margin to be in double digits to win games more easily.  Rebounding this year has improved, especially with Huber and Knutson. 

One game at a time . . . hosting Augie on Wednesday night at The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 06, 2025, 10:47:54 PM
IWU moves up to #2 in the latest poll, garnering one first place vote.  NYU still top dog.  Wartburg drops down with their two recent losses.

IWU has defeated four top-25 teams:  #s 7, 15, 16, and 19.  An impressive run with a tough schedule to 13-0. 

Keep it rolling Titans, one game at a time.

IWU hosts Augie @The Shirk on Wednesday, 7 p.m.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 07, 2025, 08:22:23 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2025, 12:43:04 PMBoth teams were allowed to play feisty defense, which kept the score down to 22-22 at the half.
Reviewing the stats, I was surprised to see only 1 steal for Wheaton's Petra Trumbach; I thought she had 3 or so.
In regard to IWU turnovers, here is the range from their 13 games : 9 9 10 10 10 12 16 16 16 16 17 18 29. The 29 occurred in the OT game.

For some reason, women are not able to take care of the ball as well as men.  The 50th ranked team in turnovers averages 14.4 (Penn St- Altoona, UW-Stevens Point) while the same for men is 11.1 (Rivier, Trinity (CT), UWRF). Why is that? I don't know.  Maybe RogK can take a shot at that??

So turnovers are much more prevalent in the ladies game.  But even accounting for my lowered expectations, turnovers by the Wheaton women have been their most obvious downfall.  And in my opinion, so many are unnecessary and can be coached (bounce passes, no cross-court passes to name just two).  The Thunder's most talented player is clearly Kate Oliver but she seems to be playing out of position as the primary ball handler (.65 asst:to).

Yes, turnover ratio is a key marker for a pressure team like IWU.  If you can't be at least +5 then you are exerting alot of energy for not much benefit. And if you turn it over 15+ times the maintaining that margin is tough.  IWU has been much better than all of that all season - just not on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2025, 09:56:27 AM
I agree about Oliver.  Great player.  Wheaton needs more around her and to use her differently.

IWU plays fast, with chaos and pressure all the time, so you'd expect some TOs, but they need that TO margin, and many steals to make it all work.  The last few games they have just been careless with the ball.  Coach Smith is very aware of this and is working on it.  Let's see on Wednesday night how it plays out. 

One game at a time . . . good to be back home @The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 07, 2025, 03:19:11 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on January 07, 2025, 08:22:23 AM
Quote from: RogK on January 05, 2025, 12:43:04 PMBoth teams were allowed to play feisty defense, which kept the score down to 22-22 at the half.
Reviewing the stats, I was surprised to see only 1 steal for Wheaton's Petra Trumbach; I thought she had 3 or so.
In regard to IWU turnovers, here is the range from their 13 games : 9 9 10 10 10 12 16 16 16 16 17 18 29. The 29 occurred in the OT game.

For some reason, women are not able to take care of the ball as well as men.  The 50th ranked team in turnovers averages 14.4 (Penn St- Altoona, UW-Stevens Point) while the same for men is 11.1 (Rivier, Trinity (CT), UWRF). Why is that? I don't know.  Maybe RogK can take a shot at that??

Anecdotally, I feel like traveling might get called more in women's games than they do in men's games, but I don't have the numbers to back that up (honestly just relying on memory for this). I know through NCC's stats program, when you input a turnover it prompts for what the turnover was; that said I don't know what all the possible choices are off the top of my head. And unfortunately, those comments don't make it through to the box scores/play-by-plays unless there's a more advanced option I'm not aware of.

Just for giggles, I went to look up turnover and steal numbers.

TeamStealsOpp TO'sPercentage
IWU16628258.9%
CRL16228057.9%
ELM15326557.7%
NCC12221656.5%
WHE12623154.5%
CAR12322654.4%
MIL8617349.7%
AUG9622442.9%
NPU9922642.3%

I'd imagine the range around most of D3 is pretty similar. And obviously this doesn't take into account bad passes forced by pressure defense, 10 second calls, etc. But I think it helps capture the idea of pressure defense and the havoc it can cause.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 07, 2025, 08:27:21 PM
Shows how IWU plays and their particular formula for success in recent years -- a big TO margin and lots of steals (a la Sawyer White mainly, now increasingly Ava Bardic too) to make up for often weaker rebounding.  The rebounding has improved this year -- Huber, Powers and Knutson mostly.  IWU was even able to beat teams with bigs this year like UW Whitewater. 

I hope they can address the recent flurry of TOs. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 08, 2025, 10:27:19 PM
IWU over Augie at The Shirk, 75-38. 

This one was almost over before it started, IWU up 28-7 after the first Q, and 46-15 at the half.

For AC:

Only one player in double figures, Melton 12

AC at 26%, 10% from three, 91% from the FT line

For IWU:

Palmer 11
Huber 11
Powers 9
Balli 9
Knutson 8
Lam 8
12 Players scoring

IWU winning the TO line tonight as they should -- IWU with 12, Augie with 29 TOs.

Augie had 5 steals, IWU with 19 steals, with 11 players having at least one, Sawyer White above her average in less than a half of play with 5 steals.

IWU had 76 shot attempts to Augie's 50.   You can see the story clearly.

IWU at 38%, 22% from three, 60% from the charity stripe.

Titans move to 14-0, 5-0 in league play.  IWU hosts North Central on Saturday, 2 p.m. 

Kate Palmer honored before the game for joining the IWU 1,000 point club.  She's the 24th Titan to achieve this level of career scoring.   Congratulations to Kate.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 08, 2025, 10:51:39 PM
Millikin 80
NCC 69

The Cardinals were only down 3 at half, but a 26-12 third quarter advantage for the Big Blue more or less sealed the deal.

Biz Daly: 18 pts, 4 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 11 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
Jocelyn Trotter: 9 pts, 7 reb
Grace Keiffer: 8 pts, 7 reb

Emily Brenneisen: 26 pts
Kyleigh Block: 20 pts
Emily White: 12 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 11, 2025, 09:47:44 PM
IWU goes to 15-0 with an 80-75 win over NCC @ The Shirk. 

IWU led by 12 going into the 4th Q, but NCC didn't give up and made a run, winning the 4th Q by a score of 26-19.

For NCC:

Daly 19 and 10
Trotter 16 and 10
Simmons-Doxie 13 with 7 assists
Hartwig 12

NCC at 44%, 24% from three, and 73% FTs.

For IWU:

Huber 23
Palmer 16 and 10
Knutson 10
White 9 with 5 assists
Powers 9 boards
Bardic 4 steals and 6 assists

IWU at 45%, 21% from three, and 73% from the FT line.

IWU winning steals 13-8 and winning the TO line 16 - 20. 

A tough win . . . but getting it done again.  15-0 sounds pretty nice.

IWU hosts Carthage on Wednesday night @The Shirk, 7 p.m.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 13, 2025, 04:46:40 PM
Congrats to Lauren Huber on league Player of the Week honors, her second time this season, and her seventh time overall during her distinguished Titan career.  Now over 1,500 points.  Remarkable.  For her size, one of the best rebounders you will see at the D3 level.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 15, 2025, 10:04:33 PM
Not exactly the most well-played game by either team, but a win is a win.  IWU going to 16-0, with a 63-42 win over Carthage @The Shirk. 

Again, over by the 1st Q and with IWU up by 20+ by halftime.

For CC:

Green 10

34%, 30% from three, 100% only 2-2 from the FT line

For IWU:

Huber 15 and 7
Palmer 10 and 7
Bardic 9
Knutson 8
Powers 8


Winning the TO line 9 - 24
Winning the steals line 13-5

A typical IWU win with pressure and speed.  Running the floor very well.  Not the best night from the 3-point line.

40%, 26% from three, 70%  7-10 from the charity stripe.  Everyone on the IWU bench gets some minutes.

IWU moves to 16-0, 7-0 on the year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 16, 2025, 08:18:57 AM
Wheaton 66
NCC 52

And it probably shouldn't have been this close. Wheaton missed a fair number of layups, but the Cardinals turned the ball over 20 times. NCC had managed to pull within 6 at a couple points late, but multiple times in the second half the Thunder would struggle to find a shot, get one off late in the shot clock and it would fall.

Kate Oliver: 24 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast
Annika Richardson: 23 pts, 11 reb
Alyssa Faberowski: 6 pts, 7 reb, 4 stl

Megan McClure: 9 pts, 6 reb
Ameli Sanchez: 9 pts
Jocelyn Trotter: 8 pts, 7 reb, 5 stl
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 19, 2025, 10:57:19 AM
It looks like the CCIW regular season comes down to IWU and Carroll, with a big game at The Shirk coming up in a few weeks.  IWU is cruising . . . with good depth, many weapons, and all that pressure defense.  One game at a time . . .

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Titan Q on January 20, 2025, 06:48:17 PM
Q-cast episodes with IWU's top 8...

Kate Palmer 11/29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqjtQeu8ckQ&t=583s

Ava Bardic 12/2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8qF6aGmPL8&t=810s

Lauren Huber 12/8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrdF84HOrPo&t=1538s

Sawyer White 12/22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W535rr8lX8&t=1125s

Mallory Powers 1/3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WheaoOUcIp0&t=537s

Sara Balli 1/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diBsKBCcbYA&t=1140s

Caite Knutson 1/12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64cxR1LjRzo&t=82s

Laura Mahlum 1/20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0YSivwUG_8&t=1320s
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 20, 2025, 11:31:14 PM
Thanks, Q . . . a great line-up. 

IWU at #2 in the latest poll, one of five teams still undefeated in D3 women's hoops so far this season.  Key remaining CCIW game is Carroll at home.

#1 NYU has four games upcoming against Wash U and Chicago -- a tough stretch for them.  They are pretty much blowing out everyone so far.  No close games at all. 

IWU at Millikin on Wednesday, 7 p.m.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 22, 2025, 10:21:59 PM
IWU goes to 17-0 with a win in Decatur over the Big Blue tonight, 81-60.

For MU:

Tellis 14
Block 8
Hay 8

27 TOs, shooting 38%, 40% from three, and 67% from the FT line.

For IWU:
Powers 21 and 10
Huber 19 and 7
Palmer 12
Bardic 8
Knutson 8 and 7

IWU with 12 steals, 52 points in the paint, shooting 52%, 36% from three, and 67% from the line.

Another good road win.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 22, 2025, 10:38:43 PM
Carthage 63
NCC 60 (OT)

The Cardinals scored 24 in the opening quarter and led by as many as 13 early in the second half, but couldn't put the game away. Alyssa Orozco hit a three with 4.6 ticks left for the final margin.

Marianna Morrissey: 15 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
Emma Thistle: 10 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast
Elena Knebel: 6 pts, 9 reb

Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 12 pts, 4 ast, 3 stl
Megan McClure: 11 pts, 5 reb, 4 stl
Jocelyn Trotter: 11 pts, 12 reb
Grace Keiffer: 11 pts, 3 stl

NCC shot 22/66 for the game, but just 11/50 after the opening 10 minutes. Rough one for Biz Daly (3-15 shooting).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2025, 08:47:57 PM
In an awesome display of team play, IWU over Wheaton tonight @ The Shirk, 93-57.  IWU goes to 18-0, 8-0.

For WC:

Only player in double figures, Richardson 12

Wheaton at 32%, 38% from three, and 10-10 from the line.

The lead was 24 at the half.

For IWU:

Bardic 19
Powers, another great game, 17 and 6 with 7 assists, 5-9 from three
Huber 12 and 8, getting ever closer to the all-time career scoring lead in the IWU program.
Knutson 10
My friend from HK, Luigi Lam, a career high 8

Everyone plays and 12 of 13 Titans scored.  The 3rd unit did a nice job for much of the 4 Q.

IWU at 54%, 44% from three, 82% FTs.

The Titans win all the key lines:

TOs 15-26
Steals 14-7
Rebounds 38-32
Assists 25-13

Some really beautiful basketball, seeing the entire floor, making great passes.  There were several times when the ball didn't hit the floor, two passes and a basket.  Great stuff.  One of the most well-played games I've ever seen in D3 women's hoops.

IWU now with a bye this week, up next on the following Saturday, @ Elmhurst. 

IWU now 18-0, 8-0.  A special season so far.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 25, 2025, 08:51:49 PM
The injury bug has hit IWU a bit, with Mahlum and Feeney out tonight.  Not sure what the issue is or how long they will be sidelined.  Coach Smith mainly used a 7-player rotation tonight, through the first three quarters.  Martha Lipic and Luigi Lam had good minutes later in the game.

Pink Zone game tonight, with all cancer survivors honored, including Coach Smith.  Always an important event at IWU, with many former players back for this one, too.  Great to see them all.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 25, 2025, 10:41:12 PM
Elmhurst 69
NCC 65

Another one slips away. Cardinals shot better compared to Wednesday night (26-71 for 36.6%), but went just 8-14 at the charity stripe. Another rough one for Biz Daly (4 pts on 1-10 shooting, 2-6 at the line). And yet despite all that we were in line for a photo finish after Jocelyn Trotter somehow knocked down an off balance three off an inbounds pass to tie the game at 63. But the Jays immediately broke the press and got an easy layup, then the Cardinals immediately turned it over to effectively ice the game.

Cierra Steemer: 19 pts, 17 reb, 3 blk
Kristin Bukata: 15 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast
Sierra Gibson: 11 pts, 6 reb, 3 stl
Lindsay Novak: 10 pts

Jocelyn Trotter: 21 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk, 3 stl
Reilly Boyer: 14 pts, 6 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 13 pts

It is kind of maddening to me that each of the last three seasons, the Cardinals have gone into R.A. Faganel Hall and easily taken care of business against the Blue Jays, then proceed to find ways to lose when the scene shifts to Naperville. I know that's how the game goes sometimes, but still.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on January 26, 2025, 01:32:46 PM
To echo iwu70, Mahlum had a noticeable limp. Sure hope she's better by tournament time. On the recruitment front, Mia has eight commitments so far, one being Ashley Muhlum. That's gotta be Laura's sister.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 26, 2025, 10:29:30 PM
Yes, Mahlum being evaluated.   Not sure what's going on there, or how serious.  Feeney will be back soon, just some illness.  Good to have this Wednesday off for everyone to rest and ready for the last seven games of the regular season.  I think the Titans have a real shot at 25-0. 

IWU plays @ Elmhurst on February 1st.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 27, 2025, 09:01:40 PM
Congrats to Mallory Powers CCIW Player of the Week.

An outstanding performance these last two games.   

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2025, 08:13:15 AM
IWU remains at #2 in the new poll, with one 1st place vote. 

Only four undefeated teams on the season now.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2025, 08:45:05 AM
Congrats again to Mallory Powers for making D3hoops' Team of the Week as well.  Well-deserved.

The Titans hitting on all cylinders these past few games.

Key game vs. Carroll @Shirk coming up soon. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 28, 2025, 03:55:58 PM
Green Beer, what do you know about the IWU recruitment class?   

I've been pressing my Godson coach in Hong Kong to send us more good players like Luigi Lam.  I'm looking for a female Chinese Yao Ming, about 6'4" with good passing and rebounding skills.  Wouldn't that be nice?  :)  It would be a new day for IWU and Coach Smith to have a true big. Of course, unlikely, but it's a nice thought.   

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on January 29, 2025, 01:01:33 PM
iwu 70. Q has posted 7 recruits so far, but I have eight on my list (but Q being Q, maybe he's heard of one dropping out already). For bigs, there's Madison Sears from Libertyville, 6'3" avg 6-9 points a game, but has a high of 20 points this year. Not exactly a speedy player for the R and J, but then again, Olivia Lett wasn't a speed demon either.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on January 29, 2025, 10:37:09 PM
With 6:44 left in the third quarter, NCC led Millikin 48-31.

And then it all went to hell.

10 missed layups (12, if you add tip-in's) later, Millikin completes a comeback for a 76-69 road win.

Nikkel Johnson: 24 pts, 7 reb
Bella Dudley: 19 pts, 5 reb
Emily Brenneisen: 15 pts, 5 ast

Biz Daly: 19 pts, 6 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 14 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast
Jocelyn Trotter: 8 pts, 9 reb, 6 stl
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2025, 03:32:41 PM
Green Beer, thanks for the info on the IWU recruitment class.  I'll have a look.  I don't follow Q as closely as I used to.  Hope it's a good class.  IWU will need to reload when the four key players from this year's team graduate.  A big change coming . . . hard to replace Huber, Palmer, Powers, and Knutson.

Next year will still be strong, but probably needs some help from these newbies.  IWU will still have White, Balli, Bardic and Mahlum -- a good core to build on.  Some of these folks will need to step up on becoming scorers.  Bardic and Balli already there.  Some of the pine-sitters will need to step up,too.  To me, looks like Lipic and Lam could be a part of the new mix.  Glad to hear a rather big recruitment class is coming in . . .IWU could surely use some size if the newbie you mentioned is pretty good.  With R and J, of course, fitness and speed are always an issue.  This year's group is just superb on this level.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on January 30, 2025, 04:45:19 PM
For IWU, Feeney likely back pretty soon.  Not sure on Mahlum.  Apparently not a tear or serious injury, likely a strain, so out 2+ weeks.  She could be back by CCIW tournament time. 

We'll see..  Stay tuned.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on January 31, 2025, 10:50:24 AM
Sitting in 5th place, the Wheaton Ladies (5-5) are in good position to make the CCIW tournament.  They are a game ahead of Elmhurst (6th) and a game behind Carthage and Millikin (tied for 3rd).  With 5 out of the last 6 games at King Arena, it's reasonable to think they could move up and at least secure a 1st rd home game.  With an upset or two, third place would avoid having to presumably face IWU @ Shirk in the semis, if they advance.  Beating Elmhurst on Wed will be particularly important.

They will need to play well and get some contributions from their less experienced young players.  For some reason, Kate Oliver only played 18 mins in the last game @ NPU. She wasn't in foul trouble that I could see and I tuned in late and saw her on the floor as usual.  I hope it is not injury related because they desperately need her scoring on a team that is challenged in that area.  That and taking care of the ball – TOs killing them.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 01, 2025, 10:51:21 PM
In a game that came down to one possession, IWU over EU by a whisker, 64-61.   It was the Ava Bardic show.  IWU goes to 19-0, 10-0 in CCIW play.

For EU -- playing hard and taking it right to the Titans.  I give them tons of credit.

Gibson 20
Bukata 19 (a tremendous player, surely all CCIW now or in the future).

(She had the game tying three attempt but it was blocked by Bardic, sealing the win).

Steemer 12 and 15

EU shooting 37%, 8% from three (a big part of their loss), and 70% from the FT line.

For IWU:

Ava Bardic on fire all night:  26, 9-12 shooting, 6-7 from three, 2-2 FTs, and NO TOs. 
Huber (pressing and a poor start), but still 17 and 16, an amazing game
Powers 9 and 9
Palmer 8 and 6

A rare game when IWU lost the TO line, 18-15, and barely won the rebounding line, 46-41.

Again, the Bluejays really had no fear, took it to the Titans all evening. 

Ava Bardic carrying the Titans to this win. No doubt.

IWU shooting 35%, 30% from three, and 56% from the line.

A good win, a very tough win.  IWU to 19-0, 10-0.

Now the really BIG game vs. Carroll at home, this Wednesday, February 5th.

Ava Bardic was awesome tonight.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 03, 2025, 05:47:53 PM
Congrats to Ms. Rangel on Player of the Week honors. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 04, 2025, 12:17:17 PM
Congrats to Carroll's Olivia Rangel, again, for being named to the Team of the Week.

And, congrats to IWU's Ava Bardic for joining Ms. Rangel on the Team of the Week. 

Good for the CCIW, two for five!

Now comes the showdown -- Carroll vs. IWU tomorrow, Wednesday, at 7 p.m. @The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 05, 2025, 10:57:13 AM
Icy roads (and sidewalks) are forecast for the later hours tonight across the northern half of Illinois.
Some chance of hazardous postgame rides home for CCIW WBB : North Park (Rock Island to Chicago), North Central (Kenosha WI to Naperville), Carroll (Bloomington IL to Waukesha WI) and perhaps the short Wheaton to Elmhurst trip.
I just checked the four host web sites and the games still show for 7pm.
We'll see if any starting times are moved up a couple of hours, with the forecast in mind.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 05, 2025, 10:33:52 PM
IWU goes to 20-0.

After being down 24-10 after the 1st Quarter and playing pretty badly, IWU got back into their game, picked it up several years, and roared back for the win over a very good Carroll team, the final 81-75.  I know you are tired of hearing this, but get to 78 and win the game, especially tough when you only score 10 in the first ten minutes. 

The Quarter scores were:  10-24, 24-19 (down nine at the half), 23-16, 24-18.  Ava Bardic again key to this win, and going over 1,000 points for her career at IWU in this game.  An amazing shooter.

For CU:

Gricius 25 (IWU had no answer for her down low early on)
Rangel 22 (both Palmer and especially Sawyer White gave her trouble defensively late in the game).
 
CU with 15 TOs and 29 rebounds.

Shooting 50%, 39% from three, and 57% from the line (which hurt them).

For IWU:

Bardic 24 -- her line 7-13, 4-7 from three, and 6-6 FTs
Palmer 21, 4-5 from three
Huber 20 and 7
Powers 7 and 9
White 5 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and NO TOs. 

IWU at 50%, 50% from 3 and 89% from the FT line.

IWU had 13 TOs, and 32 rebounds.

A very exciting comeback and a huge crowd, even with the inclement weather out there.  Big turnout from a very loud and supportive student section tonight.   

A great win over a quality team. 

20-0, 11-0.  Onward . . .

IWU when really clicking is a fun fun team to watch. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 05, 2025, 11:00:32 PM
NCC 62
Carthage 50

Much needed win for the Cardinals. Biz Daly broke a 26-all tie with a layup with four seconds left before halftime, and the Cardinals never trailed again in this one. NCC forced 22 turnovers and turned it into 19 points and won the points in the paint battle by 10.

Biz Daly: 14 pts, 9 reb
Josylin Simmons-Dixie: 12 pts, 8 ast
Jocelyn Trotter: 12 pts, 9 reb
Ameli Sanchez: 8 pts, 5 reb, 3 stl

Marianna Morissey: 13 pts, 4 stl, 7 TO
Malia Green: 10 pts
Emma Thistle: 4 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 8 TO
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on February 05, 2025, 11:15:10 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 05, 2025, 10:33:52 PMGricius 25 (IWU had no answer for her down low early on)

Kudos to IWU for making her close to a non-factor in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: GoPerry on February 06, 2025, 08:31:21 AM
Wheaton Ladies with a good 79-67 home win over Elmhurst.

Annika Richardson led with a career high 36 pts on 13/18 shooting, 5/9 from trey (big night for the Richardson family w/ Soren's 53 pts at NPU**).  She got the double-double with 12 rebounds and 3 steals.  Kate Oliver added 17 pts.  Grace Kizer had some key 2nd half baskets and finished with 11 pts.  Wheaton moves up into a tie for 4th in the conference.

EC's Sierra Gibson had 18 pts while Cierra Steemer added 14 pts and 9 rebs.

**Richardson family (sis/bro) scoring line on the night:  31/41 FG (75.6%), 11/17 three (64.7%), 16/20 FT (80%) . . 89 pts.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 06, 2025, 11:34:25 AM
Here's our standings through last night.

y-IWU11-0
x-CRL9-2
CAR7-5
WHE6-5
MIL6-5
AUG5-7
NCC4-8
ELM4-8
e-NPU0-12

Since Wesleyan has a sweep of Wheaton, they're locked into a top four seed. With Wheaton knocking off Elmhurst, Carroll has also clinched its postseason berth. Meanwhile, Augie's win over North Park last night mathematically eliminated NPU from the postseason.

Wheaton beat Millikin the first time around, so they currently hold that tiebreaker. NCC currently holds the tiebreaker over Elmhurst with their win in Kenosha last night (Elmhurst lost their first matchup, with the second game still to come).

With a win in Kenosha on Saturday, Illinois Wesleyan would officially lock up a top two seed; their magic number for clinching the #1 seed is 3.

Don't know that there's any other clinching scenarios yet. And like I said on the men's board, there are over a million possible combinations of results still the rest of the way and I'm not dealing with that.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: deiscanton on February 06, 2025, 12:20:05 PM
To those d3 readers living outside of the CCIW territory-- and yes, that includes any state other than Illinois or Wisconsin--

Illinois Wesleyan at Carthage on Saturday's video broadcast is only available on Marquee Sports Network.

There are only 2 providers nationally that have this channel in their packages--

1.)  Fubo-- you must at least have a Fubo Pro subscription (costs at least $100 month) to access.

If you had a former Fubo account in the past, like I did when I got Fubo Latino many years ago to watch soccer, you cannot create an alternate account in the attempt to get another free trial of the service, since you already had your free trial in the past.   Fubo considers it a breach of the agreement that you made with Fubo when you created your initial account in the first place and would have the right to ban you from using their service permanently.

If you never subscribed to Fubo previously, you can get a free trial to Fubo Pro for a week to watch this game. 

2.)  DIRECTV or DIRECTV stream-- You must subscribe to the Choice package or higher and add in the DIRECTV Sports Pack.  The DirecTV Sports Pack will grant you access to all of the out-of-market regional sports networks in the United States.   

The cost of this package is at least $125 per month, but DIRECTV grants you a 5 day free trial if you have never subscribed to DIRECTV or DIRECTV Stream in the past.

Since I have never subscribed to DIRECTV, I can get this 5 day free trial, but I can only use this once.

Of course, the cheapest way to follow this doubleheader if you live outside of the CCIW territory is through Illinois Wesleyan's free internet audio broadcast and through the live stats provided by Carthage.

Feel free to post this on the CCIW men's board for the men's side of this doubleheader.

Yes, I checked the listings on Fubo, and this game will not be blacked out nationally for Fubo or DIRECTV subscribers that get this channel in their packages.


Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: deiscanton on February 06, 2025, 12:46:03 PM
It also looks like Carthage's decision to have doubleheaders on Marquee Sports Network has also screwed fans of the Carroll Pioneers as well.

The Carroll campus is located in Waukesha, WI, and Marquee Sports Network considers Waukesha to be part of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball territory, not the Chicago Cubs baseball territory.  The Milwaukee Brewers baseball territory basically includes most of Wisconsin outside of the immediate Kenosha area-- Kenosha, WI is considered part of the Chicago Cubs baseball territory.  So, Carthage's decision to put some games on Marquee Sports Network not only violates the basic principles of D3 athletics that it is not ideal to pay a mandatory streaming fee to watch D3 schools compete-- it also did not take into account the entire CCIW territory by forcing local Carroll Pioneer fans to have to subscribe to Fubo or DIRECTV to catch the IWU or North Park at Carthage basketball games on video this season, since Marquee Sports Network is an out-of-market RSN in most of Wisconsin.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 06, 2025, 02:48:35 PM
A really bad trend.  Especially for D3 women's hoops. 

IWU now has a very good shot at the perfect regular season record, 25-0. 

Ava Bardic was again awesome last night -- and three players with 20 or more:  Bardic, Huber, and Palmer.  Powers and White surely made very important contributions,too, especially on the defensive end.  It was an awesome comeback, after being down 24-10 after the 1st Quarter.

Keep it rolling Titans . . . a truly special year.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 08, 2025, 05:07:41 PM
Well, live by the three, die by the three.  The IWU undefeated season is gone, with Carthage winning 87-81, winning the final Q in a close game throughout, 33-25. 

Carthage winning the three ball line, 45% to 24%, making 9 whilst IWU only hits 5.  Also winning the rebounding line 39-32.  IWU not winning the TO line by enough today.

For CC:

Morrissey, a monster game, 27 and 9
Green 20
Orozco 12 and 11

For IWU:  a valiant effort in the losing cause

Huber 16 and 12
Knutson 14
Powers 14 and 7
Bardic 11
White 9 with 3 more steals
Balli 9
Palmer 8

IWU now 20-1, still in a good position in the conference with just one loss.

Re-group, learn from this one and move ahead.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 09, 2025, 12:24:46 PM
NCC 82
NPU 71

This was close for a while, as the Cardinals only led by 4 after one quarter and by 6 at the break. But the Cardinal press wreaked absolute havoc early in the third and NCC pulled away. 22 Viking turnovers led to 31 Cardinal points (NPU got 20 off 16, for comparison).

Biz Daly: 18 pts
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 17 pts
Jocelyn Trotter: 13 pts, 7 reb, 5 stl
Grace Keiffer: 13 pts, 6 reb, 4 stl

Caroline Long: 23 pts
Naomi Kaskavitch: 12 pts, 5 reb, 3 stl
Kathryn Keehn: 12 pts
Aliyah Hershberger: 10 pts

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 10, 2025, 11:25:21 AM
While I don't see an official announcement from IWU's side, according to North Park, the Vikings-Titans tilt will be played tomorrow to avoid winter weather (https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2025/2/10/womens-basketball-bumps-iwu-game-up-one-day-to-avoid-winter-weather.aspx).
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 10, 2025, 03:10:47 PM
Just got a ping that NCC's game at Carroll is moved to tomorrow as well due to the weather.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 10, 2025, 05:35:47 PM
Yes, NPU @ IWU @ The Shirk, moved to Tuesday night, 7 p.m.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 11, 2025, 05:16:31 PM
Augie-Wheaton is officially postponed to Thursday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 11, 2025, 09:57:50 PM
Shockwaves from Waukesha.

NCC 75
Carroll 71

The Pios only committed 12 turnovers against a tough NCC pressure defense, but they shot just 4-19 from downtown for the game. Megan McClure hit a three to break a 65-all tie with 3:27 to play and the Cardinals hit 21-24 free throws, including 13-14 over the final 10 minutes, to snap an eight game losing streak to Carroll that I could have sworn was longer.

Jocelyn Trotter: 15 pts, 5 reb
Josylin Simmons-Doxie: 15 pts
Megan McClure: 14 pts, 8 reb
Grace Keiffer: 13 pts

Natalie Gricius: 25 pts, 4 reb
Olivia Rangel: 18 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast

NCC improves to 6-8 in conference and this win might serve as the lynchpin of a tiebreaker for a berth, if not seeding.

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 11, 2025, 11:10:57 PM
Thank you North Central.

At the Shirk, in a game that was never in doubt, IWU over NPU 99 - 42.  It was 57-19 at the half.

For NPU:

Hershberger 12
Reed 7 and 6

TOs 29

Shooting 27%, 20% from three, and 53% from the FT line.

For IWU:

Bardic 17 (honored before game for her 1,000 career points, and she's only a junior)
Palmer 12
Knutson, a very strong game, 11
Powers 9 (closing in on 1,000 career points too)
Huber 8 and 8
White 7, 6 assists and 4 steals

All 14 Titans dressed for this one scored.  (Luigi had 6!).  IWU had 18 steals and a 46-28 rebounding edge.

Shooting 55%, 28% from three, and 80% FTs. 

Mahlum still in street clothes, likely back in another week or so, or so I've heard.  She's key for the tournament runs ahead, given her size and rebounding.

IWU goes to 21-1, 12-1 in CCIW play.

Carroll lost tonight vs. NCC.  It's look'n good for the CCIW tournament at The Shirk.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 12, 2025, 11:58:33 AM
IWU hosts Millikin on Saturday, 2 p.m. at The Shirk.  Senior Day.

I hope all come out to honor our four seniors, captains this season.  Some of the greatest players in the history of the IWU program:  Lauren Huber, Kate Palmer, Mallory Powers and Caite Knutson.  Three will be 1,000 point scorers and Huber will be over 1,500 and 750 rebounds, likely turning out to be the top career scorer in IWU women's basketball history, over all.  The arrival of Knutson and Ava Bardic really made the difference in the program's success these past two years. 

Fun to watch last night -- flying all over the place on defense (especially Bardic and Sawyer White) and the fast break.  One FT shy of a 100 point game. 

Millikin at home this Saturday, then two road games to round out the regular season, at North Central and Augustana.  24-1 and hosting the CCIW tournament at home now in sight.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 13, 2025, 12:02:22 PM
IWU will lose a lot when the four senior Captains graduate ... No doubt.  However, of the 8 player rotation that Mia Smith has used all year, four of the key players return.  I think IWU will be just fine . . . and with a little help from the waiting pine-sitters and the 8-player recruiting class, I think IWU will again compete for the CCIW crown next season. 

Returning are:  Bardic, Balli, Mahlum and White.  I expect contributions next year from Feeney, Lipic and Lam, perhaps others who improve from sophomore to junior years.  We'll see about the contributions of the 8 newbies coming in . . .

This is the Year to go deep into the D3 tournament.

IWU'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on February 14, 2025, 05:15:38 PM
I'll truly miss the "fab freshmen." Hard to believe they're seniors now.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 14, 2025, 09:45:07 PM
Green Beer, they've had a great run . . . one of the best groups we've had.  I'll miss them.  Really decent, friendly, hard-working and smart young women too.  I think the remaining group can also be very good next year, especially should Feeney, Lipic and Lam come more into their own, and the recruitment class be as good as Coach Brian thinks they are.  It will be different, for sure.  Hard to replace these four.

Need to win out first, and go into the CCIW and D3 tournaments at 24-1.  One game at a time.

'70

 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2025, 08:37:03 PM
In another game that was over very quickly, IWU over Millikin, 83-52.  It was 54-16 at the half.

For MU:

Johnson 16
White 10

20 TOs

Shooting 31%, 23% from three, 100% 6-6 FTs.

For IWU:

Powers 18 on 6-9 from three
Huber 17 and 9
Knutson 12
Balli 11
White 9

IWU shooting 47%, 36% from three, and 86% from the FT line.

IWU wins at least a share of the CCIW regular season championship, with two games to go.   They will be #1 seed and host the CCIW tournament at The Shirk.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the team on this conference championship.

A very special Senior Day for Huber, Palmer, Powers and Knutson. 

Keep it rolling, Titans.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 15, 2025, 08:38:32 PM
IWU now 22-1, with the conference championship in hand.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 18, 2025, 11:21:29 AM
Okay, I was up until almost 1 this morning working on this, but here's the women's scenarios (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QB40g_xOpkNW8fQfu2zyy-Cv_lI_lmxw00Roisd6Gdo/edit?usp=sharing).

First the standings:
*IWU13-1
z-CRL11-3
x-CAR8-6
WHE7-7
MIL7-7
NCC6-8
ELM6-8
AUG6-9
e-NPU0-15

Top two seeds are locked in, and I discovered after I finished that Carthage is for sure in (that win over IWU is doing a lot of heavy lifting). They're the likely 3 seed, with five other teams fighting for those final 3 spots.

There's a lot of fun scenarios; both NCC and Elmhurst have an outside shot at stealing the 4 seed; they would both need to win out and get some help to do so. We also have an ultimate Chaos ScenarioTM in play: if both NCC and Elmhurst win out, Wheaton beats Millikin, and Millikin beats Carthage, we get a FIVE-WAY TIE for 3rd at 8-8.

Augie also has an outside shot at as high as the 5 seed if they beat IWU on Saturday.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2025, 01:34:52 PM
Thanks yet again, Imitzel. 

Welcome all the relevant teams to The Shirk, 28th February and 1st March.  Should be some great games.  Likely IWU will have to beat Carroll for the third time.  Not easy.

IWU on a good roll right now.  Perhaps Mahlum will be back for the tournament weekend. 

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 18, 2025, 01:37:36 PM
IWU remains #4 in the Week 11 D3hoops poll.  22-1, 13-1 on the year.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 19, 2025, 10:27:21 PM
In another dominant win by IWU, the Titans go to 23-1, 14-1 winning at North Central, 79-55

It was 44-17 at the half.

For NCC:

Daly 14
McClure 10
Trotter 6 and 8

NCC with 28 TOs.

Shooting 42%, 25% from three, and 75% from the line.


For IWU:

White 15, 5 boards, and 7 steals
Bardic 14
Balli 13
Huber 12 and 11 -- inching closer to the all-time career scoring mark at IWU. She needs 8 more.
Palmer 10 with no TOs.

IWU had 21 steals, winning the rebounding line 38-28, and scoring 46 points off of TOs.

IWU shooting 47%, 38% from three, and 90% from the FT line.

One more game @ Augie on Saturday, then the CCIW tournament at home, at The Shirk.

What a season, what a run.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 19, 2025, 11:56:38 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 19, 2025, 10:27:21 PMIn another dominant win by IWU, the Titans go to 23-1, 14-1 winning at North Central, 79-55

It was 44-17 at the half.

For NCC:

Daly 14
McClure 10
Trotter 6 and 8

NCC with 28 TOs.

Shooting 42%, 25% from three, and 75% from the line.


For IWU:

White 15, 5 boards, and 7 steals
Bardic 14
Balli 13
Huber 12 and 11 -- inching closer to the all-time career scoring mark at IWU. She needs 8 more.
Palmer 10 with no TOs.

IWU had 21 steals, winning the rebounding line 38-28, and scoring 46 points off of TOs.

IWU shooting 47%, 38% from three, and 90% from the FT line.

One more game @ Augie on Saturday, then the CCIW tournament at home, at The Shirk.

What a season, what a run.

'70

Things were fine for the first few minutes. NCC was able to get across halfcourt on the first few possessions and forced the Titans to play in the halfcourt on the other end to keep it close down 7-6. Aaaaaand then it all went to hell, they couldn't take care of the ball, and the Titans did what they do and took full advantage of it. All told, that 23-0 Titan run was the story of the game.

Honestly this probably should have been a 40 point margin, but Mia Smith called off the dogs with five or six minutes to go and called a very pissed off timeout with about two minutes to play when the Cardinals got the margin back to 20.

Talking with Maggie McCloskey-Bax postgame, we agreed that the best thing that could have happened to the Titans was losing at Carthage a week and a half ago. This team is the real deal.

Also had a very nice brief postgame chat with Mia Smith when she was on her way down from the loft after her postgame interview. Much respect.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: lmitzel on February 20, 2025, 12:04:22 AM
Here's a Twitter thread with the clinching scenarios for Saturday (https://x.com/northsider89/status/1892419449015181509).

I look forward to the CCIW putting out their release about it tomorrow or Friday that basically confirms everything I figured out on Monday night/super early Tuesday morning.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 20, 2025, 11:10:40 PM
Thanks, Imitzel, for your comments about the Titans.  I agree this group, the first 8 or so, are the real deal this year.  Tremendously beautiful team basketball -- defense turning into offense.

We are very lucky to have Coach Smith.  I also have great respect for her, how she handles the team, encourages the fan base, and has a good staff of assistant coaches to work with.  The program has been excellent for a long time now, due to Coach Smith and a lot of tremendous players over the years.  This year's group is one of the best in skill, dedication, temperament and in support of each other.  The senior group has been so good for some years -- Huber, Palmer, Powers and Knutson.

Let's hope they have a good run in March.   I'd love to see them play NYU. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 21, 2025, 10:48:40 PM
I have four Titans making the All-CCIW team:   Huber, Palmer, Powers and Bardic.  If I were voting Sawyer White too, but unlikely this year.

Huber likely the MOP. 

Mia Smith again Coach of the Year.

IWU's final regular season game tomorrow up at Augie.  IWU likely finishes 24-1, 15-1. 

What a great run so far this year.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2025, 11:22:33 AM
With 8 points or more, Lauren Huber will today become the all-time leading career scorer in IWU women's basketball history, overtaking Traci Butler.  What a record, what consistency over her IWU career.

With a good tournament run, she may also set the career record for rebounds.  Stay tuned.

Congratulations Lauren.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2025, 03:48:38 PM
#2 Scranton lost to Elizabethtown, ending their undefeated season.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 22, 2025, 04:56:49 PM
In a defensive-minded, scrappy and poor-shooting event at Carver, IWU finishes off the regular season winning 65-54 over Augie. 

For AC:

Berg 19
Smith 11
Erickson 9
Tatum 7

AC with 19 TOs.
Shooting 35%, 36% from three, and 6-6 for 100% from the FT line.

For IWU:

Powers 15 and 11
Palmer 15
Bardic 13
Huber 12 and 8

IWU wins the rebounding line 47-33.

Shooting 33%, only 16% from three, a really poor outing, and 73% from the FT line, making 16.

Lauren Huber with her 12 points becomes IWU's all-time career leader in scoring, surpassing Traci Butler.  An amazing career and achievement, given all the quality players IWU has had in women's basketball over the decades.  Congratulations to Lauren. 

IWU finishes off a great regular season at 24-1, 15-1 to win the regular season CCIW championship.

Now to the tournaments. 

Congratulations to Coach Smith, all the coaching staff and all the Titans on this remarkable regular season run.

:)

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on February 23, 2025, 02:07:52 PM
here is my opinion on all-CCIW :
  1st team :
Lauren Huber (league MVP, just slightly ahead of Ava Bardic)
Ava Bardic
Olivia Rangel
Natalie Gricius
Jocelyn Trotter
Mallory Powers
Sawyer White
Marianna Morrissey
  2nd team :
Annika Richardson
Kadence Tatum
Kristin Bukata
Sierra Gibson
Emily Brenneisen
Emilie Wizner
Emma Thistle
Kate Oliver
--- opinion derived from seeing teams in person (Elmhurst 8 times, North Park 8, Wheaton 7, Carroll 3, Illinois Wesleyan 3, Millikin 3, North Central 3, Augustana twice and Carthage once) plus noting the results of their other games
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 23, 2025, 10:48:47 PM
RogK, agree with most of your choices.  Not sure Sawyer White will make it, though she's incredibly important to the Titans' championship success.  I'd have Kate Palmer at least on the Second team, surely ahead of Tatum.

Looking forward to the CCIW Tournament this next weekend at The Shirk.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 24, 2025, 05:30:26 PM
Remarkable, five Titans make the All-Conference team:  Huber, Powers, Bardic on 1st team, Palmer and White on second.  RogK, you were right about White.  I am very happy for her.  I had four Titans making it.  IWU has been very fortunate to have this remarkable group of women athletes. 

A bit surprised Huber was not named MOP, though Rangel is surely very deserving.  Congrats to her and all the other honorees.  Huber is now the all-time career scoring leader in IWU women's basketball program history. 

Bardic and White return next year for the Titans, along with Balli, Mahlum and the pine-sitters, the newbies recruited, 8 in all, according to reports.  It looks like Mahlum will remain out for the tournaments, as she's still in a major knee brace.

Congrats to Coach Smith on being named Coach of the Year for the seventh time, hopefully soon to tie Coach Kearns who has 8 awards.

It's been a very enjoyable regular season of CCIW women's basketball.

IWU'70 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2025, 12:21:01 PM
With Scranton's loss, IWU rises to #3 in the week 12 poll. 

Carroll should be getting more love.

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on February 25, 2025, 12:38:54 PM
Quote from: iwu70 on February 25, 2025, 12:21:01 PMCarroll should be getting more love.

I believe I was one of the minority to have Carroll on their ballots within the last few weeks or so, but at this point 2 losses to teams outside the top 100 make it hard to justify putting them back on.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2025, 03:50:58 PM
Dawg, I guess according to the tracker now, Carroll needs to win the AQ Saturday night to get into the tournament.

IWU may be the only CCIW team in. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: scottiedawg on February 25, 2025, 04:10:03 PM
Yes, unfortunately. The NPI is just too low - they can obviously raise it significantly by beating IWU, but in that scenario, they wouldn't need the Pool C anymore!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 25, 2025, 11:30:56 PM
IWU has #6 seed Millikin now on Friday night, 7:30 p.m.  It will be Wheaton-CU at 5 p.m.

Still looks like a CU-IWU repeat championship game to me -- #2 seed vs. #1.  A fitting conclusion to the CCIW season.

'70

Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on February 28, 2025, 11:00:07 PM
As expected CU and IWU win semis, will face off for the tournament crown tomorrow.

IWU over NU, 89-62. 

For MU: 

White 20
Dudley 17

27  TOs

For IWU:

Bardic 23
Palmer 22, one of her best games
Huber, doing her normal thing, 15 and 10

IWU vs. CU  for the title tomorrow night.

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 01, 2025, 08:21:43 PM
In the semi game Friday night, IWU forward Laura Mahlum played about 5 minutes, playing with a heavy knee brace.  She's going to try to play through the injury, but looked about 75%.  The Titans are now down to a seven player rotation with Balli and Knutson coming off the bench. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 02, 2025, 11:40:53 AM
IWU wraps up the CCIW phase with a win over Carroll -- winning the CCIW Tournament Championship, 95-86.  A very high-quality, offensively-minded game.

For Carroll:

Gricius 27 13-13 from the FT line
Rangel 21
Wizner 15
Halverson 10

For IWU:

Huber 28 and 11, 12-17 from the field
Powers 22
White 17 with 3 steals
Bardic 13
Palmer 8

The full array of offensive weapons on display for both teams.  Too bad Carroll doesn't make the D3 dance.

Carroll at 48%/ 19% from three / 93% from the FT line.   With 18 TOs.

IWU at 54% / 35% from three / and 72% from the line.

I hope IWU gets to host a pod at least on the first weekend of the D3 tournament.

IWU at 26-1 on the year.

Sadly, CCIW a one team league this year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2025, 09:39:23 PM
IWU hosts a pod, Friday and Saturday -- with Centre College of KY. Trine and Transy.  Some traditionally pretty strong programs in recent years.  IWU has Centre first, then the winner of Trine vs. Transy.  I expect IWU and Trine to advance.  Should be an exciting weekend in the friendly confines of The Shirk. 

Sweet Sixteen would be nice.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 03, 2025, 09:50:38 PM
In the week 13 poll, IWU slips back one spot (behind Scranton again) to #4. 

In the Shirk pod, Trine is ranked #13 and Transy and Centre come into the tournament unranked in the D3hoops.com poll.

I expect close games in this pod.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on March 04, 2025, 11:10:28 AM
Very exciting. I think this is the first time the Titans have ever played Centre.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2025, 11:34:46 AM
Looking forward to an exciting weekend at The Shirk.  I hope the Titan faithful turnout big time.

All pretty good teams at this time of year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: RogK on March 04, 2025, 02:14:56 PM
In 28 games, Centre's defense has allowed .434 2FG shooting (462/1064) and .243 from 3 (113/465). Opponents have attempted 19.9 FTs per game.
For further perusal :
https://stats.ncaa.org/teams/592507
They're on a 7 game winning streak, after losing 3 of 4 during Jan 22 - Feb 2.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 04, 2025, 05:25:48 PM
Thanks, RogK.  Anything can happen in March, right?

I expect IWU to handle Centre and to meet Trine on Saturday night.  Should be a fun weekend at The Shirk. 

'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 07, 2025, 11:42:58 PM
IWU moves to the round of 32 with an easy win over Centre, 95-57.

Bardic 18
Palmer 14
Huber 10
Epps 9
Powers 8 -- including her 1,000th point as a Titan.  Now four Titans 1,000 + points (Huber, Bardic, Palmer . . . and now Powers, too).

14 of the 15 Titans dressed scored.  The starters sat after 3Q with the third group playing all of the 4th Q.   

IWU forces 22 TOs.  The game was over in the 1st Q.
IWU wins rebounding 50-34

IWU faces Trine, as expected, tomorrow night for the berth in the Sweet Sixteen.  Trine wins in OT over Transy.  Sydney Wagner is the real deal.  It will be amazing to watch Sawyer White and others defend her tomorrow night.  I'm sure Coach Mia will have a plan to try to contain her.  She's a superb passer and a very smooth scorer. 

(IWU men win big in Chicago too, over Bethany Lutheran, 101-67).

A great day to be a Titan.  Shirk was packed, even with the students on Spring break.  It was jumping, a great crowd with the Pep Band holding forth.  A wonderful D3 tournament atmosphere. 

I expect tomorrow's game with Trine to be close.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 08, 2025, 11:24:35 PM
I was totally wrong on this one -- it was not close at all.  IWU over Trine 82-50.  A total dismantling.  Amazing.

On defense, Sawyer White just put on a clinic in guarding Sydney Wagner, holding her to 10 points and having her frustrated, yelling at her own players, much of the night.  Six steals for White.

And, on offense for the Titans, the Ava Bardic show, with 26 on 5 treys.


For Trine:

Sherwood 13
Wagner 10, on 4-12 shooting

Trine giving up 27 TOs, shooting 33 % / 21% from three, and 91% from the FT Line.


For IWU:

Bardic 26, with 5 treys
Knutson 16 and 7
Powers 14, with 4 treys
Huber 6 and 6
White with 6 steals, just all over the place on defense, but mainly all over Wagner.

IWU shooting 51%, 36% from three, and 100%, 12-12 from the FT line.

IWU goes to 28-1 on the year.  It looks like WI-Oshkosh in the round of 16 next weekend.

Congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans for a berth in the D3 Sweet Sixteen.  (The IWU men into the Sweet Sixteen as well!)  A great day to be a Titan. :)

Keep it rolling Titans.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2025, 12:15:28 PM
IWU gets to host again, the Sectional at The Shirk this coming weekend.

IWU vs. WI-Oshkosh, and Baldwin Wallace vs. Ohio Wesleyan.

More outstanding women's basketball, hosted at Shirk Center.

Keep it going Titans!!

iwu'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2025, 12:21:08 PM
The Shirk Sectional Pod:

#4 Illinois Wesleyan, #7 WI-Oshkosh, #11 Baldwin Wallace, and #18 Ohio Wesleyan.

Wow!

Come one, come all to support our Titans.  The Shirk Center will be jumping.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on March 09, 2025, 01:36:51 PM
To their credit, Trine was able to neutralize Huber, but Knutson was able to step up and deliver. She seems to thrive on a bruising battle in the paint.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 09, 2025, 05:23:43 PM
Greenbeer, agree with you on Huber.  Not one of her better games, often caught in traffic and turning it over too much.  As you say, Caite Knutson surely stepped up, did the rebounding and some really nice short-range scoring.  When she's on like that it opens up the three point shooting, the perimeter for Bardic, Powers and others. . .  Bardic was just an assassin last night with 26 and 5 treys.  Love to watch her play. 

Oshkosh will be another challenge, with size and playing in a very tough conference.  Glad we can host at home again and have the advantage of Shirk and the big, boisterous home crowd.  The atmosphere at The Shirk has been fabulous.   Let's hope the community turns out again and that some of the students return early for these Sectional games from their Spring break week.
The Titan band makes a huge difference in support for the Titans.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 12, 2025, 03:09:54 PM
If you want to see some truly outstanding basketball, come to the Shirk Center this Friday Saturday for the Sectional.  Baldwin Wallace vs. Ohio Wesleyan at 5 p.m. and our Titans, #4 IWU vs. UW-Oshkosh at 7:30 p.m.

I have IWU over Oshkosh and Baldwin Wallace over Ohio Wesleyan.  Let's hope the Titan women can keep it rolling and then beat BW on Saturday night for a trip to Salem, VA. and the Final Four.

The Shirk will be jumping and the atmosphere for D3 women's hoops couldn't be better, more electric.  I expect another huge crowd with IWU enjoying a great home court advantage. 

IWU '70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2025, 08:44:22 AM
Game Day -- IWU hosting UW Oshkosh tonight at The Shirk, 7:30 p.m. 

Baldwin Wallace plays Ohio Wesleyan in the 5 p.m. game.

Go TITANS -- everyone has to hit the glass tonight, then pressure them and run them out of the gym.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: ronk on March 14, 2025, 10:23:55 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 14, 2025, 08:44:22 AMGame Day -- IWU hosting UW Oshkosh tonight at The Shirk, 7:30 p.m. 

Baldwin Wallace plays Ohio Wesleyan in the 5 p.m. game.

Go TITANS -- everyone has to hit the glass tonight, then pressure them and run them out of the gym.

IWU'70

 Some of us played when it was a board, not glass.  ::)

 
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 14, 2025, 01:02:46 PM
Quote from: ronk on March 14, 2025, 10:23:55 AM
Quote from: iwu70 on March 14, 2025, 08:44:22 AMGame Day -- IWU hosting UW Oshkosh tonight at The Shirk, 7:30 p.m. 

Baldwin Wallace plays Ohio Wesleyan in the 5 p.m. game.

Go TITANS -- everyone has to hit the glass tonight, then pressure them and run them out of the gym.

IWU'70

 Some of us played when it was a board, not glass.  ::)

 

As it was when iwu70 was in school, but I noticed he moved forward with the times on this one!
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2025, 01:33:01 PM
Thanks, Pat.  I try . . .  :)

Congratulations to Lauren Huber of IWU and Olivia Rangel of Carroll for their nominations as Jostens Finalists.  Both are very deserving. 

Looking forward to the big Sweet Sixteen match ups tonight.  Yes, IWU must always hit the glass when playing these bigger WIAC schools.  I think tonight it will be defense, pressure and speed that will win the game, if IWU comes out on top vs. UW Oshkosh.   (and a decent shooting percentage from three!). Gotta run them out of the gym, like IWU did with Trine.

Go TITANS! (against the other Titans). 

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 14, 2025, 10:53:43 PM
IWU's season comes to an end, losing to Oshkosh 63-43.   

IWU had their worst game of the season, by far,  2-15 from three, and losing the steals and TO lines.  All credit to the Oshkosh defense. 

Oshkosh had a balance attack with four players in double figures.

For IWU, only Ava Bardic made an impression with 15 points, but all the IWU perimeter shooters couldn't buy a basket. 

A sad ending.  Oshkosh is very good, may go all the way.  They will beat Baldwin Wallace easily tomorrow night. 

A great season for our Titans and for the four seniors -- Huber, Powers, Palmer and Knutson. A really fun team to watch and to like.  Thanks to all the seniors especially and to Coach Smith and the coaching staff.  A great job.

IWU finishes at 28-2.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on March 15, 2025, 11:41:57 AM
A tough one to sit through.  They were outplayed in every phase of the game.  On top of that, I was watching the guys on my phone blow a 15 point lead. But now I can focus on gardening,  fishing and making notes on next year's recruits. If I  can separate myself from the emotion long enough,  a very exciting and satisfying season.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 17, 2025, 05:05:04 PM
Yes, Green Beer, I have the same feelings about the sudden sad ending to the season for both Titan teams.  A wonderful season all told, but an abrupt and disappointing ending.

Congrats to Lauren Huber, again, for being selected for the All-Star game to be played at the women's Final Four weekend in Salem, VA.  Olivia Rangel of Carroll was selected as well.

I hope Lauren wins the Josten, though I expect it to go to the top player from NYU. 

A truly wonderful season for IWU's women -- 28-2 on the year.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 19, 2025, 02:25:15 PM
Congrats, yet again, to Lauren Huber on First Team All-American honors.

And to Huber, Powers and Bardic on All-Region honors.

Mia Smith earning many coaching honors this season as well. 

The seniors -- Knutson, Huber, Powers and Palmer -- will be greatly missed.  A great run for their IWU careers.

I think IWU will be fine next season with four of the eight player rotation returning:  White, Bardic, Balli and Mahlum.  Mahlum will need to get healthy, have the post-season surgery, return to form.  Perhaps Lipic, Feeney and Lam play a bigger role next season.   A big recruiting class is coming in which includes some top players.  So I think the Titans have a bright future next season. Mia Smith almost always finds a way to construct a very competitive team.

IWU'70
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: Green Beer on March 23, 2025, 08:25:32 PM
Got to cheer for Elyce Knudsen and the ISU Redbirds today. Elyce poured in 23 points in a win over WesteRN in the WNIT.
Title: Re: WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin
Post by: iwu70 on March 25, 2025, 03:13:50 PM
Perhaps you'all saw that ISU and Elyce Knudsen will play another game in the WNIT this Thursday -- 6:30 p.m. -- to be played at IWU's Shirk Center.  Quarterfinals me thinks. 

'70
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